Chapter 93: New Connections Part 1

Pentam's presentation of what he'd taken to calling the electric engine was a huge hit. When he offered free instructions for anyone to make their own, playing with electricity became an obsession with people through the city.
One evening a few days after his talk, a visitor appeared at the door of Cal's home.
"This one heard the inventor of the lightning engine is staying here." The speaker's clothes reminded Cal of the people of the Zithayan Dynasty. An oddly shaped coach had parked in the yard.
"He is indeed here, come in." Cal stepped back. The woman bowed and entered the home. Pentam was in the parlour, debating with the students as he enjoyed doing in the evenings.
"They keep me sharp and humble," he'd said. Crysabel sat in the corner, a small smile playing across her face as she watched.
"Pardon the rambunctious atmosphere." Cal led the visitor to the parlour. "My pardon, may I have your name to introduce you?"
"Hyansea Kee Dolichak. You would call me the assistant to the ambassador."
"We are honoured by your presence." Cal pushed the door open, and the babble paused.
"A woman from the Zithayan Embassy has come to visit us, Hyansea Kee Dolichak."
The woman bowed low and took a seat graciously offered by one of the students.
"This one is asked to speak to the inventor of the lightning engine."
"I developed this version," Pentam said. "What may I do for you?"
"We were working on such a thing, but it didn't work as well as what you showed."
"You were there?"
"This one was sent to answer the invitation to our embassy."
"I am honoured." Pentam bowed in his seat.
"You gave away the plans on how to build this thing. Why?"
"I didn't feel right making money from it. Giving the instructions away also means hundreds, maybe thousands of people are trying to improve it and learn how it may be used." Cal could see Pentam fighting the guilt of being hailed as the inventor of the machine. Taking credit for another's work was as bad as murder in his eyes.
"The ambassador sent a copy of your plans and instructions to the Chief Bureaucrat. Your Prince said it was to be shared with everyone."
"That's right. If you have any questions I would happy to discuss them with you."
"The ambassador expects an invitation will come for you to speak at the Bureaucratic University. This one would be honoured if you accept."
"I would be happy to - "
Crysabel cleared her throat. Pentam looked over at her and turned red. They gazed into each other's eyes until Crysabel nodded and Pentam heaved a sigh.
"We would be happy to accept your invitation, after the birth of our child and they are able to travel. I also have an obligation to fill during that period. However, if you are willing to wait until November...?"
"This one is honoured to carry your words to the ambassador." She stood up and bowed.
"Please stay and take some refreshment." Cal stepped over to her.
It was as if a ripple ran through the woman. When it had gone, she stood differently and had a smile on her face.
"Please call me Hyansea. I would be delighted to enjoy your hospitality. I heard of something called scones, Commander Shillingsworth."
"Please call me Cal here. I will ask Beth to bring scones and jam. What would you like to drink?"
"I have to admit to a fondness for your red wine."
"Pentam, perhaps you will get Hyansea a glass?"
Cal slipped out to check with Beth in the kitchen. She helped load a tray with a pile of scones and dishes of jam, then carried it to the parlour, just in time to hear Hyansea finish what sounded like an explanation.
"...when I speak for the Bureaucracy, I must use the formal language. It doesn't translate well into your Anglian. When I speak for myself I may use the familiar."
"I have read about it Hyansea, but never heard for myself." One of the students sat beside the visitor. "It was in Barlowe's translation of The Soul of Governance."
"Barlowe did a well enough job, but he, of course, missed much of the nuance of the discourse." Hyansea sipped from her wine glass.
"Understood, he was working not only with a different language, but the metered lines. Is it true the meaning of a word changes depending on where it lands in rhythm?"
"Very much so. The word which Barlowe translates as 'duty' really should be read as 'obligation' if it is a light step, and you don't have an easy word to say what we mean for the heavy step. It comes closest if you read it as the action you will die to accomplish."
Cal put the tray down on the table and smiled at Hyansea. The woman bowed her head briefly then picked up a scone to take a bite out of it. She closed her eyes.
"I can see why the Under-Secretary of Customs was so adamant we try these. We have nothing like them at home." She finished the scone, and the student beside her pointed to the untouched jam dish.
"You really must try them with the blackberry jam." He cut a scone open and spread jam on it for Hyansea.
When the tray was empty Hyansea stood up again.
"I really must return."
"I hope I haven't made trouble for you," Cal said as she guided Hyansea to the door.
"Not at all. We are not ordered but encouraged to interact with the people and culture around us. You'd be surprised at how a small detail of culture can create or destroy understanding between people."
"In that case, you are most welcome to visit at any time. Feel free to bring someone along if they wish."
"And I was told the Anglians had little subtlety." Hyansea smiled. "I will extend your welcome."