Doona Trilogy Omnibus

by neetha Napew

  “Good! Good!” Coypu said seriously. “I tire if I think about it.

  Cooperation takes so much less work.”

  “Then Gringg have had wars?” Markudian asked, leaning forward.

  “Long ago: Honey said negligently, “to protect the family pool and the landing place, and our young when there was not enough to eat.” That mildly delivered statement brought quite a reaction around the table. Todd and his father exchanged concerned glances.

  “Then, during the Great Heat, we were forced to seek refuge in the deepest caves. It was then that we were forced to eat many other things than the beasts which had been our natural food,’ Honey went on, blithely unaware of the effect his first statement was having.

  “When we emerged from the caves, we turned to the sea and began to hunt the big fish. Little ones, too, which are often very tasty.”

  “But you were cannibals?” Markudian demanded with such an air of superiority that Todd knew the man was there to cause whatever trouble he could.

  Unforùtunately Honey had just handed him exactly an opening.

  As Sumitral was trying to explain the word to Honey, Todd leaned towards Markudian.

  ù”The emphasis was on a trade vocabulary, Mr Markudian.

  · We cannot, and will not at this time, accept the discussion of side issues.” When Honey and Coypu finally understood, they both looked mournful.

  “When we were very young beings, long, long, long ago, before we learned to think what we were doing, before we learned how much easier it was to work together instead of separately,’ Honey said, leaning forward, paws crossed over his chest in humility, “we did many stupid things we do not like to remember that we Gringg did. Perhaps this happened to Haynmans, too, when your species was learning wisdom?”

  “Not cannibalism,’ Markudian said firmly.

  Sumitral gave a droll chuckle. “Mr Markudian, you are obviously not much of a student of Terran history or you would realize how wrong you are on that point.” Then Sumitral bent a stern look on the man.

  “But you cannot be so young as to be ignorant of the Siwannah Tragedy in which humans caused an entire race to suicide. I also feel that you speak out too hastily, Mr Markudian, and I advise you to think very carefully the next time you feel obliged to criticize.” Then he turned to Honey and Coypu.

  “We also had to learn to cope with famines. I trust there is no famine on your home world now that has sent you out on your long journey.”

  “No, not famine,’ Coypu said. “We wish to find new worlds.

  We wish to trade with same peaceful people.”

  “Let’s get back to trade talk, shall we?” asked Jilamey a bit impatiently and gave Markudian a very jaundiced look for his interruptions. “Let’s talk about what sort of payment we’ll use for trade items.

  “Excellent idea, my dear Landreau,’ Sumitral said. He turned to the Gringg. “In trading with our Hrruban friends, we use certain minerals and metals on which we have agreed a value.”

  “Do you not use symbolic currencies?” Coypu asked, surprised. There was a murmur of surprise among the merchants.

  “Yes, of course we do,’ Jilamey said, “but our credits would be worthless to you in your own system so let us find other values for barter.” Ken Reeve said. “Eonneh and I have discussed molecular structures of certain metals and minerals that we would like to acquire in moderate quantities. What mediums have value for you?”

  “We discuss a common trade currency?” Honey asked mildly, rattling his claws in the holes of his device. “Held perhaps on this planet in a central place for all three to use? With . . ahccccgg . . . writings that can be strictly kept accurate?” Iskoffski looked stunned: jumping from cannibalism in a distant past to modern finance was too big a leap for him. Markudian’s expression became darker than ever.

  “A banking system is, of course, an excellent idea,’ Sumitral said, raising his eyebrows in silent query at the two who blinked agreement.

  “If you become permanent trading partners with us, Jilamey began, slowly, allowing the possibility to sink in, “a central place would simplify all transactions.”

  “Trading partners for a long time we want,’ Honey replied, and gave them a huge, white grin.

  Kiachif whistled. “For critters who’ve never seen other aliens before you sure take the long view.” Honey bowed to Kiachif, inclining his long torso. “We are hopeful creatures and in that hope much discussion occupied our long travels and what to do if we find others.” He hiked one shoulder in a very Human gesture. “It passed the time and now we discover that it was wise to plan for such acchtgg . . .

  possibles. For now,’ and he spread his big paws, “we put theory into practice. It is not much different to the trading we do between our home world and its young.

  “Young? You have colony worlds?” Sumitral said.

  “Or subjugated worlds?” Greene asked, his eyes glittering.

  Honey looked down at his voder and Coypu looked puzzled.

  “Acchgg?” Honey asked in query.

  “That’s quite enough from you, Greene, Sumitral said with the first flash of temper Todd had ever seen in him.

  “You have set up colonies of Gringg on your young worlds? Yes, both Hayumans and Hrrubans have done the same. Have you found worlds with the different species?” Ken asked quickly, smiling.

  “You are the two first we have ever met. The other worlds were empty of intelligent lifes,’ Coypu said and even the voder echoed the regret in his manner. “Creatures with no thought of more than full stomachs or things that were inedible, even for Gringg. Each has its place on that world. We do not interfere unless threatened.”

  “And if threatened, what do you use to protect yourself?” Greene asked, ignoring Sumitral’s exclamation of aggravation.

  “We are able to defend ourselves, Honey said, blandly, and unsheathed his claws. Coypu retracted his lips, uncovering his white fangs. “We are larger than any edible creature we have met.”

  “And not as dumb,’ Jilamey said, giving Greene a look of pure disgust.

  “How many colony worlds have you now?” Sumitral asked before Greene could continue.

  Honey held up four fingers. “Four! One with very good water.” His jaw dropped and he gave himself a wiggle that suggested total approval of it.

  “Far from here,’ Coypu added. “A very long journey but not impossible to make for Humans.”

  “We are translating our maps to yours,’ Honey said.

  “Slow because of vision differences and because we are far from the star patterns we know and guide our ships by.”

  “Let’s stick with trade values,’ Todd said, and leaned across the table to Honey with the table he had been making on his keypad. “What’s of value to you might not be as valuable to us, so we’ll need to establish the variables and work out percentages of increased value for temporary rarity of stock and other factors. This one time, I hope you will accept the values we use to pay for traded things between Haynmans and Hrrubans. We think the values are fair.”

  “It is just what I expect of the peoples who live together in peace,’ Hqney replied. His simple frankness drew mutters from the other delegates.

  Todd was relieved that two Gringg had evidently not caught the blatant animosity in Greene’s words and manner. “We can discuss in more detail at the end of the meeting so you can key it in your own language.” Suddenly Horstmann, who had been growing more impatient, slapped both hands down on the table to divert attention to him.

  “Let’s also cut this confounded cackle.

  Let’s find out what commodities you Gringg are interested in? And what you have to offer us? Those resonators Cardiff used in these va,;lers would make a good start.

  Small, powerful and I haven’t ever seen anything like “em from Terra nor Hrruba. Can we do a deal on them?”

  “Any technological items will first have to be cleared by the Scientific Council of Amalgamated Worlds,’ Greene said.

  Ji
lamey brushed that contingency aside. “Not according to the Doonarrala Treaty, they don’t, Greene. Look, Honey, you’ve had time over the last weeks to see just what’s available on Doonarrala, which I think is a fair sampling of goods drawn from both Hayuman and Hrruban.

  Technology? Medical or scientific processes?

  Tools?”

  “We have many desirable commodities to trade, as well as the product of our skills,’ Eonneh began, ponderously.

  “Good,’ Kiachif said. “My ships don’t like to make the trip back to al’ Terra empty. Give us a fr instance or two, friend.”

  “Also, our four young - colony - worlds have many valuable minerals in quantity.

  To trade here are listed molecular-patterns with Gringg names.

  Some I do not see in use here or do not recognize. Maybe we bring you new stuff?” Honey dropped his jaw, suddenly a little like Kiachif, anticipating a major trade deal. Todd put his hand to his mouth to hide a smile. “Our friend Chilmeh has spoken to us also about gaining credit from the sale of drawings and works of art. We are pleased to see that you consider these things to be of value. Culture has value on your planets even as it has on ours. We feel that we may also learn technology stuff from you, sharing information. Already we have share technology,’ and he tapped the voder with the tip of one claw, “with Lootcardiff.” Sumitral, Ken and Todd openly grinned at the combination of rank and name. “We are happy to share information freely in exchange for also you share freely with us.” Greene and Markudian both began to protest but Iskoffski was eager for information about what.

  “You can’t want just cultural things and to share,’ Jilamey said.

  “That could be very one-sided and we insist on giving equal value to trading partners.” Honey inclined his head. “You give equal value sharing with us the delights of this planet of Doonarrala. .

  Todd could see Greene interpreting that to mean acquisition and hastily intervened.

  “Peaceful people deserve proper hospitality when their intent is good,’ Todd said and Sumitral stared Greene back down into his seat.

  “The matter has been discussed thoroughly among the captain’s staff and by space-transmission with the motherworld,’ the golden Gringg said. “What we search for most earnestly - besides peaceful people - is a source of protein for,’ and now he turned his deep-red eyes on Markudian, “we are civilized peoples who do not eat meat of each other. Especially when here you have many delicious proteins.” Greene’s mouth was open in amazement at Eonneh’s dry humour.

  Eonneh showed all his teeth. “Haynmans seem to have the most superior idea of what is a good thing to eat.”

  “Well, as it happens, Honey,’ Jilamey said, beaming from ear to ear, “we process a lot of protein in nutritious and delicious forms and I happen to represent a large consortium which can provide you with a wide range of truly delicious and healthful comestibles . . .” His voder faltered on that word. “Stuff to eat - eatables, edibles,’ he hastily explained.

  Coypu gave a startlingly deep grunt, signifying pleasure for he had dropped his jaw. “Good. We wish to import to our world bulk or packaged largenesses of snakemeat, fishes, beef, poultry, and, of course, the stuff you name popcorn. It is not high in protein but it is most entertaining to watch it cook and can be seasoned in many flavours.”

  “Food?” Sumitral asked weakly. “You want food? Not technology?”

  “Morra,’ Eonneh assured him. “If at all, some forms of Gringg electrics -, “Electronics,’ Todd corrected.

  “-Electronics are more efficient than yours.”

  “You think that?” Markudian said, indignantly.

  “Our scientists know what after talking with yours, Honey replied.

  “Scientific fact is fact for all of us.”

  “A science conference just is not possible at this point in time,’ Greene said flatly.

  “Discuss food all you want.

  That’s safe enough.”

  “Non-aggressive science is also safe,’ Sumitral said with equal firmness. He put his hand over his voder.

  “If they have no ordnance, Greene, then why not discuss science?

  Now that we know what their need is, I think you can step down from that red alert you’re on.”

  “Just long as we’re not the food resource they have in the back of their minds,’ Greene said but he also had covered the voder as he added in a savage tone. “These peaceful people of yours are not as peaceful as they’ve all conned you into believing.” With that he rose from his chair and stalked from the room.

  After Greene’s ominous remark, Todd was relieved to see the back of him.

  He was undoubtedly going off to report to Admiral Barnstable.

  Greene’s crack about the Gringg eating Humans was asinine especially when the snakes were larger, more numerous and far tastier.

  “You don’t require metals?” Markudian asked, surprised.

  “Yes, some metals are in short supply with us and please to give us samples of all you use,’ Honey said. “But mostly we need foods,’ and he leaned forward, an earnest expression on his face. “Already, many on the home world are most eager to try Doonarralan snake meat.

  Having heard the praise it has from those who have taste it here, it will be a much sought-after delicacy. Perhaps you can show us how to breed the snakes on one of our worlds.

  One can feed several Gringg. As we learn to know each other better, I am sure there will be other goods we want, but for the present, we are eager to obtain largenesses of Hayuman-manufactured eating stuffs. That is all.”

  “Unbelievable,’ Markudian said, staring perplexed at the Gringg.

  Jilamey threw back his head and let out a delighted laugh. “After all of our posturing and careful management, timid questions and demand for sureties, food is what they need!” The Reeves and Kiachif chuckled with him.

  As the Hayumans and the Gringg left the room, Hrrto was for a long moment too annoyed to gather his thoughts.

  The only advantage to the new arrangement would be the privacy to mention purralinium - if the Gringg had it.

  There wasn’t an Hrruban here who didn’t realize how vital it was to replenish the supply of that transuranic ore. Even Hrrin would appreciate that. But Hrrto saw that he would have to remain here longer than he had anticipated, to be sure the negotiations secured them at least the hope of the grid metal. Mllaba was also irritated.

  It wouldn’t be her notion to be stuck discussing trade when she considered the space port conference a better place for Hrrto to show his merits. But her irritation also stemmed from the presence of the two Gringg across the table from her who were settling their big haunches into their cushions.

  Beside Hrrto, Hrrin sat with folded arms, watching as if he expected the Gringg to spring in an assault.

  The subsonics in their’voices were not entirely masked from the keener Hrruban hearing by the voders, so the buzz and annoying vibration was still present, heavy in the air. At Hrriss’s tactful reminder, the Gringg had been careful to modulate the volume of their speech, but they could do nothing to cushion the impact of their mere presence. Hrrto was rapidly developing a painful headache, one of the first in a long and healthy life. He tried to concentrate on what Hrrestan, who chaired the meeting, was saying.

  Hrrestan was assisting the Gringg in their translations when the limits of the vocabulary programmed into the voders failed. Hrrto felt some respect for the colony leader’s ability to retain what sounded to him like the roars and sputtering of malfunctioning motors. He was feeling yet another painful twinge when Milaba leaned toward him, her hand over the voder input grille.

  “I dislike the uncouth way they sniff at us, Speaker,’ Mllaba hissed under her breath. She spoke in a very high-pitched whisper which the Gringg were unlikely to hear. “So primitive.” All the home world Hrrubans attending the trade meeting were initially disturbed by the Gringg behaviour, but as the aliens had proved to be affable and intelligent, they began to relax. Hrr
to did not: torn between the need to introduce purralinium and memories of that tape. He wanted to be able to at least warn these Rraladoonans, since they were in the final analysis also Hrruban, that the Gringg were dangerous: warn them not to rush into discussions that would display their vulnerability to the Gringg: warn them to learn as much about Gringg customs and culture as the Gringg about theirs. But he could not yet speak of that tape, not until the combined navies were in position. They were still some days away. Until then, Hrrto was forced to dissemble. He also had until then to discover the coordinates of systems that might produce purralinium. With difficulty, Hrrto turned his attention to the proceedings.

  While Hrrestan was basically a sensible Hrruban, he appeared to be badly infected with young Rrev’s enthusiasm. Perhaps, Hrrto thought, it might be wise to tell Hrrestan about that damning tape. Hrrestan was of an old Stripe and did not deserve the fate that might await other Rraladoonans when their apparently cultured and civilized visitors showed the violent side of their natures.

  But Hrrestan was so honourable a Stripe that he might feel obliged to impart that information to Rrev. No, no warning to anyone until the fleet was in place.

  Then the aliens produced a computer program showing molecular diagrams of the minerals they were ready to use as trade mediums.

  Hrrto shot a warning glance at Hurrhee who was already trying to see what was on offer.

  “These ores are available in quantity now from our mining worlds,’ said the one called Kodiak. “We have printed diagrams for you to compare with your molecular data. If you require any of these, we are please to offer them to you as goods for barter against our own requirements.”

  “I am sure we can come to agreeable terms for all parties,’ Hrrestan said.

  “Indeed we should,’ Hurrhee murmured, flicking a confirming glance at Hrrto. “We have often found a use for this,’ and he extended a nail to delicately single out one item, “impure as it is.” Hrrto inwardly sighed with relief. They did have purralinium to offer.