Vaakne cocked his head to one side, looked at the roll of papers in his hands, then looked back at the naked, hairy creatures that had delivered it. "Government? This not understand."
Armath scratched at his shoulder with a clawed hand. "Study the regulations for savage planets, creature, and you will see. Bendadn no longer is a savage planet, and you must leave." The six Benda males turned and left Vaakne standing alone.
On the RMI ship back to Earth, Jacob Lynn frowned and turned to the two guards who had spent the first several days of the trip following him like a shadow. "Do you have to follow me around like that? It's not like I could escape."
One of the guards shrugged, then rubbed his chin. "Where'll you be, Mr. Lynn—just in case someone should ask?"
"I'm going to the ship's lounge to have a drink."
The two guards looked at each other, shrugged, then the first guard spoke to Lynn. "Okay, but don't get lost." They turned and went back to their quarters.
Lynn moved through the corridor until it widened into the ship's lounge. He walked directly to the bar, obtained a double whiskey, then turned to survey the open booth seats. He saw a graying man with glasses sipping at a Martini. He walked to the booth and looked down at him. "May I, Fellman?"
Michael looked up and smiled. "Be my guest, sahib."
Lynn made a wry smile, then sat down. He took a swallow from his drink, then lowered it to the table. "I suppose you know what's going to happen to me?"
Michael shook his head. "Only a little. Is it true that RMI is bringing charges against you?"
Lynn snorted. "Yeah. Like I did it all by myself. I'm their scapegoat so they can remain on Bendadn. It seems that they are willing to try and work within the framework of your government, Fellman."
Michael shook his head and smiled. "It's not my government, Mr. Lynn. It's theirs."
"I suppose in some philosophical sense you think you've created Utopia."
Michael sipped at his drink, then raised his eyebrows. "No, Mr. Lynn. The government of the Benda is far from perfect. Only the males can vote or serve in government. I advised them to extend those rights to the females to avoid a future headache, but as I said it's their government." Michael studied the former project manager. "Mr. Lynn, your problems stem from failing to take your own advice."
Lynn raised an eyebrow, then he turned back to his drink. "What advice?"
"Adapt to the circumstances of your environment, or go under. The environment changed, Mr. Lynn. RMI adapted; you did not."
Lynn took a swallow of his drink, then looked at Michael. "Why are you going back to Earth, Fellman? I would have thought that you would have carved a nice little place for yourself in the new society."
Michael leaned back and returned Lynn's glance. "I told you. My government isn't on Bendadn; mine is on Earth. Since leaving Earth, I've learned a little about environments, circumstances, and—if I may use the word—ideals. I'm going back to see if I can find ears willing to listen to what I have to teach."
Lynn laughed, then shook his head. "As a teacher, Fellman, you are poison on Earth. You'll die on the vine."
Michael finished off his Martini, then stood and faced Lynn. "Perhaps, Mr. Lynn, but at least I'll find the vine I die on quite comfortable."
Lynn frowned. "I don't understand you at all, Fellman."
Michael smiled. "I don't doubt it." Michael Fellman turned and left the lounge. Lynn stared at the door through which the history instructor had left, then he turned and finished his drink.