The Temporal Void (ARC)

by Peter F. Hamilton

  'I do my best, sir.'

  'I know.' Finitan drew him away from the other constables. 'Then consider this; the offer you will be made after the case is over is not about ability, it is made to test you.'

  'Sir?'

  'If you accept, it will show you understand the city's politics, and indicate you play by the same rules as the rest of us. If you refuse, if you claim you're not worthy, or wish to demonstrate your humility before the Lady, or something along those lines, then you're telling everyone you're a dangerous idealist.'

  'Yes, sir,' Edeard said blankly; he didn't have a clue what the Grand Master was talking about.

  'You have my blessing either way. But it has to be your own choice. I would simply to ask you to consider what you can accomplish on the outside looking in. Think about it.'

  'I will sir.'

  Finitan patted Edeard on the shoulder, and went back to the group of Masters from the Grand Council.

  'What was that about?' Macsen asked.

  'I haven't got the faintest idea.'

  * * * *

  The three judges took two hours to deliberate. When the court was recalled, Arminel and his four fellow accused were made to stand as Owain read out the findings.

  On extortion all five accused were found guilty.

  On conspiracy: guilty.

  On the attempted murder of two constables, a charge levelled at Arminel alone, he was found guilty.

  Arminel kept his face and mind composed the whole time. Edeard was expecting the man to at least glance in his direction, but his resolve never wavered.

  Owain then put a square of scarlet drosilk on his head. Edeard finally saw Arminel tense up.

  Gustape, Falor, Harri and Omasis were sentenced to twenty years in the Trampello mine. They were led away to the holding cells. Arminel stood alone, facing the three judges.

  "The crimes you have been found guilty of are exceptional,' Owain declared. 'I don't believe that I have ever encountered such deliberate wickedness in my time on the Grand Council. To compound this, you have constantly refused to cooperate with the constables and tell them the names of other members in your vile criminal organization. While this might earn you their gratitude, it does nothing to encourage leniency on my part. We have never had the death penalty on Querencia. For this you can thank the Lady, who in her wisdom believes that there is no human soul which cannot be redeemed. However, I see no sign that your salvation is possible. As a consequence I find myself with no alternative but to sentence you to incarceration in the Trampello mines for the remainder of your life. May the Lady bless your soul upon its ascent into the radiant heavens, for no one else will.' He banged the gavel. 'This court is concluded.'

  * * * *

  The spectators filed out of the central chamber while Edeard and his squadmates sat on their benches in a mild daze.

  'Wow,' Macsen said.

  'Life,' Boyd said.

  'That's just about unheard of,' Kanseen said.

  Master Solarin turned to face the constables. 'I believe the last case where a life sentence was issued was forty-two years ago: the Golden Park Ripper. A most unpleasant individual. Before your time, of course. For that you may consider yourselves lucky.'

  'Wow,' Macsen said again.

  'Congratulations, young man,' Master Solarin said, and put his hand out.

  Edeard took the old man's grip gently. 'Thank you, sir. You got the verdict for us.'

  'I didn't have much work to do, thanks to your extraordinary gift. I wish you luck in your future endeavours. It has been a privilege to be your legal instructor. But to use an ancient phrase, I think you have outgrown me now.'

  'Oh no, sir. I'm hoping for a lot more cases.'

  'And you'll get them, of that I'm in no doubt. And I'm not the only one, it would seem. Do you see the gentleman over there?' His gnarled finger pointed with only a slight tremor.

  Edeard and the others glanced in the direction the old lawyer indicated. They saw a man in a flamboyant blue jacket and grey drosilk shirt making his way along the main aisle. He was probably approaching the end of his first century, yet still hale and healthy, with thick brown hair hanging over his collar, only a few strands of which were turning to silver. He had heavy gold rings on every finger, and loops of gold chain round his neck. His face was fattening, the result of many years of good living. Even so, he looked physically powerful. He was watching them with pale-green eyes that were overshadowed by a broad forehead. Some accident or fight long ago had left him with a jaw that was unable to close straight, giving him slightly lopsided features. His whole appearance was one of a successful, self-confident merchant. As if to confirm this, he was accompanied by two beautiful girls who wore expensive dresses and a lot of jewellery. They were several years younger than Kristiana, Edeard decided with a little burst of sympathy for them. Then he met the man's gaze. It was a scrutiny every bit as intense as the one the Pythia had given him all those months ago. Edeard instinctively knew there was an enmity between them, and returned the stare levelly even though he didn't know why.

  'Who is that?' he asked quietly.

  'That,' Master Solarin said with extreme distaste, 'is Captain Ivarl.'

  'Has he some kind of ship?' Edeard asked. He was mildly put out by the way the others groaned disparagingly.

  'No,' Chae said. 'He doesn't own a ship, though he makes out he used to captain a merchantman. Ivarl is the owner of the House of Blue Petals.'

  Edeard had heard of that establishment; a bordello in the Myco district, next to Makkathran's port.

  Captain Ronark had come forward to stand at Edeard's shoulder. 'If the gangs in this city can be said to have a leader,' Ronark said, 'it is Ivarl. He at least likes to style himself the master of our criminal fraternity. It was probably him who sent Arminel back to ambush you.'

  'Ah,' Edeard said. He smiled politely, and inclined his head towards the villain.

  Ivarl returned the gesture, tipping his gold-topped cane in Edeard's direction. Master Cherix came up behind him, and murmured something in his ear. Ivarl smiled tightly, and came over to the constables.

  'My congratulations on an exemplary case,' he said. His voice was rough and Edeard suspected the injury that left his jaw askew had caused some deeper damage.

  'Thank you,' Edeard said with a heavy dose of irony.

  'This city is so much better off without such people,' Ivarl continued. 'They are cheap vermin; they bring nothing to our lives. You, though, you are an exceptional man, Constable Edeard.'

  'I do my best.' Edeard was uncomfortably aware of the way Macsen and one of Captain Ivarl's girls were smirking at each other. He wanted to smack his friend hard.

  'As do we all,' Ivarl said. 'Everyone in their own small way contributes to the flow of life of this fine city. In this respect, I extend an invitation to you and your friends to enjoy the hospitality of my house.'

  Edeard was very aware of everyone waiting for his response. So this is what Finitan was warning me about. I've shown the gangs that not all constables are pushovers, that their usual violence doesn't work against me, so they want to see how far I'm going to take this. Politics!

  He allowed an old, deeply personal, image leak from his mind: the smouldering ruins of Ashwell, with corpses protruding from the ruins.

  'I haven't been down to your district of the city yet,' Edeard said. 'But I'm planning on visiting soon.'

  Ivarl's pudgy lips pressed together in a big display of disappointment. He shrugged elaborately. 'I look forward to meeting you there, young man.' He turned and walked away, a girl clinging possessively to each arm.

  Only then did Edeard notice the looks the others were giving him. 'What?'

  Captain Ronark smiled. 'Good man, Edeard. I knew you wouldn't betray yourself.'

  Chae gave him an admiring grin, and walked out with the captain.

  'Where was that place?' Boyd asked with trepidation.

  'The village I grew up in,' Edeard told him.

  'Lady, just
seeing it frightened me.'

  'I wanted some emphasis. I wanted to make sure Ivarl understood.'

  'Oh, I think he got it. You don't have to worry on that score.'

  'Shame, though,' Macsen said wistfully. 'Did you see the blonde one?'

  'You peasant,' Kanseen hissed at him.

  'Hey! I can make noble painful sacrifices, too, you know. You have to have standards to be a part of the Waterwalker's squad.'

  'Don't call me that,' Edeard said wearily.

  'Too late,' Boyd said. 'Far too late.'

  * * * *

  It was mid-afternoon when they got back to the Jeavons constable station. They claimed their usual table in the hall, and the ge-monkeys brought over plates of sandwiches and mugs of tea. Of late the station food had improved; local shopkeepers were keen to supply the constables with their better products at reasonable prices. Grateful for the noticeable reduction in gang activity in the district.

  Edeard appreciated the gesture, but it made him very aware of the expectations settling on his shoulders. And now I've seen the real enemy. Arminel might be gone, but Ivarl can send a dozen more just like him on to the streets. A hundred.

  After the elation of the trial it was a sobering thought. He hadn't really changed anything, just made himself famous. And ultimately, what use is that to people?

  'Result, or what?' Boyd said as he picked up one of the sandwiches, a malted roll containing ham and cheese with a strong tomato chutney. He bit in contentedly.

  All the other constables in the station were making a point of coming over to congratulate them on the verdict. Edeard was finally getting embarrassed by the admiration.

  'Yes. A result all right,' Kanseen said, picking through the rest of the sandwiches. 'But it's only one result.'

  'Trust you to pour on the ice water,' Macsen said.

  'She's right,' Edeard said. 'We're going to have to do a lot more than this before the gangs even start getting worried.'

  'Not so. Ivarl is worried enough about the Waterwalker to crawl out from under his rock and get a firsthand look,' Boyd said.

  'Will you please stop calling me that?'

  'I thought Arminel would get thirty to forty years at least,' Macsen said. 'But for the rest of his life? He's only, what, thirty? That's at least a hundred and fifty years in Trampello. It's not exactly a pavilion on the Iguru. A hundred and fifty years! Owain must really want to be re-elected.'

  'I'm not sorry for him,' Edeard said. 'He was going to kill me.'

  'Because Ivarl told him to,' Kanseen said.

  'You think so?'

  'No way could he put together an ambush like that without a lot of help. He'd need permission. Ivarl must have agreed.'

  'Oh Lady,' Macsen muttered in alarm. 'Look out.'

  Edeard's farsight showed him Captain Ronark leading Chief Constable Walsfol into the hall. Everyone fell silent, benches were scraped across the floor as the constables stood up. Even the ge-chimps stopped moving.

  Chief Constable Walsfol walked directly over to Edeard's table. He was in his full dress uniform, an immaculate black tunic with gold buttons and scarlet epaulettes with a diamond stud. Edeard had been introduced briefly the day after he arrested Arminel; he'd actually been quite impressed with the Chief Constable. The man was in his second century, and the fact he'd fought his way to the top of the constables was evident in his manner. Walsfol was a straight talking man, secure his position was achieved through the support of the stations.

  Walsfol saluted smartly. Edeard hurriedly returned the salute.

  'An excellent day, Constable,' Walsfol said in his clipped aristocratic accent. 'You have done this station proud.'

  'Thank you, sir.'

  Walsfol took a pair of epaulettes from his pocket. They had a single silver star on them. 'As a consequence of your bravery and actions in Birmingham Pool, I would like to offer you promotion to corporal.'

  It might have been Edeard's imagination, but he was sure the word 'offer' was stressed. But he was so relieved that this was the test Finitan had spoken of rather than Ivarl's crude attempt at bribery he simply said, 'Yes, sir; thank you, sir, I'd be honoured to accept.'

  Captain Ronark led the applause as the Chief Constable attached the epaulettes to Edeard's shoulders. Of course Finitan wasn't talking about Ivarl, Edeard chided himself, the Grand Council want to know if I'm going to support their authority. Lady! Do they think I might be a challenge to them?

  Walsfol finished, and saluted again.

  * * * *

  'Corporal Waterwalker,' Macsen said, holding up his beer and laughing.

  Edeard had now completely surrendered to the ribbing he was getting. They'd all wound up in the Olivan's Eagle for a few celebratory drinks, claiming a small booth in the upstairs bar where they were relatively undisturbed.

  'I wonder which squads will be under your command?' Kanseen mused. 'Corporals are normally in charge of three.'

  'Please don't team us up with Droal's lot,' Boyd said. 'They're worthless crap artists, and everyone knows Vilby is on the take.'

  'I didn't know that,' said Edeard.

  'What, with all your psychic superpowers?' Macsen asked.

  Edeard showed him the hand gesture Obron always used to employ, only to find it summoned up a mournful nostalgia that unexpectedly made his eyes water. Obron, he would be twenty-three now …

  'You're going to have to think about this, Edeard,' Kanseen said. 'Seriously, they're all going to watch what you do with the promotion. It's an opportunity to put together a team of your own constables, people you know you can rely on.'

  'Yeah, yeah.' Edeard didn't really want to think of all the responsibility which came with his new position. Unfortunately, his problem was that he couldn't stop worrying about what he should do next. Gangs and constables would both want to see what he was capable of, if he was just some strong lad from the countryside happy with the attention of all the city girls, or someone who would stand up for the law and make a difference. The Orchard Palace probably want to know as well.

  'I suppose I'll have to keep you lot,' he said with a grand show of reluctance.

  It was Boyd's turn for the hand gesture.

  'Even Dinlay?' Macsen said in such a soft voice only Edeard heard him.

  'Yes,' Edeard said with a tiny directed longtalk. 'Even Dinlay.'

  Macsen scowled into his beer glass.

  'And what are you going to do with this team of yours?' Kanseen asked earnestly. 'It's only fifteen people, after all.'

  'Two months ago it was just the five of us,' Edeard said calmly. 'We can shape ourselves into something useful, I'm sure. That's if Ronark will allow us. There are procedures, after all.'

  'Not to start with,' Boyd said, uncharacteristically serious. 'You've got some momentum behind you, Waterwalker, and a great deal of goodwill. This is your chance to make something of it.'

  'Dear Lady, give him a beer and listen to the politician sprout forth,' Edeard groaned.

  'I know Makkathran,' Boyd insisted. 'There's a chance here for you.' He put his arms around Kanseen and Macsen. 'And we three native guides are going to make sure you don't blow that chance.'

  'You three,' Edeard rolled his eyes, 'Great. How can we fail?'

  'We stick together,' Macsen said. 'Always have, always will, no matter what.'

  'No matter what!' They all drank to that.

  Boyd pushed his empty glass across the table. 'And with your new corporal's pay, I believe you can afford the next round.'

  'Sorry,' Edeard said, standing up and buttoning his tunic. 'I have an appointment at the Alrado theatre, and it's a long walk to the Zelda district.'

  'An appointment?' Macsen inquired keenly.

  'Someone from the Guild of Clerks, they're helping me with taxes.'

  He left to the sounds of their derisive laughter. Just as he started down the awkward curving stairs he heard Kanseen exclaim: 'No! I bought the last round.'

  * * * *

  It was cold on the street
s outside Olivan's Eagle. Frost was clinging to the city's pavements, and there were flakes of snow drifting down past the bright orange lights shining out of the buildings. People wrapped in thick coats wove past Edeard as he made his way along Albie Lane towards Flight Canal. He'd thrown out a seclusion haze to ward off curious farsight, as did all Makkathran's citizens going about business they regarded as private. The effect was like a mild version of concealment.

  Edeard was approaching the iron bridge over to the Haxpen district when his farsight swept over a figure for the third time. They'd been trailing him for some time, ignoring his obvious wish to be left alone. He focused on them to find it was: 'Salrana,' he exclaimed.

  She scurried forwards, thoughts radiant with impish delight. Almost as tall as him now, he acknowledged. Her full length dark-grey poncho coat flapped as she moved, a big hood pulled well forwards. 'You're so slow,' she admonished, giggling. 'I've been following you ever since you left the tavern. If I was an assassin, you'd be dead by now.' She pushed her hood back, allowing her auburn hair to flow free, and kissed him breathlessly. 'You know, I hardly recognized you with your hair so long. The city fashion suits you.'

  Edeard grinned back, very aware that she was still pressed up against him. He studied her face with its sharp cheeks and lovely dark brown eyes that were wide and teasing. She was gorgeous now, and because of that he kept trying to avoid her. They still longtalked every day, but he kept using the trial as an excuse for not actually meeting up. Just being with her on a cold gloomy street made him embarrassed about all the girls he'd tumbled these last few weeks, so spending a pleasant afternoon together with her would be torture.

  Why? he asked himself. She's beautiful, and she wants me, and I'd adore having her in my bed and my life. We really would be the perfect couple. The only other who even comes close is Kanseen.

  His hesitation was born out of some stupid notion of duty. At least that was always the excuse he gave himself. He really did feel protective towards her - and that was hardly necessary any more. It wasn't as if they were alone against the world these days. Maybe he was just afraid to change the way things were; there had been so many upheavals, she was his constant in a very unsteady life. And how she'd hate being told that. She was young and vivacious, and wanted some fun. She deserved happiness. And they would be happy together…