"James White - Custom Fitting" - читать интересную книгу автора (White James)

Earth-humans, and members of other intelligent species, did not age or become bored. The searchship
had spent many years in orbit photographing, analyzing, evaluating specimens of flora and fauna, the
written and spoken languagesтАФthe last being particularly difficult for its soft-landed probes to obtain
because radio and television had not then been invented.

When the data had been returned to Dutha for study, several difficult decisions had had to be taken.
There was, of course, no question that contact should not be attempted with the rich and varied cultures
on Earth. But at the time the material had been gathered, many sociopolitical groupings were showing
signs of imminent collapse while others were rapidly growing in power and influence.

At that time the British Empire, with its center of power and commerce in London, was the most
important and influential grouping, but it, too, was showing signs of collapse. It had grown slowly,
however, and its traditions and laws were deeply rooted. The indications were that it would collapse not
catastrophically, but wane slowly and disintegrate in a stable fashion. It was also thought that the manners
and practices observed a century and a half earlier would not significantly alter in such a long-lived
grouping...

"That is why I landed quietly in this country rather than in one of the others," Scrennagle continued. "I
now know that the decision was the correct one. But we, too, have certain rules of behavior in these
circumstances. You might think that for a highly advanced Galactic culture we are surprisingly
old-fashioned. But an acceptable code of behavior plays a vital part in dealings between species so
widely varied as the members of our Federation.

"One of our strictest rules," he added, wrinkling his facial openings in what was undoubtedly a smile, "is
that visitors such as myself conform to all of the social practices and customs of the host planet; even to
the extent of wearing its clothing...."

He concluded by saying that his intention was to make a round of official visits to heads of state on Earth.
Then, later, he would return to take a leisurely, sightseeing tour of the planet which would enable him to
meet people in more relaxed conditions. He added that Earth had been the first new world to be offered
membership in something over four centuries, and he would be happy to answer questions on every
subject under this or any other sun.
The next item was the TV interview, during which, at long last, the subject of Scrennagle's clothing came
up.

"...we will need much more time to consider the wider aspects of your visit," the interviewer was saying,
"but right now, Your Excellency, I would like to ask a question, and also compliment you, on your
clothing. Or perhaps I should compliment your extraterrestrial tailor?"

"You should compliment my terrestrial tailor," Scrennagle said, then went on: "On many worlds clothing is
simply a means of giving protection from extremes of weather, while on others the fabrication, styling, and
wearing of clothing has been raised to the level of a major art form. Earth is in the latter category and
possesses at least one tailor who is capable of making an extraterrestrial...presentable."

The interviewer laughed and asked, "Who is he, Your Excellency?"

"I would rather not say at present," Scrennagle replied. "He and his wife have worked long and hard, and
they deserve at least one night's sleep before fame descends on them. Suffice it to say that my tailor is
relatively unknown but a craftsman of the highest order. He is also something of a tyrant in sartorial
matters, a characteristic common to tailors throughout the Galaxy. He is not afraid to accept a