Bishdar Shronk nodded his assent to the serious validity of the question. “The people of Bahon,” he explained, “have made innumerable sacrifices over a long period of time, building up a free system to the point where they are now, fortunately, able — and not only able, but willing and happy — to have aided and to aid other peoples and nations in the task of doing the same. By partial, I must emphasize, only partial compensation, your people will demonstrate their willingness to sacrifice something in order to build and to prove to all the other oppressing and exploiting nations that … ” He spoke for a very long time, fluently, persuasively, coherently. And all the time he was talking, the supplies continued to be put in readiness to be sent off to Baho.
He was so astonished at their not going off that he could scarcely express his outrage that he and the other Bahon were going off, instead. Finally, his growling done, his large mouth small and grim, he spoke shortly. “We will be back,” he said. “We cannot be kept out.”
“You will, indeed, I must hope,” Tonoro agreed. “And not in anger, either. But on terms which will be mutually agreeable. And not alone.”
Cominthal was half-glad, half-doubtful. “Their plans were too difficult,” he said. “They wanted to move too fast. We aren’t used to that. But … What are we going to do?” he asked. “Now? Instead … .”
Tonoro explained his own notions to him. Presently, he would explain them to all the others, Quasi and Volanth and prisoners and refugees alike. Tarnis was part of Orinel. And all of Orinel had now to help them here in Tarnis, those nations which belonged to the Interleague Council and those which did not. Everyone coulcl contribute something. Everyone would. Even the Bahon.
“Even the Lermencasi?”
“Even the Lermencasi.”
Cominthal sucked in his breath as though he found it a trifle painful. Still, he seemed relieved. Still, he seemed puzzled.
“But … you said … prisoners and refugees, too. Why?”
“When I said, ‘everyone,’ I meant, ‘everyone.’ Even the Tarnisi. Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Even the Tarnisi. The sins of this generation of them were heavy and great. But they have paid greatly and heavily. The debt of this generation has been paid, and to hold any generation to blame for the debts or the deeds of another generation is insane.
“We need help. The Bahon can teach us industry, the Lermencasi can teach us commerce, the Pemathi can teach us diligence, and so on and on. But who will teach us how to live when we are not being taught? We cannot learn and build and buy and sell all the time. I see so clearly now that we will learn these other matters from those who are really, despite everything, closest to us of all. Some, of course, wont want to. Either they will fight on and be killed and captured and sent away, or they can go away of their own free will. And those who are already in exile, they can make their choice: Return and work with us, or stay where you are. ‘You forgive us and we will forgive you.’ Or else, wander in exile and warm yourselves with your hate.
“It may be easier for the Volanth. They endured violence, they performed violence. The slate is clean. But for you … for the Quasi … . it may be more difficult. We were closer to the Tarnisi; they spurned us more often simply because we were — and are — closer. Can we lie to ourselves, deny our own biology? We are at least as much them as we are anything else. It wasn’t just imitating, trying to pass. It was acting out a realized truth. And now all of that must move into a newer, better phase.”
Cominthal gave a long, deep sigh. “It never was easy. Maybe we just exchange the hard things, this one for that one. But, average them all, it should come out easier. Well, you talk first. We’ll ask them to come and listen. — Where?”
Fortunately or unfortunately, the Tree of Consultation was still standing. Its trunk was broad, its branches wide, and it stood between the sunlight and the shade.
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Copyright © 1966 by Avram Davidson
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eISBN 10: 1-4405-4582-0
eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-4582-5
The Enemy of My Enemy Page 20