Even with modern conveniences, Caesar could never have staged such a triumph, and in the face of world history-making, he wouldn't have reason to. Olbu's visit to the earth was certainly a bigger deal for the archives than anything Caesar ever did. "No one can say you aren't a good sport," commended Ralph Rodkey of the Interstate Broadcasting Network. "You had plenty of reason to be annoyed, especially when the mob tried to tear your clothes off. But, the people meant no harm; they just adore you."
Olbu had learned English overnight and mastered it. He hardly had an accent: "I was a little disturbed, you might say."
"Well, our people are hero worshippers," Rodkey explained. "And you're certainly a hero, being the first man from off the Earth to land on the Earth, you might say. And then too, given an opportunity to celebrate, an Earthman will take full advantage of the slightest excuse."
"Rather barbaric," said Olbu. "But then this is a barbaric planet."
"Uh? Oh, yes. Just joking, of course. Now we're about ready for our telecast with Cecil Burroughs, the greatest commentator in the business. You'll appear with one of our leading scientists."
"I hope he can understand the things I shall talk about."
"We may not know much about space flight, but we know a lot of things, my boy," said Rodkey.
"You say you don't travel in space as yet?"
"No, and you're the first visitor from space we've had. You see, no planets of this solar system are inhabited by intelligent forms of life."
"You can say that again," said Olbu.
"With the exception of the Earth, of course." Rodkey laughed. "We were very thrilled to have someone drop in on us."
"How strange!"
"In fact, many of our people figured that Man was unique. They thought he couldn't exist anywhere but here."
"It would be nice if such were the case," said Olbu. "But I'm afraid the galaxy is not so fortunate. Many planets have men. Some are more like men than others, if you understand what I mean. But they all have his chief faults and good points."
Rodkey had arranged for the interview in the Presidential suite of the Claremont Hotel and in the next room electricians were busy setting up the equipment. Presently the door opened and a man of about 50, clean shaven and slightly bald, paused in the doorway. He looked at the confusion for a moment, hesitated as if he were checking an impulse to flee, then spotted Rodkey through the bedroom door.
"Dr. Bruber!" exclaimed Rodkey.
Dr. Alymir Bruber beamed, extended his hand and strode forward.
He tripped over a cable, but caught himself on the doorframe with nothing worse than a bumped shoulder.
Rodkey pumped his hand enthusiastically. "It's been a long time, Doctor!" he said, slapping him on the shoulder. "Remember, we met when I interviewed you on the nervous electron factor of your diatomic equivalent energy............