The Voting Species by John Pearce Page A

armies at their disposal.’
    ‘Why do they need armies?’ asked the
Professor.
    ‘ To hire them
to the Cyanese Government.’
    ‘ What are
their total forces?’ asked Tubary.
    ‘ About ten
times larger than the one our natives used at the lab.’
    ‘Two hundred thousand!’ exclaimed Denton.
    Mick continued, ‘The aim is to spread them
anywhere over the planet when required!’
    ‘What do they use, spears?’
    ‘ When
necessary, many are issued with lightning sticks, laser
rifles!’
    ‘Ironic,’ started Tubary, ‘we’ve been looking
for humans that are likely to stir up natives, but it’s the natives
who are keeping their own under control, albeit with the help of
Boss’s renegades and the Cyan government! The law change should
calm those particular stirrings.’
    ‘ Maybe an
almighty protection racket,’ said the Professor, ‘but our most
pressing problem is to stop what is their most heinous of rackets.
Where can they be found?’
    ‘The nearest army tribe lives four days march
into the sunset is how our natives put it,’
    ‘Did they ever have any contact with these
strangers and any of their armies?’
    ‘There was always an uneasy truce, they’d no
idea of the link between them and the guards. ’
    The
Professor’s encrypted report was answered
promptly. ‘Bronski is on his way,’ stated Tubary, ‘we’re to meet
him in space!’
     
    In the midst
of the Cyan equatorial jungle, forty
seven tribal chiefs representing two hundred thousand warriors met
with their ten security leaders along with Elena. A large tree hewn
lodge protected them from the worst of the jungle heat. They all
availed themselves of the rough tables and chairs placed in a large
square formation. Carlton, Elena and the rest of their species sat
at the head table. Carlton nodded at the tribal spokesman who sat
across the square and opposite him. ‘Further to recent events, we
the security leaders advise that there is now no need for you to
use force against the Cyanese Government. Therefore we recommend
that you use a political approach that is right for your
people.’
    Contrary to
his warrior like appearance, the man clad in his tan coloured hides
responded with the aplomb of a statesman. ‘We agree, and are
prepared to offer you leadership of our tribes even though we have
gained our first step to freedom.’
    ‘ We will not
be continuing as your leaders after today.’ Mumbles from around the
square followed Carlton’s words.
    ‘Why shun our offer?’
    ‘ There will
be many more steps for you to take, there are many prejudices for
you to overcome.’
    ‘ We know, we
can vote you into a position where you can continue collecting your
platinum.’
    The ten and Elena looked at each other,
they’d forgotten that the minds of people they’d exploited for so
long were set free along with their bodies. ‘You can lead us in
politics as well as business,’ the spokesman advised.
    Elena was
tempted into an indiscretion. ‘I have heard rumours from Earth,
Senator Goring will probably be removed from office soon, there is
a strong chance you will get a fairer Senator.’
    The spokesman’s thoughtful look eased into
one of resignation. ‘What will people such as yourselves do to earn
more platinum?’
    Carlton hesitated. ‘We will be continuing our
search for medicines, we will be setting up a new Laboratory here
in the jungle. This will help all our people.’
     
    The willowy
eleven were alone again, the six bribed
Cyan Government scientists had been excluded from their
deliberations.
    Carlton restarted, ‘Further to the law change
we need to thrash out a few details regarding our plans. We are
agreed on our objectives, we need to agree on how we attain those
objectives. Opinions please.’
    One of the ten opened, ‘The options are to
complete our research here in the jungle or back on our own
planet.
    Another added, ‘We would have more protection
from a favoured tribe if we stayed here. Our own planet