Dirge - Alan Dean Foster [32]
Yeicurpilal gestured powerlessness. “It cannot be helped. During my sojourn on this world I have learned a number of things about our hosts. One is that they cannot be pushed, shoved, forced, or cajoled into doing something that does not originate with them, even if it is manifestly to their benefit. It is better to hint and suggest and let them believe that the idea originates with them. When dealing with humans, patience is not merely to be advocated, it is imperative. There is no other way to work with them.”
“I am sorry,” Nilwengerex added, “but that is the way of things here. If these Pitar had not revealed themselves to a human exploration team, maturation of our mutual relations would be on schedule. You cannot imagine the exceptional forbearance we are required to show in our daily dealings with them. Whatever its wishes and needs, the Grand Council must learn to do the same.”
A visibly unhappy Joshumabad indicated understanding. “And our tentative connection with the Pitar? We of course must seek to establish formal relations with them as well. Though it does not fall within your purview, I presume your staff has taken the necessary preliminary steps forced upon them by circumstance?”
Yeicurpilal replied thoughtfully. “We have made the appropriate overtures. It is not so much that they have been rebuffed as that the Pitar have no time for us. They seem to be as ensnared by the humans as the humans are by them, though for the Pitar this fascination is reflected in a more intense and subdued attitude. Unable to study them firsthand, our specialists are reduced to speculating on their motivations. It cannot be determined if they are reclusive, wary, secretive, guarded, paranoid, fearful, all of the aforementioned, or simply shy. Without more intimate contact their racial psychology cannot be resolved. It is hoped time will provide us with access.”
Joshumabad considered. “What is your personal opinion of them? Aside from the knowledge that has been compiled by such as this one.” He indicated Nilwengerex, who took no offense at being referred to obliquely.
Antennae twitched meaningfully. “I don’t like them.”
The representative of the council gestured tersely. “Crri!!kk, that is concise, anyway. Why not?”
Yeicurpilal looked away. “You asked for an opinion not based on known fact. That is my opinion.”
“Foolish,” Nilwengerex proclaimed. “Xenologically impertinent. Even an opinion must be founded on a base of knowledge.” He inclined both antennae in Joshumabad’s direction. “I have no fear of these Pitar, nor love of them. I feel the same about the humans. My reactions and published convictions are based on factual material.”
“There is room here for maneuver.” In his mind Joshumabad was already compiling the report he would make to the Grand Council. “We will continue on course with the humans without forcing the issue of closer relations. These must develop as a consequence of natural processes. As for the Pitar, you will maintain contact with their representatives here on Earth until we can make arrangements to have a separate delegation received on Hivehom. Separated from humans, relations between us will advance at an acceptable pace.” A seagull defecated nearby, and he observed the process with interest.
“Meanwhile, the current pace of diplomacy is not acceptable.”
Yeicurpilal looked at him sharply. “But we have just told you that—”
“It does not matter.” Joshumabad’s interruption conveyed the importance of what he was saying far more than mere words and gestures could have. “The council is not satisfied.” He used all four hands for emphasis. “If you cannot accelerate the signing of agreements with humankind, the council is perfectly willing to appoint others to your present positions in the hopes they may do better. This is not a threat, but merely a communication to be taken under advisement.”
“I’m so glad it’s not a threat.” Even when he appeared to be ignoring his companions, Nilwengerex