02 - Naudsonce by H. Beam Piper

What does Naudsonce really mean? To uncover this mystery, dive into a fascinating tale where Pipers imaginative storytelling examines the essence of communication and its complexities. A joint expedition from the Space Navy and the Colonial Office has been on a quest for new worlds suitable for colonization for four long years. Having explored eleven systems and landed on eight planets, they faced disheartening setbacks‚Aîthree promising candidates were eliminated due to hostile wildlife or aggressive inhabitants. Now, theyve discovered what appears to be the perfect world; their last shot at success before returning in failure. The only hurdle? Securing an agreement from the local king‚Aîor whatever ruling entity exists. Sounds simple, doesnt it? But first, theyve got to figure out how to communicate... and thats where the real challenge begins. Enjoy this captivating story by H. Beam Piper, originally published in Analog Science Fact‚AîScience Fiction, January 1962.