--- DAY OF RECKONING ---

                                   First chapter of a SF send-up, by Stirling Penn.

                                                       -- 1.1 --



Ambition, pride and fitness to rule, these were the birthright of the Rydyot.
These had bound them into a nation even in prehistoric times, and united Rydyots
everywhere in the days of colonial~spaceflight.
Even as the first Galactic crown was placed upon Ahphjed's legendary brow, these were
as a prayer on his lips. And by grace of these three priceless things the fabulous
Rydyot Empire prevailed among half a galaxy of subject-races..

Now old in memory, for time-out-of~mind, the empire, having survived every lesson of
history by sheerest excellence in force of arms, saw no need to change its glorious
ways when the coffers of its treasure-city, Yocorcum, took a thousand tributes every
day..
But times were in change, and with each passing day the empire grew a little more
beyond the bounds of its erstwhile governance..
Now was the time to devise new strategies for its policy of annexation,
if the empire was to prosper and grow..



                                  --sterl'