Chapter 5

The British expedition was a scientific one. According to the Major, earth was not of a mind to conquer others. They said they had left their colonial past behind them. My country was divided but was not independent. Canada was the behemoth on North America extending down into the plains. The British covered to the Mississippi from the east. The Spanish still had Texas, California, and Florida. The Japanese had the northwest including British Columbia and Alaska. Most of the world was governed by monarchies with some representation by the people in the governing. I would need some considerable time to piece it together accurately. The Major was from Carolina!

They, of course, were interested in how this planet was governed. I couldn’t give much personal information on that issue except to advise the expedition that there seemed to be two species. Normal looking humans with the exception that they were all blonds were the Gonza with the Hedon being the bow-legged ones though also blonds. I didn’t get into details at this time though Elena had told me that Gonza women could not be impregnated by Hedon. The reverse was true though that didn’t keep the women of either group from being raped if caught by the other group.

Most of the others were scientists of one discipline or another. It was heavy in geologists and biologists but light on anthropologists. They knew they would find a world with geology and life but had no idea there would be people here. Only one man worried me in his attitude. As luck would have it, he was an anthropologist though not the head man. Interestingly, there were no women scientists on the expedition though both the pilots of the spacecraft were women. I met them on successive trips they piloted. I could see how my wife and the other women of the village drew stares. The women here were much better looking and were blond and lightly dressed to boot. I managed to keep Melita away from them but two others did manage to enter the area around the ship.

They returned a little tired but happy. I decided that talking to the Major needed to occur. We met quickly. “Major, two of the local girls spent some time in your area yesterday. I need to explain how sex works here and with these people before anything bad happens.”

“What do you mean, Josh? The two were quite willing.”

“I know. That’s not the problem. I’ve refused both of them. Elena and I are exclusive to each other. That’s not true for many couples and there are many women without a regular man. However, and this is vitally important, consent by both parties has to be present. That’s the culture. If a woman approached you and you said, ‘No,’ that would end it. If you approach a woman or girl and she says ‘No,’ that has to end it also. I know the clothing is scanty. We even swim in the nude. However, that’s all possible because consent is so important that it’s ingrained for these people. I saw a man literally torn apart by women for attempting to violate a girl.

“I’m not sure what would happen in a case of attempted non-consensual sex much less a rape involving your people. I know the penalty is death in either event.” I looked at him with a hard look. “You need to make everyone in your expedition aware of this issue. A mistake of that nature would probably end your mission and get one or more of your people killed.”

He looked a little surprised but said, “I understand your statement. However, we would then have to start over in another area.”

“That is true but you would have to fight to leave here without the wrongdoer being punished.” His face showed that he didn’t like that idea. “I will tell the town of your attitude. It’s probably best you left while I’m doing that never to return.”

“Josh, that’s a harsh attitude.”

“No, sir. Your attitude is the one that is harsh and unfeeling. My response is exactly a response to your attitude. Your people may not ignore the customs of mine without consequences.”

“Josh, we can work this out.”

“No, Major, we can’t. There are and will be plenty of girls and women who will respond favorably to requests or even initiate them. Your people have to remember that there are rules and obey them. Have you ever wondered why your Charles Anderson of your anthropology group doesn’t meet with me or my wife?”

“Well, yes. We’ve worked around the issue though.”

“The reason is that he wouldn’t quit looking at my wife with lust. She has almost felt the need to fight him off. That would have been fatal to Anderson.” The Major gave a slight start. “I would have killed him. The people here would have supported me and helped. Remember, there are no long trials and we don’t have jails.”

“Perhaps, you are right.”

“I am right. You and your expedition should leave immediately.” The Major pulled his pistol. He forgot two things. He didn’t check his six and he had no backup plan if he even had a plan at all. The spear went into his body and stuck out where the bloody point could be seen. The pistol dropped from his hand. I took his pistol and said, “Thank you, Tonho.”

He nodded and said, “You were right, Josh.”

“Unfortunately.”

We removed the spear from his body. We carried the Major’s body to the ship. Once there, I asked for the number two person. A man who I hadn’t met but once came forward. I said, “The Major drew on a member of the village. That was fatal. I and my father in-law are here to bring his body to you and tell you to leave immediately never to return.”

“Josh, we should be able to work something out.”

“No, sir. Aggression is met by deadly force. The Major found that out. You people will not be allowed to disturb our peace. Leave now.” I bowed very slightly and stiffly. We left and went to our homes. We went around telling of what happened and that everyone should abandon the village for a few days.

The next day, our village was bombed. No one was hurt except for one old man who had stayed. The British returned and landed. We had people out who watched them land. Once on the ground and out of their ship, our bowmen began to take them out. Each arrow hit someone. The British shot back cutting down a lot of trees. After losing five, the captain who was in charge after the Major’s death came out with his hands raised. I noted his holster was conspicuously empty. I shouted, “Come forward. We will talk under truce. Otherwise, get back inside.” He nodded and raised his right hand. He came forward about fifty feet and I met him.

Once there, I said, “We didn’t appreciate being bombed. You have now lost six and we one and some buildings. We consider it a fair trade. Do you still want to fight us?”