Diverse Demands

by Sharon Rose

“Your interpretation is off,” Kena said. “I know that I have completed the link. I also know that my energy sustained hers, so she was not exhausted. My concern is the ongoing pain she endures from the severing of her father-daughter bond. It’s like mourning for one who lives but is dead toward her.”

  Not a trace of pity touched Jenarsig’s face. “An unfortunate result of her own actions.”

  “Such empathy,” Kena murmured. His eyes narrowed, but she wasn’t going to let his ire rule the day. “I would have expected more from you. Those who mourn are usually compassionate. Unless…they have exchanged mourning for bitterness.”

  Jenarsig jerked his head leftward. “You have no idea whether the link was completed in accordance with our laws. The primaries will judge it, not you.”

  She swept her gaze to the other two primaries. “When will you complete that formality?”

  “It’s not a formality,” Jenarsig snapped. “It is a judgment.”

  “Pernanyen must be present.” Travannesal turned to YefRon. “Awaken her. If she is responsive, bring her to us.”

  NorGah watched Kena. “Are you surprised that we see the need to judge?”

  How to phrase this? With Jenarsig causing problems, NorGah’s decision was critical. “I expect you to document a conclusion. Though completion is already a fact in my mind, I understand you must show proof to your people. Indeed, I want that too, for contents of the link must become known in order for us to reach peace. That has been Pernanyen’s and my goal throughout.”

  “The contents of the link are unnecessary for peace,” Jenarsig said.

  Travannesal stood. “Desist until Pernanyen joins us.” He turned to his chief aide. “Summon the aides of all primaries as witness. Arrange for space.”

  As the PitKreelaundun rose, NorGah gestured to their guests to remain seated. Blonde aides pulled furniture to the walls, creating an open area for standing. They left only the sofa Kena and Antony shared and Ghent’s chair.

  In the general movement, TarKeen neared Pernanyen’s door. By intent, no doubt, for the moment YefRon brought her through, TarKeen stepped to her side. “You look better already. Relieved?”

  She swayed in a dance-like motion. “Beyond measure.”

  Jenarsig lifted his chin. “Then, you are presumptuous.”

  “I meant only that it is a relief to engage in meaningful links again.”

  Kena saw the change, too, and warmth spread through her. Despite the verbal jab from a primary, Pernanyen’s expression retained calm. Not as impregnable as the day Kena had met her, but her demeanor held a subtle dignity.

  Jenarsig turned his back on her, and Pernanyen frowned. Was she puzzled or concerned?

  The aides stood along the wall in erect attention. The primaries took formal stance near Ghent’s chair, with Travannesal in the central position. It was like the trial she had witnessed, where everyone stood except for the accused, who was required to kneel. The PitKreelaundun phrase of ‘stand in judgment’ obviously derived from a literal source.

  With an impassive face, Travannesal said, “Perna—”

  “Hold a moment.” Jenarsig inclined his head to Travannesal. “I offer to take charge of proceedings, so you need not judge your own daughter nor order her execution. My attendants are prepared.”

  “Former daughter.” Travannesal’s voice held firm. “I did not make her endure months of separation, only to abdicate my responsibility at the last moment.”

  “Do you really still have that right,” Jenarsig asked, “when the question of her reinstatement is dependent on her survival? Your probability of predetermination is undeniably high.”

  Travannesal maintained his tone. “But I do deny it. Everyone has an opinion, but we know how to judge according to law alone. You also have potential for predetermination.”

  Jenarsig looked as willing to concede the point as a bulldog, but NorGah spoke calmly. “There are three of us here for a reason, Jenarsig, and if not three, then one will decide. That one would be me, not you.” He nodded to Travannesal. “Please continue.”

  “Pernanyen, I summon you for the conclusion of your delayed trial.”

  Kena caught the firming of Pernanyen’s mouth as she took her first step. TarKeen slid his hand under Pernanyen’s and raised it to rest on his forearm. He escorted her through the short walk and continued to support her as she knelt facing the primaries. Only her profile was visible, but Kena could still read quiet courage. She felt like cheering her on.

  Pernanyen straitened her back and laid her hands on her thighs. TarKeen took a position with Leonfir and YefRon, opposite the couch where Kena sat with Antony.

  A few of Jenarsig’s silent…aides?...filled in the circle behind Pernanyen. None had the blonde hair of youth. The way they moved as a unit…and those bulky tunics…Did they conceal weapons? Guards prepared for an execution? Her stomach fluttered. At least they kept their distance.

  She glanced at Travannesal, but he didn’t acknowledge them. His shoulders began the characteristic sway of Laundun speech. “When the trial was delayed, the only open charge was an incomplete constrained link. Pernanyen, answer that charge.”

  Pernanyen replied, her voice steady. “Kena Talgarth has, this day, constrained me to link with her. She controlled the link. I did not.”

  Hm. Was that in doubt, or was Pernanyen just giving her answer weight with extra words? The worries she had shared during their link flitted through Kena’s mind.

  Travannesal turned toward the sofa. “Kena Talgarth, have you obtained equitable information from Pernanyen, to the degree that you desired?”

  “Yes. I am fully satisfied that the constrained link between myself and Pernanyen has been completed.”

  Travannesal and NorGah watched her answer, but Jenarsig stared at some distant point.

  Kena had to figure out his game before this all unraveled. “Aren’t you interested in my view, Jenarsig?”

  “Naturally, I am pleased that you are satisfied.” His smile looked fake. “But that has nothing to do with this trial, which is based on PitKreelaundun law, not Human preference.”

  Travannesal inclined his head to Kena and held her gaze, even though he addressed all. “Kena’s opinion is relevant. If she had answered negatively, it would impact my decision. Therefore, her positive answer is significant.”

  Layers of meaning in words, look, and tone. He wanted calm. Jenarsig wanted to goad her. What did NorGah want?

  “That is a side issue,” Jenarsig said, “which only delays the decision. Kena stated her goal months ago. She just wanted to keep Pernanyen alive. So, first she tried an endless delay. When that failed, she engaged in a common linked with Pernanyen, but she did not constrain her.”

  “If it was only a common link,” Kena said, “I could have completed it much sooner. Instead, I learned what was needed in order to satisfy the requirements of your law.”

  “Ah.” Jenarsig softened his voice, but there was nothing gentle about it. “Your statement proves that you don’t understand our laws, which state that you must constrain her. But you didn’t.”

  “That is false,” Pernanyen said. “Kena removed some of the memories I obtained from her. I’ve already noticed several gaps. She also obtained information beyond what I would naturally offer. You saw none of this, Jenarsig, because your confirmation link was not nearly as thorough as Travannesal’s or NorGah’s.”

  Jenarsig sneered. “Then, they set aside the one thing they should have verified before accessing the content. Whether you were constrained. You weren’t. You were merely passive. All other knowledge they obtained is forbidden. It must be removed from their memories.”

  Ah! That explained it. Kena let out a long breath. Obvious, really. His goal hadn’t changed, only his plan to attain it.

  “This is intolerable,” Ghent said. “Kena overcame more than you can grasp in order to complete this link to the satisfaction of the PitKreelaundun. And now you disregard it? Did any of you ever intend to allow her to succeed
?”

  “Jenarsig is only one person,” Travannesal said.

  NorGah turned fully to Ghent. “We are willing to consider all pertinent statements. We allow dissent to be voiced before rendering judgment, so that all arguments may be considered.”

  “Debate opinions all you like,” Jenarsig purred, “but the laws of constrained links are rigid.” He sneered at NorGah. “As the PitKree have insisted.” Jenarsig twitched his head leftward again. “Regardless of any accommodations Kena has made, she was not able to constrain her. Therefore, Pernanyen is guilty of an incomplete constrained link. The penalty is execution. The information she illegally extracted from Kena must be destroyed.”

  Pernanyen wilted, eyes to the floor, her spine bowed.

  Kena ached for her. NorGah watched her just as Kena did. Futility chilled her. It didn’t matter how respectfully they listened to her or Ghent. Pernanyen understood the law and believed that Jenarsig’s statement was true. And NorGah…He was PitKree, the race that would outlaw all constrained links if it were up to them. He could not condone any exception.

  Kena’s gut clenched. Could she still not save Pernanyen, after all of this? Was the understanding they so desperately needed going to die with her? Kena could not let that happen. She had to get the message out. So it could be heard and believed. Not only in this room, but by all PitKreelaundun. Just as Ghent drew breath to speak, Kena spread her hands and whispered, “Wait.” She turned to Ghent. “There is a reason I am here. I need to explain this to you first.”

  He nodded, locking his gaze with hers.

  “Before their two races joined,” Kena said, “the PitKree did not allow constrained links at all. Just like us. The Laundun did, even more so than now. The current, rigid laws are a hard-won concession from the Laundun. Therefore, the PitKree can never allow any precedent to loosen them. In this, I agree with the PitKree, even though I disagree with Jenarsig’s current use of the law. But he revealed his motive a moment ago, and that is what I must explain.”

  “Please,” Ghent said, as Jenarsig snorted.

  “The information Pernanyen obtained from me is key, not because of my personal opinions, but because I know navigators from many races. I possess evidence of the Collaborative’s cross-cultural understanding that proves none of us knew—”

  “Stop!” Jenarsig demanded. “You are not permitted to speak of—”

  Kena swung to him. “You have no authority to control my words.” The undercurrent of power deep within had driven her statement. No surprise that Jenarsig stared in gaping silence.

  Kena turned back to Ghent, restoring calmness with her tone. “I possess live proof from many navigators of many races that none of us knew tra-pentazine existed. None of us knew that our gravity ships could harm the PitKreelaundun or the other races they protect. None of us understood why they became so enraged when we thought we were honoring the treaty.”

  Kena made eye contact around the room. “This is the evidence that now resides in Pernanyen. Travannesal and NorGah may know it as well, for Jenarsig wants their memories removed.”

  Kena paused. Everyone present now knew what manner of evidence was at stake. Some value in that, but not nearly as rich as Pernanyen’s knowledge. At least they could speak of proof that had existed, even if Jenarsig destroyed it. But she wasn’t stopping there.

  “When I constrained Pernanyen to link,” Kena said, “I saw the counterpart to my information. As part of her training, Pernanyen has heard many debates about Collaborative activities. Some believe as Jenarsig does, that driving us away is the equivalent of peace. They would even use the current, self-defeating treaty to excuse a war. Oddly, the tra-pentazine protectors are the most vocal proponents. Ironic that the protectors of life seek war, which brings death.”

  Kena turned to smile at Pernanyen, who still knelt in their midst. “But then, there are others, like this brave woman, who see the folly in that logic. They see that peace is not achieved by separation. It is achieved by relationship. They only need proof that the Collaborative is not an enemy. Now, Pernanyen has that proof.”

  Kena leaned back and turned to her challenger. “Jenarsig is willing to kill her unjustly, in order to hide proof. Why? Maybe, he really wants to hide it from himself, for it weakens the foundation of his beliefs.” She held his seething gaze. “And he claims law as his basis, obscuring his motives behind a facade of justice.”

  “I do seek justice.” Jenarsig’s chest heaved. “Do you not respect law, Kena?”

  She shrugged. “Perfect law can provide justice. Imperfect laws, less so. Those with questionable motives can also use law to harm and even force injustice. Do not expect me to worship the laws of your creation.”

  Jenarsig kept his chin high. “They are perfectly suited to us.”

  “Are they?” Kena raised her brows. “Why, then, did TarKeen feel such conflict when you demanded the constrained link? Why do you claim Pernanyen is guilty after I have constrained her? How convenient, that this law you invoke will silence a voice you oppose. From the moment you arrived, you have tried to silence her and me.”

  Jenarsig clenched his fists, lumpy knuckles jutting out. “Nothing you say changes the fact. You do not have the strength to constrain a PitKreelaundun. She was only passive.”

  “You have no idea,” Ghent said, “how much strength Kena possesses.”

  TarKeen stepped forward. “He is correct.”

  “You have never linked with her,” Jenarsig snapped.

  “I know far more of her than you do.” TarKeen addressed all three primaries. “I learned even more of Kena and Antony on Dur. It would be a gross mistake to underestimate Humans.”

  YefRon stepped to his side. “I confirm TarKeen’s statement. The fact that we don’t understand something, does not prove that it doesn’t exist.”

  “Three people,” Travannesal said, “assert that Kena does have the necessary strength. Only you, Jenarsig, insist that she does not.”

  “They offer no proof.”

  “Nor do you.” Travannesal gestured to those who had spoken. “All three have more experience than you, on which to base their assessment.”

  “The proof is within the link itself.” Jenarsig stabbed a finger down at Pernanyen. “She experienced no stress.”

  “We all know,” Kena huffed. “She was passive. You’ve said it enough times. Why would she have resisted me, when she wanted the link completed? That would be like…” Kena spread her hands. “…like inviting us to dinner and then expecting us to fight you for the food you offered!”

  Around the room, laughter was choked as quickly as it erupted.

  NorGah coughed and brushed a hand over his quivering lips. “Please forgive our laughter. You make…surprising analogies.”

  Travannesal, either because of experience with Kena or because Antony laughed freely, let his amusement subside naturally. “We have belabored this enough.” He resumed his authoritative stance, shoulders swaying again. “I linked with Pernanyen and investigated thoroughly. I found the following evidence.

  “Kena removed a substantial portion of Pernanyen’s memory of their earlier link, probably more than Pernanyen realizes. Kena obtained additional information, beyond what Pernanyen offered. Kena directed the entire link. She seems to recognize our potential for misconstruing her technique, for Kena made a definitive statement about her control, to which Pernanyen could not respond.” His hairline shifted at the temples. “Pernanyen didn’t even understand her own inability to respond. This indicates that strength exists within Humans, although we do not perceive it.” He paused. “Based on these facts, I render judgment that the constrained links between Pernanyen and Kena Talgarth have been completed.”

  Jenarsig stepped toward NorGah. “So, it com—”

  “I am presiding,” Travannesal said. “You have already rendered judgment. Be silent.” He turned to the other primary. “NorGah, do you desire more discussion?”

  “I would like to hear from the other Human presen
t.”

  Antony raised his eyebrows.

  The emeralds on NorGah’s collar flickered as he dipped his head respectfully. “Do you believe that Kena has completed a constrained link with Pernanyen?”

  “Certainly!”

  “What do you base that on?”

  Antony opened his mouth, then paused and started again. “The only person who could know how much force was necessary is Kena. Since she says she has completed it, that alone shows that she did whatever was needed to accomplish it. But more than that, I know the outcome, for I know Kena. She returned to me in peace. If she had failed, she would have returned to me in tears. I have no doubt that Kena completed the constrained link.”

  NorGah inclined his torso, then straightened. “The decision I am about to render pertains only to the isolated incident involving a Human, Kena Talgarth. It does not address the ethics of constrained links in general.”

  He looked down at Pernanyen, who hardly seemed to breathe. Her hands trembled as she stared at NorGah’s knees.

  “I also linked with Pernanyen and investigated thoroughly. My observations were consistent with those stated by Travannesal. Jenarsig acknowledged that his link was limited. Since the full primary body affirmed that we would accommodate Human technique, he could have looked further and found the proof we sought, but he chose not to. I deem the statements from Antony Galliano of Earth, Captain Ghent of Plynteth, TarKeen, and YefRon as more reliable than the sole assertion of Jenarsig. I render judgment that the constrained link has been completed.”

  Pernanyen’s shoulders dropped as she emptied both lungs.

  “Pernanyen,” Travannesal said, “you may stand.” He took a step toward her.

  Jenarsig barred the way, extending his rigid arm across Travannesal’s chest. “Do not approach her.”

  His aides surged forward, one reaching beneath the hem of his tunic.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Kena’s stomach flipped.

  Travannesal shoved Jenarsig’s arm down and demanded, “What is this?”

  Jenarsig waved his guards back. “You seemed to forget that Pernanyen has not been reinstated as your heir. You may not re-establish a parental bond.”