Baswin

by Aurora Springer

  “Ambassador Jervaron has agreed to greet the candidates this morning. You will have plenty of opportunities to meet his staff later. The Warrish want you to conform with their culture. You will need to learn their language, Warrishan, and the expectations of polite society on Rishalt. First, I’d like you to have a chance to unpack and settle into the rooms.” She opened a door. “This wing has Warrish-style bedrooms. Each room accommodates three people in emulation of their triad system where three brothers or sisters share a room. It’s a simple design. You might call it spartan. It has the minimum necessary for sleeping and washing.”

  The room was indeed sparsely furnished. It had a large window overlooking the sea, a rattan floormat, and a row of hooks on one wall. Three rolls of padded material were stacked on top of a wooden chest.

  “Your bedding is in the chest.” Vivian opened a sliding wall panel to show them a tiny washroom, scarcely large enough for one person.

  Holly commented, “It is rather small.”

  Vivian said, “The three of you from the Indo European Union will share this room. The idea is for you to mimic a Warrish triad.”

  Unpleasantly surprised to learn they would be sleeping with a stranger, Holly squashed a stir of dismay. Instead of protesting aloud, she smiled at Amrita. The Indian woman seemed subdued, perhaps shy or uncomfortable, with her eyes fixed on the floor.

  “I’ll give you half an hour to sort your stuff. Go back to the lobby and someone will direct you to the veranda. We’ll have lunch after the Ambassador speaks to us.” Leaving the three of them alone, the coordinator left the room.

  The three women looked at each other.

  After a moment, Rosie reached out her hand, almost touching Amrita. “Does it bother you? Sharing a room like this?”

  Amrita gave a tiny shrug of her slim shoulders. “I don’t care. When I was a child, my whole family slept in the same room. We must obey their rules.”

  “What brought you here?” Holly asked. “I mean, what is your psychic talent?” Wondering if she were being impertinent, she added, “I’m a scryer. I find lost people or valuables.” She patted her sister’s shoulder. “And Rosie is a super healer.”

  “I tell fortunes.” Amrita gave a sad smile, and spoke in a rush, “It’s not always easy. People don’t like to hear about ill fortunes. They resent the foreteller.”

  In the silence that followed, Rosie picked up one of the pads and unrolled it on the floor. Shaking her head, she said, “If this mat is a supposed to be a bed, it’s barely large enough to lie on.”

  “We’ll have to manage,” Holly said. “You heard what Vivian said. We’re supposed to live together like a Warrish triad of sisters.” She helped Rosie to lift the bedrolls off the chest. The wooden lid had carvings of palm fronds and a pineapple. Local designs not Warrish, she guessed. Inside the chest, they found three thin blankets.

  Gazing around the room, Rosie asked, “Where can we put our clothes?”

  “On the hooks, I suppose.” Holly chuckled. “The room’s not designed for frivolous dresses.”

  “We could use the chest,” Amrita suggested.

  “Sure.” Waxing practical, Holly said, “We can decide later. I’d like to wash before we meet this ambassador.”

  After taking turns in the washroom, the three girls had to rush to reach the lobby at the correct time.

  A Polynesian woman in a sarong stood by the entrance. “Good morning,” she said. “I’m Panina, one of the kitchen staff.” She swung around and pointed to the door at the back of the lobby. “Go out that way to the veranda.”

  Taking the lead, Holly strolled out onto a paved stone floor, which stretched along the outer wall of the building. The swish of waves and fresh gusts of sea-scented air teased her senses. She halted to absorb the splendors of the tropical island. Wooden steps led down to a crescent of white sand and the rippling blue green water of the lagoon. Farther out, an arc of five tiny islets rimmed the oval lagoon.

  She turned to the left. The beams of the roof extended to create an open-sided veranda. The long space was partitioned into sections by trellises draped in vines with gaudy scarlet and purple flowers. In the nearest section, chairs with green and white cushions were arranged to face the sea. Vivian sat in the shade, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed straw hat. The trio of candidates from the United African Federation were already seated nearby and sipping from tall glasses.

  Alert for their arrival, Vivian beckoned, calling, “Come and join us.” As they approached, she indicated a side table with three jugs and an array of glasses. “Help yourself to a drink. We have lemonade, mango juice and iced water.”

  The Moon sisters and Amrita went to the beverage table.

  As Holly poured mango juice into a glass, she asked, “What do the Warrish drink?”

  Vivian pushed up her sunglasses and grinned. “Here at the embassy, the Warrish eat and drink the local produce. They like fish, but so do the islanders. Enjoy Earth’s bounty while you can. Our joint treaty prohibits import or export of livestock or plants. If you’re accepted for tripilot training on Rishalt, you’ll have to survive on their food and drink.”

  Zabrina, the elegant Egyptian, asked, “Where are the other candidates?”

  “They’ll be joining us any minute.” Vivian glanced toward the central door, smiled and waved. “Here they are.”

  Holly stared at the six new people, psychics and possible rivals in the selection of future tripilots. All were young and female as decreed by the Warrish. But their physiques varied from short and plump to tall and slim, and their complexions ranged from fair to ebony.

  The closer trio of women, clearly from the Sino Pacific Pact, were as alike as three clones. They shared identical features, short dark hair and wore uniform black wetsuits. The second set, the contingent from the Americontinent, exhibited a more natural variety and colorful swimwear. One was plump and fair-haired, while her two companions were dark, one was big and the other short and skinny.

  After inviting the newcomers to take drinks and chairs, Vivian said, “Congratulations on being accepted for this unique program. We have negotiated with the Warrish to allot three candidates for each major governmental unit on Earth. You have been recommended by your regional governments on the basis of your verified paranormal abilities. The Warrish will supervise this stage of the process. We have been assured that you will be the only visitors at the embassy for the duration of this evaluation.”

  She flung her arms wide. “Enough of the formalities. We have a few minutes to get acquainted before the ambassador comes. Let’s start with a round of introductions.” She gave a breezy laugh. “You’ve all met me, Vivian Boyd, coordinator from Taxyon Space. I’ll be your primary contact for questions about this program or any problems you encounter.” She paused to scan the twelve people seated around her. “I invite each of you to tell us your name and psychic skill. We’ll begin with the people who flew in yesterday evening since you’ve had more time to relax.” Swinging her gaze over the six unfamiliar women, she suggested, “Perhaps we can begin with the sisters from the Sino Pacific Pact.”

  The identical triplets proclaimed in synchrony, “We are Meiling, Fenling and Yuling Li. We have superior psychic powers.”

  Holly cringed and swapped a rueful glance with Rosie. The first candidates they had met seemed more modest. She imagined this boastful claim was unlikely to endear the triplets to the others.

  In a pleasantly uncritical tone, Vivian said, “I had hoped for something more specific. Perhaps later.” She waved a finger at the Americans. “You’re next. Who wants to go first?”

  The three candidates looked at each other, apparently unsure of their relative rank.

  The buxom blonde raised her hand. “I can start.” Receiving a nod from the coordinator, she drawled, “Good morning, ladies. Ruby Hall’s the name. I’m a spiritual healer with a devoted congregation in my home parish. I lead prayers to comfort the bereaved and heal the sick.”

  “Thank you,
” Vivian said. “It must have been a sacrifice to leave your congregation.”

  “I heeded the call for a greater good.”

  The big woman stood up to give her introduction. “Marie Dubois, mamba. I speak with the dead. The spirits warn me of the future.” Her deep voice and chilling words sent a shiver down Holly’s spine.

  Marie sat down.

  The skinny woman popped up from her chair and announced, “Shauntelle Jackson. My talent must be seen to be believed.” She flexed her long fingers with an audible crack of her knuckles. Stepping to a side table, she cupped her hand over the top, and flicked her fingers apart. “Fire,” she chanted. A yellow flame sprouted under her fingers. “Fire melts into gold.” The flame sizzled out, leaving a shiny yellow lump on the table. She looked around, her eyes gleaming in mischief. “Who will take the gold?” Jabbing a finger at Rosie, who sat next to the table, she said, “You take it.”

  Rosie reached toward the lump. Her fingertip passed through the gold and it fizzled into nothing. She cried, “Oh. It’s gone,” and then she cupped a hand over her mouth and giggled, realizing her mistake.

  Shauntelle said, “It was never there. It’s only an illusion, not real like hyperspace.”

  Amused by the performance, Holly clapped her hands in praise of the clever illusionist. The three Americans had given entertaining descriptions of their skills unlike the uncommunicative triplets of the Sino Pacific Pact.

  Now, Vivian invited her to speak.

  “I’m Holly Moon and I’m here with my sister, Rosie.” She tapped Rosie’s arm. “Don’t expect a fun exhibition of my talent. I’m a scryer. I see hidden people or objects in the present.”

  Taking her cue, Rosie waved. “Hi, guys. My talent is healing. I’ll be happy to demonstrate if any of you are suffering from aches or illness.”

  The Moon sisters looked at Amrita. She wrung her hands together and mumbled her name and psychic skill, “Amrita Dhawan, reader of fortunes.”

  Genially upbeat, Vivian said, “Thank you, Amrita. Let’s move on to our candidates from the United African Federation.”

  Leaning forward in her seat, Zabrina stated her name, adding, “My skill is sensing the history of an object, or to be precise, the historical context associated with an ancient artifact. I was employed by the Alexandrian Museum of Antiquities to help authenticate items in their collection.”

  “Fascinating,” Vivian said. “I wonder if you’ll have a chance to study Warrish artifacts.”

  A slow smile crossed Zabrina’s lovely face. “I’d love to handle an alien relic.”

  Finally, the two mismatched friends, tall Oba Nwachukwu and tiny Keisha Kalu, had their turn. They stood side by side with Oba resting a hand on Keisha’s shoulder.

  Oba introduced herself and Keisha. “We’re the top witchdoctors in our neighborhood. We work together. We sell herbs and charms for healing, good fortune and curses. We also read fortunes.”

  A blaring sound created an expectant silence among the women.

  Vivian swiveled toward the central door. “I believe the Ambassador is coming.”

  A tall man marched toward them. His austere green-tinted features were crowned by a stiff purple cockscomb of hair. A purple circle on his left cheekbone, his eyebrows and coiled mustaches matched his purple hair. He wore a scarlet jacket over glossy black leggings. His bare feet and dark glasses struck an incongruous note, mixing twelve alien toes with a human eyeshade.

  An entourage of three Warrish men walked behind the ambassador. Their upright sky-blue hair clashed with the red of their tunics. Their lower garments were snugly fitted and made of a scaled brown material. A pouch hung on each of their belts like a bag for tools.

  Holly gazed at them with undisguised interest. They were live versions of the amphibious mermen she had seen in the documentary about Warrish life on Rishalt. Their loose tunics covered the gill slits that enabled them to breathe underwater.

  Vivian jumped to her feet, and dropped in a curtsy, murmuring, “Delighted to see you, Ambassador Jervaron.”

  The twelve candidates copied her curtsy, some more gracefully than others.

  The ambassador spoke in a deep rumbling voice, “Calm seas, Brisa Boyd.” He raised his sunshades to send a stern gaze circling around the psychics. “Candidates, welcome to our embassy on the Isle of Warra. You were invited to our embassy to learn about Warrish life. You will be our guests for a hexad. If your progress is acceptable, you will be transported to the dark oceans of Europa for the crucial assessment of your ability to sense hyperspace.” He pivoted to gesture at his entourage. “My assistants, Overseer Arrak Tarlin Gavalish and his brothers of the Blue Crescent Triad will supervise you in underwater dives and assist in your lessons in Warrishan.” Pinching his purple eyebrows into a severe frown, he cautioned, “You must obey the instructions of my staff and respect our privacy. Do not enter the private areas of the embassy. Disobedience will be punished by expulsion from the island.” After a pause to allow them to assimilate the warning, he crossed his hands over his chest and gave a cool smile. “May you swim in serene seas and win the Great Mother’s favor to succeed in your goal.” He glanced at Vivian.

  She placed her left hand over her heart. “Many thanks, Ambassador Jervaron, for your welcome and your advice.”

  The ambassador bowed and departed without fanfare.

  Holly, along with the other candidates, gazed expectantly at the three members of the Blue Crescent Triad.

  The Warrish man in the middle stepped forward and offered an amiable smile. “Calm seas, good women of talent.” He placed the palm of his hand on his chest, then touched two fingers to the blue crescent under his left eye, while reciting, “Overseer Arrak Tarlin Gavalish, First of the Blue Crescent Triad. I and my brothers, Arkan and Arkur, will assist you to acclimatize to our lifestyle. You will have access to informational tutorials during your stay on this island and also on your voyage to Europa.” Extending his hand in invitation, he said, “Do you have any questions?”

  Ruby, the spiritual leader, waved her hand. “Overseer, I’d sure like your help. Can you please explain a word the ambassador used? What is a hexad?”

  Arrak replied, “A hexad is a measure of time. It means six days on Rishalt, or about seven and a half of your Earth days, due to the different rotations of the two planets. In practice, you may consider a hexad as representing a week.”

  Eying the three men, Holly could not decide whether they shared the same parents or were adopted brothers. The alien cast to their features and the uniform style of their hair and clothing made them appear closely related. Raising her hand, she asked, “Overseer Arrak, why do Warrish have triads?”

  He smiled at her. “Many Earthers are puzzled by our triads, while for us, it is a natural unit. Warrish have lived in triads for our entire recorded history. In our society, a triad of brothers marries a triad of sisters to create a hexath. An ideal hexath family would birth three female children and three males or two triads of different genders. If the numbers do not match, a triad can be created by adoption of the required brother or sister.”

  Holly thanked him, although she had gained little new knowledge from his explanation.

  “Why do we have to learn to swim?” Ruby asked.

  “You must swim and dive underwater if you wish to become a tripilot.” He gave a serious nod. “On our home planet, we live in the oceans and on the islands. Our capital city of Pucklerakt is constructed above and beneath the waves. Our school for tripilots is housed on a small island like this one. You must be prepared to live in deep water.”

  Holly voiced an objection, “But, we can’t breathe underwater. We don’t have gills.”

  He smiled. “Your scientists make artificial devices for breathing underwater. Earthers wear air extractors in their nostrils when they dive in the ocean of Europa. You can use the same breathers here and on Rishalt.”

  Tall Oba said, “When can we learn to swim underwater?”

  “Your eagerness is a g
ood sign. Taxyon Space has provided suitable breathers.” He held up a finger. “Before you dive, you must begin lessons in our language. We will speak to you in Warrishan.” He beckoned to his brothers. They extracted small boxes out of the pouches on their belts and opened the lids to display the contents. A dozen pea-sized objects lay inside the boxes.

  Indicating the boxes, Arrak said, “You will be permitted to wear these earbud translators.”

  His brothers handed an earbud to each of the candidates.

  Holly inserted the small ovoid in her right ear. Rosie and Amrita followed her example, as did most of the other girls.

  “Urish,” Arrak said. The translator rendered the words, ‘Yes, good.’

  But one of the Li sisters rejected the offered earbud, pushing it away and saying, “Learned we already Warrishan.”

  Arrak stabbed a finger at the triplets. “Your grammar needs to improve. I recommend you wear an earbud.”

  The identical triplets nodded in unison and accepted the translators.

  Amused by the Overseer’s rebuke, Holly curled her fingers over her mouth to cover a smile. She was glad he had dealt firmly with the uppity clones.

  He swung his gaze over the listeners. “You may swim safely inside the lagoon while our warders are alert for hazards. Do not venture farther into the ocean. We will lead small groups of you for diving lessons. We can take two triads this morning and the other triads after midday.”

  Looking at Vivian, he said, “Brisa Boyd, do you have any words for the young ladies?”

  “Yes.” She stood and gestured toward the far end of the veranda. “Lunch will be served in the pavilion at noon. The six of you who arrived yesterday can do your swimming practice this morning. I will show the rest of you to the library where you can watch the tutorials on Warrish society.”

  The candidates separated as she had suggested. The trios from the Americontinent and Sino Pacific Pact followed the members of the Blue Crescent Triad to the beach. Reluctant to leave the airy veranda, Holly gazed longingly at the turquoise water of the lagoon. But on Rosie’s nudge, she inhaled a deep breath of ozone-perfumed air and joined the group going into the building.