The Project Gutenberg EBook of Disqualified, by Charles Louis Fontenay

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Title: Disqualified

Author: Charles Louis Fontenay

Illustrator: Kelly Freas

Release Date: October 14, 2009 [EBook #30251]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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[Illustration: _Illustrated by Kelly Freas_]

_If Saranta wished to qualify as one who loved
his fellow man, he should have known that often
the most secretive things are the most obvious._

DISQUALIFIED

BY CHARLES L. FONTENAY

After the morning inspection tour, Tardo, the Solar Council's Planetary
Aid agent, and his companion, Peo, were taken to the castle which stood
on a hill overlooking the area.

Tardo and Peo were entertained royally at luncheon by Saranta, their
host, who appeared to be the wealthy overlord of this portion of the
planet. The meal was delicious--tender, inch-thick steaks served with
delicate wine sauce and half a dozen of the planet's exotic vegetables,
topped off by a cool fruit dessert.

"My recommendation will be of considerable importance to you," said
Tardo as they ate. "If it is favorable, there is certain technical aid
aboard ship which will be made available to you at once. Of course, you
will not receive advanced equipment from the Solar Council until there
is a more thorough investigation."

"I'm afraid our culture is too simple and agrarian to win your
approval," said Saranta modestly.

"That isn't a major consideration. The Council understands the
difficulties that have faced colonies in other star systems. There are
certain fundamental requirements, of course: no abnormal religious
practices, no slavery ... well, you understand what I mean."

"We really feel that we have done well since we ... our ancestors, that
is ... colonized our world a thousand years ago," said Saranta, toying
with a wineglass. A smiling servant filled the glasses of Tardo and Peo.
"You see, there was no fuel for the ship to explore other planets in the
system, and the ship just rusted away. Since w