"Simple enough. We're the race who developed the
space-drive--therefore, we're the galaxy's most advanced race. I think
that goes without saying."
"It does not," Devall commented. "But go ahead."
Scowling, Dudley said, "Regardless of your opinion, _sir_--the aliens
we've encountered so far have all regarded us as their obvious
superiors. I don't think that can be denied--and I think it can only be
attributed to the fact that we _are_ their superiors. Well, if we give
up Leonards for trial, it cheapens our position. It makes us look weak,
spineless. We--"
"You're suggesting, then," Devall broke in, "that we hold the position
of overlords in the galaxy--and by yielding to our serfs, we may lose
all control over them. Is this your belief, Major?" Devall glared at
him.
Dudley met the colonel's angry gaze calmly. "Basically, yes. Dammit,
sir, I've tried to make you see this ever since the Hegath expedition.
We're not out here in the stars to collect butterflies and squirrels!
We--"
"Out of order," Devall snapped coldly. "This is a cultural mission as
well as a military, Major--and so long as I'm in command it remains
primarily cultural." He felt on the verge of losing his temper. He
glanced away from Dudley and said, "Major Grey, could I hear from you?"
Grey was the ship's astrogator; on land his functions were to supervise
stockade-construction and mapmaking. He was a wiry, unsmiling little
man with razor-like cheekbones and ruddy skin. "I feel we have to be
cautious, sir. Handing Leonards over would result in a tremendous loss
of Terran prestige."
"_Loss?_" Dudley burst in. "It would cripple us! We'd never be able to
hold our heads up honestly in the galaxy again if--"
Calmly Devall said, "Major Dudley, you've been ruled out of order.
Leave this meeting, Major. I'll discuss a downward revision of your
status with you later." Turning back to Grey without a further glance
at Dudley, he said, "You don't believe, Major, that such an action
would have a corresponding _favorable_ effect on our prestige in the
eyes of those worlds inclined to regard Earth uneasily?"
"That's an extremely difficult thing to determine, sir."
"Very well, then." Devall rose. "Pursuant to regulations, I've brought
this matter to the attention of authorities on Earth, and have also
offered it for open discussion among my officers. Thanks for your time,
gentlemen."
Captain Marechal said uncertainly, "Sir, won't there be any vote on our
intended course of action?"
Devall grinned coldly. "As commanding officer of this base, I'll take
the sole responsibility upon myself for the decision in this particular
matter. It may make things easier for all of us in the consequent event
of a court-martial inquiry."
* * * * *
It was the only way, he thought, as he waited tensely in his office for
the high priest to arrive. The officers seemed firmly set against any
conciliatory action, in the name of Terra's prestige. It was hardly
fair for him to make them take responsibility for a decision that might
be repugnant to them.
Too bad about Dudley, Devall mused. But insubordination of that sort
was insufferable; Dudley would have to be dropped from the unit on
their next trip out. If there is any next trip out for me, he added.