Tigra

Jacob shook his head. “Thou paints a bleak picture of these heathens, Captain. The Union has done wisely to continue this war. Such people must not be allowed to rule."

  "But surely even the Union cannot fight a war indefinitely,” Jabril said. “How goes the war for thee?"

  "Yes, Captain, what is the outlook for a Union victory? I ask for thy honest assessment,” asked Jacob.

  Jeena paused. These people were obviously not aligned with the Coalition, and could do little with the information if they were. But how much am I prepared to tell them? The realization has been slow to dawn on us, but even the most strident hawks in the Union have accepted the truth. There will be no victory.

  After a century of war, each side was firmly entrenched in their respective sectors of space. Despite several all-out assaults in the last few years, the front lines had changed little. It was commonly accepted among the higher-ranking officers that a permanent truce was the only realistic end for the war.

  It seemed impossible to conceive, but it appeared mankind would soon have to learn to exist as two separate, and mutually hostile, states.

  No, there are still too many unanswered questions about these people and their loyalties. Until I can determine what, if any, risk they pose, it's better to operate from a position of strength.

  "Victory is very near,” she said. “It is inevitable. The Union is simply too large and too strong. The war has dragged on for so long only because of our initial underestimation of the enemy. We were unprepared for war. That mistake has been corrected."

  Jacob seemed pleased by her answer.

  "That is good news. And thou art correct about the need for preparation. It can mean the difference between a speedy victory and an agonizing defeat, as I must often remind my people."

  Jeena saw the opening and jumped at it.

  "Yes, as a military commander myself, I couldn't help but notice the impressive defenses of your city, but I am puzzled as to their purpose or need."

  The council members glanced nervously at each other, but Jacob only spread his hands out.

  "Captain, we are a peaceful people. Our lives are devoted to worship and the spreading of the word of the one true God. But we are besieged, I'm afraid, pressed upon by violent and bloodthirsty savages to our south."

  "The Babylonians."

  Jacob's eyes flashed, and for an instant Jeena thought she could see a smoldering fire in the black pits.

  "Thou hast had contact with them?"

  "No, I have simply heard rumors of them since entering your city."

  "I see. Thou art correct, of course. In a terribly misguided move, the Union saw fit to give them charter here on Ararat. They were little better than animals when they arrived, cavorting unnaturally and sinfully and preaching all manner of blasphemies. I have often questioned the Union's reasoning behind settling them here. Perhaps they felt our proximity would have a civilizing affect on them."

  "Perhaps.” More likely they felt those people had just as much right to their beliefs as you do and didn't give a damn what you thought.

  Jeena felt her pulse quicken. Jacob's air of superiority and condescending attitude was starting to irritate her.

  "Alas,” he continued, “that has not happened. They have rebuffed all our attempts to instill decency and righteousness in them, falling ever further into wickedness and depravity. Their leader is a witch, adept in the black arts. You smile, but it is true. It is said she can read the minds of men, and more.

  "They are warlike savages, Captain. It is why we have spent much time and effort in building our defenses, although we pray always we will never have to test them. It is well they did not find thee first, alone and unprotected. But fear not, thou will be safe behind our walls."

  "Thank you, K'laq.” Warlike? This sounds nothing like the over-sexed pacifists Vicki described. “I am afraid, however, that I cannot stay long from my ship. I was recently able to repair my instruments enough to send a distress signal. Any rescue attempt is likely to be a rapid affair, and I would not want them to have to scour the planet looking for me.” All right, so I'm bluffing. But unless I'm wrong, whatever you've got planned I doubt you'd welcome a Union star cruiser orbiting overhead.

  "Yes,” Jacob said thoughtfully, stroking his beard. “That is wise. I would not want to worry them unnecessarily. And in truth, we have been quite successful in keeping the savage Babylonians confined to their southern lands, so thou need not be overly concerned about thy personal safety. Tell me, dost thou have any idea as to when the rescue ship might arrive?"

  He asks the question offhandedly, and yet he holds his breath in anticipation of my answer. “Not with any certainty. That is why I wish to remain near my ship. It could be a few days or several months."

  "Several months ... several months,” Jacob repeated. “And in that time it is possible the war may be over?"

  "It is possible."

  He nodded and smiled. “Very good. As thou may be aware, we Afridi have always kept a discrete distance from the rest of the Union, even in the days before the war. It was necessary in the beginning in order to consolidate our population and to limit undue influence on our culture.

  "But we have grown. Our people are many and devout, dedicated to the spreading of the Word. It has been prophesized that the day would come when we of Ararat would carry our message from our own small world to the rest of mankind and, in so doing, once again raise Judaslam to the days of its glory. I feel that day has come. Thy arrival is the sign we have been looking for. The time is nigh."

  Careful. Be wary. Promise this man nothing.

  "Time, K'laq?"

  "Yes, the time of the prophecies nears. I wish to re-establish contact with the Union and meet with representatives of the Union government. Lately, I have puzzled over how to relay that information to them, but God, as always, has seen to my needs and sent thee to us. When thy rescue ship arrives, I would have thee pass on our request for an official meeting."

  "I would be happy to inform the President and Congress of your interest in more open dialogue, K'laq."

  "Excellent. If what thou sayest concerning Judaslam in the rest of the galaxy is true, then there is much work to do. A new age rapidly approaches, as was foretold. After so long a war the people will no doubt be hungry for purpose and direction. We will provide that direction. We have much to offer humanity, Captain. Most importantly, we have the truth—the word of the one true God and his laws. All of mankind can benefit from our teachings, even thee,” he said with a smile.

  "Do you think so?” she replied coolly.

  "Of course. Consider—thou art a woman, yet a soldier in a great army. Now, it is common knowledge that this goes against thy gentle nature. More importantly, it goes against the laws of the Almighty. Women were created to nurture, not to kill. And certainly they should never raise their hands against men, who were chosen as their teachers and guides in this life. Under Judaslam, thou wouldst learn thy proper place and enjoy the peace and fulfillment that comes from following God's laws."

  Jeena returned his smile with an icy stare.

  "My proper place is anywhere I damn well choose to be."

  Jacob reddened, his face twisting as a wave of anger washed over him.

  Careful! He isn't used to a woman speaking to him like that. For a moment, Jeena thought he would lose out in his battle to control his rage, but finally he forced his lips into a tight smile. When he spoke his voice was controlled, though she could see the effort involved to keep it that way.

  "Well, perhaps religion was a poor subject for a first meeting. I ask only that thou wouldst keep an open mind.” He breathed deeply. “Now then, thou has answered our questions and we thank thee. Is there anything thou wouldst ask of us?"

  Yes. I'd like to know what you're really planning, but I don't suppose I would get much more than lies.

  "Actually, there is something I was curious about,” she said. “Serug explained there is an order to kill the wild cats known as tigras. Might I ask why?
"

  "They are very dangerous and deadly creatures."

  "Yes, of course, but no more so than many others on Ararat."

  "Other dangerous animals there are on Ararat, but it is more than just their ferocity and strength that condemns them to death. Scripture is clear concerning them. They are evil in the sight of God."

  No, there's more to it than that, I can feel it. He feels threatened by them, even more so than by the Babylonians. But why?

  "But, sir, to drive a species to extinction before we've had a chance to fully study them—"

  "We have studied them, Captain. Trust me, we know all we need to know concerning this plague on our world. And they were headed toward extinction long before we arrived. Their numbers had been dwindling steadily for centuries; we have only accelerated their fate. The only large population remaining exists far to the north, and we hope to deal with them shortly. They are a dying race, Captain, long on the road to oblivion."

  "Race? That seems a strange word to for a species of animal."

  It seemed that for an instant something flashed across Jacob's face. Fear? Self-reproach? He had let his guard down and said more than he wished.

  But then it was gone, and his expression became rigid once more.

  "Species, then,” he said with a shrug. “But tell me, why art thou so concerned with this animal?"

  "I simply find exo-biology fascinating."

  "I see. Well, thou wilt find many other interesting animals on Ararat to study if that is thy interest. Now, I know thou wishes to return to thy ship, but it would be wrong for thee to leave so soon after so long a journey. Stay awhile. Tomorrow is the Festival of Martyrs, and there will be a joyous celebration. I would be honored to have thee attend as the guest of the council.” He stood before her and extended his hand.

  Jeena rose and offered hers automatically. She found herself agreeing to stay then kicked herself. I have to get back to Samson. I know now I can't let these people find him. They've already condemned the entire race. Whatever perceived threat this Jacob feels from the tigras, how much worse would it be if he discovered Samson's sentience?

  Jacob clapped his hands, and from a shadowy corner Serug reappeared.

  "Serug, the captain will be staying as our guest for a few days. Do I understand that thy brother has been her escort and guide?"

  "Daniel. Yes, K'laq."

  "Daniel, of course. Perhaps we can impose on his kindness for a while longer, yes?"

  Serug bowed. “I am sure he would be most happy to oblige, K'laq."

  The members of the council rose and bowed to Jeena, who returned the gesture before being escorted out by Serug.

  * * * *

  "The timetable will have to be moved forward,” said Zachariah when she was gone. “We cannot risk Union involvement."

  "It is no matter. We are ready,” Jacob answered.

  "What of her interest in the tigras?” asked Jabril. “Did thou not find it most unusual?"

  "Indeed, I did. But let us not make overmuch of that. It may be no more than idle curiosity, as she claimed. Still, I shall be interested in hearing from Uriah upon his return."

  "And the Apostates?” Harun asked. “Now more than ever they must be found."

  "And they will be. The dark witch of Uruk knows their location and will share that knowledge with me—with her dying breath."

  Chapter 10

  And God said to the angels: “I am placing one that shall rule as My deputy,” and they replied: “Will You put there one that will do evil and shed blood, when we have for so long sung Your praises and sanctified Your name?"

  Proverbs 9:18

  Arian Christian Bible

  Serug seemed preoccupied and said little as they rode back to her temporary quarters. They arrived to find Daniel sitting on the doorstep, the reins of his kytar in his hands. He stood and smiled warmly to them both as they approached.

  "Greetings, Serug, Captain Garza. All went well with thy meeting, I hope."

  "Yes, Daniel, the council was most gracious,” Jeena replied.

  "The k'laq has persuaded the captain to stay for a few more days,” said Serug. “She is to be the guest of the council at the festival. Jacob has asked me to convey his wish that thou continue as her escort for her time in our city."

  Daniel grinned. “I would be most pleased to do so, Serug, most pleased. And perhaps thou wouldst care to join us tonight for the evening meal?"

  But Serug had already turned his mount around.

  "I have no time, Daniel. The remainder of the cleansing parties will be returning over the next several days, and I must meet with them. My duties doth occupy all my time, brother, as should thine own.” Without bidding goodbye, he rode away.

  "There is some distance between you,” Jeena observed.

  Daniel nodded sadly as he watched his brother leave. “He is Rosh-dan. His heart belongs to Jacob.” He sighed. “So, what wouldst thou like to see today, Captain?"

  "Please, call me Jeena. And I am completely in your hands, Daniel of the Maudrian."

  Daniel laughed as he mounted his kytar, his humor returning.

  "I am only an initiate, Jeena, and so the title is not yet mine, but...” There was a twinkle in his eye. “...it has a nice ring to it, does it not?"

  They rode slowly along the cobbled streets, heading westward toward the residential district, eventually coming to a row of single homes. One stood out from the rest. It had a fresh coat of whitewash, and there were colorful bows and ribbons tied around the fence and the trees. It was the first decoration she had seen in the city.

  "It is a marriage-house,” Daniel explained. “It is given by the bride's father as part of the dowry, and decorated for the wedding."

  As if on cue, bells rang from a nearby temple and a procession appeared in the street. It was led by a young boy dressed in white robes. At his side was a girl, also in white, her face covered by a veil. The couple walked somberly down the street toward their new home, while behind them people chanted and sang.

  "They're so young,” Jeena said.

  "It is our way. A boy becomes a man at thirteen, and a girl may marry even younger if her father approves. But all their lives their family and friends will be there for them, helping and nurturing them."

  They continued farther to the south until they came onto a busy, bustling place Daniel identified as the merchant quarter. The streets were lined with shops—bakeries, tailors, cobblers and butchers. There was light industry as well, and Jeena saw mills and granaries, carpentry works and forges, all turning out goods to be delivered in waiting wagons. The streets were crammed with shoppers and street vendors bartering their wares.

  There was also the Rosh-dan. On every street corner she saw them, watching the men and women as they worked and shopped. Daniel explained they were there to prevent infractions of religious law. It seemed to Jeena they took great pleasure in their work.

  Across from where they stood, two soldiers had stopped a young woman shopper and were berating her. They were shouting and pulling at her chador, apparently finding fault with her dress. As they continued their verbal assault, a crowd began to form.

  They're intentionally humiliating her in public, Jeena thought, and felt the blood rushing to her face.

  Daniel tried to move her along.

  "Come, Jeena, we cannot interfere.” Like the rest of the people she had met, he held the Rosh-dan in fear and awe.

  She held no such views.

  One of the guards, apparently displeased with the girl's answers, slapped her with the back of his hand, knocking her to the ground. Jeena was across the street before Daniel could move. She stopped before the largest and most brutish-looking of the soldiers.

  "Leave her alone."

  The man gaped at her. “Stand aside. This is none of thy affair."

  "I said leave her alone,” she repeated.

  Daniel had worked his way through the crowed and now stood sweating and panting near her.

  "Jeena, let
us go. Thou cannot interfere.” He spoke to the soldier. “She is a stranger to our city and is unknowing of our ways."

  "Then best she learn quickly. Remove her—and cover her, lest I arrest her as well. She shows her face like a whore."

  Daniel reached for her arm, but she pulled it away.

  "And you're a sadistic bastard. You want to arrest me? Try it."

  Enraged, the man reached for her—and never saw her move. In an instant, he was on the ground with his wrist held tightly in her grasp. She twisted it harder as he squirmed.

  "How does it feel to be helpless?” she hissed.

  The second soldier rushed toward them, grabbing Jeena's shoulder. The heel of her foot found his leg. There was a loud crack of bone, and he flew sprawling back into the street, screaming and grasping his knee.

  Daniel, stunned into silence by the violence, suddenly rediscovered his voice.

  "Stop this!” he shouted.

  Two more soldiers had seen the commotion and were moving hastily toward Jeena, swords drawn. Daniel stepped between them and their quarry.

  "Enough! This woman is under the personal protection of the k'laq!"

  The soldiers halted in their tracks.

  "Now,” said Daniel, “this has been a regrettable misunderstanding."

  There was a loud groan from the soldier still in Jeena's grip.

  "Jeena, please,” Daniel pleaded, “let him go."

  She looked around at the startled faces of the crowd. The young girl was nowhere in sight. She released her grip on the prostrate soldier, who leapt up rubbing his wrist, red-faced and angry.

  "As I was saying,” Daniel continued, “this has all been a misunderstanding. This woman is a stranger to our city and a guest of Jacob and the council. Any further action against her will be reported directly to the council—do I make my meaning clear?” He pointed to the Rosh-dan still lying in the street gripping his shattered knee. “Thy man there is in need of medical attention. I suggest thou see to him."

  The first soldier lifted the fallen man up, supporting him as he limped on his remaining good leg.

  "The k'laq shall hear of this outrage,” he said as they passed.