“Do you live here? The countryside is beautiful.”
“No, I’m visiting. And you?”
“I’m from Vereeniging, I work at a mine. Forty years and still going strong.”
While he talked I wished I were allowed to use my telepathic abilities to see how he thinks. I could sense that he is an honest man, religious without being painfully devout, and he has difficulty in saying ‘no’ to anyone, especially friends in need. He could see that his devotion to work has robbed him of companionship and family and he misses them and yet, he does not really regret being a hard worker. I found so much contradiction in that one straightforward person, that I despair of ever understanding people. We talked for over two hours and then he excused himself, explaining he desperately needs a cigarette. I ordered another coffee and read until Chara joined me. She grinned.
“Just as well you came as you are - I popped in earlier and saw you deep in conversation with a nice looking man. What was he like?”
“Nowhere as nosy as you.” I grinned. “He spent most of his time telling me that he’s lost all the women he’s loved because his work comes first.”
“Did you ever imagine Hugh would become like that?”
“Make him take you on a holiday and get yourself pregnant again. It’s silly of the two of you living like old people when you are Cherinians.”
“We go on holiday once a year. Hugh and I have decided to grow old, year for year, while we stay here. We’ll hand over to Johan and Anne and tell everyone we are retiring by the seaside and then start all over again. Sam, not everyone wants adventures, we’re happier knowing what tomorrow will be like.” I shuddered at the idea, but made all the right noises. I wonder whether I’ll someday become like them. Robbie probably would if we let him.
I didn’t mention that Kirsten and Vincent offered to share with us their memories of Goldi Planet - the non-private ones. They travelled extensively over the planet and have many marvels they want us to see. We promptly asked them not to share, as we want to take our time exploring the planet so that there is something new to see for a long time.
Kirsten and Angel practised together for a few weeks and then she challenged Kirsten to a duel. To start off, we thought Angelica was getting the better of her because of Kirsten being her protector also. Angelica tells us that she has discounted that factor and still finds Kirsten strangely weak in certain areas. Kirsten is only good at using magic for healing and preserving life. I guess her inner aptitude affects the way she perceives the use of magic.
Jade started the ball rolling by asking whether the two of them have a subconscious and, if they do, is it the same as ours. They came to the conclusion that they do, but they differ in their opinions. Kirsten is convinced she does and it is hers, while Vincent believes that he shares Robbie’s. Jade had been hoping they’d have a definite answer as she wonders about herself and Diana. We all reassured her that they do, as we can sometimes sense it roiling in the background, as we do with the rest of us. Kirsten pointed out that she would not feel she is part of the two of them if they did not. That made Jade happier while Diana did not much care either way. Robbie told us that he thinks it is possible they started off with hardly anything apart from instincts and through life being life and causing problems, theirs grew to be like ours. If he is right, then theirs are anything but like ours.
“He told me she must not grow up like the two of us did. He wants her to learn how to play with other children. We remembered those small schools you have in your world for children too young to go to the bigger schools and Kiris opened some of them for children of people who work. They are not popular, as females on our world rarely work, so they look after their children. There are families where the mother has died or works as a servant or shop assistant or prostitute, so we have about forty children for her to play with.” We grinned at the idea of people of our world allowing their children to play with the children of prostitutes. Maybe we should organise something like that.
The Normals who’ve travelled with us grabbed at the opportunity to chat with those of the Kabetu who strayed away from us.
One Normal, a tall man who seems to wear a permanent frown, came as close as it is considered polite and called out, “Mr Teller, I am puzzled. Will you speak to me?”
Robbie sauntered to him. “Puzzled by me or the Kabetu?”
“By life Mr Teller. I know you are an atheist, but I have some religious questions that you might have an answer for. Even if you don’t, that in itself would be important.”
With a sardonic smile Robbie glanced at us and back at the man. “Join me for a drink, if your religion allows it. Have you come in the hope of proselytising? Of what faith sir?”
“Please, just Paul. I am not a missionary nor am I a priest, I am a monk. I have spent over twenty years studying what is known of the aliens you have met and of the Cherinians in general. This is my dilemma. Our Church, among others, imposes or impresses on Man, morals and ethics through a promise of spiritual reward and punishment. Atheists, for hundreds of years, have argued that it is not necessary, that ethics are intrinsically suitable for the individual and society and should be practised without them being used as a threat or reward. The church feels it is too much to ask while atheists claim to have proven over time that morality can stand on its own. I feel they have proven themselves wrong by the way they changed when the Cabal was trying to take over our world, a they tried hard to destroy all religions. For the sake of our discussion, I would rather ignore that aspect for now.”
“I’ve asked myself similar questions about Cherinianism. I do believe in the reward system, but not the punishment or threat part. I’m pleased to hear that some atheists have proven my case.”
“Call me Robert. Paul, it sounds as if you are arguing the case for us atheists.”
“I am not. If I may quote a priest who patiently spent years arguing with me when I was very young. He told me that if he could convert a man who thinks for himself, to him it would give more pleasure than converting twenty who are gullible and do not question. Some of the best minds of our world have been religious Robert, religion is not just for the gullible. I’d be more than happy to debate with you any questions you have about religion, any religion, for I have studied all the main religions of our planet. However, at the moment I am more concerned about finding answers to my questions.
Our monastery is a favourite destination for tourists of our country for we are renown for our wines and olive oil. We also provide a wholesome meal for our guests at a very reasonable price. Among our guests have been Cherinians who come from simple backgrounds. They do not study and argue philosophies, or rather, I should say their philosophies are the simple ones of the man who is tied to the earth, his family having farmed for generations. I ask them, as Cherinians, why do they practice the morality of those who offer themselves to Christ, since, with their abilities they could make their own rules. Mostly they are puzzled by my questions and give a similar answer, they say they only do what they consider right. I ask, but why? With their powers, are they not tempted to be selfish? None have answers apart from the one they gave, that they would not feel it is right. I believe their religious upbringing is responsible, am I correct?”
Robbie grinned. “You have fallen into the same trap I did. As you said about atheists, so it is about Cherinians. We only link those who have good hearts and a strong sense of ethics, so you are asking your questions of a biased group.”
“I’ve understood that. On the other hand, there are Cherinians who have broken away to join the Ipohin and other smaller groups. Are they considered a failure?”
“Seeing as to how my son is leader of the Ipohin, that is a loaded question.”
“But one you will answer?”
Robbie had a broody look to him. “The are disadvantages to all advantages Paul. Becoming a Cherinian does offer some advantages, but it also makes more demands of us than even religion does. For instance, the simplest of us are aware that power carries the price of responsibility for those who are in need of our help. Another responsibility is that we take care not to use our gifts or powers to benefit ourselves at cost to others. Too many feel we are asking they become saints when all they wished was to remain normal human beings, but capable of living without the fears most people have.
Samantha claims that the Ipohin will evolve closer to what Cherinians are while Cherinians will evolve towards the Ipohin. She is hoping for a healthy middle ground. That is all the hope I am left with for the time being. As to your question regarding morality, I’d say that most of the moral people are so because of the way they were brought up, so perhaps morality can stand on its own if the people have been educated correctly. I guess that brings us back to the qualification you apply to atheists. You have your own devils to fight Paul, and I have mine, but in the end, they are similar, just wearing different disguises. I’ll fight them by example and by educating as many as I can. Will you continue to wield the stick of spiritual reward and punishment to achieve the same end?”
He pursed his lips without answering Robbie; I think he felt Robbie did not need an answer, that he’d only asked his question so as to score points - which was not true. “I ask that you assist me become a Kabetu during your stay here and I be allowed to wander their world. They do not have any kind of religion and yet there seem to be many with a highly evolved sense of morality.”
Kiris and his group arrived and his eyes sought out Cherine’s with genuine affection. “You have stayed away too long this time. You are forgetting your Kabetu friends?”
I did not pay them much attention, quickly changing myself into Tsina. Niriki saw me and ran most of the way and then she stopped, shyly waiting for a sign that I still love her. I swung her up in my arms and hugged her tightly.
Cassie spoke loudly enough to be certain I’d hear her, “First Robert becomes a mother and now Samantha becomes a father. She won’t let him be anything without her copying him.”
I laughed and called, “Not a father, love, just an uncle.” I swung her around for them to see her face. “Isn’t she a darling?” The next hour was pure happiness - until Kiris started talking business.
“I have started dredging the harbour and extending the quays. I need advice Robert, or else they might not be suitable for our guests. Have you brought designs of ships?”
“Everything you need - I hope. Tell us of all that has happened in our absence.”
He did so. He expanded his business by opening trading houses in Ikefa-Karkus and has purchased a fish pickling company. He is exporting his pickled fish inland to all the major towns. His new house is ready for them to occupy and he has planned a party with entertainers from three cities. Some of the wealthiest people from Rapperten are travelling to be present, using his party as an excuse to belatedly make contacts before Kiris establishes himself as the sole power. He no longer keeps it a secret that Nericha is his mate, but is careful of public displays of their love.
His passion for learning details of any business that is going to make him money remains unabated. Kiris took the plans for the ships we’d had created for him and he there and then wanted to learn what every part of it was for. When he was asked to leave it for later he answered he has to be capable of explaining every detail if he expects his shipbuilding personnel to build the ships. Samuel laughed and told him he will need to delay building the ships for years if he insists on learning every detail.
“Who then will explain to them? I cannot just give them drawings!”
We checked and found that amongst the Normals there was a fledgling yacht designer. He took a look at the design sheets and asked to keep them for a few days to study. Robbie asked him whether he’d volunteer to be projected as a Kabetu and work with the shipbuilders for a while. Looking rather bemused, but also emoting excitement, he agreed and walked off to study the plans.
“Any political problems?”
Rakil laughed. “More than I can list. Some of the Council have suspicions we have abilities no other Kabetu has and are considering claiming we are users of magic, but legally and traditionally, there is no such thing as a male user of magic, apart from stories about the nomads, so they are not clear as to how they should deal with their suspicions.
Those who made such plans, do not forget that many of the wealthiest people who are their backers, are doing business with Kiris or depend on my supplying them with gold so that they can hide a part of their wealth from the government. As for the road we intended building, it has not been approved so we’ve put that idea aside for the time being, but we are improving it up to the farms Kiris owns. With the projected businesses Kiris intends controlling in Ikefa-Karkus, it makes more sense for us to build a road to there, and their council are pleased at the increase in trade it will bring them, so they will not obstruct us in any way. We are trying to find a way for the road to be built without his companies having to pay the total cost. We are hoping to convince both councils that they should meet and sign a special trade treaty with both cities undertaking to cover part of the costs.”
“Not one of your best idea Kiris.”
“We need common laws and a single taxation system.”
“Sit with Hettie and work out something that does not radically change your world. The concept of grouping ourselves as nations has only caused untold suffering on our world.”
“Robert,” Alki pointed out, “on most planets, nations developed from city states which grew affluent and thus more powerful. I don’t see how you can prevent it happening here.”
A Unation officer commented, “Alki, the driving forces of the Kabetu differ from those of your species. If enough of their Cherinians are aware of the dangers, it will not happen here.”
I was not sitting with them. Most of my loves with Neri and I, had walked off to talk on our own. “Neri, what does the little one know about us? Will she speak of this visit to other children?”
“She has grown up in a hard world Samantha. She knows how to keep secrets.”
I pulled her hand away as she made to pick her nose. “So my little angel, have you kept it a secret from everyone that I love you?” She shook her head. “I was hoping you would have learnt a lot of words by now. Don’t you talk with the other children?”
“She refuses to talk Samantha, even though she understands everything we say to her.”
“Candy, will you play puppy with her?”
“You should.”
“I’m not as good at it as you are.”
“It doesn’t matter, she should love you more.”
I was touched and amused. “You’re right, you have Iziko. Ashia, how would you like to have her as your special friend?”
We sat on the river bank and Ashia entered her mind. Ashia was in her mind for a long time and when she returned to her body and they both opened their eyes, we could sense the love between them. As soon as Niriki was distracted I hugged Ashia, delighted by her happiness. Once we are alone I will talk to Candy, it seems she has not learnt from Robbie.
To generalise a little, since I’m in the mood for it, another of the causes for friction and lack of self confidence is that people consider a preference for another’s company an indication they are loved more. Nothing could be further from the truth. We enjoy the company of friends, but rarely love them as much as our family, husband or wife or boy or girlfriend. I do not know why it is we so often find it easier to be more open about our dreams and yearnings or the sharing of our pains with friends or even strangers than with those who love us. Look at Arthur for instance, he confides in us and web-friends about his peculiarities (including his interest in paedophiles) but keeps them secret from his loved ones.
Kiris spends his working hours working as usual and, one morning, a young man, about seven years older than Kiris, arrived at the office and asked to speak to him. He was dressed finely, had gold rings and showed by his manner that he is wealthy, so it was politely explained to him that Kiris is very busy but they can call for Avery. He declined, stating he will wait until Kiris can see him. Hospitably they brought him something to drink and after a few hours, something to eat. The politer he was the more embarrassed the staff were and finally one of them entered the office of Kiris to explain.
“What is his name?”
“Kainas Sar Evomiser.”
“The son of Avuris Sar Evomiser?” He walked out to reception. “I apologise, I was not informed you were waiting. Please come in. Something to drink?”
“No thank you, your staff have seen to my comforts. Rakil Isa Berrit, honoured to meet you again.”
“Likewise, please give my regards to your father. I’ll give you some privacy. Kiris, I’ll be in my office.”
“Please stay sir, you might be of some assistance as Kiris Sen Tirpiun does not know me and may have doubts of what I am about to inform him.”
It seems Kiris has learnt some tact. “It is not necessary, but I would like Rakil to stay. I always value his advice. You are here on business?”
“I have had an unfortunate experience, but I would like you to profit from it.”
Kiris sat back, now obviously intrigued. “Please carry on.”
Kainas told him about a deal he had structured. Friends of his father, men he’d known since he was a small child, had offered to finance him when he gave them the details. The sellers were keeping a sixty percent interest in the business and were selling him forty percent for twenty million tsarls. He only had three million which he could not use as they were in shares of his father’s companies. His investors explained they would not be placing the funds themselves, that they arranged with a financing company to lend the rest, but they will require forty percent of the shares he will own. They in turn, for raising the funds, wanted thirty percent, leaving him with thirty percent of forty percent. He could not find the funds elsewhere and since he would not need to use any of his own capital, he agreed, as it was stipulated, as a sweetener, he will be the head of their company and remain in charge for at least five years.
By chance, he met the owner of the finance company and he let slip information that proved he was being lied to. The finance company had asked for fifteen percent in equity, which meant his father’s friends would be owning fifty five percent of his company. The financier saw how indignant Kainas was feeling upon learning the truth, so he pulled back, not willing anymore to be a part of a deal he considered dishonest and that could lead to a scandal amongst the most wealthy families. His father’s friends did not know why the financier had withdrawn, so they confidently offered to find the funds elsewhere and supplied him with relatively small amounts, as needed for paying expenses the deal was incurring.
“In total they have provided me with one hundred thousand tsarls and I am in desperate need of a further thirty thousand. I will not go to my father, for he laughed at me and told me I would not succeed.”
“You wish for me to advance you the thirty thousand?”
“What are your expectations? What do you hope to make out of the deal?” Rakil asked.
“I only wish to be given enough to pay the current debts I’m liable for, thirty thousand.”
“What about the one hundred thousand advanced to you?”
“As far as I am concerned, that debt was cancelled the moment I discovered they were trying to steal the business. I do not feel morally indebted to them.”
“Would the seller agree to keeping forty percent instead of sixty? He would continue to run the business with you.”
“With me? I’m not looking for employment.”
“You do not wish to work for your share? I do not have the time to watch that we are not robbed.” He smiled at the surprise on the face of Kainas. “This remains your deal and you will pay me for your shares out of your profits. What do you say to us each holding thirty percent?”
“That is too generous!”
Kiris burst out laughing. “I think we have found a match for Robert. Should we introduce them?” Rakil joined him in his laughter while Kainas sat looking very perplexed. Alki sent to Kiris a suggestion, but Kiris sent him back the feeling of a smile and ignored his suggestion. “Offer the seller twenty six million for sixty percent. He must agree to a condition in the contract that we have the right to purchase another twenty percent for fifteen million at any time within the next ten years. The deal will appear to be between him and my companies. No mention will be made of you. Where is your agreement with your father’s friends, is it in the file?”
“It was only verbal.”
“Exactly what was said? Where they to be given their share in return for raising the funds?”
“Yes.”
“Then that agreement can be honoured. Advise them that you have raised the funds and therefore they will not receive one share. The money they advanced will be returned to them tomorrow morning. If you would be so kind, pass by in the morning and collect the funds for returning them to the greedy friends of your father.” Kiris looked at Rakil. “This is an exceptional deal and Kainas would have made his name if he’d succeeded on his own. I’d like to offer him that opportunity. Please ask the lawyers to draw up a contract showing that we are financing Kainas and distribute our shares between three of our companies so that his share is seen as the major share. Kainas, if the gentlemen decide to cause you any trouble, let us know. My lawyers will be happy to have something to do for the retainer I pay them. We’ll sign the documents tomorrow afternoon, if the seller agrees, and I would be honoured if you make yourself available for a meal in the evening - unless you have other friends you would prefer to celebrate with.”
Kainas had something else up his sleeve, but he waited until the deal was finalised and the seller was paid. Kiris made half a million available as working capital and asked Avery to stay by the side of Kainas as he is not experienced and could waste the money. He told us that with Avery as his teacher, Kainas will turn into a good businessman. The next day Kainas came to see him. He placed another folder, much thinner this time, on his desk.
“I could not have mentioned earlier my reason for wanting to purchase the company as you would have considered me a dreamer. I see potentials that the previous owner did not and I believe we can grow the company to a fifty million a year company. Please read my proposals and let me know what you think.”
Once he was alone Kiris read the documents, worked his way through the projections and budgets, jumped home to collect his girls and came to Freddie while it was still working hours. He waved the papers at Alki. “This is it! That Kainas is a genius! With the new business supported by our other companies, we could be earning a profit of eighty million per year with a further interest in many other influential companies. I must find another fifteen million to buy the extra twenty percent.”
Alki cannot read their writing, so Kiris sat with him and gave him the details, page by page. It was not long before Hettie and Elia joined them. The three of them felt like excited children and they kept on raising their voices as they argued the details. All they said publicly was that it had something to do with the company using the products of their competitors to increase their own profits.
Alki clapped Kiris on the shoulder. “We can use this for our own companies to the same effect. Kiris, come with us to our world or send someone to decide what you want from our planet to the value of one hundred million dollars. We think that is a fair trade for the extra profits we will be earning thanks to you and Kainas.”
Kiris was not the only one stunned. Robbie was shy about asking what was happening as he feared he might not understand. Alki sent to him the ideas they’d just argued and he was lost in his thoughts for a while. “Kiris, they are cheating you. No limits, just ask for what you want.”
“Roberto!” Dommi was obviously upset.
He laughed. “Sorry love, I got carried away. Kiris, their offer was fair in business terms. As leader of the Cherinians I see the concepts helping us in many other ways when we contact new alternate realities, that is why I am so excited. I would like to meet Kainas whenever you think it is time.”
I do not enjoy being a Kabetu every time Niriki visits, but I have to so that she finds something familiar to her while she is here. Neri makes certain her healer checks on her every day so she is at prime health. Her new lifestyle has affected her brain and therefore her mind. Her vocabulary of words she understands, instead of just parroting, has grown dramatically, but it is difficult for Neri to teach her how to read while she refuses to talk. She has shown me how she sits with her and reads her stories and points out the words now and then to make it clear to her that the story is coming from the book. Niriki carries her favourite book with her wherever she goes, even when she comes to Freddie. Today, she came to sit on my lap.
“Tsina?”
Suppressing my excitement and as gently as I could, I replied, “Yes my love?”
Kainas found himself working fifteen hours a day and felt permanently exhausted while at the same time his exhilaration as his mind expanded with knowledge and he discovered abilities he had not known he was capable of, made him feel he could work another five hours a day. Despite that, whenever Kiris invited him to his home, he went. He came to know Nericha, and Kiris surprised and flattered him by telling him her story. He found the early ambitions Kiris had for her amusing, but he did not look down on her because of her humble beginnings. Nobody said anything about Niriki but once she started talking she would not stop and dominated their gatherings. With an indulgent smile as she sat on his lap he asked for her story. They told him the parts they could.
“There were rumours that you travelled to Thieves Town, some even said you came from there and the money you used to start in business was given to you by murderers.”
With a sardonic smile, Kiris replied, “Perhaps there is some truth to it.”
Kainas shrugged. “Some day you will tell me your story. What matters to me is the kind of man you are today. However they may claim you started, you have changed our city for the better with the way you think and do things.”
Almost eagerly, Kiris asked, “Do you really think so?”
“Yes I do. Why do you think I brought the deal to you. When you make money you see that everyone benefits, not like my father who only cares about himself.”
“I do not know him, he looks down on me as trash from the slums.”
Kainas laughed. “You really are blind! He and his friends, they don’t look down on you, they fear you. Thanks to you they have lost their power over the Council and the poor are less respectful, for they say they have their own lord, Kiris who gives them hope.” Kiris became frightened by the implied responsibility and changed the subject. That night he lay in his bed without sleeping for a long time.
“I am not ready to be their Robert.”
Robbie solemnly nodded in agreement. “I’m not ready to be anyone’s Robert either. Life and our nature do not give us many options Kiris.”
“How do you sleep at night?”
Robbie laughed. “With over fifty wives, even being a Cherinian does not leave me with the energy to worry.” We all deliberately looked as if we’d sucked on a lemon and he sent us, with a grin, *You girls have dirty minds, I was not talking about the sex.*
“Perhaps I should bring Kainas to you. Once he is a Cherinian you’ll choose him. He is brilliant and also well educated. I’m just a farm boy.”
Robbie was amused. “So was I. I was born on a farm and lived my first years there. The best years of my childhood. Kiris, I don’t care if Kainas is a genius, you have the qualities to be the Robert of your people, as you call it. I also searched for others to take my place and you will have to remind yourself a hundred times, the day you can trust another with the destiny of your family, that is the day you can allow someone to take your place as leader of your Cherinians.”
“I shouldn’t even be a Cherinian! All I care about is making money.”
During another evening, Robbie explained why he was refusing Kiris. “I don’t want to give you the internal combustion engine Kiris. Your world does not need the more advanced machines our alien friends have provided our worlds with, but for you to move from no engines to the internal combustion engine would also be catastrophic. Your people have not inhabited all the continents of your planet and will not need to expand to them for a long time. Your entire population is smaller than many countries in our world. Allow your people to move forward at their own pace and allow them to choose their own way of developing their technology. We’ve shown you ours and that might have been a mistake - it will have been a mistake if you influence them in the wrong direction.”
“There are large distances between our cities Robert, travelling on horseback is not convenient.”
“Destroying your environment is more convenient? Life moves at a slower pace here, perhaps your longer lifespans have influenced your attitudes, so you do not need faster modes of travel. What you might look to achieve is more comfortable methods.”
“Without engines, what is possible? We already have horse drawn coaches. Horses are too expensive and they are too sensitive for long trips, not like your horses.”
Cassie grinned. “Why not bicycles?”
“From Rapperten to Dakost?”
“Why not? Build a light coach that is drawn by two teams of six people pedalling in shifts. You could have a seventh in front who also steers. When you have a steep uphill, attach a horse or two from the guards or other staff to help. That way more people are employed and if you arm them, they can also double up as guards.”
He tried to imagine it and turned to Cherine. “Could it work?”
“Cassie was trying to inspire you so that you use your imagination to find different ways that are practical and suit your people. Build a prototype and test it. You might find there are problems that make it impractical or it may work like a dream. It might lead you to other ideas that are more practical. You won’t know until you try.”
“I need a plan of how a bicycle is made.”
“There are none available. Discuss the concept with your technical people and let them design their own version.”
“You really are determined to make it difficult for me Robert.”
“I am. Kiris, where is the profit for either of our people in allowing your world to become a replica of ours? Use your own past and present to create your own future and you just might come up with ideas our world will want to buy from you.”
Kiris suddenly grinned. “My shipbuilders are confused by the plans you gave me. The cabins are shown as being empty. No beds, no bathrooms. Even the kitchens are empty. Nearly everything is the wrong size for our people - we are mostly smaller than your people. I was forced to make up excuses as I went along, with not the results I’d wished for. I was at a loss for an explanation, so I told them a madman made the designs and died before he could finish them. To answer their next questions, I told them he believed that if everyone ate only certain foods we would grow taller and that he designed his ships for future people. They are now re-examining everything, they no longer trust the plans and it will take forever to build the ships.”
