Leaving Paradise, page 10
‘But surely coming all this way - hundreds of light years is so complex. You would need to be a brilliant scientist to navigate the craft?’
He explained how powerful the computer was on the craft. He told her to think of the computer as a clever machine. He had not told any of them that Idhouri was alive and sentient.
‘Your computer does most of the work for you?’ she asked.
‘Yes.’
‘But, what about the 'unacceptable' people, how do you stop them from travelling to other planets?’
He laughed, and said, ‘well, there aren't any 'unacceptable' people.’
‘You mean you kill them all!?’ she asked.
‘There aren't any people to kill.’
‘Why? Are you such a tolerant people? Don’t you have taboos?’
‘I like to think we are a tolerant people. We have few taboos, but indeed we do have some. There are no people in our society who we would not want to represent us, because they do not exist. When we find them, we re-educate them, but there are so few.’
‘I don't understand,’ she said, impatiently. ‘Why are they so few?’
‘Why should there be millions? What are the causes of such behaviour?’
‘Well, there are numerous theories - chemical imbalances in the brain, inadequate or poor socialisation, violent sub-cultures, perhaps some people are just evil. Why, what do you think the reasons are?’
Zenan replied, ‘you cannot have all peace-loving people produced by a sick society. If you have many sick individuals, then there must be something wrong with your society. A perfect society cannot produce such imperfections.’
‘And, so, in your 'perfect' society, you only produce 'perfect' people?’ she asked, sarcastically.
‘No, people are not perfect. The idea is to create such a society which would bring out the best in people - their co-operative and emphatic side, and their love of learning and kindness. Some are perhaps less friendly than others or have different senses of humour. People still die and can't have everything they want. But I’m proud to live in the most free, peaceful society in our history.’
‘So, how do I pay for all of the objects which I want?’
‘You don't, you just take it or ask a computer to create it.’
‘You just take it? What about an expensive building all for myself?’
‘Since everything is free, it is impossible for anything to be 'expensive' in the way you mean. You could ask a computer to build you most objects you desired. You probably could have a very large building for yourself, but I haven’t met anyone who does.’
‘Oh.’
‘If you were to come to my world, you would see how it all works.’
‘Is that an offer?’
‘What?’
‘To take me to your world?’
Zenan hesitated. He had not thought about taking anyone from this world to his own, and he told her.
‘I'm not trying to argue with you. It all just sounds, so weird,’ she smiled at him. ‘I don’t want to leave my world, I like having my feet on the ground!’
‘There's nothing wrong with arguing. I would hate for you to sit there and agree with what I say. A healthy discussion is good. It’s good to be home but it can be fun to travel off world and see other places.’
‘What stops anyone from taking everything from a shop?’
‘Why would they bother? There is a limit to the amount you can eat or transport. People know, through a lifetime of experience, there will always be enough available from a distribution point the next time they go there. All information is available via computers, and they are installed in every room in a home or in an individual house.’
‘And who makes everything then?
‘Virtually everything is automated, and computer controlled, and machines supervise other machines. They are more powerful than you can imagine and can work all day and night, never tiring.’
‘Yes, but if machines steal all the jobs, then it only puts people out of work.’
‘Yes, well it would in your society. But that's the way you've got your society organised. Only you can change that.’
Kani nodded, ‘I suppose.’
‘I believe that any human society will have had thinkers, dreamers, theorists and optimists who will have formulated ideas on how to create a better, fairer society. I cannot imagine that such criticism ended with the building of your society.’
‘Of course, there are critiques of this society There are always freaks and those who never think there ideas through and those who only want to make everything far, far worse.’
‘A change in society would not inevitably improve it. There can be regression as well as progression. However, not every critic can be a 'freak'.’
‘I guess I've always considered that our land could be improved with a few different laws and other things. But I have never thought about changing the whole of my society.’
‘Jozher said much the same. It is to be expected.’
‘But no one told me to believe in any of the beliefs I have. I am an independent woman with enough brain power to decide what is right and wrong. Are you saying people are mindless and stupid?’
‘No, the ideas permeate throughout every information access point - through your music, through your schools, families and books and so on. It must be hard to break free from the ideas.’
‘You speak with such confidence and an absolute belief. Don't you have any doubts?’
‘I have a billion educated citizens, and machines that dwarf the minds of a million people who would support me and all I say.’
‘You're an Alien. Your way of life sounds utterly unworkable. Yet you seem so confident and happy and you're so... well, attractive.’
Zenan looked at her, and replied, ‘I find you attractive as well. It's amazing for me. I didn't come so far, to be locked up like this. I imagined so many possibilities and this wasn't one of them! I never thought I'd be sitting in a room, against my wishes talking an Alien, especially one who looked like me. I expected to perhaps, find some primitive animal swimming in water.’
‘I do feel sorry for you being here, like this, I'm sorry but I can’t do more than talk to you. I can swim, but I hope you don’t see me as a primitive animal!’
‘Far from it, you are a sophisticated person.’
They talked more until Kani said it was time to leave. His translator’s grasp of the language was awesome, and he wished he had been able to communicate with others on the first moment of his arrival. For all their differences in experiences and beliefs he enjoyed her company.
13. Intimacy
He grew to rely on her visits; she bought him different foods, and a variety of music. They could have fun and she was the only person he could talk to. She relaxed in his company and began to share more intimate stories of her life and family. Every nine days there were two rest days and she did not appear. He confessed when she came back that it was painful to be without her. He wanted to meet her sister who sounded like fun. She told him no one else was permitted to see him. Even her sister was unaware of his existence.
They agreed on which music they liked the most and would often listen in silence after eating. He knew these pleasant days were going to end whether in violence, threats or Kani no longer appearing. He longed for them to end with his release, but he doubted she had such power.
The days passed, and he felt she was his only friend on the world. He tried to convince her of the wonders of his home, the delicious food, entertainment and learning, and listened to what she said about her life and experiences. Her voice was beautiful as were her looks. There had been no touching between them and he didn’t expect any. She had not asked for anything in return, none of the demands of Jozher or the vile threats and actions of the man had he killed.
There was a whole day when unexpectedly she did not appear and when she finally arrived the following day she saw his unhappiness. He reached out and touched her hands. He felt her freeze, apologised and stepped back. He explained how he missed her and she replied she was ill. He was disappointed at her obvious fear; did she truly distrust him but hid it well?
She quickly recovered and apologised. She explained she still felt unwell and there were problems at home with her sister. He said he understood. She wore a short top with straps around her neck; her shoulders were bare, and he was shocked to see so much of her flesh. Her hair was tied back high and long in a tail which looked amazing. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she had a slight cough. She sat next to him, relaxed, and gave him a genuine smile.
She talked about her sister and her problems. He listened sympathetically. Changing the subject, she suddenly asked, ‘why did you leave your world? Was it a punishment?
‘It was considered the greatest prize in our history,’ he explained.
They were sat on the sofa with a hand’s gap between them. She turned and looked at him, cocking her head to one side. She smiled and suddenly put her hand to her red mouth and laughed. It was infectious, and he laughed. She clutched at her stomach and appeared to be uncomfortable. He had not seen her look so happy before. It took a minute, but she calmed down and got her breath back.
‘I came here in the spirit of friendly adventure and curiosity. I was so cautious and careful and now look at how I am. I can see that it looks more like a punishment than a happy prize!’
‘I was only thinking if this was your wonderful prize what would your punishment be? I do laugh at the wrong times. I’m sorry. I’ve been unwell, and this is my release.’
He looked amused and replied, ‘I understand. The intention was to reward, not punish us. I did see the prospect of leaving home as potentially dangerous. I can see the bleak humour in coming here in the way I did and being a threat. Everyone back home saw this as a reward and would be distressed to see me like this.’
‘Our security people see you as a hostile alien coming to conquer.’
‘Your world has nothing we need, we only left to explore.’
‘I can see that now. You aren’t a threat to us. You just want to go home. You wouldn’t want to come back?’
‘I don’t intend to leave my home again! This has been an amazing adventure, unforgettable but not one I wish to repeat.’
She looked uncomfortable, put her hand over his and said in a whisper, ‘you should not have been treated like this.’
Her hands were warm and soft. He longed for the touch of someone who cared for him. He marked that conversation with her as the most significant, from when she showed no more hostility or fear towards him.
They carried on listening to music together and she ate with him. She sat close enough that they were touching.
‘Would you mind holding my hand?’
He grasped her hand, which was small and warm. She went to the music player and put on songs he had not heard before. He listened and was surprised at the intensity of the first song, the sheer amazing passion and power of the words. The singer’s voice was unlike any he had heard before; both beautiful and unique. His heart beat fast and he moved his body and head to the beat. He felt warm from the passion of the music. The next piece was humorous and made him smile. It was the gentle piece before the violence; the next one moved him in a way he rarely felt before, the beauty of the instruments and the tones they produced was perfect, the words were about love and the loss of a partner through death. Tears fell. He thought of Kesh, Dertuisc and Yudia. He looked at Kani wondering if she intended for him to feel this way. He saw her lips trembling and dampness in her eyes. She seemed in a trance but blinked and looked at him. Seeing his tears, she looked astonished and handed him a small piece of cloth.
‘Thank you,’ he said.
She explained it was to wipe his eyes. He smiled and did so.
‘You are not so different from us then,’ she quietly said. ‘I thought you a monster at first.’
A monster? he thought and grimaced.
Kani lowered voice. ‘How do you feel about being here?’
He softly said, ‘I have never been in a locked room before. I've had my arm removed. I regret killing that man, but he attacked me in a way I had not experienced before. I came to this world as a peaceful explorer and did not expect this.’
‘I might be able to help you escape; if you can answer a few questions for me.’
His heart beat faster, and he tried to calm himself. ‘Please, ask,’ he replied.
‘Why won't you let some people onto your ship? I'm sure you could advance us greatly and help us.’
Zenan explained, ‘firstly it is the method; attempting to obtain information from me by confinement, and threats of punishment. Secondly, I do not know whether I could, under any circumstances relinquish the ship and my own knowledge.’
‘Why?’ she whispered.
‘Well... your world is separated by languages and divided into competing associations of languages or colour of skin and religion.’
‘Yes. It’s always been that way.’
‘I could not seek to give one an advantage over any other. I cannot imagine that any information given, or technology taken would be allowed to benefit everyone equally. Imagine if suddenly the security people of your land were able to travel fast across the world via the air with superior weapons: one group gains advantage and uses it to subdue another or kill and conquer.’
It sounds grim,’ she agreed, ‘what about the equipment in your arm? Will that help them?’
‘It may but the size of the weapon is so small, we have only been able to manufacture it recently. I doubt you will be able to copy it. The strands which carried the power to the shield are hundreds of times narrower than a person’s hair.’
He touched her shoulder, feeling the softness of her shirt. ‘You do smell so nice,’ he commented.
‘Thanks. So, there are some things you do like about our world, then?’
‘I never said I rejected every aspect of your world. I have seen so little of it, a small part of one city and many days trapped here.’
Kani smiled, shook her head and rubbed her hands together. ‘It doesn't matter. It was just a silly thing I said. ‘Why did you really come here and hide from us?’
‘I came here alone, and I hid because I did not know what reaction there would be.’
She changed to a whisper again, ‘travelling so far all alone, that’s brave or crazy. I'll think today, how I can get you out of here. After all, all you did was to come here as a peaceful explorer, and they're holding you against your will. They've already removed your arm. You have a right to defend yourself against such cruelty.’
‘It was my own naiveté and inquisitiveness which made me leave the ship so readily. Are you sure you want to help me? What would they do to you if they captured me, and knew you had helped? Would they harm or kill you?’
She smiled and put a finger to Zenan’s mouth, ‘don't be silly. They don't kill people for that. We do have system of justice here; however bad it may be to you. I can't guarantee I can get you out of here.’
‘You're my only option,’ Zenan said.
‘Don't make me feel any more nervous about it than I already am! I think we'd better stop whispering now, they might be curious as to what's happening.’
‘Are they listening to us?’
‘No, they rely on me to tell them everything we have talked about. I come in here and try and obtain the information from you. I am a trusted person.’
She moved closer and put her arm around his shoulders. ‘Helping you will be my good deed for the year... or maybe my lifetime! Mind you it feels good, rebelling against authority. They always think they can get away with everything. How dare they hold you!’
‘They have power and weapons. I do not.’
‘Look, tell me more about your craft. What does it look like on the outside? I've never see it.’
‘It's a mottled coloured grey - the natural colour of the materials it’s primarily constructed of. It is cramped inside. There were few luxuries. The engine compartments take up a large part of the craft's interior.’
Kani looked at her watch. She pulled back and apologised. ‘Look, I'm sorry, but I didn't realise how long I'd been. I have obligations to people. You understand?’
‘When will you come back? It seemed as though the last time you would never come back.’
She kissed him on his cheek, ‘time must really drag in here. Here, you can have my watch.’ She handed it to him. ‘When the counter reaches the number four, for a second time, that's when I'll be back. I have to come later tomorrow.’
At least now he had an instrument that showed when she would return. He followed her as she walked to the door, and when she turned around to take a final look at him, he kissed her cheek. He knew there must be other women like Kesh, who wanted to help him, and perhaps one had been accidentally brought to him. Her physical beauty was now supplemented by something of much greater value - her willingness to support him. No matter if their attempt were to fail, he would always regard her as a true friend, one of only two he had made since he arrived here.
He slept a troubled night. He was fascinated by the movement of the watch. It was a delicate piece of work with two small dials constantly moving. It was difficult not to keep studying it. He found it difficult to eat as his stress levels were high, but he forced himself to, in case he needed to run or exert himself during the escape. He paced up and down the room and grew more impatient. When she arrived, she looked worried. Perhaps she had changed her mind? He waited for the door to close. Finally, she said, ‘I've planned it all.’
He noticed a damp patch on her forehead, and gently went to wipe it.
‘I'm hot. I'm nervous. I'm not used to this kind of thing,’ she said, apologetically.
‘Nor am I.’
She held his hand and they both sat on the edge of the bed. She leaned forward so he could feel her warm breath on his ear, and explained, ‘I've planned it as best I could, tomorrow is the day we will try. I have a key and the access code for the building. Once in the vehicle rest area though, you'll have to get in a hiding place before we leave this area because it will be searched. I'll try and use my feminine charms to distract anyone from searching, but you'll have to be ready to fight if you are discovered.’
