A World Called Solitude by Stephen Goldin

Author:Stephen Goldin
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: aliens, robots, isolation, solitude

Chapter 11

Michi listened to the story in total silence. She was aware that Arthur was watching her closely all the time the recording played; the robot didn’t have an active role in the narration and could devote his full attention to her. Michi supposed Arthur would be looking for any signs from her that might reveal antipathy toward Birk; at the same time, he would also be looking for signs of sympathy, something to show that the story touched her and moved her to a clearer understanding of the man who’d been stranded here alone for eleven years.

He gave in and played that recording for me awfully easily, she thought. I wonder whether he’s capable of having ulterior motives.

Michi was moved by Birk’s story, but she tried not to let any of the emotion show. She didn’t like other people knowing what she thought until she told them; it was not considered good military form to be obvious.

The story was probably true in its general outline, although some of the details had obviously been colored by Birk’s unhappy experiences. It jibed with many of the facts she herself knew about the Torres regime, although the extremes of cruelty were a little hard to swallow. If nothing else, the story explained perfectly well why Birk Aaland was so vehemently opposed to returning to the Commonwealth.

What can I do? Michi wondered. What can I say to him? How can I reach him after he’s suffered so badly? It’s a wonder, after all he’s been through, that he’s even as sane as he is.

Arthur ended the recording and continued looking at her. When she did not speak immediately, he said, in his own voice, “There is, of course, much more to the recording than I have played for you—many personal revelations that it would not be appropriate for you to hear. I have edited the story together in its simplest, most basic form. Does this help you understand Birk any better?”

Michi nodded slowly. “Yes, very much so. Thank you for letting me hear it. I hadn’t realized it was possible for one man to suffer so much. I’d like to talk to him again, to see if I can smooth over our differences. Would that be possible?”

“He has been out of touch for quite some time. He is probably in the delta—”

“The what?”

“The delta, a triangular flying craft. He uses it for rapid transport around the planet. He flew off in it last night and has not returned since. There is a radio in the delta.”

“Then you can call him.”

“Yes, but that’s not wise. I’ve learned that when he has one of these moods, it’s best not to disturb him. He’ll come out of it on his own and get back in touch with me. He’ll be calmer, then, more in a mood to talk.”

“Will you please let me know when he contacts you? And please tell him I’d like to talk to him again. I’d like to overcome our problems.”

“I’ll do what I can,” Arthur said.

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