The Sirian Experiments

Neither Canopus nor ourselves objected to this: we were not short of minerals of any kind. But now Canopus, too, established itself in an observational capacity. No hostilities of a physical sort occurred between Shammat and the two superior powers—for Shammat was too afraid of us both. But while contact took place continually between ourselves and Canopus, of a formal kind, Shammat shu

From this time onwards, Rohanda was visited continually by spacecraft of all kinds, mostly Shammatan. The Canopus influence was more indirect: I have hinted at some of their means of coming and going. They seldom used physical craft, and when they did, it was with discretion, or with deliberate intent to instruct the current Rohandan dominant species in some necessary way. The Shammatans, on the other hand, were using their spacecraft with increasing indifference to the effect a sight of these vehicles might have on the populations. They had had underground settlements on Rohanda itself for a long time. From these they came and went, using every type of craft, quite freely. And they used, too, underwater craft. They took from Rohanda supplies of foodstuffs unavailable on the moon, and easier to fetch from there than from Shammat itself. They took, often, fresh water. They also kidnapped Rohandans from anywhere there were species that intrigued or amused them. These became pets on the moon or were sent back to Shammat itself to entertain the ruling caste. They were taken off vehicles on the oceans, or from isolated places.

As can be imagined, folklore and fantastic tales of all kinds were the result; but “sightings” of Shammat craft had taken place over mille

I must record at this point that on the Rohandan moon were, too, representatives of three other planets in this solar system. They had established there small observation posts, because of their concern about the increasingly discordant emanations of Rohanda, which threatened their own balances. This was a recent development. I shall say no more about it, because it does not concern my present theme. But my dispatch to this moon was because of alarm felt by the highest Sirian levels that perhaps the three planets might be tempted to become allied with Shammat, thus upsetting our alignments of power. Having surveyed the scene thoroughly, I sent back a report that in my view conditions on Rohanda’s planet were stable. I did not, however, leave the place at once, though this type of underground shelter never has suited me, no matter how well and flexibly the atmospheres are adjusted. It was not long before Klorathy arrived. He was again in different, though similar, physical housing. He greeted me with: “If I am not particularly welcome, this is at least a not unexpected visit, I see.”

And we achieved good fellowship on this note, though I was determined not to give way to his demands. Again there was a period when we simply sat together, establishing some sort of communion whose nature he understood and was adjusting, and which I at least was able to recognise.

The following exchanges will convey the nature of our many and prolonged conversations during this meeting on Rohanda’s moon.

“Sirius, you made undertakings, which you have gone back on!”

“I do not remember that we ever promised to engage ourselves with Rohanda in perpetuity!”

“Promises do not have to be verbal. By the fact that you involve yourself in a situation, becoming affected yourself as you affect it—that is in itself a promise.”

“You a

“Canopus did not invent the Laws. Have you not observed for yourself that if one disengages oneself from a process arbitrarily, then all kinds of co

“Very well, then—yes, as you speak, it seems that I do remember seeing this myself. Very often when you say things of this kind, I might object or deny or refuse—and then later, on reflection, I see the truth of what you say. But I can only repeat that I do not decide Colonial policy.” And I asked, “Who is it above you, then, that makes laws?”

And he laughed at this. “Laws are not made—they are inherent in the nature of the Galaxy, of the Universe.”

“You are saying that we have to learn how to observe these laws in operation?”

“Yes, Sirius, yes, yes.”

“You are a great one for lost causes, I think!” And he smiled wryly. “How long have you spent with me? How many long ages of effort? And suppose that at last I do begin to see for myself something of what you mean. But I am one small individual in a vast Empire. Do you know that I am already known as a bit of a misfit, eccentric, someone who often has to be tolerated? I have been threatened with all kinds of mental re-processing—yes, of course you do know. And you are not likely to regard as important the fate of one…” I had been going to say “individual” but could not since I had been overtaken with the falseness of what I had said. “All right, then… but suppose you have changed me, suppose you have given me some of your nature—what do you expect of the Sirian Empire?” As I spoke, I was thinking that in fact I had caused the controversy over the misuse of animals, then at its height… and this thought, as it were, stu

And again: “Why is it that you want my help? You, the all-powerful Canopus!”

“We are spread very thin at this time in Rohanda.”

“Because it is now policy that service on Rohanda is voluntary and there are not enough volunteers?”

“There are volunteers, but the turnover is high. It is hard to maintain our links with Shikasta. Very hard. And getting harder with every mille

“You want me to go back and try to persuade Sirius to take over responsibility for the Southern Continents again?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Although our rule is so much less effective than yours? Although we, Sirius, ca

He said gently, with a diffidence that was rooted in his nature, and that I have seen seldom in my career: “If you will consent to act with us, so that we can influence through you, then perhaps things can at least be ameliorated. Prevented from getting worse.”

“Why, why why? What is the purpose of your concern?”

“Sometimes we have to take things on trust!”

“Are you taking things on trust?”

“Do you imagine that it could be otherwise? Sirius, this Galaxy is vast, is infinitely various, is always changing, is beyond what can you can see of it, in whatever little corner is our home.”

“To hear you call Canopus a little corner is—not to understand. Can it possibly be that just as I watch you, Canopus, while I strive and strive to understand—because I have to admit this, though of course you know it already!—is it possible that just as this is my relation to you, then so is your relation to—to…” and my mind faded out, into its depths.

And again: “You have never told me why! Do you really have no inkling at all of why such care should go into these… these…”

“These murderous half-apes?”

“Or worse.” And I could feel how my mouth was twisted with distaste and dislike…

And he, looking embarrassed, was not looking at me, but away.

“Oh, very well, very well, then! But you ca