by S. L. Viehl
Liana headed for dark water.
Fokrej’s story about the mogshrike had terrified her, as he meant it to, but for another reason than he intended. It offered balance, a life for a life. Her death so that the one could live.
Here she could think of the one, and no one would know. She could offer an exchange to the bitch goddess of her people, and it would be accepted.
The water began to turn cool, and then cold. Liana did not have her winter layer of fat to insulate her body, so she had to swim faster to keep her blood circulating and her limbs warm. She was glad of the cold, however. It would numb her, and she was childish enough to wish there would be little pain involved. The manner in which she died counted, but surely there didn’t have to be horrendous pain. She only wanted it to be done, finished.
The mogshrike would be fast. They were hunting in packs now, it was said, so there would be more than one. They would tear her apart, fighting over her body. They would rip into her and gulp her down, and that would be that.
A life for a life.
She had thought she had lost her faith long ago, but that faith still existed somewhere inside her. She knew the legends. Self-sacrifice, to die by the worst means possible, would appease the higher power. It was the only way salvation could be earned; the grandmothers had taught her. And it made sense, too. Nothing came for free.
The outer currents of the ’Zangian sea were beyond frigid. Liana could see the glitter of ice crystals in the current. She could no longer feel her fins beyond the base of each one, and her flukes had gone so stiff that she could barely make a proper downstroke with them. There was little light in the water, and none at all below, where the soundless, blind depths opened up, an endless nightmare of black. That was where she would go, where she belonged—
Liana.
She closed her eyes. She had never heard her name pulsed with such urgency, not even when she had lost control as a child. Now she felt impatience. Could she not even kill herself without some annoying distraction?
Liana.
It was not Fokrej; he would hover in the safe warmth behind her so he could watch and stimulate himself, or whatever grubby act he performed when there was no female to take him. Carada was wholly occupied with the summit; she would never leave it to look for Liana. Graleba would never venture this far from the others. . . .
Stop, Liana.
She felt the body come up from beneath her, displacing the water and fighting the current to reach her. It was strong and determined, but it didn’t savage her or even bite her. The body curled around hers, wrapping strange appendages around her. Perhaps it was some sort of tentacled thing that meant to drag her into the black. She hoped it had a good hold on her, for she would blend into the darkness, and if it dropped her it might not find her again.
Something was vibrating in her ears. Something soft and tender. Strength and power cradled her limp form as gently as a grandmother. The body warmed her and tugged her out of the strong, glacial current. The cold seeped away, replaced by a stream of soothing sounds and gentle strokes.
Had it happened already? Was this the afterlife that she had been promised? She was glad if it was. It hadn’t hurt very much at all.
Liana.
It was the ’Zangian. She frowned but kept her eyes closed. What are you doing in the afterlife, Burn? Did they kill you, too?
We’re not dead.
CHAPTER 14
Patrolling the coastal waters was much more fun than being locked up in space on the Ylydii ship, Burn had decided. He was home, the water tasted right, and every pulse he sent out bounced back with the comforting, familiar shape of his native landscape.
Everything had been fine, until that one pulse bounced back to him with an unmistakable shape in it.
Female, Curonal, who was on patrol with Burn, said as he caught the return wave. Not one of ours.
It’s Liana. Burn released another, more focused pulse, and went still as it returned with her location. She was far from the breeding caverns and swimming very fast in the wrong direction.
Loknoth turned into the wave. She’s nearly reached dark water.
Burn had then broken away from the patrol and shot into the nearest, fastest current he could find. By the time he reached her, Liana had already crossed the thermal border of ’Zangian territory and was freezing herself in the outer currents.
Once Burn had found her and wrenched her out of the icy darkness, he kept her close. The outer currents’ frigid temperatures seemed to have sent her into a state of thermic shock, and she wouldn’t answer him when he called her name. Holding her against him seemed the only sensible way to bring her out of the icy stupor. It wasn’t what he wanted to do to her for being so brainless—hadn’t she been briefed about the dangers of dark water?—but for now he’d concentrate on keeping her alive.
Later, when she was herself again, he’d shake her until her fins snarled. Until then, he kept murmuring her name and swimming as fast as he dared.
Slowly the warmer waters and heat of his body roused her. What are you doing in the afterlife, Burn? Did they kill you, too?
They? Who were they? She must be having hallucinations. Out loud to her, he said, We’re not dead.
That made her dark eyes pop open. What are you doing? She struggled against him. Impudent ’Zangian. Release me at once.
The impudent ’Zangian just saved your tail, you twit. He was so relieved and angry that he almost nipped her hide. Didn’t you know where you were?
Something flashed in her eyes. You have no right to question me.
Back to the royalty routine. Maybe not, but I know someone who does. Now be still or I’ll call for your mother and tell her what a thoughtless, reckless, silt-brain she has for a daughter.
Liana stiffened but stopped trying to wriggle away. There is no need for you to threaten me. I went for a swim. I must have gotten lost.
Right. And I was whelped yesterday. He brought her around from the far side of the breeding caverns and guided her through a seldom-used entrance. Go back to your chamber and stay there. If I so much as smell you looking out in open water, I’m going to have you locked up in a tank on the surface.
She drew herself up as Carada often did in the vertical, commanding position. You would not dare.
Burn moved in until she was trapped between him and a corridor wall. Try me.
An older Ylydii female swam up beside him. Forgive me for intruding, but you are threatening my lady. Please desist or I shall have to poke you with this. The female displayed a diver’s prod.
He backed away and turned to the older female. She nearly froze to death in the outer currents. Summon one of the medics to have a look at her, but don’t let her out of your sight.
No, the Ylydii said, visibly shocked. I will not.
Burn gave Liana one last, frustrated look before swimming out and rejoining the patrol. Curonal and Loknoth said nothing to him, for which he was grateful. He needed time to cool his own blood and set his thoughts in order.
Nathaka has assigned some of us to guard the breeding caverns at night, Loknoth mentioned. There will be no opportunity for anyone to . . . become lost with us there.
She wants to kill herself, Burn muttered. Or she thinks someone is trying to kill her. I don’t know. She talks the way the enilcalliw do when they’re sick and try to beach themselves.
She could be sick, Curonal suggested. Why else would the future ruler of Ylyd seek death?
Burn glanced at Loknoth. Who has the duty to guard Liana tonight?
Kirrgel mu Chetori. He was complaining about having to feed early so he could report on time.
I will speak to Kirrgel, then.
Loknoth finned caution. Her dam does not like you, Burn. She has repeatedly asked that you be kept away from her and her daughter.
The reason Liana had escaped the breeding caverns was because no one had been guarding her. I’m not letting her harm herself. If Carada doesn’t like it, she can bite my flukes.
> As you say, Curonal put in. Just be careful she doesn’t decide to bite the other end of you.
One of the older ’Zangian males swam up to meet them. We need you over at the caverns at once.
Did that blasted female escape again? Burn demanded. She’s going into a tank, just as soon as I put fins on her.
No one escaped, the older male told him. We think someone was killed.
Shon changed out of his uniform and wore civilian garments for the first summit meeting on K-2. Bataran had worn a prayer chain around his neck, but he saw no need to do the same. No matter what anyone thought, he was not Skartesh, and he did not practice their religion. He also made sure all the other delegates knew that he was an intelligence officer and an oKiaf as well as the chosen representative of the former cult.
Shon expected objections, particularly from Urloy-ka, who had good reason to suspect him of duplicity.
Because Nathaka and Carada could not leave the water—it would kill the Ylydii, and the ’Zangian was too large and old to stay topside for very long—Ana Hansen had suggested they convert one of the large collection tank rooms into a meeting place for the delegates. The tank, which could be left open-ended on the sea side, acted like a view panel, and its audio monitors were converted to provide voice-activated, two-way communication.
All we need, Shon thought as he took his place at the table provided for him and Urloy-ka, is some food, hot beverages, and whatever analgesics are applicable.
Ana Hansen opened the meeting as she had all the previous gatherings, with greetings to all four delegates. “We appreciate your commitment to this endeavor, and will be on hand to provide whatever you need during your discussions.” She gestured toward another pair of transparent panels. “Aquatic delegates, please notify the guard posted outside the URD with any requests. Nonaquatic delegates, please signal one of our attendants from the observation room.”
“I have filed a grievance with colonial security about you, Major Valtas,” Carada said. “It is outrageous that a League military officer should be drafted to serve as a replacement for our Skartesh delegate, Bataran. You do realize that your appointment may place the entire peace process in jeopardy.”
Unless she did it first, Shon thought. “Lady Ambassador, I would not be here if not for the will of the Skartesh people. I do not come here representing the interests of anyone but them.” He saw Urloy-ka shift in his seat. “I have done what I could to protect this species in the past. My record speaks for itself.”
“That would be the record that details how you underwent physical alteration in order to impersonate one of the Skartesh’s most sacred leaders in order to infiltrate the cult?” the Ylydii asked, her tone sugary.
“What Major Valtas did saved many lives among my people,” the Ninrana delegate said unexpectedly. “I will not have him disparaged for the role he played in the defeat of the cult takeover on my homeworld.”
“We can debate suitability for the remainder of this session,” Nathaka said, “or we can discuss the issues that need resolution among the species we represent.”
Carada wasn’t finished. “I want it on record for this, and every other session, that I object to the selection and presence of this intelligence officer.”
“That has been done, Lady Ambassador,” Ana Hansen said over the audio panel from the observation room.
There was a long, awkward silence as everyone inspected each other.
“When we last met,” Nathaka said to Shon, “we were discussing a number of possible sites for establishment of an independent Skartesh colony, as well as to conduct research with replenishment technology to restore and maintain a viable water source on Ninra.”
“The Ylydii are still pleased to extend the use of one of our moons to the Skartesh, and the financial and technological means to bring water back to the Ninrana,” Carada said. “I have stated this before: We are a generous people, and we wish to help.”
“As long as both species accept Ylydii law, and aquatic governments to rule over them,” Urloy-ka tagged on. “As I said before, Lady Ambassador, that is unacceptable to my people.”
“I must refuse on behalf of the Skartesh as well,” Shon said. “They wish to be isolated from constant contact with other species, and will only accept a colony where they may be self-governing.”
“You see?” Carada said to Nathaka. “I offer them what they wish, and they refuse.”
“We do not wish to be ruled by aquatics, or anyone else,” Urloy-ka snarled. “We can do that ourselves.”
“Have you forgotten about the civil war presently raging on your planet?” Carada asked him. “If someone does not step in and take charge, you will kill yourselves long before the water dries up.”
“Nearly every species experiences civic turmoil when great change comes upon them,” Shon said. “War cannot always be avoided, but fighting one does not indicate the lack of quality leadership. In fact, wars often result in a long period of peace, as leaders and their people learn from their mistakes.”
“I have provided a viable solution to all the issues at this table, Delegate Valtas. What do you propose as an alternative?” Carada demanded.
“Help each other through exchanges rather than concessions,” Shon said. “Ninra is rich in mineral ores, many of which the Skartesh will need to build their colony. The Skartesh may teach their methods of agriculture, which will give the Ninrana the ability to raise crops with minimal irrigation and reduce some of their dependency on water.”
Urloy-ka nodded. “We would be willing to participate in such an exchange. But that does not solve our need for water, or the Skartesh’s need for their own settlement.”
Shon turned to Nathaka. “There are a number of moons around Kevarzangia Two that could provide a colony for the Skartesh, and a testing site for the technology to replenish Ninra’s water supply. Since your species cannot live off-planet, you will never be able to use them. However, the war is not over, and K-2 needs strong allies. Skartesh warriors would defend their settlement and your world.”
“So would the Ninrana,” Urloy-ka said.
Nathaka appeared taken aback. “We came to these negotiations seeking peace among our species.”
“The best peace,” Shon told him, “is one that is well protected.”
The ’Zangian delegate nodded slowly. “I would have to speak to our Elders, but if there are no objections—”
“I object,” Carada said. “You are forming a triad alliance which completely cuts out Ylydii involvement, and I will not have it.”
Shon had been expecting this. “You are not being deliberately excluded, Lady Ambassador,” he lied. “But what can you offer to help enhance his plan?”
“You would allow the Skartesh and Ninrana to operate without any management, when I feel sure that both species have every intention of taking over this system. All they need are the means to do so. They must be closely monitored by species who do not wish to invade planets that do not belong to them.”
“Such supervision is a type of invasion, Lady Ambassador,” Shon told her. “Given the history of the Ninrana and Skartesh, extending such trust may seem perilous. Yet if we do not take risks, we cannot change, and we cannot grow.”
“You are a male, Major Valtas. A violent, deceitful male who has participated in selfish and meaningless acts of aggression. It is our view that enough destruction, death, and chaos have been wrought by the male-dominated species in this system.”
“I object to bringing gender into this,” Nathaka said. “Cultural differences have no place here.”
“It is time someone placed the blame where the blame belongs.” Carada moved into a vertical position in the water. “The Ylydii are willing to teach you how to live in peace, as we do, but you cannot be allowed to run free. As younglings obey their mothers and grandmothers, so you, too, must be brought into the center of the circle. It is the only sure method to keep you from harming yourselves until you gain the maturity and experience to curb your
hormonal tendencies.”
Urloy-ka rose. “Several centuries ago, females on my world were not allowed to assume positions of authority. We considered them too simpleminded and emotional to make sound judgments. We have since learned that both males and females are necessary to a healthy and balanced society. Gender bias no longer exists on Ninra.”
Carada’s mouth peeled back into a sneer. “A healthy and balanced society of cannibals.”
“Excuse me, Lady Ambassador, but did your last meal die of natural causes?” Shon asked.
The big Ylydii female gave him a nasty look. “It did not beg me to spare it.”
The door panel opened to admit Burn and several of the ’Zangian guards in uniform. “Excuse the interruption, Major, but we need you out at the breeding caverns.”
“What’s happened?”
“Two guards are missing from their posts, and there are signs of violence.” Burn looked grim. “We don’t know what attacked them, but from the blood in the water, it probably killed them.”
“Dr. Selmar, what you’re proposing to do is dangerous. Once accomplished, the results would be irreparable.” The image of the League xenobiologist wavered as the signal scattered for a moment, and then resharpened. “Have you considered other options?”
The idea had come to Teresa in the middle of the night, when she had woken from a nightmare in which Dair had given birth to a mogshrike. Feeling more useless than she ever had, she had wept and paced the floor and cursed the universe for making her who she was and Dairatha a stubborn, blind fool. She had felt wretched beyond belief, until a thought popped into her head that was so outrageous it nearly made her question her sanity.
It was having the same effect on the League’s SEAL project manager.
“I know what I’m asking you to do, Dr. Wupga,” she told the screen. “I also invented alterforming, so I know better than anyone precisely what’s involved here.”