“So let us address your real concern; what happens if my reputation is not good enough for the bicycle maker I want? Well, first of all this might be great incentive to improve my work and service to others so I do not run into these issues in the future, but for now there are four options: 1) I can wait as long as it takes for the bicycle maker I want to fit me in, 2) I can find a bicycle maker that is not in such high demand, 3) I can research the issue and do it myself, or 4) I could decide that I do not really need a bicycle anyway - after all, there is no sense in wasting resources if I did not really want it that badly to begin with.
“No matter how powerful I might be in my society I can never deny anyone anything except my own personal labor or expertise that I have earned by my own experience or hard work, and I would suggest that this is the ultimate fairness.”
This led to an interesting thought. “Jaki, on our world our courts have found it necessary to require restaurants, for example, to not discriminate in who they serve. This prevents bigotry and discrimination. I think if we tried to implement your philosophies our society might tear itself apart.”
“You mean,” she responded, “that government has forced someone’s idea of fairness on everyone. Understand this Mark, respect cannot be forced, stolen or forged. In a society where resources are abundant you typically do not find such silly cultural disparities. To use your example, if a restaurateur would not serve a respected person because of the color of their skin they would lose a lot of respect and ultimately it is they who would suffer the most.
“In our experience when societies try to force groups to respect each other it simply breeds long-term resentment and delays true cultural maturity.
“The point you may be missing, however, is that your current global culture could not possibly operate on an equal level as ours because you simply do not have the technology to make it work or the maturity to go along with it.
“And that is what we must decide, Mark. Should Noridia embrace earth? We can help you with advanced technology but who is going to protect you from yourselves? The Coridians might be the least dangerous of your concerns.”
After a few moments I said, “You know, you never really told me if you’re in charge of this mission or how that works.”
“It is pretty simple, really. When a number of us starting feeling that we should contact you a consensus developed around who should lead various aspects of the mission. I am respected enough in these areas that most thought it wise to follow my lead. I am not however what you would call Captain of the ship. Jebul is most respected in navigation and others are respected for their expertise in ship maintenance, etc. We are not a hierarchical society.”
What followed was a comfortable silence while she let me gather my thoughts. It sounded like the perfect opportunity for Earth to be gently guided to the next level. I didn’t really want to admit it but she was right about our culture being immature compared to theirs. Could we make a transition? Would the introduction of advanced technology free us or destroy us? Would they be morally right to refuse us that technology and aid? There’s no way our leaders wouldn’t accept their technology gifts if they were offered, but would that really be wise? The only thing I knew for sure was that these questions were bigger than just me.
Jaki interrupted my thoughts, “So what do you think Mark? Should Noridia embrace earth?”
“Right now, I think the important thing is to get some other people involved with this conversation. We have Ambassador Rutledge and his people that are trained in these issues... well, maybe not exactly these issues but still they should be consulted.”
I was suddenly feeling very exposed here. Surely my lone opinion wasn’t going to change the future of our entire planet, was it?
I forged ahead. “I’m going to inform them that you’re willing to meet with them and discuss this further.”
Jaki laughed. She LAUGHED. She said, “Mark, of course I will talk to others in your group, but remember I am not used to hierarchical structures. I still value what you think and want to know what that is.”
She actually ended the sentence with a raised eyebrow—I’d never seen her do that before.
“I’m going to need some time to think that through. Right now I’m just not sure,” I responded as I stood up. I was really ready for the meeting to be over.
“Hmm, I think perhaps you just do not trust us yet,” she said as she stood herself.
From way too close a distance she stared deeply into my eyes as she smilingly said, “Or is it just me you do not trust?”
Our ‘Gang of Three’ was back in my quarters trying to sort out what I’d learned in my interview with Jaki. The view screen in the sunken living area was incredible. Via verbal command we could scroll through portions of the interview or just tell it to go to a certain point in the conversation.
We had just finished putting our dinner trays into the recycle, dishwasher, disappearing trash thingy and Anzio and Julie were at opposite ends of the couch whereas I had plopped down in a sofa chair. Julie was in her usual cross-legged, lotus style, Zen something sitting posture, slightly leaning forward and focusing on the screen. When she did that, her long straight hair fell forward and she looked like the prettiest 22 year old college girl you could ever dream up. As a matter of fact if she were barefoot and wearing threadbare jeans she would…
Just then my reminiscing was distracted by a subtle chime and Anzio said, “Toni is at the door.”
I looked over my shoulder and sure enough my door had gone transparent (at least from our side) and Dr. Toni Andretti was waiting patiently.
“Come in,” Anzio shouted.
“Anzio, you don’t have to yell,” Julie chided. “The apartment can hear you just fine.”
Toni walked in to a chorus of ‘hellos’ and ‘take a chair Dr. Mom.’
We explained what we were doing and she confirmed that just about everybody on the team was doing the same thing right now.
“You’re a star, Mark,” she told me with a smile.
Julie mumbled something I didn’t quite catch - why did she always give me a hard time? Toni went on to explain that regular interviews with a number of Noridians would start-up again tomorrow.
While we had been more focused on the implications of Jaki’s revelations, Toni seemed more immediately interested in the reaction of the rest of the Diplomatic Group and our Team HQ. So I described for everyone the debriefing I’d had almost immediately after my session.
“I was debriefed by Helmer and Ambassador Rutledge with several of the dips mixed into the fray.”
“What part of the interview were they most concerned with?” Toni wanted to know.
“Well, I’m not really sure. Except for the Ambassador telling me I’d done a good job they didn’t really say or ask me anything.”
“Mark,” Julie said a little incredulously. “Are you telling us that they didn’t care at all about your impressions or any insights you might have?”
“In fairness one of the dips did ask me if I thought Jaki was being sincere.” What I didn’t mention was that this same dip had really wanted to know if Jaki was as hot in person as she looked on the screen.
“They have the video record,” I continued. “And I think they feel that gives them all the info they really need. I listened to them rehash everything for about an hour and eventually asked if I could leave. They waived me out without missing a beat.”