A spaceship captain receives orders to pick up an ambassador from Aldebaran VII and transport him to Earth for diplomatic talks. The mission is sensitive due to fragile relations between Earth and Aldebaran, and the ambassador is expected to bring a pet. The captain, Johnny Martin, prepares for the journey, noting the peculiarities of the Aldebaranian atmosphere and the need for special accommodations. Upon arrival in orbit around Aldebaran VII, Martin's ship is surrounded by alien warships, but after confirming their peaceful intent, the ambassador, Quelf Tharkol, and his pet are transferred aboard. The pet appears to be a small, cat-like creature in a spacesuit, which Martin finds amusing. The ambassador and his pet are placed in a specially prepared room with a fluorine atmosphere. As the journey to Earth begins, Martin is alerted that the pet has left its quarters and is roaming the ship. Concerned that the creature may be spying, he contacts his superiors for advice. They suggest he tactfully request the ambassador to keep the pet confined. However, when Martin speaks to Tharkol, he learns that the pet had not left the room; instead, the ambassador himself had been the one exploring the ship. This revelation shifts the power dynamic, as Martin realizes the ambassador's cleverness in using the pet as a distraction. The situation becomes a psychological game, with both parties aware of the other's potential for subterfuge. Martin decides to maintain his composure and play along, recognizing that the ambassador's strategy is a calculated move in the delicate diplomatic dance between their worlds. As the journey continues, Martin contemplates the implications of the ambassador's actions and the nature of their interactions. The story explores themes of trust, deception, and the complexities of interspecies diplomacy, highlighting the challenges faced by those navigating the unknowns of alien cultures and the intricacies of communication. The captain's initial assumptions about the ambassador and his pet are turned on their head, leading to a deeper understanding of the nuances involved in their relationship. The narrative builds tension as Martin prepares for the unexpected, aware that the stakes are high in this delicate diplomatic mission.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1980 · Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure