Pandora's Legions by Christopher Anvil & Eric Flint

Author:Christopher Anvil & Eric Flint [Anvil, Christopher & Flint, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Space Opera, General, Science Fiction, Adventure, Fiction
ISBN: 9780671318611
Google: T7R_c7tCRjkC
Amazon: 0671318616
Publisher: Baen
Published: 2002-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Horsip looked up angrily. From Moffis' desk came a thump as he set down the massive report. Horsip tossed his own report on the "Outgoing" heap. "Do you have one worth reading?"

"Yes," said Moffis, "but it isn't pleasant."

"If you're through, let's see it."

Moffis handed it over. Horsip pried it open to read "Armament Rates of Earth-Dominated Planets."

Horsip felt a chill as he looked at charts marked "Weapons Production, Overall," "Space Ship Production," "Growth of Technological Production." Toward the edge of each chart, the curves climbed like ships headed for outer space.

Absorbed, Horsip was only vaguely aware of exclamations of astonishment from Moffis. When Horsip, skimming fast to get the highlights, which fit together like a well-made gun, finally came to the end, Moffis was just looking up.

"Well, Moffis," said Horsip, "that does make unpleasant reading."

Page 137

"This is almost as bad. Would you believe that there is actually a planet where everything man-made is barred? And they've made the rule hold!"

"What do they eat?"

"Nuts and berries. Roots. Snigglers and wrettles. Thousand-bristled thread-spinners. Anything that's natural."

Horsip thought of the discipline that would have to be imposed to enforce such a rule. But the Earthmen had doubtless accomplished it by putting across a theory.

Horsip shook his head.

"This is worse. All these dictators arm themselves at top speed, while most of the other planets don't arm at all—"

"Of course," said Moffis, "the other planets shouldn't have to arm. They have a right to look to the Fleet for protection."

"Yes, but with this Control Commission, what use is the Fleet?"

Moffis said thoughtfully, "If the Fleet would just blow up the Control Commission . . ."

Horsip looked shocked.

"We couldn't have that. That would be a . . ."

He paused, considering it, then shook his head.

"That would be a breakdown of discipline. We couldn't have that—unless higher authority ordered it."

Moffis nodded.

"Just let them order it soon. "

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