Part II: Integration

Chapter 9

"When we are born, we cry that we are come

To this great stage of fools."

-William Shakespeare, King Lear .9-11

Elizabeth was too excited to sleep on the plane, even though she had not slept at all the night before. She had now in her phone Secretary Liam's assistant's number, in case she discovered anything else. She was more determined than ever to translate the captain's log and learn the language, but right now she had more interesting things to think of.

She was in a luxury airplane with the Vellorians and their translators and companions. They were heading across the United States, then over the Pacific Ocean to land in Beijing. The world tour, as agreed by the world governments, would begin in Asia, then move to the Middle East and Europe, then Egypt and South Africa, and finally the Americas. She was glad North America was last. She did not relish returning to her birthplace. There were so many painful memories there – the foster care after her parents had died, the public schools where everyone made fun of her for her accent and for her love of books – she had never understood those children. Will was the only real friend she had had since her parents died. She and her brother had grown apart after that. John was always insisting that everything was God's will and for the best – but Elizabeth could not think like that. Her best friend, Maisee, had died also in the plague that wiped out so many in their village.

Dresle was a new friend, of course. She sat next to Elizabeth, full of excitement. She was at the window, watching as New York sank below them. The cat, Sebastian, had been allowed to come with them, and was now purring on her lap. All of the Vellorians kept their breathing masks on, although Laufa removed his several times during the flight, apparently to test it.

After an hour or two Elizabeth began to settle down, and leaned back in her chair, putting her earphones in. She thought she might try to rest, and turned on Wagner's Gotterdammerung. A second later someone tapped her arm. She looked over and saw Dresle trying to talk to her. She took out her ear phones.

"What is it?" she asked.

"What are you doing?" asked Dresle. "What are those in your ears?"

"These? Oh, I'm listening to music. Music runs from the phone into these tubes, which then play music in my ears, so as not to bother anyone else."

"Can I try it?"

"May I?" She couldn't help correcting, then blushed. It was as if she were a mother chiding a three-year-old.

"May I try it?" Dresle continued, not noticing the linguist's embarrassment at all.

"Of course," Elizabeth said.

Dresle put the earphones in her ears and seemed delighted with the discovery. Elizabeth got out her notebook, smiling, and began to look at the Ashtauz script again. Only a few minutes passed and then Elizabeth looked over in alarm – Dresle was gasping again, but all the other Vellorians were looking at her in amazement, breathing perfectly normally. Then Elizabeth realized that Dresle was sobbing – sobbing uncontrollably. "What's the matter? Are you hurt?" But the other Vellorians looked stern and disapproving.

"The music…is so beautiful," she said.

Elizabeth was astonished, more at the disapproving glances than at Dresle's reaction.

"Don't you have music on your planet?"

Dresle nodded. "Yes. But it's not like this." She took off the earphones. "All our music is produced by mathematical formulae, and performed synthetically. Although I heard that some other countries have baser forms of music. But this is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. Won't you play us some more music?"

Elizabeth suddenly had an idea. "Yes, gladly," she said. The other Vellorians were talking together.

"Yes, we would like to hear some of your Earthly music," they said.

Everyone else on the airplane then (the other linguists and aides) added some of their music to Elizabeth's phone, and the flight attendant took it to the front to talk to the captains and see if they could play the music over the speakers. Everyone seemed to think it was a great idea, and the Vellorians looked interested, even excited. Even the usually languorous Marco seemed animated by the prospect. It was the first time since they first arrived at the U.N. library that they seemed intrigued – Elizabeth noticed it was when they were confronted with something cultural or historical. They brightened somehow, but with an obvious haughtiness that showed it was all somehow beneath them. Elizabeth could understand a natural haughtiness when it came to their technology, but she did not see how they could consider themselves superior in any other way – granted, she knew nothing of their society or their planet. Their music could clearly not be superior if it were composed and produced synthetically.

The first song started on the speakers. It was the Beatles' song Across the Universe. She had set it on the playlist to play first, and watched eagerly the faces of the visitors as it played. They did not seem impressed.

"What is this?" asked Svaltu. "It sounds like the rustic murmurings of the most savage of our race."

"Is this song about space exploration?" asked Arjen. "I do not understand all the words. What is a 'paper cup' and a 'letterbox'?"

"It is clearly symbolic," Christoph argued, "for some kind of journey through space."

"Ridiculous!" said Esma. "I will bet it is simply inane babbling. What does this mean: 'dance around me like a million suns?' As if a million suns could be anywhere that close together, or that they could dance."

"I like the strings in it," said Dresle.

"Of course you would," replied Esma scornfully.

"I like it too," said Marco unexpectedly. Esma cast a glance at him but did not respond.

Then the song ended. "We must hear it again," said Darius. But the next song began, this time a piece of modern rock music, and they started arguing again. They slipped sometimes into their own language in their discussion. But Elizabeth had seen what she wanted. It was obvious that none of these beings had ever heard the song before.

She had not been Will's friend for so long for nothing. She had recalled his telling her, among other extraterrestrial trivia, that "Across the Universe" was the first song ever sent out in radio signals across space, so it would be the first that aliens who were listening would hear.

Of course, she also knew Will would simply say that this proved nothing. They could have received other messages; or these particular cosmonauts may not have heard the particular song played for them, while others had. She turned to Dresle. "Have you ever heard that song before?"

"No," she said. "But I don't like this one." She had her hands over her ears.

The next song was a choral piece by Mozart. The Vellorians went on arguing, through 20th and 21st Century songs, rock, Celtic, symphonic, gospel, country, pop, blues, folk, African pieces as well as famous Asian musical artists. The next song that began to play was Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. One by one they all ceased their argument, until they were listening intently. Dresle began crying again, and even Christoph could not stop a tear coming to his eyes. But none of them said anything about it, even after the song had ended. They listened to the next song and began arguing again, and Dresle would say nothing when Elizabeth tried to talk to her about it. Clearly these beings were human in heart, however superior they might seem mentally. For another hour or so the music played. Dresle liked best when the Phantom of the Opera played over the speakers.

"What a glorious voice!" she cried. "What does it mean – 'angel of music'? What is an 'angel'?"

Elizabeth tried to explain a metaphysical being and Esma said, "No one could sing this high. It is ridiculous! It must be fake!"

"I could sing that high," said Dresle. It seemed to have just slipped out. She sat, looking aghast at her compatriots. In the complete silence that followed they stared at her with amazement, and some disapproval. "I mean, I imagine I could – not that I imagine some things," she tried to correct herself. "I mean – maybe it could go that high. I have never tried."

They were all still staring at her in disbelief. Some of them even shook their heads. Then one of the linguists made an awkward comment on the next song that was playing, and they turned their attention to him. Elizabeth leaned over and asked her companion, "Are you okay? What was that about?"

She did not expect Dresle to answer, but to her surprise she did, and without attempting to conceal her answer. "In our great society, individuals are not permitted to indulge themselves in any private displays of artistic craft or any other personal distractions. We are permitted to practice only the career the society has chosen for us."

"But that's dreadful! So your society has no music, or art, or literature?"

"No, we do. I told you before about the music – maybe you have forgotten – Laufa says we must forgive your slow minds." Elizabeth felt a little irked by this but she did not interrupt. "We have all these arts, but only certain people are chosen to perform them, because of their special skills. I was not chosen for music, so it is inappropriate for me to even think about singing myself – that simply glorifies me and does no good for society."

"So – no one gets to choose their own career?"

Dresle looked puzzled. "No. Why should they?"

"But what if they're given a profession they do not like?"

"Oh, that doesn't happen," said Dresle dismissively. "The society takes great care to observe each person from childhood, to see what they are good at and what they are like. That way every citizen is content and suited to the job."

"Do you like your job?"

"Oh, yes, I did. I mean, I do – I like studying plants. At first I thought they might assign me as a gardener, but I was always very good at chemistry."

"And you like animals, too."

"That's true – but we didn't have very many animals in our country. I mean – we ate them, but besides the farmers who care for them, none of us really saw them."

"And are your animals anything like ours?"

"I think so," said Dresle uncertainly. "I'm not sure. Maybe."

Night came as they were flying. The lights dimmed and one by one the travelers fell asleep; but Elizabeth was wide awake with excitement. She took out her phone and saw that she had received a text several hours before. It was from her brother. She scrolled down the page to read it.

Dear Liz, [it read]

Erin and I saw you on TV this morning at the U.N. meeting with the aliens. The kids pointed you out to us! We thought you looked very well. We didn't know you were helping translate for them – what a difficult job! We heard on the news that the aliens were going to travel around the world. Does that mean you will return to Oxford? We would certainly love for you to come visit us anytime.

We've been watching the news all day, and there have been many discussions on where the aliens come from, and what their purpose is here. Something that really upset me was the constant reference they made to the "fact" of the aliens' existence must prove there is no God or that the Bible is wrong. Actually, it in no way contradicts the Bible. In Genesis, when describing God's creation of the universe, it says, "The heavens and earth were finished, and all the host of them" (2:1). This could refer to any number of other planets and forms of life. Also, Jesus speaks of it in John 10:16. "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold." He could be speaking of life on other planets, which are also His. I wanted to share this with you, because I hoped you could appreciate it, too. I am going to give a sermon on the subject tomorrow morning.

Please write us back and let us know what you are doing. Did you get the music I sent you in the mail? I hope you enjoyed it.

Love,

John

Elizabeth sighed. Whenever her brother wrote or called, she was swelled with memories that depressed her. She wrote back a quick note, or else, she knew, he would just write again.

Thanks for the note. I got the music – it's very nice. Thank you. Say hi to the family. Liz.

She thought about what her brother had said. She had not, obviously, watched any news that day, although the TV had been on in the lounge where she had been sitting. Leave it to John to always try to fit everything into a Biblical point of view. The coming of these visitors fit into no point of view that she could imagine. She had always thought the possibility of alien life absurd; yet, now that it was here, it was nothing like she could have imagined. The likelihood that life had evolved not only to such a state elsewhere in the universe, that that life should be so nearly human, and should find its way to a human planet among all the empty galaxies, seemed infinitesimal. And yet the theory she had already heard, that mankind was simply a seed planted from some alien race (presumably the Vellorians) was absurd, no matter what Will said.

The Vellorians began to wake, one by one. It had only been two or three hours, but they acted as if they had had a full night's rest. Marco pandiculated. "Are we there yet?" he said. He looked out the window. "Where are we?"

"If you press this screen, you'll be able to see the map of the world as we fly around it," said a linguist by him. "I think you'll find we still have about eight hours to fly."

"Eight hours?" repeated Marco in disbelief. "These ships are so slow. Why, I've been around the globe in three hours in my –" he stopped suddenly, seeing Laufa and Christoph's faces. "I mean, I'm sure I could. What does this ship run on?"

"Um… gas I think?" said the linguist uncertainly.

"Petroleum," said Arjen. "I asked the captain on our last ship."

"How crude," grimaced Marco.

"You can go and speak with the captains," said the linguist, attempting to please. "I'm sure they could tell you more."

Marco and Darius got up and began to stroll through the ship toward the nose.

Elizabeth at last fell asleep, and only woke when they were coming down toward Beijing. The lights were gleaming brightly as they flew over the city. It was evening, just beginning to grow dark. Some A.C. government officials met them when they exited the plane. The press was there, taking photos and asking questions. They ignored the press and followed their hosts to some cars that were waiting to take them to the place they would be staying.

The hotel was magnificent. Elizabeth had never seen anything so beautiful in her life. There were gardens and fountains, as well as shining crystal pools and luxurious chairs. There were bars and restaurants nestled amid the flowers and trees. Dresle was fascinated by all the different plants, but she did not have a chance to examine them yet. They were ushered through the lobby amid many gawking people. Security guards flanked the visitors, so no one could approach.

They had the whole top floor to themselves. This was the most luxurious of the entire hotel. They each had their own suite, and their aides and linguists were on the same floor. Security guards patrolled the halls at all times, not only to protect the Vellorians, but perhaps also to keep watch over them. Governments were still wary of the purposes and abilities of these alien creatures.

The concierge showed Dresle to her room, with Elizabeth following behind. It was a gorgeous set of rooms, complete with living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and two baths. Dresle walked through in wonder.

"Where are Esma and Svaltu going to sleep?" she asked Elizabeth.

"What do you mean?" asked Elizabeth, confused.

"There are no beds or hammocks for them."

"Oh, no – they have their own rooms."

"Oh," she said, then looked around again. "But there's no place for you to sleep either – although I suppose you could sleep on one of these, whatever they are. They look comfortable."

"Well, I have my own room too."

Dresle looked puzzled. "Then, who is sleeping in here with me?"

"No one. You have the room all to yourself."

Dresle turned pale.

"What is it?"

"I've – I've never been by myself before."

"You've always had room-mates?"

"Yes, well, I suppose you could call it that. In my society we were never alone, even for a moment. There was no need for us to be. It is healthier to be around others. When you're alone you can, well …" She stopped, as if not knowing how to explain.

"So, you've never been alone, ever, in one hundred and sixty-eight years? What about baths or bathrooms?"

"Those are public," said Dresle, looking surprised. "Why, have you ever been alone?"

"All the time," said Elizabeth in equal astonishment. "I live by myself."

"How strange," said Dresle.

"Have you always shared a room with other people?"

"Other women of my station. When I was a child, all the children of my group were housed together, with an instructor or matron. When I got older, I was housed with other women who were botanists or chemists. Then, when I was on the ship, of course, I shared a room with Esma, Svaltu, and the other women."

"The ones who died?"

"Yes." She looked down at her hands. "Where is your room?"

"Just down the hall. Do you want to see it?"

"Sure!"

The concierge, with a smile, led them down the hall to a smaller, but no less luxurious room. "How wonderful!" cried Elizabeth.

"Maybe I could sleep here with you," said Dresle.

Elizabeth looked and saw that her companion actually appeared pale and a little worried. "Don't worry about that," she said. "I'll ask permission to sleep in your apartments – I sleep perfectly well on couches."

Dresle smiled and looked relieved.

Permission was soon asked and granted, and about an hour later they were all escorted down to a formal dinner with the leaders of Beijing. New clothes had been provided for them in their room – traditional Chinese costumes – and Elizabeth had helped Dresle to don hers, since the Vellorian had no idea how to put it on. They took their oxygen masks off in order to eat, but only for about a minute at a time, or else they had trouble breathing. Elizabeth had not known how to do her hair or Dresle's in the right style, but a very kind Chinese woman had come up to their room to help them prepare. Elizabeth had a delight in speaking Mandarin in its native country. She had never been to (what had been) China before. There were seven other linguists or aides who joined them at dinner – one for each of the Vellorians, who had been chosen at the U.N., as she had. Elizabeth noticed the U.N. had chosen female translators for Esma and Svaltu, and male for the other five, since they seemed to prefer this type of segregation. Christoph did not seem to need a translator, however. He was picking up Chinese as quickly as he had picked up English a month before. Elizabeth could not help but admire him – Laufa still scared her a little bit and she avoided those commanding yellow eyes.

After dinner, their hosts walked them around the hotel to give them a tour – there was a massage parlour with manicures and pedicures; several pools and hot tubs of different shapes and designs, saunas and hot springs. The Vellorians did not seem very interested in any of these things, except for Dresle who was disappointed that the gardens were closed at night.

It was about midnight by the time they were escorted back to their rooms. Elizabeth put on some pajamas that were in the wardrobe, then she curled up on the couch to sleep. Dresle, however, was not ready yet to sleep. She had slept two or three hours on the plane and that seemed enough for her, for a while at least. She wandered around the room, inspecting everything and asking questions, especially about the lavatory accessories. She wanted to know what the curling iron, hair dryer, straightener, and makeup was for, and seemed amused when Elizabeth explained their purposes.

"We did not use such things in my society," she said.

"Why not?" asked Elizabeth, although privately she thought they were all beautiful enough not to need makeup – none of them were wearing it and still outshone the most beautiful of human beings.

Dresle looked at her as if the answer were obvious. "Why should we? Physical appearance had no place in the discussion of beauty or science," she said.

"That's wise," said Elizabeth, who had always felt plain with her freckles and glasses. "You don't wear glasses either then?"

"Glasses? What is this glasses?"

"These lenses I wear – they help me see better."

"Oh, is that what they're for? You mean your eyes are bad?"

"Well, they get worse as I get older."

"How strange. I thought they were for some kind of protection for your eyes. But are you considered old for your people?"

"Oh, no – I'm still relatively young," Elizabeth smiled. "But there are people who have died at my age, or even younger." She thought of her parents and her smiled faded.

Dresle did not seem moved by this declaration. "How old do your people usually live?"

"About eighty. Most don't go over that. Although a lot die sooner."

"Eighty! That is a strange thing! We are hardly full-grown at eighty. But you must have deteriorated a lot."

"But – maybe the years on your planet are longer or shorter than ours." She thought she could try this theory again. "How long are they in relation to our solar years?"

"Hmm?" said Dresle distractedly. "Oh, the same."

"The same?" said Elizabeth in surprise. "You mean three hundred and sixty-five days made up of twenty-four-hour days?"

"I think so," said Dresle, now turning Elizabeth's phone upside down and looking at it. From this Elizabeth gathered that Dresle really had no idea. She would have to ask Esma if she wanted to know.

"Do you want to know how this works? Here, let me show you." She took the phone from Dresle and showed her how pressing on the screen could bring up different options. Dresle could read English well now, but some of the computer terms still confused her.

"I want to listen to the music again," she said.

Elizabeth found the playlist and showed her how to scroll through, to pick which song she wanted. "You don't need the earphones," she said. "You can play it straight from the speakers. It won't bother me."

Dresle smiled and tripped with the phone into her room, where she began to change into more comfortable clothes. Elizabeth could hear the music playing through the opened door. She fell asleep to the music of the Phantom of the Opera, and could hear, ever so softly, Dresle singing with it.