of our cause and be able to defend it against all criticism. Further, we need to make our voice heard first. This I feel sure will consolidate our position. Any other proposals will be weighed against ours, and we shall automatically have the right of reply. You suggest General that only radio communication is possible, but who knows what these people can do ? Perhaps physical con tact is much closer than we think."
Lincoln could see that Elango was convinced. His admiration for Dent grew with every passing minute. His apparently open and completely frank manner coupled with his deep understanding of human nature made him a man without equal. As a scientist he was exceptional but as a manipulator of people he was a genius. Lincoln had watched Elango's reaction while Dent was speaking . He had been won over by what Dent didn't say, by what was clearly visible between the lines of his argument. Whoever was a member of this group was guaranteed world wide respect, recognition and renown. Who could resist that? The guarantee came from the drive and determination of the group leader, together with the eloquence and conviction with which he could express himself. When Elango spoke again his words indicated a measure of reserved judgement but his voice revealed acquiescence.
"I will consider what you have said Mr Dent, but for the time being will go along with the purpose of the meeting. You asked my reaction. Well my personal feelings in the matter are of humility. I have been forced to abandon many beliefs in the light of this contact. Humanity is not the highest form of life any more. I agree with Doctor Lincoln, these people might well be of superior intelligence, they have certainly demonstrated a superior technological status."
Further discussion was interrupted by a call for Dent. He excused himself and spoke softly to someone for a few moments while the others waited with interest.
"Well ," he said at length, "the awaited communication on one gigahertz has been received. Apparently it is some kind of music. It will be relayed to us over the speakers from Headquarters as soon as we like. Do yo u wish to say more now General? O r would you prefer to listen first?"
"You hardly need ask, let's hear it ," responded Elango impatiently.
The group listened in silence. At the end there was not one member who was not profoundly moved by what he or she had heard. Khan was the first to speak.
"I think we can forget threats; that was a message of pure peace."
The whole tone of the meeting had changed. There was no further talk of aggression, but of how the group could best further the aims of constructive communication. The proposals came down to Dent's original plan of course. A statement was prepared for transmission to the governments of the major nations and to the press explaining the group's existence, its function and qualification, together with a proposed response as an official direct reply to Procyon. Although it would take eleven years to arrive it was this initial response that would matter most to the Procyon people. Its form was very simple, a recital of Grieg's 'Morning Mood' from Peer Gynt to signify peace and hope in the same vein as their music, followed by a message of greeting expressing joy at the contact, appreciation of their music, and confidence in the mutual benefit of the communication. The message was to be transmitted on one giga hertz.
As Dent explained, "The aliens will know exactly when to expect the reply so there is no need to attract their attention before proceeding. No matter that they must already know all about us, our openness and willingness to communicate will form a good first impression of our reaction."
***************
That afternoon Lincoln and his family enjoyed a proper reunion. First a shower and change of clothes over at the hotel suite that had been specially reserved for them, then a leisurely boat trip a
Lincoln could see that Elango was convinced. His admiration for Dent grew with every passing minute. His apparently open and completely frank manner coupled with his deep understanding of human nature made him a man without equal. As a scientist he was exceptional but as a manipulator of people he was a genius. Lincoln had watched Elango's reaction while Dent was speaking . He had been won over by what Dent didn't say, by what was clearly visible between the lines of his argument. Whoever was a member of this group was guaranteed world wide respect, recognition and renown. Who could resist that? The guarantee came from the drive and determination of the group leader, together with the eloquence and conviction with which he could express himself. When Elango spoke again his words indicated a measure of reserved judgement but his voice revealed acquiescence.
"I will consider what you have said Mr Dent, but for the time being will go along with the purpose of the meeting. You asked my reaction. Well my personal feelings in the matter are of humility. I have been forced to abandon many beliefs in the light of this contact. Humanity is not the highest form of life any more. I agree with Doctor Lincoln, these people might well be of superior intelligence, they have certainly demonstrated a superior technological status."
Further discussion was interrupted by a call for Dent. He excused himself and spoke softly to someone for a few moments while the others waited with interest.
"Well ," he said at length, "the awaited communication on one gigahertz has been received. Apparently it is some kind of music. It will be relayed to us over the speakers from Headquarters as soon as we like. Do yo u wish to say more now General? O r would you prefer to listen first?"
"You hardly need ask, let's hear it ," responded Elango impatiently.
The group listened in silence. At the end there was not one member who was not profoundly moved by what he or she had heard. Khan was the first to speak.
"I think we can forget threats; that was a message of pure peace."
The whole tone of the meeting had changed. There was no further talk of aggression, but of how the group could best further the aims of constructive communication. The proposals came down to Dent's original plan of course. A statement was prepared for transmission to the governments of the major nations and to the press explaining the group's existence, its function and qualification, together with a proposed response as an official direct reply to Procyon. Although it would take eleven years to arrive it was this initial response that would matter most to the Procyon people. Its form was very simple, a recital of Grieg's 'Morning Mood' from Peer Gynt to signify peace and hope in the same vein as their music, followed by a message of greeting expressing joy at the contact, appreciation of their music, and confidence in the mutual benefit of the communication. The message was to be transmitted on one giga hertz.
As Dent explained, "The aliens will know exactly when to expect the reply so there is no need to attract their attention before proceeding. No matter that they must already know all about us, our openness and willingness to communicate will form a good first impression of our reaction."
***************
That afternoon Lincoln and his family enjoyed a proper reunion. First a shower and change of clothes over at the hotel suite that had been specially reserved for them, then a leisurely boat trip a
Similar Books
