Beyond the Event Horizon - Episode Two by Sartison Albert

Author:Sartison, Albert [Sartison, Albert]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Albert Sartison
Published: 2015-02-01T16:00:00+00:00

8

Contact had only just been established when a text floated up in the instant message window:

ALIEN: If our ships are threatened, we shall undertake appropriate counteraction, including the use of force.

Shelby unhurriedly took off his spectacles, wiped them and put them back on.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the second round of negotiations is open. We have discussed this subject. Therefore, permit me to reply in accordance with the result of our vote.”

In silence, he took a few seconds to type in the text of the reply.

EARTH: We are a hospitable nation and do not wish to be at enmity with peaceful visitors. Firing on your ship was not intentional. We are very sorry that it happened.

ALIEN: Responsibility for armed forces lies with the civilisation that controls them. We shall not tolerate such inappropriate behaviour in future.

“I propose we consider this theme exhausted,” said Sullivan. “If we pursue it further, we can only make matters worse.”

“I totally support your opinion. Professor Shelby, please go over to the questions proper,” said MacQueen, agreeing with him.

Shelby nodded.

EARTH: Tell us the purpose of your visit.

ALIEN: In spite of what happened, in the hope that such incidents will not be repeated and as a gesture of goodwill, we propose cooperation on mutually beneficial terms.

Shelby looked round the faces of the videoconference participants. This turn of events was somewhat unexpected. The others were no less surprised than he was.

“It seems they’re offering us a deal,” remarked someone whose voice was familiar.

Shelby looked in surprise at the camera in front of him then at MacQueen, who appeared to have known in advance about the presence of the voice’s owner.

“Mr. President, if I am not mistaken?” asked Shelby.

“Exactly. But I didn’t want to distract you. Please continue,” answered the voice. The president’s image was not being relayed, apparently for security reasons.

EARTH: As a peaceful race, we are happy to establish and develop relations with our brothers in intelligence. What is the nature of your proposal?

ALIEN: Your race has begun colonising space. You have successfully assimilated the fourth planet out from your central star. Its orbital velocity is different from Earth’s. This represents a serious obstacle to your economic activity on it. We propose a solution to this problem.

“I think it’s worth asking a question about the price,” proposed one of the historians.

Shelby looked round the others, awaiting other proposals.

“I think it is,” he replied after a few seconds.

“Just a second!” cried Sullivan suddenly. “I’m an adult. I don’t believe in fairies, but nevertheless... What if they intend to make us a present of this?”

MacQueen laughed. “Professor, you’re an incurable romantic...”

In reply, Sullivan just shrugged his shoulders and smiled broadly. Why not?

EARTH: Are you offering this help free of charge?

ALIEN: We are proposing a mutually beneficial project.

EARTH: What do you expect in exchange?

ALIEN: We are willing to accept part of the energy of your central star and minerals from the inner planets in payment.

“Now I’m starting to like them,” laughed the president. “Well, OK, let’s start haggling!”

EARTH: What exactly will we

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