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.once the Governor is eliminated regulations insist thedozen candidates place their names in hazard.The unlucky winner is brought in here andforced to govern.''And to go through the same daft process you did?''Yes.' A mirthless smile formed on the Governor's mouth.The theory being that a manterrified for his life will somehow find solutions to this planet's problems.The poorunfortunate will discover, like me, that there are no popular solutions to the difficultieshe will find waiting for him here.''That's crazy! Cruel!''It's Varos,' the Governor said flatly and stood up and walked across to the guard whostraightened nervously at his leader's approach.The Governor studied the guard carefully.'Maldak, isn't it?''Yes, sir.'Tut your gun down, Maldak, I've no intention of trying to escape.''Can't do that, sir.''Maldak, weren't you elected to the officer corps when my name was drawn as Governor?''Correct, sir,' said Maldak stiffly, wondering where all this might be leading him.'Might I ask one favour, Maldak? Let this girl go free.You know what will happen.Shecould easily slip away while all eyes are on my destruction.''Can't do that, sir,' Maldak said again uncertainly. 'You know that once I am dead a new Governor must be elected?''That is the custom, yes, sir.''What if the name they draw is yours, Maldak?' TheGovernor watched Maldak's expression for the slightest tremor of doubt but the guard lookedstolidly back at him.It was hopeless, the Governor thought bitterly, Varosians were aservile race, even this man who was almost one of the elite.It was a futile attempt, herealised, but he continued anyway.'You have witnessed how impossible the system is, Maldak.You are an intelligent man.Theregulations are archaic, distorted, unworkable.even if you escape drawing the redcounter you will suffer once an enquiry is called.New Governors always hold enquiries,don't they, Maldak? The enquiry will establish that you showed the Doctor and the rebelJondar where the women were being transmuted.''Couldn't help that, sir!' Maldak burst out.'They had a phaser at my head.''They'll say you should have resisted.' Emotion showed on Maldak's face for the first timesince the Governor had begun addressing him.What was it? Fear? Perhaps.The Governordecided to add his final card to this last finesse for freedom.'I wonder what execution ritual they will star you in, Maldak? Something spectacular tomark the new Governor's term of office.I hope you enjoy the experience.' The Governorturned away, shaking his head for effect and had gone several steps before Maldak'suncertain voice called after him.'What do you think I should do, sir?'The Governor turned eagerly, too eagerly.He cursed his impatience for the guard, trainedsince birth to obey orders, was already struggling against the momentary disloyalty, andthe Governor's sudden enthusiastic move back towards him betrayed his unease at refusing tofollow the ritualistic regulations stoically.Both men looked at each other for a long moment, centuries of tradition and obedience toregulation strug-gling within them.Finally Peri could stand the silence no longer.'Let us go, Maldak.' she begged.'Come with us.We can find the Doctor, he knows muchmore than I do.He'll tell you what is really going on here!''I can't disobey my orders.''Perhaps not for my sake, but Peri is innocent,' said the Governor.'No, sir.Sorry.'The Governor tried to rescue an iota of advantage.'After the vote goes against me pleasedo one thing.kill Peri to spare her from Quillam and the rehabilitators.'Maldak looked away from them both, unable to meet their eyes, unable to make even this lastrefusal vocal.So be it, the Governor thought resignedly.'I tried.'he said gently to Peri, then took her hand and looked down at her.'We will die together,' he said simply and began to lead her towards his desk and thewaiting chair.The patrol car in which the Doctor, Jondar and Areta were travelling came to a meeting ofcorridors.Now able to drive with some degree of control the Doctor slowed the car andbrought it to a fairly smooth halt
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