strongholdrising

by Lisanne Norman

  “And these two points here are the Mryans and Vieshen. I wonder if the TeLaxaudin ever met the Primes before,” said Lijou. “Maybe they were even allies as they are now.”

  “The Primes remain very closemouthed about their past, Lijou. We’ve pieced this together with what little data they have given us, and Tirak’s help while he was here,” replied Rhyaz. “Like me, he thinks they didn’t turn their attention to either the U’Churian or TeLaxaudin sectors of space. The remaining two ex-slave species are down here by M’zull and J’kirtikk.”

  “What does Allied High Command intend to do now that we do know where the M’zullians come from?” asked Lijou, sitting back thoughtfully.

  “As you know, we and the Touibans are closest to the Valtegans. Alliance fleets are in place at Touiba, Teesul, Shola, and Khoma. They’re flying regular patrols and monitoring the area constantly for any unusual activity. Events have cooled down between M’zull and J’kirtikk for now, with both of them sending out irregular recon missions and engaging in confrontations only when they encounter each other. We know they had several major engagements before M’zull lost Keiss. It’s my bet they’re both licking their wounds. Meanwhile, I’ve reduced the crew at Safehold and set it up as a listening post. Luckily we had very few Sleepers there. They’re still being awakened and shipped out when it’s quiet. It’s in a high risk location— too much activity from us and we’ll draw attention to ourselves. I’ve increased our fleet presence at Anchorage and, of course, Haven, where we have the largest numbers of Sleepers still in cryo, and sent security forces to protect both Outposts against any incursions by Raiban and her troops. Call me paranoid, but I’d rather we were able to defend ourselves if her snoopers find us.” He stopped and looked at each one of them in turn. “Refuge is being prepared as our fallback position in case there is a conflict between us and the Valtegans. Unused cryo units are being shipped there ready to hold our families and certain key individuals to ensure the survival of our species.”

  A small silence followed his remark as they all absorbed what he’d said.

  “It’s come to a fine pass when we’re having to take measures to defend ourselves against the likes of Raiban as well as our own ancient enemy,” murmured Lijou, taking the topic back to less troubling ground.

  “Raiban’s ambitious and still can’t accept that we also work for the good of our species,” said L’Seuli. “She helped us against Chuz because it suited her purposes, no more.”

  “The point is, Lijou, we need the income Raiban is denying us. I didn’t bring up the matter of funding the other day because you’re the better diplomat.”

  Lijou smiled absently as he studied the projection. “Since we’re planning to patrol the area adjacent to Trader shipping routes anyway, could we approach them and offer our services policing this area? With the Valtegan threat, none of us need raiders in our backyard as well. A contract like that could give us more than the income we need.”

  Rhyaz nodded. “I’ve considered it, but we’d be stretching ourselves too thin.”

  “How about a combined force made up not just of us, but of the Traders as well? At the moment, neither Shola nor the Alliance can really ask them to commit either ships or people against the M’zullians and J’kirtikkians when the threat is so far from them. However, they will see the logic of dealing with the raider problem now. And the Primes— what about them?” Lijou asked, warming to his theme. “They surely can’t want their ex-slave species finding them without us to intercede on their behalf. They have higher technology than we do, ships capable of Vartra knows what! Surely they can be persuaded to give us some smaller craft capable of doing fast recon missions.”

  Rhyaz sat back, a satisfied look on his face. “You’ve come to the same conclusions L’Seuli and I did,” he said. “If the Traders are prepared to put people and cash where their shipping wants to go, it could indeed meet our financial needs. I had Shaqee, the U’Churian Ambassador, corner me after the meeting, asking for Brothers and Sisters to work on Home and the Rryuk Family ships training their Warriors. She’s offering us a very generous sum.”

  “We have to accept non-Sholan contracts,” said Lijou. “It will give us our independence once and for all, yet still allow us to fulfill our duty to Shola.”

  “Then we’re in agreement. We’ll accept alien contracts. In that case, we need commanders permanently on Haven and Anchorage since our primary fields of operations will be there from now on.”

  Lijou’s ears flicked back to half height in consternation. “Are you considering moving Stronghold completely off Shola?” he asked quietly. The thought was almost unthinkable— or was it? To protect their world from space where they were closer to the enemy, and therefore further from Shola, made a lot of sense. Beside him, he could feel Yaszho’s shock, but not L’Seuli’s. Rhyaz’ next disclosure therefore came as no surprise to him.

  “It’s been a difficult decision to make, Lijou. I’m afraid I see Shola itself playing a smaller part in our lives. Our future lies in space where we can continue to fulfill our charter and be Shola’s front line. I don’t want to move permanently off-world myself, so I’ve decided to divide my time between here and Haven and have the Haven Commander do the same. I’d like to choose L’Seuli to lead our Warrior Brothers and Sisters with me.”

  Little bits of the puzzle began to drop into place. “That’s why you sent him out to oversee the Prime situation,” he said. “You’ve had this in your mind for some time, haven’t you, Rhyaz? I can’t say I’m comfortable with it, but I can see there is a need to move some of our operations off Shola. Congratulations, L’Seuli. You’ll do well, I know.”

  “Thank you, Father Lijou,” murmured the young male, dipping his ears in embarrassment.

  “We’ll need someone from the priesthood out there, unless you and Kha’Qwa wish to move to Haven.”

  “I can’t, Rhyaz. I have commitments to Shola that prevent me from leaving. Kha’Qwa and I will remain here,” said Lijou, shaking his head. “We’ve a son to bring up and space is not what we’d wish for him. I’ll appoint someone for you within the next few days.”

  “As you wish. Meanwhile, if you could see Konis Aldatan about funding, I’ll pursue negotiations with Ambassador Shaqee and through her, the Free Traders’ Council, for suggesting the setting up of a combined force to police their trade routes.”

  “Before we finish, I’d like to bring to your attention something of a religious nature that has great significance for us all,” said Lijou as Rhyaz turned off the holo-projection. “Have you been watching the weather forecasts over the last couple of weeks? It’s been unseasonably hot and dry over most of the Kaeshala continent.”

  “I’d noticed. But we’ve had hot summers before, Lijou.”

  “This isn’t due to normal weather conditions, Rhyaz. When do you remember it being so hot up here? I’ve been informed by Kaid that the realms have been closed and the Gods are retreating because of the threat to Shola.”

  “There isn’t actually a threat yet,” said Rhyaz. “Reports from Safehold show all is quiet out there. We have a treaty with the Primes and even our people in the Sholan embassy on the Prime world are feeling positive about the future.”

  “The potential threat, then,” said Lijou.

  “I swear we’re taking every precaution, Lijou. Both the Forces and we have got people flying patrols in those areas, ready to alert us if the Valtegans start gathering forces, never mind begin moving in our direction. And what does the closing of the Gods’ realms have to do with the weather anyway?”

  “They are the essence of Shola. They govern every aspect of our world— its weather, its fertility, everything. If they retreat, then life on Shola will be threatened at every level. We won’t need the Valtegans to destroy us, Rhyaz, the Gods will do it themselves!”

  “I think you’re getting overanxious…” Rhyaz began.

  “No, I’m not. You’ve heard of slash and burn, haven’t you? I learned about it here. It’s
when you make a territory unlivable so the enemy can’t use it. That’s what the Gods are in the process of doing to Shola unless we stop them!”

  Rhyaz hesitated. “But why? If they destroy us, what’s left for Them?”

  “Shola’s left, and life will eventually start up again, but not for us. We’ll be long gone. We lost two or three billion people on Khyaal and Szurtha, so vast a number that ordinary people can scarce comprehend more than the loss of their own relatives. We can’t afford to lose our homeworld as well. The threat is real, Rhyaz. I don’t tell you how to organize the Warrior side of the Brotherhood,” said Lijou more quietly. “Please allow me the same insight into my area of expertise.”

  “What is it you want from me?” Rhyaz asked. “How can I help?”

  “We need to stop the Gods retreating from us as soon as possible. Even Vartra’s realm is closing. I can reach it, but not Him. There’s nothing but darkness, Rhyaz. When He called Kaid, He told him we have to find a way to keep Him here so He can help us. Noni and I have been searching through what records both of us have and we know how to make Him stay here. We need to find His tomb.”

  “His tomb!” exclaimed L’Seuli.

  Lijou turned to look at the younger male. “We know He was alive in the time of the Cataclysm, therefore, like any mortal, He must have died. They couldn’t admit that in those days so they must have buried Him secretly. As Noni says, why curse by saying ‘Varta’s bones’ if He was cremated?”

  “How will finding His remains help?” asked Rhyaz.

  “There’s a belief among telepaths that you can call your forefathers to our time and ask them for help. That’s why we keep the ashes of our families in shrines. If we can find His tomb, we can ask Him to stay.”

  “I’ll take your word for it, but I can’t see why just asking Him isn’t as good.”

  “I can reach His realm, Rhyaz, but not Him! I’ve been trying for weeks now with no result and He’s expecting me!” All his frustration came out in his voice.

  “Why don’t you just go back to a slightly earlier time? I’ve heard you say before that you can do that.”

  “I would,” he said, “but I can’t figure the when properly. The calendar was different in His day and we have no records of what it was— even the month names were different.”

  “Why? What made them change the calendar?”

  “The damage to our moon,” sighed Lijou, dropping his chin against his chest and staring morosely at his comp pad.

  “Why not ask Rezac and Zashou, Father,” said L’Seuli. “They lived then.”

  “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that? Too damned close to the forest to see the trees, that’s my problem,” he exclaimed, lifting his head. “Thank you, L’Seuli.”

  “Do you know where to look for this tomb?” asked Rhyaz.

  “No, but logic tells us it may well be within Stronghold itself. Why risk smuggling a body out of here unless you have to, and the lower levels of Stronghold are carved from the natural chambers in the living rock of the mountains. I need help to explore those levels that date back to the earliest times, the ones that we don’t use any more.”

  “The lower levels aren’t used for a reason, Lijou. They’re unsafe. Be careful where you go,” warned Rhyaz.

  “I have maps, but I need some of your people with a knowledge of rock climbing.”

  “More like potholing and caving! Take them, but take every precaution, Lijou. I don’t want to lose anyone, especially not you.”

  “I’d like to help, Master Rhyaz,” said L’Seuli. “Until you need me, that is. I’ve had some experience with caving and climbing. Our tribal land backed onto the Rozoa mountain region where I grew up.”

  “Very well. You can keep an eye on Father Lijou. I don’t want him— or you— taking risks. Check through our records and find anyone with similar experience to help you.”

  Rhyaz waited until L’Seuli and Yaszho had left the room before calling to Lijou to wait.

  “Shut the door a moment, Lijou. Did you request that Jebousa and Vikkul be reposted to guard duties at the Telepath Guild?”

  “Not that I remember. Why?”

  “I’ve just received confirmation from both of them that they’re on their way here to take up those new duties.”

  Lijou stared at him. “When were the orders sent?”

  “Yesterday, from here.”

  “They were friends of Ghezu, weren’t they? I thought they were stationed out at Anchorage by him years ago.”

  “They were, until yesterday.”

  “Ah.” Lijou leaned thoughtfully against the wooden doorpost. “Their names came up recently, didn’t they? Linked to Tutor Tanjo. Or I should say, Instructor Tanjo.”

  Rhyaz nodded. “Part of the conspiracy Ghezu put together to ensure he became the next Warrior Leader here. You know Kaid went to see him before he left Haven, don’t you?”

  “No. How did you find this out?”

  “All traffic to the Sleeper asteroids there is carefully monitored. I was notified immediately.”

  “You let him go? How did he know about the Sleepers and Tanjo in the first place?”

  “Kaid has been privy to much sensitive data at one time or another. Likely Father Jyarti told him before he died. As to the rest, the matter has needed resolution since Ghezu was killed, Lijou. Until then, none of us could do anything. I’d rather have Kaid deal with it than open the whole matter to the light of day myself.”

  “You went to see Tanjo when you were there, didn’t you? Did he mention it?”

  Rhyaz flicked his ears in a negative.

  “What of Jebousa and Vikkul? Will you let them take up their posts?”

  “I don’t intend to interfere. They broke the Brotherhood code, Lijou, turned Brother against Brother. It’s as well to let Kaid deal with it as a warning to all who’d follow in Ghezu’s tracks. Kaid wasn’t exactly subtle in either visiting Tanjo or in tracing them. He wanted us to know what he was doing. Damn, but I wish he hadn’t turned us down yesterday when we asked him to head Haven!”

  “You know Kaid has never wanted to lead. It was Tanjo and Jyarti between them who pushed him into standing against Ghezu, otherwise he’d never have done it. The Brotherhood put him back in Ghezu’s sights by doing that, so I suppose it’s fitting he be allowed to deal with those who set him and Dzaka up.”

  Valsgarth estate, the same day

  “No,” said Carrie, unequivocally.

  “What d’you mean, no?” asked Kaid.

  “I mean no. And if there are any other pregnant females on your course, pull them out immediately. We need those cubs.”

  “It’s safe enough, Carrie. Sisters go to three months before dropping out of training,” he said, trying to keep his voice reasonable.

  “Have you ever been pregnant? I think not. Maybe some Sisters are well enough to keep going, but the choice is theirs. Mine is no. As it is for my clan members.” Flinging back the thin sheet, she got up and headed for the shower.

  He lay there, staring at her retreating figure, completely taken aback by her attitude. Grumbling he’d expected, but not an out-and-out refusal. He felt nothing from her mind, either. When she’d said no, she’d closed off their Link. After the intensity of their mental contact over the last twenty-six hours, that had cut him like a knife.

  Well enough? What did she mean she was well enough? Out of bed in an instant, he followed her, standing at the door to his bathing room, watching as she let the water stream over her.

  What do you mean by well enough? he sent, hoping she’d pick up on it. Is something wrong?

  Nothing’s wrong, she replied, expanding their Link again to allow him to feel her normal day-to-day physical condition which she usually kept to herself. Unless you count the evening sickness that lasts from sixteenth hour till I fall asleep, then the broken sleep, the sore back, the increasing pressure on my…

  Stop! he sent, coming further into the room. I get your point. You’d no problems last time. Why no
w? What’s causing them?

  Your cub, she replied, turning to face him. And I was exactly the same last time, only you weren’t aware of it because we weren’t Linked then. It’s worse for Human mothers, they have to make more physical changes to carry a hybrid cub.

  I’d no idea…

  I know. You thought life goes on as usual until we grow too big for comfort. It’s all right. I don’t expect the same attention from you that I got from Kusac— he was still young enough to be focused on wanting to raise a family. She turned off the shower and wrung the water out of her hair.

  He winced at the implied indifference. That’s unfair. I want this cub, Carrie. I’ve wanted it since I first met you.

  Then prove it by being with me, by sharing my pregnancy rather than setting up courses to find out how you’d react if I was taken hostage again! She pushed past him and reached for a towel, wrapping it around herself. “Stop practicing for life and start living it, Tallinu!”

  “I don’t know how to,” he said quietly. “I’ve lived alone…”

  “No one does,” she interrupted, picking up a smaller towel to dry her hair. “We just try, that’s all. Stop being so afraid of your gentler side. I know it’s there, you showed it with Kashini the other night.” She peered out at him from under the towel. “And last night.”

  Suddenly, embarrassingly, he wanted her again.

  She laughed, reaching out to cup her hand round his neck. “You are worth loving, you know. You have to trust me on this. Both T’Chebbi and I can’t be wrong.”

  “You make it sound easy,” he growled, pulling her close and hiding his face against her neck.

  “It is,” she said, feeling his arms holding her tight. “Just call Garras, say you’ve reconsidered and he’s to pull out any pregnant females. If he wants you, he can reach you here this afternoon, but not before,” she whispered, stroking his long brown hair. “Say you’re spending time with your mate.”

  “I shouldn’t.”

  Her hand unerringly found him. “This says otherwise.”