Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction August 1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
diplomatic immunity
By ROBERT SHECKLEY
Illustrated by ASHMAN
He said he wasn't immortal—but nothing could kill him.Still, if the Earth was to live as a free world, he had todie.
ome right in, gentlemen," the Ambassador waved them into the veryspecial suite the State Department had given him. "Please be seated."
Colonel Cercy accepted a chair, trying to size up the individual whohad all Washington chewing its fingernails. The Ambassador hardlylooked like a menace. He was of medium height and slight build,dressed in a conservative brown tweed suit that the State Departmenthad given him. His face was intelligent, finely molded and aloof.
As human as a human, Cercy thought, studying the alien with bleak,impersonal eyes.
"How may I serve you?" the Ambassador asked, smiling.
"The President has put me in charge of your case," Cercy said. "I'vestudied Professor Darrig's reports—" he nodded at the scientistbeside him—"but I'd like to hear the whole thing for myself."
"Of course," the alien said, lighting a cigarette. He seemed genuinelypleased to be asked; which was interesting, Cercy thought. In the weeksince he had landed, every important scientist in the country had beenat him.
But in a pinch they call the Army, Cercy reminded himself. Hesettled back in his chair, both hands jammed carelessly in hispockets. His right hand was resting on the butt of a .45, the safetyoff.
have come," the alien said, "as an ambassador-at-large,representing an empire that stretches half-way across the Galaxy. Iwish to extend the welcome of my people and to invite you to join ourorganization."
"I see," Cercy replied. "Some of the scientists got the impressionthat participation was compulsory."
"You will join," the Ambassador said, blowing smoke through hisnostrils.
Cercy could see Darrig stiffen in his chair and bite his lip. Cercymoved the automatic to a position where he could draw it easily. "Howdid you find us?" he asked.
"We ambassadors-at-large are each assigned an unexplored section ofspace," the alien said. "We examine each star-system in that regionfor planets, and each planet for intelligent life. Intelligent life israre in the Galaxy, you know."
Cercy nodded, although he hadn't been aware of the fact.
"When we find such a planet, we land, as I did, and prepare theinhabitants for their part in our organization."
"How will y