>The Shalan took his usual place by the door, somehow looking relaxed yet >attentive at the same time. Before the two Venasian women sat, however, >T'remea Haryail said, "If you don't mind, Ambassador, there are certain >protocols that must be observed by Venasian custom before we may accept >your offer to sit. A symbolic recognition of our status as guests on your >planet." She took the package held by Lora R'saran and said something in >Venasian as she bowed-very deeply, not the traditional head-tilt-and presented it >to Watson.
>"Thank you for your hospitality, and may the currents always flow in your >favor," R'saran translated helpfully. "For as long as they are in your >favor, as your guests we will rejoice in your prosperity." He took the gift and opened it carefully as they walked into the dining area where there was a large conference room table and several chairs-no confidential files or other aspects of formality were here other than a viewscreen. >The package held a length of Venasian water silk. Venasian silks were not >the most coveted silks on the interstellar market - the material tended to >be rough like Thai silk, not smooth- but it was dyed with lovely blues and >purples, and very definitely a Venasian product. It was bound in a wide >cord on which was embroidered their nation's seal. He smiled widly, "This is beautiful fabric.." He bowed in kind, "I am honored by your gift and most humbled. I am only equally as sorry that I do not have one in kind as I am just settling in myself...actually...." he thought for a moment, "Hold on for one moment please...I do have something for you. Please pardon me one moment." He hobbled into his office and returned with a statue. "This piece of artwork is one that was given to me some 20 years ago..." It was a gorgeous and very elaborate bronze statuette depicting two crescent moons facing each other-rising over a wheat field where 3 children were sitting cross legged and merely enjoying the view. He handed it to the Ambassador, "Welcome to Spacedock." _______________________________________________ Spacedock mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://scifi-rpgs.com/mailman/listinfo/spacedock_scifi-rpgs.com
