Before & Beyond

by Patrick Welch

  “A noise, a noise coming from nowhere. This is your explanation for nearly destroying my ship and losing an employee?”

  “I have no other.”

  The USF representative spoke for the first time. “You blame this anomaly. Yet you offer only this evidence,” and he pressed the button on the recorder. Pason shivered as the room was filled with the familiar yet unrecognizable hum.

  “We didn’t know what it was and saw no reason to gather more information,” he said. Until it was too late. “We are only a supply ship.”

  “But you do have the coordinates?”

  He nodded and pointed at his report.

  “Yes, your report.” The officer glanced at it briefly, then set it aside. “I for one am prepared to charge you with gross dereliction of duty and ensure that you never command another vessel. However, since you work for a private company I lack that jurisdiction.”

  “I concur,” Pason’s employer said. “You are no longer a member of this firm!”

  The USF officer rose. “In that case, this inquiry is over. I’ll take this report with me.” He glared at Pason. “Be thankful you are not under my command. A court martial is too good for you.”

  Pason sighed. His career was in ruins. He had perhaps killed one of his best friends. And I still don’t know why.

  Outside, the officer placed the report in his briefcase. There was no doubt; the man Pason was at best lying, at worst a murderer. But they had the coordinates; tomorrow he would send a scout ship to investigate.

  Above her, around her, the cold white stars hung silent on the endless black tapestry of space. Once it had been different, once she had gazed upon white clouds and clear blue skies from her rocky perch. Once a roiling ocean and treacherous rocks had rested far below. But that was before the other, younger Gods, the Gods of Science, had seized control and driven her and her kind to this desolate sanctuary.

  She looked down at the strangely clad figure at her feet. The helmet had been broken on landing; now only the remains of instant decompression remained. Yet this troubled her not. Long had it been since another had joined her in her unwelcome solitude. To sacrifice himself as his pledge of eternal devotion, it brought a fleeting smile to her face. She demanded that of all her lovers, how else could they prove they were truly worthy of her?

  An unexpected flash of light caught her attention, but only briefly. She sensed immediately that the others she was calling would not arrive. That troubled her only briefly. Only once before had humans been able to ignore her summons. That was when she and her kind were the rulers of their world.

  She glanced once more at the ruined figure at her feet. She had one lover now, she was confident more would join him. Tilting back her head, the siren began to sing.

  RITES OF NEGOTIATION

  As usual it was raining. Sheets of rain, torrential rain, battering rock and soil into helpless submission. Driven by winds that threatened to uproot everything in their path.

  Merchant Prince Dabna Paruh gnawed on a gilowort root as he watched and heard the downpour batter his ship. His mood was as dark as the clouds above. “God, I hate this planet,” he swore to no one. How long had he endured this mission? 42 Celestial days at the minimum. And nearly every one had been haunted by rain.

  The ‘hoppers--not what they called themselves but their speech was nearly indecipherable without his assistance and he didn’t care in any event--had assured him that the weather was normal for this time of year. Which did little to appease him. Which meant that he was a near prisoner in his small vessel, entertained only by his small and shrinking entourage, what supplies he had brought with him, and the infrequent negotiating sessions. If the latter could be called entertainment.

  On the table near him rested enticingly one of the crystal pentahedrons that were the goal of his assignment. Even now it’s unique beauty, the ever-changing flow of colors radiating within it, took his breath away. He held it up and stared through it at the storm without. Even the rain and barren landscape of the planet was awe-inspiring when viewed this way. Obtaining them under an exclusivity agreement was worth every sacrifice.

  The thought roused him to action. He glanced at his list of drones. His supply was dwindling rapidly, the result of the stubbornness of the natives. But the next session was scheduled for the following day, just enough time to prepare another. “Summon Number Seven to my quarters,” he radioed the suspension chambers, then sighed. He had plenty of work to do.

  The boy shivered as the rain tore around him. If not for the drugs he would have been terrified. Despite the heat he wrapped his coat tightly around him, although the material could never hope to ward off the onslaught.

  Just a few steps ahead, although nearly indistinguishable through the downpour, Paruh slogged forward. In another time and another place he would never have suffered such an indignity. He would have insisted the meetings be held in his arena at his convenience. The ‘hoppers, however, preferred their stuffy caverns to the surface, especially in the rainy season. The fact he was willing to make sacrifices for them had to put him in a stronger negotiating position, he continually tried to reassure himself. Not always successfully.

  “This way, boy,” he said, pausing long enough to wave before veering to his left. The child obediently stumbled behind him, nearly fell, caught his balance and continued slowly forward. Paruh had spent most of the morning briefing his companion on the task ahead, since the child would serve as his translator during negotiations. Like the other drones, Paruh had plucked him from the streets when he was no more than three. A child much older than that would be too experienced, have too many memories, to function properly in his or her role. All the boy needed to know--all Paruh wanted him to know-- as what he had been told.

  Ahead Paruh could see the lighted entrance to the cavern. The technology of the ‘hoppers was extremely primitive. He understood why they wanted to negotiate for the scientific advances he could offer. His task was to offer as little as possible.

  Paruh had to stop twice to assist his companion before they finally walked out of the storm into the cave entrance. Two ‘hoppers were waiting to lead the way. They were unarmed, but they didn’t need to be; they towered over the humans, their thorny arms arched forward, their mandibles clicking constantly. They could easily dispatch the unarmed man and boy if they desired. As always, one took the lead, one trailed. Paruh wondered if it was the same pair of aliens which greeted him each time; without apparel or ornament of any type, it was nearly impossible for him to tell them apart. Only the creature he was negotiating with adopted any appearance of a personality.

  They quickly traversed the now-familiar path to the meeting area. The child squeezed Paruh’s hand nervously as they entered the vast natural cavern. Paruh cooed to him softly, trying to calm him as they approached his counterpart. Except for their escort, there were no other ‘hoppers present.

  The two parties stood silently facing each other several paces apart. The ‘hopper gazed at the humans with it’s multi-faceted eyes for a moment, then lunged abruptly forward. This was the moment Paruh always feared: would this be the time the alien decided to choose him? He let out a heavy sigh of relief as the insect enclosed its pincers around his companion, drawing him up, bringing it to within inches of its always-moving mandibles.

  Would the boy scream? Paruh wondered. It had happened before, but this time the dosage was adequate to keep the child’s fear to a minimal. Paruh watched, as always fascinated and horrified, as possession began. Tendrils emerged from the ‘hopper’s mouth, seeking and entering the boy’s nose, ears, pupils. Inside him now they snaked through soft tissue and within blood vessels, seeking the centers for speech, spreading themselves within his cranium, taking control of his entire nervous system, his neuro network. His brain. The child shuddered once, then became stiff and still as control was completed. “Greetings, Paruh,” the child said for the ‘hopper negotiator.

  “And most bounteous greetings to you this lovely day,” he repli
ed. He still did not know the name of this creature, wasn’t even sure if it had a name.

  “You have brought us a counter proposal?”

  “As I promised. Yes I have. One I think you will be quite pleased with.”

  “Please begin.”

  Paruh sat cross-legged on the rocky floor. Now that the actual session could begin, he decided to make himself comfortable, although he wished the creatures would learn about such amenities as furniture. The ‘hopper could stand erect for hours, but it never complained, never gave any sign of taking umbrage at his casualness. “Let us begin with the portable atomic power plant.”

  It was actually unnecessary for Paruh to speak aloud the list of equipment he was willing to offer. The ‘hopper could access all that information within the mind of the drone, information Paruh had spent hours painstakingly committing to the child. Other information the child did not possess. That the technology and equipment being offered was nearly 200 years old, hopelessly antiquated. That much of the equipment would break down quickly and was irreparable. That the actual value of the technology in no way was fair compensation for what the ‘hopper was prepared to offer. Which was why he was forced to use his drones in these sessions.

  As he read through his list, he was sure his counterpart was comparing it to the information the boy contained. If there were conflicts, the session would end quickly. Terra-forming equipment, for example. Explaining that to the technology-challenged ‘hopper could take days. Imprinting it within the child, however, was another matter: it simplified and explained the concept in a matter of seconds. By the time Paruh was completed, his throat was sore and parched. Yet there were never any refreshments offered in these sessions either. He wondered sometimes if the ‘hoppers had any concept of expected amenities, or merely used his discomfort to further their cause.

  There was an extended silence as he reached the end of the list. “This is little changed from your last proposal.”

  “My last proposal was an extremely fair offer.”

  “For 10,000 of our crystals? They are extremely rare and difficult to excavate. You would nearly exhaust our entire supply.”

  “You have a counter proposal?”

  “3,000.” Even though the voice was of a young child, the finality was clear.

  Paruh rose and stretched his legs. “That would barely cover the expenses I have incurred in traveling here, let alone in later distribution. I cannot accept that.”

  He waited while the ‘hopper perused the boy’s memory. It would find only confirmation of his story, since he had taught his drone that as well. The ‘hopper, through the child, spoke again. “Your profitability is not our concern. 3,000.”

  “On the contrary. If I cannot make a profit, I cannot afford to continue trade negotiations with you. And you will receive nothing.”

  “There are other traders.”

  Yes, there were, Paruh thought. But his family had exclusive rights to this planet. Rights which they were prepared to defend. At any cost. And the ‘hopper had been given that information many negotiations ago. “7,000. For everything I have promised.”

  “3,000.”

  Paruh looked at his watch. “Then I must consider this session over. You may keep the drone.” He started to leave.

  “Wait.” Paruh suppressed a smile as he turned. “I must consult with the One. I shall return shortly.” The ‘hopper set the boy down and withdrew his tendrils. Immediately, without a sound or movement, the child collapsed on the rocky floor as if he had forgotten how to stand. The negotiator retreated into a rear corridor, the other ‘hoppers remained but paid little notice as Paruh helped the boy to his feet. Looking into his blank eyes, Paruh knew immediately his drone would not survive another session.

  But then, they never did. Once he had brought a drone back to his ship, but the child lacked nearly all brain activity. After that he had left the drones for the ‘hoppers to do with whatever they wished. “Just a little longer, boy,” he whispered encouragement. The boy made no response, merely stood and wavered on unsteady legs. Don’t let your speech center be gone, Paruh prayed. Otherwise he would have to condition another drone, and another day of negotiations would be wasted.

  This was the part of the sessions Paruh hated most. Every time the ‘hopper had left him to consult with... whatever and every time it had returned with a refusal. Leaving Paruh to sit in the hot, humid chamber to sweat and, eventually, make a solitary return to his ship. This time he was confident he had sweetened the pot considerably. Whether they agreed was another question.

  Hunger was beginning to gnaw at his stomach when the ‘hopper reappeared. The translator was immediately seized and control established. “We have considered your offer. We find it acceptable.”

  Excellent! Paruh gave no outward sign of his elation, however. Although he doubted the creature could read his body language, it was better the ‘hopper consider him a reluctant participant rather than a jubilant victor. “When may we begin transfer?”

  “We may begin as soon as possible.”

  “In that case I will return to my ship and make preparations.” He bowed and abruptly left the cavern, leaving the hoppers to dispose of his drone. By the time he reached his ship he had forgotten about the boy entirely.

  The Third wended its way quickly to the caverns deeper underground. Unlike the one it had just left, these were not lit by torches. Instead lights powered by the technology they had obtained from the outsider flooded the vast chamber. Since the soft ones had arrived over six cycles ago, its technicians had been learning the secrets of the alien science and adapting it to their physical requirements. Already mining and metallurgy were proceeding nicely, two skills the ‘hoppers had not possessed before human interference. If Paruh could see what they had accomplished, he would be quite surprised, if not alarmed. But that, the Third knew, was never going to happen.

  It made its way directly to the chamber of the One. The guards quickly determined its ranking and granted it admission. Once inside, it ceased walking on its hindquarters in deference to the One. Meekly it crawled forward and sought an audience.

  Her attendants made way reluctantly as it approached. The Third stopped before her and stretched forward. It allowed Her tendrils to envelop and possess him, to prove to Her satisfaction that it merited its continued existence. That determination made, She withdrew and allowed it to regain control. “Has an agreement been reached,” she asked.

  “Yes. The alien will take 7,000 of the crystals.”

  “It would not take more?”

  “It is necessary the soft ones continue to believe the crystals are rare and valuable to us. Otherwise we will obtain nothing of value in return.”

  “Why did you wait so long?”

  “Again, necessary. We must maintain the position of power in all negotiations. I have been able to deduce through his underlings how greatly he desires the crystals. By delaying, we have increased his desire.”

  “When will the disposal be made?”

  “Soon. Transfer should be complete within the day.”

  “You have performed most excellently. I am pleased to see that I was correct in appointing you my Third.”

  While her attendants were removing the crystal eggs which She laid constantly, the eggs which the soft ones, for some unfathomable reason, valued so highly, the Third hurried back through the tunnels, its work not yet done. It wished to be present during the unloading of their new technology.

  For the aliens were providing an unexpected solution to a vexing problem. When their world had been young, propagation had been their chief means of survival. But as they had evolved and conquered their natural enemies, their queen’s fertility had become a danger. As long as they were bound to their world, their resources were limited. Most of Her nearly indestructible crystal eggs were allowed to remain unfertilized; cannibalism helped control the population of those which were. Hopefully that would soon change. Now that they knew off-world flight was possible, their technicians we
re adapting the alien technology to help them escape their world. Once they did, population control should no longer be a concern. Then they would no longer need to trade for new technology. They would simply take it.

  On its way to the surface it passed through the negotiating chamber. The body of a soft one still lied where it had dropped it. The creature still lived, still breathed. But all upper brain functioning had now ceased. Eventually it would be removed and consumed. The Third gave it only a cursory glance. It would prefer to negotiate with the alien, but that was impossible. The brains of the adult creatures were too developed, too burdened with conflicting and chaotic memories and emotions, to be safely controlled. During their first meeting they had tried direct communication. The encounter left the soft one in a screaming, vegetative state. It’s own mediator had fared no better; it had simply collapsed from sensory overload and attempts at further linkage had resulted in the same effect on others of its kind.

  The current method of negotiations, while not completely satisfactory, at least made direct communication possible.

  It found the soft one and its drone waiting by its ship and supervising the unloading of the equipment. The Third seized the drone and quickly obtained control. “How long will it take?”

  “Not long. Everything has been crated and ready for removal since I arrived. And the crystals?”

  “They are currently being transported. They should arrive shortly.”

  Paruh nodded. “I shall be leaving immediately. Please inform your workers for their own safety.”

  “Of course.” Since no further conversation was necessary, it released control of the drone. It paid no attention as Paruh led the girl back into his ship, its interest solely on the equipment it had obtained. In exchange for something that was completely worthless. Yes, the One should be quite pleased.

  Paruh opened a bottle of Farin wine and poured himself a healthy portion. A reward well deserved for such a successful trip. He gave the crystal one admiring glance, then sat back and sighed. His cargo bay now held 7,000 of the treasures. A portion, perhaps a third, would be sold on the open market, where their unique beauty would fetch his family a handsome profit. The others would be fertilized and the eggs shipped to the mining colonies on Pordenon. The ‘hoppers were well suited for toiling in the steaming jungle planet. Hard working, dependable and most of all disposable.