The Privateer 2: AN HONEST LIVING

by Zellmann, William

  Tonio explained that the pneumatic crossbows had a pull of 140 kilograms, giving them about the same power as a 70-kilogram longbow. He showed the king the power pack and the small compressor it powered, and explained that each power pack should last for about a hundred shots.

  The microgrenades impressed the locals with their power, although black powder hand grenades were a common weapon in Valhalla.

  At first, the mortars garnered little interest. Jumbo had large, cumbersome 'bombards' for use in assaulting walled towns, but they were impossible to aim effectively, and were used mainly to send large stones over the wall to harass the defenders.

  "Ah," said Tonio, "but suppose you could aim them, and could predict where the missile would fall? These also use your gunpowder propellant, but in very carefully measured amounts of uniform powder, and fire a precisely weighed conical missile, containing explosive. It is adjustable for windage and elevation, so that misses can be corrected on the next shot. And since the missile is coming nearly straight down, it is impossible to stop or deflect. You could target the enemy's gunpowder store, for instance, or their king's palace."

  The king frowned. "But it is impossible to guarantee a uniform charge of uniform powder in the heat of battle."

  Tonio smiled. "True, your Majesty. That means that the charges must be carefully prepared in advance. Among the files on my comp are some that explain the concept of mass production of uniform products using standardized parts. Once this war is over, you will be able to join the colony in boosting Jumbo back up the ladder."

  King Rajo looked irritated. "We have been working on standardization of parts for several years, now. But with nearly everything made by hand, it is rarely successful."

  Tonio bobbed his head. "Of course, your Majesty. If I sounded patronizing, I apologize. I am well aware of your problems generating power for machinery. This is a subject I had intended to raise later. Perhaps we should stick to weapons for the moment."

  "Your Majesty," Cale cut in, "You have much to be proud of. You have used the old knowledge wisely. We have not come to criticize. We have returned only to help you fight off the General, to prevent him taking over Jumbo. We have a ship full of the weapons we have shown you, and we hope that with your people and our weapons, we can remove this threat from Jumbo. Once that is accomplished, we hope to convince you that the colony is no threat to you, rather it is a boon to you and the whole of Jumbo."

  King Rajo frowned. "Yes. This was entertaining, but perhaps we had best return to the palace to discuss the situation."

  Chapter 11

  Unlike King Karel, King Rajo had an actual conference room, complete with large oval table and six chairs. An elevated throne stood at the far end of the table. Cale's opinion of the king rose considerably. It was obvious that this was no despot, throwing out autocratic edicts on a whim; such men do not bother with conference rooms. No, this was a leader who had assembled a team of advisors, and judging by Hiraf's comments on their first visit, listened to them.

  "Cale," came Tess's voice, "Zant reports that both of the flitters made it back the colony, but both were damaged. One of the others was destroyed, and the last one crashed in nomad territory." Cale caught himself in the middle of a nod. "Thanks, Tess," he subvocalized. "How's Dee?"

  "Still sleeping." She paused. "Cale, my counseling programs are comprehensive, but may be out of date. I hope they will be adequate."

  Cale suppressed a snort. "I'm sure they're the best on Jumbo."

  At a quiet word from the king, servants hurried out, to return with additional chairs for the two spacers, which they placed against the far wall. Six mostly elderly men followed them, and took what were obviously assigned seats. At the king's right hand sat Hiraf, resplendent in his 'wizard' robes.

  The king merely sat on the throne, waiting until all were seated. He nodded. "This is the first time We have had visitors in our council, so We will explain. These are the wisest and most trusted men in Our kingdom, Our advisors. In this room, there are no repercussions for anything said, though anything said in this room may be repeated outside it only with Our express permission. In this manner, We receive honest, frank advice."

  Cale stood. "Your Majesty," he said, "before we begin, I would like to report that of the four flyers sent by the General, one was destroyed and another crashed in nomad territory. The last two limped back to the colony, but they were badly damaged. We have eliminated the threat from the air, at least until the two flitters can be repaired. And, of course, we have people in space watching. They will not surprise us again."

  King Rajo nodded. "We thank you for your report. You must explain to Us sometime how you receive such news."

  Cale bowed. "Of course, your Majesty." He took his seat.

  The king turned to his advisors. "Very well, let us begin. Is there anything anyone would like to bring up?" His tone was dismissive; he obviously expected none, and planned to move on to the situation with the off-world general.

  But Hiraf rose. He bowed to the king, and then said. "I beg your Majesty, do not believe these outworlders. We have only their word for much. In fact, we have only their word that the Empire has fallen. For all we know, they were sent by the Empire to reconquer Jumbo. They have shown some impressive new toys, but could this not be a move to drag Valhalla into an internal civil war? Or possibly to lure us to a location where our armies could be slaughtered? I urge your Majesty to be very cautious in your dealings with them." He sat down, but several of the advisors' heads were bobbing in agreement.

  Tonio raised his hand, and the King nodded toward him. He jumped to his feet.

  "Your Majesty, I applaud Wizard Hiraf's caution. Caution is often wisdom. And I understand his suspicions. Our plans did not include approaching Valhalla in such a headlong fashion. In fact, we devoted considerable time and effort to devising plans for approaching your kingdom. Unfortunately, the General did not permit us to use those elaborate plans.

  "Had we been able to approach in a more orthodox manner, we would have been able to deliver the presents we carry. Among those is a complete library of history and the sciences, compiled from the University library on Santiago, and a self-powered reader for accessing its contents.

  "I invite Wizard Hiraf and any other representatives your Majesty selects, to examine the history files. They are quite complete. The Empire officially fell some 375 years ago, when Prime was destroyed by a suicide attack with a stolen planet-buster by an agent of Merseia.

  "Merseia was itself destroyed by what remained of the Empire Fleet. But it was too late. The Empire was no more. Since then, man-settled space has been coasting slowly downhill toward barbarism, becoming increasingly more fragmented. Planet after planet is losing its space travel capability.

  "The people of this colony did not come to Jumbo as conquerors, but as refugees. They are simple farmers, wishing only to be left alone to grow their crops. They could have located on South continent, and avoided the people of Jumbo for centuries. But they did not. As refugees, they felt an obligation to help Jumbo back up the ladder to civilization and the stars, and they knew that their knowledge and technology could do that. It will take many years, many generations. But it can be done.

  He waved an arm. "The people out there soberly discussing spells and witches, and forcing poor Hiraf to wear those silly robes, are the descendants of people who traveled the stars! And their descendants can do that again." He shrugged. "I, myself, have come in hopes that we can defeat the General and I will be allowed to stay and devote the rest of my life to this great adventure. So, be cautious by all means. Have Cale, here, take some of your people to examine the wreckage of the flyers, or at least to photograph the wreckage. Permit us to show you pictures of Jumbo as you have never seen it. Moving pictures." He shrugged. "We had prepared quite an impressive display, and I look forward to presenting it for your Majesty and your advisors." He bowed once more, and resumed his seat.

  "And We shall look forward to seeing it," the king replied
. "However, at the moment, we have more important matters to discuss. Sire Cale," he continued, "May I assume you possess the capability to do as sire Tonio offered, and take some of our people to examine the wreckage of these downed fliers?"

  Cale stood and bowed. "Of course, your Majesty. I must note, however, that at least one of them, and possibly both, crashed in nomad territory, and examination of the wreckage may involve a battle."

  The king nodded. "We are well aware of the nomads' temperament," he replied with a sardonic smile. "But we are assured by Wizard Hiraf, and now by the sage Tonio, that you have the ability to capture images at a distance."

  Cale nodded. "Of course, your Majesty, and that was going to be my suggestion. I would be delighted to take Wizard Hiraf and any other advisor you wish, or even your august self, to examine the wreckage. I regret, however, that my ship carries accommodations for only twelve passengers, so I can take only ten. I can also show them wonders such as they have never seen."

  King Rajo nodded. "A gallant offer, and one which We shall accept. We shall join you, to fly above the lands of Valhalla and Jumbo, and to see with our own eyes evidence of the truth of your words."

  Hiraf leapt to his feet, and with only the sketchiest of bows, protested, "Majesty! It is not wise to place yourself in such jeopardy! These outworlders might have been sent by the General to kidnap your Majesty. Doing so would cut the head from Jumbo's opposition, and leave Valhalla at the mercy of these . . . these . . . creatures."

  King Rajo shook his head. "Our heir is safely concealed, and We will send him an immediate message to ensure his readiness to assume the throne if We do not return."

  He turned to Cale. "We are under no illusions that We are immortal, and planning for an orderly succession is a responsibility of kings. Our plans have been in place for some time, and We are confident in the ability of Our chosen heir." He turned back to the still-standing Hiraf. "Your concern for Our welfare does you honor, Wizard. You will accompany Us on this wonderful adventure. We have been too long confined to this castle by the business of state."

  Cale bowed again. "Your Majesty is most welcome, as is Wizard Hiraf, of course. Will eight guardsmen be enough to ensure your Majesty's comfort and safety?"

  The king smiled. "We recall your passenger limitation. We will only require four guardsmen. We trust there will be room for a few nomad heads."

  Cale frowned. He'd been shocked by King Rajo's suggesting the taking of enemy heads, but he dared not show it. "Majesty, my ship is not designed for rough-country landings, and her only weapons are pointed directly forward when she is grounded. If your Majesty anticipates landing in nomad territory, I can arrange for an armed ship."

  The king smiled ruefully. "Unfortunately, another responsibility of kings is to not expose himself to unnecessary danger, and risk the stability and peace of his domain. Do not worry, star man. We will not seek battle on this remarkable adventure."

  Judging by the king's wide smile, Cale's relief must have been plain. "I am certain we can keep your Majesty entertained, and Sire Tonio is anxious to display our gifts for Wizard Hiraf. If your Majesty will excuse me for a few moments, I will make the arrangements."

  At King Rajo's nod, Cale bowed and moved away toward a window. Tonio rose, bowed, and began regaling the locals with descriptions of the wonders King Rajo would see.

  "Tess," Cale murmured, "Is Dee awake?"

  "I certainly am," Came Dee's voice. "I'm sorry, Cale. I acted like a schoolgirl."

  "You acted like someone who is not a killer getting their first taste of war," Cale said. "Are you sure you're all right?"

  "I may have a few nightmares," she replied, "but other than that, I'll be fine."

  "Good," he replied, "because we have a job, and I'm going to need you badly. King Rajo, Hiraf, and four guardsmen will be coming aboard. We're to take them to see evidence of the flitter fight. Tess, get onto Zant and get the coordinates of those crash sites. I talked them out of landing, but expect them to want close-up images. Tonio will also want to display some history files for Hiraf, and I expect to want to show them survey footage of the occupied area."

  "We'll be ready," Dee replied. "Yes," Tess added, "diplomacy is a task with which I am not unfamiliar."

  Cale smiled. "I know, Tess. I think the king is going to suspend this meeting, and get started. He's trying to hide it, but he's excited as a kid about actually flying, and the prospect of seeing Valhalla from the air, like a bird."

  "What about my 'bots?" Tess asked. "Will we need to conceal them, as we did with Ulrik?"

  Cale shook his head, realized Tess couldn't see the motion, and replied, "No, Tess. I don't think so. This time we're trying to impress the king with our technological skills. I wouldn't make a big thing of them; they'll probably scare the guardsmen silly, but just use them as you would normally."

  He returned to the meeting while Tonio was still in full flower, making Jumbo sound like the most fascinating world in space. Cale gave him a nod, and he wound it up quickly.

  Cale bowed again. "Your Majesty," he said, "All is in readiness. My lady wife is at this moment preparing for our arrival."

  "Your lady wife?" King Rajo questioned. "Ah, the Lady Delilah, of course." He looked at Hiraf, who hurriedly put in, "Yes, your Majesty. And he has yet another woman aboard, that I was not able to meet."

  The king raised an eyebrow. "Two women? You must have a most understanding wife, Sire Cale. We look forward to meeting her again."

  Cale flushed. "It is not exactly a woman, your Majesty, and all is not as it appears. I will be happy to explain once we are aboard."

  Kings do not move about quickly, though this one was openly irritated with the ceremonial delays. It took time to arrange for two walking drummers, a dino-mounted guard detail of about twenty, followed by a very ornate but horridly uncomfortable unsprung coach, and another less ornate but equally uncomfortable coach for Cale, Tonio and a surly, uncommunicative Hiraf. This was followed by another twenty dino-mounted guardsmen. During all the preparations, drummers on the castle wall were sounding a continuous roll.

  The king apologized to the spacers, and explained, "It is another duty of a king. Our people lead hard, demanding, but boring lives. This kind of ceremony brings a touch of color, of excitement. Watch: people will hurry to drop whatever they are doing to line the road, hoping for a glimpse of their king. That is why Our carriage has a removable panel in the roof designed by Hiraf. In nice weather, such as this, We have the panel removed, and the sun lights the interior of the carriage. Likewise, We ensure that all the window curtains are pulled back. For a king, every journey is a parade, and it is necessary to be seen by as many of Our subjects as possible."

  Finally, all was in readiness, and the procession began winding slowly down the hill toward Cheetah. As the king had predicted, the road was lined with peasants, all waiting excitedly to bow to their king, and perhaps get a glimpse of him. He, in turn, smiled, nodded, and waved all the way down to the ship.

  The crowd was thick around Cheetah, though they stayed well away from the ship itself. When the royal coach stopped at the foot of the boarding ladder, Cale hurried to greet him as he dismounted, and bowed him up the ladder. At the top, Dee, in an elegant gown, greeted the king with a deep curtsy, causing an approving murmur to run through the crowd. Cale, Tonio and Hiraf followed the king, and were followed in turn by four very worried-looking guardsmen. The remaining guardsmen began herding the crowd to a safe distance.

  Dee had held her deep, uncomfortable curtsy through this parade of passengers. The king took her hand and ushered her to her feet. He nodded. "Milady, I can see why Sire Cale hides your beauty in drab trousers; We, too, would conceal such a beautiful treasure."

  Dee flushed, but her smile was bright. "Thank you, your Majesty." As she turned, she spotted Hiraf. "Wizard Hiraf! How wonderful to have you aboard again."

  Hiraf tried to maintain his scowl, but it was impossible in the face of Dee's smiling welcome. He nodded. "Lady
Delilah, I am honored by your gracious welcome."

  "How could I not welcome you, after your courtesy and friendliness to strangers?"

  Cale ushered the king into the lounge, and to one of the very comfortable chairs.

  King Rajo's eyebrows rose as his weight settled into the chair. "Ah!" He exclaimed. "This is how a chair should feel, is it not, Hiraf?"

  Ensconced in his own chair, Hiraf offered a surly acknowledgement that the chair was indeed comfortable.

  Cale bowed. "May I offer you refreshment, your Majesty? Something alcoholic, possibly?"

  The king smiled and nodded. "Lightly alcoholic, perhaps. We would not have addled wits on this day." He was openly looking about Cheetah's comfortable interior.

  Here comes the moment of truth, Cale told himself, as one of Tess's 'bots appeared with the drink. Hiraf sprang to his feet; he had not been permitted to see one of the 'bots on his last visit. The King's guardsmen huddled against the airlock, though two of them leveled their crossbows at the 'bot.

  "It's all right, sire Hiraf," Cale soothed. Not only Hiraf. The king was looking at the 'bot as though it were a fiend from the depths of hell.

  "Your Majesty, Cheetah has one other crewmember, the ship itself. This ship is operated by an artificial intelligence, a thinking machine. This smaller machine is what she uses for hands."

  The king was still staring at the spider-shaped 'bot that proffered a drink in one of its 'hands'.

  Cale swallowed. "Tess, would you introduce yourself, please?"

  "Good day, your Majesty. I am Tess, the ship's artificial intelligence. I was designed and made by humans specifically to fly this ship. Actually, of course, I am part of the ship."

  Hiraf swallowed loudly. "You are . . . a machine?"