Ultimate Justice (26 page)

Dah introduced ‘Be Not Afraid' and the trio wowed the audience again with their harmonies. Tam was thinking how Dah had shown him that he could sing. At the end of the short performance, as they were making their way back to the toy sorting, he told Dah how much he appreciated her drawing out this little gift he hadn't realised he had. “We could do with you on Joh,” he said, “you're such a great singing teacher.”

“Thanks,” said Dah, “but I'm not ready for any more interplanetary travel right now. I'm happy that I have found confidence to be me here in Galuga on Atiota.”

“Wouldn't you like to go back to Planet Earth sometime and meet up with John again? He quite liked you.”

“Yeah, he was sweet wasn't he? He was attracted to me I think because I was different, but he would soon have found out that I am not that different, not inside… anyway I am not ready for a special relationship with anyone right now. I'm still finding ‘me'.”

“Look!” announced Tam. “A white gate. Our time has come.”

Kakko looked up. At the back of the auditorium there was indeed a shining white gate.

“We must finish our shift!” stated Kakko firmly.

“Agreed,” said Tam.

They worked another hour until all the cardboard boxes were emptied and the toys from each of the tables carefully repacked and labelled. Many children were going to have a happy time in the next few months as they were distributed. Kakko thought about them, and gave thanks to God that she had been useful to someone. To be able to make a difference, even a small one in someone's life, is a tremendous blessing. She resolved in future not only to help, herself, but to find opportunities for others to contribute too.

“Dah,” said Kakko gently, “we have a white gate at the back of the hall.” Dah looked up.

“I see nothing,” she whispered.

“If you could, it would mean more adventures,” smiled Kakko.

“I ain't wanting any more of them quite yet. But… but it would have been nice to meet your folks and see where you come from.”

“You never know,” said Tam, “you might one day. But for now we must take our leave. It was really good to meet you… and thank you.” Tam gave her a hug.

“It is
I
who needs to thank
you
!” exclaimed Dah.

“Let's
all
thank our wonderful Creator,” said Kakko. And they just stood in a circle, the three holding hands, their heads bowed in silent prayer. As they looked up they saw Zay coming over.

“We're off,” she said, “you coming?”

“Not us,” said Tam quietly, “I'm afraid we've got to go home. You two go on and have a great evening.”

“Thanks,” said Dah again, “hope to see you sometime.”

“Sure,” said Kakko. “Bye!” They hugged again and then Zay took Dah's arm and they made their way through the crowd to the doors where other young people were waiting. Kakko saw Dah retrieve her skateboard and then she was lost from sight.

“Come on,” said Kakko, “let's get through that white gate.” She took Tam's hand and they headed through the crowd but before they opened the gate and stepped through, Kakko leaned up and lightly kissed her boyfriend. “I like having adventures with you,” she said.

They emerged in the cottage garden wearing broad smiles.

“Why, hello!” It was Matilda crossing the lawn. “You are home at last. At least this time you seem to be in one piece. And you've had a good time – you're glowing.”

Nothing remarkable had happened for more than a week, and Kakko was bored. She had completed her assignment and handed it in days ago and was now looking forward to something to help with the tedium of the long college holidays. But then something did happen. A space shuttle came in to land at the city spacedrome down the coast. This was always an event because Joh was not a space hub with regular flights. This was the first landing in over a year. But it was not just because this was a rare event, but because this one was unscheduled and unexpected.

The shuttle had come from a gigantic inter-sector freight-liner in low orbit and clearly visible as the largest object in the night sky. The pictures of the craft circulating on the news channels were of an impressively sophisticated ship. The pilot of the shuttle parked his vehicle where he was directed and he and one other crew member descended the stairway. They were not of human origin, their large flat faces above tall spindly bodies were rugged and ridged, but they were smartly dressed and almost suave in their demeanour.

The news reader had explained that they were believed to be Sponrons from the Planet Ramal in the neighbouring Medlam System. They had travelled far but their state-of-the-art intrahelical drive had reduced the travelling time from their home-world to Joh to less than ten standard years. The purpose of their visit, they explained, was trade. They had quantities of rare minerals including rare magnetic silicates, only found on two planets in the galaxy, used for antimatter conversion, as well as processed helicates necessary for intrahelical propulsion. They also had diamonds and gold, much prized in the universe not only for their beauty but for their use in mechanics. (Kakko, for example, was always extolling gold conductors which she rated far higher than copper ones.) Joh was not rich in gold or diamonds – most had to be imported from outside the system.

The potential buyers, however, were suspicious of these pedlars. The traders on Joh were used to doing business with people they had known for years. Supplies were usually ordered – they didn't just appear from outer-space without notice.

Shaun, Kakko and Tam were, however, among the young people whose interest was not primarily about interstellar trade. They were intrigued by the appearance of these strangers, or to be more precise, their vehicles. They caught a bus which passed close to the spacedrome and joined the crowds watching through the perimeter fence.

The space shuttle was of a design that had not been seen on Joh before. They saw it gleaming in the sunlight. It wasn't metallic – ‘opalescent' would be a better word. Its iridescent lustre made it appear luxurious as well as truly other-worldly. The smell that wafted across to where the young people were standing was also from beyond. There was fuel technology here that told of advanced space travel.

“I'd love to get aboard that,” announced Shaun.

“And I bet you, Kakko, are dying to get inside the engine housing,” said Tam.

“What I would really like to do,” said Kakko, “if you really want to know, is to get to see the engines of the mother ship. This shuttle has only a simple antimatter propulsion system for short tripping.”

“Correct,” said a man standing just behind them. He wore an identity tag that indicated he came from the local scientific institute – Prof Rob Nivriks. “The mother ship will have to have at least an interhelical, or even the latest
intra
helical drive.”

“What's the difference between an interhelical and an intrahelical drive?” asked Tam.

“How technical would you like me to get? They're both dark matter vortex engines, of course. They both draw on the polykatallassic particles in the dark matter clouds as they pass through them, but an intrahelical system recycles the exhaust combining it with alpha particles of standard matter and condensing it, making it nearly twice as efficient. A very powerful engine – it's state of the art.”

“Thanks,” said Tam. “I
think
I get the gist…”

“
I
do,” stated Kakko. “They've only been around a few years but most interstellar craft are undergoing upgrades – if the structure can take it, I gather. The significant thing is that an
intra
helical system can propel a ship at up to nine-tenths the speed of light compared to the
inter
helical's six tenths. This enables them go anywhere they please in this sector of the galaxy.”

“Have we seen one here before?” asked Shaun.

“These ships were first built in the Mintu System by the Minians,” explained the scientist, “but the interhelical engines and onwards have been designed across the sector by scientists and engineers in permanent contact through the Interplanetnet. We have done a little bit here on Joh towards it, but this is the first time we will have actually witnessed the finished project.”

“Wow!” said Shaun. “So I bet you want to go up there even more than my sister.”

“I guess you could say that. What are your names?” The three young people told him and he noted them down. “Wait here. I'll be back.”

The scientist pushed his way to the gate and waved his ID in front of the guard who opened a side pedestrian gate. He walked across the tarmac and into the terminal building.

Ten minutes later, a young woman in uniform came across to the gate which was opened for her. She approached the gathered crowd and called out Kakko, Tam and Shaun's names. They presented themselves and she told them to follow her. She issued them each with a pass to put around their necks and ushered them through the gate and across the tarmac into the space terminal building.

The three young people stood in awe as Prof Rob beckoned them across. He explained what was happening. The government authorities were interviewing the Sponrons to ascertain their status.

“When they come back out,” smiled Prof Rob, “it is proposed they take me and my colleagues up to the mother ship. Want a trip?”

“Wow! You mean that?” marvelled Kakko.

“Of course. We need to keep our young people better informed about the progress of science. Too many of us have our heads in our research and do not pay enough attention to the up and coming generation.”

“Thanks Mr… er…” said Shaun.

“Call me Prof Rob.”

“Thanks Prof Rob.”

A few minutes later the Sponrons emerged onto a mezzanine balcony with some officials of the Joh immigration department. They looked rather stern, but then so did the Joh officials. The head of the department, Director Ylah, called attention and she began to address the gathered company.

“Colleagues and representatives. Thank you for waiting. I have ascertained from our Sponron friends from the Medlam System that they have salvaged the ship in orbit, and its cargo, and are anxious to dispose of the cargo to local planets at a fair price in order to lighten the ship and ease the repairs. You will understand that this is an unusual request and the authorities are looking carefully at the legalities of the situation. Our president is consulting the lawyers in the field and is in touch with the United Bureaux of Interplanetary Transport in our sector.” There was a murmur of approval from the gathered representatives. “However, in the meantime you will be pleased to hear that they have consented to a party not exceeding twenty-five persons – the capacity of their shuttle – to visit their ship to inspect the damage and the cargo bays. It is not that we don't trust you,” she said, turning to the Sponrons, “but you will understand that your visit is unexpected and the community would want us to ensure the safety of all our citizens.” The Sponron who appeared to be the most senior grunted.

“Mr Gallok, I believe, is the person delegated to select the team.” She looked in the direction of Prof Rob who nodded his assent.

Gallok stepped forward and addressed the gathering. “I have twenty on my list from various departments. If others would like to join us please approach.” People began moving in his direction. Prof Rob looked in the direction of the young people and gave them a thumbs-up. They were already on the list.

***

Thirty minutes later Tam, Kakko and Shaun found themselves in a meeting room where the strategy of the visit was being discussed. Twenty-five, including them, were lined up to face others who were voicing questions they wanted answered. Prof Rob and the others were noting these down on their e-sheets. Shaun regretted not having his with him but would ensure he took it when they departed.

After the meeting the twenty-five made their way to the lounge where the Sponrons were being entertained and were introduced as the delegation. It was clear the atmosphere was a bit prickly. The residents of Joh were generally open and relaxed. These people were introducing a dimension not usually found in local discussions and debates. Perhaps it was simply to do with them being from a different place thought Kakko. She was soon to be less patient. The Sponron leader scanned the party, then declared, “No females. In our culture it is forbidden for females to board a ship.” A gasp went around the room.

“I don't understand,” said Prof Rob. “What can anyone's gender have to do with their scientific ability or experience?”

“In our society,” continued the Sponron, “a female does not conduct science, unless,” he smirked, “she does it in the kitchen.”

Tam felt Kakko rail. She was going to let fly and he felt that it would be better to leave the reply to Prof Rob. He grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. She fought him but he whispered into her ear an insistent, “Not now Kakko, later! Let Prof Rob deal with this.”

“Cool it, sis!” added Shaun from her other side. “Wait…”

But Prof Rob was already saying, “We would find this hard to accept. Perhaps my senior colleague in the university physics department, who happens to be a woman, would like to comment.”

“Thank you, Prof Rob. People have been on Planet Joh for five hundred years. From the beginning, equality between the sexes has been accepted as an unwritten norm. Unlike other planets we have had no need for legislation or making provision in our constitution to ensure the rights of women and girls. You will understand, captain, if our people find this difficult – even abhorrent. However, in negotiating with people of different races and cultures, I believe we have to accept that not everyone has the same norms, no matter how objectionable they may be in our own society. But the most important thing is that we send a
qualified
delegation to your ship, captain, to ensure the safety of our planet. You have agreed to this and we are grateful. Therefore, I am going to nominate my deputy, who happens to be male, to take my place. Perhaps other departments would consider doing the same if they have properly qualified male members.”

“Thank you,” said Prof Rob, with a stern face. “I just want it noted on Joh that I adhere to the term ‘abhorrent', but nevertheless, for the reasons stated by my colleague, I am also willing to compromise. Let us adjourn and reconstitute our party.” The people began to leave the room in clusters, many engaged in rambunctious, if not heated, discussion.

Back in the meeting room, Prof Rob called for order.

“I apologise for this,” he began.

“No need,” said a female physicist, “we appreciate your use of the word ‘abhorrent'. You have stated your opinion in the strongest terms and I know you find it as upsetting as we women. However, we are all aware now of what we are up against. These people, or at least their spokesperson or leader or whatever he is, may be trying to engage in as many spoiling tactics as possible. We should be aware that they may be out to deceive, divide, deflect and weaken us. I expect they are hoping that right now we are having a heated row over this. We must not fall into that trap. Let us not be perturbed here but focussed on our objective, which is to inspect their ship as thoroughly as possible. We need to check the damage and the state of repairs. Clearly the engines and space-frame are functioning well enough to have enabled them to get here. We need also to check the condition and the status of the cargo and it's origin and intended destination. There has to be a manifest – let us inspect it and photograph it. And let us talk to the other members of the crew and snoop around. So now let us decide on our twenty-five males and allocate our tasks.”

The women all nominated replacements. Kakko just had to accept she was to be left out. The female scientist approached the three young people.

“You must be disappointed, young lady. I am so sorry, but this experience has been a lesson to us all. We cannot take for granted that the freedoms we enjoy here pertain throughout the universe. And we must not be deflected from our primary goal in this task. You understand that?”

“Yeah, I suppose so,” muttered Kakko, “but it's just not right.”

“It isn't.
You
know that.
Joh society
knows that, and I hope our Sponron friends are beginning to know that too. No matter how much you tell yourself that you can make up the rules against natural justice, somewhere there are things that come back to discomfort you. What happened today is just another case of someone having to defend injustice – and deep down that drains energy. Those who insist on discriminating have to be on the look out for people discriminating against them. Those who deceive have to be constantly aware of others trying to deceive them. Nothing is certain in such a culture – it is a constant drain on energy. It hinders the growth that accompanies openness. But those who accept natural justice, as we do in this matter, find themselves invigorated and free to develop.”

“You mean it's, like, anarchy?” volunteered Tam.

“Well, not quite,” replied the physicist, “anarchy means ‘no laws'. They have their laws I suspect, but they are probably laws organised to favour the few. Law, for it to be just, needs to be based on the
universal
values of right and wrong. Justice requires an equal distribution of power and access to well-being. It demands freedom for exploration of the self and of the environment so that each individual can attain his or her potential. Justice demands that we make education universal, for example, and the best possible medical care accessible to everyone in need regardless of their age, sex, race or anything else. I doubt the Sponrons lack laws, what the Sponrons lack is a commitment to natural justice.”