Cubs of the Wolf | Page 7

full upon him.
"Do not try to find out the hidden things of the Masters. That is what
you have come for, is it not, Cameron Wilder? That is why you have
taken so much trouble to learn the language which we speak. I say do
not inquire of the things about which they do not wish to speak. My
Masters are a people who cannot yet be understood by the men of other
worlds. In time there will be understanding, but that time is not yet.
You will only bring disaster and disappointment upon us and
yourselves by attempting to hasten that time."
"I assure you I have no intention of prying," said Cameron haltingly.

He fumbled for the right Markovian words. "You have
misunderstood--We come only in friendship and with no intention of
disturbing--"
The Id nodded sagely. "So many crises are originated by good
intentions. But I am sure that now you understand the feelings of my
Masters in these things that you will be concerned only with your own
enjoyment while in the Nucleus. And do come to the centers of the
Idealists, for there is much we can show you, and our willingness has
no limits."
For a moment it was impossible for Cameron to remember that he was
dealing with a mere servant of the Markovians. The Id's words were so
incisive and his manner so commanding that it seemed he must be
speaking in his own right.
And then his manner changed. His boldness vanished and he spoke
obsequiously. "You will forgive me," he said, "but this is a matter
concerning which there is much feeling."
* * * * *
Cameron Wilder was more than willing to agree with this sentiment. As
he returned to his own quarters he debated telling Joyce of his
encounter with the Id, deciding finally that he'd have to mention it since
they'd all be traveling together, but omitting the Id's repetition of the
previous warnings.
He did not meet the Markovian, nor did he encounter the Id again in the
waiting quarters. It was not until they had embarked on the last leg of
the journey and had been aboard the vessel for half a day that they met
a second time.
The ship was not a Markovian or a terran-type vessel of any kind.
Another week's wait would have been required for one of those. As it
was, their quarters were not too uncomfortable although very limited.
The bulk of the vessel was designed for crew and passengers very
much unlike Terran or Markovian, and only a few suites were provided

for accommodation of such races.
This threw the travelers to the Nucleus in close association again. Their
suites opened to a common lounge deck and when Cameron and Joyce
went out they found Sal Karone and the Markovian, Marthasa, already
there.
The Id was on his feet instantly. With a sharp bow he introduced the
newcomers to his Master. Dells Marthasa stood and extended a hand
with a smile. "I believe that is your greeting on Earth, is it not?" he
said.
"You must be familiar with our home world," said Cameron, returning
the handshake.
"Only a little, through my studies," said the Markovian. "Enough to
make me want to hear much more. Please join us. Since my sargh told
me we would be traveling together I have looked forward to your
company."
The term, sargh, as Cameron learned shortly was applied to all Ids
attached to Markovians. It had a connotation somewhere between
servant and companion. Sal Karone remained in the background, but
there was no servility in his manner. His eyes remained
respectfully--almost fondly; that was the right word, Cameron thought
curiously--on Marthasa.
While the Id was slender in build, the Markovian was taller and bulkier.
His complexion was also dark, but not quite so much so as the Id's. He
was dressed in loose, highly colored attire that gave Cameron an
impression of an Oriental potentate of his own world.
But somehow there was a quality in Marthasa's manner that was jarring.
It would have been less so if the Markovian had been less
anthropomorphic in form and feature, but Cameron found it difficult to
think of him as anything but a fellow man.
A man of arrogance and ill manners, and completely unaware that he

was so.
It was apparent in his gestures and in the negligence with which he
leaned back and surveyed his companions. "You'll be surprised when
you see the Nucleus," he said. "We sometimes hear of rumors
circulated among Council worlds that Markovian culture is rather
backward."
"I've never heard anything of that kind," said Cameron. "In fact we've
heard almost nothing at all of the Nucleus. That's why we decided to
come."
"I'm sure we can make you