“Yes.” Oppuk gazed down at the creature in disgust. Not only had it forced its barbaric name upon him, it smelled of floral aromatics, which the denizens of this world often applied to themselves in the mistaken belief that the natural scents of their bodies were noisome, while blatant artificial odors were somehow more acceptable. Their preoccupation with such matters was almost as intense as the classical study of movement was for his own species.
Nevertheless, despite the creature’s reek, he preferred not to give offense here. Japan provided many manufactured goods to the Occupation, since its resistance had been sensibly short-lived and the Jao had not been motivated to lay waste to it as they had North America and parts of Europe and the Asian mainland. Japan’s infrastructure was thus in good shape and their people had prospered under Jao rule, paying their taxes and providing much in the way of material support, sometimes even more than the required levy.
They produced few jinau, on the other hand. Most of the human troops came from North America and those parts of Europe and Asia which had seen the most fighting. That was not unusual, of course. In fact, it was one of the few ways in which humans were like most conquered species. Those moieties that had a martial spirit naturally produced most of the jinau after their conquest.
“There is rumor of an entertainment being planned,” Matasu said, dark eyes gleaming like bits of bright glass in his wrinkled face. The creature was very old, Oppuk realized. “In honor of the new Subcommandant.”
Oppuk had not scheduled any such “entertainment,” as the human meant the term. Activity merely for diversion was not a Jao practice. In addition, he was quite put out already at being forced to officially receive a Pluthrak scion on this level. But the Terran creature was right. His staff should have arranged some sort of expedition or tour, he now realized belatedly, and it irritated him that a human should be aware of his duties better than his own service.
He felt his ears descending into chagrin and took hold of himself, lest he betray his innermost thoughts. “My staff has considered many venues,” he said, schooling his posture to mere mild-interest, “but has not yet decided upon which would be most suitable.”
“I was hoping for one of North America’s famous hunts,” the Terran said, his eyes turning in the direction of Aille krinnu ava Pluthrak and then back. “Wildcats in your Calvada area, or perhaps eagles nesting on the shore of one of the Great Lakes, or even—” He licked his lips and moved closer. “A whale hunt along your northwest coast.”
“A whale hunt?” Oppuk was perplexed. He did not recognize the name of that particular beast. “What exactly is a ‘whale’?”
“It is a marine animal, quite large, which lives all its life in the sea.” Matasu’s eyes blinked, so dark-brown they almost seemed black. “Of course, Earth has many species of whales, but the natives of that coast used to have a ritual for hunting one particular variety that was quite beautiful.”
Oppuk snorted. “Jao are not interested in frivolous human ‘rituals.’ ”
“Of course not!” Matasu fluttered his fingers. “I quite understand. In this instance, however, I believe you will find the whale is making itself of use, which is of course what we all strive for.”
Drinn, his castellan, stepped forward. Concern was written in the lines of his body that this Terran was dominating the Governor’s attention. Oppuk ignored him. “And how exactly does a nonsentient animal make itself of use to anyone?”
“By requiring expertise to be brought down so skills can be practiced.” Matasu’s face stretched into that nauseating native expression meant to denote pleasure. “And by being eaten. Their flesh is most delectable.”
“It does sound intriguing,” Oppuk said. He motioned Drinn closer. “Furnish the pertinent information to my service and—”
“Governor, please!” Caitlin Stockwell slid to the front through the murmuring crowd. Evidently she’d been listening. Her face was rather pinker than before, an unhealthy and unappealing shade. “Many whales are still endangered species. If you authorize a hunt even this once, then it will become the fashion all over the world. At the very least, there may be trouble with environmentalists.”