White Mage
Page 9
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“There is someone here to see you, ma'am,” said Alessa's attaché, when she returned to quarters.
“It's late,” said Alessa, “but I'm guessing they have a good reason.” She moved on into her office and stopped short when she saw the Dwarf sitting in the guest chair.
“Good evening General,” said Jack. “If it is too late, I can return in the morning.”
“No, no,” said Alessa, reflexively. She sat behind her desk, picked up a crystal skull paperweight and weighed it in her hands. “What can I do for you?”
Jack steepled his hands. “There is a matter of security I have been pondering. It has occurred to me that it may have a strategic side to it. Together that may change it from a burden to an opportunity.”
Alessa held her hands in the air. “I'm all for turning burdens into opportunities.”
Jack nodded. “As part of coordinating espionage, I also need to see to the security of our spies. To provide cover to both activities, I am charged with ensuring the safety of all sensitive personnel of Romitu government, their associates and families. The ninth army has an analogous duty. Judged as the strongest army, decorated junior officers have been promoted to other armies, recruits drafted in, and you have been dispersed, providing security at sensitive installations of the Romitu government.”
Alessa thought on this, fingering the skull. “I see what you are saying. Do you see an overlap?”
“Not as present. But I think there is opportunity for overlap,” Jack said. “Civilians worry about war with the gods. They hope it won't happen, and fear the day. Militarily, if it is at all a possibility, we must assume it will happen, and prepare for that day.” Alessa nodded. “Waterbearer is one of the triumvirate of the pantheon of Romitu, with a domain of the oceans and rivers.”
“Certainly,” said Alessa. “She is already ill disposed against us from when we killed Sel de Mar while raising that sunken fleet. She will be involved in the forefront of any action against us. We've studied her likely tactics.”
“I'm glad,” said Jack. “I hope you have considered her allies as well. That is where my concern starts.”
“Winter,” said Alessa.
“Yes,” confirmed Jack. “He was fostered to Atlantica, demigod of the northern ocean as blood price for the death of his daughter. He still resides there.”
“Is he one of our spies?” asked Alessa, narrowing her eyes.
“It is not my habit to put minors in harm’s way,” said Jack, sternly. “Even if they have divine blood in them. But as the son of a sensitive person in the Romitu government, I am concerned with his safety.”
“I can't see Dev being delighted with that,” said Alessa, offhandedly. Then seemed to regret it.
Jack lowered his eyes and smiled. “I don't think either of us is. But if things go to war, he will be at risk. Great risk.” He let that sink in. “The delicacy of the situation has lead me to explore other ideas.”
“Other ideas involving me?” asked Alessa. Her grip tightened on the skull.
Jack lowered his head again. “Winter has not been the only visitor to the court of Altantica. Twice in the past year a teacher at the Scioni Magic Academy has visited. The first time on her own, the second time with her class. Do you remember Penelope?”
“Penny?” said Alessa, sitting up straight in her chair, skull forgotten. “Wow! She's pretty cool. Her grandmother is one seriously scary little-old-lady-Orc.”
“So I've heard,” said Jack. “Apparently she has developed an interest in Triton history. The court of Atlantica happens to be near some Triton ruins of historic importance. Her students cleared some of the structures last time for better study.”
“Did it offend them that we have more of an interest in their history than they do?” asked Alessa.
“I'm not entirely sure,” said Jack. “But apparently the 'little favors' that her students did while there were very well received. I had hoped to possibly use the good will to temper the court more in our favor. Possibly to blunt any action, when war comes. But the... ah... sensitivity of things has prevented me.”
“I'm not a diplomat,” said Alessa, simply.
“No. You are a general. But a general with many new recruits to train,” said Jack. Alessa raised her eyebrow. “It has been a tradition in your army, has it not, that recruits are trained in discipline by engaging in works of public service?”
“It has,” said Alessa, cautiously, “but I'm not sure they really need roads under the sea.”
“No, but they might need excavation.” He leaned forward. “Say the army offers to help the student's effort by sending in troops to do the heavy work of shifting mud and shale so they can concentrate on restoring the structures, mosaics and what have you to their original glory. All with the understanding that they are the properties of Atlantica and will remain so.
“I can see them buying it,” said Alessa. “It wouldn't be bad training.”
“That's just the start.” Jack smiled and began ticking points off on his fingers. “You would also get what was effectively a garrison right at the doorstep of a likely foe in war. As you rotate troops through, you will be building up experience in your army for underwater action. We get ears closer to the court of Altantica and thereby possible early knowledge of divine plans. And, of course, we would be in a much better position to secure the safety of Winter.”
“Yes. I see where you are going now.” Alessa put the skull down and nodded. “I see you have put a lot of thought into this.”
“That is my job,” said Jack. “I have no doubt I can persuade the Queen to support this, once the ancillary benefits are explained to her. Although Penelope is not a Romitu citizen, she would make a natural person to propose this to Atlantica. I'd talk to her myself, but she works in such close proximity to Magister Devonshire that I hesitate.”
Alessa pointed her finger at him. “So you want the whole thing to look like my idea?”
“I think that would... give it the best chance of success,” said Jack.
Alessa nodded. “I think it would be a good thing to do. Leave it with me.”
“I thank you,” said Jack. He rose, bowed deeply, and left.