Her fingers returned to the screen. “Now send this: ‘friend, protector.’ ”
The Galenai’s fins beat against the water, and the tremolo calmed.
“ ‘Show.’ It wants to see us.”
Caleb shook his head firmly. “If we reveal ourselves now, we can’t predict what we’ll kick off here.”
Alex hesitated. “Much as I would like to, we’re not equipped for first contact. And they’re not ready.”
‘Mesme says it is preparing to deliver the Rift Bubble, if we wish to observe its arrival and positioning.’
Marlee’s fingers fidgeted above the screen, but Alex was right. The Galenai weren’t ready. She input a new wave. “One last message then.”
Caleb eyed her warily. “What did you send?”
She beamed. “ ‘In time.’ ”
A new tonal arrived over the audio sensor, and her pulse quickened.
“Dare I ask how it responded?”
Her voice quavered almost as much as the Galenai’s had. “ ‘Will prepare.’ ”
Alex whistled. “Well, we might have kicked off something anyway. How about we vacate before dedushka here forces the issue.” The ship reversed direction and began ascending, leaving the inquisitive Galenai behind to ruminate on the tantalizing hints of what it had discovered.
A few seconds later, they broke through the surface and climbed to a height of fifty meters. They cruised above the planetary ocean for several minutes, until a platform floating high above the waves came into view. Held aloft by an electrostatic levitation system, tall, translucent walls bounded it on all sides. The frequent rain the ocean planet experienced wouldn’t faze the Rift Bubble, but the wind could present a problem were it not for the walls protecting the entire setup.
The device had already landed and situated itself in a custom-made cradle on the platform. They arrived just in time to see the light consume the lattice that bounded it, reflecting like a crystal prism off the translucent walls—then it all vanished beneath a cloaking shield. The Galenai were known to breach the surface from time to time, and it wouldn’t do for them to discover this strange, otherworldly device.
As the Siyane accelerated away, Marlee’s heart felt as though it was bursting from joy. What a visit! Her mind raced with the possibilities for the future as she made another entry in the tracking system.
Galenai Status: Protected.
16
* * *
CONCORD HQ
Senate
Corradeo Praesidis reviewed the list of proposed directives Casmir had presented to him. “These all seem like prudent measures.”
“Then with your permission, I’ll see them implemented.”
“Yes.” He rubbed at his jaw and settled back in his new chair. “Casmir, you are the leader of the Anaden military, not me. Unless a proposal directly impacts the operation of an Anaden-controlled world, I don’t have any say in its implementation, and you don’t need my approval to execute on it.”
“I realize this. But we’re all feeling our way through the new system, and your experience as a military commander is unparalleled.”
“And ancient. The military of today bears almost no resemblance to the one I commanded thousands of millennia ago. You know our ships, our weapons, our defenses—what our forces can and cannot accomplish—far better than I could hope to, which is exactly why I am leaving them in your capable hands.”
“Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.” Casmir shifted his weight from one leg to the other, clearly still uncomfortable. Corradeo had tried to get the man to sit down on his arrival, to no avail.
“Is there something else on your mind?”
“It’s only…how best to say this? For the last fourteen years, we haven’t had much of a civilian Anaden government. I served the military and Concord and let the colonies attempt to take care of themselves. As such, in my world, Commandant Solovy’s orders were the ultimate authority. Now, the situation is a bit different. I support how you are trying to bring our people together. I support your new government. But I’m left to wonder, who is the ultimate authority now? If you and Commandant Solovy issue contradictory orders…I could use some guidance on how to proceed.”
Straight into the fire. Casmir’s concerns were valid, but no one had hashed out all the answers. “Let me say that I don’t expect Commandant Solovy and I to disagree on matters of import to Concord, and should we ever do so, we will also do everything possible to work the issue out between ourselves in private. If we’re unsuccessful, then everyone must follow Concord’s Charter.”
“The Charter says each species retains sovereignty over their colonized worlds, subject only to the Code of Rights. In matters concerning the interests of multiple species, only a majority vote by the Senate can override a Command order.”
“Then so shall it be.”
Casmir’s jaw twitched, and his expression grew more troubled.
Corradeo went around his desk and placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Casmir, I am not a Primor, and the Directorate will not be making a return. You hold your elevated position in part because you have shown initiative, courage and backbone on repeated occasions—even against your own Primor. These are good traits to embody, and you should not feel any temptation to turn away from them now. There are bound to be some bumps in the path as we work out the messy details of our new government and its relationship with Concord, but we will get through them by working together, transparently, with our allies.”
“Understood, sir. For the record, I don’t want the Directorate to return, and I’m glad you’re here.”
“So am I, Casmir.”
A corner of the man’s mouth curled up, though it didn’t quite become a smile. “Have you attended your first Senate session yet?”
“No. It’s scheduled to begin an hour from now.”
“I see. You might find you feel differently after it, sir. Good luck.”
“Duly noted.”
Casmir saw himself out, and Corradeo’s next guest passed him in the doorway, arriving with comparative informality.
He clasped Xanne ela-Kyvern’s hands in his. “Xanne, it is such a pleasure to see you again. I appreciate you responding to my request so quickly.”
“It’s always my honor to serve you, sir.” The words were deferential, but the woman’s expression was warm.
He motioned for the former anarch mission supervisor to join him on the couch. Enough of this desk nonsense. “How have these last years treated you?”
“For a year or so after The Displacement, I kept busy winding down anarch operations and trying to help our agents find new homes. For many, new ways to be of service.”
“A number of them joined Concord, I understand, particularly the intelligence branch.”
“They did.” She crossed one hand over the other in her lap. “I confess, I was skeptical of Concord in the early days, so I gave it a wide berth. But I didn’t begrudge others for making the choice. I did work hard to stay off of Ferdinand’s radar. In my opinion, he was a relic of the evils we fought so tirelessly against.”
“You’re not wrong, Xanne. I regret that he died, but not that he lost power. What did you do next?”
“Oh, busied myself with local governmental matters on Diakel, and later on Menaris. The work didn’t bring the excitement of the anarchs, but I believe I helped restore some order. Not enough.”
“I don’t want you to go into this thinking the Senate is going to match the anarchs for excitement, either. I fear the opposite will be true. Don’t tell anyone, please, but I desperately need your help here. I am walking into a fully formed bureaucracy packed with hidden allegiances and secret feuds that have been festering for fourteen years, and often longer. I want to represent our people’s interests as best I can in this venue, but I have no idea how to do so.”
She smiled pleasantly; a calm demeanor and a steady hand were two of the reasons she’d been an exceptional supervisor. “I’m happy to help. I need to ask,
however. Are you certain you can’t make better use of me on Ares? I suspect you will be facing far more vipers there than you’ll ever find at Concord HQ.”
“This place is foreign to me. The rules, regulations, chains-of-command and protocols are all balanced upon a thready alliance between multiple species, many of whom don’t care much for one another. And no one can work a bureaucracy like you can.”
“True enough, sir. And Ares?”
He sighed. “I suspect you are right about the vipers. But I do know my people. I know their hearts and their demons. I will find a way to outmaneuver any disruptive elements.”
“I believe you will. If I can inquire? I understand you’ve spent time with Eren asi-Idoni…excuse me, Eren Savitas, recently. How is he doing?”
“He is hurting, his heart utterly broken by Cosime Rhomyhn’s death. But he’s fighting against the darkness all the same.”
“As he always has. Very well, sir. Shall we get started?”
The Senate Chamber spanned the width of Torus A, with dramatic transparent walls framing two sides of the space. See the wonders which you govern, they whispered.
Eight ornate desks formed a large circle around the inner-third of the room, each one decorated in the architectural sensibilities of the species to which they belonged. Behind each desk were sound-proofed enclaves for aides to confer, research and respond to the issues of the day. At the center, a circular dais raised and lowered as needed when witnesses and other guests presented.
Xanne stepped into the enclave behind Corradeo as he quietly took his seat at the Anaden desk. He scowled at the ornamented surface, then sent a brief note to her to see about some minor redecorating. There was no accounting for Ferdinand’s taste.
He’d barely adjusted his chair to his liking when Dean Veshnael arrived to greet him. They clasped one another’s arms in the traditional Novoloume greeting, and Veshnael’s iridescent skin rippled with warmth. “Sir, it is an honor to be working alongside you once again. We have felt your absence acutely these last years.”
“I do…apologize for that.” Guilt nibbled at Corradeo’s gut, but he refused to let it fester. Given his state of mind fourteen years ago, he would have been a dreadful leader. He only hoped he’d be a better one now for his self-imposed period of exile.
“No need. What matters is you’re here now, when we require strong leadership more than ever.”
Veshnael introduced him to the new Human Senator, a man named Aristide Vranas. Miriam Solovy had helpfully provided him a debrief on the man, whom she seemed to think well of. Other introductions followed; though he’d known none of them personally, most of the Senators appeared to be luminaries among their people—or at least they presented themselves as such.
He was familiar with all the Concord Member species save one, the Khokteh. A creation of the Kats, they’d nonetheless evolved to be a civilized and technologically advanced species, relatively speaking. Eren had snarkily referred to them as ‘Barisans on steroids, with a tiny dash of Ch’mshak aggression mixed in,’ which painted a vivid picture.
The Khokteh Senator was participating via holo today. He’d reportedly been wounded during the Rasu attack on his homeworld, though Corradeo was unable to discern any obvious signs of lingering injury. Regardless, the Senator had stayed on Ireltse to see to the continuing crisis.
Dean Veshnael called the session to order, then formally presented Corradeo as the new Anaden Senator. What followed was a list of his accomplishments—embellished in the way Novoloume diplomats artfully delivered, while lacking mention of many historical events about which the world would never know.
Corradeo bore the lauding with what grace and humility he could project, and finally the day’s business began: the Rasu, their incursion into Concord territory, and what might be done about it.
The list of new directives originating from Command evoked much grumbling about the difficulty of compliance but no outright objections. Of much greater concern was how to protect the civilian populations.
“The Katasketousya Rift Bubbles have proved their worth in protecting entire worlds. We must have them for our own colonies immediately,” Senator Daayn Shahs-lan insisted.
Responses overlapped, and Veshnael was forced to motion for quiet. “As per our Charter obligations, Rift Bubbles are being distributed first to the worlds of each Protected Species. The Katasketousya assure us they are producing new devices as rapidly as possible, but the supply will be limited for some time, especially given the number of worlds under our dominion. Therefore, we need to develop a distribution strategy that is fair and equitable.”
The Barisan Senator didn’t act placated. “It is fair and equitable that every capital world receives such a device post-haste!”
Senator Vranas spoke for the first time since the session had begun. “Humanity has no single capital world. A minimum of three planets can arguably claim the title.”
Shahs-Ian hissed a response. “And the Anadens have seven. Pick one, both of you.”
Seven, not eight, since Solum no longer existed, and the Praesidis no longer had a homeworld. Corradeo ignored the sting of memory and waded into the discussion. “Perhaps we should consider a proportional distribution based on population.”
“Oh, so the Anadens get the first fifty or so? All because you kept our populations artificially low for millennia?”
“I did no such thing, and I categorically condemn and disavow the Directorate’s policies on the matter. And of course, all Concord capital worlds will receive one before any others are distributed. I merely meant that after the initial round, it may be fair to consider a weighted system taking into account population. For instance, the Barisans only have five colonies with significant populaces. The Novoloume have dozens. The Humans, hundreds. And, yes, the Anadens have thousands. Are you suggesting we protect every single Barisan first, while leaving trillions of other civilians at risk?”
“It works for me.”
“It does not for me.” Veshnael’s voice didn’t rise above a conversational level, but it carried the weight of authority. “I propose the following: an initial distribution of one Rift Bubble for each Member Species, placement to be determined by their respective governments. Thereafter, an additional two devices will be allotted for each Member Species. At that point, we will offer one such device to each Allied Species. From there, we will distribute all further devices amongst ourselves on a weighted but not strictly proportional basis.”
Corradeo forced himself not to drag his hands down his face. Did Ares get priority, or Machim? Then, which two among the other six Dynasty homeworlds should be next? The distribution system Veshnael proposed was ‘fair’ in any objective sense of the word, but once the initial three Rift Bubbles were placed, it could be months before his people were awarded any more. Nearly the entirety of the Dankaths, Efkam, Barisans and Khokteh would be protected while over a trillion of his people remained exposed.
But he recognized that to attempt to insist on special treatment for his people was not the best way to mark his first day as a Senator. So what was?
He had welcomed freedom-craving people from every species into the anarchs. He’d learned to work with them, accommodated their quirks and valued the unique skills they brought to the fight. But the anarch organization had not been a democracy, and at the end of the day, his word had been law. In fact, the last democratic institution he’d been a part of, the committee that had served as the precursor to the Directorate, had seen him assassinated for defying the will of the majority.
He hoped Concord was not inclined to such extremes.
A message from Eren arrived to distract him from his troublesome thoughts and the continued Senatorial squabbling. He read through it…what a wonderful idea. He sent off a quick reply.
17
* * *
AKESO
The flare from the Caeles Prism activating high overhead bathed the evening shadows of the meadow in an effusive golden glow. Caleb and Alex were si
tting on the front porch, and they both peered up curiously at the unfamiliar ship emerging through the wormhole.
Alex groaned. “Does no one comm ahead any longer?”
“Apparently not, no. Let’s go see who our visitors are.”
The vessel settling onto one of the landing pads was of an Anaden civilian design, forgoing the clean, smooth lines of human ships in favor of a blocky, utilitarian shape. This narrowed down the possibilities, but not enough.
After a few seconds, the engine shut off and the airlock opened. As the ramp extended, a man appeared at the top.
A smile grew on Caleb’s lips as he broke into a jog. As soon as Eren hit the bottom of the ramp, he grabbed his friend in a bear hug. “Damn, it is good to see you.”
“And you, mate. I heard you spent some time chasing me around Concord space. Apologies for putting you through the trouble.”
“It was no trouble.”
Eren patted him on the back, then stepped away and nodded over Caleb’s shoulder. “Alex.”
She embraced him as well. “You’ve had us worried. How are you doing?”
Eren spread his arms in a wide shrug. “In progress. But listen, before we get too carried away with this mutual appreciation-fest, I want to apologize for the shitty way I treated both of you when…last time I was here. My behavior was—”
Caleb cut him off. “Completely understandable. I’m just sorry I wasn’t able to help her.”
“But you did. You took care of her when I couldn’t. And Felzeor, and…the other stuff. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. Alex was the one who stepped up that night. She took care of everything.”
Alex shook her head in protest. “Not really. ‘Stepping up’ mostly consisted of getting Richard and Will involved, then letting them…anyway, what brings you here tonight? We’ve been wanting to visit you, but your recent whereabouts have been a great mystery.”
All Our Tomorrows Page 10
