Out beyond furthest Pluto, beyond pale Neptune,
roared the _Stardust_. Rocketing toward
the monstrous new planet that filled the heavens.
Planet "P"--the colossus that Time forgot!
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Planet Stories Fall 1940.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
She stood upon the high battlements of the palace, overlooking the land
of Toom, with sunlight splashing over the beauty and radiance of her.
She, Oomith, _mataiya_ of Toom. Her eyes wandered to the road that
wound, ribbon-like, far beyond her land, out into the great reaches
of her world, out into Nimbor. Nimbor, whose lords even now were in
session with Toom's officials, demanding the land's surrender to their
superior forces. Nimbor, whose rulers offered life to the heads of
Toom's commonwealth providing the _mataiya_ mate with their prince.
She stood, trying to drink in the splendor of the land, for this might
be a last time. What her answer would be as Directress of Internal
Relations she well knew; what her answer, as woman, to Aald of Nimbor
would be she knew even better. But now she must return to the council
meeting.
Danuth, Head Center of Toom, was speaking as she re-entered. "What
you demand, Aald of Nimbor, is the commonwealth's freedom, and our
officers, in return for petty sinecures under your proposed regime. And
the _mataiya_ in marriage, as if it were in the power of any save she
to grant that."
She did not flush as the insolent eyes of the young man across the
table fell upon her, appraised, then leered approval at her. Her voice
was clear and cold as she said:
"You boast loudly of your war-machine, Aald of Nimbor. You remark
casually that you could crush our armies with a mere handful of men.
But you say you are willing to spare our lives if we surrender without
a struggle.
"In return for what do you offer us life, prince of Nimbor? Serfdom and
misery for our people under Nimbor's hand; the stigma of cowardice upon
us. I shall not argue with you. My answer is final: no!"
* * * * *
She glanced at Danuth, met the grim smile in his eyes. Was it possible
that the careful building of decades would soon be wiped away? That the
hopes and plans of Toom and her people lay helpless before the whims of
this arrogant child with the lusts and appetites of a man? In Toom, he
would still be a student, learning the responsibilities as well as the
rights of citizenship. A coldness ran through her as she pictured Toom
under his rule. Then Danuth's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Even if the _mataiya_ had not taken the initiative, my answer would
still be the same. No, Aald of Nimbor, no. If you mean to enslave us,
you will have to work for your victory. And, superior war-machine or
not, the people of Toom will make your triumph a hardly-bought one, if
indeed you can triumph against a free people."
It was hard to keep a calm face as the prince tried first to scowl,
then to sneer. If only this were the comic melodrama it should have
been! But, no--if Nimbor's claims were based on fact, then there
would be no more laughter for Toom and her people. Aald's tones were
mockingly courteous.
"You speak well, Danuth, but your words prove your incapacity to
govern anyone. What were your redoubtable Lugarth and the invincible
hordes from Bhuur, of which you Toomians make so much? In whose name
you still deem yourself secure from conquest? They were no more than
barbarians--savages armed with spears and swords. Good fighters, I
grant you, but helpless before the new warfare of which I am master.
"Do you think I am lying? This is your last chance. When you see your
armies burn to cinders before your eyes, see your fields and towns
incinerated, then it will be too late to bargain. Then you will come to
me with pleas for peace, but I shall not hear you."
His eyes fell upon her again possessively. "Then I shall not honor you
with the title of princess, Oomith of Toom. Woe to the conquered.
"You forget the matter of scientific progress, Toomians. We left your
stupid notions of international relations behind long ago. If you
surrender now, I guarantee the land of Toom the same care as I bestow
upon Nimbor; otherwise, it shall be treated as a conquered province."