Download the Book - Islam and Science Fiction

grand reception room, the Hall of the Ambassadors, where lesser
officials could deal with clowns like these two.
In the real world, though, he is forced to deal with the lesser devil
to get the greater evil off his back. Clowns all right, but rich clowns,
so he must pay attention.
"Welcome, dear gentlemen from the north. I understand you seek
trade with our humble kingdom?"
"Indeed we do, your highness. We are interested in all kinds of
art objects that originate from your culture, like your elegant pottery,
your intricate silk tapestries and your finely decorated glassware."
To al-Ghalib's dismay, it is Baron Whattage that answers. As he
speaks, his hands wave, his feet shuffle, he uses his whole body to
emphasize his points. At the same time, the crazy patterns on his
clothes move as well. Paradoxical pain: eye-watering effects that are
impossible to ignore. Dancing designs with a hypnotic hue. Even
Yul, his most stoic guard, has trouble keeping his face straight.
"Our art objects? It seems you gentlemen have no lack of --well-
-ways to express yourselves."
"We are not really representative--in the artistic
sense--of our people. We are only a small minority, the avantgarde.
In our middle class, at the moment, arabesques are all the rage.
However, due to unfortunate circumstances like the Crusades and the
Reconquista here in Spain, our access to these articles is severely
limited."
"Precisely what I'm wondering, my dear lords. Relations between
our cultures are not exactly top notch, as you are well aware. Your
monarchs Richard I the Lion-Hearted and John I, for example..."
"True, but these were despots that have ignored the will of the
common man. Now with our hard-fought Magna Carta we
--the people--are able to approach you directly. You are not our
true enemy, the despicable French frogs and those Viking bastards
are. The English people never had any fight with you."
"Do I hear this right: due to this Magna Carta you can trade with
us without the implicit consent of your ruler?"
"Correct. Henry III has confirmed our Great Charter. This gives
us the liberty to trade with anyone we choose."
"Interesting. Now how do you gentlemen think to pay for these
precious articles of our cultural heritage, these superb examples of our
Moorish craftsmanship?"
"Our English money, or, if this is inconvenient, gold. Or maybe
you would be interested in weapon deliveries?"
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