by Rick Shelley
"I know it was the fact of the invasion that let the Council conclude that we should intervene on the side of West, sir, with all of the limitations impressed on us about working to switch the contract to mediation," Lon said.
CAPTAIN
159
"When they asked me to assess the file before that news, I concluded that the merits of the two sides were equal, and was told that was the consensus, in the contracts office and in the Council of Regiments." Black nodded, punctuation to Lon's comments. "Is it possible that we came in on the wrong side, sir?" he asked.
"Of course it's possible," Black said. "Anyone can make a mistake, even the Council of Regiments. But since our primary goal was to get the sides to agree to peacekeeping and mediation, it's almost a moot point here."
They went on a little before Colonel Black spoke again. "Zal, did you pick up anything useful in their sergeants' mess?"
"I don't know how useful it might be, Colonel," Osier said, "but I did gather that the noncoms weren't too thrilled about fighting us. They were in Hope to defend the civilians against West, and they sure had nothing good to say about the people who paid our way here. A patriotic lot, and I think it was serious, not something they were putting on for my benefit."
"We get back to the CP, I want you to spend a few minutes and tell me everything you recall of the discussion. Nolan, I want you to stick with me as well. As soon as I'm sure I'm on top of everything the two of you can contribute, I'll want you both present when I call Colonel Flowers. Maybe we can give him enough pieces of the puzzle to solve it."
Three days later, Colonel Medwin Flowers flew to Hope before dawn. Only Lieutenant Colonel Black knew in advance that Flowers was coming. In the regimental camps to the north, between the two colonies, the fact of his absence remained a closely guarded secret.
The other battalion commanders, and many of their company commanders, were in on (he secret, but every effort was made to pretend that Flowers was still in his headquarters. The few communications from the government of Aldrin West were either taken by the executive officer or seamtessly patched through to Colonel Flowers.
Lon was wakened by Alpha Company's lead sergeant, Jim Ziegler. "Sorry to bother you, sir," Ziegler said as soon as Lon showed signs of life, ' 'but they want you at battalion HQ, fast as you can get dressed and grab a bite of breakfast."
Lon sat up and stretched, his mind barely registering what the lead sergeant said. "Any idea what's up?" Lon asked as soon as he was able to stop yawning.
"No, sir. I just know what Colonel Black said."
That penetrated fully. "The colonel himself called?"
"Yes, sir. He said to get you up and tell you to take time for a quick breakfast first, but then you were to get over to his CP just as quick as you can make it."
"Okay. Thanks for waking me."
/ wonder who he wants to impress with his tame Earth-man today? Lon thought after Ziegler left. He felt sluggish, but did not linger. A summons from the battalion commander did not offer that luxury. Lon dressed quickly.
161
162
RICK SHELLEY
Some improvements had been made to the camp in the nearly two weeks since it had been established. There was now a mess tent with replicators and a stove, and the food was several steps above that in the meal packs they had been relying on.
Lon left his pack harness but carried his rifle and battle helmet. His web belt held pistol, canteen, and a pouch with four extra magazines for the handgun. The uniform of the day remained camouflaged battledress.
Ziegler had already informed the mess cook that Lon was coming, and the cook brought a tray to one of the front tables as soon as Lon came through the doorway of the tent. "I'll have your coffee in two seconds, Lieutenant," the cook said.
Lon smiled his thanks and nodded. He scarcely had time to sit and lift his fork before the cook returned. "Anything more you want, sir, just holler," the cook said.
"This should do fine. Thanks," Lon said. A few minutes of being awake had given his curiosity time to start nagging. This early in the day it seemed unlikely that he was being summoned to show him off to more locals. Beyond that, Lon had no idea what Colonel Black might want, and the fastest way to satisfy his curiosity was to get to HQ quickly.
He shoveled the food in methodically, chewing, and swallowing with the aid of large gulps of coffee.
Battalion headquarters was half a mile from Alpha's camp. It was not a particularly taxing walk. The sun had finally peeked over the distant mountains. Lon walked with his helmet visor up, to give himself the advantage of the almost cool breeze from the northeast.
Sentries at the edge of Alpha's camp and near battalion headquarters passed him through without comment.
At first Lon did not even note that there was an additional shuttle in the field past the trees that held Colonel Black's command post and the headquarters detachment. There was no reason for the lander to be questioned. Scarcely a day went by without at least one flight in from
CAPTAIN
163
the fleet or the rest of the regiment, carrying supplies or people.
There were lights on yet in the colonel's tent, and a sentry at the door. Again, Lon was passed through without question. Lon was startled to see Colonel Flowers with die battalion commander. They were sitting at a field desk, facing each other. A portable complink was open on the desk between them.
"Come in, Nolan," Black said. "We've been waiting on you."
"Yes, sir. I got here as quickly as I could."
"Nolan," Colonel Flowers said with a nod, "I hear you've been using that head of yours again."
Lon was uncertain what to make of the colonel's comment, but he nodded. "I try to, sir."
"Sit down, Nolan," Flowers said, gesturing to the remaining chair at the desk. "It's partly because of you that I decided to make this trip. I want to see for myself what's going on, meet these people in Hope, and Colonel Black suggested it might be easier to achieve what I want if I tote you along."
"I'll do whatever I can, of course, Colonel," Lon said, still puzzled over just what Flowers was talking about.
"Don't look so befuddled, Nolan," Flowers said, chuckling. "I'll explain, as far as I can. I want to talk with this Major Esterling. I'd like to enlist him as an ally, to give us a pipeline to his government, a more direct line of communications than we've managed so far."
Lon nodded. "I think he might be agreeable to that, Colonel. And he seems to think that his government might be looking for a way out of the current situation here."
"That is what we're going to test. Just for your information, for the present, what I would like most of all would be a chance to fly to East's capital, Landfall, to talk directly with their military and civilian leaders. Without, I hasten to add, having the government of West learn about the conference."
' 'Just off the top of my head, sir,'' Lon said after thinking about it for a few seconds, "it sounds as if this whole
164
RICK SHELLEY
thing could be touchy on both sides—trusting that East's leaders would be as amenable as Major Esterling, and how West might react if they learned about it. But if it does work, it could be big."
"No doubt about it," Flowers said. "It could turn into a real fiasco. But only a handful of our people know I'm even here, and West isn't going to learn anything about my reasons from us. They might see that a shuttle makes the trip to Landfall, but that's no worse than a fifty-fifty proposition, and we'll do what we can to obfuscate the situation. In any case, the only way they'll know who is aboard the shuttle will be if they have a spy placed high enough in East's command structure."
"Spy, sir?"
Flowers laughed at the startled tone of Lon's question. "That's what I said. I suspect—presume, actually—that both sides have managed to plant agents in the other's ranks. That would explain some of the data we received from West."
Lon couldn't find anything to say. The idea of spies se
emed too extreme to deal with immediately. He shook his head slowly.
"The cloak-and-dagger stuff does still exist, Nolan," Flowers said. ' 'It may not be much like anything you may have seen in adventure vids, but there are spies. And conditions on Aldrin are as prime as they could be for espionage."
"Yes, sir, if you say so."
Flowers laughed again, but more gently. "Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it. The odds against any harm coming from the possibility are remote. Let's just deal with this one step at a time and see how far we get."
' 'I had just talked with Major Esterling before you arrived," Colonel Black told Lon. "I said I had someone else I thought he should meet, and that I would bring you along as well. He was agreeable, but curious when I declined to name the new person. He might suspect but did not say anything, ah, untoward. He will be expecting us."
CAPTAIN
165
"Yes, sir," Lon said, since Black seemed to expect some comment from him.
"This time, at least, we won't have to walk," Black continued. "The colonel had a command car shipped down from the fleet. Lead Sergeant Osier will drive."
Colonel Flowers was in no mood to waste time. The three officers drank a quick cup of coffee, then went out to the command car, a ground-effect vehicle whose outer surfaces were painted in a camouflage pattern. The floater had been parked under a tree, and an additional camouflage net had been spread over it. Two privates from battalion headquarters pulled the net off. Sergeant Osier started the engine while his passengers were arranging themselves in the vehicle. The two colonels sat in back. Lon sat up front with Osier.
The trip into Hope was considerably faster by floater than on foot. Although the cabin of the command car was well insulated against the noise of the fans and engine, the ride was made in silence. It was only when they nearcd Major Esterling's headquarters that Colonel Black spoke.
"You'll stay with the vehicle, Sergeant," Black said. "Any of the noncoms you met the other day come by, feel free to get out and chat with them, but don't go wandering off. We'll want to know just where you are."
"Yes, sir, I understand."
"We'll be leaving our weapons with you, so that should be excuse enough for staying put if anyone questions it, and they shouldn't," Black continued.
"I'll handle whatever comes up, sir," Osier said.
Captain Howard came out to greet them. If he was surprised by the insignia on Colonel Flowers' shoulder, he did not show it. There was no suspense. Black introduced the regimental commander to the captain at once.
"Good to have you with us, sir," Howard said. "I'm certain that Major Esterling will be delighted as well. He's in his office, sir. This way."
Lon tagged along at the rear of the group. Esterling's
IBS
RICK SHEL1EY
office was on the ground floor of the building next to the mess hall. The office was spartan but adequate, but showed no indication of being temporary or new. There were several chairs upholstered in what looked like leather.
Major Esterling stood to greet his guests and did show modest surprise—real or feigned—at the identity of the mystery man. "I am extremely happy to meet you, Colonel,"
Esterling said as the two men shook hands.
"And I am equally happy to meet you, Major," Flowers said, with just a hint of an upturn at the comers of his mouth. As soon as everyone was seated and Esterling indicated that he had sent for coffee, Flowers got right to the point.
"I've come here looking for your help, Major. I'd like to find a peaceful solution to the differences between the two colonies on this world, and from what Colonel Black and Lieutenant Nolan have told me, that is your desire as well."
"Completely, Colonel," Esterling said. "There never should have been any fighting. I'm not certain how I can help you, but whatever I can honorably do, I will, you may be assured of that."
"Is a peaceful solution also the desire of your government?" Flowers asked.
"Yes, sir. At least, to the best of my knowledge, and I have no reason to suspect that it is not so."
Lon, sitting to the side, was able to observe the others as they talked. No one was paying him any attention. Neither commander gave away anything by expression or tone. The talk had turned businesslike right at the start. The tones were crisp but diplomatic, appropriate between military men.
"If it can be arranged, Major," Flowers said, "I would like to travel to Landfall to talk with the leaders of your government directly, face to face, without knowledge of those talks reaching Aldrin West, ah, prematurely."
For the first time, Lon saw a definite reaction. Major Esterling blinked twice, working hard, but in vain, to keep
CAPTAIN
167
surprise from showing on his face. There was also a significant pause before the major replied.
"That is a bold proposal, Colonel," he said. To Lon it seemed that the major was speaking slowly to give himself more time to think.
"A bold stroke is often the only way out of an impasse, Major, don't you agree?" Flowers asked.
Esterling nodded slowly, several times. "It might be possible, but I would have to relay your request through my headquarters to be taken to the civilian government at the highest level."
"Of course," Flowers said, nodding. "I am hoping it could all be arranged very quickly, and with maximum secrecy."
"I can call the chief of staff directly and explain the situation to him," Esterling said. "A little more information would help. For example, just how large a delegation do you envision sending to Landfall?"
"The three of us here; one other officer, Colonel Black's acting adjutant; the crew of my shuttle, that's three men; and perhaps six additional enlisted personnel to provide clerical and logistic support during the negotiations. If that would be acceptable to your government." Flowers made a gesture with the open palms of both hands. "We can make adjustments if necessary."
"It sounds reasonable, Colonel. Certainly, / see no reason why it might be unacceptable in Landfall." He paused, glanced at a blinking light on his desk, and touched a key. "Our coffee has arrived, gentlemen," he announced as an enlisted man wheeled in a cart with cups, a coffeepot, and condiments. The coffee was poured and distributed. As soon as the orderly left, Major Esterling said, "If you will excuse me, Colonel, I'll make that call now. Please, make yourselves at home. My communications center is just upstairs. I'll return as quickly as I can."
tlpe three Dirigenters were left alone in Major Esterling's Lon did not need the minute shake of Colonel ' head to know not to say anything that might 188
RICK SHELLEY
relate in any way to what had happened. There was too great a chance that the office was wired for sound—and perhaps for video as well.
"They do themselves well here, sir," Lon said after tasting the coffee. "This coffee is good."
He thought his voice did not give away anything of his nervousness, let alone his feelings about the prospect of accompanying his commanders to the capital of Aldrin East for clandestine negotiations. It was too soon for the fatter to have really sunk in.
"It is good," Rowers agreed, though he had done little more than touch the cup to his lips. He closed his eyes briefly, wondering how far his gamble would take him. As a member of the Council of Regiments, he was well within his authority to take such a risk, but if his plan backfired, he also would have to take responsibility for whatever ills it brought. But this was what he had come south for, to do something, anything, he could to find an acceptable resolution to the problem of Aldrin. Perhaps we were too quick to take a contract from West, he thought. Giving in to the pressures of finding work. If we had waited another month, given
East's troops time to get closer to the population centers west of the mountains, perhaps West would have accepted mediation. He did not sigh, even mentally, at the missed opportunity. The choices had been made. It was up to him to find an acceptable conclusion.
One thing he did not worry about
, even in passing, was the possibility that he—and the men he took with him to Landfall—might be held as hostages. Aldrin East could not be that foolish.
Lon worked hard at presenting a mask of untroubled serenity, as his superiors were doing.
He kept his body as still as possible, save for drinking his coffee and refilling cups. As junior officer, he fell naturally into the role of server. Lon did not look around the office much. Don't show any curiosity at all, he told himself. If anyone is watching, they have to see that we're all totally unconcerned about what happens.
He avoided looking at the time. That would have re-
urnuN
168
quired picking up his helmet to look at the display at the top of its faceplate. There was no clock visible in Major Esterling's office. Lon could not avoid thinking about the elapsed time, though. After he had poured coffee twice, he estimated that Esterling had been gone for a half hour or more. But it was not long after that when the major returned.
"My apologies, gentlemen," Esterling said. "It took rather longer than I expected." He sat, and leaned forward, his forearms on the edge of his desk. "I don't have a reply yet, but your message is being taken to the prime minister's office even now." He leaned back, spreading his arms. "I can't say how long a decision will take. Politicians. My guess—and I must stress that it is only a guess—is that I will have some reply from Landfall sometime today. You are welcome to remain here and enjoy our hospitality, such as it is, or, if you prefer to return to your camp, I will make certain that the news gets to you as soon as I hear anything."
"I'm tempted to take you up on your offer of hospitality, Major," Colonel Flowers said.
"Colonel Black was very eloquent about the quality of .that. But I suppose we should return to our camp to lessen any chance that my presence here will be detected prematurely."