Winter in Eden

saw Ambalasi's growing anger and turned swiftly to the crowd. "In Ambalasi's honor, and in honor of Ugunenapsa who guides us all, we must grow this city well so we must now return to our chosen duties. I remind you of our mutual decision. We will do what must be done."
    She turned back to Ambalasi who made a sign of importance in the direction of the jungle as she spoke. "I think that now we shall begin our work with the Sorogetso. Have they been observing us?"
    "They have. As you requested all sightings of them have been reported to me. They watch from the shadow of the trees very often, come even closer along the riverbank."
    "They have not been approached?"
    "No, you ordered that. But they have been observed. There are three of them watching us now."
    "What? Why have I not been told?"
    "Your instructions were to observe and record—not act."
    "There are times when independent thought is called for. I am surprised at your lack of enterprise, Enge."
    Enge knew better than to answer this impossible statement. Ambalasi stood and looked about. "Where are they? I see nothing."
    Winter in Eden - Harry Harrison
    "That is because you look in the wrong direction. Behind you, at the river's edge, there is a ledge above the water with new shrubs growing on it. They swim there daily and observe us from hiding."
    "They have not been disturbed?"
    "No, of course not."
    "Occasionally, presumably by complete chance, your followers do something right. We will now consider contacting the Sorogetso. I will go and begin communication."
    "No," Enge said, with signs of strength and command.
    Ambalasi fell back, shocked, for in living memory she had never been spoken to in that manner. Enge addressed her again, quickly, before the volcano of the scientist's temper blew her away.
    "I told you earlier of my studies of communication. I will tell you now that I have developed theories of sound-color-movement which I will be pleased to explain to you. I have also worked long to study fargi and elininyil communication, and have done the same with males in the hanalè. I have searched the records and have discovered that I am the only one who has done this for a very long time. Since I am a specialist I know you will want to listen to my suggestions." She saw that Ambalasi was swelling with anger, ready to explode. "You did not chastise Elem for exercising her specialized knowledge to feed the uruketo," she added quickly.
    Ambalasi fell back—and made an easy motion of subtlety appreciated.
    "In the fullness of time you are no match for me, Enge, but occasionally you present a glimmer of light that brings me amusement. I am very tired so will take this opportunity to lie in the shade and listen while you explain."
    "First," Enge said, raising a thumb with a positive gesture, for she had pondered long and hard about this,
    "one must go alone—just as you went with the fish."
    "Accepted. If I am the one."
    Enge did not stop to argue, but went on.
    "Secondly, a rapport must be established. They have taken our food, symbolic of sharing, but must now be satisfied on a different level. They will wonder just what sort of creatures we are, what we are doing here—but they must not be answered all at once. Knowledge must be shared. If I give them something I will want something in return."
    Winter in Eden - Harry Harrison
    "And how will this be done?"
    "If you watch—why you will see."
    Enge turned quickly away before Ambalasi's ready wrath could engulf her. Turned and walked slowly toward the shrubs that concealed the Sorogetso watchers.
    She walked more and more slowly when she saw concerned motions, finally stopped and settled back comfortably onto her tail. Close enough to be understood, but not so close that she might be considered a threat. She held out the palms of her hands.
    "Friend," she said, over and over again, in the simplest manner possible, using colors alone without verbalization. She stopped and looked at the shrubs. When there was no reaction from the hidden watchers she repeated herself once again. Her body at ease, she was not impatient; she radiated calm and serenity. "Friend." That was all she would say. It was now up to them.
    "Friend."
    The sun moved across the sky and the Sorogetso stirred restlessly. Finally one of them pushed through the shrubs and stood close in front of them, her eyes vertical slits against the glare. She was not the same individual that they had met in the jungle, but was taller and more muscled and