“Shoot, and all along I thought he was just a dead.” It abruptly occurred to Ross that this might be an auspicious time to shut up.
Another alien picked up the tale. ‘ten one day long ago he simply vanished. We have been hunting for him ever since, as have the vindictive Culakhan. So have the T-trimot and the Jaarawamba.”
“T’trimot and Jarra-whowa?”
Jed was quick to explain. ‘two additional species with no sense of the self-absurd.”
Ross Ed scratched the back of his head. “You seem to have insulted a lot of folks.”
“It is in the nature of the creative to be controversial.” The deceased did not sound in the least contrite. “A tremendous responsibility, which began to weigh heavily upon me.”
The tallest of the onlookers bent low over the motionless corpse. “You have given us a worrisome time. All these many years of searching and then, out of nowhere, the modified Veqq signal, li is regrettable that the Culakhan also detected it. In addition to which, you are dead..” The official straightened. “Nevertheless, there will be rejoicing at your return. If you can still create.”
“That is so. Unfortunately. To be perfectly honest, I was much happier ambling about the world we have just left in the company of my primitive friend. You see, I was tired of creating, exhausted by the burden, worn out by the responsibility. That’s why I fled, seeking a place where I could recharge my enthusiasm and regain my interest. In their mental nakedness and lack of sophistication, backward worlds can often be inspiring. I found one such place. Unfortunately, while I can easily manage great epics, i am less comfortable with technology. I made a mess of my approach, and the planet in turn made a hash of me. I’d still be nothing but dead meat if the human hadn’t found me.
“And incidentally, before I forget, please convey my compliments to the manufacturer of this survival suit.”
“It will be done, Enlightenment. Much remains to be discussed, but as I said, first we have a battle to win.” He touched a finger to his head. “The Culakhan are attempting an englobement. Steps must be taken to prevent it.”
“Look here,” Ross inquired, “should I put on a seat belt or something?”
They blinked at him, a reaction that was disconcerting when performed in concert. “You may remain here with the Enlightenment. All necessary steps are being taken.”
Three mushroom-shaped chairs emerged from the floor, each beneath a different Shakaleeshva. One zoomed off with the tallest, hurdled the console from which he and his companions had emerged, and promptly climbed the nearest wall. The others split in opposite directions. Once again Ross Ed was alone with his friend.
Brilliant bursts of light began to dominate the scene beyond the port. One time the huge chamber shuddered, causing several mushroom chairs and their riders to spill to the floor. Shipmates hurried to attend to the fallen. One Shakaleeshva lay unmoving where he had struck.
Again the room trembled. Feeling very helpless and left out, Ross took a seat next to his deceased companion, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
“That’s a big window, and I still can’t see who we’re fighting.”
“The distances are vast. It’s rare for vessels engaged in combat to ever come within eyesight of each other,” Jed explained.
Far off in the blackness of space something blazed mightily before burning out. “Seems like an awful lot of fuss over a dead writer.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, but there are other standards besides human ones. You cannot imagine what it is like to be a permanent prisoner of one’s own abilities. Your creations never leave you, and you can never live a normal life. Neither your public, your critics, not your own brain will allow it.”
“I wonder how many ships are involved?”
“According to what I was told earlier, ten of the Shakaleeshva and eight Culakhan.”
Ross Ed whistled, startling those aliens within hearing range. “Eight against ten. They must want you real bad.”
“I’m afraid they do. I was a very good, or if you are Culakhan, very bad, writer. It pains me that lives may be lost on my account. I, who wished only to be left alone to ruminate in peace.”
“What happens if we lose?”
Then you will doubtless have the opportunity to experience the same condition as I currently exist in myself, albeit with a likely lack of comparable volubility.”
“Say again?”
“You’ll be dead, too, only you won’t be able to tell anyone about it.”
“Oh.” Ross looked around tire vast, frenetic room. “I don’t guess there’s anything I can do to help.”
“I’m afraid that as a specimen of lesser life your efforts would only hold you up to ridicule.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time. I remember once in the eleventh grade …” He went quiet for a moment. “I wish I had a gun or something.”
“Spoken like a true Texan, from what social lore I have been able to acquire. Have courage, my friend. The Shakaleeshva will prevail and I will see to it that you are returned to your home.”
“Being designated an Enlightenment must be a pretty big deal among your people, huh?”
“It’s Supreme and Exalted Enlightenment, actually.”
“Yeah, well, whatever. You ought to be proud.”
“It’s too big a thing, Ross Ed. Too much accountability for any one individual.”
“A dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it, is that it?”
“Not so much dirty as relentless.”
Left alone and with nothing else to do, they proceeded to debate the difficulties of Jed’s previous profession while the battle raged furiously around them.
Not so very long thereafter one of the original three attendants rejoined them, his mushroom seat screeching to a halt. Inclining his head, Ross looked for wheels or treads beneath the seat. Whatever was holding it off the floor was not visible.
“The Chenisisult has been damaged, the Kalavak less so.”
