Stranger in a Strange Land

«I'm a deputy fire warden, examined and everything, and same for sanitary-and-safety inspector. We never have to let an outsider go through the joint. They can attend outer services

but they never get farther unless Mike gives an up-check.»

They transferred food to plates and sat down. Duke said, «You're staying, Ben?»

«I can't, Duke.»

«So? I came just for a visit, too… went back and moped for a month before I told Jubal I was leaving. Never mind, you'll be back. Don't make any decisions before your Water-Sharing tonight.»

« “Water-sharing” ?»

«Didn't Dawn tell you?»

«Uh… I don't think so.»

«I should let Mike explain. No, people will be mentioning it all day. Sharing water you grok; you're First-Called.»

«“First-Called?” Dawn used that expression.»

«Those who became Mike's water brothers without learning Martian. Others ordinarily do not share water and grow closer until they pass to Eighth Circle … by then they are beginning to think in Martian — shucks, some of them know more Martian than I do. It's not forbidden — nothingis forbidden — to share water with someone who isn't ready for Eighth Circle. Hell, I could pick up a babe in a bar, share water, take her to bed — and then bring her to the Temple. But I wouldn't. That's the point; I would never want to. Ben, I'll make a flat-footed prediction. You've been in bed with some fancy babes — »

«Uh… some.»

«I know damn' well you have. But you will never again crawl in with one who is not your water brother.»

«Hmm…»

«A year from now you tell me. Now Mike may decide that someone is ready before reaching even Seventh Circle. One couple Mike offered water when they entered Third Circle — and now he's a priest and she's a priestess … Sam and Ruth.»

«Haven't met 'em.»

«You will. But Mike is the only one who can be certain that soon. Very occasionally, Dawn, or Patty, will spot somebody … but never as far down as Third Circle and they always consult Mike. Not that they have to. Anyhow, into Eighth Circle and sharing and growing closer starts. Then Ninth Circle and the Nest itself — and that's the transition service we mean when we say “Sharing Water” even though we share water all day long. The whole Nest attends and the new brother becomes forever part of the Nest. In your case you already are … but we've never held the service, so tonight everything is pushed aside to welcome you. They did the same for me. Ben, it's the most wonderful feeling in the world.»

«I still don't know what it is, Duke.»

«Uh… it's lots of things. Ever been on a real luau, the kind the cops raid and usually ends in a divorce or two?»

«Well …yes.»

«Brother, you've only been on Sunday School picnics! That's one aspect. Have you ever been married?»

«No.»

«You are married. After tonight there will never be any doubt in your mind.» Duke looked happily pensive. «Ben, I was married before … and at first it was nice and then it was steady hell. This time I like it, all the time. Shucks, I love it! I don't mean just that it's fun to shack up with a bunch of bouncy babes. I love them — all my brothers, both sexes. Take Patty — Patty mothers us. I don't think anybody gets over needing that. She reminds me of Jubal … and that old bastard had better get down here and get the word! My point is that it is not just that Patty is female. Oh, I'm not running down tail — »

«Who is running down tail?» a contralto voice interrupted.

Duke swung around. «Not me, you limber Levantine whore! Come here, babe, and kiss your brother Ben.»

«Never charged for it in my life,» the woman denied as she glided toward them. «Started giving it away before anybody told me.» She kissed Ben carefully and thoroughly. «Thou art God, Brother.»

«Thou art God. Share water.»

«Never thirst. Don't mind Duke — from the way he behaves he must have been a bottle baby.» She kissed Duke even more lingeringly while he patted her ample fundament. She was short, plump, brunette to swarthiness, and had a mane of heavy blue-black hair almost to her waist. «Duke, did you see a Ladies' Home Journal when you got up?» She took his fork and started eating his scrambled eggs. «Mmm… good. You didn't cook these, Duke.»

«Ben did. Why would I want a Ladies' Home Journal?»

«Ben, stir up a couple of dozen more and I'll scramble 'em in relays. There's an article I want to show Patty, dear.»

«Okay,» agreed Ben.

«Don't get ideas about redecorating this dump! And leave some of that for me! You think us men can do our work on mush?»

«Tut, tut, Dukie darling. Water divided is water multiplied. Ben, Duke's complaints never mean anything — as long as he has enough women for two men and food for three, he's a perfect lamb.» She shoved a forkful into Duke's mouth. «Quit making faces, brother; I'll cook you a second breakfast. Or will it be your third?»

«Not even the first, yet. You ate it. Ruth, I was telling Ben how you and Sam pole-vaulted to Ninth. He's uneasy about the Sharing-Water tonight.»