Crisis On Doona

by Anne McCaffrey

  The weather was cheerful and bright. Doona’s long winter would arrive within two months, but there was no early chill which the organizers feared might mar the celebration. Some colonists from warmer climates shivered a little in the autumnal air. Every settlement, including Treaty Island, had lobbied to hold the celebration, but the honor was eventually returned to First Village, where the original accord had been signed twenty-five years before.

  Depressing any misgivings, the population of the planet turned out in its best. All the Hrrubans wore the formal red robes: the males in heavy, opaque garments that fell to the tips of shiny black boots; the females in filmier garments of jewel-spangled gauze. The Humans wore monochromatic tunics with touches of white, and beautifully cut but simple ankle-length gowns. There was none of the cheerful cross-cultural dressing that was usually prevalent at most other big events. Today’s garments unexpectedly became a restatement of racial identity.

  Hrriss stood tall beside his father just below the dais inside the Hall, hiding his emotions. In a few moments, he must present evidence to prove his and Todd’s innocence of the crimes of which they were accused. On the basis of that proof or lack of it, the Treaty Controller might refuse to ratify the Treaty, and the colony would be dissolved.

  What Hrriss had not been able to tell anyone was that the carefully gathered documentation had vanished from the Rrev home at about the same time Kelly had. He had worked night and day to duplicate the evidence from the files still remaining in his home. Dr. Tylanio had supplied him with a copy of his report on the tape’s alteration. He had the latter half of the Spacedep slush fund dispersals which Dalkey had procured but not the more important entries. Tylanio had gone off with Kiachif and so the expert was not available to present direct testimony to the Councillors. To be sure, the Mayday beacon had been discovered but the Speakers’ resolution required a total clearance of all charges—and Zodd’s presence! Would Hrruvula be able to make what they did have sufficient to clear all those charges even in the face of Zodd’s nonappearance?

  One by one, the high-ranking officials of Earth emerged from the grid, some looking puzzled and taken aback by the process of transportation which they were experiencing for the first time. Most of them, nervous about suddenly being bereft of walls and ceilings around them, walked as quickly into the Hall as dignity permitted, without so much as a quick glance around at the beauties of the village green.

  The settlers clustered in and around the building, their bows and smiles becoming more and more mechanical as time went on. Sampson DeVeer of Poldep, wearing the dress uniform of black with silver touches, emerged from the chest-high fog, accompanied by a slim, pale man wearing a plain uniform.

  “My heart isn’t in this,” Lee Lawrence muttered, feeling the strain of smiling when he hadn’t any reason to do so.

  “I am still determined to put the best face on the day,” Hu Shih said. Then he arranged his most benevolent smile on his face as he stepped forward to introduce the newly arrived Treaty Island Archivist to the other village elders.

  “Perhaps the Treaty Council will still take what is best for Doona into account,” Abe Dautrish said quietly to Lee. “They shouldn’t pay too much attention to overworld councils, since we are supposed to be independent of both governments. We have proved ourselves capable and worthy of self-governance.”

  “After all the accusations of the last few days, can you genuinely say that?” Lawrence asked.

  “I want to,” the old man said humbly. “I keep it closely in mind. Ah, here is Admiral Sumitral and his daughter.”

  “Good day, my friends,” Sumitral said, mounting the ramp with quick strides and taking Hu Shih’s hand. Age had done nothing to bow his proud carriage, but he bore the same heavy expression of concern that troubled the Doonan elders. He was still the greatest friend Doona had in the Terran government. “You know my daughter, Emma?” The tall girl smiled and nodded to each of them, then took her place among the colonists in the audience.

  “Hrrestan, it is good to see you,” Sumitral said, turning to the younger Hrruban. “Hrriss, have you had any word from Todd?”

  “No, sirr,” Hrriss said.

  “It looks very bad that they haven’t returned yet,” Sumitral said. “Where could they have gone? And why? The Amalgamated Worlds court was well disposed to give them a fair hearing on the basis of their achievements.”

  Hrriss burned with shame. “They would come if they could,” he insisted.

  Sumitral eyed him curiously. “Do you know where they went?”

  “No. But they would have returned if they could. Of that I am certain. They are held somewhere against their will.” He placed his hand on his heart, his upper lip, and his forehead to emphasize his stated belief.

  “I fear you may be right. Neither has ever betrayed an ounce of cowardice. Defection does not fit their characters,” Sumitral declared. “You have searched Rrala?” Hrriss nodded. “I alerted all Alreldep offices. Can none of you Hrrubans search your own planet? They have to be somewhere.”

  “If they are alive,” Hrriss murmured, for he had denied that possibility as long as he could.

  Then he saw the slender frame of Admiral Sumitral stiffen. A hand touched his arm in apology and Sumitral moved toward Hu Shih.

  “Come, Hu,” the Admiral said as he urged the man toward the platform where a small, thin, clean-shaven Terran in a white tunic descended from the grid. “May I introduce you to the representative of the Amalgamated Worlds Congress? Hrrestan, I am pleased to make you known to Dorem Naruti, of the AWC.” He continued to make introductions among the village elders.

  At a signal from the Hrruban grid operator, Sumitral took his place beside the other Terran delegates. Third Speaker appeared from the mist surrounding the transport grid and, looking neither left nor right at those who bowed courteously to him, marched majestically into the Hall. The glow of triumph in his eyes was absolutely indecent. Many Rralans, seeing that look, growled quietly under their breath at his lack of restraint and the implications for them.

  The rumors of dissolution spread from Rralans to Hayuman friends and neighbors. Hrriss fielded glares and blatant animosity from longtime acquaintances. Who was holding the Rrevs captive? No, which of the known antagonists to the Treaty had succeeded in denying the Rrevs the dignity of facing their enemies and confounding them?

  As if in answer to his thoughts, Admiral Landreau in gleaming dress whites and an almost garish display of medals materialized on the grid. A moment earlier and he might have tread on Third’s tail. The Admiral was accompanied by Rogitel and two other aides. Landreau had arranged his features in an expression of pious serenity which would fool no one on Rrala, certainly not Hrriss. His demeanor added more discouragement to Hrriss’s depressed morale. Why didn’t Zodd appear, through the grid or out of the underbrush, with his document case in his hands, to wipe the smugness from the faces of Third and Landreau?

  At last, Second Speaker Hrrto made his way from the grid through the hanging garlands of flowers to the platform. With his arrival, the complement of delegates from both sides was complete. Only the Treaty Council was yet to arrive before the ceremony would begin.

  As the assembly of settlers held its collective breath, the Council appeared, clustered together on the grid behind the Treaty Controller, magnificent in flowing red robes. On his breast hung a medallion of two intertwined gold suns, studded with sapphires mined and cut from native crystals. It represented the interweaving on Doona of Human and Hrruban cultures. The light reflected from the jewel vanished abruptly as soon as the Treaty Controller stepped inside the Assembly Hall. Immediately behind the Council came two clerks, one Human and one Hrruban, each of whom carried a large leather-bound and gem-studded book.

  Solemnly the Council ascended to the dais. Each member bowed to the assembled dignitaries. The Treaty Controller was the last to do so. He made an especially deep obeisance to
Third Speaker, who returned a curt nod. The clerks moved silently to lay the huge books side by side on the table in the center of the stage. Without further hesitation, the Treaty Controller held up one hand.

  “Hrriss, son of Hrrestan and Mrrva, stand forth! Zodd Rrev, son of Ken and Patrricia, stand forth!” he intoned. The purrs and growls of High Hrruban had never sounded so severe.

  Hrriss stepped forward, holding his spine straight, and willing his tail to refrain from twitching with his inner turmoil. Hrruvula, clad in his official professional garments, joined Hrriss.

  “Sir, Zodd Rrev has been unavoidably detained,” Hrriss said. “I speak for us both.”

  The Treaty Controller’s tail twitched once from side to side behind him. “Both of the accused must face this Council. Have you, perhaps, a document of the ill-health of your codefendant?” At that moment, Hrriss was very certain who had detained Zodd and his father. His heart sank but he raised his chin just enough to show that he knew the sordid game the Controller was playing out. “Be that as it may, you and your absent accomplice stand accused of crimes which violate the laws of the Hrruban League, the laws of the Amalgamated Worlds, and the Treaty of Doona. These are serious crimes, which shake the very fabric of trust which made the Treaty possible twenty-five years ago. What proof can you present to attest to your innocence?”

  “There is documentation,” Hrruvula said, stepping forward and pulling one flimsy after another from his case, “to prove that the Mayday beacon was heard by Zodd Rrev and Hrriss, son of Hrrestan, said beacon being found among cargo shipped to Earth and designated to be delivered to a minor office connected with Space Department. And here is a declaration from a noted laser expert stating that the log tapes of the Albatross had been skillfully tampered with to show landings and launchings never made by the Albatross, as further testified to the signatories of the documents that the condition of its engines, rocket tubes, and other equipment showed no sign of the abuse such a hegira would have done to said equipment. I have these documents stating the health and energy of both defendants, who would have suffered even more physical deterioration than engines, rocket tubes, and other equipment from a medical condition known as journey lag, which is known to affect unwary travelers making as many different landings and launchings as the defendants are alleged to have done.” Hrruvula paused for breath. “Also available are documents,” and the attorney spread the Spacedep slush fund flimsies, “that prove that deposits ostensibly made into an account purported to have been initiated by a Terran of Zodd Rrev’s general description in fact tally with sums and deposits from a slush fund. There is a signed and attested declaration by an ex-criminal known as Askell Klonski ...”

  “You overwhelm us,” said the Treaty Controller with broad sarcasm.

  Hrruvula bowed. “Even as my clients were overwhelmed with evidence which we have conclusively proved to be a massive conspiracy to discredit Zodd Rrev, Hrriss, and in their names the integrity of the entire population of this lovely planet.” Hrruvula took another breath. “With such overwhelming evidence to sustain my clients’ plea of innocence, these charges must, in all conscience, be dismissed and their reputations and honors returned to them.” He bowed low in deep respect toward the other members of the Council, but noticeably not in the Controller’s direction.

  Behind Hrruvula, an entire planet’s population held its breath.

  Third Speaker’s eyes narrowed and glittered. He stepped forward. “You have defended your clients well, Hrruvula,” and the attorney executed another courteous bow. “But it was clearly stated, and so resolved by the Council of Speakers, that both young men must be present to clear their names. One is clearly not present. The reason for his absence is immaterial. The conditions of that resolution have not been met. Therefore the Council of Speakers must withhold ratification of a permanent Treaty of Rrala.”

  There was a silence that nothing in the Hall disturbed. Third Speaker, his manner patronizing and smug, turned to Second Speaker Hrrto. Second Speaker seemed to rise with great difficulty, his shoulders slumped beneath the weight of his robes.

  “It was so resolved and must be maintained.” He sat down heavily, head bent, arms limp at his sides.

  “No!” a woman wailed from the depths of the crowd. “No. That’s not fair. Not fair at all! They were innocent.”

  “You can’t use that as an out, Third Speaker!” a Hrruban called.

  Dorem Naruti of the Amalgamated Worlds Congress rose then, holding up his arms for silence. “It was resolved. In honor we must abide. Our Congress is constrained to comply with that resolution, much as it pains me to do so. The Congress cannot sanction the colony any longer. We would be glad and proud to trade with the Hrruban League under a new treaty, but the Decision at Doona must be considered annulled. The Cohabitation Principle is herewith invoked.”

  Protests were yelled from all directions then until Dorem Naruti, not wishing to be a target for anyone’s frustration, took refuge behind Third Speaker.

  Landreau was all but jumping up and down in jubilation. He, Rogitel, and their assistants kept calling for silence, for order, for good manners. But it was Admiral Sumitral whose amazing voice was heard above the babel and restored order.

  “Dear friends, Hrruban and Hayuman, we are all persons of honorable intent. Having entered into an honorable agreement, we must indeed recognize the commitment we undertook twenty-five years ago, and abide by this very, very painful conclusion to what has been an experiment of cohabitation of ...” He paused, craning his neck to see through the open doors of the Hall. His attentiveness, the surprise that began to wreathe his features with new hope, caused everyone to turn to discover what he saw.

  The grid was misted, indicating a transportation, and as it cleared, three figures became visible: a bent figure in ornate red robes supported on either side by two others, one tall, straight, and proud, one slender, delicate, and equally proud. The central personage could only be First Speaker Hrruna! His companions, dressed in diaphanous red gauze spangled with gems, were Nrrna and Kelly.

  Hrriss felt joy nearly bursting his heart. The girls had reached him, after all, and with the remaining evidence that Hrriss had felt lost forever. A reverent silence settled on the green and the Hall as if noise was snuffed out like a candle flame. Everyone watched the aged Hrruban walk into the Hall and slowly toward the dais, leaning heavily on the arms of the two girls.

  He looked kindly at the colonists and gave an especial smile to Hrriss, who was gawking like a cub at the First Speaker.

  “This is an occasion for which I have waited long,” First Speaker said in High Hrruban, mounting the ramp to touch hands with Sumitral.

  “Sir,” Sumitral said, replying in the same tongue, “we did not think to expect you.”

  “Your accent has improved so very much over the last years, Admirrrl. You no longer need your young translator,” Hrruna said, dropping his jaw in a smile and glancing around at the crowd. “But I miss his presence. He has been a joy to me. Where is my young friend? Where is Zodd?”

  With a surprising swiftness that belied his age, he rounded on Treaty Controller, and his tone, no longer kindly or gentle, rang with conviction. The Controller was so startled, he backed up a pace.

  Hrruna’s eyes narrowed to fierce slits, though his clear voice was calm and even-toned. “I believe that you know precisely where Zodd and his father, Rrev, are to be found,” Hrruna said. “You are to produce them instantly, or your Stripe will be forever dishonored. If harm has come to two Hayumans of indisputable integrity and honor, you and your immediate family will be transported to the most primitive mining colony in the galaxy, and allowed only the most meager of rations.”

  Hrriss listened with awe. Few of the settlers could understand Hrruna’s speech, but they could easily see the effect it had on the Treaty Controller. From a haughty administrator, he was reduced to sniveling like a cub, protesting that his acti
ons had been taken in the best interests of Hrruba.

  “The return of the Rrevs at this point would have made it impossible to avoid the ratification of the Treaty,” the Controller babbled. “I meant no harm to them. They are unhurt. They would have been returned to Earth with everyone else of their species.”

  “You kidnapped my friend?” Hrriss demanded in a snarl. He felt the savage blood of his ancestors coursing through his veins and he forgot his upbringing, the position he held as a scion of a civilized race. Claws and teeth bared, he gathered himself to leap and strike, as he had leaped at the Momma Snake. Without a moment’s hesitation, Hrrestan knocked his feet out from under him, and signalled to several others to drag his infuriated son away from the cowering Treaty Controller.

  “Produce the Rrevs, father and son!” Hrruna commanded, his eyes ablaze with green fury. Cringing, the Treaty Controller signalled to his grid operator in the audience, who ran to the transporter. Making a few deft adjustments to the controls, the operator stepped onto the platform and vanished. In a few moments, the Hrruban reappeared, no longer alone. With him were two very large Hrruban males in guard harness, and Ken and Todd, clothes torn, faces empurpled here and there with bruises and long scratches, but alive and smiling as they recognized their destination.

  “Come here, my friends,” Hrruna beckoned them. His voice, soft again, nevertheless penetrated the ringing cheers that reverberated inside and outside the Hall at this much-longed-for reappearance.

  Together Todd and his father marched smartly up the steps and into the Hall. When Todd saw who occupied the dais, he smiled in amazement and, shaking his head, continued through the parting crowd. When Hrrubans and Hayumans alike reached out to slap his back or grab his hand, Todd became aware of the deficiencies of his appearance in such a gathering. Still walking forward, he brushed at the dirt on his tunic and combed back his hair with his fingers. Ken, similarly embarrassed, straightened tunic and hair. Crying with relief, Pat ignored protocol and pushed through the crowd to embrace husband and son just as they reached the foot of the dais.