Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Civil Discussion

Bob visits Theresa in VR, where she has become absorbed in studying cultural differences between species. Theresa shows him examples of Quinlan and human art forms—music and dance—to demonstrate the profound sensory and physical differences between the species, and discusses the potential for structured cultural exchange and improved diplomatic relations.

Bob enters Theresa's virtual space, which she has redesigned as a home theater. Theresa demonstrates Quinlan music by playing videos from 'QuinTube,' a Quinlan version of YouTube. Bob discovers that Quinlan singers can produce two simultaneous melody lines, giving their vocal compositions a complexity invisible to human hearing. Theresa explains that Quinlans have wider audible frequency ranges and finer discernment than humans. She then shifts to showing Bob human art forms—ballet, ballroom dancing, square dancing, and Skip routines—before revealing that human dancers possess agility and grace that surpass Quinlan dance, shocking Quinlans who believe the performances must be special effects. Theresa raises the question of sensory differences between humans and the Pav, noting that almost no one has thought to investigate this systematically. She mentions that Anec supports improving cultural contact and that the Pav's isolationist strategy is problematic. Bob suggests this could become Theresa's new career focus, and she indicates she has already begun discussions with relevant parties about formalizing such cultural exchange and diplomatic efforts.