Sliding Scales Read Online Free PDF

the wisdom in the words of Lwo-Dvuum and Bno-Cassaul. They were rash, in the manner of those not long full-grown from buds. Tvr-Vheequa was more inclined to listen to the admonitions of fellow Elders such as Mua-Briiv.
    Yes, the Vssey possessed advanced devices and modern weapons. But so did the AAnn. And over the centuries the AAnn had used them not to defend against charging pluead or acid-spilling dvojebai, but to build an empire. Tvr-Vheequa had studied their history. The AAnn did not
need
an empire. They simply wanted one. You could cooperate with them, join with them, and enjoy all the benefits of Imperial membership. Or you could resist, as some had, and find your kind subdued through subterfuge, manipulation, corruption, or, if all the other multi-farious means at their disposal failed the clawed ones, force.
    Unless you joined the other, even greater galactic confluence of species called the Commonwealth. TvrVheequa knew far less about the Commonwealth. Only a handful of its representatives had ever visited Jast, and they had not stayed long. From all accounts, they were as impatient as the AAnn and found the slow-moving Vssey and their ways not much to their liking.
    Located between two such vastly more powerful associations of worlds, the independent Vssey had been largely left to themselves until it had been decided to ally informally with the AAnn. Hence the present presence on the planet of AAnn scientific outposts, AAnn forward military bases, AAnn commercial interests, AAnn touristic enterprises, and AAnn governmental agencies and aid programs. For much of this the Vssey were grateful, and found the arrangement to their advantage without having to commit to formal integration with the Empire.
    Except, Tvr-Vheequa reminded himself, for the occasional disquieting incident when Vsseyan niceties found themselves suborned to AAnn insistence, and a couple of recently budded thieves got themselves shot for their trouble instead of reeducated, which would have been the Vsseyan way.
    “Tvr-Vheequa?” Tentacle-tips moved gently against the tentacles that lined the rear semicircle of the thoughtful one as Lwo-Dvuum sought to bring a drifting associate back from contemplation of the sunset—and other things.
    Tvr-Vheequa pivoted. “These are such meaningful matters. Clearly they require much more thought before any sort of serious response can be considere'. I myself will broach the matter to an additional triplet of high worthies and report back to you the nature of their reaction.”
    “Another study group. More talking, more consideration, more thought! But no action.” Bno-Cassaul's impatience was atypical for a Vssey. “Jast will be absorbe' wholly into the AAnn Empire while well-meaning, thoughtful individuals are still discussing the prospective ramifications of possible resistance. When they finally awaken, an independent Jast will be a distant memory suitable only for the casual amusement of curious archivists!”
    Seeing that friend Bno-Cassaul had hopped too far, Lwo-Dvuum hastened to intervene. “Wisdom lies betweenhaste and torpor. You all speak worthwhile thoughts.” One eye swiveled to regard the quietly seething BnoCassaul. “We are not nearly strong enough to move against the AAnn in any significant fashion. Indee', we are barely strong enough to organize these meetings.” The other eye rotated to focus on Tvr-Vheequa. “Talk then to your eminent triplets. With luck you will there find sympathy for our position as well as insight.” Having soothed the situation, Lwo-Dvuum used a dozen tentacles to gesture meaningfully in the direction of the other spectators. Having observed and enjoyed the sunset, the viewing circles were now breaking up and making preparations to return to the city proper.
    “Until the next agree'-upon meeting time and place, it is best we are not seen together in more than a casual pairing. I do not think the AAnn know of our faction or its philosophical bent. It is