[TML] lifeboats

[Richard Aiken]

On 10/4/07, Jerry W Barrington <jursamaj at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Yup, you *try* punishing the Duke's nephew.  Even if you succeed, guess what
> happens when he gets hold of a bit of power and remembers you, considering
> how psychotically a large percentage of Imperial nobles behave.

I'm reminded of a short story I read once.  Sorry, but I can't
remember either the title or author.

The Insufferable Heir to the Galactic Empire has been sent on "safari"
on a rural planet in the back of beyond.  He spends his time being
completely obnoxious to the guide who's been assigned to him.  It
makes no impression upon the heir that the guide's family has served
the Empire for centuries.  The heir continually threatens the guide
(and his family) with the most dire consequences, just as soon as he
tells Daddy about the guide's impertinence.

At the end of the story, the Emperor arrives, completely without
ceremony.  His son is surprised - the Emperor never goes anywhere
without his entourage - but immediately launches into his intended
tirade.  Only thing is, both the Emperor and the guide ignore the heir
completely.

The guide looks at the Emperor and says, "I'm sorry."  The Emperor
pleads, "Is there nothing that can be done?  He's my son!"  The guide
replies, "No."  Then he calmly pulls out his pistol and shoots the
heir through the brain.

Insufferable Heir had no idea this "safari" was *really* his final exam.

-- 
Richard Aiken

"Never insult anyone by accident."  Robert A. Heinlein