by neetha Napew
The prime Speakership should not fall into the hands of some dilettante or partisan who might involve the Council in irrelevancies to please his supporters: someone with no standards or appreciation of true Hrrubanism.
He felt himself to be the best possible choice. Having been Speaker for External Affairs for more than forty years, he understood what could happen to their carefully maintained civilization if Hrruba was badly led, and he was determined not to allow that to happen. If he was seen to be in the wrong in such a sensitive matter as dealing with the Gringg, his popularity, and his reputation, would plummet.
Public opinion was fickle.
“In my opinion,’ he went on when he realized that a polite silence prevailed in expectation of his next words, “caution is indicated. I would like more data as soon as possible. Should we not be hearing from ze medical examiner on Rrala about now?”
“I doubt there could be any comprehensive results so soon,’ the captain said. “Laboratory work takes time.”
“Yes, of course,’ Hrrto replied, fingering his robes.
Across the room from the Second Speaker, Jon Greene was busy over a hooded monitor, his fingers flicking swiftly over the controls.
Grace Castleton eyed him, wondering what he was seeing that gave him such a worried expression. Milaba flexed and stretched the claws of one hand along the tabletop.
“Well?” she said at last and with some impatience in her tone.
“Do we go? Or stay? You must not waste more of the Speaker’s most valuable time.”
“Sirs, ma’am, Captain, the wait is worth it, I assure you, Greene said, straightening up, “for I have finally found what I’ve been searching for. Now, this is the tape made while we were aboard the Gringg ship.” He manipulated the controls, and the holoscreen displayed a still frame of the Gringg landing bay. One by one, the landing party entered the frame. Castleton drew in a sharp breath as she realized the scale of the big chamber. At its far end, the Gringg entered the room and began to interact with Ken Reeve.
Second Speaker’s tail lashed in surprise as the largest Gringg spoke, its roar rattling the tympanum in the speaker unit. Greene allowed the tape to run for a short time, then speeded it up so the action was telescoped into a few minutes. The Hrrubans watched in silence, then turned questioning attitudes to Greene.
“Zo, we zee the firrst meeting of these creatures. Zey show intelligence and caution in zeir approach. No less did we,’ Hrrto said as impatient as Mllaba. “What of it?”
“That it was only Ken Reeve’s impression that they have never met sentient beings before. Just wait, sir,’ Greene said. The commander froze the last frame of the three Gringg waving to the team as the shuttle lifted off, then blanked the screen.
“Now, this is a tape sent to Spacedep by an exploration team less than a month ago. It is coded classified, but Admiral Barnstable has given permission to allow you to see it. I feel it is vital to our understanding of the current situation.
Everyone drew shocked breaths when the new tape shown an uncompromising picture of a planetary landscape brutally torn and burned by conflict. Wrecked hulks of buildings of an unfamiliar architecture had been sliced in two with some potent destructive weapon. Battered shafts that did resemble known weaponry littered broad open spaces that must once have been graceful avenues.
Castleton peered at the screen, looking desperately for signs of living creatures. A series of scenes of stark, dead forests and the stumps of shattered cities flashed past without relief. Nothing living interrupted the bleak landscape. Of the residents, only a few skeletal remains could be found, and those were darkened and twisted: by radiation, the captain thought, somewhat familiar with the look of such deaths. Nothing moved except ashy debris swept around by the wind that howled eerily. The statistics overlaying the image showed readings of heavy radiation.
The changing symbols also showed that biological and chemical weapons had been deployed, and an unknown energy weapon of great force.
“This planet is in the Fingal system,’ Greene said, narrating.
“Spacedep interdicted it as soon as they received the exploration team’s initial report. No life-forms higher than deep sea algae remain on a world that, to judge by the artifacts left behind, had an advanced civilization.
Estimates are that it would take over two thousand years for radiation levels to drop sufficiently to allow Havumans to live there.” The image faded, to be replaced by that of an orbiting spaceship.
Hrrto caught his breath as he realized it was identical to the one currently circling Rraladoona. It seemed subtly different, and as the exploration team’s camera drew closer, he could see that this ship was derelict, its hull riddled with jagged rents caused by explosive charges and the neater, milled holes of laser bolts. The image, now recorded by a handheld unit, moved through darkened corridors: the white glare of its lights resting momentarily on the occasional floating corpse. Hrrto’s tail twitched in surprise. There was no doubt about the identity of the dead. They were Gringg.
“It would seem that Ken Reeve’s assumption was wrong. The Gringg have met other sentient species before,’ Greene said. His eyes met Castleton’s. “And they destroyed them. The population of an entire planet, wiped out.
The captain felt a cold finger trace down her spine.
She shuddered. Greene moved his gaze from Castleton to Barnstable.
“In the light of that,’ and he gestured to the screen, “this hail-well-met attitude towards the Gringg has gotten a trifle out of control. Hasn’t it, Admiral?” The Admiral shifted in his seat.
“Damned straight. It’s turning into a regular circus animal act already.”
“Perrhaps too much opennessss was ssshown,’ Second agreed, edgily, “but zince it iss shown, what is to be done about ze steps Rrev hass already taken?” And he gestured towards Rraladoona.
Barnstable brought his big fist down emphatically on the tabletop.
“Get in touch with him immediately and require him to show some restraint, that’s what. Don’t show so much damned hayseed cordiality until we’ve got a tap on what they’re really here for. This dumb show of theirs, so polite and open, could mask invasion procedures,’ and he waved his hand at the screen and the devastation it still portrayed.
“They could be softening us up so that our defences are down when their main fleet comes powering in.”
“With all due respect, sir, the Gringg have done nothing - here - to arouse suspicions of their intent,’ Captain Castleton said with some restraint. Even a ship’s captain practised tact in dealing with an admiral. Greene’s evidence was upsetting but incitement made her twice as cautious. “Their ship sent no probes. They waited until we made contact. To me that shows peaceful intent. Envoys have been exchanged - which I feel is a mark of amazing trust on their part, considering we’re two species to their one. So far all they’ve seen are the insides of a shuttle and the reception area of this ship. Right now, they’re on an agriculturally based colony world, not one of our home worlds which are not in the least bit endangered.” She grirmed to relieve the tension for the Admiral was scowling even if he was listening to what she said. “Not that we know where the other’s home world is,’ and she inclined her head in a courteous bow to Hrrto. “How can their mere presence on Doonarrala constitute a serious threat? Surely they are more vulnerable than we. Their vessel’s not armed.” Greene cut in. “We don’t know that they’re completely without armament, sir. When you consider the devastation of the Fingal planet, they might have some new weapon we can’t identify.” “Zat is true enough,’ Captain Hrrrv said thoughtfully.
“All we know iss zat zey have no nuclear weapons or what we consider usssual orrrdnance.” Finding an ally, Greene continued forcefully. “Other weapons with less sophisticated delivery systems might be concealed aboard: powerful incendiaries composed of unknown substances and not easily detectable. I suspect whatever that ship used on Fingal III could be easily hidden in that mass of water in the cent
ral globe of the ship. They are a new race. We don’t know what they are capable of. All we do know is that they can destroy a planet.
Since we have no direct verbal contact, I feel it is necessary to limit what they are allowed to see and establish verbal communications as quickly as possible.”
“They ought to be allowed the benefit of the doubt,’ Castleton said, appealing to Barnstable. “How long ago was the war in the Fingal system? Have the usual tests been done to discover how long that ship has been floating in space? How do we know that isn’t a Gringg world and those were the defenders? Not the aggressors?” Greene shot her a dire look which she ignored. “The point is, Captain, that ship was armed and Ordnance is still trying to puzzle out their weapons systems.”
“Has Admiral Sumitral been briefed on the Fingal III discovery?”
Castleton asked.
“How could he be when the matter’s been classified?
He’s Alreldep anyhow, not naval, for all his title,’ Barnstable said, then waved his hand to dismiss that consideration. “The fact remains that a ship of indisputable Gringg design was discovered in orbit around Fingal IIIcall it circumstantial evidence, if you wish, Grace - which has been absolutely wasted. That’s enough to give me pause to consider very carefully how to proceed with the Gringg. I trust,’ and he looked around the table, nodding politely to Hrrto and Captain Hrrrv, “that you all realize that this meeting is not to be discussed at all?
Good. You’ll remain on yellow alert, Captain Castleton, and Second Speaker, I’d appreciate your giving the same orders to your ships. Forewarned is forearmed!” Castleton could not fault that as she sat, staring at the frozen frame on the screen. Her initial impulse was to trust the Gringg, but intellectually she understood very well the need to remain on guard until both sides were satisfied of the other’s peaceful intent. The Amalgamated Worlds had been at peace for centuries. The very thought of an interstellar war chilled her. She felt a warm touch at the back of her hand, and looked up to find Jon Greene watching her with his brows drawn upwards, asking a silent question. His moulded lips curved at the corner in a small smile of confidence. She nodded at him, returning the smile in spite of her worry. The expression in his eyes became warmer. Despite their obvious differences of opinion, she was inexplicably attracted to this man.
But she was now on alert status and there was no time for any private life.
“Of coursse, all waits upon being able to speak to each otherrr,’ Hrrto said.
“At least the most experienced man we’ve got is in charge of that,’ Grace Castleton said, finding relief in the fact.
“Sumitral?” Barnstable asked. “Has he arrived?”
“Not that we’ve been informed, Admiral,’ Grace said, “but I meant Reeve Barnstable gave a little grunt. “I heard that he learned Hrruban first.” Then he remembered the presence of Hrrubans in the room, and smoothly went on, “Which was only logical at the time, of course.”
“I hope he’s the right man to do the initial work,’ Greene said, looking concerned. “Some people get so wound up in their own specialty that they fail to see the broader view.
“Rrev has proved his competencee on several levels,’ Hrrto said, surprising himself as well as MIlaba. “He prrotects, as alwayss, Rraladoona.” He dropped his jaw in a slight smile.
“Of course, Second Speaker,’ Greene said quickly, “but I found his manner of taking charge of the first contact a shade officious.
“He was asked to do so,’ Castleton reminded him. “After all, he expedited them to the planet which protected the technology on this ship from their scrutiny.”
“Aye,’ Hrrrv agreed. “It waz wise to rrremove zem from zis vessel at once.”
“Zo, Admirral,’ Second said, folding his arms across his chest, “we wait?”
“I’ll instruct Sumitral,’ Barnstable said decisively, “to find out as soon as possible, using whatever methods, signs, sketches, are needed what part of the galaxy they come from, and how they found their way here.”
“Zat, surely, can wait, Admirmal,’ MIlaba said, smoothly.
“Ze threat is here, now, not wherever ze Gringg home system iss.
“But the Gringg fleet?” Barnstable held on to his concern.
“No evidence zat zere is any. Nothing is detectable in the near reaches of space,’ Captain Hrrrv said.
Castleton confirmed it. “I’ve checked with my telemetry officer.
He agrees. They came in alone.
“Each one of them is an 800 pound warrior!” Barnstable barked.
“They’re a potential danger to Humanity!”
“And to Hrrubankind as well,’ Hrrto added.
“And from that tape,’ Greene added, “it doesn’t look as if it takes more than a single ship to decimate a planet.” MIlaba was thoughtful. “Now what we really need is furzzer support for our position of caution. Ze Doonarralans will go on zeir merry way, never suspecting zat zey are set up ftrr destruczhon until ze bomb falls on zeir heads. We require prrrsons of influence, who can prevail upon zem to move with greazzer care. What about zis Hayuman Landreau? Can we gain his support to suggest a more cautious approach to ze Rralan administration?” Greene shook his head. “No, he’s like a child with a new toy with the Gringg. In fact, he treats them rather like playmates. He’s frivolous.”
“Son, never call a Landreau frivolous,’ Barnstable warned him darkly. “His family has considerable influence on Earth and elsewhere. I’d prefer to have him with us than against us.” Second spoke up. “I shall endeavrrr to inform ze Hrruban High Council zat a wary approach is a wise one.
Most of zem are conservative, and I do not zink zere will be protest. Perhaps more pressure can be brought to bear on ze Doonarralans from ze two home governments?”
“Direct intervention would be better,’ Barustable said.
“We need reinforcements, to have a physical presence.
Trouble is we can’t get them here quickly enough. It will take weeks for ships to arrive from Earth or any of the colonies where some of our potential allies reside. We must be ready for any eventuality!’ “In zis I can help,’ Second said, “at least with regard to transportation. I will auzorize use of ze grid for ze specific purrpose of supporrt in zis possible crisis. A wise Stripe moves cautiously zrough a strrange forest.”
“Honoured Speaker,’ Mllaba began, “it would be wiser still to be sure zat ze grid operazors on duty are ones known to us, and zrrussworzy. Zey must not disclose who auzorized zis movement wizout your specific prrrmission.
“Discretion widens a Stripe,’ Second replied, nodding acceptance.
“I’d feel a lot happier if we had some sort of military back-up, just in case the Gringg slough off the charm and turn on the heat,’ Barnstable said.
“Sir,’ Castleton said, an odd expression on her face, “need I remind you that we have a full marine complement on board the Hamilton?
Not to mention the fact that her crew have won every single martial arts competition the fleet has put on over the past five years?” The Admiral grimaced and raised a conciliatory hand.
“Now, Grace, medals for exhibition affairs are not quite the same thing as military experience “Who’s had that in God knows how many years?” she asked, pursing her lips.
The Admiral’s face reddened, a sharp contrast to his mane of white hair. “Grace, don’t overstep yourself. I’m in charge of the safety of this sector, and dammit, I’ll protect it any way I can. I allowed Reeve to take those aliens to the surface of a peaceful colony and I’ll make damned certain peace is maintained there’ “Yes, sir,’ Grace Castleton said. “But may I still counsel moderation?”
“I’ve taken your counsel, and now hear mine. We’re on yellow alert, and I mean alert!
We’re going to be ready for anything . . .” Barnstable paused, closed his eyes briefly, suddenly remembering that there were Hrrubans right there with him, so he hastily altered what he’d been going to say.
“What I mean is, t
hose Gringgs are naturally armoured, those fangs, their talons, their forearms have the reach of any among us.
why, that thick furry hide of theirs could probably turn away slugs.
Mllaba put in silkily, “Perhaps permeability of zeir skin and skin tension can be one of ze tests performed by your medical technician.
“Good suggestion. Maybe. In the meantime, Speaker Hrrto, I’ll take advantage of your offer to use the Treaty Island grid. And, bear in mind, please, that if those Gringg make a move before we’re ready for them, one of those grid operators must reach Earth alive to let them know what went on here.” Hrrto nodded. “I will remain on Rrala,’ he said, well aware that the Hayumans might have thought he’d chosen the easy option out by grid. The Gringg terrified him, but a more acute terror would be to lose face by fleeing.
“As you wish,’ the Admiral said, rising. “I’ll get in touch with a few people, transfer them up here for a little conference.” He turned to Greene. “Put the connections through yourself, lad. I want a stop put to this chummy foolishness stat!”
“Admiral,’ Castleton said, also rising, “shouldn’t we inform the planetary administration of our discovery?”
“Indeed we should not, sir,’ Greene said, suddenly.
He was still smarting from Todd Reeve’s off-hand treatment of him while on board the Gringg vessel, and his flamboyant disregard of safety in embracing the aliens.
“I’d recommend against it. For security reasons alone.
We certainly don’t want the grids jammed with people insisting that their department has to have representatives here, too. The necessary departments have already been informed and are present. No more information should be broadcast.” And when eventually the Amalgamated Worlds knew, Greene thought with satisfaction, Todd Reeve would be disgraced, even removed from planetary office as a danger to Humanity.
The passengers aboard the Spacedep shuttle were silent on the way down to the surface of Doonarrala. Admiral Barustable sat making notes on his clipboard, pausing occasionally to call up data from its small memory bank.
