The Last Contact - Part #2/4
Observe the protocol!
This is episode 2 of the 4-part dystopian sci-fi(ey) serial.
» Backstory and a curious behind-the-scene
» New to the story? Start with Part #1
PREVIOUSLY:
In a post-apocalyptic society, the ruling class of the Council debates on what to do with a mysterious object that fell from the sky a week ago.
Reluctantly, the members go to vote on whether professors of the university — a marginalized educational establishment — should get involved.
#2: The Briefing
Draped in an ill-fitting, borrowed gown, Mūrkha stands awkwardly before three other men. He was pulled out of his cozy basement at the university #6, dressed up, and rushed to the upper city on a very short notice. He — a lowly professor whose status did not even warrant a societal rung designator to the name — is in the presence of a scholarly committee, headed by none other than Prajna Beta, member of the Council’s advisory board himself, practically a royalty.
“We are told that you have spent twenty years dabbling in ancient history.” Says Prajna, disgusted at the situation that requires him to go as low as having to address such an insignificant being.
“Yes, Your Eminency, I made good progress in piecing together pre-Breaking languages as well as some ancient scientific knowledge. I truly believe that this information can help us in…”
“Whatever, whatever.” The head scholar cuts in impatiently. “We’re not here for your puny findings anyway. We need you to provide your uhhh… professional opinion on an alien artifact.”
The labored way Prajna forces the sentence out of his mouth hints that he neither needs anything from nor cares about Mūrkha’s expertise, yet, being a good subordinate, follows the orders dropped on him from above.
“You will be given one hour to explore the artifact, during which time you will adhere to the Procedural Manual of Scientific and Behavioral Conduct, currently in its 2596th revision.” One of the other distinguished men picks up the rather one-sided conversation. “And I can’t stress the importance of this enough: please be aware that the 2597th revision is not fully reviewed and thus not approved for usage, yet.”
Honorable scholars take turns rattling out instructions in rapid succession, leaving the professor with no other choice than to nod his head in agreement.
“Please pay close attention to Section 56B: ‘The requirements for proper attire in approaching objects of unknown purpose or ownership’. If you are not in possession of required articles of clothing and/or protective gear, you can submit the Form 56B-F3 to requisition them.”
“In the event of suspected contamination, you are required to declare the incident to the committee-appointed supervisor remotely via special hand signals, as to not risk further spread of hazardous substances. The details for this eventuality is outlined in the Addendum 189 Part 6L.”
As the hours drag on, Mūrkha finds himself drifting off, while his joints ache from not having used to be standing still.
“This brings us to the eventuality of contact with aliens and other intelligent life forms. The Manual’s whole Section 244 is dedicated to it, but we’ll outline the basics for you.” Declares Prajna. “In the unlikely event of you finding yourself in contact with another communication-capable being, you are required to follow a strict set of rules. No deviations.”
“If you’re able to adequately communicate with the counterpart, you need to establish their rank in the society. We do not want to create an unnecessary conflict by being under- or over-represented by an individual of an inadequate status, although the latter is probably not applicable to you. Please consult the attached Table #1 for the universal hierarchy denominations.”
“Once the status is established, you will assess the necessity to adjust your wardrobe as per requirements of the etiquette. If you are not in possession of required articles of clothing, you can submit the Form 56B-F3 to requisition them.”
“Remember, you are there to establish contact and build a bridge, connecting our civilizations, but at no given time, you are authorized to give out or accept any demands, agreements, treaties, pacts, accords, conventions, settlements, arrangements, deals or contracts on behalf of the Council and humanity in general. If such cases present themselves, you are required to excuse yourself for a consultation with your committee-appointed supervisor.”
“Needless to say,” Prajna says, leaning in closer, “you are not allowed to discuss your ‘findings’ or details of this assignment with anyone outside of this committee or its appointed supervisors.”
Having said that, he dismisses the professor with a wave of his hand.
Can't wait to tell an academic they've spent two decades "dabbling" 🤣