Sliding Scales Read Online Free PDF Page A

and those of our own kin' we truste' to look after our interests turn into mindless spore sacs.”
    Next to the Elder, Bno-Cassaul fluttered those tentacles that were not presently interlocked with those of the young historian's immediate neighbors. Like everyone else who had gathered on the outskirts of the city, ostensibly to observe the sunset ritual, Bno-Cassaul formed part of the circle of close friends. Originally a defensive posture that in olden days gone by enabled a group of Vssey to hold off attackers larger and quicker than themselves, the circle had evolved to serve numerous cultural and commercial purposes. It would have astonished the members of the other, similar circles who had also gathered on the ancient wall for the purpose of contemplating the evening sunset that the avowed aim of the one currently occupying the far corner of the revered ramparts was sedition.
    “Somehow we must regain control of our culture,” Bno-Cassaul was saying, “an' expel these fast-moving, fast-talking guests.”
    “How?” wondered a seemingly resigned Tvr-Vheequa. “It cannot be denie' that these AAnn have brought many wondrous things to Jast. As a result, the government is comfortable with the present arrangement and alliance.”
    “Too comfortable by a long hop,” declared BnoCassaul.
    Lwo-Dvuum knew that Bno-Cassaul could be counted on to do whatever was necessary to help expel the domineering AAnn. The trouble was that, while there existed among the circle of friends many who were inclined inthat direction, Bno-Cassaul was the only one who could be counted on. Before any serious moves could be contemplated, the two coconspirators needed the support and cooperation of some of the Elders. Support that needed to take the form of something more substantial than encouraging platitudes.
    Among the Elders who had gathered to converse, MuaBriiv seemed the most likely to lend serious backing. But even that aged worthy, patches of whose trunk-like torso were exfoliating with age, remained far from convinced. Nwi-Pwaal gave voice to such concerns.
    “Even if the majority of Vssey wishe' to oust the AAnn, how could such a thing be accomplishe'? The AAnn are skille' in the arts of war, while we Vssey are a peaceable people.”
    “Our ancestors invente' and built many powerful machines to defen' themselves against the predators of Jast,” Bno-Cassaul pointed out. “While physically we are slow and almost helpless against such as the AAnn, our machines are not.” Reflecting deeply felt passion, the speaker's eyestalks were fully erect and many bubbles accompanied his earnest word-speaking. “It is true that the AAnn are agile, but no AAnn can outrun a heat drill. Their flesh fries as astringently as that of any Vssey.”
    Tvr-Vheequa's tentacles rippled with distress as the orange-hued hearing comb twitched. “Talk of frying flesh unsettles my central digestive system.” By way of supplying visual confirmation, the upper edge of the speaker's listening comb flushed a pale pink. “In this I believe the majority of Vssey would agree with me.”
    “Which is why we must strive harder than ever to convince them of the nee' to make such sacrifices.” LwoDvuum was adamant to the point of bouncing slightly up and down for emphasis, the four protruding fleshy pads at the base of the body contracting forcefully to propelthe speaker straight up into the air—albeit only for a couple of dozen centimeters. Still, it was a vigorous physical exhibition of commitment.
    Tvr-Vheequa rotated to contemplate the last rays of the setting sun. The ancestors of modern-day spectators had gathered here for hundreds of years, ever since the great city of Skokosas had been founded by the Pandur MwuUmool IV at the height of the Guluu Dynasty, blessings be unto its buddings. The direction the circle's conversation was taking made Tvr-Vheequa uncomfortable. Yet in the venous cavities that pumped blood through TvrVheequa's system, the reluctant one saw