Gentlesirs

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Continued

"You have missed the main morning exercise, but the students are in the midst of another exercise that will have an immediate bearing on all their futures. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Thruel Trush. I hail from Altariea. "Thruel steps back and points out a viewing screen that shows a three-dimensional miniature display of the 'training room'. "As expected, the Enirhtak have taken to their shells as they must do every three standard units.  The Samoht and their symbiotic counterparts are safely submerged and are excluded from this exercise. The five other species that were involved in this mornings training have been given appropriate study materials and criteria for formulating questions and responses."

Myrit motions for the camera crew to approach the viewing window to give his audience a better view of the participants. "As you can see, the sentient beings are arranged in a hexagon with one side missing," he pauses, "normal procedure for this particular instance." This comment draws a nod from Thruel who is impressed with Myrit's knowledge of this practice. Little does he know that a small computer in the commentator's vest pocket picked up the first remark and relayed, via an auditory implant, the significance of the statement.

A small, brief shift in the rooms light pattern occurs followed by a small chime that is heard throughout the room without giving any indication from which direction it originates. Thruel steps forward and states, "That is the signal for each group to give a brief response to the focal point. In this case the focal point is an outside, disinterested party that will disseminate their statements into a meaningful conclusion. Each group has entered their responses into the master computer. They will be graded on how well their statements are interpreted by the focal point."

The camera pans down into the training area to show the different containment vessels for each group. Each containment vessel provides the necessary atmosphere and gravity for the individuals inside. The tops were transparent to the observers. Mirtis gives each group a quick survey then turns abruptly to Thruel, "The're are all mammals, aren't they?" He knows the answer to his question but is rather amazed that he came to this conclusion so swiftly, without the aid of his vest computer.

Thruel is just as amazed at his observation and says, "Why, that's right. You are very well traveled. We have before us today the Yllib, lower left. The Morej, upper left. An extension of the Pheso phase from Pherroe at top. The Chokporp, upper right. At lower right is a pair of undedicated Gemis from Matotoe. Maybe you are already aware of the insight each must need to complete..." he is interrupted by another set of signals. "It begins,' he announces with an air of graveness.

The first response comes from the Morej:

Duality of the second degree of the fourth level.

All of the observers stop to look at the study materials that have appeared holographically to one side of the chamber. In quick order they begin to look around at each other to signify that they understood the significance of the statement.

Another signal, this time from the Pheso phase extension:

Middle indication of the fourth power, times three.

This response draws a few mixed reactions from the observers. Nobody seemed quite sure how this would be interpreted by the focal point. Mirtis was about to comment when another signal presented itself. The Yllib were ready:

Standard magnitude of the first order, second precipice.

Myrit quickly chimed in, "I had a feeling that was what they would say." Everyone nodded in agreement.

The forth signal occurred, the Gemis:

Second arrangement, fifth level, two units.

Everyone in the observer's room stood shocked, not quite sure they believed what they had just heard. Myrit exclaimed, "Why, that's unusual for their species!" Realizing his comment was out of character, he turned from the camera and quietly whispered the name of the group and the statement they just issued into his vest. After a few moments, a startled look came across his face then a knowing smile. He turned and announced to the rest of the group, "Actually, if memory serves me correctly, this is the week of Grand Parrental on their home world. Being that they are an undedicated group, it was really the only response they could make."

He was about to expound on this when the Chokporp gave the last signal:

Six, sixth, fourth.

Thruel turned and said, "They rarely ever deviate from such a response." This statement was followed by a different set of signals. "The focal point is ready to deliver its interpretation."

"Okay, I think I've got this straight, one deluxe, two pepperoni, three sausage, six beef, and a pair of anchovies. Tell me again, did you say pickup or delivery?"