eight big xenocs who participated in the Laymil project.
Their involvement had been quite a coup for Michael Saldana. Even though they didn’t build ZTT starships (they claimed their psychology meant they had no real interest in space travel), the Kiint remained the most technologically advanced race in the Confederation. Up until Michael’s invitation was accepted they had refrained from any joint scientific enterprise with other Confederation members. However, Michael succeeded where countless others had failed, in presenting them with a peaceful challenge which would tax even their capabilities. Their intellect, along with the instrumentation they provided, would inevitably speed up the research. And of course their presence had helped to bolster Tranquillity’s kudos in the difficult early days.
Eight was the largest number of Kiint resident on a human world or habitat outside the Confederation capital, Avon. Something else which had given Michael a considerable degree of underhand satisfaction—Kulu only rated the customary pair as ambassadors.
Inside Tranquillity the Kiint were as insular as they were in the Confederation at large. Although cordial with their fellow project staff members, they did not socialize with any of the habitat’s population, and Tranquillity guarded their physical privacy quite rigorously. Even Ione had only had a few formal meetings with them, where both sides stuck to small-talk pleasantries. It was just as bad as having to “receive” all those national ambassadors. The hours she’d spent with those semi-senile bores . . .
Ione had never been out to the Kiint buildings before, and probably never would have. But this occasion justified it, she felt, even if they were upset with her breach of etiquette.
She stood on the top of the bluff, and looked down at the bulky white xenocs bathing in the shallows. From her vantage point she could see a lot of splashing going on.
Thirty metres away, there was a wide path of crumbling soil leading to the sands. She started down.
How do they get to the project campus every day?she asked, suddenly curious.
They walk. Only humans demand mechanized transport to move from one room to another.
My, but we are touchy this morning.
I would point out that guaranteed seclusion was part of the original agreement between the Kiint and your grandfather.
Yes, yes,she said impatiently. she reached the bottom of the path, and took her sandals off to walk across the sand. The towelling robe she wore over her bikini flapped loosely.
There were three Kiint in the water, Nang and Lieria, a pair who worked in the Laymil project Physiology Division, and a baby. Tranquillity had reported its appearance as soon as Ione woke up that morning, although the personality refused to show her its own memory of the birth, which had come sometime in the night. Would you like recordings of your labour pains shown to xenocs simply because they were morbidly curious?it asked sternly.
She had acquiesced with bad grace.
The baby Kiint was about two metres long, its body more rounded than the adults’ and slightly whiter. The legs were a metre high, which brought the top of the head level with Ione’s. It was clearly having a rare old time in the water. The tractamorphic arms were formshifting at a frantic rate, first scoops, then paddles slapped about to raise sheets of spray, now bulblike pods which squirted out jets of water. Its beak was flapping open and shut.
The parents were patting and stroking it with their arms as it charged about in circles. Then it caught sight of Ione.
Panic. Alarm. Incredulity. Thing has not enough legs. Topple walk. Fall over not. Why why why? What is it?
Ione blinked against the sudden wash of jumbled emotions and frantic questions that seemed to be shouted into her mind.
That’ll teach you to creep up on entities,tranquillity said drily.
The baby Kiint butted up against Lieria’s flank, hiding itself from Ione.
What is it? What is it? Fear strangeness.
Ione caught the briefest exchange of mental images that the adult Kiints directed at the baby, an information stream more complex than anything she’d known before. The speed was bewildering, over almost as it began.
She stopped with her feet in the warm, clear water and gave the adults a small bow. Nang, Lieria, I came to offer my congratulations on the birth, and to see if your child has any special requirements. My apologies if I intrude.
Thank you, Ione Saldana,lieria said. there was a suggestion of lofty amusement behind the mental voice. Your interest and concern is gratifying, no apology is required. This is Haile, our daughter.
Welcome to Tranquillity, Haile,ione told the baby, projecting as much warmth and delight as she could muster. It came easily, the little Kiint was so cute. Very different from the solemn adults.
Haile pushed her head comically round Lieria’s neck, huge violet-tinged eyes looked steadily at Ione. It communicates! Alive think.
There was another fast mental communiquй from one of the adults. The baby turned to look at Nang, then back at Ione. The tumult of emotions leaking into the affinity band began to slow.
Formal address wrongness. Much sorriness. Greetings ritual observance.the thoughts stopped abruptly, almost like a mental gathering of breath. Hello Ione Saldana. Rightness?
Very much.
Human you are?
I am.
I Haile am.
Hello, Haile, I’m pleased to meet you.
Haile squirmed round excitedly, water frothed around her eight feet. It likes me! Happiness feel much.
I’m glad.
Human identity query: Part of the all-around?
She means me,tranquillity said.
No, I’m not part of the all-around. We’re just good friends.
Haile surged forward, ploughing the water aside. She still hadn’t quite got the hang of walking, and her rear pair of legs almost tripped her up.
This time Ione could understand the adults’ warning perfectly. Careful!
Haile stopped a metre short of her. Warm breath exhaled from the facial vents smelt slightly spicy, and the tractamorphic arms waved about. She held her hand out, palm facing the baby, fingers spread. Haile tried to imitate the hand; her attempt looked like a melted wax model.
Fail! Sorrowness. Show me how, Ione Saldana.
I can’t, mine’s always like this.
Haile emitted a burst of shock.
Ione giggled. It’s all right. I’m very happy with the way I am.
It is rightness?
It is rightness.
There is so much strangeness to life,haile said wistfully.
You’re right there.
Haile bent her neck almost double to look back round at her parents. The fast affinity exchange which followed made Ione feel woefully inadequate.
Are you my friend, Ione Saldana?haile asked tentatively.
I think I could be, yes.
Will you show me the all-around? It has a vastness. I don’t want to go alone. Loneliness fear.
It would be a pleasure,she said, surprised.
