Wilcer grinned. "I did. But wouldn't you be willing to give up a quarter of your wealth if it meant doubling that wealth just before? If we split Aurin's assets, as would be customary in a whistleblower scenario, we would end up well above where we are. As a governor with such wealth, I might already start at a higher rank in the district."
Bersa said, "This would be a setback I don't think we could overcome for years. We can't allow this to happen. I'll have to get a note to Jamus. One of you may have to go aboard Thelm's shuttle as slave staff."
Thelm ran the numbers in his head. His smile returned. "I have a meeting with Aurin tomorrow to discuss this situation. I'll let you know how it goes... Governor."
Chapter 24
* * *
Thelm sat eating his meal, looking at Jamus with a slight smile as they journeyed toward the Yore colony. A new galley-slave carried in a dessert tray, lowering it before the master as he took his last bite of the main course.
"Hmm. I think I will go with marmalade jubilee."
His cleaned plate was removed; the bowl of jubilee and fresh utensils were placed in front of him.
"Jamus? Have you ever had jubilee?"
"No, Master. I haven't."
"Too bad. It's wonderful."
A note was passed to Jamus as Thelm focused on the delight before him. The shuttle was on final approach to the main star-port on Yore by the time dessert was finished. Thelm left the dining room, heading to his chambers to freshen his breath. Jamus took the opportunity to read the short note.
"Turn Wilcer over to Aurin for conspiracy. Convince Aurin to conceal the incident."
Jamus hurried after his master.
The shuttle landed and Thelm walked down the ramp with Jamus several paces behind. "Master, is it wise to follow the council of Wilcer? Conspiracy to trap Aurin? Our business dealings with Aurin are very profitable. We have none with Wilcer."
"I've been contemplating that very thing."
"You have said repeatedly that Wilcer can be difficult to deal with, as was Drakis. Aurin has been quite pleasant in that regard. Do you get the feeling that Wilcer would be a tyrant as governor?"
"A tyrant? What are you saying?"
"I worry for my master. If she becomes governor, you are the one individual who knows her secret. One might think that would not bode well for you."
"Which is why I'm leaning toward that very deal."
"I don't understand. One might fear her having that knowledge. What if she were to double-cross and implicate you? Would she not end up with all of Aurin's holdings, as well as yours?"
Thelm stopped. "I suppose I hadn't considered that."
"She owes you nothing. You are beneath her. Such a move would not only place her in the governorship, but possibly high up in the rankings of the district. She certainly has incentive to do you in. And we already know her to be untrustworthy with arranging the plot against Aurin."
"Hmm. And with either deal I move into position number two."
"With the Aurin deal, you can lay claim to the entire Wilcer fortune. You wouldn't even have to share."
Thelm slowly nodded. "That does have its appeal. It is certainly less dangerous for me in the future. Aurin might even become a staunch ally."
"Seeing as how you saved him from the conspiracy. Turning in Wilcer to Aurin would be a bold and brilliant move, Master. And safe."
"Bold and brilliant... I am bold and brilliant. Yes. Wilcer should not have plotted against our governor. Let us proceed, Jamus. We have a governor to save."
Jamus said, "Does that not still leave the issue of the incident, Master? Should it be covered up?"
Thelm again stopped. "I suppose I should have that settled before entering a discussion with Aurin."
"If the district comes in, won't business be curtailed?"
"Yes. Yes it would."
"So should you use your genius to convince Aurin it would be in everyone's best interest if knowledge of this incident could be kept at the state level? Could Aurin's resources, or yours, not do a more thorough investigation? What were Drakis, and possibly Wilcer, doing with aware Humans?"
Thelm slowly nodded as he again began to walk. "I suppose I could do a thorough investigation of this."
"It might even be an adventure, Master. Imagine if you were the one to identify the truth of the matter, and then reveal it to Aurin. You do like to lecture, and this would be a perfect opportunity to show your genius."
Thelm's expression turned to a smile as he picked up the pace. "I'm feeling this is going to be another great day in a string of great days, Jamus."
"You are so deserving, Master. No one is more deserving than you."
"Yes. Yes I suppose that is true. Come, Jamus, we have a conspirator to uncover."
Bersa shook her head. "I don't know how he does it. That wasn't a very convincing argument he was making."
Dester replied, "He played Thelm's weakness. Flattery. Tell him to do something. Then tell him he's a genius for thinking it up. He seems to go for that every time."
Thelm strode into an office in a headquarters building belonging to Aurin. The smirk on his face faded as he took note of the other guest. Masterette Wilcer was seated in a chair across from Aurin.
"Uh, Master Aurin. I wasn't expecting anyone else."
Wilcer smiled. "I was just here to see that everything was in order."
Aurin said, "Since this incident with the slaves is the topic of discussion, let's get on with it. Wilcer has convinced me to keep this from the district. We have the means to investigate this thoroughly. Why allow them to interfere in such a localized matter? Are you in agreement with this Thelm?"
"I... uh... I'm not certain. Please tell me what you've heard so far."
Jamus sat on the floor behind his master, his head bowed as to not cast his eyes on the others in the room.
Aurin frowned. "Is this the Human I've been hearing about? You take him everywhere?"
"I... uh... he's a good servant, Master Aurin. I take him as a convenience. He follows commands immediately and does exactly as I say."
Aurin looked at Wilcer with a smirk. "Don't all Humans do that? If not, don't you just get another?"
Thelm's demeanor told of his embarrassment.
Jamus stood, maintaining his gaze at the floor. "Master, forgive me. I forgot to bring the beverage as you requested, the one prescribed for your health."
Thelm turned, momentarily confused as to what to say.
Bersa winced. "I hope he didn't just reveal himself."
"Should I return to the shuttle for it, Master?"
"Uh... please excuse me for one moment. My physician has me on a special concoction."
Thelm turned. "Yes, Jamus. Please fetch the beverage. You will receive your punishment when I return to the ship."
"Do you want the red or the blue?"
Thelm stared for several seconds. "Master, Masterette, please forgive this intrusion. I shall be right back."
Thelm followed Jamus into the hall with an enraged expression. "What are you doing?" he whispered. "That was embarrassing!"
"I'm sorry, Master. It seems Wilcer is attempting to turn Aurin against you. You should fear for your life and wealth."
"What?"
"If they move to conceal this incident, they will want someone to pin it on if all goes wrong. That someone will be you. I don't want to see the most brilliant master I've ever served being used for such."
"What should I do?"
"Stick to the plan. Convince Aurin that Wilcer is a conspirator."
"She is right there in the room with us."
"Yes. She is right there without the ability to deny what you say. Explain how she would benefit from the arrangement. All Aurin needs is suspicion. From there, convince him of the loyalty of the second in command he will have. You are a genius, Master. Go in there with confidence, knowing you are doing the right thing."
"And what is this nonsense about a health beverage?"
"We needed an e
xcuse to give you a moment to think. Now that you have a firm plan, you can go in and crush Wilcer before she crushes you. You are the most brilliant. You have the confidence and conviction to see this through. Be bold and brilliant, Master. You will be the ultimate winner here."
"Come with me. Take your seat on the floor."
Thelm walked back into the room with a smile. "My apologies. The beverage was consumed before I came over. I had another slave bring it to me. Jamus was not informed. He was merely looking out for his master's health."
Wilcer scowled. "You are disturbed for bringing that slave with you, Thelm. People are starting to talk."
"Hmm. Are they talking about your conspiracy to overthrow Governor Aurin?"
"What?"
"Yes, the conspiracy you hatched just yesterday on your shuttle. You asked me to convince the governor to conceal the incident while you went to the district to reveal his transgression. Once the district arrived and confirmed the incident, you planned on keeping two-thirds of Aurin's fortune while passing a third to me. Is that what people are talking about?"
Aurin looked at Wilcer with an angry expression. "Is that true, Wilcer? You would have me deposed and then steal my fortune?"
Wilcer stood. "This is an outrage. Your conspiracy here is to overthrow me! You have no evidence that I was plotting anything as such!"
Thelm turned. "Jamus, please stand."
The slave quietly stood, averting his eyes.
"Were you with me yesterday when I went to visit Masterette Wilcer?"
"Yes, Master. I was."
"And did she propose overthrowing the governor?"
"I... I don't know what overthrow means, Master. Forgive me."
Thelm huffed. "Did she state that I should convince the governor to conceal this incident?"
"Concealing was mentioned, Master. Yes."
"And did she mention notifying the district authorities about this act?"
"Yes, Master. The district authorities were mentioned."
Wilcer waved her hands in an expression of chaos. "This means nothing. There is no evidence there. We discussed the concealment and we discussed what would happen if the district were to come in."
Aurin nodded. "I can't say that was all too convincing, Thelm."
Jamus took a step forward, still bowing his head. "On the way over here, Master was concerned for the safety of the governor. He expressed concern that Masterette Wilcer was plotting against Betuaon State. Wanting to control it for herself."
"This is an outrage! This slave has no right to talk. And this is hearsay!"
Aurin stared for several seconds. "Thelm, is this true?"
"It is, Governor. I came here with the goal of protecting you. I was dismayed at hearing Masterette Wilcer's plot against you."
Aurin said, "Both of you… be seated."
Jamus took a seat on the floor behind his master's chair as Thelm sat.
"Especially you, Wilcer. I'm calling a governor's court. Thelm, you will be my witness."
Wilcer's expression turned to one of terror.
A recorder was started. "I, Governor Aurin, ruler of Betuaon State, use the authority given to me by my wealth to condemn former Masterette Wilcer for conspiracy to overthrow the Betuaon government. As witnessed by the testimony of Master Thelm."
Thelm nodded. "Confirmed."
Aurin opened a comm. "Guards, please come in here. We have a traitor among us."
Two Brekan soldiers, the governor's personal guards, walked into the room.
Aurin pointed. "Take this traitor Wilcer for termination. Let her name never be spoken again."
Thelm displayed a smug look as Wilcer was taken from the room. "Brilliant, Governor. She would have been the undoing of us all."
"Yes… I was not expecting such dealings today. And we still have the matter of the incident. How do I conceal the fact that five hundred Humans were aware and being held in a secret location?"
"It would seem you already have your completed investigation, Governor. Wilcer was obviously conspiring with Drakis to use the slaves to take over Betuaon State. Your efforts uncovered the plot and brought those involved to justice. There is no need to notify District. The incident is already resolved."
"That is weak, Thelm."
"You have my testimony. You have the evidence of the Humans on Lentrep, a colony overwhelmingly owned by Masterette Wilcer. Was it not her responsibility to govern that colony? Including the lands that belong to others?"
"It was."
"Then I believe we have a strong case. And our conviction that it is a strong case, should the need to discuss it further ever arise. That conviction will be convincing enough. There was a situation, and you, as governor, a strong governor, took charge and cleaned it up."
Aurin nodded. "I suppose that is a decently strong case. Thelm, you are entitled to the fortunes of the conspirator. That wealth places you within arm’s reach of this chair. I hope you have no designs on it of your own."
Aurin sat and stared at Jamus. "And that Human. Please don't disgrace my office with that foul being again."
Thelm smiled. "I am here to serve the governor. You have been just and good and fair to all. I will be delighted to be your number two. And my slave will remain away from your presence from here on."
The meeting ended with Thelm grinning from ear to ear as they walked back to the shuttle. "Splendidly, Jamus... that went splendidly."
"Yes, Master. You were brilliant as usual. Justice has been done by your hand today."
"Yes. By my hand. Justice. Again I find myself wanting to celebrate on this most superb of days. I'm thinking of gracing the game crowds on Polous with my presence."
"They aren't deserving of your greatness, Master, but I'm certain they will be appreciative of any time you would bestow on them. It might be a good time to release the news of your new position. Perhaps you should make use of your media company to push the story out there?"
"Hmm. I believe I will."
"You should invite your friend Master Hallik. He would appreciate the gesture, seeing as how he has now become the new number three in all of Betuaon. How better to bask in your new glory than to have someone to discuss it with?"
"You sometimes scare me, Jamus. Your thoughts are un-Human."
"I only function in this manner because of the greatness I see before me every day."
"Yes, I suppose there is that. Come, Jamus. We must prepare ourselves for a day of celebration, and let the people know the House of Thelm is once again on a meteoric rise."
"I wouldn't term it as such, Master. Those above you, such as the governor, might take it the wrong way. Especially given what just transpired. Perhaps something like ‘the House of Thelm is once again worthy of the dignity and respect it has always commanded.’"
Thelm sighed. "Adequate I suppose. I'll have to think on it."
The shuttle lifted, headed back to Polous. A grand day of celebration was to be had.
Chapter 25
* * *
Hallik stood before the others in the Beta Station lounge. "My success is your success. Your efforts have moved me to the number three position in Betuaon, also holding careful control of the number two master. Our efforts will now turn toward the removal of Master Aurin from his position as governor. With the expulsion of Drakis and Wilcer, those below us, whose positions we overtook, have now once again earned their old positions, and each will be grateful to me for the support I have given them. At the moment, we have no enemies in all of Betuaon."
Dester crossed his arms. "So Pilor and Poch are OK with you? Even Snooka?"
Hallik nodded. "Even Snooka. Each has been restored to their prior rank. And each now have slightly more wealth than before. There are no reasons for them to be unhappy. Each of you should be proud of what we've managed to accomplish."
Bersa said, "In addition to Betuaon, we have initiatives running in a half-dozen states within the Talion District. After being shown potential profits, many of the other states�
� masters are eager to do business with us. There's a sense out there that Betuaon is somehow becoming wealthy. False of course, but a rumor nonetheless. The complacency in the empire is making the lure of easy money almost too much to resist."
"Yes," Hallik replied. "As a consequence of our success, you will now be moving on to missions outside of Betuaon. Dester, you and Jim will be joining the shuttle slave crew of Master Faunic. Tamia, you, Kerena, and Martin will be joining the home staff of Masterette Thock. She detests shuttles and instead has palatial homes on four state government colony planets—one here on Yore. You three will be in her main palace on Koodesh. Martin will be a gardener, Kerena dining staff, and Tamia a personal chambermaid. Dester, you will be the valet for Faunic on his shuttle. Jim, you will be doing your customary floor polishing on the same."
Hallik glanced around the room. "Does anyone have any questions?"
"When do we start?" asked Dester.
"Final arrangements are being made as we speak. For Mr. Marr and Mr. Wazny, that may be as soon as this evening. You are both familiar with the layout of a standard shuttle, and of the tasks you will be performing, so general training for this mission is not required. What you will be studying this afternoon are the businesses, holdings, and associates of Master Faunic.
"Mr. Marr, Master Thelm will be paying a visit to the Bergo colony to meet with Faunic. We are hoping you will be able to establish a relationship with Faunic like Thelm has with Mr. Turnbull. Tread carefully if you choose to pursue that."
In the week that followed, both teams were deployed. Jim made an effort to follow the bridge crew around as he polished the floors to a high sheen. Dester got the ear of his master, mostly by making disparaging remarks about others, remarks that had his master in a constant chuckle. It seemed the Talions were easily manipulated and easily entertained. Faunic and Thelm became fast friends, hanging out with each other and their semi-smart slaves.
At the Koodesh colony, Martin was right at home in the garden. Masterette Thock was fixated on the presentation of the grounds of her main estate. Martin had a green thumb, winning praise from his new owner, often following her around with her guests as they walked and talked among the flowering plants and trees.
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