Space Opera Read Free Page B

Isabel’s voice dripped scorn.
    “I wish I knew. I’d use it myself. On Rlaru I’ve seen things that I can’t describe — musical productions which are absolutely overwhelming. Operas, I suppose you’d call them.”
    Dame Isabel’s interest was aroused. “What sort of operas? Like those of the Ninth Company?”
    “Oh no. The Ninth Company is a — well, not exactly a comic troupe, but their repertory is what we would call light.”
    “Hmmf.” Dame Isabel gazed out the window for a moment or two. “What inducements did you offer the Ninth Company to persuade them to visit Earth?”
    Gondar in his turn became thoughtful. “I was on Rlaru for about four months. I learned something of the language. When I saw the quality of the performances, I mentioned that on Earth we had similar activities, and that perhaps we could effect a cultural exchange program.” Roger started to laugh, then noticing both Dame Isabel’s glance and Gondar’s look of lambent displeasure he quickly quelled the sound. “No difficulties were made,” Gondar went on. “I brought the Ninth Company to Earth, and in due course proposed to take an Earth group to Rlaru. But now —” he held out his hands “— nothing. I am mystified.”
    From a silver urn Dame Isabel absently poured a cup of coffee which she handed to Gondar. “You can find the planet Rlaru once more?”
    “If necessary.”
    Dame Isabel frowned. “There is a disturbing quality to this situation, and it is to our mutual interest to discourage rumors. The company could not have gone off somewhere without notifying you?”
    Gondar shook his head. “In my opinion they have returned to Rlaru, by some means beyond my knowledge.”
    “There is a highly developed science on the planet?”
    “I wouldn’t say that. Things aren’t quite that simple — in fact it’s a different situation completely. No one seems to work too hard, except maybe the lowest classes.”
    “Oh? This is a stratified society then?”
    “I guess you’d call it that. At the top are aristocrats, who are also the musicians and pantomimists. Beneath is a kind of middle-class, which also has its artists and musicians. At the bottom is a caste of vagrants, no-talent indigents. If there are any scientists or production plants I didn’t see any.”
    “You did not explore very thoroughly?”
    “No. I was given to understand that it wasn’t, well, safe, to go everywhere. No one told me why.”
    “Well, well. This is highly interesting. Certainly contact between the two planets must be continued. Roger, what is your opinion?”
    “I agree, absolutely. No question whatever.”
    “The Opera League is meeting tonight,” said Dame Isabel. “I shall report what you have told me, and recommend the cultural exchange program be kept up.”
    “All very well,” said Adolph Gondar hollowly, “but what of my money?”
    “In due course,” said Dame Isabel. “It is safe and is accumulating interest. Furthermore, you have been remiss — very remiss indeed.”
    Gondar seemed puzzled. “How so?”
    “You said nothing of our obligation to send a musical group to Rlaru. This is a business which cannot be handled in a half-hearted or slap-dash manner.”
    Gondar rubbed his long chin dubiously. He glanced sidewise at Roger, then returned to Dame Isabel. “I’m not so sure that it’s a feasible project — in fact, now that I think of it …”
    Dame Isabel’s gaze became stony. “Mr. Gondar, I am never ambiguous nor untruthful, and I demand that everyone I deal with act in a similar manner. You made the assertion that the Ninth Company of Rlaru came to Earth as half of a cultural exchange scheme.”
    “Yes, of course, but —”
    “Is this statement true or is it untrue?”
    “Naturally it’s true. However —”
    “If it is true, the obligation is definite. Also — and you will certainly concur, for your reputation is as much under attack as mine — those persons who are attacking our good faith