by M. D. Hall
A flicker of expression flashed across Beron’s face, so fleeting Hugo was unsure he had actually seen it. The look, for as long as it lasted, was of thinly disguised impatience. If Tala knew, she kept it well hidden.
Of course, the lead Te'an agent was fully aware of what Beron thought, but she had already swept the Tellurian along into her imagery. If their plan was to succeed, it was critical he was totally committed to the enterprise, or at least what he perceived it to be. She would deal with Beron later, no matter that his father was on the Supreme Council, Garnoth would not tolerate failure; a simple reminder to the son of Vaaris would bring him back into line.
She returned her attention to Hugo Black.
‘Let me explain our specific plans: we intend to repair the damage to your atmosphere, which goes far beyond the disruption of the ozone layer. To do this without giving you the means of avoiding the same pitfalls in the future would merely postpone the inevitable, and so we'll also provide you with the key to fusion power.’
Hugo knew that fusion power was an elusive source of energy, that would be within the reach of researchers during his lifetime, he had half expected something more exotic.
She saw the look of disappointment on his face. ‘You're right, of course, we don't rely upon fusion reactors, they're far too crude and inefficient for our needs, but they'll serve you well, as they provide a source of energy that will be plentiful, inexpensive and relatively safe, and the reactors we will provide are hundreds of years away from your scientists. Perhaps of more interest to you will be an anti gravity system to serve as the basis for all of your transport needs. The energy system utilised is almost as sophisticated as that used on our home planet. We've ascertained that most of your problems can be traced to energy and transport. If they're resolved, you will survive, and only then, might you progress.’
Hugo looked at the small pebble.
‘Yes,’ said Tala, ‘just an extension of what you’ve already experienced. You're probably wondering why we won't provide you with more sophisticated technology...’ she paused long enough for him voice his question. If she genuinely expected him to say anything, she was to be disappointed. The truth was, he had no question. He went over, in his mind, what she had offered: clean atmosphere, limitless ‘safe’ energy, and revolutionised travel, what’s not to like?
In the absence of a response she carried on. ‘There are two reasons we're reticent to provide you with more highly advanced technology: first, your people mustn’t know we're involved, hence our visit to you. It will be difficult enough for you to convince them that the discoveries your corporation announces are Tellurian in origin, but at least they’re within the bounds of possibility. Anything more sophisticated will strain credulity too far.’
Hugo was now ready to ask a question, what’s Tellurian? he thought, but did not want to stem the flow of information. The question could wait.
‘Second, and more importantly,’ she continued, ‘more advanced technologies are restricted to civilisations that have already achieved a minimum level of advancement, the key determinant of which is interstellar flight. You're nowhere near that stage of development. There’s a very good reason for the restriction. We’ve found, on our travels, that races who've attained interstellar travel, we call them emergent, have usually lost their desire, or need for conquest, despite what your more lurid science fiction would have you believe,’ she smiled at the reference, ‘I know that I alluded to dangerous races but they, to use one of your colloquial expressions, buck the trend. Your race has immense potential, yet you're still a very dangerous people, at least at your current evolutionary stage.’
Hugo was confused, then why bother helping us?
She raised her eyebrows as Beron shifted in his seat. ‘We've watched you for a long time. You fight amongst yourselves, seeking to destroy each other. When your conflicts are over, you start all over again, because at this stage of your evolution you’re incapable of learning lessons from your mistakes. You justify them to yourselves, and refuse to move on. In time, if you survive long enough, that will change, but for now you're too immature to be trusted with the full power of our technology. The local stellar region wouldn't be safe from you. From our objective standpoint, we've decided to help you save yourselves, while recognising our duty to protect your galactic neighbours.’
Hugo was shocked, he had never thought of the human race as being something to be protected against. It was a sobering thought.
‘It was initially decided that we should provide no more assistance than I've outlined, but that still leaves a gulf that will take many generations to bridge, and the plight of so many of your people is grave. In our study of your planet, we discovered vast numbers living in appalling conditions with few, if any amenities to enable them to enjoy the life that all advanced races should expect. There needs to be more to what we are doing than simply preserving the species, we must do what we can to make life easier for the individuals who make up your race,’ it seemed to Hugo that she was speaking to herself as much as to him. ‘To this end, my superiors have obtained a dispensation from our Supreme Council, which means we can provide you with something best described as a vastly more sophisticated version of, what you call, nano technology.’
‘To do what, exactly?’ he asked.
‘It will enable you to transform landscapes, and create buildings by use of programmable, self-replicating particles to any sustainable pattern, or design. Buildings using this technology are stronger, and more resilient than anything you know. The programs can be altered to evolve as needs change, and have inbuilt safeguards to prevent harm to occupants. That, together with the provision of stations replicating the basic staples of your diet, will provide for the larger part of your population, while you make the choices that will determine your future, in particular, whether you survive as a species. Make no mistake, none of this will count for anything, if you don't control your appetites.’
Tala had prepared for this moment for a long time, going over it in her mind, time and again, only too aware of how critical it was to keep any hint of hypocrisy from her voice. Her fears proved groundless.
‘Operation of the replicating machines will be monitored, as their use must be restricted. We are conscious of the need to alleviate starvation, but your world mustn't rely upon that technology, it's a short-term measure, nothing more,’ as if sensing he needed reassurance, she said. ‘Don't worry, we wouldn't invest in your race, if we didn't believe you were able to come through this. We believe, in time, you will become emergent, and when that happens, we'll return and invite you to join us.’
‘And when,’ he asked, ‘is that likely to be?’ feeling an increasing sense of excitement.
She paused, as if giving the question careful thought. ‘We anticipate you should reach that stage in about six hundred years.’
Hugo felt like a small child who writes to Santa asking for a puppy and after weeks of anticipation discovers, on Christmas morning, nothing more than a cuddly toy, nice enough in its way, but not a puppy. Like that child, he should still be grateful, but to know this would happen long after he was no longer even a memory, left him feeling empty.
Tala knew how disappointed he was, which was exactly how she wanted him. The same reaction could reasonably be expected from the leaders of this world, which would prepare them perfectly for the third stage of her plan.
‘Now, we need to move on to your role.’
He shook himself out of his state of self-pity, at last, he thought. For the first time since this strange meeting had begun, Hugo had the inklings of what this all meant, not a political game, or a negotiation over the niceties of a restraint clause in a contract, it was the future of the entire planet.
‘As I’ve told you, we can't be seen to be part of this, your people would be afraid and suspicious. Their immediate instinct would be to reject our aid. They wouldn’t think it through.’
‘And why should they trust you?’ asked Hugo. ‘After all, they do
n't know you, and there’s an expression here, nothing is for nothing. More than a few might wonder what you get out of this.’
‘Because, Hugo, may I call you that?’
‘Of course.’
‘Because Hugo, if we wanted to take this planet, you wouldn’t be able to stop us,’ her argument was simple, but irrefutable. ‘However, if we get to a point where we have to use that argument, the damage to any future relationship between our peoples, may be irreparable.’
He completed her reasoning. ‘So you figure it would be better to give us what we need without us really knowing where it comes from.’
‘Precisely.’
‘I’m not the only cynic. Our leaders won't believe that everything you’ve told me about, can come from a home-grown enterprise.’
‘Why not?’ she replied, nonplussed. ‘Look at the alternative. Do most people believe in extraterrestrial intelligent life?’
He shook his head.
‘Of course they don’t. They’ll look anywhere other than the stars, to discover the provenance of what we’re giving them. They’ll have some other conspiracy theories, but all will fall wide of the mark.’
Hugo was not persuaded, but had to concede that her reasoning would probably turn out to be right.
This side issue resolved, Tala continued. ‘The corporation I spoke of needs to be wholly owned and controlled by Tellurians.’
‘Tellurians, I meant to ask you earlier, what are Tellurians?’
‘You are Tellurian.’
‘I’m human.’
‘Yes, like us, you’re human, but all you know is this planet and the people on it. You label each other in various ways to preserve your various identities. It’s no different out there,’ her eyes motioned upwards and, absurdly, Hugo followed her line of sight, as though expecting to see something other than the ceiling. ‘Beron and I are humans from Te’ath, making us Te’an. You are a human from Telluria and, therefore, Tellurian,’ she hurriedly added: ‘We didn’t make the name, up it’s one of your words.’
‘I suppose it’s as good a word as any other,’ he replied.
‘We couldn’t think of a better one.’
'What’s our planet called, out there?'
'I don't know what anyone else calls it, but we have it designated as G48/3/9.'
'A number?'
'I'm afraid so. We now refer to it as Telluria, but perhaps we should call it Earth, just like you…’ her face darkened. ‘Something else is troubling you?’
He was impressed at her perception, or maybe, he thought, I don’t have the poker face I thought I had. ‘I find it more than a little odd, we are visited by a race from the stars, that just happens to be human. I can’t get my head around it. I’m no scientist but I’d say the odds against are, if you'll excuse the pun, astronomical?’
Her smile returned. ‘Pun excused, and yes, you’d be right if we were the only two species in this region of space. The truth is, between our two planets, there are over two hundred and seventy sentient races, and only two are human. Many are so unlike us, they couldn’t survive in a human friendly environment, so you see, it’s not such a coincidence after all. Of all the races we’ve helped, yours is the only one that is human. Most of the sentient races keep to themselves, and only a small proportion forms part of our affiliation.’
Hugo returned her smile, indicating he was happy with the answer, but a glance at Beron confirmed the sentiment was not universal. ‘My second question?' he hurriedly added. ‘Everything you've told me so far makes sense, but I still don't see why you want me as your CEO.’
She nodded. ‘The reason we’ve chosen you is that the person we need to head the corporation must not only know his way around the legal landscape, but also be able to negotiate his way through the political jungle, I hope I used the correct idiom?’
‘You did,’ he replied. Now he knew why they wanted him, Hugo’s mind stepped up a couple of gears. ‘I can see a number of practical problems, immediately.’
‘I would like to think we’ve correctly anticipated you, and have the answers you want.’
Inwardly he suspected they were a little naïve when it came to just how things actually got done. ‘Who’s going to manufacture these wonders?’ he asked.
‘We will. In fact, we’ve already started. To answer your next question, at a secret location not far from here,’ Hugo simply looked at her.
‘You look surprised’
‘I am. You seem to have taken a lot for granted, like assuming I’d say yes,’ he shook his head as realisation dawned, ‘but you already had others lined up to step in, if I said no?’ he left the question hanging, and got the answer he needed from Tala’s eyes. ‘How long have you been working on this?’
‘Long enough. One of our support ships is positioned in orbit behind your moon. It contains all the technicians and logistics teams needed to supervise construction, at all proposed manufacturing sites. Once the corporation is established, we would expect local inhabitants at each of the sites to carry out the day to day tasks.’
‘You understand,’ he responded, ‘that the manufacturing processes will have to be explained to the government, and getting permission to manufacture may take some time,’ another penny dropped. ‘That’s why you chose me!’
‘You will need to call in all the favours owed to you by your political connections, and persuade others that it’s in their interests for matters to proceed with haste, and unobstructed. The consequences of you failing to persuade the authorities to act immediately, will be catastrophic.’
Hugo was struck by the inevitability of that statement.
‘It’s why we’ve been extremely diligent in choosing the right person, in choosing you.’
He had already decided to accept the offer, and when it was clear that Tala had finished, there was a palpable sense of excitement, at least between the two of them. Beron, was no more animated now than at any time during the meeting. If nothing else, his persona would convince Hugo of their alien provenance.
Recalling her earlier statement, he was forced to accept that he would become the most powerful man on Earth and wondered, am I ready for that? He was a man who negotiated on behalf of others, and unlike his contemporaries, his successes were not in court, on public display. Preferring to remain in the background, he left his clients to bask in the glow of victory. If he accepted this offer there would be no quiet place to which he could retreat, for all practicable purposes he would be the corporation, its public face.
He tried to imagine what would happen if he refused, and his clients went to someone who actually revelled in the power on offer, but without any knowledge of the other candidates he was forced to speculate. Hugo hated speculation, as it meant assuming the worst: the world at the beck and call of a megalomaniac. Retreating from his imagination, which had already conjured images of what could be, as well as fledgling morality questions, he turned his attention to the present, and allowed his pragmatic side to hold sway. ‘I need to be convinced that what you say is true. Naturally, I don't expect you to prove everything you’ve told me, but I imagine my request was anticipated.’
‘It’s no less than I would have expected and yes, we did prepare for this contingency. If we convince you, what then?’
‘Then,’ he replied, ‘I’ll head your corporation, on one condition,’ Tala raised her eyebrows. ‘Liz Corcoran comes with me, and remains my PA.’
For the first time, Hugo saw a look, other than calm, pass across the face of Tala. Beron’s face remained stoic. She was clearly, less than pleased with his condition. ‘We’ve provided for your every need, you’ll be supplied with all the administrative assistance you require.’
‘I’m sorry, it’s non-negotiable.’ The tone of his voice signalled finality, and after a very short pause, Tala’s face regained its veneer of calm. ‘I’m sure your PA can be accommodated,’ she replied, her voice velvety smooth. ‘I only ask that she’s told nothing, until you make your final decision and then, onl
y if you agree to assist us.’
‘Then I'm ready for the demonstration which, I guess, will begin soon.’
‘Oh, very soon,’ said Tala, ‘in fact, immediately, if that’s convenient?’
‘Not here?’
‘No, we’ll take you to our facility, we have transport available.’
‘Are we going to beam there?’
Tala shook her head, indulgently. ‘Contrary to what your televised, and written science fiction would have it, random teleportation is quite uncommon. We’ve never experienced it, ourselves. We can and do, use teleportation within controlled environments, such as our ships and larger buildings. I’m afraid we’ll have to rely upon a less esoteric, more mundane form of transport, at least for the first part of our journey. We’ll be gone for several hours.’
Hugo nodded, but felt uneasy at the thought of holding things back from Liz, he always kept her in the loop, and never dissembled where she was concerned. While tempted to inform her, something, instinct perhaps, warned him it would be unwise. The feeling was one he was unable to understand, let alone explain, but he decided not to ignore it. He pressed a button on his intercom. ‘Liz, I’ll be leaving soon to attend a site visit with my clients,’ he looked at Tala before adding. ‘It won't be necessary for you to come to this one.’
‘Yes, Mr Black.’
He continued. ‘I’ll be back late in the afternoon.’
Usually, Liz accompanied him on initial site visits, her observations were indispensable, but there was no hesitation from the disembodied voice. ‘Of course, Mr Black. How would you like me to deal with the call you are expecting?’
She was referring to a call from Gerry Wye, the President’s chief of staff. It would have been careless of her to refer openly to the identity of the caller, and Liz was never careless.
‘You’ll need to make an excuse. I can't be contacted for any reason, by anyone.’