Doctor Who_ Curse of Peladon - Brian Hayles [6]
‘The delegate from Alpha Centauri, Council member of the Galactic Federation, presents himself before you, King Peladon.’
The formal words of Hepesh’s announcement failed to hide the unease he felt at the alien being which was standing by his side. Tall as a man, but single-footed like a sea anemone, its iridescent turquoise body was discreetly covered by a cloak emblazoned with its Galactic rank. From beneath the cloak rippled six tenuously graceful tentacles. The whole was surmounted by an octopod head containing one huge yet strangely beautiful eye. Due to gravitational differences the body of Alpha Centauri found swift movement difficult, but the tentacles were capable of sensitively mimed expression. They rippled politely as Peladon spoke. ‘Peladon welcomes the delegate from Alpha Centauri...’
The young king’s face was grave, betraying no wonder at this, the third of the aliens so far arrived. The others were no less unusual in appearance, but they were intelligent and their mission was sincere. When Alpha Centauri spoke, however, Peladon could barely conceal a smile. For the voice that came from the shimmering hexapod was as shrill and elegant as a nervous lady-in-waiting. In spite of the authority invested in the alien, the effect was almost comical. Even Hepesh raised an eyebrow as he listened to the alien delegates formal response.
‘As a member of the Preliminary Assessment Commission, I have great hopes that your planet will be acceptable as a candidate for the Galactic Federation,’ piped the exquisite voice.
‘A magnificent future could be yours...’
‘That is my sincere hope,’ said Peladon. Then indicating Hepesh, he continued, ‘Hepesh, my acting Chancellor and High Priest, will give you every assistance in your mission.’
The six tentacles indicated their acknowledgement. Hepesh tried not to flinch from their moist and gleaming gesture of friendship.
‘We willingly accept the... hand of friendship,’ the High Priest said diplomatically. ‘The glorious future that you speak of will be given consideration...’
‘You will realise,’ fluted the hexapod alien, ‘that there are certain necessary conditions to be met.’
‘The King’s Grand Council will examine your demands,’
Hepesh said with deliberate coolness.
‘My formal coronation will not take place until we have achieved Federation Membership,’ offered Peladon warmly.
‘That is the extent of my personal commitment.’
‘Your majesty is obviously sincere,’ trilled Alpha Centauri,
‘and I have little doubt that we shall quickly decide—’
‘Unfortunately,’ interjected Hepesh with cold logic, ‘our discussions cannot begin until the arrival of the Chairman delegate from Earth.’
‘He will be here soon, Hepesh. Earth is many light years from us. Is that not so, Alpha Centauri?’ said the king.
‘Indeed, your majesty,’ the alien replied, mildly disparaging,
‘—a remote and unattractive planet, I believe.’
‘The fact remains,’ retorted the High Priest, ‘that the Earth delegate is not here. The omens are not good!’
Peladon could see the anger boiling behind Hepesh’s eyes, and sensed the outburst that was to come. He leaned forward, his hand raised in admonishment, but Hepesh was not to be denied. ‘Your majesty ignored my warning before,’ insisted the haughty priest, ‘and now Torbis your respected Chancellor lies dead... slain by the wrath of Aggedor!’
‘Hepesh! Enough!’ snapped the king, and the High Priest fell silent. But his words had had effect. Alpha Centauri’s tentacles rippled uneasily, their colours changing to a milky blue in sure indication of alarm.
‘You speak of death... Is there danger here?’ queried Alpha Centauri. ‘Such a state of affairs is not acceptable to the Commission!’
‘It is