Thirty-one expedition members attended several day-long climbing sessions spaced out over a month. In the Third Month, Sali took the group out to some hiking trails. They started early in the morning with a short hike, then transported to an area where three well-trained instructors stood waiting in different areas that were already prepared for climbing. As the participants waited their turns, three assistant instructors quizzed them on the parts of the climbing equipment.
“Have you worked it out with your employer about a sabbatical?” asked Pari Navid. She was a biology professor from the university in Nik and was speaking to Cirus Young, the well-built android standing next to her. He had clearly been built for science exploration; his deeply tanned skin covering and dark hair gave the appearance that he was a human of mixed parentage and would be accepted by nearly anyone.
Cirus, a zoology professor from the university in Kop, shook his head. “No. I’ve taught the same classes for so many years in a row that my request put the department chair into a spin.”
“Oh?”
“The dean doesn’t know who to assign to teach my classes. I’m afraid they’re going to turn down my request.” A worried look crossed Cirus’s face. “I really want to do this.”
“You don’t have a teaching assistant who can teach?”
“Yes, I have a teaching assistant. She’s got the same capabilities that I have. According to the university, she’s not allowed to teach because that’s not what she was created for two hundred years ago. The university needs to bring some of its old policies into the sixty-fourth century. I think we androids should be encouraged to change jobs as we develop and change throughout our lifetimes.
“Every year I have students that graduate with teaching degrees. They can’t get positions, because the people that are already in teaching assignments don’t want to make way for the younger people,” Pari stated. Her light skin, grey eyes and black hair made into a bun, gave away her designation as an advanced professor, created on Zuphreon to be part of the educational system.
“We shouldn’t have to give up our positions for anyone,” Cirus responded. “You and I were created for the purpose of teaching. We have the capacity to receive new data daily and disseminate new information freely to the students. Why should we give up the jobs we love? I believe we could all find research and/or teaching that is significant. Surely there’s an equitable way to find a place for everyone.”
“Maybe fewer androids should be created,” Kees Sork, a male of Aphyxian descent, jumped into the conversation.
“How would that change anything?” a Maz asked. His pointed ears twitched, and wrinkles appeared on his short forehead. His typical reddish-brown skin and slanted eyes were a common trait among his people. His short body gave him the appearance of stunted growth, but he was very experienced in climbing, rappelling, and living outdoors.
“There would be a predictable turnover in the positions held by humans,” Kees proposed. “As androids stopped functioning, their positions could be filled by humans.” He liked to believe he was politically astute, unlike other Aphyxians. They were the most inward looking humans on the planet. Having broken the tradition of marrying and settling on the peninsula, his business flourished. The mining operation Kees owned was well-known around the planet.
“It would upset the android to human ratio!” Pari was concerned.
“I was taught that androids were created to help the human world develop to a more advanced level at a faster rate,” Kees pointed out.
“That was the original intent. Centuries ago. You’re not very old. Surely you were taught that androids can evolve. Many of us are sentient.” Cirus looked around the circle that had formed. “We’d better be careful,” he said to Pari. “We don’t want to create conflict and get kicked out of the expedition.” As another light-skinned android, the professor of zoology would be instrumental in determining what animals were related to the those that lived in the occupied areas of the planet. Knowing some of their habits would give clues as to whether they would be edible.
Pari was taking her turn climbing when Jal came to the group to check on their progress.
“Jal, will we get kicked out of the group because of the topics of our conversations?” Cirus asked.
“Our goal is not to kick people out. We want people to be able to freely discuss things. We’re all adults. We each have opinions. You all know how it works,” Jal smiled. “What sparked your conversation?”
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“The university is taking its time in their decision about a sabbatical year.”
“You’re still waiting to hear, Professor?” Cirus nodded. “I’ll make a note of that and follow up with the college administration,” Jal told him.
“You’re just a youth,” Cirus scoffed.
“Yes, I am. I’m also the co-leader of this expedition.” Jal pulled out a pad of paper and a pencil. “I’ll be sure the situation gets attention.” It made a note and tucked things away.
As Jal walked away, Cirus muttered, “Arrogant little bastard.”
Jal heard him and nearly turned around to confront him then decided not to.
The Maz studied the professor. A flash of anger crossed his face, and his black eyebrows turned into a scowl. “Is this android going to be trouble?” he wondered. After a moment, he spoke. “Jal Jomari is one of the most determined young people I have ever met. I was out of the solar system when I received his communications. I hadn’t planned to ever return. Yet, here I am. I believe he will fight to keep you here, just as he fought for me.”
“Next!” the climbing instructor called out.
The Maz turned and walked forward. “I don’t need that,” he said to her.
“The equipment is for your safety,” she objected.
“I don’t need it, thanks,” he said. He removed his gloves and flicked them into a pocket. With his long fingers extended, he scrambled up the rock face without the aid of equipment.
“Hey!” she shouted.
Everybody turned to watch. The little humanoid moved quickly and confidently. Only a few minutes later, it stood on the top of the rock formation with its hands raised in victory. It descended just as easily and rejoined the group.
“How did you do that?” Kees Sork demanded.
“Allow me to introduce myself,” the Maz looked up into the faces of those standing around him with a wide grin. “I’m Mi Vong Golsho Apoeijtr. You can call me Golsho. I’m very glad to be here.” He held out his hand in greeting.
“Cirus Young. I’m from Shipman University in Nik.” He grasped the shorter man’s hand and shook it.
“I’m Kees Sork. I’m a geologist and landowner from Northern Trazene.” He reached out to shake the Maz’s hand eagerly.
Cirus tried to step back, but Golsho wouldn’t let go of his hand. “Let go, please,” Cirus laughed. Golsho wiggled all his fingers as everyone watched. “I get it,” Cirus said. “You have something we can put on our hands that will make the climbing process easier.”
“No, I don’t.” Golsho chuckled. With his gloved left hand, he grasped Cirus’s wrist and pulled quickly. There was a loud SNAP as they separated. “I ooze a body fluid on my palms that allows me to quickly climb the rocks on Mazeza, where I was born.” He pulled a glove on. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” he said as he shook hands with those around him. Several of them looked at the seven-finger glove he wore. Golsho stood only as tall as Jal's waist, and had a skill set that was perfect for climbing mountains, drilling holes, and placing anchors for climbing.
Chatter in the group increased as the members laughed at the way Golsho had revealed his unique ability. Many of them knew who the others were, but most people had been fairly reserved, worries of being cut from the expedition had been foremost in each of their minds.
After each of the participants had made the climb once, Dali, their instructor had the entire entourage break into small groups to learn the knots that they would be using. While people were working on the knots, a participant from each of the groups began to scale three different rock formations. The group used the rest of the day to practice climbing and knot-tying.
As people left that afternoon, Sali, Dr. Gyasi, and Jal stood together talking about the group dynamics. “There are small pockets of cohesion forming,” Jal noted. “And there are a few people who don’t seem very confident in this setting.”
“The two women from Naynur aren’t socializing,” Dr. Gyasi stated.
“We’ll separate them next time,” Sali promised.
Jal snapped, “Sidi Chikat and Chetan Loe are going to kill themselves at the rate they’re going. We have got to separate them! I understand that Tresdons are very athletic, but these two need to drop their competitiveness a notch or two.”
Sali went to talk to one of the group members as Jal and Dr. Gyasi gathered the rest of their things. “Jal,”” he said slowly, “I’m worried about Sage Elvan. He’s so quiet, and he’s working so hard. Apparently, he has very little outdoor experience?”
“Yes. That’s true. I told you that I have to step back from his process. You agreed to handle it.”
“I did. Maybe he needs extra training.”
“I’m giving it all the extra training that I have time to provide right now. Do I need to step it up more?”
“I don’t know. We need to get him talking with the other members of the group.”
“That shouldn’t be hard.”
***
Jal transported a stack of crates to Master Neve’s shop. A few minutes later, it arrived there. Jal walked through the backroom and found the potter working at his wheel. “Master Neve, I’ve put my final delivery in the storage room.”
“Thanks, Jal. I need to finish this, then we can talk.”
Jal watched as the potter finished the edges of a large mixing bowl and slid the wire to separate the clay from the throwing wheel. He quickly cleaned off the wheel and wiped off his hands.
They went to the storeroom and Master Neve looked over the dishes in the crates. As he emptied the contents onto the shelves, Master Neve reviewed the glazing process that Jal had used. Satisfied, he stacked the crates together, then led Jal to the desk.
“This is for you.” Master Neve handed Jal a sheet of paper.
Jal unfolded it carefully. “A map?”
“I’ve marked places where you can find the best clay. Remember what I taught you about being mindful of the resources that are available here on Zuphreon. I hope you’ll stop in from time to time and let me know how you’re doing. If you ever change your mind and decide you’d like further training to become a master potter, come to me first.”
“Thank you, Master. I’ll keep your offer in mind.”
“Jal, will you continue to fight in the tournaments?”
“Yes. My last one will be in Fifteenth Month. I sent you the schedule last night.”
“Good! I’ll see you at the fights!”