As the Captain went off with the Governor, Dr. Logus at his side, Pirra followed the line of the rest of the crew as they moved through customs.
It was more of a formality than anything; it was clear that the colonists wanted to give a good impression – though this place had seemingly not elected to join back with Earth since zerodrives had been created, either collectively or through the Sapient Union, most such colonies were still keen to maintain friendly relations. Trade and movement of peoples could be a great boon for them.
Each person ahead of her was being scanned and processed briefly, and then handed something – it looked like some sort of text printed on sheets of paper bundled together. It was a very archaic way of transporting information, but some humans seemed to find them meaningful in a cultural sense, and she could understand that.
Pirra watched as each of the children of Executive Officer Urle were given one. They seemed quite excited – probably for the novelty.
Science Officer Cenz stepped up next. The official seemed somewhat flabbergasted about how to scan him.
“Most scanner wands will detect a decentralized nervous system – this is very normal for me,” he helpfully explained. “I am not a singular entity but a macro-entity of nearly one hundred small polyps.”
Pirra tried not to laugh as a large, almost goofy smiling face shone off his face screen. She respected the science officer, but his electronic face was ridiculous at times.
“Ah, very well . . . Cenz,” the bureaucrat said, frowning and looking troubled.
“Commander, if you please,” the coral replied. “I am here in an official capacity.”
“If you say so,” the man said. “Your visa is good for fourteen days, no more.” He jerked his head off to the side to indicate Cenz should move on.
After a moment of hesitation, the science officer did so.
Pirra stepped up next. The man gave her a scowl and waved the scanner wand over her. He frowned at the results.
“Your visa is good for fourteen days, no more,” he said shortly. “On your way.”
She stepped on and passed the man giving out the booklets. Absently, she extended a hand, but the man looked suddenly quite uncomfortable.
“I’m not allowed to give you a book,” he finally said.
“Oh,” she replied, surprised. “All right.” Stepping on, she noticed that he gave one to Alexander.
“What was that about?” he muttered, catching up to her. “He told me my visa could be renewed after fourteen days.”
“Did he?” she asked.
“Yeah. And why wouldn’t he give you a booklet?” He held his up, and she saw that the cover was something about the glory of the dawn.
Cenz came over, nodding. “May I see your booklet Alexander? I admit, I have an interest in the supernatural beliefs of other species.”
“That’s fine by me, I’m not really interested in their religion.” He handed it over. “But do you have any idea why they didn’t give one to you or Pirra?”
“Treaties between species in the Sapient Union,” he replied absently, thumbing through the book. “There have historically been incidents of . . . what we might call overly zealous attempts at conversion between some species. Now it’s very standard to place very strict limits on evangelization. And even though they’re not in the SU, trade agreements always include this clause – otherwise it can cause very messy situations.” He continued to look through the booklet. “In addition, it seems the faith of New Begonia is very human-centric.” He looked up, his electronic face showing a wry smile. “It seems you and I cannot go to heaven, Pirra.”
“A pity,” she replied dryly.
Alexander was looking at her, his expression bothered. She patted him on the arm, but then noticed that the bureaucrats were watching them. Their expressions were not friendly.
“I think we should move on,” she suggested.
Cenz must have noticed as well. “I believe you are correct,” he said, giving Alexander back the booklet. “Good day, Lieutenant – Alexander.” With a stiff semi-bow, Cenz headed away.
“Well, perhaps we should go see if there’s a museum,” Alexander said, forcing a smile.
She knew he felt bothered on her behalf, but she didn’t feel particularly bothered by being excluded from the weird human religion club, even if their magic friend had wanted to include her kind.
“That sounds great,” she said, giving him a smile.
Other Terrestrial 