Nilwengerex proclaimed. “Xenologically impertinent. Even an opinion must be founded on a base of knowledge.” He inclined both antennae in Joshumabad’s direction. “I have no fear of these Pitar, nor love of them. I feel the same about the humans. My reactions and published convictions are based on factual material.”
“There is room here for maneuver.” In his mind Joshumabad was already compiling the report he would make to the Grand Council. “We will continue on course with the humans without forcing the issue of closer relations. These must develop as a consequence of natural processes. As for the Pitar, you will maintain contact with their representatives here on Earth until we can make arrangements to have a separate delegation received on Hivehom. Separated from humans, relations between us will advance at an acceptable pace.” A seagull defecated nearby, and he observed the process with interest.
“Meanwhile, the current pace of diplomacy is not acceptable.”
Yeicurpilal looked at him sharply. “But we have just told you that—”
“It does not matter.” Joshumabad’s interruption conveyed the importance of what he was saying far more than mere words and gestures could have. “The council is not satisfied.” He used all four hands for emphasis. “If you cannot accelerate the signing of agreements with humankind, the council is perfectly willing to appoint others to your present positions in the hopes they may do better. This is not a threat, but merely a communication to be taken under advisement.”
“I’m so glad it’s not a threat.” Even when he appeared to be ignoring his companions, Nilwengerex heard everything. “It does not matter. According to what you have been telling us, the council wants us to stay the course, not force matters but speed things up. I am sorry that does not strike you as a contradiction.”
“It does not matter what I think.” Being possessed of a highly amenable and easygoing personality, Joshumabad was noticeably unhappy at the direction the conversation had taken. Not that he had any choice. His mandate called for him to visit, learn, report, and deliver instructions. This he had done and would continue to do, no matter how unpleasantly he was received.
Yeicurpilal hastened to intervene between the two, conversationally as well as physically. “Nilwengerex is right. We are doing our best here. All the wishes of the council will not make the humans move any faster.”
“Not even as fast as that larva.” With a foothand, Nilwengerex pointed off to his left.
The girl who was running out of the palm trees and down onto the beach could not have been more than eight or nine. Even when inclined fully forward to make use of all six legs, the three thranx were taller. Leaning back on trulegs only, they would tower over her. She was as brown as the scattered pieces of shattered driftwood that studded the shore like so many gypsy hieroglyphs, with straight dark hair and dancing eyes the color of small black shells. Laughing and giggling, she bent to pick up a stick and throw it toward Sulawesi. It did not quite reach the water.
Turning slightly and bending in quest of another missile, she caught sight of the thranx. Having halted at her unscheduled intrusion, the aliens stood watching quietly. Joshumabad in particular was at once captivated and repelled. From his preflight studies he knew what very young humans looked like, but this was the first time he had seen one in the flesh. The unexpected encounter left him only momentarily speechless.
“Is…is it dangerous?”
“Not usually.” Nilwengerex responded in his usual dry, clipped tones. “Not one this small. The adolescents are potentially lethal. Unlike us, their bodies assume adult form and bulk preposterously in advance of their minds. But one such as this should be quite harmless, though even infants are capable of surprising violence.”
Straightening, the little girl came toward them. She
“There is room here for maneuver.” In his mind Joshumabad was already compiling the report he would make to the Grand Council. “We will continue on course with the humans without forcing the issue of closer relations. These must develop as a consequence of natural processes. As for the Pitar, you will maintain contact with their representatives here on Earth until we can make arrangements to have a separate delegation received on Hivehom. Separated from humans, relations between us will advance at an acceptable pace.” A seagull defecated nearby, and he observed the process with interest.
“Meanwhile, the current pace of diplomacy is not acceptable.”
Yeicurpilal looked at him sharply. “But we have just told you that—”
“It does not matter.” Joshumabad’s interruption conveyed the importance of what he was saying far more than mere words and gestures could have. “The council is not satisfied.” He used all four hands for emphasis. “If you cannot accelerate the signing of agreements with humankind, the council is perfectly willing to appoint others to your present positions in the hopes they may do better. This is not a threat, but merely a communication to be taken under advisement.”
“I’m so glad it’s not a threat.” Even when he appeared to be ignoring his companions, Nilwengerex heard everything. “It does not matter. According to what you have been telling us, the council wants us to stay the course, not force matters but speed things up. I am sorry that does not strike you as a contradiction.”
“It does not matter what I think.” Being possessed of a highly amenable and easygoing personality, Joshumabad was noticeably unhappy at the direction the conversation had taken. Not that he had any choice. His mandate called for him to visit, learn, report, and deliver instructions. This he had done and would continue to do, no matter how unpleasantly he was received.
Yeicurpilal hastened to intervene between the two, conversationally as well as physically. “Nilwengerex is right. We are doing our best here. All the wishes of the council will not make the humans move any faster.”
“Not even as fast as that larva.” With a foothand, Nilwengerex pointed off to his left.
The girl who was running out of the palm trees and down onto the beach could not have been more than eight or nine. Even when inclined fully forward to make use of all six legs, the three thranx were taller. Leaning back on trulegs only, they would tower over her. She was as brown as the scattered pieces of shattered driftwood that studded the shore like so many gypsy hieroglyphs, with straight dark hair and dancing eyes the color of small black shells. Laughing and giggling, she bent to pick up a stick and throw it toward Sulawesi. It did not quite reach the water.
Turning slightly and bending in quest of another missile, she caught sight of the thranx. Having halted at her unscheduled intrusion, the aliens stood watching quietly. Joshumabad in particular was at once captivated and repelled. From his preflight studies he knew what very young humans looked like, but this was the first time he had seen one in the flesh. The unexpected encounter left him only momentarily speechless.
“Is…is it dangerous?”
“Not usually.” Nilwengerex responded in his usual dry, clipped tones. “Not one this small. The adolescents are potentially lethal. Unlike us, their bodies assume adult form and bulk preposterously in advance of their minds. But one such as this should be quite harmless, though even infants are capable of surprising violence.”
Straightening, the little girl came toward them. She
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