Treaty Planet

 

by: Anne McAffrey

 

Alternate title: Treaty at Doona

 

Synopsis:

 

The peace between humans and cat-like aliens on the unspoiled planet

Doona has been hard won.  Now a new race of aliens arrives, bringing

with them promises of new technology and trade.  But the devastating

accusation that these newcomers once destroyed life on another planet

puts the residents of Doona in peril.

 

Chapter 1

 

THROUGH THE VOID, THE SMALL BLUE-WHITE STAR twinkled enticingly,

promising light and heat in generous measure.  Those aboard the massive,

matte black spaceship approaching that star system On an elliptical

angle had been drawn to investigate it by the various communication

signals emanating from the third planet of that star.

 

The planet, a blue and green globe around which three pocked moons

circled, was also ringed by orbiting drones and several spaceships of

considerably less mass than the newcomer.  Such vehicles were considered

by the passengers of the enormous spaceship to be as worthy of

investigation as the broadcasts, for both phenomena indicated the

presence of sentient beings and advanced technology.

 

The visiting vessel, which had no insignia or identifiable markings on

its kilometre-long, irregularly cylindrical hull, sailed boldly towards

the heliopause bounding this so-intriguing star system.

 

The forward speed of the great ship would have been deceptive to any

monitor observing its approach.  Even as those aboard contained their

initial elation of discovery and began to record this event, the blunt

prow of the craft swept out on the in-system side of the heliopause.

 

Sensors at the system perimeter were spotted, their messages and

internal composition examined by probes: the mechanisms briefly

prevented by this interference from performing the function for which

they had been designed.  Excitement grew to a feverish pitch as

specialists and consultants eagerly inspected the diagrams of the

sophisticated warning systems.  The inhabitants of this star system were

truly creative and technologically sophisticated.  Everything pointed to

the amazing fact that the inhabitants of this star system had created

and nurtured a civilization sufficiently advanced to be worth the

Strangers' complete and immediate attention.

 

At the door of the Council Chamber, Todd Reeve, Human colony leader of

Doonarrala, bowed and shook hands with arriving delegates: hopefully

dissembling his most uneasy and ambivalent feelings about this wretched

conference.

 

He had never thought the idea of turning the subcontinent into a free

trade and space port facility would come this far.  The colony

referendum had passed it by a slim margin, which vindicated his position

even if the "yeas' had outnumbered the "nays'.  So he had been forced to

take the next step: this meeting of Hrruban and Hayuman officials.

 

Beside him in the receiving line was his best friend Hrriss: their

friendship as yet miraculously unimpaired by their current disparate

views.  They had agreed to disagree for the first time in their

twenty-seven-year friendship.

 

Todd found it very hard to understand how Hrriss should pursue a course

which, so obviously to Todd, abrogated both the Decision and Treaty by

which this unusual mixed colony had been promulgated.

 

Right now, being greeted by smiles and affability, none of the delegates

would have suspected that the almost legendary friendship of Hayuman and

Hrruban was under considerable stress.

 

Beyond Hrriss was his father, Hrrestan, Hrruban coleader with Todd, who

was as staunchly in favour of the proposed alteration of Doonarrala's

function as Todd and his father were opposed to it.

 

Todd was impatient to get past the preliminaries and plunge into the

problem which might relieve the tension that twisted his nerves and

tightened his neck and shoulders.  Kelly had done her best to knead out

the worst of the kinks, silently supporting her husband.  Despite their

mutual respect and deep attachment to this planet and all it stood for,

Todd wasn't sure if Kelly totally agreed with him on this matter.

 

She'd said all the proper things and had accompanied him and his father

on their trips to all the villages where the pros and cons were argued

in open debate.  But, somehow, the feeling niggled at him that she was

not as dead-set against a free-trade port as he was.

 

Ken Reeve had worked tirelessly for a "nay' verdict on the referendum

for the situation was his worst nightmare for Doona come true: an

insidious expansion that defeated the initial purpose of the colony -

for both species.

 

Somehow, Todd must make that fear so real to the delegates that today's

conference would be the end of the matter.  Otherwise, he might be

forced to resign his position as the Hayuman colony leader, since he

could not wholeheartedly accept such a change in Doonarrala.

 

The fact that the idea for a trade and space port facility originated

with the Hrruban half of the colony did nothing to placate Todd's

arlx:ieties.  The original premise, hammered into the Decision and later

the Treaty - was, he argued, about to be invalidated if part of the

planet was to be commercialized.  Ironic that this whole wretched idea

had come from his suggestion that they name the western subcontinent

"The Hrrunat' after the late First Speaker, as a mark of the respect and

love in which all Doonarralans, Hayuman and Hrruban, had held Hrruna.

 

Todd and the old First Speaker had had a most unusual relationship,

despite their differences of species, culture and age.

 

It was therefore doubly ironic that what had been meant as a sincere

tribute to Hrruna was rebounding against those he had so subtly

protected during the colony's early stages.

 

Todd almost welcomed the discomfort of the formal tailored tunic which

rubbed his neck raw as the receiving line continued.  He'd had the

notion, dressing this morning, that he should look his best, even in

defeat.  His thick black hair was newly cut and neatly brushed and he

knew he looked well in the formal tunic, despite its constriction.

 

He had good shoulders, a deep chest and was tall, even for a Hayuman.

Todd had never stood on ceremony but, as Kelly had said at their mostly

silent breakfast, ceremony could be used to advantage.  As he hoped to

use it today.

 

That didn't keep his collar from binding his neck.

 

He took some consolation in seeing that Hrriss was likewise chafed by

Hrruban ceremonial gear, surreptitiously tugging at the jewelled straps

that crisscrossed his tawny-furred torso under the loose red robe he

wore for a such formal occasion.  On other occasions Hrriss would have

glanced at Todd, a hand-span taller than he, and rolled his large green

eyes ceilingwards, flattening back his tufted ears to express his

discomfort.  But today they were opponents - still friendly, still

hoping for a way Out of the dilemma which obsessed both - and their

normal exchanges were constrained.

 

Hrrestan, veteran diplomat, was currently chatting to the Hrruban Space

Arm representative, Prrid.  An old Stripe, the Senior Space Commandant

stood with his hands clasped behind him, rocking back and forth, his

tailtip held at a relaxed angle.  Beside him, his aide, a mature and

seasoned explorer, Mrrunda, stood on one foot and then the other, trying

not to appear impatient for the proceedings to begin.

 

For all the times when, as a small boy, Todd had wished for a tail, he

was glad now that he didn't have one for it would have been lashing

nervously.  On the other hand, Hrrestan's caudal appendage was curved

slightly, showing that he was at ease.  The rest of the Hrruban Space

Arm party were already standing near the conference table; three more

officers, each with pouches stuffed with documentation.

 

"Admiral Barnstable,' Todd said, calling himself to order as he greeted

a tall, white-haired man in uniform who resembled the very portrait of

an ancient sea captain.

 

In a face of weather-beaten red, surprising in a man who had never been

out on the seas of any planet, he had sharp blue eyes with which he now

studied Todd.  Hoping he passed muster, Todd smiled and bowed.

 

"Welcome to the Treaty Island of Doonarrala, sir.  May I present Leader

Hrrestan, Senior Commandant Prrid, and his aide, Captain Mrrunda?"

Everett Cabot Barnstable was one of the more important delegates of the

conference since he represented Spacedep.  There had been a lot of

jockeying to see who would head the military arm of Amalgamated Worlds,

with its huge budget, resources, and manpower.

 

Barustable, possessed of a strong conservative bent and vast support on

Earth, had finally succeeded.  His predecessor, Admiral Landreau, had

been no friend to Doonarrala.  Barnstable was known as a decision maker,

a good administrator and negotiator.  Todd felt he was a significant

improvement over Landreau, but not entirely perfect.  At least,

Doonarrala had had no trouble from Spacedep since he had been in charge;

until now.  Barnstable wasn't so reactionary as to favour Human

Separatism, but he was sure to support the inauguration of a base on the

subcontinent: a base that would be as useful to the Hayuman Space Arm as

the Hrruban.  Another point which Todd had tried to emphasize in his

contentions.  Spacedep had no right on Doonarrala: had always meant

trouble to the community.

 

And they wanted to invite Spacedep IN?

 

Barustable accorded his Hrruban opposite numbers a sharp respectful

half-bow, eyeing them as keenly as they did him.  Then he gave an odd

convulsive shudder and frowned.  "Confound it, I can't believe it's safe

for a body to shift planets so fast.  Ten minutes ago I stood on a grid

on Earth, and then I was decanted on Doona."

 

"It saves time,' Prrid said, lifting his upper lip in a Hrruban grin.

 

Todd was relieved to see that Barnstable was familiar with the awesome

sight of a Hrruban smile.

 

"I imagine you do not favour further grid installations on Doonarrala,'

Todd said to Prrid, seizing the opportunity for some subtle indirection.

 

Prrid's unexpectedly orange eyes regarded him, the pupil slits narrowed

to a thin line.

 

"Zat will depend, Leader Rrrev.  Zat will depend."

 

"Come now, Reeve,' Admiral Barustable said, turning jocular, "surely you

won t stand in the way of progress.

 

"If I were certain it was progress.  .  ." And Todd let his comment

trail off.  So Spacedep was, as he anticipated, eager to obtain a

legitimate position on Doonarrala.

 

"Now, Todd,' Jilamey Landreau said, appearing at Todd's elbow, a-jingle

with the tiny bells sewn in patterns on his stylish motley-coloured

attire, "it's not like you to resist any change which improves this

planet.  The more grids, the merrier, what?  Think of how many more

people would come to the Snake Hunts,' he added, grinning mischievously.

Then he turned to the Senior Commandant and his aide, "Todd saved my

life on my first Snake Hunt, you know.  By the way, Admiral, Commandant,

I represent the grid.  - "Save it till later, Jilamey,' Todd said,

grabbing his friend by the elbow and pushing him away from the military

group.

 

"Oh, I can take a hint,' Jilamey said with mock dismay, marching off

into the conference room with an agitated jingling of his tiny bells.

 

Todd sighed to himself: it would seem that all his erstwhile friends

were aligned against him.  But Jilamey was "grid' mad.  If civilians of

either planet could have had matter transmitters, Jilamey Landreau would

have been first in the queue.  Perhaps it was as well that the Hrrubans

were so paranoid about their matter transmitters.

 

To benefit from a trade and space port installation, the Hrrubans would

have to put down grid facilities, probably the largest feasible one,

similar in size to the one they had originally used to transport their

"village' in the earliest days of the Doonan colonization.  Todd

couldn't really blame the Hrrubans for wanting a free-trade port.

 

Their lack of large cargo vessels had mitigated heavily against Hrruban

traders.  And Spacedep had persisted in its restrictions on the sale of

Hayuman spacecraft to the Hrruban merchants.  The day when the Hrrubans

released information and/or licensed grid matter transmitters to

Hayumans, the Spacedep would lift its embargo on vessel transfers.

 

Of course, there were grids transporting goods among Hrruban home and

colony worlds but there still didn't seem to be much ore available for

more than small two-or three-man exploration vessels.

 

"Yo there, Reeve,' said Fred Horstmann, a stout man with fair hair and a

flamboyant gold-trimmed tunic, an independent trader affiliated with

Codep's leading administrator and negotiator, Captain Ali Kiachif.

 

That wily old skipper was already holding court at the near edge of the

great oval table.  Ali had not changed in all the years Todd had known

him, except for a little more grey in his hair and beard.

 

Some of the lesser lights chatted quietly at the other end of the table.

Lorena Kaldon, with scarlet-dyed hair and a firm pointed chin, was a

banker from one of the major Amalgamated Worlds institutions.

 

Her presence suggested that the project was favoured by the money

markets and Todd's spirits sank even further.  Damn it!  Were they that

certain this wretched facility would be approved?  And, as her Opposite

number, Hrrouf, a financier from Hrruba, arrived with a pale-pelted

female with a limp air about her belied by scarred ears and forearms,

whom he introduced as Nrrena.  Both were moderately broad Stripes,

indicating that they were of good family.

 

Closely following them was Hrrin, a Rraladoonan from the Third Hrruban

Village, who represented Hrruban independent traders and was an old

friend of Todd's and Hrriss's.  The Stripe down his back and tail was

narrower than Hrriss's, and his leonine mane was much darker.

 

Hrrin had kept his Opinions to himself so he might, indeed, side with

Todd.

 

Barnstable and the two Hrruban Space Arm delegates moved straight for

the conference table, to check their places.

 

Old Ali Kiachif caught Todd's eye and winked as he rose to take

Barnstable's outstretched hand.  It was too early in the day for a

drink, but Todd could have sworn that the bulge in the old spacer's

tunic pocket was a flask.  It probably contained mlada, the Hrruban

native liquor and Kiachif's favorite tipple in this lane of space.

 

Though Kiachif had only made port a short hour before the conference was

due to start, that was time and enough for him to acquire "needful'

supplies.

 

Drunk or sober, the old man's mind was sharp, never missing the chance

to turn an advantage his own way, occasionally even supporting the good

of Doonarrala to his detriment.  Todd was glad he was there.

 

But would Ali prove an ally or antagonist?  He had every reason to want

better shipping facilities on Doonarrala but he certainly wouldn't want

to give up his edge on interstellar trade.

 

Todd sighed.

 

Last to arrive, undoubtedly by design, was Hrrto, Second Speaker for

External Affairs, currently the most senior administrator from

Hrrestan's home world of Hrruba.

 

This was the first time any of the Speakers had visited Doonarrala since

the First Speaker, Hrruna, had "joined the Ancestral Stripes' Todd knew

that Hrrto, who had not always been as strong a supporter of the Rrala

experiment, was under considerable pressure to make his mark at this

conference.

 

Rumour had it that he was on the short list of nominees for the post of

First Speaker.  He would be caught between his desire to win on his own

merits and the necessity to compare favourably with his late superior in

wisdom and probity.  Comparisons were always odious, and even a Second

Speaker from a well-regarded Stripe would not be exempt from them.  The

election was not far off, a fact that Todd knew would make Hrrto eager

to conclude the conference as soon as possible so he could devote his

time and energy to domestic matters.

 

Beside him, but one pace behind Hrrto, walked a female Hrruban in plain

black robes: Hrrto's aide, Mllaba.  Her hot yellow-green eyes showed

Todd that her deference was deliberate, but not entirely out of respect

for her employer.  Todd found her a curious individual.  Hrriss told him

that Mllaba had abstained from cub-bearing, and even companionship, in

her drive to advance a political career.  She came from a very broad

Stripe, equal in rank on Hrruba to Hrrestan himself.

 

Hrrto turned first to Hrrestan and Hrriss, favouring his fellow Hrrubans

with his first words, then came to face Todd.

 

"Speaker Hrrto, Todd said in High Formal Hrruban, bowing deeply.

 

"You honour us by your presence.

 

"Zodd Rrev, I greet you,' Hrrto said, cordially, bowing slightly.

 

Todd realized with a shock how much older Hrrto seemed.  His tawny mane

was almost all silver, and he moved with greater care as if his formal

red robes weighed heavily on his shoulders.  "My assistant, Mllaba."

"Honoured,' Todd said.

 

"It is I who am honrrred,' Mllaba replied in a low, throaty voice.

 

"Now that all the delegates are assembled,' Todd said, "let us begin."

He nodded at the attendant who folded shut the heavy doors of the

conference room.

 

Hrrestan politely led Second Speaker to his designated place and bowed

him into it, before taking his own seat.

 

Hrrin leaped up to move a chair from the row against the wall for

Mllaba.  She said nothing, but her tail twitched once before she draped

it demurely to one side instead of sticking it through the gap in the

chair back intended for the Hrruban caudal appendage.

 

As Todd took his seat, he appreciated the irony that he now presided

over proceedings in this chamber where he and Hrriss had been on trial

for their honour and more.

 

The ultimate stake that day had been nothing less than the continued

existence of their shared world, DoonaiRrala.

 

In Todd's estimation, today's deliberations were no less critical and

politically sensitive.  Doubly ironic was the fact that this was also

his first chairmanship as Human colony leader and he wanted it against

all odds - to fail!

 

He glanced around the table, meeting the eyes of friends and

acquaintances, forcing a smile which he hoped would not appear inane or

false.

 

"Friends,' said Todd.  "As co-host of this conclave, I welcome you all

to this vital conference.  I have to tell you that I am completely

opposed to the formation of a space port and commercial facility on the

Hrrunatan subcontinent." There was a murmur of surprise at his bald

statement.  "I feel strongly, as does my father and our former leader,

Hu Shih, that such an installation is in direct conflict with the

Decision made on Doonarrala thirty three years ago.

 

"That Decision was ratified in a Treaty nine years ago, setting this

planet aside as a peaceful co existent colony, specifically limited to

an agrarian economy.  To install - even at the distance of the

subcontinent - an interstellar complex violates both Decision and

Treaty.

 

In the light of this prejudice, I turn the meeting over to my co-leader,

Hrrestan." He nodded to Hrrestan at the head of the table and sat down

amidst a buzz of muted comments.

 

With great dignity, Hrrestan rose, nodding to Todd and holding up his

hands, claws sheathed, to still the murmuring.

 

"There are many good reasons why the establishment of a separate and

autonomous space port facility on the Hrrunatan subcontinent would

benefit both our species.

 

With the appropriate safeguards, ensuring the integrity of the work

here,' and he waved his hand to include the Treaty Island, "and what has

been so successful on the main continent of Doonarrala, many of us feel

that there would be no conflict, certainly no abrogation of either

Decision or Treaty to having a free-trade port.  We must ensure,' and

now he accorded Todd a respectful bow, "that all reservations and

apprehensions should be discussed and set to rest."

 

"With respect,' Jilamey said, standing up and bowing to Hrrestan:

motions which set off his minute bells.  "I really do believe that this

planet is ideally suited for three separate and diverse installations.

 

Certainly, it would be much easier to conduct trade in this sector of

the galaxy - expediting,' and now he turned to the Hrrubans, "our

allies' participation, at the moment seriously hampered by a lack of

cargo transport." Sweeping the table with a glance, Jilamey managed to

subtly criticize both Admiral Barnstable's Spacedep for its refusal to

sell Hrrubans larger vessels that could handle the potential volume of

trade and the Hrrubans for refusing to reciprocate by releasing more of

their matter transporters.  "I will not, of course, at this point,

mention the crucial need for more grids."

 

"Thank you for not mentioning that, Jilamey,' Todd said, glaring at him

to keep off a topic that made Barustable, Prrid and the Second Speaker

bristle with irritation.

 

Hrrestan let the claws on his right hand unsheathe so he could drum them

warningly.  Shrugging, Jilamey subsided but there was the faintest smile

on his lips.

 

"Speaker Hrrto,' Hrrestan said, "are you willing to comment on the

proposed trade centre?" The Second Speaker, absently smoothing the

lapels of his ceremonial robe, rose to his feet.  Mllaba, beside him,

sat stiffly erect, ears slightly aslant to catch every word her superior

uttered.

 

"Hrruban trade and commerce would significantly benefit from such a

facility,' he began, switching his thick hands to a firm and oratorial

hold on the lapels now.

 

"Due to certain constraints,' and he flicked his left ear and pointedly

did not glance in the Admiral's direction, "only a bare trickle of

Hrruban goods, some urgently sought on Hayuman worlds, manages to reach

its destination.  Ze cost is, however, prohibitive and subject to

priorities which make deliveries uncertain.  A universal marketplace

would certainly improve industry on Hrruba and open up immense

possibilities of further, mutually productive manufacturing.

 

Having discussed zis possibility with Hrruban officials in all areas of

business management,' and he held one hand out to Mllaba for a sheaf of

notes which he then brandished as proof of his efforts, "ze majority

would be quite amenable to such a project.  With, of course,' and he

held up the sheaf of notes, "safeguards to protect ze existing colony

and ze Zreaty Island from any commercial contamination."

 

"How large a trade grid will Hrruba install?" Jilamey asked, all but

physically pouncing on Hrrto who recoiled.

 

"Zat subject has certainly not been discussed as yet, Mr Landreau, Hrrto

said repressively as Hrrestan simultaneously called for order, glaring

at the unrepentant Jilamey.

 

"What I'd like to know,' Tanarey Smith said, his voice overriding others

wishing to be heard, "is whether or not the construction of such an

installation will be joint?" His expression suggested that it had better

be.

 

"That question is premature, Mr Smith, Hrrestan said.

 

"The matter to be discussed is the advisability of such an installation

in the first instance, not who will build it."

 

"Ze Speakers must be assured zat regulations will follow zose already in

force,' Hrrto began.

 

"Aw,' Ali Kiachif began, "let's not start that old

keepthe-home-world-sacred stuff."

 

"Hell's bells,' added Fred Horstmann, "there isn't a space captain worth

his salt, Hayuman or Hrruban, who hasn't a fair idea where each home

world has to be." He caught Hrrto's outraged expression.  "Well, you

only have to narrow the Options available, Speaker' "Don't we know each

other well enough now, after thirty-something years,' Tanarey Smith

began, "to forget this nonsense about home world integrity?"

 

"No!" Second Speaker Hrrto leaped to his feet, the fur on his back

bristling.  "Home world integrity is not nonsense.

 

It is ze most vital point of agreement between our two races and may

not, must not, be abrogated.  Never be abrogated."

 

"So is the Treaty!" Todd couldn't contain himself from saying in a tone

just short of a shout.

 

"The Treaty stipulates,' Barnstable said, raising his own voice to top

Todd's, "the conditions by which the Doonarrala colony is promulgated.

It says absolutely nothing about that subcontinent nor the use to which

it can be put.  The Treaty specifies only the main continent, known as

Doonarrala, and the Treaty Island where observers are permitted and

where any disputes are settled.  This isn't a dispute.  It's an

expansion."

 

"Well now, I shouldn't want to see anything violate the Treaty,' Kiachif

said, somehow inserting himself into the discussion. "I seen it start

and don't intend to see it finish.

 

How about a space station?" And he looked appealingly at Todd.

 

Though Todd hadn't expected such a suggestion, he welcomed it.

 

"Space station?"

 

"Landside free port?"

 

"Now, wait a minute!"

 

"I thought the matter under discussion was the use of Hrrunat !"

Appalled, Speaker Hrrto listened to the babble, his increasing outrage

at such lack of courtesy demonstrated by the lash of his tail.

 

"SILENCE!" Todd belted the word out in such a roar that there was

silence, as much from surprise as to walt until ears stopped ringing.

 

"You will all be heard in order.

 

In order, I repeat.  We may all know each other very well but that is no

reason to dispense with formality." Even Milaba regarded him with

respect and Second Speaker was mollified.

 

"Hrrestan "Todd said, turning the meeting over once more to its

chairman.

 

Having thrown in the suggestion of a space station, Ali Kiachif was

acknowledged by Hrrestan to give particulars.

 

He was politely heard but when he had finished, five people vied to

follow him.

 

Discreetly, Hrrestan acknowledged Hrrin who spoke about the benefits to

the burgeoning agrarian economy which could not profitably market its

surplus beyond those few traders who regularly reprovisioned at the

present small, and totally inadequate space base.  More people could be

accommodated at a land base than a space station: therefore the agronomy

of Doonarrala would certainly benefit more from a facility at The

Hrrunat.

 

Lorena rose to speak for a space facility where the integrity of the

colony would not be at risk.  But, as she was speaking for bankers who

would profit from either venture, she chose to fall on the side of the

more expensive installation.  Hrrouf, in terser language but with a

thick accent, appeared to corroborate her statements on the Hrruban

behalf.

 

Fred Horstmann wanted to be heard on the matter of the frail safety of a

space station whereas a land port wasn't half as vulnerable and

furthermore could accommodate simultaneously far more vessels and cargo

at a considerably lower cost.

 

"Costs could be reduced even further with the use of the bigger grids,'

Jilamey interjected, causing the Admiral and the Hrruban commandant to

erupt in protest.

 

"Jilamey!" Todd said again, using his penetrating voice to cut through

the rising level of peripheral conversations, one more word about grid

and you are o.u.t.  Out!" Jilamey's unrepentant shrug was on the order

of neverhurts-to-try.

 

"I don't like griding around,' Barnstable snapped out, his crisp voice

ringing in the big chamber, "and a big one wouldn't be any easier to

endure than a small one.

 

Brr!  At least with a ship, you know where you are and how you got

there." One of his ice-white brows lowered slightly as he turned in

Second Speaker's direction.  "But I would like to take this occasion,

face to face, to ask the honourable Senior Commandant Prrid and the

honoured Second Speaker why the Himbans won't trust us with grid

technology." Hrrto's eyes gleamed and the fur at the back of his neck

bristled.  Todd prepared to stand up and dive in.

 

"All I am prepared to say is zat it is not a question of trust,

Admiral,' said Prrid.  Second Speaker merely bowed to second that

comment and turned his head resolutely from Barnstable.

 

"But will you say whether or not - if this project goes through there

would be a large grid at a free-trade port?" Jilamey asked.

 

"No more will be discussed about ze grrrids,' Second Speaker said with

such finality that Jilamey subsided.  "We discuss ze advisability of a

free-trade space port on Ze Hrrunat."

 

"Then let us get down to the nitty-gritty,' Ali Kiachif said.  "The size

of the place, its organization: will it be jointly administered .  9'

"Of course!' Mrrunda said emphatically.

 

Ali grinned at him.  "Of course!

 

Hrrto grumbled out a growl, shifting himself to face the old captain.

"Hrruban trade has been at a disadvantage zat would be remedied by such

a facility.  I am instructed to make suitable arrangements." So, Todd

thought to himself, no reprieve was forthcoming from the Hrruban side.

How was he going to delay the matter?  A glance at the massive

old-fashioned long case clock in the corner of the room gave him the

excuse he needed.

 

"Let us adjourn for lunch before we have to deal with details,' Todd

suggested, glancing about the table.

 

"There's a splendid sampling of the local dishes, both Hrruban and

Hayuman for your pleasure.  If you will follow me?" Not every one of the

delegates was pleased at such an interruption but Barnstable was clearly

in favour of a meal.  The alacrity with which Second Speaker rose from

his chair did much to sway other Hrrubans to follow his example.  Hrrouf

immediately sought Lorena Kaldon for a few private words as they

followed Todd.

 

The wide, marble hallways of the Federation Centre were peopled by tour

groups and employees hurrying to and fro.

 

But these stood aside to allow the distinguished delegates to move

freely towards the dining area.  As they neared the facility, delightful

aromas wafted out into the hallway.

 

Todd took a lungful and began to relax a little.  Hrriss's jaw dropped

open in a contented smile.  The anticipation of food was having much the

same effect on the others.

 

"Friends, welcome!" a warm voice greeted them from inside the doors.

"I'm your hostess, Kelly Reeve.  Please, come in and make yourselves at

home.  She repeated her greeting in excellent High Hrruban, bowing low

towards Hrrto.

 

Her coifed red hair ablaze in the room's pendant lights, Kelly Solinari

Reeve beckoned them inside.  She was a tall woman, whose athletic,

graceful figure was enhanced by the wheat-coloured dress and short

jacket she wore.  As if caught in the act of making last minute

preparations, she set down the earthenware pitcher she was holding on

the edge of a long table laid for a feast and advanced to the doorway,

beaming.

 

"Mrs Reeve, this is a pleasant 5rp5,) Tanarey Smith said, bowing over

Kelly's hand.

 

Ali Kiachif sprang forward to greet Kelly.  "A fine day, a fair lassie,

and food fit for a pharaoh.  How are you, lass?"

 

"Wonderful, Ali,' Kelly said, returning the old spacer's embrace with a

kiss on his grizzled cheek.  "How good to see you!  And Jilamey!  We're

so glad you got here. I was very surprised to see no one but Barrington

on the landing pad two days ago.  We didn't know what became of you.

 

Barrington, Jilamey's "gentleman's gentleman', accompanied him on almost

every trip the young businessman made.  He was a combination of

amanuensis, mother hen and genie from the lamp, to judge by Jilamey's

accounts of his silent miracles of Organization.

 

"Well, surprise,' Jilamey said, sheepishly.  "I got a ride on the grid

with Admiral Barnstable, hands across the wateror the void, so to

speak." He winked at the Admiral, who ignored the familiarity.  "I sent

Old Patience-is-a-Virtue on by himself to breathe ship air and mind my

parcels.  He's marvellous.  So I was able to stay home and tweak a few

more deals before I came up.  Grids are wonderful.  You only grow

lovelier, Kelly." He seized one of her hands to kiss.

 

"Well, your house is ready.  I was up there only yesterday to check on

it."

 

"I am in your debt,' Jilamey said, expansively.

 

Landreau had bought a large house high on a hilltop south-west of the

original First Villages, and equipped it via Codep transport ship with

all manner of modern doodads, including private vehicles not

specifically mentioned nor barred by the Doona charter.  As for horses,

he owned a few but except for the weeks he was on planet, they boarded

in stables owned by friends.  Except for the ambassadorial residences on

Treaty Island, his was the only permanent home owned by a non-resident

on Doonarrala.  But then, Jilamey was an exception to many rules.

 

"Well, sit down and eat,' Kelly said, waving him to a seat.  The table

was laid with individual place settings, but the platters and bowls of

food were intended to be passed from guest to guest.  "How have you

been?"

 

"I'm surviving,' young Landreau replied, happily.  "How are the Alley

Cats?  And Hrriss's cubs?  I'm looking forward to seeing them." "And

they can't wait to see you,' Kelly assured him.

 

"They all send their love.  Nrrna is minding all the children while I

play hostess."

 

"I've got a baby present for - what's her name?

 

Hrrunna?"

 

"You're so good with them,' Kelly said, shaking her hed.

 

"You should have some of your own." She caught herself and threw him a

little shrug of apology.

 

"Not me,' Jilamey laughed, without a trace of discomfort.  "I'm much

more definitely uncle material.  Besides, I couldn't spoil yours so well

if I had my own tagging along behind me.

 

"How is my youngest grandchild?" Hrrestan asked, fondly, his voice

dropping into intimate mode, as he stopped to rub cheeks with Kelly.

 

"Growing,' Kelly said, with a grin.  "She follows everything with her

eyes now, and that tail of hers is positively prehensile.  When she

doesn't want you to stop patting her back, she holds on."

 

"Hrrunna is named for our dear First Speaker,' Hrrestan explained to

Hrrto.  "She was born a mere four days after he joined the Stripes."

 

"A most touching sentiment,' Hrrto said, with a mere suggestion of a

drop-jawed smile. "It is good to know those so far away from the home

world would recall him and pay such a tribute.  We of the High Council

all regret the loss of our senior statesman.

 

To Todd and Hrriss, Hrrto's regret didn't ring entirely true.

 

Hrriss shook his head, recalling that Second was enmeshed at present in

a difficult contest to win the vacant Speakership for himself, which

likely overshadowed any real feelings he might have.

 

Kelly burst in to dispel the uncomfortable silence.  "Well, come along,

everyone.  I hope you enjoy everything.  Don't stand on ceremony.  I'm

sure you're famished." She came up to Todd and lifted her face for a

kiss.

 

"How's it been going?" she asked in a hasty whisper as others moved

about the table to find the placecards with their names.

 

"From whose viewpoint?" Todd asked ironically.  Kelly gave him a quick,

worried look as he tucked her arm in his and escorted her up the length

of the room.  "Ali tried to help by suggesting a space station.

 

Jilamey's doing his best to irritate Hrrto and Barnstable with his

constant nudging about grids.  But,' and she sighed as he conceded, "the

majority see it as a way to improve their credit position one way or

another!  Even Hrrin sees the space port as profitable to the

agricultural community-' "Oh?  A new outlet for surplus.  Hmm.  Well, it

would be.  Ooops, sorry, love." Smoothly, Kelly ducked away from him

towards the Second Speaker.

 

"Ah, gracious sir,' she said in her impeccable High Hrruban, "we have

the urfa pie you so much enjoyed the last time you favoured us with your

presence,' and she steered him toward his place and began serving him.

 

Then she turned her bright smile on Tanarey Smith who beamed under her

charm.

 

Soon everyone was seated, with filled plates and glasses, looking all

too pleased with the morning's meeting.

 

Despite the fact that the menu included two of Todd's personal

favorites, he could find no appetite and pushed food about on his plate.

 

He could hear snatches of conversations and shook his head because,

without exception, everyone favoured the instant establishment of a

space port on the Hrrunat.

 

The instanter, the better, and why wasn't this suggested years ago?

 

Because Hu Shih and Hrruna had squashed that snake any time it came out

of its lair.

 

Why wasn't I able to?  Todd thought in miserable isolation.  Dad and Hu

Shih are as certain as I am that such an installadon abrogates both

Decision and Treaty.  WHY am I unable to convince the others?  He sighed

deeply, noting Kelly's anxious gaze on him.  He smiled at her, though it

was a feeble attempt, and pushed a forkful into his mouth.

 

The food was almost cold and that seemed part of the whole but he chewed

it anyway.  I must not be the leader everyone thought I was, if I cannot

protect the community from an evil I perceive as encroachment.

 

The jingle of Jilamey's bells broke through and he saw the enthusiastic

entrepreneur bumping up and down on his chair as he explained, with many

gestures as well as body language, some point he was trying to make.

 

Maybe, thought Todd, I was foolish to stop Jilamey yattering away about

the grids.  Maybe if I let him irritate Hrrto, Prrid and that bunch

sufficiently, they'll leave in a huff Todd, my friend, think with your

head, not your heart.  There're more ways to deflect a snake than

ramming a boulder up ils maw.

 

He brightened considerably as he turned over the possibilities for

sowing discord.  Certainly, insisting on discussing grids, he'd

disorganize the meeting so that nothing could be accomplished but a

venting of temper.

 

He'd have to be subtle, which had never been his best suit, but so much

was at stake.

 

Just then a stray phrase from Lorena Kaldon caught his attention.

 

"Once again, I want to know if this project will be open for tenders?"

She looked agitated.  "And who will make the final decision?"

 

"Why, obviously, that must be decided by the Villages, Todd said,

smiling affably as if he'd been following the discussion all along.

 

"In this instance,' Barustable began, joining in with a verbal pounce,

"since the matter concerns more than the Villages, the parent worlds

must have a voice." Todd lifted one eyebrow and gave Hrriss a long look

which Hrriss shrugged off.  That annoyed Todd even more.

 

Was Hrriss blind that he didn't see how eager Spacedep was to get a

legal foothold on Doonarrala?

 

"Parochial attitudes must give way to interstellar requirements,'

Tanarey Smith said and Lorena nodded hearty agreement.

 

"Yes, but with both Earth and Hrruba complaining about costs already,

where is the credit coming from?" Todd asked.

 

"This project will interest independent financial sources Lorena began.

 

"Don't you worry about the financing Tanarey said.

 

"All right, I won't,' Todd said, "but how does the facility manage

itself once it's built?"

 

"Tariff, of course,' Fred Horstmann said, regarding Todd with surprise

as if that source was too obvious.

 

"Which include a yearly rental?" Hrrestan asked in a bland tone.

 

Even Todd regarded his co-leader with surprise at that nicely landed

bombshell.  Hrrestan dropped his jaw in a smile.  "You did not think

that we Doonarralans would let you have a whole subcontinent rent free

from us, did you?  A percentage of the annual income Todd covered his

eyes and bent his head so no one would see his grin.  Maybe Hrrestan

wasn't totally lost to common sense in this matter.  In Todd's lexicon,

however, a hefty infusion to the colony's coffers did not quite

compensate for the abrogation of the Treaty.  As it was, Hrrestan's

remarks effectively silenced everyone except for the jingling bells of

Jilamey's suit as, first he sank back in his chair, before abruptly

sitting up to cause more chiming.

 

"Of course,' the young entrepreneur said, beaming at his sudden

inspiration, "Doonarrala must benefit from the project.  But I think

it's only a matter of working out an acceptable figure.  Think of all

that has already been worked out here on Treaty Island so harmoniously."

He gave one arm a hearty shake, grinning at the effect on those seated

around the table.

 

In the small reception room outside the landing bay, a smartly uniformed

Spacedep rating awaited the passenger of an admiralty scout ship that

had just arrived on board the cruiser.  The esteemed visitor, a stocky

man in his early forties with a commander's insignia on his uniform, had

a broad spread of shoulders, a strongly drawn jaw, and sharp, brown eyes

that made the rating quail inwardly when they momentarily met hers.

There was something almost cold about him.  His square, handsome face

was unlined except for the disapproving indentations framing his moulded

mouth.  The rating waited at attention while the visitor cleared

decontam and slipped out of his pressure suit.  The glassteel doors slid

open one at a time, allowing him to enter the atmosphere lock, and

finally to admit him to the lounge.

 

"Welcome aboard, Commander,' the rating said, firing off a perfect

salute.  "The captain awaits you in her office.

 

I'm to take you to her." Frozen like a waxwork, she held the pose,

waiting for the guest's reply.

 

"Thank you,' Commander Jon Greene replied, returning the salute

promptly, but not too promptly.

 

The rating relaxed subtly, as if the precise timing was what she had

expected, and he smiled inwardly.  Without a single glance back at the

scout ship now being swarmed over by a crowd of technicians for its

courtesy checkup, he strode off behind his guide.

 

Greene surveyed the various work-stations they passed, glancing at the

hands, and then at the eyes of the crew working at them.  Each person,

as he met his or her eyes, straightened up involuntarily, and went back

to the task at hand with renewed energy.  As Admiral Barnstable's

personal assistant, he represented Spacedep command in the flesh, and

expected efficiency and the stiff-backed respect of inferior officers.

 

Greene himself had come up through the ranks.  By virtue of sheer

efficiency and drive, he became indispensable to his varied superiors,

working his way up to a position of trust, where he was empowered to

carry Out ordered tasks that required strategy and thought.  By making

his commanders look their best, he acquired a vicarious importance.

 

In time, he had managed to ingratiate himself to the new head of

Spacedep, Admiral Barnstable.  Greene was an ambitious man, and hoped to

go higher still in time.

 

Who knew what might await him in the future?  The chairmanship of

Spacedep?  A seat on the Amalgamated Worlds Admin Council?

 

The Admiral was presently on Doona for the purpose of attending a

conference to gain a Spacedep niche in the proposed space port and

negotiate other details of interaction between the two races.  The

Admiral was an adequate administrator, and spoke only passable Middle

Hrruban, but he was a better negotiator than anyone in the Spacedep

hierarchy.  Greene knew his own talents would be employed there, as an

adjunct delegate, speaking for the rights of those governed by the

Amalgamated Worlds Council, to facilitate Barnstable's agenda.  Greene

was not anti-Hrruban per se, except where the goals of the Hrrubans

interfered with what was properly due to Humanity.

 

Barnstable recognized Greene's talents, and made use of them.  He

trusted Greene to carry out on his behalf missions like this one.  It

was ostensibly a courtesy call, allowing Greene to visit the captain of

the Spacedep cruiser which was passing through Doonan space for the

purpose of asking her to join him at the negotiations.  His visit had

its sub rosa purpose: the Admiral suspected that Hrruban warships would

also be in the area, and Greene's primary mission was to find out what

they were doing.  If they were behaving in a suspicious manner, the

Admiral wanted to be informed as soon as possible, so that he could take

appropriate manoeuvres.  Barnstable wasn't an isolationist, but he

firmly believed that good fences made good neighbours.

 

Greene and his escort passed into the rear of the bridge area and

skirted the main dais, heading towards an alcove facing it on the left.

 

The officers of the current watch on the bridge glanced up only briefly

at the visitor and his escort.  No inefficiency here.  Greene nodded

approval.

 

Overt curiosity in a fleet officer was a fault.

 

The metal door slid away into a recess as he approached it.  The rating

stopped at the threshold to announce him.

 

Beyond the door was a utilitarian metal desk behind which sat a short,

muscular woman with ice-blond hair and direct brown eyes that arrested

Greene on the threshold.  She looked up from her desk monitor as the

young spacer performed the introductions.  Greene felt a tingle at the

back of his spine as she summed him up with a glance.

 

A most attractive woman and, by her expression, not unpleased by what

she saw.  By her record, she was also a successful, intelligent officer,

on track for flag rank.  A good person to get to know.  He smiled.

 

"Captain Grace Castleton, I bring you greetings from Admiral

Barnstable,' Greene began, very formally approaching her.  "I am Jon

Greene.

 

Castleton stuck a hand out over the desk, clasped Greene's, then

released it and indicated that he should sit down.  Her deep eyes were

frank and full of concern.

 

"Good to see you, Commander.  That's quick work!  We only just heard the

alert."

 

"Alert?" Greene gawked blankly, and the captain frowned at him.

 

"Yes, alert!  You've come about that orbiting monstrosity out there,

haven't you?" Castleton swivelled her miniature viewscreen towards him.

On it was the image of a hovering hulk.  Shock hit Greene in the pit of

the stomach.  The odd-shaped vessel was huge.  "The system perimeter

alarms went wild!  Can you make anything of it?" The outline, a long,

irregular cylinder like a tree trunk, was somewhat familiar to him, but

he couldn't place it.

 

Greene made a point of familiarizing himself with all makes of

spaceships, naval, civil and private.  And he had seen one like this

recently, too.  He concentrated on plucking the circumstances out of his

memory.

 

"Not the usual design of Hrruban warships, is it?" he murmured,

struggling to grab the evasive recall.  With a deft tapping, he brought

up the computer telemetry statistics and studied the image, trying to

identify it.

 

"Can't be Hrruban,' Castleton snapped immediately.

 

"Furthermore the ship doesn't answer any communication signal we've

thrown at it, and I know all the Hrruban codes.  It's heading for a high

orbit around Doona.  We've our weapons trained on it, though it hasn't

offered any overt threat.  But then, how could it?" And her grin was

ironic.  "It's not carrying any heavy armament."

 

"None at all?" Greene demanded.  "Ridiculous."

 

"Look there,' she pointed at another shape on the screen, so far in the

background that it could have been painted on the starry backdrop.

Statistics, expressed in hot yellow numbers, inscribed themselves on the

screen around it.  "See?  There's the biggest registered Hrruban ship,

armed to the nines, right where the Admiral thought it'd be.  That one

set off my weapons sensors all right.

 

High-grade radiation, well shielded but still detectable.

 

Bastard's not supposed to be there, but I guess they don't trust us

completely either, with one of their High Council members down there.

The way they're hanging off the stranger, they don't know where it came

from, either." As if in corroboration with Castleton's assertion, the

intercom rang through.  "The commander of the Hrruban ship,' a voice

said.

 

"Put him through." The images faded, to be replaced by the face of a

middle-aged Hrruban.  "Zis is Captain Hrrrv.  Your other ship refuses to

answer our hails."

 

"Captain Castleton here.  It's not one of ours.

 

Can't you identify it for us?" Castleton asked, pointedly.

 

"One cannot identify what one has never seen beforrre!" the Hrruban

said, snapping his jaw shut.

 

"Then, something new?  A Doonan dreadnought built in secret?  It would

be within their philosophy to build a ship without guns,' Greene

murmured softly, knowing he was not in the intercom's audio range.  The

instant he realized that Captain Castleton had heard it and was glaring

at him, he gave her a facile smile as if he'd meant to be facetious.

 

Castleton was not stupid and, while she couldn't express political

opinions, she was unlikely to have anti-Doona leanings.

 

"I doubt that very much,' she said drily.  "Doona has no heavy metals

resource to produce a ship that big, much less a space dock that could

construct one."

 

"Then where is it from?" Greene asked.  His inner agitation increased.

 

Of all the possibilities he could have anticipated in coming to Doona

for this conference, the incursion of another alien race fitted none.

Another race of aliens becoming involved in the already complicated

political dance between the Humans and Hrrubans would not please Admiral

Barnstable.  A new variable in the equation would be the last thing he

wanted.  And the faint familiarity Greene felt for the ship on the

screen plagued him.

 

"I'd sure like to know,' the captain replied, staring at the screen,

"but I'm rather short on answers and I've initiated all the approved

procedures for contact.  Captain Hrrrv shall we pool our readings?"

 

"You have obtained some, Captain?"

 

"I'm seeing the same thing you are, Captain." Castleton shook her head

slowly from side to side.  "Science officer, have you anything to

report?"

 

"Proceeding with routine scans, sir." Even over the intercom, his voice

betrayed a significant lack of conviction of success.

 

The outline of the massive ship, Greene decided, attracted the eye.  It

was such a peculiar shape.  A central tube pierced through an almost

globular centre section.

 

From the upper and lower parts of the tube, smaller clusters sprouted,

almost like tumours in a tree.  It looked harmless, but so did a land

mine, the commander thought.

 

"We have life-form readings, sir, but, sir,' the science officer

hesitated again.  "I think there must be something wrong with our

instrumentation or the stranger is somehow scrambling them."

 

"How so, mister?" Castleton asked.

 

"Too big.  Neither Humans nor Hrrubans grow "em that size, sir."

"Captain Hrrrv, do your life-form readings concur with ours?" Castleton

asked.  "Patch readings through to Captain Hrrrv." The next moment,

Hrrrv nodded solemnly.

 

"Let us report the presence of this vehicle and its anomalies to our

superiors immediately.  Over and out." As soon as the Hrruban's image

had faded, Castleton called for her communications officer.  "Get

Admiral Barnstable on the horn." She frowned as Greene raised a hand for

her attention.  "Belay that.  Yes, Commander?"

 

"He's in the middle of a conference with a number of civilian officials,

Captain.  "Noted, Greene,' she said, crisply, but she smiled to take the

sting out of her brusque reply.  "Use Command Code, Barnet."

 

"Admiral Barnstable,' the Treaty Island aide said in a low voice,

bending down to the Admiral.

 

"Message from Captain Castleton, Command Code." The old man looked

around for the audio pick-up.  "Can you pipe it in here, son?  Don't

care to leave my present company even for a Command Code!" He gave a

snort.

 

"Whatever is up Castleton's nose now?"

 

"Admiral?" A woman's voice, sounding agitated, echoed from the satellite

feed.  The pick-up was audible only to those nearest the Admiral.

 

"Yes, Captain.  Nice to hear from you.  Something go wrong between you

and my envoy?"

 

"There's a matter of extreme importance "Well, Grace, spit it out,' the

Admiral insisted.

 

Her words pinged crisply from the speaker.  "There's an intruder, a huge

ship beginning entry into distant orbit around Doonarrala.  I've never

seen anything like it in space before.  It's seven times the size of

Spacedep's largest flagship!  Captain Hrrrv can't identify her either.

I'd appreciate it if you'd come upstairs and take a look, sir." At such

information, those who heard erupted into surprised protest and

consternation.  In a few seconds, everyone knew the substance of the

message.  Second Speaker glared nervously around him, as if expecting

the intruder to appear in the room.  A young Hrruban wearing the single

bandolier belt of a Treaty Island employee ran into the room and slid to

a kneeling position on the polished wooden floor beside Hrrestan.  The

aide began to whisper urgently in the leader's ear.  Hrrestan's eyes

narrowed, and he rose to address the gathering.

 

"Zat was confirmation, my friends, if we needed it.

 

An unknown ship of great size entered our system over three hours ago,

and it has made full orbit.  Ze space centres are on rrrred alert.

 

Until we know more, I think we may consider zat we are being invaded."

"Why do we have to assume,' Todd asked in a low angry voice as he and

Hrriss ran for the nearest commlink terminal in the corner of the room,

"that we're being invaded just because it's a strange ship?"

 

"Because it's big,' Hrriss murmured, inserting his sleek body into the

chair before Todd could, "and no one recognizes it." His long fingers

flying over the keys, his partly bared claws clacking.  Using an entry

code, Hrriss hooked directly into the computer net used by the three

Doonan space centres.  Panting, Ali Kiachif peered over his shoulder.

 

"That,-' Todd exclaimed with awed respect as the scan started, "is truly

one big mother!" Castleton hadn't exaggerated: the stranger was

approximately seven point four times the size of a Spacedep flagship,

and of no configuration he'd ever seen before.

 

"Do we classify zis scan?" Hrriss asked, his talons flexing slightly in

and out over the keys.

 

"Let's just hope that we're not too late,' Todd said, "and that someone

isn't linking into the net right now.  We don't need a panic.

 

Classify it, need-to-know clearance only."

 

"Just what I was about to suggest,' Admiral Barnstable said, dropping a

hand on Todd's shoulder.

 

"Hrrestan?" Todd looked up from the stranger on the screen to his

co-leader.  Barnstable might suggest but he was outside his jurisdiction

right now.  Hrrestan nodded agreement, and pulled Barnstable back a

little way.

 

"Ze knowledge will become common soon enough,' Hrrestan said with a

little sigh of regret.  "It is for ze leaders to preparrre others to

receive it.  In ze meantime, we will be gearrring ourrselves forr

whatever may follow.

 

"And if the intruder is hostile!  Who will protect us?" other delegates

demanded.  Kelly stood, watching, her arms wrapped around herself but

showing no sign of fear.

 

"Zere is no need to assume ze worrst,' Hrriss said resolutely, echoing

Todd's feelings, "before all facts are known, is zere?"

 

"We don't have to assume,' Todd added, supporting Hrriss, "that a

stranger, any stranger, comes only with hostile intent."

 

"That big?" Tanarey exclaimed.  "What else could it have?"

 

"I've got a fully armed ship on alert upstairs,' Barnstable was saying

at the same time.  "It's ready in case of any emergency.

 

"We don't know if we have an emergency yet, Admiral,' Todd said.

 

"We have a visitor, not a proven enemy.  Hell, it isn't shooting at us,

is it?"

 

"Enough of this,' Barnstable said, firmly.  "I want to see this mystery

visitor, -" and he shot Todd a sardonic look, "with my own eyes. I'm

going up to the Hamilton immediately.  As head of Spacedep, I need to be

where I can make informed decisions as soon as sensor data is received

and analysed."

 

"As planetary administrator,' Todd said instantly, "I need to be on hand

for any decisions that affect Doonarrala." Barnstable gave him a long

measuring look, then nodded his head sharply once.

 

"Zis surprise arrival affects more zan just Doonarrala,' Hrrto said,

promptly.  "I must be present, as well."

 

"I go, too,' said Hrriss, glancing at Todd who nodded agreement.  Their

estrangement over the space port was momentarily forgotten in this new

crisis.

 

"I must accompany the Speaker,' Mllaba said, glaring at Hrriss as if he

had usurped some perogative of hers.

 

"Hrrubans on a Spacedep military ship?" Barnstable said with sudden

pompous suspicion.

 

"Zese are exzraordinary circumstances,' Second Speaker said urgently,

his tense stance suggesting he would brook no refusal.

 

"Dammit, very well!  Come along!  But let's get a move on!" the Admiral

barked.

 

"We don't know that anything's wrong, love,' Todd whispered to Kelly

when he gave her a quick farewell hug.  She held up her head defiantly

and nodded, her bravery and her faith in him shining in her eyes. "Don't

panic when there's no need.

 

Kelly let her head rest briefly on his shoulder as if memorizing his

touch and scent, then pushed herself firmly away.  "I'll wait with Nrrna

and the kids."

 

"Thatta girl,' Todd said almost flippantly.

 

"Don't I always come back to you?" She caught herself about to give way

to the very panic he had mentioned and stood away from him.

 

"Just don't take any unnecessary chances.

 

"Me?  Never!" He gave her his most charismatic grin and then turned back

to the emergency before him.

 

"AliI believe that the Admiral's shuttle is already on the Hamilton. Can

you get us another one?"

 

"No tussle, trouble or toil there,' the Codep captain said, cheerfully,

"providing we don't get shot out of space on the way.  Follow me, all."

 

Chapter 2

 

KIACHIF TOOK THE SKIFF OFF IN A FAST-CLIMBING ORBIT, cleaving the

atmosphere.  Crowded into its forward cabin behind Kiachif and Hrriss in

the pilot's couches were Barnstable, Todd, Second Speaker and his

assistant, Milaba, Hrrestan, Barnstable's personal aide-de-camp, and

Jilamey Landreau, who squeezed on board through the closing airlock

before he could be stopped.  Rather than waste any more time, he was

allowed to remain.

 

Below them, the vivid blue of the Doonan sky glowed, illuminating the

nearside of vessels hovering in local space above.  Communication

satellites, merchant ships, and beacons went by unheeded.  As soon as

the skiff attained its first looping orbit, the unknown ship, a virtual

leviathan, came into view, watched cautiously at a prudent distance by

the Spacedep and Hrruban Space Arm vessels.

 

The invader had made no overt movements, either hostile or friendly.  It

just hung there in space, circling the planet at a distance.  Everyone

stared in turn at the screens and the forward port, as if to make

certain what they saw in the screen existed in real space.

 

"Where did that large leviathanic liner come from?" Ali Kiachif

demanded.  His eyes gleamed.  "I'd powerful like to take her for a test

spin, make no mistake about that.

 

Wonder what fuel she runs on?"

 

"Brr!  It looks dangerous,' Jilamey exclaimed, "all those sticks and

pieces sticking out.  Surely that's not good design." The visitor

plunged into the nightside of Doonarrala, making it a sinister shadow

against the stars.

 

"Isn't that a breakaway orbit?" Kiachif asked, checking his sensors. "Is

she doing a spit, split and ffit if anyone so much as says "boo" to

her?" Todd scrutinized the outlines of the ship as it reached dayside

again.  The vessel was slowing down.

 

"Seems to be settling into a stationary orbit, Ali,' he said.

 

Details were hard to pick out on the black hull.

 

But he could see nothing at all that he could identify as weaponry, nor

did the skiff's monitors register any telltale radiation glow.  "They

look like they mean to stay a while,' he added very softly.

 

Hrriss, beside him, was the only one to hear that comment.  "I know what

I wish zey are doing here,' the cat man said, wistfully "Me, too,' Todd

agreed, smiling slightly as, once again, he and Hrriss were in the

minority.  He was positive that most of the others were reacting in

various degrees of xenophobia.  Had neither race learned anything from

the Doona experiment?  Or were they two the only ones who had learned

the true significance of this unique colony?

 

Bearing in mind the result of his father's initial encounter with two

small Hrrubans thirty years ago, a show of friendship might once again

prove more useful than overt hostility.  The very fact that this skiff

contained persons from two races, observing this possible confrontation

with a third, surely meant some good had been achieved by the Decision

at Doona.  His grin for Hrriss broadened.  "Well, if wishes were hrrrses

- .  -" he murmured in a very good imitation of Hrriss.

 

"It is a tirrifying giant,' Mllaba said, exhaling on a hiss as she

shivered.

 

The skiff caught up with the leviathan, passed underneath, and shot out

in front.  Kiachif turned the ship out of an ascension trajectory and

headed for the Spacedep cruiser.

 

Captain Castleton met them at the docking bay.  Todd had met her once

before, two years back, at a Treaty Day observance.  He didn't know much

about her, except that she was a good dancer.  Her crew considered her a

tartar because she expected honesty and tireless dedication from

everyone who served under her.  She appeared unruffled and calm,

saluting the Admiral smartly before holding out a firm hand to each of

the others.

 

"Welcome on board the Hamilton, gentlemen, madam.

 

Mllaba shook her hand gravely "Grace, I'm glad to see you,' Barnstable

said at his heartiest.  "We've just had a good look at your mystery

guest.  Damned if I know what it is.  Any new info?" Barnstable turned

to acknowledge another uniformed figure in the bay with a lift of his

thick, white eyebrows.

 

"Ah, Jon, there you are.  My aide, Jon Greene,' he said to the others.

"I'll want your reading on this asap, Greene.

 

"Of course, sir,' Greene said, stepping forward.  "My report is waiting

for you.

 

Todd decided the aide was about his own age but a hand-span shorter,

compact and trim in his dark blue uniform.  He glanced at the civilians

behind his CO, meeting Todd's eyes, then focusing, as if identifying

him.

 

Greene's look of concentration faded abruptly, dismissing the civilians

as unimportant, and returned his gaze to his superior.  Todd felt a

swift flush of irritation at being so negligently dismissed.

 

Castleton went on.  "Sir, I've invited Captain Hrrrv of the Hrruban

vessel to take part in this conference." Barnstable nodded.

 

"Good.  In the ready room?"

 

"This way, Admiral,' and Castleton indicated the portside corridor.

 

It was then that Todd saw the two Hayumans in dark blue uniforms with

security flashes on their shoulders.

 

They peeled away from the unobtrusive group waiting behind the sliding

doors and filed in behind the Hrrubans as they went down the blue-grey

corridor.  As everyone filed out of the bay, more of the ratings took

unobtrusive positions of escort behind the other Hrrubans.

 

It was not very subtly done and Todd could see that Second's spine was

stiff under his red robe.  Mllaba's tail switched angrily back and

forth.  After so many years since the Decision at Doonarrala, it was

infuriating that there was still such blatant evidence of distrust.

 

"Blast it out of space,' the Hrruban captain suggested, his fangs

clicking together with a sound of finality.  He waved an imperious hand

at the image hanging on the large screen.  Hrrrv bore a broad, dark

Stripe down the middle of his gold-furred back, sure indication of his

clan's high position on Hrruba.  Both cruisers were now matching the

stranger's orbit, but with one fourth the curve of the great, blue

planet between them for safety.  The Hrruban's ship was just barely

visible in the corner of the viewscreen.  "I do not like its appearance.

I think it means us no good." He walked up and down one side of the

ready room, switching his tail irritably.

 

"Captain Castleton, when the ship did not answer any standard hailing

messages, did you try any other methods of communication?" Todd asked,

exasperated by the military mind.

 

Grace Castleton regarded him in surprise.  "I tried all known codes .  .

on all frequencies available to my equipment,' and her tone and look

implied that she had the very best and state-of-the-art equipment in

use.

 

"Oh, I see what you're driving at,' she said, her face lightening.

 

"Thank goodness someone does,' Todd said, throwing up his hands in

gratitude.

 

"And just what is that?" Admiral Barnstable demanded, annoyed.

 

"Sir, how can they communicate with us if there isn't a common language?

Or symbols or even a media of communication.  My father had the

advantage of being face to face with two members of another species."

"And how do you propose to emulate your father then?" Barnstable asked.

 

"By going to meet them?" Barnstable's eyes protruded and his face

flushed with either surprise or anger but Todd kept his ingenuous smile

in place.  "Worked before."

 

"That's why we ended up learning Hrruban,' Jilamey said.  When he saw

Barnstable, Castleton and Greene giving him a concerted cold glance, he

demanded, "What was wrong with that?  We learned it.  I think Todd's got

the right approach.  Go meet "em and find out what they do want.  It

doesn't do us any good to sit here in space with that big thing looming

over us, neither side making a move.

 

Their ship may be bigger but,' and he waggled his finger around the

room, "we got more.  They could be the ones scared stiff to make a move,

you know.  Make the wrong move and get blasted out of space.

 

Todd rubbed at his mouth, trying to make his lips behave.  Jilamey was

making exactly the point he wanted to.

 

"Landreau's talking sense,' Ali Kiachif said.  "Don't know why I didn't

see it that way myself, since I've traded with some mighty odd folk,

using signs and trying to savvy their grunts, groans and gargles."

"D'you mean to say,' Castleton asked Todd, leaning forward across the

table on her arms, "that you're willing to approach them?"

 

"If you'll let us have a tender, Captain,' Todd said equably.

 

"But .  .  .  but that could be a vanguard?" Barnstable exclaimed.

 

"A vanguard?  That big?" Kiachif exclaimed.  "If that's baby, I don't

want to meet papa, if you get my drift."

 

"An unarmed baby,' Todd said, grabbing the initiative again.  "Unarmed.

I'm more than willing to go "I go with you,' Hrriss said.

 

"I wouldn't mind the trip myself.  Be sort of fun,' Jilamey said,

grinning in his eagerness.

 

"Now see here,' Barnstable began, trying to regain control, "that is not

standard procedure."

 

"I didn't realize there is one for encountering large unknown space

craft,' Todd said.  He stood up.  "If you'll be good enough to assign us

a shuttle to make first contact, Captain "Dammit, young man,' and

Barnstable thumped the table with both fists, "nothing's been decided."

 

"I know,' Todd said, gesturing to Hrriss and Jilamey, "that's why I

decided to do something, on my own initiative, as co-leader of the

planet which I do not honestly believe is in any danger from this

visitor.  But the sooner we establish communications, the sooner we

learn exactly why they are in our space and what they want." "They want

to blast you to motes if you're foolhardy enough to approach them,'

Barnstable said.

 

"With what, Admiral?" Todd said, feeling the tide of aggravation rising

in his blood.  "You've established-at least you say you have,' and he

glanced for confirmation at Castleton and Hrrrv, "that the ship is

unarmed .

 

Barnstable waved that consideration away.  "You can't know what kind of

weapons they might have.  The whole ship, in that peculiar

configuration, might act as an amplifier for some kind of huge energy

beam!  Who knows what those bulges on the surface are for?"

 

"I'm willing to take that risk, Admiral,' Todd said, adding grimly,

"I've also considered that they might have biological armament which

doesn't require high-powered delivery systems.  But I prefer to believe

that they're friendly, only waiting for an invitation from us.  Enemies

barge in: friends wait for invitations."

 

"Good point, Todd,' Kiachif said, grinning broadly.

 

""Enemies barge in: friends wait for invitations." Great notion." A

notion which did not appear to amuse many for Hrrto's expression was

unreadable though his tailtip twitched.  Mllaba's was extremely active.

 

"Admiral, remember that thirty-four years ago,' Todd went on earnestly,

"Hayumans discovered that we were not alone in the galaxy: that there

was another sentient race with whom we could be friends,' and he nodded

solemnly at Hrrto who looked pleased, and grinned at Hrriss and

Hrrestan, dropping his glance lastly on Mllaba who sniffed back at him.

"The presence of a sophisticated spaceship that big means that whoever

is in that ship is not only sentient but of an intelligent and advanced

civilization.  The fact that they haven't opened fire or made any

threatening moves against us, I take to mean that they are not

aggressive.  I'm willing to test that fact.

 

"So am I,' Hrriss said.

 

"Me, too,' Jilamey piped up, grinning in an inane fashion.

 

"So, do we have a shuttle, Admiral?" Todd was becoming more and more

irked at the specious delays.  He wouldn't call them cowardly, but the

next best thing.

 

Grace Castleton flicked a glance at Admiral Barnstable.

 

"You can use my skiff, Reeve,' Ali Kiachif said then, with a glance of

veiled contempt at the naval officers.

 

"Glad to oblige - Barnstable was on his feet, so was Hrrrv.

 

"Now see here, Reeve, that's encroaching on military prerogatlves - -

"It's our planet down there, Barnstable.  C'mon, Ali, you can pilot

while this lot dithers.

 

Grace Castleton slid in front of Todd before he had taken a full step.

"Stow that, Reeve.  I take your point, and I'm sure the Admiral does,

too, even if your method is high-handed .  .  .  especially while you're

on board my ship." She gave him a wry grin.  "You've volunteered to test

the intentions of our .  .  "Visitor?" Todd suggested in a edged tone.

 

She nodded.  "Visitor.  But Spacedep is responsible for the safety of

all its citizens, and Captain Hrrrv for his nationals." Todd gave her

full marks for remembering the Hrruban presence, naval and diplomatic.

"That is true, but as these are aliens, whatever form they take, the

approach falls in the province of Alreldep of which I'm a

representative."

 

"Out of the question,' Barnstable said firmly.  "Until whatever these

beings are, are proven harmless, it is still a Spacedep matter.  I'll

concur that logic suggests that Reeve should lead a first contact team .

 

"And the elder Reeve,' Todd said.  "He has, after all, had more

experience than anyone else in successful first contacts."

 

"Your father?"

 

"The very one.

 

"Humph.  Well,' Barnstable cleared his throat.  "Makes sense.

 

"I'll lead the armed guard - - -, Greene said, taking a Step forward.

 

"There'll be no armed guard,' Todd and Hrriss said in one voice.

 

Barnstable bristled but Hrrestan's eyes flashed.  "A show of arms is

unnecessary.  And might even be considered an insult.  A friend advances

with open hands."

 

"It worked before,' Todd said, exchanging glances with Hrriss.  Out of

the corner of his eye then, Todd caught the look of intense disgust on

Greene's face.  Here was one man who didn't hold with the pacific

approach.  And probably one who might be a borderline xenophobe.  "I

think we've discussed this matter long enough.  Too long a delay might

jeopardize good relations.  They'll have seen the skiff arriving.

Captain, may I get in touch with my father on Doonarrala?" As Grace

Castleton bent to the terminal to instruct the commofficer, Todd saw the

resolute glint in Greene's eyes.

 

That man's middle name might be "trouble', he thought: he had a

sceptical and suspicious air about him.  Then the line to the surface of

Doonarrala was open Ken Reeve was delighted to be asked.  "I wondered

what the lines were humming so hot and heavy for,' he said, his image

beaming an ear-to-ear smile at them from the screen.  I knew the

perimeter alarms went off because I was jawing with Martinson at the

Space Centre up here between the First Villages.  It was too late for

the shush order when it followed.  The gossips hanging around in port

spread it all over town in jig time.  Everyone's speculating on who's

come calling." Barnstable looked grim.  "I was afraid of that.

 

What's the response?"

 

"Not exactly what you'd think by your reaction, Admiral,' Ken said, with

a grin.  "Doonans are more inclined to think that outsiders who don't

come in shooting are minded to be friendly.

 

We know we're not the only ones out there, and I for one am happy for a

chance to be one of the first to meet these new friends."

 

"They aren't friends yet,' Greene reminded him sharply.

 

Ken glanced over Barnstable's shoulder at the commander, his black

eyebrows mounting inw his hairline.

 

"Nor yet enemies,' Ken replied quickly.  "I've never believed in coming

in shooting."

 

"I'll send a shuttle for you,' Barnstable said, cutting Ken off and

putting an end to the argument.  "In the meantime, this is still a

security matter.  Please consider this as top secret.

 

You may not inform anyone where you are going or what you'll be doing."

"Right you are.  I'll be ready,' said Ken cheerfully, and signed off.

 

"I'll go get him,' Kiachif said, rising from his seat.  "My skiffs

faster'n any naval shuttle and I want another look, leer and lay a lens

on that big ship.  See if I can't get any more on her, if you get my

meaning.  Back in a ten-count." The Codep captain nodded to Castleton

and the Admiral, and left the room.

 

"Until Dad arrives and we can proceed with a first contact,' Todd said,

once the door shut behind Kiachif, "we must not make any moves which the

visitors could consider antagonistic or hostile.  No more scans, no

probes, no drones.  They could think the latter two were weapons."

"Let's not be overcautious, Mr Reeve,' Captain Castleton said, studying

the image of the ship in the holoscreen.  "The range of power

fluctuations we observe alone invite closer investigation.

 

Surely if they're the advanced beings you speculate they are, they'd

expect us to try and uncover any information about them that we could,

short of intrusive hardware?"

 

"Who knows what they'd consider intrusive?" Todd asked.  "Beings more

sensitive than our two races might find probe scan painful.  Do I have

to remind anyone here of the Siwannah Tragedy?  No, well then.  You've

already done enough remote scans." He didn't add "for all the good it

did'.

 

"I would feel better if I had more on them than the long-range data my

passive telemetry picked up,' Castleton said.  "To quote an ancient

Earth philosopher, it is a mistake to theorize in advance of facts." Jon

Greene was beginning to find the endless beating of the air dull and

purposeless.  The Doonarralans - wasn't that a word?  babbled against

logical research that would help guarantee safety for their own people,

not to mention the ships orbiting around their planet.  Any part of that

huge ship out there could conceal weapons.

 

It didn't make sense to remain uninformed when useful data could be

picked up as easily as vacuuming space dust.  He wished he could recall

under what circumstances he had seen that sort of vessel before.

 

Castleton looked annoyed: and rightly so with civilians usurping the

appropriate naval roles in this sort of contact.

 

Barnstable gave him a glance and pushed his clipboard across the table

to him.  Greene picked it up and read the note the Admiral had

discreetly added amidst the leviathan's readings.  "Send probe." Greene

erased the words and entered a random jotting of his own.  He stood up.

 

"Permission to be excused, sir?" Greene asked, pulling to attention.

 

Barnstable glanced up briefly from the discussion, and waved a hand. "Go

ahead, son.  I'll call you if I need you."

 

"Aye, sir.

 

Captain, may I see you outside?" The attractive Castleton looked

surprised, but followed him out of the room.  Greene escorted her a few

metres from the door and automatically checked the corridor before he

spoke.

 

"Sir, the Admiral asks if you will authorize launching a telemetry probe

at the intruder." Castleton looked down at her feet a moment before her

shoulders relaxed a degree from their tight set.  When she tipped her

head up again, she wore an expression of relieved approval.

 

"Reeve's overcautious, Greene.  Personally, I'd feel better with more

data about that leviathan on hand.

 

The distance scanners aren't giving us much to go on.

 

This way." He followed her to a waiting vator car.  "Level four,' she

said.

 

On an impulse, Greene stood closer to her than necessary in the small

chamber and was surprised and pleased that Castleton didn't seem to

mind.  He was even more encouraged when she returned his smile.

 

A Gringg in the cargo bay operations room of the gigantic spaceship

watched on a viewscreen as a tiny metallic cylinder floated casually in

the direction of the bow of their ship.  He leaned lazily over and

touched the key of the intercom with a long claw.

 

"Captain?" He knew he would find her in the bathing room.  "The Others

have begun to acknowledge us.  They are sending something towards our

ship.  I estimate it will be here within the hour.  It is very small and

does not seem to be armed.  Shall I take it aboard?" Splashing echoed in

the background, and the sounds of other Gringg conversing provided a

pleasant hum, then the smooth rich voice of the captain came out of the

speaker.  "Do, please, and inform me when you have it.

 

I'll come down to examine it."

 

"Captain?  Ken Reeve is here,' the bosun informed Grace Castleton, "with

Captain Kiachif."

 

"Show them in." Conversation around the ready room table halted as the

bosun stood to one side to allow the two men to enter.

 

Grace Castleton would have known Reeve anywhere as Todd's father.

 

Both men were rangy and taller than average with big shoulders and long

arms, and both had the cap of smooth black hair cut straight across the

forehead over decidedly stubborn features.  Ken's hair was somewhat

thinner, and there was more grey in it than in Todd's.  There were lines

graven by time in his fair-skinned face, but he exuded the same boyish

enthusiasm that his son did.  With a new adventure arising, years fell

away.

 

He might have been the same youthful Jack-of-all-trades who had landed

on Doona with a handful of tyro colonists more than thirty years ago.

 

"Hello, friends!  Speaker Hrrto, Admiral Barnstable,' Ken said, coming

over to clasp hands and bow respectfully to the Hrrubans.  He pounded

companionably on his son's shoulder.

 

Ken slid into the empty seat beside Hrrestan.

 

"Well, anything happen while Kiachif and I were on our way up?" He

looked around the table which bore the remains of a recent light meal.

 

"He's filled me in on the discussion.  We're still going to make the

contact?"

 

"We'll have to, Dad, they're not making any move,' Todd said.

 

"Captain, could we have a rerun of the tapes for my father?"

 

"I was about to suggest that, she replied and toggled the board for the

replay.

 

Watching the tape with keen eyes, Ken whistled softly as he read the

telemetry codes around the image of the ship.

 

"So we know very little about our friends over there?" Ken heard the

soft snort but couldn't tell who had issued it.  "Not friends?"

 

"That has yet to be established,' Barnstable said in a neutral voice.

 

"By me,' Ken said with a grin.

 

"By us, Dad,' and Todd indicated the other volunteers of the first

contact group.

 

"Can it be established if they're oxygen-breathers?" Ken asked.

 

"We'd need to know how to dress for our meeting.

 

"Can't even establish that, Dad,' Todd replied.

 

"Just like you to volunteer for a blind mission,' Ken said in a tone of

mock disgust.

 

"Begging the captain's pardon,' Commander Greene said, watching the

codes change on the main viewscreen.

 

"There's data coming through right now."

 

"Put it up, Mr Greene,' said Captain Castleton.

 

"More data?" Todd asked, startled even as he scanned the new readings.

"Where did you get it?"

 

"From a robot probe,' Greene said.

 

"What?" Todd demanded, sitting angrily upright.  "Who authorized the

launch?" He stared accusingly at Greene.

 

"I did,' Barnstable replied, his face reddening at Todd's imperious

tone.  "For the safety of all of us, including our Hrruban allies, I

felt it was vital we obtain more information."

 

"Admiral,' Todd said in a restrained tone, "I specifically requested

that there be no more probes, drones or even scans until we were ready

to proceed with the first contact." Banistable narrowed his eyes to

glare at Todd.

 

"Until proven otherwise, this is a Spacedep matter, young man.  I am

acting in the interest of safety for all the sentient beings on this

ship.  I don't need your permission to proceed."

 

"This is Doonan space,' Todd said.  It made him furious that this

bureaucrat would take a unilateral action that could endanger the whole

mission.  Hrrestan, who hated the high-handedness of Spacedep, would

back him up.

 

"We must not show distrust,' Hrriss agreed.

 

"We do not know if those aboard that vessel arrre worthy of trust,'

Hrrto reminded him sharply.

 

"Nor do we know they are not, Speaker,' Hrrestan said with equal

asperity.

 

"In any case,' Castleton said, raising her voice to put an end to the

argument, "the probe only transmitted readings for a short time.

 

They stopped the moment the ship took the probe aboard Todd struggled to

control his vexation.  "It probably stopped sending readings because

they disabled it, thinking it might be a bomb.

 

"If they have not now discovered its benign,' and Greene drawled the

adjective, staring at Todd, "purpose, then they're by no means as

sophisticated a species as you like to think them." Greene was rather

pleased with that shot at the officious Doonarralan.  He felt malicious

glee at Todd's surprise.

 

Todd knew he'd been outmanoeuvred there, but a soft touch on the back of

his arm came as a quiet warning from Ken not to pursue the point.  His

father, better than anyone else in the galaxy, knew how hard it was to

control the infamous Reeve temper, and how much damage it could do when

let loose.  Normally, Todd was in control, but the combination of

Spacedep's xenophobia, and the unknown potential orbiting his beloved

home planet was enough to put him at his worst.

 

He reminded himself that he was one step away from a great adventure,

equal to that when his father spotted the first Hrrubans near the

earliest settlement over thirty years ago.  These narrow-minded people

could not, did not understand the sheer joy of reaching out to another

race, joining the far, cold reaches of the galaxy together in

friendship.  He had to be on that ship first, no matter what.  It was a

longing as strong as love.  He glanced back and nodded at Ken to show he

was under control.

 

"Let's see what the probe did transmit,' Castleton said, settling down

once more behind the table Greene pulled open the hatch over one of the

inset consoles.  He punched in a code.  The view changed to a much

closer image of the great ship, which steadily filled more and more of

the screen.  An overlay of white characters sprang up, constantly

changing as the readings altered.

 

"We deployed a Mark 24-M probe with advanced sensors,' Greene calmly

announced.  "As you can see from the metallurgical report, the alien

defence shields are very strong.  Most of the inner core of the ship

resonates as a power plant.  It's well insulated, with main conduits

running down the pith of that central pillar.  There are power

fluctuations that build up from half a megawatt to over five gigawatts.

 

My estimate is that the strangers are prepared to attack with some sort

of electrical weapon."

 

"So far your assumption about their intentions is speculation,' Ken

said.  "The ship masses heavy.  What's in it?" Greene pointed to the

relevant data.  "Mostly water."

 

"Water?

 

You mean H2O?  What kind of beings are there inside?"

 

"Big.  Look at the readings.  There's one weighing 230 kilos."

 

"Individuals?" Ken asked, amazed.  Greene nodded.

 

Jilamey whistled.  "They're as big as Mamma Snakes."

 

"That'd explain the power requirements, if you follow me,' Kiachif said.

 

"Maintaining mass gravity for massive beasties."

 

"Or for quick power-ups on the weapons systems,' Greene added.

 

Todd shook his head in vehement denial.

 

On the screen, a circular opening appeared in the side of the ship,

gleaming silver against the blackness.

 

The little probe's eye moved into it, giving an impression of a vast

entry area and a quick view of some kind of computer console, and then

the screen went blank.

 

"That's all there is.  As you can see, once it entered the ship, it

stopped sending,' Greene said.  "There is no visual of the inhabitants."

Barnstable rewound the report and started it from the beginning.

Stroking his chin, he studied the screen closely.

 

"Wonder what they're using all that water for?  Ballast?

 

Weapon storage?"

 

"Nonssenssse!" said Hrrestan, hissing his sibilants. "This is all

speculation.  In any case, it isn't a destroyer of any kind.  There's no

armament to speak of aboard.

 

No rrradiation pazzerns which to me would indicate dangerrrous or

powerrrful orrrdnance." Castleton scratched her cheek thoughtfully.

 

"I'm just as glad they haven't returned our compliment.  After all, the

Hamilton's considered a peaceful ship but we have small lasers and

missiles.  I wonder if they've scanned us telemetrically."

 

"We prrrove we arre peaceful by ze composition of our landing prrrty,'

Hrriss said.

 

"All I hope is they don't think the probe was some kind of threat,' Todd

said, grimly.

 

"Wish I knew what sort of survival equipment we need,' Ken said

thoughtfully.

 

"May I suggest,' Ali Kiachif spoke up helpfully, "the fullest rig and

gear the Hamilton has to offer?" Capturing the small unit proved to be

no trouble at all, for which the technician was pleased.  Like all

Gringg, he hated to expend unnecessary effort on any task.  The captain,

a magnificent female of their species, entered the cargo bay accompanied

by her small son, a curious lad of eight Revolutions, and the chief

engineer, a female of many Revolutions and much experience.

 

The three of them sat down in a semicircle on the floor near the

console.  The technician retrieved the little device, hoisting it

lightly in one arm.  He set it down on the floor and settled opposite

the captain.

 

"I have decontaminated it, but you will be pleased to know that I found

no dangerous organic substances on it or within.  It makes a noise,' the

technician pointed out, indicating the subspace receiver on his console.

"I believe it to be a message of some sort."

 

"How kind!' the Gringg captain declared.  "Ghollarrgh, I am so relieved

to find that these people did not attack us upon sight.  Home world will

be pleased.  We must try to answer it, an unprovoking message.  They

must see us as being completely peaceful.  Match the frequency, and we

will attempt to translate.  Grrala, you,' she turned to the engineer,

"should try to construct a similar device so that we may send them our

compliments in return."

 

"In time, Captain,' the engineer yawned, "in good time.

 

Now, may we see how this little toy works?" Eager to please, the

technician began to display the workings of the ship-sent device.

 

Aboard the Hamilton, the shuttle was being made ready to depart.

 

Todd and Ken were fitted out with tough transparent pressure suits.  An

attempt was made to find one which would accommodate Hrriss's tail, but

nothing could be adapted in the short time allowed.

 

In the end, Hrriss offered simply to stuff it down one pant leg and be

done with the problem.

 

"I'm satisfied,' Todd said, fastening the last seal on his suit.

 

"The three of us should be able to handle any situation that comes up or

get out fast if it looks chancy."

 

"I want some personnel from Spacedep to accompany you,' Admiral

Barnstable insisted.  "This is still a matter under my jurisdiction,

whether or not I go along with your interpretation.  I've got a couple

of volunteers out of Castleton's crew, one from xeno and one from

medical.

 

And I'm sending my assistant to be my eyes and ears.

 

Commander Greene." Todd suppressed his reaction to that unwelcome news.

 

The last thing he needed was the inclusion of a xenophobic Spacedep

regular, but he conceded with as good a grace as he could manage.  "All

right.  Have them suit up and meet us in the launch bay."

 

"Hrruba must also send an observer,' said Second Speaker, after a quick

conference with Mllaba.

 

"We've already got a Hrruban in the party,' Barnstable said, glowering

at Second.

 

"I am willing to go,' Mllaba announced.  "I intend to go,' she added.

 

Todd caught HIriss's gesture of ears-back, and shook his head.

 

"Six is more than enough for a first contact team,' he said, carefully.

"More could be considered hostile.  In fact, six might be considered too

many.

 

"Will you not trust me, Speaker?" Hrriss asked softly in High Hrruban,

seeking to smooth things out before 1t became an argument that put an

end to the mission.  "I will uphold Hrruban honour Hrrto studied the

younger male, who gazed at him earnestly.  He grunted.  "It is not a

matter of trust, Hrriss.

 

I did but think to give you the support of another among all these

Hayumans.

 

"One of them is my brother,' Hrriss said, "as well you know." Hrrto,

forgetting his argument with the Hayuman Admiral, dropped his jaw in a

smile.  "I have known this for many years, young Hrriss.  Very well, a

Hrruban and a half Hrruban.  I simply did not wish Hrruba to be

disadvantaged."

 

"None shall see it that way.  They shall believe that only one Hrruban -

and a half - is needed to balance out any number of Hayumans,' Hrriss

said innocently.  Behind Second Speaker, he could see Todd and Ken

grinning at his quip.  They were the only ones who understood the brief

conversation.

 

"I believe it may be so,' Second Speaker replied at last.  He retired,

with Mllaba and Hrrestan, to the reception room beyond the blast doors.

Ken gave them a thumbs-up.

 

"I'd like to go,' Jilamey spoke up unexpectedly.  "As an independent

observer.  On behalf of Earth.

 

Just how much High Hrruban did Jilamey Landreau understand, Todd

wondered.

 

Barustable glared at Jilamey.  Although the young man's uncle was no

longer head of Spacedep, the name Landreau was a prestigious one on the

Hayuman home world.

 

Barnstable looked for a moment as if he was about to say no, until he

took a closer look at the obstinate expression on the younger man S

face.  Jilamey himself was not without influence on the Amalgamated

Worlds Council.  If the Admiral refused him permission, there could be

endless small road-blocks for funding in the future, and unfavourable

reports in the press about his administration.  If he agreed, it might

conceivably work out to Spacedep's advantage.  In spite of his

flamboyant wardrobe and occasionally foolish mien, Jilamey was known for

his shrewd and observant mind.

 

"You're on your own, Mr Landreau,' Barnstable said at last.  "Bear in

mind that you're vulnerable while on alien ground, and we cannot

adequately protect you.  But I'll allow it.

 

"Great!  I'm ever so pleased you see it my way,' Jilamey said, patting

the Admiral companionably on the back.  It was cheek and Todd knew it,

but Barnstable suffered it expressionlessly.  "Now, where can I get a

suit?"

 

"You guys act like you have nothing to lose,' the xeno technician said

as he suited up in the landing bay, listening to Todd, Ken, Hriiss and

Jilamey all eagerly speculating on what they might find aboard the alien

ship.

 

Like all men raised on Earth, Commander Frill had a soft voice, that was

currently afflicted with a quaver of fear.  His quiet manner of speaking

prompted the creation of his nickname, Frail, which he was not.  Frill

was tall, a bare centimetre shorter than Todd Reeve, with thick, solid

arms and a burly chest.  He was an All-Spacedep champion wrestler.

Neither he nor the medic assigned to the mission seemed to share the

sense of exhilaration the Doonarralans felt.

 

"Wrong, friend,' Ken said.  "I have everything to gain!" He grinned with

unaffected delight in the challenge he was about to face.

 

"My batting average's pretty good in first contact, you know.

 

Lighten up.  You're making history.

 

And it could be fun!"

 

"Fun, he says,' the medic said, checking his gear. Ensign Lauder had

been volunteered by his section chief, an honour he clearly would have

foregone if he could have thought up a valid pretext. Lauder, a slender,

brownskinned man with narrow shoulders, was to run scans, with

permission, on who or whatever they met.  The rebreather unit on his

back was cycling at twice normal speed.  He was very young.

 

"Hey, easy does it,' Ken said, laying a kindly hand on the medic's

shoulder.  "If you want to back out now, no blame'll be attached."

 

"No, sir!" the medic said, gulping.  "I'm no coward.

 

With an effort, he brought himself under control.  His respiration

slowed, and his face went from flushed ochre to a more normal tawny

shade.

 

"No one said you were, son.  Ken smiled.

 

"If there are no more delays?" Greene asked with a touch of rhetorical

sarcasm.

 

Todd nodded as if the question had been serious and put his clear

plastic helmet on his head.  Grommets around the neck bolted to the

bubble with a final sounding snap.

 

"We arrre waiting for you,' Hrriss said.  His pupils had narrowed to

thin slits, and his ears lay slightly back to avoid contact with the

headgear.

 

"Let's go,' Todd said.

 

The shuttle left the lock and dipped slightly below the edge of the bay

before the engines engaged fully.  Todd felt insignificant as they left

the big ship behind them.

 

Frill, who was flying the craft, nudged the controls to pilot a

wide-angle route towards the stranger, approaching with the sun at their

back to get the best view.

 

The leviathan lay before them, huge and black.  Todd admired the shape,

wondering what sort of naval architects had designed it and why this

shape had been chosen.

 

Hn iss's eyes glittered in the lights from the console.

 

He must be wondering the same things, Todd decided.

 

What purpose was served by the irregular bulges along the length of the

central core?  Ali Kiachif had speculated that the ship had substantial

artificial gravity, undoubtedly to help maintain the muscle tone of the

massive inhabitants that Commander Greene's probe had revealed.  As they

drew nearer, he was flatly amazed at the incredible size of it.  Beside

it, they were a pin-point, a dust mote.

 

Behind him, Commander Frill let out a low moan, quickly reprimanded by a

shake of the head from Greene.

 

Todd recognized a thrill of terror underneath his enthusiasm and

anticipation.  Was this how his father had felt thirty-four years

before, when he got his first glimpse of a non-human sentient life-form?

What if, after all his proud and confident words, the creatures inside

this gigantic ship were unfriendly?  And what if the "visitors' mistook

the purpose of the shuttle and shot at it now it was getting so close?

What if they refused to allow the Doonarralan ship aboard?  Well, that

only meant his assumptions had been wrong.  But he hated to think that

Admiral Barnstable and Captain Hrrrv could be right.

 

As they got closer, more detail became apparent to their unaugmented

vision.  The surface of the stranger was not actually black, but a matte

charcoal colour that probably repelled certain wavelengths of radiation

or light.  Spotlights dotted the hull here and there, mostly marking out

the place where antennae arrays or access hatches lay.

 

These features were only now visible, Todd noticed.  The matte surface

provided unusually good camouflage of such details.

 

The shuttle circled a third of the way around the big ship's central

"trunk' until they found what seemed to be an airlock lens, probably the

same one that the probe had approached and entered.

 

Triangular panels shifted slightly to the left, forming an iris-like

opening.  As Frill resolutely piloted the ship towards the aperture,

Todd had the eerie sensation of being swallowed, engulfed, ingested in

one insignificant bite.  Smoothly the tiny ship sailed through the

enormous circular hatch.

 

From each of the shuttle ports, the passengers stared at the size of the

chamber into which they were moving.  The landing bay was a virtual

cathedral with shining, metallic walls, at least one hundred metres long

- and high.  Several craft rested in dry dock inside.  Each was in size

equal to a Spacedep passenger ship.  The largest was as big as the

administration building that contained Todd's office in the Human First

Village.  At the far end of the bay was a set of double doors both tall

and broad, made of a translucent grey material.  Behind a clear window

set high in the left wall the party could see a vast console with

rounded viewscreens glowing blue.  The maintenance equipment and

freight-loaders were made for bodies a good deal bigger than any Hayuman

or Hrruban.  Beside a low console not far from the landing deck, Todd

noticed a man-sized device with the Spacedep insignia on the side: the

missing probe.  It was still signalling feebly, its coloured lights

drowned by the brilliant illumination in the bay.  The strangest thing

about the control console was that there was no sign of a chair.  What

were these 230 kilo creatures?  Giant snails?  Frill set the craft down

on a lighted circle in the shadow of a ship twice the size of an

Alreldep scout.  The shuttle touched down with a hollow boom.

 

"Amazing,' Hrriss said, voicing the thoughts in all of their minds.

"Ourrr hosts must be immenssse.

 

"Seems like,' Jilamey murmured, his mouth hanging open.  Ken Reeve just

looked around him and grinned in pure joy.

 

While the party surveyed their surroundings, the airlock wheeled shut

behind them, and hissing sounds arose.

 

Greene felt a surge of panic.  He was beginning to remember the source

of his knowledge of the ship.  It had been on a tape sent to Spacedep by

an exploration team.  He couldn't recall any details yet, but he

associated the memory with violent death.  For once, he hoped he didn't

remember too many details.  He struggled and won the battle with that

moment's weakness.

 

Formless shadows passed back and forth behind the grey glass doors.  As

soon as the hissing stopped, the medical man checked his sensors.  All

the passengers checked their suit telemetry.

 

"G-force is 0.5 over Earth normal.  What's the atmosphere?  Can we

breathe in here, Lauder?" Greene asked, his voice hollow in the bubble

helmet.

 

"It's a nitrox mix, plenty of oxygen,' Lauder said, carefully, reading

the sensors in the control panel.  "Reads like a class-M combination.  I

mean, I'd call it safe if we came across it on a planet."

 

"No trace elements?" Ken asked.

 

"Some,' the medical man admitted, checking his instruments.

 

"Nothing noxious in any concentration.  No bacteria known to be harmful

to Humans or Hrrubans, at least in this section.  1 won't give the

atmosphere a hundred per cent clearance, though, simply because I

haven't run a lab analysis on it yet.  Keep using the rebreathers."

 

"So ordered,' Greene said, with a sharp nod.

 

"Let's go,' Todd said.

 

Frill released the hatch and he climbed out.  The ambient temperature in

the bay seemed slightly cool.  Ken put part of the chill down to the

room's having just been open to vacuum, and his trembling to excitement.

The bay was Lauder stepped cautiously on to the deck and avoided the

lighted circle.  He bent over his scanner.  "I wonder if this is what

our hosts breathe or if they just made it up for us?" Hrriss followed

the tech.  "I wonder where they are,' he said, craning his neck to look

up at the high ceiling.

 

A roar sounded over an unseen intercom, startling them all with

unintelligible syllables.  The shadows behind the door grew denser,

darker, larger, giving an impression of vast size.

 

"That sounds like the overture,' Todd said facetiously.

 

"Here come the players." already warming up.

 

Chapter 3

 

AT THE END OF THE HALL, THE GREY GLASS DOORS PARTED and slid soundlessly

into the walls.  Todd and the others waited, mouths agape, as their

hosts entered the landing bay.  For all their height and girth, they

made little sound when they moved.

 

"Stars!" whispered Frail, his voice sounding hollow and unimportant

through the sides of his plastic helmet.

 

"Mother always said I'd meet someone bigger'n me." The first of the

aliens to enter, a bulky creature covered except for its face and the

pads of its forepaws with thick, long fur of light honey brown, stood

just over two metres in height.  Its face had a square muzzle with a

black leathery nose and black-fleshed lips, and two deep-set eyes the

colour of red wine protected by thick, smooth-skinned eyelids fringed

just at the edges with more honey hair.  Todd was amazed to see that its

facial features were arranged in the same way as a Hayuman's or a

Hrruban's.

 

Its shoulders sloped from a thick neck towards a huge ribeage, and

downward over a powerful lower body supported by very short but thick

legs.  It wore a pouch-laden belt and ornately decorated collar cut from

a scaly hide of some kind.  Todd thought it resembled snakeskin but what

a snake!  If the size of the scales was any kind of a clue, it had been

equivalent to a Great Big Mamma Snake.  The alien blinked at the

visitors curiously before standing aside to make way for the other two.

The being behind it, identical in appearance but black-brown in colour,

was nearly two and a half metres tall.  It too wore a collar, this one

more elaborate than the first alien's.  consisting of woven strips

punched and stamped with complex designs.  From one side of the collar

depended a loop of decorated hide that circled the upper part of the big

alien's arm.  Todd wondered if the attachment might serve some specific

purpose, concealing miniaturized devices, or was it a mark of rank, or

both?

 

The third alien, of the same dark brown as the tallest being, but with a

white patch on the throat that covered part of its chest like a bib, was

just over one metre high, and wore only a simple belt and collar of

scaly leather.

 

With plenty of hairy fur to protect them from weather, the aliens had as

little need for clothing other than as ornamentation as the

smoother-coated Hrrubans.  The three moved forward with commendable

grace, until they were within ten metres of the party.  Then they

stopped in a line facing the landing party, regarding their visitors

with calm, wine-coloured eyes.

 

At first, Todd was taken aback by their sheer size.

 

These creatures were terrifying, as if animal giants out of children's

story books had come to life.  Suddenly, their appearance struck Todd as

hilariously funny.  He felt a childish urge to break into giggles.

 

"It's the three bears!" he whispered under his breath to Hrriss.

 

"I sure hope they don't want me to tell them a story."

 

"I do not undrrrstand,' Hrriss whispered.  Inside his helmet, his ears

were laid back tight against his round skull.

 

"Earth fairy tale.  They look just like bears, creatures that were found

on Earth up to the last century - ugh!

 

Tell you later." He stopped talking as Ken elbowed him in the ribs.

 

"Shush!  You notice?  They don't want to appear aggressive,' Ken said.

He smiled widely at the beings, and let the set of his shoulders hang

loosely.  "They're waiting for us to close the distance."

 

"Wait a minute,' Greene said, grabbing Ken's arm.

 

"Consider the size of them!"

 

"They're friendly,' Ken said, calmly taking the man's hand away.

"They've brought one of their young along to show us they mean us no

harm - in fact, that they trust us.  You'd never bring a baby where you

intend to be the aggressor, nor where you expect threats."

 

"That's a baby?" the medic asked, agog.

 

"It must be,' Ken assured them.  "IAx,k at the way it's acting." Todd

understood completely what his father meant.  The small alien was more

awkward than the large ones, and kept looking up at the tallest one for

reassurance.  "That's his - or her - cub."

 

"Well, I don't know - - - Frill murmured, unsure.  He swallowed

nervously.  The medical man stood with his mouth hanging open while his

telemetry gear went wild making recordings.

 

"Keep your mind on the job,' Greene said, peevishly.

 

"Come along!"

 

"Yes, Commander,' the two navy men replied.  The group moved closer to

the aliens, and stopped three metres away as the medic faltered once

more.  The three creatures watched them calmly, waiting.

 

Ken steeled himself.  "I feel inferior, inhibited, and intimidated, as

Kiachif would say if he was here,' he said.  "The sheer size of them!

One of us has got to take action." He swallowed, and put a hand on

Todd's arm.  "Well, as the first and most successful xenolinguist in

Earth history, we'll see what sense I can make out of whatever noise

they make.  Wish me luck, boys."

 

"Youcan do it, Dad,' Todd said, firmly. He clasped his father's arm,

imparting confidence.

 

"Find out everything you can about them,' Greene added.  "Tell them as

little as possible about us." Todd shook his head pityingly at Greene.

The man had absolutely no idea how long it took to establish the most

superficial linguistic exchange.

 

Ken opened his arms wide in a gesture he hoped projected friendly intent

and walked right up to the furred trio.

 

"Greetings and welcome to the skies of Doonarrala,' he said, speaking as

cheerfully and enthusiastically as he could though his heart was

pounding in his throat.  "We come in peace.  We hope you do, too."

Echoing his gesture, the three aliens opened their upper limbs and

stretched their flexible muzzles up and back so that their teeth were

showing: sharp, white stalactites almost as long as a human hand.

 

"Fardles!  Now, those are fangs!" Jilamey whispered.  His face was pale

but his eyes glittered in fascination.

 

"We must be very careful, Captain,' the Gringg linguist said, glancing

upwards at her.  He was nervous about the possibility of disease, though

he had been assured by the ship's physician that an alien species was

unlikely to carry germs that could infect them.

 

Still, he, like all the others aboard, were volunteers.  If it cost

their lives to discover the truth about this species, so be it.

 

The linguist swept the hold with one more nervous glance, to reassure

himself that there was nothing there to discourage these small

interesting beings.  "One of them approaches.  Remember there is certain

knowledge we must not reveal yet."

 

"I know what to do.  Is it a female or a male, Eonneh?" Captain

Grzzeearoghh asked, looking Ken up and down curiously.  "These creatures

are all so skeletal!  And so small and weak!"

 

"It is difficult to know.  But since some of them wear garments under

those protective shells and some do not, that is clearly the

demarcation.  The unclad one's body configuration slightly resembles our

males, so that must make the tall ones female."

 

"So they have a female linguist or first speaker, Grzzeearoghh noted.

"How interesting.  We shall have to converse much on the divisions of

labour among gender once we have established communication.  But she

moves like a Gringg, slowly and carefully.  I am glad.  I find hurry so

disconcerting." The captain raised her head and called out a command

that made the aliens at the other end of the hall jump.  "Rrawrum?

 

Have you sent the message notifying home world that we have been

contacted and are carefully following procedure ?"

 

"I am getting it done now, Captain,' Rrawrum "5 voice echoed overhead in

the cargo bay, a little loudly to Grzzeearoghh's mind.  She would have

to ask the technician to correct the sound level when she had a moment.

 

It was making their visitors nervous.  Every care must be taken to put

them at their ease.  The strangers should have no cause to see us as a

threat.  My cub should help to reassure these small aliens, she thought.

 

"Tell them also that we are beginning contact."

 

"As you wish, Captain." "Mama,' Weddeerogh interrupted, as Ken stopped a

metre away.

 

"What is she doing?"

 

"She is identifying herself, I think,' the captain said, patting her cub

on the head.  "A pity their voices are so soft.

 

I was not paying attention!" Ken activated the recording unit at his

side and put his hands to his chest.  "My name is Ken Reeve.  Ken

Reeve." He extended one hand slowly toward the largest "bear' and

pointed.  "And you?" He gave the words the strongest interrogative tone

he could.

 

The massive head swung towards him, and the rubbery lips receded behind

the teeth again in a passable reflection of the Human's smile.

 

Ken was impressed by the flexibility of the aliens' faces, and their

ability to imitate expressions.

 

Todd was right: they did possess a superficial resemblance to Earth

bears.  Their colouring, shape, and musculature was very much like that

of the ancient species Ursa.  They seemed to be made for defence, armed

with heavy claws -and a thick, loose skin.  And they were so

unconsciously powerful.  If they proved to be unfriendly, they could

tear him apart without trouble.  The likeness was not exact, of course.

These beings had tails about the length and thickness of his forearm,

covered with shaggy hair.  What purpose did the appendages serve?

Balance?  Defence?

 

He studied the faces closely.  They had been growling among themselves.

He had clearly heard distinguishable syllables, some of them repeated.

The creatures had long, agile tongues, suitable for pronouncing the

complexities of a well developed language.  It was disconcerting to

stand next to beings who made him feel so insignificantly small, like a

child among giants.

 

The aliens must have sensed his discomfiture, for as one they rolled

back off their feet and on to their tailbones.  It was a graceful

gesture, ending with the body being braced solidly with hunched-up rear

legs and outspread tail.  Their lower limbs were short in comparison to

the length of the body, but they were heavy and solid, made for balance,

not speed.

 

"I am Ken Reeve,' he said again, pointing to himself as he hunkered

down, his best approximation of their new posture.  He wondered if he

should ask Hrriss to display his tail.  "And you?" He extended his hand

towards them.

 

The largest of the aliens roared again, and waved a thick claw at him,

turning it palm down and drawing it from the floor up to its head.

 

Seeing that he didn't understand, it levelled out the claw at its eye,

and drew an invisible line out towards Ken.

 

"What are they doing, Dad?" Todd demanded.

 

He smiled, delighted.  "Oh, I get you.  You're trying to equalize

things.  They want me to stay standing up, so that we're all at eye

level,' he said over his shoulder.  "Ken Reeve,' he indicated once more

to the aliens.

 

"Grzzeearoghh,' the largest replied slowly and carefully in its basso

profunda voice.  It sounded like the revving of an engine.

 

"Errizz-eer-oh?" Ken repeated, uncertainly, trying to duplicate the

growl.

 

"Grzzeearoghh,' the large one said complacently, wrapping its forepaws

over its belly.

 

The gesture made it look even more like the halos of Earth bears, and

Todd suppressed a chuckle.  Hrriss shuddered, his ears halfway back.

 

"Their voices make me uncomfortable, he said in Low Hrruban.  "Do they

always speak at such volume?  Spoken so loudly, the deep notes

reverberate harshly on my ear bones." He shook his head as if to relieve

the pressure.

 

"Hrrubans do not raise their voices unless they wish to attract

attention or if they are angry.  Could we have made them angry?

 

"How could we?  I don't think they're angry, or they wouldn't be looking

so comfortable like that,' Todd said.

 

"And with the size of those ribcages, I'd be surprised if they spoke

soprano." Ken tried the alien's multi-syllabic name over and over again

until the large one smiled at him.  "I think I've got it, chaps,' he

called.  "Meet Grzzeearoghh.  Looks like he's in charge here." Todd and

Hrriss cheered.  The aliens looked surprised but not displeased at the

noise, regarding their visitors with polite curiosity.  Beside Todd, the

Spacedep men seemed to be making themselves as insignificant as

possible, except Greene, who stood boldly pointing his recorder at the

aliens.  Jilamey was taking in the whole situation with awed joy "We're

communicating already!  It's too fascinating!" Grinning at Landreau's

genuine enthusiasm, Ken pointed at the medium bear.  "Who?" While he was

learning the complexities of pronouncing "Eonneh,' the cub rolled off

his haunches and waddled towards him.

 

"Look out!" shrieked Lauder, backing away.  The young medic's face was

pale.

 

"What for?" Ken asked, breaking off his language lesson.

 

"Hi, there, fellah,' he said as the cub bent to sniff his shoes.

 

While he waited patiently, the cub ran its shiny black nose up his suit

leg, sneezing briefly as the acrid stench of the transparent plastic

tickled its nasal passages.  But it continued its olfactory examination,

shoving its nose into Ken's armpit and down his arm to his gloved hand.

It sneezed again.  Ken threw a shrug back towards his party.

 

The cub meant him no harm.  It was only curious, like any youngster.

When they all unsuited, the bears were likely to get a few aromatic

surprises.

 

The cub threw both of its heavy upper paws up on to Ken's shoulders and

dragged his face down so that it could look at him.  It seemed puzzled

by the helmet.  Ken rapped on the plastic bell with a fist, then waggled

his head back and forth inside, trying to show that it was an artificial

covering.  The cub let out a series of pleased grunts that sounded like

stentorian giggles, and let go of him.  Ken hunkered down and extended

his hand.  It sniffed him, and squealed.  He noticed that the black

nostrils of the other two were twitching, but more discreetly.  Scent

must be important to them: a fact worth noting.

 

The trouble was that Humans did not smell like plastic suiting.

 

"You're a real sweet little critter.  What's your name?" Ken asked the

delighted cub.  "Ken Reeve,' he said.

 

carefully enunciating the two syllables as he pointed to himself.

 

"You?" he asked, pointing to the cub.

 

"Weddeerogh,' said the young alien in an unexpected baritone, then

scooted shyly back behind the largest bear.

 

"Aw,' Jilamey said.  "Acts just like a kid, too.

 

"I guess,' Frill said, finding his voice at last.  "If you like kids

that big.

 

"Gringg,' the biggest one said, suddenly, indicating itself and the two

others.  "Gringg."

 

"Gringg?" Ken asked.  "Grr-ing?"

 

"Reh." The big alien tilted its head to one side and let out a short

grunt.  Ken fancied it gave him a look of approval.

 

"Hayuman,' he said, pointing to himself.  "Hayuman.

 

"Ayoomnnn."

 

"Good." He walked over to stand beside Hrriss.

 

"Hrruban." The red eyes followed him carefully.  "Rrrrrooobvvnnn,'

Grzzeearoghh said, growling the rs rather than rolling them as a Hayuman

would.

 

"Close,' Ken said, approvingly.  "Good for you, Grizzly.

 

And we're all Doonarralans." He gave the leader a big nod and a smile,

which it copied, as he indicated Todd, Hrriss, and himself.

 

"Well, now we know what we all are.

 

Let's start on things." He knelt down, and patted the floor.

 

"What do you call this?" Ken asked the big bear.  "We call it "rllama".

RIlama."

 

"What are you doing, teaching it Hrruban?" Frill demanded, indignant.

"You should teach it Terran."

 

"One language at a time,' Ken warned him.  "We need a lingua franca, and

both of OUR peoples speak Middle Hrruban.  The Gringg can learn the

niceties of Terran and High Hrruban once they've mastered this one.  Now

pipe down, unless you want to do this for me?"

 

"No, I sure don't,' Frill said, quickly, backing off.

 

"Urnlllah.  Ma,' the alien intoned.

 

"We'e making progress.  Rllama,' Ken said, rolling the "r', and keeping

his mouth wide open so it could see the way he rolled his tongue.  The

little one watched him from the shelter of its parent's body, trying to

match his facial expressions and rolling its long tongue.  Ken laughed.

 

"Do you know, I think I'm the first sentient alien they've ever

encountered?"

 

"How can you make an assumption like that, Reeve?" Greene demanded.  He

looked slightly sick.

 

"This all seems to be new to them,' Ken said.  "They're not acting as if

they're anticipating what I'm going to do.

 

And I think they're enjoying it."

 

"Weddeerogh, you have no need to be shy, Grzzeearoghh said, turning her

head over her shoulder to beam at her offspring.  "This is becoming most

interesting.  Will you go and get writing materials for us?  Now we are

starting to work with vocabulary, I don't want to miss anything.  This

is a very important moment in Gringg history."

 

"Yes, Mama,' the cub said, with one more peek at Ken.

 

"What funny hands she has with no claws.  I do not like the smell of

that stuff she wears.  I would like to smell her.  I hope her own skin

smells better."

 

"She wears a protective covering, showing concern for our health and

hers.  I admire that,' Grzzeearoghh said.  "I did not know what to

expect from another race, especially not such scrupulous consideration.

And we know we must act with caution.  Now, please go." "Yes, Mama." On

all fours, he scurried towards the doors, which opened and closed behind

him.

 

"RIlama,' the strange female said.

 

"Rrrllahma,' Grzzeearoghh intoned.  Her pronunciation seemed to delight

the visitor.  "I do believe we are getting somewhere.  Good!  I wish the

female's friends were more calm.  One of the females and the male seem

quite at home, but I think those others may faint.  And that female with

its limb stuck out holding the little device seems most uncomfortable.

 

"I must confess to a certain amount of nervousness, too, Captain,'

Eonneh admitted.  "They are a feeble looking race, are they not?  No fur

to speak of.  I am almost afraid to move for fear of hurting them.

 

We have all been shown how important it is to give the appearance of

being no threat to any new racewe encounter.  And such amazing

dimorphism between sexes.  You'd think they were almost separate

species.  When the male speaks, his voice is so shrill it hurts my ears.

 

"Here it is, Mama,' Weddeerogh said, galloping in through the blast

doors with a tablet and stylus in his paw.

 

"Good, dear.  Give it to Eonneh.  Write this down, Eonneh.  Their word

for floor is rrrllama.

 

The Gringg male put the pad of thin but solid tiles down between his

feet and hooked the two loops of the stylus over the first and second

claws on his right upper paw.  He sounded out the word to himself

carefully before beginning to inscribe it.  In Gringg culture, writing

anything down with a living hand made it official.

 

Eonneh was a typical Gringg male for they made the best record-keepers,

poets, librarians, even artists, to write the history of their species;

they also mastered the theoretical sciences to forward development.  The

females, larger by ten to thirty per cent, organized, and exercised, the

practical arts, such as all forms of engineering, and tended to take the

lead in exploration.  In Eonneh's opinion, Grzzeearoghh was an excellent

captain, and was handling the situation perfectly.  The World Congress

which chose her as their envoy to any possible sentients had made the

best possible choice.

 

As the alien female watched interestedly, he made the characters for a

short growl, followed by a lingual extension, then a nasal hum.

 

The accents which went above and below the characters indicated the

subordinate vowel sounds.

 

"I'm enjoying this,' Ken said, coming close to the scribe for a good

look at what Eonneh was doing.  "Their written language is beautiful: a

minor work of art if this is any sample.  Nothing from even ancient

Terran civilizations comes close to it." Showing his camera first to the

two adult Gringg, he walked around and pointed it down at the pad to

record the scribe's work.  "I think he's trying to get it down in a

phonetic fashion.  That's what I'd do.

 

Well,' and he snapped another shot, "this is their attempt at "floor"'

"Can you tell how they phoneticize, Dad?" Todd asked.

 

"Hardly,' Ken said with a laugh, "not after just one word.

 

It's going to take a while to get anywhere useful."

 

"Don't worry,' Hrriss assured him.  "Our hosts have settled in for the

linguistic siege." Eonneh scribed busily at the big pad with Jilamey

behind him to watch how the handscript was made.  The pen contained

free-flowing ink that the scribe carefully controlled to make thick and

thin strokes on the smooth surface of the tile.  Landreau was clearly

impressed by the skill required, for each pictograph was complex and

beautiful.

 

"What's that?" Jilamey asked, pointing down at the character that Eonneh

was patiently drawing.  "Er, how do you say it?  Aaah?  Bbbb?"

 

"And that little one?" Jilamey moved his finger to a mark like an accent

that went over the top right corner of the squarish character.

 

"Ooo,' Eonneh said carefully, glancing up over his shoulder at the

Ayoomnnn.

 

"Really?  This must be the way you spell "Hrruban",' Jilamey replied.

"And that?" He indicated another mark, this time set below and to the

side of one of the elaborate pictographs.

 

"Hhhh.

 

"That's not a vowel,' he protested.

 

"That's an aspirate,' Ken said, coming over to look.  "So the different

notations are divided into hard consonant sounds and vowels?

 

Good job, Landreau."

 

"Huh?" Jilamey frowned in query.

 

"Is it all like this?" Ken said to Grzzeearoghh, pantomiming the

handwritten panel on to the nearest round screen.

 

"Be careful, Reeve,' Greene called.  He felt down his hip for his

sidearm, and remembered with regret that it had been left behind in the

Hamilton.  If these gigantic aliens got out of control, he had nothing

but his skills at unarmed combat with which to protect the Hayumans of

the party.

 

The captain rose to her full height and padded over to the console. "The

skinny Ayoomnnn female is both intelligent and curious,' she told

Eonneh.  "See this, Ken Reeve,' she said, pulling up a textfile on the

screen.

 

Ken, recognizing the slightly mangled pronunciation of his name,

followed her to the console.  As he watched, fascinated, the computer

laid down lines of the complicated characters first, followed by the

small marks above and below the lines.  As Grzzeearoghh sounded it out

slowly to him, he realized his guess was right.

 

"They're going to be a little confused by written Terran,' Ken noted.

"If they're used to aspirates and vowels as separate notation, it's

going to take them a while to get used to seeing the characters all the

same size and on the same line.  It'll be interesting to see how quickly

they cope with such a difference."

 

"It's primitive,' Greene said, dismissively.  "Inscribing information by

hand is slow and inefficient. Technology like this must be a fluke.

 

"Oh, I don't think so, Commander,' Jilamey said, from his post behind

Eonneh.  "Even on Earth, the ancient art of calligraphy is still

practised and held in esteem.  It seems perfectly normal to me.  I spend

a lot of time in the Artists' Corridor, where there's a good deal of

reverence for the old forms." Greene snorted.  "You can't attribute

Human characteristics to aliens who may turn out to be dangerously

barbaric.

 

"I wish this could go faster,' Ken said, sighing, studying the round

screen.  "It could take us an age to put together a working vocabulary."

He went over a number of items in the bay, asking for the aliens' words,

and giving them the Middle Hrruban equivalents.

 

"And what's this?" he asked, pointing at the Spacedep shuttle.

 

"Va'arrel,' said Grizz.

 

"Va'arrel?"

 

"Reh."

 

"Good,' Ken said.  "Well, what do you call the big ship?" He gestured in

a wide circle, indicating the vessel around them. Grizz followed his

hand with its eyes.

 

"Va'arrel,' the Gringg repeated.

 

"This is the same?  Va'arrel?" Ken pointed at the shuttle.

 

"Va'arrel?" He circled his arm.

 

Grizz seemed to be listening carefully for something, and was mildly

disappointed not to hear it.  The alien shook its large head from side

to side.  "Va'arrel."

 

"But that's what I said,' Ken began.

 

"What am I missing?

 

Va'arrel,' pointing to the shuttle.  Grizz sat back with paws folded.

"Va'arrel."

 

"Morra,' the Gringg corrected him.  "Va'arrel."

 

"There is no difference,' Frill complained.

 

"Wait a second,' Ken said.  "I thought I got a sense of something there.

It's possible I'm not capable of hearing the difference between two

similar sounding words, and yet there is one, isn't there, old fellow?"

The dark-red eyes were sympathetic but encouraging.

 

Ken grinned.  "Your voices go so far down I wonder if you're dropping

past the registers that we Hayumans can hear.  Or perhaps it's a somatic

element I'm missing.  Of course, I could just plain be pronouncing it

wrong.  Only practice will help with that.  Let's collect some more

examples of Gringg speech to take home with us." To speed things up,

Todd and Hrriss volunteered to work with the other Gringgs to teach one

another vocabulary, leaving them with plenty of data when the Doona

party finally left.

 

Ken, with the loudest voice, found himself talking to Grizz, as he

nicknamed the Gringg captain.  The big alien approved the shorter form

with a dropped jaw and a discernible twinkle in its eye.  In its

slightly nasal voice, his name came out as Genhh.

 

Eonneh, Hrriss and Dodh, as the Gringg pronounced Todd's name, were

already working out the pronunciation of more words, and writing them

down on the pad.

 

Frill, who was beginning to become interested in spite of his initial

apprehensions, hung over their shoulders, kibbitzing.  The navy medic,

still nervous but growing bolder, circled around.  Greene maintained his

distance, making the occasional comment into his recorder, still

prepared to defend if necessary.  Jilamey hunkered down on the floor in

front of the cub with his knees akimbo.

 

"Hi there, little guy.  I'm Jilamey.

 

"Chilmeh!" the cub echoed, happily, and reached out to push the Human's

knee companionably.  Jilamey pushed back, and found himself rolling over

the floor in the rowing Gringg's powerful embrace.  His helmet hit the

ground with a clank.

 

Greene ran after them and interposed himself, on guard, between the

alien and the Hayuman.  The largest of the Gringg tensed, watching

carefully "Be careful, Landreau,' Greene cautioned the younger man, who

lay gasping and breathless with laughter on the deck.  With one arm, he

pulled Landreau to his feet.

 

"You have no idea what your actions may mean to these aliens."

 

"Aw, he's playing, Commander,' Landreau said.  The cub's tail swished

from side to side like that of a large dog, and Jilamey ruffled the fur

between its ears.

 

"It'll think you're a child, too." Jilamey pouted.  "Oh, don't ascribe

Hayuman assumptions to him, Commander.  We're learning a lot about each

other, aren't we?" he asked Weddeerogh, who blinked shyly at Greene.

 

"I'd like to bring some of these fellows home with us, Ken said, "but

I'm afraid they might not survive on Doona.

 

We don't know anything about their physiognomy, nor they ours.

 

What are your impressions?"

 

"I wish I could get some samples of skin, blood, and hair,' Lauder said.

"I could tell you a lot more if I could do microscopic analyses.

 

"When we can speak a little more of their language, we'll ask,' Ken

said.  "It's presumptuous to try before they can understand just exactly

what we want.  And why.  How about you?  Any ideas?" He addressed Frill,

whose attention seemed to be wandering.

 

"Sorry, sir,' Frill said, reddening slightly.  "My stomach's rumbling.

Hope they don't misconstrue that." Ken smacked him on the back.  "Good

idea.  Food!  We'll offer them some of our rations, let them analyse

them, see if our food's safe for their insides.  There's got to be

emergency packs in the shuttle -"

 

"There should be, Dad,' Todd said, "if it was stocked according to

regulations."

 

"Naturally the shuttle was prepared according to regulations,' Frill

said, regarding father and son with horror.

 

"You're not proposing to give them our food, are you?"

 

"Why not?" Ken asked, reasonably.  "It will give them an idea if our

bio-sphere is compatible to theirs.  They appear to be carnivorous, with

those teeth, maybe even omnivorous.  Be interesting to see if their

comestibles are at all similar to ours." During this discussion the

Gringg withdrew to have a conference of their own.

 

"Our visitors seem willing both to teach and learn,' Grizz said,

thoughtfully.  "I feel it is safe to risk the second step.  Move slowly

and give them no cause for suspicion."

 

"As you wish, Captain,' Eonneh replied, watching Genhh Rrrreev

expostulating with the rest of her party.

 

"I'll go get what is required." Grizz shouldered him companionably as he

left the room.

 

"Go quickly, my mate.  If this works out as we hope, you'll have plenty

of material for an epic poem, with yourself as the hero!" Todd, Hrriss,

and Commander Frill went back to the shuttle.  According to Spacedep

regs, emergency gear, including "rations ready to eat', or RREs, were

always kept in a locker beneath the co-pilot's couch.  The ring latches

securing the cubby door were frequently stiff, but a quick twist and tug

by the powerful Frill opened it without trouble.

 

"Don't give it all to them,' Frill asked, eyeing the RREs as Todd

stacked them into a heap.  "Leave me one, won't you?"

 

"You won't faint dead away on us, will you, Frail?" Todd grinned, and

got an answering smile from the Spacedep officer.

 

"Not now,' Frill answered, a little sheepishly.  "Not as long as I get

something to eat."

 

"Don't worry,' Todd said, with complete understanding.

 

"I'm a big feeder myself.  You can be the one to taste it in front of

them so they can see that we warrant this food as safe." Willingly,

Frill picked out his favorite from the sealed packs, and split up the

rest to carry between himself and Hrriss.

 

"Todd,' Ken called as they emerged from the shuttle.

 

"Our friends here had the same idea." Todd grinned.  Piled high between

Ken and Grizz was a quantity of wrapped and unwrapped goods.

 

Eonneh and another medium-sized bear whose coat was coloured a dark,

dusty cocoa, had Ensign Lauder by the console, showing him a program

that displayed changing views of complex designs that Todd couldn't

distinguish from where he stood.  As he closed the distance, he imagined

that he recognized the designs.

 

"You know, if those were on our computers,' he suggested, "I'd think

they were molecular diagrams.  But of what?"

 

"The proteins, or whatever's in these goods?" Ken asked.

 

He pantomimed to Grizz, pointing to the substances on the floor and back

again at the screen.  "Is that the substance of this?" The big ursine

roared softly, a triumphant sound.  "I guess that's what he said.

 

"Reh!" Grizz said, crossing his huge paws on his chest once more.

 

"How about it?" Todd asked Lauder.  "Would a molecule like that be safe

for Hayumans and Hrrubans to eat?"

 

"No doubt about it,' Lauder replied, showing him his pad screen.  "It's

a common protein chain.

 

The others are complex carbohydrates, pretty similar to stuff we eat.

 

It's strange, because their digestive systems are very different from

either of our two races.

 

Greene frowned.  "In what way?"

 

"More efficient, I'd say.  My scans, though I can't absolutely warrant

the accuracy on alien bio-systems, pick up a kind of "afterburner" below

the stomach, just after the pyloric valve.  Well, that's what it'd be on

one of us.  For their size, I bet one of them doesn't eat much more than

one of us does.

 

"Speak for yourself,' muttered Frill, disconcerted.

 

Todd slapped him on the back and escorted him before the Gringg leader.

"Now, Commander, you want to demonstrate the purity and deliciousness of

one of our RREs for our hosts here?" he asked.

 

Collecting a nod from Frill, he and Hrriss placed their armloads of

packages in front of Grizz, next to the heaps of Gringg offerings.

 

"These are examples of our food.  We're giving them to you for your

examination.  First, we'll eat a sample." He accompanied his speech with

pantomime, which he hoped was comprehensible to the aliens.

 

As the Gringg watched with interest, Frill eagerly tore open the

pressed-plastic packet, then looked dismayed as the difficulty became

obvious.

 

"The helmet,' he said, glancing at Todd for help.

 

"How'm I going to eat wearing a helmet?" Todd and Hrriss looked at each

other and at Ken.

 

"Well, one of us is going to unseal sooner or later,' Todd said.

 

He attacked the grommets around the base of his helmet, twisting the

fastenings loose.

 

Greene sprang forward and grabbed his wrist.  "What do you think you are

doing, Reeve?  Attempting suicide?

 

If you choose to take foolish risks I can recommend to Lauder here that

we have you brought back to the cruiser in restraints to wait until a

psychiatrist sees you."

 

"I never take foolish risks,' Todd said.  He shook off the man's hand.

"The ensign here has already told us that if he encountered an

atmosphere like this one planetside he'd consider it safe.  Isn't that

right, Ensign?" Lauder, not eager to get into the middle of a battle

between a renowned planetary leader and a formidable ranking officer,

quickly nodded his head.  Encouraged by Todd's friendly smile, he added

very timidly, "I'd think we were lucky, too, if the air on the Hamilton

was this fresh, Commander." The medic swallwed hard as Greene turned his

stare upon him, but he didn't recant.

 

"Therefore I consider the odds very much in my favour." Todd unfastened

the plastic bubble and took it off.  In the same instant, Hrriss removed

his own headgear, and both took a deep breath.  There was a murmur of

approval from the Gringg.  Todd almost choked with nervousness as the

warm air hit his lungs.  The two of them waited, watching each other for

signs of anoxia, wondering if they had made a mistake, each ready to

slap the helmets back on.

 

One minute, two minutes passed.  There was no sound in the landing bay

except for a mechanized hum deep in the heart of the giant ship.

 

Todd could almost hear the sweat trickling down his back.  It hardly

seemed as if only a couple of hours ago he had been sitting at the head

of a tableful of voracious and self-seeking delegates who intended to

ruin a special part of his planet to satisfy trade requirements.  If he

guessed wrong, if the data that the young medic had been carefully

monitoring was incorrect, he could be about to die.

 

Todd felt with every nerve ending the touch of moving air on his skin.

 

It was pleasantly warm.

 

His lungs dragged it in and pushed it out.  It took more of an effort

than breathing usually did but he was in a slightly heavier gravity than

what he was used to.  He was consciously tasting each breath for

poisons, but there was only the cloying smell of recycled air and a

musky, not unpleasant aroma probably exuded by the Gringg.

 

He felt light-headed.  What was it they said?  That after five minutes

without oxygen one became irreversibly brain dead?  Everyone was looking

at him, expecting a reaction of some kind.  Hrriss's nostrils twitched,

and his ears swivelled forward expectantly.  Todd suddenly realized that

he was holding his breath.  If there'd been enough oxygen to sustain him

for the last five minutes, the next breath should be fine, too.  With a

half-hearted laugh, he let go and sucked in a deep lungful of air.

Nothing adverse had happened.  He was alive.

 

Hrriss was alive.  They and the Gringg breathed the same sort of air

"It's all right." Todd nodded at his friend, and they fell into one

another's arms.  "Go ahead, Frill,' he said, as he and Hrriss pounded

each other on the back in relief.  Ken Reeve was smiling.  "Lauder is

right.  Our atmospheres are at least compatible.

 

"So they could live on our worlds, if they disposed of us,' Greene said,

his eyes cold.

 

"Enough of that, Greene!" Todd said, firmly.  "There are no indications

whatsoever that these creatures are competitive.  On the contrary, in

fact!  May Commander Frill assist me now with a food demonstration?"

Grudgingly, Greene gave the order.  Frill saluted and began to undo the

helmet fastenings.

 

Watching Todd and Hrriss all the while, the big Spacedep officer lifted

off his helmet and put it on the floor beside him.  He, too, took a few

tentative breaths before relaxing.

 

"It's real air!" he said simply, grinning all over his big face.

 

"This'll cause speculation among the scientists' data,' Ken said.

 

"Are all spacefaring races oxygen-breathers?  Or do oxy-breathers tend

to be pacific?  There's a theory in there someplace." He took off his

helmet, then peeled off his gloves.  The baby bear toddled towards him

again, this time chortling joyfully to itself that Genhh now exuded a

totally different, and much more preferable scent: one compounded of

many subtle smells.  Ken was sniffed over from toe to crotch to pate.

 

With no hesitation, Jilamey removed his helmet.  Timidly, with a glance

at Greene for permission, Lauder opened his a crack, testing the air

against what was in his rebreathers.  Only Greene remained sealed in his

protective gear like a disapproving robot glaring at the others.

 

The Gringg, too, seemed to be happy with the removals, grunting low,

pleased sounds to themselves though only the littlest one made tactile,

and nasal, contact.

 

As the Gringg watched with considerable interest, Frill consumed an RRE.

He tore mouthfuls away from the bar of compressed protein, chewed and

swallowed them.  The carbohydrate wafer crunched loudly in the

metal-walled mom and the packet of fruit conserve went down with a slurp

or two.

 

"Uh, see?" the officer said, twisting the packets into a little ball and

tucking them into the empty box, a little uncomfortable to have his

greed witnessed by such a crowd.  "That's good food.  Not as good as

fresh, but OK."

 

"O-kaayy." Grizz echoed the word.

 

Todd thought that the big alien understood.  It signalled to Eonneh, who

undid one of the sausage-shaped packets and ate the contents, patting

its chest to indicate satisfaction when it had finished.  Todd caught a

whiff of its scent.  Not too bad, he thought.

 

It smelled a little like smoked snake.

 

"Here, try this one,' Todd said, pushing aside containers of tuna fish,

Doona snake, bean curd, turkey, and cheese, to open one of his

favorites.  It was popcorn, in a self-heating hemispherical container.

 

Cautioning the Gringg not to touch he pulled the seal.  The disk-shaped

base started to glow.  In a few seconds, the whole unit began to shake.

Weddeerogh jumped, letting out a squeal of surprise, then hunkering

down, getting as close as it dared to the twitching and bulging package.

Todd grinned.  Popcorn was not only food, but entertainment.

 

Grizz watched more calmly while the silver dome unit expanded one pop at

a time, until it had reached four times its original size.  A small red

spot appeared on the top of the dome, signalling that it was through

cooking.

 

Todd burst open the thin covering and took a handful of popcorn.

 

"See?  This is really good." He ate piece by piece, crunching each

between his teeth with obvious satisfaction.

 

"Goo-ood." Using its long claws, the Gringg picked up a single puffed

kernel and looked at it, a giant examining a grain of sand.

 

Then it indicated to Ken that he should take the other Gringg rations,

and sat, continuing to study the fluffy morsel of corn.

 

"Great,' Ken exclaimed, collecting the bundles and putting some of them

in his equipment pouch.  Lauder, his hands shaking slightly, picked up

an armload of the supplies and stowed them in his equipment carryall.

 

"Thank you, Grizz.  We'll be happy to take these.  Soon as we have a

good close look, we'll know if it's safe for you to come back with us."

He bowed to Grizz and nodded to the others.  "Thank you for letting us

visit.  We'd better get back, boys.  The Admiral and the others will be

going spare wondering what happened to keep us so long."

 

"One more thing,' Greene said, quickly, planting a hand on Ken's

shoulder.  "Tell them they've got to keep their ship in this orbit.  If

they move, we'll consider that an act of hostility, and we will attack."

 

"Now, how do you expect me to explain that to them?" Ken demanded, fed

up with the Spacedep commander acting the eternal wet-blanket.  "I don't

even know how to say "how are you", much less "stay put"

 

"Oh, draw them a picture,' Jilamey said, impatiently.  He knelt down

beside Eonneh and held out a hand toward the Gringg's two-finger stylus.

"Can I borrow that?" Surprised, the honey-coloured alien put the drawing

implement in his hand, and pushed the tablet towards him.  Jilamey

whistled at the weight of the instrument, then fitted his fingers into

the twinned loops.  He drew a little circle on his hand with the point,

and smiled up at Greene.

 

"Now, what kind of orbit do you want them to stay in?" Glancing at the

Admiral's aide for permission, Commander Frill slumped down beside

Jilamey, and looked up at the Gringg captain.  "Draw Doona there,' he

indicated the centre of a blank tablet page.  "Now, draw a big circle

around it, far out, beyond the moons - better draw in the moons - and

put their ship on the big circle.  Boy, this is undignified,' he

complained, looking up at Ken.

 

"Go on,' Ken encouraged him.  "You're doing fine."

 

"Well,' he said, showing the tablet to Grizz.  "This,' he said,

following the circle around the planet.  "is good.

 

Uh.  This,' he took the stylus from Jilamey and drew a tangential line

leading away from the circle with an arrow, er, is bad." He crossed out

the line.  "This is bad, too." Frill, red to the ears, drew in another

tangent, this one leading inwards towards Doonarrala, and crossed it

out.  "Do you understand?  Stay on this orbit." His finger traced the

circle around and around.

 

"Reh!" Grizz said, following his gesture.  "Orrrbitttt.

 

Nggh yaahrr mmmmonnya." The Gringg showed a mouthful of long white teeth

and black gums to indicate comprehension.

 

"Well done, Frill.  Satisfied?" Ken asked Greene.  "Again, Captain

Grizz, our compliments.  Until we meet again?" He bowed and turned away.

Together, the party walked back towards the Spacedep shuttle.

 

For big creatures, the Gringg could move surprisingly fast.

 

Eonneh and the strange bear who had brought in the Gringg rations

waddled swiftly past them, and stood by the shuttle.  The party stared

at them, their initial fears returning.

 

"Now what is this?" Greene demanded, stopping at a distance from the

ship.  He felt again for his sidearm and cursed Todd Reeve's insistence

on coming unarmed.  "Are they preventing us from leaving?

 

Are we prisoners?"

 

"Eonneh gerrvah,' the light-brown bear said, and indicated his

companion.  "Ghotyakh gerrvah aui'd." The other, its rubbery mouth drawn

back in the imitation of a Human smile, waved at them and set a gentle

paw down on the top of the shuttle.

 

"Quite the opposite,' Ken suggested, eyeing this gesture with amusement.

Ghotyakh must be an engineer, if he patted spaceships like ponies.  "I

think they want to come with us as emissaries."

 

"Impossible!" Greene was alarmed at the thought of Gringg loose on a

Spacedep ship, or amuck in the colony itself.

 

"Not at all." Ken glanced back at Grizz, who raised a giant snout in

their direction.  The intelligent, redbrown eyes were calm.

 

"They're showing that they trust us."

 

"They could die from exposure to toxins or bacteria on Doona." Ken shook

his head.

 

"Obviously, Commander, they're willing to take that chance.  That's

something they need to learn from us, too: if both species can exist in

the same bio-sphere.  And I get the impression that if we don't take

them, we don't leave." Jilamey blinked.  "Who do we leave behind as

volunteers?

 

As our ambassadors?" Ken grinned pointedly at his son.  "Any

volunteers?"

 

"Hrriss and I will stay,' Todd said, quickly, barely beating out

Hrriss's call to remain.

 

"We are the logical choices,' the Hrruban agreed.  "We already serve the

diplomatic arm for both Hrruba and Earrth, as well as Doonarrala."

 

"Wish I had your background in languages, Dad,' Todd said, "but I think

we'll get along."

 

"I have all the faith in the galaxy in you two,' Ken said, then his eyes

twinkled.  "Good luck." Hrriss and Todd shook hands in turn with Ken,

Jilamey, and the two Spacedep officers.  Greene continued to look

disapproving.

 

"You should return to the cruiser with us."

 

"Not a good idea,' Todd said promptly.  "The Gringg have trusted us with

two of their people.  They might take it amiss if we don't reciprocate.

Remember it's their initiative."

 

"We shouldn't take them aboard, not until the Admiral has cleared such

an important decision."

 

"Spacedep isn't involved in this aspect of the encounter, Commander.

Alreldep is!' Todd told him. "Hrriss and I are Alien Relations.  Report

that to the Admiral."

 

"Two of our new friends are staying with us,' Grizz said contentedly,

watching Dodh and Rrss stand by as the other Ayoomnnns entered their

fragile little vessel.  "We have much to ask them.  Go in peace,' she

called.

 

"Errrrungh!" the cub called out his farewell to his new friends before

the shuttle door closed.

 

"Goodbye!" Ken called back, waving.

 

The cub let out squeals of glee.  "Errrrungh!  Gggbyyy!" Just then the

communit in Todd's helmet began to crackle.  Todd picked it up and held

it close enough to hear any message.

 

"Frill here, Reeve.  If you can hear me, nod." Todd obediently nodded.

"We'll keep sending on our way back to the Hamilton.  Give some answer

as long as you hear us.  OK?" Todd nodded.  "If we can't stay in touch,

we'll come back for you in twenty-four hours!" Todd nodded vigorously,

relieved.

 

The last sight Ken had of his son and the Hrruban who was nearly his

second son was the two of them disappearing behind the grey glass doors

with the dark-furred aliens.

 

 For a moment Ken was afraid, wondering if he had made a mistake leaving

them behind.

 

It was a tight fit in the cabin with the two huge Gringg each spreading

across two couches intended for one Human-size body.  They were

muttering excitedly to one another, their intelligent eyes scrutinizing

all elements of the interior of the shuttle.  Ken smiled to himself. The

Gringg captain was probably having the same misgivings about sending two

of his people with them.

 

"Good luck, son,' he said quietly, as Frill lifted off the little

shuttle from the launch circle.

 

Chapter 4

 

COMMANDER FRILL GOT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF perverse pleasure opening a

communications channel to the hovering Spacedep flagship and giving his

message.

 

"Exploration shuttle returning at 1815 hours shiptime with two aliens

aboard.  Please inform the Admiral we will be with you by 1847.

 

Frill out." That'll bring "em running, he thought.

 

Out of the corner of his eye, Frill could see the colonist in the

co-pilot's chair grinning like a fool.  Frill had to admit he felt the

same elation.  They'd gone out on a dangerous mission and had returned

not only intact, but in the company of two members of a new species.

 

Although at first the assignment had made him nervous, Frill was

grateful that Castleton had selected him.  The aliens'd be well worth

getting to know.  In all his xeno training, he'd never come across any

other species - apart from the Hrrubans, of course - that was sentient,

let alone so eager to cooperate.  He was also grateful that two of the

smaller specimens had been sent.  The giant ones were going to take a

lot of getting used to.

 

The two Gringg were silent until the shuttle was inside the Hamilton's

landing bay doors, then began quietly muttering between themselves.

Commenting on the differences?  Frill wondered.  The Spacedep bay walls

were enamelled a spankingly clean white and stencilled with the Spacedep

logo, and everything was smaller.  A lot smaller.

 

When he considered the size of the Gringg themselves, the volume of

their ship wasn't so extraordinary.  They needed a lot of head and elbow

room.

 

Personnel in the Spacedep shuttle bay were fully clad in protective

suits, and the board was showing full red alert.  Frill thought that was

rather overdoing security measures.  If he had reported that they were

under duress, or had given the covert danger code, it would have been

appropriate.  He had to remind himself that he had just spent a few

hours on an alien vessel, and that those who remained aboard ship had no

idea what the visiting party had experienced.  He grinned again.

 

Setting down the shuttle smoothly, Frill began to switch off systems and

run over the cross check list, ably assisted by Ken Reeve.

 

Outside the small ship, a security force deployed.

 

Marines, armed with powerful slug-throwing and laser weapons hurried

into a line surrounding them and knelt, waiting for the aliens to

emerge.  Behind the glass doors separating the bay from the waiting

lounge stood Admiral Barnstable, Captain Castleton and other interested

parties.

 

Ken Reeve emerged first, grinning, followed by the Gringg.  Frill had a

good look at the reactions: the marines, to a man, recoiled and

tightened their hands on their weapons as the huge bear-like beings

hunched to get through the portal and then stood up and stretched, to

relieve the cramp they had endured on the small shuttle.

 

"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 move 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

services, 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!

 

"The most difficult part will be for you, waiting until they return! You

are both welcome to stay here since they must come through the village

grid from the Treaty Island."

 

"Thank you, Mrrva,' Kelly said.  As long as Todd and Hrriss were

together, perhaps they'd also find a way past this space port

difficulty, too.  "It'll be like old times,' she added, making her smile

as genuine as possible.

 

Outside the house, she could hear the yells and hoots of her twins and

Nrrna's two oldest children.  They were accustomed to their fathers

jetting off on special trips or being involved in colony business at

Treaty Island.  As Kelly had also been involved, she had left her pair

with Nrrna and Mrrva in First Village.  So, totally unconcerned and

giving their all to this extra day of leisure, they raced around their

Mrrva's front garden, playing out their notions of what was going on.

 

Kelly sat on the stoop watching them, reassured by their carefree

presence.

 

Her twin children were tall for their eight Standard years, and skinny

as a pair of saplings.  Early muscular development and plenty of

exercise gave Alec and Alison such innate grace of movement that they

resembled a pair of young Hrrubans, hence their nickname, the Alley

Cats.  Alec had his mother's red hair, but had inherited intense blue

eyes from Todd.  Alison was a more exotic combination, with shining

black hair, and eyes with golden hazel irises rimmed with black.

 

Except that they were obviously male and female, the twins' faces were

extraordinarily similar in feature and form, though Alison's was

slightly rounder than her brother's.  Often friends would remark on how

glad they were that they had different colour hair.  In a losing battle

to keep their locks from being eternally tangled messes, Kelly clipped

both of them short.

 

Also eight years old, Hrrana was slight and very shy like her mother,

Nrrna.  Hrrunival was a chunky six year old with wise eyes.  He was the

youngest of the four on the lawn, but tended to be the ringleader in

games and feats of daring.  The children had, of course, heard of the

appearance of the strange spaceship in orbit.

 

"Zoddandhrriss will burrrst into the alien vesssel,' Hrrunival said,

punctuating his phrases with zooming motions of his hands, "and drrrag

out ze aliens and say "What are you?  Where do you come from?"

 

" He was wild with excitement, dancing around on light toes.  His elder

sister, Hrrana, grabbed him by both ears to hold him still.  He spat and

batted at her.

 

"Then they will find out everything there is to know about the aliens,'

Alison said, calmly releasing Hrrunival from his sister's grasp and

fluffing up the fur between the offended aural appendages.

 

The Hrruban boy's eyes slitted pleasurably at Alison's fussing, and he

wrinkled his nose at Hrrana.  Unconcerned, the female pirouetted and

threw a boneless somersault, to land lightly on her feet again.

 

"And what happens then?" Kelly asked, distracted from her dark mood by

the children's fancies.

 

"They'll make friends with them,' Alec said, triumphantly spinning

toward his mother, clapping his hands like cymbals, "like in the story

where they brought all the Rralans together.  Don't you think that would

be nice, Mommy?"

 

"Yeah!" exclaimed Hrrunival.

 

Kelly sighed.  The story of how Doonarrala was founded had become almost

a legend, with "Toddandhrriss' the heroes whose names were always spoken

together until they became an undistinguished mass of syllables.  She

hadn't been born when that had happened, but if Alec was anything like

his father had been, it was no mystery how the boy Todd had insinuated,

or rather, cannoned himself into the midst of a delicate situation that

could have had disastrous repercussions for both races.  The

unexpectedly deep bonding between the young Todd, so out of phase with

Earth social protocol, and Hrriss, had surprised and touched both

Havuman and Hrrubans.  It was this friendship, and Todd's determination

to enjoy it without adult-conceived hindrances, that had been the

cornerstone between the two species.  Which had resulted in the Decision

at Doona.

 

The true adventure gave the children of Doonarrala heroes of their own

age to admire and emulate.  It prompted the occasional outbreak of rope

tails attached to the trousers of Hayuman youngsters.  If, being the

sons and daughters of legends made things a little tougher for the Alley

Cats and Nrrna's brood, they never acknowledged the problem.

 

Possibly their peers never connected the Todd and Hrriss of the stories

with the two very accessible adult males, fathers of their friends, who

played with them daily and who led the annual Snake Hunts.

 

Those Occupations, Kelly reminded herself, were adventurous enough for

eight and six year olds.

 

In the meanwhile, two hours had stretched into five, and from then into

nine.  Worrying about Todd, Kelly ate a lunch and dinner she didn't

taste.  She tried to tell her self that the long delay was because

things were going well, not because there'd been problems.

 

Problems were usually heard about as soon as they occurred.  But she

couldn't completely discount her nagging premonition of "trouble',

however nebulous it was.

 

After the early evening meal, Mrrva retired into the back garden to

leave the two younger women alone.

 

Nrrna dandled baby Hrrunna on her lap, playing with the small cub's

perfect little hands and feet.  The baby's fur was a light gold with a

mahogany-brown stripe down her back, a contrast to her mother's tawnier

pelt.  The cub fussed a little, and opened a little pink mouth to emit a

weak mewling sound.  Nrrna, reclining on to one side to expose the four

gentle swellings nearly hidden in her fur, put Hrrunna to a nipple.  The

child began to suck, settling its little rounded ears back at an absurd

oblique angle: a peaceful tableau, if not for the presentiment of danger

plaguing Kelly.

 

Unable to sit still, she thought of calling the Federation Centre again

to see if they'd had any word from Todd and the others.  Arms crossed

over her chest to keep her fingers from twitching, she paced over to the

console, wondering if it was too soon after her last call.

 

"What time is it, Nrrna?" she asked, tightening her fingers on her arms.

 

Nrrna shifted to her other side and nestled Hrrunna in the crook of her

other arm so she could look at her wrist chronometer.  "Only half past

six."

 

"Hmm,' Kelly mused.  "That means it's nine thirty on Treaty Island.  Do

you think there's anyone in the Space Centre office?"

 

"There was not half an hourrr ago, Gelli.  Why do you not try to relax?"

Nrrna settled the nursing cub, peering at the concentrated little face

with its tight-shut, shell-like eyelids.

 

"I don't see how you can stay so calm!" Kelly said, ffinging herself out

of her chair and pacing around.  "Hrriss and Todd could be in great

danger." Nrrna let out the low, musical growl that was a Hrruban laugh.

"I must stay calm or this tiny one gets gas through my milk,' she said.

"It is an exercise in self-control.  I myself do not think of danger to

Zodd or Hrriss!  You could go to the Treaty Island?"

 

"What good would that do?" Kelly grumbled, arriving at the window as the

other end of her pace way.

 

"I am glad you do not,' Nrrna said, jaw dropped in a gentle smile.

 

"I prefer that we are together and not alone Kelly glanced down

affectionately at the Hrruban woman.  "Me, too.  I guess that's why I

didn't go.  I'd get that "useless female" reaction and be acidly asked

what I thought I could do about anything.  That lot at Treaty Island

don't worry about people: they worry about treaties and agendas and .

 

.  .  things!  Besides, it'd be unfair to leave my two monsters here!

 

Look at them out there!" The Alley Cats were in the midst of a rough and

tumble with Hrrana, Hrrunival, Ourrh, and a group of the neighbourhood

youngsters, freed for evening games until darkness.  As Kelly watched,

Alison was pulled to the ground by a couple of Hrruban cubs and shrieked

happily, coming up dusty to drag her friends over with her.

 

"Where do they get the energy?" Mrrva asked with a sigh as she gazed at

their spirited racings.

 

"It's not fair, is it?" Kelly said, shaking her head.  "Ooops, there

goes Alison's shirt.  Well, it was an old one,' she added.  "Once they

knew they weren't going to school today, I had to fight the two of them

into clothes, and now they're half naked anyhow.  "If Hrrana and

Hrrunival don't have to wear anything but belts, then why can't we?"

 

" Kelly piped, in a flawless imitation of Alec at his most difficult.

 

Nrrna chuckled again.  The baby squirmed and let go of the nipple,

licking her tiny chops.  Her mother repositioned her and, eyes still

closed, she placed her head on her front paws and went to sleep.

 

"Take joy in the differences, that is what I think they should do,'

Nrrna said in Low Hrruban.

 

"Try telling them that,' Kelly said, wryly, then shouted out the window

at the children.  "You're playing too rough!

 

Look out for Heeranh's nose!  Augh!" she exclaimed, and started pacing

again.  "I don't know where they get the idea that they're

indestructible."

 

"From their fathers, no doubt,' Nrrna said.  Hrrunna twitched in her

sleep, and gave a squeaky little moan which brought a loving smile from

her dam.  Nrrna glanced up at Kelly, who was biting her own thumb. "They

will be all right, you know that, Gelli.  They always are when they are

working together."

 

"I guess so." Kelly got up again to glance out the window, and recoiled

in shock.

 

"Mrrva!" she shrieked.  "Get the snake rifle!" The Gringg stepped off

the grid in the midst of the Hrruban First Village and looked around

them with great interest.  First they had been landed on this new world

in full dark: now they had entered twilight.  But this was not a strange

phenomenon for they often had to travel long distances on their home

world and were used to such time dislocations.  They were as glad to be

able to see where they now were.

 

More Rroobvnnns had met them in the orbiting ship, including one very

quick-moving male clad in black, and many more Ayoomnnns.  From the

ship, they had been transferred to a larger shuttle, flown by an

engaging Ayoomnnn with black-and-grey hair who showed his teeth

frequently and spoke in a poetic cadence.  Once this vehicle had reached

the surface of the planet, they had been ushered into a large,

white-stone cube of a building and down a corridor which echoed when one

trod on the floor.  The Gringg had been obediently foLlowing their guide

to a small platform with pillars at each corner.  When they stood upon

it, the room became misty.  Suddenly, they found themselves here.

 

Eonneh was impressed.  This form of transport was much more effortless

than any he had previously encountered.  The Gringg had much to learn

from the Rroohvnnns.

 

A second group of four emerged from the mist.  Genhh gestured to Eonneh

and Ghotyakh to be patient and wait.

 

By some of the scents, the Gringg decided that Rroobvnnn Rreshtanh lived

here.  The smell of the green groundcover and some of the flowers had

been in his fur.

 

To one side, a high escarpment bounded the valley in which they stood,

which was rich with trees and flora.

 

Like the life-forms they had seen so far, even the trees seemed less

substantial here than on the Gringg world.

 

But it was a beautiful place, and the air smelled good.

 

In the distance, they could scent the musky odours of wildlife.

 

One creature, which must be a service animal, unlike the Ayoomnnns or

Rroobvnnns, stood tethered, calmly eating long strands of yellow

herbage.  It had not noticed them, but many more Hrrubans had.  They

were coming out of the little houses, staring and pointing at the

Gringg.  Most of them did not react with fear, but with interest.

 

Eonneh found that to be heartening.  Much more reassuring than the

emotions he had perceived on the large orbiting ship.

 

The Rroobvnnn Rreshtanh was much honoured here.

 

Most of the Hrrubans spoke to him before circling around to look at the

two aliens.  Eonneh returned their gazes for a while, then because there

was little variation between one tawny-gold face and another, became

more interested in the scenery.  There was much greater variation in

colour among the Ayoomnnns.

 

"Act as if there was nothing unusual in the way we were just

transported,' Eonneh said to Ghotyakh.  "Though we have only seen a

small part of this world, I am relieved that we seem to have been taken

into the living places of these people.  Even in the place where we

first stopped, we have seen nothing of the weapons carried by the guards

on the ship.  Accept anything they do with padded claws.  Let us be sure

not to frighten them."

 

"Observe the shapes of the domiciles, Eonneh,' Ghotyakh said, turning a

slow circle.  "Square roofs, as had that building into which we were

first taken.  Everything is built using flat planes, and nearly all of

them above ground.  Curious.

 

"It is so.  They do not build as we do, in echo of the natural shelters

of the motherworid." Eonneh stared at one dwelling.  "I would guess they

have better ventilation than our homes.  Perhaps their seasonal changes

are not as drastic as ours.  A very pleasant place." His tail wagged

slowly.  "I shall enjoy our time here.

 

The gesture seemed to interest his hosts.  Genhh had no caudal

appendage, as Eonneh had already observed.  The angry male in black, who

appeared to be subordinate to the male wearing an ornate red robe, both

of whom had remained behind in the ship, had long, flexible tails that

switched back and forth all the time.

 

"What interesting creatures these are, he said, glancing at the

Rroobvnnns.  "There is so much variation among the members of one sex.

 

And do you notice that all the males seem to live on one side of this

place and the females on the other?  Look how many Ayoomnnns are coming

from that direction.  None live here."

 

"Reh.  It is most curious.  Is there water about?  I'm thirsty, but a

swim is even more necessary."

 

"I hear some running over there,' Ghotyakh said, peering in the

direction from which the Ayoomnnns were coming.  "There is a bridge."

Curious to see a Doonarralan river, the two ambled towards the sound.

 

A shout from behind reminded them that they were not alone.

 

"Oh, I apologize, Genhh,' Eonneh said, politely, turning to the Ayoomnnn

female.  Her thin, nearly hairless skin was reddened from the effort of

running.  Eonneh noted again how small and weak the creatures of this

world were.  The tall being showed her teeth, and spoke.  The Gringg

listened, catching a word here and there, but comprehending more from

the accompanying gestures.

 

"We will follow where you go,' Eonneh said agreeably.

 

"They speak so quietly, Eonneh!  I will be so glad when we work out what

it is they are saying,' Ghotyakh said.

 

"They give every indication that they wish to learn our words, although

it is also clear they want us to learn their language.  I am glad we at

least are no longer being watched by Ayoomnns carrying weapons, but this

is in its own way a threat."

 

"I, too, still worry that they do not trust us.  It is vital that they

see us as harmless.

 

Let us continue to shield our reactions and walk among them to reassure

the small ones.

 

If Grzzeearoghh commands that to speak their language is the best thing

for Gringg to do, we shall do so, as we will deal with whatever else

befalls us,' Eonneh replied, following Ken into the heart of the Hrruban

Village.  "For myself it is worth the risk, I am delighted to learn an

alien language.  It is easy to master other Gringg dialects, for they

are all based upon the one mother language.  This this is genuinely

different, and challenging.  I have been waiting for a chance like this

all my life." The Gringg, gliding along in the midst of their escort,

seemed fascinated by their surroundings.  Ken pointed out objects,

attaching names to each but they paid scant attention to him.

 

They did seem to be taking everything in with all their senses.

 

Occasionally, Eonneh or Ghotyakh stopped to touch a tree or the wall of

a house, feeling its substance with the sensitive pads of their

handpaws.

 

A crowd of Hrrubans had gathered and, as word spread of the visitors'

presence, Havumans came over the Friendship Bridge to watch; at a

respectful distance, having noted the aliens' size, teeth and claws. The

Gringg noted them placidly, and went on.

 

"What are these monsters?  They look like giant mda!" demanded Anne

Boncyk, riding up on a skittish horse.

 

She was a dainty woman with a decided chin and large, fringed brown

eyes.

 

"Our latest visitors,' Ken said affably.  At times, one didn't know

which way Anne would jump.  "They call themselves Gringg.  Their ship is

in orbit around Doonarrala." The horse stretched out its neck to sniff

at the Gringg.

 

It sneezed once, but didn't shy away.  Anne looked surprised.

 

"What about that?  I'd've thought he'd be off across the compound,' she

said.  "They don't scare him.  Good lad!" And she gave her mount an

affectionate slap on the neck.

 

"I find,' Jilamey said, mischievously, "that horses do not tend to judge

by appearances.

 

"All ze children are still here, Hrrestan noted, sorting out the

whirlwind of small bodies that whisked back and forth across his front

garden.  "Our sons' mates are waiting together." The older Hrruban

paused.  "You are certain that Zodd and Hrriss are safe?"

 

"Have you ever known a situation where they were at a loss?" Ken said

lightly.

 

"Except that dratted space port issue.  Seriously, old friend, I

wouldn't have left them if I felt them to be endangered.  I have a

gut-strong reaction that these fellows are peaceful.  Otherwise, they

wouldn't send the captain's own archivist with us, and that's what I

judge Eonneh here to be." Then he grinned, poking Hrrestan in the ribs.

 

"Let's see what the grandkids think of our new friends!  If I remember

rightly, Todd trusted you on sight and he's never been righter."

"You'rrre not inzending to let zese strangers near childrrren, are you?"

Hirro, Hrrestan's nearest neighbour, was shocked.

 

"The advantage's on the kids' side, Hirro,' Ken said, patiently.

 

"This is open ground, and you must know how fast Hayuman children can

move if they have to."

 

"Who are zey?" Hrrula, one of Ken's oldest friends, shouldered his way

up to walk beside Ken.  The Hrruban's big, green eyes were shining.

 

"Gringg,' Ken said, grinning.

 

""We arrre not alone,"' Hrrula quoted, dropping his jaw so far it nearly

dislocated.  "Mrrrvellous!" The Gringg, largely ignoring their escort,

caught sight of the cluster of children.  Eonneh's ears seemed to perk

up when Hrrana let out a shriek of mock fear, and ran away from her

brother who was stretching out a hand to tag her.  Her tail, streaming

out behind, whisked out of the way just in time when he made a grab for

it.  Fascinated, Eonneh and Ghotyakh moved closer to watch.

 

"Beep-beep!" shrieked Hrrunival, poking his sister in the belly, a sneak

attack when she twisted around to avoid running into a rosebush.

 

"Now you have to say that!" The other children dodged away from the

Hrruban female, who finally caught Alec up against the pillar supporting

Hrrestan's porch.

 

"Beep-beep!" she cried, and changed the symbol by tugging Alec's ear

lobe.  "Mrow!"

 

"Uh-oh!" Alec yelled, and ran around, trying to catch someone else to be

It.

 

"Uh-uh!" Alison cried, as Alec made a dive for Hrrunival.

 

"Not fair grabbing tails!" The pudgy Hrruban boy rolled away just in

time and ran behind Alison.

 

The Gringg stood entranced by the children, ignoring the adults' efforts

to move them along.  Eonneh let out pleased little mutters at seeing

younglings in play.

 

Suddenly Alec caught sight of the Gringgs.  "Look at them!" he shouted,

standing stock still and pointed.  "Are they bears, Granddad?"

 

"What are bears?" Hrrana asked, swivelling and then standing as rigid as

her friend.

 

"Earth animals and these are not really bears,' Ken said, "but close."

All the children had paused in their noisy game of symbol tag and turned

to look.  They stared with open eyes at the Gringg, who stared back.

Shock held the children immobile for a moment.  Hrrunival was the first

to recover.  Nose a-twitch and tail straight out in defiance of his own

uncertainty, he squared his small shoulders.

 

"Who are you?" he demanded, walking up to Eonneh.

 

The child wasn't quite as high as the Gringg's hip, but size wasn't

going to deter him.  The Alley Cats and Hrrana, holding Ourrh firmly by

the hand, followed in close support.  The baby's tail wrapped and

unwrapped one hind leg and his yellow-green eyes were huge, the pupils

outspread across the irises.

 

"Totally unafraid,' Frill muttered, watching this exchange.

 

"What do you think of that?"

 

"Amazing,' said Jilamey.  "Unless you know Ken's family."

 

"Doonan children,' Ken said, shaking his head.

 

"They don't even know they're supposed to be afraid."

 

"Mrrva, hurry!

 

Where's that rifle?" Kelly shouted again, as the children, aware of the

beasts staring at them, stopped their play.

 

"Why?" Hrriss's mother came running, her tail lashing.

 

"Where's the peril?" The baby woke, crying.  Nrrna snatched her up,

holding her protectively to her chest.

 

"There are two absolutely gigantic mda out there looming over the

children!" Kelly exclaimed.  "They might attack at any minute.  The kids

are just standing there, frozen.

 

Oh, my babies!" she followed Mrrva's pointing finger toward a closet,

and was on her knees loading shells into the chambers of Hrrestan's

powerful snake gun.  "Call my brother at the animal hospital.  Call the

colony buildings.

 

See if there's anyone in Animal Control!" Nrrna ran for the commlink.

 

There was a rap on the door behind them.  "Anyone home?" Ken called,

then pushed the door open, aware of agitated movement within.

 

"Oh, no, Kelly!

 

No, wait!" She looked up at the sudden appearance of her fatherin-law,

her hands moving as if of their own volition.

 

"Ken!  Where's Todd?  There are two huge mda out there!

 

They never come so close to villages.  These must be killers.  I have to

protect the children." She snapped the gun shut.

 

"They're not mda!  They're our new friends.  They're from the strange

ship." He put one hand on the rifle barrel and deftly relieved her of

it.

 

"From the ship?  The one that came in out of nowhere?" Kelly swallowed

hard, trying to grasp his statement as he unloaded the heavy bore rifle.

Behind him, Nrrna, green eyes huge, still clutched her baby.

 

"These fellows are peaceful.  Their ship isn't even armed,' and Ken

grinned reassuringly.  Had all Kelly's training in Alreldep gone down

the drain since her marriage?  She'd done well enough with Hrrubans a

time or two, to his relief.  He smiled more broadly before he said,

"Todd and Hrriss are staying aboard their ship.  In exchange, we've got

a couple of visitors.  They really are friends, Kelly, Nrrna."

"Friends?" Kelly asked, her voice sounding unsteady even to her.  Her

hands were shaking, and she didn't seem able to focus.  "And you left

Todd and Hrriss on board that immense ship?"

 

"They volunteered but I wouldn't have agreed, dear, if I didn't truly

believe it's the right way to deal with this unexpected situation. After

all,' and he winked at her as he helped her to her feet, "your

father-in-law's had some practice in this sort of "unexpected"

encounter." Not quite certain, Kelly gave him a shallow grin.  "So come

on out and meet the Gringg. Even mda'd stay away from something that

sizeable!"

 

"Are you bears?" Alec wanted to know, confronting Eonneh but standing

far enough back so that she could still see his furry features.  "Why

are you wearing belts?

 

That's a very beautiful belt.  I didn't think bears wore belts like

Hrrubans.  They have pockets in their belts, too.  What have you got in

your belt pockets?" Eonneh seemed delighted that this red-topped

Ayoomnnn seemed unafraid of him.  It appeared to be asking about his

belt, for the slender little finger was pointing at his chest.

 

But courtesy came first.  "Eonneh,' he said, pointing at himself.

 

"Honey?" Alison asked, joining her brother in a semiprotective fashion.

"Is that your name?  Honey?"

 

"Reh.  Ghotyakh,' Eonneh said, indicating his companion.

 

"I can't say that!" Alec said.  "It sounds like gargling."

 

"Don't be stupid, Alley, it sounds like Kodiak,' Alison said.  "That's a

kind of bear.  I guess they must be bears."

 

"But what are bears?" Hrrunival wanted to know.

 

"They're an Earth animal,' Alec said, somewhat pompously.  "Mama read us

about them in a story book."

 

"I thought there were only Havumans on Earrth, Hrrunival said.  "Hrruba

has no ozzer animals."

 

"Well, Earth did and does,' Alec informed him condescendingly.  "You've

seen the pictures in the book."

 

"They're Gringg,' Jilamey said, coming over to kneel beside the

children.  Following his example, Eonneh, renamed Honey, rolled back on

his mighty haunches, bringing him closer to their level. "They've come

to Doonarrala from their own world to meet us."

 

"You do not have any assurrrance of zese fine seriziments,' an older

Hrruban male snapped.  Ken recognized him as Trrengo, a relative

newcomer to Rrala.

 

"I think we do,' Alec said, suddenly turning an incredibly adult

expression on Trrengo.  "Uncle Jilamey says we shouldn't be afraid.  He

doesn't lie to us.  You're friendly, aren't you?" He held out a hand to

Ghotyakh, who engulfed it completely in his vast paw.

 

"Wait, don't let him touch you!" cried one of the Human colonists, Bob

Lawrence.

 

"He's OK,' Alec said, shaking hands solemnly.  Alison followed suit,

putting her hand into Ghotyakh's other paw.

 

"Just like their father,' mumbled Macy McKee, patting his wife's hand on

his arm.  "I remember the first time Todd brought us a passel of

Hrrubans to meet-' He broke off and looked about in surprise.  "And hey,

these fellows don't make me sneeze!"

 

"By analogy that should prove that these fellows are dangerous,'

Lawrence said sardonically.

 

"What a bizarre way to distinguish friend from foe,' said Dr Kate Moody

in her caustic way as she pushed her way through her neighbour.

 

"Allergies apart, they're sure not acting hostile.  And the Alley Cats

aren't the least bit skeered.  Nor young Hrrunival.  Look at them

hunkering down to get level with your kids.  Evening, Ken,' she said

cheerfully as he approached.  "Back to your old habits, huh, finding

aliens.  Well, a man has to keep his skills honed or lose "em.  By any

chance, are these the patients I was told to examine?  I don't see any

wounded lying about.

 

Of course, the fellow on the Spacedep cruiser wasn't sure if they were a

job for Ben Adjei, as veterinarian, or for me, so we both came.

 

And I'm glad we did!  The size of "em!  Well grown lads!" Ken had

brought Kelly, Mrrva, and Nrrna, still clutching her baby, all three

women somewhat hesitant.  "Come on, ladies, let me make you known to the

Gringg.  This is Eonneh.  Go on!  Introduce yourself.  Tell him your

name.

 

I need more recordings of his responses to get more of their

inflections." Kelly glanced at Ken to make sure he was serious.  With

one hand he urged her forward, showing the recording device in the palm

of the other.

 

"Kelly,' she turned her thumb to her chest, "I'm Kelly." Then she turned

her thumb to the smaller of the two and raised her eyebrows quizzically.

"Your name?"

 

"Gelli,' Eonneh repeated carefully, thumping his furry chest with his

immense big fist.  "Eonneh.  Eonneh."

 

"Honey!' the children chorused, delighted with such a name.

 

Ken made the rest of the introductions, laying his hand on each child's

head and repeating the name.  Then he turned to see which of the

neighbours were willing.  Most of those who were, he noted with

amusement, were members of the original Doonan colony or those who had

arrived just after the Decision.  Hrrula was delighted by the Gringg,

especially the way they sniffed, very politely, at each person they met.

The others, mostly recent arrivals, watched cautiously from a discreet

distance.

 

The children had none of their parents' reserve.  They were eager to

meet Honey and Kodiak, as they'd been renamed.  The Gringg tried to

pronounce each new name, causing some of the kids to muffle their

giggles in their hands.  Made bolder by their curiosity, more children

came out of the surrounding houses and came timidly forward to see the

visitors, then retreated, loud with relief, having experienced nothing

more terrifying than a handshake.

 

"Come on, Nrrna,' Ken said, urging the shy Hrruban girl forward.

 

"They're really very friendly." Still clasping Hrrunna, Nrrna slowly

approached Honey and Kodiak.  When she got close enough, she stood on

tiptoe, her tail balancing out behind her, and looked deeply into their

dark-red eyes.  Both Gringg saw the sleeping cub and exchanged wide-eyed

glances.  Kodiak urged Honey forward, almost prodding him towards Nrrna.

 

Very cautiously, as if afraid to frighten her or disturb the sleeper,

Honey crept forward, eyes always on the curled infant.  He hunched his

shoulders and extended his neck, twisting his head from side to side,

all attention focused on little Hrrunna.  Then, ever so slowly, Honey

held out his huge paws and gave a single gentle, soft interrogative

grunt.  As one in a trance, Nrrna held the sleeping cub towards him and

slipped her into his great furry paws where the little Hrruban was

cradled with tender care.

 

Nrrna ignored the gasps around them.

 

Hirro even went so far as to leap forward, as if to snatch the cub from

Honey but, as if she hadn't even seen his movement, Nrrna stepped in his

path.

 

"I trust you,' she told the Gringg in the Middle Hrruban most of the

onlookers would understand, her voice clear and strong in the sudden

silence.  "There is no harm in you that I can sense.  You do come as

friends." The aliens were obviously entranced with Hrrunna and ignored

everything else.  Ken could barely contain his delight in Nrrna's

actions and words.  In the hush that fell on the crowd, he could plainly

hear the tiny whirr that meant someone was recording this on film, too,

for which he was very grateful.  He'd been so concerned with getting

Gringg sounds down, he'd forgot to attend to a visual account.

 

Now Honey let out a tiny coo, the softest sound Ken had heard a Gringg

make.  The baby opened her eyes and briefly stared up at him, then

stretched her pliant body across Honey's broad palms.  The coo seemed to

soothe her eyes shut.  She let out a little sigh, and went back to

sleep, curling her tiny tail about her.  Honey's coo turned into soft

melodic sounds, hovering just above audible level.

 

Ken turned up the gain on his recorder, hoping to get every note.

 

Maybe it wasn't a Gringg lullaby, just Honey murmuring under his breath

but the tableau the Gringg presented was an effective one as far as a

crowd pleaser went, for soft looks were exchanged and people definitely

relaxed.  Against their original intent, the settlers were being

persuaded of the Gringgs' pacifism by the gentleness shown a cub.

 

Even the sceptics, with the exception of Hirro, regarded the large

Gringg with less obvious apprehension.

 

"Music,' Ken murmured to Kelly, "if that's what we're hearing now, is

one more common language.  I wonder what their reaction will be to

Terran classics."

 

"Wagner?  Mahler?  Mtxainah?  Hrnatn?" asked Kelly, dubiously.  "I can't

but be prejudiced towaras a race that genuinely like our young,' she

added, listening while Eonneh and Ghotyakh continued rumbly bass notes

in soft harmony.  She swept away a red wisp of hair from her sweaty

forehead.  "Whew!  I thought they were mda!

 

Just as furry but much nicer." Commander Frill seemed equally charmed by

Hrrunna, too.  He hung over Honey's arm, admiring the cub.

 

"This is the tiniest Hrruban I've ever seen.  She's beautiful,' he told

Nrrua.  "How old is she?"

 

"Born within the month,' Nrrna said proudly.

 

"The youngest ambassador in the galaxy,' said someone behind Ken.

 

He turned to see Admiral Afroza Sumitral, his grey eyes alight, waiting

beside Ben Adjei.

 

"You got here quickly,' Ken said, shaking hands with his old friend.

 

"Not quickly enough, I see,' Sumitral replied, half chidingly.

 

"Once again the legitimate function of interplanetary diplomats has been

usurped by the children of Doona.  I wonder that we don't just induct

the whole colony into Alreldep.  Why don't you make me known to your

friends here?  Everyone else seems to have met them." Laughing, Ken made

a sweeping bow, from Sumitral towards the Gringg.  "Introduce yourself.

That's what we've done."

 

"And now,' Kate Moody said when Sumitral had completed the formality,

"if we've all finished becoming acquainted, I'd like to take a

professional look at these two bruisers here.  Ken, can we sort of

manoeuvre them towards the Medical Centre?"

 

"I am puzzled, Ghotyakh,' Eonneh said, following the new Ayoomnnns

through the village. "That Rroobvnnn with the small cub was at first

very reserved with us.

 

When we gave it back, it made suckling motions towards him as if looking

for the source of milk.  Could he be, in fact, a she?"

 

"A distinct possibility,' Ghotyakh agreed.  "We may be in error in our

original assumptions.  Previously I thought all the ones with tails were

the males.  Have we erred?"

 

"We must not be hasty in this.  The appearance of the first Rroobvnnn we

met closely matched our generative configuration.  Perhaps they change

after they have borne young?"

 

"Oh, I see!" Eonneh exclaimed, his roar of comprehension alarming some

of the Ayoomnnns.  "Our first visitor must have been a heifer.  We must

ask Genhh for the truth of this.  I would not want to bring back

specious data to Grzzeearoghh."

 

Chapter 5

 

CASTLETON ESCORTED THE ADMIRAL AND HIS PARTY back to her ready room. The

two Hrrubans were very nervous, and kept looking back at the escort of

security guards that followed.  She regretted the necessity of upsetting

them, but regulations were regulations, and anyone on board who was not

Spacedep had to be accompanied at all times.  At least the rules allowed

for the safe passage of visitors.  Thank heavens Admiral Barristable was

more moderate than his predecessor.

 

Admiral Barustable waited to speak until they were all seated and had

been served refreshments.

 

"Good,' he said when the door was quietly shut.  "This room has been

secured?" and when Castleton nodded, he continued.  "We must address the

matter of the Gringg.

 

Now that we have some data to analyse it, we can consider whether or not

we are being rushed into intimacy with a potentially hostile race by

over-anxious individuals."

 

"I find zem most zrreatening,' Mllaba said, firmly.  "Zey seemed so

complezely unafrraid when zey boarded zis ship for ze first time.  I

felt as if zey had previous intimazhons of what zey would encounzer

here."

 

"Too confident,' Barnstable agreed, nodding. "That suggests a very

sophisticated culture.  Accustomed to dealing with alien species.  You

didn't sense any probes, did you, Grace?"

 

"None at all, Admiral,' Castleton replied.

 

"I would have said they made no attempt whatsoever to scan us.  I find

them interested and curious, but not overtly hostile."

 

"I am not so surrre,' Hrrto said.  He was torn.  On the one hand, it was

important to establish good relations with an obviously sophisticated

new sentient race.  On the other, he realized that it was foolhardy to

rush into such relationships, without having a firm understanding of

mutual intentions. So far, the Gringg had made the Hrrubans and Havumans

come to them, thereby giving them what the Hayumans called "home court

advantage'.

 

It would not look well to the Hrruban High Council to appear in a

subordinate position.  Such loss of face could be fatal to Second's

hopes in an election year.

 

There were many candidates standing to take over the now-vacant First

Speakership which Hrrto felt that he had to win.  In his opinion, very

few of the nominees had either the experience or acumen for the office.

 

The prime Speakership should not fall into the hands of some dilettante

or partisan who might involve the Council in irrelevancies to please his

supporters: someone with no standards or appreciation of true

Hrrubanism.

 

He felt himself to be the best possible choice.  Having been Speaker for

External Affairs for more than forty years, he understood what could

happen to their carefully maintained civilization if Hrruba was badly

led, and he was determined not to allow that to happen.  If he was seen

to be in the wrong in such a sensitive matter as dealing with the

Gringg, his popularity, and his reputation, would plummet.

 

Public opinion was fickle.

 

"In my opinion,' he went on when he realized that a polite silence

prevailed in expectation of his next words, "caution is indicated.  I

would like more data as soon as possible.  Should we not be hearing from

ze medical examiner on Rrala about now?"

 

"I doubt there could be any comprehensive results so soon,' the captain

said.  "Laboratory work takes time."

 

"Yes, of course,' Hrrto replied, fingering his robes.

 

Across the room from the Second Speaker, Jon Greene was busy over a

hooded monitor, his fingers flicking swiftly over the controls.

 

Grace Castleton eyed him, wondering what he was seeing that gave him

such a worried expression.  Milaba flexed and stretched the claws of one

hand along the tabletop.

 

"Well?" she said at last and with some impatience in her tone.

 

"Do we go?  Or stay?  You must not waste more of the Speaker's most

valuable time."

 

"Sirs, ma'am, Captain, the wait is worth it, I assure you, Greene said,

straightening up, "for I have finally found what I've been searching

for.  Now, this is the tape made while we were aboard the Gringg ship."

He manipulated the controls, and the holoscreen displayed a still frame

of the Gringg landing bay.  One by one, the landing party entered the

frame.  Castleton drew in a sharp breath as she realized the scale of

the big chamber.  At its far end, the Gringg entered the room and began

to interact with Ken Reeve.

 

Second Speaker's tail lashed in surprise as the largest Gringg spoke,

its roar rattling the tympanum in the speaker unit.  Greene allowed the

tape to run for a short time, then speeded it up so the action was

telescoped into a few minutes.  The Hrrubans watched in silence, then

turned questioning attitudes to Greene.

 

"Zo, we zee the firrst meeting of these creatures.  Zey show

intelligence and caution in zeir approach.  No less did we,' Hrrto said

as impatient as Mllaba.  "What of it?"

 

"That it was only Ken Reeve's impression that they have never met

sentient beings before.  Just wait, sir,' Greene said.  The commander

froze the last frame of the three Gringg waving to the team as the

shuttle lifted off, then blanked the screen.

 

"Now, this is a tape sent to Spacedep by an exploration team less than a

month ago.  It is coded classified, but Admiral Barnstable has given

permission to allow you to see it.  I feel it is vital to our

understanding of the current situation.

 

Everyone drew shocked breaths when the new tape shown an uncompromising

picture of a planetary landscape brutally torn and burned by conflict.

Wrecked hulks of buildings of an unfamiliar architecture had been sliced

in two with some potent destructive weapon.  Battered shafts that did

resemble known weaponry littered broad open spaces that must once have

been graceful avenues.

 

Castleton peered at the screen, looking desperately for signs of living

creatures.  A series of scenes of stark, dead forests and the stumps of

shattered cities flashed past without relief.  Nothing living

interrupted the bleak landscape.  Of the residents, only a few skeletal

remains could be found, and those were darkened and twisted: by

radiation, the captain thought, somewhat familiar with the look of such

deaths.  Nothing moved except ashy debris swept around by the wind that

howled eerily.  The statistics overlaying the image showed readings of

heavy radiation.

 

The changing symbols also showed that biological and chemical weapons

had been deployed, and an unknown energy weapon of great force.

 

"This planet is in the Fingal system,' Greene said, narrating.

 

"Spacedep interdicted it as soon as they received the exploration team's

initial report.  No life-forms higher than deep sea algae remain on a

world that, to judge by the artifacts left behind, had an advanced

civilization.

 

Estimates are that it would take over two thousand years for radiation

levels to drop sufficiently to allow Havumans to live there." The image

faded, to be replaced by that of an orbiting spaceship.

 

Hrrto caught his breath as he realized it was identical to the one

currently circling Rraladoona.  It seemed subtly different, and as the

exploration team's camera drew closer, he could see that this ship was

derelict, its hull riddled with jagged rents caused by explosive charges

and the neater, milled holes of laser bolts.  The image, now recorded by

a handheld unit, moved through darkened corridors: the white glare of

its lights resting momentarily on the occasional floating corpse.

Hrrto's tail twitched in surprise.  There was no doubt about the

identity of the dead.  They were Gringg.

 

"It would seem that Ken Reeve's assumption was wrong.  The Gringg have

met other sentient species before,' Greene said.  His eyes met

Castleton's.  "And they destroyed them.  The population of an entire

planet, wiped out.

 

The captain felt a cold finger trace down her spine.

 

She shuddered.  Greene moved his gaze from Castleton to Barnstable.

 

"In the light of that,' and he gestured to the screen, "this

hail-well-met attitude towards the Gringg has gotten a trifle out of

control.  Hasn't it, Admiral?" The Admiral shifted in his seat.

 

"Damned straight.  It's turning into a regular circus animal act

already."

 

"Perrhaps too much opennessss was ssshown,' Second agreed, edgily, "but

zince it iss shown, what is to be done about ze steps Rrev hass already

taken?" And he gestured towards Rraladoona.

 

Barnstable brought his big fist down emphatically on the tabletop.

 

"Get in touch with him immediately and require him to show some

restraint, that's what.  Don't show so much damned hayseed cordiality

until we've got a tap on what they're really here for.  This dumb show

of theirs, so polite and open, could mask invasion procedures,' and he

waved his hand at the screen and the devastation it still portrayed.

 

"They could be softening us up so that our defences are down when their

main fleet comes powering in."

 

"With all due respect, sir, the Gringg have done nothing - here - to

arouse suspicions of their intent,' Captain Castleton said with some

restraint.  Even a ship's captain practised tact in dealing with an

admiral.  Greene's evidence was upsetting but incitement made her twice

as cautious.  "Their ship sent no probes.  They waited until we made

contact.  To me that shows peaceful intent.  Envoys have been exchanged

- which I feel is a mark of amazing trust on their part, considering

we're two species to their one. So far all they've seen are the insides

of a shuttle and the reception area of this ship.  Right now, they're on

an agriculturally based colony world, not one of our home worlds which

are not in the least bit endangered." She grirmed to relieve the tension

for the Admiral was scowling even if he was listening to what she said.

"Not that we know where the other's home world is,' and she inclined her

head in a courteous bow to Hrrto.  "How can their mere presence on

Doonarrala constitute a serious threat?  Surely they are more vulnerable

than we. Their vessel's not armed." Greene cut in.  "We don't know that

they're completely without armament, sir.  When you consider the

devastation of the Fingal planet, they might have some new weapon we

can't identify." "Zat is true enough,' Captain Hrrrv said thoughtfully.

 

"All we know iss zat zey have no nuclear weapons or what we consider

usssual orrrdnance." Finding an ally, Greene continued forcefully.

"Other weapons with less sophisticated delivery systems might be

concealed aboard: powerful incendiaries composed of unknown substances

and not easily detectable.  I suspect whatever that ship used on Fingal

III could be easily hidden in that mass of water in the central globe of

the ship.  They are a new race.  We don't know what they are capable of.

All we do know is that they can destroy a planet.

 

Since we have no direct verbal contact, I feel it is necessary to limit

what they are allowed to see and establish verbal communications as

quickly as possible."

 

"They ought to be allowed the benefit of the doubt,' Castleton said,

appealing to Barnstable.  "How long ago was the war in the Fingal

system?  Have the usual tests been done to discover how long that ship

has been floating in space?  How do we know that isn't a Gringg world

and those were the defenders?  Not the aggressors?" Greene shot her a

dire look which she ignored.  "The point is, Captain, that ship was

armed and Ordnance is still trying to puzzle out their weapons systems."

 

"Has Admiral Sumitral been briefed on the Fingal III discovery?"

Castleton asked.

 

"How could he be when the matter's been classified?

 

He's Alreldep anyhow, not naval, for all his title,' Barnstable said,

then waved his hand to dismiss that consideration.  "The fact remains

that a ship of indisputable Gringg design was discovered in orbit around

Fingal IIIcall it circumstantial evidence, if you wish, Grace - which

has been absolutely wasted.  That's enough to give me pause to consider

very carefully how to proceed with the Gringg.  I trust,' and he looked

around the table, nodding politely to Hrrto and Captain Hrrrv, "that you

all realize that this meeting is not to be discussed at all?

 

Good.  You'll remain on yellow alert, Captain Castleton, and Second

Speaker, I'd appreciate your giving the same orders to your ships.

Forewarned is forearmed!" Castleton could not fault that as she sat,

staring at the frozen frame on the screen.  Her initial impulse was to

trust the Gringg, but intellectually she understood very well the need

to remain on guard until both sides were satisfied of the other's

peaceful intent.  The Amalgamated Worlds had been at peace for

centuries.  The very thought of an interstellar war chilled her.  She

felt a warm touch at the back of her hand, and looked up to find Jon

Greene watching her with his brows drawn upwards, asking a silent

question.  His moulded lips curved at the corner in a small smile of

confidence.  She nodded at him, returning the smile in spite of her

worry.  The expression in his eyes became warmer.  Despite their obvious

differences of opinion, she was inexplicably attracted to this man.

 

But she was now on alert status and there was no time for any private

life.

 

"Of coursse, all waits upon being able to speak to each otherrr,' Hrrto

said.

 

"At least the most experienced man we've got is in charge of that,'

Grace Castleton said, finding relief in the fact.

 

"Sumitral?" Barnstable asked.  "Has he arrived?"

 

"Not that we've been informed, Admiral,' Grace said, "but I meant Reeve

Barnstable gave a little grunt.  "I heard that he learned Hrruban

first." Then he remembered the presence of Hrrubans in the room, and

smoothly went on, "Which was only logical at the time, of course."

 

"I hope he's the right man to do the initial work,' Greene said, looking

concerned.  "Some people get so wound up in their own specialty that

they fail to see the broader view.

 

"Rrev has proved his competencee on several levels,' Hrrto said,

surprising himself as well as MIlaba.  "He prrotects, as alwayss,

Rraladoona." He dropped his jaw in a slight smile.

 

"Of course, Second Speaker,' Greene said quickly, "but I found his

manner of taking charge of the first contact a shade officious.

 

"He was asked to do so,' Castleton reminded him.  "After all, he

expedited them to the planet which protected the technology on this ship

from their scrutiny."

 

"Aye,' Hrrrv agreed.  "It waz wise to rrremove zem from zis vessel at

once."

 

"Zo, Admirral,' Second said, folding his arms across his chest, "we

wait?"

 

"I'll instruct Sumitral,' Barnstable said decisively, "to find out as

soon as possible, using whatever methods, signs, sketches, are needed

what part of the galaxy they come from, and how they found their way

here."

 

"Zat, surely, can wait, Admirmal,' MIlaba said, smoothly.

 

"Ze threat is here, now, not wherever ze Gringg home system iss.

 

"But the Gringg fleet?" Barnstable held on to his concern.

 

"No evidence zat zere is any.  Nothing is detectable in the near reaches

of space,' Captain Hrrrv said.

 

Castleton confirmed it.  "I've checked with my telemetry officer.

 

He agrees.  They came in alone.

 

"Each one of them is an 800 pound warrior!" Barnstable barked.

 

"They're a potential danger to Humanity!"

 

"And to Hrrubankind as well,' Hrrto added.

 

"And from that tape,' Greene added, "it doesn't look as if it takes more

than a single ship to decimate a planet." MIlaba was thoughtful.  "Now

what we really need is furzzer support for our position of caution.  Ze

Doonarralans will go on zeir merry way, never suspecting zat zey are set

up ftrr destruczhon until ze bomb falls on zeir heads.  We require

prrrsons of influence, who can prevail upon zem to move with greazzer

care.  What about zis Hayuman Landreau?  Can we gain his support to

suggest a more cautious approach to ze Rralan administration?" Greene

shook his head.  "No, he's like a child with a new toy with the Gringg.

In fact, he treats them rather like playmates.  He's frivolous."

 

"Son, never call a Landreau frivolous,' Barnstable warned him darkly.

"His family has considerable influence on Earth and elsewhere.  I'd

prefer to have him with us than against us." Second spoke up.  "I shall

endeavrrr to inform ze Hrruban High Council zat a wary approach is a

wise one.

 

Most of zem are conservative, and I do not zink zere will be protest.

Perhaps more pressure can be brought to bear on ze Doonarralans from ze

two home governments?"

 

"Direct intervention would be better,' Barustable said.

 

"We need reinforcements, to have a physical presence.

 

Trouble is we can't get them here quickly enough.  It will take weeks

for ships to arrive from Earth or any of the colonies where some of our

potential allies reside.  We must be ready for any eventuality!' "In zis

I can help,' Second said, "at least with regard to transportation.  I

will auzorize use of ze grid for ze specific purrpose of supporrt in zis

possible crisis.  A wise Stripe moves cautiously zrough a strrange

forest."

 

"Honoured Speaker,' Mllaba began, "it would be wiser still to be sure

zat ze grid operazors on duty are ones known to us, and zrrussworzy. Zey

must not disclose who auzorized zis movement wizout your specific

prrrmission.

 

"Discretion widens a Stripe,' Second replied, nodding acceptance.

 

"I'd feel a lot happier if we had some sort of military back-up, just in

case the Gringg slough off the charm and turn on the heat,' Barnstable

said.

 

"Sir,' Castleton said, an odd expression on her face, "need I remind you

that we have a full marine complement on board the Hamilton?

 

Not to mention the fact that her crew have won every single martial arts

competition the fleet has put on over the past five years?" The Admiral

grimaced and raised a conciliatory hand.

 

"Now, Grace, medals for exhibition affairs are not quite the same thing

as military experience "Who's had that in God knows how many years?" she

asked, pursing her lips.

 

The Admiral's face reddened, a sharp contrast to his mane of white hair.

"Grace, don't overstep yourself.  I'm in charge of the safety of this

sector, and dammit, I'll protect it any way I can.  I allowed Reeve to

take those aliens to the surface of a peaceful colony and I'll make

damned certain peace is maintained there' "Yes, sir,' Grace Castleton

said.  "But may I still counsel moderation?"

 

"I've taken your counsel, and now hear mine.  We're on yellow alert, and

I mean alert!

 

We're going to be ready for anything .  .  ." Barnstable paused, closed

his eyes briefly, suddenly remembering that there were Hrrubans right

there with him, so he hastily altered what he'd been going to say.

 

"What I mean is, those Gringgs are naturally armoured, those fangs,

their talons, their forearms have the reach of any among us.

 

why, that thick furry hide of theirs could probably turn away slugs.

 

Mllaba put in silkily, "Perhaps permeability of zeir skin and skin

tension can be one of ze tests performed by your medical technician.

 

"Good suggestion.  Maybe.  In the meantime, Speaker Hrrto, I'll take

advantage of your offer to use the Treaty Island grid.  And, bear in

mind, please, that if those Gringg make a move before we're ready for

them, one of those grid operators must reach Earth alive to let them

know what went on here." Hrrto nodded.  "I will remain on Rrala,' he

said, well aware that the Hayumans might have thought he'd chosen the

easy option out by grid.  The Gringg terrified him, but a more acute

terror would be to lose face by fleeing.

 

"As you wish,' the Admiral said, rising.  "I'll get in touch with a few

people, transfer them up here for a little conference." He turned to

Greene.  "Put the connections through yourself, lad.  I want a stop put

to this chummy foolishness stat!"

 

"Admiral,' Castleton said, also rising, "shouldn't we inform the

planetary administration of our discovery?"

 

"Indeed we should not, sir,' Greene said, suddenly.

 

He was still smarting from Todd Reeve's off-hand treatment of him while

on board the Gringg vessel, and his flamboyant disregard of safety in

embracing the aliens.

 

"I'd recommend against it.  For security reasons alone.

 

We certainly don't want the grids jammed with people insisting that

their department has to have representatives here, too.  The necessary

departments have already been informed and are present.  No more

information should be broadcast." And when eventually the Amalgamated

Worlds knew, Greene thought with satisfaction, Todd Reeve would be

disgraced, even removed from planetary office as a danger to Humanity.

 

The passengers aboard the Spacedep shuttle were silent on the way down

to the surface of Doonarrala.  Admiral Barustable sat making notes on

his clipboard, pausing occasionally to call up data from its small

memory bank.

 

Second Speaker, unaccustomed to travelling in Havuman spaceships, stared

over the shoulder of the pilot, reading the control panel as if

reluctant to trust the Hayuman female's expertise.

 

Mllaba glanced occasionally at the Hayuman who was her opposite number.

Greene was attempting to meet her eyes.  She wondered what he wanted. It

was unusual for a Havuman to remain silent; normally they chattered

away, regardless of the gravity of an event.  Perhaps this male was

different.

 

It was the middle of the night on the Treaty Island Centre.

 

The cleaning staff, busy with brooms and a floor polisher, paid no

attention to the mixed group on its way to the grid.

 

Mllaba took her place behind the controls.

 

"Ze Firrrst Village grid,' Hrrto said to Mllaba, as he walked between

the upright pillars and assumed a dignified pose.  The female's claws

clattered swiftly on the keyboard.  Second Speaker vanished slowly in

the rising mists.  Barnstable looked uncomfortable and wary as he strode

up on to the dais, and squared his shoulders.

 

"Bring me back in four hours,' the Admiral directed.

 

Mllaba inclined her head.

 

"I, too, must return to my home world to report to the Council,' Mllaba

said to Greene, when the Admiral had been dispatched.  "May I assist you

to travel somewhere first?" The Hayuman seemed in no hurry.

 

"No, thank you.  I've waited because I wanted to talk to you alone,'

Greene said, his warm, brown eyes meeting her yellow-green ones

directly.  She could feel the power of his personality being brought to

bear upon her.  "You have no reason to trust me, and I don't trust you,'

he continued disarmingly, "but we could help one another to our mutual

benefit."

 

"How?" Mllaba asked politely Greene turned and gestured to a bench

facing the grid station.  Mllaba shook her head, so Greene sat down

alone.

 

He drew up one knee and wrapped both hands around it nonchalantly.

 

The arrogance of the pose put Mllaba on guard.  She slipped her hands

protectively into her robe sleeves and stood stiffly before him,

waiting.

 

"I know that election for the Speakership is imminent,' Greene said,

gazing up at her.  "If Speaker Hrrto were to gain that honour, a new

Speaker for External Affairs would be appointed." If Mllaba was

surprised to learn that a Spacedep officer was conversant with the

intricacies of Hrruban government, she did not show it outwardly.

 

Inside, she felt a prickle of excitement, as if he spoke to the

carefully tended ember of ambition she bore within her.  She

concentrated on keeping her tailtip from flicking back and forth.

 

"And should I display more zan usual competencee in zis most difficult

and dangerous affair,' Mllaba said, "I should be ze favoured candidate.

Is zat your idea?" Greene nodded, grinning.  "I, too, am trying to stay

on what we call a "fast track".  I'm a risk-taker.  I was sent to these

talks partly to get me away from Spacedep HQ, and out of the line of

promotion.  So far, the Admiral is getting all the glory here but I'd

like a little of it to drop on me.

 

If we work together to save Doonarrala, as well as Earth and Hrruba from

the Gringg menace, both you and I would gain favour in the eyes of our

superiors.  Wouldn't you agree?"

 

"And you in the eyes of ze attractive Hayuman captain?" Mllaba asked,

and complimented herself for making a telling stroke.  The naked skin of

the Hayuman's face flushed red.  Had he thought the signals going back

and forth between them were invisible to the others in the room?

 

"I'll tell you why Admiral Barnstable has really gone back to Earth,'

Greene said, changing the subject.  "He is ordering the Human defence

fleet to Doonarrala.

 

Only he has the authority to do so.  From its current position, it'll

take thirty days for the fleet to get here.

 

Then, if the situation warrants, the Admiral could declare martial law.

 

Mllaba nodded.  "Hrruba should prepare a similar defence fleet,' she

said.  Second Speaker is not acting as decisively in this matter as he

should be, she thought.  Hrruba ought to have been the first to take

such steps, not Earth.  He should have made such an order.  She resolved

to bring it up to the Council in his name.  "And so you and I will

cooperrrate and share knowledge?" she asked.  "Only because zis is a

crrrisis, and zat is what is best for our own species, you understand."

"Of course,' Greene agreed, gravely.  He stood up and put out his right

hand to her, thumb upward.  Mllaba stared at it for a moment before

offering her own in the same position.  He clasped her hand strongly,

then released it.

 

Hayuman customs were so strange!  She tucked her hands primly back into

her sleeves, and Greene stepped away.

 

He respected her; that was good.  She intended to maintain the uppermost

hand in this relationship.  He needed her cooperation far more than she

needed his.

 

Mllaba set the grid controls for a thirty-second delay, and stepped on

to the dais between the pillars.  "I will return in four hours,' she

said.  As the mists rose around her, she watched the Hayuman turn and

stride away towards the landing pad.

 

The procession into the Human First Village had taken on the aspect of a

parade.  Hordes of children, led by Kelly's and Nrrna's, danced around

and around the cluster of adults walking with the Gringg.

 

When they reached the doors of the Doonarralan Medical Centre, Dr Kate

herded the Gringg, Ken, Lauder, Frill, Sumitral, Hrrestan and the naval

escort inside.  Almost as an afterthought, she pointed at Jilamey

Landreau.

 

"You, mind the children!  I need Nrrna and Kelly as lab assistants.  OK

with you?"

 

"Anything to help,' Jilamey agreed cheerfully, and was promptly dragged

away by Alec and Alison demanding to hear all about the Gringg ship.

 

To the adults, Kate said, "Go on with you.  We'll give you the news when

we have any." She smiled, scattering them with her hands as if they were

chickens.  When the door had closed, she turned around and let out a

deep sigh.  "Well!  Welcome to you folks,' she said, inclining her head

to the Gringg.  "And welcome to you.  Who's my lab partner today?"

Lauder raised a timid hand.  "I am, ma'am.  Ensign Maura Lauder' "Just

Kate, all right?" She smiled at the young officer.

 

"I'll call you Maura.  Everyone this way, please?" She led them to her

office and pointed towards the waiting room.

 

"The rest of you stay here.  I'm going to take this bruiser first,' she

laid a hand on Ghotyakh's furry arm.  "Be good and you get a lollipop.

 

The door to the examining room shut behind them.  Ken looked around at

the wooden-walled waiting area, remembering how many times he'd sat here

with a sick child or a farm-related injury Pat hadn't been able to mend.

 

"Now, Reeve,' Sumitral said, beaming, "tell me all about the

confrontation." Ken recounted their adventure without benefit of the

tapes he and the others had made but he didn't think he left out any

important details or observations.  Sumitral, who believed that the mark

of a good diplomat was to be a good listener, nodded occasionally as Ken

talked, only interrupting once in a while to clarify a point.

 

"Very interesting,' Sumitral said.  "Very, very interesting.  I want to

see those tapes as soon as we're through here.  Thanks to Hrruban

technology, I got here a lot faster this time."

 

"I think we need you more this time than we ever did with the Hrrubans,'

Ken said.

 

Sumitral's eyes twinkled.  "I'm good for show and to wrap things up

nicely."

 

"Much more than that, sir,' Ken protested at such modesty.

 

"I don't have your fine honesty and instinct, Ken, which incidentally I

respect immensely.  Anyway, you've more experience in first contact than

anyone else here.  And, with creatures as large as the Gringg, I'd

really feel easier when we establish a communication medium!  I don't

want misunderstandings of any kind with folks that big." He grinned.

 

But the Gringg were not without ways of making themselves understood.

 

"Genhh?" Eonneh asked, then paused, as if puzzled how to make his

question clear.

 

Ken sat up straighter.  "Go ahead, Honey.  What?"

 

"Rrss.

 

Rroobvnnn?"

 

"Sure is,' Ken said.  "Er, yes." Eonneh cupped his hands together, the

way he had while holding the Hrruban cub, then drew them to his breast.

 

"Nrrna.  Rroobvnnn?"

 

"Yep.  I mean, reh,' Ken replied.

 

"This is fascinating,' Sumitral said, studying Eonneh closely.

 

"What's he trying to ask?"

 

"I don't know yet,' Ken said.

 

"Vocabulary's very limited."

 

"Rroobvnnn, Rrss?  Genhh, Ayoomnnn?"

 

"Reh,' said Ken.

 

"Gelli, Rroobvnnn?"

 

"Ah.  .  .  ah.  .  .  morra.  No.  Ayoomnnn.

 

"Morra,' said Eonneh, disbelievingly.  He made the sign for baby again.

"Gelli.  Morra Ayoomnnn?"

 

"Reh Ayoomnnn, Kelly,' Ken said.

 

"She's my daughterin-law."

 

"Nrrna morra Rroobvnnn.

 

"Reh Rroobvnnn." Ken nodded firmly.

 

"What's the problem?" demanded Sumitral, exasperated to be on the fringe

of understanding.

 

"I'm not positive but I'm beginning to get the drift,' Ken said with a

wry smile.

 

They went through the pantomime several times, with Hrrestan and Frill

attempting to guess what explanation Eonneh was trying elicit.

 

Eonneh took hold of his own tail and held up the end.

 

"Rroobvnnn, shrra.  Nrrna, shrra.  Nrrna,' and he made the baby sign

again.  "Morra?" Ken fell back in his chair and burst into loud hoots of

laughter.  "Oh, I get you now!  Oh.  no!" He clutched his sides and beat

his feet on the floor.

 

The noise brought Kate Moody running out into the waiting room.

 

"What's the matter?" she demanded.

 

Lauder, Nrrna, and Kelly were right behind her.

 

"It's hilarious,' Ken gasped, coming up for air.  "They think "Hrruban"

is the word for male, and "Hayuman" is the word for female.

 

Or maybe the other way around." When the others looked puzzled, he

sprang the other half of the joke.  "They think we're one species!' "How

could they think that?" Lauder asked, appalled as well as slightly

indignant.

 

"why shouldn't they?  We arrive together on their ship so we are

together.  They see us living together here on the surface.  Why

shouldn't they think we're the same species?

 

They thought the Hrrubans were males and Hayumans females.  The sight of

Nrrna with a baby that's obviously hers knocked their assumption into a

tailspin!" Sumitral grinned at Ken's inadvertent witticism, his grey

eyes alight.  "So we are a species more than usually dimorphic?"

 

"They thought I was a girl?" Lauder demanded, huffily.

 

"I don't think that's funny."

 

"Well, I wouldn't take it to heart, lad, you'd be a good looking girl -

if you were one, which you're not,' Kate suggested mildly, "but, under

the circumstances, I think the Gringg copped on to the error of their

assumption pretty quick." Noticing how politely Eonneh and Ghotyakh

waited for further explanation of his unusual behaviour, Ken shook his

head.  "I haven't got the words to explain laughter yet.

 

Much less how to explain that we're two species, male and female each,

from two different worlds?"

 

"Watch it, Reeve,' Frill said.

 

"That's strategic information."

 

"It might be if either of us knew exactly where the other's home world

is,' Ken said in mild disgust.

 

"Lighten up, Frill.

 

A basic explanation won't give away any more than our kids get in

primary school."

 

"We can't base a solid future relationship on deceptions,' Sumitral said

more mildly.  "Can you help us with the gender explanation, Dr Moody?"

Kate grinned.  "Sure can.  Take the bull by the horns, so to speak.

While Lauder and I are taking samples, we'll show them tapes on Hayuman

and Hrruban reproduction and birth.

 

They'll get the idea." Kate ran the tapes used for sex education in the

middle school, all the while taking blood, skin, and hair samples from

her unprotesting subjects.  Honey and Kodiak watched the tapes with

every indication of understanding what they were seeing.

 

They muttered - "A little like embarrassed twelve year olds,' Kate said

later - and growled furiously between themselves.

 

"I'm running a CAT scan on each of them.  They seemed very interested in

everything, the equipment and procedures.  They're both very

intelligent.  By the way,' Kate said with a grin, "they're male.

 

What we'd classify as male.  Both of them."

 

"How do you know?"

 

"I got them to give me urine samples.  There's no way that a baby could

be born through that orifice, and there's nothing else appropriate.  I

did a very careful physical examination.  No womb, but very substantial

generative organs.  We went through some pantomime to confirm it.  But

that big captain on the tape, the one you keep calling Grizzly, and

referring to as he?  She's female!  All of her and that squat one's her

secondborn cub.  Honey's the sire."

 

"So they are dimorphic with regard to size, but the other way round to

our two species,' Ken said, nodding.

 

"Right.  There's precedent for this configuration living on Earth at

this minute.  The males are tercels, an old world meaning "a third

smaller", Terran birds of prey.

 

The large birds, falcons, are the females.

 

"Well, I'm glad we got that figured without making a serious gaffe.  It

doesn't matter what gender one is, so long as we don't mistake one for

t'other,' Ken said.

 

Eonneh, emerging from his turn in the ring-shaped scanner, sought out

Genhh and Frrrill and the new Ayoomnnn.

 

They were sitting in the wooden room, speaking softly to each other.  He

sat down beside them.

 

"I am terribly sorry for mistaking your gender,' Eonneh said in his own

language, pantomiming disgrace, which involved drawing an invisible line

from his bowed forehead to the floor.  "You are larger than others of

your species so we thought you were female.  We didn't realize you were

males of two different species of alien.

 

"what's he saying?" Frill asked, mystified.

 

"I think he's trying to apologize,' Ken said.  "It's OK, you know,' he

said, putting a hand on the Gringg's upper limb.  The fur was smooth but

thick, like horsehair.  "It's no insult to be thought female, or male,

for that matter.

 

I know you're trying to learn all about us, but who said you had to get

it all right first crack?"

 

"Nereh?" Eonneh understood his forgiveness, but missed the

colloquialism.

 

Sumitral sighed.  "We have got to make some sort of device so we can

start understanding one another."

 

"We've got one problem,' Kate said, leaning out the door.  "I can't get

this lad into the x-ray.

 

He's too big!  It's only made for Hayumans and Hrrubans.  We're going to

have to take him over to Ben Adjei's unit at the Animal Hospital for a

peep at his insides." While Kate Moody continued physical examinations,

Lauder made use of an unused biochemistry lab to start work on the

Gringg tissue samples and foodstuffs.

 

Nrrna, who worked in the bio-lab, prepared samples for the centrifuge

and electron microscope.

 

"I'm a duffer at chemistry,' Kelly informed them.  "My training is in

diplomacy.  I'll wash glass, or whatever you need me to do."

 

"One thing I'll need,' Lauder said, very tentatively, "and I'm not sure

I should ask you, is a volunteer to taste the footstuffs if they test

out as safe."

 

"Ouch,' said Kelly, wrinkling her nose.  Nrrna looked alarmed. "Well, if

you promise me I won't die of it, I'll try anything."

 

"Oh, you won't be the only guinea pig at the table,' Lauder said, with a

shrug. "We need to try at least one of the Gringg on Doonan food.  Once

we've got results on the tissue, I'll know what we can offer them and

what we shouldn't."

 

"That's good,' Kelly said cheerfully.  "I do hate to eat alone."

 

"Them?" Kate replied, when asked about the Gringgs' gastro-intestinal

system.  "Anything that isn't moving too fast.  I did a whole-body

sonogram on Ghotyakh as long as I had him over at the vet clinic.  He

watched everything I did, and I got the impression he doesn't like to go

to doctors of his own species!

 

That digestive pouch you detected below the stomach is one tough little

organ.  I wouldn't try it on concrete, but there's not much shy of that

they can't eat.  Ezra went home to get some supplies.

 

We may as well all dine together." In the Federation Centre, Jon Greene

waited before the transport grid.  Only moments before the four-hour

time limit the mists arose on the grid platform.  The form of Mllaba

took on shape and substance.  Greene stepped forward to greet her.

 

"Did you meet with success?" he asked.  The glare of her yellow-green

eyes warned him not to get too close.

 

He stopped short and gestured a fine bow as she left the dais.

 

"I have accomplished ze firrst of my goals,' Mllaba said, settling her

black robes back on her narrow shoulders.

 

"Others from Hrruba will be following me very shortly to aid in slowing

down ze Gringg agenda.  As forr ze second, it awaits ze Speaker's own

presence to be set in motion.  But I have laid ze groundwork well,' she

said with a degree of smugness.  The two of them discussed plans for a

few moments, then Greene glanced at his wrist chronometer.

 

"Now,' he said.

 

The Hrruban put her clawed fingers on the controls.

 

The air over the grid thickened, gradually revealing a crowd of Hayumans

exclaiming to one another at the novelty of transporting by grid.

Barnstable was at their head.  Greene recognized two of the men and one

of the women as members of the Humanity First!  Movement.

 

Another was a prominent journalist with a talent for rabblerousing.

Three others were minor politicians and animal rights activists.  Greene

grinned.  The Admiral hadn't missed a trick.

 

As soon as he was aware of where he was, Barnstable looked around.

 

"No unauthorized personnel present.

 

Good.  My thanks, Mllaba, for our safe transport.  Greene, I'll want a

report from you in an hour's time."

 

"Aye, sir,' Greene said, saluting.

 

"Your allies from ze Hrruban home world await you at the meeting point,

Admirrrral' Mllaba said.  "Ze Speaker is with them."

 

"Good.  To the First Villages, then,' Barnstable said, nodding at the

Hrruban female. Mllaba's claws clattered quickly over the controls.  She

had just enough time to join the party on the platform before it

vanished.

 

Unnoticed by the others, three men in mufti slipped off the rear of the

platform and waited until the mists cleared.

 

"Bouros, Gallup, Walters,' Greene barked.  The three men stiffened to

attention.  "Follow me." The commander led them out of the building into

the night.

 

* * * "Quit staring at me, Kelly complained, turning aggrieved hazel

eyes on Ensign Lauder.  "If I feel my insides curling up, I'll tell you.

 

"Sorry, ma'am.  I'm just curious as to what's going on with you." The

young medic blushed and went back to his plate.

 

Kelly grinned.  "I'm just fine.  In fact, some of this is pretty good."

She turned to her dinner partner, Ghotyakh, and pointed at a

sausage-shaped mass.  "What do you call that?"

 

"Raghia,' Kodiak said.

 

"Neehar, or ..  He made his four fingers into the legs of some animal

and walked them in a lumbering gait across the table.

 

"Meat of some ruminant?" Ken decided.  "We'll have to get him to draw us

a picture later.  These fellows have fantastic skill with a pencil.

 

Sumitral took another helping of stew.  "It's clear that it is an

important part of his job, even class station, to be able to write and

draw well.  I'd say that they're at the top of their grade, by the way,

though I observe that Ghotyakh defers to Eonneh."

 

"I think if they're organized like us, Eonneh must be Grizz's special

aide as well as mate,' Ken agreed.

 

Eonneh nodded, showing his teeth, having caught the gist of Ken's

statement.  He and Ghotyakh were making significant inroads on the pot

of stew.  When Kate's daughter Rachel had arrived with dinner, the

Gringgs' agile noses went into full twitch.  They waited, looking

wistful, while Kate did a quick test to make sure there was nothing in

the meal that would disagree with them, and howled with joy when she led

them to the table to be served.

 

"By the way, Lauder,' Kate said, "you were wrong about one of them

eating as little as one of us.  That was Kodiak's sixth bowlful." Lauder

grinned lopsidedly.  "I could eat the same, myself.  This is delicious.

You don't get meals this good shipside."

 

"My very thought,' Sumitral said, placidly.

 

"Go on with you,' Kate said.  "It's all last year's dried snake meat."

"No, it's terrific,' Lauder insisted.

 

"Do not let Dr Kate ovrrwhelm you with hrrr modesty,' Hrrestan said, his

jaw dropped in a genial grin.  "Hrrr cooking has been praised widely by

all, including my mate, Mrrva.

 

"Well, that one's a winner,' Kelly said, marking the packet of raghia

with a plus sign.  "Alison would like it: tasty with a flavour rather

like urfa." With business-like fingers, she pushed it to one side and

opened another packet.  She was taking only small portions from each of

the Gringg rations to leave room for as many samples as possible.  The

next was a chopped vegetable in a messy, clear, red sauce.  She spooned

a little of it on to her tasting plate and took a mouthful.  Her face

wrinkled up, and she choked.

 

"What's the mazzer?" Nrrna demanded.

 

Hrrestan rose to his feet in alarm.  "Shall I get the szomach pump?"

Lauder was out of his chair and beside Kelly in a moment.  She waved

them away.  Her face had turned red.

 

"Salty,' she gasped, gesturing at the water pitcher.  Kate handed her

full glass over and then filled Kelly's again.

 

"So that's what they use to keep up their electrolyte balance,' Kate

said, briskly.  "You might like to know, Ensign, that unlike Earth

animals they have sweat glands here and there under that great pelt.

 

Suggests to me that they evolved from an animal with less body hair.

 

And they have a tremendous lung capacity, more than four times ours,

plus a layer of fat beneath the skin that ranges from three to five

centimetres.  Now what does that suggest to you?"

 

"Nozzing,' said Hrrestan, shaking his head.

 

"They're swimmers,' Ken guessed, playing with a piece of bread.

 

"That'd be my summation,' Kate said, with satisfaction.

 

"Seems to me as if they must have evolved from something more like

otters than bears.  It would certainly explain the tail.

 

"Hmm,' said Kelly, taking another packet.  This one contained dried

brown kernels shaped rather like Brussels sprouts, and coated with a

fine tan powder.  She crunched one tentatively between her teeth, and

smiled with pleasure.  "Um, these are great.  Gringg candy,' she said,

offering some to Ken, who reached out to take it.

 

"Ah-ah-ah!" Kate scolded, putting a hand between them.

 

"No one else gets to try anything until you, my dear, have gone

twenty-four hours without a reaction." Kelly gulped.  "I guess I didn't

realize what a serious job this was going to be."

 

"I'm sorry,' Kate said, kindly.  "I'm sure everything'll be all right,

but if you're going to run a proper experiment, control is essential."

 

"Oh, well,' Kelly sighed, and opened another packet.

 

"And what do you call this?" she inquired of the Gringg.

 

Commander Frill entered, his nose twitching almost as much as one of the

Gringg's.

 

"Something smells wonderful,' he said.  He was holding an armful of

tapes and a couple of small pieces of equipment.

 

"Sit down and have some,' Kate invited him.  "There's stew, tenderfoot

chilli, creamed potatoes, mixed veg, and plenty left if you can beat the

Gringg to it.  Your friend Lauder here was just saying that this

compares favourably to ship food."

 

"Thank you, ma'am,' Frill said with alacrity, sitting down next to Ken.

He helped himself generously from the stewpot and tore a huge section

from the loaf beside it.  "I don't know when I last had a home-cooked

meal.  Between bites and exclamations of pleasure, Frill explained what

he had found.

 

"One of the engineers at the computer control in town let me use the

equipment,' he said, "to listen to these tapes.

 

I've discovered a not insoluble prnblem." he went on, setting the small

boxes: a hand-recorder, a speaker, and a paired unit with glass-fronted

screens.  Across the upper was a flat green line.  The lower showed

stepped levels in green light.  He started the recorder, and they heard

Grizz repeating words after Ken.  "This is to show you what the problem

is.  Now, this is Gringg conversation." On the oscilloscope, the green

line etched peaks above and below the centre line as the sound level

lifted and fell.

 

The frequency monitor below showed peaks and valleys, too, but more

peaks than valleys when Ken's voice was heard, with just the opposite

whenever the Gringg did.

 

"Interesting,' Ken said, peering at the numbers beside the levels on the

frequency monitor.  "That would explain why I couldn't approximate some

of their pronunciations.

 

Their voices dip down into subsonics.

 

"How low do they go?" Frill checked his printout.  "Thirteen to fifteen

cycles, sir.

 

"We Hrrubans would merely feel zose lowest tones, Hrrestan said.

 

"Ah,' Sumitral said.  "So the words go below the range of Hayuman and

even Hrruban hearing."

 

"It would also explain why we felt nervous, sir,' Frill explained. "Some

of these low tones provoke fear responses." Sumitral nodded.  "That

guides us towards what we'll need to make coherent contact with the

Gringg."

 

"If I can ask a favour, Admiral?" Kate Moody said, standing up to dish

out more food.

 

"I'll grant it if I can,' Sumitral said, watching her heap potatoes on

to his plate.

 

Kate strove to keep her voice light.  "Don't forget the little people

who helped make this meeting possible, will you?  The citizens of

Doonarrala are wildly interested in helping to learn whatever they can

about the Gringg, and want a chance to help.  They're not afraid of

challenges or they wouldn't be here.  Don't shut them out."

 

"Madam, I don't discount the input from those who have helped so far,

especially the children, to whom the Gringg seem very attached,'

Sumitral acknowledged.  "And I'd be a fool to push aside volunteer staff

who are so eager to be included, so long as they acknowledge that I'm in

charge of this mission.

 

"Oh, I don't think they'll mind that,' Kate said.  "It's being left out

that they'd hate.

 

"This is Doonarrala,' Kelly said, indicating herself and Nrrna.

 

"We take pride in getting to know others on equal terms.  That's what

our husbands are doing right now on the Gringg ship, and on behalf of

Alien Relations, over the twitching frame of Admiral Barnstable, I might

add."

 

"Cooperation made Doonarrala what it is today.  I'm all for extending

the principle,' Sumitral said, smiling up at her.

 

"Good, because cooperation is going to start with someone else cleaning

up after this meal,' Kate said with a broad grin.  "Rachel, organize a

few volunteers from those outside, will you?  Then we can get on with

the tests."

 

"I must go,' Nrrna said.  "It is nearly time for Hrrunna's meal.  I must

find Jilamey and ze children.

 

Sumitral rose and helped her out of her chair.  "You take good care of

that small ambassador,' he told her "Zonk you, I shall,' she said,

beaming shyly at the head of Alreldep.

 

"Make sure the Cats get to bed on time,' Kelly called.

 

"Jilamey will let them stay up till all hours, and they are not to stay

out of school on Uncle's say so." Hrrestan yawned, slurring his words

out of pure exhaustion.  "I forr one am wearry.  I am adjuzzed to Zreaty

Island time, and we started earrly wiz ze confornce zis morning."

Unexpectedly, Nrrna was in the doorway again.  She gestured behind her.

 

"Zese people wrrr waiting outside ze drrr." She did not have a chance to

move aside for she was pushed in by the crowd of Hayumans and Hrrubans

who forced their way into the room.  To Ken, their uniformly stony

expressions gave them the aspect of a mob, not yet touched off, but

potentially dangerous.

 

At their head were Barnstable and Second Speaker.

 

Sumitral, standing beside the table, crossed his arms and waited,

calmly, while the mob organized itself around the perimeter of the big

room, keeping wary eyes on the Gringg but patently determined to be in

earshot.

 

Hrrestan rose and stood beside him.

 

"Well, Ev, how are you?" Sumitral asked.

 

Barustable ignored the courtesy.  "These people wanted to have a word

with the colony leaders about this situation."

 

"And precisely which sizuazhon is zat?" Hrrestan asked, his tone relaxed

but his eyes moved warily over the faces.

 

"The interruption of our space port conference by these things,'

protested Lorena Kaldon, jerking her hand at the Gringg.  "I came here

to talk construction, mortgages and interest rates, not alien invasions.

My time is valuable, as is that of my colleagues here."

 

"We must do what we came to do!" added a Hrruban whom Hrrestan

remembered as being a crony of the now-retired Third Speaker, a

notorious reactionary.  "Send zem back where zey came from.  I oppose

negotiations wiz zese aliens." "They're called the Gringg,' Sumitral

said, a pleasant smile on his face.  Eonneh and Ghotyakh, recognizing

that word, rose to their feet and turned to face the newcomers.

 

Both Kaldon and the Hrruban, suddenly obliged to crane their necks up,

stepped as far back as they could.

 

Swallowing, Kaldon continued, but her voice was considerably less

contentious.  "We came so far, planned so long for this conference.  It

has to continue.  You must understand our positions.

 

"No one planned to have zuch an interruption, Delegate Kaldon, but ze

conference cannot resume at this time,' Firrestan said, "and, as

co-leader of Doonarrala, I muss ask your indulgence in zis matter.

 

Surely you should recognize zat zeir appearrrnce has altered everything.

 

For ze time being, all discuzhons about ze space port must be deferrrred

while we learn more about ze new arrivals."

 

"But we've been working for months to make our bids on the construction

of a space port,' she protested indignantly.  "We can't just call a halt

and continue as before simply because of.  .  .  hairy monsters.  They

aren't interfering with the space port project.  Why can't we go ahead

with it?"

 

"Now, my dear Ms Kaldon,' Sumitral said, stepping forward, "that

wouldn't be wise.  And indeed, the hold may be for a very short time.

 

But look at the arrival of the Gringg from a different angle: you are

witnessing an incident of immense international significance.  It isn't

given to many to be the first to see, and meet, an entirely new species

of star traveller.  And I put this to you, as well, once we have

established communications, why we may even have to construct a larger

space port.  For, frankly, I suspect that their main objective in

seeking other civilized, or inhabited planets is to initiate trade." He

pointedly ignored a growl of protest from Barnstable's direction.

 

"Were I you, I would believe myself lucky to be in on the ground floor

for those you represent.  I'm sure they'll be delighted to learn of the

possibility of even more customers at the space facility.

 

Kaldon regarded Sumitral with no little amazement and obviously

considered his advice.

 

"Amirral,' Second Speaker said, stepping forward, "are you not prezuming

too much?  How can you speak of trade when zeir objectives are not

known.  Nor can zey be until we can speak to zem!  And even zen, such

matters must be carefully prrsented to our respective goverrrments for

sober, mature reflection.  .  .  not decided out of hand herre on

Rraladoona."

 

"I speak as Alreldep's representative who is always ready and willing to

speak to inhabitants of our galaxy no matter what form they appear in or

from what quarter of the Milky Way,' Sumitral replied with great dignity

and a gentle smile for the Second Speaker's querulous attitude.

 

"Msss Kaldon, zere is also ze unassailable fact,' Hrrestan added, "that

my co-leader Rrev has had to absent himself from our prrroceedings so

zey could not, in any case, continue without him." Barnstable now

beckoned imperiously to Hrrestan, Sumitral and Ken Reeve to move to one

side, away from Kaldon's group.

 

"See here, now, my friends,' he said, scowling deeply and glaring from

one face to anther, "I can't approve of all this good-folks-at-home

routine.  These Gringgs are an unknown quantity - and don't give me that

theycame-in-friendship-unarmed guff, Reeve.

 

How can you be absolutely positive these creatures are so pacific?"

"Suffer little children, Barnstable,' Ken replied, more amused than

irritated by Barnstable's attitude.  "But then you didn't see, as every

one here did, how the Gringgs.  .

 

Barnstable waved him silent abruptly.  "It's just not good tactics to be

open with an unknown quantity.  .

 

"Do I have to remind you that it worked before, Admiral?  Didn't it,

Hrrestan?" And now Ken included his oldest Hrruban friend.

 

The Hrruban co-leader whose tail had begun to lash in short hard

twitches relaxed and dropped his lower jaw slowly.

 

"We were not quite as formidable in appearance as these.  Is zat what

alarmss you, Amirral?"

 

"What alarms me is a basic disregard for caution. I don't want these

good folk unnecessarily alarmed "They look so alarmed,' laughed Kate

Moody, joining them.  "And how'd they all get in here?  Place is crowded

with strangers."

 

"She's right about that,' Ken murmured to Hrrestan who also began

looking at the curious faces of those backed against the wall.

 

"Now, that is not the issue,' said Barnstable darkly, not liking Kate's

interruption at all.  "You really are most unwise to allow such broad

contact between the Gringg and the rest of the Doonarralan population.

As the official head of the organization charged with the protection of

this sector, I want all data kept secure and the Gringg out of public

contact until we know more about them.

 

We have nothing but their physical presence to go on yet and that

bothers me."

 

"Oh, but we got plenty of physical data on them,' Kate said jovially.

"I've got enough test results to satisfy anyone,' and she gave

Barnstable a jaundiced glare, "and even more reassuring empirical stuff.

Gringgs like snake stew.  And beans give them gas." There were a few

chuckles from the back of the crowd.

 

Barnstable turned around to glare at the group.  "And what about the

safety of these aliens?  They could come to harm in this environment,'

he protested, trying another angle.

 

"They're pretty sturdy,' Kate replied.  "Not much could hurt them.

 

I haven't found a single allergen or toxin that their tissues react to,

not even rroamal.  They've got functioning immune systems, ticking over

beautifully right now, and they don't react to anything we do.  I also

can't find anything in their systems that bugs us, except for the odd

irritant, and that can be inoculated against.

 

They're strong, the air is good for them, and our gravity is at least

twenty per cent less than they're used to fighting.

 

They'd almost be super strong here.

 

That appeared to upset Barnstable further.  "In that case, you are

exposing an entire population to danger from accidents incurred during

casual contact.  I can't allow it.

 

Remove them at once."

 

"You do not have jurisdiction here,' Hrrestan said, his eyes flashing.

 

Sumitral was calm, almost apologetic.  "This is an Alreldep matter, Ev,

and you know that." Barnstable could not refute it but he hated to

relinquish command to another authority.

 

"You will keep me in the loop, of course,' Barnstable asked, not without

a measure of sarcasm.

 

"But, of course, Ev."

 

"Dad?" Robin Reeve poked his nose around the door and peered into the

room.  "Ah, there you are, Dad!" Reeve's middle son seemed to have an

energy level befitting a man younger than his early twenties, and the

poise of one much older.  "Have I interrupted anything critical?  Mom

sent me to ask you when you're coming home and if you're bringing

guests.  Them?" and Robin's eyes gleamed in keen anticipation of such a

happening.

 

"They're just as big as advertised.  I was out on the range when they

arrived."

 

"You zee?" Mllaba hissed.  "It has alrready ze aspect of a vreakshow!"

 

"Not at all,' Robin said cheerfully.  "We always turn out for visitors.

Whew!  Wouldn't they be something on Snake Hunt?  Can they hang around

that long?  Hunt's only six weeks away!" Barnstable frowned.  "They must

certainly be off planet when that Hunt occurs." "Why?" Robin regarded

Barustable with equable poise.

 

"Everyone else wants to join in and at least these Gringg wouldn't need

to be protected!  For that matter, maybe we ought to protect our snakes

from them!  Let's ask Todd and Hrriss to invite them officially."

 

"What I should like to know,' said a new voice, and a woman stepped out

of the crowd that had been politely, but avidly, listening to what they

could hear of the discussions.  She had a pinched mouth in the midst of

a plump pink face and wore rather dowdy clothing, neither travel nor

leisure wear.  "Is how you dare continue to hunt those poor snakes? Much

less show such brutality to.

 

to individuals who could only misconstrue the barbarism you exhibit."

"Barbarism?" Robin exclaimed as other Doonarralans started to protest.

"Hell, lady, you've never seen what those snakes do to our domestic

animals.  A blow from a Big Mamma Snake's tail can break the back of a

cow or horse.  .  .  then the snake eats the poor critter whole and sits

there digesting it for weeks.  Who's being brutal?" The woman had turned

quite pale but she wasn't one to give up easily.  "Then it is imperative

that you not expose outsiders to such dangers.  Why, I believe that some

of the larger ones grow -as long as twenty metres." She regarded the

Gringg who were not twenty metres in any dimension.

 

"Those big ones are usually too canny to cause trouble,' Ken said,

striving to remain polite.  "Have we met, ma'am?

 

I haven't seen you at any of the village socials, and I make it a point

to get acquainted with all our visitors from Earth."

 

"I - I've just arrived,' the woman said, clearly flustered.

 

Barnstable felt that it was a good time to retreat.  "We intend to

remain on hand throughout your investigation, of course."

 

"Of course,' Sumitral agreed, and Hrrestan nodded.

 

As soon as Barnstable and his cronies withdrew, Ken made for the

communications console at the side of the room.  In a few moments, he

returned to the group.

 

"I've just spoken to Martinson at the Space Centre and to Hammer at

Treaty Island.  No one fitting her description has arrived on the last

couple of ships from Earth."

 

"Then how'd she get here?" Kelly demanded.

 

"The grid?" Ken said, a light dawning.  "I think I am beginning to smell

a conspiracy."

 

"I zink you arrre right, my old friend,' Hrrestan said.

 

"Both Spacedep and Second Speaker.  I do so dislike interference from

outside.

 

"And you can put it right down to Spacedep's distrust of the Gringg,'

Ken said, aggrieved.  "Present company excepted,' he said to Frill, who

gave a sheepish shrug.

 

"Second Speaker has also shown discomfort wherrrre our new friends are

concerned,' Hrrestan said, thoughtfully.  "It would be well to be

preparrred against such azzacks in days to come.

 

"The best defence is progress,' Sumitral said.  "We're having a fine

time chatting with these fellows,' he smiled at the Gringg, who had

remained silent throughout the confrontation, "but it's too slow.

 

We require some kind of device to speed our understanding of one

another.  I'd also like to know how they found us.

 

"I can ask the communications centre to help me get to work on a .

 

a voder,' Frill volunteered.  He turned to Hrrestan.  "That is, sir, if

you'll give me the necessary authority?" Hrrestan was openly pleased

that a Spacedep officer deferred to the local authorities without

argument.  Ken was glad, because he was getting to like the burly

commander.

 

"Grrranted, gladly,' the Hrruban replied.  "In ze meantime, it seems we

must continue with drrawing of pictures to obtain informazhon."

 

"How will you describe light years in pictographs?" Sumitral asked

blandly as he settled down with an artist's block between Ghotyakh and

Eonneh at Kate's laboratory table.

 

Chapter 6

 

ToDD HAD FELT A PANG WATCHING HIS FATHER AND the others enter the

shuttle.  He hoped that Barnstable wouldn't try to hold the Gringg on

board the navy vessel.

 

He wanted them safely on the surface of Doonarrala where folk were

sympathetic to aliens.  He particularly wanted the Gringg out of the

vicinity of Greene and Barnstable.  But his father would take charge.

 

After all, the matter was clearly an Alreldep problem.

 

Would his father wait for Admiral Sumitral to back him up?  Of course he

would!  Todd derided his lack of faith in his father's common good

sense.  He also wished he could be in two places at once - to see the

reactions of Doonarralans to the Gringg.  Best of all, he and Hrriss

were in this venture together and he wished they could just forget - for

ever - all that nonsense about the space port on the Hrrunatan.  But he

couldn't, could he?  Well, he could for the duration of the task at

hand.

 

Then Grizzly touched his arm and indicated that he and Hrriss should

follow him into the long, high-ceilinged, semi-oval corridor from the

landing bay towards the central core of the ship.

 

Immediately, Todd applied himself to the task at hand - perception and

observation, absorbing what he saw and felt as if all his pores had eyes

and ears and noses.  So, the bay itself was situated in one of those

"knots in the tree-hole' he had observed from space.  The walls were

smooth, a silver metal - steel?  equipped with rows of hand-and

toe-holds at two points in the parabolic arc of the ceiling, no doubt to

cope in zero-grav.

 

"For no grrrav?" Hrriss asked, pointing.

 

"They'd have to turn off the artificial gravity from time to time,' Todd

said.  "If they turned gravity off, we'd be in a right difficult case

trying to get our feet from one of those holds to another.  Look at the

size of "em and the distance between!

 

"I am glad zese are peaceable creazures,' Hrriss said, fervently.

 

They stopped in a corridor that was split around a central pillar in

which were set more grey glass doors.

 

Grizi: hulked between them and the pillar, indicating that they should

wait.  The captain poked a claw into a hole in the door plate, and it

slid open.  Grizz took one Doonan by each hand and directed them to look

carefully up and down inside.

 

Against the far wall, narrow, white platforms with transparent back

panels slid endlessly upward until the perspective shrank the shaft down

to a pin-point.  The bottom of the lift shaft was much closer.  Todd

could see the platforms were an endless loop: up on one side, down on

the other.  He and Hrriss grinned at Grizz to show that he understood

the principle involved.

 

"Reh,' he said.

 

Grizz roared approvingly and stepped on to an ascending platform.

 

Together, Todd and Hrriss stepped on to the next one which would easily

accommodate two Humans.

 

But the baby bear, Weddeerogh also leaped aboard, landing in a heap of

fur at their feet.  They laughed and helped him up.

 

"Do you feel a strong grrrvitic pull behind us?" Hrriss asked, swaying

back and forth to test it.

 

"Yes,' Todd replied, watching columns of grey glass doors sink into

sight and out again past his feet.  "I'd say there's a spiralling core

inside this central pillar.  It's compelling me to lean back against the

wall.  I guess that's how they keep from having accidents in this shaft.

It must go up for three hundred metres." He let the pressure drag him

backwards, and he put a heel against the upper flat of the panel.  "Look

at this!" He inched upward until it appeared that he was standing

several centimetres above the floor.

 

Weddeerogh snorted his baritone laugh and threw himself at the wall back

first.  He adhered at eye level with Todd, then deliberately inched

himself around until his toes were in the air.  The Doonans joined in

the merriment, experimenting with the increased gravity.

 

Hrriss found that he could squat perpendicular to the wall.

 

"But it causes trrrible pressure in my head and neck,' he said.

 

A roar from above caused Weddeerogh to wiggle right side up once more

and urge his two friends to do so as well.

 

The next set of doors they were approaching were open, and Grizz was

waiting for them.  Weddeerogh made a flying leap and landed in a

shoulder roll on the floor.  Todd and Hrriss circumspectly hopped from

platform to floor.

 

This corridor was not as lofty as the lower level, and had only one set

of handholds, running up the exact centre of the ceiling.  The Doonans

followed the captain along, taking in as much new input as they could

with quick looks inside the various rooms that opened off the broad

hallway.

 

The Gringg medic was black and white with a kind expression in her

light-red eyes.  Todd still couldn't easily distinguish between the

sexes, but for the sake of argument decided to call this one female.

 

There were beautifully rendered anatomy charts on the wall, showing

skeletal, muscular, and circulatory systems for two genders.

 

The black and white bear seemed to fit the female mould, as, to the

Doonarralans' surprise, did Grizz.

 

"Wait until the scientists at home get a look at these,' Todd said.

 

While he was studying the charts and trying to remember significant

details, the medic prompted him to sit up on a raised platform, produced

a device with a small drum at the end, and put it to Todd's belly.

 

"My heart's up here,' he said, tapping himself on the chest.  The bear

grunted, and moved the diaphragm upward.  She let out a pleased noise

when the heartbeat registered in her device.  That seemed to be what she

was looking for.  Todd counted his own pulse as she listened.

 

It was faster than normal, probably due to the increased gravity of the

ship.

 

The medical examination went very much like one which the Gringg were

probably being put through by Kate Moody, with the medic, whom Todd and

Hrriss decided to call Panda, signing when and where she was about to

take yet another tissue sample.

 

Panda seemed a little puzzled when Todd automatically pulled off his

shirt but left his trousers in place.  She plucked at the heavy denim

with a claw and crooned a question.

 

"I always say you Hayumans put too much emphassiss on clothes,' Hrriss

said with a grin, as he unself-consciously pulled aside the decorative

loin cloth he wore.

 

"I don't have a furry hide, catman,' Toad replied in an undertone.

 

"Stark naked suits you but I'm getting goosebumps and how'll I explain

them?" Actually, the room was warm enough for comfort, but Todd still

felt chilly.  He pretended total indifference when Grizz and Weddeerogh

as well as Panda leaned in to have a good stare at all his parts.  The

Gringg stepped back to have a conference, during which they looked from

one to the other of their visitors with increasing agitation.

 

The argument ended seemingly without resolution.

 

Panda resumed her examination, and Grizz sat back on the floor to watch.

The medic handled them both very gently as she went carefully over their

entire bodies, then guided them to a host of strange, Gringg-sized

machines.

 

"X-ray?  CAT scans?  EEGs?" Todd asked.

 

"You must ask zem when we can understand one anozzer,' Hrriss said.

"Zere is somezing very wrong zat happens to me when zey speak.

 

Do you feel uncomfortable, too?"

 

"Without clothes, of course I do,' Todd said.

 

Hrriss gave his head a little shake.  "I don't mean physical: I mean in

the nerves of the ear and the mind."

 

"That's a relief, Hrriss.

 

I was putting the agitation down to nerves, but if you're getting the

same sort of unsettling nudge, it must be more than that.

 

When Todd emerged from the last machine, Panda drew him back to the

table and handed him a cup.

 

"Oh, no,' he said.  The Gringg looked at him expectantly.  Panda

indicated the cup, and made a gentle arc with one claw, pointing to the

interior.  "No.  I don't think I could."

 

"Go ahead.  I have done it.

 

Why do you have so much zrouble producing waste wazzer?" asked Hrriss,

amused.

 

"Doing it under these circumstances - with them watching the whole

process, is slightly inhibiting,' Todd said, annoyed with himself,

Hrriss and the whole affair.  He turned his back and shortly was able to

provide a sample.

 

Panda and Grizzly spoke in a crisp dialogue, their base voices sounding

excited.  He hoped that they weren't amused by his behaviour.

 

When he passed the specimen to Panda, he noticed that Hrriss was now

holding his ears.

 

Are you all right?" The Hrruban's forehead was drawn in long furrows of

gold plush.  "It is somezing about ze way zey talk.  It is loud, but I

am used to loud speech.  We who live on Doonarrala have always used

louder voices zan on Hrruba.  Ze Gringg are not just loud but grating."

"Subsonics,' Todd said, snapping his fingers.  "That could very well

mean that they're not hearing everything WE say, either.  I'd sure like

to see an analysis of their hearing range." He gestured towards his

ears, and made faces so that the Gringg could understand that sound was

causing him discomfort.  Panda took a small scope from one of her

pouches and looked in his ears.  She grunted, puzzled.

 

"That didn't work, Hrriss.  Aha!" he exclaimed, pointing at his friend.

"Your voice is higher than mine."

 

"So?" Hrriss asked.

 

"Talk in the highest register you can.  Go up through falsetto.

 

If their range is too low for us, chances are ours is too high for

them." Obediently, Hrriss began to hum in his own tenor range, then

climbed gradually, a breath at a time, into a piercing shriek.  Long

before he topped the highest note he could reach, the Gringg were

holding their ears.  At the top of the range, they were looking at him

closely.  Grizz folded her thumb and forefinger together in imitation of

a mouth and opened it to show she didn't hear anything.

 

"That's it,' Todd said.  "Up at that end they're only seeing your mouth

move." Enlightened at last, Panda put the two Doonarralans on to a

frequency generator and tested their ranges of hearing.  Hrriss was

capable of hearing a few cycles lower than Todd, but the lowest tones to

which the machine was set were inaudible to both.  They could only feel

the cycles that Grizz indicated she was still hearing.

 

"Zat one could shake my bones apart,' Hrriss cried, much agitated,

waggling his hands for them to stop it.

 

Grizz called for another scribe.  When Grrala arrived, slow of movement

but bright of eye, they were gestured to a table.

 

"We'd better call this one Koala, so we don't mistake her with Grizz,'

Todd suggested in a low voIce.

 

Panda motioned the two of them to sit while the Gringg were able to

lounge about the table as Koala set up some kind of aural transponder

and demonstrated how it worked.

 

Using the settings on what Todd identified as a frequency generator, he

demonstrated which tones he and Hrriss could hear, and which ones were

painful.  The Gringg did the same, and the scribe noted them down

busily.  The engineer, with a device like a round-screened pocket

computer in her great paws, was clearly busy drafting a design.

 

"Now I think we're getting somewhere,' Todd said, happily.  "This thing

should translate the tones they speak in to the ones we can hear, and

vice versa."

 

"Zat will help mightily,' Hrriss agreed.  "I do not zink we should miss

any of zeir tonal qualities.  We need to hear all to understand.

 

After a while, the engineer signalled that she had enough to work on.

Koala and the scribe excused themselves and went off.

 

"Now, the question is, how long will it take them to whip up a frequency

voder?" Todd said, grinning at Hrriss.  As he moved on the table, his

bare skin slid and he gave an exclamation.  "Great snakes!

 

I don't need to stay in the buff any longer!" The Gringg watched him

dress no less closely than they'd watched him disrobe.  He winked at

Weddeerogh, who squealed.  Then Grizz stood up and stretched, allowing

the visitors a splendid look at her fine strong frame.

 

Refreshed, she addressed the two Doonarralans.

 

"Dodh, Rrss, kwaadchhs?"

 

"Quadicks?" Todd asked, struggling to match her pronunciation.

 

"Kwaadchhs,' Gri:zz repeated and, obviously demonstrating, moved her

great arms in broad arcs, starting at her breastbone and pushing

outward.

 

"Could she mean "swimming"?" Hrriss asked, turning to Todd in surprise.

Todd shrugged, grinning for Hrriss to answer.  "Yess, we swim."

"Rehmeh,' Grizz replied, and ushered them back to the elevator

platforms.

 

"Swimming?" Todd muttered to Hrriss as they ascended another level.

 

When they followed her lead and stepped off in what must be the centre

of the ship, they could even smell the water.  Even knowing that the

probe had showed a mysteriously large quantity of water in the centre of

the Gringg ship, neither Todd nor Hrriss were prepared to see it used as

a swimming facility.

 

"Swimming,' muttered Hrriss in mild shock as they passed the transparent

doors that led into the most astonishing room.

 

Instead of weaponry or generators of any kind, the water-filled centre

of the ship turned out to contain a swimming pool, vast and deep.  The

central pillar containing the elevator system pierced straight through

the heart of it but also supported several levels above the water on

which a few Gringg lounged while dozens of others swam and sported in

the water.

 

"This is absolutely spectacular!" Todd exclaimed, astounded, letting his

face reflect his opinion.  He bowed and grinned broadly at Grizz who

seemed pleased by his reaction.  "That is some pool."

 

"More a lake,' Hrriss said, staring about him at the sheer size and

shaking his head at the quantity of water put to such use.

 

"Greene'll never believe this is what the water was for.

 

Though what sort of a weapon requires water .  ." Todd trailed off,

shaking his head.

 

"I zink he would prefer anozer explanation,' Hrriss said.  "He is not a

man to appreciate gracious living.  Ah, but I can!"

 

"And look at the range of colours in Gringgs,' Todd added, nudging

Hrriss.  "Pied, patched, white, brown, black, tan, gold.  See the black

fellow there with a white shirt-front and chin and white boots?  My

sister Inessa had a cat who looked just like him." Then he craned his

head about, able to take in more details now that the first shock of the

space-lake had passed.

 

The room was, indeed, remarkable.  A full, curved ceiling of a soft blue

arched benignly over the lakelet that had been made to appear natural.

Hidden ventilators provided soothing breezes and the occasional surprise

gust that made the water's surface skip and quiver.

 

Except for the toroid shape and the fact there was an elevator shaft

running through it, it was hard to believe that it was situated in the

heart of a space-going craft.  The elegant homes of the very rich on

Earth had once had such amenities, or so his father had told Todd,

before living space on the planet became so constricted that such

luxuries had been prohibited.  Man-made lakes on the few resort areas

were out-of-doors and few would have been as large as this one.  Todd

wondered how close this approximated the living style of Gringg on their

home world.  He knelt to dip his fingers in the water and taste it.

 

"It's fresh, with only a slightly chemical taste,' he said to Hrriss.

From his pouch, Hrriss took a little bottle and filled it for later

analysis.

 

Having enjoyed their reaction, Grizz now took off her collar, shoulder

piece and belt, placed them on a rack filled with other such

accoutrements and slid into the water.  Beckoning with a long, slow wave

of her arm, she signalled them to join her.  Todd started to strip and

was distracted by the workmanship of Grizz's adornments.  He picked up

the collar and felt the material.  It was smooth and supple like

leather, though thin as vinyl.

 

"Is this snakeskin?" he asked, showing the way a snake moved.

 

"Morra,' said Grizz, and moulded her face around a gaping mouth.

 

She submerged, and Todd leaned close to the edge to see her.  She opened

and closed her mouth, using exaggerated motions of her lower jaw, and

flapped her hands alongside her jowls for gills.

 

"Oh,' Todd cried, enlightened, as she surfaced.  "Fish.

 

They must be whoppers!" He sketched a fish of great size with his hands.

 

"Reh, reh,' Grizz said, adding another length to Todd's.

 

He whistled.

 

"Oh, the one that got away,' he said.

 

Squealing, Weddeerogh bounced off the side and landed belly-first in the

water, splashing everyone.  One of the adults swam quickly towards him,

only head and the line of a dark-brown-furred spine and rudder-like tail

showing above the water.  The cub paddled noisily towards his dam, but

his pursuer caught up with him.  As he made cries of mock distress, the

larger bear picked him up, lifted him bodily out of the water, and

tossed him.  Weddeerogh laughed aloud all the way down.

 

The resultant splash caught Todd and Hrriss full in the chest.

 

"Agh!" Todd cried.  "I'm soaked."

 

"Zen come in alrreddy,' Hrriss said, teasing his friend.

 

"You can get no wezzer zen you arrre." He undid his belt and threw it

across Grizz's, and jumped in near Weddeerogh.

 

"Here I come,' Todd said, hopping out of shoes and hastily pulling off

his clothes.  "Damned nuisance.  If I'd known I was going swimming .  .

." Stripped again, he poised on the side of the pool.  Then, as the

Gringg audience watched with interest, he leaped up and cut a beautiful

arc, entering the water with scarcely a ri ple.

 

When he surfaced, halfway across the pool, the Gringg applauded him,

batting the water noisily with their palms.

 

"Very prezzy, Hrriss said.  "I didn't know zat was possible in zis

grravity.  I zink zey have not seen diving of zis sorrt."

 

"No,' Todd said, surveying his companions.  "They're not really built

for swan dives and jackknives, are they?" At Grizz's encouragement, Todd

demonstrated more Hayuman-style dives, using the highest of the pillar

islands to do a half-gaynor.  The Gringg were impressed, calling out

their approval to him in loud, gruff voices.

 

When he was worn out, he pulled himself on to a nearby level and lay

around listening to a youthful male with a stringed musical instrument

gutturally rendering songs requested by the other Gringg.

 

Todd asked to see the instrument, which was not unlike a guitar.

 

"But far heavier,' he told Hrriss.  He bent his fingers around the long

stem as well as he could.  They didn't reach the fretting, so he laid

the instrument in his lap as if it was a dulcimer and tried to make

chords.  The resultant sounds were harmonious, but nearly inaudible.

 

"These strings are heavier than baling wire.  It's more like playing

tent spikes." The doors swung open.  Panda, followed by the scribe,

padded into the swimming room carrying a crescentshaped solid in one

hand and, in the other, a device not unlike Todd's recorder with a slot

intended to take the moon-shaped piece.  The two bears settled down

beside Todd and showed him diagrams on the reader's round screen.

 

"That was quick,' Hrriss said.

 

"Let's hope it works,' Todd replied.  With a little stretch of

imagination, Todd began to recognize the complex molecular structure of

proteins.

 

Panda pointed to one.  "Ayoomnnn."

 

"Yes, if you say so,' Todd said with a grin.  "And that's Hrruban,

right?" He put his finger on the other pattern.

 

"Reh,' Panda said, and put a claw to a control on the viewer.  The two

patterns moved towards and then overlay one another.  Atoms stuck out to

either side of the chain, and Panda seemed puzzled.

 

"Hayuman and Hrruban,' Todd explained, pointing to himself and Hrriss.

 

The two Gringg conferred, and finally it fell to the scribe to draw

pictures.  With care, he sketched Todd and Hrriss, then began to draw in

lines around them.

 

"The quality of artwork is magnificent for such quick drawings,' Todd

said.  "Jilamey could make millions for this fellow in the Artists'

Corridor on Earth."

 

"And on Hrruba,' Hrriss added.

 

The scribe's sketch complete, he turned it towards them.

 

"It's a family tree,' Todd realized.  The scribe dashed small symbols

between the images of the two of them, pointing at one, then another,

and asking for clarification.

 

"He's not sure if we are siblings or .  .  .  mated?" Hrriss turned with

twinkling eyes to his friend, dropping his jaw in amusement.

 

"Uh, no,' Todd said, shaking both hands and head vehemently at the

misunderstanding.  With the scribe's permission he took the tablet and

stylus.  While Panda watched closely, Todd drew two different family

trees and peopled them with figures not much more detailed than stick

figures, but clearly male and female of each species: one with tails,

one without.

 

"You are not as good an artist as he is,' Hrriss said.

 

"Agreed but let's hope they get the message, and see the difference." He

patted his work to show it was finished and pushed the drawing to the

scribe.  "We're two separate species!  See - tails, no tails!" The

revised drawing prompted another spate of conversation.

 

The scribe depicted a planet with figures of Todd and Hrriss standing on

top of it.

 

"Ah.  I presume he now wonders how we came to be on one planet,' Todd

said.  "How do I explain?" So he drew Earth, marking out the western

hemisphere continents, then its moon and sun, added a creditable

spaceship and a line leading it to Doona, depicting its distinctive

continental masses.  Then Hrriss took over the double-looped pen from

Todd, and sketched Hrruba and its satellites, and a dotted line for the

Hrruban ship's journey to Doona.  Todd jammed a forefinger on to Earth

and held out his hand to Hrriss, who shook it, while with his free hand

he pointed to his home world.

 

Then they looked to see if the Gringg had understood the pantomime.

 

The Gringg passed the drawing back and forth, mumbling in rapid bass

notes with such intensity that Todd felt his ears itching and Hrriss

could not keep his tail still.  When the sketch had done a complete

circuit, the Gringg smiled and nodded their acknowledgement to the two

friends.

 

"Wish one of us could draw better, Todd said.

 

"Scrawl or not, zey seem to understand,' Hrriss said, but his tailtip

kept twitching.

 

"Two races sharing a world in peace,' said Grzzeearoghh, with a blissful

sigh.  "How wonderful!  These are species I want to cultivate

assiduously.  We must learn from them how they contrived to coexist so

successfully.  That harmony must explain why they are so willing to

accept our peaceful intentions.  Perhaps they cannot conceive that we

might intend them harm.  I hope this is so, for it will make our job

much easier.  This will be of great interest to all on the home world.

 

Now, let us show our guests the entire ship so that they know there is

nothing hidden on it to harm them or their mutual world." They led the

Doonarralans on an exhaustive tour of the ship, from the living quarters

to the galley to the cargo holds, and finally to the bridge.

 

Soon, the small beings began to tire.

 

"Mama, perhaps they want to take a nap,' Weddeerogh suggested when Rrss

yawned and attempted to conceal the gesture.

 

Just then she received a signal from Grrala and answered.

 

"First we will return to the infirmary for Grrala has something she

wants them to see."

 

"I'd say they deliberately trotted us up and down this ship to prove

that they're not hiding anything.  I feel as if we haven't missed a

corridor or a single level,' Todd said wearily.

 

"Certainly nothing resembled a weapon system anywhere.  They didn't even

stop you when you opened that triangular hatch." Hrriss wrinkled his

nose.  "No one is in danger from a compost heap.  Zey seemed to let us

go where we wanted to go.  But it is so big a ship: to really explore

would take weeks.  Now, zat bridge was interesting, was it not?

 

So vrrry casual." Todd gave a soft snort.  "Did you notice the

configuration of the switches, toggles and buttons?  No way either of us

could manage that sort of control board .  not unless we could grow

foot-long fingers and treble our hand-spans."

 

"Zat does not worrrry me as much as ze absence of couches,' Hrriss said

thoughtfully.  "How do zey absorb ze g-force in take-off and landing

without padded couches of some zort?"

 

"There's cushioning fat under their fur?" Todd suggested and bent over

to rub his thighs.  "Their normal g-force is enough to make my muscles

ache." Hrriss gave a snort.  "It wasn't ze diving you did?" "Come to

think of it, I haven't done much diving lately.  But I know the

difference between gravity ache and muscle strain." When Grizz guided

them back to Panda's office, Koala and Ursa had several small devices to

show them.  She strapped one about her massive throat and offered Todd

he another one.

 

"How do I operate it?" Todd asked.  Out of the device resting against

his larynx, his words came out in a basso profunda that made him jump.

"Was that me?" he asked, and the device repeated it.

 

"Dodh?" Ursa began.  Her voice, instead of being a deep, chocolate

baritone, had been raised to a pleasant tenor range.

 

"Zat is much better,' Hrriss said.

 

"Promising,' Todd agreed.  He turned to Ursa.  "Say va'arrel." He

encouraged her comprehension of what he wanted by zooming his hand

around like the shuttle.  Ursa glanced at Grizz for permission.

 

"Vamarrel,' the Gringg said, sounding faintly ridiculous in soprano.

 

"Aha!" Todd said.  "See, we were missing something.

 

Now say the word for the big ship." He gestured all around him.

 

Va'arrel?"

 

"Vasharrel,' Ursa piped.

 

"Wonderful!  We're on our way Ursa signed to Todd to take off the device

collar and pass it to Hrriss.  The Hrruban fastened the band, and tried

a couple of words.  "Spaceship, food, wazzer, rilama The Gringg voder

repeated much of what he was saying in a deep bass, but skipped parts of

the higher tones.

 

Wielding a tool that was a cross between a laser and a screwdriver, Ursa

attempted unsuccessfully to adjust the tympanum to encompass all of

Hrriss's vocal tones.

 

She grunted and raised her paws palm up to show helplessness.

 

"Not perfect yet, Todd said sympathetically.  "The waveband it uses is

too narrow.  We'll just have to wait until we get back down to

Doonarrala.  Better still, we could make use of Spacedep's engineers.

 

The Hamilton's still floating along behind us.  The Admiral was hinting

none too subtly that they wanted to be involved.  Let's get one of their

technicians over here." With a little tinkering and a lot of luck, Todd

was able to adjust the Gringg communication system to the frequencies

monitored by Spacedep.  The communications officer, Rrawrum, manoeuvred

up and down the band until Todd heard static, and gestured for him to

fine tune on to that narrow wavelength.

 

"Hello?  The Hamilton?  This is Todd Reeve.  Repeat, this is Todd

Reeve."

 

"Where are you transmitting from?" demanded the voice of the

communications tech.  "You're interrupting a secured signal.

 

"Sorry,' Todd apologized.  "I wasn't intending to break in on anything.

I don't know the field strength of this transmitter.  I'm aboard the

Gringg ship.  I need to speak with Captain Castleton."

 

"The captain's not available at present, sir.

 

"Then, Admiral Barnstable?  The matter I have to bring up with him is

pretty important."

 

"Not available either, sir."

 

"Strange,' Todd said, frowning at Hrriss.  "I wonder where they went?"

 

"I'm not at liberty to divulge that, sir,' the Spacedep commtech said.

 

"Uh-huh.  How about Commander Greene?" After a short pause, Greene came

on the line.  Todd described the situation and told him what they

needed.

 

"Wouldn't construction of a translation device be their problem?

 

Surely they've had to deal with the other species they've encountered,'

Greene said, slyly.

 

Todd sighed.  Greene had been his last option for help.

 

"I doubt it, Commander."

 

"Really?  A virgin species.  Ripe for the plucking?" Greene asked

acidly.

 

"Certainly ready to, and helpful in, forming a meaningful relationship,'

Todd said, trying not to let the sour tones annoy him.

 

"A frame of mind I doubt you've ever experienced.  At that, Greene, I'd

expected that a man of your calibre and ambition would be able to catch

the moment and run with it.

 

"What do you mean by that, Reeve?"

 

"Spacedep wants answers about the Gringg, don't they?

 

They don't want them second-hand, do they?"

 

"No,' and the reply was grudging.

 

Todd grinned.  "So send us a communications technician who can help us

refine a translator.  They've whipped up a voder but it doesn't

compensate for under and over tones - - - and they're necessary to

establish communications.

 

Get a two-way exchange going and we'll find out what the Gringg are

really saying."

 

"Will we?"

 

"As an Alreldep representative, I'm asking you, as a Spacedep officer,

to provide assistance.  You know, the sort of addition that looks so

good on a code sheet.  Or are you unable to function without direct

orders from Barnstable ?"

 

"I can't order Castleton's officers to suit you, or Alreldep,' Greene

said in a sort of a snarl.  Then he paused.  "If someone volunteers .  .

-"

 

"Yes, a volunteer is the answer,' Todd said, trying to keep the irony

out of his voice.

 

"Not that I think anyone in their right mind.  .  .  Greene began and

then briefly shut off the channel.  "You're in luck, Reeve.

 

There's a sucker in every ship."

 

"I knew I could count on you, Greene,' Todd said cheerfully.  "Send him

across.  And don't worry.

 

We'll vouch for your reluctance to send a man into danger.

 

Reeve out!"

 

"This thing's pretty good,' Lieutenant Cardiff, junior grade, said as he

examined the Gringg prototype voder, running a sonic probe over the

exposed interior of the device.  He'd brought two heavy toolkits with

him.  And Commander Jon Greene.

 

Neither Todd nor Hrriss were surprised that Greene had accompanied the

signals officer.  The Gringg had courteously retired from the bay once

the little ship was safely docked in their massive vessel.

 

"Sound reproducer of some sort, huh?  First, what's it supposed to do

when it's alive and well and working right?" Todd explained the

difference between Gringg voices and theirs.  He had acknowledged

Greene's presence but had to ignore the suspicious and cynical

expression on his face, determined not to be provoked by Greene's open

antagonism.

 

"Yeah, well, they were nearly there, I think.  This resonator, here, is

really brilliant.  Should handle any decibel range.  It looks like

something they mass produce, by the way.  This plastic core looks

prefabbed and the chips are probably standard for all their audio

equipment.

 

But I think these relays are too cumbersome; that's why you can't fine

tune.  Think I can alter that to suit the purpose.  He grimaced, and

settled his probe on one of the baffles.  "This one'll poop out on you

after a few too many high notes."

 

"Can you remedy the problems?" Todd asked.

 

"Oh, I'm a master fixit,' Cardiff said easily and grinned at Todd and

Hrriss.  He showed very white teeth in a face as dark as Grizz's fur. He

had a mat of silky, silver hair which he continually raked upward with

the fingers of both hands.  He seemed to be one of those enthusiastic

people whose vocation was also his av6cation, and was more interested in

a challenging job than the wherefores of it.  "Got some tricks of my

own, I have.  I'll just tinker with these relays - here and here -

strengthen this baffle, and put in a more sophisticated tuner.  Odd how

there're only a few ways of doing some jobs?  Sound's one of "em.

 

These guys have some mighty slick gadgetry." Cardiff frowned slightly,

turning the voder from side to side, re-examining its c(ftiponents. "But

why leave it as just a frequency modulator, sir?  I can add a memory

chip so it uses terms in the languages as soon as we have equivalents,

build up the usable vocabulary.  I got some multi-programmable blank

chips here that'd do the job stellar!  That way, all three races get

used to hearing one another's tongues."

 

"Zat would be much, much more useful,' Hrriss said, approvingly.

 

"Sure thing,' the tech said.  "You know, they're trying to build

something like this on the surface, too.  Or so I heard from Commander

Frill.  He was looking for a decent resonator.  I ought to turn him on

to this one.

 

"Well, pool your knowledge, Lieutenant,' Todd replied.

 

"No use in redundancy.

 

"Nossir."

 

"Cardiff can't work here,' Greene said irritably, looking about

contemptuously.  "There's no workspace in this ù barn."

 

"Since you've now seen what needs to be done,' Todd said, ignoring

Greene, "the Gringg will take us where you can be comfortable.  They

stayed out of the way on purpose,' and he flicked a glance at the

commander, "first to let you examine the voder without distraction, and

two, so I can reassure you how hdspitable they've been.  Three, so I can

warn you that they're big, Cardiff, really big."

 

"I figured they must be from the size of their ship,' Cardiff said

affably.  "Won't bother me.

 

"Well, you have nothing to fear from them.

 

"Nothing to fear?" Greene said, his lip curled derisively "With claws

that could gut a space shuttle."

 

"Which, I remind you, Greene, they haven't done.

 

Keep your xenophobia to yourself,' Todd replied in a harsh voice.

 

Greene raised a taunting eyebrow, his expression supercilious.

 

"I'm ready, sir, I think,' the tech said, slinging one huge tool-case to

his bony shoulder and nodding for someone to pick up the big padded one

that held his inventory of chips.  Todd hefted it.

 

"Lead me to "em.

 

Through pictures and pantomime, Todd had managed to convey to Grizz the

need of workspace for the technician.  Grizz and Panda had shown him one

not too far from the shuttle bay, one level up on the belt elevator, and

a short dogleg.  It was yet another mark of Gringg tact that they met no

Gringg on their way to the workroom.

 

That Todd hadn't expected but it pleased him very much.

 

Hrriss, too, grinned as he followed behind the others while Greene kept

apprehensively glancing up corridors and around corners.  The belt

elevator had surprised both Greene and Cardiff though they were familiar

with such mechanical lifts.

 

"What are they like, these Gringg?" Cardiff said, listening to his voice

echoing back from the high, smooth ceilings.  "I was hoping for a

glance, you know." Todd indicated the door to the workroom allocated to

them and opened it.  "See for yourself." Cardiff lifted one foot, froze

and stared into the huge room.  "Holy fardling afterburners!" Grinning,

Todd gave Cardiff a little shove in the back so that he moved on but, as

he himself entered, he had to admit this was an impressive scene.

 

Grizz and Weddeerogh sat beside Chief Engineer Koala, who was working

over a low table, tweaking the components of the second voder.

 

Panda, her scribe, and Rrawrum, the communications officer, lounged

around.

 

At the appearance of the Hayumans.  all of them turned towards the door

and smiled.

 

"Great gods!  What a set of cutlery!" Cardiff declared, his eyes focused

on the long claws Panda had extended in her work.  His ebony-dark face

had an ashy tint to it, and his already wild hair seemed to stand out

further.  "D'you suppose they file their nails like screwdrivers?  Do I

gotta work with all of them?  They're big enough to cramp my style, I

think."

 

"The silvery one over there's the engineer,' Todd said with a chuckle,

pointing out Koala.  She waved a gigantic paw, and Todd could see the

technician's eyes riveted to the length of claw displayed.

 

"You all right?" Todd asked, bracing the man's shoulders with a sturdy

arm.

 

Gamely, Cardiff gulped.  "Even with you warning me, I didn't quite

appreciate .  .  .  Hell, I've seen a stuffed bear in the museum and I

just thought you meant they'd be a little - but whew!" He whistled

softly.

 

"Get on with it,' Greene muttered.

 

"Button up, Greene,' Todd said in a fierce undertone.

 

Greene glared back with a hatred which he now made no effort to hide but

he said nothing.  He could contain himself now, in anticipation of the

total humiliation of Todd Reeve in the not too distant future.  Gringg

had never met another species, had they?  When Reeve found out the truth

.  .  .  When he could not retreat from his untenable position When they

had all the proof they needed.  Meanwhile he watched as the lanky

technician was urged forward to be introduced to the Gringg.  Greene

momentarily sympathized with the reluctance in every line of the man's

body but then, Cardiff had volunteered.

 

Greene contented himself with a smile and settled himself on a low

counter while Cardiff eased himself down on the floor with Koala, a

scribe, and put the voder he'd examined on the table beside the other.

 

"Now, this is a good piece of work,' Cardiff said, removing the

resonator chip from the heart of the device and brandishing it at Koala.

 

"The word for good is rehmeh,' Todd said to him, squatting down

alongside.  Hrriss joined him, leaving Greene by himself, glaring at the

roomful of absorbed Gringg.

 

"Right,' Cardiff said, grinning.  "Rehmeh, this.  Not rehmeh, that.

Downright cow patties, that.  What you need is a couple of these

transformers; a different microphone assembly, something with real

range, but solid, too; and a new power supply." He rummaged in the big

rucksack.

 

"I've got the very thing - somewhere in here." The language of

engineering had intrinsic universality.

 

Circuitry symbols might be different, but the way to diagram a circuit

was surprisingly similar.  In no time, Cardiff and Koala were

communicating easily through the sketches, augmented by nods, smiles,

frowns, grunts and much gesticulation, oblivious to all else.

 

Cardiff's long, thin fingers assembled components, using hot-tipped

tools and minute pliers as Koala made suggestions by pointing and making

hand signals.

 

"Where's my soldering iron?" Cardiff cried, pawing through his pack.

"I'm sure I packed it.  Oh, never mind.

 

I can use the laser tool."

 

"Rehmeh,' Koala said, at last, giving the Hayuman technician a

rubbery-lipped smile of approval.

 

"Right,' said Cardiff, straightening up.  "Let's teach these things to

talk." He had made use of the original casings, but shuffled components

from both worlds.  Out of the kit, he pulled a frequency monitor, and

ran the dial up and down the cycles.  "This will compress the greater

range of Hrruban tones into the range the Gringg can hear, and match

Hayuman stuff as well.  It'll also translate any one of the ranges into

any one of the other, depending on who it's set to be worn by.  This

switch has three settings."

 

"Aha,' said Todd.  "Now we're getting somewhere." Cardiff strapped one

of the voders on to his neck.

 

"You want them to learn Middle Hrruban first?" He ignored Greene's

belated protest, "Sensible notion since so many of us can get along in

that.  So that's what we're going to record into the memory." Todd began

to recite the words for which he already had the Gringg translations.

Grizz recorded the translations in her booming voice when Cardiff

pointed to her.  Back and forth they went, putting more and more into

memory, slowly expanding a GringglMiddle Hrruban glossary.  Todd

suggested the words for body parts, things in the lab, male, female,

baby, and any verb he could think of for which he could express the

concept.  Grizz responded.

 

"Right.  We've got a good starting vocabulary,' the technician said,

happily.  "Go ahead, try it." Todd cleared his throat.  "I'm Todd, not

Dodh." His voice came out as a deep bass, but with more inflection than

he'd had through Koala's preliminary model.  "Todd.

 

Todd Reeve.

 

"Todd,' the Gringg all repeated one by one.  "Todd Reeve."

 

"See?" Todd said, with satisfaction.  "Supersonics - at least super to

them are dropping out, as subsonics are for us." Hrriss took the other

voder, and let Cardiff tune it to him.

 

"I am Hrriss, and my people are called Hrrubans.  His voice was

reproduced, but matching his "his and "5's without dropping out any of

the hissing.

 

"Hrrissss.  Hrrrroobans,' the Gringg intoned.

 

"Piece of cake,' Todd said, spreading his hands, ha pily.

 

"Peess of kkayyk,' the Gringg echoed, showing their massive teeth in a

grin.

 

"Don't encourage them to smile,' Cardiff said with a twitch of his lean

shoulders.  "It reminds me of K.P."

 

"Well done,' Hrriss praised him. "Well done by you, too,' he told Koala,

who grunted at the compliment.

 

"Well, let's take these things away and replicate "em,' Todd said.

 

"Because of the tone differences, anyone who ever wants to talk with the

Gringg will have to use one.

 

That means dozens, if not hundreds of copies.  I'll see what inventory

we've got and what we can manufacture in a hurry.  Maybe even arrange a

licence to grid stuff in."

 

"Happy to help, if I can,' Cardiff insisted. "This was fun!  Usually,

I'm bent fixing electronics blown up by the visiting brass.  No offence

to you, Commander Greene." The three visitors looked around.

 

"Wherre did he go?" Hrriss asked, springing to his feet.

 

Todd glanced at the Gringg and raised his hands questioningly.

 

Grizz cocked her head, and addressed a question to the others.  No one

had seen the other Hayuman leave.

 

"Wait,' he said.  "Where's Weddeerogh?" Grizz moved faster then than

Todd had yet seen.  In a moment, she was on her feet beside a

crescent-shaped device on the wall.  She fitted a claw into a hole and

spoke to a slotted grille on the side.  "Ahrgha, geerh vnamshola

Hayuman, parghhen va Weddeerogh.  Ahrgha, meena lorrangh." Todd and

Hrriss could hear her voice echoing in the hallway.

 

The announcement, if it was an order to bring back any Hayuman found to

be wandering the halls with Grizz s cub, was redundant.  Two strange

Gringg, one male and one female, appeared in the doorway with a

struggling Greene between them.  Weddeerogh loped in behind the party,

and rolled on to his haunches beside his mother.

 

Grizz's eyes were hot with anger, but her voice sounded calm when she

turned to Todd with a question.

 

"Geerh kwaadchhs?"

 

"No, I mean, morra, that won't be necessary,' Todd said, standing up to

pinion Greene by the arm.  The Gringg male moved away to make room for

the tall Hayuman.  "I'm taking him out of here now.

 

"What did she say?"

 

"She said, should she take you and throw you in the compost heap,' Todd

said, trying to master his fury.  "What are you trying to do?  Ruin the

good work of the last day, sneaking off for a private pry around this

ship?  You could have asked and Grizz would have seen you had the guided

tour.  This your idea?  Or Barnstable's?" Greene gave him a look of

total contempt.  Only the place and company kept Todd's anger in check.

One day he was going to square off against Greene!

 

"Captain Grizz,' Todd said formally, switching on the voder as he turned

toward her.  "We have truly enjoyed our visit aboard the vasharrel."

Grizz murmured approvingly at his correctly enunciated words.  "We'll be

speaking again with you soon.  May we be guided back to our vamarrel?"

"Reh,' Grizz said, allowing a glint of humour in her eyes.

 

Weddeerogh trotted up to nose Todd's hand, then over to Hrriss, and back

to his mother.

 

"See you soon, little guy,' Todd said, warmly.  "All packed up,

Cardiff?"

 

"Lug this, will you?"

 

"I'll take it,' Greene said unexpectedly, stepping forward to sweep the

toolkit out of Todd's grasp.

 

"As you will,' Cardiff said amiably then turned.  "See you again,

Koala,' and he tipped a salute to the Gringg engineer who waved one

large silver paw in response.

 

They both paused by Greene and Todd gave a curt nod of his head for the

commander to precede him.

 

"I'm sure you know the way to the shuttle bay, Commander,' Todd said

with barely concealed sarcasm.  "Or didn't you get that far before they

hauled you back for poking about?" Greene said nothing as he expertly

caught the next descending platform of the belt elevator.  To Todd that

meant he'd gone this far.  Had he gone up or down?

 

"As you pointed out, Reeve, it's catching the moment and running with

it."

 

"Even at the expense of violating good will?"

 

"Good will?" Greene snorted explosively.  "Yes, good will!  I'll show

you some good will one of these days .  He broke off.  Now was not the

time to let anger overset judgement.  He took a deep breath and refused

the bait.

 

Their guide hopped off the platform and Greene followed, knocking the

toolkit against the wall as he slightly misjudged his momentum.

 

Its flap bounced open, and a small, rodlike device fell out.

 

"Hey, there's my soldering iron,' Cardiff said, diving for it before it

dropped off the platform.  He straightened up to tuck it back into the

carryall, and stopped, looking curiously at the remaining contents of

the bag.  "Shooting stars, what's that?  I never packed that."

 

"What?" Todd asked.  A growl from the corridor suggested their guide was

waiting.

 

Todd held up one hand to the Gringg before he grabbed for the toolkit

strap, to summarily lift it off Greene's shoulder.  Greene twisted away

but Hrriss barred his way.

 

"Hey, what's the matter.  .  ." Cardiff wanted to know.

 

"I want to see what's in there that you didn't pack, Cardiff,' Todd said

and jerked at the shoulder strap.

 

Greene struggled hard but, with a powerful yank, Hrriss stripped the bag

from his shoulder while Todd deflected the commander's blows.

 

The powerfully built aide had an excellent repertoire of hand-to-hand

combat dirty tricks but Todd had been wrestling snakes every year since

he was ten.  When Greene kicked, Todd hooked his feet out from under him

and sat on him while Hrriss continued his inspection of the toolkit.

 

The Gringg guide came back to see what was holding his party up and

growled a question.

 

"Morra,' Todd said, grimly, keeping his weight on Greene's back.

 

"What's in it, Hrriss?"

 

"It looks like a small bomb,' Hrriss whispered angrily.

 

"I do not know what zis ssmall device on top is." Cardiff took a quick

look.  "Remote control receiver, he said, his face expressionless.  "No

fuse, just need a radio signal to set it off." Todd closed his eyes

against the arrogance of a man like Greene, too ready to destroy what he

couldn't understand.  Though he wanted to close his fingers tightly

about Greene's neck, instead he hauled the commander upright by handful

of his tunic.

 

"So that's what you intended, skiving off like that?  To plant this

bomb.  When were you going to blow the ship?

 

While Hrriss and I were still on it?  Or when Barnstable gave the

orders?" His fingers clenched and unclenched in the tough fabric of

Greene's uniform.  Though his eyes did not narrow in fear, the commander

watched him warily, giving no resistance to the mauling.  "No wonder you

let Cardiff come.  I should have been suspicious the moment I saw you in

the shuttle with him.  When, Greene?  When was this to be set off?"

 

"A fail-safe, Reeve, just a fail-safe,' Greene said, grating the words

out. Adding when Todd relaxed his grip slightly, "Should the Gringg

suddenly turn hostile." Disgusted, Todd pushed him out at arm's length

and let go.  Greene staggered back against the corridor wall before

recovering himself.  He then straightened his tunic with careful

gestures and smoothed back his hair with nerveless fingers.

 

"Do marines require their officers to be paranoid?" Todd demanded.

 

"Paranoid, hell, Reeve!  Marines protect!  Which is more than you're

doing,' Greene replied in a low, angry voice and strode down the

corridor towards the waiting Gringg.

 

The two Doonarralans hurried to bracket him, making certain he took no

further detours across the huge bay to the shuttle.  Silently, Cardiff

strode out ahead of them, eager to get into the shuttle and out of the

way before the others boarded it.  Hrriss managed the Gringg words for

thanks and pulled the shuttle door closed.  The small ship waited until

the bay doors opened and slowly left the Gringg ship.

 

"If you'd planted that bomb and the Gringg found it, Greene, all the

strides towards understanding that we've made today would have been

neutralized."

 

"Why would they look for something, Reeve?  Answer me that!  They have

such peaceful intent, and you are so honourable, why would they look for

anything?  But, why won't you look at matters from another perspective?

What if all their compliance is a cover?" Greene demanded in a hard

voice.  "What if the Gringg are hiding something from us?"

 

"Hrriss and I were taken over the whole ship, looked wherever we wished

with no hindrance or supervision,' Todd replied, still fuming at the

appalling touch with near disaster.  "They trust us.  We must return

that trust and that means you keep your little gadgets off their

premises."

 

"That little gadget might have saved more lives.  .  ." the commander

began and stopped before he blurted out why he had reason to be

concerned.

 

"For the last time, Greene, this isn't your business.

 

This is Alien Relations business and in the interests of Amalgamated

Worlds and this invaluable alien contact, I'll have you denied further

access to the Gringg.  This time, my father and I have the authority to

keep the brass and bureaucracy right out of the loop so we can get on

with unarmed diplomacy!" It was with trepidation Second Speaker returned

to Hrruba to bring his news to the High Council.  He had got no

satisfaction from the confrontation engineered by the Hayuman Admiral.

Between the medical examinations and invention of a communication

device, things had got totally out of hand and the stakes were far too

high.  In the presence of these immense aliens, Hrrto felt reduced to

insignificance although he was of large stature among his own kind.

Beings should not be made in such massive forms, should not be permitted

to grow to such abnormal proportions.  They must not be permitted to

come to Hrruba to dwarf even the largest of his people.

 

He hoped that more of the Hayuman contingent felt that way than the

Doonarralans did.  After all, so many of them were shorter than the

average Hrruban.  Which reminded him that he had not felt any physical

or aural intimidation when he had encountered the Hayumans for the first

time: certainly not the unnerving sort he experienced in the company of

Gringg.  He did not understand why others were not overwhelmed by the

Gringgs' presence.  Even young Hrriss, whom he trusted as a true

Hrruban, had taken to these furry giants as if they were true beings of

honour, integrity and value.

 

Mllaba seemed to feel that the coming of the Gringg could be a great

advantage to him in the upcoming election.  He was at a loss to know how

he could possibly present such hulks as advantageous, though Mllaba was

usually shrewd to see possibilities and potentials .  .

 

Still he had been there at the beginning and that did give him an

advantage to speak from.  If he could build on that, with Mllaba's

assistance, he might indeed enhance his bid for the Speakership.  He

need only be calm - and pretend to know more than he actually did.

 

Mllaba was up to something, he knew, and she would inform him when her

manoeuvres were complete.

 

As Hrrto entered the impressive, dark-panelled Council Meeting Room, his

tail gave a single twitch.  The place had not felt the same since the

death of Hrruna.  It had turned into a cold, unfriendly place, with

whispering shadows.

 

Hrrto took his place in the second seat, beside the head of the table,

facing Third Speaker for Internal Affairs, a moderate Hrruban named

Rrolm.  The First Speaker's place was, of course, respectfully empty,

draped with blue and red.  In the centre of the seat was the precious

blue stone given as a gift of peace to Hrruna by the Hayuman settlers in

the very first days of Rraladoona.  On his deathbed, Hrruna had directed

that the stone should be displayed in the council chamber until a

successor was chosen.  To him who assumed the office would pass

ownership of the stone, to remind him that peace with one's neighbour

was as valuable and vital as clean air or pure water.  Yes, peace and

trust were necessary, but in good time, when the Gringg had proved,

beyond a shadow of a doubt, their pacificism.

 

"Be confident, sir,' MIlaba whispered from her place, a seat rolled

deferentially back from the table, suitable for one who was not part of

the Council.  "Contain this situation firmly.  It will be the key to the

election.  Your rivals do not have such a good opportunity to display

leadership as you do right now with your intimate connection in the

Gringg incident.  Fifth Speaker backs Third now but the few outside

candidates have little chance of assuming the post.  Be firm.

 

Be confident.  You have the advantage."

 

"I know the tone and stand to take, Mllaba,' Hrrto said, with some

irritation and flattened his tail against the chair leg, hidden by his

robes.  At times her attitude bordered on the officious and she was not

in contention for any Speakership.

 

Word had already spread over Hrruba that intervention by an alien

presence had put a halt to the space port talks.  The delegates, not

held to temporary residence on Rraladoona as were their Hayuman

counterparts, had come home full of tales about the giant Gringg.

 

MIlaba's initial report had made a strong impression on the Council.

 

The Speakers were eager to hear more from Hrrto.

 

So Second Speaker first explained the circumstances of the Gringgs'

advent, then signalled to Mllaba to run the tape of the huge aliens who

had visited Rialadoona as emissaries.

 

As Eonneh and Ghotyakh appeared on the screen, gasps ranged around the

table, then modulated into murmurs of discomfort when the Gringg spoke.

 

"What horrible sounds they make!" Fourth Speaker said.

 

"Barbaric garble!  Threatening in sound and appearance.

 

So monstrous.  Bare-skinned Hayumans were peculiar enough to behold, but

these are at the other extreme!"

 

"Alreldep, which agency you already know includes several prominent

Hrrubans of good Stripe,' Hrrto said, rising to his feet as the tape

ended, "thinks that these Gringg wish to establish peaceful relations

with both Hrrubans and Hayumans.  They are to learn Middle Hrruban,' he

said, with a smug smile, intimating that this was a concession he

himself had managed.

 

"We must, of course, wait until sufficient understanding of language

allows us to communicate to purpose."

 

"Peaceful relations?" Rrolm asked. "How can we be sure of that?"

 

"Of course, their ship was thoroughly scanned and probed,' Hrrto went

on.  "No weaponry of any sort was discovered, that is true.  Alreldep

sent envoys who were treated courteously and no show of force or

violence occurred He let his voice dwindle ominously.  "We have little

hard data, except the results of physical examinations done by the

Hayuman medical team on Rraladoona. Alreldep does tend,' and he paused

solemnly, "to optimism." He gave a diffident shrug.  "On the other hand,

Spacedep has given me reason to suspect that the Gringg assurances of

good faith and their appearance of defencelessness - as far as their

vessel goes could very well be false. Until we are absolutely certain of

their intentions towards us, Hrruba and Hrrubans, we should keep the

Gringg contained in the Rraladoona sphere, but prepare ourselves for all

eventualities.

 

"I do not think we wish a close association with these huge creatures,'

Sixth Speaker said, assuming the speechmaking posture he had lately

adopted, evidently believing that it gave his listeners more confidence

in his ponderous opinions.  "Once again the Hayumans have forced an

untenable situation upon our peaceful citizens.  I must tell you that

there is great anxiety among those with whom I have spoken at length

when word of this new incursion was brought to me."

 

"I second that, Sixth,' Third Speaker said brusquely and turned to

Second.  "Have you any action to propose at this time, Second?" Hrrto

smiled for matters were proceeding well if Third deferred to him to act.

Mthough that could be a trap.

 

Still - "Surely, Third,' he said with a smooth growl to his tone, "that

is obvious.  The fleet must be,' and he let one talon extrude slightly

from his right hand, "discreetly mobilized.

 

Held on alert, undetectable behind the Rraladoonan moons.  I have been

assured that there will be those on the planet who will turn a blind eye

to the occasional anomaly on the surveillance screens.  And, should it

become necessary,' and he paused again significantly, "the Hrruban fleet

will be able to move with surprise and great speed." The others reacted

with varying degrees of approval or censure, muttering among themselves.

 

"You are convinced of threat?" Third asked, over the hubbub.

 

"The prudent Stripe is prepared for any eventuality.  In the case of

large, unexpected visitors, mouthing peace, prudence is only ah politic.

To be frank,' and now Second turned confidential, addressing his remarks

directly to Third across the table from him, "I would feel less threat,

actually, if their ship had shown some armament.  With none .  .  -" And

Second lifted his shoulders, leaving the anxiety for others to enlarge.

"With the fleet in place, Hrrubans on the planet are supported.  And our

allies can turn to us for irimediate assistance in case this situation

turns ugly.  And it very well could!"

 

"How?

 

From what source?  If the alien ship has been probed as weaponless?"

Fifth asked, doubtfully.

 

Second bowed his head, miming reluctant silence.  "This is, of course,

to be kept among us.  Spacedep offered me incontrovertible truth of the

possibility that the aliens are by no means as pacific and genuine as

they would have us believe them.  But such information is classified.

Suffice it for you to know that my eyes have seen, and my shoulders bear

the heavy burden for you all.  For the safety, and sanity of Rrala it

must remain so.

 

"The Speaker did observe to me,' Mllaba said, standing up, "that while

Hayumans have weapons, capable of destroying a planet, they have shown a

moral code which prevents them from doing so.  These Gringg, on the

other hand, seem cultured and peaceful, but the evidence, which I, too,

was shown, suggests they have two sides to their nature: the one we have

not seen is vicious and ruthless." The timbre of her voice only

emphasized Second's less emotional narration.

 

"Yes, well, no one has answered me on the matter of the space port

facility,' said the Seventh Speaker for Management, slightly testy.

 

"What's happened to it?

 

There has been so much preparation, so many negotiations and hard work.

Surely.

 

MIlaba bowed to him.  She enjoyed being able to speak freely before the

entire Council.  "It has been postponed indefinitely, honoured sir.  The

arrival of the Gringg is considered a priority of utmost urgency and the

conference co-leader is intimately involved in the negotiations.  There

is no surety right now that the facility will be discussed in the near

future.

 

Sixth Speaker cleared his throat.  "Do we yet know what part of the

galaxy they come from?  And, if they have come so peacefully, might they

not have come for trade?  That is why we - and the Hayumans - took to

the stars: to find new sources of metals and foodstuffs and new planets

on which to settle." Milaba realized with annoyance that Sixth was not

convinced of the deadliness of the Gringg threat, nor was Fifth Speaker.

Fifth saw the Gringg as potential allies and customers, and Sixth was

more concerned with the inability to shift Hrruban goods anywhere and

the current recession due to that inability Hrrto rose and immediately

Mllaba seated herself.

 

"The Gringg claim their discovery of Rraladoona was an accident,' he

said.  "When they visited the First Village, they had managed to convey

to Ken Rrev that their instrumentation discovered an ion trail which

they followed to the Rraladoonan system.  They were encouraged to enter

the system when they also found the marker buoys and realized that the

third planet was not only inhabited but obviously using sophisticated

technology.  Their level of technical expertise is high.

 

I cannot say whether it is similar to ours or to the Hayumans.

 

"To be fair,' Second continued, planting his hands on the table, "the

public face the Gringg show is one of thoughtful, creative civilization.

Their standard of artwork and music is high, and they have been quick to

comprehend symbolic communication.  They may have much to offer us: not

only trade goods, but cultural gifts."

 

"This suggests an understanding of technology and tenacity of purpose,'

said Fifth Speaker, combing his chin mane with thoughtful claws.  "These

Gringg could be useful and worthwhile allies."

 

"If they are not planning to destroy us,' Seventh said, in alarm.

 

"I don't like it,' snarled Sixth.  "They could be a threat to Hrruban

independence, and individual development.

 

There are already too many outsiders with influence on the Hrruban way

of life."

 

"I feel it necessary that the Hrrubans take the lead in all

discussions,' Hrrto said primly.

 

"It may be more important than ever for you to manage such discussions,'

said Fifth Speaker, his green eyes wide with alarm.  "I have heard

something from our returning delegates which troubles me greatly.  Is it

true that the Hayumans are becoming more insistent in their demands to

share our grid technology?"

 

"Yes,' Mllaba said, rising gracefully to her feet.  "But the Speaker

stated without equivocation that such a thing was impossible.  The

Hayumans were not pleased by his adamant position." "You did not admit

to them why we could not share that technology, did you?" Hrrto was

genuinely insulted.  He controlled his voice, but his tail lashed once

under his flowing red robes.  "Of course I did not.  If the honoured

speaker will recall, I voted in favour of the proposition to make

details of grid technology and construction available only to Hrrubans

of the home world.  I am only too aware that our supply of the element

purralinium which makes the grids possible will only last for a hundred

years at the present rate of use.  Expanding the network of planets in

our Explorations Arm and colony worlds will deplete it faster.  Without

better ships we are unlikely to find other asteroid belts where novas

have collided and the special mineral has formed with purralinium.  The

Hayumans demand access to grid technology in exchange for spaceship

technology.  They will hold firm on that point,' he said with genuine

regret.

 

"How they dare!  They go too far,' Sixth said.

 

"They are curious,' Second explained, wearily.  "Hayumans wish to know

how everything operates.  I must admit that many of the arguments put

forth by the delegate Landreau make sense.  As we know from many decades

of use, grids save time and lives."

 

"Has no more purralinium been found?" Fifth asked Sixth Speaker.

 

Sixth stood up.  "Plenty has been discovered, as the honoured speaker

may know from reading his texts.  But never with the key trace elements

which comprise the compound needed.  I think we must curtail the

establishment of any but the most urgent additions to our transport

network.

 

Research is, naturally, on-going to find alternatives but we must face

the fact that we have a finite quantity of material which is not

renewable.  We would do well to accelerate alternative power sources."

"We cannot!  We've thrown all our support into grid research.  We

haven't the funds to advance new research into space technology.  If the

Hayumans remain on a hard line of negotiation, we are lost.  In a short

era, we will be circumscribed on every side by Hayumans and possibly by

these, these Gringg,' said Third, looking panicky.

 

"Something must be done." Fifth Speaker smiled grimly.  "I heard through

some sources who live on Rraladoona that the Gringg were not surprised

by the grids when they first used them.

 

Is it possible they might also have discovered matter transmission?"

Hrrto dropped his jaw and waved both hands dismissively.

 

"The chances of their discovering matter transmission are exceedingly

slim, honoured sirs, especially,' and now he drew himself up, "since the

Hayumans have been unable to duplicate our process no matter how hard

they have tried."

 

"Yet you imply that the Gringg have searched many worlds, would they not

have found purralinium somewhere in their travels?  We must discover

what they have seen during their explorations.  We must leave no avenue

unexplored to replenish our supplies.  Especially if we must use a third

of our dwindling resource to erect an efficient grid in the space port

facility.  Never must the Hayumans discover how important purralinium is

to us or how little we have left,' Sixth said, all but babbling in his

urgency.  "We cannot fall from our present prominence and become

vulnerable to either the Hayumans or these Gringg creatures."

 

"Sixth, do not exercise yourself,' Second said kindly, for the old

Stripe was spitting in his agitation.

 

"After all, the Hayumans have treated fairly with us.  The delay on the

space port is actually due to Zodd Rrev's contention that a space port

is an infraction of both the Decision and Treaty." Second smiled

benignly.  "Despite their desire to share our technology, I do not see

Hrruba made vulnerable to Hayumans.

 

"It is recorded that those who live on Rraladoona have always conducted

themselves with honour towards Hrruba,' Fifth agreed, "but there are too

many on the Hayuman home world who are willing to take advantage of us.

We must protect ourselves, or our culture will be swallowed up and lost,

as our natural resources, nay, even as the surface of our planet was, by

our own carelessness.

 

The space port is essential if we are to maintain the precarious balance

of trade.  In the matter of the Gringg, you must ensure that any

concession from them that the Hayumans receive, so also do we Hrrubans."

There was a murmur of agreement.  Second realized he needed to walk

carefully if he wished to be successful.

 

Fifth was a determined and intelligent rival for Hrruna's place.

 

And yet, he judged that he had not done so ill in this meeting.

 

Mllaba seemed to be very pleased.

 

"I concur,' he said.  "Steps shall be taken to establish Hrruba's

pre-eminence.  And its safety."

 

Chapter 7

 

OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT WEEKS, HRRESTAN TOOK over as many duties

from Tod in their joint management of the colony as he could.

 

"Todd can get his tongue round ze new worrds bezzer zan I,' was

Hrrestan's comment, "for all my dam said I was borrrn grrowling." So,

except for brief consultations now and then between the colony's

co-leaders, Todd was free to spend long hours with Ken and Hrriss as

they parsed and rehearsed Gringg sounds, and memorized what vocabulary

had been exchanged and figured out the probable syntactical forms.

 

As often as he could, however, Hrrestan dropped in, earnestly trying to

refine those phrases he could enunciate properly.

 

Kelly and Nrrna kept pots of coffee available and the herbal teas that

Hrrestan preferred, feeding them whenever the women could get their

attention long enough, and reminding them that a good night's sleep

would do wonders for concentration.  Finally, Kelly laid down a law.

 

"No Gringg at mealtimes,' she said firmly on the evening when Alec had

tried to emulate his father's tones and inadvertently regurgitated his

last mouthful.  "Give it a rest!" Surprised by Alec's mishap, Todd

offered sheepish apologies for his behaviour and refrained from

practising the deep gutturals at mealtimes.

 

"Not that that improved his dinner conversation in the slightest,' Kelly

complained to Nrrna and Mrrva the next afternoon.  She made grunts and

woofs to demonstrate.

 

"Now that he's got vocabulary and syntax, he complains because he only

has present tense verbs!" She rolled her eyes in histrionic resignation.

 

"But zey are working togezzer,' Nrrna murmured and then the two women

sighed once again with relief.

 

When the matter of planning for the upcoming Snake Hunt would have

interfered with language lessons, Todd reluctantly acceded to Robin's

pleas to show that he could handle the pre-Hunt arrangements.  Kelly

offered to give her young brother-in-law a hand and that work gave her a

respite from Todd's current preoccupation.  Robin proved not only

completely conversant with the complexities of the big event but

efficient in checking minor details that might provide situations for

accidents to happen.  Todd and Hrriss, as Hunt Masters, would spare a

few moments to answer his questions and go over his work schedules and

estimates but that was one less worry.

 

Todd, Ken, Hrriss and Hrrestan, separately or as teams, escorted Gringg

visitors around Doonarrala or accompanied volunteer linguists up to the

giant vessel to build vocabulary and language links for the translation

voders.  The Alreldep scout ship which had been assigned years before to

Todd and Hrriss was back in service, shuttling people up without having

to go through Barnstable, Greene or Castleton.  Only the smaller Gringg,

like Eonneh and Koala, were small enough to fit in the scout.  Hrrestan

tried hard to get permission to put a temporary grid in the Gringg cargo

bay but Hrrto was totally opposed to the notion.  Todd and Hrrestan did,

over great Outcry from Barnstable and Prrid, give permission for the

Gringg to use their own ship-to-surface transport, the smaller of the

ones they'd seen on their initial visit.

 

It was a cumbersome vehicle like a great box and looked totally out of

place on the Common of First Village where it had space to land.

 

Hearing about this, some of the more vocal dissidents made strenuous

objections on grounds of noise, pollution and possible damage to the

expanse of grass which doubled as a playing field.  The vehicle was not

only quiet, but also emitted no noxious fumes and used an air cushion

for landing and resting, leaving no marks despite its mass.

 

The Gringg pilot, an oddly misshapen individual, smaller than any other

adult Gringg, courteously asked for landing and departure permissions

every time and remained in the vehicle, though Buddy, alias Buddeeroagh,

was quite willing to show anyone through it.

 

Alec told his father that one day he had counted nineteen men and women,

all of whom had the odd gait of spacefarers, requesting permission to

board.

 

"None of "em are from any of the villages, Dad.  Me, I think that old

Admiral's busting his britches to find out something against the bear

people.  Isn't he?" Alec asked his father, cocking his head with a

shrewd look in his eyes.

 

"You might think that, Todd answered cautiously, busy assembling the

latest Gringg sounds on flash cards.  Once again he thought that

children often saw more than their parents.  "Why were you counting in

the first place?"

 

"Aw, Allie, ine, Hrr and Hrruni were chatting with Buddy.  He kept

getting interrupted by these jokers when he was showing us this neat

game.  You know, if we could charge "em for a visit, we'd make a pile!"

 

"You've been listening too much to your Uncle Jilamey, I think,' Todd

replied, half amused by his son's acumen and privately embarrassed at

such gall, "but we can't charge for ah .  .  . cunosity!' When his son's

face contorted in dismay, he added.  "And the navy is here to protect

us.

 

Alec gave a snort.  "Ha!  Then they should spend their time doing that

instead of nosing about our planet's guests!"

 

"Well said, Alec!' and he ruffled his son's tangled curls and then had

to wipe his hand.

 

"What have you been in?" Alec fingercombed his hair, inspecting the

results.

 

"Some sort of oiler something'.  Musta got it when Buddy showed me how

their drive works!" Alec beamed suddenly, but his eyes were twinkling

with slight malice.  "He didn't show anyone but us kids!' Todd decided

he didn't need to worry about the Spacedep's interest in the Gringg

vessel when the pilot displayed such discretion.  He also decided that

letting the Village children tag along with Gringg visitors would be a

subtle way of disrupting the surveillance Barnstable and Greene had set

up.  What was the old tag?  Qui custodiat?

 

Who watches the watchers?  The kids of Doonarrala!

 

So the almost daily unofficial visits by Eonneh and one or more of his

fellow scribes to gather information and understanding of their new

friends took on a new perspective.  Of course, there were some diehards

who wouldn't subject their children to "such influences', but these were

fewer than Todd expected.  When Alec casually mentioned some youngsters

Todd knew had been prohibited, he did have a qualm or two of conscience

but decided their independence of mind should not be discouraged.

 

The positive reaction of the youngsters was also a grand buffer between

the Gringg and the doomsayers who had managed to arrive from both Hrruba

and Terra.

 

Somewhere underneath the busy exterior, Todd knew he was exhausted, but

he'd hardly ever been so enthusiastic about a project in his life. Well,

not since he'd been six.

 

The Gringg and the majority of Doonarralans were as delighted as he,

cooperating like a dream.  Frictions that had been caused by

disagreement about the space port were mainly discarded by the generally

held desire to get on terms with the aliens.  The barriers of speech and

unfamiliar custom were dropping farther and farther every day.

 

Sumitral, far from exercising impatience with the laborious progress,

made it a practice to interact every day with one of the male scribes or

Grizz aboard the Gringg vessel.  The Gringg captain herself had not yet

set foot on Doonarrala, nor had any of her female department heads,

preferring to save that portentous event, Todd was made to understand,

for the day when she could make an official entrance, able to speak for

herself.

 

Todd was grateful for her forbearance.  His office received enough

complaints from the very vocal Hayuman and Hrruban minority who reacted

negatively to the tercel males who had requested permission to wander

about.  The gigantic females would cause a bigger stir and more

friction.  But he did identify most of the possible troublemakers and

set up contingency plans to prevent trouble from those quarters.

 

Todd also had reason to be very grateful to Jilamey Landreau who set up

entertainments and unofficial meetings at his hilltop home, well out of

the way of Todd and those working on the language project.

 

Superficially, Jilamey seemed to be to be working both ends against the

middle, soothing the disappointed members of the interrupted conference

while he made no bones about his Gringgophilia.

 

He evidently made much of his being included in the first contact group.

 

The austere Barrington copted daily down to bring private and

encouraging reports to Todd.  Todd took these with a grain of salt,

knowing Jilamey's enthusiasms, but Barrington's manner of reportage

allowed him to hope that much of what Jilamey said was true.

 

Especially when Barrington relayed Jilamey's firm opinion, one

Barrington seemed to support, that the Gringg's only objective was to

establish trade relations.

 

It was on this point that Jilamey urged patience until the translation

problem could be solved and how he managed to keep the frustrated

delegates from leaving Doonarrala.  Ironically, Tanarey Smith became one

of Jilamey's converts, especially after Landreau persuaded Eonneh to

escort the shipbuilder around the Wander Den, the rough translation of

the Gringg vessel's name.  There were those who read a more ominous

interpretation of slightly ambiguous Gringg words, but they were few.

 

Todd could not ignore the undercurrents of dissatisfaction, even among

Gringg supporters, that the talks of the space facility had been put on

hold.  When he had time, he gave some thought to that.  As a child, he

had absorbed his father's views about co-habitation: as an adult, he

shared his father's opinion about any intrusive invasions of Hrruban

lands on the planet.  All right, it was Hayuman greed that his father

feared and it was the Hrrubans who had initiated the space port project.

 

But did it matter which species encroached?  If the rule applied on

Doonarrala, it applied for both!

 

Had the arrival of the Gringg now altered the equation?

 

No, the Gringg had not been invited to take up holdings on Doonarrala.

Although he was optimistic of the outcome, the Gringg hadn't been

officially allowed to open trade on Doonarrala.  Todd, well conditioned

by Captain Ali Kiachif over the years, considered trading a different

matter entirely to occupation or habitation.  The crunch came when

"where' the space port could be sited was discussed.

 

Todd knew how cramped and inadequate the old Hall at the space port was

for the volume of commerce that flowed in and out of it.

 

Something had to be done to expand the facilities.  No one wanted a

larger complex at the original landing site, oozing towards the First

Villages, ruining the peaceful valley.  So a new location was

imperative.  Each time Todd mulled over the problem, he still found

himself opposed to Siting a larger port anywhere on the lovely

subcontinent that was now called Hrrunat.  That should be left as the

naturat memorial park to the old First Speaker that he, and all

Doonarralans, had intended for it to be.

 

He'd leave the sore subject for another time, when he was thinking

clearly and logically, not so emotionally nor - he admitted to

himselfclose-minded.  His brain was working overtime trying to cope with

a difficult new language.

 

Gradually the daily sight of the large, shaggy strangers moving about

with their Hayuman or Hrruban escorts took the edge off the "fearsome

hairy monsters' appellation.  The Gringg became the "big bears' or

Bruins to most Doonarralans.  But xe;iophobic pessimists somehow began

arriving in from Terra and Hrruba and familiarity was not going to

appease them.  They visited every village, Hayuman and Hrruban,

whispering against the "fiendish Gringg." They muttered about "murders

most vile' and "devastated worlds' but would slip away before they could

be closely questioned.

 

Todd worked all the harder to get the one tool that would throttle

doubters and doomsayers both, and allow the Gringg to speak for

themselves.  Couldn't people wait for that?  Instead of riling up

unnecessary fears and forecasts?

 

The voder that Cardiff had designed with Koala was a brilliant piece of

audio engineering.  It made use of the tiny Gringg resonator, memory

chips and other components from both Terra and Hrruba in common use on

Doonarrala, all fitted into a compact case seven centimetres by two by

five.  Worn about the neck on a cord, it "heard' what the wearer said

and repeated it in Gringg.  "Growl' box, or simply, the growler, its

creators nicknamed it.

 

Cardiff, with the help of two of the university engineers, worked long

hours to turn out six of the voders so that Ken, Todd and Hrriss could

discuss Gringg objectives with Grizz, Honey and Panda.  The session was

filmed and, although Barnstable had a fit at being excluded and the

secrecy in which the interview was conducted, Sumitral remarked that not

even he, as Alreldep head, had been included, in an attempt to provide

as relaxed an atmosphere as possible.  Once again, he reinforced the

position of Reeve and Hrrestan to conduct their own planetary affairs.

There had been some heated reminders that the Gringg vessel was the

concern of Spacedep.

 

"I could agree with you if it carried armament,' Sumitral had replied

suavely.  "It carries only peaceful visitors!" For Todd and Ken

particularly, the conference was a golden moment for they established

contact and exchanged meaningful data.

 

First: that, for many spans of time (which Todd and Ken thought meant

generations since the Gringg travelled in family groups), the Gringg had

been actively searching space for other sentient species as well as

suitable resource planets.  It was a particular joy for the Doonarralans

to learn that the Gringg had eschewed planets which probes reported

showing habitations suggesting the basic intelligence of indigenous

species.  The Gringg also required the availability of certain minerals

and earths on a colonial world for, despite being omnivorous and able to

digest more substances than Hayuman or Hrrubans could, they had to have

a certain range of additives.

 

Two, they were quite open about the direction of their home world,

galactically speaking, north by north-east, though the speed at which

their ships moved was still not translating accurately.  They provided

"strips' which, fed through a device, enlarged the data into star maps.

 

The difference in eye structure made these difficult for Hayumans or

Hrrubans to decipher and Koala was working on an apparatus that would

compensate for the different optics.

 

Three, they would be happy to establish trade with both Hayuman and

Hrruban.  Which put Todd right back on the hot seat of that unresolved

dilemma of an adequate space port now there would be three species using

it.

 

Four, they had found their way to this sector of space by following ion

trails, detected by their own equipment.

 

When they had come upon the Doonarralan warning devices, they realized

they had finally discovered a sophisticated culture which they

approached cautiously, but openly.  They were overwhelmingly relieved to

discover they were not the only sentient species in the galaxy.

 

Even greater jubilation to realize that they had encountered two!

 

"We are joyous to not be alone,' Grizz had said during the conference,

bowing her head almost to her knees to signify deep emotion.

 

Hayuman and Hrruban were hard put not to burst out in cheers.

 

Instead, they gripped hands with the Gringg, allowing their broad grins

to demonstrate how happy they were.

 

"All a little too pat,' Admiral Barnstable told Greene and Castleton

when they viewed the tape.  "Buddy-buddy, lovey-dovey, but all too pat!"

"Especially as we can't read their star maps,' Greene added as if that

fact vindicated his distrust of the bearfolk.

 

"Considering they've come into this sector of space from a different

quadrant, you couldn't read them even if they had the same Optics as we

do,' Grace Castleton felt obliged to remark.  She knew these two

wouldn't have believed anything the Gringg said, even if they'd agreed

to drop buoys all the way back to their home world like crumbs to get

Out of a cave in some old children's tale.  Even loosely translating

their distances, the Gringg home world was one helluva way back in on

this arm of the Milky Way.

 

When the tape was shown in every village on Doonarrala, there was

considerable rejoicing - and some doubts were allayed.  Copies were

despatched by Courier to both Amalgamated Worlds and Hrruban High

Councils.  Inevitably that brought back the issue of a larger space

port.

 

"Zodd, we must resolve this between us, Hrriss said in Low Hrruban when

he managed to find Todd alone in his office.

 

"Yeah,' Todd agreed unenthusiastically, exhaling a long sigh as he

tossed his pen across a desk covered by little piles of flashcards.  He

managed a half-smile for Hrriss, his dearest friend.  "Can't bury my

head in a snake nest any longer.  Not if we want to keep the Gringg."

"First of all, Zodd, you have to agree,' Hrriss said patiently, settling

on the edge of Todd's desk as he had so many times in the past, "it is

not Hrruban encroaching on unused space.  It is Gringg needing space,'

and he dropped his jaw at his play on words, "for the very size of them.

But, more importantly, they provide a neutral factor, cancelling the

sort of single-race intrusion you dreaded.  In a triangle, all sides are

equal."

 

"Only if it is equilateral,' Todd said, weary to his bones with

disputations and arguments, and mostly fearful of a resumption of the

estrangement from Hrriss which had cost him much mental anguish.

 

"Equal sides,' Hrriss repeated, his eyes liquid and pleading.

 

"Two of us don't quite equal a Gringg."

 

"What can equal a Gringg?" demanded Hrriss, throwing up his hands in

comic dismay.

 

"They are to be friends, are they not?" Todd said, suddenly propelling

himself out of his chair.  He gripped Hrriss by the arms, needing to

have all half-doubts dismissed.  He had to proceed positively, thinking

optimistically; by sheer willpower bringing about what he so intensely

desired.

 

That method had worked before.

 

Hrriss' hands returned his grasp and then pulled him forward into an

embrace, thumping Todd on the back as was the Hayuman custom.

 

"Yesss, friend of my heart, yesss!  Even as thou and I,' Hrriss added in

High Hrruban.  Then, in the less formal speech, "As I have told you

hundreds of times now, not all of the Hrrunatan is beautiful .

 

Todd frowned as he released his friend.  "Where?" Hrriss gave a sigh.

"Where we have always wanted to put it only you would never let me

explain .  .

 

"I knew, I knew,' Todd flapped his hand dismissively but suddenly

stopped himself and smiled with chagrin at Hrriss' careful expression.

 

"I'm doing it again, aren't I?

 

But you do mean that rocky area on the east coast where there was that

massive subsidence?" When Hrriss nodded, relieved to see his dear friend

for once willing to discuss the problem, "But that wouldn't be large

enough "If one filled in the lagoon that was formed by the subsidence

islands and extended a firm base to those little islands " Hrriss said

with the weary patience of someone repeating a well-rehearsed argument

and waited for the reaction to the suggestion.

 

Todd turned away, shaking his head sharply from side to side but then

slowing the motion as his common sense and fair play forced him to

examine that compromise.  "It would take years "To expand, yes, but not

to set up the initial facility Again Hrriss watched his friend's face,

seeing indecision increasing.  "The beautiful part of the Hrrunatan

would be intact, untouched .  .  .  untouchable!"

 

"If that could only be enforced.  .  - Todd began reluctantly.

 

"Why not?" Hrriss said, shrugging his tawny shoulders and dropping his

jaw.  "The terrain is perfect: the first precipice, where the subsidence

began, is a natural barrier to the interior and we will see that the

traders abide by our laws."

 

"Traders are born to bend laws, Todd said but he knew that was a weak

argument.  He shook his head one more time. "All right.  Put the port

there but seal off the rest of the continent!" He shook a stern finger

at Hrriss' grinning countenance.  "I find so much as an ounce of ship's

fiat or the trace of fuel discharge on the mainland.  .  .1 suppose

you've got rough sketches all ready?" Hrriss growled a laugh.  "Jilamey

used them as a device to keep the discontented occupied while we

struggled with our growls.

 

Todd made a disgusted noise in his throat and rolled his eyes at such

complicity.  "Only, I'll have nothing to do with it.  I hereby empower

you to attend any meetings on my behalf!  My heart simply isn't in it

and I've got to increase the working vocabulary.  I'm much more useful

doing that.  And, one more thing, I don't even want spaceships

overflying the Hrrunatan.  They come in from the east.

 

That sort of racket would be disrespectful to Hrruna."

 

"Ah, but,' and Hrriss raised a digit, claw half-extended, "Hrruna was a

far-sighted progressive."

 

"So you say .  .  ." Then Todd caught himself as he had been about to

embark on the arguments he had initially used to try to stop the

project.  With a laugh, li put his fingertip on the claw and gently

pushed it back iti its sheath.  "A triangle is the most stable

geometrical figure." Another thought caught him.  "Great snakes!

 

We'll have to enlarge Treaty Island facilities, too, to accommodate the

Gringg."

 

"So we will.  So we will,' Hrriss replied equably.

 

Besides conscripting one of the local manufactories to turn out the

parts, Todd managed to get the local high school and university, as a

work-experience for their students, to assemble the voders in their

electronics shop classes under the direction of Lieutenant Cardiff.

 

Cardiff was a find.  If Todd could have weaned him away from his

Spacedep pension, he would have been happy to give him a place on

Doonarrala.  But Cardiff liked travel and he was used to the military

life.

 

"Maybe I'll retire here, friend,' he told Todd.  "Meantime, you've got a

thousand of these growl boxes ready to go." The crew complement of the

orbiting Gringg leviathan numbered one hundred and fifty-four so the

remaining devices were split evenly among Hayumans and Hrrubans.

 

Over protests from the contentious of both home worlds, Todd insisted

that a number be set aside for children.

 

Much debate had shrunk his proposed allotment from one hundred to

thirty, but he was satisfied.  The point had been made to Alreldep that

once again, the children of Doonarrala were going to play an important

part in the missions of peace.  In spite of a cry of "nepotism', four

were assigned to the elder two of Hrriss's children and to his twins.

 

Twenty-seven days after the project began, Todd asked Barrington to

bring Jilamey down to the manufactory.

 

"But don't tell him why' Todd asked, trying to maintain an expression of

innocence.  The tall, thin manservant regarded him with a calm

demeanour, but Todd could perceive a twinkle.

 

"Of course not, sir,' Barrington assured him, and departed in the small

aircraft.

 

Jilamey was a child when it came to mysteries.  In no time, the personal

heli was back, scattering dust as it descended next to the factory door.

Landreau barely allowed it time to touch down before he sprang out,

calling for Todd and Hrriss.  With broad grins, they met, one on each

side as they guided him into the building.

 

Barrington followed at a more sedate pace.

 

"What's the secret?" Jilamey demanded.  "Old Silenceis-golden back there

wouldn't give me a word!" Without speaking, Todd escorted him into the

quality control room.  At his nod, Lieutenant Cardiff came forward,

bearing a small device attached to the centre of a soft, flexible strap.

 

"In rrrcognition of srrvice above and beyond ze call of duty,' Hrriss

said, formally, "zo wit, keeping ze nuisances out of our furrr, we want

you to have ze first wrrrking speech zranslator.

 

"Truly?" Jilamey gasped, looking from one friend to the other.

 

Todd wore a face-splitting grin as he nodded.

 

Enchanted, Jilamey held still while the voder was fastened on, then

cleared his throat.  "My dear friends, this is ever so super!" The sound

echoed, expanded, and dropped several octaves through the speaker.

Jilamey jumped.  "This will need some time to get used to,' he said,

covering the voder input with his hand but his eyes were glowing.  "I

sound like a bassoon." Lieutenant Cardiff took a sonic probe to the side

of the voice-box.  "Your voice is not as deep as some, sir.  I tried to

leave a little personality in each one.

 

"How's it work?  I warn you,' Jilamey peered out of the corner of his

eye at the technician, "I'm dreadful with machinery."

 

"Well, it transposes the pitch of your voice, compresses your range a

little,' Cardiff said.  "Gringg don't hear as many of the upper tones as

we do.

 

It has a full language memory, with plenty of bytes left for expansion.

 

You'll notice a bit of a pause - that'll take time to get used to

between the words out of your mouth and the Gringg equivalent from the

growl box.  It'll translate Terran into Gringg or Hrruban, whichever you

set it for.  At least the words that it currently recognizes.

 

Otherwise it defaults to Middle Hrruban since Hrriss said you're fluent

in that."

 

"We'd like them to learn one language at a time,' Todd said.

 

"One language I speak better than any other,' Jilamey laughed, "and

that's trade.  I've been contacted by a consortium on Terra.  I say,

there, Todd, there's a bit of unfair play g6ing on.  The Hrruban trading

contingent grows with every grid operation and, if it weren't for the

presence of Kiachif, Horstmann and that crowd that got here originally,

you and Hrrestan would be in for real trouble from Terra.

 

However,' and he swiftly shifted mood again from the semi-critical to

the self-satisfied, "I managed to salve injured feelings and, if I say

so myself, managed quite a coup." He preened a bit which set his shirt

to shimmer with a cascade of subtle colour shifts.  "I've been appointed

agent for the biggest and most diverse consortium of AW."

"Congratulations,' Todc said, grinning.  "The Gringg'll never know what

hit them." Jilamey pretended modesty but was quick to make a demand.

 

"When can we get down to the nitty-gritty?  I've been arguing day and

night on your behalf but, since you've solved the voder problem, when

are we going to get to trade?  That financier Hrrouf is like a mamma

snake and I hear old Hrrto just grided back in." Although Jilamey could

be discreet, neither Todd nor Hrriss mentioned that Second Speaker was

here because he had insisted on a private conference with Grizz.  That

was the only way they could pacify the Hrruban after he'd received his

copy of the initial voder-assisted conference.

 

The same concession would not be granted to Barnstable on the grounds

that he was only an Admiral and not the temporary head of the Hrruban

world.

 

"You will be happy to learn that the original space port conference can

be re-convened,' Todd told Jilamey.

 

"Wow!" Jilamey rounded his eyes and dropped his jaw in astonishment.  "I

thought you'd never relent."

 

"The Gringg constitute a new factor,' Todd said obliquely.

 

"Hrriss has been deputized to stand in for me.  .

 

"I haven't reneged, Jilamey,' Todd said with an edge of rancour.

 

"But,' and he waggled his finger in Jilamey's face, "if we want to trade

with the Gringg - and we do - the old Hall and space port are totally

inadequate.  And letting the Gringg come in and out of Doonarrala

obviates the need of their knowing the coordinates of our respective

home worlds.  I still don't like to see the Hrrunatan .  .

 

"Corrupted." Jilamey finished off one of Todd's wellknown objections,

"but old Hrruna would have approved of consorting with the Gringg.  You

know that!  And by utilizing that rocky eastern coast, your preserve

will be sacrosanct." Todd sighed.  "Hrriss made that point, too."

"Humph!  At least the Gringg have made you two friends again.  Haven't

they?" And Jilamey peered anxiously into Todd's face.

 

"We have never been not friends, Jilamey."

 

"Still and all, you can't get me to believe that things weren't pretty

strained there, just before the Wander Den put in its serendipitous

appearance."

 

"Leave off, Jil,' Todd said and pushed the carton of voders at him.

"These are for your guests.  We're giving every one a day to get

accustomed to growlers. Show them how they work, and put them to use

tomorrow.  When I told Grizz that the voders were ready, she assured me

that her delegates would be here directly after lunch.  I'm taking hers

up to the Wander Den this evening." He did not say that he'd also be

taking the Second Speaker in the scout for his meeting with Captain

Grizz.

 

Waiting until the old port facility was relatively vacant, Hrriss and

Hrrto grided there from First Village and got on board the scout just

before Todd made a more public appearance.  He whistled as he loaded the

cartons of growl boxes, and waved affably to those who noticed him.  The

Tower gave him clearance and he made no mention of passengers.

 

As usual, Orizz had been cooperative about meeting Second Speaker,

styled to her as the "Oldest Elder' of the Hrrubans.  Hrriss also

managed to convey that the Elder was.  .  .  nervous about spaceships,

which was the nearest he could manage with a limited vocabulary, to

offset any dread, terror or lack of Stripe that Hrrto might display when

finally faced with the reality of the huge Gringg Captain.

 

"Weddeerogh,' Griiiz told him and, using two fingers, pantomimed her son

meeting and escorting the visitor to a private place to talk.

 

"Two,' and she held up two digits and slid her hands sideways, one above

the other, making it plain that she and Hrrto would be the only ones.

 

Todd could tell by the tense look on Hrriss' face that his friend was

not entirely happy about that.  This meeting would be quite a test of

old Hrrto's Stripe!  Hrriss had hoped to be an observer.  Still, Hrrto

had insisted!  Todd hid a grin and indicated that he would have the

voders to help the conversation.

 

Griiiz did the Gringg equivalent of relieved smiling and much snapping

of her claws in and out of their sheaths.

 

Todd just hoped she would refrain from doing that in Hrrto's presence.

 

However, when they arrived at the Gringg bay, Weddeerogh stood there by

himself, looking comparatively small and harmless.  He was also wearing

a voder and someone had tied a reef in the cord that had been designed

to encircle adult Gringg necks.  The knot stuck out behind one ear and

made him quite appealing.  Hrrto reacted appropriately, by dropping his

jaw in a half smile, though he was clearly stunned by the size of the

bay and the immense boxy shuttle craft parked there.

 

On the short trip from the planet's surface, Hrrto had practised with

the voder, getting accustomed to the growling guttural reaction to his

spoken words.

 

"Good evening,' he now said, inclining his head to the cub.  "You are my

escort?" Weddeerogh began to growl and then his voder started off with

"I am "there was no equivalent for his name, "male child of captain.

Come with me!" With that the cub did an about-face that Greene couldn't

have faulted and strode towards the interior.

 

"You will wait for me,' Hrrto said to the two friends with great dignity

and turned to follow his guide.

 

They were about the same height, though the Hrruban was longer in the

leg.  As they disappeared through the iris of the lock, Todd wondered if

he ought to have warned Hrrto once rnore about the size of adult female

Gringg.  He felt Hrriss touch his arm and the laughter in the catman's

eyes suggested that he entertained similar thoughts.

 

"Well, he demanded a private audience,' Todd said and then began to

unload the cartons.  As soon as Hrrto and his guide had reached their

destination, Eonneh and Koala - and probably half the crew would arrive

to receive their voders and practise before tomorrow's talks.

 

Hrrto had been much encouraged by the size and dignity of his escort.

The creatures at least understood the basics of courtesy.  The stumpy

legs of the Gringg made its hind end waggle as they moved down the

corridor - rather like an young cub, not quite leg-long.  Still, the

creature wore a harness that even Hrrto could see was beautifully

crafted.

 

So he had been accorded a senior official as his guide.  That was as it

should be.

 

With these thoughts, he tried not to notice the dimensions of the hall

they traversed.  Door panels slid aside at their approach and they went

down another, larger hall.  Then his guide paused, used partially

extended claws to scratch at a door.  This slid aside and, bowing from

his waist, he made a sweeping gesture for Hrrto to enter.

 

He began to growl which translated to "Captain .  .

 

and then some incomprehensible syllables of which all Hrrto understood

was "grizz -" Well, captain would do well enough so Hrrto swept his

robes deftly up and stepped over the threshold.  There he stopped and

didn't even hear the panel slide shut behind him.

 

The room was twice the size of the Hrruban Grand Council Chamber and

looked even larger because it was painted a light shade of yellow and

was virtually empty: except for a pile of cushions, a magnificently

ornamented chair and footstool which his stunned mind told him must be

for him, and two small side tables, each crowded with exquisite dishes

piled high with titbits.

 

But the room was otherwise filled with the most immense living shape

Hrrto had ever seen.  Its colouring was a sinister dark brown, nearly

black, against which the icy shards of its teeth gleamed dangerously.

Its head seemed almost to brush the high ceiling and the frightening

roar it opened its mouth to produce - before the voder took over -

resounded in the chamber.

 

Blinking and rocking back on his heels, Hrrto nevertheless heard Middle

Hrruban words that made sense to him.

 

"Welcome, honoured Second Speaker Hrrto,' and it managed to speak his

name with a proper roll of the "r', a feat few Hayumans properly

accomplished.  "I am Captain of the Wander Den.  You may call me Grizz

as your friends - -, No friends of mine, Hrrto thought, trying to find

some mental balance.  Why hadn't Hrriss had the couflesy to warn me of

its size?

 

"Be seated.  Be comfortable.  We talk,' the words rolled out of the

voder, reverberating.  As if puzzled by a lack of response, the creature

held up the voder, and with the tip of a very sharp claw, made a minute

adjustment - which Hrrto doubted even as he saw such a delicate movement

performed - to one of the voder dials.  "Too loud.

 

Roars are not good for friendly talk." Hrrto appreciated the adjustment

just as he realized that he could not hesitate any further or be a

disgrace to his Stripe.  He bowed as deeply as he felt he should and

dropped his jaw, remembering that Hrriss said the Gringg understood that

as a positive action.  He thanked the ancient gods that he had not

permitted any witness to accompany him: especially Milaba who had been

quite incensed at being left behind.

 

Steeling himself for the next action in this ordeal, Hrrto managed a

creditable and stately progress to the seat which a massive furred paw

indicated.  It was only then that he realized the creature had been

standing.  It now squatted down, with its own peculiar grace, to the

pile of cushions and gestured again for him to be seated.

 

Still in a state of shock, Hrrto realized he would have to step up on

the stool to seat himself.  He was wondering about the dignity of that

as he did so but when he turned toward this Captain Grizz, he found

himself at eye level to her.  Yes, Hrriss and zOdd had said that the

captain was a female.  He'd forgotten that detail.  Out of nowhere he

was reminded of an absurd joke that zOdd Rrev had told in his presence:

about citrus fruits that grew so large that eight of them were bigger

than a Hayuman dozen.  One of these Gringg was certainly a full dozen.

 

With an effort of will, Hrrto slowed his heartbeat and his quickened

breath and looked her straight in her odd red eyes, pupilless but

glistening with intelligence.  He couldn't deny that!

 

"You are .  .  .  (gracious?  kind?) very good to receive me, Captain,'

he said, wishing that the voder would not hesitate in its translation.

Would that be considered a sign of weakness?  No, her device did the

same thing.

 

Now she gestured to the bowls on the side table.

 

Growling then the voder explained, "All Hrruban foods.

 

Enjoy!" She reached for her own table and took a gobbet of something,

conveying it neatly to her mouth.  Grateful for the diversion and the

courtesy thus shown, Hrrto selected a tiny crisp fleshed fruit and

became more relaxed, for clearly these Gringg had taken the time to

discover his preferences.  They both chewed companionably.

 

"You were long on your way here?" Hrrto asked, abruptly deciding to be

social in manner.  His previously rehearsed speech was totaly

inappropriate.

 

The Gringg nodded her great head, dropping her jaw as a Hrruban would

but he wished her black lips did not retreat over her very white fangs.

He reached down for a handful of refried meat cubes, another of his

favorite titbits.  "Grrrr.  .  .  two cubs born to me and a long time

between them.  I am captain."

 

"I see,' Hrrto said, nodding at such information.  "Will you return to

your home world or a colony?" He hoped the voder translated "colony'

"Grrruuph.  .  .  We are on peaceful mission for long as possible,' she

replied.  "We wish to trade.  With Hrruban.

 

With Hayuman." Subtle, too, Hrrto thought, putting his species before

the Hayuman.  But that was as it should be.

 

"Grrrummmm glad to find two for one trip, and she dropped her jaw again.

 

Hrrto paused a moment, decided she intended to be humorous and dropped

his jaw.  Then, deliberately over his next words, he scooped up more of

the cubes, nibbling delicately.  He had long ago learned the way to eat

without exposing his own dental equipment.

 

"You have seen many other worlds, planets, systems All Three nouns came

out in assorted groans and growls.  "Have you?" he added, making that a

question rather than a statement.

 

The captain nodded, running her tongue over her teeth, fortunately with

her mouth closed.  Evidently they had several courtesies in common.

 

"Many.  Not enough water for Gringg.  Too much land is not needed.

 

But land has certain minerals, earths, no smart peoples.  We are a water

people.  Hrrubans like water worlds?" Clever as well, Hrrto thought,

considering this a deft ploy to gain knowledge of his home world.

 

"We are land creatures,' Hrrto said, finally settling back in the chair

and finding it comfortable.  His back muscles had started jumping from

inner tensions.  "We are hunters.

 

Are you?" Another nod.  "Eating is necessary." One answer led to another

question and Hrrto found himself able to ask, and receive answers, to

many queries.

 

What he so desperately wanted to ask - about the Gringg ship drifting

derelict off a shattered world - did not come to his lips.

 

Such a query would have been inappropriate, he told himself; certainly

not consonant with the social nature of this meeting; probably would be

deftly parried by the captain.  Far better for him to think of trade,

and most particularly of the need for purralinium, though he had to be

most adroit in his questions concerning that desperately needed

commodity.  The captain readily admitted how many planets they had

surveyed, but not what the surveys had discovered: she discoursed on

many matters - some of which were marred by the insertion of growls,

snarls and woofs where the voder could not accommodate a translation.

 

"On your way, did you discover dwarf systems?  Or do you have enough

ores and minerals on your own planet?" Hrrto finally inserted as

casually as possible.  Only systems shattered by novas contained the

purralinium with the impurities that could be used for matter

transmission.

 

"Reh!  Yes,' the captain said, nodding her great head.

 

"Three,' and she held up three huge digits.  "We always look for new ah

grrrmmm - metals, earths, useful raw materials."

 

"I see!" Hrrto could hardly contain his excitement over such news.

Surely in one of those systems, there would be the purralinium the

Hrrubans had long sought.

 

"Do you?" asked the captain politely.

 

"One always looks,' Hrrto said, waving one hand in an airy gesture,

dismissing that topic.  "We search space, too.

 

You must come from veryfar away."

 

"Our scribes try to find time parallels so can be accurate.

 

No wish to keep back any information.  Only special words not available

yet." Throughout their hour-long meeting, she appeared at ease and did

not evade discussion of any topic Hrrto touched upon.

 

Finally, after noticing she had finished the contents of the bowls on

her table, he realized that it would be diplomatic for him to bring the

meeting to a close.  She was graciousness itself, and the young

Weddeerogh, her male cub, awaited outside the door to guide Hrrto back

to the bay, and his transport back to Rraladoona.

 

All in all, as Hrrto took his seat in the scout ship, he felt the

meeting had gone well.  The possibility of locating one of those

nova-blasted systems was the brightest part of the hour.  More

important, he had survived it!

 

The next morning, when Second Speaker arrived at the Treaty Centre with

his entourage and swept into the Chamber, he had second thoughts.

 

He had spent a night tossing and turning on his pallet, and he was one

who usually found sleep easily.  He had rehearsed query and answer many

times.  He also tried to figure out how to acquire the coordinates of

one of the nova systems.

 

Yet that would require very adroit manoeuvring on his part.  But, as he

tossed and turned, a solution came to him.  The scientist, Hurrhee, who

was one of his own Stripe, would surely be invited to attend any

technological sessions.  Hurrhee was completely trustworthy, in that he

held science as the premier dedication of his life.  He could certainly

introduce the topic of nova-blasted systems.

 

Perhaps the Gringg might even have samples of every ore, earth and

mineral they hoped to trade.  A simple survey would discover whether or

not the purralinium fitted Hrruban requirements.  Yes, that was how to

handle that problem.  Accepting judicious amounts in return for trade

items would not arouse any suspicions.

 

Satisfied with that solution, Hrrto once again composed himself to

sleep.  Only to find himself distressed by a second anxiety.  Despite

the evidence on the tape shown him by the Hayuman admiral, he could not

equate such brutality with the courtesies shown him by the captain.

 

Of course, her manner and charm - yes, she had been charming in her own

fashion - might be serving her own ends by allaying his doubts but Hrrto

could not quite believe such duplicity.  Certainly not from someone who

had assigned her own flesh and blood as his guide.  Had she come to

Hrruba, he would have assigned his second generation offspring as her

guide.

 

Mllaba, of course, had wanted a word by word account of the meeting.  He

had touched on the details, privately wondering what her reactions would

be when she was face to face with the stupendous reality of Captain

Grzzeearogh.  That w9uld teach her humility.

 

Casually, he asked her to arrange a discreet meeting with Hurrhee as

early as possible the next morning, before the trade conference began

and, for once, she did not ask why.

 

The next day, the wide hall of the Treaty Centre - almost as wide as a

corridor on the Gringg vessel - was well populated with little knots of

Hayumans and Hrrubans chatting amiably.  Hrrto, walking with great

dignity, sensed the air of pleased anticipation.  In front of the

chamber assigned to the space port talks, he recognized the fair-haired

female captain and the Hayuman commander.  If there was purralinium to

he had by congress with the Gringg, he would have to rethink that uneasy

alliance.

 

Greene turned a precise half bow in his direction, to which Second

responded.  The Hayuman had kept Hrrto's aide fully informed as to the

progress of the Spacedep fleet towards Rraladoona.  Neither that

squadron nor the three Hrruban defence ships were close enough, yet.

 

Now Hrrto wondered if that action had been as necessary as the Spacedep

person had insisted.  Would it ruin the good start he had made with the

captain and, at the worst, deny the Hrrubans a possible source of

purralinium?  If he had only been able to ask her about Fingal and the

dead orbiting Gringg ship!  Maybe having both navies there was not a bad

idea.  If the Gringg were as peaceful as they implied, he could always

say that policy had required him to inform the Hrruban navy and they had

acted without his orders.

 

Yes, that was it.  On the other hand, the naval presence might forestall

any devious Gringg scheme.  Either way, he would be considered wise.

Overnight reflections had not entirely dispersed his anxieties but his

little chat with Hurrhee could be the most productive.  After briefing

Hurrhee, he had had to review the morning despatches which included

almost insolent demands from Hrruban manufacturers and traders of all

commodities to open dialogue.  They must have first choices with such an

obscene single-mindedness that for once Hrrto found himself disgusted

with Stripes, wide and narrow.

 

He was here now, officially and publicly, to initiate trade talks with

Captain Grizz.  Hurrhee was primed to include ores as part of any trade

payment.  Once matters were underway with that session, Hrrto could then

gracefully retire to the space port conference.  He couldn't quite leave

such negotiations to Prrid, Mrrunda, Hrrouf and the others who had

grided in for that purpose.  Once he was sure that both meetings were

proceeding with despatch, he might then be able to get back to Hrruba

and promote his personal ambitions toward First Speakership.

 

Hrrto had prepared himself to greet the acerbic Spacedep commander

present, to affect interest in their manipulations.  He could also

restrain them until the matter of how to translate Gringg distances and

times into Hrruban equivalents - and Hurrhee was going to pump for that

vital information - had been solved.  So long as he had some coordinates

to give his exploration teams to find those possible sources of

purralinium.

 

Mllaba was almost treading on his heels as she escorted him to the trade

conference room.  To his relief, the immense and shaggy Gringg had not

yet arrived though huge square cushions on the floor gave notice where

they were to sit.

 

"Your place should be at the head of the table,' Mllaba whispered,

guiding him towards one end of the great oval board.

 

To their surprise, Hrrin was seated already at the end of the oval.  He

regarded them with glittering eyes when they approached, showing no

signs of vacating his seat.

 

"Greetings, honorrred speaker,' he said in proper High Hrruban, rising

and bowing gracefully.  "I have been deputized as Rrraladoonan

spokesperson but I will, of course, defer.

 

"I had expected Hrrestan.  .  ." Second began.

 

"Ah, but he is conducting the space port affairs,' Hrrin said smoothly.

"It was our understanding that you would not stay here long but go on to

the more important conference.

 

Mllaba hissed slightly in Hrrto's ear.  Sometimes she could be annoying

about what was due his rank.

 

"We have arranged ourselves according to our ongins,' Hrrin went on,

gesturing to the Rraladoonans seated to his right and the Hrrubans,

onward to the Terran delegation of captains and Jilamey Landreau further

along the table.

 

The room was full enough of bodies right now and Hrrto jerked his

shoulders, switched his tail, trying hard not to remember how the

captain had dominated a room not much larger than this.

 

"Most commendable,' Second said with an absent frown.

 

In ordinary circumstances, protocol would have required a Hrruban to

allow him the dominant place for however long he chose to stay in the

meeting.  Hrrestan would have automatically deferred but this Hrrin was

more Rraladoonan.  Hrrto decided to ignore Mllaba's hissing.

 

To demand protocol in a mere trade meeting would appear petty.  It would

be more important for him to be prominent in the space port

considerations than to bicker about what to buy from whom and at what

price.

 

Noting that Hurrhee was present, Hrrto spared a glance for Nrrena,

seated to the scientist's right.  She was an intimate of Fifth Speaker

and bore watching.  She must not think that these seating arrangements

constituted a discourtesy.  Determined to put the best face on the

situation, he nodded with great dignity to Hrrin.  "How wise to show,

even here, that Hrruba is distinct from Terra."

 

"I am so glad that you approve, sir, Hrrin said, once again making a

courteous gesture to the chair placed well along the outer curve of the

great table.

 

Smiling graciously to Nrrena and two Hrrubans he did not know, Hrrto

moved to that seat.  It was, he was relieved to note, more ornate than

any of the others on this segment of the table.  He settled himself in

the deep chair, flicking his tail out under the arm rest.

 

Mllaba was growling under her breath as she sat behind him on a small

seat she pulled from those ranged along the wall.

 

Hrrto looked around with practised casualness.  Zocid Rrev occupied the

other end of the table.  Hrrto noticed that neither he nor Hrrin sat at

the exact head, but angled off slightly from the table's axis.  He

wondered what precisely that indicated in the negotiations to come.  The

Rraladoonans had their own agenda, he had no doubt, and were clever

enough to push it through in spite of the best efforts of home world

diplomats.  See how they had begun by forestalling him.

 

Then he realized that he was directly opposite an as yet unoccupied

place which had no chair.  He would be facing a Gringg.  He steeled

himself for that, wary after last evening's encounter.  That

inadvertently brought to mind the Spacedep tape as well as last night's

insomnia.

 

Again, he saw the devastated landscape, and the floating frozen corpses

and could not control a spinal shudder.

 

Firmly, he put that vision firmly out of his mind.  To cover his spasm,

he fiddled with the voder straps.  Everyone here was wearing the

contraptions, of course, and he devoutly hoped that Hrrin - or would it

be zOdd Rrev who moderated this meeting - made certain that only one

person spoke at a time.  Otherwise the resultant cacophony of sound

would be nerve-racking.

 

The Hayuman Admiral noisily entered the chamber now, and took his place

obliquely across from Hrrto with curt nods to everyone in the room.  The

bearded Codep trader and the stout independent trader followed with the

Alreldep Admiral and the small Hayuman male from Terra and a gaggle of

others he'd never seen.

 

Jilamey Landreau interested Hrrto.  His spies had informed him that

Landreau was well connected in government, industry and the arts, and

had tremendous credit.  His financial acumen was much respected despite

his youth, for none of his ventures ever seemed to lose money.

 

Landreau dressed much more colourfully than any negotiator or diplomat

should, in Hrrto's opinion, almost Hrruban in style.  At least the

Hayuman understood the order of precedence, as he greeted Hrrto first on

entering the room.

 

"Second Speaker, you honour us by your presence!" Landreau said, bowing

with hand on heart.  His warm brown eyes held a twinkle.  "Why, good

morning, Commander Greene!  You're looking well." The Hayuman commander

offered a meaningless pleasantry and swung immediately back to the

Admiral.

 

Landreau slouched into the seat between the scarlethaired banker and

Zodd Rrev, and began a cheerful conversation.

 

More, totally unknown, Hrrubans arrived, both bowed sharply to Hrrto

from the doorway.  Then Prrid emerged from the group and proceeded to

his side of the table.

 

"I must be here to welcome the Gringg captain,' Prrid murmured in High

Hrruban in Hrrto's ear, "then I will join you in the space port

discussions.  Mrrunda attends them now." Hrrto approved with a nod and

Prrid seated himself.  The Space Arm commandant, too, would be facing

Gringg.  Hrrto mulled over Prrid's probable reactions to Captain Grizz.

 

Quite likely it would only reinforce Prrid's doubts about the Gringg's

real purpose in approaching Rraladoona.

 

There was a stir and a hubbub of voices in the corridor outside.

 

Zodd Rrev observed it, too.  Hrrto tilted his ears towards the door and

rolled them back again as he felt an uncomfortable sensation at the back

of his neck.

 

"I think our third party has arrived,' said Rrev, rising.

 

Hastily, Hrrin, as co-host, sprang to his feet.  Into the chamber swung

Grizi:, looking larger than ever.  Hrrto had to restrain an impulse to

lean back, away from her.

 

She was truly overwhelming as she strode into the room.

 

The floor seemed to bounce with the weight of her and her four

companions.

 

Someone, thought Hrrto, ought to tell her to keep her lips over her

fangs, despite the fact that an open mouth was for her species, like

his, a sign of friendliness.  Then Hrrto noticed that the Stripe fur of

every single Hrruban bristled with an instinctive reaction.

 

Except his, he was excessively pleased to note.  He could also hear the

faint whistle of lashing tails as Grizz' head brushed the top of the

doorway.  The resounding roar she used for a voice filled the room,

overpowering the efforts of the small translator at her throat to

compensate.  Hrrto's heart pounded.  So bizarre for the female of a

species to be larger than the male.  She quite dwarfed the males in her

entourage.

 

"Hold it, hold it there, Grizz,' a narrow, dark-skinned Hayuman said,

running up to the giant beast with a small tool.  "We're getting

harmonics here, lady bear." Lady bear?  Hrrto was taken aback by such

familiarity, such lack of basic decorum.  Beside him, he could sense

Milaba's tension.  He gave her a warning glance to settle the fur on her

nape but, when he turned to Prrid, the naval commandant had already

smoothed himself.  Good Stripe, that Prrid.

 

With five Gringg, the room became suddenly as crowded as a package of

fish, and he could see more in the corridor.

 

They were so imposing that a few of them looked like an invading army.

Perhaps calling the Space Arm had not been such a bad idea.  The Hayuman

made adjustments to the captain's speech device and stepped away.

 

"That .  .  .  good, gggrrr, better, best,' said the Gringg, swinging a

huge paw to touch the male gently on the shoulder.  Her voder had

modified her speech to a much more pleasing pitch.

 

Without the subsonics exacerbating his nerves, Hrrto relaxed.

 

Strange that just sound could produce such effects.  But others looked

very much on their guard.

 

Merely the presence of the immense Gringg held an aura of threat.

 

Did they count on that?

 

"Wrrrfgruh.  .  .1 grrreet you all,' she said, turning her head to

include the occupants of the table.  "Hayumans and Hrrubans both."

 

"On behalf of Doonarrala,' zOdd Rrev said, "I greet you, Captain

Grzzeearoghh, and welcome you to the first in a series of talks which,

we deeply hope, will benefit us all." The voder at his throat translated

his words from good Middle Hrruban into inarticulate growls and coughs.

 

Hrrto laid back his ears.  Some of the growling fell below his range of

hearing, and sound shocks flew up and down his spine.

 

The great captain inclined her head.  Zodd swept his hand around the

room to include the cushions on the empty side of the table.  "I hope

these will be adequate." The captain nodded absently in approval as she

asked.

 

"Two peoples are you Hayumans and Hrrubans?"

 

"That is correct, Madam Captain,' Hrrin replied, courteously.  "Here on

Rraladoona we proudly sharrre a world, but we are of separate origins

and species.

 

If you and your prrrty will be seated, we shall begin."

 

"No.  Two rooms are needed,' the Gringg said, and folded her paws over

her chest with a gesture of finality.

 

ù"I have brought two pairs of Gringg, to speak to you separately."

 

"But why?" Todd asked, surprised.

 

ù"Here are two peoples.  We honour your individuality.  It is possible

you each need different things from us, that you ùsupply us with

different items or units.  It is only courteous to give individual

attention to each of you.  Therefore, two separate negotiations shall be

held." The translator punctuated the Hrruban phrases with growls and

hums, but Grizz' 5 meaning was clear.

 

This was not proceeding according to plan.  And yet, without the

Hayumans in the room, the subject of purralinium could be brought up

without fear that the Hayumans would understand its importance to the

Hrruban economy.

 

Be that as it may, Hrrto did not entirely trust this new development.

These aliens were dangerous.  Did they intend to divide and conquer, to

promise vital goods and services to the Hayumans in private, cheating

the Hrrubans of equal opportunities?  Purralinium was not the only raw

material Hrruba lacked.  Depressed, Hrrto could see complications

looming.

 

Admiral Barnstable seemed no happier with her proposal for he leaned

across the table towards Rrev.

 

"Conference, Rrev,' he ordered in High Hrruban.

 

Quickly, Rrev turned to the towering Gringg and made a deep bow.

 

"A moment's pause, Captain,' Rrev said through the voder and beckoned

urgently to Hrrin.  "We had not expected a division." The Gringg lifted

a paw in acceptance and sat down on the cushions, waiting with cheerful

patience.

 

Second Speaker, Hrrin and Mllaba joined the Admiral, Greene, Captain

Castleton, the two Rrevs and Hrrin and Kiachif in the furthest corner

from the Gringg.  Milaba's nape hair stuck straight out in agitation.

Greene looked grim; Castleton, curious.

 

"This will not do, Reeve,' the Admiral muttered as they assembled.

 

"I insist that we establish a single roundtable for any trade

agreements.  Each of our two races must have absolutely identical

treatment and consideration.  No covert clauses."

 

"Nonsense, nails, and nuts,' Captain Kiachif said, scoffing at the

red-faced Spacedep official.  "That'd be the end of free enterprise, see

if it isn't.  Why not let it be their way?  What's the harm of it?  If

we don't like what they have on offer, we insist on a joint parley

tomorrow, if you follow me.  Nothing's to stop us from convening,

comparing, and combining." "Nor am I comfortable with zis,' Hrrto said,

covering his voder with one hand.  "I prefer open conference."

 

"But isn't zis preferable, Second Speaker?" Hrrin asked.

 

"Hrruba's individuality maintained, and ze same for Amalgamated Wrrlds."

Hrrto glared, but he could detect no note of sarcasm in the

Rraladoonan's voice.  Those born on this colony planet really did lack

many of the basic courtesies and tact which he felt his due.

 

"It is a dangrrrous ploy' agreed Captain Hrrrv, eyes gleaming.

 

Rrev dismissed that remark.  "If we want the Gringg to feel comfortable

among us, we should do our best to accommodate a reasonable request.  I

concur with Captain Kiachif.  Let's go along with the Gringgs' wishes

today.  We can use, uh,' he glanced around for a view of the hall, "the

conference room in the research library as the other chamber.  It's just

down the hall and around the corner from the space port business."

 

"This is not as planned,' Second said, reverting again to High Hrruban

in his dismay.  "Hrruba and Terra must take the lead here, not these

strangers.

 

"It would seem, honoured sir,' Ken Reeve said, replying in the same

language, "that we must oblige our guests today, at least." Only because

the privacy suited Hrrto's needs did he give consent.

 

Graciously leaving the Hrrubans in possession of the Treaty Chamber,

Todd led the Hayumans, the Gringg captain and one of the pairs of males

out of the door and away to the right.

 

Hrrto watched them leave.  Could he trust any one of the Hayumans to

give him an accurate account of what transpired in their session?

 

Possibly his erstwhile allies of Spacedep would not dissemble too much.

 

Still, if he could get the purralinium, he might just win the election

on that score.  He caught Nrrena staring at him.  His direct and haughty

glance made her look away again, her chin lowered in momentary

embarrassment.  How dare Fifth's representative look askance in his

direction!  He nodded just once at Hurrhee who gave the barest of nods

in understanding.

 

As soon as the Hayumans and the three Gringg had gone, Hrrin gestured

for them to be seated.  With only two Gringg in the room, everyone

seemed to breathe more freely.

 

"As long as we are now together,' he said in Middle Hrruban, dropping

his jaw in a pleasant smile, "perhaps we should begin by introducing

ourselves.

 

To Todd's surprise, the engineer Koala was waiting a little way down

from the Treaty Chamber with Commander Frill, Lieutenant Cardiff and a

few other Gringg males whom Todd hadn't met before.

 

"Afternoon, Mr Reeve,' the burly xenotech said, grinning.

 

"Didn't think you'd be free."

 

"Frill and I are going to show Koala the sights,' Cardiff explained.

"These are a few of her assistants.

 

We've got a pow-wow later with a consortium of scientists from your

colony and both cruisers.  Nothing sensitive, of course, just general

stuff, like that resonator of theirs.

 

Good luck!" He escorted the troupe of bears down the corridor towards

the landing field.  "You can raise me on belt radio if you need to!" he

called over his shoulder.

 

"Thanks, Lieutenant,' Todd replied.  Weddeerogh waddled shyly up to Todd

and touched his hand with a wet, black nose, and turned to bestow the

same greeting on Ken.

 

"Hello, little guy,' Todd said, pausing to ruffle the cub's pate hairs.

"Welcome to Doonarrala." Then he turned to Grizz and turned his voder on

again.  "The other room is just down here, Captain."

 

"Morra,' Grizz said, looking down on them fondly from her great height.

"I do not discuss trading matters.  I seek to visit your home village.

Much has been told me that I wish to see with my own eyes, she said in

slow Hrruban.  The translator produced remarkably accurate

pronunciation.

 

"These two,' she pointed a claw at Eonneh and another Gringg, a male

with silky grey fur, "I trust to make best trade speech for us types.

 

"Of course,' Todd said, urprised on the one hand but pleased on the

other.  He'd wanted Grizz to see for herself what her emissaries had.

"I'll see you're grided up to First Village.  My wife Kelly, and Nrrna,

Hrriss's mate, will be delighted to host you in our homes.

 

Allow me to send a message for them to meet you.

 

"You are most very kind,' Grizz said, pausing between words to remember

what was appropriate to say.

 

"Are you sure that is wise, Reeve?" Greene demanded, hand over his voder

input.  "Sending a.  .  .  a being of her stature to a civilian

habitation unescorted?" Todd understood exactly what the commander

really meant, and refused to acknowledge it.

 

"I admit it might be considered rude to ship the highest ranking

official of a delegation somewhere without the correct entourage, but

perhaps,' with a bow and a smile to Grizz, "under the circumstances she

will forgive me.  She will be met on arrival, of course, by my wife who

is, by the way, an Alreldep representative, and quite capable of

handling our new friends.

 

Barnstable shot both of them a look of annoyance, and Todd understood

that the criticism must actually have come from him.

 

Spacedep's paranoia was beginning to wear upon Todd.  Grizz, who had

followed only part of the swift, low-pitched conversation, showed her

fangs amiably.  The gesture made most of the human delegates shiver, and

Todd grinned back at her.

 

"I forgive without reserve, Todd Reeve,' Grizz said.  "I and my son look

forward to seeing the beauties of your home which these others have

described to me.  And this one,' she patted her son's shoulder, "is

eager to swim in Doonarralan waters.

 

"Well, Admiral, Commander, don't let me keep you from your duties.

 

The space port conference is just down the hall, you know." Then Todd

turned to Sumitral, Ali and Jilamey.  "You all know the place we're to

use.  Why don't you show our Gringg negotiators the way?  I'll join you

soon as I can.

 

After he had called Kelly to tell her to meet her guests, he conducted

Grizz and her cub out of the Treaty Building and to the grid facility.

As there seemed to be no limit to the weight a grid could shift, he did

not worry about the mass of a female Gringg.

 

But the mass of the personage to be grided quite shattered the composure

of the bored grid operator.  The slim female Hrruban on duty froze, her

neck hair bristling, and gaped in shock at the pair to be transported to

First Village.

 

"Zis grid is only for small shipments,' she protested, anxiously

glancing over Todd's shoulder at Grizz.

 

"Oh, come now, the captain masses no more than some of those "visitors"

you've been bringing in all week,' Todd said, cocking an eyebrow at her.

Then he pointed to the schedule hung above her control board.  "You've

got an opening of almost ten minutes before you receive the next

pallets.  Captain Grzzeearoghh is a person of importance.

 

She shouldn't have to hang about here with you, now should she?"

 

"No, sirrrr, no!" the Hrruban gasped.  "Step up on to ze platform, most

honrrrred guests, please!" She gestured the Gringg between the slim

transmission pillars and fumbled to key in the coordinates.

 

"I know you'll enjoy your visit, Captain,' Todd said, waving.

 

"Kelly will be waiting for you!"

 

"G'bye!" Weddeerogh said, waving both his paws energetically.  As the

mist rose and began to swallow him up, he squealed on such a note that

the grid operator laid back her ears.

 

The conference room which Todd entered on his return was providentially

carpeted, floor and walls, in a warm, burnt orange that complemented the

golden woods of the furniture frames.  The pading on the walls would

baffle some of the more annoying overtones of Gringg speech.

 

The chairs, upholstered in the same handsome colour, were set around a

polished table of a golden hardwood.

 

Several computer monitors on swivel boards occupied positions on the

tabletop and could be turned to face any direction.

 

Someone had brought in the cushions on which the two Gringg were seated

on one side of the large square table.

 

Ken Reeve, the merchant captains, Sumitral and Jilamey and some Hayumans

Todd didn't know were occupying the chairs on the opposing side.  Todd

was annoyed to find Commander Greene also present: Barnstable having his

cake in the space port discussions and eating it, too, with Greene here

to listen to trade talks.  Todd did recognize several Doonarralan

representatives of the craft and farm collectives.

 

These men and women were trying not to appear awed by the company in

which they found themselves.

 

"Are you comfortable now?" Sumitral was asking.  "I would be happy to

sit on the floor.  We could move the table."

 

"Eye to eye, please, is Gringg way,' Eonneh said, politely.  "Sofas are

fine for Gringg, chairs for you, thank you." The translator had picked

up the unfamiliar word, "cushions,' and given the Gringg the closest

equivalent it had.  "New friends, I am Eonneh, named Honey by a child of

this world.  I approve the name, as I consider it the first step to

close links with your people.  This is Krrpuh.  You may call him Coypu -

easier to say.

 

Todd had to restrain a broad smile.  He recalled, and cherished, the

memory of the Gringgs being assigned "bear' names by his twins and

Hrriss's two eldest.  The youngsters took the naming responsibility very

seriously, having made a list of every synonym or cognate for "bear'

that could be found in Terran philology.  He remembered Hrrunival being

peeved that his planet had no corollary creature.  They matched names as

closely as they could to the Gringg sounds, delighting the recipients.

 

"We welcome you, Honey and Coypu,' Todd said formally and started

introducing those present.  He could hear the rapid footsteps on the

marble floors as late comers hurried to the new venue.

 

As he recited their names, the Gringg sniffed subtly in the appropriate

direction, obviously pairing scent with face.  Sumitral raised the

corner of his mouth in a wry smile as he realized what they were doing.

Horstmann was the only one who seemed slightly uneasy.

 

Jilamey, seated at the far corner beside Honey, winked as Todd named

him.  The tool-and-die maker from Rompiel was frowning abstractedly,

trying not to stare at the two Gringg.  Commander Greene spoke in low,

urgent tones to Horstmann who turned a shoulder on him, then the navy

man stared piercingly at Todd.  Todd tried to ignore Greene.  The man's

blatant Human chauvinism grated on him.

 

Todd had had a furious discussion about Greene with Barnstable after

returning to the Hamilton, concerning Greene's near-disastrous antics on

the Gringg ship.  Not only was Todd sure the aide had been responsible

for initiating the intruder probe, but defied all reason by carrying an

explosive device on to a vessel assumed to be peaceful.

 

Todd had pointed out that either act could have compromised matters

beyond recall.  He had insisted that Greene be left behind on the

flagship whenever Barnstable came groundside.  The Admiral refused,

demanding his right to such escort as he required.  He resented Todd's

criticism of a member of his staff, and pointed out again that

Doonarrala's priorities and Spacedep's were not identical.  Todd hoped

he wouldn't have to go all the way to the Amalgamated Worlds Council to

keep Spacedep from causing more trouble.

 

During the weeks of reearch on the voder, Greene had been around and

about on Doonarrala, always maintaining his distance from Todd, but

always there, like an annoying itch Todd couldn't get rid of.  Since

none of the ursine guests had mentioned Greene, Todd decided that they

hadn't noticed the burly commander, or were choosing to ignore his

surveillance.  The Spacedep officers hadn't been subtle when following

the Gringg, as if they'd hoped for some kind of incident which would

allow them to step in and take command.

 

Nothing had happened and Todd hoped Greene and his spies had got bored

stiff.

 

Honey seemed to be in good spirits.  He had visited Doonarrala nearly

every other day, touring schools, factories and farms, and spending much

time in the villages.

 

He was easily the most recognizable of the Gringg.  His companion, who

moved with a ponderousness dilatory even for a Gringg, seemed to be

older than Honey, with a majestic, slow, bass voice that was so low it

rumbled through Todd's very bones.  Both of them had small computer

devices with sculpted depressions which were probably operated by the

rhythmic manipulation of claws, something like the device used by an

old-time court reporter.  As usual, Honey held his ubiquitous tile-like

tablet.  Jilamey, at Honey's elbow, was keeping a close eye on the

Gringg, waiting for him to draw or write something with the

double-looped pen that lay atop it on the table.

 

By then, the tardy had arrived, slightly breathless, and more time was

taken up by introductions.

 

Of the seven newcomers, five were clearly alarmed by the size of the

Gringg and, although they were wearing voders, only one had practised

with his device.  And Todd instantly marked Emil Markudian, a swarthy

faced man with a prominent, hooked nose and black eyes, as trouble.

 

His companion, for the man seemed unwilling to move away from

Markudian's side, was Boris Iskoffski and he was not only plainly

terrified by the aliens but also his eyes had the glitter of the

xenophobe.

 

When he noticed them darting quick glances at Greene, he decided they

bore close scrutiny.  Well, he should have expected something like this

after Barnstable's little confrontation of assorted blow-ins at Kate

Moody's office.

 

The others who had arrived in the wake of Markudian seemed to be

legitimate since each carried portfolios with the logos of major

diversified Terran or Colonial companies.  Two found Jilamey's presence

distinctly unsettling.  Remembering how chuffed Jilamey had been about

his coup, Todd grinned to himself and then turned the meeting over to

Admiral Sumitral, seated directly opposite the Gringg envoys.

 

Once introductions of the new arrivals had been made, there was a

perceptible pause.  Todd sensed an electrical tension rising among them,

veiled excitement.  1 feel as if we're about to start a high-stakes

poker game, he thought.

 

Who's going to bluff whom?

 

"We begin from ignorance,' Admiral Sumitral said, rising to address the

Gringg.  "You have been among us for many days now and seen us going

about our work and play.  We know nothing about your world and desire

similar information."

 

"Ah,' said Coypu, resting his paws on his large belly, "very kind of you

to ask.  Our world is much like this, gravity heavier and more water in

many big pools.  We are four ships to explore. Long, long, long,' and he

nodded his head to emphasize the span, "looking.  It is good, great news

to find two at once!" He dropped his jaw and looked about him, his eyes

twinkling.

 

"You say your objective is to trade, yet you admit that you are very far

from your home world.  How can you possibly trade profitably over long

distances?" Commander Greene wanted to know.

 

"Big ship,' replied Coypu succinctly.  "We come prepared with offerings.

Trading is good with peaceful people.  You have much here which will be

tradable."

 

"Such as?" Greene demanded sarcastically.

 

"You are out of order, Commander,' Sumitral said, turning slightly so

that his body shielded him from the Gringg.  He had covered his voder

and spoke in a low but carrying tone, somehow managing not to move his

lips very much.  "As Spacedep personnel, you are present only to

observe!"

 

"We have seen much here on Doonarrala that will be very appreciated on

our world,' Honey added.  "We are peaceful traders." "It's very easy to

say that you come in peace,' Markudian spoke up, his deep voice smooth

but holding an edge.

 

That statement elicited quiet gasps around the table.

 

Todd had seen no signal from Greene but that didn't keep him from

suspecting the two might be acting in concert.

 

Sumitral regarded Markudian with an expression of mild surprise and

astonishment but it was Coypu who answered.

 

"It is easy to say what is true,' Coypu said, either not offended or

deliberately not understanding Markudian 5

 

implication.  Now he lifted his paws.  "We come far from our home world,

seeking new worlds, hopefully new peoples."

 

"You are peaceful types, also,' Honey said, looking around the table and

nodding his appreciation of that fact.

 

"It is very good for Gringg to see that two different species can live

in peace without acchggt-spppput - "He turned to Coypu as his voder

could not give a suitable translation of the Gringg word.

 

Without tearing the collar?" Coypu suggested.

 

"Tearing the collar?" Sumitral asked, pointedly asking for an

explanation.

 

Coypu touched his ornate neckpiece with one delicate claw.  "Yes, to

tear off the collar of a Gringg is to start fight, but only if there is

no other honour choice."

 

"Oh, similar to throwing down a gauntlet .

 

.  .  a glove - - - a hand protector,' Sumitral said, ignoring the

mutters from some of those nervous about this discussion.  "Of course,

duels with lethal weapons have long been considered against the law as

well as against common sense." Coypu seemed oddly pleased to hear that.

 

"With us, too, the custom has declined.  There are nearly always other

choices.  We enjoy peace.  Gringg do not like to exert themselves.

 

Peace takes much less energy than combat, do you not agree?" Todd

laughed at the beautiful simplicity of the statement.  "War is too much

trouble?"

 

"War?" Coypu asked, for the word had been carefully omitted from the

voder's lexicon.

 

"War,' Greene said, jumping at the opportunity, "is when many tear the

collar and join a fight: the winners take all.  A great exertion,' he

added sarcastically.

 

"War is a thing of the past for both species.  It was always a useless

exertion,' Sumitral said in such an icy voice and with such an icy stare

directed at Greene that the commander subsided, more in surprise at the

AIreldep Admiral's intensity.

 

"Good!  Good!" Coypu said seriously.  "I tire if I think about it.

 

Cooperation takes so much less work."

 

"Then Gringg have had wars?" Markudian asked, leaning forward.

 

"Long ago: Honey said negligently, "to protect the family pool and the

landing place, and our young when there was not enough to eat." That

mildly delivered statement brought quite a reaction around the table.

Todd and his father exchanged concerned glances.

 

"Then, during the Great Heat, we were forced to seek refuge in the

deepest caves.  It was then that we were forced to eat many other things

than the beasts which had been our natural food,' Honey went on,

blithely unaware of the effect his first statement was having.

 

"When we emerged from the caves, we turned to the sea and began to hunt

the big fish.  Little ones, too, which are often very tasty."

 

"But you were cannibals?" Markudian demanded with such an air of

superiority that Todd knew the man was there to cause whatever trouble

he could.

 

Unforùtunately Honey had just handed him exactly an opening.

 

As Sumitral was trying to explain the word to Honey, Todd leaned towards

Markudian.

 

ù"The emphasis was on a trade vocabulary, Mr Markudian.

 

-We cannot, and will not at this time, accept the discussion of side

issues." When Honey and Coypu finally understood, they both looked

mournful.

 

"When we were very young beings, long, long, long ago, before we learned

to think what we were doing, before we learned how much easier it was to

work together instead of separately,' Honey said, leaning forward, paws

crossed over his chest in humility, "we did many stupid things we do not

like to remember that we Gringg did.  Perhaps this happened to Haynmans,

too, when your species was learning wisdom?"

 

"Not cannibalism,' Markudian said firmly.

 

Sumitral gave a droll chuckle.  "Mr Markudian, you are obviously not

much of a student of Terran history or you would realize how wrong you

are on that point." Then Sumitral bent a stern look on the man.

 

"But you cannot be so young as to be ignorant of the Siwannah Tragedy in

which humans caused an entire race to suicide.  I also feel that you

speak out too hastily, Mr Markudian, and I advise you to think very

carefully the next time you feel obliged to criticize." Then he turned

to Honey and Coypu.

 

"We also had to learn to cope with famines.  I trust there is no famine

on your home world now that has sent you out on your long journey."

 

"No, not famine,' Coypu said.  "We wish to find new worlds.

 

We wish to trade with same peaceful people."

 

"Let's get back to trade talk, shall we?" asked Jilamey a bit

impatiently and gave Markudian a very jaundiced look for his

interruptions.  "Let's talk about what sort of payment we'll use for

trade items.

 

"Excellent idea, my dear Landreau,' Sumitral said.  He turned to the

Gringg.  "In trading with our Hrruban friends, we use certain minerals

and metals on which we have agreed a value."

 

"Do you not use symbolic currencies?" Coypu asked, surprised.  There was

a murmur of surprise among the merchants.

 

"Yes, of course we do,' Jilamey said, "but our credits would be

worthless to you in your own system so let us find other values for

barter." Ken Reeve said.  "Eonneh and I have discussed molecular

structures of certain metals and minerals that we would like to acquire

in moderate quantities.  What mediums have value for you?"

 

"We discuss a common trade currency?" Honey asked mildly, rattling his

claws in the holes of his device.  "Held perhaps on this planet in a

central place for all three to use?  With .  .  ahccccgg .  .  .

writings that can be strictly kept accurate?" Iskoffski looked stunned:

jumping from cannibalism in a distant past to modern finance was too big

a leap for him.  Markudian's expression became darker than ever.

 

"A banking system is, of course, an excellent idea,' Sumitral said,

raising his eyebrows in silent query at the two who blinked agreement.

 

"If you become permanent trading partners with us, Jilamey began,

slowly, allowing the possibility to sink in, "a central place would

simplify all transactions."

 

"Trading partners for a long time we want,' Honey replied, and gave them

a huge, white grin.

 

Kiachif whistled.  "For critters who've never seen other aliens before

you sure take the long view." Honey bowed to Kiachif, inclining his long

torso.  "We are hopeful creatures and in that hope much discussion

occupied our long travels and what to do if we find others." He hiked

one shoulder in a very Human gesture.  "It passed the time and now we

discover that it was wise to plan for such acchtgg .  .  .

 

possibles.  For now,' and he spread his big paws, "we put theory into

practice.  It is not much different to the trading we do between our

home world and its young.

 

"Young?  You have colony worlds?" Sumitral said.

 

"Or subjugated worlds?" Greene asked, his eyes glittering.

 

Honey looked down at his voder and Coypu looked puzzled.

 

"Acchgg?" Honey asked in query.

 

"That's quite enough from you, Greene, Sumitral said with the first

flash of temper Todd had ever seen in him.

 

"You have set up colonies of Gringg on your young worlds?  Yes, both

Hayumans and Hrrubans have done the same.  Have you found worlds with

the different species?" Ken asked quickly, smiling.

 

"You are the two first we have ever met.  The other worlds were empty of

intelligent lifes,' Coypu said and even the voder echoed the regret in

his manner.  "Creatures with no thought of more than full stomachs or

things that were inedible, even for Gringg.  Each has its place on that

world.  We do not interfere unless threatened."

 

"And if threatened, what do you use to protect yourself?" Greene asked,

ignoring Sumitral's exclamation of aggravation.

 

"We are able to defend ourselves, Honey said, blandly, and unsheathed

his claws.  Coypu retracted his lips, uncovering his white fangs.  "We

are larger than any edible creature we have met."

 

"And not as dumb,' Jilamey said, giving Greene a look of pure disgust.

 

"How many colony worlds have you now?" Sumitral asked before Greene

could continue.

 

Honey held up four fingers.  "Four!  One with very good water." His jaw

dropped and he gave himself a wiggle that suggested total approval of

it.

 

"Far from here,' Coypu added.  "A very long journey but not impossible

to make for Humans."

 

"We are translating our maps to yours,' Honey said.

 

"Slow because of vision differences and because we are far from the star

patterns we know and guide our ships by."

 

"Let's stick with trade values,' Todd said, and leaned across the table

to Honey with the table he had been making on his keypad.  "What's of

value to you might not be as valuable to us, so we'll need to establish

the variables and work out percentages of increased value for temporary

rarity of stock and other factors.  This one time, I hope you will

accept the values we use to pay for traded things between Haynmans and

Hrrubans.  We think the values are fair."

 

"It is just what I expect of the peoples who live together in peace,'

Hqney replied.  His simple frankness drew mutters from the other

delegates.

 

Todd was relieved that two Gringg had evidently not caught the blatant

animosity in Greene's words and manner.  "We can discuss in more detail

at the end of the meeting so you can key it in your own language."

Suddenly Horstmann, who had been growing more impatient, slapped both

hands down on the table to divert attention to him.

 

"Let's also cut this confounded cackle.

 

Let's find out what commodities you Gringg are interested in?  And what

you have to offer us?  Those resonators Cardiff used in these va,;lers

would make a good start.

 

Small, powerful and I haven't ever seen anything like "em from Terra nor

Hrruba.  Can we do a deal on them?"

 

"Any technological items will first have to be cleared by the Scientific

Council of Amalgamated Worlds,' Greene said.

 

Jilamey brushed that contingency aside.  "Not according to the

Doonarrala Treaty, they don't, Greene.  Look, Honey, you've had time

over the last weeks to see just what's available on Doonarrala, which I

think is a fair sampling of goods drawn from both Hayuman and Hrruban.

 

Technology?  Medical or scientific processes?

 

Tools?"

 

"We have many desirable commodities to trade, as well as the product of

our skills,' Eonneh began, ponderously.

 

"Good,' Kiachif said.  "My ships don't like to make the trip back to al'

Terra empty.  Give us a fr instance or two, friend."

 

"Also, our four young - colony - worlds have many valuable minerals in

quantity.

 

To trade here are listed molecular-patterns with Gringg names.

 

Some I do not see in use here or do not recognize.  Maybe we bring you

new stuff?" Honey dropped his jaw, suddenly a little like Kiachif,

anticipating a major trade deal.  Todd put his hand to his mouth to hide

a smile.  "Our friend Chilmeh has spoken to us also about gaining credit

from the sale of drawings and works of art.  We are pleased to see that

you consider these things to be of value.  Culture has value on your

planets even as it has on ours.  We feel that we may also learn

technology stuff from you, sharing information.  Already we have share

technology,' and he tapped the voder with the tip of one claw, "with

Lootcardiff." Sumitral, Ken and Todd openly grinned at the combination

of rank and name.  "We are happy to share information freely in exchange

for also you share freely with us." Greene and Markudian both began to

protest but Iskoffski was eager for information about what.

 

"You can't want just cultural things and to share,' Jilamey said.

 

"That could be very one-sided and we insist on giving equal value to

trading partners." Honey inclined his head.  "You give equal value

sharing with us the delights of this planet of Doonarrala.  .

 

Todd could see Greene interpreting that to mean acquisition and hastily

intervened.

 

"Peaceful people deserve proper hospitality when their intent is good,'

Todd said and Sumitral stared Greene back down into his seat.

 

"The matter has been discussed thoroughly among the captain's staff and

by space-transmission with the motherworld,' the golden Gringg said.

"What we search for most earnestly - besides peaceful people - is a

source of protein for,' and now he turned his deep-red eyes on

Markudian, "we are civilized peoples who do not eat meat of each other.

Especially when here you have many delicious proteins." Greene's mouth

was open in amazement at Eonneh's dry humour.

 

Eonneh showed all his teeth.  "Haynmans seem to have the most superior

idea of what is a good thing to eat."

 

"Well, as it happens, Honey,' Jilamey said, beaming from ear to ear, "we

process a lot of protein in nutritious and delicious forms and I happen

to represent a large consortium which can provide you with a wide range

of truly delicious and healthful comestibles .  .  ." His voder faltered

on that word. "Stuff to eat - eatables, edibles,' he hastily explained.

 

Coypu gave a startlingly deep grunt, signifying pleasure for he had

dropped his jaw.  "Good.  We wish to import to our world bulk or

packaged largenesses of snakemeat, fishes, beef, poultry, and, of

course, the stuff you name popcorn.  It is not high in protein but it is

most entertaining to watch it cook and can be seasoned in many

flavours."

 

"Food?" Sumitral asked weakly.  "You want food?  Not technology?"

 

"Morra,' Eonneh assured him.  "If at all, some forms of Gringg electrics

-, "Electronics,' Todd corrected.

 

"-Electronics are more efficient than yours."

 

"You think that?" Markudian said, indignantly.

 

"Our scientists know what after talking with yours, Honey replied.

 

"Scientific fact is fact for all of us."

 

"A science conference just is not possible at this point in time,'

Greene said flatly.

 

"Discuss food all you want.

 

That's safe enough."

 

"Non-aggressive science is also safe,' Sumitral said with equal

firmness.  He put his hand over his voder.

 

"If they have no ordnance, Greene, then why not discuss science?

 

Now that we know what their need is, I think you can step down from that

red alert you're on."

 

"Just long as we're not the food resource they have in the back of their

minds,' Greene said but he also had covered the voder as he added in a

savage tone.  "These peaceful people of yours are not as peaceful as

they've all conned you into believing." With that he rose from his chair

and stalked from the room.

 

After Greene's ominous remark, Todd was relieved to see the back of him.

He was undoubtedly going off to report to Admiral Barnstable.

 

Greene's crack about the Gringg eating Humans was asinine especially

when the snakes were larger, more numerous and far tastier.

 

"You don't require metals?" Markudian asked, surprised.

 

"Yes, some metals are in short supply with us and please to give us

samples of all you use,' Honey said.  "But mostly we need foods,' and he

leaned forward, an earnest expression on his face.  "Already, many on

the home world are most eager to try Doonarralan snake meat.

 

Having heard the praise it has from those who have taste it here, it

will be a much sought-after delicacy.  Perhaps you can show us how to

breed the snakes on one of our worlds.

 

One can feed several Gringg.  As we learn to know each other better, I

am sure there will be other goods we want, but for the present, we are

eager to obtain largenesses of Hayuman-manufactured eating stuffs.  That

is all."

 

"Unbelievable,' Markudian said, staring perplexed at the Gringg.

 

Jilamey threw back his head and let out a delighted laugh.  "After all

of our posturing and careful management, timid questions and demand for

sureties, food is what they need!" The Reeves and Kiachif chuckled with

him.

 

As the Hayumans and the Gringg left the room, Hrrto was for a long

moment too annoyed to gather his thoughts.

 

The only advantage to the new arrangement would be the privacy to

mention purralinium - if the Gringg had it.

 

There wasn't an Hrruban here who didn't realize how vital it was to

replenish the supply of that transuranic ore.  Even Hrrin would

appreciate that.  But Hrrto saw that he would have to remain here longer

than he had anticipated, to be sure the negotiations secured them at

least the hope of the grid metal.  Mllaba was also irritated.

 

It wouldn't be her notion to be stuck discussing trade when she

considered the space port conference a better place for Hrrto to show

his merits.  But her irritation also stemmed from the presence of the

two Gringg across the table from her who were settling their big

haunches into their cushions.

 

Beside Hrrto, Hrrin sat with folded arms, watching as if he expected the

Gringg to spring in an assault.

 

The subsonics in their'voices were not entirely masked from the keener

Hrruban hearing by the voders, so the buzz and annoying vibration was

still present, heavy in the air.  At Hrriss's tactful reminder, the

Gringg had been careful to modulate the volume of their speech, but they

could do nothing to cushion the impact of their mere presence.  Hrrto

was rapidly developing a painful headache, one of the first in a long

and healthy life.  He tried to concentrate on what Hrrestan, who chaired

the meeting, was saying.

 

Hrrestan was assisting the Gringg in their translations when the limits

of the vocabulary programmed into the voders failed.  Hrrto felt some

respect for the colony leader's ability to retain what sounded to him

like the roars and sputtering of malfunctioning motors.  He was feeling

yet another painful twinge when Milaba leaned toward him, her hand over

the voder input grille.

 

"I dislike the uncouth way they sniff at us, Speaker,' Mllaba hissed

under her breath.  She spoke in a very high-pitched whisper which the

Gringg were unlikely to hear.  "So primitive." All the home world

Hrrubans attending the trade meeting were initially disturbed by the

Gringg behaviour, but as the aliens had proved to be affable and

intelligent, they began to relax.  Hrrto did not: torn between the need

to introduce purralinium and memories of that tape.  He wanted to be

able to at least warn these Rraladoonans, since they were in the final

analysis also Hrruban, that the Gringg were dangerous: warn them not to

rush into discussions that would display their vulnerability to the

Gringg: warn them to learn as much about Gringg customs and culture as

the Gringg about theirs.  But he could not yet speak of that tape, not

until the combined navies were in position.  They were still some days

away.  Until then, Hrrto was forced to dissemble.  He also had until

then to discover the coordinates of systems that might produce

purralinium.  With difficulty, Hrrto turned his attention to the

proceedings.

 

While Hrrestan was basically a sensible Hrruban, he appeared to be badly

infected with young Rrev's enthusiasm.  Perhaps, Hrrto thought, it might

be wise to tell Hrrestan about that damning tape.  Hrrestan was of an

old Stripe and did not deserve the fate that might await other

Rraladoonans when their apparently cultured and civilized visitors

showed the violent side of their natures.

 

But Hrrestan was so honourable a Stripe that he might feel obliged to

impart that information to Rrev.  No, no warning to anyone until the

fleet was in place.

 

Then the aliens produced a computer program showing molecular diagrams

of the minerals they were ready to use as trade mediums.

 

Hrrto shot a warning glance at Hurrhee who was already trying to see

what was on offer.

 

"These ores are available in quantity now from our mining worlds,' said

the one called Kodiak.  "We have printed diagrams for you to compare

with your molecular data.  If you require any of these, we are please to

offer them to you as goods for barter against our own requirements."

 

"I am sure we can come to agreeable terms for all parties,' Hrrestan

said.

 

"Indeed we should,' Hurrhee murmured, flicking a confirming glance at

Hrrto.  "We have often found a use for this,' and he extended a nail to

delicately single out one item, "impure as it is." Hrrto inwardly sighed

with relief.  They did have purralinium to offer.

 

"What is Hurrhee doing here?" Mllaba demanded in an annoyed undertone to

Hrrto.  "He's a scientist, not a trader."

 

"He is here at my command,' Hrrto murmured back, protruding the claw of

his fifth digit to indicate the need for discretion.

 

Suddenly Milaba became extra alert and leaned as far across the table as

possible to get a view of the slate.  Under the table, Hrrto pulled her

roughly back.  She nearly hissed at him so great was her indignation but

one look at her superior's eyes and she obeyed, though stiff with the

insult just given her.  Hrrto ignored her manner.

 

Nothing must indicate to the Gringg how important the purralinium was to

the Hrrubans.

 

Although Kodiak and his partner, a black-and-white Gringg whom the

children called Big Paws after zOdd's sister's cat, were speaking very

clear Middle Hrruban, modulated into audibility by the voders, the edge

given by the subsonics of Gringg speech wore on Hrruban nerves.

 

Hrrto wondered how long he would have to remain in such an ambience.

 

"Yes, you do have goods that might form a trade currency,' banker Hrrouf

said with extreme affability, his tailtip switching.  Ah, Hrrouf had

noticed the purralinium, too.  And, in his high position in the

financial world, he would have access to the knowledge of the lack of

new supplies of the metal.  "What is it you would require in exchange?"

Big Paws regarded the Hrruban amiably and folded his enormous hands on

the table.

 

"You appear to be comfortable without the clothes used by Hayumans to

cover their skin.  We Gringg also do not need coverings.  We admire the

way that the Hrrubans adorn their natural fur with the most striking

ornamentation.  Most especially I like these harnesses of hide." The

black and white Gringg put out a claw and plucked at the strap of the

handsome harness Hrrouf was wearing.  "The variety of these and of other

pretty stuffs are most desirable to us.  Such will be need to be made

much larger to fit Gringg, but we wish to trade for quantities of

harness.  Plain and with many sparkle stones."

 

"What?" Hrrouf demanded, unable to believe his ears.

 

Other Hrruban representatives were equally astounded and, if Hrrestan

and Hrrin managed to hide their amusement, few of the others expecting

to trade advanced technologies of all kinds to the bears saw the humour

of the announcement.

 

Second Speaker sputtered, his headache forgotten.

 

"Garments?  Jewellery?  Ornaments?  You must be joking!"

 

"What is joking?" Kodiak asked, looking up from his electronic keypad.

He turned to Hrrestan for clarification.

 

"He asks if you tell him something that is not true to make him laugh,'

Hrrestan explained solemnly.

 

Kodiak returned his dark-red gaze to Second Speaker.

 

"Morra, very, I do not joke."

 

"This is what you wish to receive in trade from us?

 

Not technology?" asked Nrrena.  "Hrruban technology is famous.

 

You must have observed the transport grids -"

 

"Sst!" Hrrouf hissed at her in a high whistle.  The manufacturer

stopped, embarrassed.

 

"Ah, yes,' Kodiak said casually, observing the byplay.

 

"The transport system.  But it does.  not interest us.  We travel fast

enough and are comfortable doing it.  Items of wear and personal

adornment are more important.  And we insist to be told new styles and

modes." Hrrto wondered at Kodiak's dismissal of the "transport system'.

 

Could it be that they knew the special use for purralinium and had

matter transporters on their own worlds?  And if they did, would they

trade any of that precious commodity to the Hrrubans?  Many of the

Gringg had used the grids, getting about Rraladoona but no reports had

been made by any of the operators that the Gringg had shown any interest

at all in the workings of the grid: or had even looked closely at either

the purralinium columns or the floor grid though these were, in any

case, thickly coated by the conducting material.

 

"This is outrageous,' Nrrena said in a growl, rising from the table. Her

tail swished angrily, lashing her sides, and her eyes all but shot

sparks.  "I was made to understand that this was a high level trading

conference, not a fashion show.  I have the honour to wish you a good

day." The Hrruban made a bow to Second Speaker and strode stiffly from

the room.  Second was glad to see her go.  She would report back to

Fifth that the conference had been a charade.  When Hrrto arranged for

substantial quantities of purralinium, she would look a fool, Fifth

would lose face and Hrrto gain it in the contest for the Speakership.

 

"Perhaps all should go, Hrrin suggested, sourly, "and put an end to this

pretence."

 

"Have I offended?" Kodiak asked Hrrestan.

 

"No, friend,' Hrrestan assured him.  "That Hrruban re resents

manufacturers on our home world and elsewhere.

 

There is nothing in these current talks which interests her." Hrrestan

also suspected that Nrrena would be grateful to get out of the range of

Gringg speech.  Kodiak accepted his explanation.

 

"Ah,' the Gringg said, returning a bland gaze to those left at the

table.  "May we then negotiate terms?  It is now to work out

equivalencies of value, against that which.

 

we offer for that which we want." He ended up facing Hrrestan, who

gestured courteously toward Hrrto.

 

"I may not speak for Hrruba,' Hrrestan said.  "I have lived on

Rraladoona for over thirty years.  It is the Second Speaker for External

Affairs whom you must address." He bowed deferentially.  Hrrto was

pleased and mollified.

 

"Very,' Kodiak said, and turned to face Second.  Milaba sat up straight

beside him.  "So you are empowered to act on behalf of an Hrruba in

these matters?"

 

"I do not understand what he said,' Milaba snapped, turning to Hrrin.

"Please translate once more." With a little less patience for her, Hrrin

repeated the Gringg's question.

 

Ghotyakh's brow ridges lowered halfway over his eyes, concealing all but

a crescent of angry red irises.  "I believe that the delegate understood

me,' he said, his voice shifting very slowly to a menacing growl.  "We

have come in good faith to this meeting.  It is not the Gringg way to

give offence or take insult.  Lootcardiff caused this device to

translate perfectly.  As a Gringg scribe, my honour required me to

practise diction until perfection came.  Does this female have hearing

problems?  That is the only acceptable reason.

 

The word reason came out in as close to a snarl as a Gringg had so far

mouthed.  Mllaba jumped in her seat.

 

She glared at Kodiak, her yellow eyes ablaze.

 

"You wrong me,' she said, in a low, dangerous voice.

 

"My hearing is extremely acute and the roars you make injure delicate

tissue.  You know that certain sounds you make cause unpleasant

reactions in we Hrrubans.  Perhaps you deliberately use them to upset

us."

 

"Enough!" Hrrestan said, raising his voice.  Hand over his voder, he

turned to Mllaba but his attitude was clearly cautioning.

 

"There is not a thing wrong with my hearing, Mllaba, and I think you are

the one deliberately upsetting the smooth progress of this meeting."

"Why should I?" Mllaba demanded.

 

"That I do not know,' Hrrestan replied sternly, "but as I am moderator

of this meeting, I will have no further obstruction from you.

 

"I am assistant to "In this meeting,' Hrrestan said calmly but

forcefully, "rank has been suspended to the greater benefit of all

Hrruba.  Or have you had trouble, honoured assistant to Second Speaker,

which you are embarrassed to admit?" Mllaba drew a deep breath in

through her nostrils at what was perilously close to a direct insult to

the Second Speaker.  Hrrestan waited, his eyes intent on Hrrto and she

might not have existed.

 

"I have had no trouble understanding them, Second said, his eyes

slitted.  "I do find their voices and their presence oppressive."

"Oppressive?" Hrrestan asked, with mischief in his eyes.

 

"How can you find oppressive a species which is so very interested in

fashion?" Milaba's tailtip lashed.

 

"If the price is right,' Hrrin said, deliberately trying to lighten the

tension in the room, "we Rraladoonans are delighted to supply as many

harnesses as the Gringg wish.

 

Since,' and he turned to the disappointed representatives, "we supply

our home world with many such items, we may need to import skilled

workers to supply the demand."

 

"Then we have wasted our time?" asked the senior Stripe of the

merchants.

 

Hrrestan bowed graciously.  "Consider it but the first offering in a

trade that may develop in unexpected directions and have the imagination

to come forward with other examples of our culture,' and he gave that

word considerable emphasis, "which might appear attractive or

interesting to our large friends." Then Mllaba, using a coaxing and

wheedling tone, spoke up, her manner so abruptly altered that Hrrto

decided his clever assistant must finally have grasped the significance

of Hurrhee's presence and remarks.

 

"Hrruban textiles are much admired by Haynmans since you are interested

in adornment.  A swift message and we can have many beautiful things to

show you,' she said at her silkiest.

 

"We Gringg are content to see all you will offer,' Kodiak said, showing

all his teeth in an affable smile.

 

"So,' Hrrouf began, "you will not object if we use metals, ores and such

like to make payment for cloth, leather and jewels?" Kodiak lifted one

shoulder.  "Metals we have much of and can cheerfully trade them for

what we wish of yours.

 

Shall we talk of relative values now for such bartering?" He turned his

slate and held it up so that all could see it.  Gringg symbols were on

the left-hand side of the slate, Hrruban equivalents on the right.

Purralinium was mid-list.  "These are in order of value to us." Titanium

was top, and Hrrto recognized the symbols for tin, zinc, germanium and

platinum and some transuranics before purralinium.  How many leather

belts and neck pieces would be traded for enough purralinium to

manufacture another grid?  The very concept was bizarre!

 

He found himself holding his breath as weights and measures were being

discussed.  To his dismay - for surely Hrrestan knew the plight the

co-leader was setting for too low a quantity of metal.  Or was he merely

being cautious?  Then Kodiak mentioned bulk figures for finished

leathers that nearly made Hrrto drop his jaw.  There would be more than

enough purralinium.

 

Now he worried that Hrrestan might ask only for that metal and signal

its value to Hrrubans.  But Hrrto had underestimated the leader's

acumen.

 

Suddenly he began to fret that Hrrestan would get the credit for such

dealing and he, Second Speaker, who had laid the groundwork in his

initial conference with the Gringg captain, would not gain the face he

deserved.

 

Restlessly he drilled claw tips on the table.  Saw what he was doing and

forced his fingers to be still.  That precious metal in return for acres

of cloth, no matter how beautifully woven it was, seemed almost

indecent.

 

Could the Gringg really be so naive?  Or their holdings so rich that

they could make such ludicrous exchanges?

 

That was a possibility that hadn't occurred to him before.

 

Those rich in goods thought nothing of exchanging what they didn't need

for what they coveted.

 

"We do not deplete your stores with such large orders?" Big Paws asked

courteously.  "We can space shipments so that each is full of what is

required.  With Hrrubans we trade for what the Hayumans do not show or

seem to need.

 

Therefore no bad feelings may happen.  We are peaceful folk.  We wish

for peace everywhere around us." Hearing those oft repeated words, Hrrto

felt the pressing need for some air.

 

"If you will permit me to withdraw?" Hrrto asked and received a

courteous nod from Hrrestan and a vague wave from Kodiak.  He shot

Mllaba a glance to signify she was to be careful and left the room.

 

In the hallway, where fresh air flowed lightly in from the doors and

open windows, his head seemed to clear.

 

"Peaceful folk', "peaceful folk' "wishing for peace around them." The

repetition made him nauseous.  Perhaps calling the fleets was not a wise

idea.  The prospect of almost unlimited quantities of purralinium was

worth a certain risk, was it not?  At the least, the direction to search

for the debris that would contain the metal.  Ah, but with the navies in

place, perhaps such information would be easier to obtain.

 

Yes, that was the way to move now.  They could show the tape to the

Gringg and force them to admit to these atrocities.  Show them that

their hypocrisy was discovered and make them reveal what weapons had

caused such destruction.  With the fleet pin-pointing one unarmed ship,

surely they would accede to all demands.

 

Before another Gringg ship could reach the heliopause of Rraladoona,

they would have built defences against such ordnance.  ..

 

Why should Hrruba defend Rraladoona at all?  The thought suddenly

occurred to Hrrto.  Why not evacuate all Hrrubans?  If the Haynmans were

foolish enough to wait for Gringg vengeance, so be it.

 

But what if the Gringg should discover the Hrruban home world?

 

Hadn't that fat captain been a whisper away from admitting that he knew

where the Hrruban home system was?  Hrrto had never fully subscribed to

either the Decision or the Treaty, though he had been forced to give

verbal agreement.  Under his Stripe, he had known eventually they would

live to regret it.

 

And what were the Haynmans wresting from the Gringg while Hrrubans were

selling harnesses and collars?

 

Unable to resist, he found himself walking towards the other negotiating

room.  He heard voices ahead, and slipped forward, close to the wall.

 

He peered out from around a column and saw the small Hayuman, Landreau,

in animated conversation with the fat and fair-haired trader, Horstmann.

Horstmann was patting his protruding mid-section with satisfaction that,

at this time of day, could have little to do with the pleasures of the

table The trader 5 voice rang loudly in the empty hall.  "Even

calculating in the cost of fuel and modifications to the cargo space, we

could clear a pretty bundle.  If I can get impactors, freeze dry

whatever, that'd increase space available.  If we pack in drones, they'd

take ores, refined or half, even raw for some of the unusual stuff and

your principals'll be damned pleased with the results, Landreau."

 

"We can always use a steady new supp, Jilamey said, his eyes narrowed as

he calculated.  "Spaceships don't build themselves, you know, besides

requiring hills of metal.  So, if they'll trade us .  .  ." and, in a

low voice, he began to enumerate items which Hrrto had to strain to

hear.  In shock, he thought he heard Jilamey name purralinium.

 

 "That newest colony of theirs hasn't begun to deliver the quantities

assays suggest are available.  And they haven't even thought of the

concept of in situ space refineries.  We got a lot we can teach them."

Half reeling with the shock of such infamy, Hrrto moved off towards the

open door.  The Hayumans were obviously being given the more important

trade items while the Hrrubans were being palmed off with trifles.  He

could not return to the Hrruban conference until he had recovered his

poise.

 

He was halfway there when he heard angry voices coming from the chamber

where the space port talks were being held.

 

"It would be foolish not to consider Gringg facilities, Admiral,' Lorena

Kaldonwas saying in an aggravated tone.  "Much easier to start off with

buildings suited to their needs .  .  "I am not discussing the Gringg,'

Barnstable said angrily and Hrrto could hear him striding away, his

booted steps echoing in the marble hall.

 

Hrrto heard Kaldon give a totally exasperated sound, the quick noise of

steps and a door that was closed as firmly as a slam.  He hurried back

to the Hrruban trade conference, pausing to arrange his robes and

wondering just how many lengths of such expensive cloth it would take to

garb a Gringg.  How many trmbla of weight made a new grid?

 

His return coincided with the end of the formal talk, Kodiak and Big

Paws rising from their cushions with a grace that Hrrto envied.

 

They were bodily large but all too evidently athletic.  Polite farewells

were made, with Hrrestan and Hrrin doing the most of the talking,

arranging additional meetings so that tomorrow the Gringg could see, and

perhaps order, varieties of ceremonial harnesses.

 

Hrrto managed to drop his jaw as the occasion demanded and, by wrapping

his tail about one ankle under his robes, managed to keep that appendage

from giving any hint of his agitation.

 

As the others started leaving the room, he gave a little sign to Mllaba

to wait and she made a show of gathering up her books, checking on items

until they were alone.

 

"I think that the Gringg have given the Haynmans purralinium,' he told

her, speaking in the merest whisper.

 

"Just as if they knew what Hrruba needed the most,' Mllaba replied in

angry exasperation.  "While they deal in harnesses with us,' and she

stamped a foot while her tail violently switched.

 

"Is it possible the Gringg have developed matter transmission?" Hrruba

asked, having to voice his worst fear.

 

"Really, sir,' and she spoke impatiently, "even our matter technology

was a chance application.  The circumstances are unlikely to be repeated

by Gringg paws." He gave her an odd look.  "And the Haynmans keep

trying!  Let us hope the scientists of both do not get together on such

a project "Highly unlikely, not with Spacedep controlling all technology

"I must have a few words with Hurrhee,' Hrrto said as he finished

gathering up his own notes.  "Catch him before he leaves." Hurrhee would

tell him what the Haynmans did with purralinium and whether they used

the pure or impure state of the metal.  We must remain the only species

in the galaxy with transport grids."

 

"As you say, Speaker,' Mllaba agreed.

 

The corridor was lined with windows along this edge of the building.

Opposite the doors of the computer lab was a view of a stand of

picturesque forested hills overlooking the landing pad.  Frill could see

the great hulk of the Gringg shuttle on the tarmac, an ostrich among

chickens.  There was someone lurking around it with a furtive air. Frill

went out to investigate.

 

From the door, Frill could see that the man snooping around the shuttle

wore the uniform of a Spacedep officer.

 

"Lieutenant!" the commander bellowed in his best parade ground voice.

The man turned slowly.  Frill didn't recognize him.  He must have been

one of Barnstable's suspiciously increasing entourage.

 

"Sir?" The lieutenant said, tapping his brow diffidently.

 

"I don't think you're supposed to be touching that, son,' Frill said.

"Come on inside."

 

"Yes, sir!" the marine said.  He snapped off a more creditable salute

and strolled, not too quickly, into the building. "Good day, sir!" he

said, marching purposefully up the long corridor.

 

"Carry on,' the commander said, vaguely, and turned away.  He glanced

back over his shoulder at the retreating lieutenant, but the man was

gone.  Puzzled, Frill went back to the conference.

 

Recalled from a more pleasant occupation to be an observer, Commander

Frill found himself growing sleepy through the talk of electronics, and

the endless displays on the small computer screens of circuit diagrams

which to him looked all alike.  It wasn't really his subject.  He

excused himself for a breath of air and wandered out of the computer

lab.

 

Chapter 8

 

BY MIDAFTERNOON, EXCHANGE RATES HAD BEEN decided and some groundwork

laid for an exchange board.

 

Honey was also deftly inquiring what sort of warehousing would be

available for the goods until sufficient had been accumulated to make a

voyage to the home world profitable.

 

Ali was trying very hard to negotiate a contract but Honey was

sidestepping him neatly, suggesting that they would prefer to build

their own facilities on Doonarrala if some deserted space could be

found.  There was much still to be learned, and language skills

perfected.  By dinnertime, Todd had a deep respect for Honey's skills as

a negotiator.

 

He fought hard for concessions with the Amalgamated World-based traders,

and won a few, even from Ali Kiachif, whom Todd thought would never

yield.

 

"Such a facility not being currently available, we meet you halfway and

do ship-to-ship transfers at designated points in space,' Honey said in

conclusion.  "It will save transit time.  From here it is far to the

Gringg worlds."

 

"The same goes on our side,' Kiachif said.

 

"No trip, no tax or tariff.  That's fair.  But there's still a need for

full transits, or else how are we to meet your folk and find out all

about you for ourselves?" Honey grinned, showing his fangs.

 

"Reh,' he said, noting the terms on his tablet.  "We seek only equity."

"None of this is final until we check with Earth,' Markudian warned, not

for the first time.  "It's subject to approval by the trade authorities

and the Amalgamated Worlds Council."

 

"As you say, as you say,' Honey said, nodding his great head.  He had

been incredibly patient with the man s continual complaints and

criticisms.

 

Todd wondered why Barnstable and Greene had picked so obvious an

agitator.  Even Honey had displayed brief annoyance at Markudian's

constant interruptions and trivial complaints.  But, Todd supposed,

that's why the man was there, to try and disrupt the meeting as much as

possible.  That Markudian had failed was due as much to the Gringg's

unshakeable affability as Todd's own determination not to let such ploys

develop.

 

A loud, insistent clicking sound arose from the vicinity of the Gringg's

collar.

 

"Communication device?" Ken whispered to Todd.

 

"Sounds more like a timer,' Todd said.  "I'll bet Kodiak and Big Paws

just heard one of those, too." Todd's surmise was correct.  Honey

carefully finished the last of his hieroglyphs and glanced up to nod at

the assembled Hayumans.

 

"That is all I may do today, friends,' he said.  "I thank you most very.

I will be able to give you final numbers when I have presented these

terms to Captain Grzzeearoghh.  She is who decides what is best for

Gringg." Todd rose and bowed to the Gringg.  "On behalf of the people of

Terra and Doonarrala, I thank you for coming, Honey and Coypu."

"Doonarrala,' Honey said.  "Have I not heard the Hrrubans say

Rraladoona?  Which name for your world is right?"

 

"Both, really,' Todd admitted.  "Each of our species had their own name

for the planet: Hayumans called it Doona, the Hrrubans, Rrala.  Now we

each use both names combined but putting the one from the original

language first." Honey pursed his rubbery black lips.  "You defer in all

ways regarding a common language to the Hrrubans, it makes sense to

settle on one name, everyone use it."

 

"You know, Honey, you're right,' Todd said, nodding.

 

"Possibly we've just hung on to both names to please our respective

over-governments.  We really should be concentrating on unity.  It's an

acknowledgement that we're all one world, after all.

 

Calling people Doonarralans or Rraladoonans is just another way of

identifying them as Hayumans or Hrrubans, and that shouldn't be a

consideration any more.  It was a point that hasn't arisen before.

 

From this moment, I'll only use Rraladoon." Iskoffski looked astonished

and Markudian glowered.

 

"Really, Reeve, I think you take too much on yourself."

 

"No, he's right,' Sumitral put in.  "The name ought to have been

standardized a long time ago.  I agree we should be calling this colony

by the Hrruban-derived name.  I don't think Reeve's co-leader Hrrestan

will object,' he added with a grin.

 

"Then so will the Gringg, Honey agreed.  He and Coypu arose with more

grace than their lumbering bodies suggested they were capable of.

 

"We will speak to you again soon." Without further ceremony, they

withdrew.

 

The Hayumans remained in place.  Markudian was still out of sorts,

drumming his fingers on the tabletop.

 

Looking worn out, Iskoffski stared out the door after the Gringg.

 

Even Ali Kiachif was subdued.  Jilamey glanced up at Ken and Todd with

bemusement.

 

"Did I just negotiate a concession for half an ocean of canned fish?" he

asked.  "For a small fortune in rare minerals?" Ken pushed back his

chair and stretched his long arms toward the ceiling, listening to his

ribs crack.  "One man's trash is another's treasure.

 

I don't know about you, but I'm desperate for a cup of coffee,' he said.

 

"Seconded,' Jilamey said at once.  "We've been here hours.  Let's see if

there's anything left to eat in the dining hail."

 

"Dammit,' Horstmann said fervently, "I hope there's something to drink."

 

"I could swim a sea of miada and never sink, if you get me, friends,'

Kiachif agreed.

 

The urge for refreshment had prompted the Hrrubans as well.  A few of

the delegates from the space port conference stood in a corner, eating

from plates heaped with cold meat and salad.  They gravely acknowledged

the Hayuman entries.  The rest, locked in a deep discussion with Second

Speaker, paid no attention to the new arrivals.

 

Someone tapped Hrrto on the shoulder.  Surprised, the Speaker turned to

face Admiral Sumitral.

 

There was an awkward pause of a few moments.

 

Sumitral recovered first.  "A most fruitful afternoon, wouldn't you say,

Speaker?" he asked amiably.

 

"Most interrrsting,' Hrrto said.  "Ze Gringg are most skilled at ze

arrrt of negotiation, zough zis is not zeir native language." His voice

displayed signs of strain.

 

"I trust you won some concessions from them?" Sumitral asked,

delicately.  "Your own skills are not to be decried."

 

"You are most kind,' Hrrto replied, bowing.

 

"Somebody find me a drink,' Barnstable said plaintively, sinking down at

a table.  "Jonny?" Greene stood up, looking about him for a refreshment

cabinet.  Todd rose to get drinks for the party, listening closely.

 

"Did you find their terms favourable?" Sumitral asked Hrrto.

 

"I am surre as much as you yrrrself did,' Second replied, the equal of

Sumitral's courtesy.  Now that he had the chance to ask what the Gringg

had offered the Haynmans, his nerve failed him.  He could not stand the

humiliation of admitting what the Gringg had asked of them.  He kept his

eyes fixed on Sumitral's niild grey eyes, hoping he would speak first.

 

Todd found the wet-bar cabinet and poured out a good shot of

Doonan-distilled whiskey for the Admiral.  The sight of open bottles

attracted a number of the negotiators, and Todd found himself at the

centre of an eager and grateful group, dispensing liquid comfort.

 

Hrriss gave him a drop-jaw grin from the edge of the throng, and held up

a jug of plain juice.  Todd nodded enthusiastically.

 

"A spot of mlada,' Kiachif requested, with a pretended whine like an old

man.  "Not too small, and don't you dare dilute it, laddie." In the

centre of the room, the careful manoeuvres went on, the tension growing.

Greene hovered at Sumitral's elbow as if to snatch back any incautious

statements the head of Alreldep might make.

 

"Might one ask what commodities were discussed?" Sumitral suggested.

 

"I do not zink I am at liberty to reveal zat at zis time,' Second said,

blandly.  Mllaba stared open-eyed at the Haynmans.

 

"Perhaps I should not, then, either,' Sumitral said, but Todd could tell

his curiosity was aroused.  Hrrto was being more than usually cagey.

 

Ken and Hrriss stood next to the drinks cupboard as Todd poured another

draft for Ali Kiachif.  The captain inhaled that libation and held out

his glass for a reffil.

 

Jilamey broke away from the group in the centre of the room.

 

"I can't stand it any longer,' Jilamey said to Hrriss under his breath,

watching the two senior administrators waltz around one another.  "What

did they ask for?  You must have got some humdingers."

 

"In a way,' Hrriss replied, but his big, green eyes were brimming with

mischief. "But change yrrr expectations down rather zan up!"

 

"You, too?" Todd asked.  "The Gringg asked us for food!"

 

"Not what anyone was expecting,' Ken said, "but I was charmed by it and

trust Landreau here to have food processors and big freezer units in

that consortium of his.  The Gringg don't want our technologies: they

seem content with their own.  But they do want rather basic, simple

items we have in quantity, and cultural things.  Is that why Hrrto can't

get the words out of his mouth?"

 

"Yes,' Hrrestan replied, with a fit of low, grunting laughter.  "Hrruba

has been requested to send this yearn's fashions in hrrnss and jewelled

szraps, and the heavy cloth of which Hrrto's r9bes are made. Custom-made

size gigantic, please, in quantity." Kiachif grinned, his narrow,

bearded jaws opening in amusement.  "They were ready to say no to bombs

and bullets, but they didn't have a position prepared on beef or

baubles!"

 

"I am sure zey would have classified it as potenzially dangrrrous and

not fit for exprrt if zey had considrrred it,' Hrrestan said, his voice

hoarse with merriment.

 

Jilamey exploded in a fit of the giggles.  "And when you look at the two

of them out there, neither one able to spit it out-' he said, waving a

hand, unable to continue speaking.  He watched them for a moment, then

his voice changed.  "On second thought, I don't think this IS so funny."

"Neither do I,' Todd said, breaking away.  Hrrestan, with a nod of

agreement, followed him.

 

"I'll have to put the matter to the Amalgamated Worlds Administration on

Earth before we can discuss this further,' Sumitral was saying.  "In the

meantime, I am glad to see we continue with the spirit of cooperation

that has characterized this world of Rraladoon for over thirty years."

"Pardon me,' Todd said, edging adroitly between the two diplomats, "I

see little evidence of cooperafion in your faces but a lot of wariness.

Speaker Hrrto, would you like to know what the Gringg asked for in our

talks?"

 

"Reeve, no!" Markudian cried, outraged.

 

"Markudian, yes!" Todd said, rounding on him.  "I see this as a real

test of Rraladoonan integrity, not Haynman/Firruban competition.

 

Consider this,' he went on urgently, looking around the circle, "one of

the reasons the Gringg thought we were a single species was the way we

worked together.  I was delighted by that because it showed we'd learned

to trust each other.  But the first stir of the pot from outside, and we

separate into distrustful and greedy - strangers." Todd stared at each

one in turn, his glance gliding over Greene's smug expression.  "So

let's reinstate the honesty we have always used in dealings on

Rraladoon.

 

"Prrrhaps if we begin again,' Hrrestan suggested, "knowing zat we arrre

among friends, who will not judge against you no mazzer what occurred?"

Sumitral was silent for a long time, then he bowed deeply to Second

Speaker.  "Hrrto, old friend, I don't know whether I've been gulled or

not.  The Gringg asked us to ship them tons of comestibles from Earth

and its colonies.  They want fish, and beef, and chicken.

 

Oh,' he added, with a wry grin at Todd, "and popcorn." Hrrto cleared his

throat and ground his back teeth a moment before he could bring himself

to reply.  "From us,' and the words seemed reluctant to leave his mouth,

"zey wish fine cloth, leather and jewels for zose collars zey prize so

much."

 

"At that you got the best of it,' Jilamey said, "jewels cost more than

popcorn and fish." The tension in the room melted away like fog. Todd

relaxed and grinned at Hrrestan.

 

"You should not have admitted such,' Milaba said, glancing at Hrrto but

careful not to let Todd or any of the others catch her eye.

 

"I agree with the little lady,' Barnstable said to Sumitral.

 

Todd grinned.  "The truth is we all feel a little absurd.

 

Right?"

 

"Ze Gringg do not wish Hrruban technology,' Hrrto said, his tail giving

an emphatic switch.

 

Sumitral grinned.  "They didn't want any of ours either.

 

Not even for purposes of comparison.  I admit that I'm a little

puzzled."

 

"Maybe they are satisfied with the technology they have,' Captain Grace

Castleton suggested from the fringe of the group.

 

Neither of her superiors seemed to agree.

 

Todd thought it was a faij assessment.

 

"Don't be so naive, Grace,' Greene put in acidly.  "Any objective

observer could see that, by asking for such trivia, they are determined

to allay suspicion." Todd glared at him.  "Greene, you're not what I'd

call an objective observer,' he said.  "On the other hand, you are

extremely suspicious from the get-go.  Have you any reason which you're

not sharing with us?"

 

"Grrrene is not ze only one who does not believe zeir asserzhons of

peace,' Hrrrv said, breaking in.  "To me,' and he put his fist against

his chest, "zey are so very not curious about our technology zat zat

alone makes me suspicious.

 

Or have zey been given prrivate brrriefings?" He stared a challenge at

Todd who felt his hands balling involuntarily into fists.

 

Hrrrv stared coldly, awaiting action.

 

Hrrestan immediately stepped between them, putting a hand, claws

sheathed, on each.

 

"Captain, I find such an accusation as insulting as Zodd,' Hrrestan said

in high Hrruban.  "For this one Hayuman, the safety of this planet has

always come first nor would he ever, ever, jeopardize it.  You wi

withdraw the remark.  Now!" Unobtrusively, Hrriss had moved to one side

of his friend; Hrrin, too.  For one tense moment, Hrrrv looked as if he

would disobey but the nod of withdrawal was the briefest courtesy

permitted.

 

"We beg your pardon for the intrusion,' a booming voice said from the

door.  Hrrestan's hand fell away, and Todd spun.  The Gringg had

returned.  Honey stepped forward, gesturing to two of the other males to

enter the dining room.  Between them dangled a Spacedep lieutenant,

struggling and angry.  His uniform was mussed and he had a bruise on his

cheek.  "We return this Hayuman male to you.  He had unaccountably found

his way on to our ship."

 

"He what?" Todd exploded.

 

"He was concealed behind a storage hatch,' Kodiak said, apologetically.

"But we smelled him.  I knew immediately which Haynman he was.  I had

smelled him before.  He walks behind that one." Kodiak pointed at

Greene.

 

Putting up his hands to quiet in the room, Hrrestan came toward the

Gringg.  He touched the arms of the two holding the man, and they

released him.  With a tight grip on the Spacedep lieutenant's arm, he

bowed to Honey and Kodiak.

 

"We thank you for rrrsstoring him to us.  He surely became lost and

disoriented.  We will see zat he does not wandrrr again." Fortunately,

the Gringg chose to accept Hrrestan's explanation.

 

"Then we wish you good day,' Honey said, with a toothy smile at the

assembly.  The Gringg left, and the room seemed suddenly larger.

 

As soon as the door closed, Lieutenant Bouros shook off Hrrestan's grip

and stood at attention.  Greene eyed him with annoyance.

 

"Detected by smell,' Hrrrv said in disgust.  "A fine job of concealment,

Terranmale.  No Hrruban would have been so stupid."

 

"What in hell did you think you were doing concealing yourself on the

Gringg shuttle in the first place?" Todd demanded, looming over him.

 

"I don't answer to you, sir,' the marine said, staring straight at the

wall ahead of him.

 

"Reeve, this is a Spacedep matter,' Barnstable said, pulling Todd aside

and lowering his voice.  Greene and Ken closed in on them.

 

"If he answers to you,' Todd turned to coniTont B a table, "did you

order him to invade the Gringg ship?  pying on them is no way to

establish trust between our two peoples."

 

"The more we know about them, the more secure we feel in forming closer

relationships,' Barnstable said, his brows drawing down over his eyes.

 

"Ev, that's Alreldep's job, not yours,' Sumitral said, mastering his

irritation.  "And to allow him to go without neutralization of body

odour?" Sumitral rolled his eyes.

 

"Have you learned nothing about the Gringg?  Even the kids here know the

Gringg have a keen sense of smell.

 

Or don't they issue deodorants in your navy?"

 

"Reconnaissance seems an obvious course with unknowns like the Gringg,'

Bouros said, still staring straight ahead.

 

"The ship wasn't secured, sir.  It was easy to do a recon."

 

"A recon might have been acceptable,' Sumitral said, though his

expression was dubious.

 

"But you had hidden, hadn't you?" Todd said.  "Intending to remain on

board.  For what purpose?  To fumigate them into submission with your

body odours?"

 

"Now that was uncalled for,' Barnstable said, indignant, though clearly

he wasn't happy that one of his men had been apprehended.

 

"So was this marine's illegal entry.  You may be under the Admiral's

orders, but by all that's holy, while you're on this planet, you are

also under mine as planetary leader,' Todd went on, his fury unabated.

"The next time, mister, you overstep yourself, you'll be subject to my

authority."

 

"And mine,' Hrrestan said with equal threat.

 

The marine kept his face carefully expressionless.

 

"Have we made ourselves clear, Admiral?" Todd added, turning to

Barnstable but looking at Greene, too.  "We're trying to forge an

alliance with these beings and there are to be no more juvenile wargames

during the proceedings."

 

"Has it never occurrrred to you,' Hrrestan went on, "zat ze Gringg will

likely tell you morrre zan you could ever discoverr by spying?"

 

"With all respect, leader,' Greene said, "I doubt that very much."

 

"I wish zo know morrre about ze Gringg zen zey have told us,' Hrrrv

muttered sulkily.  "As yrrr prrrecious Hayumans say, "Know yrr enemy."'

"Better, recognize who is your enemy,' Todd said to the Hrruban captain,

and swung a fierce gaze towards the Spacedep officers.  That gave Todd

the satisfaction of momentarily startling Hrrrv.  He did catch the odd

glint in Hrrrv's eyes but he couldn't interpret it.  "If you'd realize

there are no enemies here at all, we could progress on all fronts!" He

eyed the Spacedep officers with the same fierce gaze, but clearly, he'd

taken much of the wind out of their sails.  He allowed his temper to

cool.  He'd said enough, and to the point, for one day.  He'd best

withdraw.

 

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." With a

bow to the assembly, Todd left the dining hall.

 

"A little strong, was that not?" Hrriss asked, mildly, following Todd

toward the grid.  His naturally quicker pace kept him abreast of the

Hayuman who was still dissipating his anger.

 

"Aargh!" Todd said, stopping and twining his hands into his hair.

 

"I wish they'd all pack up and go home, and let us handle the diplomatic

relations.  We'd achieve fair terms and a treaty, and they'd never have

to leave Terra!"

 

"Or Hrruba,' Hrriss said, thoughtfully.  "I don't know how zings went

with ze trade discussions, but ze space port talks were constantly

interrupted by Barnstable's objections.  I zought he was an advocate."

Todd grinned.  "Only if Spacedep's allowed its little bureaucracies. And

with the Gringg a new factor, he's likely to insist on a heavy Spacedep

presence.

 

Hrriss shook his head.  "No, it's somezing else.  We know zey do not

trrrust the Grringg but zeir paranoia is worse zan just mistrrust."

 

"And probably all a part of why Greene had an agent infiltrating the

Gringg shuttle." Todd flattened his lips into a grim line.  "I shouldn't

have been so glad to see Greene leave our trade talks where, I might

add, he and that Markudian lackey of his were doing their damnedest to

mess things up."

 

"He objected to selling zem food?"

 

"As much as Hrrto ornaments from Hrruba The two old friends grinned at

each other.

 

"Greene had a notion that perhaps they wanted us for food,' Todd said,

with a shadow of distaste at being reminded of that incident.

 

"Ho!  So long as you promised zem Rraladoona snake, y6u skinny creatures

are safe,' Hrriss said with a laugh.

 

"All fooling aside, Hrriss, I think the Spacedep personnel bear closer

watching.  But come on,' he said, with a sudden lightening of mood.

"We've got to get the lists of teams drawn up for the Hunt, or you'll

see a hell of a hullabaloo when the snakes swarm!" He grinned at his

best friend.  "I wonder if the Gringg would like to participate.

 

Not that we've a horse up to such weight."

 

"Ze way zey move, zey don't need a horse,' Hrriss replied.

 

Todd's eyes twinkled.  "Speaking of moving, c'mon!

 

Race you to the grid!" Forgetting for the moment that they were adults,

with children and responsibilities, the two abandoned themselves to the

familiar contest of their childhood.  Todd was laughing by the time he

caught up with Hrriss at the pillars.

 

After Todd had stalked out, most of the other delegates found excuses to

leave.  Jilamey Landreau collared Admiral Sumitral and led him away,

talking excitedly about the tons of fish and snake which the Gringg

would need.  Hrrestan was deep in discussions with the craftsfolk about

the availability of large quantities of well-tanned leathers and they

all left.  Only Castleton, Barnstable, Greene, Second Speaker, Hrrrv,

and Mllaba remained.

 

Greene spoke to Bouros.  "You're dismissed, man.

 

Report back to Earth." He turned to Barnstable.  "We can't use him again

now that Reeve and the others have seen him."

 

"Stupid way to be caught,' Castleton said with a halfsmile.  "Especially

after we saw them use their olfactory senses to differentiate between

us."

 

"Bouros is not a clumsy operative,' Greene replied, annoyed at her

comment.

 

She shrugged.

 

"Well, Castleton, see what your specialists can do to overcome that

problem,' Barnstable said, giving her a sour glance.  That startled her

but she nodded her head in acceptance of the commission.

 

"Somehow or other, we have got to gain more evidence against the Gringg

that will hold up in World Court.  Grace, have we gotten anything new

from the exploration ship?"

 

"Nothing yet, Admiral,' Castleton said.  "I renewed the request with an

urgent tag on it through secured transmission again this morning.

 

"Confound it, we need that data.  Barnstable pulled a chair away from

the dining table and sank into it.

 

"Trivia!" Second Speaker burst out suddenly.  Grace stared at him,

wondering if he was accusing them.  The Hrruban began to pace, showing

all the agitation he had concealed while S\1mitral and the others were

present.  The Speaker's tail lashed back and forth.  "The Gringg ask us

for trivia.  What does it mean?"

 

"It means,' Barnstable said, "that they intend to keep up this charade

until the last minute.  The pretence is wearing my nerves to a nubbin."

He sat back in his chair and wiped his face with a handkerchief.

Castleton knew predsely how he felt.  After weeks of maintaining the

Hamilton in a continual state of yellow alert, she was tired.  Shore

leave to the surface of Doonarrala was limited, and the crew were taking

it hard.  Frail Frill, one of her most loyal officers, had asked to be

released from his duties planetside because it was causing jealousy

among the personnel who had been denied permission to downside.  Grace

had been grateful for the presence of Jon Greene, who had lent her his

deep well of strength.  He was the most zealous patriot she had ever

met.  All his actions and decisions were considered in the light of what

was best for Humanity.

 

Grace admired him, but found herself unable to agree completely with him

about the treachery of the Gringg.  Still, she watched the computer

scopes every day, tracking the approach of the Spacedep squadron.  It

was still too far away to be picked up on sensors.  Nor was anything

else, which took care of the notion that the Gringg were waiting for

reinforcements.

 

"What are the Gringg waiting for?" Mllaba asked, her yellow-green eyes

wide.

 

"A display of physical aggression?" Castleton suggested.

 

"They don't act, they react.  If we don't press them, they might never

attack us." Barnstable waved away the notion.  "How far off is the fleet

now?"

 

"Six to seven more days, sir."

 

"Right.  From now on, tighter security.  But I still want a look at what

they're hiding on that ship!" "I have an idea how to accomplish that,

sir,' Greene said, "if you'll allow me a free hand."

 

"What?  All right, Greene.  Carry on.

 

Castleton paused, wondering how to phrase her feelings.  "Sir, after

having listened to them today, I hesitate to admit it, but I .  .

 

.  I like the Gringg.  Hearing them talk, it's hard to believe that they

caused the destruction of an entire planet.  Their behaviour differs so

greatly from what appeared on that tape.  If I hadn't seen it, I'd never

be convinced that they are dangerous.

 

"Besides that, they are so big!" Hrrto exclaimed.  "And so loud!'

Barnstable planted a firm finger on the tabletop.  "Cunning, too.  All

that openness and charm right up to the moment they're ready to take

over this planet!" Such an emphatic pronouncement silenced the others.

 

"Only a week, maybe less,' Hrrrv said in a tone of some desperation,

"and we'll have a superior force in Rraladoonan skies.

 

Zen we will have ze authority,' he paused and drew his lip back from his

teeth, "zat will supply ze zruth from these "bears"!"

 

"Reeve and Hrrestan can he removed as planetary leaders,' Barnstable

said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation, "as unfit to govern. .

.

 

since they've allowed hospitality to so clearly a menacing species,

endangering the citizens of both species."

 

"Speaker Hrrto and Captain Hrrrv, you would of course support this move

for any doubting Hrrubans,' Greene put in.  "With an intelligent and

dedicated administration, we'll soon put things to rights.  We might

even consider removing the Reeve family from Doonarrala as subversive to

the well-being of the colony since they seem to be forever leading-it

into dangerous situations." Just thinking of that possibility gave

Greene a certain measure of satisfaction.  Grace Castleton regarded him

with shock.  She had no idea his dislike of the young planetary

administrator went that deep.

 

"And Hrrestan with him,' Mllaba said, "since he also espouses zese same

courses."

 

"I do most respectfully suggest that you act only on provocation,' Grace

Castleton said.  "This is an independent and autonomous planet.  We

still don't have proof that these Gringg pose a threat to the planet or

either of our worlds."

 

"I don't like hearing such sentiments from you, Castleton,' Barnstable

said, eyeing her fiercely.

 

She inclined her head a moment.  "I am, of course, required to comply

with any orders you may give me, Admiral,' the captain said in a

colourless voice, "but I would not be acting in your best interests if I

do not play devil's advocate."

 

"Oh?  Well, there's that,' Barnstable said, mollified.

 

"The Gringg protestations of their pacific nature are hypocritical,'

Barnstable went on, "and the basis for trade with them ludicrous.  Only

consolidates my distrust of "em.

 

I'll have conclusive proof all too soon that they're dangerous!

 

Why, the size of them alone makes them physically superior .  - I mean -

- - well, you know what I mean!

 

We've got to make these fool Doonarralans see that these bear types are

the most dangerous species Mankind has ever encountered.

 

Why, they could dominate the known galaxy.  That cannot be allowed!"

 

"It will not, sir,' Greene assured him.

 

By the time Todd reached home that evening, he was tired and wanting

nothing more than a quick dinner and enough time to review the day's

tumultuous and astonishing incidents.  He could smell the dinner but, as

soon as he swung in the door, he felt the atmosphere crackling.

 

"Oh, Lord, what've I done wrong now?" he murmured.

 

The house only felt like this when Kelly was ready to scalp him.

 

"AH!" and she leaped from the kitchen and stopped abruptly in the middle

of the room, fists dug into her hips.  ""Would you mind entertaining

Captain Grizz and her son, honey?"

 

" She did a good imitation of him and that further warned him of being

in deep trouble with her.

 

Oh, all I have to do is entertain them this afternoon, show them how we

live?"

 

" She said, mimicking her own wifely reply.  "But,-' and now she

advanced on him, her head down, her glower intense, "does my beloved

husband drop me one little word of the essential difference between the

bears I've met and our noble Captain Grizzly?  No, nary a word does he

say!" With a practised flick of her hand, she caught his outstretched

hand with the hard edge of a whipped tea-towel.  It stung and, even as

he began retreating, she flicked the towel again, catching him even

harder on the leg.

 

"Now, honey "Don't "now, honey," me!" She cast the towel again and this

time he ducked because she was aiming at his neck and she'd had too much

practice at that art.  "Only one phrase just one phrase was necessary.

"Honey, the females are bigger than the males."

 

"But you knew that,' Todd said, reaching the door to put it between him

and her attack.  "You knew that!  We told you she was immense .  .  .

that the males are tercels.

 

I know we said it."

 

"But you didn't say it then!" With unexpected force she jerked the door

free of his grasp and he stood there, feeling vulnerable.

 

"Honey, you're good at remembering details - he began.  Then panic swept

through him.  "Nothing happened, did it?  With Orizz and Weddeerogh?"

Surely someone would have got word to him about that.

 

Kelly turned on her heel.  "No, nothing happened except Nrrna, Mrrva and

I were paralysed with shock for five minutes.  Even the grid operator

was affected .  .  ." And then Kelly couldn't maintain her angry pose

any longer.

 

She burst out laughing, doubling up with the strength of her spasms.

 

"I don't think Grrirl will ever forgive us,' she said, wiping her eyes

on her former weapon, "because he really did lose it.  .  .  even if

Nrrna and Mrrva pretended he hadn't.

 

Even if you'd said something in your message, we still would not have

been prepared by the size of Grizzly and Teddy." Her phrases were less

interspersed with giggles.

 

"He's adorable!  All I could think of was "a Bear of Very Little Brain .

 

"Huh?"

 

"You know, Winnie-the-Pooh." She stared at her husband.

 

"My mother read me those stories when I was a kid and I read them to

ours .  .  .  don't you remember?

 

Eeyore "And the tail that's all he's got,' and Todd now remembered the

charming stories.  "What name did the kids give Weddeerogh?"

 

"Teddy,' Kelly said firmly, "Not my idea.  Winnie ought to have been

obvious but those kids of yours latched on to Teddy Bear and there was

no arguing them out of it.

 

My word, but he can eat.  "Sing ho for a Bear, sing ho for a Pooh",' she

sang, ""I'll have a little something in an hour or two".

 

He can move in here any time his mother's away Swims like a dolphin.

 

So does she.  .  ." Another burst of laughter, and tears were now

streaming down Kelly's face.  "Thank goodness you dredged the lake last

year or it wouldn't have been up to her knees and she does so love to

float, flat out.  We've got to go to the seashore next time she's free

or perhaps demonstrate how we shoot the river rapids." Kelly collapsed

back into the couch; then patted it for him to sit beside her "Sorry,

love, but I had to get it out of my system.  I mean,' and she shook her

head in remembered amazement, "I didn't think the grid could take

anything that big!"

 

"That particular grid, as you well know, can handle a whole village. So,

what was the captain's reaction?  She wasn't offended?"

 

"I believe she thought we weren't sure how to greet her appropriately

and instructed us,' Kelly said, snuggling up to him now which is what

he'd wanted all along but he didn't feel quite like responding to her

just yet.  "And Teddy was no problem at all especially after he saw

Hrrunna.  After that, when he wasn't in the water, he was rocking her.

Thank goodness they eat anything, and almost everything. I'll have to do

a major resupply tomorrow.  Another thing, Grizz wouldn't come in here

she figured our floors weren't up to her weight .

 

but she looked in through every window.  On tiptoe she could even see

into the dormer rooms." She stifled another bubble of laughter.

 

"She seemed to approve - but mainly of the lake.  Thank goodness you and

Hrriss dredged that lake!" And Kelly tittered.  "How did your day go?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I am glad we dredged the lake,' he

replied at his most casual.  If she had seen fit to take her own turn

first, he'd make her wait for his report.  "Gringg love water sports.

 

There's the ocean, too.

 

I'm not sure they have tidal seas "Yes, but what do they want to trade?"

Todd affected a very serious expression.  "Not what we expected at all."

He wondered how long he could play this one out before he told her the

"awful truth' Once the details of trade items became public knowledge,

there was great competition to show the Gringg what Rraladoon craftfolk

and farmers had to offer.  Since the old Hall would be even more

inadequate than ever with even a few Gringg within, every village

offered its green as marketplace.  Nearly half the Gringg on board the

Wander Den wished to participate actively in trading so that no village

had a chance to feel deprived or neglected.

 

Other Gringg were interested in other facets of life on the planet.

Their wishes were accommodated despite continued vehement protests and

ominous warnings from Spacedep.  Gringgs were "adopted' for a day by

people in every line of work.  With scrupulous impartiality, Kelly and

Nrrna acted as secretaries for such engagements.  So it was not

surprising that, when Shhrrgahnnn asked to see more closely some of the

four-footed beasts which were in such continuous use by Hayuman and

Hrruban that Kelly asked her brother to oblige him.

 

"Only if the smell of a Gringg doesn't freak my patients out,' Mike

Solinari replied.

 

"The Gringg smell pleasant,' Kelly remarked, a trifle sharply, "and my

house pets and our horses have exhibited no reaction to their presence."

She didn't add that dogs pretended the mountain of flesh wasn't there

and the cats remained well beyond the range of even Teddy, but they

hadn't exhibited a "physical' reaction.

 

"Well, sick stock doesn't respond normally.  That voder contraption

unnerves me,' Mike said, "and I understand its purpose.

 

However, Kelly did agree to wait and be sure that the Gringg didn't

freak out his patients.  So, early on the scheduled morning, Kelly Reeve

delivered the guest at the hospital.

 

"Now, Bra,' Kelly said, introducing the Gringg, "your niece and nephew

have renamed him Cinnamon.

 

"I can see why,' Mike replied affably.  "He's got hair the same colour

as we do.  Mike's poll was fiery red, much brighter than Cinnamon's

though both could be termed "red'.  Where Kelly was dainty and slenderly

built, Mike's features were heavier and his frame carried extra bulk. He

had a willing, open face that wore a grin of anticipation as the Gringg

climbed awkwardly out of the Reeve family hovercraft.

 

"Cinnamon, this is my brother, Mike,' Kelly said, holding on to his arm.

Then she gestured towards a tall, hollow-chested Hayuman with black hair

and a broad, blunt nose and the narrow-striped Hrruban.

 

"Bert Gross, who's also a veterinarian, uh, animal doctor, and Errrne.

 

He's an intern.  Studying to be an animal doctor."

 

"Fardles, he's a monster!" Bert muttered, nevertheless extending a hand

to the Gringg.

 

"Greetings, or whatever." The Gringg touched his claws gently to the

middle of the man's palm.  Bert drew back, pretending to make sure all

the fingers were intact.

 

"I am most pleased,' Cinnamon said after the usual preliminary growlings

came through the voder.  He showed his long, white teeth, and all three

males swallowed.

 

"Bet he brrush zem a lot,' Errrne quipped weakly.

 

"I've never seen anything with red eyes before that wasn't stark raving

mad,' Gross added.

 

"All right!" Kelly said, keeping an affable grin on her own face, just

as glad that neither Bert nor Eurne had voders.  "Let's see what effect

Cinnamon has on the stock.

 

Today I've got to touch a lot of bases!"

 

"I dunno,' Bert Gross said, muttering under his breath.

 

"I've been hearing rumours that these guys are pretty dangerous.

 

"Oh, horseapples,' Mike said.  He liked the Gringg on sight.

 

Cinnamon seemed friendly and curious, not threatening as some of those

in-flow visitors from Earth had suggested.  The Gringg stood looking

around him, sniffing the air, nostrils wrinkling ever so slightly.

 

"I guess the barn does smell kind of pungent,' Mike said, with a grin

and wondered if the voder translated the tone in which words were said,

or meant.  "It's a warm day, and we haven't mucked out our patients'

stalls yet,' he explained to the Gringg.  "Come along.  You don't have

to do any of it, but we can talk to you while we work." The isolation

stables were in a big airy barn that had ventilators along the roof

line, to circulate air through the building without chilling the

patients below.  Sensing the visitors, sick horses and mules started to

whicker, somewhat nervously: one kicked its side partitions.

 

Promptly Mike marched Cinnamon out again, while Kelly exclaimed in some

dismay until Mike re-entered the Barn with Cinnamon through the downwind

door.

 

"Can't be too careful,' he explaine to his slightly puzzled guests,

keeping his tone low, hoping the voder translation would be quiet, too.

It was.  "Horses are delicate.  There are a couple of high risk mares in

foal.

 

I don't want them to abort.  Say, here's a fellow who's only in for a

sore leg.  Have a look." He beckoned the Gringg close as he leaned over

the stall door.

 

A low hiss of admiration escaped between Cinnamon's lips as he gazed at

the young bay horse standing on the straw.  The animal looked up from

the hay it was lipping, wisps hanging from its lips as it gave the

unusual shape a long stare before it started to chew again, but it

didn't panic.  It twitched its dark satin skin here and there as if

ffies troubled it.  It raised the white-bandaged leg, curling the hoof

under the protection of its body.

 

"See?  No reaction at all,' Kelly said, "I'm off!" and she departed

before anyone could delay her.

 

"The creature is very beautiful,' Cinnamon said, speaking more softly

through the voder than Mike could have thought possible.  "What is such

an animal used for?"

 

"We ride them,' Mike explained, gritting his teeth as the voder squawked

back.  The gelding switched ears and rolled eyes apprehensively but

didn't do more since it also heard Mike's familiar voice.  "We use them

as non-polluting - well, non-toxic-polluting - transportation around

here.  They run on hay instead of batteries, and besides, they can be

good friends to you.

 

Some of this type,' and he pulled Cinnamon across the aisle to a sick

cow, "are reared as food animals and their hides are used for other

things.

 

Cinnamon gave the cow a most cursory glance and went back to admire the

horse.  "They are like gentleness and night and wood,' Cinnamon said,

struggling for Hrruban words to express his admiration.

 

"Hrrrsses must surely be the most lovely creatures on Rraladoon,' he

pronounced with a trill that enhanced the Hrruban word.

 

"Well, we kind of like them, too,' Mike said, a little overwhelmed to be

on the receiving end of poetry so early in the morning.  "Stay and see

how we care for them.  I've got to spend some time in the surgery this

morning.  Bert, you have the comm." He passed his voder over so that any

queries Cinnamon had could be understood.  Then, with a nod at the

others to begin their work, he left for his office.

 

Cinnamon watched intently as Mike and Bert hauled out soiled straw and

spread fresh, doled out medication, checked bandages, and generally

cared for the ailing hoofed animals.  When the round device on the wall

had its two indicators pointing directly skyward, work ceased, Mike

returned to collect him.

 

"Do you have any questions about what you've been seeing today?" Mike

asked.

 

Consideringly, Cinnamon rolled his fleshy lower lip.  "I want to know

what is the purpose of this place.  I have watched you.  Why have a

vet-er-i-nor-y hospital when you eat animals?  Why not just eat the ones

who can no longer serve you?" Errrne and Gross thought this was the

funniest thing they'd ever heard.  Mike shut them up with an eloquent

glance.

 

"You don't farm animals, do you?" Mike asked rhetorically "Morra.

 

Only plants such as grain, vegetables and fruits.

 

All of our meat is caught wild.  There is plenty of game around us, and

we are good at preserving that which is uneaten,' Cinnamon replied.

 

"Well, there are more reasons to have animals than for food,' Mike said.

"Not all animals make good eating."

 

"Can you show me some?"

 

"No, I can't.  Every beast we raise on Rraladoon has a double purpose.

 

These, for instance,' Mike said, drawing Cinnamon to the sheep-fold, "we

raise for the fleece on their backs which makes our clothes." Capturing

one of the merinos, he showed Cinnamon the depth and fineness of the

wool and then demonstrated the difference with a hardier mountain sheep.

The Gringg gingerly felt of each fleece, nodding as he appreciated the

different textures.

 

"The captain will want to know about these,' he said.

 

The Gringg was careful to input all new vocabulary into the memory of

the voder at his throat.  By the end of the morning, he could discuss

what he had learned with intelligence and a measurable degree of

clarity.

 

"These bruins are smart,' Bert commented, impressed.

 

"Tape-learning,' Errrne said, shrugging his plush-covered shoulders. "He

is amassing a bluffrrr's guide, zat is all." Errrne was puzzled when

Cinnamon shoved away the chair beside their table in the lunch room.

Then he realized that the Gringg was quite capable of reaching the table

even parked on the floor beside it.  Not knowing how much a Gringg ate,

Mike had made arrangements with the cafeteria cook for double quantities

of everything.

 

As he watched the Gringg eat, though daintily enough for all his size,

Mike was a little sorry that he hadn't made that triple.

 

Cinnamon exclaimed with pleasure over everything he tried, and ended up

consuming as much as all three Rraladoonans put together.

 

When his plate was empty, he was unobtrusively though politely looking

around for more "You eat more than my brother Sean,' Mike said, with

respect, leaning over to speak through the voder around Bert's neck.

 

"I didn't think anything short of a Great Big Mamma Snake could pack it

in tighter."

 

"Everything had a most delicious flavour,' Cinnamon said, rolling back

on his tail and running the tip of a claw between his teeth for stray

morsels.  "I admire also the variety of textures and aromas." Mike

grinned.  "The grub is good here.  What's Gringg food like?"

 

"We eat protein, carbohydrates, starch coming from different sources.  I

will show you some of our eatables at another time.  Now I must be

curious about all aspects of our new friends, who are so very different

from Gringg."

 

"You can say that again,' Bert said, surveying the alien with a narrowed

eye, forgetting that he was wearing the voder.

 

"Why must I repeat it?" Cinnamon asked, drawing his brows together over

his snout.

 

"Uh,' Bert said, and looked to his friends for help.  Mike guffawed.

 

"It's a colloquialism,' Mike explained, taking hold of voder by the cord

around Bert's neck and bringing it to his mouth.  "He means he agrees

with what you said."

 

"Would it not be simpler to say "I agree?"

 

"Cinnamon asked, and the men laughed again.

 

It was impossible for anyone passing through the lunch room to miss the

shaggy hulk of the Gringg.  A few eyed Cinnamon warily and passed on

hurriedly.  Mike recognized those as interns from Earth.

 

Most of the usual Rraladoon staff, however, stopped to be introduced.

 

Cinnamon's head kept turning back and forth, trying to follow multiple

conversations.  Mike decided he was happy to be in the midst of

everything.  One by one, the medics and visitors recalled appointments,

and disappeared, leaving the four of them alone at their table.

 

"OK,' Bert asked.  "So, Cinnamon, what do you want to do this

afternoon?"

 

"I wish to learn more about the pretty hrrrsses,' he said eagerly.

 

"You and everybody else,' Mike said, pushing away from the table with a

mock sigh of exasperation.  "Come on.  We've got Mrs Lawrence's hunter

gelding in for an abscess on his rump.  He's pretty calm.  I don't think

he'll spook at the sight of our pal here." In the treatment barn, Mike

greeted Nita Taylor, one of their veterinary assistants, who was washing

out a bucket under the pump at one end of the horse barn.

 

"Got a visitor here to see Amber." Nita glanced over her shoulder, then

stood up to take a full-faced stare at the Gringg.  She was a willowy

girl of middle height with light-golden skin and dark brown eyes and

hair.  The things most people noticed about her were her perfect

cupid's-bow lips, and the fact that she was as shy as an urfa.

 

She nodded, tilting her head towards the stall.

 

"No problem,' she said, collecting her wits.  "Like you ordered, I

changed the dressing before feeding this morning so it might need

replacement.

 

The chestnut horse stood half asleep in the sun.  Mike hopped over the

fence and approached with soothing sounds, running one hand down the

back and to the rump.  Its eyelids fluttered as it shifted a leg,

denoting it was aware of Mike.

 

"Hey, watch he don't cowkick you, Mike!" Bert said, nervously, "if he

catches sight of Cinnamon?"

 

"He's all right,' Mike said, turning to catch the tie-rope and halter in

one hand.

 

The horse came fully awake and nosed at Mike's chest.

 

He pushed away the gelding's muzzle.

 

"You're almost better, fellah,' he said, affectionately "Another couple

of days and you can go home." Cinnamon walked halfway around the fence

to get a better look at the animal's face.  Mike noticed the visitor was

being very careful to stay downwind.

 

"We call horses the wealth of Doona,' Mike explained, patting the

gelding's cheek.  "No one in the galaxy raises better stock than we do:

jumpers, hunters, or just riding hacks."

 

"How is it ridden?" Cinnamon asked.

 

"I will show you,' Errrne volunteered, taking another headcollar and

lead rope from those on the peg of the turn-out field.  As the Gringg

watched, the Hrruban quietly approached an animal grazing just beyond

the - sick gelding.  Deftly he slipped on the halter, tied the rope on

to the far side to make a impromptu rein.  Then, with the ease of long

practice, Errrne leaped to the gelding's back and coaxed it into a walk.

 

"You hold on with your knees,' Mike explained.  "You don't need a saddle

unless you're riding a long distance.

 

Then it's vital for your comfort and the mount's.  They've got sharp

spines.

 

"Ah,' the Gringg said, his eyes glued to the graceful form of horse and

rider.  Errrne coaxed the beast to a fast trot, then into a canter which

increased to the gallop stride.

 

"That Hrruban rides like he was part of the critter,' Bert said,

admiringly.  "He breaks horses freelance."

 

"He does what to hrrrsses?" Cinnamon asked, anxiously, tapping the

voder.  Bert laughed as he tried to explain.

 

""Break" is not the direct translation,' Mike said, his eyes dancing.

 

"Hello?" someone called.

 

"Back here!" Mike shouted back.

 

Footsteps ticked and scratched on the concrete floor of the barn.

 

Nita blushed suddenly.  Mike noticed her reaction with a grin.  If she

knew those boots just by sound, the wearer had to be Robin Reeve.

 

The younger brother was a smaller, slighter copy of Todd.  He had the

same intense blue eyes, dynamite with the engaging grin that got him out

of trouble as often as it got him into it.

 

"Afternoon,' he drawled, then noticed the visitor.  "Well, him!' he

greeted the Gringg.  "I'm Robin.  Which one are you?"

 

"I am this one,' Cinnamon replied.  "I am called Cinnamon.

 

"Welcome, well met, and well named,' Robin said, cheerfully.  "As our

old friend, Kiachif, would say.  Are you enjoying Rraladoona so far?"

"Reh!  Very especially the hrrrsses,' Cinnamon said, enthusiastically.

 

"Glad to hear it,' Robin replied.  "We're all horse-crazy here."

 

"Robin is my brother-in-law, Mike said.  "His brother is married to my

sister-' "A most complicated explanation of a simple relationship,'

Cinnamon observed.

 

"Sometimes, it's very complicated,' Robin agreed.  "Say, Mike, I've got

a sow in the flitter out front.  She's due to farrow any time now, but

she's running a temperature.

 

I'm afraid she'll lose the htter."

 

"How in hell did you get a sick, pregnant pig into a hover?" Mike

demanded.

 

"It's only because she knows she's my favorite that she trusted me

enough.  I have this way with women.  Oh, hi, Nita,' he said,

mischievously peering at her sidelong from under his sweeping black

lashes.  Nita bent the bow of her delicious-looking lips into a shy

smile, then retreated to the isolation stall.

 

"I'd better take a look at your pig then,' Mike said, grinning.

 

"I hope she hasn't decided to give birth right in your car.

 

Robin looked alarmed.  "I hope not!  It's my sister Nessie "5

 

car." Cinnamon barely noticed the two Hayumans depart, so entranced was

he with the ruddy-coated gelding.  He was mentally composing a poem to

the species, and to this specimen in particular, when the Hayuman Bert

Gross pulled at his forelimb fur.

 

"If you want to see some more horses, we've got a whole bunch of them in

a corral over to the other side of the building,' Gross said, studiously

casual.

 

"Reh!" Cinnamon exclaimed, picturing a sea of the beautiful animals.  "I

would be most grateful." The Hrruban pulled Gross to one side.  "What

are you up to?" Errrne said in a low voice.

 

"I'm gonna show our guest,' Gross said, with careful emphasis, "a whole

lot of horses.

 

Errrne, understanding the joke at last, dropped his jaw in a big grin.

"Let us go!" The paddock contained some thirty animals, huddled together

near the feed troughs.  One tiger-spotted Appaloosa stood near the gate,

scratching the side of his nose on the post.  It glanced at the Hayuman

and Hrruban without interest, but started violently and snorted at the

sight of the Gringg.  As Cinnamon came closer, the horse retreated until

it was well within the crowd at the other side.  It wheezed a warning

sound.  All the others in the pen looked up, and stared with wary, brown

eyes at the stranger.

 

"These are all two-year-old geldings,' Gross said.

 

"They are not hrrrsses?" Cinnamon asked, puzzled.

 

"When is a hrrrss not a hrrrss?"

 

"Is that a joke?" Bert asked, elbowing his Hrruban companion.  "Uh, when

a horse - ah, forget it.

 

Yeah, they're horses.  Nice, aren't they?"

 

"Reh,' Cinnamon breathed.

 

He felt a deep affection rising in him for the big, liquid eyes, slender

limbs, and smooth pelts of these animals.  Oh, what very attractive

creatures they were.  "I understand why Rraladoon prizes them so."

 

"Why don't you just go in and get acquainted with them?" Bert asked,

opening the gate and standing back to gesture him courteously through.

"They're all wellhandled."

 

"Oh, I would like that,' Cinnamon said.  He stepped into the paddock.

Bert shut the gate behind him.

 

"What if he hurrrrts zem?" Errrne whispered.

 

"Don't worry,' Gross muttered back.  "They won't let him get anywhere

near "em." The veterinarian's prediction almost came true.

 

Wearing a beatific expression, Cinnamon walked towards the herd.

 

Instantly, it split into two groups and cantered past him toward the

opposite side of the corral.

 

The Gringg was disappointed that the animals were so shy around him. His

new friend had assured him that they were friendly.  Perhaps he was just

too unfamiliar.  If he allowed them to smell him, they would become used

to him and come close enough to touch.

 

Extending one paw forward very slowly, Cinnamon walked towards them

again.  For the first ten paces, they stayed where they were, watching

him approach.

 

He had not observed before that their huge brown eyes were edged with

white under the lids.  He took another step.  One of the bigger animals

tossed its head.  That seemed to set off the others, who cantered away

in a bunch, skittering and neighing, leaving the Gringg facing nothing

at all.  Patiently, he turned about and tried his approach again.

 

Try as he might, Cinnamon could not get close enough so that any of the

lovely animals could sniff at his paw.

 

Intent on his task, he could hear the gasps and bursts of sound made by

the Doonarralans behind him, but he did not see them slapping one

another on the back.  He tried another approach.  When the herd was

downwind of him, he stood still, allowing the slight breeze to carry his

scent to them.

 

The musk of his fur made a few of the horses rear and toss their heads,

but they did not bolt or show other signs of alarm.  In a few moments,

they calmed down completely except for a twitch here and there.  Slowly,

very slowly, Cinnamon moved closer with his paw out.

 

As before, as soon as he was within a Gringg-length or two, the herd

melted to either side of him and fled.  Patiently, Cinnamon tried again.

 

 "We could let this go on all day!" Gross said, red-faced with laughter.

Errrne grunted breathlessly beside him.

 

Over and over, the same actions repeated themselves.

 

The bear-like Gringg walked towards the herd, which split up and ran

away from him.  The Rraladoonas were enjoying themselves immensely.

 

It was funnier each time it happened, and the Gringg's disappointment

increased their pleasure.  Then one of the horses in the paddock began

to rear and whinny.  Its eyes showed wide arcs of white, and its

nostrils were flared.

 

"What's with that one?  It's spooking badly now,' Gross said, pointing.

"I don't want it jumping the fence." At first there seemed to be no

reason for the horse's growing anxiety.  As the herd split one more

time, the two men outside the pen saw why.

 

"A mare's in zat bunch,' Errrne cried.

 

"Oh, fardles, and her colt is there, too,' Bert said, hurrying to jump

the fence.  The mare cut out of the herd and made straight for the

Gringg, swinging her head back and forth, showing her teeth.

 

"Cinnamon, get out of there!" he yelled.  "Back off!" The Gringg stood

waiting for it, his eyes wide with joy.

 

Even trained as he was for accurate recall, Cinnamon was not ever able

to describe exactly how the collision came about.  One of the horses

came out of the herd, directly toward him.  Welcoming, he put out a paw

for it to sniff, but greeting him was not what it intended.

 

He saw a flash of eye, then teeth, then hard, round hooves flailing at

his face.  It cut his muzzle, making him bleed.  The hooves struck him

in the shoulder, the chest.

 

Cinnamon's paw came up to protect his face, and hit the mare's head

instead.  Her neck broke with an audible snap.

 

As Cinnamon watched stunned, she sank to her knees and, rolling to one

side, lay still.  A half-grown horse trotted out of the herd and,

stopping uncertainly halfway there, it emitted a tentative whinny, which

grew sharper when there was no reply.  Cinnamon realized with horror

that this was her young.  He had killed a mother horse and left an

orphan.

 

He threw back his head and wailed his grief.  Then the horses began to

stampede!

 

The instant the wild howling started, Mike and Robin exchanged a look

and raced towards that side of the building.  They'd never heard such a

sound before - a cross between a siren and a foghorn, a very insistent

and unhappy foghorn - but they knew it meant trouble.

 

In the stableyard, there was a penful of hysterical horses hammering

themselves against the far fence, and Mike's two junior associates

staring with horror at the Gringg.

 

"What happened?" Mike demanded, looking from one to the other.

 

"Why's he yelling like that?"

 

"That beast killed a horse,' Bert Gross said, pointing wildly at

Cinnamon, who was sitting on his haunches in the corral beside the body

of the dead mare.  "They're dangerous!  He broke her neck with one

swipe!" He hoped that Mike would take his story at face value.  Neither

he nor Errrne wanted to confess their part in the tragedy.

 

"Better get Todd,' Robin said grimly.

 

The Hayuman and Hrruban traders, chafing from their enforced idleness

while waiting for the outcome of the postponed conference, had spent a

lot of time in the pub of the Space Centre.  It wasn't a large one,

though additions had been made as trade to Doonarrala increased.

 

In fact, there was more pub' than space port facility.  The ambience of

this small cramped complex was a thousand light years different from the

mild village it bordered, and the pub was a further remove yet.

 

Ali Kiachif made it a point to drop in at least once a day and swap lies

with whoever was hanging about.  Any of his captains who needed to drop

a private word in his ear could find him there and many potential

problems were quietly defused in that milieu.

 

Fred Horstmann and a couple of the others involved in the conference

were having an afternoon drink with Kiachif.

 

The subject, as it had been for weeks, was the Gringg.

 

"I can't guess whether they're funning us or not,' Morwood said.

 

He was a middle-ranker, a Codep shipper who had been out a fair number

of years.  He wanted most of all to get a cargo to ship and leave the

planet.  He'd been here far too long.

 

"Fun?  For fish, flesh, or fowl?" Kiachif asked, ripping the seal off a

fresh bottle of mlada and pouring himself a glassful.  "I'd say they're

telling the truth."

 

"But it sounds like a joke,' Horstmann offered, taking a pull from his

beer.  "Hard to believe they'd settle on such simple stuff, if you

understand me." The other traders grinned.

 

"You've been around Kiachif too long,' Captain Darwin said, looking open

and innocent when the Codep chief turned a surprised glare on him.

 

"Not so simple, but it's a foot in the door, to be sure, a foot in the

door,' Ali said.  "Nothing will do but fresh and new, which will keep

our ships in the space lanes.

 

I like that well enough, if you follow my reasoning, and you do." The

debate went on, with about two thirds of the spacers firmly in the

Gringg's corner, and the others uncomfortable and unsure of the new

aliens' motivations.

 

It was shaping up to a fine brawl when Kiachif spotted Jon Greene

walking through the security gate towards the landing bays.

 

Thank the stars I outrank him, Kiachif thought.  I dislike him more than

I hate stale bread and water.  And I thought he was sweeties with Grace

Castleton, though you'd think a lass of her rank would have better

taste.  Hate to warn her off when she's been looking so happy.

 

Greene was sure set on roiling up ill-feeling and Kiachif knew, from his

special sources, that the commander'd come an aIm's ace to making an

intergalactic incident happen.  Which would have been bad for new trade

possibilities and that was not on in Kiachifs lexicon.

 

It's time he had a piece of my mind handed him, Kiachif thought.

 

He gulped what was left in his glass and excused himself.

 

"I'll be back,' he called to the publican.  "Another bottle of the same,

to be waiting." The man snapped the towel he was plying on the inside of

a glass pitcher, and nodded.

 

The mlada was burning a pleasant warmth in his stomach as he made his

way through the chilly concrete corridors.  Kiachif told himself he

preferred a quiet life, but a good mill always helped the blood run

warmer.  If Greene didn't tell Kiachif why he was trying so hard to

queer things, it wouldn't be for want of persuasion - of one form or

another.  He might even persuade him to show good manners.

 

Around the corner, the corridor was empty.  His prey had a good stride

on him, Greene must be pretty far ahead.

 

Kiachif passed the control room.  He waved a hand in the door, and kept

walking.  One of the female technicians, a young woman with

chocolate-dark skin, nodded to him.  She was having a quiet talk with

someone who wasn't visible from the doorway.  A lover's chat, perhaps?

 

Kiachif slowed down as he recognized the man's voice: the importunate

Commander Greene.

 

He doubled back and put his ear next to the door-post.

 

Whatever was going on in there, it wasn't love talk.  He heard Greene

say something about sensors, followed by a low and indistinguishable

question.  The woman shook her head.

 

"No, sir.  It's all been by the book, I swear,' she said.

 

She sounded panicky, and her skin had a moist look of stress Kiachif did

not like to see.

 

"And the records of the scans have all been filed under coded seals?"

Greene's voice was smooth and low, but there was an unmistakable threat

in it.

 

"Yes, sir." The woman's throat constricted on the second word, sending

it up an octave.  Kiachifs eyes went wide.

 

"Blank that screen!" Greene commanded.  Hastily, she reached for the

control, and the sensor pattern she'd been monitoring vanished.

 

Kiachif hadn't had time for a good look at it, but he fancied he could

reconstruct it, given time.  There'd been three ships on the screen

three ships with the yellow data prints of heavy weaponry.

 

Heet ships?  But where bound, and why?

 

"It's a crime to reveal secure data to anyone without the correct

classification,' the commander said, continuing his harangue.

 

"I know that, sir,' the technician said.  "I'd never do that, sir."

"Good,' Greene said, standing up and moving into Kiachifs line of sight.

He leaned over her in an ominous fashion.  That he scared her was

obvious from her distraught expression.  "See that you don't.  You are

to keep me or Admiral Barnstable posted on any change, but no one else,

do you understand me?  An infraction of the regulations could put you

into a one-by-two cell in a military prison on Earth for ten years.

 

The woman's eyes widened until Kiachif thought they'd pop right out of

her head.

 

"Well, if that gall don't grease a goose's gizzard,' Kiachif muttered.

Abandoning his listening post, he strode boldly into the office.

 

"Afternoon, pretty lady,' Kiachif began cheerily, as if he hadn't a care

in the world.  "I've got a ship coming in from Tau Ceti way.

 

Wondered if you could give me a vector and an ETA.  If it's no trouble,

that is.  Oh, hello, Greene.  Leaving, are you?" The Spacedep commander

fixed Kiachif with a hostile stare.  He was clearly unhappy to have been

interrupted before he had totally cowed the poor girl.

 

"I was just going,' he said.  "Remember what I said,' he told the

technician.  "Security!"

 

"Yes, Commander,' the technician said, unhappily.  She watched Greene

leave, then turned to Kiachif, beads of sweat visible on her forehead.

"How may I help you, Captain?" she asked, placing her hands ready on the

keyboard at her station.  Her voice petered out, and she swallowed.

 

"Is that rattlesnake giving you trouble, my dear?" Kiachif asked kindly,

sitting down on the edge of the chair Greene had just vacated.

 

"Oh, no, sir,' she said quickly.

 

"Now, now, you know, I don't believe you at all, if you follow me,'

Kiachif said, his voice soothing.  "That one has no manners.  I'm sure

that asking nicely would have gotten him the self-same smiling service

from a nice lass like you.

 

He glanced up at the digital.  "Ah, you're nearly off shift, aren't

you?" With a grateful look of near-fainting relief, she glanced the same

way.  "Fifteen minutes,' she said with a sigh and a sagging of her

shoulders.

 

"Well, now, you wouldn't think of joining an al' space captain for a tot

or so of miada, would you?  A sort of thank you for checking up on my

ship?  You look like you could do with a jolt, if you know what I mean."

She shot him a tentative smile.  "I don't know as I should "Why not?

Your shift will be over, duty done, and a little relaxation's in order.

You've been under quite a strain, with all the shipping in and out, and

many's the glass I've had that's taken the weariness out of me in such a

situation.  So I recommend it highly to you, if you know what I mean."

After Greene's manner, the kindly old captain whom she'd known for years

soothed her rattled nerves.  A drink or two in pleasant company was just

what she needed right now.  She swiped back her hair with a shaking

hand.  "Oh, captain,' she said, in a low voice suffused with

desperation.

 

"I'd like that very, very much."

 

Chapter 9

 

Sic EVERYONE ON BOARD THE WANDER DEN was so busy that there wasn't even

company for swimming, Weddeerogh asked his mother if he could visit the

young people at the Double Bar Gemini Ranch.  Grzzeearoghh thought that

an excellent idea and immediately inquired of the Hayuman Zodd if this

could be arranged.  Todd asked Kelly, adroitly in the presence of Alison

and Alec, but fortunately his wife was amenable to the notion without

the need to use the pressure of the kids' pleas.

 

"I told you Teddy could come any time,' she said.  "Pop over and tell

Nrrna, will you, kids?  Is Grizz coming, too?" she added, immediately

cataloguing what she had already prepared in the freezer.

 

"No, just Teddy,' and Todd grinned.  "With all the adults out and about

trading, or kibbutzing, the little feller's likely to be lonely."

"Little feller?" Kelly mocked, grinning, and raised her hand to her ear

level.

 

"Comparatively,' Todd said with a grin.  "Buddy'll drop Teddy off right

here.  Save you a trip into town."

 

"Fine by me, as I thought the air cushions on the flitter would burst

the day we collected t little feller and his sweet mommy from the grid."

Kelly favoured her husband with a sardonic look for the surprise she'd

had when all of Grizz and her not-so-small cub had emerged from the

mist.

 

"I'll clear up as much as I can in my office tomorrow, Todd said, "so I

can join in the fun."

 

"Ha!  Where were you when I needed you!' she said, rolling her eyes but

grinning.  "Teddy's no problem but what should I fix for him to eat this

time?"

 

"Ask the gang,' Todd suggested as he left.

 

News of Teddy's imminent visit sifted through other items of interest so

that when Buddy skilfully landed the big Gringg shuttle, there were

unofficial observers, too, as the eager five young bounded to greet

Weddeerogh.  He had put on his best fish-scale collar and, on his dam's

urging, had brushed his fur until it gleamed.  He had also shortened the

cord of his voder so that it no longer prodded his ear or the back of

his head.

 

Not that the voder could handle the shrieks and shouts of delight from

the two Hayumans and three Hrrubans.

 

He didn't even try to say the phrases of gratitude his dam had had him

prepare.

 

"C'mon,' and the Alec one grabbed his hand and started pulling him away

from the house.  "The (garble) just hatched and you've never seen baby

(garble) before, Teddy." Alison, Hrrana and Hrrunival either pushing or

pulling him started him on the way to the barn while the smallest

Hrruban followed, wide-eyed.

 

"I must give your parent .  .  ." Teddy began, the voder stuttering at

first until the Hrruban came out.

 

"Mom said you'd want to see the (garble)!" Alec said, tugging harder.

 

Teddy could see Kelly on the porch, waving for him to go with the

children so he felt completely excused from the courtesies his dam had

insisted he perform in acceptance of family hospitality.

 

He found the newly hatched "chickens' (and he dutifully added that noun

and "bantie' as "mother of chicks' to the vocabulary), delightful

creatures although he couldn't hear them peeping, as the others could,

no matter how he fiddled with the voder.

 

Then he was taken on the tour of the horses in the barn and he pleased

everyone by remembering the names he had been given on his previous

visit.  He wondered how long it would be before he could mention

swimming in the lake again but no, there were other newborn creatures

for him to meet.  .  .  katzz and kitthhhhens.  He did know the word

"katz' .  .  .  small furry being.  Well, he must uphold the honour of

his father, who was one of the most renowned scribes on their home

world, so Teddy girded himself to remember the personal names of these

new species.  It wasn't easy to pick up new words: the Hayuman children

talked so fast and the Hrruban brothers and sister interrupted them

constantly, making it difficult for the voder to keep up.

 

"Here they are, Teddy,' Hrrana said, beating the others to show the

place where the katz had kitthhhens.

 

Four tiny four-legged animals swarmed over Teddy, their mouths opening

and closing though the voder didn't pick up the sounds.  Hrrana lifted

one up to him and instructed him on how to handle the soft, squirmy

things.

 

It sniffed at him as was proper so he sniffed, very carefully, at it.

 

"(garble) behind the ears,' Hrrana said and demonstrated.  He asked her

to repeat the first word and then added it to the rapidly increasing

line of new vocabulary.

 

He gently extruded one claw, because his digits were much larger than

Hrrana's, and applied the appropriate pleasure.  He could feel a

rumbling through the palm of his hand.

 

"She's prrrring,' Hrrana told him proudly and he took this to mean the

small creature accepted him.

 

"What is this kitthhhen?  How big does it grow?" Teddy asked just as a

larger, black-and-white creature of the same species came bounding over

the hay-strewn place to investigate him.  It sniffed at his feet and

courteously he squatted and got his head down to its level to get its

scent.

 

"That's how big it grows,' Hrrunival said.  "Cats are from Earzz and are

not intelligent."

 

"They are so,' Alec replied with some heat.

 

"Kasha's very intelligent."

 

"For a cat,' Hrrana agreed, shooting a quelling glance at her brother.

 

"At least as intelligent as you, Hrrunival,' Alec went on, tauntingly.

 

As he evidently expected, Hrrunival charged at Alec who lithely twisted

Out of the way and streaked for the wide open barn door, Hrrunival in

close pursuit.  Clucking (rather like the chicken had), Alison removed

the kitten from Teddy's hand.

 

"We'd better make sure the fight's fair, she said and, with Hrrana and

Ourrh who hadn't yet addressed the Gringg cub, followed the boys.

 

The little Gringg had no choice but to follow as fast as he could

waddle.  At the door Alison looked back.

 

"Wait, Hrrana!  We're leaving Teddy behind!"

 

"Ooops!  He can't run verry fast, can he?" Hrrana observed, slowing

down.

 

"He's doing the best he can,' Alison replied.

 

Alec suddenly remembered his manners and grabbed hold of Hrrunival,

evading the punch that came his way.

 

"C'mon, let's do something that's fun for all of us.  Hey, Teddy, what

do you want to do?" he called Out.

 

"I would like to swim,' the cub said.  "Swimming here last time was much

pleasure.

 

"Should we try the creek this time?" Alec asked his twin.

 

"No, he wouldn't get very wet in the creek,' she replied, scanning the

girth of their guest.

 

The ducks on the farm pond scattered with noisy pr tests when the

children, stripped naked, waded into the water and started to splash one

another.  Teddy unfastened his collar and laid it and his voder on those

of his hosts.

 

"Confirmed,' Lieutenant Gallup whispered, crawling on his knees and

elbows into the ditch where Lieutenant Walters crouched.  His long,

sallow face was filmed with sweat under the camouflage make-up, and his

brush-cut black hair was dusty.  "The Gringg cub is there with the Reeve

and Hrruban kids.  They're swimming in the pond, mother naked."

 

"And the pond right out in the open,' Walters said, squinting through

the tall grass into the sunny yard.  His light blue eyes were two pale

spots in an irregular stripe of black grease-paint.  Raising his scope,

he scanned the grounds of the Reeve and Hrriss farms.  "D'ja see

anyplace we can grab him alone?" Gallup shook his head.  "Not so close

to the houses.  The kids'll set up a ruckus.  We'll have to wait until

they're further away.  Too bad the pond's visible cause they've all

stripped off comms and voders.  Damn!"

 

"Let's ooze down there anyhow.

 

That fancy collar of the cub might be interesting to examine.

 

Wouldn't know what sort of technology's hidden in it.  All the bruins

wear something of the sort all the time they're downside." Under a sky

bluer than any he had ever seen, Teddy dived and swam and played with

his new friends in water that smelled of fragrant grasses and weeds.

 

It tasted unusual but very nice.

 

The Hayumans and Hrrubans taught him games by demonstrating between

themselves how they were played.

 

One required each swimmer to keep away from one chosen to be "tagger'.

Alison lost that draw and the game required lots of splashing and

swimming and shrieking for those eluding the tagger.

 

Another made use of a coloured ball which the players were required to

catch with hands.  He had to be careful of his claws which inadvertently

unsheathed to make the catch.  Where his clawtips touched, the surface

indented.  He realized how fragile Rraladoonan toys were, as were the

persons of Rialadoon, too.  It was also very difficult to throw the

squishy ball any great distance, depriving Teddy of the advantages

strength and speed gave him in the other contests, to the evident joy of

the younger Hrruban.

 

Hrrunival was so determinedly competitive that Teddy started losing on

purpose to keep the young felinoid from feeling bad.  The object of the

game was to get the ball over cross poles at each end of the relatively

oval pond.  After a certain number of these objectives had been

attained, Hrrunival gestured Teddy and the others to him at his end of

the pond.  He pantomimed that they should now swim as fast as possible

to the other end.  Teddy wished that the voder was waterproof.  He was

losing valuable words which he was certain no other Gringg would

collect.

 

The children quickly discovered that though Teddy couldn't move as

quickly as they could on land, none of them could touch him for speed in

the water.  His big paws scooped waves out of his way, and his powerful

tail gave him extra thrust.  No matter what kind of a head start he

allowed the others, he was always at the other side of the pond before

any of them were halfway across.

 

"No fairrrr!" Hrrunival cried, spitting out a mouthful of duckweed at

the end of another unsuccessful race.  "He's got a ruddrrn behind!'

"You've got a tail, too,' Alec told him.  "Use it!"

 

"Mine does not wrrrk zat way.  Also, all my furrr is so wet it holds me

back.  Your bare skin is an advantage."

 

"Teddy's got fur, too,' Alison said, shaking her black mop out of her

eyes.  "Lots more than you do, that holds litres more water.

 

"I'm tired of losing, Hrrunival said, pouting, splashing with his arms.

"What if we have a test whrrr Teddy swims, and we run on ze bank?  We'll

see who's fastrrr all over.

 

This motion was carried as a good idea and the alteration explained to

Teddy.  He never objected to staying in water.  The Rraladoonans climbed

out of the pond and shook the water from their skins and fur.  Taking

his voder from the pile, Alec named himself as official starter.

 

"OK, once around the pond to this point here,' the boy said, drawing a

line in the soft earth down to the water-line with his toe.

 

"If anyone falls down or gets hurt, the race stops right there.

 

"Agreed,' Teddy said.  This Hayuman was most careful of the safety of

others.

 

"OK,' Hrrunival said.  The girls nodded.

 

Teddy braced his toes in the thick mud.  The others bent down with one

foot behind,their hands touching the ground on either side of forward

foot.

 

"On your mark, get set, GO!" Alec shoved off running.

 

His long legs gave him an immediate lead over the two Hrrubans and his

sister.  Teddy thrust off powerfully from the bank and ploughed across

the pond.

 

Alec was a swift runner.  Hampered by having to avoid reeds and water

plants, Teddy needed to concentrate closely on his stroke to keep up

with him.  He could hear the Hrruban boy yards behind them grunting with

frustration as he drove his short legs to their fastest pace.

 

A small fish, disturbed from its hiding place among the reeds, leaped

into the air like a rocket directly underneath Teddy's face.

 

Thinking of the predatory fish on his motherworld, he jumped up to avoid

it.  It fled him.

 

Sputtering, he rolled over in the water to clear his nose and mouth.

Alec gained a few paces and Hrrunival was closing faster now.

 

Teddy kicked to right himself on to his round belly, and paddled

furiously to regain the lead.  He was nicely buoyant, but the water

plants all around him were dragging at his fur, slowing him down.

 

Only a few lengths to go.  He spat weeds out of his face and sucked in a

deep breath of air to sustain himself for one final burst.

 

In three strokes, he crossed the shallow line etched in the bank.

 

Alec was still right beside him.

 

Alison and Hrrunival were nearly together, coming in second.

 

Hrrana was dead last.  Teddy heaved himself out of the water and stood

dripping to congratulate Alec.

 

"It's a tie!" Alec said, slapping him on the back and splashing all of

them.  "You're fast." Teddy reached for his voder and put it on.

 

Alec repeated his last words.

 

"You are fast, too,' Teddy said.  "I worked hard, but we both won." He

turned to Hrrana.  "I am sorry.

 

He meant to console her for losing, but Hrruban words failed him.

 

The girl seemed to understand his intentions perfectly well.  She shook

her head with cheerful resignation.  "It is all rrright.  I nevrrr win,'

she said, "so it does not bozzer me.

 

Hrrunival was not such a good loser, but he tried to cover his

disappointment.  "Well, that.  .  .  was a good contest!" he panted, not

yet recovered his breath.  "Wanna zry miding hrrses?"

 

"Yes!  But I do not know how, Teddy said, looking around for his collar.

Surely he had put it right with the voder.  No, there it was on the

bush.  He shrugged, not too concerned that it was other than where he

thought he had left it.  The children finished dressing and strapped on

their voders and belt radios.

 

"I'll teach you,' the young Hrruban said, condescendingly patting Teddy

on his arm.

 

"Hrrrrrrunival,' Hrrana said, fuming with embarrassment at her brother's

tone.  "You haven't ze patience to teach anyone to hop." Not looking

back, he twitched his tail at her and led Teddy away, water still

dripping off their furs.  Alec and Alison followed, grinning.

 

"Close, but no luck, Gallup muttered under his breath as they watched

the children leave the pond.  "Didn't have long enough to check anything

on that collar.  Good thing I got it to hang on the branch." He and

Walters had been within metres of the pond when the children climbed

out.

 

"Commander Greene wants that little bear stat,' Walters said.

 

"Figures questiOning the kid's our best chance to find out what the

Gringg are really doing here.  He might even be our ticket aboard their

ship, if his folks want him back safely."

 

"The Hrruban kid said they're going riding."

 

"Couldn't be better,' Walters said, grinning.

 

His teeth glinted.  "We'll let "em get clear of the yard, jam the kids'

comms and be ready to snatch the bear.  He's sure to fall off a time or

two and we ought to be able to isolate him from the others.  The

ffitter's waiting for us just this side of the woods." Teddy had already

been introduced to Tornado and Fairy, the twins' mounts.  From among the

other mares and geldings, Alec and Alison chose one for their guest

while the Hrrubans went back to the stables for their ponies.

 

They came back, mounted, before Alec and Alison had decided who suited

Teddy best.

 

"We need something so bomb-proof you could drop a Big Mamma on its back

and it wouldn't spook,' Alec decided.

 

"That's Teabag then,' Alison said.

 

"What saddle, though?" Alec asked, critically examining their guest's

body.

 

"Gotta idea,' Alison said.  "Hrrana, you saddle my grey for me, please?"

"Zure,' the obliging Hrruban said and expertly threw a pad and then a

saddle over Alison's grey pony mare.

 

Hrrunival went so far as to help bridle her.  Teddy stood to one side

watching, feeling considerable respect for his new friends.

 

Little Ourrh was holding the reins of the Hrruban mounts, looking

completely at ease though the animals towered above him.

 

Teddy was unused to the idea of having pets larger than he was.

 

Yet the hrrrsses, who stamped an occasional heavy and dangerous-looking

foot down on the concrete floor of the building, seemed content to

serve.  There were no longer large animals on his home world, though his

dam had told there had once been many and different kinds.

 

How lucky were Rraladoonans to have such a variety.

 

Then Alec came out of the barn with his bay animal.

 

"Now, Teddy, watch me!  This's how you mount,' Alec cried and sprang

into the saddle, wiggling from side to side to show how secure his

saddle was.  "There!  See how easy that is?"

 

"Alec, you nit,' his sister admonished him.  "Teddy couldn't vault that.

He'll need to mount from something."

 

"Yeah, I guess he would' Alec said, simply, dismounting, looking around

him for a suitable surface.  "Sorry, Teddy, we were just about born into

the saddle." The mental picture this elicited for Teddy made him gasp.

He could not picture his dam awkwardly poised over the back of an

animal.  Surely it could not be true!  Alec caught his expression of

open-mouthed horror and started to laugh.  Teddy realized his statement

had been a joke, and added sheepish staccato grunting to the merriment.

 

Alison looked him over with a measuring eye.

 

"And Teddy's a different shape to us, not much leg.

 

There's no way he could rise at the trot,' she said, turning to her

twin.  "But old Teabag's a pacer, isn't he?  And he'd bomb proof, too.

 

"Say, wouldn't a pack saddle give Teddy a lot of support?  I mean,

remember when we used them for jousting saddles when we played knights

and ladies?" Alec said.

 

"Ze very zing,' Hrrana said.  "We can pad it with extra blankets and a

sheepskin."

 

"Worth a try,' the redheaded boy said.  He jumped off his horse and ran

up to the end of the barn.  He came back laden with a strange

contraption and an assorted of blankets and numnahs.

 

Together, the twins prepared his mount, the goldenbrown horse named

Teabag.  The children explained that Teabag was a "single-foot,' which

confused Teddy who could see that the animal had four legs, just like

all the other hrrrsses.  He was a bigger animal than the children's

ponies.  And his back, where Teddy was to sit, was higher off the

ground.

 

"Daddy always gives Teabag to people who've never been on a horse

before,' Alison explained with gay reassurance.  "He knows more about

riding than we do,' and she giggled.

 

His preparation complete, she signalled Teddy to approach.  Teabag

turned his head to eye this unusual form and he breathed noisily between

his lips.  Each time the small Gringg attempted to get close to the

horse, he edged his backside away.  Then Alec pulled sharply on the

reins.

 

"Get up there,' and the horse sidled close to bales of hay which had

been piled in the form of a mounting block for Teddy's benefit.

 

"Jump up on these, Teddy, and we'll get you in the pad.  We've even got

a neck strap for you to hang on to.  No one's ever fallen off Teabag.

 

"Safe as houses,' Hrrunival said, snickering a little as Teddy dutifully

climbed up on the bales.

 

"Throw your right leg over,' Alec said, pushing against Teabag's right

side so the old horse couldn't dodge his would-be rider.

 

Teddy managed that, though he could feel himself stretching the skin

between his legs.  Maybe Gringg were not meant to ride horses, even if

Hrrubans could.  Still, it was not uncomfortable and there was support

for his lower back and a slot for his tail to fit through, too.

 

"Yeah, the pack saddle even has a tail hole,' Alec told the others.  He

grinned up at Teddy.  "Now, these are called reins.  Reins.

 

They guide the horse.  Pull left and he'll go left, pull right and he'll

go right.  Pull both reins back hard and he'll stop.

 

"Ol' Teabag'll stop more zan he starts,' Hrrunival said with another

snigger.

 

Teddy nodded, trying to assimilate the knowledge while the horse moved

from side to side under him.

 

Inadvertently he clutched both reins back, leaned back and convulsively

tightened his legs against the sides of the animal.

 

"Whoa, there, Teabag,' Alec said, grabbing at the bridle by the bit.

"Hey, you did just right then, Teddy, leaning back and tightening your

legs.  You'll be a rider in next to no time.  Just sit deep in the ahemm

.  .  .  pack saddle.

 

Grab on to the cross piece, here,' and Alec showed him the

leather-covered bar.  "All you have to do on al' Teabag is sit and let

your body move with the horse!"

 

"I will try,' Teddy said.

 

"Oh, Alec, I'm not sure if he'll be able to stay on,' Alison said,

frowning at the shortness of Gringg leg about Teabag in stirrups

shortened as far as there were holes in the leathers.

 

"He'll do fine, Alec said, nodding his head with assurance.  To justify

such confidence in his abilities, Teddy determined that he would.

 

"Here we go!  said Alec as he once again vaulted to Tornado's back.  As

soon as he saw the others were mounted, he dug his heels into the flanks

and Tornado moved forward.  Teddy, right behind him, followed his

example.  To Teddy's absolute delight, Teabag immediately obeyed,

forcing Teddy forward.  Startled, Teddy grabbed at the cross piece and

that gave him a feeling of more security.  Then they were all out of the

barn and walking briskly away from the yard.  To his surprise, Teddy

enjoyed the movement.  It was exciting.  The horse smelled good, too,

always a propitious sign.  He felt that it might not be a bad thing

after all to be born into the saddle.

 

"Where do we go?" he asked.

 

Alec swivelled around in the saddle.  "How about just down to the river

and back?" he suggested.  "We'll go near the marsh.  Maybe see some

drrr-frogs?"

 

"Towards the marsh,' Gallup said, scrambling out of the hollow on hands

and knees.  "Ready to deploy the jammer." Walters was right behind him.

Keeping their distance, they trailed the string of horses.  The six

young riders kept their horses to a slow steady pace, moving farther and

farther away from the security of the ranch houses. When they were far

enough away, the two Spacedep men dropped away to one side, pacing

silently through the standing crops until they were parallel to the

little group.

 

"Be ready to grab him,' Walters said.

 

The path was a worn ribbon of earth drawn through flower-strewn meadows,

skirting golden cropfields and going over green hills.  Where it was

level with the surrounding terrain, the horses walked abreast.

 

Alec and Alison sat so naturally in the leather cradles that they

appeared to be part of the animals.  Hrrunival would occasionally hurry

his horse forward ahead of the others, then turn back to rejoin the

formation.  Nobody minded the pudgy Hrruban's plunges and darts, least

of all Teabag.  It was a peaceful day.  Avians winging in the sky sang

sweet chirrups, and the breeze smelled delicious and intriguingly

different.  Teddy felt happier than he could ever remember.  He wanted

to stay on Rraladoon for ever and ride horses every day until he rode as

easily as Hrrunival did.  The children chatted and laughed, asking Teddy

about life on his world and matching his experiences with some of

theirs.

 

"I am sad,' said Teddy.  "I am sad to know that in the future I will be

too big to ride these beautiful creatures.

 

This is more fun than anything I have ever done!" The other four

children regarded him with sympathy.

 

"Would plough horses be big enough?" Alison asked her brother, eyeing

the young bruin.

 

"Uh.  .  ." Alec said, measuring Teddy with an eye.  "Not for a really

fully grown-up Gringg.  Not Captain Grizz's size, for sure.  But Teddy

is a male and will never be that size."

 

"What was it like to come all this way in a starship?" Alison asked

then.

 

Teddy's Hrruban vocabulary did not include many superlatives soit was

difficult to find the words to explain.

 

"I was not yet born when the voyage started,' he said, no longer aware

of the hesitation in the voder turning his Gringg into their Hrruban,

"but I have been travelling all my life.  Always stars around us, some

very bright and big.  Some dim.  We came to one place where there was

nothing but big rocks in orbit.  My sire said that the sun had burst

open in one great whoosh.  We have orbited several planets but I was

told they were not right for Gringg.  Then I had to learn what was right

for Gringg which is right for Hayuman and Hrrubans, too.

 

Much more fun to see than to learn." And he made a broad gesture,

dropping his jaw to show them how happy he was.  "Were you born here on

this planet?"

 

"Yup, all of us, Alec said.  "Mom was, too, but Dad was born on Earth.

And hated it."

 

"Earzz?" asked Teddy.

 

"Yeah, Hayumans originate on Earth and "Hrrubans come from Hrruba,'

finished Hrrunival.

 

"But you are Rraladoonans?"

 

"We all are,' Alison said from where she rode slightly behind Teddy.

"Let's see if Teddy can manage to trot a bit, OK?" When they pushed

their horses to faster movement, Teddy made a tentative grab for the

cross piece but Teabag seemed to flow forward and soon Teddy released

his hold, leaning back so his tail would keep him steady.

 

"Hey, Teddy, you're doing just great,' Alison called but somehow Teddy

did not trust his balance enough to turn around and thank her.

 

Soon they pulled the horses back to a walk for they had reached a

forested area and could no longer ride spread out.  Teddy's fur was

beginning to dry in long rats and tangles.  He combed at a few of the

worst knots with his claws, fearing the thorough brushing at the hands

of his sire if he arrived back at the ship so untidy.  Eonneh was never

unkind, but he was merciless with tangles in his cub's thick fur, and

smoothing them out sometimes hurt Teddy.  Eonneh threatened, not

seriously, to plait all of Teddy's fur and leave it that way if he could

not keep it neat.  Working carefully with one hand, he undid a mass of

stringy fur and extracted a strand of lakeweed.  It smelled interesting,

so he tasted it.  Not bad.

 

Hrrunival was behind him now.  He was careless and inclined to show off.

Without a strong hand to control it, his horse had its snout almost up

Teabag's tail, probably continuing some private argument on-going

between the two animals.  Teabag kicked backwards with one hoof to

discourage the untoward familiarity.  Hrrunival's mount reared and

whinnied a protest, moving in again.  Teabag stopped short, making Teddy

rock violently forward in the saddle, and turned to snort, as if to

demand the other horse leave him alone.  Instead, he caught a sniff of

hot, wet bear, and his eyes rolled white.  The horse's neck arched and

nostrils flared, and Teabag swung his head forward.

 

"What is he doing?" Teddy shouted, alarmed, clutching for the

saddlehorn.

 

Alec turned to look, and his eyes went wide.  "Hold him!

 

Hrrunival, grab his lead.  Teddy, pull back on the reins!"

 

"It does no good!" Teddy bellowed.

 

The sound of the Gringg roar was the last straw.  The spooked gelding

shot off along the trail with Teddy bouncing on his back.  The little

Gringg struggled to hold on, gripping as hard as he could with his knees

to keep from tumbling off.  He pulled at the reins, but the horse

refused to respond to the pressure.  It was running away as fast as it

could from the funny smell.

 

"Come on!" Alec shouted, spurring Tornado after the wailing Teddy.

 

"We have to stop them before they hit the marsh.  There could be early

snakes rising." The other three wheeled to follow.  They were

responsible for Teddy.  How could they ever go home again if their guest

got hurt?  The ground in the swamps was notoriously unsafe.  The horse

could slip on the unsteady path, both mount and Gringg ending up in

deep, viscous mud.  As one, they urged their horses in fast pursuit.

 

What would they say to Grizz if Teddy got eaten by a snake?

 

"The horse bolted with him,' Gallup radioed to Walters, now a dozen

metres behind him.  "We've got him alone.

 

Deploying jammer.

 

"Following,' Walters said.  "Stay out of sight.  Radio silence, now!"

Keeping their eyes open for the other children, the two men pelted down

the hill, following the runaway horse and rider into the stand of young

trees at the edge of the meadowTeabag charged off the path down into a

deep gully, twisted down the sloped sides, then bounded across a narrow

but fast-flowing stream.  One of his hooves slipped on a stone in the

middle of the brook, throwing Teddy forward.

 

Anchored by only his frantic grasp of the cross piece, the reins had

somehow got wrapped about his arms, effectively tying him in the saddle

with just enough slack to let him bounce with every jolt of the runaway

horse.

 

"Help!" he cried and shifted one hand, his claws instinctively extending

so that he clawed Teabag's neck.  The horse, already frightened, now

reached the stage of terror where all he wanted to do was rid himself of

what was on his back.  Teabag charged up a bank and headed directly into

a thicket, hoping to brush the predator off.

 

Teddy had to cover his face with both hands to protect it against the

thin branches which whipped past.  The reins wound tightly around his

palm jerked again and again as Teabag tossed his head wildly from side

to side.  He brushed against tree trunks and shot through bushes,

snorting and neighing furiously.  The Gringg, afraid of being thrown

off, shifted his grasp to the cross piece again, digging his claws into

the wood beneath the leather and shut his eyes tight.

 

"Hurry!" Alec shouted.  Tornado crested the bluff overlooking the summer

creek and came to a halt.  The other horses cantered up beside him.

 

"Where's he gone?" Alison demanded.

 

Hrrana scanned the woods on the other side of the stream and pointed to

where the bracken was disturbed.

 

"Zere!" she cried.

 

"We can't get zrough zere,' Hrrunival said, gawking.  "It is solid

forrrrst.  Ze hrrses won't obey if we zry to force zem in."

 

"You're g, Alec agreed.  "Teabag must have been scared so much he just

went through like a rocket.  We'll have to go around on the path and

hope we catch up with them." He guided Tornado down the gully and up the

other side so that they skirted the woods.  They found the path, which

was marked by yellow streamers tied around the two small trees flanking

its entrance to show it'd been widened and cleared of dangerous plants.

As she was the steadiest horse of the four, Alison urged Fairy in first,

leaving Alec to bring up the rear.

 

Once under the roof of leaves, the group scanned away to their right,

looking for evidence of Teddy's passage.

 

There was nothing moving in the woods except for an urfa that looked up,

chewing, with tender leaves sticking out on either side of its narrow

jaws.  It fled when Hrrunival sat up high in his saddle and yelled.

 

"Teddy!  Teddy!  Can you heeaaaarrrr meeeee?" There was a slight echo as

the trees caught his cry, but no answer.

 

Alison led them as fast as she dared.  The path was narrow and wound to

avoid big trees and fallen trunks.

 

Several small brooks cut through the floor on this side of the Bore

River.  The riders forded the streams, only centimetres deep.

 

The four took it in turns to call out.  "Teddy!"

 

"Are you all right?" "Answer us!"

 

"Teddy!"

 

"Teddy!"

 

"If we don't find him soon, we'll have to call for help,' Alec said,

peering ahead as he felt along his belt for his handset.

 

"Oh, no,' Hrrunival protested, as the boy pushed the signal button.  "Do

not.  I will get in zrouble.  It is all my fault.  My hrrss made his

nrrvous, and it rrran away.  Please let us find him first."

 

"We'd better,' Alison said, looking at Alec, stricken.

 

She punched furiously at her handset.  "My communicator's not working.

"Neither is mine,' said Alec with an eloquent groan.

 

"Mom will feed us to the snakes!" Alec said.  "Teddy!

 

TEDDDDIEEEE!"

 

"Can't .  .  .  keep - - - up,' Walters called to Gallup. The horse with

the young Gringg was well ahead of them, vanishing in the thick cover of

shrubs and trees.  "You go on.  Going.

 

.  .  for car!" Walters slowed to a stop, and bent over to catch his

breath.

 

"Aye!" Without looking back, the other Spacedep man shouldered his light

pack and kept running.

 

The forest thinned eventually, fading away to whippy saplings and high

grasses flattened where the deer and urfa slept at night.  Alison led

them around to the right towards, as Alec put it, "Teabag's probable

trajectory.

 

Beyond the woods, the ground was soft and soggy.  The riders skirted the

edge of the bright green patches of bog hoping that by staying close to

trees which their fathers instructed them liked "to keep their toes

dry,' they would be able to stay out of the clutch of quickmud.

 

About a hundred metres from where the path left the woods, Hrrunival's

sharp eyes spotted the first signs of Teddy's passage.  A long streamer

of dark fur hung on the point of a broken twig about two metres into the

forest on their right.  To the left, the mud was churned up.

 

Green-tinged water already filled hoofprints that pointed arrow-straight

into the heart of the marsh.

 

"Forget the snakes.  We've gotta find him,' Alec said, voicing what all

of them were already thinking.  Snakes could be anywhere.  It was early,

but even a Big Mamma Snake might be wriggling out there.

 

"If anyone's afraid, you'd better go home now.  Get Mom, or Aunt Nrrna,

or go call Uncle Robin or Uncle Dan.

 

"I'm not afraid,' Hrrunival said at once, though his green eyes were

saucer-sized and his tail lashed.

 

"Nor I,' Hrrana cried.  Alison just shook her head.

 

"OK,' Alec said, taking a deep breath.  "Here we go." The land changed

around Teddy.  First, branches stopped hitting him in the face and feet.

Then, stinking, sticky mud got thrown up at him by the horse's hooves.

Suddenly, the mud changed to wet sand, then very dry sand.  Teabag's

feet foundered and slid.  Teddy cried out as the horse fell down and

roiled on top of him.  He wasn't hurt because the sand was so soft but

he was real scared with all that weight on him.

 

Suddenly it lifted, yanked the reins one more time and they ripped free

of Teabag's bridle.

 

Teabag scrambled to his feet and shook himself vigorously, splattering

sand everywhere.  Realizing that at last he was free of his rider who

was floundering in the sand beyond him, Teabag made straight for the

safety of his home barn.

 

"Stop!" Teddy called to it.  "Don't go!  I am lost!" The Gringg roar

only served to speed the gelding on his way.

 

Teddy pulled himself up out of the sand and brushed at his coat.

 

Now it was not only matted, but dust and grit were ground in all the way

to the skin.  He scratched at his belly, which emitted a deep, rumbling

sound.

 

"They did not feed me yet,' Teddy said, wonderingly, "and I am hungry."

Such a thing had never happened to him before.  But what was there to

eat in this hilly desert overlooking the smelly marsh, or in the big

river he could see down the hill to his left?  If his new friends were

here, he could have asked them.  This was their world.

 

They would know what to eat on it.

 

Wait, there was a smell!  It was faint because the air was so dry, but

he was sure he had caught it.

 

The breeze that carried it was coming from behind him.

 

He turned and clambered on all four paws up the dune.

 

At the top, he saw a dark-furred being with its head busy over its front

paws.  It was eating!  Teddy was so excited that he scrambled towards

it.

 

The crest of the dune gave, and tumbled him bawling with surprise into

the bottom of a sandy cup.  In the midst of the sandy nest of eggs, the

mda looked up, startled.

 

When Teddy appeared at the top of the next dune, it met his eyes.

 

"Are you Gringgish?" Teddy asked hopefully.  It was unlikely that more

true Gringg had come here, but he might be one of the sort of Gringg

that lived here.  It was not impossible, he thought, remembering cats

and Hrrubans.  "I am Weddeerogh, of the Wander Den, cub of Grrzzeeraoghh

and Eonneh.  Can you help me?  I am hungry and lost.

 

What are you eating?  It smells good.  Can I have some?" The mda,

accustomed to living alone and avoiding creatures which talked, was

taken aback to hear unfamiliar sounds emitted by another mda.  It eyed

Teddy with suspicion.  This mda was fully his size, and meant to defend

its find.  But surely courtesy would require this Gringgish creature to

share with him?

 

"Please.  I am only a little Gringg.  Will you not share?" Teddy waited

politely.  The strange Gringg did not reply, other than to start a low

growling which reverberated in gibberish through the voder.

 

Confused, but unwilling to leave a source of food, Teddy rolled back on

his tail and settled in to wait.

 

That calculated act suddenly unnerved the mda.  Attack it could

understand and knew how to defend itself.  But the smell of this

creature was different, subtly menacing and suddenly the mda decided

that it had had enough egg.

 

Growling with annoyance, it picked its way gingerly across the hot sand

and disappeared among the marsh plants.

 

That was a decision of sorts, Teddy realized, galumphing down and up the

hill of sand towards the good smell.  If the strange Gringg had none of

his words, this was his way of telling him it was all right to share,

and that he wouldn't measure how much food Teddy ate.

 

The stranger had already eaten many eggs to judge by the amount of

shells strewn around but the nest contained many more, half-uncovered in

the sand.  Teddy picked one up carefully and it sagged around his

handpaw.  He sniffed and the smell was good, not tainted by

unpleasantness.

 

His father had told him that most of the food the planet offered was

good for Gringg to eat.  Reassured by both smell and paternal remarks,

he tore it open with his claws.  He plunged his muzzle into the heart of

the egg and drank the delicious yolk.  Extending his long tongue, Teddy

licked his lips and square muzzle with pleasure.  There were enough eggs

here to make several good meals for a small Gringg.

 

He would not be greedy.

 

He'd eat only enough to take the edge off his hunger.  He picked up

another egg and pierced one end of the shell and sucked the contents

out.  That way he would keep his face fur clean.

 

He had emptied quite a few eggs in this fashion when he heard hoofbeats.

He stood up and, peering over the dunes, saw Alec approaching on

Tornado.  He pulled so hard on the reins that Tornado stood up on two

hind legs which delighted Teddy.

 

"He's here!" Alec cried and the others quickly joined him.  "But you're

in the dunes!  Teddy.  "We've got to get you out of here!  It's

dangerous.

 

"You've found him?" Alison cried in relief.  "And Teabag, too?  Is he

all right?  What's he doing?" Alec squinted at the little round figure,

who was waving something white at him.  "Teabag's not here but Teddy's

eating snake eggs.

 

They climbed up to meet him, panting in the dry air.

 

Teddy was ecstatic that his friends had found him.

 

"Have some!" he said.  "These eggs are good to eat, and I am so hungry.

The strange Gringg let me have some.  Are you hungry?"

 

"Well, yes,' Alison admitted, but looked queasily at the raw egg.  "But

we usually eat these cooked."

 

"Ooh, cooked!" Teddy opened wide, red eyes.

 

"That would be good, also!

 

"I like zis little guy, Hrrunival said.  "He's got class!"

 

"Wait,' Alec said, squatting down beside Teddy.  He, too, refused the

egg so Teddy felt obliged to eat what he had opened.  Then Alec looked

at him queerly.  "What other Gringg?" Teddy swallowed a mouthful of yolk

and pointed the way the stranger had gone.  "He never spoke to me, but

that is not unheard of,' he said.

 

Hrrunival scrambled to look at the tracks that led away from the snake

nest.  "It was a mda!" he gasped.  "And it left you alone?" His voice

cracked on the last word.

 

"Reh.  It did not speak to me, but we have not been introduced." Alison

was laughing.  "Mda can't talk.  They're not intelligent."

 

"Like the katz?" Teddy asked.

 

"Not like cats at all,' Alison said, her face screwed up in earnest.

"Mda're dangerous carnivores, Teddy."

 

"What is carnivore?"

 

"It eats meat!"

 

"So do I eat meat!" the young Gringg protested.

 

Hrrana, ever cautious, was checking the perimeter for snake signs.

 

"I see no tiddlers, but zere are ozzer nests already made.  We should go

away as quickly as possible."

 

"It's zoo caurly for anyzhing but tiddlers,' Hrrunival said, holding his

head up to sniff the breeze.

 

"Snake Hunt is only dayz away,' his sister reminded him.

 

"But not yet." Since no one moved away, Teddy went back to eating eggs.

They were so delicious, he could not understand why his friends did not

want to share them.  Nor why they kept looking around them nervously at

the dunes.

 

Gallup spotted the white-eyed horse with the torn pack saddle plunging

towards him on the swamp trail.  The young Gringg had been thrown off

then.  He had only to find the cub now.  The horse saw him and shied

away, continuing its panicked gallop down the track.

 

Gallup palmed sweat out of his face and kept moving.

 

He surveyed the path for footprints, but there were none except those

the horse had just left.  It must be heading for home.  All he had to do

now was follow its tracks back to the cub.  The stink of the marsh was

dying away as the terrain sloped up and into less fertile soil.  Ahead

of him were the snake dunes.  Spacedep maps warned him against going

into the desert unarmed.  The big Rraladoon snakes were capable of

eating an entire horse, let alone a winded lieutenant.

 

As he topped the next rise, he looked down on to the dunes.  And there,

on the top of one of the sandy hillocks was the little bruin.

 

Alone, too!  A perfect opportunity!

 

Gallup reached for his sidearm.  If the kid agreed to come quietly,

Gallup wouldn't have to use force, but after a chase like that one, his

patience was gone.  The kid was looking down, busy with something messy.

Gallup crept around the edge of the dune, staying just out of sight.

 

Behind him, he heard rhythmic pounding on the sand.

 

He jumped into cover just in time to avoid being seen by the five

youngsters riding out of the woods.  The little bear glanced up and

waved.  Gallup snorted in annoyance at the lost opportunity.  By mere

seconds.  He hoped Walters would get to him quickly with the flitter.

 

He checked his tracer stud to see that it was still working.  This was

their last chance to grab the Gringg.  He and Walters would have to take

the bear off in the full view of the other children.  If they protested,

he'd have to take care of them, too.

 

Kelly was busily preparing a big lunch for the kids who'd surely be

hungry after swimming.  It was only as she walked into the living room

that she realized there were no sounds coming from the direction of the

pond.  She had also just realized that there was a horse tied up to the

door post and a hovercar on the drive when the doorbell rang.

 

"Who -?"

 

"Kelly, my dear!" She opened the door to see Jilamey Landreau, finger

poised over the bell for a second stab.

 

If she had thought that Jilamey had toned down his wardrobe in the years

since she had first met him, she was profoundly wrong.  He was dressed

in bright, bull-angering red that stood out from the surrounding

landscape like an out of season poppy.  Still, when Kelly considered it,

the colour was perfectly becoming to him.  She didn't know why she

thought men shouldn't wear bright colours.

 

"Hello, dear Jilamey,' she said, leaning over to collect a kiss.

 

"Barrington, this is an occasion." The gentleman's gentleman waited down

beside the hover.  He was clad in sober brown, a colour which blended

into the scenery as thoroughly as his master's garb didn't.

 

"Mrs Reeve." Kelly thought for a horrible moment Barrington would bow to

her, but he only nodded.

 

"Old Caution there insisted on following me here in the car,' Jilamey

said, plaintively.  "You see why I don't bring him to Rraladoon very

often?  He mothers me, Kelly.

 

Make him stop." Kelly shook her head.  "You need it sometimes,

sweetheart.  Come in, both of you.  Where are Todd and Hrriss?" Jilamey

laughed.  "Oh, likely in their office in the government building,' he

said.  "I thought I heard something about "too much to do before Snake

Hunt" as they left."

 

"Sometimes, I wish they were both twins,' Kelly said, her hands on her

hips.  "I love having these visitors, but I wish that things would calm

down a little so I could see my husband once in a while." She sighed. "I

can't damn the man for having priorities, but it does get a little

lonely." Jilamey laughed and seized her hand.

 

"Now I know you're telling a fib, beautiful lady.  Where are the

children?"

 

"I'd just realized that it was too quiet out there,Kelly agreed. "Teddy,

Grizz' cub, came today.  With all the mighty discussions at full spate,

no one has time for the youngster.  Well, they won't want to miss their

favorite uncle."

 

"Good!" Jilamey said.

 

"I have a special present.  It finally arrived from Terra on the latest

shuttle."

 

"Good heavens,' Kelly exclaimed, going over to the communit and punching

in the twins' codes.  "What is it?"

 

"A model airplane, made from blueprints centuries ago.

 

It really flies!  I tried it from the roof of Alreldep block."

 

"Only you could get away with that, too,' Kelly said, all too aware of

the repressive character of Terran society.

 

"That's funny.  There's no answer.  She punched in the code again,

thinking she had gotten the signal wrong.

 

"Nothing." Nrrna arrived with her sleeping cub, greeting Jilamey

graciously before she saw the anxious expression on Kelly's face.

 

"Somezing is wrong?"

 

"I told those children to take their radios!

 

No, they did take them,' Kelly said, glancing at the rack which held

only one, hers.  "I remember the Cats picking them up as they went out

the door."

 

"So why do zey not answerrr?" Nrrna asked, anxiously.

 

"I don't know,' Kelly said, biting her fingers.  "Oh, wait, maybe

they're out in the barn.  No need to turn them on there.  Only surely,

we'd hear them .  .  ." She looked anxiously at Jilamey.

 

"Barrington?  Search the barn for the youngsters, would you?" Jilamey

said and his servan moved with great alacrity, covering the distance to

the main barn in seconds.

 

"He keeps fit,' Jilamey remarked as he gently extracted the communit

from Kelly's hand and punched in a sequence.

 

"Just a little trick I learned .  .  - to see if the units are

broadcasting.  Ah, that's odd.  There's a jammer in operation

somewhere."

 

"A jammer?" Kelly cried, really alarmed now.

 

"Could be natural "Maybe David's seen them,' and Kelly regained

possession of the unit and called the ranch manager.  "He hasn't seen

them at all,' she said, severing the connection.

 

"I wonder.  .  .  ." She punched in another number.  "Todd?

 

Hi.  Are the children with you?"

 

"No,' Todd's voice replied.  "Are they on their way here?

 

I'll keep a look-out for them." Kelly winced because suddenly she was

sure that the kids were in trouble, only Todd had broken the connection

before she could tell him that.  Then Barrington mounted the steps to

the porch.

 

"I'm sorry to report that there is no sign of the children in the barn

or the pond.  Further, six stables are empty.

 

Would that be significant?"

 

"It would!  Oh God,' Kelly said, "they should have told me they were

going riding.  And with a total novice in tow, too."

 

"There is the vehicle which could be used to search,' Barrington

offered.

 

"And I can summon my personal heli from the house,' Jilamey added.

 

"We'll find the children in next to no time, Kelly.  Don't you bother

your head." He took the communit back and dialled for his pilot to bring

the heli immediately to the Double Bar Gemini.  Then he strode to the

wall where the big map was tacked.  "Hmmm, let's see.  Where do the

children usually ride, Kelly?" Kelly shrugged.  "They ride everywhere."

"But not everywhere with a complete novice like Teddy-' Kelly frowned,

glancing at Nrrna for help.  "No, they would probably go across the

meadows and into the forest "Well, that would require the heli.

 

Meanwhile, Barrington, you take the road towards the village in case

they went that way.  Your children are very resourceful, Kelly, Nrrna.

 

I wouldn't worry - yet!  No sooner do we leave than they'll come back,

having done a tour of the meadow for Teddy's sake-' Not quite convinced,

Kelly and Nrrna nodded, for each could think of all the dangers that

could befall six small children on Rraladoon so close to Snake Hunt

time.

 

Just then, three things happened: a riderless horse clattered into the

barnyard, Jilamey's heli arrived and so did the big Gringg shuttle.

 

Chapter10

 

ALTHOUGH KELLY AND NRRNA WAVED FRANTICALLY at the shuttle, it took off

once it had deposited Grizz.

 

"Oh, Lord!  And that's Teabag coming in all a-lather, too." Kelly

groaned, hiding her face in her hands.

 

"With a pack saddle on?" Jilamey inquired, mystified.

 

"When I get hold of those twins, I'll larrup them to within an inch of

their lives,' she said so fiercely even Barrington regarded her in some

surprise.  "Jilamey,' and she pushed the entrepreneur towards the porch,

"you meet the captain, be gracious, offer her food and drink, while I

see what I can find out from Teabag."

 

"He talks?" Jilamey said to Kelly's back as she strode to intercept the

gelding, wearily plodding towards the safety of his stable "No,' Nrrna

said, her eyes flashing, "but ze mud on him and ze grasses caught in ze

girt will tell us where he has been.  The young Gringg cub'd be more

comfortable riding a pack saddle zan a normal one.  At least, zat

Hrrunival cub of mine had some sense!" She was not one bit less annoyed

than Kelly though her aggravation was expressed by the lashing of her

tail.

 

As he obediently went to greet Grizz, Jilamey mused on the maternal

trait that caused each to blame her own offspring for whatever had

happened to Teddy.

 

He devoutly hoped nothing had for it might have a devastating effect on

delicate negotiations now in progress.

 

"How nice to see you, Captain,' he said cheerfully.

 

"Didn't realize you were expected and Kelly's had to go tend to that

loose horse,' he added, waving in that direction.  "Are you hungry or

thirsty?  Kelly offers you hospitality.  You've been here to the ranch

before, I understand?  Great place, isn't it?" Teabag, only too grateful

to be home, allowed Kelly to approach him, especially as he had just

stepped on the longer of the broken reins and answered the tug on his

bit.  But that was the least of the details she observed.  The blanket

under the pack saddle looked to have been sliced by a sharp object;

Teabag's neck bore shallow scratches and his hide was sticky with half

dried sweat so he hadn't come from all that far; the still-slightly wild

white eye he gave her as she caught up the shorter dangling rein proved

that his fright hadn't been that long ago.  She soothed him as she

examined the claw marks on the cross piece and noted the scratches on

the thick leather of the reins but, apart from his scratches, there were

no other bloody spots.  Kelly tried to reassure herself that falling off

a horse was part of learning how to ride.

 

Probably even al' bomb-proof Teabag found a Gringg too much to bear.  A

real all-out howl from a fallen Teddy might well have made Teabag bolt.

 

Nonetheless, spooking was most uncharacteristic of the docile Teabag.

 

She felt his legs warm but not hot, so no tendon damage.  Her hand came

away with swamp mud, the stink apparent even at arm's length.

 

"Well, clues of sorts,' she said, still trying to reassure herself that

Teddy had merely fallen off.  In the swamp - which Teabag would have

avoided on his own - Teddy would at least have had a soft landing.

 

But WHY didn't the kids call in?  Ask for reinforcements.  Why were the

communits dead?  That was disturbing.  Quickly then, she stripped off

the saddle, dropped some feed in his manger and left Teabag in his

stable to recover.

 

Jilamey and Grizz were booming at each other on the porch as she

returned to the house and she gritted her teeth.  The truth was always

preferable, wasn't it, even if it showed her up as a less than careful

guardian.

 

"I am so sorry, Captain.  The children have all gone off, on horseback,

I believe, though the last time I looked they were all in the pond,' she

said and managed a smile.  "I didn't realize you'd be able to join us or

I'd have kept them about the place."

 

"Grrgggl.  .  .

 

the meeting ended sooner than expected,' Grizz said amiably, glancing

towards the pond.

 

"And you thought of a swim, no doubt,' Kelly said, managing to act

casually.  "Well, while you're indulging yourself in a well earned

relaxing swim, we'll just go back along the trail and hurry the kids in.

Here's Nrrna, too, Captain,' and Kelly, turning her back briefly on the

Gringg, beckoned furiously at the Hrruban to join them.

 

"How fortunate you came by heli, Jilamey,' and she firmly tucked her arm

in his, elbowing him to fall in with her scenario.

 

"Easiest way to travel speedily,' Jilamey said on cue.

 

"This won't take long,' he added as he guided Kelly toward the vehicle

where Barrington awaited.

 

"Any instructions?" Barrington asked as they began to board.

 

"Oh, would you please man the communications channels, Barrington?"

Kelly said, scrambling into a window seat.  "And keep trying the kids'

frequency." She gave him the code and he bowed politely in acceptance.

 

The small craft lifted off and Kelly's heart did a flip as she saw

Grizz, dwarfing Nrrna's slight figure, standing in the yard.

 

"Where do you think they went?" Jilamey called over his shoulder as they

cleared the trees.  The heli's engine was reasonably quiet, but no way

to silence the whup-whupwhup of rotors tearing the air had ever been

discovered.

 

"They must have taken a trail ride,' Kelly shouted back and remembered

then to turn off her voder before she damaged her eardrums.

 

"Then they might just have turned their handsets off?" he asked.

 

"No, a call alert would get through.  Nothing did,' Kelly said,

disturbed by that.  "Those units'll even continue broadcasting near

high-power sources.

 

"Think they went mda-watching?" Jilamey asked.

 

"They wouldn't dare!" Kelly exclaimed, horrified.  "Or maybe they would,

the rascals.  They were dying to show off the whole planet to Teddy.

 

"Would they have known to keep the pace slow for Teddy's sake?"

 

"Alison and Hrruna have more common sense than the three boys but Ourrh

isn't up to much riding either so they'd have kept to a reasonable pace.

Turn towards the swamps, Jilamey.  It was swamp mud Teabag had on his

legs." "Swamp?  This close to Snake Hunt?"

 

"Yes, I know." Kelly grimaced.  "But Teabag wouldn't spook at any old

tiddler' "What about a Big Mamma?" Kelly shook her head impatiently.

"I'll skin them, so I will, when I find them.  Let's backtrack Tea's

probable route home.  He came in on the swamp road."

 

"No sooner said than done, milady,' said Jilamey.

 

"Look, where the terrain opens, can we skim to see if I can spot hoof

prints?" Kelly asked, reached for the case that held binoculars.

 

Jilamey was a deft pilot and, in the soft ground of the track, Kelly

could make out the darker colour of disturbed ground in the even pattern

made by a single-foot.  Skimming along as far as they could until the

bushes grew too close, she could also see where the tracks were those of

a gallop stretch.

 

"Well, he was still running scared here,' she said as Jilamey lifted the

heli above the thick shore growth.

 

Now she scanned more widely as they passed over the marsh toward the

dunes.

 

"This's getting all too close to snake hatching grounds, isn't it?" he

asked.

 

"It certainly is,' Kelly said, leaning forward with the field glasses.

 

Jilamey had just angled the heli up and over another line of drifts, and

a wide prospect spread before them.  She caught her breath at the oh-so

welcome sight of a handful of small figures crouched on a blanket on a

dune ridge.

 

Slightly below them were five horses, apparently tied to a driftwood

log.  "And there they are, the scamps!  Teddy's with them." Only then

did Kelly admit to herself how terrified she had been that he'd be

missing.  "Set down!" With one eye on the tracer screen and the other

looking out for riders, Walters drove the small flitter around the edge

of the dune where Gallup was waiting.  He killed the quiet hum of the

motor, and the small vehicle coasted silently to a halt.  Gallup

gestured for him to climb out, and pointed up the hill at the six

youngsters.  Walters nodded and swung the pack off his back.

 

"This place is full of snakes,' he whispered.  "Damn near stepped on one

that was sleeping!  They give me the creeps.

 

"Shh!" Gallup said, flattening himself on his belly on the hot sand.

Together, they inched up towards the crest of the dune where the

children were waiting.

 

The whupping of heli blades startled them.  Hastily, Gallup and Walters

burrowed into the sand and covered their heads with their arms.

 

The copter set down on the sand hill between them and the children.

 

"Aw, hell!" Walters exclaimed, slamming his fist into the hot, dry dust.

"Commander Greene is going to be furious!" Gallup plucked at Walters's

collar.  "Come on, we have to get out of here before they spot us." He

reached into his pack and switched off the jammer.

 

Together, the two men crept backwards down the hill to the ffitter.

 

"Snakes!" Kelly cried, pointing.

 

There were only a few, and relative tiddlers at that, but they were

gathering just out of sight of the cluster of children.  Kelly knew that

the smaller reptiles wouldn't attack something big by themselves, but

when they were hungry after laying their eggs, and there were a bunch of

them, they'd been known to trap urfa or even small mda and rend the

animals apart.  Jilamey whirled the craft around so that the fine sand

blew directly into the faces of the waiting snakes.  Most of the snakes

fled over the dunes and into the marshweeds before he landed.

 

Kelly sprang out, ducking under the still whirring blades.  "There you

are!  Teddy, you're all right?" and fumbled to turn on her voder.

 

"You've had us worried half to death,' Kelly said, running a hand down

Teddy's sticky matted fur before she turned on her twins.  "Why didn't

you let us know you were in trouble?"

 

"We tried, Mama,' Alison said, ducking her head in shame.  "We tried "We

did, Mom, Alec said stoutly, reinforcing his sister.

 

"And we made sure the red "charged" light was on before we took them off

the rack.  They just wouldn't work when we tried to call you."

 

"Well, you nearly caused an interplanetary incident, young lady,' Kelly

said sternly, but she hugged her daughter and ruffled Alec's hair before

she plucked Alison's radio out of the belt clip.  She thumbed the switch

and then stared at the unit.  "It's working now." she added

expressionlessly.

 

"It wasn't before, Mama, honest!" both twins clamoured, tugging at her

arm.

 

"Alley tells ze exact truzz, Hrrunival said, twitching his tail in

emphasis.

 

While it was like these rascals to stick together, Kelly knew that they

were always truthful.  Kelly compressed her lips tightly.

 

"Furthermore, you all know how dangerous the dunes can be at this time

of year so why under the sun did you bring Teddy here of all places?"

"We didn't bring him, Mom,' Alec began in an exasperated voice as if she

had added insult to the injury of underestimating his common sense.

"Teabag did, and Teddy didn't have much choice." Alec pressed his lips

against a grin.  "We followed."

 

"Well, then, young man, what spooked Teabag to run off?" Alec shrugged

his shoulders.  "I was leading, Alison behind me, then Hrrunival and

Ourrh with Hrrana behind Teddy."

 

"Teabag just took off,' Hrrana murmured, obviously upset and feeling

responsible.

 

"Well, no one has been hurt and Teabag got home.

 

Teddy, did Teabag actually run away with you?" Kelly turned back to the

victim and only then saw that the yolk streaking the fur around his

muzzle.  It gave him a ludicrous "Pooh Bear' look: he'd had a little

something this hour or two.  The verse rattled unbidden through her

mind.

 

Teddy shrugged, so reminiscent of Alec that Kelly had trouble keeping a

straight face.  "Grrbble .  .  .  the hrrss did not like me on its back.

It took time for it to fall me off as I clung tightly." Well, Kelly

thought, since he's all right, there's no need to make an intergalactic

incident out of this.  "So you've found snake eggs, have you, Teddy?  Do

you like them?" and she grinned because his eyes sparkled and he dropped

his jaw.

 

"Gracckle.  Very tasty indeed.  May I take some back?

 

My dam would find them as tasty as I do.

 

Alec gave an exasperated snort.  "We've been trying to get Teddy to

move, but he's stuffing himself."

 

"Can we get started home now?" asked Hrrunival.  "It's not much fun

sitting around watching someone else eat when you're hungry, too."

 

"You'll be hungrier by the time you've ridden home,' Kelly began,

thinking that would be adequate discipline for this escapade.

 

Just then the horses neighed in alarm and began pulling at the reins

which tied them to a driftwood log.

 

"Kelly, look out!" Jilamey cried, pointing violently even as he reached

for whatever hand weapons the heli carried.

 

As swiftly and inexorably as a tsunami, a medium-sized tiddler boiled

over the ridge of the south-facing dune, flowing its leaf-patterned

sinuous body towards them with incredible speed.

 

Because they were beside her, Kelly gave her two children a shove

towards the heli before she reached for Teddy who hadn't even risen at

Jilamey's warning cry.  Hrrunival and Hrruna each grabbed one of Ourrh's

hands and began hauling him to safety.  But Teddy first had to rock

himself to his feet, even with Kelly yanking at him.

 

The snake, feeling the vibrations, moved in on them.

 

"Oh, fardles, Teddy, GET UP!  That thing wants you for lunch!" Out of

reflex she pulled out her belt knife, jumped in front of Teddy and faced

the oncoming snake.  She just hoped Jilamey had a snake rifle in his

heli.  The worst she could do to the snake with her knife was deflect it

briefly.

 

But Teddy had to be protected.

 

Then the snake was close enough to stare directly in her eyes, pinioning

her almost hypnotically.  She didn't recall ever being this close to one

on foot before or armed with the most inadequate of weapons.  Kelly

stared with helpless fascination as its maw opened, the jaw unhinged as

it widened, showing its extraordinary gullet.  Gunfire, deafening in the

usual silence of the dunes, startled her and the snake.  Sand kicked up

almost in her face and there was the smell of explosive propellant in

the air.  The snake was distracted.

 

"Move away, Kelly, so I can get a clear shot!" Jilamey shouted.

 

He was sighting down a heavy calibre hunting rifle.  "You know I'm a

lousy shot."

 

"I'll forgive you,' she shouted back, "if you kill it!' Kelly and Teddy

dodged, getting out of the direct line of fire.  The entrepreneur fired

again, this time catching the snake in the tail, causing it to thrash

back and forth in pain.  Then it raised its head and stretched wide its

jaws again, moving toward Jilamey.  Teddy needed little urging from

Kelly now, as she hauled him to the top of the nearby ridge and slid

down the far side.  They both lost their balance in the loose footing

and ended up rolling down into the next valley.

 

"Aaaaaaggghhh!" Teddy cried, his vodered voice echoing in her ears.

Above, below, beyond, behind her, she heard the repeated boom of the

rifle discharging.

 

She was still trying to spit sand out of her mouth and clear her eyes

when Jilamey slithered down beside her, a wisp of smoke curling up from

the bore of the rifle.

 

"It's OK.  It's as dead as I could get it." Kelly got her eyes clear of

sand but that didn't seem to help.  She was at the bottom of a gully

covered with sand, and there were a dozen people, their features

foreshortened by height and darkened by the sun behind them.  In a

moment, they combined into four, then two, then one Jilamey.  She

released the fierce clutch she had on the Gringg cub and rose to her

knees.

 

Teddy unrolled easily and waddled to his feet.  "That was fun,' he said.

"I want to come back here and roll down hills again."

 

"Teddy, not here!" Kelly said firmly.  "This is the breeding ground for

those snakes.  You could have been killed."

 

"Why didn't you tell me to defend myself from it?  I was not afraid and

I am strong enough to have rendered it harmless,' the cub said calmly.

 

Kelly started to protest and then realized that the Gringg cub was

probably a lot stronger than she and might well have been a match for

the tiddler.  But snake-killing was not likely to be considered a

desirable occupation for a species that said it did not like violence.

 

"Well, I knew Jilamey had a rifle and I certainly don't tvant to risk

your hide on any snake wrestling!"

 

"Oh, that is what one does with these snakes?  Wrestles?

 

I like wrestling.  I'm good at it,' and Teddy looked disappointed that

he had not been allowed to show his prowess.

 

"Fardles!" Kelly muttered under breath and continued to desand herself.

"Actually, Teddy, I think your dam expected you to play with our young,

not wrestle the wildlife." She got to her feet and extended her hand to

the cub.  "But let's leave here now, because I really don't care to run

into anything bigger than that one."

 

"How big do they come?" asked Teddy, intrigued.

 

"That one was small - a tiddler.  Some of them are immense, the ones we

call Great Big Mamma snakes are much, much bigger." She indicated girth

with her hands.

 

"Oooh,' Teddy said, impressed.

 

When they got to the top of the dune, he exclaimed in dismay.  "It

smashed all the eggs." There was yolk all over the place and crumpled

shells for, in its death throes, the snake's dead body had convulsed,

completely destroying the nest.

 

"We'll find more for her another time, Teddy.  Come on.  Your mother's

waiting for you at the ranch.  Let's go.

 

Kelly gave him a gentle shove towards the heli.

 

"You didn't mention the mda,' Alison muttered at Alec as they watched

the snake's death throes.

 

"Do you want to be grounded for the rest of your life?" Alec replied.

 

"Well, no "Then, shh!"

 

"Well?" Jilamey asked, steadying her through the sand to the heli.

 

"Well, what?" Kelly asked.  There was sand down the back of her blouse,

inside her trousers, and inside her boots.  She was itchy and thirsty,

and she didn't know whether to skin her children alive or just never let

them out of her sight again.

 

"My second snake,' Jilamey asked, plaintively, pointing to the twitching

corpse.  The children were admiring it and arguing amongst themselves

over its length and probable weight.  "After nine hunts and not for want

of trying, I have slain another snake.  Might it count towards the

Coming of Age ritual?" Kelly laughed, her voice echoing over the empty

land.

 

"Oh, I'm afraid not, Jilamey.  I wish it did, you were so heroic.

 

But it's got to be an official kill or capture during the Hunt itself,

or we'd have poaching during the early season by obnoxious youths who

want to make sure they qualify.  Cheer up,' she said, seeing his

crest-fallen expression.  "It'll be good enough for a feast.  We'll have

a barbecue.  Grizz'll enjoy fresh snake steak, and so will I.  I only

have to defrost the sauce.

 

Jilamey brightened.  "I like barbecued snake!" When the snake's corpse

finally settled to an occasional twitch, they heaved it into the heli.

It exuded a slightly musty odour but the trip back to the ranch wouldn't

take that long.

 

"You five go straight home, now,' Kelly said, shaking her finger at

them.  "No diversions, no detours.  Got that?" Two "Yes, Moms' from the

twins and meek "Yes, Aunt Gelli,' from the three Hrrubans.

 

She let a grin break the scowl of disapproval on her face.  "I'm just

glad you're safe,' she said, kissing each one in turn.

 

"I just wish they hadn't fibbed about those comms.  This could have been

very serious,' Kelly said softly to Jilamey as he lifted the heli. Teddy

had his nose pressed tight against the plasglas, watching the kids ride

off.

 

"They don't lie as a rule, Kelly,' Jilamey said.  "Could there have been

a minor malfunction?"

 

"I'd prefer that explanation but it doesn't work." She sighed.  "Well,

nothing really bad happened." At the house, Grizz was on her feet, a

living tower, waiting for the heli to land.  Making a most

peculiar-sounding ululation, Teddy climbed out of the aircraft almost

before it had set down and hurtled towards his dam.

 

She embraced him fiercely, throwing him up in the air without effort and

neatly catching him as he squealed with delight.  Jilamey whistled at

the careless exhibition of strength.

 

"And we've got a special treat for you,' Kelly shouted over the slowing

rotors as she walked towards the Gringg, "fresh Doonarralan snake,

courtesy of Jilamey's hunting skills.  We'll have a real feast tonight."

The captain shook her head.  "Morra.  Please to take me immediately to

the Government offices.  I have had an urgent communication from Eonneh.

There is trouble.  I must be there."

 

"Quiet!" Todd shouted, waving the crowd down.  "One person, tell me what

happened." His office was full of angry people.  Bad news had travelled

all over the colony in the time it had taken Mike Solinari to inform him

of the incident.  Admiral Sumitral had come on the run from his office

when he heard the commotion.  Second Speaker arrived shortly afterwards,

with Captain Hrrrv and several of the visitors from Hrruba behind him.

The rest were Rraladoonans of both species, all arguing at the tops of

their voices.  In the middle of it all was the Gringg male, Cinnamon,

who said nothing and sat despondently waiting for whatever would happen

to him.

 

"Mike!" Todd said.  "The rest of you, quiet!"

 

"My two assistants and I were showing Cinnamon around the veterinary

hospital,' Mike began, shouting at first but lowering his voice as the

others stopped talking to listen.  Dr Adjei, head of Veterinary

Services, stood at Mike's shoulder behind Robin.  "He was our special

visitor today.  I had morning surgery so I left Cinnamon with my

assistants, Dr Gross and Intern Errrne.  They took him around the place

and ended up at the corral where we were holding about thirty animals,

mostly geldings.  I heard a howl and came running.  The Gringg,

Cinnamon, was in the corral,' and here Mike shot a furious glance at his

erring employees, "with the dead mare at his feet."

 

"He killed it,' Bert Gross burst out.

 

"With one punch!"

 

"You're out of order, Gross,' Todd told him sternly.

 

The plump woman from Humanity First!  pounded on Todd's desk and thrust

an accusing finger at Cinnamon.

 

"This monster should never have been allowed to go unsupervised among

decent beings!  It could have been one of us!"

 

"It was an accident,' Robin Reeve said firmly.  "Cinnamon has repeatedly

said so."

 

"I will recompense for its loss,' Cinnamon said, miserably.  "I will

adopt its youngster and nurture it."

 

"It'll need a foster mother of its own kind,' Mike Solinari explained

but the spontaneity of Cinnamon's offer softened his harsh expression.

"There's a couple of mares who have lost their foals.  We can put the

colt in with one of them.  That part'll be all right."

 

"But he killed "Ma'am, it's upsetting, but can we put the incident in

perspective?" Todd asked politely.

 

"What perspective is that, Reeve?" Greene asked, sardonically.  He stood

with fingertips poised on Todd's desk, not as loud or insistent a

gesture as the angry woman's but somehow much more menacing.  "That one

of these gigantic aliens of yours killed a horse, or that he did it with

one blow?  They can break necks with the same effortlessness that you or

I would use to brush away dust.

 

You've sown them among the population of a civilian planet like

poisonous weeds.  Where in this perspective do we find responsibility?"

"Oh, very picturesque, Commander,' Robin Reeve said, applauding with

sarcastic exaggeration.

 

Greene showed no signs of impatience or temper.

 

"As Admiral Barustable has repeatedly requested, these creatures should

be sequestered."

 

"Locked up like wild beasts?" Hrrestan said, shaking his mane.

Unrrreasonable.  You would not lock up a Hayuman for killing a hrrss.

You would fine him and set him frrree.  So would a Hrruban trrrbunal."

 

"Only in cases where malicious inzenz does not exist,' Second Speaker

Hrrto said.  He was as far away from the Gringg as the dimensions and

crowd in the room would allow.  Mllaba was not present. Neither, Todd

was relieved to observe, was Barnstable.  "Ze question now remains if ze

Gringg intended to kill."

 

"Why would he?

 

And let me remind you that, in our laws,' Todd said, "as in yours, a

suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Prove that Cinnamon

acted in malice."

 

"Our laws forbid violence,' Eonneh protested, making his way forward to

stand beside his colleague.  The room seemed to shrink around them.  The

animal rights woman from Terra let out a squeak of surprise and

retreated behind Mike and Robin, who exchanged a glance of disgust.

 

"I am sorry,' Cinnamon repeated, staring at his big paws reproachfully.

"I strove only to push away the hrrrss's attack.  It hit me with its

feet, here." He showed a torn patch on his coat where the mare's hooves

had struck his chest and the gash on his broad muzzle.  "I did not

realize I had struck it so hard until I heard "And somehow he imitated

the precise sound of a bone breaking.  Everyone in the room shuddered.

"I grieve to have killed a harmless animal, especially one prized so

highly by our new friends.

 

My hosts assured me that the hrrrsses were eager to have friendship.  I

sought only to make friends with the beautiful animals."

 

"Dr Gross,' Todd said, keeping his voice level and consequently forcing

the crowd to hush to hear him.

 

Inwardly, he was ready to roar with fury that a petty, though tragic,

incident had given such fuel for trouble.

 

The veterinarian came forward and cleared his throat.

 

His face was red, and he nervously rearranged his hands from pockets to

belt, to hip; his right hand twitched towards Cinnamon, and ended up

scratching the nape of his neck.

 

"Well, he, I mean the Gringg, went right into the corral, and he started

chasing the herd around and around.

 

Anyone with sense wouldn't have done that.  Then the mare charged him,

defending her foal.  He struck her down like swatting a fly' "It is so,'

Errrne said, with a terse nod.

 

"Why didn't you stop him?" Dr Adjei asked, his eyes narrowing, "When you

saw the herd reacting?  You had the voder."

 

"Why would you leave ze Gringg alone in ze corrrrl in ze first place?"

Hrriss asked.

 

He had stood beside Todd, silent until now.

 

"Huh?" Gross looked at his Hrruban comrade.  Errrne lifted both hands

palm up, shrugging.

 

"I heard them." A very soft voice came from within the muttering crowd.

 

"You were a witness?" Hrrestan asked, glancing around the crowd.

 

"Come forward." A slender girl in a soiled coverall raised her hand.

 

"I saw.  Juanita Parker.  I work at the animal hospital." Robin elbowed

his way through the crowd to escort her towards the desk.

 

"Will you tell us what you heard?" Hrrestan asked her in a kind voice.

 

Nita blushed deeply, but Hrrestan kept his big, green eyes fixed on her

deep brown ones.  "Dr Gross invited the bear, I mean, the Gringg to see

a herd of horses on the other side of the barn.  I I didn't mean to be

eavesdropping, but the barn's open all the way through, and there's an

echo."

 

"No one's accusing you of anything, Nita,' Todd said, in a gentle voice.

"You're helping us." The girl nodded, and swallowed nervously. "They

told him to get into the corral and get close to the horses.

 

It was their idea.  They were laughing about it.  I didn't realize that

anything was wrong until I heard the stampede and then the mare

screamed."

 

"So you say that the two Rralandoonans led him to believe the situation

was controllable, and then failed to act responsibly and in time to

prevent a tragic occurrence?" Admiral Sumitral asked.

 

"That's a leading question!" Bert Gross protested.

 

"You watch too many courtroom videos, Bert,' Ken Reeve told him.

 

 "Will you answer, Nita?  Just tell the truth."

 

"Well, my dear?" Sumitral prompted.

 

Nita nodded, not looking at the men.  "I think they were trying to play

some kind of joke on.  .  .  Cinnamon, but it backfired.  That mare was

very protective of her foal.  We had trouble getting close to her and

she knows us.

 

"So the mare reacted out of fear of a stranger,' Todd said flatly.

 

"I think that sums things up pretty well, don't you, Hrrestan?"

 

"I agrrree,' Hrrestan said.  "If it was not forr zis witness who has

come brrravely forward, zeir dishonour would nevrrr be discovrrrd, since

ze Gringg would continue to believe he was guilty of a crrrime."

 

"We,' and Todd included Hrriss at his side, "apologize, Cinnamon, that

you were subjected to such infantile behaviour."

 

"Hey!" Bert Gross protested.

 

Errrne hissed.  Todd met their glares with a cool stare.  Both of them

suddenly found something else to look at.

 

"I'll talk to the two of you later on,' Todd said, his voice cold.

 

"But I think Dr Solinari might have something to say to you first."

"You're damned well right,' Mike said, grimly.

 

"I have a restoration to make,' Cinnamon insisted, inclining his big

head.  "I did not mean to cause a loss of life.  I wished to make

friends."

 

"I am positive of that!" Todd replied earnestly.

 

"You are most courteous,' Eonneh said, bowing.

 

"Is that all?" Greene asked.  "You stand here and compliment one another

ad nauseam, when this alien has shown the dismaying ability to destroy

without effort?"

 

"Not at all,' Todd said, as if he had noticed the Spacedep commander for

the first time.  "As Cinnamon has already offered to make restitution,

what else could be demanded of him?  A day in the stocks?  A month of

bread and water?

 

Mike'll determine the value of the mare and how much fostering the colt

will cost and Cinnamon'll pay what he owes.  End of matter!

 

"In whatever way becomes possible, I will make the value good,' Cinnamon

promised.

 

"You forget loss of use of a valuable brood mare and any subsequent

earnings,' Greene said.

 

Cinnamon nodded his head obligingly.  "That, too, is fair and can be

decided.  I await the decision.

 

"But we have formulated no schedule of payment or value,' Second Speaker

said, looking distressed.

 

"You can't just let these .  .  .  aliens,' and Greene larded the word

with repugnance, "buy their way out of any incidents.  This one involved

only the death of an animal.  You let the Gringg wander where they like.

 

What happens "We Gringg will cooperate in any way we can,' Eonneh said,

looking intently from Greene to Second Speaker to Todd.  "The just

reparations for accidents must be decided, clearly stated and set down.

This regrettable incident is unlikely to be repeated but we Gringg are

big and accidents can happen no matter how careful we try to be in our

excursions." Greene rolled his eyes and had gathered himself to speak

when Hrrestan held up his hand.

 

"Agreement must be formulated with all despatch,' Hrrestan said, "so zat

justice - unlike zis.  .  .  inforrmal and crrowded hearring can be

calmly and sensibly rendered on any matters zat could be required.

 

A tribunal of one each of our zree species should do very well, should

it not, zOdd, Sumitral?"

 

"Now wait a minute,' Greene said.

 

"You are not, Commander Greene, a resident, norrr even a frequent

visitor to Rraladoon,' Hrrestan said, gently but firmly dismissing the

man's protest.

 

"We Gringg will cooperate in any way we can,' Eonneh said, looking from

one to the other.  "Justice must be clearly stated and set down.

 

It is the only fair way in which we can interact, now or in the future."

"Done and done,' Hrrestan said, jaw dropped as far as it would go.

 

"A second Decision at Doona,' Todd said, with a grin at his mentor.

Today's accident had provided a major forward step in the tri-partite

relationships.  The Rralandoonans in the crowd cheered but not all the

visitors looked pleased by the outcome.

 

"Impossible situation,' Greene protested, realizing he had lost control

of the situation.  "There are ramifications you cannot understand " He

broke off suddenly.

 

At Second Speaker's side, Mllaba stared at him, her huge eyes glinting,

and a hot flush rose from Greene's collar to flood his face

unbecomingly.  In his presence, almost with his cooperation, the

ridiculously naive Doonans had struck a bargain with their would-be

destroyers.  They proposed galactic policy with a dangerous species, and

were grinning like idiots.  Sumitral, beside them, who should have been

wary, was behaving just as foolishly.

 

"This whole thing is an inappropriate response to the situation,' he

said through clenched teeth.

 

"Not at all,' Todd raised his voice to be heard over the hubbub.

 

"The malice was not on Cinnamon's side.

 

If he had deliberately destroyed property, it would have been necessary

for him, as it is for anyone on Rraladoon, to be disciplined in some

fashion.  However, we have established, haven't we that he was the

victim of an ill-conceived trick."

 

"Hear!  Hear!" Mike cried.

 

Robin, breaking off his quiet but intense conversation with a blushing

Nita, echoed the vet's sentiment, glaring at dissenting expressions of

faces in the crowd.

 

"Since it seems that Rraladoon is fast becoming a popular spot for

aliens to meet,' Todd went on, injecting some levity into the

discussion.  He was rewarded with a few grins, "it behaves us to

consider contingency plans and guide-lines until formal proceedings can

be instigated.

 

This is my world, and I am the Hayuman leader of it.

 

Hrrestan, as my Hrruban colleague, do you concur with me?" Hrrestan

nodded, his gleaming eyes never leaving Greene's face.  "I could almost

suspect,' and Todd paused significantly though he pointedly did not look

in the commander's direction but at the outspoken woman, "that the whole

incident was manufactured by those intent on causing trouble between our

people and our new friends.

 

Our guest,' and Todd emphasized that word, "has been most gracious,

considering he was the butt of a bad joke.

 

End of incident.  Now, you all, clear out of here, and tend to your own

business.  Not mine!" Greene stood staring at the tabletop, then he

looked up to meet Todd's eyes.

 

"I.  .  .1 agree with you, Reeve,' Greene said, nodding his head slowly.

"You should not have become involved with a tempest in a teapot.

Delicate relationships between our three races should not be fractured.

As Human colony leader, you are in a superior position to facilitate

such guide-lines.  Spacedep wishes to offer any assistance you require."

Todd gawked at the Spacedep officer's sudden change of direction.  He

was unable to detect any sarcasm in Greene's earnest face.

 

"That's very wise of you, Commander Greene,' Sumitral said.  "And the

sooner we can devise final terms the better.  In the meantime, let us

extend immunity to these stray visitors of ours until we have achieved a

proper treaty with the Gringg." He sighed.  "If only they came in a

slightly smaller package, there'd be less objection!" They were talking

in a tight group as Robin and Mike were urging people to disperse,

joking that the show was over for the day.

 

"Or less dangerous,' Mllaba said, staring at the dejected Cinnamon.  "It

is not merely ze sheer size of the Gringg zat is off-putting.

 

"Not to menzion ze zurprize of zeir trade items,' Hrrestan said.

 

Hrrto was shaking his head and his tailtip twitched convulsively.

 

He spoke Middle Hrruban in a low voice.

 

"Perhaps if all business was conducted by commlink, there would be less

need for protection.

 

"Why, honoured sir, when they offer no violence?" Hrrestan said.

 

"I think some responsibility devolves on us - to be sure they are not

victimized, as they were today." That aspect had clearly not occurred to

Hrrto.  "Yes, yes, I take the point, Hrrestan.  But " and he sighed

heavily.  His priorities were in constant turmoil.  Only the prospect of

the essential purralinium remained of constant importance.

 

"It always depends who the victim is, doesn't it?" he added

enigmatically.

 

"Hall's cleared now, so goodbye.  I've got a hospital to run,' Mike

Solinari said over his shoulder as he firmly pushed the last of the

curious out the door.

 

"Especially when the victim does not realize he has been made one,'

Hrrestan said, looking at the retreating figures of the veterinary

contingent.  "The laws of Hrruban are far more stringent than are needed

here on Rraladoon, Second Speaker.  Diplomatic immunity should be

tendered and the terms of such immunity are already known to both

Hayuman and Hrruban.  Let us examine them first.

 

But certain values remain constant .  .  .  innocence until guilt is

proved should be the most important aspect.  Then the law forms of our

visitors so that there is no ambiguity or misinterpretations." As he

spoke to Hrrto, Hrrestan leaned away from Greene, as if he hoped the

commander would take the hint and depart.  "We of Rraladoon will be

honoured to mediate such discussions if that would solve the current

dilemma of jurisdiction." Mllaba nudged Hrrto.  "Such a project would

greatly enhance your prospects for election, Speaker!"

 

"I .  .  .  yes, of course it would, MIlaba,' he said testily.

 

Then to Hrrestan, "Justice for all is the primary purpose of the

Council,' Hrrto said.  "And also of our allies on ze Amalgamated Worlds

Council." Greene had not taken the hint and entered his discussion, also

using Middle Hrruban.  "Diplomatic immunity is certainly a good point at

which to start since we are all familiar with its workings.  I was for a

while attached to Spacedep Legal so I would like to assist.

 

His offer surprised every one in the room so that he was able to glance

meaningfully at Mllaba without comment.

 

She nodded, understanding that the two of them must have a private

conference.

 

"Then it's settled,' Sumitral said, cheerfully.  "Ah, Captain

Grzzeearoghh, we've been expecting you.  There's a matter of great

importance I wish to broach to you.

 

Todd glanced up.  The enormous Gringg filled the doorway, her red eyes

nearly sparking.  Behind her were her cub, Kelly, Jilamey Landreau, and

Landreau's servant, Barrington.

 

"What matter is that?" Grizz asked, carefully, her sweeping glance

having taken in the forlorn Cinnamon.

 

Eonneh went to her side and began to speak in a low voice.  Grizz bent

over him, and waved her claw now and again in assent.

 

"If I may,' Admiral Sumitral began, nodding to Todd and Hrrestan for

peimission.  Then he approached the Gringg Captain.  "As undoubtedly

Honey has informed you, there has been a slight mishap involving

Cinnamon, which has been resolved under our laws.  As guests of this

planet, Rraladoon, you are now granted diplomatic immunity, the

ramifications of which I would gladly explain to you.  I can safely

assure you that this will be immediately ratified by the governing body

of Amalgamated Worlds." Somewhat stunned by Sumitral's announcement,

Hrrto forced his way over and said, "And by the High Council of Hrruba."

As he heard himself saying such words, he wondered that he had so

spontaneously promised what he would have to argue at his most eloquent

in the Council to obtain.  And yet, all he had to do now was mention

"purralinium' to them and they'd agree to any measures needed to procure

the metal.  Nevertheless he had been forced to take an action which he

ought to have discussed, at least with Mllaba, before committing

himself.  Could the Hayumans and Zodd Rrev have manoeuvred him cunningly

into agreeing?  Or was it that Sumitral had once again made the Second

Speaker of the High Council dance to his tune as if Hrrto was a mere

apprentice in the halls of diplomacy?  Either way, Sumitral had always

been a formidable mediator and young Zodd had indeed grown up.

 

Then Hrrto wondered at the sudden shift in Greene.

 

It had been the commander all along, declaring that the Gringg could not

be trusted.  Hrrto would like to discover the reason behind such a

switch.  Then it occurred to him that, under the guise of diplomatic

immunities, "escorts' could be assigned to any Gringg on the planet - to

insure that the immunity was observed.  Ahh, thought Hrrto, that Greene

is quick, clever and shrewd.  He had got the better of Sumitral,

Hrrestan and Rrev and used the concession to forward his own aims.

 

"Of course,' he continued, hoping his pause had not been overlong, "all

three interested parties, plus their home world representatives must be

present to discuss a Trade Agreement - in the same chamber." Grizz gave

him a brilliant smile, her long fangs gleaming.  "Of course, Second

Speaker Hrrto,' said the pleasant voice of the voder.  "It would not be

correct or courteous any other way." Second Speaker bowed to the Gringg

leader, suddenly feeling that twice in a short space of time he had been

manipulated by another clever strategist.  Zodd and the two Hrrubans

were not laughing, but he thought they might be on the edge of a

humorous outburst.

 

"I would be most interested in a Treaty between us all, especially if it

will facilitate trade practices here on Rraladoon,' Grizz said,

addressing both diplomats.  She put a maternal claw on the cub's head.

 

He grinned up at her lovingly.  "My son has been telling me how

delicious are the eggs of the native species of snake of Rraladoon.

 

How glad I would be to trade with Rraladoon for such a commodity."

 

"Now that you mention our friend, the snake,' Jilamey said, addressing

everyone who remained in Todd's office.

 

"I happen to have a delicious specimen which we can barbecue tonight.

You are all invited to partake of the unique taste of Rraladoonan snake,

a real delicacy.  I feel a lot of policy can be discussed over a

friendly spare rib or two, eh?" He winked at Kelly "You two are never,

never, NEVER to leave your handset off again,' Todd said, towering over

his offspring with uncharacteristic anger.  Alec and Alison studied the

ground and each other's shoes for a moment, then peeked up at Todd.  "If

there had been an accident, no one would have known where to find you

until it was too late!

 

"But everything came out all right in the end,' Alison offered,

fluttering the thick lashes of adoring golden eyes at her father.  "We

stayed with Teddy to make sure he'd be all right until Mama found us."

She could sense him softening, and nudged Alec with her elbow.  Her twin

added the earnest plea in his blue eyes.

 

"Honest, Papa, the radios were working when we left!

 

It's not our fault they failed,' Alec said.

 

Kelly spotted the silent communication between her children and

interjected her own comment.  "It doesn't matter how it came out; it's

how it began.  Promise, or you'll never get to ride Hunt until you're

old and grey.

 

Promise!"

 

"She means it,' Jilamey said, lounging in the porch seat while

Barrington, elegant as ever, sliced snake up into manageable portions

for the barbecue grills.  "She nearly made me stay behind from my first

hunt because I didn't want to carry a handset.

 

The twins sighed and matched glances.  They knew they hadn't been remiss

but couldn't prove it.  They were frustrated because their parents

didn't believe them.

 

Being accused of a lie was almost worse than getting chased by snakes.

 

"I promise,' Alec said at last.  Alison nodded.

 

"We'll check and double-check from now on.  We're very sorry to cause

trouble.  And we washed Teabag and all our horses down and groomed them

real good."

 

"And so you should have, kids.  But it isn't what happened, it's what

might have,' Todd said, hunkering down to the children's eye level.

"Teddy's a stranger here, and we trusted you to look after him. Your

responsibilities make it imperative that you remember things like making

sure that your equipment is functioning properly.  You were unable to

call for help, or notify anyone as to your location.  Think of me.  I'd

have been devastated if anything happened to you.

 

The thought had passed through the twins' minds.

 

They threw their aims around Todd, who hugged them tightly.

 

"We'll never let it happen again, Daddy,) Alec said, in a low, tight

voice.  Over their shoulders, Todd glanced up at Kelly.

 

When Teddy had emerged from the Gringg shuttle at the Double Bar Gemini,

he was also a much chastened person.  He stood, scuffing one foot in the

dust, for his friends to come out again to play.  Hrrana, Hrrunival and

Ourrh had been assigned extra chores by Nrrna as their punishment. Kelly

watched Teddy mooch around the grass kicking a stone, bored and lonely.

She relented.

 

"All right,' she said, and the Alley Cats perked up.  "Go and play, but

when I call, you come right in, all right?

 

I'm counting on you to help me with all the guests we're having tonight.

You're my best assistants."

 

"Yes, Mama!" Like twin bolts of lightning, the twins raced down the

steps calling to the small Gringg.

 

"And we wanted children, didn't we?" she said, taking Todd's hand and

squeezing it as they watched the children play together on the grass.

 

"We did and I wouldn't have it otherwise, even with double trouble,'

Todd said, gathering her under one arm and enfolding her tightly.  "It's

not an easy job, but I love it The smell of roasting meat made a

tantalizing atmosphere for the negotiators who gathered over the course

of the next hour or two.  Robin and Jilamey acted as chief cooks,

turning hunks of meat on the broad grills, and explaining to the Gringg

what "barbecue' meant.  Big Paws, the black-and-white Gringg, couldn't

seem to stay away from the fragrant, spitting roasts.

 

He stayed close, chatting with the chefs.

 

"I have had only preserved snake,' Big Paws said, with a sidelong glance

at a smallish steak, only centimetres from the edge of the grill, as if

he'd swipe it if backs were turned.

 

"I am looking forward to tasting fresh meat."

 

"This'll be the best,' Robin said, expansively.  "Reeve family recipe.

There's a secret to cooking snake to bring out the true flavour.  First,

you sear the sides of the meat, then season - - "No: season, then sear,'

Jilamey said, interrupting.

 

"Right,' Robin said.  "Then cook for four to eight minutes on a side."

"How is it a secret if he knows?" Big Paws asked, pointing to Jilamey.

 

"I'm practically family, Landreau said, grinning.  He sliced off a piece

of rare steak and held it out on a toasting fork to the Gringg.

 

"Taste.  The bite disappeared in a twinkling.  "Delicious!" Paws

exclaimed, licking his chops with his long, brown tongue.

 

"I would like to have much more of this.  Is this barbecue the only way

of preparing it?" He looked dubiously at the glowing coals.

 

"What ever way rocks your jollies.  Tell you what, come along on Snake

Hunt,' Robin suggested.  "If you catch your own snake, you can cook it

any way you want."

 

"Oh, I would love that,' the Gringg said, his eyes lighting up.  "I will

make the suggestion." He raised his voice, already quite loud enough to

be heard all across the yard.

 

"Captain Grzzeearoghh, may I suggest a concept to you?" The

black-and-white Gringg lumbered off towards his leader.  Robin grinned

at Jilamey and went back to turning steaks.

 

Hrriss passed among the guests with pitchers of lemonade and beer,

filling glasses.  He stopped to offer refreshment to Ali Kiachif, who

looked at the contents of the two carafes, and shuddered.

 

"Unfermented fruit squeezings!  Don't you have a decent tipple for a

man?" the old spacer asked.

 

"I will find something,' Hrriss said, his jaw dropped humorously.

 

"So you're the chief meeter, greeter, and feeder for tonight?" Kiachif

asked.  "Where's your tail-twin?  Scrubbing dishes?"

 

"Zalking,' Hrriss replied, with a grin for his longsuffering friend.  "I

am sure he would razzer be washing dishes.  Zodd is engaged in deep

talks with my father, Second Speaker, the Gringg, Spacedep, and

Alreldep, so I offer hospitalizy on behalf of us both."

 

"Ah, one of you is as good as the other' Kiachif said, airily.  "And I

saw your assorted offspring going about handing out baked toties, salad,

and fruit like very pros.

 

You re raising "em right, young Hrriss, so you are.

 

"Thank you,' Hrriss said, extremely gratified.  "I will see if there's

any miada in the house."

 

"Ah, this picnic is doing wonders for calming overstretched nerves, so

it is." Kiachif sat down on the porch seat to wait.

 

Mllaba and Greene left their seniors engaged in the informal Treaty

talks, and made their way surreptitiously as far removed from the party

as possible.  Grace Castleton and Captain Hrrrv were at the end of the

fence waiting for them.  There was a small tray table before each of

them.  Hrrrv's platter was empty, and looked as if it might have been

licked clean.  Castleton's food was virtually untouched.  She toyed with

a beaker, picking it up and putting it down again without drinking from

it.  She felt she couldn't force anything past the tightness in her

throat.

 

"I could not zink what you were doing, Greene, in agreeing to enter

formal discussions with these creatures,' Mllaba said, as soon as they

were out of earshot of the party.  "But it was cleverly done.  We can

szretch out zuch dialogues for many weeks."

 

"Glad you caught on to my drift,' Greene said smugly, settling on to a

chair beside Castleton.

 

"And it had the effect of disarming Reeve's objections.  The Admiral was

very pleased when I reported back to him.  The bruins have now sworn to

abide by a peace accord.  Now they'll have one, and Admiral Barustable

is personally involved in drawing it up.  It gives the fleets time. This

diplomatic immunity also allows us to keep track of where the Gringg go.

They'll have escorts everywhere.  If once they show what they are

capable of, we'll have witnesses!"

 

"How does the meeting go?" Hrrrv asked, in a low voice.

 

"Second Speaker has become caught up in the dream laid out by Hrrestan

and Rrev,' Mllaba said, her eyes gleaming with faint disgust.

 

"He will lose the election if he does not take care.  All of them are so

enamoured of the concept of unity that no one listens to reason.

 

"They'd sign tonight if the Admiral wasn't there, Greene said, grinning

with malice.  "He insists on discussing each clause in the Diplomatic

Immunity Handbook over and over again, then letting himself be talked

into the original wording already set down.

 

"But very slowly,' Mllaba said, laughing in short, breathy grunts.

 

"A very cleverrr man, for a Hayuman.

 

The Immunity Agreement will not be finished tonight.

 

And yet they continue to look upon his involvement as helpful!' The

other two joined in the laughter, but it had a forced sound.

 

Castleton took a sip from her drink, but did not taste it.  The thought

of deliberately sabotaging a safeguard for both Gringg and themselves

worried her, almost more than the up-coming confrontation when the naval

support ships arrived.  Despite the tape, she found much to admire in

the Gringg.

 

"Now Reeve has committed himself, Greene said, "the confrontation with

the Gringg will make him look the idealistic fool he is.  All we have to

do now is stall.  When the fleets arrive .

 

"They're close,' Grace said quietly.  "The Terran fleet is within

twenty-four hours of making orbit.

 

Greene looked at her, almost for the first time, and his expression

changed from triumph to concern as he saw how worried she was.

 

"What's wrong?" he asked, suddenly perceptive of her mood.

 

"Nothing,' Grace replied carefully, glancing at the two Hirubans.

 

"All ship-shape, and observing radio silence."

 

"Ze Hrruban fleet will arrive just outside ze heliopause a few hourz

later,' Hrrrv added.

 

"Very good,' Greene said.  "The Gringg are most likely to strike when we

expect it least.  Possibly while we conclude agreements and treaties

they never had any intention of signing.  We'll hold up the final

agreement as long as possible until both fleets are in position."

 

"It cannot be held long,' Milaba said.  "Ze movement toward accord is

inexorable.  Ze Gringg, Sumizral, and Rraladoon are in agreement.  Zere

are reasons why Second Speaker will sign zat I cannot discuss but no one

will oppose him in ze Council."

 

"Then that trade agreement could be the last thing any Human or Hrruban

does on Doona,' Greene warned.

 

"Admiral Barnstable has sent sealed orders to open fire on that Wander

Den of theirs the moment their reinforcements arrive, or at any first

hostile sign.

 

"Zouzanns of lives are at risk,' added MIlaba.  "We have to stall until

ze ships are in place to defend zem.  Ze Gringg shipz must be blown

apart before zey can attack."

 

"We shall be ready,' Greene said, leaning over and speaking in a low

voice so the others had to listen very closely.  "Then we'll support

Hrrto by telling the Council that he was on the right side - the side of

caution - all along.  The Admiral has the tape to justify our actions.

That's our ace in the hole.

 

Barnstable also wants to sabotage that scientific get-together planned

for tomorrow.

 

"It is already being zaken care of,' Mllaba said, her yellow-green eyes

watchful in the twilight.  "I attend ze conference again in ze mrrning."

"Good!  This charade has gone on long enough, Greene said.

 

"In the meantime, we pretend to cooperate and thus allay suspicion until

our fleets are in position.

 

"Then we demand the truth of the massacre in the Fingal system,' Hrrrv

said, flourishing his claws.  He stood up, bowed to Mllaba, and left.

 

"I, too, must go,' Mllaba said.  "Ze Council expects me to report on ze

Zreaty's progress." Her black robes whispering over the long grass,

Mllaba glided away.

 

Like a shadow, she passed between the hulking figures of Gringg and

Hayuman, and disappeared between the gateposts.

 

"What if we've been wrong?" Castleton asked Greene suddenly, in the

thoughtful silence that followed the Hrrubans' departure.  Her voice was

too loud, and she forced herself to lower it.  "What if they truly are

peaceful creatures?  What will the Gringg think when our forces surround

them?  They'll feel betrayed.  They'll never trust us again.

 

Greene put a gentle hand on her wrist, and she shuddered slightly.

 

"You've seen the tape, Grace.  We can't ignore that proof.  We have

every right to demand an explanation, and to take reasonable

precautions."

 

"I still don't agree with your conclusions,' Grace said.

 

"I'll fight, and even die, if I have to, to protect Humanity, but I

still can't bring myself to believe in the Gringg threat.

 

I'll just be doing my job." She lowered her gaze, and sat staring at the

ground between her feet.

 

"Yes,' Greene said, moving closer to her.  They were now knee to knee.

She was aware of the warmth in his eyes and the scent of liis skin

mixing with the cooler aromas of the night air.  "After tomorrow we

might be very busy.

 

"Or dead,' Grace said, her eyes fixed on his.

 

"But not without having given a good battle,' Greene said.  He held out

his hand to her.  "Let's go back to the ship and form our own plan of

action." With a sad smile, she nevertheless took his hand.

 

Chapter 11

 

COMMANDER FRiLL COURTEOUSLY PUSHED BACK HiS chair and stood when Milaba

entered the conference room.  He wasn't sure if protocol for a Speaker

of the High Council applied to his personal assistant, but it was better

to err on the side of courtesy.  MIlaba spared him an annoyed expression

then made straight for his side of the table.  He remained standing

until she had taken a chair and he assisted her to draw it under the

table.

 

Cardiff, on his other side, glanced up at the Hrruban, but his

conversation with a pair of Gringg engineers and the technician from the

Hrruban warship did not falter.

 

The Gringg were arguing a complex point about drive engines that the

Hrruban couldn't believe, but wanted to.  Vocabulary was not yet

adequate for high technology so most of the dispute was carried out in

mime, with each side making subtle alterations in the technical diagrams

showing on the computer screens set between them.

 

Cardiff's talk was peppered with untranslatable military and corridor

slang that a couple of the Gringg were beginning to repeat back to him.

 

Hurrhee, the chief scientist from Hrruba, interrupted his talk to pay

heed to Second's assistant.  He was, as Frill understood it, a

medium-wide Stripe, which put him among the upper class on Hrruba, but

Milaba was his Superior.  She muttered a long, low stream of grunts and

growls at him, flipping off the control on his voder.

 

Hurrhee submitted to that action but Frill frowned and pricked his ears,

though he only recognized a few of the glottal changes as belonging to

High Hrruban rather than Middle.  He wished he knew that dialect,

because whatever it was she was saying, it sounded important.

 

"What is it, madam?" Hurrhee asked with just a touch of asperity.

 

"I am in a most interesting conversation.  I do not wish to get left

behind in the details.

 

The assistant's gold-green eyes glinted with impatience.

 

"What have you learned?"

 

"About their grasp of matter transport technology?" The military tech

glanced up at the words.  Mllaba stared around her in alarm, but no one

else had comprehended.

 

"Yes,' she said.  "Speak not using terms, but concepts." Hurrhee lowered

his voice further.  "Most interesting, madam.  I spoke in a general way

about crystalline focusing systems from deliberately impure mineral

complexes.

 

Those,' he nodded towards the hugest Gringg, a female, who sat beside

the Hayuman scientist and a large, brownpatched male bear, "began to

study the false diagrams I gave them.  To my great delight, they have an

idea how to prolong the life of the tuning crystals, madam.  But I am

now absolutely positive that the purralinium they are willing to trade

us has the impurities we so urgently need.  Though that metal did not

come up in conversation, the dark-skinned Hayuman has made a suggestion

that could very well result in still further protection for our

supplies."

 

"What?" Mllaba replied, deeply troubled.

 

"How could he?  Hrruba has sought such advances for centuries."

 

"But a fresh eye,' Hurrhee said in a grunting whisper, may see things a

jaded one cannot.  I am most enthusiastic about pursuing this

discussion.

 

And Sixth Speaker for Production was eager that I should continue.

 

"If the Hayumans suspect what aim you serve, they will be in possession

of valuable information regarding gr-That technology,' Milaba said

sternly.  "Discredit anything which comes too close." Hurrhee shook his

greying mane, disbelievingly.  "But should these things be secrets,

madam?  Science is the only universal language which cannot lie.  Sooner

or later they might deduce it on their own.  The Hayumans seek it now,

and I believe the Gringg have a fair idea that purralinium is what

powers the grid systems.  The large female has asked several leading

questions.  I hate to keep putting her off, since who may know what

advances she may lead us to?"

 

"But it would be advances the Hayumans might be able to share to the

disadvantage of Hiruba, and that must not be.  Our secrets must remain

our own.  Can you not equivocate?"

 

"No,' Hurrhee said, bluntly, but still in a whisper.  "The facts would

swiftly bear against me.  There is more.  A few of the naval Hayumans

are quite upset about it, and in fact tried to speak out against open

discussion.

 

"Could you tell what the subject was?" Hurrhee shook his head slightly.

"I think it had to do with spaceship technology, maximizing poor

resources for greatest effect.  It may well be, madam, that both our

technologies are short of essential metals to increase our respective

transportation mediums.  In my deepest heart, I feel cooperation, total

cooperation, would benefit us more than the current secrecies." Mllaba

eyed him coldly.  "Then it is as well that you are not in any position

to make policy." Her voice was devoid of expression.  "Follow the

instructions given you and do not deviate.

 

"Madam,' Hurrhee replied, with great dignity, "how can I, in my capacity

as a leading scientist, ignore the chance to gain advantages which will

result in massive leaps forward in many fields?  I must know what these

Gringg have to say, and to do so, I must be honest."

 

"Honesty!" Mllaba was astonished.  "What is that when our security is at

stake?"

 

"False security, I would say,' Hurrhee replied haughtily.

 

Mllaba didn't trust herself to speak further.  An outburst here would

only serve to disgrace her office and that of the Speaker she served.

Angrily, she pushed back her chair and stalked out.  Hurrhee watched her

depart, then returned to his discussion.

 

"Ah, Koala,' he said, pleasantly.  "Now, where were we?"

 

"Hrrestan, may I speak to you?" At Second Speaker's voice, the senior

Hrruban administrator glanced up from a stack of angry messages

scattered across his desk, then rose hastily to his feet.  The older

male seemed agitated.  "But of course, honoured Speaker.

 

Please be seated.  How may I serve you?" The Hrruban settled himself

into the padded chair opposite and attempted to compose his thoughts.

"May I take you into my confidence, Hrrestan?  You have always held the

Hrruban cause dear."

 

"This sounds ominous, Speaker Hrrto,' Hrrestan said, infusing a light

tone into his voice.  "It is true, I act for the best of all Hrrubans,

but also to secure prosperity for my Hayuman neighbour."

 

"My request does not counter either of those purposes,' Hrrto said. "You

are aware of the scientific conference going on in the Treaty Centre?"

Hrrestan inclined his head.  "But of course.  Your interest honours us.

What is your request?"

 

"It is not a simple one to explain.  I must tell you I disapprove of the

openness which pervades there.  Instead of discussing generalities, as I

thought the conference was meant to do, the participants seem to have

gone straight on to sensitive topics, discussing engineering and space

sciences as if they were exchanging recipes."

 

"Scientists do tend to become enthusiastic about their pet topics,'

Hrrestan said.  "If you wanted them to learn only names and formulae,

that could have been done with simple teaching tapes, instead of

allowing free-thinking beings to participate.  The Gringg have their own

sciences, some in advance of ours, from what I have been told. Evidently

our own inventors and technicians have discovered they can proceed

quickly to the satisfyingly and interestingly complex."

 

"No!  That is not the way it should be operating,' Second insisted,

raising his voice almost to a shout.  He stopped, surprised at his own

lack of discretion.  "There are reasons why we should be more discreet.

I .  .  .  I cannot be more candid at this time, but I am greatly

worried that indiscretion reigns with creatures unknown to us a mere

four weeks ago." And Second Speaker allowed his alarm to colour his

tone.  He controlled himself and went on firmly.

 

"We take quantum leaps before we understand walking with them as

partners.  So much is at stake here."

 

"Indeed, but what exactly alarms you so?" Hrrestan asked earnestly.

 

"I beg your pardon?"

 

"From what I have heard, there has been accord and much exchange of

information among our scientists while others are busily discussing

trade agreements.  What specific problem agitates you so, Second

Speaker?"

 

"Mllaba has been attending on my behalf while I dealt with the

Diplomatic Immunity Affair,' Hrrto said in a testy tone: he had the

right to use his assistant as an information gatherer. Hrrestan did not

react adversely.

 

Perhaps he, too, had spies.  "Her sources suggest that the Gringg may

have already deduced the workings of our grid transport system!" He

paused to let Hrrestan absorb the significance of that before he

continued.  "We know they have purralinium on offer as barter.  We must

obtain all, ALL of the material.  We cannot allow the Hayumans to have

any.  Surely I do not need to remind you why."

 

"Pure purralinium is also on offer and the Hayumans seem much more

interested in that,' Hrrestan said soothingly.  "They like quality and

insist on the purest assays.

 

"But the danger exists and you should by now know how Hayumans can grasp

a single word and end up with a statement!  If they ever connected the

impure purralinium with our grid technology Second Speaker threw his

hands up at such a catastrophe.  "MIlaba has tried to slow the talks or

divert them from discussions that would inevitably lead to its

disclosure, but she has been unsuccessful.

 

These scientists are so single minded!  Therefore, you must disband the

science conference!"

 

"I must not do that.  For shame, Speaker Hrrto,' Hrrestan said, his

large eyes flashing.  "For shame that you will not allow the Gringg to

prove themselves as strong and supportive allies. If they can deduce our

poor technology by casual examination - as our Hayuman friends have

never yet managed to do - and yet have offered their friendship and

their assistance instead of taking advantage of us, you should be

pleased and grateful instead of treating them with distaste and fear.  I

shall be proud to have them as friends which is much more preferable

than making them rivals or potential enemies.

 

As you have said, I support Hrruba, and I say that Hrruba would benefit

greatly by frank and honest interaction with such a race.

 

Hrrto regrouped his arguments.  "But you do not fear them yourself?  You

do not find their size frightening?"

 

"Not at all,' Hrrestan said, his jaw dropping in a slight smile.  "Their

voices are annoying, but they cannot help that.  We become accustomed

and nape hair no longer rises when they speak too loudly.  If they are

large of Stature, what of it? They are intelligent, caring beings.

 

Yesterday, at the incitement of my grandchild, one of the Gringg picked

me up and held me in the air like an infant.  You were at the barbecue;

you might have seen it yourself.  It was a game the two of them were

playing together, and yet the Gringg is the size of a large horse.

 

My rambunctious grandson considered him a playmate.  If my children and

their offspring trust them, can I do less?

 

Children are most intuitive.  The Gringg value the same things we do,

hold life as dearly.  I find a great basis of mutual understanding

already."

 

"I see,' Hrrto said, slowly, realizing that he could form no alliance

with this person.  "Thank you, Hrrestan.  It has been most instructive

speaking with you." Hrrestan rose and bowed deeply.  "I am always glad

to be of service." Hrrto left the Government House and made his way to

the grid in the heart of the First Village.  The mist obscured his

vision for a moment, matching the muzziness of his thoughts.  Hrrestan

had always seemed such a sensible Stripe, even if he seemed to have

wasted his opportunities by being a mere co-leader on an agricultural

planet.

 

Furthermore, nothing Hrrto had seen or heard of the Gringg, even the

unfortunate horse accident, contradicted their contention of pacific

nature.  The horrific tape shown to him by Spacedep seemed more and more

of a fantasy.

 

And they had purralinium.

 

Throughout the weeks since the Gringg had arrived, Mllaba harped at him

that revealing the Gringgs' inherent evil would serve to propel him into

his world's highest honour.  Yet he continually temporized and did not

reveal the existence of that damning tape.  If he was wrong, he was

risking the destruction of a Hrruban colony.  He had almost told

Hrrestan about the tape.  Would that omission cost lives?

 

Few people of any species were in the corridor of the Federation Centre.

Hrrto walked soft-footed into the Council Chamber and took the same seat

he had occupied the day of the trade negotiations.  The chamber was

empty, for which he was grateful.  He wanted solitude to mull over the

conversation with Hrrestan.

 

In the final analysis, Hrruba had to have whatever purralinium the

Gringg had!  He could even use that as his excuse for withholding vital

evidence.

 

"But why, Tom?" Todd asked, puzzled and unhappy.  The emigration request

Tom Prafuli had just handed him was possibly the worst document to cross

his desk.  A totally unexpected and unwelcome surprise Tom Prafuli

pushed the sheets towards Todd.  His solemn, dark brown eyes were

mournful.  "Just sign the emigration order, will you, Todd?  Don't take

it personal.

 

Get it over with.

 

The colony administrator took the pages in both hands and met the other

man's gaze.  "Tom, we've been friends for more than twenty years.

 

We grew up together; we suffered through university exams together.  I

don't want to see you take off on an impulse like this."

 

"It's no impulse,' Prafuli said, straightening his thin shoulders.

 

"Sigrid and I talked it out all night, but a month of nights arguing

won't change our minds.  We want to get off Rraladoon.  We don't like

the change the neighbourhood is taking." The colonist made a meaningful

gesture with one hand, holding it high above the ground beside his head.

 

"The Gringg?" Todd asked, astonished.  "Tom, you're one of the greatest

proponents of diversity I know.

 

The Gringg will make great friends and allies.  They're harmless."

 

"Oh, yeah!" the rancher said, bitterly, and Todd could almost see tears

starting across the man's shiny dark eyes.

 

"Ask Crystal Dingo how harmless they are."

 

"Crystal Dingo?"

 

"My mare. My prize brood mare that was.  She's the one who's going to be

cheval steaks and a tanned hide today.  But my mare is just the

beginning, isn't she?  I hear you're giving a big, prime chunk of

Rraladoon to those Gringg." Todd stared.  "What?  Who told you that?"

 

"There's a Hrruban going around saying that you're going to plant those

bruin-monsters right in the middle of town, taking our land away for

them, and fardle anyone who protests.  I'm not one for racial or Species

solidarity, Todd, you know that, but I think these Gringg are plain

dangerous.  Just like that Hrruban said.  A lot of people are listening

close to him, and what he says makes sense.  I've been hearing worse,

too.  They're killers."

 

"That's bull,' Todd replied staunchly, suppressing the rise of anger at

such ridiculous gossip, "and you know it, Tom.  Even if one of them

wanted to settle right here, they'd have to take unclaimed land.  That's

in both the Decision and the Treaty. You know how I feel about them,

don't you?" Todd put a little heat in his words because Tom had been

pro-space port.

 

"Well, there's those that say you're thinking of them before your own

folk, Hayuman or Hrruban." Todd eyed him.  "If you weren't hurting, I'd

take exception to a crack like that, Tom."

 

"You can take what you like, so far as I'm concerned.  You can give them

my ranch when I'm gone.

 

I don't want to be anywhere near them.  Let me go, Todd,' Prafuli

begged.  "I heard through the bulletin board that they're taking

applications for homesteaders on Parnassus.  We're already booked on a

ship heading in that direction next week."

 

"I wish you'd reconsider,' Todd said, Sensing even as he spoke that his

attempt was going to fall flat.  "Snake Hunt is only a week away.  We'd

miss you if you left before it started." Prafuli shook his head.  "Thank

God, because that's how we can get out of here now, when we want to. I'm

not the only one who feels this way, Todd.  I'm just the only one who's

going right now.

 

You ought to get out there and listen to your friends." Without further

protest, Todd signed and affixed his seal to the form and handed it back

to the rancher, who left the room without saying another word.

 

When the sound of Prafuli's retreating footsteps died away, Todd got up

from his desk and stared out the window for a moment.  Usually the view

relaxed him enough so he could think.  The vast garden changing with the

season, overlooked by the grand presence of Saddle Ridge was a most

soothing view.  This morning, though, the garden was flooded by a

gathering crowd.  Among them he could pick out the probable dissidents

by their pallid complexions, somewhat scorched across noses and cheeks

by the sun.  All this past month there had been a steady stream of

agitators, swelling the original numbers which Todd was sure Barustable

had grided in.

 

He really hadn't thought they'd have much effect on dedicated

Rraladoonans but Tom Prafuli had proved him wrong.  Unfortunately

Rraladoon had never seen the need for any exclusion policy for

"undesirable' visitors, much less professional agitators.  Whoever had

the money - or the interest - to come to Rraladoon was made welcome.

 

Right now, with so many arriving for New Home Week and the Snake Hunt,

and every Rraladoonan involved in those affairs, there wasn't someone to

screen the spurious from the serious.  Wryly Todd thought that those who

took in paying guests for the New Home Week festival would be making

good money.

 

He vowed that, once New Home Week and the Snake Hunt Festival, which was

its finale, were over, he'd start weeding out the agitators on the

grounds they were disturbing the peace.  Which they were.

 

As he watched, in full view of the crowd, some of these new "activists'

unfurled banners and stapled them to poles of green rla wood.  Todd

squinted to read the badly printed messages snapping in the light

breeze: Gringg Go Home, Two's Company - Three's a Crowd!, Doona for

Doonans.

 

That last slogan was obviously contrived by Earthdwellers, since they

didn't even use the Current name for the planet.  He hoped that not

everyone in that large mob were agitators.  Todd recognized many

neighbours and people he knew from all six Villages.  No one seemed to

protest the waving banners and that saddened him.

 

Once the banners were erected, the group hoisted the poles and began to

march in a large oval, obstructing the pedestrian walkways to the

building.  Todd forced himself to watch several circuits, listened to

them chanting their slogans, then turned back to his desk.

 

His mail was full of messages of complaint: the Gringg were an unwelcome

and threatening presence.  He erased most of them as soon as he saw

their content, stunned by the depth of ill-feeling.  A half-dozen

suggested that he step down from office immediately and allow a

"responsible, right-thinking Terran' to take over before disaster

struck.  Where had his wits been all these weeks?  He'd been so

convinced that the best possible outcome for all Hayuman- and

Hrruban-kind was to form a partnership with the new species that he'd

ardently pursued that goal.

 

Had he been so wrong to inflict his world-view on the rest of his

people?  Was his idea of galactic unity so unwelcome to the majority?

 

Hrriss slipped into the office.  "Arre you ready to go yet, Zodd?

 

My father would like to take a few moments to talk with you beforr ze

conference begins.  What is ze mazzer?" Todd looked up at him, his blue

eyes wide with confusion and hurt like a lost child.

 

"The first real test of my government, and I don't know if I've failed

my responsibilities or not." He told Hrriss about Prafuli's visit. "I've

forced my judgement on others, without caring what happened to anyone,

or what anyone else thought." He threw up his hands and paced fitfully

to the end of the room, and spun accusingly on his heel.

 

"You have not failed,' Hrriss assured him.  "Hrrestan has had such

messages, too, and he is paying no heed zo zem.

 

Zere is bound zo be malcontents who will not wait frr all to come out

right.  How many of zose messages were signed by Villagers?"

 

"More than I like to count." Todd felt suddenly unworthy of the office

Hu Shih had ceded to him.

 

"You always assume zat you are ze one who is wrong, Hrriss said, with a

gentle grin as he opened the door.

 

"Let me suggest a little experiment.  Ask zese folk what zey zink."

Todd's personal staff consisted of two Hrrubans and a Hayuman, whose

work-stations were in the outer office.

 

They looked up as Todd and Hrriss came out.  The office manager, Kathy

Hills, fluttered her long blond lashes at him in a demi-flirt, then

stopped when she noticed his expression.  Her large blue eyes filled

with concern.

 

"Todd, what's wrong?" He wasn't very sure how to frame the question.

Anyway, these people were loyal to him personally.  It was those who had

no connection to him that he had to reassure.

 

"Er, Kath, are you comfortable with the idea of allying with the

Gringg?"

 

"That's a funny question,' she said, a little puzzled.

 

"Sure.  Why?"

 

"Well, I .  - - Do you have any trouble having them as permanent trading

partners?  Neighbours?  Friends?" Kathy laughed.

 

"Well, I can't imagine being closer to anyone than I am to my two best

Hrruban friends.  It'll be a shade difficult,' she added with a giggle,

"to be on the same level as a Gringg but every one of them I've met so

far has been polite and curious and really rather interesting.

 

Need you ask?"

 

"Well, yes,' Todd said.  "It seems I do need to ask.  I should have done

it before." Mrrowan, at the desk across the room, exchanged pitying

glances with Kathy and Hrriss, and shook her head.

 

"Zodd, you can be so blind sometimes.  We zrust yrrr judgement.

 

We zure wouldn't work so hard for you if we didn't!" Barrough, beside

her, his jaw halfway to the floor in amusement, nodded agreement.

 

"We can't be considered a good cross section in a random poll,' he said.

"But we get out and about when you haven't got us slaving over hot

consoles here.  So we do know that the majority will follow you and

Hrrestan.

 

We elected you to succeed Hu Shih, didn't we?  And most of the people I

know,' and he turned to get emphatic nods from the two females, "think

you're handling a difficult situation very well.  Any fainthearts don't

know how good they've got it here.

 

"Thank you,' Todd said, his shoulders relaxing somewhat, though the

tight knot in his gut still remained.  "I needed to hear that.  I was

half-convinced that I've been ignoring what's been going on right around

me.  I'm not going to bull it through without the approval of the people

who live here.."

 

"And you are not, Mrrowan insisted.

 

"Rraladoon exists as it does because we've always helped each other.

 

You have had help from many people zese long weeks of zeaching ze Gringg

to speak our language.  Zose are not disapproving.  It has been a

prrject we have all shared.

 

And enjoyed.

 

"Tom Prafuli's grg,) Todd said, still ashamed of that disappointment.

 

"So?" Barrough demanded with a shrug.  "He was never really a

Rraladoonan.  He only came here to hunt snake.

 

We can do without his kind."

 

"And you're letting that upset you?" Kathy demanded, screwing her face

up in disgust.  "You amaze me, Todd!

 

Let it run off your back, the way you did the other stupidities that

have been perpetrated.  You're on the right track.

 

Don't you doubt it!" Her expression turned fierce.

 

"I second that!" Barrough and Mrrowan chorused.

 

"But it is nice of you zo ask,' Mrrowan added, dropping her jaw in a big

grin.

 

"I zold him he was mad,' Hrriss said, his eyes alight.

 

"No, they're not exactly disinterested parties,' Admiral Sumitral said

when Todd consulted him on the matter, "but loyal enough to you to warn

you if the matter was getting out of hand.  So why are you letting one

emigration give you second thoughts?"

 

"It just made me realize that not everyone agrees with the policy

Hrrestan and I have been following.

 

I mean, bringing the Gringg along as quickly as we can, Opening our

homes, our businesses, our lives to them, but are we doing the right

thing for the greatest good of the people on the planet we administer?"

Todd said, and paused.

 

Hrriss grunted low in his throat but it was Sumitral who answered.

 

"Would I,' and the diplomat touched his chest, "have backed you so

solidly if I felt you were not acting in the best interests of a planet

which is very dear to my heart?" That rhetorical query wrung a wry smile

from Todd.

 

"You'd be the first to set me straight, I guess.

 

"If I hadn't firrrst,' Hrriss said, twitching his nose and whiskers.

 

"I admit that it can be unnerving to see people carrying such

unflattering banners round and round your office,' Sumitral agreed.

 

"But surely you saw how many of them are not even residents?"

 

"It's the ones who were that upset me.  There were letters demanding

that I step down.  Kelly's reported rumours all over the complaint

board."

 

"Pay no azzention to zem,' Hrriss said.  "Zey do not speak for ze

majrrity' "Do you, in your mind and heart, doubt the merits of what

you're doing?" Sumitral asked, leaning forward over his folded arms.

 

"No!  Not for a moment,' Todd said.  "Not for myself!

 

But I'm not acting for myself any more - or alone." Sumitral smiled.

"You are acting for the good of Rraladoon and that has always been an

instinCt with you, and with Hrriss.  Remember that.  Ignore the dross.

Myself, I have trusted very few in my life.  .  .  a survival technique.

 

But I trust you, and Hrriss, and certainly Hrrestan.  And oddly enough,

I also trust the Gringg.  Call it professional instinct.

 

That's why I'm backing you.  And, to give you a little encouragement,'

Sumitral pulled up a file on his desk computer and swung the screen

around for the two friends to see, "I'll give you the straight facts

from home world newsprints.  Here's the result of an opinion poll

circulated by the Amalgamated Worlds Council on Earth.

 

You see, in the beginning when the first data about the Gringg's arrival

began to circulate, a general poll showed seventy-five per cenr were

against getting involved with them.  But look at the demographics: most

of them are old timers, who grew up when there weren't even Hrrubans on

the horizon, when settling space meant hardship and terror.

 

The young people, between sixteen and twenty-five, were ninety-two point

seven in favour of getting to know the Gringg better "Now, after the

initial reports,' Sumitral allowed a tiny smile to touch his lips, "and

I might add, after a little judicious salting of news programmes with

tapes of you two and other Rialadoonans interacting in friendly,

non-threatening activities with the Gringg, teaching them Middle Hrruban

and playing with them, there's a forty per cent swing in the oldest

demographics, and anyone under sixty is ninety per cent or better in

favour of forming a Treaty with the Gringg.  This is what I based my

platform on when approaching the Council, and that's how I won approval

to offer them both diplomatic immunity and a Trade Agreement." Sumitral

tapped the screen with a stylus.  "Don't doubt yourself, Todd Reeve.

You've the backing you need.  And an interstellar reputation as a fine

example of Hayumankind and a role model for aspiring youngsters.

 

"Zere, you see?" Hrriss asked, whacking Todd solidly on the upper arm

with the back of his hand.

 

With such reassurances, Todd was finding it hard to hold on to his

gloomy mood.  Hrriss was grinning widely, his jaw dropped almost all the

way to his breastbone "I'm not sure I like having an interstellar

reputation,' Todd said in a low grumble.

 

"You should have thought of that when you were six,' Sumitral said, with

the ghost of memory limning a smile on his face.  "Now, come, take your

optimism into the negotiating room with you.  You can deal with the

rumourmongers when the job is done.

 

In their dress uniforms, Sumitral, Todd and Hrriss shouldered their way

out of the building past the protesters and walked quickly to the

transport grid.  Ignoring the cries at their backs, Hrriss set the

controls.  The mist rose around the three of them, obscuring the ring of

dissident Hayumans and Hrrubans.  Todd was never more grateful to see

the plain white walls of the Federation Centre.  He nodded a greeting to

the grid operator, a young Hrruban male with a very pointed face and

narrow-striped tail.

 

"We'll meet the Gringg on the landing pad, Sumitral said.

 

As they emerged from the grid facility, they were surprised to see the

crowds on the Treaty Centre grounds.

 

A handful of Alreldep regulars in their maroon uniforms stood guard on

the concrete apron attached to the building, around a grand table with

three pens and inkwells but only two seats, for the public signing of

the Treaty between Terra, Hrruba, and Gringg.

 

Most of the Hayumans and Hrrubans waiting near the landing pad were

Rraladoonans, waiting eagerly to view the signing.  Many had brought

seating while others had spread blankets on the ground.  There was a

buzz of pleasant talk which stilled as the official escort arrived.

 

To one side, however, Todd was dismayed to see yet another cluster of

protesters.  This bunch suddenly pushed their way through the scattered

onlookers, right up to the boxy Gringg shuttle, waving their posters.

These featured caricatures of Gringg, ill-drawn as well as defamatory as

one showed a Gringg tearing apart a small body, obviously a Gringg cub.

Another featured a mass of Gringg, wearing extravagant collars and

harnesses trampling down both Havumans and Hrrubans, exaggerated paws

reaching towards a table heaped with foodstuffs.

 

Ken Reeve, Jilamey Landreau, and Ali Kiachif immediately stepped up to

the shuttle hatch, daring the mob to start something.  A phalanx of the

commercial space crews emerged from behind the shuttle, their hand

weapons still holstered but ready, and formed a sort of barrier.

 

Jilamey waved to Todd and Hrriss and gave one of his outrageously cocky

grins.

 

"Damn!" Todd muttered under his breath.

 

"Well, I didn't expect this!" Sumitral muttered under his breath.

 

"I did, after the crowd around my office.  Kiachif and Horstmann

dragooned their crews into guard duty,' Todd replied out of the side of

his mouth.  "I'd hoped it was just talk.  Damn "em for using pictorial

insults."

 

"Since it's all too well known that the Gringg have concentrated on

spoken, not written language, that's one way to make your points."

 

"And Eonneh's in the shuttle and has probably faithfully drawn what's on

the posters for posterity' Todd said, his tone savage with frustration.

Even as he'd been speaking, he'd been surveying the faces in the ground

of the orderly Rraladoonans, estimating the numbers.

 

"Wait a sec!" He held up his hand to delay the others in the formal

escort.  Then he took another step forward.

 

"You're not citizens of this planet,' he said, rapidly scanning the

protest group to find the leader.  "You have no right of protest here."

Then he turned to the friendlier faces and raising his voice, added, "I

recognize a lot of you from previous snake hunts.  How about removing

the vipers in our midst?  I think they need to go back to whatever hole

they emerged from.  Quietly!  Out of respect for the rules of

hospitality!" Before the protesters could rally effectively to defend

themselves, their posters were confiscated and their persons bodily

removed by willing hands.  Some loud and outraged cries drifted back.

Todd waited a bit, grinning at Sumitral.

 

"All right, that's out of the way.  Let's proceed with the scheduled

formalities.

 

As soon as Todd, Sumitral and Hrrestan approached the Gringg shuttle,

the door slid open.  A buzz started, this time a welcoming one.

 

Waving cheerfully and with a pleasant smile showing all her fangs, Grizz

alighted, her powerful legs making the long step easily.  Todd sighed,

hoping that the Gringg had not been there very long.

 

Honey and Kodiak followed Grizz, turning to help Teddy down the tall

steps.

 

A hearty cheer rose from the crowd and some laughter.

 

Grizz twitched her ears and seemed to scan the gathering but her fanged

smile remained in place - a fanged smile that had been caricatured on

one of the posters.  Todd hoped that the Gringg might just dismiss those

as bad Rraladoonan art.  The Gringg and officials had taken no more than

a few steps when suddenly a fist-sized rock winged past Todd's head,

ricocheting off the side of the shuttle.  A clatter of pebbles hit the

ground around them.

 

Todd swung immediately in the direction of the assault.

 

A man, tawny-skinned but with the sallow complexion that spoke of

limited exposure to the sun, threw another rock straight at Grizz.

 

Anticipating its trajectory, Todd jumped up with one hand high and

caught the rock.  He swore as it stung his fingers.  Teddy squealed with

fear.  The Gringg immediately closed about the cub, hiding him from any

further attack.

 

There were cries of "Shame!  Shame on you!" from most of the onlookers

at such an assault and from agitated movements in the crowd, the pitcher

was being chased.

 

By all that was holy, Todd resolved, I'll find some punishment to fit

this crime, all quite within my authority as co-leader.  A glance at

Hrrestan told Todd that the Hrruban had the same uncompromising opinion.

The sharp chunk of granite that he had caught would have done some

damage had it reached its target, no matter how tough Gringg hide was.

 

"I'll want to see that man when you catch him,' Todd said aloud and

gestured to two of the crewmen to officiate.

 

Todd dropped the stone to the ground and, with his boot, ground it into

the dirt.

 

"My sincere apologies, Captain,' he said in a ringing voice.  "Let us

proceed with the order of business.

 

Then, flexing his stinging fingers, he raised his arms and gestured for

the crowd to give way and a respectful aisle immediately opened up, wide

enough for the Gringg and escort to proceed.  That such an incident had

occurred at all rankled deeply in Todd, marring what should have been a

great occasion.

 

With Kiachif, Jilamey, Ken and Hrriss flanking the aliens, they marched

toward the Centre.  The space crews then formed a guard behind them.

 

The Treaty Chamber door swung wide to admit Hrrto's erstwhile allies,

the Havumans from Spacedep.  Of those expected at the noon hour, they

were the first to arrive.

 

Barnstable, in his dress blues, nodded sharply to Hrrto as he slid into

the chair opposite, and surveyed the room.  The only other Occupant was

Mllaba, who sat discreetly against the wall, allowing her senior to mull

over his thoughts by himself.  Greene waited discreetly as his senior

seated himself, then escorted Castle ton to her chair on the other side

of their senior commander.

 

"Well, Speaker Hrrto?" Barnstable asked.  "Anything to report?"

 

"I have spoken to Hrrestan.  Ze conference goes on unhindered, and a

Zreaty seems imminent whether we will or will not apprrove,' Hrrto said,

but his voice was distant.  "If we are right, zis means zere are only

hours left.

 

I can do nothing more.  Despite all advice to the contrary, the High

Council wants to trade with zese Gringg." That was true enough for, once

Hrrto had mentioned the existence of purralinium, the High Council would

hear of nothing but any agreement that would augment the dwindling

supplies.

 

Mllaba, in her chair by the wall, glared at the floor with glowing

yellow eyes, but said nothing.  Hrrto had not requested her presence at

that High Council meeting and he knew she was certain that he had

mishandled that meeting.  No matter.  His conversation with Hrrestan had

caused him to alter more than one long-held opinion.  He had even

altered his desire to win the upComing election: such crushing

responsibility for all sorts of unexpected incidents had lost any

appeal.

 

"Withhold your approval,' Greene said.  "The Treaty will require

signatures from all three governments."

 

"I am not sure zat will be possible,' Hrrto replied.  "Nor zat it will

mazzer.

 

"But it can,' Barustable said urgently, his eyes glittering.

 

"Think of it: the Gringg have given us a map of their systems.

 

They have claimed hundreds of planets.  If you don't sign, all the

provisions and the safeguards become null and void.  Hrruba could take

over valuable mining planets: even habitable worlds.  Considering what

they did on Fingal.  the Gringg don't deserve to colonize more worlds."

"No, Second said, wearily.  "I am too old for war.  Nor am I one to take

anozzer's worlds.  We Hrrubans, too, have put such greed behind us.  But

ze others will sign ze Zreaty anyhow.  It will not matter if I sign or

not."

 

"It will matter, Speaker,' Greene assured him.  He held out a small

datacube.  "I have the tape from our exploration ship.  It proves that

the Gringg ship did fire on Fingal III, destroying at least one of the

cities on the surface and several of the satellites.  The weapons we

have suspected all along must be hidden somewhere aboard that leviathan.

Our combined fleets are hours away.  They must not hesitate to attack."

"Is zis wise?" asked Hrrto.  "It is not us who will die." And we are so

close to gaining new supplies of purralinium.

 

He closed his eyes in despair.

 

"Too many will die if we don't act.  You saw that tape,' said Greene

through gritted teeth.  "These Gringg are deceivers and vicious killers.

I can sense it every time I'm close to one of them." Grace Castleton,

sitting by Greene, angled her body away from him.  She was weary with

trying to argue with Jon.  He kept on the same theme and would see no

other logic.  For the first time since she'd received her own

commission, she found her command onerous.  Her private opinions could

not interfere with her obedience to orders from the Admiral.

 

Barnstable was as rabid against the Gringg as Jon, wholeheartedly

willing to believe evidence she found spurious.

 

"We need more time,' Mllaba said.  "Just a few hours and ze fleets will

be here to support our views.  We need a diversion.  Now is ze time to

show Rrev and Hrrestan zat tape!"

 

"And Admiral Sumitral,' Castleton added.

 

"Those confounded optimistic hand-in-friendship fanatics won't believe

it,' said Barnstable, dismissing the leaders of Rraladoon with a

gesture.  "Alreldep is full of fools who can't see a real threat when it

weighs half a ton and has claws."

 

"Yes,' Greene said promptly, "but showing them the tape buys us time.

They'll demand proof of its authenticity and we can drag that out as

long as we want to.  Let "em rant and rave a while.  That'd be to our

benefit.  And I've arranged one more delaying tactic.  Those should eat

up the hours we need for the fleet to get into position." Everyone

nodded in agreement, and nervously settled back to wait.

 

As soon as they were safely past the crowd, Teddy started to whimper,

having managed to control his terror until the safety of the Treaty

Centre was in sight.

 

"Here, Teddy,' Jilamey said, stroking his shoulder, handing the cub a

handful of peppermint humbugs he happened to have in his pocket.

 

"Can't imagine how those layabouts got here!  Must be some fringe nuts."

Far more reassured by something to put in his mouth, Teddy stuffed in as

many as he could and so forgot the fright he had had.

 

Having emerged unscathed from that obstacle, Todd was dismayed to find

there was an even more substantial number of onlookers surrounding the

meeting hall.  But this time there were no placards nor stones.

 

Disconcertingly, there were people carrying tri-d cameras and flashing

legitimate reporter idents, who wanted to ask the Gringg questions: a

tiresome but necessary interview.

 

Todd tried to appeal to them to wait until after the formal signings but

the protests were so loud that he relented.  Voders were passed over to

the reporters which Todd hoped would prove so irksome to use that the

newsgatherers would depart.  Instead there was a barrage of the inane

questions, the kind of tripe that made Todd's innards roil.

 

"Captain Gringg, how did you feel discovering not one but two sentient

races inhabiting this planet?"

 

"Do we differ from other species you've encountered?"

 

"How long was your jourriey here?"

 

"From what part of space do you originate?"

 

"What's your home world like?"

 

"How many cubs would you have in a life span and doesn't it interfere

with your professional duties?"

 

"Why was Middle Hrruban used as the bridge language?"

 

"I wasn't informed that newsgatherers had landed here Todd murmured to

Hrrestan.

 

"Nor was I, but it is never wise to annoy zose who broadcast news,'

Hrrestan said.

 

"If such broadcast is ever aired on Earth and Hrruba,' Todd said,

feeling uneasy about the unexpected delay.  He glanced down at his wrist

chrono.  They were already late for the scheduled arrival time but he

agreed with Hrrestan that it wasn't politic to irritate newsgatherers.

How many of those quickly flashed credentials might prove bogus?

 

And how did so many arrive so propitiously?  As if he needed to go far

to find an answer to that question.  What did Barnstable and his crowd

think they'd achieve by these delaying tactics?

 

However, when he and Hrrestan did suggest that the interview had gone on

long enough, there was immediate protest.

 

"This isn't half enough of an interview, Reeve,' protested one of the

more aggressive Hayuman interrogators.

 

"Our people, too, need to know ze facts,' an Hrruban of very narrow

Stripe chimed in.

 

"What news channel do you represent?" Todd asked, holding out his hand

for their credentials.  "My office was not informed of your arrival and

any interview should have been cleared with myself or Hrrestan.  We

could then have allotted sufficient time for a proper interview.  Now,

we've given you as much as we can.  After the ceremony's over, I'll

arrange a longer session for you with Captain Grizz and her crew Todd

cast a significant look at the commander of the Alreldep honour guard

and immediately his troops moved in to form a barrier between the Gringg

and the newsgatherers.  Then Todd and the others politely herded their

guests into the building.

 

"I know who planned that little diversion,' he muttered to his father.

"I don't know why!"

 

"The "why" worries me, too,' Ken said.

 

"I must check the records of ze grrrid operrators,' Hrrestan said.

 

"Zere have been too many unauzorized uses of zat facility!" He twitched

muzzle and whiskers and his tail lashed in angry switchings.

 

When they reached their destination, Todd sighed with relief, thinking

as he did so that maybe such relief was premature.

 

"Who was so kind as to arrange a press interview?" he said, glancing

around those already seated at the table.

 

"There were no newsgatherers when we entered,' Barristable said,

glancing up casually from his personal clipboard.  "Just the usual bunch

of onlookers one would expect."

 

"Surely,' and Greene grinned smugly, "you want as much publicity as you

can get on such a momentous occasion?

 

Surely you don't wish to keep any of these negotiations secret?"

 

"Surely you don't expect me to believe you didn't arrange it, Greene,'

Todd countered with an insincere smile.

 

"Please, let us put aside rancour,' Hrrestan said in Middle Hrruban,

hand raised for silence.  "Will you not all sit down?  This is the final

phase of our negotiations.  I have here three copies of the Treaty

worked out between Admiral Sumitral, Captain Grzzeearoghh, Second

Speaker, Admiral Barnstable, myself, and Zodd Rrev.  The suggestions and

input comes from many quarters and has taken days to compile.  I ask you

all to glance over these documents to ensure that all the salient points

discussed have been included to your individual satisfaction." It was

only when Hrrestan sat down that he realized half the room was more

interested in the ornate timepiece at one end of the room - a fine piece

of engineering since it registered the precise time on Hrruba, Earth and

Rraladoon.  He had the distinct sense that only the Gringg and

Rraladoonans had paid any attention to his brief words.

 

While he was not of a Stripe that took offence at minor snubs and slurs,

he was decidedly uneasy about the atmosphere in the chamber.  He glanced

at Speaker Hrrto who had his eyes carefully averted.

 

To Hrrestan's surprise, the Spacedep commander asked to be recognized.

He nodded to Greene, and the Hayuman rose.

 

"The agenda of this meeting does not allow sufficient time to read every

clause of this weighty document,' Greene said, making a show of the

effort it took for him to raise the weight of the thick document in

Basic language.

 

"There were many points that had to be discussed in great detail.

 

We will need more time for a thorough reading than you have allowed."

 

"I must point out, Commander, that you are not an official member of the

Trade Treaty Committee,' Hrrestan said in Middle Hrruban for the voder

to translate.  "You were present only as an observer for the Admiral who

was involved in another discussion."

 

"However, as the Admiral's appointed representative, surely I may speak

to that point?" There was the slightest edge of smug superiority about

Greene's manner that irritated Todd.  The commander was obviously

initiating yet another delaying strategy.  Why?

 

was what was beginning to obsess Todd.

 

"You attended all the meetings, that is true, Hrrestan said, replying

with dignity.  "You had ample opportunity to bring up any points then

for clarification.  Read!" As Greene quickly riffled a few pages, and

then held the document open, it was clear to Todd that the man was

totally familiar with the contents.

 

"On page 14, clause 5, subsection 12, there is an ambiguity in wording

that I feel ought to be changed,' and he read it out.

 

"I hear no such ambiguity,' Hrrestan said, "and furthermore, he tapped

the keys on the terminal nearest him, "here is a transcript of that

particular discussion.  You will note that the wording is exactly as it

was decided upon at that meeting."

 

"Ah, I see that you are correct,' Greene said, all affability even as he

tuined pages again to a new section.

 

"Would you also check Paragraph 9, clause 3, honoured co-leader?

 

Now is that as it was decided?  I really do feel there's been an error

in the quantity of lithium in respect of trade weights.

 

Todd began to fidget but a glance from Hrrestan suggested to him that

his colleague would allow only so much of Greene's disputation.

 

"No,' Jilamey said bluntly, "that's written as discussed, Commander. And

you know it!" He pointed an accusing finger at Greene.

 

"I do, Mr Landreau?" Greene asked, all innocence.

 

"You forget, Greene, that I have an eidetic memory,' Jilamey said.

 

Captain Grizz raised her brow at the new word and Jilamey leaned across

the table to clarify the term.

 

"Ev,' Sumitral said, turning to Barnstable, "what is all this in aid

of?"

 

"Well, you can't expect me to sign a faulty or errorstricken Trade

Agreement, now can you?" Barnstable said, raising his eyebrows at

Sumitral.  "And I never approve of a document I haven't read

thoroughly."

 

"Your approval of this document is not required,' Todd said bluntly.

"This is Alreldep business.  You are here as an observer, Admiral, and

on our sufferance." Barnstable raised his eyebrows in placid amusement

at the warning.

 

"But I,' Hrrto said firmly, "wish to read the text before it is signed."

Second Speaker glanced around the table.  "I would be failing in my duty

to my Stripe and my position to dispense with such a formality,' and he

bowed courteously to lIrrestan, "for such a momentous document." Todd

had to stifle his impatience.  The conspiracy of delay which he had

suspected was now proven.  Spacedep and Second Speaker were clearly

working together to slow the proceedings down to a crawl.  Fortunately

the Gringg seemed unconcerned by the delay.  So Todd offered the oval

mass of the Gringg-language copy to Eonneh who brought it to Grizz.  She

flipped to the first page of the document and began to read.

 

Most of the Hayumans crowded around Admiral Barnstable who had pulled

the Terran-language copy over in front of him.  Kiachif put a pair of

spectacles on his nose and peered down them at the pages, scanning as

Barnstable read to himself.

 

Just then the first quiet, decorous intrusion of Spacedep aides began,

the first with just a whispered message: the second and the third

bringing Greene message cubes which he read before passing to Barnstable

for his perusal.

 

Mllaba stood behind Second Speaker as he read slowly.

 

She hissed startlement as Jilamey Landreau sidled up to look over

Hrrto's other shoulder "Too much of a crowd over there,' he said,

smiling at her winsomely.  "Just as well I can read formal High Hrruban

as easily as Basic."

 

"Provisions for trade, galactic court, common currency based on table of

values - - -, Barnstable muttered to himself after spending several

minutes thumbing through the pristine pages.

 

"Wait just a nanosecond, here: what is this?" he demanded, planting an

indignant finger in the middle of one page.  "What is this about a panel

for scientific interchange to be chaired by the Gringg?"

 

"At my humble suggestion,' Honey replied.  "The Gringg see that Hrruba

and Terra require an arbiter of scientific matters to ensure most

efficient development of important technology.  We will do this for you,

in exchange for a place among you.

 

"Never!" cried Barustable.  "Ridiculous!  Afroza, you can't sign this,'

he boomed at Sumitral.

 

"I can, Ev, and I shall,' Sumitral said.  "I have the permission of the

Amalgamated Worlds Council to do so.

 

"But a seat on the Joint Supervisory Council overseeing trade!'

Barnstable's face turned bright red with aggravation.

 

"If the Gringg trade with you,' Grizz asked, "is it not fair to allow us

a small say in the laws and privileges?  We will agree to abide by them.

If we governed, would you not expect such a courtesy?" For that

Barnstable had no objection.  "I .  .  .  suppose so "We keep faith,'

Grizz replied.  "Even as you have asked us, we have kept our ship in the

same orbit you recommended many weeks ago.

 

Greene was surprised to have that fact raised.  Could the Gringg

suspect?  Had they instrumentation powerful enough to see through the

larger Rraladoon moon which was obscuring the approach of the fleets?

 

For another half hour everyone read quietly while Todd and Hrriss became

more uneasy.  Todd drummed his fingers on the tabletop.  Every

legitimate signatory for this Trade Agreement had been intimately

involved and had approved each day's finished negotiations.  Why delay

the inevitable?  Or did those messengers mean the Spacedep contingent

were waiting for some sort of confirmation?

 

Greene had edged forward and was perched on the front of his seat,

turning an occasional worried glance at Captain Castleton, who responded

with small shakes of her head.

 

"And what is this?" MIlaba asked a few minutes later, pointing over her

senior's arm at a statement near the end of the document.  "A section of

Treaty Island to be designated as an Embassy of the Gringg?"

 

"Of course,' Todd said.  "As we discussed at length last Tuesday

afternoon, they will have ambassadorial status to Rraladoona.  It's an

acceptable compromise since they are not actually members of our

Hayuman-Hrruban alliance.

 

No, change that to "federation".  An alliance suggests there is an enemy

to ally against." To Todd's surprise and concern, Castleton visibly

winced at his wording.  She looked almost guilty but he continued with

his explanation.  "They are entitled to have a base for their trading

houses and a diplomatic compound.

 

I'm still not at all happy to see the Hrrunatan inhabited but that part

of the continent's useless for anything else so it might as well be a

space port and the Gringg are to hoe their own quarters there as well as

here in the Treaty Centre." He looked around the table at the troubled

expressions.  "Look, you'll have to accept that the universe isn't

composed of only two sentient races any more-' He stared significantly

at Greene.  "r just one.  We've been sought out by a third.  One day

there may even be more.

 

He kept his grin at their dismay to himself.  "That portion of the text

was agreed on yesterday morning."

 

"And you agreed to this?" Barnstable demanded of Hrrto.  "When?  After I

left?  How could you?" Suddenly stung by the Hayuman's presumption,

Hrrto struck back.

 

"Hrruba does not answer to Earth for its actions, he replied.  "It

sounded quite reasonable to me when I discovered how much that would

benefit Hrruba you Hayumans would deny us.

 

"Now, wait!" Barnstable roared.  "We deny you?  What about you and your

precious grids?"

 

"Just a moment, Admiral,' Kiachif said, soothingly.

 

"To be just, judicious, and non-judgemental, there are processes we deny

the Hrrubans and could very well offer without a loss to ourselves, if

you understand me.  Our new cryogenic techniques for one thing."

 

"That's top secret, military only!" Greene said, narrowing his eyes at

the Codep captain.

 

"As if we have a constant call for frozen soldiers,' replied Kiachif

with a snort.

 

"If we may be allowed to mediate this point,' Grizz began pleasantly,

with her paws folded over her belly, "the function of trading is to sell

to others what they do not themselves have.  Both parties should gain in

the exchange."

 

"So let's exchange,' Jilamey said eagerly.  "Let's exchange spaceships

for grid systems.  Amalgamated Worlds would gain what they need and

Hrruba would be able to explore more efficiently. That'd be the greatest

trade - and the greatest gain - possible." He beamed around the table,

apparently unaware of the frozen and outraged silence.

 

"And, under special auspices, that might very well be possible,' Hrrto

said.  Mllaba nearly choked and jumped from her seat to whisper urgently

in Second Speaker's ear.

 

Mter only a few words, he pushed her from him.

 

"D'you mean that, Second Speaker?" Jilamey asked, incredulous.

 

Just then two ensigns hurried quietly into the meeting room and placed a

communications unit on the floor next to Barnstable.  Todd noticed that

the unit was operational and broadcasting.

 

"Now just a moment, Barnstable,' Todd said, rising from his chair.

 

"This is a closed session and that thing is on broadcast.  You two,' and

he pointed to the ensigns, "get that out of here, on the double." Hrriss

indicated his distaste with a swish of his tail.

 

Hrrto, usually a stickler for protocol, glanced up and seemed to draw in

on himself.

 

Todd's order was ignored as, hard on the heels of the Spacedep

technicians, uniformed Hrrubans brought a similar unit for Hrrrv.

 

"Just what is going on here?" Todd demanded, glaring at Barnstable and

Hrrrv.  Neither answered him.  "I want an answer or, by all that's holy,

you'll leave this meeting!"

 

"Not until you've seen what we can now show you, Reeve,' Greene said,

pitching his voice louder, his eyes fixed on Todd.  "You've lost this

one, Reeve.  You and your all for one, one for all!" He sneered. "You've

lousy judgement, Reeve.

 

"In what respect, Greene, or by the powers of the office Hrrestan and I

hold, you'll be off this planet and you'll never get back on it!' Out of

the corner of his eye, Todd saw the smug grin on Barnstable's face.  He

nodded at Greene, an obvious signal to continue.

 

"Yes, you've erred catastrophically in the matter of the Gringg.

 

These great, peace-loving creatures you're so eager to invite

everywhere!  That you're stupid enough to trust.  Sumitral and Hrrestan

both leaped to their feet.

 

"If you fault Reeve's judgement, then you fault ours, too,' Sumitral

said in a cold hard voice.

 

"You're getting a little too old to practise basic common sense.

 

Sumitral,' Barnstable said.  "If you resign now, we can probably see

that your long service is suitably rewarded."

 

"My what?" Sumitral's face was expressionless but his response was

unforgiving.

 

"You've all made the mistake of taking the Gringg at face value,'

Barnstable said.  "And it is a mistake!  Which Spacedep and the Hrruban

Arm can at least control."

 

"You had better explain yourself, Admiral,' Todd said, anger rising to a

barely controllable pitch.

 

"Indeed you'd better, and immediately,' added Sumitral.

 

"Now!" and Hrrestan's single word held overtones of threat to which the

Gringg now began to respond.

 

"Before those naval ships coming in behind the moon get into a position

to cause both us and our Gringg friends considerable discomfort,' Ali

Kiachif said, his black eyes flashing with warning.

 

He removed from under the table a small but powerful receiver which he

had obviously been monitoring.

 

"What?" Todd asked, thunderstruck.  "Space fleets?  Ali, why didn't you

tell us?"

 

"Just got the confirmation I've been waiting for.

 

I thought this laddie buck,' and he jerked a thumb in Greene's

direction, "was up to no good so I've kept eye and ear pricked until he

overstepped himself.  You, too, Admiral.

 

Todd turned on Barnstable.  "I demand to know on what grounds you have

brought armed ships into Rraladoonan space!" Sumitral drew himself up in

regal dignity.  "If you have data you've been concealing from us during

these negotiations, you must now reveal why you are obstructing the

progress of these peace talks."

 

"The data,' Greene stressed the verb, "was classified until it could be

confirmed.  It is now.  I contend that, in your naive and ingenuous

fashion, you have put all of Humanity and Hrrubanity at risk."

 

"And that you, in your usual warlike and suspicious nature, have

arbitrarily decided we need to be defended by two space fleets.  Humpf."

And Kiachif's black eyes sparkled with outrage and indignation.

 

"Ev, what have you done?" Sumitral asked, distress and disbelief spread

across his face.  "How could you supersede my authority in this matter?"

"I have rectified - and not arbitrarily - a serious error of the current

civilian government,' and Barnstable turned towards Todd, levelling a

finger at him.  "You have negligently placed the civilians of this

planet in grave mortal danger.  Therefore I declare martial law on this

planet.  I am taking over here.  Two cruisers are approaching the Gringg

ship and have orders to fire if it moves or they detect any unusual

emissions.  Furthermore, the entire fleet will take action in one hour,

if I do not cancel the mission with a code word known only to myself."

The Spacedep Admiral glared at Grizz as he finished speaking and Todd

realized just how frightened the man really was.

 

At this point a squad of heavily armed Human marines and another of even

more heavily armed Hrruban soldiers entered the Chamber.

 

Mllaba smiled with intense relief.

 

"Guards will be here in minutes to take these Gringg into protective

custody until we can search their ship." Greene pointed at Grizz and

Honey as he spoke, signalling the mannes.  One immediately tried to

remove Grizz's collar.

 

Honey attempted to prevent it, but withdrew when a laser rifle was

levelled in his face.

 

"How dare you?" Todd said, furiously, rushing over to place himself

between the guards and the Gringg.  "We're on the verge of making

lasting peace with these people.

 

We've already begun commercial transactions!"

 

"You are so naive, Havuman,' Mllaba said, her voice coldly insulting,

"opening the way to the Gringg domination of Humankind and Hrrubankind?

Because that's the climate you were preparing - or did they make it

worth your while?" The marines had removed the collars of all the

Gringgs now, even Teddy's though he had tried to resist.  His dam had

given one shake of her head and, sniffling, he had allowed it to be

removed, though he kept his eye on it, where it lay on a side table.

Then marines took up positions behind the now shocked Gringg, their

rifles pointed at the large aliens' backs.  At that, Teddy slipped from

his chair and nestled under his dam's arm.

 

Eyes straight ahead, she cuddled him.

 

Todd ignored the snide insult.  "Domination?" he asked, wanting to

guffaw out loud as he glanced at the passive Gringg.  If she had chosen

to, Grizz by herself could have overcome both squads, without requiring

the help of Honey and Kodiak but she remained quiescent, almost amused,

Todd thought.  Or were the loud and conflicting exchanges jamming her

voder with meaningless sounds.

 

Barnstable continued.  "Spacedep is in possession of data that proves a

Gringg ship destroyed a planetary civilization in the Fingal system."

Sumitral sat bolt upright.  "I have received no information on such an

incident!"

 

"The matter was classified but we have the tape of the exploration

group, tape showing the devastated planet, with a dead Gringg ship

orbiting it, and Barnstable enunciated that phrase with intense

satisfaction at its effect on the Rraladoonans.  Almost patronizingly,

he continued.  "Further examination proves that the weapons that killed

the population and destroyed the cities came from that ship."

 

"What proof is there the Gringg actually were the aggressors?" Todd

demanded.

 

"Quite enough, Reeve.  More than enough,' Greene observed drily.

 

"We missed the shot, but can see the smoking gun."

 

"Then the evidence is circumstantial?" Hrrestan asked, stiffening his

shoulders under his formal attire.

 

"They were there!" Barnstable said defensively.  "The remains of their

ship is still in orbit.  The race they wiped out did inflict mortal

damage on the ship which is why we have proof of their infamy "And when

did this happen?" asked Kiachif.  "How many eons ago?"

 

"That hasn't been ascertained yet,' Grace Castleton said, speaking for

the first time. Greene gave her an odd look then he hurriedly took over

the explanation.

 

"What we have is from a scoutship "Which only have limited scientific

capacity,' Sumitral said in a crisp tone.

 

Greene glared at the AIreldep official.  "The fully equipped naval team

sent to conduct a thorough investigation of the system hasn't had time

to reach Fingal yet."

 

"And for this you want to put Rialadoon under martial law?" Todd

protested.

 

"It is for your own protection,' Greene answered, looking pleased at

Todd's dismay, "since you aren't showing the sense to protect

yourselves.  Spacedep is doing its job, risking lives to rescue you from

your folly.

 

Todd spun to confront Barnstable.  "As the representative of Rialadoon,

I order you to end this nonsense.  There is no clear threat and you have

no basis for the illegal actions you have taken, including letting an

unauthorized war party into Rraladoonan space.

 

The Gringg were now looking around nervously, their subsonic rumbles

adding to everyone's agitation.

 

"He's right,' Kiachif agreed.  "These are bears, not bombs or brigades."

"They aren't bears,' Barustable said.  "They're an alien race -

strangers."

 

"I have always made myself personally responsible for Grizz and the

others,' Todd added.  "Send those guards out.  I know these people, and

they are a threat to no one "Gone native again,' Greene said to Todd

with such repugnance the room was completely silent for several seconds.

 

"I have evidence of a clear threat, as I've told you all along,'

Barnstable said.  "Sit down, Reeve."

 

"If you're accusing me of being a closet Gringg, then this won't

surprise you, either." With lightning fingers, Todd reached out and

wrenched the corner of Greene's collar away from the body of his tunic.

There was an audible gasp from Grizz and the rest of the Gringg.  Greene

recoiled, wondering if Todd was about to strike him, then sat very

still.  He had been present for Honey's explanation of the Gringg

custom, and knew precisely what the gesture meant.  Second Speaker and

his aide looked puzzled, and glanced at Todd for enlightenment.

 

Todd spoke intensely, to Greene alone.  "I challenge you personal

combat.  I resent your interference.  I deplore your attempt to embroil

me and my world in your petty secret bureaucratic games.  You have tried

and condemned an entire race on the basis of an isolated incident and no

evidence.  Do you realize that if they weren't so peaceful, you may have

just given them cause for retaliation?

 

You've insulted Captain, scared her cub, and have they moved a muscle?"

"How could they?" Greene demanded with a sneer.

 

"With lasers aimed at them?" Todd laughed again.  "Haven't you seen how

fast the Gringg can move when they want to?  Have you any genuine notion

of their physical strength?  Grizz alone could account for every marine

in this room and bend those laser barrels into pretzels.  But I've a

quarrel with you, Greene.  And I mean to get it settled right now!" He

poked a hard finger into Greene's sternum.

 

"Knives or bare hands?" Greene hesitated, shocked at Todd's wrath.

 

"Knives or bare hands?  That's barbaric .  .  .  that's .  .  -,

"Barbarians have a keen sense of honour, you stupid button jabber,' Todd

cut him off with a ferocious smile on his face that made him look not

unlike a hairless Gringg.  "I do, too, and there are many on Earth who

have considered me an arrogant barbarian.  But I'm willing to fight for

what I believe in.  Whereas you are preparing to initiate a bloody and

unnecessary war, and turn a very profitable colony on its ears with

martial law!  Well, I'm willing to fight for self-determination.  Are

you as willing to fight for your beliefs, Greene?  Is individual combat

too immediate, too undignified for you?  In your hearing, the Gringg

said that "tearing the collar" has long been considered unacceptable.

 

Or didn't you understand that?" Greene was stunned by the onslaught of

Reeve's tirade.

 

He glanced down at his torn collar and up again at the relentless glare

of Reeve's hard eyes.  He'd never been challenged before: not since he'd

been a very young boy.

 

He hadn't won that fight either.  Physical training as an officer had

always been isometric.  For the first time he was aware of a man who was

physically fit and was known to have wrestled with and killed a large

Doonan snake.

 

The two men stood facing each other for long moments.

 

Castleton moved her hand to her sidearm, only to be answered by a

threatening growl from Hrriss.

 

"zis is between the two of them,' he said.

 

"Enough!" the Admiral said, in a thundering voice.  "Jon, Reeve, sit

down!  The very idea of a physical contest between the two of you is

repellant." The two men remained eye to eye for a moment, then Greene

spoke.

 

"I.  .  .  decline your challenge, Reeve.

 

"There speaks a really brave man,' Ken Reeve said.

 

Greene eyed him, looking for sarcasm, but the colonist's face was as

sincere as his voice.  "Maybe we can all have the courage to refuse to

fight when there are alternatives."

 

"Admiral Barnstable, you will show us that incriminating tape.  NOW!"

Sumitral said so forcefully that he had the instant attention of

everyone in this room.  "I count on your support, Second Speaker,' and

Sumitral turned to Hrrto.  "An individual, as well as a species, is

innocent until proven guilty.  The Gringg are here to speak for

themselves.  The tape, please,' and he held his hand out to Greene.

"Somehow I feel certain that you have it to hand." As if in a trance,

Greene fumbled at a tunic pocket and drew out a tape, laden with

security seals.  "Thank you.  But,' and Sumitral raised his hand, "no

matter what transpires here, this Gringg and her crew are to be allowed

to proceed out of this system without hindrance.

 

Do I make myself clear?" His cold gaze fell on the Spacedep officers.

 

"Or by all the powers and the favours I can call in the Amalgamated

Worlds, you'll be sorry!" The silence was profound.

 

"Grurghgle .  .  ." Eonneh's voder began, "I have not completely

understood all that was said but I did hear you mention a destroyed

Gringg ship, did I not?" There was an interrogatory lift to his final

word.  "I would very much like to see this tape you speak of.  It may

well solve an ancient history that has troubled us." Barnstable and

Greene exchanged cynical glances but Second Speaker looked decidedly

uneasy.  When Mllaba wanted to whisper in his ear, he pushed her away.

 

"Well?" Todd asked pointedly With quick deft fingers, Sumitral slipped

the tape into the appropriate slot and keyed it to play on the table

projection.  Todd was not the only one in the chamber who watched in

horror as the camera skimmed over the dead surface of the planet, then

followed a searchlight through the heart of a cold, dark ship.

 

The faces of the dead Gringg swam out of the blackness and disappeared

again.  Eonneh and Grizz were still, watching, their mobile faces for

once devoid of expression.

 

"Hold that image,' Grizz said suddenly, pointing an unsheathed claw as

the recorder skimmed along the battered outside of the hulk.

 

She peered closely at the picture and then leaned back in her chair, her

face saddened.  She gave Eonneh a brief nod.

 

"We can identify this sad ship,' Eonneh said in a slow and sad tone. "It

is the Searcher and was commanded by Captain Vrrayagh, an ancestor of

our captain.  It left the motherworld many long Revolutions ago.  We had

only two brief reports from Vrrayagh.  The first when the Searcher

arrived at that system and discovered the planet was torn by a massive

war, its peoples fighting against one another.  When the Gringg

attempted to make contact and sent a shuttle to land in the largest

remaining city, it was immediately attacked and destroyed." Eonneh bowed

his head briefly.  "Then, even as the two armies still fought each

other, they turned their weapons also against the Searcher.

 

Whatever armament was used was immensely powerful and the Searcher's

engines were destroyed.  The second and last message told us that and

that the crew would defend themselves as well as they could but, if no

further message came from the Searcher, this planet was not to be

approached again." Honey bowed his great head, and Grizz put a

sympathetic hand on his back.  "It was a long time ago and, for some

considerable Revolutions, we worried that these hostile people might

trace the Searcher to our motherworld.  But no one came.  A brave

captain, Zeeorogh, volunteered to make a solo mission to that system in

case our people had survived but were without communication.  She found

the world - and the Searcher - lifeless.  Perhaps if the Searcher had

not returned the attack, it might have been allowed to depart in peace.

 

Perhaps, even our people might have mediated the quarrel that started

such total conffict.  Our presence had possibly only made the situation

worse.  But in those early days of our exploration programme, our ships

were armed.

 

No longer.  Better the loss of one ship than encourage retaliation or

indulge in lethal exchanges which require so much expenditure of

energy."

 

"How wise of you!" Sumitral said, softly.  "So we are the first

life-forms - and with the events of the day I am not sure I can say

either of our species are as intelligent as they should be." He shot an

almost malevolent glance at Greene and another at Mllaba.  "We are the

first you have encountered.  I deeply regret this misunderstanding.

 

Though to be perfectly fair, the evidence would give a military mind

cause to make exhaustive inquiries." He glanced briefly again at the

Spacedep contingent out of the corner of his eye.

 

"Morra,' Grizz said, nodding solemnly.  "It would cause concern when

similar strangers appear in your skies.

 

Vrrayagh's ship was left where it had died and it is our custom to take

those cubs who would arm our ships to see what this can cost.

 

Gringg cubs learn that lesson at once."

 

"How tragic to encounter a race bent on selfextermination,' Kiachif said

in a sympathetic voice.

 

"Morra.  It became a great sadness to all Gringg,' Honey said.  He bowed

his large head in deference but then lifted it again and smiled at

Kiachif.  "It is why we were so happy to meet the Rraladoonans and that

they came to welcome us, without loss of life." Sumitral looked at Todd,

with a wry expression.  "Their experience is not so far from ours of the

Siwannah Tragedy."

 

"Gringg, Hayuman and Hrruban have a great deal in common,' Todd said. He

breathed a deep sigh of relief that his faith in the Gringg had not been

misplaced, nor had he been mistaken to trust his gut feelings about

them.  He felt a tremendous surge of elation.

 

"So, zey are trrruly friendly,' Second Speaker said to Hrrestan, respect

in his eyes.  "You were right to trust."

 

"Trust is worth more than any other treasure of spirit, mind and heart,'

Hrrestan said, nodding sagely.

 

"But what about those parts of the ship you would not let us enter?"

Greene asked.  "What's hidden in that mass of water at the centre of

your ship?  Why did you pull me away when I went to investigate?"

 

"You did not ask to go,' Honey replied, surprised.  "It is our custom to

ask permission before viewing another's domicile.

 

What do you wish to see?  The bottom of our swimming pool?" He broke

into a loud, grunting laugh, joined by his mate and cub.  "Most

certainly, if you can swim, you are welcome to come see that or any part

of our ship, any time.  Come now!" Greene flushed, but said nothing.

 

"But why do you want such trivia as food and clothes from us?"

Barnstable asked the Gringg, breaking the uncomfortable silence.  He was

still looking for reasons to doubt.

 

"With all due respect, Admiral, Kiachif said, with a huge grin, "you

stick to running spaceships and leave this to us trade captains.

 

Whatever the customer wants, if he's willing to pay for, I'll convey it

to him.  Trade is important for more than just the items we transport.

 

Trade opens minds as well as credit sources.  It brings new customers

together and circulates goods, which means more goods get made, and more

gets traded to satisfied customers, anywhere in this galaxy that we can

navigate to."

 

"Reh,' Eonneh said, showing his teeth in a brilliant white grin.  "No

misleading was meant.  It is not the items themselves which are

important to the Gringg, but the act of exchange, leading up to the

exchange of all things: goods, then techniques, then ideas.  We

understand the confusion, and we forgive without grudge."

 

"I was misled by another's enthusiasm,' Barnstable said, glaring at

Greene.  "There are some who always see the downside of situations.

 

"Sir,' and there was a humble tone to Greene's voice, "I thought that,

based on the information I had, that I was acting in the best interests

of us all."

 

"Look, Greene,' Todd said, turning towards the chastened officer, "no

hard feelings.  It is your job to err on the side of caution.  Just

stick to that and leave us planetary types to do ours." Greene's face

flushed, and his lips were pressed tight.

 

He turned to Barustable.  "Sir, I wish to tender my resignation and

accept full responsibility for my actions, authorized and unauthorized."

"You acted under my authority so I bear the responsibility, too, which

is to safeguard this colony as I would our home world.  I did as I

thought advisable under the very unusual circumstances.  And that's

that!" He turned toward Hrrto and Hrrestan, then muttered brief, crisp

orders into the communicator.  "Red alert's cancelled and my units are

returning to previous duties."

 

"I have done ze zame,' Captain Hrrrv said with an impassive expression

and dulled eyes.

 

Barnstable exchanged a glance with the Hrruban captain and cleared his

throat.  "With your permission, Captain Grizz,' he said to her and she

nodded, lowering the lids over her eyes briefly.  He cleared his throat

again.  "I would welcome a full tour of your ship and its facilities.  I

believe Captain Hrrrv would, too." He even attempted a smile at the

Gringg.

 

At a gesture from Castleton, the marines returned the Gringgs' collars,

shouldered their weapons and filed out of the room.  Hrrrv's squad of

catmen followed.

 

Barnstable swivelled his chair to face Greene.

 

"In view of the unauthorized actions you personally initiated which put

civilians in danger, I accept your resignation, Jon.  What may serve a

combat officer well is simply no good in an aide.  Perhaps you're more

suited for other duties "If I may suggest an alternative for Commander

Greene, Admiral,' Captain Castleton said, her manner devoid of emotion,

"the Hamilton has an opening for an executive officer.  Commander

Fletcher's tour of duty is over in two weeks' time.

 

I would certainly accept Commander Greene as a replacement.

 

Barnstable's snowy eyebrows rose high on his forehead, and he favoured

her with a paternal smile.  "Whatever you say, Grace.  It looks like

someone has to keep a leash on him."

 

"I won't let him out of my sight for long, sir,' Castleton said.  Her

eyes met Greene's in a coy gaze. His expression changing from stern

endurance of disgrace to surprise. He pushed back his chair and stood

up.

 

"Request permission to be excused for a moment, sir?" he said, saluting

both Barnstable and Castleton.  Grace looked queryingly at the Admiral

and he flicked his fingers for her to answer.

 

"Granted, mister,' Castleton said.  Without another word Greene stalked

from the room.

 

Todd leaned sideways to Hrriss.  "Whaddya want to bet there won't be any

protesters awaiting our departure?"

 

"I never bet on sure thing!' Hrriss wrinkled his nose.

 

"Hope no one will need ze grid for ze next few hours."

 

"Admirrrral,' Hrrestan said, severely to Barnstable.  "In all this

confrontation, I have seen that Spacedep has been closely involved.

 

Why should it be necessary to start trouble where there need not be

any?" Barustable glared at the tabletop.  "You have to admit that that

tape was pretty damning.  What else was I to have done to protect the

colony?"

 

"You could have informed ze colony leaders of your suspicions,' Hrrestan

said.  Then he turned to Second Speaker.

 

"And for you, a speaker of the High Council, to go along with such

machinations!" Hrrestan said.  Todd heard the hurt and suppressed anger

in his colleague's voice and trembled as he had when he and Huiss were

small, caught by the cat man, doing something they knew they shouldn't.

 

"We must learn to see all beings as potential friends for we are

terribly alone in the void of space.  No offer of friendship should be

rejected out of hand.  See what you nearly did, destroying the peace

both our species have enjoyed.  For the sake of Hayumankind, for the

sake of all Hrruba, for our hopes for the future, we must never come

this close again to disaster!" Hrrto gazed at him thoughtfully.  No one

spoke, for Hrrestan's words struck home in every heart.

 

Sumitral broke the silence.  "Well, gentlefolks, we do have some

business to conclude here.  Are there now any changes to be made to the

Trade Agreement?" Silently, Barnstable shook his head.  Second Speaker

glanced up and blinked.

 

"No." Grizz spoke for the first time, smiling.  She had been watching

and listening to the whole interchange with the greatest of interest,

and beamed upon Todd.  "I find all to be very well."

 

"Then let nothing delay the signing,' Sumitral said urgently.  "Shall we

make this official?"

 

"All in favour?" Todd said.  The vote was unanimous.  A moment later, he

sent a clerk running to the Duplication Office with the approved copies

of the Tripartite Trade Agreement.

 

The party went outside to the prepared table.  The AIreldep guard

withdrew to each corner and stood proudly flanking the officials.  It

was such a momentous occasion that Todd felt quite six years old again.

 

He could almost feel Hrruna's reassuring presence as that six year old

helped to formulate the Decision at Doona.

 

As they neared the table, Todd could see that the newsgatherers were

gone and those that remained were smiling with friendliness, eager to be

present at an auspicious occasion.  Grizz, accompanied by her two

scribes and her son, took her place at the end of the table and rolled

her haunches gracefully on to the pad provided.  Sumitral took his place

opposite her and waited until Second had seated himself in the centre of

the table.

 

Todd, Hrriss, and Hrrestan opened the copies of the Trade Treaty

Agreement and placed one before each of the signatories.  Ken Reeve

dipped the archaic pens into the inkwells and handed them ceremoniously

to each delegate.

 

"Hayumans, Hrrubans, and Gringg,' Sumitral said, rurning to the crowd.

"I welcome all of you to witness the signing of this historic trade

agreement between our three peoples.  This is only the beginning of what

I hope will be a long and fruitful alliance." There was a wild cheer.

The deep voices of the Gringg boomed louder and lower than the rest of

the crowd.

 

Flowers, brought along specially for the occasion by Rraladoonans, were

thrown into the air like confetti.

 

A handful of fragrant stephanotis landed on the treaty table in front of

Second Speaker Hrrto.

 

"An omen, Speaker?" Mllaba whispered the question in his ear.

 

"I believe so, MIlaba,' Hrrto said, nodding.

 

When the Trade Agreement was placed before him with the page open to the

complex and beautiful seal of Hrruba, ready for his signature, Hrrto

took up the pen and signed.

 

He felt relieved, strangely at ease, as if more had been settled that

day than the peaceful accord of three diverse and independent races.

 

ù .  For our hopes for the future, this must not be!" The tape ended,

and the lights came on in the High Council Room.  Hrrto glanced around

at his fellow High Council members.  Sixth Speaker was looking

irritated, Fifth thoughtful.  The sergeant-at-arms was smiling slightly.

At a glance from Hrrto, he snapped his jaw closed and assumed a properly

blank expression.

 

Second Speaker rose and placed his hands on the desk.  "This concludes

the file I have been assembling on Hrrestan, son of Hrrindan.

 

You have had copies for your personal review, and heard personal

witnesses testify to his wisdom and devotion to Hrruba.  I nominate him

for the seat of First Speaker of the High Council, and withdraw my own

candidacy in his favour." Gasps and muttering from the rest of the

council.

 

Mllaba looked absolutely livid, but she suppressed her anger as best she

could even if she couldn't control the twitching of her tail.

 

Hrrto did not entirely regret that he was unable to help her advance

further, but he no longer envied anyone who must sit in the First

Speaker's chair.  The power - which old Hrruna had rarely invoked - was

simply not worth the attendant responsibility.  Younger, stronger

shoulders would bear the burdens better.  He would be remembered,

however, perhaps as often as Hrruna, as the Stripe who had secured

unlimited quantities of purralinium from the Gringg.

 

"He is a younger, stronger person, impartial and possessed of great

patience and wisdom.  With all humility, I would serve the Council and

Hrruba best by remaining as Second Speaker.  In that capacity, I can

cement the relationships with the Gringg which I have already begun.

 

Therefore, as temporary Council leader, I direct the sergeant to

commence the voting for the First Speakership." Each member placed his

hands on the hidden panel below the level of the table.  The blind

monitor at the head of the table would tally the votes without revealing

who had cast them.  The sergeant stood up.

 

"The nominees for the position of First Speaker are Fifth Speaker for

Health and Medicine, Sixth Speaker for Production, Carrdmarr, an

industrialist and philanthropist of Hrruba, and Hrrestan, Village and

Colony Leader of Rraladoon and Chief Liaison Officer to Hrruba,' the

sergeant intoned.  "For Fifth Speaker?" One light went on at the tally

board.

 

As tradition dictated on Rraladoon, the construction of new quarters -

in this case the Gringg Embassy - became a community affair.

 

The site chosen for their Gringg compound was a woody area near the

northern sea on the banks of the Treaty River, the major artery on the

small continent.  From all over Rraladoon, trunks of the fast growing

rla trees were brought in and cut to size according to the blueprints

worked out by a team of indigenous architects and the Gringg.  Vats of

strong smelling rlba bubbled in several places on the site.  Hayumans

and Hrrubans in respirators with brushes full of the sticky sap treated

the timbers, which became strong as iron and immobile in their newly cut

shapes, yet still light enough to be hauled about by two sturdy workers

or one Gringg.  Other teams carried the finished beams and wall sections

to the builders.  It was all going by the numbers.

 

While others prepared the building materials, heavy loading equipment

that had been used to build the Centre and the Councillors' Residences

had been rolled down, and were now hard at work excavating a deep

swimming hole, with dams at each end to keep the level suitably high.

 

In the spirit of cooperation, artists from every village worked

alongside the Gringg scribes to stencil and paint handsome, colourful

designs as soon as the walls were ready.

 

When Todd arrived that morning on the site, he estimated that there must

have been five hundred people pitching in to help.  He was inordinately

pleased by that: another subtle vote of confidence in himself and

Hrrestan.

 

When he and Hrriss had put out the word that volunteers were needed, the

response had been so overwhelmingly enthusiastic that they'd had to set

up two shifts.  Feeding the crew was also no problem: over a hundred

households had offered to supply meals.

 

"At this rate, it could be finished in two days,' Todd told Hrrestan,

who was sitting at a safe distance from the sawyers, going over the

blueprints.  Amid loud cries to beware for safety, workers raised the

pylons for the foundation.

 

Gringgs, using mighty hammers, almost casually pounded them into the

ground.  From where they sat, Todd could see how enormous the finished

complex would be.  But then, the Gringg liked a lot of space.

 

The curved archways were a lot like the halls on their ship.

 

"As quickly as the rlba sets,' Hrrestan agreed, cheerfully in Low

Hrruban.  "It is hot enough to dry the sap, but not too hot.  Donations

of furnishings have also been coming in.  Have you noticed them?  I

asked Kelly and Nrrna to take careful notes so the donors can be

thanked." The generosity of the Rraladoonans was indeed impressive.

 

Piles of tapestries, cushions, carefully boxed works of art, even some

electronic entertainment equipment lay upon outspread tarps under a vast

expanse of waterproof canvas.  The period of settled weather had been

chosen but with such fine gifts, no chance was being taken.  Kelly and

Nrrna climbed around the heap of goods, compiling a rough inventory.

 

"Hey, the pickings are great!  The Gringg'll be able to furnish several

embassies with what's come in,' Kelly yelled down to him, waving her

clipboard.

 

Todd grinned, and held up a hand, still slightly yellowed from last

week's bruising rock.  Hrrestan glanced at it.

 

"Kiachif tracked the culprit down."

 

"He did?" Todd was surprised.

 

"Is he still breathing?" he asked, knowing Kiachifs penchant for making

punishment fit crimes.

 

Hrrestan grinned.  "Kiachif is careful to keep his customers.  The man

is from a trading company which does a lot of business with Spacedep.

With all the rumours being circulated by inaccurate reports, he

evidently believed that the Gringg were going to be allowed sanctions

that would ruin his business."

 

"So, what punishment fitted his crime?" Todd asked, seeing Hrrestan was

amused.

 

"Tell, tell, tell!" Kelly cried, sliding down the mound to join them.

 

"So Kiachif demanded a cut rate for all merchandise he is now empowered

to supply at the space port." Hrrestan's dropped jaw indicated how well

he approved of the solution and Todd's smile was just as wide.

 

Kelly turned wide eyes on her husband.  "You've given up fighting the

space port?"

 

"Well,' Todd said, dragging out the word and the suspense, "a triangle

is a much more stable construction than a two-sided affair." He heaved a

sigh.  "And with the Gringg mediating, I don't foresee the problems that

obsessed me when the project was first suggested."

 

"The Gringg have done us many favours,' Hrrestan said and answered a

hail from one group of workers, leaving the two Reeves together.

 

"That's a tremendous relief, darling,' she said, giving him a firm hug

and a long kiss.  "You don't know how Nrrna and I have worried "Oh, yes,

I do,' Todd said and held her tightly for a long moment more when she

would have disengaged.  "Yes, I do,' he added more softly, "and blessed

you for letting me make up my own mind."

 

"Humph,' she said, struggling out of his embrace.  "As if any agency but

you will make up your mind!" She resumed her stool and her

inventory-taking.  "So when will that start?"

 

"Right after Snake Hunt,' Todd replied, with a broad sweep of his arm.

"Which will be soon.  Ben Adjei predicts it'll start in two days at the

most." Kelly gave a groan of dismay.  "Oh, lordie, will we have time to

finish the Gringg house?" Todd laughed, waving his hand at the hustling

workers.

 

"I don't see why not.  At least they'll have a roof over their heads.

They're as eager to join the hunt as anyone else on Rraladoon right

now." He grinned broadly.  "That'll be some sight!  Gringgs tackling Big

Mamma Snakes." Nrrna arrived as he finished his sentence.

 

"Hrriss says to tell you zat ze Sighters say ze snakes are gathering on

ze sea marshes.  Some are even heading for the dunes."

 

"Good, good!" Todd said, nodding.

 

 Nrrna grinned.  "Ze children have talked of nothing else all day.

 

Zey arre eager to show Zeddy what a G.B.M.S.

 

looks like."

 

"From a safe distance, I hope." Todd looked arouna.

 

There were numerous children on the site, but he couldn't spot his

twins.  "That reminds me: where are they?" Kelly glanced up.  "Hmm?

 

They were around here just a minute ago, with Teddy in tow.

 

They're so inseparable I'm starting to think of them as the Fearless

Five." She stood up and called out the twins' names.

 

"Over here, Dad,' Alec's unhappy voice came from around the back of the

tarpaulins.

 

Todd found the five youngsters sitting together in a heap.  Hrrana had

her tail wound firmly around Teddy's leg, and Hrrunival was sandwiched

between the Alley Cats with his head on Alison's lap.  All of them wore

glum expressions.

 

"So what's wrong here, Cats?" he asked.

 

"Daddy, couldn't Teddy stay here with us?" the twins asked in hopeful

unison.  "We're afraid if he goes away, we'll never see him ever' "Well,

since his mother's a starship captain as well as a fully accredited

consul to Rraladoon, she might be spending a lot of time either in the

embassy or running cargoes between our world and his,' Todd explained,

"so you might get to see him as often as you do Ali Kiachif."

 

"That'd be OK,' Alec said.  He had screwed his face up under his mop of

red hair, hardly daring to let hope show.

 

"You may be absolutely certain that we will be staying in touch with our

Gringg friends,' Kelly promised, sitting down on the tarp's edge beside

them.

 

"How?" Alison asked.

 

"How?" Todd echoed, beating Alec's identical query.

 

Kelly smiled.  "Oh, Grizz has signed on my computer bulletin board.  Her

engineer and that marvellous Cardiff worked out a conversion program.

Her entries will be holographic or audio/video for a time, but the

Gringg have all the parameters to create a congruent writtenlanguage

program.  I gave them a lot of read-and-listen books to help them

connect the spoken to the written word."

 

"What kind of books?" Todd asked, eyebrows raised, seeing the

mischievous gleam in his wife's eyes.

 

Kelly affected innocence.  "Very simple ones to start with.

 

Children's books, like The Three Bears, and Winniethe-Pooh." Todd

laughed and hugged her close.  "Thank you, love."

 

"But of course!  I don't want to lose touch with them either,' Kelly

said, and reassured the children with her smile.  "So you can message to

Teddy as often as you want."

 

"I'm glad,' Alison said, seizing Teddy's paw.  "I like him." Teddy

blinked at her shyly.  "I like you too, Alison."

 

"And me?" Hrrunival demanded, determined not to be left out.

 

"And you.  All of you.  The young Gringg bestowed rib-cracking hugs on

each of his dear friends, which left them gasping for breath to giggle.

 

"Teddy is going to be able to ride out on hunt with us tomorrow, isn't

he, Dad?" Alec asked, his tone demanding an affirmative.  "Hrriss said

he could have that old plodder of his." Todd scowled.  "It may not be

tomorrow.  And it might not be safe.  Have you considered what Captain

Grizz thinks of all this?"

 

"Oh, she wants to go, too,' Hrrana said. "She is very interested in

snake eggs.  Teddy told her about his lunch that day."

 

"Please, Dad?"

 

"Please?"

 

"Please, Uncle Zodd?"

 

"We will stay back where it is safe,' Hrrana promised, opening large

green eyes at him. Todd sighed.

 

"Let us talk it over with your parents later."

 

"Oh, there you are!" Ken Reeve said, peering in under the makeshift tent

flap.  He held up his camcorder.  "Part of the frame is up, and they're

setting the braces for one wall.  I thought I'd immortalize this

historic moment of galactic cooperation.  I'm looking for models to show

the scale of the building,' he said, glancing meaningfully at the

children.

 

"Any volunteers?"

 

"Oh, yes!" exclaimed both Alley Cats at once, springing to their feet.

 

They dragged the rest of the Fearless Five behind them, although no one

required much urging.  Kelly and Todd, holding hands, followed more

slowly.

 

The same Hrruban and Hayuman skills which had raised the friendship

bridge now translated an architectural design by Honey; a mighty,

cave-like building was already starting to take shape.  Part of the

first level, which would support a solidly buttressed terrace, was

cantilevered over the river, so that the water-loving Gringg could dive

into the warm, tropical water from their dwelling.

 

Todd admired its handsome lines as much as he did its symbolism.

 

"Gosh, your own swimming hole, right inside your house!" Alec said,

catching the gist of the design immediately.  "Hey, Dad, this is a great

idea!  Can we run a walkway right to the swimming hole?  It would be

terrific!"

 

"You wouldn't say that in no-see-um season,' Todd said, with a mock

grumble.

 

"Aw, Dad!" the twins chorused.

 

Hrriss and Eonneh pulled themselves away from their conference with the

senior builder, a heavy-set Gringg with a greying mane and muzzle.

 

"Are you pleased with what you have wrought, friend zOdd?" Hrriss asked.

 

"More and more,' Todd said, waving a hand at the building framework.

"That's a grand design, Honey, functional and impressive.

 

The architect sighed.  "It is not often such an opportunity is given.  I

am sorry I shall never live in it,' but he eyed his design with evident

satisfaction.  "Others shall stay as the permanent residents.  I and my

mate and offspring will only be occasional visitors."

 

"Well, you'll be welcome whenever you part space to come here,' Todd

said.  "We've certainly enjoyed your visit."

 

"I contemplate with great sorrow the ending and I thank you for the

invitation to join in the Hunt festivities."

 

"Couldn't, and wouldn't, leave you out of them,' Todd said, instantly.

"It's just too bad we don't have horses strong enough for you to take

part in the Hunt itself."

 

"Zat is so,' Hrriss added, dropping his jaw in a broad grin.  "You make

even a Big Mamma Snake zink twice about attacking."

 

"I will enjoy what is possible,' Eonneh said, with the usual equanimity

of the male Gringg, "from the shuttle."

 

"Well, then, Fate protect any snake that gets in your way.  In any case,

you'll be more than welcome, if only to keep our assorted offspring from

haring away to find big snakes by themselves,' Todd added, with a laugh.

"This is the time to see Rraladoon at its best, during New Home Week.

Every Rraladoonan who can scrape up the fare from Earth or one of the

colonies comes home.  We'll introduce you to as many as you can tolerate

meeting.

 

They'll spread the word about our new trade allies with no tall tales

and embroideries.  That I can promise!"

 

Chapter 12

 

Two MORNINGS LATER, SIGHTERS LANDED THEIR LIGHT helicraft outside Todd's

bedroom window just after dawn to inform him that the hundreds of female

snakes were nearly finished with egg-laying in sandy dunes.

 

Between one breath and another, Todd roused himself out of sound sleep

to full organizational mode.  As he dressed, he reviewed one or two

points that he wanted Robin to check out but, despite the overlapping

problems with Spacedep and the Gringg, long familiarity with Snake Hunts

assured him that they were ready for the snakes.

 

Robin was such a good organizer and so meticulous in detail, that Todd

anticipated few problems.  But then, the snakes might not cooperate.

 

They could throw glitches almost as if they were testing the Hayumans

and Hrrubans who had invaded their traditional routes.  Years of coping

provided ample experience to handle anything that could possibly happen.

He hoped!

 

Fortified by a good breakfast, he and Hrriss reined their Hunt horses in

the middle of the village square in front of the Assembly Hall.  The

peripheral support personnel - Sighters, Beaters, Lures, Wranglers and

first aid crews - as important as the teams who herded the snakes along

the way, were all accounted.  The complements of the individual teams

were still assembling, their team leaders checking each person that gear

was in proper order and appearance.  The aids were well supplied with

traditional medical gear, plus big tubes of the healing salve vrrela,

good for any general wound, but a sovereign remedy against rroamal

poisoning.  The mere touch of the toxic vines was enough to raise

healthy welts even on furred skin.  Team members carried supplies as

well but it wasn't just team riders who blundered into the poisonous

weed.

 

Experienced Hayuman and Hrruban hunters wore "chaps and straps' to

protect them against rroamal and the thin whips of young branches that

scored flesh on a hellride through the forest.  Hardhats were buckled

across chins and were inspected for soundness.  Where a team had green

riders, one member was assigned as "wrangler' to assist those who might

have trouble controlling their horses in the excitement of the Hunt.

 

The square was crowded with double the indigenous population of

Rraladoon: the ones who got vicarious thrills out of watching the Hunt,

observing those who were qualified to participate.  Visiting dignitaries

from planetary governments all over Hrruban and Hayuman space were

present.

 

Not only did the Hunt provide a real boost to the treasury of the

colony, it attracted enough competent people to help the resident

conservationists drive the snakes safely back to their natural preserve

with a minimum of loss.  Even the most ardent ProLife fanatic admitted

to the necessity of discreet culling for a species whose females laid

hundreds of eggs, a large proportion of which survived natural

disasters.  Even when there had been few to control the thousands of

reptiles, wholesale killing had been prohibited.

 

The decision of a safety kill or capture of a certain number of snakes

was the prerogative of the Hunt Masters, requiring split second

decisions during the high excitement of the Hunt.  Fresh snake meat was

a delicacy, generally only available during Hunt season or when

marauding young males attacked outlying farms.

 

Todd and Hrriss checked with each team leader that all his riders had

snake sacks and operational handsets.

 

Someone always forgot these essentials.  As usual, there was one young

rider who protested having to wear a poxy belt unit which he was certain

would hamper him.  Hrriss merely gave the cold-eyed stare of a person

who did not wish to argue.

 

"No handset, no hunt, young man,' Hrriss said, firmly.

 

Grumbling gracelessly, the Hayuman took the unit and retreated out of

sight of the Masters of the Hunt.

 

The onlookers framed the main square, keeping a judicious distance from

the heels of excited horses, cavorting and showing off.  Old hands at

this Hunt, like Todd's Gypsy, Hrriss' Rrhee, the old mares that Errala

and Hrrin used, calmly circulated, miraculously avoiding a kick or a

bite.

 

"Sappers?" Todd asked, checking his pad.

 

"I have hrrrd from Hrrol,' Hrriss confirmed, pointing a sharp claw at

his pad to underscore that entry.  "She says zey have finished laying

mine charges under bridges and blockading with fences, zorns and razor

wire over all other accesses leading to vulnerable targets.  Zey are

spread out along ze route for stragglers, particularly the old,' and

Hrriss was not above grinning at Todd over that, "Space Centre.

 

Lures are ranged along the route and zere are relief and back-up riders

ready to accompany the teams." The Lures, mounted on dirt bikes, were

trained in their function - to attract renegade snakes of any size and

"lure' them back to the main drive.  Their bikes and persons were

liberally smeared with bacon fat, redolent and irresistible to snakes.

 

"Great,' Todd said.  "We've got about half an hour before we have to

ride out.  I'd better let the guests get into position." He informed the

heli pilots.

 

The excited clamour, mostly from first-time hunters duffers in

Rraladoonan parlance - vied with the hacking sound of copter blades

beating the air, the impatient whinny of the occasional horse, and the

general babble among old friends reuniting after long separation, as

Rraladoon prepared for its annual event.  While duffers were permitted

to accompany hunting teams, they could not participate in the more

difficult and dangerous occupations of Beater or Lure, though over the

years, some off-world hunters who showed the proper amount of care and

skill could be "promoted' to hunter status.

 

Few had the patience to be accorded that honour.  Many of the duffers

who joined in only wanted to have a crack at "one of the big ones', a

Great Big Mamma Snake, reptiles that reached up to sixteen metres in

length.

 

For the ardent predator, the Rraladoon snake provided a sufficiently

dangerous prey and there were many who wanted the accolade of bringing

in either two live snakes or twelve intact eggs.  For a Rraladoonan it

was a coming of age ritual but hunter-mentalities of all ages vied to

meet that challenge.

 

Pet ocelots, who hunted alongside their masters and mistresses, now

huddled underneath horses' bellies or sat on pillion behind their

owners' saddles.  Hrriss was running a new ocelot this year, Gerrh; a

cub of his two beloved pets, Preen and Mehh, who were getting too fat

and lazy to run beside horses.  The spotted cat sat bolt upright on the

back of the shifting mare, his tail curled around his haunches much as

his master's was.  Most Hrrubans tucked their long tails down inside

chaps or bandaged them to one leg to prevent accidents.

 

As one of the Masters of the Hunt, Todd stood up in his stirrups, one

hand on his Gypsy's neck to steady him.

 

In a stentorian voice, he ran through his usual caveat.

 

"We are not here to decimate the snake population.

 

If that's your intention, you can stay right here in this square when we

move out,' he announced, eyeing the crowd.  "The Hunt is for the purpose

of controlling the flow of the snakes, driving them back into the salt

marshes after they've spawned.  When those females come off the dunes,

they're hungry!  There is plenty of food for them in their regular

habitat.  Our task is to prevent them from stopping off for a snack on

the way." There was appreciative laughter from the crowd.

 

A timid hand went up among the riders.  "But what if a snake attacks

me?" a young Hayuman visitor asked.  Her riding coat was so new Todd

fancied he could see the mark on the cuff where the bar code had been.

 

"If you should be so unlucky as to have a snake attack you, call in your

position and then get out of the way as fast as your horse: and a

snake-chased horse really moves!  If flight's not an option, shoot as

straight as you know how,' Todd said.  "That one's for the stewpot.  If

a snake attacks and gets a taste of blood, it'll go for any hunter near

it next year.  We call them "renegades" and we kill them to prevent real

trouble next year.  The snakes that proceed peaceably back into the

marshes are to be left alone.  Don't provoke them!  You don't know what

they're capable of.  Do not mingle in the main swarm; just flank it. You

don't want a snake running up your horse's leg to get a chunk of you!"

He grinned then.  "I assure you Rraladoonan horses will do their best to

keep you clear all by themselves.  If you hotdog, endangering yourself,

your mount, or anyone else, the leader of your team has full right and

responsibility to sideline you for the duration.  If you don't want to

spend the rest of the day in a snake blind, listen to your leader and

obey any orders.

 

He or she knows how to save your life.  Any questions?" There were brash

mutters as the inexperienced hunters mulled over Todd's remarks.

 

They got louder and more intense as the Gringg, led by Kodiak, appeared

on foot over the span of the Friendship Bridge.

 

Fifteen or twenty of the huge aliens had elected to join the teams, to

the amazement and enthusiasm of some of the returning Rraladoonans, and

the nervousness of others.  Todd was unhappy to see that there was still

some distrust among his folk for their newest allies, but he hoped the

Gringg performance in the Hunt might alter diehard notions.

 

Since there were no horses up to the weight of an adult Gringg, they had

agreed to work as assistants to the Beater Teams, whose task was to make

enough noise to scare an escaping snake back into the mass.

 

The job was by no means a sinecure.  Since the beaters drove tractors

and other light farm machinery fitted with heavy snake-bars, the crews

equipped with noisemakers, flails and, at the last resort, heavy calibre

hand-guns, anything that could persuade a snake to return to the stream

heading south towards their natural habitat.

 

Todd had Kodiak brief the other Gringg on the safety procedures and then

pointed out which driver each Gringg would accompany.  Beater Teams One

and Two, stationed nearest the spawning sands, got two Gringg apiece.

 

"Heavy artillery,' said a grinning Mark Dautrish, the wheelman for

Beater One.  He reached down to give Big Paws and Koala a hand up into

the cab of the wide-bucket heavy-duty tractor, one of the largest on the

planet.  It was effective in blocking snakes' escape routes among the

marsh grasses and Mark was wizard in the things he could make his rig

do, should push come to shove.

 

"Move "em out!" Todd cried as he saw all the Gringg on board their

designated vehicles.  He pumped a fist in the air.  With a roar of

engines, the Beaters departed to take up their positions, followed by

the Lures, on their nippy dirt bikes that looked all too flimsy for the

work they must do.

 

With Grizz and Eonneh riding in the farm hover truck, Kelly drove slow

enough for the five children to follow on their horses.  She also didn't

want to bottom the truck with all the weight it currently carried.  With

her huge arms folded neatly across her belly, Grizz sat with the utmost

dignity in the front seat, though her bulk was crushing Kelly up against

the door.  Rolling the window down gave Kelly the opportunity to lean

her upper torso outside.  Honey, filling the rear seat, was armed with

his ubiquitous pad and stylus.  The youngsters were leading Kelly's mare

Calypso and Alison had a lead rein on Teddy who was mounted on Rock, the

calmest horse in Hrriss's stable.  The young Gringg sat on a much more

professionally modified pack saddle, cushioned by deep fleeces and

surrounded by rolls of canvas that acted like a safety belt, preventing

him from falling out of the saddle.

 

As the truck reached the square, Kelly hooted the horn to clear a space

for her to manoeuvre the truck inside the crowd and waved furiously to

get Todd's attention.

 

Hrriss noticed her and trotted over, leaning down to the window.

 

"Nrrna and the farm managers are lined up at the ranch fences with heavy

guns and dynamite in case of tiddlers!

 

Where do you want us?" she called over the din.

 

"You and the children go with Llywelyn Cam's Beaters toward Boncyks'

farm,' Hrriss said, checking them on his list, "wherrre the woods end.

 

"Right you are!" Kelly saluted cheerfully and set the hover truck moving

in the right direction.  In her rear-view mirror, she could see the

youngsters urging their horses after her, east towards the river,

disappearing among the houses and trees at the edge of town.

 

"Four zeams filled and despatched, twenz> seven to go, Hrriss informed

Todd.

 

"There you are!" Jilamey exclaimed, forcing his horse through the crowd.

The entrepreneur was clad in new and flambpyant riding gear that had

nevertheless been chosen with the perils of the hunt in mind.

 

His handunit radio and voder were clipped to crossed bandoliers in the

centre of his chest where they wouldn't interfere with free movement.

 

After Todd's initial reproof, Jilamey always wore every bit of the

compulsory Hunt safety gear.  He added a few pieces of equipment which

he considered necessary.  His saddlebow was hung with quivers, one full

of short spears, another of crossbow quarrels to fit his custom-made,

fast reload weapon, including some marked with the red seal for high

explosive.  The sedately clad Barrington followed closely behind his

master in the small, but very speedy flittercar.  Responding to an

over-the-shoulder nod from Jilamey, he parked the vehicle beside the

Assembly Hall, and disappeared inside.

 

"Old Overprotective's going to help cook this time!" Jilamey said, with

an impish grin that made him look like a balding faun.  "Out of my way

at last.  I'm ready, able and oh so willing!  Bring on the snakes!'

"Good to see you,' Todd said, chuckling.  "Now that you've arrived, our

team is present and accounted for.

 

Take a position next to Hrrin and Errala."

 

"We musst all move to our assigned places,' Hrriss said.

 

"Then, my old friend, let us go!" Todd's grin was as much for past Hunts

and their success as Masters as it was for the present one.  The

stresses and problems of the recent past were all behind them.  This

Hunt was now!

 

A Sighter flew in overhead.  The copter swooped low, facing the Hunt

Masters.  Through the open hatch, Dar Kendrath waved wildly to get

Todd's attention.  He pointed to his wrist and held up one finger, then

five more.  The main swarm would reach the dunes in about fifteen

minutes.

 

"That's cutting it close, Todd said to Hrriss, giving Dar the thumbs up

sign that he understood the message.  He stood in his stirrups, twisting

around at his waist.  "At the trrrrrot, forward!" he yelled, swinging

his arm in an age-old gesture.

 

Dar veered his craft out of the way of the on-coming horses.  The second

Sighter chopper, a good distance from the throng, followed a moment

later.

 

Hrrula, with Robin Reeve as his second riding behind him at the head of

Team Two, wheeled his horse around.

 

His team was full of visiting duffers, some of whom were reasonably good

riders, but Hrrula was competent in keeping team members out of grief.

 

"Moving out,' the Hrruban said, his sharp teeth flashing brightly in a

wide smile.  "See you at ze salt mrrrshes!" Jilamey paired off with

Hrrin as Team One moved out.

 

As Todd and Hrriss led them along the well-worn river trail, they could

hear the two of them shouting excitedly to each other about grids and

ships.  That left the one recently promoted hunter, a man named Harris,

riding beside Hrrin's mate Errala, with Jan and Don, Team One's own

Wrangler and sharpshooter, bringing up the rear.  Team One was lighter

in personnel than most of the other groups of hunters, but as the team

that took responsibility for steering the lead snakes, they needed to be

able to peel away and move faster than any other.

 

Todd held the fast trot pace to the head of the desert where the snakes

lay their eggs.  The weather was slightly overcast which was a minor

blessing.  Bright sunshine meant hours of hot riding.  Gerrh twitched

nervously on his pillion, reacting to the strong odour of snake which a

slight breeze wafted down the river path.  Errala covered her sensitive

nose with a citrus-scented cloth, and coughed.  Team One cut along the

trail past the other teams in place.  As Todd and Hrriss passed, each

leader acknowledged their readiness.

 

The radio crackled on Todd's hip.

 

"They're swarming!" Leah Kalman's shout came through clearly.

 

"Teams Six and Seven spreading out." Todd squeezed his legs into Gypsy's

sides and lifted him into a gallop, heard his team follow his lead. They

arrived at the edge of the marsh in time to see Mark Dautrish rolling up

his big tractor with its wide bucket inches above the ground.  No snake

could squirm through that space.

 

Several young tiddlers, none more than four metres long, broke in that

direction.  At the sight of the sharp metal, they thought better of it

and cut away towards Todd.  Hrrula's team was circling around to the

north.

 

"Yaw!" Todd exclaimed, his gaze sweeping the heaving multitude of

snakes.

 

"Numbers have increased beyond estimate,' Hrriss called in Low Hrruban.

"More must have survived zan usual.  Good for us that we can trade the

excess to the Gringg now they've got a taste for the flavour.

 

"This swarm s going to take real handling, partner,' Todd called back

and then began shouting orders to the other riders.  "Spread out!

 

Contain them.  We've got to keep them rolling or they'll stack up here

and we'll have the devil's own time!" Big Paws, his powerful body

crouched low to the ground, was almost on all fours.  But his fangs and

claws were bared and the small snakes that had tried to scoot out past

him reversed, and he herded them back to the marked route.  When a

three-metre tiddler made a hasty break to dive between his legs, he

seized it at the back of the neck, and flung it bodily into the main

stream of snakes leaving the dunes.  He glanced up and waved at Todd.

 

"Fun!" he cried.

 

The subsonics in his voice, which tended only to disconcert or annoy the

Hayumans and Hrrubans, seemed to cause a violent reaction among the

reptiles.  At the sound of his rumbling roar, several that were headed

in that direction stopped where they were and doubled back on their own

lengths.

 

"Look at zat!" Hrriss said, gleefully.  "A new deterrent!

 

Zey must dislike Gringg vibrrations!" Todd, vigorously applying his

quarterstaff to curtail breakouts, grinned back.  "Keep up the good

work, Big Paws!"

 

"Reh!" the Gringg chortled, flinging another four-metre snake overhand.

It struck the ground on its nose and hastily sought refuge among its

fellows, slithering away as quickly as it could from the gigantic

black-and-white terror.

 

Todd wheeled to follow the vanguard of the reptiles through the woods.

The snakes were relatively placid up near the dunes, in strong contrast

to the way they would act later on, when they were tired and the

clutching hunger had fully kicked in.  Then they became dangerously

cunning.  Any breath of air which carried rumours of a quick meal caused

them to take any reasonable chance to avoid the hunters and find food.

 

"Ware!" Todd cried, pointing at a pair of very small snakes, probably at

the dunes for their first clutches, that zipped around the front of the

tractor.

 

"I'll get the one of the right!" Jilamey shouted, waving his crossbow

over his head and spurring his horse through the marsh waters after the

snake.  He aimed and pulled the trigger, but the quarrel struck mud,

missing the tiddler completely.  His horse slipped, nearly precipitating

him into the fetid waters.  Jilamey was improving but he would never be

a match for Kelly and he missed her support on the team.

 

She certainly wouldn't have missed an easy shot like that but she had

offered to cart the captain around.

 

A roar sounded from behind the farm machine, and one of the young snakes

came sailing over the top of the tractor to land in a heap on the path.

Todd jumped.  Don swore.

 

"Fardle it, I didn't think they could fly!"

 

"Compliments of Koala,' Dautrish called to the team.

 

"She missed the other one, though!"

 

"I'll call ahead!" Todd said, and thumbed the switch on his handset.

"One escapee, heading west from the dunes."

 

"Got it, Todd,' replied Leah Kalman and broke the contact.

 

The river road became a living, writhing sea of reptilian bodies.

 

Todd kneed Gypsy to the edge of the marsh grasses, loping alongside the

leading snakes and keeping the foot of his quarterstaff poised for use.

 

His team fanned out in single file behind him, riding hard.

 

A flashgun popped to one side of the path.  Todd caught the glare out of

the corner of one eye.  A margin hunter, turning back a tiddler that had

strayed between the cordon of horses.  They entered the woods.

 

The terrain here favoured the snakes, who could disappear without trace

into the undergrowth by virtue of their natural protective patterning.

It took quick eyes to make sure none of the leaders strayed, encouraging

others to follow.  Not for the first time, he was grateful to the river

for bordering one side of the snake run, keeping the hunters from having

to double up teams along this section.

 

A low ridge of rock rose up in the middle of his path.

 

Avoiding the obstacle, Todd hugged the opposite side and came out ten

feet behind the lead snakes.  He urged Gypsy forward.  Once they came

level again, the experienced horse dropped back to a trot.

 

From behind him came the racuous snarl that told him that Gerrh had

joined the hunt.  He risked a quick glance over his shoulder.  The young

ocelot had leaped from his perch and was after a three-metre-long

tiddler that was attempting to go the wrong way around the rocky

upthrust.  Hrriss cantered by his pet and administered a thwack with the

butt end of his spear to the snake's head.  It coiled up and headed into

the stream without further hesitation.  Gerrh galloped after his master

and leaped neatly back on to Rihee's back.

 

The ridge had provided one of the only breathing points the hunters got

on the trail, where geography did their work for them in keeping the

snakes from straying.

 

After that, the long, hot ride was made dangerous by low branches which

knocked against Todd's helmet and shoulders while he tracked the

swift-moving snakes along their way He passed the first of the snake

blinds: one of the small, well-sealed rla-wood cottages smeared with the

citrus perfume that deterred snakes from smelling the contents.

 

 The broad window at trailside was filled with spectators staring out at

him through field glasses.

 

"Todd, I've got a lively one here,' Don called through the handset.

"Could use your help." With one hand, he laid the reins along Gypsy's

neck and turned him around, while he lifted the small communications

unit to his mouth.

 

"Hrriss, take point.  I'm circling back to help Don."

 

"Ruight!' The friends passed in mid gallop, Hrriss spurring Rrhee to

catch up with the lead snakes.

 

Far back along the line, Jan was over-stretched, herding much more of

the cordon of young reptiles than she could really handle as Don went in

pursuit.  The sharpshooter waved to Todd as he approached, and pointed

at the five-and-a-half-metre snake he was pacing.  As steady as if he

was sitting on still ground, Don's rifle aimed at the back of the

reptile's head.

 

"The damned thing won't go back in line!" Don called.

 

He ducked a branch.  "I've got a bead on it, but I don't want to kill it

if it's just ornery.

 

"Crank a ground shot next to its head on the right, Todd said,

unlimbering his quarterstaff to help prod.

 

He called for a Lure to come and assist.  Nodding, Don squeezed the

trigger, and a puff of dust kicked up on the right of the snake's nose.

With a violent check, the snake turned a sharp corner and veered towards

the stream, but five metres of body was a lot to manoeuvre.

 

The tail whipped around and struck Don's galloping horse, knocking it

off its feet.

 

"Wheeeee-e!" the gelding screamed, falling on to its side.  Don jumped

off and, cursing, rolled into a stand of bushes.  He emerged, brushing

himself off.  Todd raised his flashgun and reined Gypsy to a stop

between the fallen horse and rider, standing guard.

 

The incident attracted the attention of more tiddlers.

 

Todd shot off flash after flash of brain-searing light to divert the

predatory snakes while Don helped the gelding to its feet and regained

his saddle.  Suddenly, a leather-clad Lure on a cycle burst out from

among the trees and began riding a serpentine trail between Todd and the

mass of snakes.  Across his shoulders, inside out was a fresh sheep

hide.  The heavy scent of blood got the slow-witted attention of the

stray snakes.  They followed the Lure who led them to the main stream.

The bike tilted to an angle and roared down the riverbank, out of the

snakes' reach.

 

"Whew!" Don said.  "Thank heavens for loaves and little fishes."

 

"Ow, this thing gets hot,' Todd said, letting the flashgun fall on its

strap against his chap-covered leg and airing his gloved hand.  Don

swung up and leaned over to slap Todd on the shoulder.

 

"Thanks, friend,' he said, reining the horse towards the perimeter of

the snake cordon.  "I'm not even bruised." Team Two was coming up fast

behind them, and Don paced in a couple of beats before Hrrula arrived.

 

Todd turned Gypsy inland and galloped onwards to come level with Hrriss.

He passed another group of Beaters with Cinnamon.  They were sweeping

the snakes back on to the path with brooms, flails, and in the Gringg's

case, his own big feet.  A jab here, a prod there, and the tiddlers kept

in the boundaries of the swarm.  Cinnamon waved and called out happily

as he and Hrriss passed.

 

The day was going well.  No injuries or losses had been reported yet

from up the line.  The most serious problems would probably arise on the

Boncyk farm, still some klicks ahead.

 

Kelly felt as if they'd been waiting for hours in the meadow near the

Boncyk farm, but she knew it hadn't been more than one.  It just seemed

longer, because the children, antsy with anticipation, were on the edge

of driving her crazy.  She'd known all along the folly of bringing

youngsters into the heart of a Snake Hunt.  Corn had brought up her

horse so at least she had a chance of chasing them down if necessary.

Staying back with a Beater team was simply the best way for them, and

their guests, to see the action without getting hurt.  She'd explained

the roles of each of the hunting teams and the auxiliaries.

 

The Gringg listened with careful attention, but the children, who'd

heard it repeated for years, were bored.

 

"Now, if anything goes wrong, Kelly repeated again and again, hoping her

instructions stuck in the minds of the excited children, "you pull back!

Get out of the way of the hunters!  Immediately!  Is that clear?"

 

"Yes, Mom."

 

"Yes, Aunt Kelly."

 

"Yes, Gelli,' Teddy promised, wiggling deep into the sheepskins.

 

Somehow she wasn't totally reassured.  In the hour since they'd taken up

positions, the five youngsters had made friends with the Beaters,

galloped up to take a look at the Boncyk farm, and found the nearest

citron-covered snake blind.  Alec came galloping back with a report of

who was inside it, watching for the snakes to come by.

 

"That Admiral is in there,' her son announced.  "The cranky one with

white hair."

 

"Alec!"

 

"In a blue uniform,' Alison said.  "Well, he grumbled at us.

 

"Admiral Barnstable?" Kelly asked.  "Huh.  Whaddya bet he's here more to

keep an eye on the Gringg than the snakes!" She hadn't her voder on just

then but nevertheless, looked over to where Grizz sat at her ease in the

soft meadow grass.  The captain daintily plucked a tiny yellow flower

between two claws and examined it closely.  Delicately, she extended it

to her mate, sitting with his shaggy golden side pressed against hers.

 

"See here, Eonneh, the five petal structure.  Most attractive, is it

not?" she asked, her red eyes gentle "Most attractive,' Eonneh replied,

accepting it.  Their claws intertwined.

 

There's more going on there than a botany lesson, Kelly thought, with a

silly smile of approval on her face.

 

"They're coming,' called Leader Corn.  Kelly stood up in her stirrups

and let out a sharp whistle for the children.

 

"Come on!" yelled Alec, and headed Tornado uphill.

 

Seeing his friends respond, Teddy wheeled the lethargic Rock in a wide

loop and, at a dignified plod, followed Alec back towards the threshing

machine.

 

Admiral Barnstable, pacing around outside the snake blind, felt

unwilling to enter the reeking enclosure until it was absolutely

necessary.  He noticed that there was some commotion up on the high

meadow where Mrs Reeve and her horde of children were waiting.  Hastily

hiking up the dusty path, he called out to her.

 

"What's going on?"

 

"Please get back to the blind, Admiral,' Kelly shouted.

 

"The snakes are coming."

 

"If you're safe, I'll be safe,' Barnstable said, panting a little as he

reached the crest of the low hill.

 

The Reeve woman had a small arsenal's worth of primitive weapons arrayed

on her sheepskin-padded saddle.

 

There was a strong smell of animal sweat and excrement coming from

across the lea to the right.  Looking down the hill towards the farm

buildings, Barnstable saw a thin, dour-faced farmer and his family

waiting on horseback, behind an odd assortment of heavy farm machinery

that had been rolled up to the low fence.  What a ridiculous barricade,

he thought.  He turned back to eye the two adult Gringg, seated on the

grass nearby, who met his gaze pleasantly.

 

"Aren't you carrying any defensive weapons?" Barnstable demanded.

 

"These snakes are highly dangerous and excitable."

 

"Why will you not believe that we have no such tools?" Honey asked, then

held up his paws. He flexed his digits and the sharp claws gleamed in

the grey sunlight. "These natural fittings are all we need." The sounds

of galloping and a curious, terrifying hiss came from the edge of the

woods.  Mrs Reeve tensed, and raised a loaded crossbow.  Barnstable

turned.

 

Out of the thin forest came a dappled, tossing, undulating reptilian

river.  Barnstable's heart started to pound in his chest and his mouth

went dry.  He sucked his cheeks for saliva.  This was like the prelude

to a battle.  Beside him, the enormous farming machine revved its engine

and bucked down the slope towards the snakes.

 

Two horses, looking amazingly small next to the swarm, cantered along,

prodding an occasional snake that tried to break free.  What Reeve and

Hrriss were doing looked almost easy.  For all their admonitions about

the dangers involved in the Hunt, it looked like there was nothing more

to herding snakes than quick reflexes and concentration.  Barnstable was

unimpressed.

 

Then the wind changed to the south-west.  Instead of blowing into their

faces from the salt marshes, the shift brought a miasma of heavy,

stinking air direct from the byres at the rear of the barn behind them.

 

Barnstable gagged.

 

"What is that appalling stench?" Barnstable asked, pinching his nostrils

shut.

 

"Pigs,' said Kelly amiably.  "Boncyks raise China and Poland pigs.

 

No help for it now,' and urgency had crept into her voice, "the snakes

have the scent.

 

The tumbling tide of snake shifted until it was heading directly towards

them.  Everett Cabot Barnstable had a sudden change of heart regarding

the difficulty of managing thousands of snakes as the whole boiling wave

of them seemed to come straight at him.  For the first time in his life,

he experienced gut-twisting terror.

 

"Llywelyn!" Kelly shouted, angling her steed between Barnstable and the

stream.  The horses, having caught the snake stink, were dancing

frantically about, their riders controlling their antics with

unconcerned skill.

 

Teddy bounced up and down in his high saddle like a ball.

 

"Behind me, Kelly,' Corn shouted, raising his handunit.

 

"Lures!  Edge of the Boncyk farm!  Now!" The thresher rolled around the

crest of the hill and headed for the outbuildings.  The huge machine

moved down like an avalanche, pushing the snakes away.  A cluster of the

reptiles avoided the Beaters by going every which way at once, and

looped uphill at speed.

 

"They're headed to Mr Boncyk's farmyard!" Alec cried.

 

"Can we go help?"

 

"No!" Kelly exclaimed.  "You stay right here or.

 

.  .!" She left the threat of dire punishment hanging.

 

Then a three-metre tiddler attempted a fast break around the wheels of

the thresher.  Corn promptly lowered the boom on it and Kelly shot the

crossbow bolt directly into its brainpan.  The snake lashed about in

muscular spasms, but it was no longer a threat.  One of Cam "5

 

assistants dismounted and stuffed the writhing corpse into a snake bag.

 

Todd and Hrriss galloped by, their attention on the fan of stragglers

who were enticed by the strong swine smell.

 

Hrriss growled orders into his handset for Don and Jan to keep the rest

of the snakes moving down the path to the marshes.

 

Having learned by bitter experience in the early years of their

homesteading just how tempting their stock was to snake, Wayne and Anne

Boncyk prepared for the worst.  In fact, as individual defenders went,

they had more personnel massed on their property than any other farm on

the route.  As luck would have it, their prize sows tended to farrow

every year about the same time as Snake Hunt.  But the shrewd and

aggressive sows had also learned to defend their piglets against these

wriggling predators.

 

The females were ruthless and attacked any snake that crossed into their

tract, chopping them into squirming pieces with sharp little hoofs.

 

The males were more aggressive, charging at any snake, no matter what

its size, that dared impinge on their territory.  Todd had nicknamed the

swine herd Wayne's War Boars, a more euphonious title, even though there

were more sows than boars.

 

Just to the right of the line of outbuildings, the pigpens were

surrounded by high, lightweight but sharp-edged metal barriers that

could rip open the belly of any snake trying to crawl through.  Wayne

left the spoor of snake blood on them year after year to try and scare

off new marauders, though Todd and others warned him that it worked just

the opposite way.  Snakes happily consumed their own dead.  But to get

to the barriers, let alone the styes, the snakes had to pass the cordon

of angry boars.

 

Todd counted the boars ranged along the white metal fence, and gave up

at thirty, each averaging about 275

 

kilos.  Two black-and-white Border collies ran up and down the line,

using The Look to keep the pigs from wandering away before the battle

began.

 

"C'mon, Reeve!  Get these snakes out of here,' Wayne cried, hoisting his

bow to his shoulder.  That was the signal to his crew.

 

They pressed forward to help the hunters form a strong cordon against

the advancing mass of snakes.  With hand gestures, Todd directed them to

the best points to reinforce the defences around the byres.

 

"Where's the rest of the barricades?" Todd demanded, looking at the bare

rear edge of the pens.

 

"Got a stand of new olive trees,' Wayne said, pointing beyond the pen to

a grove of young saplings with greygreen foliage.  "I don't want them

snakes mowing them down."

 

"For life and love, Wayne,' Todd said in a groan, slapping himself in

the head.  "Snakes don't eat olives, they eat meat!"

 

"The boars'll get "em,' the stockman assured him.

 

The inrush of stragglers made for a lively few minutes to the joy of

Jilamey Landreau who'd somewhat been disappointed in the tame atmosphere

of this year's hunt.

 

Once on the Boncyk property, the hunters and snakes were within a few

kilometres of the marshes, the end of the journey, which meant that

Jilamey had only a short time to secure his second snake to complete his

Rite of Passage, or go without for another year.  Snake sacks in hand,

the Hayuman was casting frantically about him for a likely catch.

 

"Jilamey!" Todd shouted.  "Help Anne!" With a guilty start, the younger

man wound the sack around his saddlehorn and kicked his horse over to

where Mrs Boncyk and two farmhands were fighting off tiddlers who were

slithering around the pen looking for any weakness.  The open edge drew

the wily squirmers like a magnet.  Boars rushed to protect their

families, getting underfoot of the horses and squealing fiercely

whenever a quarterstaff blow meant for a snake struck one of them in the

back.  Jilamey prodded escaping snakes until they retreated far enough

upwind to lose the pig-redolent air.

 

Most departed hastily for the marshes.  One struck back at his

quarterstaff.  Anne Boncyk raised the crossbow at her knee, and fired.

 

The quarrel hit the ground under the snake's jaw, missing it by feet.

Anne reined her horse away not quite believing she'd missed.

 

Hurriedly, Jilamey kicked his horse over and bashed the surprised snake

over the head with his quarterstaff which made it recoil and double

away.

 

"Aim a little higher,' he called.  "I make that mistake myself."

 

"My darned sights must be off,' Anne said, fiddling with the crosshairs.

 

There was a tremendous explosion on the opposite side of the barn.

 

Todd grabbed for his radio.

 

"Anybody!  What was that?"

 

"Sapper mine,' Kelly's voice replied.

 

"A horde of tiddlers was moving in between the house and the granary.

 

The survivors are stopping to eat the carrion.  You won't have to worry

about this avenue for a while.  Team Two's moving up!  I just saw

Hrrula.

 

"Thanks, han,' Todd said, replacing the unit on its clip.  He gestured

to Don to move out to the opposite end of the grounds to check that no

small snakes were trying to sneak around the far end of the building.

 

Hrriss had had his eye on a good-sized Mamma Snake that moved up among

the ranks of younger reptiles.  The smell of delicious fresh meat just

beyond the barrier tempted it away from the road home.  At present, the

huge snake was staying out of range of Hrriss's sharp spear, but still

trying to make a break for the pigpens.

 

Gerrh leaped down to join the boars hunting small snakes.

 

The pigs grunted at him, but didn't attack, accepting him tentatively as

a fellow predator Inside the smelly enclosure, the sows were running

around and around their mudpatches, screaming chal lenges to the snakes

outside; detailing in Pig, Todd grinned to himself, just exactly what

they'd do to any reptiles they got.

 

The screams of the attacking boars as they stomped tiddlers to death

added to the din as the hunters tried to regain order.  Todd's horse

slipped slightly on the bloody pieces of one snake.  The boar who had

killed it was eating some of the flesh with savage grunts of pleasure.

Todd held tight with his knees as Gypsy recovered and got to mort secure

footing.  Then he chased four live snakes away from a damaged portion of

the fence that lay tilted, leaving a tempting rent through which a small

snake could squeeze.

 

"We are here,' Hrrula's voice called through the radio link.

 

"Good,' Todd replied.  "I want to split this stream of snakes into two

parts.  Send "em around the farm and down into the swamps.  Can you set

up a blockade just below the fence with the Beaters to deflect them?"

"Will do,' Hrrula affirmed.

 

Hrriss's Mamma Snake made one more effort to escape before he harried it

beyond the farm.  Once it was upwind of the pigs, the smell of salt air

touched its sensitive tongue and nostrils, reminding it that there were

easier meals elsewhere.

 

"He's down, he's down!" the handsets screeched.  With a final swipe at a

pair of tiddlers who'd just decided to leave, Todd grabbed for his

radio.

 

"Report!  Who is it?"

 

"Hrrula,' wailed the voice.  It was evidently one of Team Two's duffers.

 

"It's me, Todd,' Robin's voice exclaimed, interrupting the hysterical

outcry.  "Hrrula got spun off when a snake twined a foreleg.

 

He's okay, but there are a couple of Mamma Snakes coming around the barn

with a flood of tiddlers.  I'll join you as soon as I've got him up

again.

 

Llywelyn's blocking the path.  Five Lures just came out of the woods to

help.  Hey, it's the Biker Babes!"

 

"Thanks, Robin,' he said, smiling grimly.  His eyes met Hrriss s over

the pigpens.  They were in for a tough fight.

 

Mamma Snakes were tough and canny, having survived many years of Snake

Hunts, and they were big.

 

Another exploding charge echoed, alerting them that more snakes had

tried to enter the vulnerable farmyard.

 

Not for the first time, Todd cursed Boncyk who refused to move his pigs

to a more secure location during the farrowing season.  The sharp whine

and buzz of motorbikes cut through other noise, marking the arrival of

the all-female bike team Robin had nicknamed.

 

Robin was right to call the mass a flood of snakes.  The very ground

undulated with a hissing carpet that inexorably flowed towards the

stycs.  The dry grass beneath it sounded as if it were on fire.

 

All the hunters who were free moved to intercept them.

 

"Blockade in position, Todd,' Llywelyn Corn reported by radio.

 

"Hope you can handle what's up there!" The smaller reptiles braided in

and out between the hooves of the horses, causing even some of the

hunthardened mounts to dance nervously.  Not even seasoned horses liked

a snake twining up their legs so most were also lashing out, fore and

hind.  The eleven-metre length of the first Mamma Snake slithered into

view, making directly for the War Boars.  She wouldn't be intimidated by

their hooves or their cries of defiance.  She could swallow one whole

while on the move.  Todd fretted that the few hunters he had on hand

might not be equal to her determined challenge.

 

Then the second of the Mamma Snakes appeared around the edge of the

barn, pursued by Anne Boncyk and Kelly.  They loosed crossbow bolts,

hitting it along the back just below the head, which distracted it, but

didn't really slow it down.  Hrriss and Jan joined the chase.

 

"Hi!" Kelly called to Todd.  "This one's a real trier.

 

"Where are the children?" Todd asked, looking about him in panic.

 

The ponies would be vulnerable to this Big Mamma.

 

"Back there!" Kelly gestured.  "With the Gringg!" Now the cluster of

five young riders and their horses, with their gigantic escort, galloped

up the rise.  Not allowed to carry more dangerous weapons, the Alley

Cats and Hrriss's children did have dart guns and slingshots with which

they were uncannily expert.  Keeping their horses moving at a good

distance and parallel to snakes, they used darts and sling-propelled

rocks to distract them from their intended prey and drive them along.

 

Teddy threw rocks, too.  His pad-fingers were too big to fit inside the

trigger-guard of a needler, but the stones he threw had the force of a

bullet.  He hit one snake broadside with a hand-sized stone that opened

a bleeding wound on its back.  At the smell of blood, several larger

snakes swarmed over their unlucky mate and it was torn to pieces.

 

"Good shot, Teddy!" Jilamey called.  He was reloading his crossbow.

"Look out, someone!  Get that one!" Attracted by the new rich musk from

Gringg fur, a four-metre tiddler made for Teddy's horse.

 

No one was nearer than Jilamey.  Not stopping to think, he spurred his

horse forward until he was nearly on top of the reptile before he struck

at it with his quarterstaff.  The snake evaded his blow and wound up the

shaft on to the saddle before he could drop it.  Jilamey went for his

knife, but the snake trapped his arm.  Jilamey let out a roar of pain

just as the snake opened its huge maw to engulf his head.

 

"Morra!  Chilmeh!" Teddy cried.  The little bear leaned over towards

Jilamey's saddle and grabbed the hissing snake around the throat with

one hand.  Hauling the head away from Jilamey's body, he began to batter

the snake with his other handpaw, his claws rending the thick scales as

if they were no more than cotton.  Blood spurted and the snake hung

limply in his grasp.  Jilamey, rubbing snake spit from his face, stared

down at it.  Teddy raised his eyes to the Havuman, almost surprised at

what he had done as Jilamey.

 

"Thank you,' Jilamey said, sincerely.  As he scrubbed at his face, he

could feel his heart racing at his narrow escape and his pulse nearly

knocked through his neck.

 

The muscles of his squeezed arm tingled, and he wiggled the fingers to

ease them.  "Thank you very much."

 

"Rehmeh,' Teddy replied.

 

"I am sorry I got blood on your coat."

 

"Think nothing about it,' Jilamey said, shaking his head in wonder. "You

saved my life.  You're a real hero, little bear!" He gave a shaking

laugh.  "People have always warned me about losing my head over snake

hunting." A roar from Grizz attracted their attention.  The two adult

Gringg had caught the Mamma Snake that Hrriss was chasing.  Grizz had

caught it by the tail and was now working her claws up its back to the

head.  Meanwhile Eonneh tackled its wide open jaws, attempting to shut

them.  The Mamma had been all set to swallow the War Boar it had

stunned.  The immense snake writhed in a furious attempt to dislodge one

or the other of its attackers.

 

"DON'T LET IT GO, GRIZZ!" Robin roared.  "It'll be twice as dangerous

now it's tasted pork blood." All the farm hunters converged upon the

scene, peppering it with quarrels, all the while Eonneh was closing its

mouth by the simple expedient of locking his claws right through its

tough skull and jaw.  Gradually its frenzied thrashing subsided to an

occasional twitch.  Only then did the two Gringg let go, without

noticing the very respectful expressions of the other hunters.

 

"Great kill, Gringgs.  Thanks.  But that's one down and still one to

go,' Wayne said, grimly.

 

The remaining Mamma Snake had turned at bay.  It was coiled in a huge

knot at the corner of the sty, ready to spring on whatever puny creature

dared to attack.  Todd estimated the snake at a good twelve metres or

he'd lost his eye.  In that posture and cornered, it would be a bitch to

kill.  It could strike out in any direction and even if all of them

charged, it was capable of inflicting considerable damage.

 

He and Hrriss signalled to the team to form a circle around the snake.

If there was any way to get it moving, they might be able to drive it

downhill into the marshes without killing it.

 

Just then, Jilamey's horse buckled to its knees and sent him over its

head, right into a mass of squirming tiddlers trying to brave the

bloodstained barriers around the olive grove.  The horse got up and,

squealing, fled its immediate danger.  Hailing arms and legs, Jilamey

desperately sought to get to his feet.  Like living ropes, the snakes

impeded his efforts, tripping him until he was up against the light

metal blockades.  With a cry, he slipped again into the midst of them.

 

Todd spurred Gypsy into the tiddlers, brandishing his quarterstaff from

side to side.

 

That distraction gave the Mamma Snake its opportunity.  It launched out

of its coil at the smallest creatures it could see: the children.

Trained in evasive actions, the Alley Cats and Hrriss's cubs scattered

their horses, in their mad dash leaving Teddy behind on the old and slow

Rock.

 

While Teddy tried to urge Rock to move, the powerful snake skimmed the

ground towards him, as relentless as lava, as fearsome as lightning.

Todd and the others wheeled and hurtled towards the vulnerable cub.

Teddy let out a deafeningly squeal that startled old Rock more than the

approaching snake.  He reared, adding his own scream of terror and

walked backward on his hind legs right up against the wall of the grain

barn.  The Gringg cub had learned his lesson about holding on.  His legs

were locked firmly on the packsaddle, but he didn't know what to do

except hang on.

 

"Mama!" he cried.  The voder at his throat made it a weak, high-pitched

whimper.

 

Horses were fast, but Gringg could move with astounding speed when

necessary.

 

"Weddeerogh!" Grizz cried, streaking forward to fall on the snake's

back.

 

It dragged her for yards, then strained to a halt as the Gringg clawed

her way up its back, repeating the tactic that had been so successful

with the earlier creature.  She threw one massive arm around its neck,

wrapped the other one across her wrist, and squeezed.  And squeezed. And

squeezed.

 

The snake's long body whipped dangerously from side to side, too

perilous for anyone to approach to help her.

 

The Gringg hung on, rolled over and over in the dust by the muscled

strength of her prey.  As Todd and the others watched in astonishment,

the serpent's frenzied movements grew weaker and finally ceased.  The

great coils gave one more convulsion and then lay still.

 

Shakily, Grizz rolled off the dead snake and lay on her back.

 

Eonneh rushed forward to help his mate to her feet.

 

Teddy dismounted and hurried to his parents, dragging the unwilling

horse behind him by the reins.

 

"That,' said Robin Reeve, the first to regain his voice, "was the most

amazing thing I've ever seen in my life.

 

Ever.

 

"I warned you how dangerous Barnstable began, then stopped, aware of the

sudden, almost hostile repudiation of his audience.  He cleared his

throat and began again.  "You are correct.  It was an astounding feat of

strength.  The Gringg make formidable hunters." Todd leaned over and

slapped the Spacedep man on the back.  "Now that admission has made my

day, Admiral!"

 

"You may be sure, Reeve, that I never intended that,' Barnstable said,

eyeing Todd warily.

 

"Oh, I'm sure,' Todd laughed.  Nevertheless, he offered Barnstable his

hand and the Admiral accepted it.  "Well done, Grizz,' he called.

 

The Gringg, clutching her cub and mate close to her massive chest,

beamed at him, showing all her fangs.

 

"Isn't anyone going to congratulate me?" Jilamey called, rising to his

feet from the dust.  "I'm going to pass my Coming of Age Ritual at

last!" He held up not one, but three snake bags, tightly tied and

wriggling.

 

"You young fool,' Boncyk said with a groan, bowing over his saddlehorn

in despair.  "You've flattened half my new olive trees!" A beaming Hu

Shih took his place of honour on the dais at the Snake Hunt feast that

evening in the Assembly Hall.  His wife Phyllis, tiny and exquisite, sat

beside him in a Hrruban robe of red silk tissue spangled with gems.

 

Presentations for successful hunters had taken place, with a special

round of applause for Jilamey Landreau and his bag of three.

 

But the roar of approval when Grizz was given her medal was deafening:

deservedly so.

 

Then the servers began distributing the dishes of the feast which had

been tantalizing everyone with their aromas.  Jilamey sat at the Reeve

family table in the front row below the dais, proudly showing off his

Coming of Age medal with four wiggly ribbons to everyone.

 

Hu tapped his water glass with the side of his fork, and waited for

silence.

 

"Thank you, friends,' he said, beaming.  "I've been asked to say a few

words.  This is a triple celebration.  Today we celebrate yet another

successful Snake Hunt, a festival I have always enjoyed, as it marks the

climax of New Home Week, the very first of the traditional Rraladoonan

festivals.  Rialadoon - the name has passed through many changes over

the years: Doona, Rrala, Doonarrala, Rialadoona.  It is really time we

settled on one designation to be used by everyone.

 

Rraladoon demonstrates our unity as one people, despite our different

biologies.  "We be of one people, thou and I," as an ancient poet once

said now and for ever.

 

"The second reason for celebration is the historic Trade Agreement

signed with our newest allies, the Gringg.  I welcome their captain,

Grzzeearoghh-' The name set him coughing.  "Dear me,' he said when he

recovered, "I hope I said that right, and all her crew, and hope they

make many more trips here to visit us and enjoy the beautiful new

residence on Treaty Island."

 

"Here, here!" Ken Reeve shouted from his table near the dais.  Pat Reeve

raised her glass to clink against her husband's.  Jilamey, and Commander

Frill, seated at Ken's particular request at the Reeve family table,

joined them.

 

Teddy, urged on by his parents, came forward with a heap of

tissue-wrapped bundles.  He stopped next to Hrriss, waiting with

pleading, scared red eyes until the Hrruban took the top bundle.

 

"Zonk you, young Zeddy,' Hrrestan said, gravely.

 

The young bear sketched a clumsy half bow, made all the more endearing

by the roundness of his figure, and moved on to Todd, then one by one to

each of the original party visiting the Gringg ship.

 

Commander Frill was delighted to be included, and patted the cub on the

shoulder.  Teddy's last delivery was to Greene, sitting at one of the

front tables with Grace Castleton.

 

"What is it?" Greene asked, handling the package as if it might explode

in his hands.

 

"It is a collar,' Teddy replied shyly, "like mine." He scooted back to

his place on the dais beside Grizz and Honey.

 

"That's sweet,' Grace Castleton said, with a warm smile for Teddy and

elbowed the unresponsive commander.

 

"Put it on, Jon!

 

"This is in recognition,' Grizz announced in Middle Hrruban, the voder

raising her voice to a tolerable pitch for the guests present, "of our

first friends here on Rraladoon, and in hopes for the many yet to be

made." She waved gradously, acknowledging the pandemonious applause and

cheers.  Todd immediately unwrapped his gift and put it on, preening.

Gringg-sized, it hung over his shoulders like a shawl.

 

Hrriss donned his.  Each collar was beautifully and individually

decorated.  Grinning at one another at the tableau they made, they

leaned over towards the Gringg leaders.

 

"Beautiful,' Todd said, fervently.  "Thank you."

 

"It is our pleasure,' Honey said.  "You have given us many gifts, most

treasurable of all being the gift of friendship." Hu Shih smiled, and

pur up a hand for attention.

 

"And thirdly, we celebrate, a little prematurely, the fortieth birthday

of Todd Reeve.  I know it's two weeks away, Todd, but surely you'll

forgive an old man for rushing things a little." The crowd chuckled, and

Hu continued.  "He is the very calendar of our life here on Doona, and

the symbol of our unity, our friendship with our neighbour, the

Hrrubans.  I am proud that he is my successor as Colony Leader.  He has

secured my safety and my enjoyment in retirement.  Let me swear now that

I'll continue to vote for him any time he comes up for re-election.

Happy birthday, Todd, and long life to you." Hu Shih sat down amid

applause and cheers.

 

The Alley Cats left their seats between their two sets of grandparents

and mounted the dais, joined by Hrriss' children.  Alison pushed Alec,

who presented a giftwrapped box to Todd.

 

Alec cleared his throat.  "We have a special present for you, too,

Daddy."

 

"It was our own idea,' Alison added.

 

"Why, thank you,' Todd said, really touched by the gravity on their

faces.  He opened the box.

 

"It's from us, too,' Hrrunival said.  Hrrana, behind him, nodded

vigorously.

 

"What is it?" Hrriss said, noticing a suspicious hint of moisture in

Todd's eyes.  Todd held up a rope tail, unmistakably braided together by

small, inexpert fingers but colourful with ribbons interwoven with the

sisal.

 

"It's beautiful, kids,' he said, his voice husky with emotion.  He tied

it around his waist and tugged the knots taut.  "What do you know?

 

It fits!" The children gave him kisses and hugs made shy by the

onlookers and hurried off to return to their places by their

grandparents.

 

"Speech, speech!" Hrriss cried, clapping his hands together.  The cry

was taken up by the rest of the room.

 

"Speech!"

 

"My friends,' Todd began as he rose.  He pointed at the collar and the

rope tail.  "If my age is the calendar, then this is the composite

picture of the make-up of Rraladoon part Hrruban, part Hayuman, and now

part Gringg but all very, very happy and grateful.

 

Thank you so much."

 

"Lions and Hayumans and Bears, oh my!" Kelly chortled.  Everyone

laughed.

 

Overwhelmed by a deep feeling of joy, Todd sat down.  Kelly, Hrriss, and

Nrrna raised their glasses to him.  "Happy birthday, my love,' Kelly

whispered.  She was dressed in a glowing, green silk dress that fitted

her slender form to a degree that was almost illicit.

 

"My present's waiting for you at home." She raised her eyebrows

wickedly, and Todd grinned.

 

Second Speaker Hrrto, seated at the end of the dais, rose.  May I speak,

Mr Hu?" he asked politely.

 

"But of course, Speaker,' Hu Shih said, startled, but in perfect High

Formal Hrruban.  "We'd be honoured by your words."

 

"It is I who am honoured,' Hrrto said, bowing.  Then he altered to the

Middle Hrruban most in the room would understand.  "I have a most

important announcement to make.  I do not wish to diminish the last

presentation, but there is a fourth reason for celebration tonight.  You

are aware that our beloved First Speaker Hrruna became one with the

Stripes some months ago.  We have all mourned his loss, I more than I

knew at first.

 

An election was held last night for his successor.  The results affect

you, more, and he dropped his jaw slightly in the equivalent of a

Hayuman grin, "than you might think."

 

"Old Hrrto looks almost happy,' Todd whispered to Hrriss.  "He must have

won the election after all." "Finally,' Hrriss replied, with a grin of

relief.  "He'd be a better First Speaker than most, not that there was a

lot of choice." Silvery mane gleaming in the lanternlight, Second looked

noble and somewhat fragile, except for the totally uncharacteristic

gleam in his eyes which gave his appearance a spurious youth.

 

"This is a most happy day for me as well,' he went on in Middle Hrruban.

"I am proud to announce that the Hrruban who will pass into the First

Speakership is revered for his wisdom.  He is known to have trod a

difficult but just path in the best interests of both Hrruba and

Rraladoon.  He is well known to you all.  It is perhaps as well,' and

again that brief amused drop of the jaw, "that he is not a member of the

High Council at present, which I believe is one reason why many of my

fellow Councillor felt able to vote unanimously in his favour." His

smile broadened as he deliberately tantalized his breathless audience.

 

"By that admission, you know that it is not I who won such an honour.

 

I find myself content to remain Second Speaker and serve First.

 

But I did sincerely believe for some time that I was the only suitable

candidate.

 

"Over the course of the last two months, I have watched and been

impressed by another whose achievements I presented to the attention of

the High Council.  They have seen the merit of my arguments.

 

Consequently I can announce to you that the duly elected First Speaker

of the High Council of Hrruba is and he paused to turn to the recipient,

"Hrrestan, son of Hrrindan.

 

The surprise was so complete that gasps rippled through the room before

yells and cheers broke out and the entire assembly rose to its feet,

clapping hands raw and making the Gringg cringe away from the wild

whistlings.

 

A dazed Hrrestan got to his feet, shaking his head at Hrrto as if he

could not believe such an honour would fall to him.  Then with a snap of

his head and a straightening of his lean shoulders, he held up his

hands.  As silence finally fell in the hall, Hrrestan seemed unable to

find words.  Into the stillness, tiny Hrrunna who could have no

recognition of the honour just bestowed on her grandsire, purred a

childish question.  "Rra?" Hrrto chuckled at the baby's reaction.  "It

is auspicious that Hrruna's namesake also approves.

 

rhen, with a formal bow of unusual humility, Hrrto presented Hrrestan

with a small box.  Hrrestan opened it, his eyes widening whitely.  The

audience gasped as he held up the great blue sapphire which had been

Rraladoon's present to Hrruna.

 

"Where's Mrrva?  She should be here,' Todd murmured to Kelly and started

to beckon Alec to him.

 

"She is here,' Hrriss said, drawing his attention to the rear of the

dais.  The graceful Hrruban woman, her mane whitening slightly around

her sweet face, was clad in the most exquisite of diaphanous red.  She

joined her mate, looking up at him with great pride as she adorned him

with his new badge of office.  Another round of cheers and applause

followed that little ceremony.  Todd was so affected by the tableau that

he could feel involuntary tears starting in his eyes.

 

Hrriss wound his tail around Todd's knee and gave him a companionable

squeeze.  Todd threw his arm over his best friend's shoulders.  Kelly

and Nrrna joined the hug, insinuating themselves into the embrace and

clasping their hands across to one another.  The baby sat in the middle,

gurgling happily.

 

"What a splendid tribute!  So long deserved,' Kelly whispered.

 

Todd nodded and sniffed surreptitiously.  All his life, he'd respected

the Hrruban who was, in many ways, a second father to him.

 

Without Hrrestan's guidance, Todd might not have grown up to take over

the responsibilities that had been predicted as the fate of the

exuberant, disobedient six-year-old colonist.  Hrrto was right.  There

was no one else of all the high-ranking wide Stripes that Todd had met

during his nearly forty years who was better suited, or trained, to

accept the First Speakership.  He overcame his thickened throat and

added his cheers to the prolonged accolade.

 

"I am honoured beyond speech,' Hrrestan said when the applause abated

enough for him to be heard.  "I do not presume to take the place of

First Speaker Hrruna, for he was unique in the history of both our

worlds, and certainly of this.  But I will do my utmost to live up to

the honourable principles he endorsed.

 

"The one regret I have is that my appointment to the position of First

Speaker will limit the amount of time I may spend here, among my friends

and family on Rraladoon.  I will never give up my home here, so it is a

good thing that our new friends the Gringg have come to us with the

materials to make more, and more efficient grids.  So efficient, in

fact, that we will be extending this technology to our longtime allies

and brothers, the Hayumans.  And it is the Gringg who have brought us

the means to share that technology with Hayumans." The applause which

followed this announcement was thunderous.  Hrrestan, beaming, resumed

his seat.

 

"Couldn't think of a better cat for the job,' Ali Kiachif said, toasting

him with mlada and draining the glass dry.

 

He beckoned to one of the young Hrrubans helping to serve at the feast.

"Give me another shot of liquid headache son." Todd had one more

announcement to make and stood, raising his hands for quiet.

 

"The space port planners committee will meet tomorrow - tomorrow

afternoon,' he said with a grin, "giving the delegates some chance to

recover from the party tonight." He held up a handsized holographic

projector.  "I have something else that should be public knowledge now.

 

May I have the lights off, please?" The lights dimmed, as Todd triggered

the holograph and a map appeared on the dais before the head table.

 

Each species' claimed systems showed in a different colour: amber for

Hrruba, red for Gringg, and green for Amalgamated Worlds.  "Now, the

moment of truth!" He touched the relevant key, and three spots began

glowing in the heart of each nebulous blob.  The crowd let out a

collective gasp.

 

"Reeve, that's classified!" Barnstable roared in protest, jumping to his

feet at his place on the opposite end of the dais.

 

"Not really,' Todd said.  "Not for years.  It's long been possible to

extrapolate the location of the home systems from radio-telescope

transmissions.  I tried it myself.  There is Earth, there is Hrruba, and

there is the Gringg home world.  We're going to be open and above board

now.

 

We've agreed that the home worlds will be off-limits to the uninvited,

but who knows what the future will bring?  Oh, and there,' Todd said,

pointing to a small blue spot glowing gently in the centre of the map,

"there's Rraladoon.

 

"Like the nucleus of a molecule,' one of the Hayuman scientists observed

aloud.  "I hope it's a stable one."

 

"Oh, I doubt it,' Todd said, shaking his head, to the shock of the

scientist and the assembled guests.  "A stable molecule is a closed

system.  We have to be open." He gestured at his fellow Hayumans.  "It

all started with one race of sentient beings. Then there were two, and

now there are three.  It's only a matter of time before there are four,

then ten, then fifty "Stop!" Barnstable protested, his face flushed.

Then he suddenly took a deep breath and managed a weak grin.

 

"Take it easy, Reeve.  Some of us can take only so much incredible news

at a time."

 

"Then let us become a homogeneous whole,' Hrriss said, his eyes sparking

merrily.  "Let the party begin!" The DoonaiRrala Ad Hoc band had a guest

instrumentalist among their number: Artos, the Gringg lutanist.  He

confessed to having learned the Rraladoonan system of musical notation

only recently.

 

"But I can play harmony if required,' he added.

 

"You'll play solos, if I have anything to say about it,' Sally Lawrence

smiled at him winningly.  "Ready, everyone?  A-one, a-two, a-three!"

They struck up dance music.  After listening carefully for a handful of

bars, Artos added a delicate but intncate descant to the melody.

Everyone listening smiled and started snapping fingers or stamping to

the tempo.

 

"C'mon, Koala,' Lieutenant Cardiff said, urging the Gringg engineer out

onto the dance floor.  "Show us how you do it." The rangy technician and

his giant tnend were soon the centre of a dozen or so couples merrily

stepping along.

 

The children joined hands with grandparents and danced in a circle

around them.  Teddy spun into the circle holding hands with Ken, and

Hrrunival coaxed Kodiak to join with him and Hrrana.

 

At the side away from the musicians, a couple of hunters who'd started

their party not long after dismounting from the ride had adopted

Cinnamon, and were telling him tales of being misunderstood in their

lives.

 

"I broke my mother's heirloom teapot when I was a child,' one of them

said sadly.  "Was an accident.  Coulda happened to anybody.  Have some

mlada.  You don't have to worry about a hangover, do you?  Your eyes are

already red."

 

"My eyes are always red,' Cinnamon said, puzzled.  "Is this another joke

on me?" The hunters grinned.  "Yeah, Br'er Bear, but a harmless one.

Have a drink.

 

Tentatively Cinnamon accepted their hospitality, sipping and then,

liking the taste, upending his glass.

 

"Thassa good bruin!" Ben Adjei collected the pool as tne winner for the

thirtieth year running, having made the most accurate guess of the onset

of snake migration.  First-time visitors paid off with groans.  Mike

Solinari was among the losers, but he antied up with good grace.

 

"I don't know,' he said, shaking his head at the senior physician.

 

"I think you have some arcane set of motivators to know just when

they'll come because it's never the same hour any two years in a row.

 

"I've spent a lot of time studying my subject, lad,' Ben said, clapping

the young veterinarian on the back.  "Live, learn and one day you might

guess, too.

 

On the dance floor, Robin Reeve tapped Grace Castleton on the shoulder.

She and Jon Greene executed a gliding turn and stopped.

 

"Can I help you, young man?" she asked.

 

"You're a ship's captain,' Robin Reeve said, his words slightly slurred.

Robin had his arm firmly tucked around Nita Parker's waist.

 

"Could you marry us?"

 

"Oh, Robin,' Nita said, blushing.  "That's an ancient custom."

 

"But still a valid one, I'm pleased to inform you,' Grace said, smiling

fondly at the two young people.  "I can see that you're both of an age

to know your minds.  So if you wish, I'd be delighted to officiate.  But

it'd have to be done aboard my ship.  You don't want to leave the party

so soon, do you?  We certainly don't." Greene whispered in her ear, and

she blushed.  "Perhaps later, Exec." Beside her, Barnstable was

recounting the events of the Snake Hunt to a circle of listeners. "Never

seen anything like it in my life.  Snake comes up and tries to eat a

rider, slithers right up the horse's a-' He glanced at his wife beside

him and she gave him a long-suffering look.

 

"Er rump.  The beggar - I mean, Gringg - just yanked it off by the tail

and battered that reptile about the head with her paws until it was dead

as a mat!  Nothing but her paws!

 

Now I believe they don't need any personal armament."

 

"Ah, young Reeve,' Ali Kiachif said, shouting at Todd and Kelly above

the raucous music of the DoonaiRrala Ad Hoc Band.  "Congratulations to

you and greetings to you, lovely Kelly.  My glass must have a hole in

it, if you understand the problem.  The mlada's all gone."

 

"I'll find you some,' Todd laughed. Spotting one of the servers, he

directed the girl towards Ali.  Arm in arm, he and Kelly wriggled

through the crowd to the dance floor.

 

Hrriss and Nrrna were already there, gracefully gliding to the music.

 

"Todd Rreev,' Grizz called.  The Gringg captain towered head and

shoulders above everyone else in the room.

 

"Todd Rreev, Hrriss?  A moment of your attention?" Todd and Hrriss rose

from the table where they and Hrrestan, Surnitral, Fred Horstmann,

Jilamey, Barustable, and Kiachif had been having an unofficial

roundtable about the space port facilities over a glass or two.  Kelly

glanced at Nrrna.

 

"Should we go?" she asked Grizz.

 

"Morra,' the Gringg replied.  Several of the other Gringg filed in

around them, surrounding the table like an impromptu forest.  "It is a

most interesting thing to tell you.

 

You will like to hear it.  Rrawrum, my communications officer, has just

called me." She tapped her collar with a foreclaw.  "Another species has

just attained an orbit around our home world.  They are so unlike us

that they cannot communicate anything except that like us, they arrive

in peace." She shot Todd a knowing glance.  "And yes, our people have

determined that their ship has no weapons although they do have meteor

shields."

 

"Another race?" Kiachief demanded.  "Another kind of alien? Not like us,

or them, or you?"

 

"Reh." Grizz smiled, her rubbery black lips peeling back to show all the

sharp white fangs in her mouth. "Since you Rraladoonans seem to be able

to master new languages with little trouble .  .  ." She glanced at Todd

when he groaned.  "That is a proven ability, Zodd, so our leaders who

have been vastly impressed by the voder and all your courtesies to us,

have managed to convey the spatial coordinates of Rraladoon to these new

creatures.

 

"Your leaders did what?" Todd asked, half-appalled but also finding

himself ready to accept a new challenge.

 

After all, with Hrrestan as First Speaker, there would be harmony with

that world.

 

"They are speeding with all despatch here to this Treaty Planet,' Grizz

said.  "It is the sensible solution to a problem we Gringg are not

capable of solving."

 

"Look, Grizz, we can only do so much,' Todd began, temporizing because

he didn't want to appear eager.

 

"But you did so well in greeting us, putting us at our ease, showing us

how two species can live in harmony."

 

"But we treated you badly,' Barnstable said who had joined them.  "We

distrusted you.

 

"You only acted with caution, as a Gringg would,' Grizz said.  She

nodded her big head in approval.

 

"Great stars,' Barustable exclaimed involuntarily, and then looked

around as if embarrassed to be complimented so publicly by someone he

had, until just recently, held in great suspicion.

 

"I wonder what kind of joy juice they might bring with them,' Kiachif

mused, sloshing the thick amber liquid which Eonneh suggested he try. "I

mean, every civilized species has something or other to ease the pains

to which flesh - of any kind - is susceptible."

 

"What do zey look like?" Nrrna asked.

 

"We do not know,' Grizz said.  "A description and other details will

follow.

 

Todd's mind was boggling over the hundreds of possible shapes an alien

species could have.  Kelly nudged him with her elbow.

 

"I wonder if they have young,' she said, assuming a most innocent

expression.

 

"And if zeir young will play with ours,' Hrriss added, enjoying the

bemused expression on his best friend's face.

 

Admiral Sumitral of Alreldep grinned broadly at Todd.

 

"Prime your children, Reeve and Hrriss.  Alreldep can't seem to get

anything done without their assistance."