Summary

As days pass, the natives complain to Valerian. There is little game, meaning they are unable to hunt for enough food to keep them fed. Laureline calls the natives “prisoners,” and demands that Valerian intercede with the Governor (39). The council agrees to provide food and a convoy arrives at the native camp each day. The natives find the food “unpalatable,” but accept it to keep from starving (39).

The Governor summons Valerian back to the city. He says the rule on Technorog is that everyone has to work in order to eat. The workers have objected to giving food to the natives, so the Governor declares the natives will have to join the workforce. Valerian argues, but to no avail. The natives are soon at work at the hydroponics plant. Valerian says they seem to settle into the routine, but Laureline is furious. She...