Doona Trilogy Omnibus

by neetha Napew

  Mike’ll determine the value of the mare and how much fostering the colt will cost and Cinnamon’ll pay what he owes. End of matter!

  “In whatever way becomes possible, I will make the value good,’ Cinnamon promised.

  “You forget loss of use of a valuable brood mare and any subsequent earnings,’ Greene said.

  Cinnamon nodded his head obligingly. “That, too, is fair and can be decided. I await the decision.

  “But we have formulated no schedule of payment or value,’ Second Speaker said, looking distressed.

  “You can’t just let these . . . aliens,’ and Greene larded the word with repugnance, “buy their way out of any incidents. This one involved only the death of an animal. You let the Gringg wander where they like.

  What happens “We Gringg will cooperate in any way we can,’ Eonneh said, looking intently from Greene to Second Speaker to Todd. “The just reparations for accidents must be decided, clearly stated and set down. This regrettable incident is unlikely to be repeated but we Gringg are big and accidents can happen no matter how careful we try to be in our excursions.” Greene rolled his eyes and had gathered himself to speak when Hrrestan held up his hand.

  “Agreement must be formulated with all despatch,’ Hrrestan said, “so zat justice - unlike zis. . . inforrmal and crrowded hearring can be calmly and sensibly rendered on any matters zat could be required.

  A tribunal of one each of our zree species should do very well, should it not, zOdd, Sumitral?”

  “Now wait a minute,’ Greene said.

  “You are not, Commander Greene, a resident, norrr even a frequent visitor to Rraladoon,’ Hrrestan said, gently but firmly dismissing the man’s protest.

  “We Gringg will cooperate in any way we can,’ Eonneh said, looking from one to the other. “Justice must be clearly stated and set down.

  It is the only fair way in which we can interact, now or in the future.”

  “Done and done,’ Hrrestan said, jaw dropped as far as it would go.

  “A second Decision at Doona,’ Todd said, with a grin at his mentor. Today’s accident had provided a major forward step in the tri-partite relationships. The Rralandoonans in the crowd cheered but not all the visitors looked pleased by the outcome.

  “Impossible situation,’ Greene protested, realizing he had lost control of the situation. “There are ramifications you cannot understand “ He broke off suddenly.

  At Second Speaker’s side, Mllaba stared at him, her huge eyes glinting, and a hot flush rose from Greene’s collar to flood his face unbecomingly. In his presence, almost with his cooperation, the ridiculously naive Doonans had struck a bargain with their would-be destroyers. They proposed galactic policy with a dangerous species, and were grinning like idiots. Sumitral, beside them, who should have been wary, was behaving just as foolishly.

  “This whole thing is an inappropriate response to the situation,’ he said through clenched teeth.

  “Not at all,’ Todd raised his voice to be heard over the hubbub.

  “The malice was not on Cinnamon’s side.

  If he had deliberately destroyed property, it would have been necessary for him, as it is for anyone on Rraladoon, to be disciplined in some fashion. However, we have established, haven’t we that he was the victim of an ill-conceived trick.”

  “Hear! Hear!” Mike cried.

  Robin, breaking off his quiet but intense conversation with a blushing Nita, echoed the vet’s sentiment, glaring at dissenting expressions of faces in the crowd.

  “Since it seems that Rraladoon is fast becoming a popular spot for aliens to meet,’ Todd went on, injecting some levity into the discussion. He was rewarded with a few grins, “it behaves us to consider contingency plans and guide-lines until formal proceedings can be instigated.

  This is my world, and I am the Hayuman leader of it.

  Hrrestan, as my Hrruban colleague, do you concur with me?” Hrrestan nodded, his gleaming eyes never leaving Greene’s face. “I could almost suspect,’ and Todd paused significantly though he pointedly did not look in the commander’s direction but at the outspoken woman, “that the whole incident was manufactured by those intent on causing trouble between our people and our new friends.

  Our guest,’ and Todd emphasized that word, “has been most gracious, considering he was the butt of a bad joke.

  End of incident. Now, you all, clear out of here, and tend to your own business. Not mine!” Greene stood staring at the tabletop, then he looked up to meet Todd’s eyes.

  “I. . .1 agree with you, Reeve,’ Greene said, nodding his head slowly.

  “You should not have become involved with a tempest in a teapot.

  Delicate relationships between our three races should not be fractured. As Human colony leader, you are in a superior position to facilitate such guide-lines. Spacedep wishes to offer any assistance you require.” Todd gawked at the Spacedep officer’s sudden change of direction. He was unable to detect any sarcasm in Greene’s earnest face.

  “That’s very wise of you, Commander Greene,’ Sumitral said. “And the sooner we can devise final terms the better. In the meantime, let us extend immunity to these stray visitors of ours until we have achieved a proper treaty with the Gringg.” He sighed. “If only they came in a slightly smaller package, there’d be less objection!” They were talking in a tight group as Robin and Mike were urging people to disperse, joking that the show was over for the day.

  “Or less dangerous,’ Mllaba said, staring at the dejected Cinnamon. “It is not merely ze sheer size of the Gringg zat is off-putting.

  “Not to menzion ze zurprize of zeir trade items,’ Hrrestan said.

  Hrrto was shaking his head and his tailtip twitched convulsively.

  He spoke Middle Hrruban in a low voice.

  “Perhaps if all business was conducted by commlink, there would be less need for protection.

  “Why, honoured sir, when they offer no violence?” Hrrestan said.

  “I think some responsibility devolves on us - to be sure they are not victimized, as they were today.” That aspect had clearly not occurred to Hrrto. “Yes, yes, I take the point, Hrrestan. But “ and he sighed heavily. His priorities were in constant turmoil. Only the prospect of the essential purralinium remained of constant importance.

  “It always depends who the victim is, doesn’t it?” he added enigmatically.

  “Hall’s cleared now, so goodbye. I’ve got a hospital to run,’ Mike Solinari said over his shoulder as he firmly pushed the last of the curious out the door.

  “Especially when the victim does not realize he has been made one,’ Hrrestan said, looking at the retreating figures of the veterinary contingent. “The laws of Hrruban are far more stringent than are needed here on Rraladoon, Second Speaker. Diplomatic immunity should be tendered and the terms of such immunity are already known to both Hayuman and Hrruban. Let us examine them first.

  But certain values remain constant . . . innocence until guilt is proved should be the most important aspect. Then the law forms of our visitors so that there is no ambiguity or misinterpretations.” As he spoke to Hrrto, Hrrestan leaned away from Greene, as if he hoped the commander would take the hint and depart. “We of Rraladoon will be honoured to mediate such discussions if that would solve the current dilemma of jurisdiction.” Mllaba nudged Hrrto. “Such a project would greatly enhance your prospects for election, Speaker!”

  “I . . . yes, of course it would, MIlaba,’ he said testily.

  Then to Hrrestan, “Justice for all is the primary purpose of the Council,’ Hrrto said. “And also of our allies on ze Amalgamated Worlds Council.” Greene had not taken the hint and entered his discussion, also using Middle Hrruban. “Diplomatic immunity is certainly a good point at which to start since we are all familiar with its workings. I was for a while attached to Spacedep Legal so I would like to assist.

  His offer surprised every one in the room so that he was able to glance meaningfully at Mllaba without comment.
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  She nodded, understanding that the two of them must have a private conference.

  “Then it’s settled,’ Sumitral said, cheerfully. “Ah, Captain Grzzeearoghh, we’ve been expecting you. There’s a matter of great importance I wish to broach to you.

  Todd glanced up. The enormous Gringg filled the doorway, her red eyes nearly sparking. Behind her were her cub, Kelly, Jilamey Landreau, and Landreau’s servant, Barrington.

  “What matter is that?” Grizz asked, carefully, her sweeping glance having taken in the forlorn Cinnamon.

  Eonneh went to her side and began to speak in a low voice. Grizz bent over him, and waved her claw now and again in assent.

  “If I may,’ Admiral Sumitral began, nodding to Todd and Hrrestan for peimission. Then he approached the Gringg Captain. “As undoubtedly Honey has informed you, there has been a slight mishap involving Cinnamon, which has been resolved under our laws. As guests of this planet, Rraladoon, you are now granted diplomatic immunity, the ramifications of which I would gladly explain to you. I can safely assure you that this will be immediately ratified by the governing body of Amalgamated Worlds.” Somewhat stunned by Sumitral’s announcement, Hrrto forced his way over and said, “And by the High Council of Hrruba.” As he heard himself saying such words, he wondered that he had so spontaneously promised what he would have to argue at his most eloquent in the Council to obtain. And yet, all he had to do now was mention “purralinium’ to them and they’d agree to any measures needed to procure the metal. Nevertheless he had been forced to take an action which he ought to have discussed, at least with Mllaba, before committing himself. Could the Hayumans and Zodd Rrev have manoeuvred him cunningly into agreeing? Or was it that Sumitral had once again made the Second Speaker of the High Council dance to his tune as if Hrrto was a mere apprentice in the halls of diplomacy? Either way, Sumitral had always been a formidable mediator and young Zodd had indeed grown up.

  Then Hrrto wondered at the sudden shift in Greene.

  It had been the commander all along, declaring that the Gringg could not be trusted. Hrrto would like to discover the reason behind such a switch. Then it occurred to him that, under the guise of diplomatic immunities, “escorts’ could be assigned to any Gringg on the planet - to insure that the immunity was observed. Ahh, thought Hrrto, that Greene is quick, clever and shrewd. He had got the better of Sumitral, Hrrestan and Rrev and used the concession to forward his own aims.

  “Of course,’ he continued, hoping his pause had not been overlong, “all three interested parties, plus their home world representatives must be present to discuss a Trade Agreement - in the same chamber.” Grizz gave him a brilliant smile, her long fangs gleaming. “Of course, Second Speaker Hrrto,’ said the pleasant voice of the voder. “It would not be correct or courteous any other way.” Second Speaker bowed to the Gringg leader, suddenly feeling that twice in a short space of time he had been manipulated by another clever strategist. Zodd and the two Hrrubans were not laughing, but he thought they might be on the edge of a humorous outburst.

  “I would be most interested in a Treaty between us all, especially if it will facilitate trade practices here on Rraladoon,’ Grizz said, addressing both diplomats. She put a maternal claw on the cub’s head.

  He grinned up at her lovingly. “My son has been telling me how delicious are the eggs of the native species of snake of Rraladoon.

  How glad I would be to trade with Rraladoon for such a commodity.”

  “Now that you mention our friend, the snake,’ Jilamey said, addressing everyone who remained in Todd’s office.

  “I happen to have a delicious specimen which we can barbecue tonight. You are all invited to partake of the unique taste of Rraladoonan snake, a real delicacy. I feel a lot of policy can be discussed over a friendly spare rib or two, eh?” He winked at Kelly “You two are never, never, NEVER to leave your handset off again,’ Todd said, towering over his offspring with uncharacteristic anger. Alec and Alison studied the ground and each other’s shoes for a moment, then peeked up at Todd. “If there had been an accident, no one would have known where to find you until it was too late!

  “But everything came out all right in the end,’ Alison offered, fluttering the thick lashes of adoring golden eyes at her father. “We stayed with Teddy to make sure he’d be all right until Mama found us.” She could sense him softening, and nudged Alec with her elbow. Her twin added the earnest plea in his blue eyes.

  “Honest, Papa, the radios were working when we left!

  It’s not our fault they failed,’ Alec said.

  Kelly spotted the silent communication between her children and interjected her own comment. “It doesn’t matter how it came out; it’s how it began. Promise, or you’ll never get to ride Hunt until you’re old and grey.

  Promise!”

  “She means it,’ Jilamey said, lounging in the porch seat while Barrington, elegant as ever, sliced snake up into manageable portions for the barbecue grills. “She nearly made me stay behind from my first hunt because I didn’t want to carry a handset.

  The twins sighed and matched glances. They knew they hadn’t been remiss but couldn’t prove it. They were frustrated because their parents didn’t believe them.

  Being accused of a lie was almost worse than getting chased by snakes.

  “I promise,’ Alec said at last. Alison nodded.

  “We’ll check and double-check from now on. We’re very sorry to cause trouble. And we washed Teabag and all our horses down and groomed them real good.”

  “And so you should have, kids. But it isn’t what happened, it’s what might have,’ Todd said, hunkering down to the children’s eye level. “Teddy’s a stranger here, and we trusted you to look after him. Your responsibilities make it imperative that you remember things like making sure that your equipment is functioning properly. You were unable to call for help, or notify anyone as to your location. Think of me. I’d have been devastated if anything happened to you.

  The thought had passed through the twins’ minds.

  They threw their aims around Todd, who hugged them tightly.

  “We’ll never let it happen again, Daddy,) Alec said, in a low, tight voice. Over their shoulders, Todd glanced up at Kelly.

  When Teddy had emerged from the Gringg shuttle at the Double Bar Gemini, he was also a much chastened person. He stood, scuffing one foot in the dust, for his friends to come out again to play. Hrrana, Hrrunival and Ourrh had been assigned extra chores by Nrrna as their punishment. Kelly watched Teddy mooch around the grass kicking a stone, bored and lonely. She relented.

  “All right,’ she said, and the Alley Cats perked up. “Go and play, but when I call, you come right in, all right?

  I’m counting on you to help me with all the guests we’re having tonight.

  You’re my best assistants.”

  “Yes, Mama!” Like twin bolts of lightning, the twins raced down the steps calling to the small Gringg.

  “And we wanted children, didn’t we?” she said, taking Todd’s hand and squeezing it as they watched the children play together on the grass.

  “We did and I wouldn’t have it otherwise, even with double trouble,’ Todd said, gathering her under one arm and enfolding her tightly. “It’s not an easy job, but I love it The smell of roasting meat made a tantalizing atmosphere for the negotiators who gathered over the course of the next hour or two. Robin and Jilamey acted as chief cooks, turning hunks of meat on the broad grills, and explaining to the Gringg what “barbecue’ meant. Big Paws, the black-and-white Gringg, couldn’t seem to stay away from the fragrant, spitting roasts.

  He stayed close, chatting with the chefs.

  “I have had only preserved snake,’ Big Paws said, with a sidelong glance at a smallish steak, only centimetres from the edge of the grill, as if he’d swipe it if backs were turned.

  “I am looking forward to tasting fresh meat.”

  “This’ll be the best,’ Robin said, expansively. “Reeve family recipe. Ther
e’s a secret to cooking snake to bring out the true flavour. First, you sear the sides of the meat, then season - - “No: season, then sear,’ Jilamey said, interrupting.

  “Right,’ Robin said. “Then cook for four to eight minutes on a side.”

  “How is it a secret if he knows?” Big Paws asked, pointing to Jilamey.

  “I’m practically family, Landreau said, grinning. He sliced off a piece of rare steak and held it out on a toasting fork to the Gringg.

  “Taste. The bite disappeared in a twinkling. “Delicious!” Paws exclaimed, licking his chops with his long, brown tongue.

  “I would like to have much more of this. Is this barbecue the only way of preparing it?” He looked dubiously at the glowing coals.

  “What ever way rocks your jollies. Tell you what, come along on Snake Hunt,’ Robin suggested. “If you catch your own snake, you can cook it any way you want.”

  “Oh, I would love that,’ the Gringg said, his eyes lighting up. “I will make the suggestion.” He raised his voice, already quite loud enough to be heard all across the yard.

  “Captain Grzzeearoghh, may I suggest a concept to you?” The black-and-white Gringg lumbered off towards his leader. Robin grinned at Jilamey and went back to turning steaks.

  Hrriss passed among the guests with pitchers of lemonade and beer, filling glasses. He stopped to offer refreshment to Ali Kiachif, who looked at the contents of the two carafes, and shuddered.

  “Unfermented fruit squeezings! Don’t you have a decent tipple for a man?” the old spacer asked.

  “I will find something,’ Hrriss said, his jaw dropped humorously.

  “So you’re the chief meeter, greeter, and feeder for tonight?” Kiachif asked. “Where’s your tail-twin? Scrubbing dishes?”

  “Zalking,’ Hrriss replied, with a grin for his longsuffering friend. “I am sure he would razzer be washing dishes. Zodd is engaged in deep talks with my father, Second Speaker, the Gringg, Spacedep, and Alreldep, so I offer hospitalizy on behalf of us both.”