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XXXVI

On Trial, Again (Day 369 on Tashoo) (Morning)

Sleep is the wonderful rejuvenator. Dreams are both fantasy and reality. I prefer the reality types of dreams, most of the time. In the fantasy aspect of my dreams, though, I am with Tyarza, which makes me want to forget the reality dreams.

Tonight, Tyarza and I are sitting in a boat on a lake and I am rowing the boat. Tyarza's normal fear of being on the water isn't exhibited in this dream. Her blue-blond hair is significantly shorter than it normally is and is cut in an ancient style known as the pixie cut. Her yellow in blue eyes and lion-yellow skin are as alluring to me as they ever were. She is wearing a white sun dress with yellow and pink flowers, sandals and is carrying a pink parasol, a sight that, knowing the life she lives on Tashoo, seems to be an oxymoron. The sun is a beautiful bluish-white. Bluish-white? Well, it is a fantasy. Tyarza is smiling at me through light brown lips revealing milk white perfectly straight teeth.

This beautiful picture slowly starts fading to grayness. I am angry that whatever god or demon that doesn't allow me to enjoy my happiness in my dreams once again causes me the anguish that I am feeling knowing that Tyarza is once again leaving me.

As she fades away, Tyarza says, "Mvilu, do not fear for me. You know where I am and how to find me. Be careful of the Ka'yno. You know he fears you and wants your life. Use the law to your advantage and you will prevail."

As Tyarza speaks, the grayness gradually becomes darker and darker, until it becomes total blackness. The blackness with the painfully white pinpoints of light that seems to always precede the memory aspect of my dreams always causes fear in me. I experience the fear because I know what the dreams entail, they have to be the key to my forgotten past. But, what do they unlock? If the dreams are the key to my past, why are they so tantalizingly vague? Why can't they be more obvious in their meaning? I want this information; I need this information. But, at the same time, I fear what I'll learn. What if I learn that, despite the great love I have for Tyarza, I've got another mate? Even if I do, I will keep my promises to her.

Tonight, it is another dream about me, but not with me in it. Once again, the dream takes place on Terra, but it includes the dinosaurids and the creatures that look like beetles with gorilla heads, hands and feet. The creatures, I believe they are called Yavkognians, have multi-faceted eyes that cover a large portion of their immense ape-like heads. I can see a strange looking craft, a space craft of some kind. But, why do I know what a space craft is? I am a Uany on the planet Tashoo. Right?

At sundown Ch'ka'eh and Ch'lo'to arrive at the Khorchan ship. A servant from a species that reminds me of an amphibian responds to their call and escorts them to a room that has a large video screen on the wall opposite the door. The Khorchans, Zaiku and Qatrikt, are seated in large chairs and are looking at the video screen.

Through his translator, Ch'ka'eh says, "Zaiku, what is so interesting on the video screen?"

Without turning his attention from the screen, Zaiku says, "There is an interesting news story from the area of Terra known as the United States of America. This story is so interesting that I have requested that our meal be brought to us here. I hope you do not mind."

"Yes, it is agreeable with us to dine here with you, if you wish. It is more informal. Is this news story interesting enough that I should watch it?"

"I believe it is. It could prove interesting to the future plans of our respective empires."

Ch'ka'eh and Ch'lo'to each retrieve a device from bags that they are carrying. The devices look like metallic helmets large enough to completely cover their large heads. On the front of the helmets is something akin to goggles. On the interior of the helmets are multi-faceted screens that will allow the Yavkognians to view a standard Terran 3-D video screen with little distortion.

The newscaster is saying, "From southern Georgia in the United States of America comes the story of a remarkable young man by the name of William Henry Watson. William is the son of Major General James W. Watson of the International Air Force. General Watson is Commander of Moody Air Force Base outside of Valdosta, Georgia.

"Earlier today, sixteen year old William piloted a modified vintage private jet aircraft to an altitude exceeding 65 kilometers. Despite the fact that the engine of his aircraft shut down from a lack of oxygen, Mr. Watson managed to pilot his craft to a safe landing at Moody Air Force Base.

"According to reports from the base, after reaching 65 kilometers and losing his engine, William managed to keep his aircraft from tumbling out of control due to the modifications he had made, including replacing the original wings with extended ones and installing an air compressor, air tanks and air nozzles that are controlled by the yoke and rudder pedals. In this way, he was able to keep the aircraft flying straight and level even without his engine until he reached an altitude that allowed him to restart his engine.

"By flying to an altitude of 65 kilometers, William set an altitude record for non-military pilots controlling an aircraft.

"In other news. . ."

Zaiku turned the video screen off and turned to Ch'ka'eh, who says, "What is your opinion about this William Watson?"

"I believe I need to contact the Zahr Khohr and allow him to see this news story. I think he will agree with me when I tell him that I think this human bears watching. He could be a thorn in our future plans."

"Do you think the Zahr Khohr will mind if I am present?"

"Now that the differences between our peoples have been ironed out, I do not believe he will mind. Give me a few moments to contact Khorchoko."

Zaiku walks over to a terminal and keys in a sequence of Khorchan letters and numbers. A short while later and, on the video screen on the terminal, a Khorchan face appears. After gazing at Zaiku for several seconds, the Khorchan on the screen speaks. "Zaiku, how do the negotiations progress?"

"Senator Koshuvala is more than a little happy to accept the statement that we have no interest in Tonojen. We are to start formal negotiations early tomorrow. We have also decided that it will be possible to convince Senator Koshuvala to agree with our suggestions if we offer him proper incentive."

"Good, but I know that is not why you contacted me. Is there a problem?"

"Almighty One, I need to send you a Terran news story. Please watch it and let me know your opinion. I am certain you are in agreement with me. But, I want to be certain."

"Send it."

The Zahr Khohr turns his head slightly, obviously watching the news cast. After it ended, he continues staring in the same direction for several more seconds before saying anything. Finally, he says, "That is a most interesting and resourceful human, Zaiku. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. This human bears watching."

"Shall I have him killed?"

"No, it would bring us too much unwanted attention and could possibly delay our plans. Just use one of our human spies to keep an eye on him. Zaiku, as of this moment you are our official permanent Ambassador to the Terran Interstellar Federation. You will remain there to give me regular reports on this William Watson."

"Thank you, Almighty One. It shall be as you order."

"I see that Ch'ka'eh is there with you. Ambassador Ch'ka'eh, the Shishsho is here on an official visit. He wishes to speak with you."

Ch'ka'eh steps to the screen and says, "I thank you, Almighty one."

The Yavkognian leader steps to the screen and says, "Ch'ka'eh, I viewed the Terran news cast along with the Zahr Khohr. I am in agreement with him concerning this human. Therefore, I am appointing you to be the official permanent ambassador to the Terrans. You also keep an eye on this young human and report to Yavkognia anything that he does that could be of interest to us."

"Yes, Invincible One, I shall do as you say. I also wish to thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon us today."

Zaiku turns off the screen, turns to Ch'ka'eh, and says, "Well, my friend, it looks like you and I are going to be working even more closely together for a while. Perhaps we should start coming up with ideas to put into the treaty. I feel fairly certain that Senator Koshuvala would agree to almost anything as long as it seemed that Terra was getting what they wanted, even though they are getting no guarantees and, of course, if that fails, there is always the platinum incentive."

I was thrashing about on my bed, moaning loudly and sweating profusely. The dreams were taking a toll on me physically. I knew that if I didn't resolve the dream issue, I'd become a nervous wreck. Rora was worried about it happening; Ara was worried about it happening; Tyarza was worried about it happening; everybody that knew about the dreams was worried about it happening.

As I awoke, Chy was lying on my chest patting my cheek with his gigantic paw. As Chy tried to wake me up, I heard Ara scratching on my door. Slowly, the door opened. I saw her face peeking through the opening. I knew she remembered the last time she came into my room unexpectedly after Chy started living here. I saw her looking at Chy slightly fearfully. Slowly, she entered the room and started talking softly to Chy. I knew she was hoping that by speaking softly, Chy wouldn't think she was trying to hurt me.

Turning her attention to me, she said, "Mvilu, are you all right? Did you have another dream? Please tell me you are all right."

"Yes, Ara, to your questions on all accounts."

"Thank the Great Being. You know how much I worry about you."

"I know, Ara. I thank you for your concern." I reached up and scratched Chy's head and said, "And I thank you for your concern, too, Chy." Chy turned his head slightly and purred loudly.

Turning back to Ara, I said, "Are you ready for the nakyvy, Ara?"

"Yes, I am, Mvilu. It should be ready by the time you get to the dining table."

I got dressed and headed into the dining room. When I got there, Rora was already there waiting on me. Ara was just bringing breakfast to the table. She turned as I was approaching. She looked and said, "Where is Chy? Are you not going to bring him out here for the nakyvy?"

"No, I think it would be better for him to stay in my room this morning. I will take some food to my room and feed him there."

I took some meat and vegetables to the bedroom and placed them in Chy's corner, along with a bowl of water. By the time I turned to leave, Chy had started eating. I went to the dining table and sat down and started eating. The three of us talked about our plans for the day. Today was Rora's day to guard the garden and Ara had some serious cleaning planned. That left me and I was planning on assisting at Joola's booth at the market.

We had just finished breakfast, when we heard an insistent scratching at the door. Before anyone could move a voice outside was yelling, "Open the door! We have orders from the Ka'yno to search this house and take the Uany, Mvilu Uatusun and a Kootona to the Suala Ka'ynony for trial."

We all looked at each other. Meanwhile, the scratching was replaced by an incessant loud metallic pounding. It seemed that these warriors were intent on impressing the Ka'yno with their prowess as arresting officers. Ara walked over to the door and opened it. Without an invitation four large Mory warriors filed into the room. I saw fire flash in Ara's eyes as these four totally disregarded Mory protocol. None of them, however, seemed to care.

I recognized them. I had trained them in sword fighting techniques. Ara was about to protest, when I interrupted. "Chitekuro, Zy-Kota, to what do we owe this honor?" My nonchalant demeanor seemed to catch him completely off guard, so off guard that he turned to look at me blankly before he could reply.

"Chitekuro." He turned to look at Ara and said, "Please forgive the unwarranted intrusion, TaAra. We have orders from the Ka'yno to arrest Mvilu, take a Kootona from your home and bring them to the Suala Ka'ynony."

I said, "Well, here I am but, the Kootona is in my room. He is finishing his nakyvy. He has never met anyone, but Rora and TaAra." No sense in implicating any more of my friends in this situation at this time than was absolutely necessary. "I doubt he will bother you as long as you do not make any sudden moves."

"Sudden moves?"

"Yes, in other words, do not turn and run. Do not lunge at him, me or anybody else in this house. We are his rothu (family) and I believe he would protect us to his death. If all of you will stand still when I bring him out of my room, I will introduce him to you and he will sniff each of you. After he does that, he will accept you into his rothu and will protect you as long as you do not attempt to harm me. To him I am his norotha and he will defend me above anyone else."

"How will you stop him if he tried to hurt us?"

"I will have a harness tied around him and a leash attached to it. When I first obtained him as a younger rothoo, I started training him to accept a harness and leash. I taught him that he cannot move me when he is wearing the harness and, so far, even as big as he is, he has not tried to pull away from me when he is wearing it. However, I cannot make any promises if you try to harm me, him or anybody in this house. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand." He turned to the others and said, "If any of you disregard what Mvilu has just said, I will defend the Kootona before the Ka'yno. Mvilu has never attempted to harm anyone in the village and I do not believe he will start now. Do you understand?"

All of them nodded and said, "Yes, Sajate. I understand." I guess the Ka'yno finally decided to institute the military hierarchy I had suggested and the rest of the Aka'na had instituted from the very beginning.

I excused myself and went into my room. I got Chy's harness and leash. When he saw this, Chy started bounding around my room. After a few seconds of this, he walked over to me and rubbed his body along mine and stood still as I put the harness on him. I attached the leash to it and we walked into the dining area.

We walked out of my room and, when they saw Chy, two of the guards immediately grabbed for their swords. Chy saw this and he crouched for an attack. I short leashed him and pulled the leash tight. Chy sat, but he kept a wary eye on the two.

I said, "Sajate Kota, did I not warn you and your warriors to not make any sudden moves? All of you are lucky I was holding tightly to the leash. If I had not been holding it, I cannot guarantee that Chy would not have attacked when he saw the aggressive move on the part of those two."

Kota said, "Yes, Mvilu. You did warn us and I thank the Great Being that you were holding that leash." Turning to the offending two, he said, "Did you two not agree to not make any sudden moves?"

Embarrassed and looking away from Kota, they both replied, "Yes, Sajate."

One of the two, who was wearing Kapara insignia, added, "Please forgive our reaction. It was instinctive."

Turning back to me, Sajate Kota said, "Are you ready to go, Mvilu?"

"Yes, I am. I would make a request, though."

"What is it?"

"Have your warriors walk about five meters on either side and in front and in back of us as we walk. The residents of Talo-Vy might try to run or harm Chy. I do not want that to happen."

"I understand. That is a good suggestion. Kapara, do as Mvilu suggested."

"Yes, Sajate." And we left for the Suala Ka'ynony.

As we walked through Talo-Vy, I saw looks of fear, hatred and curiosity on the faces of the residents we met. I was continually pleading with them to not run or bother us in any way. I also asked them to give us plenty of room and Chy would not bother them. After a short while, Kota and his men were doing the same thing. The residents who knew me did not think twice but did what was asked of them. The rest stood there for several seconds before they thought it would be wise to do as they were asked, as well.

When we arrived at the Suala Ka'ynony, the door guard was Za-Shooto. He started to let us enter until he saw Chy. He took a step back, put his hand on his sword and started to draw it. "A Kootona!" he said. "What are you doing bringing a Kootona to the Suala Ka'ynony?"

Again, Chy crouched for an attack. I said, "Shooto, you know me. Take your hand away from your sword, slowly. If you do not, Chy may try to attack you and I may not be able to stop him."

Kota said, "The Ka'yno heard that Mvilu had a Kootona in his home and ordered us to bring both of them here for trial on violating the Dangerous Animals Law."

"Oh, yes. I am sorry, Sajate. I had heard that you were going to do that. Seeing the Kootona unnerved me."

I said, "Do not worry, Shooto, he will not harm you, if you do not make any sudden moves. I know that is difficult, knowing the attitude the Mory have toward the Akootona, but I have him trained to follow my commands. Just let him sniff you, if he wants to. He will not do any more than that."

"If you say so, Mvilu. I just do not trust them."

Chy sniffed Shooto's hand and then licked it. Now that Shooto realized that Chy wasn't going to kill him and eat him for breakfast, he said, "I will go and tell the Ishoo'se Aka'ny you are here." He left to announce us.

After what seemed to be about a minute, Shooto returned and announced, "The Ishoo'se Aka'ny will see you immediately. May the Great Being be at your side."

The six of us entered the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny and walked to the middle of the room, as we are required to do. The eight members of the Ishoo'se Aka'ny were seated on their respective thrones, looking at us. When they saw Chy, their looks were tinged with a bit of fear, all except for Naka, naturally. Nachoo and Katoo were sitting on their thrones as well and looking fearfully at Chy. After we stopped, Nachoo stood up and glared down at me.

"Mvilu Uatusun," he said venomously. "I see you have arrived and brought the Kootona with you."

"Of course, Great One," I replied. "I was ordered to bring him with me. I try to not disobey orders, even ones I disagree with. To do otherwise would be dishonorable. If I had not been ordered to bring him, I would not have brought him."

"Do you know why you are here?"

"I would assume one of your spies found something about me that you believe is in your best interests, perhaps he found out I was in violation of Mory Law."

When I said "spies", the entire Ishoo'se Aka'ny turned and glared at Nachoo. Spying, especially on residents of a Ka'yno's own village, is considered a serious breach of privacy, etiquette, and protocol, three things the Mory value above almost anything else. It is considered dishonorable in the extreme; because no matter how much a Ka'yno may be despised by the residents of a village, insurrection is extremely rare, virtually unheard of and never planned by anyone born in the village. If anyone wants to change the leadership of the village, they issue the Ka'yno Challenge(1) for the title. There are very few ways a Ka'yno can be removed non-violently, and spying is one of them. So, needless to say, spying is frowned upon by everyone, especially the Ishoo'se Aka'ny, and the few Aka'yno that have ever done it have done it discreetly and were risking losing their position. As you can guess from my explanation about spying, yes, my statement was an attempt to convince the Ishoo'se Aka'ny that Nachoo was unworthy of the title of Ka'yno.

Nachoo said to the Ishoo'se Aka'ny, "It is true that I had spies following him. I suspected he was planning on doing something that was detrimental to the village and a violation of Mory Law. I proved my suspicions were correct. There before us, in the form of a Kootona, is the proof."

After temporarily deflecting any potential repercussions from the spying charge, Nachoo turned to me and said, "Mvilu Uatusun, you are here to be tried for breaking the Dangerous Animals Law and touching a Mory nojasa in an inappropriate manner. How do you plead to the charges?"

I said, "You do not have to have a trial. I admit I touched Zo-Kyta in an inappropriate manner, but it was not of my own volition. When it was revealed to her that Zo-Joola, her norotha, was pregnant, she was so excited she temporarily forgot protocol and grabbed my hands and held them to her breasts. However, her dress was covering her breasts and, therefore, technically, I was not in violation of inappropriate touching of Zo-Kyta. I do, however, admit to violating the Dangerous Animals Law and, as you said, the proof is in the presence of Chy here before you."

"So, you admit you are guilty." Nachoo clapped his hand gleefully.

"I admit no such thing. I merely admitted that I broke the law. On the day I first appeared before the Ishoo'se Aka'ny, did I not say I would not hesitate to break any law I felt was detrimental to the residents of Talo-Vy?" The whole of the Ishoo'se Aka'ny nodded.

I continued, "At the time, the main focus of that statement was the Armed Slave Law. A few days later, even though I could have lost my life doing so, I willingly picked up a sword my master, and friend, had dropped and defended Talo-Vy against the warriors of Te'ka-Jy. Everyone in the Ka'na that I helped to defend was overwhelmingly glad I violated that law, even the Aka' Re-Sheshoo, whose Ka'na we were in, and Ky-Kikoo, who, coincidentally, had been sent there on some foolish errand by the Ka'yno just a few days after he had angered the Ka'yno by voting to spare my life." Once again, the Aka' looked suspiciously at Nachoo.

I let this description sink into the heads of the Ishoo'se members for a couple of seconds. I continued, "I believe there should be an exception to the Armed Slave Law that would allow for just such a situation. Having said all that, I also believe that my situation with Chy--"

Ka' Sheshoo interrupted, "Excuse me, Mvilu, Chy?"

"That is the name I gave to my Kootona."

"I see. Interesting choice of names, a diminutive of chykooza(2). Please continue."

"Thank you, Ka' Sheshoo. As I was saying, I believe my situation with Chy warrants such an exception."

Nachoo asked, sarcastically, "Why do you think this?"

"On the day I found Chy, Rora and I had gone hunting. We had had some luck; he had killed a Taojoo and I had killed a Zooshaka. As I was dragging the Zooshaka to our rendezvous place, I heard a rothoo crying. I investigated and found a Kootona rothoo that was about thirty-six to fifty-four days old. He was the only rothoo alive out of a litter of six. The norotha was lying close by; she was dead. I snuck up on him, captured him and saved his life. I do not claim that he has the higher emotions of gratitude and love, but I do know that ever since I found him, he has treated me as if I were his norotha. He counts on me for his food and affection. I trained him to not bite me."

Kikoo said, "Wait a minute. You trained this Kootona to not bite you?"

"Yes, I did Ka' Kikoo. He was very weak from hunger when I found him. Because of this, I used my greater strength, and food, to teach him to respect, and possibly, love me. Whatever I tell him to do, he does. Whatever I tell him to not do, he does not do. I even trained him to use the toilet facilities at TaAra's house."

All of the Aka', except for Naka, were looking at me incredulously. Finally, after a few seconds, Sheshoo said, "I cannot speak for the rest of the Aka', but I find it difficult to believe that a Kootona could even remotely be friendly, especially to a Mory."

"Ka' Sheshoo, have you not noticed that Chy is sitting calmly by my side? Has he offered to harm anyone in this room?" I turned to Kota and asked, "Sajate Kota, during our walk to the Suala Ka'ynony, did Chy offer to harm anyone in the village?"

He replied, "I must admit that he did not. But, you did warn everyone to stay back."

"Yes, I did. When you told me that Chy and I were required to come here, did I not warn you and your men to not make any sudden moves for fear that Chy might think you were trying to harm me?"

He nodded and said, "Yes, Mvilu. You did that." In anticipation of my next question, he said, looking at the Aka', "However, when the Kapara and another warrior reached for their swords, the Kootona crouched as if he was going to attack. When Mvilu told the two to remove their hands from their swords, the Kootona relaxed. As long as we remained calm, the Kootona made no attempt to harm us."

Ka' Hoo-Kavy asked, "Can you show us how well your Kootona is trained?"

"Gladly, Ka' Kavy." Turning to Chy, I held my hand in front of his nose and said, "Chy, stay." I then walked about ten meters away from Chy. Chy never moved. He just watched me. I turned toward Chy, held my hand up palm facing me and said, "Chy, come." Chy stood and walked straight to me and stopped right in front of me. I pointed to the floor by my right leg and said, "Chy, heel." Chy walked around and stood by my right leg. I pointed to the ground and said, "Chy, sit." Chy sat down. Once again, I said, "Chy, stay." I walked about fifteen meters away while Chy sat where I had told him to sit. I pointed toward Chy and down at the floor at the same time and said, "Chy, down." Chy lay down, looking all the world like the Sphinx, minus the headgear and human face. I pointed my finger at Chy and turned it in a circle and said, "Chy, roll over." He rolled over. I pointed up and said, "Chy, up." Despite his size, Chy sat up on his haunches just a pretty as any dog you could imagine could sit up. I took my hand and waved it and said, "Chy, wave." He waved his paw.

I turned to the Ishoo'se Aka'ny and said, "I must warn the Ishoo'se Aka'ny to please not react negatively when I show you what else I have trained Chy to do." I turned to Chy and said, "Smile pretty." Chy, still sitting up, lifted his lips and revealed his extra-long canines in a wonderful smile. I looked at the Aka' and saw several nervous looks.

I looked at Chy again and said, "Chy, jump." Chy ran to me and jumped into my arms. I must admit that it was quite a burden due to his being almost 40 kg in weight.

I put Chy down, turned to the Aka' and said, "As my final demonstration, I will show exactly how dangerous Chy is." Once again, the Aka' showed extreme nervousness. I guess they thought I was going to allow Chy to hurt someone, or some such.

I said, "Ka' Naka, would you please come down here?" Naka, since he knew Chy, showed no fear and stood up. Before he started down, I said, "Ka' Thaty, would you join Ka' Naka down here?" He hesitated, but I said, "Ka' Thaty, if I am wrong about Chy, I will gladly and freely offer my life in exchange for any injury he may inflict on you." That seemed to allay any fears he may have been harboring. He and Naka walked down to the floor. As they came down, Chy watched them closely. Finally, I said, "Both of you, please make no sudden moves no matter what happens."

I knelt down beside Chy and whispered to him, "Chy, your friend Ka' Naka is here. Go over and give him kisses."

Chy looked at me for a second, then looked at the two Aka' for a second. Finally, he stood and walked over to Thaty, looked up at him, sniffed his leg, then turned to Naka. He looked at Naka, sniffed his leg, then jumped up and put his front paws on Naka's shoulders, looked into his eyes, rubbed his cheek against Naka's cheek, licked Naka's neck, then laid his chin on Naka's shoulder. Naka reached up and scratched Chy between his ears causing Chy to purr loudly.

I turned to Nachoo and asked, "Does that look like a dangerous animal?"

He replied, "The law does not differentiate. The law declares that the Kootona is a dangerous animal."

Still scratching Chy's head, Naka said, "I am sorry, Mvilu, but he is quite correct. The law specifies which animals are considered dangerous and are not allowed within the village for any reason."

"So, what you are telling me is, if I had caught a Zatoota(3), I would not be in violation of the Dangerous Animals Law."

Nachoo said, "Exactly."

I smiled and asked, "What if it were to escape and kill a warrior that happened to find it?"

Once again, Nachoo answered me, "That would never happen."

"Great One, I am proposing a hypothetical situation. But, let me be a bit more specific. What if the Zatoota had a disease of its brain that caused it to become extremely violent? Would the Zatoota then be considered a dangerous animal?"

Nachoo and all the Ishoo'se Aka'ny were speechless. They knew I had a great ability to sway people to my way of thinking by the way I used words. However, they had never considered this possibility. After a few seconds, the Aka' looked at one another. Finally, Naka, after having re-ascended the dais and taking his seat along with Thaty, said, "What you are suggesting does pose a sticky situation. As you know, the Zatoota is a very mild-mannered animal. But, I suppose under the conditions of a brain disease, one could be dangerous. However, under the definition of dangerous animals, the Zatoota is not dangerous."

"So, Mory Law requires that the situation be based on a general basis, not a specific one."

"The law is a general protection. I am not saying that there are no individual deviations from the generally accepted facts. I am saying we have to assume that the general description is correct until a variation becomes the normal action."

"Such as if a Mory proves to be dishonest and dishonorable?" I was looking at Nachoo when I said this.

Before Nachoo could react, Naka replied, "Yes, that would be a good example." He, too, was looking at Nachoo when he spoke.

Nachoo nearly blew a gasket. He practically screamed, "Why are we continuing this charade? This Uany has already admitted he is guilty! He should be put to death!"

I calmly replied, "Great One, I have not admitted to guilt of any kind. I already said that. I have admitted that I violated a law I consider stupid, arrogant and totally unreasonable."

Through clenched teeth, Nachoo said, "An admission of violating law is the same as an admission of guilt. Do not play your silly word games with me, Uany. The violation of this law carries a death penalty. Therefore, you will die."

I said, "As you wish, Great One. However, may I ask the Ishoo'se Aka'ny a question?"

Smugly, he said, "Go ahead."

"I would ask the Aka' this. Is it not true that the Mory believe that the Great Being sides with the not guilty in a Trial by Combat(4)?"

The entire Ishoo'se nodded. After I saw this, I said, "Can anyone who is charged with violation of any Mory Law request Trial by Combat?"

Ka' Naka said, "Anyone so charged may request Trial by Combat."

"In that case, I request Trial by Combat."

Nachoo clapped his hands gleefully. "I know who will be your opponent."

Before he could name the name, which I knew would be Rora, I said, "Great One, before you name my opponent, I believe that, according to Mory Law and belief, the opponent must be someone with an opposing view."

Through widened eyes Nachoo turned to the Naka and asked, "Mu-Naka, is this true?"

"Yes, it is, Great One. You will have to choose someone who thinks that the keeping of a Kootona is wrong."

Nachoo glared at me, once again. Finally, after a few seconds, he said, "Since the Kootona was being kept in the home of My-Ara, it is safe to assume that she and her son agree with you, Uany. Therefore, I cannot choose My-Rora. So, in his stead. . ."

Before he had time to think, I said to him, while looking sideways at Ka' Naka, "Great One, everyone on the Ishoo'se knows you have been trying to have me killed since the day I arrived. They also know that you oppose my belief concerning Chy. Would you feel any satisfaction if someone else killed me for you?"

This was just what he wanted to hear me say. He finished by saying, "As I started to say, in My-Rora's stead, I will be your opponent." Without realizing it, he had just challenged me to a duel.

To make certain that every aspect of Mory law was fulfilled, I said, "It sounds as if you are challenging me to a duel, Great One. If that is the case, I accept your challenge. When shall we have this Trial by Combat?"

Without realizing it, Nachoo rose to the bait and exclaimed, "Yes! Yes, I am challenging you!"

Ka' Naka, realizing what was happening, said, "Great One, because this is a challenge combat, we must observe the protocols." Turning to me, he asked, "Mvilu, do you accept the challenge?"

"Yes, my Ka'. I accept the challenge."

"Great One, when and where will the Trial by Combat take place."

"The Trial by Combat shall take place before the nakyvo tomorrow on the Atasho Chyzakoo'do(5)."

"Mvilu, as the one challenged, you have the right to choose the weapon to be used in the combat. What is your weapon of choice?"

"I choose the short sword, my Ka'."

"Very good. Great One, what weapon will you use?"

"I, too, shall use the short sword."

"Very good, Great One. Now, I must say this even though both of you already understand it. If either of you break off combat before the death of the other, that one will be immediately killed before he has a chance to leave the Atasho Chyzakoo'do. Do the both of you understand the penalty should either of you leave the Dueling Grounds before the death of the other?" Lo-Nachoo and I both acknowledged that we understood. "Very well. The Trial by Combat will take place tomorrow at the fourth hour. Once again, I remind the both of you that the trial will only be over with the death of one or the other of you."

Lo-Nachoo said, "Have your weapon of choice ready when you arrive at the Atasho Chyzakoo'do in the center of Talo-Vy because you will need it." "I will be ready, Great One."

"Then leave and take this obnoxious creature with you. I only wish I could make you watch it die after I kill you tomorrow."

I took Chy's leash and said, "Come, Chy." Then I backed out of the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny.

Before I left, I heard Ka' Naka saying, "Great One, the Uany does not know all of the requirements of the Trial by Combat. With your permission, I will escort him and the Kootona home and explain what will be required of him."

"Then, go and tell him how to prepare to die."

(1)-The Ka'yno Challenge is the way that a warrior who may be dissatisfied with the way the Ka'yno of a village rules may remove the current Ka'yno violently. It consists of the warrior issuing the challenge in the presence of the Keeper of the Law. Upon hearing the challenge, the Keeper of the Law asks several questions to the Ka'yno and the challenger beginning with asking the Ka'yno if he accepts the challenge. If the Ka'yno refuses to accept the challenge, he is forcibly removed from the Suala Ka'ynony and forced to leave the village with a death warrant on his head should he ever return. The questions are asked in this order: 1) "Great One, you have been officially notified of the Ka'yno Challenge. What is your response?" 2) "As the one issuing the challenge, you must state when and where the challenge must take place." 3) "As the one challenged, you are allowed to choose the weapon you will use in the challenge. What is your weapons of choice?" The Ka'yno then chooses whichever weapon he so desires to fight the challenge with. His options are: long sword, short sword, dagger, or claws and teeth. The challenger is allowed to choose either the same weapon or a weaker weapon. In other words, if the Ka'yno chooses a short sword, the challenger may choose short sword, dagger or teeth and claws. 4) The challenger is then asked, "As the challenger, you decide whether the challenge is determined by first blood, incapacitation or death. What determines who wins the challenge?" The challenger then states his choice of determining factors. 5) "Understood. Great One, the challenger had chosen XXXX as the determining factor of the challenge. If either of you break off combat before the XXXX of the other, that one will be banished from Talo-Vy with a sentence of death should he ever return. Do the both of you understand the penalty should either of you leave the Dueling Grounds before the death of the other?" Upon completion of the asking of these questions, the Ka'yno Challenge occurs at the time and place of the challenger's choosing. All combat challenges are treated in the same manner with the exception that only the Ka'yno Challenge can end without death. All other combat challenges are fought to the death, including and especially the Trial by Combat.

(2)-Ferocious.

(3)-The Zatoota is a smallish animal similar in many ways to a Terran rabbit, except that it has short ears and is not a lagomorph nor even a rodent. It is just as harmless as a rabbit. It has a reddish-orange pelt with lemon yellow tick spots and blue-gray vertical stripes.

(4)-The rules of Trial by Combat are similar to the rules of the Ka'yno Challenge in that the same five questions are asked with the exception of the first and fourth questions. The first question is omitted due to the fact that the accused requests trial by combat and the Ka'yno must accept it. The fourth question is omitted because, by Mory law, Trial by Combat must end in the death of one or the other of the combatants. The fifth question is altered to state that the combat must end in the death of one of the combatants.

(5)-Dueling Grounds