Few people on Earth suspected the truth, that situated in outer space, just behind the moon, floated Space Station Seven, headquarters of the Galactic Governor with Special Responsibility for the Sol System, or Ruler as he was more commonly known. He sat at his desk, resplendent in his light blue jump suit, chest adorned by the glittering axe-shaped shield pattern that denoted his rank. He was indeed the Ruler.
A woman in a shiny blue blouse and skirt entered the room through a curtain drawn across the door opening. Her uniform bore the badge of the Galactic Authority.
“Excellency”, she said, bringing her arm across her chest in a stiff salute.
The leader wearily swept a lock of white hair from his forehead and regarded his visitor.
“Yes, what is it, Sheela?”
“There is news of Space Commander Eros and his mission to Earth.”
The Ruler’s dark eyebrows raised optimistically.
“Ah yes. He was carrying out Plan Nine. The raising of the dead to make the Earth people aware of our presence and believe in that fact. What news? Is he successful?”
Without a pause Sheela replied.
“Eros’ spaceship exploded in Earth’s atmosphere, near the base of operations. He and his assistant are believed to be dead”.
The Ruler sank back into his chair. “This really is too bad. It seems Plan Nine was a complete failure. How are we going to stop the Earthmen developing the final explosion?”
At that the curtain was thrust aside and an imposing middle-aged figure entered the room.
“Excellency, I wish to volunteer for the next mission to Earth. The Earthmen’s resistance is intolerable.”
“Who are you?” inquired the Ruler.
The newcomer stuck out his chest and sucked in his stomach proudly, giving an even stiffer version of Sheela’s earlier salute. He was dressed in the same fashion as Sheela except that he did not wear a skirt. He wore dark green tights and golden Chelsea boots.
“I am Nimrod”, he exclaimed.
“Good, good”, said the Ruler in a manner that suggested he had never heard of nor seen Nimrod before.
“I was Eros’ second-in-command”, continued Nimrod helpfully. “I wish to volunteer to continue his good work.”
The Ruler thought long and hard for seconds and in the end agreed. He decided that Sheela should accompany Nimrod, whose worth was not yet proven in the field.
“I wish you both luck. The Earthmen must not be permitted to discover…” he paused, as if the shocking truth was too much to utter in that curtain enshrouded room “…the Solaronite”.
Nimrod and Sheela nodded with grim resolve. The Ruler looked at Nimrod keenly.
“What plan will you follow now that Plan Nine has failed?”
“Plan Ten, excellency”.
“Remind me. What does this plan entail?”
“It is very similar to Plan Nine”.
No comments:
Post a Comment