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The team from Earth had the task of raising backward planets to the home world's high level. The situation on Rigel was this: "The most advanced culture on Rigel's first planet is to be compared to the Italian cities during Europe's feudalistic yeas The most advanced of the second planet is comparable to the Aztecs at the time of the Spanish conquest. These planets are in your control to the extent that no small group has ever dominated millions before. No Caesar ever exerted the power that will be in your collective hands. For half a century, you will be as gods and goddesses!"
But the Rigelians were themselves descended from the lost colonists of old Earth, and they could learn their lessons as fast as they could be taught. In fact, they could even teach their teachers a thing or two. And therein lay the peril the professors from space never dreamed of...
About the author
Dallas McCord "Mack" Reynolds was an American science fiction writer born on November 11, 1917, in Corcoran, California, and passing away on January 30, 1983, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, at the age of 65. Throughout his career, Reynolds wrote under various pen names, including Dallas Ross, Mark Mallory, Clark Collins, Dallas Rose, Guy McCord, Maxine Reynolds, Bob Belmont, and Todd Harding. His work was primarily focused on speculative fiction, with notable short stories such as Status Quo, A Leader for Yesteryear, Black Sheep Astray, and The Adventure of the Extraterrestrial. Reynolds' writing often explored social and political themes, using science fiction to examine issues of governance, economics, and human behavior. His works were influential during the mid-20th century and contributed to shaping the genre, especially with regard to blending adventure with philosophical inquiries. He was the son of Verne L. Reynolds. Despite his varied output and pseudonymous work, Reynolds remains best known for his distinctive voice in science fiction, exploring the future of humanity, societal structures, and technological advancements.
