“Isolationists?” asked Kusac, eyeridges meeting in a frown.
“A party within the Camarilla. I got the impression that they don’t all agree on matters all the time,” said Jerenn.
“Right,” Kusac got to his feet. Putting an arm around Carrie’s shoulders, he said, “Kaid, take Banner and Rezac and get us the weapons and explosives we’ll need—a mix of longer-range and close, projectiles and energy weapons, maybe even a smart machine gun.”
M’Nar stepped up to Kusac. “That’s my kind of weapon,” he said. “We were training the cubs and are very attached to Shaidan. Permission to accompany you, sir. We have a means of communicating with Unity and asking it for immediate transportation to Ghioass.”
Kusac glanced over at Dzaka.
“They were teaching Shaidan how to fight with knives and guns,” Dzaka said.
Kusac turned back to M’Nar, his myriad braids swinging as he brought his amber eyes to bear on him. “You were doing what with my son?” he asked very quietly.
“What Brother Dzaka didn’t tell you is that Shaidan begged us for extra lessons as he was convinced he would face a life-or-death situation,” said M’Nar, standing taller. “Seems he was right. Yes, we taught him how to use anything that came to hand as a weapon, but we also taught him when not to fight as well.”
Kusac stared at him and M’Nar felt the faint prickling sensation as his mind was read. “Kaid, take M’Nar and get him his gun,” Kusac said. “Tell Noolgoi to go with you. He can handle one of those.” He looked at Jerenn. “You can come, too. We might need a sniper. Meet me in the audience hall opposite in fifteen minutes.”
“Aye” said Kaid, leaving with M’Nar in tow.
“Kusac,” began Dzaka.
“Stay here with Kezule and keep my sister and the rest of the cubs safe,” interrupted Kusac, putting a hand on the other’s shoulder briefly. “You aren’t going to stop me taking the weapons I need, are you?”
“No, take what you need. There is a very real threat to all of us here if they are spying on us as this Unity says they are.”
“Kezule, no blame is attached to you. Seems my son has his own ideas when family is at stake,” Kusac said to the General.
“Very like his father.”
Kusac gave a brief smile. “I want to take my commandos with me. I’ll be taking all my people with me as well. Sixteen of us in all.”
Kezule nodded. “Understood. I’m sure they’ll wish to accompany you.”
Drawing Carrie with him, Kusac left the office and headed for the audience hall. His people were already beginning to gather there, checking over their gear, getting new energy packs and ammo for their projectile weapons, and fastening on body armor.
“You should get out of the Zsadhi outfit, Kusac,” said Carrie, accepting body armor from Jo and turning round so the other woman could fasten it on her.
“I haven’t time to go to our rooms . . .” he began, then stopped as he saw Lieutenant M’kou coming toward him carrying a gray tunic and belt.
“I saw you arrive, Captain, and thought you would need these,” he said, handing them to him.
“Thank you,” said Kusac, unfastening the loincloth and throwing it aside. He passed the sword to M’kou and, grabbing the tunic, put it on and fastened the belt with its pouches around his waist. Accepting the body armor from Cheelar, he let him fasten it. Kaid handed him his preferred guns, which he fitted into their holsters. Finally, he accepted the sword from M’kou and slipped it through his belt.
“You know we might not come back from this one,” he said quietly to Carrie, pulling her close. He rested his forehead against hers.
“We nearly didn’t come back from M’zull,” she said equally quietly. “He’s our son. I want to bring him home as much as you do.” Her voice hardened. “And to rain down death and destruction on those who took him!”
Everyone was ready at last, Garras being one of them. “I’m coming and you can’t stop me,” he said, snagging body armor from Cheelar.
“Some of us might not be coming back,” Kusac warned.
“What better reason to fight than for our young and our future,” said the older male.
“Very well,” said Kusac, stepping away from his troops. “Garras, you take command of comms,” he said, accepting a throat mic from Kaid and fitting it round his neck. “Rezac and Cheelar, you’re on point. M’Nar, bring that contact device over here, I want to talk to Unity.”
“Yes, Captain,” said M’Nar, following him, one hand on the gimbal-mounted weapon, the other reaching into his pocket. He handed the palm-sized object to him. “Unity said I couldn’t carry it and use it as I wasn’t a telepath. It should work for you, though, without the web he said I’d need.”
Kusac took the object and closed his hand around it. “Form up beside and behind me,” he said to his people. “I’m going to talk to this Unity now and ask it to transport us to where Shaidan is.” Unity, he sent. I’m Shaidan’s father. Answer me! I’m looking for my son.
Captain Aldatan, came the voice in his mind. They said you would come.
Where is my son?
I know he is on Ghioass. I’m looking for him now.
What are you? demanded Kusac.
I am an AI, and I plot the potentialities of the future so that the Camarilla may decide which course to steer. Every decision taken involves life and death, or no decision would be needed.
Kusac let that revelation pass. Right now, he wanted information that would help him find Shaidan. The Camarilla, what’s that?
It’s the council of elder species that guides the future for both the younger species like yourself, and for themselves.
What species make up the Camarilla?
The TeLaxaudin and the Cabbarans form the Camarilla, but their helpers on Ghioass are U’Churians who live there.
What does it do?
It exists to make the future as harmonious as possible. The rise of the sand-dwellers on M’zull was not harmonious, and so a solution was sought for them.
So the nanites Annuur put in my wrist were part of the solution?
They were the solution, though not the one the Camarilla voted for. The Isolationists wanted the sand-dwellers wiped out, poisoned by the nanites. Annuur and the group he belongs to decided to wipe their memories instead.
The Isolationists?
One of three parties in the Camarilla. There are the Reformists, the Moderates, and the Isolationists. The Isolationists wish to isolate themselves from every other species, but still monitor the potentialities to guide the future.
And the Reformists? asked Kusac, his anger building.
They wish to stop interfering so much in the potentialities and to include other species in the Camarilla.
So all this trouble with the M’zullians and their representative Lassimiss, who made nanites for them in the matter transmitter, could have been avoided if not for the meddling of which party?
Isolationists.
Why was my son taken? he demanded.
I believe because he could be invisible to the tracking program used by the Isolationists. Part of that is my fault because when we talked, I shielded him from any listening ears. But there were times when he did vanish.
Then it is likely the Isolationists that have taken him, sent Kusac.
It is. I have searched the records of supplies ordered by all properties they own, looking for ones to either suggest a prisoner was expected, or that they would be remaining there for some time, but have found nothing of note.
Check for several months, sent Kusac. This may be part of a long-term plan.
“The Camarilla is a council of TeLaxaudin and Cabbarans,” said Kusac loudly to his gathered forces. “Of the two, the TeLaxaudin are more dangerous. If you injure one, either make sure it’s dead, or strip it of all jewelry and belts as they all
have a miniaturized arsenal of deadly weapons. Do not shoot until I give the command.”
Unity, I want you to transport me and my people to Ghioass. To the Camarilla meeting place.
Know that I will defend myself and my people from you if you should try to harm them.
“I want those who stole my son and put his life at risk,” snarled Kusac aloud. “Stay out of my way, Unity, and no harm will come to you! Now transport us to Ghioass!”
Ghioass, Isolationist mountain retreat
“Bring the child,” said Zaimiss to Naisha. “Our officers in Camarilla been arrested. Need to know now how he hides himself.”
“Has only been an hour since you last spoke to him,” said the U’Churian. “He’s still suffering from that concussion. You might not get any sense out of him.”
“And we might. Have to try. Didn’t expect them to move against us so quickly. Fetch him.”
“As you wish,” said Naisha, inclining his head.
* * *
Shaidan opened his eyes slowly, aware he was being shaken. He stared up at the face looming over him. Instinct took over as he tried to back away, but there was nowhere to go on his cot.
“It’s all right,” said the U’Churian. “I don’t mean you any harm. They want to see you again.” A hand was held out to him.
“You’re a U’Churian,” he said.
The male bobbed his head in an affirmative gesture. “Yes. Come along. If you take too long, they’ll send Tyakar, and neither of us want that.”
Taking hold of the hand, he allowed himself to be gently drawn to his feet. “Can I have some water?” he asked. “My mouth feels terrible.”
Still holding his hand, Naisha led him to the washbasin and filled the drinking bowl that was there.
“Here you are,” he said, handing it to him. “My name is Naisha.”
Shaidan drank deeply then handed the bowl back. “Why am I here?”
Naisha led him to the doorway and out into the corridor. “I couldn’t say as they don’t tell me these things. Just answer their questions as best you can,” he said, catching him as he stumbled.
“I feel dizzy,” said Shaidan. “I want to lie down.”
“Once you’ve talked to them,” said Naisha, picking him up and carrying him.
“Who are they?”
“They are Leader Zaimiss and the people from the Isolationist party of the Camarilla. Now enough questions,” he said not unkindly.
The rest of the journey to the room full of cushions was conducted in silence. Just outside the door, Naisha put him down onto the ground. “Try not to throw up this time,” he said quietly, before opening the door.
* * *
“I tell you I don’t know how I became invisible to your sensors!” cried Shaidan, holding his throbbing cheek where Tyakar had just hit him.
“Try other questions,” said Tinzaa. “How came you to know about us?”
“Unity told me. I could feel him at the node in the swimming pool room.”
“You sensed the node?” demanded Zaimiss. “How? Well hidden it was.”
“It wasn’t. I felt it the first time I went to that part of the pool,” said Shaidan.
You strong telepath? sent the TeLaxaudin, boosting his mental talk with the web of energy laid throughout the house.
The look of surprise he gave his captor gave away his ability, so there was no use denying it. Yes, he sent back, strengthening his mental shields so he couldn’t be reached again.
“So you won’t talk mentally,” said Zaimiss. “No matter. We know how you were contacted by Unity. What did you learn from it about us?”
“Nothing. I don’t know who you are, or what you want from me,” he said, sitting down on the floor. He began to cry, covering his face with his hands. “I want my mama and papa!”
“Nothing more you will get from him,” said Tinzaa. “Truly, I believe he doesn’t know anything about how he appears invisible to us, or that he knows anything about us.”
“Take him back to his room,” said Zaimiss, mandibles clicking in annoyance. “Done with him for now are we.”
As he was pulled to his feet by Naisha, he risked a quick look at them through his fingers. It did look like they had given up on getting any information from him.
Ghioass Camarilla chamber
Needaar and the leaders of the Reformist and Moderate parties, Azwokkus and Htomshu, along with Annuur, stood clustered round the screen. There the potentialities, a roiling red and yellow of anger, were firmly seated over Ghioass.
“They will arrive any time,” said Htomshu. “Are all the Isolationists taken into custody?”
“Yes,” affirmed Annuur. “All are in the holding cells grown by yourselves adjacent to this chamber.”
“We must be here to greet them, explain ourselves . . .” began Azwokkus.
“They are here,” interrupted Annuur. “Move back and give them room.”
* * *
The darkness that surrounded them gave way suddenly to a room full of plants and trees, among which were islands of cushions and the sloping chairs of the Cabbarans. The hall was perhaps half full. Right in front of them waited a small group of four people. A glance beyond them showed the hall ringed by U’Churian warriors, all armed and standing with their backs to the wall. A group of six U’Churians detached themselves from there and moved forward to flank them. Instantly recognizable was Tirak.
“Captain Aldatan,” he said, “we’re here to support you.”
“Deploy,” said Kusac as, sword suddenly in his hand, he stepped forward. Around him, his troop fanned out to face the assembly.
“So this is where all that help on M’zull came from, eh, Annuur? Guilty consciences much? There was the Isolationist Lassimiss giving all that aid to the M’zullians against the will of your Camarilla. You had to take him out to minimize the damage he was doing, didn’t you?”
“We gave you aid to counteract what had been done against you by Isolationist policy,” said Annuur. “You know this. You helped arrest Lassimiss.”
“When were you going to tell me about my son being brought here?” he asked, his voice deadly calm. In the silence that followed, no one even breathed. “WHEN?” he roared, pointing the sword at the Cabbaran. “You hid your knowledge from me! Tell me why I shouldn’t hold you responsible for his disappearance!” Energy seemed to surround him, crackling down the sword toward Annuur.
“We are looking for him now,” said Annuur, keeping very still as he sat there on his haunches. “You think I would put cub at risk when recently I have young, too? No, friend Kusac, we try find Shaidan.”
“Too many say ‘friend Kusac’ and mean the opposite. You lied to me, Annuur! Where is he? Where are those Isolationists?”
“Most Isolationists in cells waiting interrogation,” said Annuur. “We police our own, Kusac. Welcome are you to interrogate them. Are not my own family supporting you?”
Kusac made a negative gesture with the sword, passing it just in front of Annuur’s face. “I haven’t the time for that now! Unity! Have you found him yet?”
I have found an Isolationist property that has been ordering excess supplies for the last two months. It is on Leader Zaimiss’ land, a mountain retreat.
“Unity speaks to you?” exclaimed Htomshu.
“Yes.” A sudden movement to his right drew his attention As a flare of energy blasted toward him, he retaliated with one of his own. Like lightning, it crackled down the length of his sword, catching the TeLaxaudin full in the chest and sending him flying.
“Shoot at will if we are threatened,” ordered Kusac, turning his attention back to Annuur. “Foolish of that one to try and attack. I suggest you all remain calm. Who’s in charge here?”
“No one,” began Annuur.
A TeLaxaudin near the front stood up. “The Elders are,” she s
aid. “We form a small multi-party group within the Camarilla.”
“Then make sure you do nothing to cause my people to harm you while I go after my son,” he said. “M’yikku, Noi’kkah, J’korrash, and Kushool, remain here and see they don’t interfere. Shoot if you have to. Annuur, you’re coming with me as insurance of good behavior.” He reached out and grabbed the Cabbaran by his harness, dragging him closer.
Annuur allowed himself to be pulled. “Kusac, we friends. Tirak and crew come with us, as well as my sept.”
Kusac turned to face Tirak, reaching out with his mind to scan him and his group. “Tirak, Manesh and Mrowbay, come with us. The rest support M’yikku,” he said. They could do with another medic, and Mrowbay was a good one. “As for your group,” he said to Annuur, then stopped.
“Always have I helped you and yours,” said Annuur quietly. “Now no less.”
“You withheld knowledge of what had happened to my son,” snarled Kusac.
“We tried to find him before you came,” said Annuur.
“You lied to me!”
“No, I didn’t answer you. Different.”
Kusac flung him aside, making him stumble into M’Nar, who took a couple of steps back to compensate.
“Who pushed for your mental treatment by Kizzysus?” said Annuur, trotting back to him and sitting down before him again. “Who helped you with it? Who at your side during retaking of Prime world? Tirak and me. You trust me same as him. I give you my word.”
Again, Kusac reached out with his mind, scanning the alien. Reluctantly, he nodded. “Come then, but one false move . . .” He left the rest unsaid as the other three members of Annuur’s sept trotted up to join him. They edged around M’Nar to stand in the middle of the group, creating a V formation with the addition of the three U’Churians.
“Captain,” said Annuur. “Safe house is this. Protected by nanites that can remake walls as they wish. Will also have AI. Plan you must have before leaving.”
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