Chapter 21 Diplomacy Alta Style
“Robby, what happened to the com-link signal?” Alta asked while gazing at the amber indicator light for Adams's designated channel.
“The Chamber of Audiences is completely shielded. I can neither send nor receive signals.” Robby responded. “I will continue to monitor all channels Miss Alta in the event any return to service.”
Alta was visibly upset communication had been lost. She looked to Sheila for some reassurance and Sheila obliged. “A secure room for negotiations. It makes sense Alta. I wouldn't worry about it.” Between Sheila's body language and voice, she clearly was not worried and continued to work with Wilma after flashing a smile to Alta.
Alta leaned forward to meet the educator headset and continue her research on the ancient agreements between the Krell and Garon. She decided this would be more productive than fretting and conceded that Aunt Sheila was probably correct. “Maud, I need to locate the negotiation protocols in the agreement between the Krell and Garon.” Alta asked as she focused on the image chamber of the educator, determined to return to her research and accept Sheila's answer concerning the broken communication link.
Sheila stood silently next to Wilma at the library viewer, taking satisfaction that Alta had returned to work and then turned to Wilma saying “You know what we have to do. Let's get to it Wilma.”
…
Martin, Adams and Flapjack were huddled at the end of the room furthest from the window where the surrogate stood. Adams was trying to calm his companions and assure them he would inquire about the use of the word hostage. After a few moments of chatter, they agreed that Adams, and only Adams should speak for the group. It also fit with the designated titles and roles given them by the surrogate.
They broke their tight circle and started moving back toward the window when the surrogate spoke. “There is no need to whisper gentlemen. If you require privacy, this room complies with the protocols of the agreement. The isolation switch is located on the window sill. Your com-link and all recording devices will not function in this room but you may return to the corridor if you wish to use any such devices.”
Adams walked straight to the window with Martin and Flapjack right behind. “I would like to test it first.” Adams said while looking at the surrogate and then turning his attention to the window sill. There was a single rocker switch with the positions marked as “isolate” and “connect”. That was simple enough and in some respects surprised Adams. “I didn't think it would look so primitive.” Adams remarked as he glanced at Martin, and then Flapjack.
The surrogate watched and then said “Mr. Ambassador, don't be misled by appearances. The switch is functional, has an infinite life and was configured for your convenience. You may turn it to the isolate position to interrupt our communication any time you wish.”
“Let's try it.” Adams responded as his index finger slid across the window sill and on the high end of the rocker switch. There was an audible click as he pressed down, but it wasn't mechanical. “A simulation.” Flapjack interjected and was acknowledged with a nod from Martin and Adams. This switch was not a simple mechanical device but apparently it worked, but not to Flapjacks satisfaction.
“How do we know he can't hear us?” Flapjack asked as he stared at the image of the surrogate.
“We don't.” Adams answered as he lifted the com-link to see the indicator light. “The com-link is down, just like he said it would be.”
“Look” said Martin as he pointed to the window, “The surrogate has backed away. The switch on his side is on.” Martin paused to give some thought to the situation and then continued speaking. “It makes sense that either side could isolate itself. Now it's a matter of trust. You know the Krell better than us John. What do you think?”
“From what I have learned about the Krell,” Adams started, “I think they were honorable regardless of any other shortcomings, if they had any save a lack of humility, possibly. We will need to talk. Do we have any choice but to trust them?” With that, Martin and Flapjack both shook their heads.
“John, Julius, taking hostages is a very old practice in diplomacy.” said Flapjack with a surprisingly calm voice. “My initial reaction was shock but on reflection, I should not be surprised.” Adams and Martin were now intensely focused on what Flapjack was saying. “The ancient Greeks exchanged hostages to assure good behavior by each side. Hostages were always important citizens or blood relatives of leaders. If you acted in bad faith, the hostages would be killed. The Romans often took hostages to guarantee peace but they seldom gave hostages. I can see you are both skeptical.”
Martin spoke first with “Well yes Flapjack, this isn't ancient times and we have no precedent.”
Flapjack pondered what had been said and replied “Hostages in modern times serve the same purpose to assure peace and good faith behavior. It would be foolish of the hostage takers to kill their insurance policies. Some fools have done that through history, but by and large, it works with civilized people, hopefully including the Krell in our case.”
Adams was nodding but also impatient. “I have to check the com-link in the