“It is not your decision alone!”
“Madhar Nect, let us agree on this first and hold out the hope that we can agree on other things. If we cannot agree on this, the shadow remains over us, and we stumble on our separate ways.”
Madhar shook her head abruptly in what Jim guessed was a gesture of irritation.
“No, we must open ourselves up to outside influence. That is the only way to achieve what we’re all looking for. It does no good to stay bottled up in our own...insularities.”
Jim was hot and sensed that something he had drunk had been alcoholic. It inspired him to be direct with his hosts.
“Listen, all of you!” he began, perhaps louder than he had intended. “It’s too late for this discussion!”
He tried to think of a clear image. Remembering the trick the TV crew had played on him, he said, “The animal is out of the present already.” He noticed the slightly confused expressions but carried on. “I’ve already been seen by everybody. The idea that you are not alone is already confirmed. There is no going back. Your people will want to look outward. You will all want to travel and trade and learn and teach. And they will want to do that now! Accept it. It’s going to happen. All you can do is begin to manage the process as speedily as possible. You don’t want any more rogue individuals out there without supervision or regulation. No offense meant...”
Jim had not realized how many in the crowded room were listening to him. Apart from some laughter near the door, it seemed the entire gathering was straining to catch his words.
Madhar looked from Jim to Almeth. “He’s right.”
Almeth frowned and nodded. “My son was incorrect in his assessment of you, James Able. And I understand the danger you thought he represented.”
The voice of Larspa Culle interrupted. “We need a government capable of managing such a process and guiding all the people.”
Jispora Flac’s oratorical tones came from behind her. “And if you think the Regdenir can force a consensus on this assembly, you are sadly mistaken.”
The atmosphere chilled.
Almeth spoke directly to Jim. “We know.” He gave a subtle nod toward a wide-eyed Madhar. “We know what is required. Leave us with some means of contact. Do not return until we contact you.”
Jim understood, in the almost-unnoticed nod to his friend, that Almeth was acknowledging that a new alliance had formed between the religious and the scientific forces of TMV-I. Jim nodded, almost feeling sorry for Jispora Flac and his kind.
The reception was over soon after. Jispora Flac said nothing further to him. But before Jim could leave, he had to be introduced to a seemingly endless line of politicians, all needing to have their pictures taken with him.
Jim invited Madhar, Margrev, and Almeth into his flier before he took off.
“I’ve a few things to give you before I go.”
He opened a box full of Standard Language Tutors.
“Please take as many of these as you like. There is a section on how to copy them.”
“I’ve already got it on the syllabus,” said Madhar.
“We will take them,” said Margrev.
“I have something else.” Jim pulled out two data storage devices. “Do you think you can get the data off these? They are like the ones in the scanners.”
Madhar shook her head. “I doubt it.”
Almeth looked at them and said, “Perhaps. I can ask our technicians to examine them.”
“When you do, share it with Madhar.”
“Of course,” the Regdenir nodded.
Margrev asked, “What do they contain?”
Jim glanced at Almeth. “They are before and after images of Beauty. On here, you can see all the information Sopha gathered on the Maggnir from his scanners. And everything I was able to gather afterward.”
The Regdenir had impassive expressions, either unwilling or unable to express their feelings. Almeth reached out to take the units. In a faint voice he said, “We must incorporate all of this into the Regdekol. James Able, it is well done.”
Jim smiled and said, “You’re welcome.”
Madhar laughed and said, “What a journey that was, Jim!”
Jim frowned and asked, “What do you mean?”
The scientist nodded toward Almeth Luca. “You’re one of the first people in an age to come so close to receiving a compliment from a Regdenir!”
Epilogue and Prologue
Three months later, Jim was sitting in a bar. Liz Curacao had fired him as soon as she read his report.
Something, perhaps several things, had made it clear to her that he would not change. She could no longer manage him; he had to go.
He went. And he went into a deep depression. Dawkins transferred him to another counselor.
This bar was his current favorite. He had a fresh beer waiting expectantly in front of him. A hand reached out from his right and took the glass. The pale flesh glowed amber, and small dots rose up the side of the hand.
“Tella!”
“Jim, you’re a mess!”
“It’s good to see you too! You’ve recovered?”
“Better than you, it seems.”
“Yeah, well...I’ve been a bit down lately.”
“Then pick yourself up—quickly!”
“What’s happening?”
“You’re late.”
“Late for what?”
“For your interview.”
“What interview?”
“With me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I have a job opening. You are the preferred candidate.”
“You’re joking!”
Tella’s impassive face spread into a pale grin. “I never joke about work. The job is yours. Just sober up, clean up, and turn up.”
“I...I don’t know what to say.”
“Since when has Jim Able not had the right words for the occasion?”
Jim smiled and shook his head. A fragment of Quavvour had just reappeared in his life.
Next Time
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Our story continues in...
JIM ABLE: OFFWORLD
Episode 5
E.I.A.
What sort of job has Tella lined up for Jim?
What is the mysterious craft that appears with a message for Tella?
Bonus
A special bonus file awaits readers of this episode!
Available for free download at
edcharlton.com
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VIEW one last document referring to Jim’s mission to TMV!
SEE how Jim gets revenge on Liz!
(And it’s free!)
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Also by Ed Charlton
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