“Yes, but exotic travel for the wealthy aside, I anticipate far better fare from you than the self-serving drivels from the Seven Guilds, if I do say so,” added Council Speaker Terwillen. “We need a perspective outside that of the Space Peace Administration and the political hacks. You brought us into the hearts and minds of the people of Metis, Reyard.”
“The Lysis is engaged in just such a process with us as well, sir,” said the pelt clad man. “She is most interested in our hearts and minds. Metis is quite concerned about our propensities towards violence and war, particularly the women. They take great exception to it and they are quite persuasive. I take it none of you have had the opportunity to meet The Lysis yet? She is, I believe in the last hours of ‘Listening’. Her obligation is nearly complete and she will soon accept you.”
“Accept us! It was the power of the Seven Worlds that has reached out and gathered these lost children back to us!” exclaimed Judge Flamone.
“These are the words, sir, replied Reyard. “Remember, you have been lost to us for more than five hundred years. This reuniting has been long anticipated.”
“This ‘Listening’, some form of religious ritual I understand,” commented Communications Secretary Kalliton, with an airy wave of the hand, “purifying before meeting with strangers or some such.”
“Perhaps a good idea before dealing with the Seven Worlds,” observed Senator Bandt drily.
Reyard spoke quietly, “Gentlemen, there is no religion on Metis. ‘Listening’ is a duty imposed upon this Lysis by the First. She must simply watch and listen to us for two days before she can speak to our leaders. She is watching the Hypewave, reading the blogs and meditating. There is no religious connotation.”
“Blessed Be! Then they are all heathens!” exclaimed Bishop Vess, “Judge, they are truly as you say ‘our lost children’. No doubt there are souls to be saved on Metis!”
“Perhaps it is so, Bishop, but if they are infidels, why then have they no war or violence?” queried Senator Hassan. “How could they not have had conflicts in their dire situation? How could they accomplish what they have done with no major disagreement? No major disagreements! Are they still truly human? Have they been affected in some way by their alien environment?”
“Yes, a human culture without violence! Quite unexplained, so far; yet no wonder they were able to recover civilization so quickly. No wanton destruction, no waste of time or resource on fighting, a fascinating culture, Reyard! Who would have expected they could have survived at all, after a crash landing on the wrong world and a near return to savagery. They must be an extraordinary people indeed. Your recounting of their trials has been the equal of anything in the human lexicon,” said Senator Alliston.
“Extraordinary indeed!” exclaimed Second Speaker Eslan. “I understand all of the male officers and crew of the SPA cruiser are carrying those stone knives like yours, Reyard. They’ve all ‘gone native’ as it is being called in the capitol. Amazing that SPA discipline and regulations have allowed it!”
This remark brought a chuckle from many in the room, most of whom had served in the Space Peace Administration either in the military or the political cadres. “Oh, it’s true,” stormed SPA Marine General Wellens as he stepped away from where he had been leaning against the large fireplace during most of the evening. “The issue has been a matter of discussion and considerable unease since Starflame returned. The upshot of the whole mess is that not just a few of the Senior Staff are sporting those things around their necks and the issue is melting away. I’ve even heard it said that they have somehow had access to The Lysis when no one else could get close. True or not, I can tell you, I for one am not happy about it.