human
And the last traffic was long, long ago, she told Mattern.
gpt
In a day much before mine, when my mother ruled.
human
What happened? What stopped the traffic?
gpt
Our captain died of old age, and we have had trouble finding a successor to him.
human
Why is it so hard to get somebody else?
gpt
Time was when we had more contact with your people. There were many who knew of the xhindi, although few had actually encountered us. It was not difficult for us to get humans to work with us then. But the barbarians took over your world and your people lost the knowledge of how to get through to us. And when they regained it, we were not why they wished to get through. Much of the problem is in making people believe that we exist.
human
The flluska call you demons.
gpt
There are still some on Earth who call us demons, Mattern. Your rulers and administrators do not call us demons--no, they are too learned for that--but your Space Service, by means of divers spells and conditionings, prevents most of those who pass through hyperspace from seeing and hearing us. And, of those who do, most are too frightened for negotiation.
human
Are we so terrible in your eyes, Mattern?
gpt
I don't know, he said slowly, bewilderedly.
human
Sometimes you are, and I know you will be again. But right now, to me you look--almost beautiful.
gpt
Thank you, she said softly.
human
It is a great compliment.
gpt
Weren't there any men who did try to get through?
human
A few--a very few--reached this space. She added reluctantly,
gpt
Some of them proved to lack stability of substance--
human
Then you _knew_ what could happen to Schiemann!
gpt
It could have happened to anyone, Mattern. You knew there were risks to be taken. We did not conceal that from you.
human
And others of those who come through go mad. We feared that might happen to you, Mattern.
gpt
Others go sane also,
human
This is the first time that has happened in my experience. But truly, Mattern, a madman would not seek to reach us.
gpt
I wonder, Mattern said.
human
I wonder if anybody but a madman would.
gpt
Time is short. It is best that we return to discussing our business together. Now we will pay you for the merchandise you have brought us with a substance which is stable on Earth--at least it was in times gone by--and which used to become a stuff of considerable value. On your next trip--
human
What makes you think there's going to be a next trip? What makes you think I'm going to come back here again?
gpt
You will come, Mattern, she said.
human
You will come when you see how rewarding it is to deal with us. And you will come because--
gpt
Because of what?
human
Because your kqyres will make sure that you do. The tall, splendidly illuminated being who stood close to her throne bowed as she introduced him:
gpt
This is Lord Njeri, who served as kqyres with the previous captain. He will serve with you.
human
Kqyres? What's that? Apprehension quickened inside Mattern.
gpt
And what right have you to--
human
Your partner is dead, the mbretersha told him.
gpt
Lord Njeri is your new partner.