“Just moving in?” asked the male, sealing his own door. “You’ll like it here. It’s a quiet corridor, unlike some. You must be Kusac Aldatan,” he said, holding out his hand, palm upward.
Despite his natural caution, Kusac found himself briefly touching the male’s hand in greeting.
“And you have to be Carrie Hamilton,” the stranger said, holding his hand out to her. “I’m Kaid.”
Hesitantly Carrie reached out to touch his fingers.
“See you around,” he said, ears giving a little flick of acknowledgment before he left.
Curiously Kusac watched him head up the corridor, then turned back to Myak.
“If you touch the locking plate with your hand, Liegen, I’ll key in your palm print. The same for your Leska.”
Vanna looked sharply at Kusac but said nothing.
This done, Myak left them.
*
By the elevator, Jakule was getting restless. All this waiting was boring, he liked action. They weren’t going anywhere if they’d just moved in. There was no point in him hanging around. He glanced at his wrist chronometer. If he left now, he had time for a quick cone in the smoke bar. He’d stalk them later, when he came off duty. Someone was coming out of their room. Myak! Turning, he dashed toward the elevator, managing to jump in as the doors began to close.
*
“Thank you for seeing me, Commander,” said the Brother, moving silently over to the seat by the desk.
“You said the matter was urgent.”
“Not urgent,” he demurred. “Active. You have a small dissident faction building. An antiTerran group made up in the main by people from Khyaal and Szurtha. As yet it is not a problem, but it could be in the future.”
Raguul raised an eyeridge. “You have been busy,” he said. “Tell me more.”
“There appear to be two ringleaders. One Chyad, from Engineering, the other Maikoe, a pilot. Among their followers is a male called Jakule, a known troublemaker who has been up on charges twice for being under the influence of recreational drugs while on duty. At present I know of only six of them.”
Raguul stirred in his chair, making himself more comfortable. His stomach was constantly bothering him these days, what with the worries of the treaty negotiations and the added complications of the mixed Leskas. It seemed there was another one to add to what promised to be an everincreasing list.
“Go on,” he said.
“Their aim is to negate any possible treaty between the Terrans and us by bringing about the deaths of the new Leska pair, Kusac and Carrie. This they plan to do by involving the Terrans in their conspiracy and priming one of them to kill Kusac, thus plunging both species into war.”
“Neat,” said Raguul, nodding. “What’s the basis of their complaint against the Terrans?”
“The fact that they’re still alive, as is their home world. Their reasoning is that the humans are collaborating with the Valtegans and the destruction of our two worlds proves this. They see the main collaborator as Carrie Hamilton, and Kusac Aldatan as an accessory because of his Link to her. Although they’re few in number, I consider them a real threat to the treaty if they can enlist the antiSholan Terran support and proceed with their plan. However, even if they succeeded in killing them, they would ultimately fail in trying to create a war between our species. The Terrans are effectively planet bound.”
“Do you think they’ll get the support?” asked Raguul, shifting uneasily. “I hadn’t thought there was any antiSholan feeling among the humans on Keiss.”
“It’s possible. I want to wait and see. There may well be more in the group, at present I don’t know. My sources on the planet only report an individual here and there with a particular gripe against us, nothing more. I’d like to leave this for the moment and see how it develops. The only way we’ll be able to identify those involved is by allowing them to rally round Chyad. That way when we strike, we can get them all.”
“This involves putting our pair out as bait.”
“Yes,” Tallinu said. “My remit from the Brotherhood, countersigned by Sub-Guild Master Ghezu, gives me that authorization. Does it present a problem?”
“Depends on you,” growled Raguul.
“I want them exposed for the moment,” said Tallinu. “Besides,” he grinned mirthlessly, “it allows your Telepath Guild to measure their new Talents in a life-threatening situation.”
“You tread too fine an edge,” said Raguul stonily, eyes glittering, ears swiveling sideward. “See you don’t miscalculate this or your hide will be on the wall, not mine. I can’t afford to lose the Terran girl without good reason.”
“Understood, but stop it now and it will crop up again like a weed with broken roots left in the soil. Let it come near to flower, then uproot it, and you’ve caught it all.”
“Your authorization is higher than mine, but take what reasonable steps are necessary to eradicate this situation on my clearance too. This treaty is too important to lose. It could be more crucial to Shola than any other we have.”
Tallinu inclined his head. “I’m well aware of what hangs in the balance here, Commander. You need to accelerate the crew program of Attitude Indoctrination. It will do a lot to counter any possible spread of this xenophobia. I strongly suggest you advise Sholan High Command of the need to repeat the program on all starships, particularly the Rhyaki, and until it is complete, restrict all outgoing and incoming communications. Hopefully we can isolate this on the Khalossa where we can eradicate it.”
“Your advice is noted. I’ll see our Mentor liaises with Alien Relations in this.”
Another brief nod. “Your chief of security’s cooperation is appreciated. I’m drawing on his expertise for the extra people I need.”
“Somehow I don’t think these matters were anticipated when you received your brief,” said Raguul.
“The contract, like my authorization, is flexible,” murmured the Brother.
“Yes,” sighed Raguul. “Just keep me informed.” He watched the other walk to the door before calling out. “Wait,” he said. “Tell me why you do it.”
Surprised, Tallinu stopped and turned round.
“Why did you choose to become a Brother? What made you give up your Clan and live on the edge of the law?”
“I was chosen by the God. When that happens to a Warrior, you know he or she has no option but to accept the Brotherhood’s invitation,” he replied quietly. “Who else could step outside the laws of Shola to interpret the laws of the Gods and do what must be done? The protectorate can’t, they’re the guardians of all the civil laws. There is only us.”
“Then let’s pray Vartra sees fit to protect these two.”
Tallinu inclined his head and turned once more to leave.
*
“You were seen!” said Chyad with barely contained fury. “Don’t lie to me! I told you to keep a low profile, and what do you do? Stalk them outside their new quarters with Myak around! Of all the bloody stupid things to do!” He paced up and down Jakule’s small room, tail lashing from side to side in extreme anger. He’d had to interrupt his negotiations for weapons to get hold of the little worm before he went out on duty in the scouter patrols.
“I left before he could have seen me,” blustered Jakule.
“You were seen!” Chyad stopped and turned on the hapless male. “From now on, do exactly as you’re told and keep out of sight. You cross me again, and I’ll see you wake up in hell. I promise you that,” he said, his voice low and spiked with venom as he slammed the door behind him.
Jakule began to mutter angrily to himself as he went over to the drawer unit in his room.
“Who the hell does he think he is, ordering me around like that? I’ll show him. Threaten me, would he?” He pulled out the bottom drawer, taking it free of its runners and laying it on the floor. From the cavity it left, he drew out an energy pistol. He turned it over in his hands, pulling the power pack out to check that it was fully charged, checking the trigger mechanism. Reloading it, fro
m the same place he collected two spare battery packs. Concealing the pistol and the spares inside his jacket, he returned the drawer to its place.
*
Vanna hesitated at the doorway. “I think I’d better leave you two to get settled in on your own,” she said.
“No, do come in,” said Carrie, stopping in her prowl round their new quarters.
Kusac turned to look at the medic, immediately knowing what was wrong. As she started to back away, his hand shot out and he grasped her firmly by the wrist, claws touching but not penetrating.
“No,” he said. “We need you, Vanna. Carrie needs you. I’m not going to let your prejudices about rank stand in the way.” He pulled her into the room, sealing the door behind her. “Now sit down and listen to me before you make up your mind.” He released his grip to push her over to one of the easy chairs, making her sit down.
Head on one side, Carrie watched him. This was a different aspect of his nature; one she had not seen before. She moved over to join him on the settee.
“Yes, you’re right,” he said, sitting opposite Vanna. “I am Clan Lord Aldatan’s son. That’s why I left Shola about a year ago and joined the Forces under an assumed name. I’d had enough, Vanna,” he said, reaching out to draw Carrie to his side. “I wanted, and still want, an ordinary life, not one as the son of the elected Lord of the Sixteen Telepath Clans, Head of Alien Relations and member of the Sholan High Council. As well as that, being firstborn, I’m my mother’s heir. There was nowhere for me to have my own life, only the one that custom dictated I lead as Clan Heir. Gods, I want to live my life, not spend it tied to duty and tradition! My father enjoys it. I don’t and never have!” He stopped, catching her eyes with his.
“During our mission on the Sirroki, you befriended me,” he continued. “Since then… I don’t have to tell you, I know. The call I got, it was from my father. Somehow he’s been tuned in on the edges of our Link and has picked up certain feelings from me over the last few days. That’s how he knew I had a Leska.”
“Then he must have been aware of how near death you were,” said Vanna.
“Probably. He also claims to have known I was injured on Keiss. I think he’s trying to guilt trip me into worrying that he’ll suffer mentally for everything I do. He’s applying to have my service in the Forces terminated because of my rank and has ordered me to return home at the first opportunity.” He gave a small shrug. “The irony is we’re being posted back to the guild on Shola anyway.”
“I hadn’t heard,” Vanna murmured.
“They’ve said they can’t even begin to chart Carrie’s Talents on board the Khalossa, so they’ve asked the guild to do it. Then there’s our Link,” he said, glancing at Carrie curled up beside him. “How long before the other Clans demand that the Heir of the Aldatans should step down because he has an alien Leska? I don’t give a damn about the title or the position; I’d rather stay in the Forces. Here I have my own life and friends, Vanna. You can see that our future is uncertain to say the least.”
No, not us. Never that, he sent to Carrie as he felt her sudden fear. “I haven’t many friends, Vanna, neither has Carrie. We need every one we have. While I still have the title and the power it brings, I can use it to make things a little easier for us in the future. When we leave for Shola, will you come with us as our personal physician?”
They felt her incredulity at being asked, and her indecision.
“No one on Shola knows anything about Carrie’s species,” he said. “Only you.”
“It would give you the opportunity to do what you want,” said Carrie. “You’d have me as a captive specimen!”
Vanna’s ears dipped and she radiated acute embarrassment.
Carrie laughed. “No, I’m not offended, I never was,” she said. “I’m as curious about you as you are about me.”
“Come as an equal, a friend, that’s what I’m asking,” he said. “Will you at least think about it?”
Slowly she nodded, getting to her feet. “I’ll think about it, but I have to go now. This has all been rather a lot to take in.”
She stopped at the door. “Remember your appointment,” she said. “Tenth hour tomorrow, and check out the food dispenser. It prepares more elaborate meals in Leska quarters to compensate for your Link needs.”
“Thanks, Vanna. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Do you think she’ll come?” asked Carrie after she’d left. “Is it fair of us to ask her when she’s just formed an attachment to Garras?”
“She’s the only one who can make that decision, cub,” he said.
Chapter 5
“Well, I wondered when you’d show up again,” said the older of the two pilots, leaning back in his seat. “Go and get a couple more drinks in, Chima. Tallinu?”
He gave a negative flick of his ears as he slipped into the seat opposite them. “Just c’shar, please.”
The pilot waited till his companion had left. “I knew they’d bring you back for this one, they couldn’t afford not to. One of your specialties, isn’t it? Observe, evaluate, recruit or destroy— isn’t that how it goes?”
“You’ve grown cynical over the years, Rulla,” he said. “This one isn’t that simple.”
“Did I say it was? Ghezu and Lijou want them, the Telepath Guild isn’t sure. They’re running scared because of Kusac’s high profile. They can’t just make him disappear, can they?”
Tallinu shrugged. “I’ve only two remits to dance between, Rulla. What the Telepaths want is no concern of mine at the present.”
“Then there’s you,” said Rulla softly as he leaned forward across the table. “Tallinu’s tune. What is it this time, eh, old friend?”
Tallinu looked over the other’s head. “Chima’s coming.”
“Sod Chima, he’s one of us. I know you. The God’s been walking through our halls again: Brothers have been having visions. What’s Vartra been saying to you? Why did you take this contract?”
“Your drink, Rulla,” said Chima, setting the glass in front of him. “Your c’shar.” He placed the mug in front of Tallinu then returned to the bar for his own drink.
“Why, Tallinu?” he insisted. “I know why it’s important to Ghezu— important enough to forget the past. But you? I thought nothing would make you forgive what he did to Dzaka, and you.”
Tallinu reached for his mug, but Rulla’s hand caught his, trapping it on the table between them.
“Some of us still prefer to follow the God rather than the figurehead, Tallinu. It may be that our visions coincide.”
Tallinu carefully withdrew his hand and continued to reach for his mug as Chima returned to his seat. He could still feel Rulla’s eyes searching his face as the other sat back abruptly.
“I see your fosterling’s on board,” said Chima, taking a sip of his drink. “He’s making a good lay priest. A little unstable since he lost Nnya, but that’s to be expected, especially since he had to go down to Khyaal.”
“Given time, he’ll come to terms with her loss,” said Tallinu. “His sensitivity was what led to him being abandoned in the first place.”
“The God knows what his Clanfolk were thinking of to leave him on our doorstep in the middle of winter,” said Rulla. “We aren’t exactly known for taking in foundlings.”
Tallinu made a noise of agreement as he put his mug down. “I need you to keep your ears open for any rumblings against the humans,” he said. “I know you’ve tried to infiltrate Chyad’s group, Chima, but leave it now. I’m in the process of getting someone undercover there and I don’t want anything putting them at risk.”
“You mean Chyad and Maikoe’s little group?” said Chima. “He’s been snouting around muttering darkly about collaborators among the humans. No one’s listening to him, though. The Attitude Indoctrination program seems to be working— except with us,” he said with a flash of humor. “Our training negates it.”
“See what you can find out. The area I need a contact in is the troop section. Jakule is t
he name of the one trooper they’ve managed to attract. He’s a fine specimen. Been up on charges concerning the misuse of recreational drugs and theft.”
Rulla nodded. “I know him. I’ve been working the troop area myself in my off duty time. Nothing much of interest, just the usual. I presume you know about the local drink— coffee?”
Getting a nod in agreement, he continued. “They’re trying to get a small black market trade going to undercut what the main rec bar sells it for, but they aren’t doing too well. The growers have got contracts for their harvests already. They have managed to find something else, though. A sweet-tasting brown substance. Acts as some kind of sexual palliative which, considering the number of young males under thirty that we’ve got on board, is all to the good. The protectors and security are turning a blind eye to that one. In fact, I heard the Chief Protector has actually made sure that there are sufficient supplies available to the black marketeers!”
Tallinu raised an eyebrow in surprise. “The qwenes won’t appreciate that. What’s it called?”
“Chocolate.”
“Haven’t heard of it yet. Well, life belowdecks is as usual, then, as you said.” He finished his c’shar and stood up. “I’ve got to go now. You know how to get in touch with me if you’ve anything to report.”
“There’re one or two others of us on board,” said Rulla.
“I know. I’ll be in touch with them as and when I need to.”
*
Jakule hadn’t turned up for his shift. He’d contacted his unit, reporting in sick so no one would be looking for him. Instead he’d spent the ensuing hours scrounging drinks in the rec bar with his offduty cronies. His backbone stiffened by the alcohol, he’d moved on, padding around the smaller bars and areas where he knew Chyad was frequently to be found. His luck was out. Not even a faint scent of him.
His feet led him unerringly to his favorite smoke haunt, a small bar on the outer limit of the concourse. It was squeezed between the section of the main bar that was mainly used by ground troops like himself, and the elevator up to the main mess.
The smoke bar was legal, just, as long as no one from security came in when the “special” cones were being used. It was a dingy, dark dive of a place, the walls stained brown by the constant smoke. Tables were scattered randomly around, the center of each holding the pottery dish in which the smokers burned their cones.
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