A Gift From Earth
By MANLY BANISTER
Illustrated by KOSSIN
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Galaxy Science Fiction August 1955.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Except for transportation, it was absolutely
free ... but how much would the freight cost?
"It is an outrage," said Koltan of the House of Masur, "that theEarthmen land among the Thorabians!"
Zotul, youngest of the Masur brothers, stirred uneasily. Personally, hewas in favor of the coming of the Earthmen to the world of Zur.
At the head of the long, shining table sat old Kalrab Masur, in hisdotage, but still giving what he could of aid and comfort to thePottery of Masur, even though nobody listened to him any more andhe knew it. Around the table sat the six brothers—Koltan, eldestand Director of the Pottery; Morvan, his vice-chief; Singula, theirtreasurer; Thendro, sales manager; Lubiosa, export chief; and last inthe rank of age, Zotul, who was responsible for affairs of design.
"Behold, my sons," said Kalrab, stroking his scanty beard. "What arethese Earthmen to worry about? Remember the clay. It is our strengthand our fortune. It is the muscle and bone of our trade. Earthmen maycome and Earthmen may go, but clay goes on forever ... and with it, thefame and fortune of the House of Masur."
"It is a damned imposition," agreed Morvan, ignoring his father'sphilosophical attitude. "They could have landed just as easily here inLor."
"The Thorabians will lick up the gravy," said Singula, whose mind ranrather to matters of financial aspect, "and leave us the grease."
By this, he seemed to imply that the Thorabians would rob the Earthmen,which the Lorians would not. The truth was that all on Zur were pantingto get their hands on that marvelous ship, which was all of metal, avery scarce commodity on Zur, worth billions of ken.
Lubiosa, who had interests in Thorabia, and many agents there, kept hisown counsel. His people were active in the matter and that was enoughfor him. He would report when the time was ripe.
"Doubtless," said Zotul unexpectedly, for the youngest at a conferencewas expected to keep his mouth shut and applaud the decisions of hiselders, "the Earthmen used all the metal on their planet in buildingthat ship. We cannot possibly bilk them of it; it is their only meansof transport."
Such frank expression of motive was unheard of, even in the secretconclave of conference. Only the speaker's youth could account for it.The speech drew scowls from the brothers and stern rebuke from Koltan.
"When your opinion is wanted, we will ask you for it. Meantime,remember your position in the family."
Zotul bowed his head meekly, but he burned with resentment.
"Listen to the boy," said the aged father. "There is more wisdom in hishead than in all the rest of you. Forget the Earthmen and think only ofthe clay."
Zotul did not appreciate his father's approval, for it only earned hima beating as soon as the old man went to bed. It was a common enoughthing among the brothers Masur, as among everybody, to be frustrated intheir desires. However, they had Zotul to take it out upon, and theydid.
Still smarting, Zotul went back to his designing quarters