T-47 Book II (Saxon Saga 6)

by Frederick Gerty

  A few more general questions followed, then a contentious one.

  “What do you think of our species’ practice of mouth feeding of the young?”

  This was one Lori was sure would be raised. She said, “A marvelous method of providing the new born with the nutrition necessary in the first brights and weeks of life.”

  “Do you not find it disgusting?”

  “Not at all. One of the benefits of travel to new planets, and meeting different species, is to see and learn at first hand, the several different methods followed to achieve the necessities of life–eating, drinking, reproduction, elimination of waste. Everyone is curious about those aspects of life. Then come the social and moral practices–speech, laws, traditions, education, housing, work system and the like. None is inherently better or worse than another, each reflects the past development of the particular species so as to optimize life and survival, through difficult times in the distant past, as well as the present state of the world. We pass no judgment, nor seek to impose our own beliefs or practices on those we meet. The Damai will be well advised to do the same for those you may meet, now or in the future. And mouth feeding is practiced by a number of other intelligent species on other planets, so is not unusual, nor disturbing, to us.”

  “What do you find most strange or unusual about the Damai?”

  “That you never sleep, nor even have any idea of what sleep is.”

  “It is incredible to us that you become unconscious voluntarily, for many hours each bright.”

  “Or dim, for you. We sleep mostly during the dark period of our planets, again, something you do not experience, here in the midst of this amazing star cluster.”

  “All the traveler species do this, sleep?”

  “All. And all our planets experience periods of darkness, or the absence of light from our star, as we revolve each day. We have only a single bright star in our sky.”

  “That to us, is truly amazing.”

  “Yes, and as a result, you do not need to sleep, ever, and we do, every dim. Such is a good example of the differences to be found among the several intelligent species found so far.”

  “Not to mention how different they are to one another. Do you think more might be found, as time goes on?”

  “Indeed, I do. We have explored but a tiny fraction of our galaxy, and just a portion of this cluster. More intelligent species will be found, no doubt, some perhaps around here. And our galaxy is only one of billions of others, all way too far to ever be visited by any living being.”

  “Yet, don’t you think some systems of governing, are superior to others?”

  “As long at the method allows the individual broad freedom to follow the paths of a peaceful and productive life, with minimal interference by an overly rigid government, we do not judge or measure them against our own.”

  “Yet you left soon after first arrival. Why is that?”

  “We found the main province in violation of these beliefs, in far too controlling supervision of its people, and others, and much too abusive of the powers of governing, not to mention an absence of honor. Dealing with such a system is not acceptable to us. So, rather than try to reform or impose a different system, we just left.”

  “Some say that act precipitated the exact changes you just said you wanted to avoid.”

  “Whatever happened was the will of the native people, and represented their collective desires. It did not reflect ours. The system of royal rule remains, but the people involved have changed, and in so doing, changed policy as well. The present situation we find agreeable, and so are here today.”

  “If the visit goes bad again, what will you do?”

  “If bad enough, as we did before, depart.”

  “You take your absence as a form of punishment?”

  “Perhaps that is seen as the effect, yet is it the result of how the native people are treated, as well as we, the visitors.”

  “Well, we hope you remain forever, and trade and instruct us as well.”

  “That is the great joy of exploration.”

  A brief video clip showed on a screen to the side, of Lori and an enthusiastic crowd all around.

  “On Uta, a planet known to us, though not well, you are greeted and treated as a goddess. How do you feel about that?”

  Lori smiled, shaking her head. “Perplexed, I guess. I am not a goddess, just an explorer and trader. Yet, when bringing new and unknown, even amazing technological products and processes to a people, we must seem as magicians, or as gods. The belief is passing, and I think the Damai on Uta now know I am mortal, and fairly ordinary. They’ve seen my husband and baby, and that helped, I think.”

  Sarmi said nothing for a moment, and Lori took the opportunity to sip a drink of water from the plastic bottle on the table. Then the reporter said, “In some ways, we are much like the people of Uta, for we think of you as someone amazing, and not ordinary in any way.”

  “Really, all I have done is organize and lead an expedition to the cluster. Many will follow me now, if it’s special that I was the first, well, I guess that is how it is.”

  “What will you do next, Lorelei?”

  “Return to my home planet. I am anxious to show my parents my baby, their first grandchild. They have never seen him. After that, I’m not so sure. I will probably remain there for many years to raise a family. But one day, for sure, I will return to space, to explore some more.”

  “You brought a video of your home world. May I show it now, while you tell us something about it?”

  “Of course.”

  The video played on a monitor, so Lori could narrate what appeared, basically an expanded version of the holographic one shown to V-Ming when she landed and met him. It included far more of the natural and human features, in fairly brief clips, but held Sarmi’s attention, and presumably her audience’s, as well.

  “Will you return to Magadana?” Sarmi asked when it ended.

  “Oh, I hope so. I would very much like to. I really want to see how you develop and manage air car travel, what it does for your world, and your people. That will be exciting, and interesting to see. And perhaps look around in the cluster for other planets, other people.”

  “Everyone wants to know when that might be. Do you have any idea when?

  “You know how long a trip it is, in space, to get here from my home world. Almost two years of our time to here and back, both ways. Plus whatever time is spent here, or on Uta. A long time, for sure, yet many will be glad to make it, as I have, twice. But I cannot commit to another scheduled visit just now, with a family to raise on Earth. Perhaps when they are grown to maturity, or maybe even before that, a grand trip for the family, to meet and see a very different, and wonderfully amazing world, in a unique star cluster, unlike none other known in our galaxy.”

  “That is good to hear. I’m sure all would love to see you once more. And greet you with friendship, and pride, from the start.”

  “That, too, would be very good.”

  “It is rumored you will depart in your ship immediately after the ceremonial signing of the Pleiades Agreement. Is it so?” Sarmi asked.

  “Well, not immediately, but soon after. As I said, our ship’s holds are nearly full, no more room for more goods, and nothing left to trade for them, anyway, so it’s time to go. Also, our world has a major holiday at the beginning of our winter, which includes the giving of gifts to family and friends, and new items from distant worlds are always in demand then. So we’d like to get home well in time to take advantage of the selling opportunities for that holiday.” But I know we’ll miss it for sure. Oh, well.”

  “Tell us more of that event. I have heard little of it.”

  Lori gave a brief synopsis of Christmas, both its religious and cultural history, to a rather perplexed expression on Sarmi’s face.

  “You say the entire planet joins in this holiday?”

  “No, not everywhere, but in almost all the major and highly developed countries– provinces
on your world–observe the event, to a greater or lesser degree. It’s fun for the children especially, and the merchants love it, for the high sales that occur then. And even the governments appreciate the extra taxes generated by all the purchasing going on.”

  Lori gestured to Tari, and she found a brief clip to show, and a tech helped her get it on the monitor. She and Sarmi watched it play.

  “Perhaps this, Christmas, is something we might consider trying out here on Magadana. The gift-giving is especially attractive, though I don’t think we’ll be able to do much about the colorful lights everywhere.”

  “If you do, I think you will find it most enjoyable. And I know the kits will love it, and look forward to it every year.”

  Sarmi changed the subject by asking Lori to explain the human’s use of clothing, to cover nearly every part of their body. Now why was that?

  Lori laughed, and explained the need for clothing for beings without hair or fur living in all parts of a planet with highly variable temperatures over the course of the year. And how such practices skewed into displays of wealth, status, and changing fashion ideas, as well as a commercial activity, and away from mere necessity. And for a time, to cover up some areas of the body that some found distasteful. “But now, in our increasing maturity, acceptance, and practicality, we often go without clothing...”

  “Yes, to our distress the first time we see humans as such, they look like someone skinned them.”

  “Yes, I imagine so. But for swimming, and bathing, things we especially enjoy, and at other times, too, when the weather permits, often at home, well, we don’t wear anything, if we don’t want to.”

  “And it facilitates your mating, this removal of coverings?”

  “Oh, yes, it is quite wonderful for us humans, to be skin to skin while we mate, and to enjoy the uncovered sight of our lovers. Coverings are usually seen as a hindrance when mating, but some, in their ardor, still manage to mate while fully clothed.”

  “We Damai do not have that issue.”

  “That is good for you.”

  “Typically, all but one of the other species don’t rely on garments much. That makes them more like us. Except for those exo-skeleton ones...” Sarmi said. A video clip played on the monitor.

  “Ah, the illi-illi.”

  “Yes. Seeing beings somewhat like us, but different, is strange enough, but they truly are strange. Don’t you think so?”

  “In looks only. Mentally, and socially, they are very much like all the rest of us. Once others get used to interacting with them, they are quite interesting, dependable, friendly, and great workers. I admire and trust them a great deal, and always enjoy their company.”

  “Their speech is truly impossible for us, though.”

  “Yes, no one can imitate it, except the Anawoka, the bird people. But I can click their greeting call, and recognize quite a few of their words, even if I can’t repeat them.”

  “Can we hear that, the greeting?”

  “Of course.” Lori gave the two click greeting of the illi-illi she knew, explaining that others were used on the planet, too, languages there in great variety, just as on other planets.

  Sarmi seemed fascinated, and tried to imitate it herself, but soon gave up, both women laughing at her efforts.

  Sarmi changed subjects. “Recently, one of the more regressive provinces, Vorkyta, sought to capture some of your anti-gravity machines, and did so rather aggressively and violently. You personally lead the rescue and removal of the damaged lighter, and crew. Has that soured your impression of the entire planet?”

  “Well, we’d sure hoped we’d gone beyond that, that the people of Magadana by now had realized that we were open to trade, but as I said, not AG technology exchange. And we acted promptly to protect that knowledge, members of our exploratory team, and our equipment. And though not expected, we reacted as we always do, with some, I say some, of our defensive capability, which carried the day, at minimal losses to our staff. The heavy losses to Vorkyta, and the near universal condemnation by the other provinces, should be a lesson, and a warning, to any others that think they can obtain by violence, the knowledge and equipment of the explorers. So it has not diminished our experiences much, but we worry it may impact what others on our home world may think of Magadana, and lower their interest in visiting, or trading here. We hope that will pass, and soon be forgotten.”

  “We all do, too, and I must say, the incident seems to have solidified the intent of other provinces to deal with you visitors, in honor and trust.”

  “That will be an unexpected result, and a good one. I hope that is the case.”

  “Your visit is nearly over, to us here on Magadana. You have one more ceremony to attend, I understand?”

  “Yes. In three brights, I will be at the signing of the Pleiades Agreement. This is a great development, and will do much to solidify trade and understanding between Magadana, and the other six planets harboring intelligent life, they all in the Milky Way Galaxy. I am proud and pleased to be participating. It shows the maturity, and growing sense of dealing with others in a spirt of cooperation, acceptance, and honor by the many provinces of Magadana, and is sure to lead to many opportunities for trade and friendly exchange between all the planets.”

  “What can you tell us about this Pleiades Agreement? What is it for?”

  Lori gave a brief synopsis of the principles, and a few examples of the provisions themselves. “Basically, it is a framework to guide relationships between space faring peoples, in their business and personal interactions. It lets each know what is expected of each other. What the limits are, in other words.”

  “Is it necessary for trading to occur?”

  “No, not at all, signing or adopting the agreement is totally voluntary.”

  “Yet, if not adopted, will there be consequences?”

  “Oh, probably. If it is you, in your business, would you rather deal with someone who agrees to certain parameters, and how to handle relations, and especially disputes, or one who does not? Going into strange, new and different planets is hard enough, and anything that can ease the entry, and encourage reasonable dialogue, is valuable.”

  “So one may still trade, or visit, to those who do not sign?”

  “Yes. But with greater caution.”

  “But will you do that?”

  “Yes, we probably will. But don’t be surprised if most trade and visiting occurs between signers of the agreement. It only makes sense.”

  “Have disputes between the signing groups ever led to violence?”

  “Rarely. Never among the highest authorities, but violence does occur on an occasionally individual basis. But not often.”

  “Do you plan to attend the ceremony scheduled for next bright cluster?” Sarmi asked.

  “Yes. I’ll be there. I’d be pleased if you cover it, too.”

  “Oh, I’d be honored, my organization has not yet received credentials to do so.”

  “I’ll make sure you do so immediately,” and Lori motioned to Tari, taking notes off camera.

  The two talked on for another quarter hour, visiting topics ranging from family and domestic life to starships, other planets, and commercial interests of the several worlds. Sarmi concluded with an effusive thanks, and praise for Lori for taking the time to speak with her, and a wish--“We all look forward to the future with anticipation. We hope to see you again, when your life will permit additional travel between our world and yours.”

  “I look forward to that, too.”

  Back on the Koyaanisqatsi for dinner, Lori asked Hunter what he thought of the TV interview.

  “I, well, everyone that saw it, think it went very well. You were poised, confident, cool and professional, and that all reflected well on the expedition, its other members, and yourself, of course. I’d say, a nice synopsis of our reason to be here, how we conduct ourselves, as well as some of the quirks and habits of the several species running around down in the gravity well. And it gave the whole planet a
chance to see you in a good light. Several of the illi-illi came up to me and said they appreciated the good words you put in for them.”

  “Good. Sarmi impressed me with her professionalism, too, I was quite comfortable speaking with her. In fact, I invited her to attend the Pleiades Agreement signing ceremony, too. She accepted. So I’ll see her again.”

  “You know, the press hereabouts has spoken to any number of us ‘Aliens,’ even the illi-illi. But hardly at all with you or anyone in a studio interview situation. Think we should have done more of that?”

  “Like on Earth, you mean? Probably would have been good. For me, I spoke most any time they were around, but usually, things were going on so fast, and I was there and gone before they arrived. So they had to settle for whomever was around, and it usually wasn’t me. That recent hospital visit was an exception, I suppose.”

  “That, too, seemed to win a lot of hearts and minds down on the planet, turns out it was a great idea, glad you went, too. So it seems the visit is ending on a high note. Several, in fact.”

  “They’ll all miss us when we’re gone?”

  “For sure. And count the days, oh, brights, until we return.”

  “Mmm. Plenty of starships will be back. Well, maybe not plenty, but a few, from time to time. I think sooner or later, some line will set up a regular schedule of runs, for trade and travel.”

  “I wonder. Two years going and coming is a long time.”

  “Oh, it’ll happen if the profits are good enough. And I think they will be–for the natives and the aliens both.”

  “We leave right after the signing?”

  “Yep. Nothing more to do after that, might as well get going before something else happens. The holds are full, so are the fuel tanks, and some of us, at least, are anxious to start on homeward.” She smiled at Hunter. “Be nice to be home.”

  Chapter 34 - Pleiades Agreement Ceremony

  “Death begets death.

  “If one lesson we, the sky travelers, have learned is that one. You are learning it also. Nothing comes from conflict, war, battles of armed people, but death. Death, and loss and sorrow. And for what?