Science Fiction Short Story Review: "Citadel" by Algis Budrys

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This story begins with Martin Holliday asking for an option on another planet. It seems the last one didn’t quite work out. All he wanted was to make enough money on developing a planet where he could live by himself on half a planet, but instead he ended up having to sell more than he intended. As Holliday explains: “I had my original investment back. But I couldn't tell them why I couldn't stay. It was people—even if I never saw them, it was the thought of people, with aircraft and rockets and roads—" Oh, he got along just fine with the colonists. Nice bunch, the colonists. But they were people, and he’d rather not have to deal with people. He was here to see Christopher Mead, assistant undersecretary for External Affairs, to see about optioning another planet. Mr. Mead is only too happy to help him. Of course, things will have to be finalized with Mr. Marlowe, who has a thing or two on his plate, including getting ready to receive the exchange political science observer from Moore II, Dalish ud Klavan. This was a subtle and sad story that takes a long way around to make its point. I didn’t find it entirely satisfying. While Martin is doomed to failure with a little help from the people in External Affairs, the Union’s galactic reach marches on. This novelette is available from Project Gutenberg: ____ Title: “Citadel” Author: Algis Budrys (1931-2008) First published: Astounding Science Fiction February 1955 Source: ISFDB