This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/hfy by /u/Mightynumbat on 2025-06-27 11:10:12+00:00.

Trying a different tack with this one. Every single word is mine and mine alone.

Enjoy.

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"Harry, over here, mate. I need a set of DR233 cables and three zx6 retort bolts. Yeah you were right, whoever put these stands up was in too much of a bloody hurry.”

Jeff bent to his task, his experienced hands disassembling the podium base. The rest looked to be in good order, but the stabilizing struts at the base hadn’t been secured. Damn thing would tip over the moment anyone put anything heavy on it.

“Sloppy work, less than an hour before the session and NOW they tell me the thing might be unstable? Committees, bunch of bloody galahs ” he muttered, then smiled inadvertently. Theyd gone into overtime so yeah some good money AND a promise of Thextren ale on the house if they finished early.

Privately, Jeff was more partial to Ritaran steaks. The chef had promised some if they made it in time for the dinner rush.

His hand slipped , skinning a knuckle. Cursing, Jeff reached behind him for the ratchet, only to have it placed into his hand.

“Thanks, mate. Almost done here. ”

 [“You are more than welcome, young man. You seem to have this place very well prepared”]

Jeff started, almost banging his head as a melodic, cultured voice that was NOT Harry Long replied.

Pulling himself to his feet, Jeff found himself face to face with a tall, rangy alien. Their eyes, all eight of them in a column like head with a lipless, tentacled mouth, blinked in amusement. The alien’s garb was elegant, ceremonial, but what got his attention was the insignia he knew well, resting on the being's neck frills.

Twin galaxies in a golden circular field, resting in an upraised hand. A Morvannen Council diplomat.

Jeff bowed automatically, his hands sweeping out in formal greeting.

 [ Esteemed Sir, my apologies, I didn’t know you were there ] Jeff stuttered in halting Universal. [ How may I serve you this day?] and winced at his atrocious accent.

The ambassador waved a greenish flipper.

“I didn’t want to interrupt. ” he answered in well accented Terran. Relieved, Jeff smiled "If Terran will serve, Sir, by all means"

Suddenly noticing the absence of noise, Jeff turned to face the chamber.

Raising his voice, he turned to address the room. “Oi!!! . No one told you to stop working. The session is in forty five minutes, I want this place finished, cleaned up and tidy before then. Get a wriggle on”. When the noise of hammers and feet resumed, he turned back.

“We usually don’t see ambassadors in here before the Council meets, guess the men were curious. Sorry ” he said sheepishly.

“I am Ambassador Xielle of the Morvannen Contiguity”. Jeff bowed. “Jeffrey Mace, Senior foreman, Maintenance.”

Turning, his eyes sweeping the swarm of crewmembers checking the furniture, Xielle nodded. “Is there a problem?” Jeff shook his head. “Nossir, was told this is a plenary session, so we are putting in more seats, a bench for the recorders and this dais which....”he bent down, looked at the section he had worked on, grunted in approval and closed the covers. Walking around to the front of the dais, he leaned , pushed hard once or twice, slapped his hands down then pushed harder. It didnt move.

” I always check. If it cant handle two good sized dogs jumping onto it at once, then I didnt do it right.”

The ambassador looked puzzled “Dogs?” Jeff blinked then grinned “Earth animal, can get up to sixty pounds or more. I have a Dalmation at home named Rodney.” To explain further he added “They have white fur and black spots..Rodney gets up to all kinds of mischief, Here..” and he pulled out his pocket imager. A holoimage of Mace and Rodney play wrestling appeared, the sound of Rodneys happy barks warming Jeffs heart.

“That’s my front yard in New Sydney. That’s the capital of an Earth nation called Australia.”

He tapped the holoimager again, and a globe of Earth came up, the Australian continent flashing green in highlight.

Xielle pondered a moment “ Ah yes, I read about these, they are tame animals very intelligent , but Ive never seen one in person” Jeff 's tone grew softer, “Faithful, brave and full of love. Man’s best friend. We adopted him as a puppy and the kids adore him”.

His watch beeped urgently.

“Strewth, twenty minutes before the delegates start appearing. I better get back to cleaning up. Sir, I mean no discourtesy, but I must be excused.”

As he turned to go, Xielle’s voice caught him “We were right about you humans”. Jeff paused, confused. “I dont understand”

“You hear the Song”

“Song? Ambassador, I don’t…”

Xielle's voice took on a stronger timbre, almost a recitation.

“Amongst my people, there is an ancient legend of one we call the Stranger. A being who came from the stars long ago and showed us how the Universe brings music that is life. It is said that those who share the lives of others hear the Song. You humans, so young, yes..we were right about you”

Jeff’s brow furrowed, trying to find the alien’s train of thought.

“I still don’t..” Xielle raised an arm, encompassing the hall. “You build. You explore. You share your lives with other beings , living in harmony with them. The sounds your dog makes, they are so full of joy and love. Did you know your race is unique in that regard? You bond with other creatures, other races. Though I am not sure I want to meet something called..what was it that shuttle pilot called it a…oh yes, a dropbear…?

“Are you all right”? he asked as Jeff had a sudden coughing fit. Spluttering, Jeff nodded, privately wanting to strangle that pilot with his bare hands.

“Just some dust in the air, Sir. But you were saying?” Xielle stilled his palms, folding them back into his robe. “Your race has flung themselves into the Galaxy, seeking, finding, learning. In many ways, we were like you once..but what is special about Humanity?”

Xielle was perfectly still, then spoke softly, his tone almost one of wonder and reverence.

“You not only hear the Song..you bring new voices to its chorus”

There was silence for a moment.

“It has been a pleasure to meet you, Jeffrey Mace, may both our peoples grow and Sing together for centuries to come”.

The Morvannen bowed, then walked towards a small group of delegates who had just entered the conference room.