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demonstrative by nature. Certainly less so than a comparable group of humans would be,” Pranchavit replied. “We do not know if this is a representative social trait or if they are simply being restrained in our presence. I can tell you that this is not a function of their isolation here on a strange world. Their manner was identical on Argus V, when they were in the company of their own people. Do not make the mistake of confusing their appearance with that of comparable human counterparts.” The researcher shrugged. “Perhaps they are simply quiet by nature. Personally, I find it refreshing.”
    “Life spans?” someone else wondered aloud.
    Pranchavit did not miss a beat. “From what we have told and been able to glean, they are more long-lived than humans. Perhaps on the order of ten to fifteen percent.”
    “This may not be a properly framed scientific or diplomatic query,” inquired one of the younger staff members restlessly, “but—do they
all
look like that?”
    Baumgartner nodded somberly. “This group could be taken as typical, yes.” In the back, someone whistled softly.
    The others could indulge their curiosity. Al-Namqiz, charged with officially welcoming these unexpectedly attractive representatives of an alien species to Earth, was compelled to consider more practical concerns.
    “What do they want? Have you talked with them about such things?”
    Pranchavit nodded. “Good relations with us and everyone else they may meet. Beyond that we did not much go. Cultural exchanges, tourism, economic cooperation—my colleagues and I felt that these specific concerns did not fall within our purview to discuss.”
    Then he had not been cut out of the loop. Al-Namqiz felt much better. “I take it these are not formally accredited ambassadors, and therefore they cannot speak for their government on such matters.”
    “Only informally,” Harris-Ferrolk admitted. “Remember that they were as surprised to encounter us at Argus as we were to see them. They no more had diplomats on board their vessel than we did on board the
Chagos
. Both our ship and theirs were on journeys of exploration. But it was felt by them that contact would be expedited if some of their people returned with us to present themselves to the rest of humankind.”
    “Expedited isn’t the word.” Al-Namqiz gestured in the direction of the door, against which the representatives of the media continued to throw themselves like seals heaving themselves up onto a beach. “As soon as they are presented on the tridee, there’s going to be a frenzy of volunteers to go and ‘visit’ Pitar. Or accommodate their representatives here.”
    “We know.” Pranchavit smiled thinly. “Most of our waking hours may be devoted to our research and the rest of our work, but my colleagues and I are not strangers to the human condition. We have been just as affected by their appearance as you all were when they stepped down from the shuttle. They are forthright and accommodating, but somewhat shy. They are willing to cooperate in mutual studies and learning, but only via formal, academic, accredited channels. They have no desire to stroll casually among us, or to allow us to do so among them. At least, that is the situation as it was explained to us. Whether it will change in the future or whether that is a firm and unalterable expression of the Pitarian social ethos it is much too early to say.”
    “When can you introduce us to them?” The face of the youngest member of the diplomatic team was alert and anxious.
    In lieu of Pranchavit’s sigh, Harris-Ferrolk responded. “We understand your eagerness. Following the usual final medical checks they must be officially welcomed and then queried. All this they have readily agreed to.” He eyed the junior staff member sternly. “We must insist that they be treated no differently than the representatives of any other sapient species, such as the Quillp or the thranx.”
    “The thranx!” Someone in