Return to Eden

long voyage, the creature itself has been well fed and rested. Doubts only as to destination.
    "Entoban*! You were informed. Is memory withering with age?"
    "Memory is functioning. It is just that Entoban* is a vast continent, many ocean currents flow around it, specific city/destination assures shortness of voyage."
    "Perhaps it is longness of voyage that is needed. For the moment, for your information of determining course, Entoban* must suffice. There are many cities I must consider, comparisons shall be made. I am tired, Elem, in many ways, and this decision is an important one. I do not crave any more long voyages after this one, nor rough-life at the outer edge of knowledge-seeking. I want a city of comfort that will welcome me, where others can come to appreciate and study what I have learned. A life of physical and mental ease. With food a little more attractive than eel to eat." Ambalasei looked around at the now empty quarters, turned her back on it. "We leave."
    "Instructions have been issued. A request spoken to me earlier, now made. For Ambalasei to attend the ambesed before departure."
    "Suspicion of motives. Speeches and farewells?"
    "I was not informed. Shall we go?"
    Muttering complaints and disinterest, Ambalasei went. When they came close she heard the sound of many voices coming from the ambesed. They stilled as she entered.
    "All talking of Ugunenapsa," she said disdainfully. "Great joy approaching me soonest to forget despised same and followers."
    Despite her complaints she was pleased to see them all in attendance, moving aside respectfully as she approached. Enge stood beside the eistaa's resting place, and none complained now when Ambalasei seated herself there.
    "No work being done today, obviously," she said.
    "All are here. It is a collective wish."
    "Is there a reason for this?"
    "There is. There was discussion for many days…"
    "That I certainly believe!"
    "… and many were the suggestions of the correct manner to express the gratitude that we feel, for what you have done for us. After lengthy consideration all were rejected as being insufficient in worth to be truly appreciative of what you have accomplished."
    Ambalasei struggled to rise. "If all were rejected it is now possible for me to leave."
    There was a hum of consternation at this and Enge stepped forward signing negative, remain, urgency, hurrying to make amends.
    "You misunderstand, great Ambalasei, or it is my insufficiency in speaking. All other suggestions were rejected in favor of honoring you with that which is most precious to us. The Eight Principles of Ugunenapsa."
    She paused then and there was absolute silence. "This is what was decided. Henceforth and forever they shall be called the Nine Principles of Ugunenapsa!'
    It was upon Ambalasei's lips to ask when Ugunenapsa had returned to dictate the ninth but felt that, even for her, this would be a bit callous. She signed only fairly-courteous attention.
    "This is the ninth," Enge said, moving aside as Omal and Satsat stepped forward. They chanted, in unison, and what they said was echoed by all the listeners.
    "The ninth principle of Ugunenapsa. The first Eight Principles exist. They would not exist were it not for great Ambalasei."
    Ambalasei recognized this for what it was, the greatest expression of gratitude that the Daughters of Life were capable of. First for them always, came Ugunenapsa's words. And now, forever linked with their existence, would be the name of Ambalasei. These argumentative creatures were actually capable of gratitude! For possibly the first time in her long life she could not think of an insulting remark. Could only sign the simplest gesture of acceptance and expression of her own gratitude.
    Enge saw this, knew the old scientist far better than Ambalasei would have believed possible. Understood her reactions and appreciated her response. She turned and spoke to the gathering.
    "Ambalasei has thanked you all. It is time to leave her in peace. Although she departs today—we now know that she will never leave us. Ambalasei and Ugunenapsa, forever joined."
    They filed out in silence until only Enge remained. "May I walk with you to the uruketo? We have walked together many times, and I have learned much from you wise Ambalasei. Shall we go?"
    Ambalasei struggled to rise, felt Enge's strong thumbs helping her, stood and walked slowly from the ambesed with her at her side. They went through the city in silence, until Ambalasei signed that she