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astonished even the S van. They did so without the reluctance or moral qualms that often plagued Weave
scientists. Facilities scattered across the face of the planet competed gleefully to see which could make
the deadliest improvement or the most lethal modifications. They did so without second thoughts. After
all, none of their output was intended for use against fellow Humans. Here at last was the conflict
mankind had secretly wished for but had never been able to enjoy. No more brother against brother,
cousin against cousin, color against color or religion against religion. It was man and his allies and friends
against the horrid, cephalopodian Amplitur and their brain-damaged slave races. Humans had always
excelled when presented with uncomplicated, easy-to-comprehend options. Us against Them eliminated
the need for irritating introspection. There were a few who called into question the advisability of warring
against sentients there had been no dialogue with. Against these arguments were arrayed the tales of
returning Human soldiers who had actually fought against the enemy. They had no trouble with moral
gray areas. The Amplitur were bent on sucking all other species into their Purpose. They knew not the
meaning of neutrality. You were for them or against them.
If you were for them they promised you full participation in their Purpose& under their guidance, of
course. Doing what they thought was the proper thing to do, acting the way they thought you should act.
Only through resistance did a species retain its independence, its individuality.
There was no need to whip up pro-war hysteria on Earth. No need to spread the propaganda Will
feared. The Amplitur and their code of the Purpose was enough to draw adequate numbers to the
recruiting stations.
So people went off to fight alongside the Massood, supported by the S van and the Hivistahm and Yula
and the other peoples of the Weave. They returned admired, content, wealthy, inspiring more of their
kind to do likewise. The bulk of Humanity was not involved. Will was pleased.
Caldaq was strolling through the upper levels of the base that by now had spread itself across much of
the reef. Towers rose high above the still unspoiled waters, dominating the palms and coral islets.
Beyond the reef scheduled shuttles touched down and lifted off, carrying recruits and technicians and
supplies to ships recently emerged from Underspace. The sentry system which had been placed in orbit
at the limit of the sun s magnetosphere was as modern and efficient as the one that circled his own
homeworld. Weave warships patrolled the water planet s outer atmosphere. Mankind felt secure,
shielded by its friends even as it declined to participate in their organization. It was a great relief as time
passed and no formal invitation to join was extended. It spared Humanity the embarrassment of declining.
Mankind had no desire to hurt the feelings of its good friends.
Unbeknown to everyone except the composer Will Dulac, the General Council of the Weave was more
man content to maintain the status quo. A group of decorated Human soldiers were coming down the
hall. They wore the yellow-slashed jumpsuits designed by the first recruits, and they talked animatedly
among themselves as they advanced.
Spotting Caldaq they executed the peculiar hand and arm gesture which among them was considered a
sign of respect to a superior. It was called a salute, Caldaq knew, a gesture unknown to Weave forces.
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Leave it to mankind to invent a purely military salutation. It struck him as unnatural and unnecessary. Why
not simply greet another individual as you would otherwise? Why should a uniform make a difference? It
was yet another example of the unique militaristic culture which had evolved among Humankind, apparent
even in those who chose not to participate.
He waved, well aware that his response was not nearly as crisp and sharp as their own gestures, which
they performed without breaking stride or conversation. It was as if they executed it unconsciously. Like
breathing. He turned as they passed, noted a pair of strolling Hivistahm technicians talking with an [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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