“You mean ass, Len. The correct figure of speech is colder than a well-digger’s ass. You’re the one from Earth. You should know that. Besides, they’re two completely different concepts—”
“Whatever. Do you want to hear the news I have for you or not?”
“I’m at the bottom of the steps, but the sidewalks are still icy. Warn me before you drop any bombshells. I may need time to find a dry surface to stand on. At my age, I might not survive a fall.”
“They’ve hired a replacement for Gus,” Pedersen blurted out with no forewarning.
Zheng stopped walking. “I’m assuming since you’re worried whether or not I’m prepared for a shock, a big one is coming?”
Zheng knew it was past time for Cozeremi’s replacement to be named. Pedersen had been serving in the interim, but his superiors in Fleet Intelligence told him at the outset he wouldn’t be assuming the position permanently.
“It depends on how you look at it,” Pedersen answered. “I can tell you it isn’t anyone you or I thought about. After that anything is a surprise. This could be good news or bad news. I’ll let you decide.”
“Okay. Who is it?”
Pedersen’s chuckled reply showed the difficulty he had containing his amusement. “Aro Merak Non.”
“Don’t jerk me around, Len. If this is a joke, I don’t find it funny.”
“This isn’t a joke,” Pedersen replied, “but, from where I sit, it’s very damned funny. It’s also quite illuminating.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m dead serious, Herb. You know, I’ve never really known what to make of Non until today. Now, I have something to go on. I don’t want to read too much into it, though.”
“Do you suspect Non had Gus murdered so he could gain control of the Bureau?”
“Non isn’t behind this, but I’m sure he knows who is. Anyway, it doesn’t look as if Gus’ friends have been supplanted. It’s business as usual from what I can tell. Can you be more specific about the documents Non wanted you to assess, Herb? You didn’t tell me much the last time I was on Thosa. I have a hunch about something.”
“I can’t say anything yet, but I hope to be ready to publish by the time he asked me to. It’s been slow going because many of the files are corrupted. I’ve found blackouts on some of the pages of the readable files. I assume whoever censored those cocked up the encryption on the files I can’t open.”
“If my suspicions are correct,” Pedersen said, “Non will contact you well before then. Either to request you delay publishing your results or not publish at all.”
“He can ask all he wants. I’ll publish my findings as soon as I compile them. This is too important.”
“He’ll probably exercise his power as director of the Bureau to get what he wants,” Pedersen warned. “I don’t think it will make any difference the two of you struck a personal agreement outside the Bureau’s auspices. Once he steps in, he will have to tow the party line, so to speak.”
“We’ll have to wait and see. I really don’t know what to make of it.”
“There’s going to be a lot of public discussion about this, you know,” Pedersen said. “Non complains Cozeremi is using the Bureau to sabotage his attempt to become Ekkidan Prime Minister, then Cozeremi is murdered and Non is given the post.”
“Could someone be setting the aro up for a fall?”
“Non doesn’t strike me as the type to foolishly allow his fingerprints to find their way onto a murder weapon, whether he was involved or not.”
“We have to go beyond appearances,” Zheng said. “These events are going to form unflattering opinions in less critical minds. This is political suicide. Non has to know that. How could he possibly think this was a smart move? There must be something of incredible importance to be gained.”
“I guess it’s up to us to figure out what his angle is,” Pedersen said.
“I’ll have to re-examine what he gave me in light of this, Len. I’ll start over this evening.”
“I think it would be wise if you allowed me to help you, Herb. I have the advantage of knowing a little more about the political landscape of Ekkida and the Central Government.”
“I can’t do that yet, but I appreciate your concern. I promise to share what I’ve figured out with you when the time is right.”
“If you come across anything that even superficially looks like a motive for Gus’ murder, you should report it to me, immediately,” Pedersen said. “My guys can watch over you only so well without having a good idea who your enemies might be. This is too complicated to play by ear. If there’s anything in those documents that could give us an idea who to shadow, it would help.”
“I’m safe here on Thosa, Len, but if I have to leave for any reason, I’ll contact you first. I promise to tell you where I’m going and why. That’s all I can agree to right now.”
“You’ll have to trust me if you want me to help you, Herb.”
“I’m sorry. I know you mean well but, since Gus’ murder I’m finding it hard to trust anyone.”
There was a moment of silence on the tele-link.
“That’s fair enough,” Pedersen finally said. “Just be careful, Herb.”
Chapter 9
12-January-2210
Ekkidan Parliamentary Complex, Ekkirazaddeqar, Ekkida.
“How is your cousin, Meqqar,” Ano Silar Bateed asked.
“Zhev has only days left at most,” Meqqar replied. “He could barely speak when I last saw him. He isn’t in any pain, but every breath comes with great difficulty. When he finally passes, I will miss him, terribly.”
“As will I,” Bateed said.
Meqqar’s insides burned at hearing Bateed speak of his cousin, but he kept his contempt for the man well hidden. “We aren’t here to talk about my cousin, Ano. We’re here to discuss our final preparations for the trip to Zunnuki and how to best serve Ekkidan interests.”
“It’s imperative we gain a controlling interest in all financial institutions created under this new alliance,” Bateed said. “All other concerns are secondary.”
“Of course, Ano Bateed,” Ano Galed Jaro replied. “I believe Aro Non already has a plan to give us that.”
“I would certainly hope so,” Bateed said. “You’re about to marry us to a planet of fifteen billion Ki-na; most of whom have never known anything else but socialism. If we’re unable to ensure this new alliance has a free market economy and protect our private industry we have no choice but to demand the ability to govern our own affairs locally.”
“First of all, Ano Bateed, “Meqqar replied, “you must remember not to use the term Ki-na in front of anyone outside this room. From this point forward, we are dealing with Terrans and Zunnuki. Foolish slips of the tongue could be disastrous. Secondly, I assure you I won’t allow our home to be governed from off-planet. I will also demand the alliance’s governing body be seated here. For that consideration I imagine Terra and Zunnuki will want to keep their own planetary governments as well, and for the near future it may be best. It works to our advantage.”
“However,” Meqqar added, “I would like to point out the socialist government of Earth has the great majority of its populace under control and much more content than it has been in the past.”
“That isn’t the point, Aro Non,” Bateed replied. “Control of the planet has been wrenched from those to whom it rightfully belongs.”
“You must also be careful not to speak of mythical bloodlines and legends of what may or may not have been before recorded history, Ano,” Meqqar said. “Who actually has control of Earth remains to be seen. The Quorum has always operated in the shadows on Ekkida and yet their agenda has been steadily forwarded no matter which party or coalition has occupied any elected office.
Bateed smiled, even though he resented being scolded openly in the presence of Meqqar’s other advisors. “You’re correct as always, Meqqar. Forgive my exuberance.”
“Your exuberance is the very reason I chose y
ou as an advisor, Ano. It needs to be properly directed, however.”
“What do you mean by that, Aro Non,” Bateed asked. “I above others in this room have kept the advancement of the Quorum’s agenda foremost in my mind when formulating any policy guidance.”
“And many times, you’ve been reprimanded for your lack of subtlety,” Galed said before Meqqar could answer.
“Perhaps,” Bateed replied, “but, nobody can question my loyalty.”
“Both of you shut up and listen,” Meqqar shouted. “What we are talking about here is the survival of Ekkida as the pinnacle of human culture. Terrans and Zunnuki outnumber us more than five to one. Until we can assess the amount of influence the royal bloodlines have on those two planets we will need to push the agenda of the Quorum further into the shadows.”
“You should be careful, Meqqar,” Bateed hissed. “Your cousin and father paid dearly for their lack of fealty to the royal bloodlines.”
“You should watch what you say when you talk about my father, Ano Bateed. Even after all these years I don’t know exactly who was responsible for his death. If and when I decide true justice for that act may never come out of our legal system I have no compunction about acting upon my suspicions; whether they are entirely accurate or not.”
“Is that an insinuation, or worse yet, a threat, Meqqar?”
“It may be taken as either or both if you are so inclined, Ano.”
“Gentlemen,” Galed said. “I believe the reason we’ve had so much success until now with our endeavors in the political arena is because we’ve been slow and steady about pushing the agenda of the Quorum. Too much change, too quickly makes any electorate fearful and guarded. The last thing we would want is for the Terrans or the Zunnuki to see our alliance as an acute move away from their cultures. The results could set the Quorum’s agenda back even further.”
“Agreed,” Meqqar and Bateed said in unison.
“Then is it also agreed that we work first to secure the trust of the secular governments of both planets before we reassess our need to push said agenda to the forefront?”
“Agreed.”
“The time before we are to leave for He-Kur — excuse me — Zunnuki is getting short,” Galed told them. “We would be best served by studying what we’ve learned about the political climate on Earth and the situation on Zunnuki. We must cover all contingencies.”
Chapter 10
17-April-2210
Aboard the SS Neil A. Armstrong.
The ensign in charge of departures apologized to Gupta and Calf Stealer. “With all of the separate briefings, Sirs, the shuttle traffic to and from the Zunnuki district seats is backed up. I have two ducks from each district arriving for the afternoon briefing, but they’re all full and being held. They’re carrying Zunnuki diplomats along with our folks.”
“I understand, Ensign,” Gupta replied. “When should I check back?”
“If you’ll allow me to scan your locator into the system, you’ll get an automated call an hour before you’re due to board. I’m sorry I can’t tell you for certain when that will be, though, General.”
“No worries, Ensign. We were hoping to have lunch before departing anyway. It looks as if we’ll have plenty of time.”
Gupta turned to Calf Stealer. “Shall we head for the Officer’s Lounge?”
As the two left the flight deck and walked to the lounge Calf Stealer was unusually silent. Gupta assumed it was because he was hung over and didn’t ask about it.
They walked into the lounge and seated themselves. Gupta wasted no time motioning for one of the wait staff to bring menus. The lounge was very busy and Gupta assumed it must be due to the increased traffic between the surface and the Armstrong.
“I think I see now why the senior diplomats were called to be briefed first,” Gupta said. “I didn’t realize we had this large a corps of diplomats on the surface. I only have one paralegal and an office admin on my team, but if all of the shuttles are being held for the briefings, and the three main auditoriums are all booked until dinner time today, we have to be briefing over a thousand individuals.”
“The ensign did say Zunnuki diplomats were being brought on board, too,” Calf Stealer answered. “I wonder if Azir is coming up. He needs to try some of this beer from Earth. I find it much less of an assault on my palate than the Zunnuki counterpart.”
Gupta chuckled. “I don’t know which is more difficult, consuming Zunnuki ale or getting rid of it when you’re done. As beer goes, it has plenty character. It scared me when Azir told us the children here start drinking it at the age of twelve.”
“That would probably explain Azir’s ability to consume the quantity he does and still walk,” Calf Stealer replied.
A waitress set menus down in front of Gupta and Calf Stealer and asked the pair if they needed time to consider their orders. Gupta requested a few minutes and asked her to bring him a stout while he thought it over.
Calf Stealer asked for water and told the waitress he would have steak and eggs. His eyes were glued to the waitress as she walked away. “Human women tend to be even softer and curvier than feline surrogates.”
“You get used to it.” Gupta smiled as he perused the menu. “Water? I thought you’d be up for another beer.”
“I may have one later. After the previous two days, I prefer to ease off for a while.”
“Respectable.” Gupta glanced up from his menu momentarily. He was still smiling; Calf Stealer was not. “It looks as if you have something important on your mind, Alphie. If it’s anything I should worry about as well, go ahead and share it with me, now.”
“Wilkes is hiding something.”
“Of course he is.”
“That doesn’t bother you?”
Gupta returned to scanning the menu. “Not any more than usual. Drew is a seasoned diplomat. I would expect him to know quite a bit more than the rest of us about our current situation. People at that level carry a certain expectation of confidentiality. National Security and all.”
“So, in essence, you’re saying his refusal to share vital information you need to do your job doesn’t offend you?”
“It complicates things for me,” Gupta admitted, “and, it forces me to guess at some things. I often have to develop strategies without holding important pieces of the puzzle. I can understand why it happens this way, though, and yes, to answer your question; it bugs the shit out of me. My job description doesn’t say anything that prevents me from complaining about it, but, most of the time, I’m just pissing into the wind. You were there when I voiced my displeasure this morning and you saw how much good it did.”
“Do you trust Wilkes?”
Gupta looked up from his menu once more. “Yes, I do, and Drew refused to leave Earth with anyone else but me as his JAG officer. I would like to believe that means he trusts me as well.”
“It might only mean he’s comfortable with you.”
Gupta closed the menu and crossed his arms over his chest. “Isn’t that the same thing?”
“Not entirely. Comfortable only means he finds you highly predictable and knows how to manipulate you to get what he wants. I believe if he truly trusted you, he wouldn’t hesitate to take you into his confidence and share everything.”
“That’s one way of looking at it.” Gupta’s face was turning red. He had known Calf Stealer for a while, but still wasn’t used to the feline’s bluntness. “However, there have been many times Drew held back information I needed until I had a chance to learn some things on my own. It was often the difference in my being able to use the information like a scalpel as opposed to wielding it like a broad axe.”
“Just what is it you think he hopes you’ll discover for yourself this time?”
Gupta didn’t have an answer.
Calf Stealer then asked, “Why did you intervene when Wilkes started to interrogate me during the briefing, this morning?”
“He was trying to intimidate you. I thought that was obvious.”
/> “Of course it was, but what reason did he have to intimidate me, and what is it that made you think he might be able to make good on any threats he might have implied? Do you have reason to believe Earth will go back on its promises to the felines? Tell me, Vijay. Is there something I’m unaware of you’ve failed to share?”
“I’m not sure where you’re going with this. If you’re trying to prove a point, you should just state it.”
“If it can be proven the Ekkidans who directed Yuen to hijack the Ark were truly revolutionaries trying to subvert their government, then why not pin the invasion on them and their agent Yuen, then move on? Why does your government still want to implicate Chamberlain?”
Gupta still didn’t offer an answer.
“I think Wilkes admissions back there amount to misdirection,” Calf Stealer said. “I have always had suspicions the Consolidated Earth Government was involved in the invasion. It wouldn’t surprise me to find that the legitimate Ekkidan government was fully involved as well. The more I think about it, the more it angers me. I think Wilkes has been given no choice but to do whatever he must to court martial every colonist. I also think it’s likely your government will find a way to try the felines as well.”
“I won’t let that happen,” Gupta said.
“It isn’t up to you. This is bigger than either of us. Hell, Vijay, it’s even bigger than Wilkes. He’s in as much danger of being thrown under the wheels of the carriage as these colonists are. My suspicion is he’s been given a dirty job to do and he’ll do his damnedest to accomplish it.”
Calf Stealer thought for a moment and then asked, “What is the true public opinion about Chamberlain back on Earth? I know what your government says but I want you to tell me what the average citizen thinks about him?”
“Most consider him to have been a megalomaniac. He was a rich playboy with powerful friends who secretly turned an orbiting greenhouse into a colony ship and departed the planet in rather dramatic fashion to play galactic explorer. The loss of that greenhouse left Earth in dire straits.”
War Orphans (The Terra Nova Chronicles) Page 5