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systems. Exploration teams were to file all projected journeys with this
central agency to prevent overlapping. A trade organization would be admitted
at a later date once it had been established which commodities might interest
the other race, but the Rralan colony was to be separate from the commercial
interests even though they contributed Rralan products to it for sale.
The autonomy of the colony was the hardest problem, but here Sumitral remained
adamant: only the colonists directly involved could ascertain what regulations
would be required for the smooth functioning of this joint colony.
Third insisted the colony must be self-sufficient of either planet. Sumitral
agreed wholeheartedly; that had always been a fundamental premise for Terran
colonies. Third pounced on that by saying that an agricultural community was
always a drain on its home world. Sumitral pointed out that the mineral and
metal deposits of Rrala, slight though they were, should be the colonists' to
control and that the profits would be more than adequate for their off-world
requirements. Third replied that if this world was to be agricultural, there
would be no need for sophisticated machinery. Sumitral smiled and permitted
Third to limit all heavy machinery, all automated equipment -- except medical
supplies of any kind -- because Third forgot that hand shovels and incentive
were used long before mining machines and printed circuits.
He did not protest when Third insisted that the government of Rrala --
whatever government there was Third added sourly -- must prove itself by
showing a balance of credit and smoothly running departments in all the proper
phases of government within five Rralan years, or the project would terminate.
All Rralan citizens attaining physical maturity must be permitted to return to
the planet of origin on request. Any Rralan found guilty of committing an act
of physical violence against any other Rralan within that five-year period
would render the Treaty null and void. Sumitral immediately countered with a
demand that the government of Rrala could exile any member of either race
considered dangerous to the community for any reason; that person to be
remanded instantly to the control island in custody of the neutral force.
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Third insisted that all minors were to be taught high formal Hrruban as well
as middle. Sumitral agreed, if Terran were taught and if middle Hrruban was
considered the official language of Rrala.
Sumitral pointed out that the Hrrubans had five village sites on Rrala at this
point whereas the Terrans had only one, causing a disparity of population. He
requested that sufficient Terran family units be added to equalize the
inhabitants from each planet. Third adamantly insisted that no more adults
could then emigrate to Rrala. Unless there is a vacancy caused by an exile,
Sumitral countered.
By now Todd was showing unmistakable signs of strain, stammering and fumbling
for words, but struggling gamely along. Hrruna began to frown with concern. At
this point Landreau's wrist unit beeped and he looked around for permission to
answer it just as a Hrruban technician stepped forward to
whisper to Hrruna's first assistant.
"A ship comes." Todd announced the obvious with unadulterated relief as he saw
a reprieve.
Third half-rose, his eyes starkly apprehensive. Todd gave him a faintly
contemptuous look. Ken pinched the boy's leg under the table and Todd subsided
with a sullen glare at his father. The Hrrubans were conferring in low
undertones. Then the homing beacon lit.
"Are we expecting anyone else?" Ken demanded in a whisper of Sumitral, who
shrugged and glanced toward Chaminade.
"An evacuation order was issued for you people," he remarked softly, flicking
his eyes toward Ken and smiling slightly. "Of course, in the light of today's
proceedings, it will be canceled. Unless, of course," and the grin widened
maliciously, "you elect to return home?"
"You gotta be kidding," Ken exclaimed far louder than he intended.
Chaminade leaned back in his chair, his expression smug although his round
belly appeared afflicted with a curiously rhythmic inner motion. In that
moment, Reeve mellowed toward the Codep man in a way he would not have thought
possible even three hours earlier. It occurred to Ken that if Landreau had
been thoroughly frustrated, Sumitral stymied, Chaminade had come off rather
well. Although now a separate entity, his colony was still in residence and
sanctioned. Landreau's department would have to take official reprimands for
his actions, but Chaminade might now move on to bigger and better things.
Well, Ken decided, not until Chaminade had compensated the colonists-in minor
but vital ways -- for his earlier condescension.
"Toddy," Sumitral was saying, "please tell them that the ship is a transport
vessel ordered here to prevent further violation of the Principle we both
uphold."
Toddy frowned. "But we don't need the ship. We don't have to go. Isn't that
what this is all about?"
"Oh, don't worry, you're staying, lad. You deserve it!"
Toddy glanced skyward again and then grinned. He couldn't stop grinning even
as he translated.
Abruptly, Hrruna rose to his feet. Everyone scrambled hastily to theirs as the
First Speaker adjourned the meeting -- over Third's spluttered objections --
and arbitrarily nominated certain members to pursue minor details with their
Terran counterparts at another time. He trusted that a finished document would
be presented to himself and Sumitral within three days, Hrruban time; no
significant changes to be contemplated or acceptable on matters already
discussed. He then bowed ceremoniously to everyone and, beckoning to Todd,
stepped away from the table.
Instantly the Second Speaker, dressed in deep gray, left the Council table to
say a few quiet words to his first assistant, who immediately approached
Sumitral and Landreau.
"We may leave now," Hrrula murmured to Ken. "They'll be transmitting those who
do not care to remain for the rest of the day."
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"Should Todd be left with the First Speaker?"
Hrrula grinned broadly, wheezing a little as he flexed muscles stiff from long
standing.
"Intimate pitch is being used. It would be an insult to interrupt without
invitation."
"Got acquainted, I see." Kiachif's booming tones penetrated the still subdued
conversation. Ken turned to see the inimitable captain, followed by his
supercargo, striding toward them across the Common. "Seems to me, though,"
he growled, glaring in Chaminade's direction, "that my ship's a bit
superfluous with all that sitting idle on its tails. How do, sir?" and he
nodded affably to Hrrula.
"Chaminade will cancel that order personally, Kiachif," Ken assured him.
"We drew up a Treaty today with the Hrrubans and we're staying.
"Did right to disappear then, didn't I?" Kiachif grinned expansively, winking
at Ken. "Having another one of those dry do's of yours?" He jabbed his [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]