The last days of the captain

By KATE WILHELM
Illustrated by GAUGHAN
There is much to be learned even under the worst of circumstances. For example, about men and women, and love and death.
Keith looked up scowling as the mayor entered his temporary office. Well? he snapped.
Captain Winters, there are problems. Some of the people don't wish to leave.... Their crops, their homes.... Mayor Stebbins edged into the room hesitantly. If you'd talk to them....
Mayor Stebbins, don't you have any power over these people? Won't they follow you? Keith asked sharply.
How can they adjust so fast, Captain? Only this morning they arose with everything normal, and now they are told they have to leave what they've worked for all their lives. How can I explain it to them?
Keith's eyes filmed over as he stared at the little man. Slowly he said, I'll talk to them. In an hour. And, Mayor, three loads of your people will leave tonight as Taros sets. You decide which ones. I'll want the information as soon as possible.
The meeting was held in the church. Keith studied the uneasy, pale faced congregation with an emotionless expression. They had silenced their buzzing whispers at his approach with the mayor and now waited. As Stebbins stepped forward to introduce him, he took his elbow and put him to one side, standing solidly behind the dais himself.
Ladies and gentlemen, he started, his voice authoritative and hard, you know who the Amories are and that they have literally burned up three inhabited worlds. The Space Exploration Control has learned that they plan to attack Kulane in sixteen days, and for that reason the entire population is being evacuated. Following the evacuation there will be a surprise counter attack. You will be put aboard a stellar ship at Lanning and transferred to safety. He paused and regarded them stonily, seeing not individuals but articles to be moved out. Here and there audible sobs were heard, but for the most part they were stunned and still.