by S. H. Jucha
However, the Usaanan’s superior attitude irritated Fystal. It occurred to Fystal that if entering into an agreement with the human cost him the Usaanan’s business, then financially he would be about even. But better than that, he would be trading an obnoxious partner for a much more reasonable one. It was too bad that Lemgarts regarded both species as physically unappealing.
Usslert was accustomed to intimidating Fystal. It kept the Lemgart amiable to his demands. He considered that he might have pushed too far. Fystal was demonstrating a level of resistance that he’d not seen.
“Obviously, you requested this meeting for a reason,” Usslert said, slowly lowering his height by a single coil.
“I did, but I believe I was in error requesting it,” Fystal said, rising.
“Don’t be so hasty,” Usslert said soothingly. “Partners can have disagreements. It doesn’t mean that they can’t work out their problems.”
Fystal could have yelped in exultation. He’d finally been able to outmaneuver the Usaanan. Much of last night had been spent reviewing his conversations with the Pyrean female, and he’d slowly realized the subtlety of her manipulations. Rather than be upset, he chose to borrow her techniques, and those machinations had elevated her status in his eyes.
Hesitating, as if he couldn’t make up his mind, Fystal waited for another entreaty from Usslert before he returned to his seat.
“What did you wish to discuss?” Usslert requested. He cautioned himself to be careful. His superiors would be enraged if their contracts with the Lemgarts were lost. Annoying someone like Fystal, a prominent transporter, would have the local manufacturers deserting.
“I had thought to ask you to help me win a contract with the humans,” Fystal said, “but you seem disposed to having nothing to do with them.”
“I said I didn’t think it was a good idea to conduct business with them until you knew more about them,” Usslert reminded Fystal. “How did you expect me to help you?”
“The female has requested a face-to-face meeting with a substantial client to ensure that my services are acceptable,” Fystal replied.
“Her proposal is that substantial?” Usslert asked.
“It rivals my agreement with you,” Fystal replied. He watched Usslert lower by another coil. It did his ego good to see the Usaanan retreating.
Usslert calculated rapidly. Fystal’s transports weren’t fully engaged by any means. However, a contract similar to his own would severely overtax the Lemgart’s resources.
“Could you accommodate another such agreement?” Usslert asked.
“Under the present circumstances, no,” Fystal replied confidently. “I would leverage assets to purchase several more transports.”
“Is that wise?” Usslert asked. “The fast growth might bring undue attention.”
“From whom?” Fystal demanded. “Lemgarts don’t even have a representative in the Tsargit. No one pays attention to us. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”
“I’m just expressing my concerns,” Usslert said, trying to regain lost ground. “I find the lack of information about the humans disconcerting. You don’t even know the female’s name.”
“How many meetings did we have, Usslert, before you divulged your name?” Fystal shot back.
“True enough,” Usslert allowed. He considered that if he pushed Fystal much harder, the Lemgart might accept the humans’ agreement in lieu of his group.
“If you wish to know so much about the humans, then you should accept the female’s request to meet,” Fystal firmly suggested. “You can ask all the questions you wish. However, I warn you, she’s about as forthcoming as you.”
Fystal watched Usslert mull the idea. He knew the Usaanan would accept. His curiosity was too great, and he wished to protect his own contract.
* * * * *
The comm unit in the humans’ suite warbled. Candace had always thought it was an odd tone to use, and she was curious as to why it was chosen. She touched the icon on the pad. “Yes?” she queried.
“You’ve a call from Fystal jer Hathwa,” a voice said.
Candace touched the accept icon. “Fystal,” she said.
“I wish to express my regrets for the unfortunate interaction last evening,” Fystal said quickly. “I’ve called to relay two things this morning. The first is that I’ve notified Myseth that her next creation for you is to be billed to my enterprise. The second is to inform you that I’ve a reputable client, whose contract is similar to your proposal, who is willing to speak to you on my behalf.”
Sam came across the salon, staying clear of Candace’s chair. The call was audio-vid, which meant he had to remain out of view. He sat on the couch across from Candace and leaned forward to listen.
“As I told you at Torque, Fystal, I’ve no need for your credits,” Candace said haughtily. “My benefactors reward me well, and I choose not to accept gifts or remunerations that would taint a relationship.”
“You’re wise in the ways of business,” Fystal replied. Off the vid pickup, he made a firm gesture with a single digit toward Usslert, who was listening to the conversation. “I thought it was important to make the gesture,” Fystal added.
“Speak of the second item,” Candace directed.
“We will meet you this cycle at your time of choosing,” Fystal said encouragingly.
Candace frowned, as if she was considering Fystal’s offer, while she signaled swiftly to Sam. She thought it was a mistake to put Fystal off.
“This cycle isn’t opportune,” Candace replied to Fystal. “I’ve appointments today with prospective partners. However, I’m available tomorrow.”
Fystal’s eyes cut to Usslert and then returned to the pickup. He’d argued with the Usaanan last evening that they should contact the female human immediately instead of waiting for the morning. Usslert had argued that it was better to let her wait. His thought was that Fystal would appear too eager.
“Next cycle will be fine,” Fystal replied congenially.
A time was set, and Fystal sent the location of the meeting.
When Candace ended the comm, she regarded Sam and argued, “Myseth can make a costume in a few hours. We could have set the meet for tonight.”
“By the way, excellent excuse,” said Sam, which mollified Candace. “I want the meet in bright starlight, and I’ll be going with you.”
“Is that smart?” Candace asked, before she belatedly added, “Sorry, Major.”
“Security and documentation,” Sam said, enumerating the reasons for his attendance.
“Why security?” Candace asked.
“I spoke with Commander Cinders about the Usaanans before we left Pyre,” Sam replied. “It turns out there was an altercation between the federacy fleet that invaded alliance space and the sand serpents. Three of the Packeoes’ shuttles landed on the Usaana home world. By the time the fight ended, which lasted less than a cycle, the invaders’ shuttles and their crews were lost.”
“Oh,” Candace uttered.
“Yes,” Sam agreed. “Sand serpents have nasty tempers. They’re prone to become aggressive, which makes them dangerous. I suspect Fystal is arranging a meeting with the Usaanan you spotted. I’m concerned that the serpent might become suspicious of you. I intend to let the serpent see that you have substantial security.”
“So, that’s the part you’ll play?” Candace asked.
“We know that we’re being surveilled by Fystal’s accomplices,” Sam reasoned. “He’s probably aware that you’ve an associate, but he probably doesn’t know our relationship. I can act as your security, and we can communicate via implant.”
“And documentation?” Candace asked, reminding Sam of the second reason he wished to accompany her.
“If our investigation indicts a Usaanan or a group of Usaanans, t
he commander will need as much evidence as he can get,” Sam explained. “Two implant recordings will give the commander greater data.”
“Not to mention that one of those recordings will come from the head of outpost security,” Candace noted.
Sam nodded in agreement.
“Then we’ll need two costumes,” Candace said. She reached for the comms panel, and it warbled in her hand. “Yes?” she queried, touching the panel’s icon.
“You’ve a call from Myseth mya Jaknas,” the voice said.
Candace touched the accept icon. “Yes, Myseth?” she queried.
“My condolences on the poor behavior of an elite Lemgart,” Myseth said. “Fystal jer Hathwa has directed me to offer a replacement for you.”
“I’ve spoken to Fystal, and I’ve refused his offer,” Candace said. She observed Myseth’s reaction. It was a different display of her luxurious head crests, which meant Candace had no idea what it meant.
“Are we delivering a creation for you tonight?” Myseth asked. “If so, are there new requirements?”
Sam signaled Candace to join him on the couch.
“We’ll require two outfits to be delivered next cycle after morning meal,” said Sam, when Candace sat beside him.
“I require details,” Myseth requested.
“We’ll be attending a critical meeting with a Lemgart contact and his client, probably a Usaanan,” Sam said.
“Is this meeting expected to be cordial or contentious?” Myseth asked.
“Unknown,” Sam replied. “I wish us to make strong statements.”
“What will be your appearance?” Myseth asked. She knew that Sam was the leader of the pair and was curious how he’d appear.
“I’ll be security,” Sam said, “but I wish to appear as an associate not a third-party hire.”
“Understood,” Myseth replied. “Any other information?”
Sam held up a finger to Myseth, not knowing whether she understood the signal. Then he quickly left the couch and returned with the two Pyrean shock sticks.
“I want to be able to slip these weapons into sleeves on my back,” Sam said, holding the sticks up for Myseth’s viewing. “The handles should jut over the top of my shoulders for easy grasping.”
“Then your appearance should intimidate rather than appear as support for your female?” Myseth inquired.
“That would be correct,” Sam said.
“I’ll attend the two of you after morning meal,” Myseth said and ended the call.
14: Fystal’s Client
After Myseth’s call, Sam sat quietly, reviewing the information received and the plans initiated. When he discovered a weakness, he said, “We’ve a problem.”
“My excuse about today,” Candace replied. “I was just thinking about that.”
“We can count on Fystal’s minions continuing their surveillance,” Sam said, acknowledging Candace’s correct assumption of what he was thinking.
“Which means I’ve got to go out today,” Candace added. “Where?”
“The minions will track you on the ground,” Sam said. “I think it’s best you start out in a vehicle. They’ll follow you, and you’ll lead them to an air transport field. Take a local hopper to another city. They won’t be prepared for that. Visit some appropriate establishments and return before star set.”
Candace thought through the idea, nodded, and then picked up the comms panel.
“How may we be of service?” the Lemgart voice said.
“I’ve an outfit to be repaired,” Candace requested.
“We’ll contact Myseth mya Jaknas for you,” the voice replied.
“Negative,” Candace said. “I don’t wish to bother her. There are some minor tears in the material of one arm. Can this establishment repair the material?”
“May we suggest decorating the area rather than repairing it?” the voice asked.
“Excellent idea,” Candace replied. “Please send someone to the suite to take care of that.”
Sam retired to his sleeping quarters, while Candace prepared to leave.
A Lemgart arrived with a selection of beautiful scarfs. She took one look at Candace’s outfit and chose one. Then she tied it around the rents in the fabric.
“Apologies for whoever did this,” the Lemgart said. “It was most inappropriate.”
Candace asked for a nearby local transport field, and the Lemgart made a call to order her a vehicle. “It’s waiting below,” the Lemgart said. Then she escorted Candace to the vehicle.
The day passed uneventfully for Candace. After she returned, she told Sam that she didn’t believe she was followed after she made the nearby city. They ordered the evening meal and discussed the plan for the meeting the next cycle.
“A word of caution, Lieutenant,” Sam said. “If I send a warning, exit at a run. I’ll step aside. You turn and race for the exit. I’ll guard the rear.”
“Do you think that the Usaanan will be the source of the attack, or would it come from Fystal’s security?” Candace asked.
“Unknown, but I’ve seen a sand serpent move. They’re unbelievably fast,” Sam replied.
“I could run into security as I make my exit,” Candace pointed out.
“Snatch the remaining shock stick from my back,” Sam replied.
The next morning, Myseth arrived within a half hour after morning meal. She led three dressers and a stylist, pushing several carts, into the suite. She directed two dressers to Sam’s sleeping quarters. Then the stylist, the third dresser, and she accompanied Candace to her quarters.
Later, Candace and Sam exited their quarters to face each other.
“We make quite the pair,” Candace quipped.
Myseth’s creations resembled each other in tone and style. Where Candace’s outfit was streamlined and severe, Sam’s was layered and prominent.
“Wait until you see this” Sam said. He opened his hand to expose some thin black material, which he slid over his head, completely covering every centimeter of exposed skin.
“Can you see through that?” Candace asked.
“Easily,” Sam replied.
“It does give you a sinister appearance,” Candace noted.
“I must give credit,” Myseth said, admiring her creation. “I borrowed elements from some fantasy vids. An apprentice located material that we could cut and bond to fabricate the structures. Then we attached the various pieces to a unitard.”
“Is this armor?” Candace asked, touching the material.
“No,” Myseth replied, tossing her crown of hair. “However, you’ll find that the material is impervious to the discharge of a shock weapon.”
Sam slipped off his hood, and he grinned at Candace.
“One more element for your design,” Myseth said. She nodded to a dresser, who unpacked Sam’s harness from a cart.
The dresser handed the harness to Sam, who slipped it over both shoulders.
Candace fetched the two shock sticks and inserted them into the tubes along Sam’s back.
Reaching over his shoulder, Sam said, “Too low.”
At a dresser’s request, Candace removed the sticks, and the dresser made adjustments to the tubes’ bottoms.
Checking the opportunity to grasp the hilts, Sam complimented the dresser on the positioning. However, when he tried to pull a shock stick, the harness rose with it.
This time, the dresser requested the harness, which Sam handed over, and Candace pulled the weapons free. A lubricant was sprayed into the tubes, which dried instantly. After several more applications, Candace grinned when the shock sticks slid out smoothly.
Sam donned the harness. “Turn around,” he said to Candace. Then he took up a position slightly behind and to the side of the lieutenant. Without warning, he sent,
The Lemgarts watched the female human whirl, as the male cleared a path. She snatched a weapon from the harness and disappeared into the male’s sleeping quarters. If their eyes had followed the female, they never saw the male dr
aw his weapon.
The stylist and the dressers regarded Myseth with wide eyes, while their mistress stood proudly, admiring the perfection of her creations.
“It would appear you’re satisfied,” Myseth said to Sam.
Sam grinned, spinning the heavy shock stick in one hand, as if it was a lightweight baton.
“You’re adept in the use of a weapon,” Myseth noted. It was the closest she’d come to prying into a client’s affairs, but curiosity was getting the best of her.
“Being proficient doesn’t mean that they must be used,” Sam remarked.
With that comment, Myseth came to the decision that she wasn’t dealing with criminals. Her instincts had proven their worth. The Pyreans or the outpost was conducting an investigation.
“Is all well?” Myseth inquired.
“Thank you,” Candace said, returning to the salon.
“Is this the extent of my services?” Myseth asked, as the dressers trundled their nearly empty carts out of the suite.
“Unknown,” Sam replied.
“I trust you’ll call when you’re ready,” Myseth remarked, as she exited the suite.
Candace ordered a transport for them. When her comms panel noted the vehicle had arrived, Sam donned his hood. When they were ready, Candace reached for the suite’s door panel, and Sam sent,
Candace stepped away from the door, ordered her thinking, and then sent,
Sam touched the panel. As the door slid aside, he stepped into the corridor. When he checked both directions, he demonstrated to Candace the attitudes they were to adopt.
Candace concentrated on playing the part of a superior officer, with Sam operating as her security. The feeling was an odd mixture of discomfort and elation.
Following the coordinates relayed by Fystal, their vehicle arrived at a transport field. Shuttles sat in launch tubes, and heavy loaders moved transferred cargo in and out of the shuttles through underground passageways.
