day 7. enjoy
Chapter 3: A day at the base: John
John was setting half zoned out in his currant affaires class wishing the day would end. It was to hot in the school. But at lest they had two weeks off after today. A shout brought him out of his half trance. One of the boys had been caught letting there mind wonder, wool-gathering as Grandfather would say. His knuckles were red now. You had to be careful. Mr. Smith was fast on the draw if he saw you want paying attention. It was always best to keep an ear on the class, no matter where your mind was. He wanted to turn and see who it was. He bet it was Bill, he tended to get caught the most. But that was enough to get his focus back on Mr. Smith, and good thing to.
Mr. Smith rounded on him. “John can you tell me where relations are between Dictionary and Snap?”
John looked up. “Yes sir. Up until recently they have been peacefully at odds. That is not friendly, but not openly hateful. However the latest reports shows a softening between them. There has been more trade and talks of a treaty. The contents of which are not known. However there appears to be lower taxes on goods going between the two.”
Mr. Smith grunted. “So you listen to your Grandfather at lest. What does that mean for us?”
John bit his lip, he so wanted to say that listen to his Grandfather had no impact. But he did not want to get in trouble with the vacation just around the corner. “We won’t know the full impact until the terms of the agreement are disclosed. However short term it means less trade for us. We trade exclusively with Snap, as it is the closet nation we can safely approach. However if Dictionary is going to have a larger presence it is to dangers to trade.” Mr. Smith moved on down and picked anther victim. John relaxed, but not to much, it would be just like the teacher to circle back on him.
“Joseph why is that?”
Joseph said, “We cannot risk discovery.”
Mr. Smith waited. The frowned and the ruler swung, luckily it hit the desk. “That is not a full answer.”
Joseph swallowed and then words pored out in rush. “We can’t have the Dictionaryins finding put about us. They would try and take us over and force us to stop offering the truth to all. As they feel only certain citizens should be permitted it. They would try and take us on ground that we are theirs anyway as that is where the founds are from. That would stop the growth of our understanding so can’t be permitted. So risks must not be taken.”
Mr. Smith frowned. “Your presentation skills still need work. That was not very organized. Richard can you tell us why we have been trading with Snap up to this point?”
Richard said. “They, Snap, think that our traders are from Juda, which they all so attributed any stray radio signals to. As far as we can tell the real Judain trades have no problem with it. But with them so wrapped up in the myths of their religion it can be hard to know what they think. At lest they have never denied it.” You could see him warming up to the subject, he loved the intrigue. “For all we know the few Judain traders we have met might think we our just from anther of their towns. The Judains are a bit slow to change and have only recently put in cables for computer and TV signal transmissions. Most of there towns remain isolated. It is unlikely that the majority will ever be connected to the outside. That is those of Snap and Dictionary. The government there frowns on outside knowledge coming in unfiltered. Thus making it the perfect cover. Even if their beliefs are a bit annoying. They do not work as a trade partner do to their distance and their reactance to accept change and knowledge. However they are so isolated that few realize how backwards they really are.”
Mr. Smith nodded and started to say something, but the bell drowned him out. After it silenced he said. “I want a five page repot for each of you on this, and any new details when we reconvene. With that you are free to go. I expect you all to use your time wisely.” There was a scramble to get books picked up and a race to lockers, where bags would be filed with books.
Out in the hall John turned to Bill. “More homework. They want us to keep our noses stuck in books all vacation! Man but I am sick of high school. I wish I was back in grammar. I thought getting older would be funnier than this. Instead it seems there are just more things you are not allowed to do.”
Bill said. “Tell me about it. Dad expects me to go to the plant with him. He says it is time I stopped playing around and got real. He thinks I should follow him and work with chips. He thinks robots are a waste of time and talents. Never mind that I am good at it and can’t tell one chip from anther to save me. And it is two more years tell we get to go away and do what we want. Well no let me restate. Until we get to pick our own studies. ‘Cause no matter what they say, I know I won’t be allowed to do what I want. Not if I want to keep eating. It would take years to have income enough to support my self and the town wont help unless you have completed school. Never mind so little of it is relevant. What is the plan for you?”
John looked at his friend and shook his head. “They must really be pushing you again. Just as long as I don’t mention that I am going to study cartography every thing is fine. Grandfather doesn’t care what I do just so long as it has nothing to do with maps. Though he is silently pushing chemistry. He bought anther book on it yesterday. At lest it is a silent push. However that will change once he learns I plan on being an explorer. He has no place for them. Never mind that it is the least know and most need truth. I can not believe how little we know of this planet. Yet how much we know of the stars. Maps, good ones, are dangerous. I get that, but they are all so importuned.”
Sally came up. “John did you Grandfather happen to say anything about Snaps latest claim to cure epilepsy? Mom was going on about how wrong it was but wouldn’t give any details! It is madding. I just wanted to know how he thought his new drug would work, but she wouldn’t so much as tell me what it was. She wants me to think of more than chemistry, even though she knows I am planing on joining her at the lab. She is fine with it most times, but wants to hold me down at others.”
John smiled. “I heard nothing about that but he did give me a book by some chemist named Lighten. Would you care to see it? It would do you more good than me.”
Sally danced. “When can I get it. I would love to see it. I have read some about his work and an dying to know more.”
John said, “Walk me home and I will get it for you. Or perhaps it would be better to meet me at the rock. You know what they will think if we walk home together.”
Sally laughed, “What will that hurt? So what if they think we are a couple? You have an eye on someone?”
John blushed and cursed himself for it. “You know I don’t. But what will your folks think? I thought you and Joseph.”
Sally laughed. “They don’t care. As for Joseph, he knows how rumors are. If I can ignore the ones about him and Sue he can do the same about you. ‘sides he will be so busy with his paintings that he won’t hear of it tell next tear some time. You know he only half hears what is said around him most of the time. Those artiest types.” So with that they set off.
When they got to John’s house they found a commotion. John grinned. “Dad must have made it in. I knew he was do soon, but wasn’t expecting him for a day or two yet.” He turned in the direction of the ruckuses, Sally coughed. “Ok I will get your book first. But they might know about that drug you were asking me about. We could go find out.”
Sally said, “You will go pump them for info on the animals and storms and such. Then it will be time for me to be home and no book yet. I do want to read it you know.”
John said. “At times I wish we did not know each other so well.” He went in the house and was back in a bit with the book. He was surprised to find sally waiting at the door, he had expected he to be grilling the travelers for information on the drug. He handed her the book and started to ask.
“The whole counsel is over there quizzing them about the treaty. There were not do back, but felt it necessary to leave early do to the fact there were more Dictionaries on the streets. No use trying to get anything from them.” Sally said, sounding disgusted. “I hate politics. It gets in the way of everything. Just think how much the lack of exchange is going to set new discoveries back. Thank you for the book, I will write you up a report so you can talk about it. Now you get over there where they can see you. I bet your dad is hunting for your face.” She didn’t wait for a reply but turned and left.
John looked after her then ran over to the group, looking for his dad. It had been four months since he was home last. The first thing he noticed was that there seemed to be a to many people among the trucks. Then he heard the voices. “Your certain that you saw solders? In the town? Things have gotten that good between them. How?”
“Yes it was solders. The uniforms matched descriptions of there army. As to how far. From the talk in town the solders are just there because some big wig is due to be in town for talks soon. The rumors ranged from the King himself, down to Minister Fance. Needles to say we did not stick around to see who it was that showed up. There are still some operatives in town, but we made it clear that they were not to risk the radios. All new was to be bought in person to the villa. So it will be a few weeks, at lest, until we know for sure. For what it is worth most of the press on the subject was strongly against any kind of military agreement between the nations, and outraged at the solders disrespect of customs. But nothing was being done about it.”
P said, “That could mean a lot. Remember they are all elected, like we are. So they would not want to anger their citizens over much. Still it is troubling. Any thing being said about the talks them selves, what is on the table?”
Will said, “Not much. They are being build strictly as trade talks. Juda was invited, but declined to send anyone. Coal has a minister their. Franc’s Prince is attending school in Snap and is to be at the talks. Bull is said to have a party in route as well. So it looks to be well attended.”
Paul, the trade commissioner, spoke up. “Well that settles it all right. No more large trade caravans tell the dust settles and we see where it lies. Single units only and low tec nothing fancy. Hope that team finds something useful, or things are going to get a bit tight. Crystal is all ready in short supply, this is going to make it worse. Foods we can’t grow will be even more out of reach. At lest we do have coffee coming in. Those green house are going to prove there worth. I’m not the only caffeine junky.”
Will laughed. P looked thoughtful. “How about if we encourage the trade in the plants used to make the items, and ways to make tem grow here. That would make it easier to replace the income lost in trade.”
Anther consoler said, “Now that just might work, and I would feel far better about it. It is not good to get so attached to outside things. As this is showing us. We will have to take it up in meeting, see what the other towns think.”
Nodes went around. Will said. “There is a bit of good news. There were a few computer tecs with the Dictionary solders. They seemed just as impressed, if not a bit more, with the processors as the Snap party was. I think it is safe to say they are at lest four years behind us. I happened to get a good look at one of the laptops with the party. They are still completely wired, for one thing. I don’t think they could pick up anything if they were in the middle of our network. Then the size. The thing he was hauling was a good twelve inches, and five pounds at the lest. One of the others remarked how small it was, and the user bragged about it being the latest modal. I was using mine, later, to get some pitchers. Yes a risk, but I thought worth it, wait tell you see them. The point is, they thought it was a calculator. They did not even see the camera, and it was pointed right at them. Of course I made sure they did not get a look at my screen. But still, it was silly. I tried to record the conversation, but there was a good bit of noise so I don’t know how it came out. Have not taken time yet to see.”
P frowned. “They had better be good. It was a stupid chance to take. You might have blown your cover.”
Will said, “It was worth it. You will all have copies in you inbox latter to night. As for the cover, well the Judainas machine looked a lot like mine. Yes I have pictures. Pitchers of him taking pitchers of me. I think we were both laughing about it as we took them, to.”
“You were right under the circumstances it was best to clear out. I just hope it didn’t attract too much attention. Bring them, but it was all you could do.”
Travis said, “The real Judain trades were packing up their families to. I don’t think they liked the look of the soldiers any better than we did.”
“Well you might as well head on home and get settled. There is going to be a good bit of unpacking to do.” With that the group started braking off. Soon the road was all most empty.
John was setting half zoned out in his currant affaires class wishing the day would end. It was to hot in the school. But at lest they had two weeks off after today. A shout brought him out of his half trance. One of the boys had been caught letting there mind wonder, wool-gathering as Grandfather would say. His knuckles were red now. You had to be careful. Mr. Smith was fast on the draw if he saw you want paying attention. It was always best to keep an ear on the class, no matter where your mind was. He wanted to turn and see who it was. He bet it was Bill, he tended to get caught the most. But that was enough to get his focus back on Mr. Smith, and good thing to.
Mr. Smith rounded on him. “John can you tell me where relations are between Dictionary and Snap?”
John looked up. “Yes sir. Up until recently they have been peacefully at odds. That is not friendly, but not openly hateful. However the latest reports shows a softening between them. There has been more trade and talks of a treaty. The contents of which are not known. However there appears to be lower taxes on goods going between the two.”
Mr. Smith grunted. “So you listen to your Grandfather at lest. What does that mean for us?”
John bit his lip, he so wanted to say that listen to his Grandfather had no impact. But he did not want to get in trouble with the vacation just around the corner. “We won’t know the full impact until the terms of the agreement are disclosed. However short term it means less trade for us. We trade exclusively with Snap, as it is the closet nation we can safely approach. However if Dictionary is going to have a larger presence it is to dangers to trade.” Mr. Smith moved on down and picked anther victim. John relaxed, but not to much, it would be just like the teacher to circle back on him.
“Joseph why is that?”
Joseph said, “We cannot risk discovery.”
Mr. Smith waited. The frowned and the ruler swung, luckily it hit the desk. “That is not a full answer.”
Joseph swallowed and then words pored out in rush. “We can’t have the Dictionaryins finding put about us. They would try and take us over and force us to stop offering the truth to all. As they feel only certain citizens should be permitted it. They would try and take us on ground that we are theirs anyway as that is where the founds are from. That would stop the growth of our understanding so can’t be permitted. So risks must not be taken.”
Mr. Smith frowned. “Your presentation skills still need work. That was not very organized. Richard can you tell us why we have been trading with Snap up to this point?”
Richard said. “They, Snap, think that our traders are from Juda, which they all so attributed any stray radio signals to. As far as we can tell the real Judain trades have no problem with it. But with them so wrapped up in the myths of their religion it can be hard to know what they think. At lest they have never denied it.” You could see him warming up to the subject, he loved the intrigue. “For all we know the few Judain traders we have met might think we our just from anther of their towns. The Judains are a bit slow to change and have only recently put in cables for computer and TV signal transmissions. Most of there towns remain isolated. It is unlikely that the majority will ever be connected to the outside. That is those of Snap and Dictionary. The government there frowns on outside knowledge coming in unfiltered. Thus making it the perfect cover. Even if their beliefs are a bit annoying. They do not work as a trade partner do to their distance and their reactance to accept change and knowledge. However they are so isolated that few realize how backwards they really are.”
Mr. Smith nodded and started to say something, but the bell drowned him out. After it silenced he said. “I want a five page repot for each of you on this, and any new details when we reconvene. With that you are free to go. I expect you all to use your time wisely.” There was a scramble to get books picked up and a race to lockers, where bags would be filed with books.
Out in the hall John turned to Bill. “More homework. They want us to keep our noses stuck in books all vacation! Man but I am sick of high school. I wish I was back in grammar. I thought getting older would be funnier than this. Instead it seems there are just more things you are not allowed to do.”
Bill said. “Tell me about it. Dad expects me to go to the plant with him. He says it is time I stopped playing around and got real. He thinks I should follow him and work with chips. He thinks robots are a waste of time and talents. Never mind that I am good at it and can’t tell one chip from anther to save me. And it is two more years tell we get to go away and do what we want. Well no let me restate. Until we get to pick our own studies. ‘Cause no matter what they say, I know I won’t be allowed to do what I want. Not if I want to keep eating. It would take years to have income enough to support my self and the town wont help unless you have completed school. Never mind so little of it is relevant. What is the plan for you?”
John looked at his friend and shook his head. “They must really be pushing you again. Just as long as I don’t mention that I am going to study cartography every thing is fine. Grandfather doesn’t care what I do just so long as it has nothing to do with maps. Though he is silently pushing chemistry. He bought anther book on it yesterday. At lest it is a silent push. However that will change once he learns I plan on being an explorer. He has no place for them. Never mind that it is the least know and most need truth. I can not believe how little we know of this planet. Yet how much we know of the stars. Maps, good ones, are dangerous. I get that, but they are all so importuned.”
Sally came up. “John did you Grandfather happen to say anything about Snaps latest claim to cure epilepsy? Mom was going on about how wrong it was but wouldn’t give any details! It is madding. I just wanted to know how he thought his new drug would work, but she wouldn’t so much as tell me what it was. She wants me to think of more than chemistry, even though she knows I am planing on joining her at the lab. She is fine with it most times, but wants to hold me down at others.”
John smiled. “I heard nothing about that but he did give me a book by some chemist named Lighten. Would you care to see it? It would do you more good than me.”
Sally danced. “When can I get it. I would love to see it. I have read some about his work and an dying to know more.”
John said, “Walk me home and I will get it for you. Or perhaps it would be better to meet me at the rock. You know what they will think if we walk home together.”
Sally laughed, “What will that hurt? So what if they think we are a couple? You have an eye on someone?”
John blushed and cursed himself for it. “You know I don’t. But what will your folks think? I thought you and Joseph.”
Sally laughed. “They don’t care. As for Joseph, he knows how rumors are. If I can ignore the ones about him and Sue he can do the same about you. ‘sides he will be so busy with his paintings that he won’t hear of it tell next tear some time. You know he only half hears what is said around him most of the time. Those artiest types.” So with that they set off.
When they got to John’s house they found a commotion. John grinned. “Dad must have made it in. I knew he was do soon, but wasn’t expecting him for a day or two yet.” He turned in the direction of the ruckuses, Sally coughed. “Ok I will get your book first. But they might know about that drug you were asking me about. We could go find out.”
Sally said, “You will go pump them for info on the animals and storms and such. Then it will be time for me to be home and no book yet. I do want to read it you know.”
John said. “At times I wish we did not know each other so well.” He went in the house and was back in a bit with the book. He was surprised to find sally waiting at the door, he had expected he to be grilling the travelers for information on the drug. He handed her the book and started to ask.
“The whole counsel is over there quizzing them about the treaty. There were not do back, but felt it necessary to leave early do to the fact there were more Dictionaries on the streets. No use trying to get anything from them.” Sally said, sounding disgusted. “I hate politics. It gets in the way of everything. Just think how much the lack of exchange is going to set new discoveries back. Thank you for the book, I will write you up a report so you can talk about it. Now you get over there where they can see you. I bet your dad is hunting for your face.” She didn’t wait for a reply but turned and left.
John looked after her then ran over to the group, looking for his dad. It had been four months since he was home last. The first thing he noticed was that there seemed to be a to many people among the trucks. Then he heard the voices. “Your certain that you saw solders? In the town? Things have gotten that good between them. How?”
“Yes it was solders. The uniforms matched descriptions of there army. As to how far. From the talk in town the solders are just there because some big wig is due to be in town for talks soon. The rumors ranged from the King himself, down to Minister Fance. Needles to say we did not stick around to see who it was that showed up. There are still some operatives in town, but we made it clear that they were not to risk the radios. All new was to be bought in person to the villa. So it will be a few weeks, at lest, until we know for sure. For what it is worth most of the press on the subject was strongly against any kind of military agreement between the nations, and outraged at the solders disrespect of customs. But nothing was being done about it.”
P said, “That could mean a lot. Remember they are all elected, like we are. So they would not want to anger their citizens over much. Still it is troubling. Any thing being said about the talks them selves, what is on the table?”
Will said, “Not much. They are being build strictly as trade talks. Juda was invited, but declined to send anyone. Coal has a minister their. Franc’s Prince is attending school in Snap and is to be at the talks. Bull is said to have a party in route as well. So it looks to be well attended.”
Paul, the trade commissioner, spoke up. “Well that settles it all right. No more large trade caravans tell the dust settles and we see where it lies. Single units only and low tec nothing fancy. Hope that team finds something useful, or things are going to get a bit tight. Crystal is all ready in short supply, this is going to make it worse. Foods we can’t grow will be even more out of reach. At lest we do have coffee coming in. Those green house are going to prove there worth. I’m not the only caffeine junky.”
Will laughed. P looked thoughtful. “How about if we encourage the trade in the plants used to make the items, and ways to make tem grow here. That would make it easier to replace the income lost in trade.”
Anther consoler said, “Now that just might work, and I would feel far better about it. It is not good to get so attached to outside things. As this is showing us. We will have to take it up in meeting, see what the other towns think.”
Nodes went around. Will said. “There is a bit of good news. There were a few computer tecs with the Dictionary solders. They seemed just as impressed, if not a bit more, with the processors as the Snap party was. I think it is safe to say they are at lest four years behind us. I happened to get a good look at one of the laptops with the party. They are still completely wired, for one thing. I don’t think they could pick up anything if they were in the middle of our network. Then the size. The thing he was hauling was a good twelve inches, and five pounds at the lest. One of the others remarked how small it was, and the user bragged about it being the latest modal. I was using mine, later, to get some pitchers. Yes a risk, but I thought worth it, wait tell you see them. The point is, they thought it was a calculator. They did not even see the camera, and it was pointed right at them. Of course I made sure they did not get a look at my screen. But still, it was silly. I tried to record the conversation, but there was a good bit of noise so I don’t know how it came out. Have not taken time yet to see.”
P frowned. “They had better be good. It was a stupid chance to take. You might have blown your cover.”
Will said, “It was worth it. You will all have copies in you inbox latter to night. As for the cover, well the Judainas machine looked a lot like mine. Yes I have pictures. Pitchers of him taking pitchers of me. I think we were both laughing about it as we took them, to.”
“You were right under the circumstances it was best to clear out. I just hope it didn’t attract too much attention. Bring them, but it was all you could do.”
Travis said, “The real Judain trades were packing up their families to. I don’t think they liked the look of the soldiers any better than we did.”
“Well you might as well head on home and get settled. There is going to be a good bit of unpacking to do.” With that the group started braking off. Soon the road was all most empty.
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