The Dark Planet was slipping away, fretted Rathreg97.

 

“Here are two more examples, Eminence, of our futile efforts to turn the inhabitants of the Dark Planet toward the True Path of Enlightenment,” said Financial Controller Hagshil29 with ill-disguised contempt.

 

Two images appeared in the air between the three members of the Church of Mathematical Oneness.

 

“We built this simple calculator in the early days of our mission. The natives named it Stonehenge. Our hope was that these beings would use the calculator to learn the basics of space-time calculus. That was some 5,000 of their years ago, Eminence, and they have still not grasped the concept.”

 

The Controller pointed to the second image which depicted a series of giant pyramids.

 

“The Church donated these geometric structures about the same time. Our children use such shapes to discover the power of prime numbers. The Egyptians, a tribe on the Dark Planet we tried to convert, used them to house the bodies of dead monarchs!” said the Controller, shaking his head in mock astonishment.

 

Both of Rathreg97’s hearts sank.

 

“What have you to say about this?” said Infinity XI, head of the Church of Mathematical Oneness.

 

The novice missionary squirmed and confirmed that these examples were typical of the church’s failures. “However, the humans have an inkling that Stonehenge is some sort of calendar, which is encouraging, Eminence. And there is recognition of the Pyramids’ mathematical beauty.”

 

“Not exactly inspiring, is it?” commented the Controller.

 

Rathreg97 knew that the Church’s long-standing mission on the Dark Planet – and his comparatively short tenure as its representative – would be short-lived without a suitable riposte. Such a failure would blight the missionary’s career. Rathreg97 glanced at the Controller who was pretending to be gravely concerned. But the young missionary knew the church’s wily financial overseer was feeling triumphant. Building a reputation as a fearless cost-cutter was part of Hagshil29's plan to become the church’s ultimate leader.

 

“It pains me to say this,” said the Controller. “But I see no prospect of the Dark Planet abandoning its many pagan religions to convert to Mathematical Oneness. Hence, my recommendation is to withdraw from the planet forthwith.”

 

“I must say, I am of a mind to agree,” said Infinity XI. “Our missions on pagan planets are stretched thin. We must concentrate our efforts on worlds we can save.”

 

“Precisely, Eminence,” said the Controller with a self-satisfied smile.

 

“Eminence, there is one strategy we have yet to try.”

 

Infinity XI waited for the novice to explain. Rathreg97 explained the humans’ pagan ways had driven their civilization to the edge of self-destruction. By offering to reverse the decline, the Church would show that Mathematical Oneness is the universe’s one true doctrine.

 

“It is a tried and tested strategy on other worlds, Eminence.”

 

“And one that would deliver more disappointment,” interjected the Controller. “Humans have shown no predisposition to take the True Path. The plan would be a waste of precious resources.”

 

Infinity XI nodded agreement. “Is that your final argument, Rathreg97?”

 

The young missionary decided it was time to pull out all the stops.

 

“The Controller’s arguments are powerful, Eminence. Even though I still have hope for the humans, my duty to the church must come first. If you decide to terminate my mission, I will support your decision with all my hearts.”

 

“Your response shows a degree of maturity and self-sacrifice that belies your relatively limited experience. I commend you, Rathreg97.”

 

“Thank you, Eminence.”

 

The controller eyed the exchange with much interest. Perhaps he should recruit this politically savvy rising star to his own cause.

 

“If the Dark Planet is to go the way of Mars then so be it if this serves the Church. Although it has to be said, few worlds deserve such a savage fate,” added the missionary.

 

The word “Mars” rang alarm bells for the Controller.

 

“Mars? What is this planet?” asked the church’s head.

 

“A planet in the same solar system as the Dark Planet that was abandoned a long time ago, Eminence. If I am not mistaken, the Controller’s grandfather made the decision to seal its fate.”

 

“This is ancient history, Eminence. The Mars case is irrelevant,” said the Controller dismissively.

 

“Perhaps, but perhaps not,” said Rathreg97.

 

“Eminence, let us not waste your valuable time on this tired old story.”

 

“I am intrigued,” said Infinity XI. “Continue, but be brief.”

 

“Of course, Eminence,” said Rathreg97.

 

The missionary explained how Planet Mars once bustled with life, but like the Dark Planet, was a haven for paganism. And like humans today, Martian paganism was destroying their species. At the time, the church debated whether to help the Martians by saving them, but the strategy was voted down following persuasive lobbying from the Controller’s grandfather.

 

“The Church gave up and withdrew, Eminence. Within a millennia the planet was dead and its inhabitants extinct.” To drive home the point, Rathreg97 flashed an image of the lifeless planet.

 

“Eminence …” interrupted Hagshil29 but was halted by the leader.

 

“A disturbing story, Rathreg97. The church is certainly not in the business of allowing civilizations to perish.”

 

“Indeed, Eminence. It would be a pity to create another Mars. Humans have a saying to the effect that those who do not heed the lessons of history are condemned to repeat them,” said the young missionary.

 

“Impressive wisdom from such a primitive species. Perhaps there is hope after all. Let us not debate this further now. Rathreg97, send me a detailed summary of your strategy. I will put the matter before the church’s High Council for deeper consideration.”

 

“An honor, Eminence.”

 

“If that is all, I have another meeting.”

 

The Controller glared at the young missionary. Rathreg97 could barely control his joy.