01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
that his image could be imprinted within an object which supposedly, had been found on a
world which was a fantasy within the mind of his blue-eyed Scarn.
He took in every detail. It was like looking in a mirror. It was his body, his limbs, his head,
his eyes staring back quietly and untroubled. There could be no mistake. He sensed the return
of Steve, feeling the boredom which had replaced the earlier enthusiasm to explore. The alien
had found every path blocked and had become frustrated. He put down the Pentacle and
waited for his return.
The mind turmoil came to the door of the room and then changed to caution, as he realised
he had a visitor. There was an upsurge of relief when he recognised Danyk.
"I've been exploring."
"I know."
"Yes, I suppose you would. You must live a very boring life - nobody can ever give you a
surprise party - you'd know as soon as someone started to plan one. I suppose you don't
exchange presents either - after all, you'd know what was planned as a gift. I suppose it could
have one thing in its favour, you'd never double up on a present, you'd know what everyone
else was going to give the birthday boy!"
Danyk echoed.
"The birthday boy?"
"Don't tell me you don't celebrate birthdays!"
"We see no point in celebrating something we didn't plan and execute."
Steve shook his head.
"Don't you ever have a good time - throw a party - get rid of your inhibitions?"
"We have our moments."
Steve grinned.
"I bet you do!"
"Your carnality is showing again."
Steve eyed him thoughtfully.
"Carnality worries you, doesn't it?"
"Carnality, is a necessity under some circumstances. On the other hand, it is an expression
of our baser selves."
Steve snorted.
"Small wonder you have trouble getting children!"
"Is it really your intention to lash out and wound for the sake of winning an argument?"
Danyk felt the flood of guilt and contrition. Steve muttered.
"Sorry - that was below the belt."
"Below the belt?"
"A Martian idiom - a clout in the balls!"
"Oh!"
"What were you doing whilst I was wandering around?"
"Meditating."
Steve nodded absently.
"I suppose you would be - nothing much else to get excited about."
"You seem to have an insatiable appetite to get excited. I sensed you marching around the
complex looking for something to - excite - you."
"I was restless."
"That isn't new. You've been restless ever since we met. Restless about your woman.
Restless about your strange box. Restless about the Pentacle."
"I get the picture! My enquiring mind causes you mental agitation. I've told you before,
you should switch off some time, for your own peace of mind!"
"And I told you, I wouldn't miss a moment of you!"
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