Doona Trilogy Omnibus

by neetha Napew

  “That question is premature, Mr Smith, Hrrestan said.

  “The matter to be discussed is the advisability of such an installation in the first instance, not who will build it.”

  “Ze Speakers must be assured zat regulations will follow zose already in force,’ Hrrto began.

  “Aw,’ Ali Kiachif began, “let’s not start that old keepthe-home-world-sacred stuff.”

  “Hell’s bells,’ added Fred Horstmann, “there isn’t a space captain worth his salt, Hayuman or Hrruban, who hasn’t a fair idea where each home world has to be.” He caught Hrrto’s outraged expression. “Well, you only have to narrow the Options available, Speaker’ “Don’t we know each other well enough now, after thirty-something years,’ Tanarey Smith began, “to forget this nonsense about home world integrity?”

  “No!” Second Speaker Hrrto leaped to his feet, the fur on his back bristling. “Home world integrity is not nonsense.

  It is ze most vital point of agreement between our two races and may not, must not, be abrogated. Never be abrogated.”

  “So is the Treaty!” Todd couldn’t contain himself from saying in a tone just short of a shout.

  “The Treaty stipulates,’ Barnstable said, raising his own voice to top Todd’s, “the conditions by which the Doonarrala colony is promulgated. It says absolutely nothing about that subcontinent nor the use to which it can be put. The Treaty specifies only the main continent, known as Doonarrala, and the Treaty Island where observers are permitted and where any disputes are settled. This isn’t a dispute. It’s an expansion.”

  “Well now, I shouldn’t want to see anything violate the Treaty,’ Kiachif said, somehow inserting himself into the discussion. “I seen it start and don’t intend to see it finish.

  How about a space station?” And he looked appealingly at Todd.

  Though Todd hadn’t expected such a suggestion, he welcomed it.

  “Space station?”

  “Landside free port?”

  “Now, wait a minute!”

  “I thought the matter under discussion was the use of Hrrunat !” Appalled, Speaker Hrrto listened to the babble, his increasing outrage at such lack of courtesy demonstrated by the lash of his tail.

  “SILENCE!” Todd belted the word out in such a roar that there was silence, as much from surprise as to walt until ears stopped ringing.

  “You will all be heard in order.

  In order, I repeat. We may all know each other very well but that is no reason to dispense with formality.” Even Milaba regarded him with respect and Second Speaker was mollified.

  “Hrrestan “Todd said, turning the meeting over once more to its chairman.

  Having thrown in the suggestion of a space station, Ali Kiachif was acknowledged by Hrrestan to give particulars.

  He was politely heard but when he had finished, five people vied to follow him.

  Discreetly, Hrrestan acknowledged Hrrin who spoke about the benefits to the burgeoning agrarian economy which could not profitably market its surplus beyond those few traders who regularly reprovisioned at the present small, and totally inadequate space base. More people could be accommodated at a land base than a space station: therefore the agronomy of Doonarrala would certainly benefit more from a facility at The Hrrunat.

  Lorena rose to speak for a space facility where the integrity of the colony would not be at risk. But, as she was speaking for bankers who would profit from either venture, she chose to fall on the side of the more expensive installation. Hrrouf, in terser language but with a thick accent, appeared to corroborate her statements on the Hrruban behalf.

  Fred Horstmann wanted to be heard on the matter of the frail safety of a space station whereas a land port wasn’t half as vulnerable and furthermore could accommodate simultaneously far more vessels and cargo at a considerably lower cost.

  “Costs could be reduced even further with the use of the bigger grids,’ Jilamey interjected, causing the Admiral and the Hrruban commandant to erupt in protest.

  “Jilamey!” Todd said again, using his penetrating voice to cut through the rising level of peripheral conversations, one more word about grid and you are o.u.t. Out!” Jilamey’s unrepentant shrug was on the order of neverhurts-to-try.

  “I don’t like griding around,’ Barnstable snapped out, his crisp voice ringing in the big chamber, “and a big one wouldn’t be any easier to endure than a small one.

  Brr! At least with a ship, you know where you are and how you got there.” One of his ice-white brows lowered slightly as he turned in Second Speaker’s direction. “But I would like to take this occasion, face to face, to ask the honourable Senior Commandant Prrid and the honoured Second Speaker why the Himbans won’t trust us with grid technology.” Hrrto’s eyes gleamed and the fur at the back of his neck bristled. Todd prepared to stand up and dive in.

  “All I am prepared to say is zat it is not a question of trust, Admiral,’ said Prrid. Second Speaker merely bowed to second that comment and turned his head resolutely from Barnstable.

  “But will you say whether or not - if this project goes through there would be a large grid at a free-trade port?” Jilamey asked.

  “No more will be discussed about ze grrrids,’ Second Speaker said with such finality that Jilamey subsided. “We discuss ze advisability of a free-trade space port on Ze Hrrunat.”

  “Then let us get down to the nitty-gritty,’ Ali Kiachif said. “The size of the place, its organization: will it be jointly administered . 9’ “Of course!’ Mrrunda said emphatically.

  Ali grinned at him. “Of course!

  Hrrto grumbled out a growl, shifting himself to face the old captain. “Hrruban trade has been at a disadvantage zat would be remedied by such a facility. I am instructed to make suitable arrangements.” So, Todd thought to himself, no reprieve was forthcoming from the Hrruban side. How was he going to delay the matter? A glance at the massive old-fashioned long case clock in the corner of the room gave him the excuse he needed.

  “Let us adjourn for lunch before we have to deal with details,’ Todd suggested, glancing about the table.

  “There’s a splendid sampling of the local dishes, both Hrruban and Hayuman for your pleasure. If you will follow me?” Not every one of the delegates was pleased at such an interruption but Barnstable was clearly in favour of a meal. The alacrity with which Second Speaker rose from his chair did much to sway other Hrrubans to follow his example. Hrrouf immediately sought Lorena Kaldon for a few private words as they followed Todd.

  The wide, marble hallways of the Federation Centre were peopled by tour groups and employees hurrying to and fro.

  But these stood aside to allow the distinguished delegates to move freely towards the dining area. As they neared the facility, delightful aromas wafted out into the hallway.

  Todd took a lungful and began to relax a little. Hrriss’s jaw dropped open in a contented smile. The anticipation of food was having much the same effect on the others.

  “Friends, welcome!” a warm voice greeted them from inside the doors. “I’m your hostess, Kelly Reeve. Please, come in and make yourselves at home. She repeated her greeting in excellent High Hrruban, bowing low towards Hrrto.

  Her coifed red hair ablaze in the room’s pendant lights, Kelly Solinari Reeve beckoned them inside. She was a tall woman, whose athletic, graceful figure was enhanced by the wheat-coloured dress and short jacket she wore. As if caught in the act of making last minute preparations, she set down the earthenware pitcher she was holding on the edge of a long table laid for a feast and advanced to the doorway, beaming.

  “Mrs Reeve, this is a pleasant 5rp5,) Tanarey Smith said, bowing over Kelly’s hand.

  Ali Kiachif sprang forward to greet Kelly. “A fine day, a fair lassie, and food fit for a pharaoh. How are you, lass?”

  “Wonderful, Ali,’ Kelly said, returning the old spacer’s embrace with a kiss on his grizzled cheek. “How good to see you! And Jilamey! We’re so glad you got here. I was very surprised to see no o
ne but Barrington on the landing pad two days ago. We didn’t know what became of you.

  Barrington, Jilamey’s “gentleman’s gentleman’, accompanied him on almost every trip the young businessman made. He was a combination of amanuensis, mother hen and genie from the lamp, to judge by Jilamey’s accounts of his silent miracles of Organization.

  “Well, surprise,’ Jilamey said, sheepishly. “I got a ride on the grid with Admiral Barnstable, hands across the wateror the void, so to speak.” He winked at the Admiral, who ignored the familiarity. “I sent Old Patience-is-a-Virtue on by himself to breathe ship air and mind my parcels. He’s marvellous. So I was able to stay home and tweak a few more deals before I came up. Grids are wonderful. You only grow lovelier, Kelly.” He seized one of her hands to kiss.

  “Well, your house is ready. I was up there only yesterday to check on it.”

  “I am in your debt,’ Jilamey said, expansively.

  Landreau had bought a large house high on a hilltop south-west of the original First Villages, and equipped it via Codep transport ship with all manner of modern doodads, including private vehicles not specifically mentioned nor barred by the Doona charter. As for horses, he owned a few but except for the weeks he was on planet, they boarded in stables owned by friends. Except for the ambassadorial residences on Treaty Island, his was the only permanent home owned by a non-resident on Doonarrala. But then, Jilamey was an exception to many rules.

  “Well, sit down and eat,’ Kelly said, waving him to a seat. The table was laid with individual place settings, but the platters and bowls of food were intended to be passed from guest to guest. “How have you been?”

  “I’m surviving,’ young Landreau replied, happily. “How are the Alley Cats? And Hrriss’s cubs? I’m looking forward to seeing them.” “And they can’t wait to see you,’ Kelly assured him.

  “They all send their love. Nrrna is minding all the children while I play hostess.”

  “I’ve got a baby present for - what’s her name?

  Hrrunna?”

  “You’re so good with them,’ Kelly said, shaking her hed.

  “You should have some of your own.” She caught herself and threw him a little shrug of apology.

  “Not me,’ Jilamey laughed, without a trace of discomfort. “I’m much more definitely uncle material. Besides, I couldn’t spoil yours so well if I had my own tagging along behind me.

  “How is my youngest grandchild?” Hrrestan asked, fondly, his voice dropping into intimate mode, as he stopped to rub cheeks with Kelly.

  “Growing,’ Kelly said, with a grin. “She follows everything with her eyes now, and that tail of hers is positively prehensile. When she doesn’t want you to stop patting her back, she holds on.”

  “Hrrunna is named for our dear First Speaker,’ Hrrestan explained to Hrrto. “She was born a mere four days after he joined the Stripes.”

  “A most touching sentiment,’ Hrrto said, with a mere suggestion of a drop-jawed smile. “It is good to know those so far away from the home world would recall him and pay such a tribute. We of the High Council all regret the loss of our senior statesman.

  To Todd and Hrriss, Hrrto’s regret didn’t ring entirely true.

  Hrriss shook his head, recalling that Second was enmeshed at present in a difficult contest to win the vacant Speakership for himself, which likely overshadowed any real feelings he might have.

  Kelly burst in to dispel the uncomfortable silence. “Well, come along, everyone. I hope you enjoy everything. Don’t stand on ceremony. I’m sure you’re famished.” She came up to Todd and lifted her face for a kiss.

  “How’s it been going?” she asked in a hasty whisper as others moved about the table to find the placecards with their names.

  “From whose viewpoint?” Todd asked ironically. Kelly gave him a quick, worried look as he tucked her arm in his and escorted her up the length of the room. “Ali tried to help by suggesting a space station.

  Jilamey’s doing his best to irritate Hrrto and Barnstable with his constant nudging about grids. But,’ and she sighed as he conceded, “the majority see it as a way to improve their credit position one way or another! Even Hrrin sees the space port as profitable to the agricultural community-‘ “Oh? A new outlet for surplus. Hmm. Well, it would be. Ooops, sorry, love.” Smoothly, Kelly ducked away from him towards the Second Speaker.

  “Ah, gracious sir,’ she said in her impeccable High Hrruban, “we have the urfa pie you so much enjoyed the last time you favoured us with your presence,’ and she steered him toward his place and began serving him.

  Then she turned her bright smile on Tanarey Smith who beamed under her charm.

  Soon everyone was seated, with filled plates and glasses, looking all too pleased with the morning’s meeting.

  Despite the fact that the menu included two of Todd’s personal favorites, he could find no appetite and pushed food about on his plate.

  He could hear snatches of conversations and shook his head because, without exception, everyone favoured the instant establishment of a space port on the Hrrunat.

  The instanter, the better, and why wasn’t this suggested years ago?

  Because Hu Shih and Hrruna had squashed that snake any time it came out of its lair.

  Why wasn’t I able to? Todd thought in miserable isolation. Dad and Hu Shih are as certain as I am that such an installadon abrogates both Decision and Treaty. WHY am I unable to convince the others? He sighed deeply, noting Kelly’s anxious gaze on him. He smiled at her, though it was a feeble attempt, and pushed a forkful into his mouth.

  The food was almost cold and that seemed part of the whole but he chewed it anyway. I must not be the leader everyone thought I was, if I cannot protect the community from an evil I perceive as encroachment.

  The jingle of Jilamey’s bells broke through and he saw the enthusiastic entrepreneur bumping up and down on his chair as he explained, with many gestures as well as body language, some point he was trying to make.

  Maybe, thought Todd, I was foolish to stop Jilamey yattering away about the grids. Maybe if I let him irritate Hrrto, Prrid and that bunch sufficiently, they’ll leave in a huff Todd, my friend, think with your head, not your heart. There’re more ways to deflect a snake than ramming a boulder up ils maw.

  He brightened considerably as he turned over the possibilities for sowing discord. Certainly, insisting on discussing grids, he’d disorganize the meeting so that nothing could be accomplished but a venting of temper.

  He’d have to be subtle, which had never been his best suit, but so much was at stake.

  Just then a stray phrase from Lorena Kaldon caught his attention.

  “Once again, I want to know if this project will be open for tenders?”

  She looked agitated. “And who will make the final decision?”

  “Why, obviously, that must be decided by the Villages, Todd said, smiling affably as if he’d been following the discussion all along.

  “In this instance,’ Barustable began, joining in with a verbal pounce, “since the matter concerns more than the Villages, the parent worlds must have a voice.” Todd lifted one eyebrow and gave Hrriss a long look which Hrriss shrugged off. That annoyed Todd even more.

  Was Hrriss blind that he didn’t see how eager Spacedep was to get a legal foothold on Doonarrala?

  “Parochial attitudes must give way to interstellar requirements,’ Tanarey Smith said and Lorena nodded hearty agreement.

  “Yes, but with both Earth and Hrruba complaining about costs already, where is the credit coming from?” Todd asked.

  “This project will interest independent financial sources Lorena began.

  “Don’t you worry about the financing Tanarey said.

  “All right, I won’t,’ Todd said, “but how does the facility manage itself once it’s built?”

  “Tariff, of course,’ Fred Horstmann said, regarding Todd with surprise as if that source was too obvious.

  “Which include a yearly rental?”
Hrrestan asked in a bland tone.

  Even Todd regarded his co-leader with surprise at that nicely landed bombshell. Hrrestan dropped his jaw in a smile. “You did not think that we Doonarralans would let you have a whole subcontinent rent free from us, did you? A percentage of the annual income Todd covered his eyes and bent his head so no one would see his grin. Maybe Hrrestan wasn’t totally lost to common sense in this matter. In Todd’s lexicon, however, a hefty infusion to the colony’s coffers did not quite compensate for the abrogation of the Treaty. As it was, Hrrestan’s remarks effectively silenced everyone except for the jingling bells of Jilamey’s suit as, first he sank back in his chair, before abruptly sitting up to cause more chiming.

  “Of course,’ the young entrepreneur said, beaming at his sudden inspiration, “Doonarrala must benefit from the project. But I think it’s only a matter of working out an acceptable figure. Think of all that has already been worked out here on Treaty Island so harmoniously.” He gave one arm a hearty shake, grinning at the effect on those seated around the table.

  In the small reception room outside the landing bay, a smartly uniformed Spacedep rating awaited the passenger of an admiralty scout ship that had just arrived on board the cruiser. The esteemed visitor, a stocky man in his early forties with a commander’s insignia on his uniform, had a broad spread of shoulders, a strongly drawn jaw, and sharp, brown eyes that made the rating quail inwardly when they momentarily met hers. There was something almost cold about him. His square, handsome face was unlined except for the disapproving indentations framing his moulded mouth. The rating waited at attention while the visitor cleared decontam and slipped out of his pressure suit. The glassteel doors slid open one at a time, allowing him to enter the atmosphere lock, and finally to admit him to the lounge.

  “Welcome aboard, Commander,’ the rating said, firing off a perfect salute. “The captain awaits you in her office.

  I’m to take you to her.” Frozen like a waxwork, she held the pose, waiting for the guest’s reply.