Disqualified (1954)
In "Disqualified" by Charles L. Fontenay, Solar Council representatives Tardo and Peo uncover a hidden slave class on a seemingly peaceful planet, prompting Tardo to reject providing aid. The story emphasizes the need to question societal structures.
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The story "Disqualified" by Charles L. Fontenay follows Tardo and Peo, Solar Council representatives, on a mission to evaluate a planet for technical aid. They visit Saranta, a seemingly benevolent host, who presents a peaceful agrarian society. However, Tardo uncovers a dark secret: the planet's inhabitants have hidden a slave class, evidenced by the absence of animal life and the luxurious meals served. Despite the facade of freedom, Tardo's keen observations reveal the truth, leading him to reject providing aid that could perpetuate such exploitation. The story highlights the importance of looking beyond appearances and questioning societal structures. Through Tardo's discerning eye, the narrative challenges assumptions and underscores the complexity of social dynamics within seemingly idyllic settings.
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- Some users appreciate the story, with comments like "Really cool short story" and thanks for sharing it.
- Comparisons are made to other works, such as "Dangerous Visions" and "To Serve Man."
- Criticism is noted regarding the story's realism, particularly the idea of an interstellar empire refusing aid to slavers.
- Practical information is shared, including a link to the Project Gutenberg download page.
- There is a humorous remark about the length of the Project Gutenberg license compared to the story.
12 commentsI wonder if there is a chance for HN to contribute some aid for sites like this, archive.org, and others whenever their links are on the frontpage.
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