by neetha Napew
“Yes, and see how they reward the trust put in them,’ Landreau spat out.
“Illegal invasion of space, piracy, smuggling!”
“We are by no means convinced, Admiral Landreau,’ Madam Dupuis said in a stern tone, “that the defendants are guilty of piracy and smuggling.
They have both separately maintained that neither of them placed the artifacts on the Albatross, nor could the one have done so without the other’s knowledge.”
“But their own log claims otherwise.” Landreau made his voice sound reasonable, even saddened by the clandestine activities of Todd and Hrriss. “I am not at all satisfied by the so-called confessions that your interview extracted from the, er, defendants.”
“My clients would be happy, in fact delighted, to answer these allegations under oath,’ Hrruvula replied.
“How good is the word of such deceitful parties?”
“Objection!” Hrruvula said, shooting to his feet.
“Sustained,’ Madam Dupuis said, shooting a repressive look at Landreau.
The Admiral took a deep breath and, with a fixed smile, continued.
“Oaths in a case such as this are not good enough,’ Landreau said, and
began enumerating his reasons. They claim there was a robot beacon
orbiting Hrrilnorr IV. Admiralty Records emphatically proves that no
such beacon ever existed. On the off chance that a rogue beacon from
some other system or passing vessel had entered the system and been
drawn to Hrrilnorr IV, a scout was dispatched to search. No trace of
any mechanical devices was found except the ones assigned to that
system. But,’ and now he waggled his finger, “an astonishing assortment
of illegal objects and that Byzanian Glow Stone were unquestionably
found secreted aboard the Albatross, and those two young men’-his tone
made that designation an insult-‘deny any knowledge of them.” He paused
dramatically. “1
insist on guaranteed veracity. They must submit to interrogation-by qualified technicians, of courseunder querastrin.
An agitated murmur rumbled through the Council chamber, although Hrruvula, whom Landreau was watching, appeared unmoved by such a drastic course. Querastrin was by no means a new truth drug, but it was a harsh one. It stripped the person under its influence of both privacy and dignity.
Suicides following querastrin interrogation were frequent: more often in the cases of those proved innocent under such a drug than those convicted of crimes they had denied.
Hrruvula fixed his deceptively mild green gaze on Landreau and allowed the pupils to slowly contract.
Landreau shuddered inwardly.
“But why should it be needed in this instance, Admiral?” the counsel asked. “Querastrin seems rather an extreme measure. Both Terran and Hrruban courts permit suspects of all but the most bizarre crimes to retain their dignity and give evidence under oath. My clients, on the occasion of the inspection in Councillor Dupuis’s presence and separately during every interrogatory session, have explained the circumstances of their entry into the Hrrilnorr system.
Their account has not varied in any particular during any repetition.” “But their “account” does not tally with the physical evidence supporting their arrest. The future of an entire colony is at stake here, don’t you understand that?” Landreau asked plaintively, meeting every Councillor’s eyes in turn. “Does that not count against the well-being of two single citizens? As a Human, I am appalled that one of my kind invaded a sector which you Hrrubans claimed as your own territory. A deliberate and premeditated abrogation of a specific Treaty clause, and that is the least of their acts against the Treaty.
Surely you must wish such unscrupulous persons removed from this society to prevent them tainting the minds of your young folk who have, I am told, become accustomed to following the lead of.
these two young men. Doona does not need such role models.” Landreau allowed his dismay to be clearly seen.
The Treaty Controller nodded slowly as if agreeing with that assertion of opprobrium. Landreau’s eyes narrowed slightly and the hint of a smile pulled at his thin lips. The common good was a sensible tack to take in ramming home his points.
A nice wedge, neatly driven in to make these idiots reexamine their values.
Hrruvula dismissed that with a wave of his hand.
“Who are we to consider to have tainted whom, Commander?” he asked.
“Cui bono, Counsellor,’ Landreau said. “Who profits from the crimes? In the testimony given to this august body, the suspects failed curiously to address several interesting items which I have uncovered. Then, too, I have recently come into possession of evidence, just brought to my attention, on another matter entirely.
The government of Zapata Three felt obliged to submit this directly to me. This includes not only these financial records,’ and Landreau extended a sheaf of flimsies for the court steward to present to the Councillors, “but a description of a male, one point nine meters tall, with dark brown hair and blue eyes, calling himself Rikard Baliff, the named depositor. This so-called Rikard Baliff has had a most lucrative and active account for the last ten years. The date of the first deposit, by chance, happens to be only two months after that scout, Albatross, was assigned to Todd Reeve and Hrriss, son of Hrrestan. The most recent deposit was made only three weeks ago.”
“I fail to see the relevance of these documents,’ Hrruvula remarked with a slight, exasperated sigh of boredom.
“It’s obvious enough to me, to any thoughtful person,’ Landreau replied, piqued. “Young Mr. Reeve has been building a stake himself, should the Doona Experiment fail. A new life, with a new name-financed, in part, we may now surmise on this new evidence-by the sale of horses bearing Reeve Ranch freeze marks as well as the rare artifacts found on the Albatross. I have depositions,’ and he fluttered more sheets for the steward to hand over to the Councillors, “that this Rikard Baliff was always accompanied by a Hrruban.
Plainly the two have been in collusion for a long time.” Madam Dupuis disguised her anger only by a great effort of will. Despjte this new and most unsettling evidence, she could not imagine Todd Reeve as a conniving rustler and smuggler any more than she could see Hrriss being led around by the nose as an accomplice in such a nefarious undertaking. Why, Todd would have been barely twenty-one at the time he allegedly started this galaxy-wide enterprise. Furthermore, someone in those ten years would surely have recognized Todd and Hrriss at some point during their visits to Zapata and commented on it. Especially if Todd and Hrriss were at the same time representing the colony at an official function. She eased from one buttock to another, compelled by her oath as a Treaty Councillor to hear out this remarkable fabrication of Landreau’s and fretting the way evidence upon evidence was being piled up.
When Landreau began to read from the documents, as if the Councillors were too infirm to do so for themselves, she interrupted him. “Have you any witnesses who can testify to the presence of Todd Reeve and Hrriss on Zapata to conduct these transactions?”
“Only scan the frequency of deposits, Madam Dupuis, and you will see’-Landreau’s smile broadened-‘that the dates match the times-on List B-2-when Reeve and his Hrruban partner were logged off Doona on official visits.” Madam Dupuis turned to her colleagues. “I would like to see their flight plans and log records for the past ten years.”
“That is List B-3, Madam Dupuis,’ Rogitel said helpfully.
“It would seem that they have become deft at altering the Albatross log to delete unauthorized landings at Zapata, and on other worlds,’ Landreau said.
“If I may interject a word here,’ Rogitel said, “since the assistant sealed the Albatross immediately upon its landing four weeks ago, they did not have time to alter the log on that journey. The need to do so would account for why they were so insistent on postponing the obligatory inspection of their craft until such
time when they could return and delete the incriminating portions.” One of the Treaty Councillors rattled the deposit sheet. “A lot of credit’s flowed through this account. Where did the withdrawals go?”
“Why, to purchase illegal and smuggled items, sir,’ Landreau said as if any fool could have deduced that. “And undoubtedly to secure silence from any who might inform on their clandestine activities.”
“Frankly, Admiral, I find that allegation harder to believe than any other evidence you have presented to this court,’ Madam Dupuis said. “Both young men have worked ceaselessly to ensure that the Doona Experiment continues.”
“Ah!” and Landreau raised his hand, his face alight. “That is why their duplicity is so monstrous.
Especially where the Reeve family is concerned, for it is well known that they would not be welcome back on Earth. Therefore, seizing an opportunity to be sure that he and his family would live in comfort somewhere else, Todd Reeve used his position and privilege to accumulate the necessary credits.” Hrruvula managed a chuckle and in a very human gesture, covered his eyes as if unable to maintain the dignity such a hearing required.
“Your humor is ill timed, sir,’ Landreau said, stiffly drawing his body to its full height in the chair, “for all of you must remember that ten years ago, demonstrationsoccurred on both Hrruba and Terra demanding that the Siwannese Noncohabitation Principle be upheld and the Doona colony abandoned as a violation.” Then he gave Hiruvula a smug glance of satisfaction for that unequivocal fact.
“Those demonstrations subsided and an inquiry proved that the agitation had not been spontaneous as claimed but had indeed been subsidized by unidentified conservatives from both planets.
“That is on record,’ Madam Dupuis said. “More to the point, at no time during the period were any colonists permitted off-planet.”
“Exactly, Madam Dupuis!” Landreau shot to his feet in triumph. “And shortly thereafter Reeve and Hrriss began their “goodwill” appearances.
“To dispel any lasting doubt as to the validity of the DoonaiRrala Experiment,’ Hrwvula said.
“And just look how that privilege has been abused by Reeve and Hrriss!”
Landreau exclaimed.
“To smuggle and steal in order to provide an alternate life-style in case the Doonan Experiment should not prove successful at the end of the Treaty period. The Reeve family has a well-documented history of dissidence and anarchy.”
“That is libel, Admiral,’ Hrruvula said.
“They are self-motivated, hardworking, disciplined colonists with achievements any Stripe would be proud to acknowledge. And do!”
“I insist that the defendants submit to interrogation under querastrin,’ Landreau said, his face flushed, his eyes flashing, and his manner uncompromising. “That is the only way in which the truth of the past ten years can be unraveled.”
“I protest the need for any such extreme measure!” Hiruvula was on his feet.
The Treaty Controller gave a sharp rap of his gavel.
“That may not be necessary,’ he said, though his phrasing caused other Councillors to regard him in surprise. “The defendants will be interrogated in court in the normal manner as to the violation of the interdiction of Hrrilnorr and their possession of illegal objects found secreted on the ship solely used by them. The defense attorney is to have time to review the new evidence presented to this court today and prepare a defense.
Madam Dupuis regarded the Controller in a fixed stare, for he intimated that he didn’t believe there could be a defense adequate to clear the charges. She noticed that Hrruvula was quick to catch the innuendo.
“If those proceedings prove inconclusive,’ the Controller went on, “time enough to administer querastnn.
Landreau covered his jubilation. He had become worried at the Controller’s silence, for it had taken a long time for his colleagues to place that nominee of the bigoted Third Speaker in the senior position.
He had to deal with Hrrubans, to be sure, to effect that end, but at least they had been Hrrubans who felt as he did-that the Doonan Experiment should be disbanded. He tossed Hrruvula a challenging look.
Just let that cat try to discredit the evidence that had been so carefully obtained. Just let him try!
And after discrediting the Reeves, such sterling examples of Doonan colonials, he was quite willing to start an interspecies war to depopulate Doona.
Those plans needed only a few more little twitches to provide ample excuse for the protective preemptive strike he felt was necessary against the danger of a Hrruban invasion of Earth. Soon that twentyfive-year-old mistake would be exonerated.
The gavel startled him out of his reverie.
“Due notice of the trial date will be forthcoming,’ declared the Controller. “This session is adjourned.
Admiral Landreau sprang to his feet as the Councillors filed out, well pleased with the events.
He failed to notice either their thoughtful expressions or the bland expression of Hrruvula.
“Well, that’s a horse of a different color, if you get what I mean,’ All Kiachif said, startling Ken, who had been disconsolately stroking the leopard Apple hide. “I thought so when I shipped it.
Alive, alert, and akicking, it was. Freddie lad told me you were looking for me. I’ve got another sled or two of your hides, myself, if you were interested in having them. Chance of a drink for a dry man?
Some of your pussycat punch around, if you know what I’m talking about, eh? That mlada’s a powerful temptation.
Ken looked from the hide on the table to the merchantman’s friendly face. “Sure thing, All,’ and he swung out of his chair to get bottle and glass from the cupboard, “but are you saying that you remember this one horse in particular, out of all the hundreds you’ve carried?” The captain lifted his shoulders expressively.
“Thousands, Reeve, thousands!” He knocked back the generous tot Ken had poured. “Horses are what Doona ships the most of. But that leopardie Applousa was a real looker.”
“Leopard Appaloosa,’ Ken corrected automatically.
“Don’t see many of them, if you know what I meanEr, I’m a bit dry.” As automatically, Ken splashed an even more generous portion and set the bottle down in front of the wiry old spacefarer.
“Tell me all you remember, Captain, please! I’m going half crazy trying to find out where the horse which wore this hide came from. My records come up blank and we’re having to cross-check it against every animal ever bred here.
All Kiachif had been lowering the level of mlada in the glass slowly but steadily as Ken spoke. Now, wiping his wild whiskers with the back of his hand, he sighed with relief. “Ah, that cuts the spacedust and sifts the sand, with a vengeance. I remember perfectly because one, the unusual hide on the beast, and two, it was the first time I’d seen an animal with your freeze mark being exported.
Looked like a nice animal so I couldn’t understand why you’d sell it on.
I take a fairly friendly interest in your family, from far away back. Got another reason to remember yon spotted laddie because I was taking your stablehand, young Mr. Aden, out into the great beyond with it! He was going to one of the new places to ply his trade.” Kiachif scratched his beard. “Though I can’t rightly remember what that trade was. He had a lot of tricky toys and equipment with him, but it was all his. He had a manifest, money, the works. A lot of money, I was thinking, for a young lad who never did anything but manage horses all his life. He was off to a grand start with all those gadgets wherever he was going.” “Now, that’s the best thing I’ve heard in weeks, All,’ Ken said, but his smile was grim. “And itpartially-explains who knew so much about my ranch and freeze IDs.”
“But that Apple laddie wasn’t rustled. He was sold proper by that Aden feller.”
“Who’s part of a conspiracy to frame me and my son.
“What’s that?” All Kiachif paused, hand on the bottle neck.
“I never bred a leopard Appaloosa, All. The
Solinaris do. Those are, undeniably, my ranch markings but they should be on a twyearid pinto.” “Well, I can swear that they’re on the hide of the animal I loaded. That animal!” And All stabbed a stubby stained finger at the hide in front of him.
“You’d be willing to swear to that?”
“In front of anyone and as often as need be. But it’s not one hide that’s got your drive revving.”
“No. So far I’ve found nineteen other hides, provenanced from Zapata, that don’t tally with any horse I ever bred and marked.
Poldep is saying it’s Todd who’s been rustling from his own father, amassing a fat credit account off-world.” Ken could feel the frustrated anger building inside him again just having to repeat the foul accusations. “And there’re more rumors that Hrriss is either coming along for the ride or sharing the take.” At the astonished and disbelieving expression on All Kiachif’s face, he reined in.
All did not. He poured a quick tot to steady hiniseff, for his face had turned an apoplectic red.
“Not those boys!” he said, pounding his fist on the table, a separate bang for eacti word. “Charge anyone else from any planet anywhere in Terran space or even Hrruban space and I might agree, but not Todd and Hrriss.”
“The Council and Poldep do not share your faith in their honesty. And damn it all’-the boost which Kiachif’s instant defense had given Ken dissolved as quickly-‘the facts, the evidence are against them.”
“Facts! Facts? Evidence?” All narrowed his eyes, the shrewd trader, not the spirits-guzzling reprobate. “Facts can be altered, even evidence can be counterfeit to suit needs. But I’m a man who’s dealt with all kinds, all over this arm of the Milky Way,’ and he waved expansively, “and I’ve never been wrong judging a man in my life.
And I’m not wrong about that lad of yours who wore a rope tail to look like his best buddy. Anyone else, of any creed, color, conformation, or character, might do the dirty on his own dad so we’ll have to find out who did!” All waggled his stained finger at Ken. “And by fire, frost, and every ounce of faith in this old hod, we’ll prove it.