by David Weber
"Yes, Ma'ams," eddied around the bridge.
Next interruption came from the com station.
"Call coming in from planetary surface, Lieutenant Dunsinane. Originating at their Palace of the Just. Caller identifies himself as one Ronald Sands."
"Get Captain Boniece on the line," Carlie said. "Let him know what's up."
"Captain Boniece is on, Ma'am," came the reply hardly a breath later. "He says for you to take it. He'll ghost."
"Right. Pipe it to the bridge."
Ronald Sands proved to be a man of middle years whose light eyes seemed focused on some visionary distance. He wore his light brown hair well past his shoulders and his full beard neatly trimmed. When he moved, though, there was carefully controlled energy that reminded Carlie that the Faithful eschewed prolong. Sands was probably no more than thirty, possibly younger than that.
"You are Lieutenant Dunsinane?" Sands began, his tone almost concealing his disbelief and disgust. Carlie remembered hearing that the Faithful kept their women in isolation. This being the case, Sands was keeping his poise admirably.
"That is correct. Lieutenant Carlotta Dunsinane, officer of the watch, HMS Intransigent. How may I be of service?"
Sands' lips twitched in a very slight smile, one that was surely a concession to courtesy rather than an indication of any friendliness or warmth.
"I speak with the words of Chief Elder Simonds," he said.
Looking down at what was apparently a prepared script he read: "These are the words of Chief Elder Simonds: 'The people of the Star Kingdom have come to Masada speaking of mutual respect and the possibility of alliance. God in His infinite wisdom and greatness of heart has offered opportunity for the Star Kingdom to show the depth of its commitment to these words.
" 'A vessel belonging to one of our most honored and respected citizens has been stolen by those who have no respect for the Faithful. Its course will take it near to you. We do not ask you to take the vessel, nor to fire upon it, only that you slow it in its progress so that it may be reclaimed.
As God has said: 'He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breakth an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.' 'Thus they go from strength to strength. They are a stubborn and rebellious generation. However, God has shown that mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.' "
Carlie felt momentarily overwhelmed by this last spate of scripture, but she managed a courteous nod.
"Your request has been heard, however, I must consult my Captain."
"There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak," Ronald Sands agreed. "We ask only that the time for speech not be delayed overlong so that these thieves may slip away unimpeded."
"You will have the Captain's response promptly," Carlie agreed. "Intransigent out."
When the transmission was broken, Carlie took a deep breath.
"Captain Boniece, your orders, Sir?"
Boniece spoke slowly. "It isn't our place to interfere in a domestic situation, but we were charged with assisting our diplomats. See if you can get a secure line to them. I'd like their advice."
"And if Ronald Sands coms again?"
"Stall him. I'm tempted to have someone do a search for appropriate Bible texts, but the Faithful would probably not be flattered."
"Right, Sir."
Remembering the quickly concealed look of distaste that had flickered across Ronald Sands' face when he had realized he was speaking to a woman, Carlie thought he wouldn't be flattered at all—but that they might not know it until it was too late.
Already shocked when the pinnaces were seen heading for Psalms and Proverbs well ahead of her imagined schedule, Judith listened to Ronald Sands' "request" with a sense of mounting horror. She had anticipated having to out-run Psalms and Proverbs, even tangle with a LAC or two, but never in her wildest dreams had she thought that the Manticoran cruiser might be turned against them.
She shivered. Then, horribly, matters grew worse.
Odelia, her face as white as milk, spoke into the stillness.
"Judith, Ronald Sands is comming the other outsider ship, the Havenite Moscow. He's making the same request of them. Their bridge officer has also asked for time to consult his captain."
It's over. The traitorous voice that had whispered through Judith's thoughts as she had struggled to adapt their plans now repeated itself in mournfully triumphant song. Give up. It's over.
"No!" she said aloud, and the heads of her already shocked bridge crew turned to look at her, clearly wondering if their young commander had lost her mind.
"It isn't over," Judith said aloud. "Didn't we swear to die rather than surrender ourselves to slavery? Hasn't God given us many miracles to prove He is with us?"
She saw Dinah nod, but everyone else remained stiff and tense.
"We are not going to be taken by a few words," Judith said stubbornly.
A thought that had been dwelling in the corners of her mind now came into sharp focus.
"The Faithful are not the only ones who could request help from the Manticorans and the Havenites," she said. "What if we requested sanctuary from Ephraim, what if we told these outsiders that we face being returned to torture and death?"
Dinah responded so quickly that Judith wondered how long she had been holding back a similar suggestion.
"What do we have to lose?" the older woman asked reasonably. "We will need to ask someone's aid sooner or later. Why not now?"
"We can't ask both of them," Odalia said reasonably. "From what I've heard, they're adversaries, if not outright enemies. We must choose one or the other."
Dinah looked at Judith.
"Captain?"
Judith licked her lips. She could think of many good reasons for favoring the Havenites. Their ship was larger and more powerful. They preached freedom and justice for all peoples. She remembered Dinah's words, though, remembering how the Havenites had modified Ephraim's ships. She remembered something else, too.
"Odelia, did you say 'he' when you spoke of the Havenite officer?"
"Yes, Judith." Odelia looked puzzled. "It was a male voice."
"But a woman spoke from Intransigent," Judith said. "Surely a woman would feel more sympathy for our cause."
Dinah, devil's advocate against what Judith knew would be her own choice, spoke, "But this Lieutenant Dunsinane may be commanded by a man."
"Still, he is a man who trusts his bridge to a woman," Judith said firmly. "He may listen to us."
There was no argument, so Judith took a moment to frame her request, then turned to Odelia.
"Put in a call to Intransigent. If possible, make it a tight link. We don't want Ephraim overhearing what we intend."
Odelia took a moment to consult the computer, then nodded.
"Intransigent is answering."
"Make sure you don't have the fake images up," Judith said. "It is time we were known as who we are."
Their eavesdropping on Ronald Sands's call had been audio only, so this was the first time Judith had seen Lieutenant Dunsinane. Her ears had not deceived her. The person facing her was a woman—a very young one, though older than Judith herself.
Then Judith recalled that the Manticorans had some medicine that permitted them to remain physically youthful, in violation, so the Faithful said, of God's will, for did not God say "There is a time to be born, and a time to die"? This was not the time to wonder about such things. If she didn't handle this right, the death time of the Sisterhood would be very close indeed.
"I am Judith," she said, deliberately leaving off the "wife of Ephraim" that was all the surname the Masadans granted their women. "I now command Aaron's Rod for the Sisterhood of Barbara. We have fled slavery on Masada."
"I am Lieutenant Carlotta Dunsinane," the woman responded courteously. "What may I do for you?"
"We request," Judith said, her heart beating far too rapidly, "that you assist us. Either grant us sanctuary from our enemies or at least prevent them from halting us in our
flight. We have heard your monarch is a queen, and beg in the name of our shared womanhood that you assist us."
She didn't like how the word "beg" had slipped out, but it was too late for her to change it.
Dunsinane nodded her understanding.
"Judith, I am only officer of this watch and cannot answer for my Captain. I will contact him with your request and reply as soon as possible."
"We can only wait," she replied.
Dunsinane broke the connection, but they hardly had time to speculate on what her captain might think when Odelia indicated that Intransigent was signaling.
"Their captain wishes to speak with you," she said.
"Put him on," Judith said.
Captain Boniece was at least a man of some years, his commanding bearing reminding Judith of Gideon at his best. Nor did it hurt that he was darker than most Masadans. Judith knew it shouldn't matter, but she couldn't help trusting him more for not looking like her enemies.
"Captain Judith," Boniece said politely. "My watch officer has relayed your request. I am inclined to assist those who appeal to my Queen, however, I have one difficulty."
"Yes?"
"Some hours before Aaron's Rod departed orbit, a personnel shuttle and a cargo shuttle entered the ship. The personnel shuttle originated with the Silesian freetrader, Firebird, the shuttle from the surface."
He paused and Judith replied, "The cargo shuttle bore my Sisters and myself from slavery."
"And the personnel shuttle?"
"Belonged to smugglers transferring illegal goods which were to be picked up by allies in my husband's house."
She saw Captain Boniece's eyebrows raise.
"Can you confirm this?"
"We have the contraband," she replied, "and we have one of the Silesians."
"The rest?"
"Are dead. We could not risk their stopping us. Our course is most desperate." Judith managed a very small smile. "In any case, their lives were forfeit if the Faithful had caught them. Their cargo included liquor, drugs, and what I believe is pornographic material—any of which would have brought a death sentence from the Faithful. Indeed, we were probably kinder than the Faithful would have been."
"I note that you do not include yourself in the Faithful," Captain Boniece said. "Yet a moment ago you spoke of 'your husband.' "
Judith felt as if he was trying to trap her, and chose her words carefully.
"If we speak of faith in God," she said, "then we are all faithful, for we have trusted Him to guide us forth. However, if we speak of the Faithful of the Church of Humanity Unchained, then we are not of that number. Those Faithful rate their women as property. We defy that right."
She shook with the wrath that rose within her.
"By their law I am the youngest wife of Ephraim Templeton. He wed me when I was twelve years of age, after murdering my parents two years earlier and stealing me away. I am Grayson born."
"Grayson?"
"That is unimportant," Judith said. "For my Sisters are all born of Masada but have seen their way to freedom. They are my people, and I will do anything to keep them from those who treat them as slaves. I tell you this. We are sworn to die rather than be taken."
Pity, wonder, and calculation crossed Captain Boniece's features. Then he turned as if listening to something outside of the range of the pick-up.
"Forgive me, Captain Judith. Two questions. One, can you confirm your Grayson birth? We are not looking to abandon your Sisters, but the matter is of some interest."
"I know my parents' names and where I was born," she replied. "I know the name of the ship we were on, the ship Ephraim took and later converted into one of those that even now pursue us. If the Graysons have records, these things may help."
"Indeed." Boniece's gaze met hers squarely. "I am inclined to assist you, at least to the extent of letting you make your own escape. However, I cannot do this without confirming that you are who you say you are. Are you familiar with those programs that enable one person to look like another over communication lines?"
"Very well indeed," Judith said.
"Then you understand our dilemma. Unless we are certain you are who you are, then we might be accused of assisting someone—say those from Firebird —to hijack Aaron's Rod. If members of my crew could board you, confirm that you are who you say you are . . ."
Judith frowned.
"Might you not seek to take us in turn?"
Captain Boniece shrugged. "There must be some trust. However, I will make it easier for you. Did you note the pinnace from this ship that left Masada shortly after your own departure?"
"Yes."
"She has aboard a crew of only four: pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, and one passenger. The passenger is Midshipman Michael Winton, brother of the very Queen whose protection you invoked. Let them come aboard and confirm your account. After they do so, they will leave."
Judith frowned, sensing the unhappiness of her bridge crew.
"I must consult my Sisters," she said. "I will reply as soon as possible."
"Very good, Captain Judith. I will inform the pinnace as to her possible course change."
Judith thanked him and broke the connection, then turned to deal with Babel unleashed.
What had seemed like aeons ago, Sherlyn had reported the launching of the Manticoran pinnace, and that it appeared to be returning to Intransigent. Judith had filed the information away as unimportant. Now, however, the sleek vessel seemed to glow brighter on her plots.
"Men!" spat Odelia. "They'll get their men aboard and betray us. We might have had a chance if Intransigent's captain was a woman, but a man . . ."
"You forget," Dinah said, "that the Star Kingdom knew they were sending Intransigent to Masada. They would have chosen a ship with a male captain from routine diplomacy if nothing more. Stop thinking with your womb, Odelia. These are men who serve with women, men sworn to the service of a queen. They have no hatred of women."
"I still don't like the idea of letting four men aboard," Odelia sulked. "They may behave differently away from their female associates. Men do revert to animality when denied the gentler voice of women."
"The responsibility is mine," Judith said, finding her voice at last. "I am captain by your own election. We have said much about how God is testing us. Let us not forget that Satan has his due. Remember how the Chosen People were led astray to worship a Golden Calf in the desert."
"This is no Golden Calf," Odelia said, confused.
"It is a temptation to turn away from what God offers us," Judith said, amazed at her own confident tone, though she thought she had no trust in any god. "All this Captain Boniece asks for is confirmation that we are who we say we are. He does not ask us to come to him. Instead he sends to us."
Sherlyn spoke, "Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego they go into the fiery furnace, trusting we will not burn them."
"And do not forget," Dinah added, "they also send their Queen's own brother. They would not send him lightly."
Judith nodded.
"Odelia, connect me to Intransigent."
When Captain Boniece's features shaped on the screen, Judith said with what grace she could manage, "Captain, we would welcome your inspection team. My Sisters, however, are very fearful. We would be grateful if your men would leave their weapons aboard their vessel."
"That can be arranged," Captain Boniece said. "They will rendezvous with you as promptly as possible."
"And I will have an escort waiting to meet them," she replied. "Judith, out."
When the connection was cut, Judith said, "Send Samson's Bane to the aft cargo bay. Tell them to carry their weapons, but not to offer threat."
Odelia relaxed marginally as she relayed the instructions. Judith, watching the various pursuing dots on her plot, relaxed not at all.
Michael listened as Captain Boniece concluded his briefing.
"We'll send transcripts of our conversations with Captain Judith," Boniece said, "and of Ronald Sands' request on beha
lf of Chief Elder Simonds."
"May I ask, Sir," Michael said, "how you plan to respond to him?"
"That will depend on your report, Midshipman Winton. However, if you confirm that there is reason to believe Captain Judith's version of events, I intend to support her."
"Sir, that's going to pretty much destroy chances of an alliance with the Endicott System," Michael said, realizing even as he spoke that he was thinking more like a prince than a midshipman.
"I am aware of this, Mr. Winton."
Michael didn't think he was imagining the stress the captain placed on his surname.
"I have also consulted with Ambassador Faldo, and he has his own reasons for encouraging us. I have also heard Mr. Hill's report on the 'missing' people on Masada, and that seems to provide some external substantiation for Captain Judith's account of events."
"Yes, Sir. May I ask one more question?"
"Go ahead."
"Will the Ambassador and his contingent be in danger?"
Captain Boniece smiled. "John Hill thought you might ask. He said to tell you that arrangements for their safety had been made. You may make your report on the situation aboard Aaron's Rod without concern for them."
"Thank you, Sir."
"A reminder, Mr. Winton. The Sisterhood of Barbara is desperate. Captain Judith has openly admitted that they killed the smugglers they found aboard Aaron's Rod lest the Sisters be stopped in achieving their Exodus. John Hill reports that at least one dead man was found at the Templeton estate. Do not underestimate them. They may be lower tech than we are, but you can die from a knife wound as easily as from a pulser."
"Or from a punch in the kidney. Yes, Sir. I won't forget, and I won't let my crew forget."
"You are the senior officer, Mr. Winton. Don't forget that."
Michael hadn't, not for a moment. However, he wasn't about to act like some tin-plate godlet and forget that pinnace crew had all seen more action than he had.
"All right," he said, signing off and turning to his crew. "Captain Boniece has sent us transcripts. Let's review them while we approach. Then I'll give you a crash course in Masadan etiquette."
