 What are two examples of Groacian communication mechanisms?
You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat—but on Groac it sure helps! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] I "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable—" "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly. "Miss Meuhl," he said, "in the past couple of weeks I've sat through six light-concerts, four attempts at chamber music, and god knows how many assorted folk-art festivals. I've been tied up every off-duty hour since I got here—" "You can't offend the Groaci," Miss Meuhl said sharply. "Whaffle left here three months ago," Retief said, "leaving me in charge." "You've been here on Groac for four years, Miss Meuhl. "Mr. Retief, those are just the sort of questions we avoid with the Groaci. "The Groaci are a very sensitive race. The pale-featured Groacian vibrated his throat-bladder in a distressed bleat. "The impossibility of access to outworlders. The Groacian's voice rose to a whisper. "To insist no longer. Outside, Retief stood for a moment looking across at the deeply carved windowless stucco facades lining the street, then started off in the direction of the Terrestrial Consulate General. The few Groacians on the street eyed him furtively, veered to avoid him as he passed. Flimsy high-wheeled ground cars puffed silently along the resilient pavement. An elaborate one picked out in pinkish paint seemed to indicate the Groacian equivalent of a bar. A Groacian bartender was dispensing clay pots of alcoholic drink from the bar-pit at the center of the room. He looked at Retief and froze in mid-motion, a metal tube poised over a waiting pot. "To enjoy a cooling drink," Retief said in Groacian, squatting down at the edge of the pit. A tall Groacian vibrated his mandibles in a gesture of contempt. The barkeep whispered something, and two customers came up to the drunk, took his arms and helped him to the door. The other Groaci released him, hurried back inside.
 Mandible snaps and throat-bladder bleats
 Mandible snaps and throat-bladder bleats  Mandible wiggles and eye clogs  Jaw snaps and jugular cracks  Jowl clacks and eye beats