by neetha Napew
“They’re friendly and they are not armed,’ Ken Reeve said, raising his arms, elbows out and away from his body as he manoeuvred himself between Eonneh and the nearest marines. The Gringg followed suit.
“They’re very friendly,’ Frill added in a bellow, grinning as broadly as he could to reinforce his words.
Castleton’s voice echoed over the P.A. system. “Security, assemble at a safe distance. Await further orders.”
“Yes, sir,’ replied the lieutenant in charge.
He signalled to his men, who reformed in a close group beyond the shuttle. Frill felt his face redden.
“Captain,’ Ken Reeve said, frowning with annoyance at such over hostility, “aren’t you being a bit paranoid?
They’ve shown no signs of aggression at any time.”
“This is a security vessel, Mr Reeve,’ the captain said in sharp tones.
“So it is,’ Ken said, sarcastically. “I’d forgotten.”
“There are definite procedures for this sort of thing, you know,’ Frill added, with a glance of apology at Reeve.
“Don’t apologize for doing your duty,’ Greene snapped.
He marched towards the decontamination booth.
Following Commander Greene, the party went through one by one.
Ken and Frill stayed behind with the Gringg to reassure them, as best they could by smiles and trying to appear totally relaxed, that this was customary procedure.
Neither of the two emissaries seemed dismayed, ignoring the actinic lights and the fans that fluffed up their fur.
Ken admired their phlegmatic behaviour in a totally foreign environment.
Certainly there had been no similar procedures on the Gringg ship.
Barnstable was waiting as Greene, then Jilamey, followed by Lauder, emerged from the launch bay. The Spacedep chairman was containing himself with difficulty.
Behind him, Castleton couldn’t keep her eyes off the massive figures now passing through decontamination.
Greene saluted and made directly to a computer terminal and began to enter codes.
“Whew, aren’t they big mamas?” Ali Kiachif breathed.
“My son?” Hrrestan asked of Jilamey, the fur at the nape of his neck was erect with fear. “He did not rrturn with you?”
“He’s fine, Hrrestan. Stayed on board the visitors’ vessel with Todd,’ Jilamey said soothingly. “They’ve volunteered,’ and he wrinkled his nose and grinned, “to be our ambassadors to the Gringg. These are our new friends.
The gold one’s Eonneh, and the other’s Ghotyakh.”
“Amazing crrreatures,’ Hrrestan said, gazing up at the two Gringg with wide eyes.
Snapping off the computer terminal, Greene marched up to his superior officers and saluted. His face was pale.
“Sirs, I must see you immediately,’ he said.
“Commander, how could you so mislead me as to the size of these .
. . these things?” Barnstable said.
“They aren’t things,’ Jilamey said, indignantly. “They’re Gringg.
. . and intelligent folk.” Barnstable brushed that observation aside.
“This is a Spacedep vessel “Currently assisting Alreldep,’ Ken said, bracing the Admiral, “in establishing friendly communication with a new species.
Barnstable glared fiercely at Greene. “When I sent you along as a Spacedep representative, Commander, this was exactly the kind of lame-brained irresponsible behaviour I expected you to counter.
“In point of fact, Admiral, encouraging this. . . delegation is not irresponsible.” Greene aimed a very significant look at Barnstable.
“They are, as you see, larger than any of us.” Barnstable cleared his throat. “Yes, there’s that.” He began to reconsider his position as Eonneh approached, passing close to him as he entered the lounge.
“Did you ah . . . manage to establish communications?”
“No, sir.
We’ve exchanged a few words, nothing more.
The rest was accomplished through a primitive sign language, and demonstrations.” Greene shot a jaundiced glance at Ken Reeve. “Then they wouldn’t allow us to reboard the shuttle unless we brought them,’ and he cocked his thumb at the Gringg, “with us.” He glared again at Reeve.
“Well, what do we do with them?” Greene flapped one hand indecisively.
“Whatever one does with a new species . . sir. They came voluntarily.
Just as young Reeve and Hrriss remained. Sir, permission to speak to you privately concerning the Gringg. It is urgent.”
“Watch it there, Greene,’ Jilamey said in a firm and angry voice. “The Gringg may not understand our spoken language, but your body language is sending hostility signals. Lighten up.” That made the two Spacedep men pause and glance suspiciously at the aliens.
“We have to know what we’re dealing with,’ Barnstable said.
“I don’t know about you, Admiral,’ Castleton said, “but the size of them makes me nervous.
Ghotyakh waddled in and began to exchange quiet murmurs with Eonneh.
“We’ll keep them here long enough to run tests,’ the Admiral said.
“Hold everything, Admiral,’ Ken began, momentarily distracted by Jilamey’s agitation, “if there’s going to be any testing done, physicians affiliated with Treaty Island or Alreldep and Hrruban Alien Relations should officiate.
Spacedep isn’t involved.”
“I agrrrree,’ Second Speaker put in, taking a step forward. He seemed much put out by the huge aliens’ appearance and was maintaining a discreet distance. The one with the light-coloured pelt leaned his way, sniffing.
Affronted, he clutched his robe tighter around himself.
Undaunted, the alien turned its huge head toward Mllaba and snuffed at her. “You cannot sequester such data.”
“You may perform your own examinations when we have finished,’ Barnstable said stiffly.
“You’re not getting the message, are you, Admiral?” Ken said, stiff with indignation. “These aren’t lab animals. They’re sentient beings from a highly sophisticated culture and they’re here as envoys, not creatures to be dissected. Get that straight now, once and for all. They are to be treated with honour and respect!” He let out a breath. “Because that’s how we hope they’re treating our emissanes.
“Surely,’ Kiachif put in silkily, “you don’t want unwelcome, untested, and unauthorized aliens aboard your flagship any longer than you have to? I’ll take “em off your hands right smart.”
“Since Spacedep may have to clear up after you AIreldeps mess up this first contact -, Greene began.
“I didn’t mess up first contact before, did I?” Ken said in a voice that was cold with threat. “Ali, we accept your offer of transport here and now.”
“Just a living minute, Kiachif Barnstable began, clearly determined to keep the aliens aboard where he would have control of their disposition. “Castleton, escort these - - these creatures to suitable quarters.” The captain stared at the aliens, and turned to her commanding officer.
“With all respect, Admiral,’ she said, “we haven’t any big enough for them outside of this lounge,’ and she gestured about her, “or the wardroom which cannot be secured .
“Dammit!” Ken Reeve said, in an exasperated roar. “The Gringg are NOT liable to Spacedep authority. They are Alreldep’s. They’re coming down to Doonarrala with us.
And that’s that!” His bellow made everyone regard him in surprise.
The Gringg rumbled and shifted their big feet.
“Now look what you’ve done,’ Jilamey said, swinging accusingly at Barnstable and Castleton. Making reasuring sounds and waving his hands in placatory gestures, he went right up to Eonneh and Ghotyakh who blinked rapidly but made no move.
“Relax, lassie, they don’t have any weapons,’ Kiachif said to Castleton, who had instinctively reached for her sidearm.
“Just claws and teeth,’ she replied, but she dropped her hand to her side. Greene looked poised to mov
e between her and the Gringg if she so much as gestured.
“They look so dangerrrrous,’ Mllaba murmured, still standing closer than protocol allowed to Second Speaker.
“Then we mustn’t upset them, must we?” Kiachif asked, rather enjoying the naval alarm.
“Especially at the outset of what should develop into mutual respect and harmony,’ Ken said in a disgusted tone. “Now, let’s get these good . . . creatures,’ and he made the term far more a title than Barnstable had, “down to an environment that is not bristling with hostility and weapons.” With ill grace, Barnstable finally agreed.
“The Kiachif vessel has leave to depart,’ Captain Castleton said into her communit to the bridge.
“Captain, will you also make contact with Admiral Sumitral at Alreldep?”
Hrrestan asked, then turned politely to Second Speaker.
“Sir, you will wish to inform the Hrruban Council of this development.
“The Terran council will hear of this,’ Barnstable said.
“Along with the rest of civilized space,’ Ken said, shedding all trace of his previous aggressiveness now that the navy had acquiesced.
“Sometimes, Hrrestan, you exceed your authority,’ Hrrto remarked in a taut voice.
Even as Hrrestan bowed low in apology, he wished that the old First Speaker was still alive, with his wisdom and forbearance available to help them through this tense situation.
“I thought you would not wish to be seen in the same light as that Hayuman Admiral,’ Hrrestan said meekly.
Hrrto regarded him through slitted eyes and his tail switched just once. The Second Speaker pulled his nails through his muzzle whiskers and then dropped his jaw ever so slightly.
“A point, Hrrestan. A point.”
“Shall I also give permission for Sumitral to use the grid for conveyance to Doonarrala? Aireldep has always been the most intelligent branch of the Hayuman Authorities.
Hrrto considered that a moment longer, then with a ffick of half-bared claws gave Hrrestan permission. It would do HIrto no harm in his campaign for the First Speakership to be seen to side with the Spacedep, always the nemesis of the conservative element of Hrruba.
Hrrestan turned to Castleton and swept her a graceful bow.
“Please let it be known in the Federazhon Building that we request the most immediate prrresence of Admiral Sumitral in the First Village complex. I am most grrrateful for your assistance.”
“This way, folks,’ Kiachif said, gesturing broadly towards the bay in which his shuttle was docked.
“I’m to be kept posted, do you hear me?” Barnstable shouted as Ken and the others swept towards the connecting link.
The security force drew back, hands convulsively closing on their weapons as he swung through.
“This way, gentlebears,’ Jilamey said, skipping in front to lead the way. “Next stop, a fine little planet that I’m sure you’ll adore.” After a quick huddle with Captain Castleton and Admiral Barnstable, Greene followed the Second Speaker and the still apprehensive Milaba as they started to leave the bay.
“A moment, honoured sir,’ he said in good Middle Hrruban, laying a hand on Hrrto’s robed arm, “of your most valuable time.”
“For what reason?” Second Speaker asked stiffly, glancing down at the offensive hand. Beside him, Mllaba let out a hissing breath.
“I beg your pardon,’ and Greene snatched his hand back, bowing apologetically. “Honoured Speaker,’ he went on in a humble tone, though Hrrto recognized in the Hayuman a warrior’s bearing that showed he bent the knee to no one, “please let the shuttle depart without you.
Admiral Barnstable and Captain Castleton wish a few words with you.
About this new species. It will delay your return to Doonarrala only a few moments.”
“Very well,’ Second said, without inflection or expression. Greene nodded to the captain, who lifted her communication unit.
“The shuttle may depart now,’ she said. The blast doors closed before anyone on board the small ship could question the absence of the Hrrubans.
The Hayuman glanced towards the brilliant light of the shuttle’s exhaust port, fast disappearing over the curve of the planet. Second Speaker followed his gaze, then directed a curious stare at Greene.
“The Admiral thought that perhaps you are not so sanguine about the nature of these new beasts.” The brown eyes searched the slitted green feline ones. “Perhaps you, too, believe that more caution should be exercised in regard to these Gringg.”
“Perhaps,’ Second said, very cautiously. “But why should you share these thoughts with me?” Greene moved closer to him, into uncomfortable proximity. Though he was shorter than the Hrruban, he seemed to loom.
“Because, honoured sir, you have power and influence here and on your own home world, and you are known for your sagacity in their use,’ the Hayuman said in a low voice. “The arrival of these beasts complicates the equation that already exists between Hrruban and Hayuman and interrupts proceedings that have long been on the agenda.
Should this be allowed to occur? And at this critical point?
There is more to this than meets the eye.
Admiral Barnstable and the captain beg a few moments to discuss their views with you. Nothing official, or binding, certainly. Merely a friendly chat.”
“You interest me, Commandrrr,’ Second said, his pupils narrowing. He stepped away from the Havuman, restoring his breathing space. He found the commander almost more threatening than the Gringg. “Very well, so long as it is understood that this is only a small chat.” Kelly Reeve fidgeted. When Todd and the company had departed to investigate the strange spaceship, Hrrestan’s assistant had addressed the remainder of the delegates left in the dining room.
“Honorred frriends, we must postpone fertherr deliberations until the others have returrrned. We have zaken measurres to ensurre yrrr comfort while you are here, and we will keep you inforrrmed about the ship orbiting above us. Please do not dizcuss what you have hearrrd with anyone who does not have ze proprrr classificazhon.
Securfzy is vital.” The financial agent from Hrruba was the amy one to voice a protest. “Our time is valuable. Zis interruption must not interferre with ourr negotiations,’ she said.
“We have not a choice,’ the assistant replied. “We may not continue in ze absence of ze honorred Second Speaker and half our membrrrs.” Putting aside her nervousness, Kelly smiled at the Hrruban executive. “Perhaps you would care to return with me to my village? I would be delighted to make welcome one who is so invaluable to the High Council.”
“Zonk you, no. I will remain on the Zreaty Island until the Speaker returns. I have calls to make zo ze home wrrrld,’ the banker said in cold, if polite, refusal.
The delegates dispersed, muttering, to their guest quarters.
Seeing she could do nothing else to help, Kelly transported back to the Hrruban First Village, to Nrrna and the children.
It was still early morning on this side of Doonarrala.
Children, not yet summoned by the school bell, raced around the green of the sunlit common. Worried about Todd, Kelly forced herself to smile at the serene picture they made “Mizzis Rrev,’ a Hrruban youngster shouted. “Where are Alison and Alec? Zey will be late zo school! It iz almoz time!” A crowd of children carrying books and tapes ran past them heading towards the Friendship Bridge.
“They’re not coming today, Zhrrel,’ Kelly said, fighting to keep from letting concern show on her face. “They’re at Mrrva’s, with me and Nrrna. Will you tell Hrromede I’ll call him to explain?”
“Yes, Mizzis Rrev,’ Zhrrel said, turning almost on his tail and racing for the bridge as the bell began to toll.
“Aiee! I’m laze!” Mrrva, lithe and graceful in spite of her sixty years, hurried to put Kelly at ease, and would not let her speak until they were all seated comfortably in the garden with hot morning drinks.
Perhaps, in spite of her importance as the head of Doonarrala medical service
s, she prized her reputation as a genial hostess, and she was as fond of Kelly as she was of her son’s mate.
Nrrna appeared in the doorway, with two children in tow. She was a soft-furred female with pretty green eyes and pointed cheekbones that made her look very young.
“Gelli, whateverrr is wrrrong?” she said, in her soft voice.
She held her two younger children close as Kelly told as much as she could and still be discreet. Ourrh, only a year older than his newborn sister, silently watched the faces of the adults with no comprehension of what had upset those who loved and protected him.
Solemnly, he nestled close to his mother’s chest and put one arm around the baby. Knowing that all the villages would have learned of its presence, Kelly could and did describe the awesome size and appearance of the strange ship.
“Then they just piled into Ali Kiachifs shuttle to go take a look at it. Sometimes, Todd Reeve is enough to drive a woman to miada!’ Kelly finished, letting righteous ire dissipate some of her inner fears. “But, best of all, the pair of them went off together, Nrrna.
Just like always.” The estrangement between the two best friends over the matter of the space port had been of great concern to their wives, and other discerning friends. It had seemed incredible that any matter could have strained the deep bond shared by Todd and Hrriss.
There had been tension even on the Double Bar Gemini Ranch which Todd and Hrriss owned in partnership. Even the children had become aware of some stress between the two adult males, though for the most part they continued their games and running in and out of the two ranch houses as always.
“If these aliens have brought about a reunion,’ Mrrva said in Low Hrruban, “then they are thrice welcome in thts house. So don’t fear, Gelli,’ she added, patting Kelly’s knee, “Hrriss and Zodd are resourceful. And never more so than when they face a mutual challenge.
I have earnestly wished to help, you know.” She tilted her head to gaze into Kelly’s eyes.
“I know you have, Mrrva,’ and Kelly smiled and grasped the slender, furred arm. “It’s just so utterly weird that those two could ever find something to quarrel about.” She closed her lips then for she had to be loyal to Todd’s principles even if, in her deepest thoughts, she didn’t see why he so disapproved of the space port: Trade would expand and the Doonarrala economy would improve enormously. A space port would make it so much easier for everyone. “I just hope we don’t have to wait too long to hear what that infamous pair are up to now.” She brushed away a vagrant tear because they were once more up to something!