—
“Culpability, hell!’ says the other human representative quite loudly. “We’ll show them culpability.”
Record of Proceeding
Injustice Collector 0080 Presiding
At the time of the incident, our young were in the water-bath. The waters are at their lowest this time in the season, and the fetal pods are clearly visible.
The waters are also quite warm and, in the words of one of the “children,” “inviting” although, it must be noted for the record, the MugwL heard no such invitation.
The “children” asked if it was permissible to touch the pods. We apparently did not understand the nature of their question. We told them that, indeed, it is always permissible to touch the pods.
We did not, however, expand the answer, expecting more questions. Apparently, however, the “children” are unlike the humans in more ways than knowledge and size.
The “children” did ask one other question. They asked if the water was harmful.
The question was, on its surface, unnecessary. If the water was harmful, would we have put our fetal pods into it? Of course not. We answered the question we believed was asked. We answered according to our biology and our customs. We did not realize that the “children” could not frame their questions correctly.
Again, we plead Misunderstanding, not Injustice.
Interruption in the Proceeding
“Lying manipulative bastards!’ says the other human representative.
The John Graf puts his hand on the other representative’s arm. The other representative moves away.
Record of Proceeding
The devastation was stunning and terrifying. The people who witnessed the deaths are not the same. They cannot go near the human settlement; they are appalled at the very mention of humans. This emotion grew worse when it became clear to all concerned that the “children” are also human young.
The “children” shed their clothing with a rapidity that startled us. Then they plunged headfirst into the water. A few jumped feetfirst.
We had never seen anyone but registered tenders step into water, and even then, they followed distinct and important protocols.
These “children” followed no protocols at all. They drenched themselves and arose, laughing—a sound that is the same among both of our species (something we did not know and did not want to learn in this context).
Then the laughter turned to shrill, high-pitched sounds that the humans later identified as sounds of extreme fright. The “children” had rested their feet on the pods— a few “children” had gone underwater and touched the pods with their hands—and the pods—the pods—
The pods absorb food through the exterior shell. It supplies the fetal material and maintains the growth necessary for development. Anything that touches the pod becomes food, unless certain protocols are followed.
Even the tenders do not touch the pods without wearing special equipment, equipment that we did not bring on our “field trip” with the “children.”
We managed to save five of the children, but ten of them—ten of them—
We learned, to our dismay, that human blood is red. When combined with water and flailing limbs, bubbles are created, making a pinkish foam.
Many of us still see this foam in our dreams.
Record of Proceeding
Injustice Collector 0080 Presiding
According to custom, I place the bag on the Decision Desk. The bag maintains its composure above the desk; the bag’s porous outer layer is now a creamy white.
Then I state the interrogatory: What do you believe are the Injustices in this Incident?
The Non-Requesting Party attempts to respond, but is silenced. The Bystanding Party simply shifts from foot-to-foot as if the proceedings do not concern either representative. The Requesting Party looks at the bag with great fear before replying:
“The Injustices are, as we see them, as follows: One Injustice occurring against the Requesting Party, and one Injustice occurring against the Bystanding Party.”
Interruption in the Proceeding
The John Graf steps forward. “What the—?” He does not finish his own sentence.
Record of Proceeding
“The Injustice against the Requesting Party is this: The humans should have explained to us the nature and vulnerability of their young. In this, they should have explained the purpose of “children” and the caring of them. We should not have been responsible for beings we know nothing about.
Interruption in the Proceeding
“Right” the other human representative says, surprising me with his agreement. “Go ahead. Blame the victim.”
Record of Proceeding
“The Injustice against the Bystanding Party is more severe. It is this: Although these human young, these “children,” are adaptable enough to survive their youth away from their home world, they are not strong enough to face challenges inherent in space exploration. It took less than a season to wipe out ten of these youth. One can only surmise how many more will die before the fall comes and the floods—”
Interruption in the Proceeding
“For Crissake,” the John Graf says, using yet another unknown phrase. “We did not bring the children here. We gave birth to them here. We’re colonists, for God’s sake. We’re building a life here. Can’t you people understand that? My father explained it all when the ships landed. He told you what we were doing, and you agreed to let us have the land. You agreed to let us live here. And all our studies said it was safe. There’s no injustice in that. Don’t
