‘Utreth. Thompson’s with him after breakfast.’
*
It stopped raining after breakfast, leaving the grounds glistening from the overnight soaking. Thompson led his guest past the formal gardens, and into the woods beyond. They were a mixture of pine and beech and silver birch, not as densely planted as they had been during the logging centuries when they’d been all pine. As Washington State was now edging into springtime, a multitude of bulbs were pushing through the sandy soil, their verdure contrasting with the mat of brownish winter grass that was still pressed against the ground from the weight of snow which had lain on it for months.
Gerhard Utreth seemed to be enjoying the mock-wild environment. He’d even brought his own walking boots.
‘Every time I visit the West Coast I always promise myself I’ll take a day and go to look at the sequoias,’ the Democratic Republic of New Germany senator said.
‘And have you?’ Thompson asked.
‘No. Not once in a hundred and fifty years.’
‘You should. I went about fifty years ago. They’re quite a sight.’
‘Ah well, maybe next time.’
They reached one of the streams which had cut a deep narrow cleft through the soil, its perfectly clear water now running over a bed of white and grey stones. Thompson started to follow it up the shallow slope, avoiding the big tufts of dark green reed grass sprouting from the sodden banks.
‘I congratulate your family on getting a Sheldon as import-ant as Campbell under the same roof as Doi’s chief political adviser. The weight which your father’s name still carries is remarkable.’
‘It’s not in anyone’s interest to have warring factions at the heart of government. We do what we can.’
‘Of course. I have to admit, I don’t remember a Vice President launching a campaign without the support of at least seven of the Big15 dynasties.’
‘Doi’s own caution works against her at this level. You really can’t please all of the people all of the time. She’s been trying to do that for too long. It’s not that she’s gained enemies, she simply hasn’t gathered much in the way of admiration.’
‘And if I may ask, how does the Burnelli family view her?’
‘No differently to any other Presidential candidate, there are many flaws and some strengths. However, our principal interest lies in the events which will play out during her Presidential term. We heartily endorse the formation of a starflight agency. Doi did have the foresight to make the initial proposal in the ExoProtectorate Council.’
‘Is that the view of the Grand Families as well?’
‘The majority, yes. We will be campaigning on her behalf.’
‘I see.’
Thompson stopped where the stream opened out into a wider pool. The far end was fed by a small waterfall gushing over an antagonistic cluster of sharp stones, making a loud sloshing sound as the flow was tossed around. ‘I’d be grateful to know what it would take to bring you in.’
Gerhard nodded slowly, appreciative they were using straight talk for once. It didn’t happen often between senators. ‘Everyone is concentrating on the agency and constructing scout ships right now, which is understandable. However, it is the view of the Democratic Republic that the formation of a navy is almost inevitable.’
‘We concur with that.’
‘If a navy is formed, flying scouting and even attack missions will only be a part of its duty. It must defend the Commonwealth as well. Sheldon has a monopoly on the ships and their ftl technology which we would not dream of challenging; but planets and cities will need heavy fortifications. That is where we envisage our role to lie.’
‘You would be happy backing the agency formation on that understanding?’
‘Yes, we would.’
‘That would mean lining up with Doi.’
‘Like you, we acknowledge she has weaknesses though, like her strengths, none of them are particularly remarkable. I suspect history will regard her tenure as simply adequate. The age of great statesmen and women is long behind us, nowadays we just compromise our way through life. The Democratic Republic can live with that.’
*
‘Good call by Gerhard,’ Gore acknowledged. The data flow engulfing him began to flash like a thunderstorm as his virtual hands rearranged packages and icons for longer-term positioning in the Democratic Republic of New Germany.
‘He’s a professional,’ Thompson said. ‘The DRNG realize the agency will go ahead, they just want a way in. A late opening is better than none at all.’
‘I wonder what the Sheldons will make of that.’
‘They’ll accommodate it. They know damn well they can’t expect the entire agency budget for Augusta. That’s why they sent Campbell. He’s fourth generation. He probably won’t even have to refer back to Nigel for anything that comes up this weekend.’
‘We’ll find out soon enough. It’s the crux meeting next.’
*
Patricia was invited to the study first. Gore’s retinue had done what they could to make the room more welcoming. A real log fire was burning away in the grate, helping to banish the afternoon’s chilly breeze. The ancient brown leather chesterfield sofas had been arranged in front of the hearth. A table standing in the middle held pots of tea and coffee, as well as plates of muffins and cookies, filling the air with a pleasant aroma.
She accepted a bone china cup of tea and sat opposite Gore. She wasn’t particularly unnerved by him, she’d spent enough time with the super-rich to know what they wanted above all else was a show of respect. His gold face, however, was disturbing; most of her life was spent judging and responding to expressions. Gore offered her little clue about his emotions. That’s if he has any, she thought.
‘It looks like the Democratic Republic will be backing Elaine,’ Gore said.
Patricia kept herself as immobile as she could, though it was difficult. The relief she felt at hearing of Gerhard’s support was enormous. When she thought of all the time spent lobbying him, the team of researchers analysing what they could do to bring him on board. Now just half a day spent with the Burnellis and another Big15 was supporting Elaine. For over a year, Patricia had been frantic with worry about how few of the Intersolar Dynasties they’d managed to gather in their favour. ‘That’s excellent news, sir.’
‘You haven’t heard their price, yet.’ Gore went on to explain what assurances she’d have to give the DRNG senator before the end of the weekend. ‘But the real key is Sheldon,’ he said. ‘This agency and everything it will lead to is your first way in. I know you’ve been courting that dynasty for over three years now.’
‘They have proved somewhat reluctant,’ she acknowledged.
‘Ha!’ Gore’s shiny gold lips parted in a recognizable sneer. ‘Nigel hates careerist politicians. Comes from his right-on youth I expect. That’s why he’s kept you dangling. But he’s learned to be a pragmatist over the centuries. And now you can offer him something. It is possible for him to manoeuvre his own candidate into the Presidency, even at this late date. However, that would cost a lot of time and effort, and create antagonisms. Not with you, that wouldn’t even register, but the Intersolar Dynasties and Grand Families would be pissed with him. That, he does care about. So be what he wants, and you’ll have no opposition. Are you prepared to do that?’
‘We can take Augusta’s requirements into account during the campaign.’
Gore stared at her for a moment. ‘There is only one requirement right now: money. You’ll be embarking on a campaign that will ultimately raise taxes. That’s never going to be popular.’
‘I understand.’ Patricia hesitated. ‘Won’t you be hit by taxes?’
‘If we paid any serious ones, we probably would be.’
One of Gore’s overlarge, dark-suited bodyguards led Campbell into the study. He smiled pleasantly at Patricia as he sat beside her.
‘You two kids play nice now,’ Gore said.
*
The study fire had burned dow
n low when Justine and Thompson came in. Two of the house staff were clearing away the paraphernalia of afternoon tea under the cautious gaze of the bodyguards. Gore took a couple of pine logs from the wicker basket at the side of the hearth and dropped them into the cast-iron grate, which kicked up a small cloud of sparks from the bright pink embers.
‘It’s going to work,’ he told his two children. ‘Sheldon will back Doi’s candidacy.’
‘What did that cost her?’ Justine asked.
‘Billions,’ Gore said. ‘In taxpayer money. Even I was surprised by what she offered for the starflight agency’s first budget.’
‘She’ll look for a jumper to introduce the bill, someone who’s leaving the Senate,’ Thompson said. ‘If Patricia’s got any sense she’ll try and get the President to introduce the agency formation bill into the Senate himself before the inauguration. That way, Doi won’t get the blame when the budget is announced.’
‘She’ll get blamed when the navy starts up,’ Justine said.
‘If we need a navy, no one is going to question the cost.’
‘Christ, she might even make a second term.’
‘Did you tell Campbell we want to shift the agency base to High Angel?’ Thompson asked.
‘No. Someone else can do our dirty work.’ Gore looked at Justine. ‘I thought your ex would fit the bill.’
She groaned and flopped down into the chesterfield. ‘Why him?’
‘That way we can offer Buta the new High Angel shipyard assembly contracts. It fits perfectly. Sheldon will know he’s got to accommodate everyone else.’
Justine glanced at her clock display. ‘All right. We’ve got an hour before pre-dinner cocktails. I’ll sound him out.’
‘I thought you’d talked to him already today?’ Thompson asked.
‘Yes, but that was about Abby. She’s being a problem.’
‘Is she all right?’ Gore asked. ‘I haven’t received any information.’
The immediate interest amused Justine, he really was protective of the family, especially the direct lineage. ‘This wouldn’t reach you. We were just talking about which university she’s going to. I wanted Yale, she and her mother would like Oxford, and Rammy favours Johannesburg.’
‘It’ll be Oxford,’ Gore said. ‘You always cave in to your offspring.’
*
Cocktails were served in the music room. It was a large split-level room on the ground floor, with a central dais of teak for the ancient Steinway piano. The woman they’d hired to play the beautiful antique for the evening was from the San Francisco Civic Orchestra; she had an admirable repertoire and a mellow voice. After hearing her start with an Elton John classic, Thompson was almost reluctant to take Ramon, Patricia and Crispin down to the other end of the room where they stood in front of a Harkins water-flow sculpture that took up most of the wall. Crispin wasn’t part of the deal to be made, but as he was now on Doi’s team he would be useful in providing assurances to Ramon. The more players were tied together, the harder it was for them to renege.
‘You have to admit,’ Thompson said to his ex-brother-in-law, ‘having Chairwoman Gall on your side would be a big help within the African caucus. A great many of your members respect her. It wouldn’t be just you trying to swing the proposition, you could share the load.’
‘That woman is a total ballbreaker,’ Ramon said dismissively. ‘I think you’re making a mistake including her in this without any prior consultation. And she’s only a very loose member of the Senate’s African caucus. When it suits her is the usual membership criteria.’
‘She’s got to want the agency to be based at High Angel,’ Crispin said. ‘I know she was most unhappy when the Second Chance was built at Anshun. I haven’t heard that kind of language in a Committee room since the Kharkov Independency crisis.’
‘All the more reason she’ll tell everyone to go to hell,’ Ramon grumbled. He directed a wistful look at one of the waiters carrying round silver trays full of canapés, then checked round guiltily for Justine. ‘She’ll want her pound of flesh for that slight.’
‘Chairwoman Gall is a fellow professional,’ Thompson said. ‘The economic benefits to her fiefdom cannot be overlooked in these circumstances. She’ll sign on the dotted line.’
‘She might,’ Ramon said. ‘But in any case, don’t be so sure the High Angel will permit you to establish the agency there.’
‘From what I understand, the High Angel is equally interested in the Dyson Pair,’ Patricia said. ‘Besides, we don’t actually need its permission to site the new agency facilities there. It’s a convenient dormitory, nothing more.’
‘Any lack of cooperation on its part would be a problem,’ Ramon said.
‘One we could surmount,’ Thompson said. ‘The primary reason for siting the agency there is simply moving it away from Anshun.’
As one, they turned to look at Campbell Sheldon, who was talking with Isabella. The girl was dressed in little more than a white cotton cobweb, whose active semi-organic fibres shifted every time she moved so that her body’s true sexuality remained provocatively veiled. She was laughing with easy enthusiasm at whatever story Campbell was recounting, while he seemed equally enthusiastic at the attention she was shining on him.
‘The Sheldons can be reasonable,’ Crispin said. ‘When it’s in their interest.’
‘This whole agency project is in their favour,’ Thompson said. ‘Crispin, much as I hate to interrupt a fellow guest when he’s clearly having such a good time, but do you think you could broach the subject of the High Angel base to Campbell? It would sound better coming from someone with your authority.’
‘Oh bloody hell,’ Crispin grumbled. He downed his spark-ling gin. ‘Why do I come to these weekends?’
Thompson, Patricia, and Ramon watched him walk across the room to the corner beyond the piano where Campbell and Isabella were having their very public tête-à-tête. He stopped a waiter and grabbed a glass of black velvet before breaking in. Isabella welcomed the senator with a fast flutter of her eyelashes.
‘A lovely girl,’ Ramon said. ‘You’re very lucky.’
‘I know,’ Patricia said. ‘But I’m old and boring, so I don’t suppose I’ll have her for long. Once the novelty of being so close to the future President wears off, she’ll move on. I did when I was that age.’
‘I don’t even remember being that age any more,’ Thompson said. ‘And not from erasing the memories, either. They just fade after so much time.’
‘To forgotten youth,’ Patricia said, and raised her glass. ‘May we always be reminded by envying those who have it.’
‘Amen.’ Ramon touched his glass to hers, then with Thompson. They all drank the toast.
‘If you are right about Chairwoman Gall being reluctant,’ Thompson said to Ramon. ‘May we presume upon you to broach the subject with her?’
‘I’d sooner put my cock in a food processor and switch it to purée.’
‘You were married to my sister. How difficult can this be?’
Ramon put his head back and laughed. ‘Ah, I’d forgotten what this family was like.’ He clicked his fingers at a waiter, who hurried over with some canapés. ‘All right, I might stop by at High Angel after this weekend. But I’m still not convinced that this agency is in the full interests of the African caucus.’
Thompson’s good humour never faltered. ‘Then I’m sure we’ll manage to find something that will convince you before you leave.’
*
They went through to the main dining room for the evening meal. Justine had chosen the placing as best she could given the state of play so far. Not that she expected much manoeuvring during the meal, but the options were open. This time she wound up next to Campbell. She frowned when she saw Isabella sitting herself beside Ramon, who appeared more than happy with the arrangement. Isabella had taken Gerhard’s seat, leaving the FRNG senator to sit next to Patricia, who Justine had wanted to place with Rafael. The Halgarths had done remarkably little in the way o
f negotiations so far. She knew Larry had talked to her father that morning, offering provisional support for the agency, but that was all. No doubt their cards would be on the table by tomorrow.
Text rolled down her virtual vision. Your ex is being a pain, Thompson sent.
Don’t make it so personal, she shot back. What does he want?
I’ve no idea. I thought we’d got him with the High Angel assembly platform contracts. Now he’s seen how everyone is lining up behind the agency, he’s angling for more.
I always knew he’d make a good politician one day. You and Gore never believed me. We’re playing our hand too openly. It leaves us vulnerable to those we need to ally.
You’ll have to bring him back in.
I’ll do what I can, but I’m more concerned about the Halgarths.
They’re solid.
Care to bet on that?
*
When the meal was over and the party had broken up, Gore went back to the study. With his latest retrosequenced modifications he needed at most three hours out of every twenty-four to sleep, and often managed on a lot less. As he prowled along the ceiling-high bookshelves he smelt the others as they went back to the lodges in the garden. Isabella, with her residual scents of the many men who for one reason or another had brushed up close against her that evening, herself redolent with the delicate smell of lily and orchid from the daubs of perfume on her neck. Her aroma stretched thin as she hurried across the grass, avoiding the paths, moving away from Patricia’s metallic tang. Ramon DB’s melange of cologne and alcohol-laced perspiration awaited her. The two merging together as his lodge door closed behind her. Their combined odour built up heavily within the tight confines of the master bedroom, saliva pheromones and the sugar acid whiff of champagne mingled with it.
Behind Gore’s impassive gold face there was a stirring of amusement as the hot stench of sex began to gush out from their bodies. While in Patricia’s bedroom there was only the overpowering scent of pine soap as she drew her bath. No alcohol, no bitter salts of disappointment prickling her skin. She was content.
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