The Winter War Read Free

been isolated for so long that we are unsure of how to
proceed.’
    Aneka nodded. ‘Then I’m going to
make a proposal. You’re going to build a tachyon beam communication
system. Our ship’s computer has suitable plans, and she has the
necessary protocols to send messages to the relay at Harriamon. She
estimates that you can have that up and running in about two weeks,
so you’ll have that long to come to a decision about how to start talking to the outside world. I suggest you create a
subcommittee with a cross-section of opinion and draft a communique
to be sent to the Federal Administration at New Earth. Nothing that
commits you to anything. An introduction. We have reports we should
send as well, and some personal letters to family since we’ll be
here for a while.’
    Harper looked around the table.
There were nods, some more enthusiastic than others, but they all
seemed to see this as a fair compromise. He looked back at the
three Federal Representatives. ‘That is a wise and prudent plan,
Miss Jansen. We will get the fabrication work started
immediately.’
    Deciding that telling him he was
a real kiss-arse was probably not politically correct, Aneka said,
‘It’s not going to be easy and I think you’re wise to maintain some
degree of distance from Jenlay culture. They take some getting used
to, and you’ve got two entirely different cultures here on Earth as
it is. I would definitely like to see some more integration
between the cities and the surface. We’re all quite convinced that
you can make life more pleasant for all of you if you intermix a
little more.’
    One of the women got to her
feet. She was significantly younger and, from her position at the
table, probably one of the junior members. Fair-haired, attractive,
and very slim, she had a studious look about her which suggested a
science background rather than administration. ‘Pardon me, ma’am.
Councillor Holly Marsden. I’m a sociologist and I’ve been out of
the city many times to observe the surface culture. I’m afraid they
don’t really like us.’
    ‘Well no,’ Ella said flatly. ‘I
pretended to be one of you people when we visited Matlock. It was
mortifying. They think you’re selfish, arrogant, and generally out
there to make sure they’re doing what you need. You’ve kept them
deprived of technology which could massively improve their lives.
But, when I helped them they started reacting a lot better to
me.’
    ‘Basically,’ Aneka continued,
‘it’s going to take time and effort to overcome the distrust, but
it’s not impossible. I’m not suggesting you suddenly bring them up
to your technological level. Aside from anything else they’ve got
quite an idyllic culture going, at least in the country. There’s no
reason to spoil it. But you could improve their medical facilities,
train some of their people to use better medical equipment, maybe
improve their transport systems and veterinary skills. They’ll be
better off, and you’ll get more productive suppliers and better
produce.’
    Marsden, younger and perhaps a
little more adaptable because of it, looked toward Harper. ‘Miss
Jansen is right about the conditions out there, Councillor. Except
that while the farming communities are quite pleasant, the more
industrial zones could be significantly improved. I’m not really
qualified to judge, but I’d say that ore production and refining
could be greatly increased with the use of our technology. The
increase in safety would bring dividends in relations with the
surface communities.’
    Harper actually cracked a smile;
Aneka could not recall seeing him give a genuine one since she had
met him. He looked toward Gillian. ‘This is the kind of innovative
thinking you were talking about, Doctor Gilroy?’
    ‘Precisely the kind,
Councillor,’ Gillian replied, smiling back.
    ‘Very well. Councillor Marsden…’
Marsden stopped herself halfway back to her seat. ‘I believe that
we older members are less suited to