part0006


General points:  5   A Visit to the WSA   "Hey Dave, look at this," demanded William. The visit was proving a huge success. The boys had never known such wonders and Emma found it much more interesting than she had feared. Their guide was Walter Richmond, a stout, round-faced jovial man with three children of his own and who was still very much a boy at heart himself. David rushed across to William who was peering down the eyepiece of a powerful microscope. "Well let me see," he complained impatiently. William reluctantly stepped back. "What are they Mr Richmond?" "These little fellows are helping to improve deep space exploration. We are synthesising various strains of bacteria that can feed directly on untreated human waste products mixed with other materials and grow rapidly into a raw food source containing practically all the nutrients the body needs." "Ugh," said William grimacing, "I'm not sure I like that idea." Richmond laughed. "You aren't the only one, but in deep space raw material is very valuable. We have to recycle absolutely everything. And anyway it's only the same thing that the earth does for us now only speeded up and simplified." "Mmm," was all William would say in reply, he was still unconvinced. "Let's move on now to the enzyme chemistry section and maybe then we can have a break for coffee." "Oh yes please," agreed Emma who was beginning to show distinct signs of weariness. "I'm sure you must be ready for a drink Mr Richmond, your throat must be as dry as dust answering all these questions." Richmond smiled, "I'm thoroughly enjoying myself." He looked with approval towards the two boys. "I'll never forget young David's face when he watched the impulse drive demonstration as it vanished before his eyes. 'It's magic,' he said, and his face showed he believed it too. I'm sure he still doesn't believe it split into two parts that moved apart faster than his eyes could see." "They'll never forget this visit; you have been very patient and kind." "A pleasure Mrs Lincoln, a real pleasure I promise you and the best is yet to come. After coffee we'll go over to the simulator development department, you just won't believe your own senses over there." Emma felt a little unhappy about that prospect. "Don't worry," Richmond sensed her uneasiness, "it's all harmless but great fun." The boys thought a ten-minute coffee break was very unreasonable and voiced that opinion at least a dozen times in various ways. Here they were in Wonderland itself and had to waste hours waiting for lazy adults to finish their drinks. "Now then you two," Richmond pushed back his chair, "how good are you at landing a spacecraft?" The pair stared at him. "Come with me and we'll soon find out." When they regained their voices Walter Richmond was plied with questions and pleas but would not be drawn to say more. He just winked conspiratorially at their mother who pretended to know nothing. The little group walked along a sheltered path through trees and shrubs and flanked by well tended flower beds. "This place is more like a park than a research centre," observed Emma in admiration. "Yes it is pleasant isn't it? We find that quiet surroundings, plenty of greenery and natural beauty very conducive to a good working atmosphere. We are all very proud of it." "Ah, Doctor Henderson, may I introduce Mrs Emma Lincoln and her two fine boys William and David," said Richmond as they met the Head of Simulator Development outside one of the buildings of the Vehicle Support Division. The doctor was small, chubby, and slightly balding. He gave a cheerful smile and greeted the small party with genuine pleasure. "I am very pleased to meet you," he said shaking hands with each of them. Then, addressing the boys, "I think we shall find plenty to interest you here," and he walked off in front with one on each side and an arm around each of their shoulders. Walter Richmond and Emma Lincoln followed behind a little way and smiled at the doctor's behaviour towards the two boys. "Bill Henderson adores children," explained Richmond softly so as not to be overheard. "Unfortunately he and his wife never had any of their own so they are uncle and aunt to everyone else's kids." The group went straight up to the top floor, to the Advanced Systems Laboratory. "Now who's going to be pilot?" asked Henderson. "Me, me," chorused the boys together. "All right then you'll have to have a craft each." Henderson explained all the controls, reset the landing programs and let them get on with it. He emerged after a few minutes to join the others who were beginning to feel a little left out of things. "We are developing these machines to train spacecraft crew in the art of manual vehicle handling," he explained. "There have been simulators around for a long time but not like these. The machine is completely static but all the sensations of movement are impressed directly into the brain by stimulation of the appropriate sense receptors, and it's all done by a special headset linked to a computer. The aural and visual effects are completely accurate and displayed exactly as the pilot would see and hear them in a real flight." "Will the children be safe?" asked Emma, somewhat disturbed. "Oh don't worry," replied Henderson, "they won't use the headset, they'll just see and hear the external effects but they'll still have some fun." "Let's see how they're coping," he suggested, taking Emma's arm and leading her in behind William's console. They immediately entered another world. The transition was a little too sudden for Emma who involuntarily gripped the doctor's arm to steady herself. William was sitting inside a hemispherical dome which Emma knew to be a screen but which her senses told her was a window. Outside was the moon or perhaps one of the planets, and it was approaching rapidly. William pushed a lever with his right hand and immediately a roaring sound filled the cabin. An upthrust jet had been applied, a bit too jerkily for Emma's liking, but the vehicle responded, the descent seemed more stable now. The curvature on the horizon gradually flattened until the illusion changed from that of a planet approaching the craft to the craft approaching the stationary surface far below. Looking round the cabin Emma could see all manner of instruments and graphic displays, each changing as the approach continued. Warning lights were flashing, each trying to tell the pilot something, but being completely ignored by this particular pilot. In the distance a base became recognisable. "There's the landing point William," indicated Henderson, "try to work towards it but you'll need to cut your speed a lot." William operated the controls in a seemingly expert manner, though the craft began to spin horizontally as it hurtled towards the surface. "Whoops wrong jet," laughed the doctor. Emma tightened her grip on the rail that she found behind her. This was altogether too real. She felt a pang of nausea. Her feet told her she was standing on firm ground but her eyes and ears told her a different story. "Upthrust William," the doctor suggested, "right hand". But William pressed with his left and the little craft started to spin forwards slowly. Individual features could now be made out quite clearly when the spin brought the surface into view. They were descending towards the inner edge of a crater. Scale was difficult to judge but the speed was enormous. Poor William, he applied the upthrust jet while upside down and the speed increased further. Emma shielded her eyes and waited for the inevitable impact. Suddenly the roaring of the jet stopped, the interior lights came on and the computer's calm mechanical voice announced, "Crash landed; speed: six thousand four hundred and ninety-eight point six kilometres per hour; overshot target by three hundred and fifteen point three kilometres. Better luck next time." Emma reopened her eyes to see the doctor chuckling to himself, William looking eager for another try, and she herself still holding the rail for all she was worth. "Well done William," encouraged the doctor. "That wasn't as bad as you might think for a first attempt. Some people panic right away and fly off into space without hope of recovery!" "That was absolutely transfantastic," exclaimed William breathlessly, "can I have another go?" His mother looked at him aghast. She would have thought that one experience like that would put him off for life. "Of course," replied the doctor and began to reset the controls. "You can have a performance printout to take home with you afterwards to show your friends." Emma left them to it. Her thoughts turned to David, how had he taken the ordeal? She stepped into the other machine to find him chattering away excitedly to Walter Richmond. "Well I see you're still alive then," she said. "Mum, you must have a try, it's really great," pleaded David. "Not likely!" she replied, "you can if you like but I'll just wait outside."  *************** Dent turned to Elango. "What are your feelings General Elango as a military expert? How do you react to the contact?" Elango's appearance and bearing were perfectly in character with his status as a retired general. A tall, thickset man, he presented an impressive figure. He commanded respect and invariably got it. For some seconds he studied the backs of his hands resting on the table. Dent cast a glance at Lincoln who raised an eyebrow in response. Slowly he looked up and then straight at Dent. When he spoke it was with a deep powerful voice, rich and resonant. "Mr Dent, I am flattered that you should invite me to your distinguished gathering. I was interested in Doctor Lincoln's summary of the situation and appreciate his views; however as he has fully explained, since Procyon is eleven light years away the only possible interaction between ourselves and them is in the form of radio signals. I agree that we should not be aggressive; I cannot believe that anyone would ever think of aggression. Our response will depend entirely on the contents of their further communications if any, so why all the fuss now? There can't possibly be any hurry. I fail to see the purpose of this meeting or of my presence here." At which point he waited coldly for Dent to reply. 'Has Dent miscalculated? Have I failed to make any impression at all?' thought Lincoln uneasily, 'or has George predicted this very reaction?' He waited to find out. Dent was calm and agreeable in his reply. Lincoln had expected a less tolerant attitude, but this was George Dent the diplomat and he could play the part well. "I must apologise General. I have allowed myself to become totally preoccupied with this event and have assumed that everyone can read my mind. Of course I should have explained right at the outset just what the purpose of the meeting was and why each of you has been invited. It seems to me that this development will have taken the world completely by surprise. Very few people even stop to consider the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, let alone a direct contact. Now, like it or not we have such an event forced upon us. The world will not know how to react. There will be advocates for every conceivable kind of response, and as usual the loudest voices will prevail. In my experience people with loud voices are not the most sensible, they are usually the ones who can only see one side of an argument." When Dent spoke he did so with his whole person. His movements amplified his words and his facial expressions showed a total commitment to his message. It was impossible to hear this man and not be drawn along with his clear logic on the one hand and his compelling sincerity on the other. Lincoln watched Elango's face soften; he was being forced to respond in spite of his earlier hostility. "The world will want to hear from the experts." He looked around and smiled. "There are no real experts in this situation of course, but nevertheless people will look to some form of authority for guidance." His face became grave once more. "I wish us to fulfil that role. Between us we have established reputations in the fields of xenothology, communications, diplomacy, military science, information dissemination and psychology. Furthermore we are all well respected and known to hold reasonable and moderate views, and have come from different cultures and countries. I feel therefore that if we set ourselves up as a knowledgeable authority on how to deal with this contact then we shall probably have the greatest say in the world's response. We shall be backed by all the 'not sures' and 'don't knows' who will undoubtedly comprise the majority. We are also as a group independent of any political, financial or religious prejudice and so should not be viewed unfavourably by most of the world powers. "So far everything is going for us but we need something more. We need to speak with a common voice, we must all be convinced of the rightness of our cause and be able to defend it against all criticism. Further, we need to make our voice heard first. This I feel sure will consolidate our position. Any other proposals will be weighed against ours, and we shall automatically have the right of reply. You suggest General that only radio communication is possible, but who knows what these people can do? Perhaps physical contact is much closer than we think." Lincoln could see that Elango was convinced. His admiration for Dent grew with every passing minute. His apparently open and completely frank manner coupled with his deep understanding of human nature made him a man without equal. As a scientist he was exceptional but as a manipulator of people he was a genius. Lincoln had watched Elango's reaction while Dent was speaking. He had been won over by what Dent didn't say, by what was clearly visible between the lines of his argument. Whoever was a member of this group was guaranteed worldwide respect, recognition and renown. Who could resist that? The guarantee came from the drive and determination of the group leader, together with the eloquence and conviction with which he could express himself. When Elango spoke again his words indicated a measure of reserved judgement but his voice revealed acquiescence. "I will consider what you have said Mr Dent, but for the time being will go along with the purpose of the meeting. You asked my reaction. Well my personal feelings in the matter are of humility. I have been forced to abandon many beliefs in the light of this contact. Humanity is not the highest form of life any more. I agree with Doctor Lincoln, these people might well be of superior intelligence, they have certainly demonstrated a superior technological status." Further discussion was interrupted by a call for Dent. He excused himself and spoke softly to someone for a few moments while the others waited with interest. "Well," he said at length, "the awaited communication on one gigahertz has been received. Apparently it is some kind of music. It will be relayed to us over the speakers from Headquarters as soon as we like. Do you wish to say more now General? Or would you prefer to listen first?" "You hardly need ask, let's hear it," responded Elango impatiently. The group listened in silence. At the end there was not one member who was not profoundly moved by what he or she had heard. Khan was the first to speak. "I think we can forget threats; that was a message of pure peace." The whole tone of the meeting had changed. There was no further talk of aggression, but of how the group could best further the aims of constructive communication. The proposals came down to Dent's original plan of course. A statement was prepared for transmission to the governments of the major nations and to the press explaining the group's existence, its function and qualification, together with a proposed response as an official direct reply to Procyon. Although it would take eleven years to arrive it was this initial response that would matter most to the Procyon people. Its form was very simple, a recital of Grieg's 'Morning Mood' from Peer Gynt to signify peace and hope in the same vein as their music, followed by a message of greeting expressing joy at the contact, appreciation of their music, and confidence in the mutual benefit of the communication. The message was to be transmitted on one gigahertz. As Dent explained, "The aliens will know exactly when to expect the reply so there is no need to attract their attention before proceeding. No matter that they must already know all about us, our openness and willingness to communicate will form a good first impression of our reaction." *************** That afternoon Lincoln and his family enjoyed a proper reunion. First a shower and change of clothes over at the hotel suite that had been specially reserved for them, then a leisurely boat trip around the beautiful coral reefs where his wife and he relaxed thoroughly and the boys chattered ceaselessly about their exciting day. The feeling was good. Lincoln bathed in the long missed company of his family. Everything felt right just now, his wife by his side, the warm afternoon sunshine, the smell of the sea, and the enthusiasm of his young sons enjoying the best and most unexpected vacation of their lives. Not surprisingly the boys did not want to go to bed that evening. But when they were eventually persuaded, or perhaps overpowered would be more apt, they were asleep in minutes. "There won't be another peep out of them until morning," whispered Emma affectionately as she crept out of their bedroom. Earlier she had felt uneasy about leaving the children in the care of the hotel childminding service. She had been afraid that David might wake up and be upset when he found himself in unfamiliar surroundings. But now she felt sure he would stay asleep. When the childminder arrived she felt even better. She was a kindly woman who clearly loved children. "Leave everything to me," she reassured confidently. "I've looked after more children than you could imagine and they all take to me right away. Your two don't look as though they'll wake up but if they do I'll have them back to sleep in no time with a story or a lullaby." Lincoln smiled to himself as he imagined the boys' reaction to being sung a lullaby; they would go to sleep in disgust. He and Emma left the hotel just before twenty-two hundred. A table had been reserved at one of Cairns' more exclusive and expensive restaurants and the two of them walked the short distance arm in arm, recapturing the romance of their early life together. They lingered over the meal, the food and beautiful surroundings made haste positively indecent. The tables were arranged in secluded alcoves where customers could eat in an atmosphere of intimacy. "Good food, good wine, pleasant surroundings, and the company of a lovely wife. What more can a man ask?" pondered Lincoln softly. "Go on, the wine is going to your head," his wife teased, but she too enjoyed the same feeling of contentment and wellbeing, and lived each moment to the full. "How long do we have?" she asked. There was no need to be more specific. The question had been uppermost in her mind since she had learned that her husband was to return to earth. Lincoln looked at his wife and felt very selfish. He knew that she lived her life ever hoping and waiting, but always trusting in his judgement. He knew that she longed for them to be together, but would accept whatever he decided. He had neglected his family. He only saw the boys for short periods and had irretrievably missed much of their growing up and development. He knew now that his time had been squandered. He had considered his project important and so it was. But how is importance measured? How can the demands of science be weighed against the needs of a family? In his heart he knew that all the logic in the world had not made him stay at Mendeleev. What had really counted was his overwhelming preoccupation with space research. And for that he had denied his own desire to complete his family, and, more importantly, denied the need of his family for his constant support and presence. "The rest of our lives," he replied simply. Emma assumed her question had been misunderstood so she quickly rephrased it. "I mean, how long can you stay on earth?" "For the rest of our lives," he repeated quietly but firmly. His wife didn't say more, she just looked at him questioningly. She wanted him to stay, but more than that she had to be sure that he wanted to stay for his own sake. She did not want this decision made for her or for the children's sakes. It had to be for himself or it would certainly come between them. "This contact has taught me a lot," he explained. "I've been conducting research for years but what I've really longed for was to find intelligent life out there. I thought that nothing else could really matter in comparison with that search. Now we all know it is there, and there's no doubt it's an awe inspiring and wonderful thing. But do you know, even when I was still full of the initial contact, after George Dent's call when I knew I was to return to earth, the prospect that completely dominated my thoughts was being with you and the children again. When I think about it, it was at that point that things seemed to take on a clearer perspective. Now, when you ask that question I know there can only be one answer. I can never return on a full-time basis. I know now that I need us all to be together. The children are growing up and will soon have lives away from us. Life is very short and we shouldn't waste any more of it apart." Emma did not speak; she just held his hands tightly across the table. When he looked at her he could see tears running down her cheeks. She didn't need to speak, her face said it all. Â

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