With great dignity, Hrrestan rose, nodding to Todd and holding up his hands, claws sheathed, to still the murmuring.
“There are many good reasons why the establishment of a separate and autonomous spaceport facility on the Hrrunatan subcontinent would benefit both our species. With the appropriate safeguards, ensuring the integrity of the work here”—he waved his hand to include the Treaty Island—“and what has been so successful on the main continent of Doonarrala, many of us feel that there would be no conflict, certainly no abrogation of either Decision or Treaty in having a free trade port. We must ensure”—he paused to accord Todd a respectful bow— “that all reservations and apprehensions are discussed and set to rest.”
“With respect,” Jilamey said, standing up and bowing to Hrrestan, motions which set off his minute bells. “I really do believe that this planet is ideally suited for three separate and diverse installations. Certainly it would be much easier to conduct trade in this sector of the galaxy, expediting”—he turned to the Hrrubans—“our allies’ participation, at the moment seriously hampered by a lack of cargo transport.” Sweeping the table with a glance, Jilamey managed to subtly criticize both Admiral Barnstable’s Spacedep for its refusal to sell Hrrubans larger vessels that could handle the potential volume of trade, and the Hrrubans for refusing to reciprocate by releasing more of their matter transporters. “I will not, of course, at this point, mention the crucial need for more grids.”
“Thank you for not mentioning that, Jilamey,” Todd said, glaring at him to keep off a topic that made Barnstable, Prrid, and the Second Speaker all bristle with irritation.
Hrrestan let the claws on his right hand unsheathe so he could drum them warningly. Shrugging, Jilamey subsided, but there was the faintest smile on his lips.
“Speaker Hrrto,” Hrrestan said, “are you willing to comment on the proposed trade center?”
The Second Speaker, absently smoothing the lapels of his ceremonial robe, rose to his feet. Mllaba, beside him, sat stiffly erect, ears slightly aslant to catch every word her superior uttered.
“Hrruban trade and commerce would significantly benefit from such a facility,” Hrrto began, switching his thick hands to a firm and oratorial hold on the lapels. “Due to certain constraints”—he flicked his left ear and pointedly did not glance in the Admiral’s direction—“only a bare trickle of Hrruban goods, some urgently sought on Hayuman worlds, manages to reach their destination. Ze cost is prohibitive, and subject to priorities which make deliveries uncertain. A universal marketplace would certainly improve industry on Hrruba and open up immense possibilities for further, mutually productive manufacturing. Having discussed this possibility with Hrruban officials in all areas of business management”—he held one hand out to Mllaba for a sheaf of notes which he then brandished as proof of his efforts —“ze majority would be quite amenable to such a project. With, of course”—he held up the notes—“safeguards to protect ze existing colony and ze Zreaty Island from any commercial contamination.”
“How large a trade grid will Hrruba install?” Jilamey asked, all but physically pouncing on Hrrto, who recoiled.
“Zat subject has certainly not been discussed as yet, Mr. Landreau,” Hrrto said repressively as Hrrestan simultaneously called for order, glaring at the unrepentant Jilamey.
“What I’d like to know,” Tanarey Smith said, his voice overriding others wishing to be heard, “is whether or not the construction of such an installation will be joint?” His expression suggested that it had better be.
“That question is premature, Mr. Smith,” Hrrestan said. “The matter to be discussed is the advisability of such an installation in the first instance, not who will build it.”
“Ze Speakers must be assured zat regulations will follow zose already in force—” Hrrto began.
“Aw,” Ali Kiachif interrupted, “let’s not start that old keep-the-home-world-sacred stuff.”
“Hell’s bells,” added Fred Horstmann, “there isn’t a space captain worth his salt, Hayuman or Hrruban, who hasn’t a fair idea where each homeworld has to be.” He caught Hrrto’s outraged expression. “Well, you only have to narrow the options available, Speaker.”
“Don’t we know each other well enough now, after thirty-something years,” Tanarey Smith began, “to forget this nonsense about homeworld integrity?”
“No!” Second Speaker Hrrto leaped to his feet, the fur on his back bristling. “Homeworld integrity is not nonsense. It is ze most vital point of agreement between our two races and may not, must not, be abrogated. Never be abrogated.”
“So is the Treaty!” Todd couldn’t restrain himself from saying in a tone just short of a shout.
“The Treaty stipulates,” Barnstable said, raising his own voice to top Todd’s, “the conditions on which the Doonarrala colony is promulgated. It says absolutely nothing about that subcontinent nor the use to which it can be put. The Treaty specifies only the main continent, known as Doonarrala, and the Treaty Island, where observers are permitted and where any disputes are settled. This isn’t an abrogation. It’s an expansion.”
“Well now, I shouldn’t want to see anything violate the Treaty,” Kiachif said, somehow inserting himself into the discussion. “I seen it start and don’t intend to see it finish. How about a space station?” And he looked appealingly at Todd. Though Todd hadn’t expected such a suggestion, he welcomed it.
The delegates, all speaking at once, responded excitedly. “Space station?” “Landside free port?” “Now, wait a minute!” “I thought the matter under discussion was the use of The Hrrunatan!”
Appalled, Speaker Hrrto listened to the babble, his increasing outrage at such lack of courtesy demonstrated by the lashing of his tail.
“SILENCE!” Todd belted the word out in such a roar that there was silence, as much from surprise as to wait until ears stopped ringing. “You will all be heard in order. In order, I repeat. We may all know each other very well, but that is no reason to dispense with formality.”
Even Mllaba regarded him with respect, and Second Speaker was mollified.
“Hrrestan . . .” Todd said, turning the meeting over once more to its chairman.
Having thrown out the suggestion of a space station, Ali Kiachif was acknowledged by Hrrestan to give particulars. He was listened to politely but when he had finished, five people vied to follow him.
Discreetly, Hrrestan acknowledged Hrrin, who spoke about the benefits to the burgeoning agrarian economy which could not profitably market its surplus beyond those few traders who regularly reprovisioned at the present small, and totally inadequate, space base. More people could be accommodated at a land base than a space station; therefore the agronomy of Doonarrala would certainly benefit more from a facility at The Hrrunatan.
Lorena rose to support a space facility where the integrity of the colony would not be at risk. But, as she was speaking for bankers who would profit from either venture, she chose to fall on the side of the more expensive installation. Hrrouf, in terser language but with a thick accent, appeared to corroborate her statements on the Hrruban behalf.
Fred Horstmann wanted to be heard on the matter of the frail safety of a space station, whereas a land port wasn’t half as vulnerable and furthermore could simultaneously accommodate far more vessels and cargo at a considerably lower cost.
“Costs could be reduced even further with the use of the bigger grids,” Jilamey interjected, causing the Admiral and the Hrruban commandant to erupt in protest.
“Jilamey!” Todd said again, using his penetrating voice to cut through the rising level of peripheral conversations. “One more word about grid and you are O-U-T. Out!”
Jilamey’s unrepentant shrug was on the order of it-never-hurts-to-try.
“I don’t like gridding around,” Barnstable snapped out, his crisp voice ringing in the big chamber, “and a big one wouldn’t be any easier to
endure than a small one. Brr! At least with a ship, you know where you are and how you got there.” One of his ice-white brows lowered slightly as he turned in Second Speaker’s direction. “But I would like to take this occasion, face to face, to ask the Honorable Senior Commandant Prrid and the Honored Second Speaker why the Hrrubans won’t trust us with grid technology.”
Hrrto’s eyes gleamed, and the fur at the back of his neck bristled. Todd prepared to stand up and dive in.
“All I am prepared to say is zat it is not a question of trust, Admiral,” Prrid replied. Second Speaker merely bowed to second that comment and turned his head resolutely from Barnstable.
“But will you say whether or not—if this project goes through—there would be a large grid at a free trade port?” Jilamey asked.
“No more will be discussed about ze grrrids,” Second Speaker said with such finality that Jilamey subsided. “We discuss ze advisability of a free trade spaceport on Ze Hrrunat.”
“Then let us get down to the nitty-gritty,” Ali Kiachif said. “The size of the place, its organization. Will it be jointly administered?”
“Of course!” Mrrunda said emphatically.
Ali grinned at him. “Of course!”
Hrrto grumbled out a growl, shifting himself to face the old captain. “Hrruban trade has been at a disadvantage zat would be remedied by such a facility. I am instructed to make suitable arrangements.”
So, Todd thought to himself, no reprieve was forthcoming from the Hrruban side. How was he going to delay the matter? A glance at the massive old-fashioned, long case clock in the corner of the room gave him the excuse he needed.
“Let us adjourn for lunch before we deal with details,” Todd suggested, glancing about the table. “There’s a splendid sampling of the local dishes, both Hrruban and Hayuman, for your pleasure. If you will follow me?”
Not every one of the delegates was pleased at such an interruption, but Barnstable was clearly in favor of a meal. The alacrity with which Second Speaker rose from his chair did much to sway other Hrrubans to follow his example. Hrrouf immediately sought Lorena Kaldon for a few private words as they followed Todd.
* * *
The wide marble hallways of the Federation Center were peopled by tour groups and employees hurrying to and fro. But these stood aside to allow the distinguished delegates to move freely toward the dining area. As they neared the facility, delightful aromas wafted out into the hallway. Todd took a lungful and began to relax a little. Hrriss’ jaw dropped open in a contented smile. The anticipation of food was having much the same effect on the others.
“Friends, welcome!” a warm voice greeted them from inside the doors. “I’m your hostess, Kelly Reeve. Please, come in and make yourselves at home.” She repeated her greeting in excellent High Hrruban, bowing low toward Hrrto.
Her coifed red hair ablaze in the room’s pendant lights, Kelly Solinari Reeve beckoned them inside. She was a tall woman, whose graceful athletic figure was enhanced by the wheat-colored dress and short jacket she wore. As if caught in the act of making last-minute preparations, she set down the earthenware pitcher she was holding on the edge of a long table laid for a feast and advanced to the doorway, beaming.
“Mrs. Reeve, this is a pleasant surprise,” Tanarey Smith said, bowing over Kelly’s hand.
Ali Kiachif sprang forward to greet her. “A fine day, a fair lassie, and food fit for a Pharaoh. How are you, lass?”
“Wonderful, Ali,” Kelly said, returning the old spacer’s embrace with a kiss on his grizzled cheek. “How good to see you! And Jilamey! We’re so glad you got here. I was very surprised to see no one but Barrington on the landing pad two days ago. We didn’t know what became of you.” Barrington, Jilamey’s “gentleman’s gentleman,” accompanied him on almost every trip the young businessman made. He was a combination of amanuensis, mother hen, and genie from the lamp, to judge by Jilamey’s accounts of his silent miracles of organization.
“Well, surprise,” Jilamey said sheepishly. “I got a ride on the grid with Admiral Barnstable, hands across the water—or the void, so to speak.” He winked at the Admiral, who ignored the cheeky familiarity. “I sent Old Patience-is-a-Virtue on by himself to breathe ship air and mind my parcels. He’s marvelous. So I was able to stay home and tweak a few more deals before I came up. Grids are wonderful. You only grow lovelier, Kelly.” He seized one of her hands to kiss.
“Well, your house is ready. I was up there only yesterday to check on it.”
“I am in your debt,” Jilamey said expansively.
The nephew of the late Admiral Landreau had bought a large house high on a hilltop southwest of the original First Villages, and equipped it via Codep transport ship with all manner of modern doodads, including private vehicles not specifically mentioned nor barred by the Doona charter. As for horses, he owned a few, but except for the weeks he was on-planet, they boarded in stables owned by friends. Except for the ambassadorial residences on Treaty Island, his was the only permanent home on Doonarrala owned by a nonresident. But then, Jilamey was an exception to many rules.
“Well, sit down and eat,” Kelly said, waving him to a seat. The table was laid with individual place settings, but the platters and bowls of food were intended to be passed from guest to guest. “How have you been?”
“I’m surviving,” young Landreau replied happily. “How are the Alley Cats? And Hrriss’ cubs? I’m looking forward to seeing them.”
“And they can’t wait to see you,” Kelly assured him. “They all send their love. Nrrna is minding all the children while I play hostess.”
“I’ve got a baby present for—what’s her name? Hrrunna?”
“You’re so good with them,” Kelly said, shaking her head. “You should have some of your own.” She caught herself and threw him a little shrug of apology.
“Not me.” Jilamey laughed without a trace of discomfort. “I’m much more definitely uncle material. Besides, I couldn’t spoil yours so well if I had my own tagging along behind me.”
“How is my youngest grandchild?” Hrrestan asked fondly, his voice dropping into intimate mode, as he stopped to rub cheeks with Kelly.
“Growing,” Kelly said with a grin. “She follows everything with her eyes now, and that tail of hers is positively prehensile. When she doesn’t want you to stop patting her back, she holds on.”
“Hrrunna is named for our dear first Speaker,” Hrrestan explained to Hrrto. “She was born a mere four days after he joined the Ancestral Stripes.”
“A most touching sentiment,” Hrrto said, with a mere suggestion of a drop-jawed smile. “It is good to know those so far away from the homeworld would recall him and pay such a tribute. We of the High Council all regret the loss of our senior statesman.”
To Todd and Hrriss, Hrrto’s regret didn’t ring entirely true. Hrriss shook his head, recalling that Second was enmeshed at present in a difficult contest to win the vacant speakership for himself, which likely overshadowed any real feelings he might have.
Kelly burst in to dispel the uncomfortable silence. “Well, come along, everyone. I hope you enjoy everything. Don’t stand on ceremony. I’m sure you’re famished.” She came up to Todd and lifted her face for a kiss.
“How’s it been going?” she asked in a hasty whisper as the others moved about the table to find the place cards with their names.
“From whose viewpoint?” Todd asked ironically. Kelly gave him a quick, worried look as he tucked her arm in his and escorted her up the length of the room. “Ali tried to help by suggesting a space station. Jilamey’s doing his best to irritate Hrrto and Barnstable with his constant nudging about grids. But—” She sighed as he conceded, “the majority see it as a way to improve their credit position one way or another! Even Hrrin sees the spaceport as profitable to the agricultural community.”
“Oh? A new outlet for surplus. Hmm. Well, it would be.
Ooops, sorry, love.”
Smoothly, Kelly ducked away from him toward the Second Speaker.
“Ah, gracious sir,” she said in her impeccable High Hrruban, “we have the urfa pie you so much enjoyed the last time you favored us with your presence,” and she steered him toward his place and began serving him.
Then she turned her bright smile on Tanarey Smith, who beamed under her charm.
Soon everyone was seated, with filled plates and glasses, looking all too pleased with the morning’s meeting. Despite the fact that the menu included two of Todd’s personal favorites, he could find no appetite and pushed the food about on his plate.
He could hear snatches of conversations and shook his head because, without exception, everyone favored the instant establishment of a spaceport on The Hrrunat. The instanter, the better, and why wasn’t this suggested years ago?
Because Hu Shih and Hrruna had squashed that snake any time it came out of its lair.
Why wasn’t I able to? Todd thought in miserable isolation. Dad and Hu Shih are as certain as I am that such an installation abrogates both Decision and Treaty. Why am I unable to convince the others? He sighed deeply, noting Kelly’s anxious gaze on him. He smiled at her, though it was a feeble attempt, and pushed a forkful into his mouth. The food was almost cold but he chewed it anyway. I must not be the leader everyone thought I was, if I cannot protect the community from an evil I perceive as encroachment.
The jingle of Jilamey’s bells broke through his thoughts, and he saw the enthusiastic entrepreneur bumping up and down on his chair as he explained, with many gestures as well as body language, some point he was trying to make.
Maybe, thought Todd, I was foolish to stop Jilamey yattering away about the grids. Maybe if I let him irritate Hrrto, Prrid, and that bunch sufficiently, they’ll leave in a huff. Todd, my friend, think with your head, not your heart. There’re more ways to deflect a snake than ramming a boulder up its maw.
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