Isolate

by L. E. Modesitt Jr.

  He wondered if he’d ever know.

  The restaurant was almost empty, possibly because it was only a third past fifth bell and most midday customers hadn’t arrived, and also because far fewer would frequent the hotel restaurant on the first day of Summerend Festival.

  The two sat down at a corner table. After their lagers were delivered and their orders taken, Obreduur lifted his beaker. “To surviving the bastards.”

  “To surviving.”

  “What did you think about the lieutenant patroller?” asked Obreduur.

  “He wanted us out of there, and he wanted us gone safely. I don’t think he likes Security agents, but he knew more than he should. He knew where we were staying. Of course, he might have asked Jareld, but would he have done that in a quick questioning?”

  “I usually stay there.” Again, Obreduur’s tone was casual.

  “But he didn’t even ask if you were staying there, as usual. Also, a patroller shot the false patroller, and that happened almost instantly.”

  “You noticed that.”

  “After the fact. I was too busy dealing with the other one at the time. What do you think?”

  “You first, Steffan.”

  Dekkard took a second swallow of Riverfall before answering. “I think the false doorman was a New Meritorist planted to kill District Councilor Vandenburg. He’s a Commercer, isn’t he?”

  “No … he was a Landor, but in outlook he might as well have been a Commercer.”

  “Then he probably did something that injured someone very close to the doorman, and the Meritorists used an empath to instill cold determination in the false doorman to kill Vandenburg … and then any other councilor close by. Avraal didn’t sense him because he stepped outside just after the demonstrators started chanting and Security headquarters exploded. That also showed that someone knew you’d have an empath. They also might have picked Vandenburg because the hatred wouldn’t have been focused on you.”

  Obreduur took a small swallow from his beaker. “What else?”

  “I think the false patroller was a freelance special operative planted to kill you, and someone in Security killed him because I only wounded him and they were afraid Avraal might get some revealing information from him. That’s really a guess … because there’s nothing to support it except the speed with which he was killed.”

  “The lieutenant didn’t want to explain to his superiors about you, either,” said Obreduur.

  “If he’s like some patrollers, he doesn’t like the higher-ups in Security … or Security agents.”

  Obreduur nodded, but only looked toward the server who approached with their food, a lamb cassoulet for Dekkard and a chorizo sandwich for Obreduur, with a fresh fruit salad.

  Once the server left, Obreduur said, “That’s likely, even if we can’t prove it. I also think the lieutenant wants it all to go away, because he can’t bring out what he suspects. If you hadn’t stopped that patroller, he would have vanished, and my death would have been attributed to the false doorman and the New Meritorists.” Obreduur smiled. “Needless to say, I’m very grateful to you and Avraal.”

  “What happens now?” asked Dekkard.

  “Do you mean what do I intend to do now? As Ingrella said, we need to get back to Machtarn. So, as soon as we finish eating, we’re going to the ironway station. If that doesn’t work, we’ll go to Guldoran Ironway headquarters, but that may not be necessary.”

  Dekkard had the feeling that, one way or another, they’d all be on an express headed to Machtarn on Findi. He also needed to send a message to his parents.

  73

  BY first bell on Findi morning, Dekkard and Ysella—and the four Obreduurs—were all in private compartments on the Machtarn Express. Obreduur hadn’t even had to leave the station on Quindi. Once the arrangements had been made, Dekkard had sent a message to his family telling them he was headed back to Machtarn because of what had happened at the opening of the Summerend Festival.

  Ingrella, Herrardo, Gustoff, Nellara, and Ysella hadn’t gotten back to Oersynt until the second bell of night on Quindi, but Ingrella and Ysella had also brought all the clothing that Dekkard and Ysella had left in the house in Malek. Dekkard was most grateful, since it was a significant fraction of his total wardrobe, unlike Ysella, who he suspected might scarcely have noticed the loss. Ysella had also brought the box of practice knives, pointing out that they weren’t doing anyone any good being unused in Malek. The other fact of note was that none of the Security patrollers had questioned Herrardo about where Obreduur was staying in Oersynt.

  As the express pulled out of the Oersynt station, Dekkard sat beside Ysella rereading the news story that had been in The Oersynt Press, a story that he’d barely had time to glance at, since the morning edition had just hit the streets when they had arrived at the station.

  NEW MERITORISTS ATTACK GULDOR

  Yesterday, the subversive group termed the New Meritorists staged demonstrations in more than twelve cities and a handful of towns. In Oersynt and other cities, explosions destroyed the regional Security headquarters. It is estimated that more than a hundred Security personnel and others died as a result. Those cities included Oersynt, Eshbruk, Endor, Neewyrk, Ondeliew, Siincleer, and Kathaar …

  Not Machtarn? But since the story had other news from Machtarn, it was likely that there had been no demonstrations there. But had there been demonstrations in smaller cities like Gaarlak or Suvion?

  … In six cities, District Councilors were attacked, three of whom died, including District Council head Arturo Vandenburg of Oersynt. Four Councilors of the Council of Sixty-Six were attacked, three fatally. Most noted of those killed was Ivaan Maendaan, of Endor, Chairman of the Council’s Security Committee. The other two Councilors who died were Antony Devoule of Chuive and Demarais Haaltf of Eshbruk …

  Dekkard could see why the New Meritorists had targeted Maendaan, but not the other two, since Devoule was an almost unheard-of Landor and Haaltf a Commercer placeholder. He looked to Ysella. “Do you have any thoughts on why the New Meritorists would have targeted Devoule or Haaltf? They’re not exactly well-known.”

  “Maybe to make the point that councilors are faceless?”

  “That’s true enough, but … that’s awfully intellectual for a supposedly popular uprising.”

  “You said that they were intelligent, and the councilor called them brilliant idiots.”

  “Good point.” Dekkard went back to reading.

  … Premier Ulrich has called the Sixty-Six back into session on Duadi, saying that was “the soonest feasible date for all Councilors to be able to return to Machtarn.”

  … none of those who attacked councilors appear to have survived …

  None? Because Security immediately shot them or they died being interrogated or they suicided or were killed by other New Meritorists so that they couldn’t reveal anything? Or some of each? Regardless … any of those were chilling.

  … Minister of Security Lukkyn Wyath declared that Security was already detaining and questioning all known members of the shadowy organization …

  Dekkard winced at that, wondering if his suggestion to Minz had spurred that … or if Security had already been tracking down existing suspects as well as those who printed and received the New Meritorist book.

  When he finished the article, he looked to Ysella. “Would you like another look at this?”

  She shook her head. “I read it when you were dealing with the baggage. Once was enough.”

  “What do you think?”

  “You were right. There are more unhappy people than Obreduur and I thought.”

  “I never said that.”

  Ysella smiled. “You didn’t have to. The questions you asked and your physical reactions to what the councilor said or proposed indicated you thought they were a bigger problem than we did. He’ll probably ask you for suggestions in dealing with them.”

  “Ingrella will have better suggestions than I do.”

  “Possibly,
but the more good ideas he has, the more effective he can be.”

  “So long as Ulrich is the Premier and the Commercers control the ministries,” said Dekkard, “matters will get worse.”

  “Why do you think so?”

  “Because they think in terms of controlling people. That only works if most people accept things as they are … or if the government is willing and able to apply massive force against them … and the people know the government will. The numbers of demonstrators show that those who are dissatisfied aren’t a tiny minority—”

  “Do you think there are that many?”

  Ysella looked up at Obreduur standing in the open compartment door.

  The councilor stepped into the compartment and closed the door. He nodded to Dekkard. “Go ahead, Steffan.”

  Dekkard moistened his lips, then said, “The Press reported at least twelve cities had demonstrations. There were possibly five hundred demonstrators just in Oersynt. That’s people who were willing to risk detention, interrogation, and possibly death. How many others are there that believe the same thing, but aren’t quite that strong in their belief, and how many more will turn against the government after the Commercers crack down on the New Meritorists? Five times the number in the square? Ten times? Multiply that by twelve cities as well. Also, if the government cracks down hard, that will cut two ways. It will please those with wealth and power, but it’s likely to create more support for the demonstrators from those who’ve lost jobs to the new mills and to new machines like the punch-card looms. They’re the ones who don’t see government doing that much for them. Many will be shocked by the use of force because the government has minimized reports of how it used force before.”

  “That’s true,” agreed Obreduur. “Do you really think the New Meritorists will gain that much support? Even if they have a few hundred thousand followers, that’s less than half the population of just Oersynt … let alone of Guldor.”

  “It’s not just the numbers,” Dekkard pointed out. “It’s also who’s among those numbers. We don’t know how many regional Security headquarters buildings were destroyed, but I’d wager it’s more than ten. Any organization that can destroy that many buildings across Guldor almost simultaneously without being detected is going to be a problem … and not a little one. They have people with technical expertise and enough knowledge of Security to have avoided being caught.” Dekkard paused. “They’ve targeted agents and their supervisors and records, and not day-to-day street patrollers. These people aren’t thugs or common criminals.”

  “They’re highly skilled political terrorists, you’re saying.” Obreduur looked to Dekkard.

  “I don’t know what they are, but the Council and the Security Ministry are underestimating them.”

  “You’ve made that point before,” said Obreduur. “What do you suggest we do?”

  “Do whatever’s necessary to discredit the Commercers and keep doing it.”

  “Keep doing it?” asked Ysella.

  “As the councilor has pointed out before, even thirty Craft seats won’t be enough to form a government … unless people are convinced that the Commercers have made such a mess of governing that a significant number of councilors don’t want to be tied to the current government … or even to the Commerce Party. In my opinion, a quick push for new elections will just result in cosmetic change, with them still in charge. The only hope we have is to keep enough unfavorable information flowing so that if the Imperador calls for new elections it will seem like they’re trying to keep it from coming out.”

  “In short, keep them busy trying to put out fires, and create the impression of unending incompetence and corruption?” asked Obreduur dryly.

  “Impression?” asked Dekkard sardonically.

  “Most people think they’re competent,” replied Obreduur. “Self-centered and greedy, but competent.”

  “How competent is a government that allows its regional Security headquarters to be blown up? Or refuses to collect proper tariffs to impoverish starving artisans? Or allows corporacions favorable tariffs for their foreign manufactories so that they can close those in Guldor and throw workers on the streets? Or looks the other way when the key personnel of small corporacions vanish or are killed when they underbid larger concerns? Or when corporacions use influence to plunder a Naval Coal Reserve and none of the senior officials are given more than a slap on the wrist?” Dekkard paused, then added, “That’s just what I’ve seen in the last year. I’m sure there’s more.”

  “The newssheets might not print any of that,” Obreduur pointed out.

  “The Security buildings have been destroyed. The ministry headquarters was gutted. It’s fair to ask why. And if handbills start showing up asking why Security was pressuring the newssheets not to ask why they can’t find the perpetrators, and why it’s more important to keep it out of the news than to find who’s behind it…?”

  “That’s a dangerous approach,” Obreduur said. “You’d need a number of councilors willing to speak up. Would you … if you were a councilor?”

  “If we want to restore the Great Charter, I don’t see any choice, because if the Commercers stay in power, they’ll use the New Meritorists as an excuse to consolidate and increase their power over everything. This might be the only choice—”

  Obreduur laughed. “You outlined the case for why a councilor should speak up, but you didn’t answer the question. If you were a councilor, knowing it might cost you your life…”

  “I’ve already made that choice in a way.”

  For a moment, Obreduur frowned. Then he nodded. “I hadn’t thought of it that way, but you have … and you’ve acted on that decision.”

  “So have you, sir.”

  Obreduur shook his head. “Not as openly as you and Avraal have.” He paused. “You know … and I hate to say this … but in a way the New Meritorists have a point. Not enough councilors have been willing to stand up openly for what they believe in. That’s something we’ll have to change, without changing the Great Charter.”

  “That won’t be easy,” said Ysella. “Especially with Ulrich’s control of Security.”

  “What about introducing legislation to split Security into two separate ministries?” suggested Dekkard. “A Ministry of Public Safety and a Ministry of National Information?”

  “National Information?” Ysella raised her eyebrows.

  “A polite way of saying that they gather information on everyone and police the newssheets,” returned Dekkard. “Even debate over such a bill might be useful. You already have the votes necessary to force a floor debate, and the Great Charter doesn’t specify ministries by name. And the newssheets might actually find it interesting.”

  “Security might shut them down,” pointed out Ysella.

  “More information for broadsheets,” replied Dekkard.

  “At times, Steffan,” said Obreduur, “your proposed tactics seem more like those of the New Meritorists.”

  Dekkard shook his head. “You use the broadsheet to point out that Security won’t allow the newssheets to print what the Council is debating. Then when someone gets detained, or a story gets pulled by Security, Ingrella and the legalists file a motion with the High Justiciary pointing out that Security is censoring public debate and that the Great Charter specifies that all matters debated by the Sixty-Six must be a matter of public record. Since Security is forbidding the release of that information, it’s acting against the Great Charter, and the broadsheet publishers are acting in accord with the Charter.”

  “You have some intriguing ideas,” replied Obreduur. “I’ll consult my legalist. In the meantime, get some rest. I have the feeling we won’t get much in the next few weeks.” He opened the door and moved toward his own compartment.

  “Did you mean to unsettle him?” asked Ysella. “What you proposed…” She shook her head.

  “Are you hinting that I’m not that different from the New Meritorists? The only thing we share is the feeling that things aren’t right.
But the Craft Party won’t be successful unless it reaches the people in the middle. That’s people like Halaard Engaard … or poor Markell. The Commercers believe everything they do is in accord with the Holy Three. It’s their divine mandate to control everything, and they can’t be convinced otherwise. The workers and crafters already support the Craft Party. Those in the middle have to be shown what evil the Commercers have done and are doing. If you and the councilor have a better way of doing that…” Dekkard shrugged, a gesture of helplessness, frustration, and a bit of anger. “I know I’m just a security aide who’s learned a bit, and that little bit makes me dangerous to myself and everyone else, but just getting four more Craft seats in the next election won’t do it. If we don’t make certain that everyone knows the current mess has been caused by the Commercers, the Craft Party could even lose seats, because, when the Commercers crack down on the New Meritorists, it will seem like they’re doing something, even if it’s putting more chains on everyone except the wealthiest Commercers.” Dekkard stopped, offering an embarrassed smile.

  “Obreduur knows that,” replied Ysella, “but he could never afford to say it that bluntly, without losing as many people as he gained. Great conviction expressed passionately in support of a political view scares people … especially those people in the middle that you mention.”

  Dekkard opened his mouth, then thought better of it and considered Ysella’s words for a time before finally replying. “That makes sense. I don’t like it, though. How…”

  “How much you say and how you say it depends on whom you’re saying it to … and where you’re saying it.”

  Dekkard shook his head. “It’s a good thing I’m not a councilor.”

  “Do you want to be one?” Her tone was curious, not sardonic.

  “I never thought about it. As an isolate…”

  “As an isolate you can be a councilor. There have been a few. Just not in the last century. I’m the one who can’t be.”