Prologue
"Only the Rarest Kind of Anything can be Good for the Young"
Bells and Grass: A book of Rhymes
By Walter de la Mare
Hostages
Prologue
Six men sat around a large table.
"It is agreed then," said one. "We will take the hostages one week from tonight."
"Yes, word has come through. Plans are now definite for the gathering," said the second voice. "The three will be there."
There was silence around the table. "There must be no killing. I will not sanction any killing," added a third more cultured voice.
Another voice, hoarse and fierce, broke the silence. "I cannot guarantee that. Let me remind you that I only agreed to no killing of the civilian. The military hostage may be a different matter. Circumstances will dictate what must be done."
The first voice spoke again. "Our demands must be firm. Absolutely no negotiations."
"Again…circumstances may change. Let us remain flexible," responded the hoarse voice. "The Federation Council is a monstrous bureaucracy. One must be aware at all times that with a bureaucracy such as that one, flexibility may be necessary or nothing may be accomplished." He looked around the table. "Is everyone in agreement?"
All six men were silent.
"Then let it begin."
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