Birthright

“If I may be so bold as to intrude upon your discussion,” said the cold, noncommittal tones of a T-pack,

“I am quite ready to proceed with our meeting.” The two men turned to the doorway, and saw a huge, thick-limbed being standing there, its blunt, broad head covered by a combination plastic mask and T-pack, its heavily-armored skin exposed to the air. It had the three-legged, tripodal structure and stance common to most of the denizens of high-gravity worlds. Affixed to the mask were small medallions that obviously represented medals and official status. “How long have you been standing there?” demanded Mallow. “My name is Krotar,” said the Castorian, ignoring the question. “May we proceed?” “I'll leave you two gentlemen for a few minutes,” said Verlor. “Buzz me if you need anything.” “I object to being termed a gentleman,” said Krotar, “but since the T-pack may be translating Terran inaccurately or too literally, I shall offer no formal complaint.” Mallow shot Verlor a who-the-hell-does-he-think-he-is look, then turned back to Krotar. “Well, Mr. Krotar,” he said, “just what can I do for you?” “You may begin by referring to me as Ambassador Krotar,” said the Castorian. “Whatever you wish, Ambassador,” said Mallow, wondering what theless diplomatic Castorians must be like.

“And,” said Krotar, nodding an acknowledgment, “you can show me the plans for the Bureau of Alien Affairs.”

“Is there some particular reason why you're interested in them?” asked Mallow as he darkened the room and threw the Tri-D mockup of the Bureau's exterior into the area separating him from Krotar. “I would not ask without a reason,” said Krotar. “You will explain the plans.” “As you wish.” Mallow shrugged and began to recite the stock speech he had given perhaps a thousand times during the past two years. “The new Bureau of Alien Affairs, to be erected on Deluros IV, will be rectangular at the base, and will remain that way although tapering by almost fifty percent by the time it reaches its peak, which will be almost two kilometers above the ground. At its base the Bureau will be four kilometers long and three kilometers wide. The outer facade, as you can see, will contain various bits of art from almost all of the known cultures of the galaxy.” “Including Castor?” asked Krotar.

“If Castor is adopted into the Commonwealth, I have no doubt that its art will be incorporated into the facade,” said Mallow, devoutly hoping that the Floating Kingdom would require a better display of manners before welcoming it into the fold. He flicked a number of switches on his desk, and the Tri-D picture changed, now showing a miniaturized cross-section of the huge lobby of the building. “Now, although the Bureau will be multi-environmental, the lobby through which all entities will enter and