THE PLANET THAT LOVED PEOPLE (standard:science fiction, 983 words) [3/18] show all parts
Author: Danny Raven	Added: Mar 04 2016	Views/Reads: 1861/1368	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
PART 1 - CH 2

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

asked. 

“Yes,” Tyler replied confidently. “I have already made some discreet
enquiries about them and I can assure you I have no doubt they'll go.” 

The Inner Council had a short discussion in low tones about the
proposition. Tyler wasn't included and he smoothed his short black hair 
which was greying at the temples and studied his other papers while 
awaiting their decision. 

Eventually the Judge said, “Commander, we like your plan so far however
one point on which we all agree causes us some concern and that's the 
use of prisoners for a legitimate Earth venture. I'm sure you can 
understand our caution in this – what would be the general reaction if 
by some chance a group of prisoners, lifers at that, were in any way 
connected with The Inner Council? Is there any way you can guarantee 
that no discredit will come to us if we put your plan into action?” 

Tyler however was prepared for this question. He knew The Inner Council
would be concerned about protecting themselves and wouldn't agree to 
his plan unless he could give them watertight guarantees. 

“Councillors,” he said, “no matter which way this mission turns out I
can assure you one hundred per cent that no discredit will come either 
to Earth or to The Inner Council.” 

Then, as he had mentioned earlier, he explained to them in detail how
this would be possible. 

One hour later The Inner Council looked much happier. 

“So you see, Councillors,” Tyler concluded, “my plan is failsafe. If the
prisoners succeed, we take the credit and they disappear anyway.” 

The Councillors smiled at that. They couldn't lose. 

“If they happen to vanish or perish as did the other crews, well...,”
Tyler said and shrugged, “it's no great loss but we don't have a Fleet 
mutiny on our hands.” 

The Fleet Marshal looked pleased at that. 

“And finally, if they become involved in any trouble along the way,” he
went on, smiling at them, “well I don't have to repeat how we're 
covered for that eventuality.” 

The Councillors nodded at him then at each other. He shuffled his papers
back together while they had another of their low discussions. Shortly, 
they turned back to him, all smiles this time. 

“Tell us about the prisoners!” said a beaming Judge. 


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