Micah felt the vestige of a smile forming behind his lips. Official word had forty-three incidents between Unity of Triumph and the Esavians but with the implication of more. Settling them ranged from diplomatic negotiation to military action. That suggested a course of action.
"... and their customs! Most of them are totally barbaric. I didn't know such behavior could even exist, even outside the League!" Kidwell half-paced beside the conference table. "They are totally barbaric! I don't even see how we can consider them a civilization."
"So, Vera," said Micah, "tell us what you really think. Don't be so diplomatic."
Kidwell stopped and stared a moment then raised Micah a finger.
"I must agree," said Ferrel, "I concentrated on their technology, naturally. 'Barbaric' makes a fair start in describing it but only on the more advanced worlds. The overall technology for all the worlds is far inferior to League standard and on individual worlds it's even less. Most of them don't even have a global net."
"So you'll be at a disadvantage," said Ionoski as he entered the room.
"Blather and plenty of it," said Ferrel, "Bet me I won't use their ignorance against them! Their lack of technology isn't just because they can't produce it, either. From what I can gather the average Esavian sees absolutely zero need for even the most rudimentary tech. About the only thing they will have is an accurate chrono. By what they import they don't even have individual comms! The exception to the rule is weapons. They'll take anything anyone will sell them. That's a bad idea, though, because if they think the price is too high or they don't like the seller or Dhu bats an eye wrong they just take the weapons and graciously allow the person who brought them to leave alive. Or not."
"Micah," asked Ionoski.
"TLI right now, Ted, but I have a good idea how to change that."
As Micah explained Kidwell's expression turned to amazement and Ferrel's grin tickled his ears.
***
Micah looked around with considerable curiosity. The starport hadn't changed much but the changes surprised Micah. He and Ferrel walked across the now-open concourse toward a very familiar building. As he walked he passed eight stores, all with the crest of the Merchant's Guild and some of them hosting one or more independent traders.
"Welcome back Agents Flint and Creel." Karl Perry took and pumped Micah's hand then Ferrel's. "I received your request. I have you an appointment scheduled for early tomorrow, if that is convenient."
"Very much so, Seigneur Ambassador," said Micah, impressed, "Also much more than we had hoped."
"This place seems a lot more open since we left," said Ferrel, "What happened?"
"Walk with me," said Perry, "We'll talk.
"I'll start with politics. Joshua Orris made it through initiation handily. He was elevated to First of the Circle with unanimous approval. During the process he cut quite a swath through the Orders, including his own. That made him unpopular with some folks; you'd be amazed at the corruption he managed to root out. That strengthened him in all the right places, though, and everyone but the ones he splashed love him. Firsts Brellin and Maas managed to hold their positions. Technically speaking they didn't break any laws but their popularity took a serious hit.
"The other Firsts were in a bit of a quandary about those two. Their misdeeds involved illegal trade, but illegal only because it extended beyond Unity borders. And, since the resolution of... troubles... necessitated greater trade with the League the Firsts weren't sure what to do. Orris argued that they should keep their positions since they did pay taxes and tithes, albeit indirectly. That persuaded them to assign penances, and not really bad ones at that. Right now they're working to make amends to their congregations and Orders, and with general public acceptance. And close scrutiny.
"First Juch was expelled from the Orders and jailed. I'm not sure where he is but I can assure you he won't be back in any public capacity. Ever. The other Firsts uncovered a lot of stuff you didn't find, each bit worse than the last. Even if he lives long enough to finish his sentence his name is anathema, and I don't mean the downzone either!
"After due consideration, minus Orris who considered it a conflict, the Circle elevated Jacob LaDimaan to First. I don't have a good read on him yet but he does seem to be a straightforward sort. He doesn't particularly like the League but he doesn't dislike us either. He's a lot more like Frond than Orris, though, and the Unity is first and foremost in his thoughts and actions.
"For the most part the Circle has been very generous with trade and treaty terms. The League is no longer an epithet and so far it's worked out well. Once the Unitites found out just how severe Guild sanction was and how they treat questionable behavior they decided we aren't all scoundrels and liars. More so after a couple of indictments and punishment over something they considered minor."
"We read the report," said Ferrel, "Jonas told us there was concern at high levels but we sent assurances upstream. After we read about the measures the Guild took, we knew."
"Slib. I'm not sure but I think one of Brellin's penances is to assure propriety and fair pricing in the shops and ships here."
"Heh," said Ferrel, "He does have experience."
"Truth. That plus Litho and Orris keeping an eye on him. Maas is taking a more ground-upward approach. He's working with Unity merchants to establish proper morals and protocols. He's working with a pucko you might remember: Lafe Treadley."
"Blather," said Micah, certain that Perry misspoke.
On Micah's and Ferrel's first mission here the Unitites took Treadley and three other League citizens hostage. Micah, Ferrel, Kidwell and Ionoski engineered their release and turned Unity toward a more enlightened view of the League.
"Double blather," added Ferrel.
"Truth pure and pristine," grinned Perry, "He cashed out everything he had to establish solid trade here. He took his time, didn't go for the fast profit and played by every rule they set him, even when most of his money was gone. They tested him hard too, for truth! Someone or someones knew to a credit just how much he had, how much discretion he had and how little he had left. He took it all, though, and stayed the straight path. Then, when Orris himself said the man was honest they gave him the sweetest deal you'd ever want on a platter. As soon as he opened it to the Guild, and he could have kept it to himself no blather, they certified him Master Merchant and put him in charge here. Between them he and Maas have righteous trade established here."
"Polar to orbit," said Micah, "What about Frond?"
"Hasn't changed a micron. That's not all bad, though. It makes him predictable. Mostly. He always puts the Unity first but since the Unity is now embracing League trade he's accepted it. He still doesn't like us, six-sigma, but he always deals fairly. Harshly, but fairly. He did try his hand at nasty, though." Perry chuckled. "Take a guess at who he appointed to handle paperwork between the Unity and the League."
Micah shrugged and Ferrel kept silent.
"One Hieronymous Morr," grinned Perry.
"Heaven's... flames." Micah simply couldn't put any punch behind the words. Ferrel covered his mouth to stifle the laughter.
"No blather," grinned Perry, "The day he took office, with a slight promotion and a great increase in status, he swelled like a spongefrog into his new importance. Unfortunately his wit didn't keep pace."
"Not nice," said Ferrel, now over his giggles, "He did help us. Unwittingly, truth, but still fact."
"I know," said Perry, "We took that into account." Perry pointed to one of the small stalls nearby. "As it turns out Seigneur Morr has a weakness for Kandy's Candies from Bellejardin. We make certain he receives sufficient 'quality control samples' and he does his job quite well. When we informed Orris and Litho I thought they would laugh themselves spotty. We send them occasional samples too."
Micah shook his head. His fiancée Jenn loved Kandy's ChocoSpirals and that she had that in common with Morr was something Micah did not need to know!
"But that's not why you're here," said Perry, gu
iding them into the eatery next to Kandy's. "Can you talk and do you need a secure area?"
"I need chog," said Ferrel, "Double sweet and triple chocolate!"
"Double stout," said Micah, "There's no secret, Karl. We're here for information. I can't specify beyond that because we don't know if it exists. Have you mentioned anything?"
"Only the bombing of the Peace Spire. It didn't make the news here and I thought with the Esavians close by it would be prudent."
"Dead on the beam there," said Ferrel.
"One other thing," said Micah, "How's the downzone?"
"Still a downzone. We've maintained quite profitable contact with your friends there. Not much happens that they don't know and we've passed a few tidbits to Orris and Litho. They didn't ask and the information helped preempt at least four potentially narsty situations. Will you be needing them?"
"No," said Micah, "At least I don't think so. As I said we're primarily here for information. I seriously doubt they'd have what we need."
"Slib. There is one more thing, though, now that I think on it." Perry leaned across the table and lowered his voice. "Do you remember Isaac Velvert?"
"Yes," said Ferrel, "He was significant but not terribly so. Even at the end of our op his position in the structure was uncertain. Why?"
"I'm not surprised," said Perry, "He's sly, sneaky, devious and cunning. Even now we're not sure where he stands, power-wise. He never acts like he has much but he has a lot of unnoticed influence. He does have a frothing slaver against the League and anyone associated with it, though, so if you do anything remotely close to him watch your six. Nothing really touched him. Orris accused him of supplying indelicate information to the other Firsts, Juch in particular, and gave him a penance for it. Velvert never denied anything but he did plead and prove orders. He kept his position, though, so watch out. I don't think Orris trusts him and I certainly don't."
"Cryo," said Ferrel, savoring his nibblers and chog, "We stand warned. What about the Brethren?"
Micah grimaced; both of them had unpleasant memories at the Brethren's hands.
"That's a bright spot. Orris deposed Ludurz and Norril and ripped open their records. They might have destroyed some evidence but what they left was more than enough to hang them out to dry. After Orris purged their ranks the Circle appointed new heads and they implemented lots of new policy. They're not nearly as heavy-handed as before and people appreciate that."
Micah nodded. "Thanks, Karl. That's a cargo ship of news and a lot more good work. Thanks for telling us."
Perry grinned and made an almost-bow. "At your service, gentlemen. Just let me know if you need more."
Perry left and Micah and Ferrel ordered food.
"That's a lot to assimilate," said Ferrel.
"No blather there," agreed Micah, "I am glad we made a positive difference."
"Double-plus that," agreed Ferrel, "What would you say to a pleasant walk around town after we finish our meal. Maybe walk off a few calories."
"Charles, turn off your telepathy!"
***
Micah examined the city as they toured it. As with the 'port it changed barely but significantly. He saw more colors both in clothing and in shop displays. The people, while still quiet, spoke more often and also spoke more often with the Brethren. Micah saw several cases of citizens receiving directions or just exchanging pleasantries with them. Both of them saw more advertisements for League merchants and merchandise and they both chuckled whenever they saw one for Kandy's. They also saw a marked increase in the number of obvious tourists: still not many but more than on their last visit!
After a time Micah felt eyes on his back. When they stayed through two streets he looked at Ferrel. A subtle glance and a lifted eyebrow communicated Micah's feeling and a small nod from Ferrel confirmed it. They began maneuvering casually but with purpose and before long Micah caught a glimpse of the man.
He wore a cloth tied around his head and draped to cover his face and shoulders. Micah felt the hatred emanating from him and directed at everyone around him in general but Micah and Ferrel in particular. He was unarmed but not worried about that fact at all.
"Got him," said Ferrel softly, "Good image, too. Want more?"
"Not particularly but it wouldn't hurt."
"So leave alone but observe?"
"Plus-plus."
The man trailed them until just after dark. Ferrel maneuvered to capture additional holos, more for practice than anything else. Micah did notice that the crowds avoided the man, unconsciously. No one specifically stepped away but people adjusted their paths to avoid his. Micah filed that datum as interesting.
Back at the legation Micah filed a report, attached Ferrel's images and queued it to send with the next courier. He then showered and sought his bed.
Chapter 2. Old Friends and New
Micah rose early the next morning, spiffed his uniform and dressed carefully. He didn't care for full formals but the man they planned to visit deserved them. Ferrel had a similar thought and the two of them soon rode in the back of the nice hover Perry provided.
"I could learn to like this," said Ferrel as he pulled a chog from the vehicle's microbar.
"You'd be bored witless within a week," countered Micah.
"Truth and pure," said Ferrel, "but it would be a six-sigmas wonderful week!"
Micah forbore a response. Ferrel was in a high humor more suitable to swap banter with Kidwell. The buildings they passed looked mostly the same as before but still with the more frequent splashes of color. When they reached the capitol complex the Dome of the Circle hadn't yet cracked and fallen so Micah surmised that he and the others hadn't led the Unitites down the paths of sin after all.
The Dome of the Circle itself had changed not at all. Micah felt an unsettling sense of memory as he walked up the wide, polished steps. His last visit here encompassed one of the most important and sensitive steps in their operation here, making it one of the most high-pressure and stressful for a rookie operative. Added to that: Micah had to make a time-critical burn into the Firsts' own net in their own building right under the nose of military-heightened security. Still, because of their success then he and Ferrel approached openly now.
The Brethren on duty compared Micah's and Ferrel's IDs to their list then took biomentrics. They motioned them inward only to repeat the process with another pair of guards. After they authenticated a young page escorted them deep into the building and to a conference room furnished nicely but simply. A picture window looked out over the city and a finely-crafted copy of the Writ rested on an ornate stand beside it. Micah and Ferrel sat, only to rise when two other men entered the room.
"Good morning, my friends! Blessings of the Light upon you and your path."
Micah took a moment to evaluate Joshua Orris. The man looked good! His elevation to First of the Circle suited him. He wore an air of confidence, peace and purpose all without the barest hint of pride or arrogance. He smiled with open sincerity and when Micah took his hand he had a firm but gentle grip.
"Honor is ours," smiled Micah, "You are looking well, First Orris, as are you, First Litho."
Micah shook Kermit Litho's hand as well and found it no less genuine than before. In fact, Litho looked even more ready to laugh now than when he and Micah last parted.
"The Great Father showers His blessings on us all, Masters Flint and Creel," said Litho, "Now more so than ever. Will you join us for tea?"
As Litho spoke a page brought a steaming pot of tea and a small plate of nibblers. They sat and he portioned them around.
"We noticed quite a few changes here," said Ferrel, "I trust they are for the good?"
"Truth under the Light," said Orris, "At first many people among the Unity were uncomfortable with change and the idea of it. In time, though, they - and we - discovered that you of the League truly are as good as your word."
"There were some few incidents," said Litho, "but all such were handled quickly and to the satisfaction of all." His
eyes twinkled. "As you no doubt noticed the Dome has not shattered so all is well. We have all benefited greatly from our trade, but few as much so as Page Morr. I trust Master Perry informed you of his new responsibilities."
"He did." Micah produced a large box. "We thought it prudent to provide an extra assurance of quality, if you would care to indulge?"
Both Firsts laughed, but did help themselves to their 'sample.'
"How is your sister, First Orris?" Ferrel waited until he washed down his candy. "Our friend Vera will skin us most painfully if we fail to bring her news."
Orris smiled, then his expression turned serious. "She is cured and past her sickness now and working for the Circle. She along with members from your Healer's Guild have begun opening hospitals and treatment centers throughout the Unity of Triumph. They now routinely cure ailments we ourselves could not and they train any who wish it wherever they go. The Great Father has richly blessed their endeavors. That... That is well worth our brief... incident."
"Indeed, Brother First," added Litho. Then, to Micah and Ferrel, "But that is not why you are here. It is well to discuss the goodness and mercy the Great Father bestows but that is courtesy and more than that brings you here."
"Truth," said Micah, "We're here for information. It might be of a delicate nature yet we are hopeful you can help us."
"Anything within our power," said Orris, "But information? Naught more? What is it you seek?"
"Information," repeated Micah, "Did Master Perry inform you of the tragedy of the Peace Spire?"
"He did," said Litho, "That is a disaster and a most unconscionable act. When we shared the information and the holos he gave us all of our congregations began prayers and vigils for their souls and families. But how does that touch upon us?"
The Radical Factor (Stone Blade Book 3) Page 2