Ranh

by Ian J Miller

  "Indeed," Hadell nodded. "In the meantime, we must find out how bad the situation is before we commit ourselves to any course of action."

  They sat in silence as the capsule continued. Eventually it slowed, stopped, and they disembarked to find further guards ready to escort them. This time protocol was followed. The Sergeant of the Guard took the lead; Hadell followed approximately five paces behind, Kazyn followed to Hadell's left, and the remaining guards followed ten meters behind Kazyn. They slow-marched in step along the corridors, up the stairs, and finally reached the door to the Meeting Room. The Sergeant struck the door with his staff, and announced the presence of the Kuyrills. The door opened, and the two Kuyrills marched solemnly up between the delegates' benches to the small table placed before the dais of Tenzat Tergyn. They solemnly bowed to the Tenzat, then to the delegates on each side, then they took their allocated seats.

  "The Curia welcomes you home," Tenzat Tergyn said. His tone seemed strained, as if trying to force friendliness where there was none.

  "Our party is pleased to be home," Hadell replied in a formal tone.

  There was a long pause, then finally Tergyn spoke, "We would be interested to hear your report."

  "You will receive a formal report in due course," Hadell replied. "The recommendations will of course depend on the Curia's formal policy."

  "Is such a delay necessary?" Tergyn asked irritably.

  "When I left," Hadell replied quietly, "the policy was that Tenzat Tallyn would keep us informed of current policy of the Curia. However, once the war came to Earth, no further statements arrived. Because I did not receive statements regarding the policy of the Curia, it is difficult to present the report until I familiarize myself with such policy." She paused, then continued, "In terms of the protocols of the expedition, I cannot formulate the report until I speak with Tallyn to determine why such support was withdrawn."

  "That cannot be done," Tergyn replied firmly. "Tallyn is dead. That is why he is no longer Tenzat. You must give us a preliminary report."

  "I see," Hadell said, as she proceeded to ignore the last instruction. "How did he die?"

  "He just died," Tergyn said quickly. "It was quite sudden, and quite unexpected. He must have had a heart attack or something."

  "I see." Hadell said. Her expression was cold. "A message could have been sent," she added even more coldly.

  "Yes, that was an oversight," Tergyn replied hurriedly, "however that does not get us around the present problem."

  "What problem?" Hadell asked. "How is our return a problem?"

  "Not that," Tergyn replied with irritation in his voice. "You indicated before you left Earth that up to three Ulsian battleships might come here from Earth. We need know what has happened so we know how to formulate our response."

  Hadell looked up in surprise. The two other Ranhynn ships would have returned, so most of the information would be available. That would include the fact that Hadell and Kazyn alone had made close contact with Terrans, including the Roman who commanded Ulsian fleets. Tergyn wanted to know the nature of the relationship between them.

  It appeared as if Tenzat Thapet Tergyn thought that she would refuse, for he continued, "All of Ranh wants to know!"

  Hadell looked up in surprise. "This is being broadcast?" she asked curiously.

  "Yes, it is. Weren't you told?" This was said in the tone of someone speaking to an unseen audience rather than out of any concern to uncover incompetence.

  "As it happens, no," Hadell said. She was about to add that the guards were too busy removing listening devices, but decided against it. Their arrival had probably been broadcast, with that aspect deleted, and it would do no good to make a public complaint. All that would happen would be that the issue would be brought to a head at this moment, when she knew too little of the ramifications, or the broader context.

  "So, will you inform your planet?"

  "Of course," Hadell nodded. She wondered where the cameras were, and guessed they would be behind and beside her, to maximise attention on Tergyn, and to minimize attention on them. "As I am sure you are aware," Hadell began tonelessly, "Ulse sent two mainline battleships, with two Terrans who had been abducted but had reached the top of the Ulsian military, after approximately thirty damaged M'starn ships. One Ulsian ship passed close to Ranh and requested our assistance under Treaty obligations. You will also recall that prior to this, Ranhyn policy was ambivalent at best, and could reasonably be constructed as being willing to turn on Ulse, despite Treaty and Federation obligations, if the M'starn looked like winning. Such a desire to be on the winning side rather than honour our obligations was, of course, passed centuries ago, and is outside our control, but the problem is, the two Ulsian Terrans directly experienced it.

  "In any event," Hadell continued without expression, "the M'starn made their presence felt by taking control of Sol 4, and a state of war was under way before the Ulsian vessels arrived. Eventually the Roman Marshall came into contact with the Terran Commissioner for Defence. That position corresponds roughly to that of a Tenzat but in the Great Conclave, and she was effectively supreme commander and Dictator on Earth for the duration of hostilities.

  "The Terrans are somewhat behind us in terms of technology," Hadell explained, "nevertheless they have developed two technologies that penetrate all defensive shields, and hence can destroy all advanced warships. They have not developed the advanced drive systems, however they seem to be on the verge of developing the inertial equivalence unit, and they have developed an oddly designed motor based on the irrelevant quarks, so in principle they could become interstellar travellers at any time.

  "In the final battle the Terran forces defeated over two thirds of the enemy forces, hence could claim to have won without Ulsian assistance. It did not go unnoticed to the Roman Marshall that a request for assistance from Ranh," and at this point Hadell turned around so that it was clear she was addressing the planet, not the Curia, "was met with three light reconnaissance vessels. There was a feeling that Ranh was more interested in an opportunistic conquest of Earth than in meeting its Treaty obligations . . ."

  "That's not true," the Tenzat snapped.

  "It is true that no significant battle force arrived," Hadell snapped back.

  "There were other issues," the Tenzat muttered.

  "That may be true," Hadell explained, again to the cameras, "which is why Earth has sent the then Commissioner for Defence and Space Development to meet with this Curia and determine whether the two planets can enter a peace treaty, in accord with the terms we have agreed anyway when we signed the treaty with Ulse."

  "The Terrans are aware of Ulse?" the Tenzat said. "That completes the treaty obligations with respect to them."

  "Only to a point," Hadell replied evenly. "An Ulsian Fleet Marshall made contact because assistance was required to defeat the enemies of Ulse, and Ranh had refused to provide suitable assistance. If Ranh were to try to take advantage of such a disclosure, Ulse would be forced to fight on Earth's side."

  "Given time," the Tenzat pointed out.

  "And so would Kroth," Hadell pointed out, "and I would point out they may not need a lot of encouragement. Not only that, but they may have already sent a fleet to assist against the M'starn. They could be here any time."

  "So the Terrans have come to threaten us?"

  "They have come to negotiate peace. We are certain there are no ulterior motives at present. After all, they do not have any means of bringing war to Ranh."

  "If they have come to negotiate peace, why have they come in Ulsian warships?"

  "They were the only ships available that can come up to near light speed," Hadell pointed out.

  "Yes, but why three?"

  "You will have to ask the Ulsian Marshall, but my guess would be to provide safety. Given that Ranh did not honour its obligations, he may have felt less than secure."

  "Surely he doesn't think three ships could defeat our fleet?" the Tenzat spat in incredulity.

  "Of
course not," Hadell shook her head, "but suppose the entire Ranhyn fleet launched in their direction, what would you think? They would have time to get away. If they had sent one low class ship, they would not know what to make, say, of two cruisers heading their way. It could be two ships going somewhere. Enough ships to have any hope against those three ships would not head towards them by accident."

  "So you recommend?"

  "The Curia meets their delegation in good faith," Hadell said simply. "Kazyn has agreed to introduce the Commissioner to the Curia, and to advise her."

  "Is that an appropriate action for one of our agents?" the Tenzat's eyes bored into Kazyn.

  "For two reasons, yes," Kazyn replied, ignoring his mother's gesture to remain silent. "The first is that I gave my word under holy oath that I would do this, therefore I must. I gave my word because the Commissioner had assisted the crews of the rather inappropriate Ranhynn ships this Curia sent. The second reason," he turned again to the cameras, "is that in my opinion peace between the two planets is the best outcome, and hence I should do my part to attain it."

  "That is for the Curia to decide," the Tenzat snapped. "Not for a young . . ." He paused, as if realizing that care with words was required.

  "There are two practical outcomes," Kazyn addressed the planet. "Either we invade Earth or we do not. If we do, we invite Kroth and Ulse to destroy our civilization, and on top of that, Earth is not the walkover some may think. They have, after all, destroyed a number of advanced warships and they have probably acquired a reasonable amount of M'starn technology, which was good enough to seriously trouble Ulse. If we do not invade Earth, what is the point in not having a treaty? Are we waiting for them to get sufficient technology to invade us?"

  "They wouldn't have a hope," the Tenzat sneered.

  "Right now, that is correct," Kazyn replied, "but in the long term, I wouldn't count on it. In any case, why not do the honourable thing and at least negotiate in good faith? Why risk the future of our species for no good reason?"

  "So, you two have it all worked out?" the Tenzat mused. "Are you challenging me?"

  "Of course not," Hadell replied. "Why should I consider challenging your performance? It's only within the last hour that I've even known that you were Tenzat."

  "So what are you going to do?"

  "I request the right for a formal grieving," Hadell said.

  "Tallyn has been dead for years," the Tenzat frowned.

  "Yes," Hadell said, "but we only received the news now."

  "Of course," the Tenzat nodded, and seemed to realize that he needed to appear more gracious than he had been, if only for the public. "The Curia grants such a right. And you, Kazyn, what are you going to do?"

  "Grieve," Kazyn said simply.

  "And then? Do you challenge?"

  "Once upon a time," Kazyn said, avoiding the question, "I used to fancy myself as a skilled tailball player. I might try to see if any team will try me out."

  "Oh!" replied a surprised Tenzat. He realized that the question had been skilfully avoided, but to re-ask it left him open to the question, 'What did he fear?' a question that he did not wish to hear on a planet-wide transmission. Instead, he faced the cameras, and announced that he wished Kazyn well, and was sure that he would hear from at least one major club. He then offered them leave.

  Hadell quickly acknowledged, and bowed both to the Tenzat, and to the Curia. Kazyn similarly bowed, and they left.

  "I suppose it was too much to ask you to remain silent where possible," Hadell shook her head.

  "Changed circumstances," Kazyn said softly. "If I am to have a political future, I could hardly remain silent."

  "At least you did quite well," Hadell acknowledged. "You neatly avoided the issue of a challenge."

  "Thank you."

  "You're thinking of it, aren't you?" her eyes bored into him.

  "It hadn't occurred to me until he asked," Kazyn said softly. "That's what I don't understand. Why ask? It's almost as if he feared a challenge!"

  "Perhaps he does have fears," Hadell muttered.

  "Yes, but why?"

  "I have no idea," Hadell replied. "Are you really going to get side-tracked with tailball?"

  "It's not being side-tracked," Kazyn protested. "It's all about getting noticed. It's something I picked up on Earth. A politician needs to be popular, and that means he needs to be known. Apart from that broadcast, I am unknown."

  "You're not a champion, you know," Hadell cautioned.

  "That's true," Kazyn said, "but the point is, everyone interested in tailball will be watching out for me. Tailball might be the only thing some remember from that broadcast."

  "That's also true," Hadell agreed. "Now, we have two things to do. The first is to set up the formal grieving ceremony."

  "Let me do as much as you feel comfortable with," Kazyn offered. "It would give you more time to do other things, and it looks better if you are formally grief-stricken."

  "The second point," Hadell continued, seemingly ignoring the offer, "is we must put together maximum security as soon as possible."

  "Security?" Kazyn frowned. "We're home and . . ."

  "The Tenzat is afraid of something from us," Hadell continued. "It might be just a challenge, but if that is so, there must be something wrong with the way he is administrating things. When I left, at least, the average Ranhyn couldn't care less about the intricacies of space policy, as long as there was no war, and military affairs are the domain of the Military Curia."

  "So surely he couldn't care less about us," Kazyn waved his hands open. Then he paused, and added, "But I suppose it looks a bit like he does, although why eludes me."

  "The only thing I can think of is that something's really wrong, and it would be exposed in the challenge process. If so, he might attempt to prevent a challenge, and one way of doing that is to have some criminal dispose of you."

  "Then why invite a challenge?" Kazyn asked.

  "If you challenged there, it would be over before you could expose whatever it is," Hadell pointed out. "The challenger has the right to access any information over a week, but you have to know roughly what you're looking for to make any real headway, other than by sheer luck."

  "Yes," Kazyn nodded. "If there is something, we can assume the Tenzat would use his powers to hide it. Or misfile it."

  "He also has hidden powers," Hadell warned. "From experience, there is a never-ending stream of Ranhynn wanting to make an impression. If a hint were dropped, there would be a gang after us, so try to stay in the open, or in groups."

  "And wear boots that are easily removed," Kazyn nodded.

  "I also fear that there's more to this than we suspect. What would you say was the most ominous sign today?"

  "Tergyn's dismissive attitude," Kazyn replied. "He simply doesn't care."

  "Oh yes he does," Hadell replied. "He cares very much, but about something of which we are unaware, and he's prepared to risk an awful lot to keep it hidden. No, what I found more ominous was that there were no Kuyrills to support us."

  "That's true," Kazyn noted. "I was so puzzled about the absence of Tallyn that when I found out he was dead I overlooked the fact that nobody else thought to offer family support."

  "That can mean only one of two things," Hadell said softly. "Either they are all intimidated, or somehow they are involved with the Thapets, and they know we won't approve."

  "And which is it?" Kazyn mused.

  "I don't know," Hadell said, "and I'm not sure when we should try to find out, because if we don't succeed, we alert the opposition that we're on to them."

  "They'll have guessed that," Kazyn objected.

  "No, they won't. As of now, they'll merely think we're confused, which we are. So, we must try to keep our suspicions to ourselves as long as we can."

  "And at the same time, assume our communications are monitored," Kazyn noted. "It means we have to be very careful what we say into communication devices."

  "Only use them for this purpose
in an emergency," Hadell noted. "We must have code words, to trigger hidden meanings. The obvious one is the opposite. If a certain code word is used, do the opposite. Other ones to trigger certain destinations and actions."

  "This isn't quite the home-coming I had envisaged," Kazyn noted wryly.

  "No, it isn't," Hadell said, "but be very careful, because it could get a lot worse."

  Chapter 4

  Kazyn decided to return to University. There were several reasons for this unexpected decision. The first was he needed to do something that did not commit him to anything in particular. However, if he wished to have a political future in the Space Curia, he needed to know what the current Ranhyn opinion was relating to Earth, and for that matter to Kroth, so enrolling in an advanced course on strategic off-world matters seemed desirable. There was a drawback to this, in that he was only too well aware that he would know far more about Terran affairs than any professor there, and he half expected to be requested to lecture. That would require extreme care, because he could be forced by questions to take a position prematurely. He also needed to revise his knowledge of advanced field theory and advanced propulsion. The Ulsians seemed to think that the Terrans were well on their way. He could remember the workings he had seen, and he badly needed to know how difficult the remaining steps really were. Unfortunately, he could do little more than approach some physics professors and discuss the issue. That raised a problem in that he was never going to be a physicist, so why would the professor be interested? Had his father been Tenzat there would have been no problem, as his status would be sufficient, but now it appeared that the Kuyrills were more likely to be seen as embarrassments than as powerful.

  That was a further problem. At best, the Kuyrills were in disarray; at worst, they had been subverted and were working actively against Kazyn and his mother. Not that there was much he could do about that right now, but it was irritating that he could not call on any family help.

  There were two further reasons for returning to University that were far more important. The first was that mixing with students offered unusual protection from ambush. If a student were attacked, there were a number of others who would make it a matter of honour to find the attackers and do some serious tearing and plucking. For deep down in that civilized mind lay the ancient wiring that brought their origin to the surface: they were predators that once killed by gutting their prey with the claws on their feet and legs. Gutting might be a little over the top now, but tearing open the side of a bully was the honourable thing to do.