Seven Sides of Self by Nancy Joie Wilkie

Author:Nancy Joie Wilkie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press
Published: 2019-12-16T16:00:00+00:00

After an hour and a half of speeches and formal ceremonies, Jarka worked his way through the crowd of dignitaries and introduced himself to Matan and Palan. The reports had been right, thought Jarka. It was difficult to discern an Aurillian Of One Color from another Aurillian Of The Same Color. But the few Aurillians Jarka approached and mistakenly thought to be his contacts didn’t seem to mind the error and politely pointed the Earthman in the right direction.

“I am very appreciative that your Institute has been so cooperative in giving me a free hand to study Aurillian society,” said Jarka as he bowed slightly to Matan and Palan in Aurillian custom. “If I am to understand our agreement correctly, you have granted me twelve interviews with individuals from all walks of Aurillian life, as well as access to the Institute’s library.”

“That is correct,” replied Palan.

“Tell me, Directors, if it is at all possible, might I be able to experience your society firsthand—you know, by taking walks and mingling with citizens on the street?”

Jarka’s keen powers of observation did not miss the fact his question caused a distinct change on Matan’s face. In fact, the Aurillian’s entire head seemed to change shape momentarily. Whereas the features on a human face change with different emotions, the shape of an Aurillian’s head can change, shifting from its usual oval shape to a slightly more spherical appearance—presumably in response to different emotions. Had Jarka better understood the subtleties of their peculiar facial shapes, he might have been able to discern what emotion Matan was not sharing. But Jarka got the distinct impression his presence was not entirely welcome. Perhaps something was being hidden, thought Jarka—and he wanted to find out what.

“Yes, of course—you may go out into our society and speak with those you encounter,” answered Matan finally. Jarka imagined Matan wished to add the phrase “—just don’t find anything.” Matan continued, “Please do not forget your obligation to our agreement, though. We wish to review your observations and your findings before you leave us.”

“I look forward to it,” responded Jarka. “Until then?” Jarka waited for an instant to see whether either of the Directors had any additional remarks. Sensing their business concluded, he bowed slightly again and turned to find his way back to the lightship.

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