Chapter 14

It was late afternoon as Frim Lieter stood in front of his astro-studies class at Tizra Advanced Mind Training Center.  Normally, the study room had a rather sterile atmosphere but at the moment, it had taken on a homey feeling.  Unusually alert students listened in rapt attention. Frim was responding to some off - beat questions his pupils had asked him. Although they weren't exactly in line with the normal studies on heavenly bodies, it was an interesting sidelight - a sidelight with which the noted teacher had had much experience.  "You see," he commented, "the entire celestial network is far too vast for us to presume that we are alone.  In our own planetary system there may not be any visible signs of life but in comparison to the vast array of stellar structures, the possibilities are unlimited."

A tall thin student held up his hand.  "If that's so, what would be the nature of this other life? I mean, would it be intelligent?"

Frim's lower lip curled down in speculation.  "Why not? Can we be so shortsighted and proud as to imagine ourselves to be the only intelligent creatures inhabiting this vast universe? Undoubtedly,"  he continued, his eyebrows slightly raised as he addressed the whole class, "many of you have heard the theories of Brace Estim concerning contact with life from outside our planetary complex.  He concludes that not only is there evidence of intelligent life, but there's evidence that life is seeking to make contact with us."  A wave of whispers and murmured comments rippled across the classroom.

A youthful looking boy held up his hand, a slight look of unbelief on his face.  "You mean this space disk stuff that he has been reporting?"

"Yes," continued Lieter, a bit defensively, his gaze sharpening.  "And why not, when you realize how foolish it is to suggest that we are alone.  What have we done to explore such possibilities?  A few space probes, a little cautious tinkering at the edge of infinity." Frim's conversation began to take on an almost gentle pleading as he sat down on the front of his desk.  His tone quieted, but the intensity in his eyes increased.  "Nerkush needs to expand its efforts in this area.  When you consider the fact that presently we are capable, should war occur, of annihilating this planet, it becomes obvious that we have few alternatives.  Man must make a step of moral and intellectual evolution, or he will undoubtedly destroy himself.  If he isn't capable of doing that by himself, then it's not beyond the realm of possibility that a more intelligent force would desire to intervene and help him make such a step."

At this point, a somewhat skeptical pupil interrupted Lieter with another question.  "That sounds possible but what proof do you have?  I've heard the theories and even been to Estim's lectures in Accad.  I have friends who claim they even made sightings of such objects.  But the whole thing leaves me with a vague feeling of disappointment."   The slightly bookish looking student ended his question with a hopeful query.   "What I am really wanting to see is concrete evidence that it's true."

"All right," Lieter said simply, with the air of a man who was confident he could back up his claims.   "I'm willing to give you proof, but only to those who will show a sincere desire for such evidence.  How many then?" he inquired, motioning for them to raise their hands.  About a dozen slowly responded.  "Very well."   Frim continued more seriously, a growing sense of confidence reflected in his studious face.  "Those who've raised your hands, stay behind after class. I'll talk with you more.  The rest of you are free to leave.  Be sure to complete your reading assignment by the end of the week. See you tomorrow!"