The Lexal Affair

by neetha Napew

  “Chancellor,” Nyk said, “would you explain why Vellod is so antagonistic toward your administration?”

  “Please, call me Mykko. We're all friends here, are we not? Zygon Vellod was a long- standing chancellor here. He was, in fact, my mentor. We came to disagree over the direction of this colony. Vellod saw Lexal as an agrarian economy -- combined with tourism. I, on the other hand, believed we had the opportunity for a complete, self-contained economy that included industry. We finally decided to take the issue to the people, after year-long educational campaigns from both sides. The people chose my approach. Shortly after that, we held a general election, and I was elected chancellor.

  “Vellod never accepted his defeat, either in the plebiscite or in the election. He believed that some dirty tricks -- some vote fraud -- had been committed. He has taken his case to the arbitration panels, and to the High Legislature, to be rebuffed at every turn. It's driven him a bit mad, I'm afraid. He does have a small, zealous band of followers. We are convinced that Vellod is more bluster than action, but we must remain cautious.”

  “Everyone seems so much more... on-edge today,” Andra said. Is there a real threat, or only a perceived one?”

  “There have been rumors that Vellod is planning some sort of move, but we've heard those rumors for years.”

  “We suspect Zander Baxa was smuggling firearms of Earth origin onto this planet,” Nyk said. “It's clear to me these weapons would do your administration more harm than good -- but I can rationalize plenty of reasons why Vellod would desire them.”

  “We have heard rumors that Vellod was arming his faction. The fall of Baxa's ring was the first indication the weapons might be of Earth origin. We regard those arms as a real, but small threat.”

  “Small?” Nyk asked.

  “Because of the logistical problems of transferring enough materiel from Earth to pose a large one.”

  “We've evidence Baxa was planning some sort of coup. It seemed too grand a plan for a single individual.”

  “We think Baxa had been promised a position of authority within a Vellod regime,” Wygann replied. “Vellod believes he can overturn the will of the people, who will realize their mistaken allegiance and become loyal to him. He's wrong, of course.

  “It's ironic that Vellod would enlist the services of Zander Baxa. Zander's father, Gunder, was a colonial security chief who was a member of the junta that ruled Lexal for a short while about thirty-five years ago. Those were five years of a reign of terror, I can assure you... Vellod and I were allies in an effort to remove the junta and return the colony to a democratic rule. Gunder Baxa eventually chose exile over imprisonment... Gunder was mad, and perhaps Zander shared some of that madness. Perhaps he was eager to visit revenge upon the Lexalese people.”

  “Maybe Zander had visions of occupying this palace with his own princess by his side,” Janna said, glancing toward Andra.

  “I knew Gunder Baxa as a mid-level Food Service manager working in Sudal,” Nyk added. “He perished in the same shuttle crash that claimed my parents. I had no idea of his past. I imagine someone accustomed to higher levels power who finds himself in a lowly desk job might have some bitterness.”

  Daya directed wait staff in setting plates before each at the table. Another servant placed portions of a reddish-brown cutlet on the plates, along with deep purple root vegetables and a scoop of rice.

  Janna regarded the meal, motioned to Daya and whispered into her ear.

  Daya looked down and blushed a deep red. “I'll tend to it right away. I should have known better with homeworld guests.” She motioned to one of the servants who began removing Nyk's plate.

  “No, please, this is fine,” Andra said. “Nykkyo and I have both spent time on Earth and have no qualms about consuming flesh. Isn't that right?”

  “...absolutely,” Nyk replied.

  Daya gestured to the servants and they stood with their backs against the dining room wall. Nyk looked down at his plate. “What is this ... dish?”

  “It's lagexeva, a lake-dwelling creature,” Janna replied. “I'm terribly sorry if you're put off by it. It's one of Mykko's favorites. Chef knows better when we've scheduled visitors from the homeworld.”

  Nyk cut a slice of the meat and popped it into his mouth. It had a strong flavor, with a sweet, aromatic, camphorous note filling his sinuses and making them tingle. “It's very ... good.” He looked at Andra. She ate a piece and nodded in agreement.

  “You two are too kind,” Janna said. “Lagexeva is decidedly an acquired taste. Mix it with the inkroot and rice -- that tones down the flavor.”

  “I actually like this,” Nyk replied. “I've become fond of Earth Japanese food -- not that this resembles it. But that experience has taught me how to appreciate the unfamiliar.” He cut another slice and pushed pieces of inkroot onto his fork. “Chancellor -- Mykko -- forgive me if this sounds like an unfriendly question, but isn't it a contradiction for you to espouse democratic ideals and yet declare yourself chancellor-for-life?”

  “Since we're all friends here, I won't regard any question as unfriendly. Nykkyo, you perhaps attribute more power to my role than is really there. The position of chancellor is more a figurehead than anything else. I view my role not as a ruler but as a facilitator. The real governing power is in the colonial senate, which remains duly elected every three years. I have pledged that, if ever an impasse between my policies and the will of the people -- as represented by the colonial senate -- is reached, I will happily tender my resignation. I've given my word, Nyk -- and I'm a man of my word.”

  Nyk looked up and saw Janna gazing intently at her husband.

  * * *

  Nyk stood with Andra in an ante-room adjacent to the dining hall. “Don't tell me you enjoyed that,” she whispered. “I required all my willpower to suppress vomiting. I can still taste it. That ... whatever-it-was has a flavor that stays with you.”

  “It wasn't so bad. Suki's mom has served me some very strange-tasting stuff.”

  “What do you think of Mykko?”

  “Politicians! They're the same everywhere in the galaxy -- and did you see how Janna dotes on his every word?”

  Daya approached them. “I apologize again for the entree. I can barely stand lagexeva myself, and I've delivered Chef a stern reprimand. We have a musical group from the local intermediate school here for a performance. Please follow me.”

  Nyk followed Daya and Andra into a viewing box overlooking an auditorium. Mykko and Janna were seated. Janna leaned against her husband and they held hands. Nyk motioned Andra to take a seat beside Janna. Daya stood at the rear of the box. Below them the first three rows of seats were filled.

  A line of children appeared on stage. Nyk estimated their ages were between twelve and fifteen Floran years. They were dressed in uniforms of yellow and white. Nyk leaned back and pressed his palm against Andra's. She laced fingers with his and leaned against him as the children presented a program of acapella songs.

  * * *

  “Those children were adorable,” Andra said as Nyk, Janna and she walked in the palace courtyard. A crescent hung in the western sky, illuminating the courtyard with orange moonlight. A flock of flying creatures darkened the moon momentarily.

  “Thank you,” replied Janna. “We contribute to their school, and this was their way of thanking us.”

  “What a brilliant moon,” Nyk said, “-- easily five times the size of Earth's. It must be as bright as midday when it's full.”

  “That's Lexal Prime -- our sister world. It's an inhospitable place, with a crushing atmosphere and surface temperatures exceeding five hundred Celsius.”

  “It's like Venus,” Nyk remarked. “Isn't it odd two planets could share the same orbit and yield such different environments?”

  “It's the thick atmosphere that's to blame.” A searchlight from a watchtower swept onto them. The light paused for a moment, illuminating them -- then moved on. The three sat on a garden bench at the center of the courtyard near
a fountain.

  Nyk scanned the outer wall and regarded the sentries with their long arms. “Do you always have so many guards?”

  “They're on special alert tonight. It's a precaution. Vellod has delivered another of his threats. Mykko and I don't take them too seriously, but our guard commander would rather play it safe.”

  One of the flying creatures landed to slake at the fountain. The creature looked like a lizard, but with two pairs of wings and a single pair of limbs. It folded its wings and stood on the edge of the fountain, then bent over to drink. Janna pointed to the creature. “That's a flulaxera,” she whispered. “This species feeds on the mizhajen. They're very shy -- it's unusual to see one this close. They feed at night and sleep by day. It's quite a sight to watch them fly; the hind wings provide lift and maneuvering, the front wings supply power.”

  The animal turned and looked at them. Nyk could see its face in the moonlight. “Do they have four eyes?” he asked.

  “No,” Janna replied. “The lower structures are light-emitting organs, complete with focusing lenses.”

  “A creature with headlamps!”

  “On a moonless night one may see them, flitting above the lake, searching for their prey with those headlamps.” The animal spread its wings and leapt into the air.

  “Janna, are you happy?” Nyk asked. She looked at him, her mouth open, for a long moment. “Are you leading the kind of life you anticipated when you enrolled at Vebinad Academy?”

  “Happiness has nothing to do with it,” she replied. “I'm doing my duty.”

  “Unu Deva Feti,” Nyk interjected.

  Janna nodded. “Unu Deva Feti. No one enrolls at Vebinad, or any other finishing school for that matter, in order to seek happiness. I'm a figure to the people of this colony, I'm their princess. I didn't ask for that honor. They bestowed it upon me. To answer your question directly, I'm very happy to be the wife of Mykko Wygann. He's a good man, a good leader, and a loving husband. And I delight in Mykkoin. I do wish my duties left me more time to enjoy my family.”

  “I'm surprised you have the time to spend with us,” Nyk replied.

  “I'm more than happy to make time for Andra and her friends. I do appreciate your help, Nykkyo. Friends and their assistance often arrive at surprising times. We should retire indoors as the air is becoming damp, and the dampness will bring the mizhajen -- the little biting pests. You must be tired, Nykkyo -- the time change is always wearing on one.”

  They walked toward and into the palace. Daya, carrying a portable vidisplay, ran up to Janna. “Princess, for you. Chancellor thought you should see this.”

  Janna took the display and read it, then handed it back to Daya. “Our security forces have detained Rud Vadima. He was found attending a meeting of Zygon Vellod's forces. Our intelligence chief is supervising his interrogation right now. The result may explain where those Earth weapons have gone. I'll order a summary and we'll review it in the morning.”

  7 -- The Double

  Nyk slipped from his clothes, turned down the bedcovers and slid in. He switched off the room lights, laced his fingers behind his head and closed his eyes. Light from the searchlight seeped around the blinds on his window. He heard klaxons in the distance and the muffled sounds of troops speaking on communications devices.

  The doorchime sounded. “Yes?”

  “May I come in?” He recognized Andra's voice.

  Nyk switched on the room lights. “Certainly.”

  The door slid open and she walked in. “May I sleep with you?”

  “Certainly.” He turned back the covers. Andra slipped from her robe and slid in beside him.

  He put his arm around her. She kissed his cheek. “This feels good, Nykkyo. I miss you holding me.” Nyk stroked her fine, light hair. “Would you be cross with me if I told you I wasn't in the mood?”

  “I'm not in the mood, either. It does feel good to hold you. It reminds me of our days together in Sudal. I cherish those days.”

  “So do I.” She reached a slender arm across him and pulled herself tighter against him.

  “This world is so Earth-like,” he said. “It's cold here. I'm glad there are covers on the bed. I'd be uncomfortable, otherwise.”

  “It's all beginning to make sense to me,” Andra said.

  “What makes sense?”

  “What Zander was up to -- the whole weapons plot -- it's beginning to make sense. Zander was helping Zygon Vellod's plan to seize the colony. Vellod has constructed an image for himself as a disgruntled crackpot, with a small but vocal following. I think he's more dangerous -- much more dangerous. He must be getting help from the outside.”

  “We know Zander arranged for some operatives to have paramilitary training on Earth. Vadima was among those ... You're right -- our people are so unprepared for combat. Wygann might have guns and his guards might know how to shoot, but I'm sure they have no idea what to expect in an assault. I have no idea what to expect. I'd rather not experience it.”

  “Nykkyo, I'm frightened. I know Janna's frightened, too. She's trying not to show it, but I can tell. I've heard rumors about Vellod's latest threats. It's become personal. He's vowed to target Janna and Mykkoin -- in order to hurt Wygann. For the past ten days Janna's been afraid to leave the palace. Mykkoin's an innocent little boy.”

  “All the more reason for us to be on that morning packet and on our way back to Floran.” Nyk extinguished the lights. “Veska told me Janna's the real power behind Wygann -- she's the one who convinced him to suspend elections and declare himself chancellor- for-life.”

  “I don't believe it for an instant. It sounds like typical anti-ax'amfin resentment. Many people believe us to be power-hungry witches. I've known Janna since my first day at Vebinad Academy. She and I are very much alike. Could you see me doing something like that?”

  “Of course not. You're right, it sounds like something I'd have believed before I knew you as a real person.”

  “Wygann named himself chancellor because it's what the people wanted. He's a beloved leader, and Janna's their princess. They call her that out of love for her.”

  “I'm fond of Janna, too. We're friends-for-life.”

  “You've bonded with Janna? I think you take that silly ritual more seriously than I do.” She stroked his face. “Mykko has been very good for this colony. He's raised the standard of living and there's a waiting list to immigrate here. It's a real success story.” She clutched him. “Listen ... the guard's been put on full alert. Vellod's sure to know Vadima's been caught, and he's likely to assume, interrogated.”

  “And, he's likely to assume Wygann assumes he'll try something out of desperation. If there's to be an attack, it'll be when Wygann's guard is down, not when he's on full alert.”

  “I have a bad feeling, Nyk. I think something's going to happen, and soon.”

  “Let's try to get some sleep. We must be up early to catch that packet. Nyk kissed her forehead. “Good night, my kindred spirit and friend-for-life.”

  * * *

  Nyk escorted Andra to the dining room and helped himself to a breakfast buffet. Daya entered. “Princess will join you shortly.” She looked over the buffet table. “I'll have them bring some more tea.”

  Light from the Lexalese blue sun streamed into the dining room. “That sunlight's so harsh, but this place is so cold,” Nyk said. “It is a beautiful world, though. I think I could grow to love it. Have you spent time on any other of the colonies?”

  “No,” Andra replied. “I would like to spend some time on Myataxya before I die.”

  Janna entered carrying a handheld vidisplay. “I have the summary of Vadima's interrogation. The extent of Vellod's organization is truly staggering.”

  “Vellod's sure to know Vadima's been captured,” Nyk replied.

  “We've announced on our news broadcasts that Vadima was injured, is in a coma and we're awaiting his recovery before interrogating him. It's not too far from the truth -- I'm afraid our security chief was a bit heavy-handed wi
th truth drug.”

  “Do you mind if I look over that summary?” Nyk asked. Janna handed the vidisplay to him. “I think Kronta should see this. There's no doubt of involvement from other colonies in Vellod's plan.”

  “I'll order a full transcript for you,” Janna replied. She placed her hand over a proximity pad. Daya appeared, then left to fetch the transcript. “It also appears from his interrogation that I am indeed a primary target -- along with my son. I can't allow Andra to go on that packet. I'm afraid it's too dangerous to permit her outside the safety of this palace.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Vellod has operatives stationed around the capital. These agents are armed with small, concealable Earth handguns. They'll be on the lookout for an ax'amfin traveling outside the palace. I'm afraid they'd mistake her for me. I'm confident she's safe within the confines of these walls.” Janna turned to Andra. “I'd advise you stay here until Mykko's guards can neutralize the threat.”

  “What about a disguise?” Nyk handed the vidisplay to Andra.

  “A disguise might work,” Janna replied. “I'll have Daya look into it.”

  * * *

  Nyk sat before a vidisplay in his guestroom. He entered Kronta's locator code and marked the call urgent. Kronta's image appeared. He rubbed his eyes. “It's nadir-one, Nykkyo. This had better be important.”

  “Illya, Mykko Wygann's security force has captured and interrogated Rud Vadima. I have the transcript of his interrogation here. I'll transmit it to you.”

  “Vadima?” Kronta asked.

  “Yes -- it's proof positive the Altian and Deltan colonies are secretly providing support to the Vellod faction on Lexal -- with the intent of deposing the Wygann regime. Lexal is the victim in this, Illya -- not the aggressor.”

  “This is unbelievable.”

  “It's all in the transcript.