The Tantalus Death
By ROSS ROCKLYNNE
"Give us water, or we perish!" But the Conclave
of Nations denied the Red Planet's frantic plea.
So began the Reign of Terror ... a Martian judgement
that plunged the Earth into hideous chaos.
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Planet Stories Spring 1940.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
The Master Conclave of the Sectional Governors of the World State was in its first day of session. The Speaker, about to call for a motion of adjournment, rose, looked about the packed tiers of seats as if searching for someone. Relief came to his face—and was replaced by annoyance as the huge, double doors swung open.
A being, resplendent in colorful uniform, of human shape but twelve feet tall, entered.
In the resigned silence that followed, the doorman announced,
"Olduk, the Martian ambassador!"