by J. L. Doty
Charlie returned to Stan Fourhands, pulled him aside, and spoke softly. “I need to speak with Nano right away. And if Her Royal Highness or the Lady Carristan approaches you, be sure to connect her with Nano. But don’t tell Sally or Rierma or any of his staff. Rierma mustn’t be involved in this, either directly or through Sally.”
Stan reverted to his street accent and whispered, “Frankie, what’s going on?”
“You’ll know soon enough. And afterward you’ll have to disappear. If they put you to the truth, they’ll hang you. That’s why Sally and Rierma can’t know anything.”
Stan spoke briefly to Rierma, made his excuses and left the ballroom.
“Little brother.”
Charlie turned to find Add standing at his elbow. “Ell and I have someone we’d like you to meet.”
“Now?” he asked. “I’m kind of busy.”
“Now,” she said. “It is very important.”
The breed wasn’t one to exaggerate. “All right, lead on.”
He followed her out of the ballroom into a part of the palace reserved for diplomats and other foreign dignitaries. Add stopped at a particular door and knocked on it softly. Ell answered, saw Add and Charlie, nodded, and swung the door wide. Charlie preceded Add into a room filled with Kinathins, all standing and apparently waiting for him. He heard the door shut behind him with a loud clump.
There were Kinathins of every size and age, both male and female, though they were all tall, lean, and muscular, traits engineered into them purposefully. Charlie looked at Add and Ell and raised a questioning eyebrow. They both shrugged.
An older Kinathin woman stepped forward from the group. The Kinathins had been engineered with a high immunity to the effects of aging, at least until the last decade or two of their lives, and at that point they aged rapidly. The fact that Charlie could see crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes meant she was quite old. She wore a military uniform with the emblems and livery of Harrimo’s personal guard. In fact, the personal guards of several of the Ten were represented, though none from Karlok, Nadama, or Theode (who had replaced Add and Ell with mercenaries).
The older woman’s right hand rested casually against her thigh. Her fingers twitched almost imperceptibly, in such a way that one would not notice it if one didn’t know what to look for. She signaled to Add and Ell in breed handspeak, Is he armed?
Charlie didn’t wait for them to answer, and made no effort to conceal his own use of handspeak. He signaled, Of course I am. Then he said in breed-tongue, “I’m not stupid, woman. Was I brought here for a purpose?”
The woman’s eyes narrowed, which for a Kinathin was an extreme show of emotion. She spoke in standard. “Your Grace, you need not fear any harm.”
Charlie smiled and softened his tone. “I know that. I have Add and Ell with me.” The twins grinned.
The woman nodded a polite bow to Charlie. “Your Grace, we seem to have gotten off to a bad start. Let me apologize for assuming you were ignorant of our customs. I am Sal’mar’Reyhanna.”
As a Kinathin grew and gained recognition for feats of bravery or service or something that Charlie wasn’t quite clear on, they added syllables to the last part of their name, which meant the woman before Charlie held some highly elevated rank in the Kinathin class structure. But more importantly, Charlie recognized the middle part of the name. “I’m honored to meet an elder of Add and Ell’s family. I value their friendship most highly.”
She glanced at the others behind her. “Forgive me, but it would be best if we didn’t formalize introductions for all here.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Charlie said. “But I take no insult.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. May I ask you one question?”
Charlie looked at Add and Ell, both of whom seemed intent on avoiding his eyes. “You may ask. I may not answer.”
She smiled at that and nodded toward Add and Ell. “Why did you free them? You owned them. They’d have served you every bit as well without their freedom, and once freed they might have chosen not to serve you at all.”
Charlie had to think carefully about that. He’d done it on impulse, and decided to be honest with Sal’mar’Reyhanna. “I didn’t think it through at the time, so to be honest I can only guess at my motives. I think I did it because I grew up with them, was almost raised by them. They’re my older sisters, you see, and I couldn’t stand the thought of owning them. I guess if I truly think about it, I don’t really like the thought of anyone owning someone. I’ve worn chains—real ones—but I can imagine what invisible ones feel like. If they were going to stay with me I wanted it to be because they wanted to.”
Add threw in, “We stayed because you still need training, little brother. And I suspect it’ll be a lifelong task.”
Sal’mar’Reyhanna smiled. “Brother and sisters, eh?” She considered that for a long moment. “And you say you don’t like the thought of anyone being owned?”
“Again, to be completely honest, I’ve had other important things on my mind lately. But if I’m forced to think about it, no, I don’t like anyone being owned.”
Again, she considered him for a long moment, then seemed to come to some sort of decision. “There is one other here whom you should meet.”
She turned, looked behind her and an older Kinathin male stepped forward. “Your Grace,” she said formally, “Charles, Duke de Lunis, may I present Sid’nah’sanAfan, ambassador and representative of the free system of Kinatha?”
Charlie was rather proud of the fact that he didn’t start or flinch. “I must confess,” he said, “that while I’m aware of the rumors—most of which are contradictory—I’m rather ignorant of the free system of Kinatha.”
Sid’nah’sanAfan smiled a bit sheepishly. “We do try to keep a low profile, Your Grace. Tell me, are you aware of the custom of Abolition?”
“I am,” Charlie said, choosing his words carefully. “After decades of loyal service it is not uncommon for a liege lord to free a Kinathin, give them a pension, and allow them to live out their lives in peace and comfort. I’ve always found it interesting that we’ve all heard so little about where they live out their lives. ”
Sal’mar’Reyhanna said, “Your Grace, perhaps we should confine this conversation to a smaller group.”
Charlie shrugged and said, “Certainly.”
Sal’mar’Reyhanna ushered the rest of the Kinathins out of the room, though Add and Ell hesitated, looking to Charlie for their cue. He raised an eyebrow in a question, and Add answered, “You’re safe with them, little brother. Or rather, if you’re not . . .” She looked pointedly at Sal’mar’Reyhanna. “ . . . we’ll hunt them all down and seek revenge.”
Charlie nodded his assent and Add and Ell left, leaving Charlie alone with Sal’mar’Reyhanna and Sid’nah’sanAfan. Sal’mar’Reyhanna beckoned them to comfortable chairs and poured drinks for them. Sipping at his drink, Charlie asked, “Perhaps you could dispel some of my ignorance?”
Sid’nah’sanAfan gave him a diplomat’s smile, and said, “A little over two hundred years ago a large group of freed Kinathins pooled their resources and colonized an unclaimed planet on the fringes of explored space. Its first inhabitants were mostly old pensioners, but as the centuries passed the population diversified in age, though it remained exclusively Kinathin and relatively isolated. Kinatha has considerable natural resources, boasts a healthy population, and a strong agricultural and industrial base.”
“And why all the rumors?” Charlie asked. “Why have we heard so little of the reality of Kinatha?”
“During our developmental years we thought it wise to distance ourselves from the politics of our far-flung neighbors. But in recent years we’ve begun establishing diplomatic relations with nearby governments, initially with the independent states since they’d outlawed slavery long ago. Our approach to the Realm was more . . .
cautious. At this time the Realm is the only state in which ownership of Kinathins is endemic and systematic. But last year we approached your king in the hope of establishing diplomatic relations. Lucius’s initial reaction was to send a flotilla of five warships to impose his will on us breeds.”
Charlie grimaced. “Not what you expected, eh?”
“On the contrary, Lucius’s reaction was one of many we’d anticipated.” He glanced at Sal’mar’Reyhanna. “We’ve been well advised by our colleagues here, and are aware of his proclivities. It was we who were not what Lucius expected. We are, after all, engineered to be warriors.”
Sid’nah’sanAfan grinned. “The entire Kinathin system is heavily defended, and we met his force with more than thirty capital ships. The commander of Lucius’s flotilla wisely recognized that force was not an option. Not a shot was fired, and to this day we all pretend that the flotilla was merely a diplomatic escort.”
Charlie considered the two Kinathins carefully and asked, “Why are we having this conversation?”
Sid’nah’sanAfan and Sal’mar’Reyhanna exchanged glances, and apparently decided in some unspoken way that Sal’mar’Reyhanna would speak for them. “Your twins thought we should speak with you, and in response to our inquiries, Lady Ethallan said you are a man we can trust.”
“Then you’re supporting the Free Aagerbanni Resistance?”
Sid’nah’sanAfan did not quickly deny it and considered his words carefully. “We cannot . . . openly . . . support such a struggle.”
Charlie didn’t miss the careful choice of wording. “Just as I cannot . . . openly . . . support such a struggle.”
Sid’nah’sanAfan gave Charlie an appraising look. “Exactly, Your Grace. I’m glad you understand our position.”
“But again, I must ask why you’ve sought me out.”
“We seek allies, Your Grace. It’s unlikely we’ll ever count Lucius as an ally, mostly because of his limitations. But, like us, you are a warrior at heart, and you don’t like slavery. And, with the exception of Goutain’s interference, it’s the Ten who truly rule this Realm. It’s simple, Your Grace. We seek allies, and we seek an end to Kinathin slavery everywhere.”
“I can support an end to Kinathin slavery,” Charlie said. “I can support that quite openly.”
Both Kinathins shared another look and smiled.
Charlie left Turnlee aboard The Thirteenth Man. Ten light-years out, well outside the range of transition detection, they rendezvoused with The Headsman. Charlie transferred over to the warship and The Thirteenth Man continued on to Luna, while The Headsman proceeded to another destination. One day and ten light-years farther on they down-transited one light-year away from a specific set of coordinates in deep space, far from any solar system. Six large warships awaited them.
Darmczek said, “We’re getting a signal and feeding it to your console now.”
Charlie, seated at his usual place on The Headsman’s bridge, switched on the visual distortion field of the Edwin Chevard persona. The screen in front of him lit up with the image of a naval captain in de Vena livery: dark hair, salt-and-pepper gray on the sides, distinguished appearance—senior navy all the way. Charlie switched on the visual feed from his own console and they both stared at each other for a moment.
“I’m Captain Thessa,” the man said, “commanding Stella’s Pride. And you are?”
“Edwin Chevard,” Charlie said. “Pleased to meet you, Captain Thessa. Is Her Grace present?”
“She is, Mr. Chevard. One moment please.”
Charlie’s screen went blank, then lit up again with Telka’s image. “Mr. Chevard, I presume.”
“Your Grace, I wasn’t sure you’d be here.”
“Mr. Chevard, you’re an intriguing man with an intriguing message, and so cryptic. And the fact that you could have it delivered to me in the Almsburg Palace piques my curiosity to no end.”
On Turnlee, Charlie had had one of Nano’s crewmen deliver a simple message to her asking her to meet him at this time and these coordinates, and other than signing it Edwin Chevard, Free Aagerbanni Resistance, it gave no other details. “I thought we should talk, Your Grace.”
“Don’t you fear that I’ll take you captive and turn you over to Goutain?”
“A mutual friend told me I could trust you if you gave me the word of House de Vena. The same friend told me you might be interested in . . . comparing notes on the present Aagerbanni situation.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And this mutual friend?”
He smiled. “Would prefer to remain anonymous, at least for the time being. But he did tell me that my enemies are also yours.”
She stared at him for a long moment, then said, “Yes. Perhaps we should meet in person. May I entertain you on board my ship?” She didn’t want to leave the safety of her own ship.
“You would have me subject to your overwhelming force? And what assurance do I have from you regarding my ship, my person, and that of my people?”
“To be clear, you had no such assurances when you came out here, and you’re already outgunned by my ships. And yet you came anyway, showing that you have a semblance of trust in my response.” She regarded him carefully for several seconds, then said, “But I understand your reticence. So I will say this: Mr. Chevard, as long as you come unarmed, and take no hostile action, you and your retinue will be treated with the utmost respect while you are my guest. You’ll be scanned, but only to ensure that you’re not armed. You’ll not be otherwise interrogated or held against your will. You’ll be allowed to depart at any time you so choose, and given a five-light-year head start to prevent pursuit. On this, you have my personal word, and that of House de Vena.”
He smiled at the plump little woman. “I look forward to our meeting.”
“She’s disappeared,” Dieter shouted. “Completely disappeared. She and that Carristan woman.”
“Calm down,” Nadama said tiredly. He was in no mood to deal with his son’s hysteria. He poured himself a stiff drink, then poured one for Dieter as well. “Here,” he said, handing it to him. “Drink that. It’ll calm you.”
“I don’t want to calm down.” He tossed the drink down in a gulp. “How dare she defy me this way?”
“I take it you had an argument?”
“Yes,” Dieter said, lowering his eyes like a chastened child.
Dieter had a hot temper combined with a vicious streak that could create problems. “Did you strike her?”
Dieter raised his eyes and looked Nadama in the face. “No.”
He was probably telling the truth, but certainly not all of it. “Good, but be very careful. Keep that temper of yours in check until after you’re married. Then you can do what you please with her, as long as you don’t kill her.”
“But she’s gone.”
“Not for long. Where can she go? Perhaps to some distant relative. We’ll just quietly make it known that anyone who harbors her will suffer considerably. And after a few tendays we’ll hear from whoever it is. We’ll give them a little reward and reel her back in.”
At moments like this Dieter took on an almost inhuman appearance. “I’m going to kill that Carristan woman, though.”
CHAPTER 24
OVERLORD
On his way back to Starfall Charlie stopped briefly at Andyne-Borregga. The transformation that had occurred during his absence was amazing. Roger and Momma Toofat had opened up a large promenade with restaurants, bars, and shops. At present, the shops provided mostly functional supplies and a few luxuries for spacers, the restaurants tended toward simple fare, and the bars provided mostly booze, gambling, and girls. Momma Toofat assured him that, as time progressed and more commerce showed up, all the establishments would attend to more than just the needs of transient spacers. As it was, with warships from the Free Aagerbanni Resistance making extensive use of the new shipy
ards, and with ships from Istanna, Finalsa, Toellan, Terranzalbo, Allison’s Cluster, and the Scorpo Systems all taking advantage of Andyne-Borregga’s free port status for gunrunning and other smuggling efforts, Roger told him the station might soon be operating at a profit. Charlie didn’t want to damp Roger’s enthusiasm so he didn’t tell him that wasn’t good enough. Even a slight negative operating margin was draining his finances rapidly.
Charlie also learned that ships from the independent states were surreptitiously supporting the Free Aagerbanni Resistance, frequently in direct confrontations. The more they hindered the consolidation of Aagerbanne, the longer it would take Lucius and Goutain to look for their next target. The resistance was slowly heating up into a real shooting war. Certainly more headaches for Lucius and Goutain, but Charlie feared that it was heating up too fast.
He didn’t stay on Andyne-Borregga for long—in fact he only had time to sit briefly with Arthur—but left and hurried quickly back to Luna. He needed to be there when Del showed up.
“Where are we?” Charlie heard Carristan say angrily in the reception area outside his office. “This isn’t Aagerbanne. Where have you taken us?”
“Just a brief stop,” Nano said. “Come. Please.”
Carristan had approached Nano under the pretense that Del was nothing more than the noblewoman’s servant.
For Edwin Chevard, Charlie had selected a large administrative office in an isolated wing of Starfall on Luna. He had activated it and staffed it with only the most trusted servants and guards. Nano and the guards Charlie had assigned to the two women for their journey had made sure that Carristan and Delilah never got an exterior view, merely the inside of a ship, then the inside of a hangar, then the inside of a maze of corridors. And the rooms Charlie had had prepared for them had no exterior views. Charlie thought he could probably trust Del, but he still didn’t know if he could trust Carristan. And Roacka and Winston constantly reminded him that any knowledge of his covert activities should remain on a need-to-know basis, and that even Del did not need to know.
