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humanity as much to blame for the Galactic Invasions as he?" Commander Ulmstead broke the long, startled silence. "I'm not a moral philosopher. But in an unofficial capacity I tend to agree that blame is usually spread over many more shoulders than suspected." Ulmstead sighed. "Right now the question is academic. Through a combination of luck and skill we won and Ohm lost. It was, at best, a narrow victory. But one that brought some benefits we must take advantage of." "I'd like to know what benefits there's been from all this," Gor said glumly, massaging his bandaged hand. The stubs of his missing fingers were beginning to ache. "The benefits include one of the most powerful instruments yet discovered for Galactic settlement. Instant communication." Ulmstead felt the fatigue of the last few days weigh at his bones. One more request he had to make of Cranston and his group. Together, they embodied all that determination and fortitude that made the stars man's rightful destination. At least this coming request wasn't a suicide mission. "Throughout Earth's history every improvement in communication resulted in accelerated settlement of unknown lands. In this case those lands are the planets of our Galaxy, and the galaxies beyond," the Commander began. Page 91 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html "It'll take time for the Earth Federation to treat the Galactic Invaders as allies rather than enemies. I suppose you've thought of that?" Cranston asked Ulmstead. "Years in fact," Ulmstead answered. "At first their very existence must be kept a government secret. The information in Ohm's journals will be assimilated gradually." "I'd guess it will take less time for Plantifer to realize that not all humans are evil," Cranston mused. "From what I read in Ohm's journals, Plantifer had doubts about Ohm's motives. Toward the last he was even something of an unwilling partner." Ulmstead offered them a large smile, the first Cranston had seen him make in a long while. "Meanwhile& " he began and all four regarded him suspiciously. "Meanwhile, during their coming hibernation we'll explore the many facets of biocommunication. With Plantifer's aid, that research should progress smoothly. Miss Clarke, I'm sure, will become as sensitive to Plantifer's emissions as she was to those of her& ah, geranium." Cranston's mouth dropped open as he grasped the Commander's coming request. Before he could speak Ulmstead rose, looking at him, Gor, Baldy, and Dione in turn. "And you, of course, are in a remarkably favorable position to initiate cooperation with Plantifer." Gor's face wrinkled again. Baldy began to speak but only managed a ghost of a grunt. Cranston smiled. Return to Greensward, to begin the long arduous task of understanding Plantifer, his mentality, and, in short, begin the first fruitful contact mankind had ever had with an alien race. Gor and Baldy's dislike of Plantifer would fade as they comprehended Ohm's role. Even with all the questions that came to mind none of the four could deny the idea was intriguing. It was, in fact, an adventure most people would fight for. "In addition," Ulmstead concluded with a wry smile, looking at Cranston and Dione, "Greensward must be a lovely planet for a honeymoon." EPILOGUE It was a luxuriously furnished room on top of a skyscraper filled with the tinkle of glassware and the hushed efficiency of hurrying waiters. A large window overlooked the New York Citiplex skyline, now a twinkling silhouette against the dark blue dusk of approaching night. Cranston and Dione sat at one of the tables a striking couple. They sipped idly at the rare Langue drink, remembering the last time they had had it on Greensward. Their crystal glasses clinked together in an unspoken toast to their success on Ohm's former planet. They had married the day before in a simple and quiet ceremony at the Citiplex Marriage Hall, with Gor and Baldy grinning like idiots and the remaining crew of the Draco II offering a cheer as the couple exited. Commander Ulmstead had sent regrets that he couldn't appear. The note asked [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |