Chapter 26
Transcriptionist's Note: Grigor Spade (GS in transcript) uses a translation chip in order to understand and respond in Standard. As such, he pauses frequently throughout the interview. These pauses have been noted in the transcript.
SP: Have you met Sashen Solar previously?
GS: [Protracted pause while listening and before speaking] No. But I have heard of him.
SP: Oh, interesting! I had a look back at the footage from the mixer and I couldn't tell if you knew him or if you'd gotten him mixed up with someone else.
GS: [Protracted pause] No, he is the right person. He – [Protracted pause] uses a new name. His name from Seraphim is Alikander Lane.
SP: And why –
GS: He ran – [speaks over interviewer due to delay in translation; GS stops speaking; he makes a gesture at the interviewer, as if telling him to speak]
SP: [Sound indicating amusement] Those chips are something else.
I'll give you more time to respond moving forward. I wanted to ask why you wanted to speak with Sashen. You said – and I think our translation is correct – that you didn't approve of his dancing and you had something to tell him. That's a bit unusual. It’s been some years since we’ve had a competitor attend with the intent of speaking with another competitor, though perhaps you’re here for other reasons as well.
Could you tell me a little more why you spoke with Sashen?
GS: [Protracted pause] He left Seraphim without an exit permit.
He left his mother on her own. Seraphim would like him to come back, for cultural reasons.
[Pause] Alikander – Sashen – behaves in a way that is heresy in our culture.
If he was voltaari, he would have been made to go to his priest. We want him to come back and speak with our priests.
SP: I see. I'll have to ask him about that later – and maybe chat with one of the voltaari competitors to see if they can explain it a little more comprehensively.
Ketaari don't have the cultural concept of heresy, but it is quite interesting.
So, Grigor, why are you here? There must be something that's drawn you to compete. It can’t be just to speak with Sashen Solar.
Am I right that your translation chip is new?
GS: [Protracted pause] The chip is new.
SP: I had wondered. The response time does improve over a few months, on the nicer models anyway. And you're here because…
GS: [Protracted pause] I was told to come, and so I came. The Shepherds want to show your audience that Seraphim has its own culture, and we also respect and value others.
SP: You just like the people from your culture to abide by your rules. I take it you're not big into syncretism.
GS: [Protracted pause; GS appears confused for a moment] We like our people to stay true to themselves, yes.
SP: Well, thank you so much for your time. I'm already looking forward to another chat tomorrow.
GS: [Exits interview room]
SP: Spirits above. Can someone look into that translation chip? Fuck me, if he can't afford an upgrade, I'll pay for one, because I don't know if I can do another ten of these. Atrocious! I could feel my brain cells dying!