A Matter Of Perspective
The alien minister first asked the question of Captain Archer, who sensing a major faux pas 'in the making', decided to pass it on to Commander Tucker, who was after all, Chief Engineer, and could with some authority 'discuss the practical aspects'. The problem was, although Trip Tucker was an absolute genius regarding engineering matters, his grasp of the liberal arts and social sciences left something to be desired. Horthrax did not want an engineering lecture on 'why pyramids were stable'; rather he was eager to know if humans held the 'sacred shape' with the same reverence, 'as surely the Creator was present in all things, everywhere'. This first contact mission was in danger of failing, even before much had been discussed.
Lieutenant Reed, who had been acting as 'Security Advisor' during the conference, wondered if 'in the future' it might be possible to insist that all officer candidates not only take the bare minimum of 'other than their major' classes to get their degree, but in addition comprehensive emersion courses in human culture. He stepped up to the challenge and responded to the First Minister's question thus saving the mission from early termination.
"Oh, First Minister," he exclaimed, emphasizing the reverence due such a person of importance, "Earth has some truly ancient pyramids, by the accounting of our years, some four thousand cycles old . . ." Malcolm was able to forestall Trip from launching into a no doubt accurate, but uninspiring account of engineering principles, and focused on the inherent beauty of pyramids located on planet Earth, including the modern glass and steel varieties. And he had pictures on his PADD, which set Horthrax to making appreciative sounds.
Reed then made an 'educated guess' and mentioned the 'great stone circle' in his home country – Stonehenge – "though not as "advanced" as a pyramid, had secrets of its own." He then showed the First Minister the evidence of it being an indication of the seasons – and the rituals that were held each year by believers in the old ways. This forestalled questions about ceremonies connected on any pyramid on Earth, as by extension, Malcolm thought questions about 'other faiths' might be in 'bad form' in his presence. He hoped that the specialists aboard ship could explain the history and belief systems connected to the pyramids, given time . . .
OOOOO
Later, Malcolm was in the Mess Hall, sipping a strong cup of tea, when he noticed the captain, Trip and Chef heading in his direction with a strange-looking (what he assumed was) cake. "Oh, let me guess . . ." said the amused Reed. "Stonehenge. Doesn't make a very good shaped dessert, does it?" And it made even less after they 'demolished' it.
OOOOO
A.N. About thirty-some years ago, my husband and I were invited to a fancy brunch with his father, taking place at a well-appointed hotel in our area. An acquaintance of my father-in-law owned the hotel, and he was regarded as an astute businessman: the meal was quite lovely with music supplied by a live harpist. I was surprised however, as was my husband, by the presence of a glass pyramid in the lobby, prominently displayed with cases of wine in the interior. My father-in-law gave us a pained look (he was an engineer by profession) and said, "He thinks that putting wine in a pyramid improves its quality." By silent agreement, nothing more was said on the subject; it would of course been 'in bad taste'.
Inspired, in part, by the classic Alan Parson's Project song . . .