Saranta, a wealthy overlord on a distant planet, hosts Solar Council agent Tardo and his companion Peo for a luxurious lunch. Despite the inviting ambiance, Tardo’s inspection reveals a dark secret – the apparent absence of animal life on the planet leads to the shocking realization that the delicious steaks served at the meal were made from human flesh. Tardo’s refusal to recommend aid to a society built on cannibalism highlights the ethical dilemma of assisting civilizations built on exploitation. The story cleverly exposes the hidden horrors beneath the facade of a seemingly idyllic world.
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