Doona Trilogy Omnibus

by neetha Napew

  He hoped that more of the Hayuman contingent felt that way than the Doonarralans did. After all, so many of them were shorter than the average Hrruban. Which reminded him that he had not felt any physical or aural intimidation when he had encountered the Hayumans for the first time: certainly not the unnerving sort he experienced in the company of Gringg. He did not understand why others were not overwhelmed by the Gringgs’ presence. Even young Hrriss, whom he trusted as a true Hrruban, had taken to these furry giants as if they were true beings of honour, integrity and value.

  Mllaba seemed to feel that the coming of the Gringg could be a great advantage to him in the upcoming election. He was at a loss to know how he could possibly present such hulks as advantageous, though Mllaba was usually shrewd to see possibilities and potentials . .

  Still he had been there at the beginning and that did give him an advantage to speak from. If he could build on that, with Mllaba’s assistance, he might indeed enhance his bid for the Speakership. He need only be calm - and pretend to know more than he actually did.

  Mllaba was up to something, he knew, and she would inform him when her manoeuvres were complete.

  As Hrrto entered the impressive, dark-panelled Council Meeting Room, his tail gave a single twitch. The place had not felt the same since the death of Hrruna. It had turned into a cold, unfriendly place, with whispering shadows.

  Hrrto took his place in the second seat, beside the head of the table, facing Third Speaker for Internal Affairs, a moderate Hrruban named Rrolm. The First Speaker’s place was, of course, respectfully empty, draped with blue and red. In the centre of the seat was the precious blue stone given as a gift of peace to Hrruna by the Hayuman settlers in the very first days of Rraladoona. On his deathbed, Hrruna had directed that the stone should be displayed in the council chamber until a successor was chosen. To him who assumed the office would pass ownership of the stone, to remind him that peace with one’s neighbour was as valuable and vital as clean air or pure water. Yes, peace and trust were necessary, but in good time, when the Gringg had proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, their pacificism.

  “Be confident, sir,’ MIlaba whispered from her place, a seat rolled deferentially back from the table, suitable for one who was not part of the Council. “Contain this situation firmly. It will be the key to the election. Your rivals do not have such a good opportunity to display leadership as you do right now with your intimate connection in the Gringg incident. Fifth Speaker backs Third now but the few outside candidates have little chance of assuming the post. Be firm.

  Be confident. You have the advantage.”

  “I know the tone and stand to take, Mllaba,’ Hrrto said, with some irritation and flattened his tail against the chair leg, hidden by his robes. At times her attitude bordered on the officious and she was not in contention for any Speakership.

  Word had already spread over Hrruba that intervention by an alien presence had put a halt to the space port talks. The delegates, not held to temporary residence on Rraladoona as were their Hayuman counterparts, had come home full of tales about the giant Gringg.

  MIlaba’s initial report had made a strong impression on the Council.

  The Speakers were eager to hear more from Hrrto.

  So Second Speaker first explained the circumstances of the Gringgs’ advent, then signalled to Mllaba to run the tape of the huge aliens who had visited Rialadoona as emissaries.

  As Eonneh and Ghotyakh appeared on the screen, gasps ranged around the table, then modulated into murmurs of discomfort when the Gringg spoke.

  “What horrible sounds they make!” Fourth Speaker said.

  “Barbaric garble! Threatening in sound and appearance.

  So monstrous. Bare-skinned Hayumans were peculiar enough to behold, but these are at the other extreme!”

  “Alreldep, which agency you already know includes several prominent Hrrubans of good Stripe,’ Hrrto said, rising to his feet as the tape ended, “thinks that these Gringg wish to establish peaceful relations with both Hrrubans and Hayumans. They are to learn Middle Hrruban,’ he said, with a smug smile, intimating that this was a concession he himself had managed.

  “We must, of course, wait until sufficient understanding of language allows us to communicate to purpose.”

  “Peaceful relations?” Rrolm asked. “How can we be sure of that?”

  “Of course, their ship was thoroughly scanned and probed,’ Hrrto went on. “No weaponry of any sort was discovered, that is true. Alreldep sent envoys who were treated courteously and no show of force or violence occurred He let his voice dwindle ominously. “We have little hard data, except the results of physical examinations done by the Hayuman medical team on Rraladoona. Alreldep does tend,’ and he paused solemnly, “to optimism.” He gave a diffident shrug. “On the other hand, Spacedep has given me reason to suspect that the Gringg assurances of good faith and their appearance of defencelessness - as far as their vessel goes could very well be false. Until we are absolutely certain of their intentions towards us, Hrruba and Hrrubans, we should keep the Gringg contained in the Rraladoona sphere, but prepare ourselves for all eventualities.

  “I do not think we wish a close association with these huge creatures,’ Sixth Speaker said, assuming the speechmaking posture he had lately adopted, evidently believing that it gave his listeners more confidence in his ponderous opinions. “Once again the Hayumans have forced an untenable situation upon our peaceful citizens. I must tell you that there is great anxiety among those with whom I have spoken at length when word of this new incursion was brought to me.”

  “I second that, Sixth,’ Third Speaker said brusquely and turned to Second. “Have you any action to propose at this time, Second?” Hrrto smiled for matters were proceeding well if Third deferred to him to act. Mthough that could be a trap.

  Still - “Surely, Third,’ he said with a smooth growl to his tone, “that is obvious. The fleet must be,’ and he let one talon extrude slightly from his right hand, “discreetly mobilized.

  Held on alert, undetectable behind the Rraladoonan moons. I have been assured that there will be those on the planet who will turn a blind eye to the occasional anomaly on the surveillance screens. And, should it become necessary,’ and he paused again significantly, “the Hrruban fleet will be able to move with surprise and great speed.” The others reacted with varying degrees of approval or censure, muttering among themselves.

  “You are convinced of threat?” Third asked, over the hubbub.

  “The prudent Stripe is prepared for any eventuality. In the case of large, unexpected visitors, mouthing peace, prudence is only ah politic. To be frank,’ and now Second turned confidential, addressing his remarks directly to Third across the table from him, “I would feel less threat, actually, if their ship had shown some armament. With none . . -“ And Second lifted his shoulders, leaving the anxiety for others to enlarge. “With the fleet in place, Hrrubans on the planet are supported. And our allies can turn to us for irimediate assistance in case this situation turns ugly. And it very well could!”

  “How?

  From what source? If the alien ship has been probed as weaponless?”

  Fifth asked, doubtfully.

  Second bowed his head, miming reluctant silence. “This is, of course, to be kept among us. Spacedep offered me incontrovertible truth of the possibility that the aliens are by no means as pacific and genuine as they would have us believe them. But such information is classified. Suffice it for you to know that my eyes have seen, and my shoulders bear the heavy burden for you all. For the safety, and sanity of Rrala it must remain so.

  “The Speaker did observe to me,’ Mllaba said, standing up, “that while Hayumans have weapons, capable of destroying a planet, they have shown a moral code which prevents them from doing so. These Gringg, on the other hand, seem cultured and peaceful, but the evidence, which I, too, was shown, suggests they have two sides to their nature: the one we have not seen is vicious and ruthless.” The timbre of her voice
only emphasized Second’s less emotional narration.

  “Yes, well, no one has answered me on the matter of the space port facility,’ said the Seventh Speaker for Management, slightly testy.

  “What’s happened to it?

  There has been so much preparation, so many negotiations and hard work.

  Surely.

  MIlaba bowed to him. She enjoyed being able to speak freely before the entire Council. “It has been postponed indefinitely, honoured sir. The arrival of the Gringg is considered a priority of utmost urgency and the conference co-leader is intimately involved in the negotiations. There is no surety right now that the facility will be discussed in the near future.

  Sixth Speaker cleared his throat. “Do we yet know what part of the galaxy they come from? And, if they have come so peacefully, might they not have come for trade? That is why we - and the Hayumans - took to the stars: to find new sources of metals and foodstuffs and new planets on which to settle.” Milaba realized with annoyance that Sixth was not convinced of the deadliness of the Gringg threat, nor was Fifth Speaker. Fifth saw the Gringg as potential allies and customers, and Sixth was more concerned with the inability to shift Hrruban goods anywhere and the current recession due to that inability Hrrto rose and immediately Mllaba seated herself.

  “The Gringg claim their discovery of Rraladoona was an accident,’ he said. “When they visited the First Village, they had managed to convey to Ken Rrev that their instrumentation discovered an ion trail which they followed to the Rraladoonan system. They were encouraged to enter the system when they also found the marker buoys and realized that the third planet was not only inhabited but obviously using sophisticated technology. Their level of technical expertise is high.

  I cannot say whether it is similar to ours or to the Hayumans.

  “To be fair,’ Second continued, planting his hands on the table, “the public face the Gringg show is one of thoughtful, creative civilization. Their standard of artwork and music is high, and they have been quick to comprehend symbolic communication. They may have much to offer us: not only trade goods, but cultural gifts.”

  “This suggests an understanding of technology and tenacity of purpose,’ said Fifth Speaker, combing his chin mane with thoughtful claws. “These Gringg could be useful and worthwhile allies.”

  “If they are not planning to destroy us,’ Seventh said, in alarm.

  “I don’t like it,’ snarled Sixth. “They could be a threat to Hrruban independence, and individual development.

  There are already too many outsiders with influence on the Hrruban way of life.”

  “I feel it necessary that the Hrrubans take the lead in all discussions,’ Hrrto said primly.

  “It may be more important than ever for you to manage such discussions,’ said Fifth Speaker, his green eyes wide with alarm. “I have heard something from our returning delegates which troubles me greatly. Is it true that the Hayumans are becoming more insistent in their demands to share our grid technology?”

  “Yes,’ Mllaba said, rising gracefully to her feet. “But the Speaker stated without equivocation that such a thing was impossible. The Hayumans were not pleased by his adamant position.” “You did not admit to them why we could not share that technology, did you?” Hrrto was genuinely insulted. He controlled his voice, but his tail lashed once under his flowing red robes. “Of course I did not. If the honoured speaker will recall, I voted in favour of the proposition to make details of grid technology and construction available only to Hrrubans of the home world. I am only too aware that our supply of the element purralinium which makes the grids possible will only last for a hundred years at the present rate of use. Expanding the network of planets in our Explorations Arm and colony worlds will deplete it faster. Without better ships we are unlikely to find other asteroid belts where novas have collided and the special mineral has formed with purralinium. The Hayumans demand access to grid technology in exchange for spaceship technology. They will hold firm on that point,’ he said with genuine regret.

  “How they dare! They go too far,’ Sixth said.

  “They are curious,’ Second explained, wearily. “Hayumans wish to know how everything operates. I must admit that many of the arguments put forth by the delegate Landreau make sense. As we know from many decades of use, grids save time and lives.”

  “Has no more purralinium been found?” Fifth asked Sixth Speaker.

  Sixth stood up. “Plenty has been discovered, as the honoured speaker may know from reading his texts. But never with the key trace elements which comprise the compound needed. I think we must curtail the establishment of any but the most urgent additions to our transport network.

  Research is, naturally, on-going to find alternatives but we must face the fact that we have a finite quantity of material which is not renewable. We would do well to accelerate alternative power sources.” “We cannot! We’ve thrown all our support into grid research. We haven’t the funds to advance new research into space technology. If the Hayumans remain on a hard line of negotiation, we are lost. In a short era, we will be circumscribed on every side by Hayumans and possibly by these, these Gringg,’ said Third, looking panicky.

  “Something must be done.” Fifth Speaker smiled grimly. “I heard through some sources who live on Rraladoona that the Gringg were not surprised by the grids when they first used them.

  Is it possible they might also have discovered matter transmission?”

  Hrrto dropped his jaw and waved both hands dismissively.

  “The chances of their discovering matter transmission are exceedingly slim, honoured sirs, especially,’ and now he drew himself up, “since the Hayumans have been unable to duplicate our process no matter how hard they have tried.”

  “Yet you imply that the Gringg have searched many worlds, would they not have found purralinium somewhere in their travels? We must discover what they have seen during their explorations. We must leave no avenue unexplored to replenish our supplies. Especially if we must use a third of our dwindling resource to erect an efficient grid in the space port facility. Never must the Hayumans discover how important purralinium is to us or how little we have left,’ Sixth said, all but babbling in his urgency. “We cannot fall from our present prominence and become vulnerable to either the Hayumans or these Gringg creatures.”

  “Sixth, do not exercise yourself,’ Second said kindly, for the old Stripe was spitting in his agitation.

  “After all, the Hayumans have treated fairly with us. The delay on the space port is actually due to Zodd Rrev’s contention that a space port is an infraction of both the Decision and Treaty.” Second smiled benignly. “Despite their desire to share our technology, I do not see Hrruba made vulnerable to Hayumans.

  “It is recorded that those who live on Rraladoona have always conducted themselves with honour towards Hrruba,’ Fifth agreed, “but there are too many on the Hayuman home world who are willing to take advantage of us. We must protect ourselves, or our culture will be swallowed up and lost, as our natural resources, nay, even as the surface of our planet was, by our own carelessness.

  The space port is essential if we are to maintain the precarious balance of trade. In the matter of the Gringg, you must ensure that any concession from them that the Hayumans receive, so also do we Hrrubans.” There was a murmur of agreement. Second realized he needed to walk carefully if he wished to be successful.

  Fifth was a determined and intelligent rival for Hrruna’s place.

  And yet, he judged that he had not done so ill in this meeting.

  Mllaba seemed to be very pleased.

  “I concur,’ he said. “Steps shall be taken to establish Hrruba’s pre-eminence. And its safety.”

  Chapter 7

  OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT WEEKS, HRRESTAN TOOK over as many duties from Tod in their joint management of the colony as he could.

  “Todd can get his tongue round ze new worrds bezzer zan I,’ was Hrrestan’s comment, “for all my dam said I was borrrn
grrowling.” So, except for brief consultations now and then between the colony’s co-leaders, Todd was free to spend long hours with Ken and Hrriss as they parsed and rehearsed Gringg sounds, and memorized what vocabulary had been exchanged and figured out the probable syntactical forms.

  As often as he could, however, Hrrestan dropped in, earnestly trying to refine those phrases he could enunciate properly.

  Kelly and Nrrna kept pots of coffee available and the herbal teas that Hrrestan preferred, feeding them whenever the women could get their attention long enough, and reminding them that a good night’s sleep would do wonders for concentration. Finally, Kelly laid down a law.

  “No Gringg at mealtimes,’ she said firmly on the evening when Alec had tried to emulate his father’s tones and inadvertently regurgitated his last mouthful. “Give it a rest!” Surprised by Alec’s mishap, Todd offered sheepish apologies for his behaviour and refrained from practising the deep gutturals at mealtimes.

  “Not that that improved his dinner conversation in the slightest,’ Kelly complained to Nrrna and Mrrva the next afternoon. She made grunts and woofs to demonstrate.

  “Now that he’s got vocabulary and syntax, he complains because he only has present tense verbs!” She rolled her eyes in histrionic resignation.

  “But zey are working togezzer,’ Nrrna murmured and then the two women sighed once again with relief.

  When the matter of planning for the upcoming Snake Hunt would have interfered with language lessons, Todd reluctantly acceded to Robin’s pleas to show that he could handle the pre-Hunt arrangements. Kelly offered to give her young brother-in-law a hand and that work gave her a respite from Todd’s current preoccupation. Robin proved not only completely conversant with the complexities of the big event but efficient in checking minor details that might provide situations for accidents to happen. Todd and Hrriss, as Hunt Masters, would spare a few moments to answer his questions and go over his work schedules and estimates but that was one less worry.