The Reflection Mode

THE REFLECTION MODE

So they hanged Haman on the gallows
that he prepared for Mordecai. --Esther 7:10

The Dictator arrested him for fixing
The ventilation fan. "The miners hate
Me. I desired them dead, and you are mixing
In my affairs. A firing squad’s your fate."
The sun reflected from polished rifles
Which waited for the Dictator’s desire
To kill this innocent, brave man for trifles.
The cruel voice commanded them to "Fire!"
Tan issued Command Twenty-One--Reflection
Mode Start. The target profile scan began.
The black neck band was made for his protection.
The seven bullets bounced off of Tan,
And struck the Dictator. The people cheered
For Mercy and real Justice had appeared.

The Intergalactic Library Planet

THE INTERGALACTIC LIBRARY PLANET

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
--Chaucer, Troilus and Criseyde (c. 1342-1400)

"For: Tan Nigontig--URGENT--twenty hours
Until all data is destroyed. We will
Pay any price for help with storage towers.
Proceed to power grid at Knowledge Hill."
I said their antimatter field-containment
Equipment was substandard, obsolete.
For many parts there were no replacements.
"To: Literary Guild--Found data sheet."
"My alien device replicated these
Containment parts and now you have to know
There is a sixty percent chance that the
Whole core explodes. What is your answer?" "GO!"
The work went well. The job is done.
The large inscription reads, "WE OWE YOU ONE!"