by James Cox
“Indeed,” said Litho gently, “One thing you've yet to learn, brother Joshua, is that opportunity follows many paths. Some require the struggle yet others appear only with subtlety and caution.”
Orris tried to fight Litho's words but the struggle soon left him.
“I am unworthy, First. Even did I embrace your words I do not deserve them. I am steeped in sin and transgression.”
The despair in Orris' voice shocked Micah. And started his thinking. They had come a distance with success seeming certain. Now their gains hung tenuously.
“How so, brother,” asked Litho, “Is it your siblings that trouble you?”
Deeply startled, Orris eyed Litho with shock.
“Be at peace, young brother.” Litho's words were warm with compassion. “You need not take penance for another's sins. No part of the Writ demands that! Your plight, and your sister's, are known to a few of us.”
Orris swallowed hard and Litho turned to Micah.
“I am told your doctors can cure the sickness upon young Joshua's sister. Is this true?”
“Yes.”
“Then she shall receive her cure. Perhaps she will champion a cause for you, young brother. Is this foul to your taste?”
Orris looked away with conflict evident on his face. When he looked back his eyes were troubled.
“It does not seem right, First. My feelings are uncertain.”
“Then trust mine. I believe you will make an excellent First, brother Joshua, and many others share my conviction.”
Satisfied with Orris, Litho turned his attention back to Micah.
“When can you act, brother?”
“At your convenience, sirra. We must have official negotiations, of course.”
“Of course. This time need not be long.”
“I'll send the message as soon as we leave.”
Litho nodded. “Fair and sufficient.”
Litho rose and offered Micah his hand. His grip was firm, sure and sincere.
“In pledge to better times,” said Litho.
“To better times.”
***
If alMarklin suspected anything he didn't show it. He tried again for information and again Micah and Ferrel kept it covered. Ferrel blipped from the refectory where alMarklin left them and Kidwell soon appeared. They muddled their trail, checked for surveillance and worked their way houseward. Micah and Ferrel managed a short debrief.
“Six-sigma excellent,” said Kidwell, “I take it by your frayed demeanor this wasn't a simple burn through the Dome.”
“Your take is correct,” said Micah.
“Don't let him lie to you, darling,” whispered Ferrel, “For him it was easier than a burn through the Dome. He did as good a job as anyone we studied and don't let him tell you otherwise!”
“Polar, spiker,” said Kidwell, “As for you, Master Rube, don't think you'll beat me at cards now! I'm getting wise to your ways.”
With no quick retort in mind Micah began mentally composing his report.
Chapter 17. Forging Friendships
Rumors again flew the next day. Negotiations with the League had resumed and unofficial sources spoke favorably. Midafternoon the League ships withdrew from orbit completely and took station well away from the planet. Other news reported on scandal within the Dome. Those who knew the most said the least but few doubted that something momentous had happened.
Early the next morning the Circle's spokesman had stunning news. Interdiction on the League legation had lifted. By virtue of masterful negotiations the Ambassador would return. What this portended none knew, but all saw the League ships preparing to depart. Unofficial but generally reliable sources reported that the League prisoners would be returned. For a wonder there were no protests at this.
***
Isaac Velvert scowled at the reports before him. Months and years of planning ruined. Ruined! Though not prone to profanity Velvert considered its release. He was poised to move himself into power unimaginably in excess of what he now had only to see his plans shatter to fragments and scatter like wisps of smoke on an errant wind.
Coaching his face to serenity Velvert received Morr and his reports with ill humor. He'd assigned the fool a severe penance, some release of frustration there, but serving it had only redoubled Morr's conviction and willingness to serve.
With other sources of information shaky, the hands of Truth and Inquiry stood at knives' points now in truth more than in seeming, Velvert worked to piece together what he could. All the information he gathered pointed to one conclusion: he, Velvert, had been outwitted and outmaneuvered, surely and simply.
With what satisfaction he could wring from the fact Velvert postulated his opponents' ignorance of just how many contingencies he had planned. This situation would necessitate one or more of them.
Velvert began planning and preparing his next moves.
***
“They'll release the prisoners day after tomorrow,” announced Ferrel, “Official words tonight plus tomorrow for spins and comments. The legation is swept and clear of bugs and Ted suggested - suggested, mind you - that we return at best discretion and post haste. Does that sound like a favorable action vector?”
“It does indeed,” replied Micah, “I for one am ready for a sinful ambiance of decadence and debauchery delicately suited to any planet other than here.”
“As if,” snorted Kidwell, “Any other loose ends to lock down?”
“I've popped all our bugs and other nefarious devices that we won't need for the trip. Minus the surveillance on Juch. That one's encryption hardwired and distractfully routed to the legation. It might come in handy.”
“I doubt the locals would want it,” said Micah, “but Ian will. Un-Firstly and bad for image but useful to keep him in check. Subtly, of course. There's been enough misbehavior in high places to last the Circle a few years, at least.”
Micah spoke truly. In a surprising move and after many rumors of scandal the Circle appointed one Joshua Orris, Third to the Circle, Unity, and a handful of others he picked as an independent fact-finding executive. Publicly their charge was enforcement of the Writ and Unity. Most citizens saw it as a prelude to elevation to First. They approved.
With a small tinge of regret Micah rendered his last few bits of illicit equipment to particles. Most of the day served to erase evidence of their tenure and they all listened to developing news with half an ear or more.
***
Micah kept a careful eye to their backtrail. Entrance to Anathema entailed no snags this time, but he still kept a cautious eye. Ferrel sniffed at the idea their idents might cause trouble and Micah already felt ten credits leaving.
“Live and learn, my brother. I lived through this once.”
A brief visit to a small shop, lubricated with a handful of trade vouchers, opened a concealed doorway. Not long afterward the three League agents rested comfortably in their legation.
Ian Ramsey, all smiles and barely-concealed excitement now, met them eagerly.
“Excellent job,” said Ramsey, “Hades of an excellent job! I'm not sure exactly what you did but congratulations on doing it so flaming well!”
Ramsey might have asked more but Ionoski, 'need-to-know' oozing out his pores, overbore Ramsey with his own congratulations.
“You have fifteen minutes for showers and snacks,” said Ionoski, “Then we debrief. Thoroughly.”
***
“... that was when we decided assassination would provide the optimal solution,” concluded Micah, “Then, pursuant to League policy and Dr. Colwraith's homework we worked up a plan to neutralize the targets without killing them. Given the society here and its avowed devotion to selflessness, charity and purity, especially for its governing officials, we decided to assassinate certain Firsts' character without killing them. From there we framed Firsts Frond, Juch and Maas for war profiteering. With the fortuitous rearrangement of League forces and given certain large investments by these individuals in stocks that might react
favorably we put down hefty suspicion of collusion. Overall impact on the market and local economy shouldn't be excessive and at last rumor our plan succeeded.
“Not long after our evidence was uncovered we met with Orris and Litho. After some fencing they agreed to release the prisoners and to at least open their minds to the possibility of deeper relations with the League. From what I saw in both of them they'll keep to that. It won't be an easy road but at least the gates are unlocked.”
Ionoski nodded.
“That leaves one matter,” he said, “You ignored a direct order to evacuate your position. Comments?”
“Yes sir,” said Micah, “As you have on record I assumed command of the mission. Agents Ferrel and Kidwell were under my orders. I am prepared to answer for my actions and theirs.”
“Feces!” interrupted Kidwell, “Micah gave us the choice to...”
Albeit not easily, Micah silenced her.
“I reiterate my statement, sir. The responsibility for disobedience is mine and mine alone.”
Ionoski stared at Micah a long time. A long enough time for Micah to fully consider the implications of his statement. Micah offered a faint smile in return. He'd considered his actions, consequences, implications and outcomes and he was at peace with them.
“Slib,” said Ionoski, “The mission succeeded and I was not in the field so no blame will be apportioned. You all did a good job. I'm not surprised, you understand, just bloody well proud.”
“So. We passed?” Kidwell's tone was almost light but with an edge to it.
“Considering this was not a test,” said Ionoski, “give yourself a grade. I've always felt each mission was like a final exam. Then you work until you excel and tackle the next one. Of course, it's also a question for the philosophers, no?”
“Blather,” said Micah, “What are you not telling us, Ted?”
Ionoski grinned at this. “I will release some additional information that may be of interest. Strategy and Planning knew something was ripe to happen here. They couldn't model chaos well enough for details but they knew the situation was right.
“Over time pressure builds in any society. Given the one here, it tends to build long and hard and to erupt spectacularly. And no, Vera, they could not have predicted the hostages. According to Planning, the presence of League agents on the ground when the pressure finally blew gave a sigma-vector favorable to both Unity and the League. Given what happened you three prevented a disaster, rescued innocents and guaranteed the League a favorable future environment. I know that's not a pat answer but it's the best I've got.”
Kidwell considered this a moment before accepting it. It made sense and she, and the others, really had little choice. Failure truly was not an option.
“For the mission itself,” continued Ionoski, “Consider me Dr. Colwraith. Be thinking about every thing you did and what you might have done differently. I shall expect details.”
Ferrel caught Micah's eye and rolled his own. So much for taking life easy for a while!
***
Micah, Kidwell and Ferrel spent the next day completing their official reports, logs, journals and other paperwork Intelligence required. As always they spared some attention for newscasts.
Most of the population took news of the prisoners' release with acceptance. Reliable unofficial sources hinted that various reactionary factions had manipulated their capture in the first place. Speculation on the reasons for doing so ranged from simply damaging League relations to more distasteful personal gain. As a side note three of the Circle's Firsts made significant contributions to charitable causes. This followed the highly-profitable sale of various Exchange shares not quite linked back to said Firsts of the Circle. Later that afternoon First Darby, speaking with full consensus of the Circle, announced the candidacy of Joshua Orris to Ordination to First of the Circle. The people of Unity greeted that news with overwhelming approval and his acceptance was taken as a fact.
That evening First Litho, Novice Orris and several aides visited the legation. Ostensibly they came to lay the path for future negotiations. In fact they came to meet Ramsey on informal terms. Ramsey set them a banquet to do any League chef proud.
Micah thoroughly enjoyed the meal. By unspoken agreement they all kept the conversations away from politics and the recent events surrounding it but that left ample room for finding common interests. Ramsey's behavior amused Micah. The man obviously expected a cool reception at best. Orris' and Litho's newly-enlightened attitudes amazed him and toward the end of the meal he only barely concealed it! Micah also enjoyed a pleasant conversation with Orris and Kidwell. One of the League ships actually had a stock of medicine for Parmetheid on board and Ionoski wasted no time acquiring it. Jilli had already begun planning for the League-curable illnesses and conditions she would tackle in the Circle's name. Orris still bespoke his unworthiness but Micah knew that for the lie, even if Orris himself did not.
Finally, after a too-short time among pleasant company, the meal and after-meal ended. Ramsey escorted his guests away with proper formality but much greater friendship.
“That was bloody impressive,” said Ramsey, “Ted said you were hard at work but he didn't give many details. Would you care to?”
Ionoski smiled. Ferrel grinned. Kidwell looked away with modesty and innocence.
“We completed our mission,” said Micah with a shrug.
***
Morning the next day saw the return of the League citizens with much pomp and presence. Micah and the others kept low visibility but stayed well on top of the situation. Officials officiated, Ramsey spoke reassuringly and medics pronounced good health. By nightfall all was well and the reporters had mostly scraped every source dry. Micah even caught an interview of one of the transport crew conducted by none other than the snoring reporter. She looked sleepy but interviewed quite well.
As soon as the hostages reached the legation and dropped out of sight the medics from the T-group administered thorough examinations. Apart from understandable strain and fatigue none of them suffered any lasting injuries. Just being on League territory lifted their spirits considerably. Lafe Treadley even spoke of plans to open trade with Unity.
“I know more about 'em than my competition,” said the plucky Treadley, “And that's an advantage I'll sure-as-flames take!”
Georges alMarklin, who happened to be within earshot, stared at Treadley with open amazement. Micah chuckled softly; he suspected Treadley would succeed admirably.
Micah looked idly at the shuttle now fueled and ready to go. He and the others had avoided the prisoners but one in particular captured his attention.
When she arrived Missy Haffenstatler looked gaunt and haunted by her ordeal. Micah almost regretted his choice of Colwraith's Alternative. Almost. But after a day under League care she and the others improved markedly.
A soft touch on Micah's arm.
“Why, hello darling. I didn't expect to see...”
Micah turned. Lost in thought he hadn't heard Missy walk up. She looked at him, puzzled.
“I'm sorry, sir,” she said, “I thought you were a man I knew.”
Micah smiled. “Then he's a lucky man.”
Missy looked at him closely.
“Lucky? No, sirra. He is skilled. Very much so. And very, very smart.”
“I still say lucky. May I help you with something?”
She considered this.
“No. I thought I might give him a message.”
“If you'd care to scribe it I can see that he gets it. If I can't the Ambassador certainly can.”
Missy smiled warmth and sincerity.
“I was just going to tell him I'll be going back to college now. I plan to turn my utmost effort into my studies.” She paused. “My father owns a small manufacturing and shipping company on Nusalle. I'll be taking it over when he retires and I plan to make an acceptable job of it. I thought one day my friend might grant me the pleasure of a visit.”
Micah returned her smile. “P
erhaps he will. Certainly if he's able. What is his name?”
“It's... Not important.” She took his hands, leaned up and kissed his cheek softly. “Thank you, sirra. I see they're boarding the shuttle and I'd best not miss it.”
Missy waved from the 'lock. A few minutes later the shuttle lofted into the sky. Micah felt someone beside him.
“Polar to orbit, my brother,” said Ferrel, “Stud blood besides. Even with a different face! What do you have and why won't you share?”
“Right now I have clean shorts and a plastic cucumber.”
Ferrel chuckled. “I talked to Rob and Sarah. She has enough for her thesis and then some. They plan to get married as soon as they graduate. Rob swore from there they'll take a job on a planet in Sector Prime where people think border systems are a myth.”
“They'll make it,” said Kidwell as she sauntered up, “I'm going to see to it they both get scholarships enough to take them through graduation and a starship ticket. Plus some very strong recommendations wherever they apply. Ted will help with that.”
“Does he know it?” asked Ferrel.
“Not yet. He will soon, though.” Kidwell slipped her arm under Micah's. “As to you, lover, it seems I've cause to be jealous. After you wipe that drool off your chin perhaps you can explain to me why I shouldn't.”
“I can think of something,” said Micah, “And it takes no explanation at all!”
***
Micah packed quickly. Since the T-group's current mission was ferrying the League citizens home it left the contingency ship behind for Ionoski and his team. Its shuttle would arrive soon and depart not long after and Micah certainly didn't want to miss the ride.
“I don't like this,” said Kidwell, indicating several holocasts, “Micah, there are some pretty nasty counter-Orris articles starting up. We should do something about it. He'll have a time dealing with them.”
“Mmph.” Micah examined Kidwell's findings and began working up plans and options.
“Let me in their net,” said Ferrel, “I'll give Orris their livers on a plate for breakfast!”
“Good for starters,” said Micah, “But let's think long-range while we can.”