by NB VanYoos
* * * *
Tyler finally caught up with the Marshall who excused his absence because of the new intelligence. He’d received it through sources shortly before the Commission and spent the rest of the time performing analysis and defining ramifications. As usual, his network worked diligently to provide the latest up to date information. Unfortunately, Tyler suspected most of that intelligence was being fed to them by Nayllen, the Imperial Palace, or both. He didn’t tell the Marshall about these suspicions.
For Tyler, the only thing that mattered was the timing of the peace ship. Now that information about new weapons was confirmed, Poolto had no alternatives but to accept peace or face obliteration. The Imperial Palace pushed aside the new intelligence, claiming it was propaganda generated by the enemy to stall new offensives until their strength was increased.
Tyler was incredulous at the Palace’s reaction even though it fit neatly into a pattern of someone who wanted a disastrous conclusion. Till now, the Marshall hadn’t delivered any information concerning near-death experiences for the suspects. Tyler didn’t push the matter since Marshall Sliss had become so suspicious.
Adanni believed the Marshall’s loyalties were unfaltering, but Tyler no longer shared that belief. He knew if the Marshall sniffed even a faint possibility of betrayal, he would do anything within his power to stop it. Tyler played it easy with the Marshall hoping their plan would unfurl without further complications. Tyler found it difficult to be deceptive and felt enormous guilt because of it. The Marshall was a good man and deserved better.
The final intelligence report still contained holes that fed opponents the necessary leverage to discredit it. Fortunately, this was the one time where Tyler was on the side of those opposing the intelligence. He recognized it was in his best interests to allow the rebuke and refused to take a position on either side. Let the stalemate continue!
The commission was evenly split between those who wanted to scrap the offensive and those who continued to support it. Tyler remained uncommitted and kept reemphasizing the Commission’s job was to ascertain Poolto’s readiness rather than determine whether the offensive was warranted based on the latest intelligence. To support this position, he ordered the Commissioners to shelve the debate and focus energies on the task at hand.
There were murmurs of dissent, but they begrudgingly agreed to set aside the issue and continue their original charter. Tyler was relieved to divert their attention, if only temporarily, but his actions had created even greater suspicions in the Marshall. The Marshall viewed the new intelligence as a perfect opportunity to stall the offensive, as originally planned. Many military personnel that supported the Admiral in the beginning now asked why he would not take a position on the issue. Support in the Commission was faltering, and the Marshall was confused.
Tyler knew it soon wouldn’t matter, so he tried his best to quell the Marshall’s suspicions and calm the concerns of the Commission. When pressed on the issue, Tyler let loose his most imperious Admiral and refocused the staff on determining military readiness. Tyler even avoided meetings that didn’t demand his presence. He knew he was walking a thin line, but time was running out and he had to keep them focused on the offensive. Only the Palace and Admiral Teesen seemed thrilled by his uncommitted approach. It disturbed Tyler to make them happy, but he had his mission.
His desire to stay away from the inner workings of the Commission forced him to accept a dinner invitation to his in-law’s in Baneer. Their estate outside the capital was located within one of the rich suburbs of Yooso. He did not look forward to the questioning from his father-in-law on details of the Commission, especially the reaction to the weapons intelligence. Tyler already knew the intelligence and the Palace reaction were being met with skepticism on the Supreme Council, so he was prepared for lengthy discussions.
The distance to Baneer required Tyler to make the journey by air. Fortunately, he had access to military transports within the Supreme Military Command complex and easily secured a small, four person transport to the outskirts of the city. Once in Baneer, it was a short ride by ground car to the Councilor’s estate.
As the car pulled in, Tyler prepared himself for an interesting evening. He didn’t like that Toosia could not accompany him, so he looked forward to an uncomfortable and awkward evening. He felt inadequately prepared to handle questions about Toosia. It was one thing to hide information from a distance, but in person, it became very difficult. He hoped their conversations with Toosia were adequate to ease their suspicions. They were surely concerned for their daughter’s safety, especially when she was pregnant with their grandchild.
One of the many attendants opened the door for Tyler, welcoming him to the Councilor’s modest home. Modest was not how Tyler would have described it. It was an extravagant mansion, but Tyler thanked him anyway. Like everything else in Yooso, the estate was lavish. In the front courtyard, an enormous fountain of water danced among intricately carved statues. It flaunted their wealth by wasting one of the most precious resources on the planet. Tyler felt slightly ill, but quickly remembered the Admiral was also one of the wealthiest people on the planet.
He followed the attendant across the courtyard and into one of several entrances to the main building. If the Admiral’s memories served, the entrance they entered was reserved for family and intimate friends. It was not the main entrance intended for formal affairs. This one led to a small portion of the building that was private and felt more like a real home.
Tyler thanked the attendant and assured him he could find the rest of the way on his own. He headed down the corridor to where he knew they would be eating. Along the way, he passed the kitchen where the staff busily readied dinner. He turned left down one more corridor before ending at an open archway. This led into a large and cozy room complete with dining table and living area.
The room was empty, but a fire burned gently in the hearth against the back wall. That told Tyler he’d found the right place. He walked to the small bar next to the hearth and poured a large glass of brandy. He needed to steady himself if he was to make it through the evening, and what better way than alcohol.
He settled down with his drink in one of several comfortable chairs. As he waited, he surveyed the room comparing it with the Admiral’s memories. The Admiral had not been in the room for many years, and Toosia’s mother had clearly redecorated since that previous visit.
The Admiral’s memories painted a picture of a room much more elegant and formal. Now, the room was filled with brighter colors and a more contemporary style. The furnishings were comfortable, but the fabrics and styles blended with the new décor, giving the room a feeling of space. Along the right wall, bookcases were replaced with fine art depicting scenes of Poolto. Around the rest of the room, paintings of plants and flowers hung on the wall lending a more natural feel.
Tyler approved even though it felt distinctly feminine. Tyler figured it was where Toosia and her mother had spent their time. Since drifting away from the Admiral, Toosia had spent more time with her mother than before.
“Ah, there you are, Nayllen.” Toosia’s mother came strolling into the room. “I hope your journey was well?”
“Yes,” Tyler confirmed before getting up from his seat, “may I get you something to drink, Tooriin?”
“Yes, thank you.” She replied as she took a seat on the couch. “I’ll take a glass of the white wine if you please.” She smiled broadly as he nodded and moved towards the bar.
“Hiirtee will join us soon.” She assured.
Tyler didn’t look forward to talking with the Councilor, but at least Toosia’s mother seemed in good spirits. He handed her the wine and took his seat.
“Have you spoken with Toosia recently?” Tyler asked to break the ice. Best to get this out of the way early.
Tooriin took a sip from her wine before responding. “Yes, in fact I just spoke with her.”
Tyler was a surprised, but hopeful the conversation would quell doubts or concerns
they had.
“Oh, good, it has been a day since I last spoke with her.” Tyler admitted. “Is everything okay?”
“Oh, yes,” she said, “she is fine and looking forward to her return.”
Tyler knew that she was scheduled to return in several days, but thought that it might be longer depending on how things played out. He hated having her so far away, but he believed she was safer on Siirneen than in the capital.
“Yes, I, too, look forward to her return.” Tyler was sincere, but hoped he would still be alive to see it.
Tooriin smiled tightly and agreed with a nod before sipping more of her wine.
They sat in silence for several minutes, neither wanting to break it with small talk. Finally, Toosia’s father entered, a smile on his face as he walked towards Tyler.
“Welcome, Nayllen.” The Councilor greeted him. “We are so happy you could join us despite your schedule.”
“I am honored, Councilor, thank you for inviting me.” Nayllen bowed formally.
“Please, Nayllen, call me Hiirtee.” The Councilor pleaded. “After all these years, I hope we can set aside the trappings of our positions while in the privacy of our homes.”
With Hiirtee’s light mood, Tyler thought the evening was shaping up to be okay.
“Sorry, Hiirtee.” Tyler replied graciously. “It is often difficult to step out of character, if even for an evening.”
“Yes,” Hiirtee said jovially, “I hope you don’t insist on Toosia calling you Admiral?”
They laughed lightly, and Tyler relaxed, the brandy taking effect. Tyler offered the Councilor a drink, but Hiirtee declined as dinner was about to commence. They took their seats around the small table, the Councilor at the head and Tyler and Tooriin on either side.
They enjoyed many courses interspersed with light conversation about the Supreme Council, the local politics in Baneer, and the rising cost of property taxes outside the capital. Tyler was happy for the casual conversation and fine food. The meal was a delicious assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats served with several bottles of wine. Despite his reservations, Tyler enjoyed himself. It was a great relief from the pressures he was under.
They finished the last of their meal, and the Councilor instructed his staff to hold the dessert until later. The staff acquiesced as they cleared the table of dishes. Tyler was full and slightly drunk as he moved to a comfortable chair.
He sat back with a fresh brandy and smiled at his in-laws. “A fabulous dinner, Tooriin.” He said. “Please, thank your staff for me.”
“Thank you, Nayllen, I shall.” She said quietly.
The last of the attendants finished clearing and walked out of the room, closing the recessed doors behind them.
As though waiting for the privacy, the Councilor spoke directly to Tyler. “Now that we are alone, we can discuss a matter of great importance that affects you and Toosia.”
The statement caught Tyler off-guard and his earlier feelings of unease returned.
“I see,” he said, “is that why you invited me here?”
“Yes.” Hiirtee’s response was flat.
“Fine,” Tyler prepared himself, “what is it?”
The Councilor stole a quick glance at his wife before he began. Tyler could only speculate what it was about, but he assumed their concern for Toosia’s safety was their number one issue.
“Well,” Hiirtee began, “I am sure you are aware that we are concerned about Toosia and her safety, especially since she is pregnant?”
Tyler nodded, relieved his assumptions were correct.
“Well…” the Councilor hesitated, “we have spoken with her at great length and she has tried to calm us by convincing us she is looking after family interests.”
Okay, Tyler thought, so far so good, although it seemed like they weren’t buying the cover story.
“We … well, we … I mean I, looked into this and discovered your family does not have any off-world interests to be looked after. The only off-world investments you own are stocks in companies that are supplied by several mining operations. That does not warrant a visit, let alone an extended stay.”
The Councilor paused and Tyler tried to hold his panic down. They had looked into his investments? Their concern for their daughter was extreme and they were willing to do anything to protect her. Tyler remained calm, not wanting to respond until he had heard everything. Hiirtee paused as though waiting for a response, but continued when Tyler remained silent.
“Of course we confronted Toosia with this information, and although she was angry at our prying, she finally confessed.”
Tyler was now very alert. What did he mean confess? What did Toosia tell them? She wouldn’t have told them the truth, would she? Tyler wasn’t certain. He had to admit he really didn’t know her that well, so he remained quiet.
Hiirtee took a drink and sat back. “Nayllen,” he began, “I have to tell you that despite the pregnancy and the apparent change in you, we are still concerned about your relationship with Toosia.”
The statement stung, but he couldn’t blame them after the Admiral’s years of abandonment. During that time, they were certain the relationship was over, especially after they knew about the Admiral’s affair. Apparently, even Toosia couldn’t change their attitudes about the Admiral. Tyler wondered how he could.
“Nayllen,” Tooriin broke in, “she has told us everything.”
Everything? Tyler tried not to show his surprise or fear. He noticed Hiirtee looked at his wife annoyed that she had cut to the chase.
“Yes,” Hiirtee agreed, “she has told us everything.”
“Wha … what do you mean everything?” Tyler asked hoping that it was not everything.
“She told us about your … your meeting with the Governor,” Hiirtee replied calmly, “and your father!” He emphasized the last statement, confirming Tyler’s fears. She had told them everything, and now they felt they had the opportunity to end the relationship they did not approve of. With one call, they could destroy the conspiracy and threaten the life of their daughter.
Tyler wasn’t sure how to respond. “I see,” he started, “and what do you intend on doing?” He feared the worst and was ready to warn them about Toosia being used as a pawn.
“We don’t know, as yet, that is why we wanted to talk with you.”
Tyler sensed Hiirtee was telling the truth, so he had to play his cards just right to survive this new crisis.
“Fair enough,” Tyler responded, trying to keep the fear out of his voice, “but I must warn you, Toosia’s safety will be determined by what you decide.”
Tyler had to warn them. They had to know what they were up against. They both stole glances at the other, apparently trying to decide who should respond. Finally, Tooriin spoke up.
“We already know about Nayllen, she as much as told us that she was a guest without her consent. However, we agreed with her that her place is here with her family, so we paid to have her rescued and brought home.”
“What?” Tyler was stunned. They had rescued her? A part of him was happy that she was out of their control, but he feared the repercussions of their meddling. What would Nayllen do when he found out? Would he send a message to the Admiral, perhaps a transport accident on her way home? Fear gripped him.
“Do you know who you are dealing with?” Tyler demanded, the anger in his voice rising. “These people are capable of anything and know nearly everything that happens. I have seen it demonstrated. Nayllen Hooss is not a man to cross!”
Despite his outburst, both remained calm. This made Tyler only angrier. The Councilor waited for Tyler to finish his tirade. He finally stopped, having nothing more to say. He sat down fuming. Toosia was definitely in danger, especially if she came back to the capital.
“Don’t worry, Nayllen, she is safe.” The Councilor assured.
“Really,” Tyler said bitterly, “you don’t know Nayllen like I do—you don’t know what he is capable of.”
Hiirtee fur
rowed his brows. “Nonsense, I know Mr. Hooss … or people like him. They want only one thing, power.”
“Yes, so what makes you think he won’t harm Toosia?”
Hiirtee’s expression became flat. “Simple, he assured me he wouldn’t.”
“What,” Tyler was outraged, “you spoke with him?”
“Yes, it was Hooss I paid to have Toosia released.”
Tyler couldn’t believe what he was hearing, they had paid Nayllen to release their daughter and guarantee her safety? It couldn’t be. Why would Nayllen take money to release her? He was already rich beyond measure, why would money motivate him?
“Great,” Tyler began, “and now you suppose paying him money is enough to secure her safety and yours? I doubt you have enough money to interest him.”
“True enough,” Hiirtee conceded, “but money is not all I have to offer.” He paused. “I offered him power, or rather what little I have in the Council.”
Tyler couldn’t believe what he was hearing—everything was being blown out of proportion. Now Toosia’s father agreed to compromise his professional integrity, when all he had to do was wait? Tyler was certain everything was going to end badly. Too much was unraveling, and soon it would be impossible to keep under wraps.
“So, I suppose Nayllen knows you know about the peace ship?” Tyler asked sounding more than exasperated.
“Of course,” the Councilor admitted, “at first I tried to play it off as though I didn’t know everything, but he had a recording of my conversation with Toosia.”
Tyler groaned, they were all part of the conspiracy now, and regardless of what happened, they would not likely survive.
“So what did you promise him?” Tyler asked.
“I promised that if their plan succeeded, I would support the new government and help win the Council to their side. To embrace the new peace.”
“And if it does not succeed? What then? My child spends the rest of their life without parents or grandparents?” Tyler knew his last comment upset them, but he no longer cared.
Hiirtee looked straight at Tyler, a serious demeanor consuming his expression. “Yes, Nayllen, that is what might happen if they do not succeed. But it is your traitorous behavior that will orphan your only child, so you better make sure their plan succeeds! At least then, our grandchild might have a family and life in a peaceful world! You brought this upon us, so you better make sure we survive.”
Tyler had never seen Toosia’s father so angry, his own anger cooled from the display. He hadn’t had a choice becoming a traitor, but he was the one that had precipitated the events. If he would have just left everything alone, not been curious when he came across the listing flag ship, then maybe, the Admiral would have just died and none of this would have happened.
Adanni broke into his reverie uninvited. Sure, and then the Admiral would not have given his wife the child she always wanted, the Emperor would not have any opposition to his destructive plans, and the planet would have been plunged into a final battle that would have spelled the end to this world!
Shut up, no one asked you! Tyler vented his anger inward even though he knew the alien was right. It was as though fate had determined this world would be thrown into chaos, and only Tyler had the slimmest chance to thwart it.
“I didn’t have any choice, Councilor.” He said without force.
“Maybe you did, maybe didn’t. Either way, you have the power to make it come out right, even if it kills you. And I mean that literally, Nayllen. When the time comes, you better make the right choices and not sacrifice us to save your own skin. If that time comes, you better act the officer you’ve always been and meet your doom with integrity. It is the very least you owe your child!”
Tyler could tell what kind of ending they were hoping for. Even if he survived, his relationship with his in-laws was over. They would do their best to convince their daughter to end it. Considering what the Emperor was capable of doing, Tyler admitted his odds of surviving were not high.
“Why is Toosia coming here?” Tyler asked, once again worried for her safety.
“She is not,” Toornii replied softly, “we are both meeting her at one of my family’s properties in the Siirsee province.”
“When are you leaving?” Tyler asked.
“Tonight,” Hiirtee admitted, “after you return to the Capital.”
Tyler thought about that, at least they would be far from the Capital. It might not matter if everything failed, but at least it was a temporary reprieve. Tyler felt sorry he would not be able to see her before it ended. He missed her and wanted to feel her touch once more. His love for her had grown strong, even stronger than his love for Linda, but he was not going to have a chance to show her that love. He would only be able to communicate it when they next spoke. If they spoke.
Tyler stood. “I see. Then, I will let you get on with your travel arrangements.”
He moved to leave, pressured by concern for their safety. Travel accidents were not uncommon, and Tyler was certain Nayllen could easily arrange one. He hoped the Councilor’s promise of support was enough to guarantee their safety. At least Toosia seemed safe, for the moment.
As he turned to leave, Tooriin stopped him. “Nayllen…” she paused as though what she had to say was difficult, “I know you will do the right thing for your family and your world.”
He smiled weakly at the thin vote of confidence—he didn’t share her optimism. He glanced briefly at the Councilor who stared back defiantly. “Good luck, sir, please take care of my wife and child.”
The Councilor didn’t respond, so Tyler nodded to Tooriin before heading back into the courtyard. As the ground car pulled away from the Slay estate, Tyler sat quietly thinking about the fate that awaited him.
