Illustrated by Kelly FreasIf Saranta wished to qualify as one who lovedhis fellow man, he should have known that oftenthe most secretive things are the most obvious.
DISQUALIFIED
BY CHARLES L. FONTENAY
After the morning inspectiontour, Tardo, the Solar Council'sPlanetary Aid agent, and hiscompanion, Peo, were taken to thecastle which stood on a hill overlookingthe area.
Tardo and Peo were entertainedroyally at luncheon by Saranta,their host, who appeared to be thewealthy overlord of this portion ofthe planet. The meal was delicious—tender,inch-thick steaks servedwith delicate wine sauce and halfa dozen of the planet's exotic vegetables,topped off by a cool fruitdessert.
"My recommendation will be ofconsiderable importance to you,"said Tardo as they ate. "If it is favorable,there is certain technicalaid aboard ship which will be madeavailable to you at once. Of course,you will not receive advancedequipment from the Solar Counciluntil there is a more thorough investigation."
"I'm afraid our culture is toosimple and agrarian to win yourapproval," said Saranta modestly.
"That isn't a major consideration.The Council understands thedifficulties that have faced coloniesin other star systems. There are certainfundamental requirements, ofcourse: no abnormal religious practices,no slavery ... well, you understandwhat I mean."
"We really feel that we havedone well since we ... our ancestors,that is ... colonized our worlda thousand years ago," said Saranta,toying with a wineglass. A smilingservant filled the glasses of Tardoand Peo. "You see, there was nofuel for the ship to explore otherplanets in the system, and the shipjust rusted away. Since we are somedistance from the solar system,yours is the first ship that has landedhere since colonization."
"You seem to have been lucky,though," said Peo. He was navigatorof the Council ship, and hadasked to accompany Tardo on thebrief inspection trip. "You couldhave landed on a barren planet."
"Well, no, the colonizers knew itwas liveable, from the first explorationexpedition," said Saranta."There were difficulties, of course.Luxuriant vegetation, but no animallife, so we had no animals todomesticate. Pulling a plow is hardwork for a man."
"But you were able to solve thissituation in a humanitarian way?"asked Tardo, peering at him keenly."That is to say, you didn't resortto slavery?"
Saranta smiled and spread hishands slightly.
"Does this look like a slave societyto you?" he countered. "Thecolonists were anxious to co-operateto make the planet liveable. No oneobjected to work."
"It's true we've seen no slaves,that we know about," said Tardo."But two days is a short time for inspection.I must draw most of myconclusions from the attitudes ofyou and the others who are ourhosts. How about the servantshere?"
"They are paid," answered Saranta,and added ruefully: "Thereare those of us who think they arepaid too well. They have a union,you know."
Tardo laughed.
"A carry-over from Earth, nodoubt," he commented. "An unusualone, too, for a culture withouttechnology."
When the meal was over, thetwo men from the ship were conductedon a tour of the area. It wasa neat agricultural community,with broad fields, well-constructedbuildings and, a short distance fromSaranta's castle-like home, a villagein which artisans and craftsmenplied their peaceful trades.