Spheres of Influence-eARC (11 page)

He sure knows how to speechify, as Rich Seaton might’ve said,
DuQuesne thought cynically.
And he knows how that’s going to affect the captain. But being fair, I think he means it.

Ariane had risen in surprise, and her smile looked somewhat sheepish. “That’s…pretty extravagant praise, Orphan. But I understand where you’re coming from.” She frowned. “And the longer we wait, the more chances there are for the alliances to start tangling us up.” She nodded decisively. “We’ll figure it out. I don’t know
how
, just yet,” she admitted, “but you have my word we’ll figure out some way to get you a crew you can trust.”

Orphan bowed again. “Then, Captain Austin, our bargain is done; you shall have those vessels and you will one day soon find a way to give me a crew. I have no doubts on that score, for the very body of Amas-Garao can testify how well you keep your word…even when all possibility seems against you.”

Chapter 10.

“Doctor Sandrisson!” Relgof Nov’ne Knarph strode from one of the shining metal and glass doors opening from the immense silver-and-marble appearing lobby of the Embassy of the Analytic and embraced Simon, to the human scientist’s momentary surprise. He returned the hug, however.
Either they have similar gestures, or he has carefully studied ours and knows that to adopt them will make him seem closer to us.

Not that he really needs to do that,
Simon thought, stepping back and smiling. “Researcher Relgof, it is a pleasure,” he said.
The Analytic was one of two factions that supported us throughout our first trip—and the only one that did so without any argument or prompting.

“As always, as always,” rejoined the tall, humanoid creature with its beardlike filter and crest of pure white feathery stuff that always looked to Simon like a sweep of white hair that seemed ready to fall over one great eye in dramatic fashion. “But no more of the formalities, my friend Simon. I am glad to see you have returned, and that in hours only after the return you have chosen to come here.”

“Thank you, Relgof,” said Simon. “Although I cannot pretend it is merely a social visit.”

“Of course—and in truth, I would be disappointed if it were! You have so much to learn, as do we, and to waste that time merely on formalities? So tell me, what brings you to the Analytic so swiftly?”

“The Sky Gates.”

Relgof inclined his head like a bird studying a nearby object. “Oh, naturally. You have a Sphere, you have your Inner and Outer Gateways, you can now use the Straits, yet where shall you then go? Immense possibility lies beyond the unknown Gates in the Sky; of course you must find them immediately.”

Simon nodded. “And it seems obvious to me that the Analytic must know the best ways to locate such Sky Gates.”

“There have been many methods developed indeed, and we know them all—or, at least, so we believe. It is always possible that someone has, or shall have, devised a new method.” Relgof’s filter-beard flip-flopped in a pensive fashion. “Yet—as I am sure you understand, Simon—this is valuable knowledge, and while I hope you recognize our prior generosity towards your faction, this is not something which may be simply given away. Even gaining access to the records of the Analytic is something usually reserved for full members of this Faction.”

He suddenly stiffened, a wading-bird spotting a possible meal. “Now, if you have come to join the Analytic—!”

Simon laughed and shook his head. “No, no, I cannot leave my friends like that—certainly not for some long time yet, anyway.”

“A shame, my friend. But then might I expect you have been given some authority and resources to negotiate, or were you hoping to impose upon my goodwill for this information?”

“The latter would certainly be preferable,” Simon said dryly, “but I think we’ve relied upon your goodwill—and that of the Analytic—quite sufficiently for now. Yes, I’m authorized to negotiate, and we’ve brought a few things I think may be worth negotiating for.” He looked sideways at Relgof. “If, of course,
you
are empowered to negotiate with me?”

The laugh from Relgof was a hearty one, with a faint whistling, chirping undertone that probably came from the actual sound of the Wagamia’s laugh. “The Convocation elected me Head Researcher for this period, so indeed I am so empowered, Simon.” He gestured for Simon to follow. “Let us go inside, then, for other guests,” he indicated the far doors to the outside, which had just opened to admit a pair of three-horned creatures, “have no need or right to observe what we bargain with, or for.”

The small meeting room Relgof led him to was…interesting.
Until now, we’d only seen him in public areas—even when I visited before, I was only shown to obviously “general public” regions, with information which was available to any inhabitant of the Arena.
Relgof’s chair had a bowl-shaped depression in the table before it, with a stream of water running through it from a channel that was cut into the table for a short distance before going somewhere inside. The water obviously drained down through one of the table supports; the room itself smelled of an ocean, with strange spicy notes to the scent that hinted of alien seas. There were other peculiar arrangements in front of other chairs, while still other chairs—such as the one Simon selected—faced flat, smooth sections of table.

“Would you like something to eat or drink, Simon?” Relgof asked.

“Yes, please—I presume you’ve seen to the safety of such things. I see you have your own already to hand…or mouth, as the case may be.”

“There are advantages to being a Researcher of standing, yes.” Relgof gestured and the wall near him opened, revealing a surprising array of bottles, vials, and packages of various sizes and colors. “Hmm…ah, here, I believe this should be satisfactory.”

Simon could see markings on the bottle, one of them a stylized human figure with lettering underneath. “Water with human-compatible flavorings. Your Laila Canning said this was quite pleasant.”

Simon took a cautious sip.
Definitely flavored…something vaguely like lemon. Not my favorite taste, but certainly quite drinkable.
“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” They took their seats, Simon finding that it was becoming easier, with practice, to do that despite the sword on his hip.
DuQuesne insists we be armed, and I can’t entirely blame him
.

“Now,” Relgof said, “I already know what you want from the Analytic. What might you be willing to offer us that we do not already have?”

“That was something of an interesting question,” Simon admitted. “Of course what you want—besides one of us as a member of the Analytic—is information on Humanity. At the same time, the more people we give that to, the less valuable it becomes, so we must be cautious.”

“Naturally.”

Simon thought back over his many prior interactions with the Analytic scientist and decided to play a hunch. “But it also occurred to me, Rel, that in our conversations you have always seemed…well, enthusiastic in your interest in the
specifics
of people and things. That is, that an individual thing is itself of interest to you, even if you know much about that general type of thing. So I wondered…might you also be a collector? One of those who likes to gather true, authentic collectibles?”

Relgof was in the midst of filtering some delicacy from the water, but his beard went momentarily slack and the plankton dissipated into the water before he recovered and took what remained. “Hmph. Simon, you surely are one of us no matter your allegiance. I am a collector of various things, yes.”

“And as you are a great scientist, one of the best Researchers of the Analytic, I thought those things would be scientific things.” Simon reached into the bag at his side. “Something, perhaps, like this.”

On the table he placed an old, old book—one that Gabrielle had found for him once he realized what she was up to. “Let me offer you this, Relgof. Both a unique, unduplicated, original artifact of Earth…and one that reveals something that I think you will find both personally and professionally interesting.”

Relgof wiped his filter clean and leaned forward, reaching out a hand to reverently touch the book’s cover gently. “A…collection of records?”

“A book from our past—from before the era of electronic reading.”

Relgof squinted at the symbols. “Hmm. Translation for your writings has not truly begun, yet. We do not understand you enough for that, I suppose. What is this book about?”

“Do you remember our first conversation, as we traveled to Orphan’s Embassy?”

Relgof laughed. “It would be hard to forget it! My first meeting with a First Emergent—and one of them the inventor of the Sandrisson Drive.” As always, the words “Sandrisson Drive” were overlaid with dozens of other phrases and names.

Simon still felt slightly embarrassed by that being made such a big deal, but he went on. “Yes, exactly. You were very much interested in the specific research paths that took us to the invention of the drive.” He touched the book and ran his finger along the title. “So…
How Science Grew
is a book for adolescent children, that covers the development of scientific knowledge on our world from its prehistory all the way through roughly the early twentieth century—a few hundred years ago. It lacks much context for you; it won’t explain events or references that assume you are a human, that you are a part of a particular culture; and it gives you no idea of how our technology has advanced since that time.”

“And yet,” Relgof said, with an unmistakable longing in his pose as he touched the book again, “vastly more about your people—how they thought, how they found their way through the confusion and distractions of the real world to find the truths behind them—than anyone else has or could possibly have at this time.” He bowed. “A very strong offering—except that I cannot read it. And—as you may have discovered—mere recordings of speech made by another species are not comprehensible unless you have some knowledge of their language to begin with.”

Simon grinned. “But what if I, or another human, were to read it
to
you?”

“You understand the Arena’s tricks already, I see. Yes, in that case our recording devices would record what we hear, because it is being read by a conscious mind whose meaning provides the translation; we understand what we are hearing, and thus the translation will be recorded.” Relgof leaned back. “A…very good offer, Simon. I confess to being entirely impressed by your understanding of my personality as well as the Analytic’s interests. You strike to my own heart as well as that of the Analytic.” He laughed. “A true Researcher indeed! You observed, you deduced, you hypothesized, and here you have put your hypothesis to the test and it has proven well-founded.”

“Is this sufficient, then?”

“Hmm. It is certainly enough to move some distance forward on. I must consult with at least a reasonable number of the Conclave…but I believe that, at the least, we shall be able to give you access to some portion of that Analytic’s records—a relevant portion, of course, to your inquiries.”

“Thank you, Rel! When do you think—”

“This very evening I shall call for responses; I would expect…a day or two.”

“That will be fine,” Simon said, and rose. “I suppose I should let you—”

“Oh, don’t start running off
now
, Simon!” Relgof said. “Come, we may not be able to discuss more of your science or our secrets, but there’s plenty of
gossip
to catch up on since you’ve been gone—some of it might even interest you.” The glance he gave Simon sent a jolt through the white-haired scientist. It looked…
mischevious
?

“Really?” He sat down slowly.

“Oh, indeed. Various things about the Shadeweavers, the Vengeance, several of the other factions—oh, you have sent
great
turbulence through the waves, I assure you, and things are not settling out any time soon; one hears the most amazing things at times. Why,” and the gaze was now
definitely
on the devilish side, “I have even heard a rumor about a
new
human in the Arena…”

Simon let himself settle deeply into the chair.
I have a feeling…I may be here a while.

Chapter 11.

“Arena,” Ariane said to the empty air of her own room in the Embassy of Humanity, “I have serious questions with respect to the operation of a new Faction, and it would seem unwise to trust other Factions for the answers. Will you speak?”

She knew from experience that the Arena—or whatever intelligence controlled it—would rarely speak on its own, and even if addressed directly would only speak if the request fit whatever unknown, mysterious set of rules that guided its behavior. She waited, tensely, for an answer that might not come.

A moment passed. Two.

“Speak.” The voice was quiet, yet something about it echoed and resonated like a shout.

Well, at least I know it heard me.
Aloud, she said, “Is it possible for my people to force me to abandon the position of Leader—I mean, in the sense that they could pass a law or something?” She winced.
What a marvelously well-spoken leader humanity has! ‘Pass a law or something’? What are you, ten?

The Arena’s voice did not show any particular reaction, neither of annoyance nor of amusement, to her clumsy phrasing. “No. If you do not wish to relinquish leadership of the Faction, no political mechanism may remove you from that position unless you, personally, have agreed to that mechanism.”

“Besides my deliberately relinquishing my leadership, what general ways are there which could remove me from that position?”

“Death,” the Arena replied immediately. “The leader of a Faction must be a living being; no symbolic leaders, no religious symbols with no living manifestation, or other substitutes for an individual are permitted.”

“You mean that each Faction
has
to have a single person in charge? Not a, say, committee?”

“That is correct. They may be selected by various means, but at any given time there is a single leader.” As she digested that and its implications, the Arena continued. “Apart from death, any event which makes the leader effectively dead; brain-death, for example. Joining another Faction automatically negates leadership. If a specific procedure has been established for a Faction, there may be mechanisms to remove the Leader from power.”

“Can I designate an heir, so to speak, if I get killed or as good as dead?”

“No.”

Ariane froze, mouth open in what would undoubtedly have been a hysterically funny double-take if anyone else had been there to see it. She had been so
certain
the answer would be yes…“No? I can’t? But I thought I could step down for anyone I chose?”

“You may make your final act as the Leader of the Faction to be the selection of your successor,” the Arena said, “but if you are already dead your orders have no force. Nor do the orders of others.”

“So DuQuesne was right,” she muttered. “It’ll choose the new leader, and we have no way of knowing who that is.” She sighed.
So much for the easy route. I’m stuck with this position until we can actually get a
method
for picking a new Leader of the Faction in place!
“Arena, I—”

A green comm-ball
popped
into existence. “Ariane! DuQuesne!” came Gabrielle’s voice, a little breathless. “They’re coming! You’ve got maybe half an hour at the outside!”

“What?”
Dammit!
“I thought we’d have
hours
of notice!”
We set the
Holy Grail
to detect the flare of entry, and the radio relays should have let us know—

“So did I, Ariane.” Gabrielle’s voice was chagrined. “The
Duta
transitioned in moving faster than we were on our first trip. I left while it was still en-route, but Steve’s guess was it’d take about fifteen minutes to reach the dock.” Ariane knew that Gabrielle would have had to run from the Guardhouse, all the way down the corridors to the Inner Gateway and take it through before she could make the call. Which would have taken about fifteen minutes, meaning that Naraj and his party were already getting out of their ship…

Gabrielle was continuing, “Now, Steve and Tom might be able to delay them a little—”

“But Naraj obviously wants to catch us off-guard,” came DuQuesne’s voice. “He’s a hell of a lot of things, but as my friend Seaton would’ve said, stupid sure ain’t one of them.”

“On my way! I’ll meet them at Transition!”

“Got it. I’m going back.” The ball disappeared.

She leapt up from the desk, which folded up and vanished into the wall, and yanked on her most captainlike jacket.

Sun Wu Kung leapt to his feet as she charged out the door. “What’s wrong, Captain?”

“They’re on their way. We want to get to Transition before they do.”

Wu didn’t ask questions; he followed like a shadow.

DuQuesne joined them as they exited the Embassy. “Carl and Laila will hold the fort here,” he said. “Simon’s gone over to the Analytic to talk with Relgof and a couple of the other Researchers—hopefully we get good news there.”

“Four days, Marc. It only took them four days.”

“Yeah, and they must’ve spent a day or more doing some quick mods.”

She glanced up at the olive-skinned face; DuQuesne’s expression was not comforting. “Why?”

“The
Duta
’s design. I glanced over what we had on it, and it didn’t have the
bunkerage
for the reaction mass necessary to brake down from what must be around ten kilometers per second.” He shook his head. “They must have done calculations for modified Sandrisson coils that let them take disposable reaction tanks; it’s the only explanation that fits.”

Ariane gestured and one of the hovering taxis slowed to a halt near them; Wu leapt in to do his quick survey. “But you can’t change the shape of your ship and still use your Sandrisson coils! I know that—we had to chase down the broken drive spine because of that, back when we first got here.” She got in at Wu’s gesture and ordered the vehicle to head for the Elevators to Transition.

“Right,” DuQuesne said as he sat down. “My guess? They’ll have to spend some time fixing up the coils to make them work to go back, but they probably
designed
them to make that as easy as possible. Worth it to get the advantage of surprise.”

Calm,
she reminded herself.
If I let this agitate me, they’ve
really
got the advantage. This isn’t a race, it’s not
that
time critical. A few seconds here or there make no difference.
“Is it really that much of an advantage?”

“From their point of view? Probably.” DuQuesne’s head turned, watching the Embassy area streaming by. “Naraj’s been playing these games for a long time. Keep the other guy off-balance, distract him, really get him worked up and he’ll make a mistake.”

She smiled wryly up at him. “Then you’d better make sure I don’t
make
any mistakes.”

As they got into the elevator, she focused on the task at hand.
Time seems to crawl by with this much urgency; so make
use
of that. Remember all the contingencies we discussed. Remember what you know about Naraj. Be ready to adjust depending on who and what’s around when they come through.

Transition loomed up before them, a kilometers-wide room filled with almost uncountable numbers of Gateways. “Great. Which one?” she heard herself mutter.

DuQuesne shrugged. “No telling. If someone isn’t maintaining a connection, they go inert and wake up for whichever is the next incoming or outgoing signal. They could come through that one in front of us, or one of the ones in the far corners.”

“All right, there’s three of us,” she said. “I’ll watch the center area, you watch to the right, DuQuesne, and Wu, keep an eye on the gates off to the left, okay?”

“Yes, Captain.”

Once more time seemed to crawl by. Other creatures of a hundred different species moved around them, sometimes glancing curiously at the three humans just standing still in the midst of Transition.

“Apologies for distracting you?” came a buzzing voice, accompanied by just a hint of a sharp chemical smell.

The voice sounded…very young, and she looked down to see a small Milluk—the same species as Swordmaster First Selpa’a’At—looking up at her from the glittering eyes set slightly above the midline of the spherical body. The creature was very small compared to the others she had seen, about half the height or less of Selpa and far less massive, with smaller defensive spines and less decoration.
A child?

She realized now that Wu had already watched its approach and had his staff casually ready, but he, also, did not seem terribly worried. “Apology accepted. What can I do for you?”

“I must inquire—are you the human Captain Ariane Austin?”

“I am,” she said.
Still no sign of Naraj.

The voice shifted slightly, to a more exited tone. “Oh, wonderful! Builders be praised!”

A member of the Faith?
She wondered for a moment why that seemed
wrong
, then realized the answer was obvious: Selpa, the only Milluk they’d had any real contact with, was the head of the Vengeance and didn’t trust or like the Faith.

But the little creature was continuing, harvestman-like set of legs rising and falling, making the spherical body bob like a beachball in a choppy sea. “I am Kekka’a’shi, Captain Ariane Austin! I have wanted to meet you for many days!” Kekka’a’shi produced a strange triangular object; Wu stiffened slightly, then relaxed as the creature pulled on one point and the object folded back, revealing itself to be some kind of a three-sided book. “I was hoping…would you possibly…?”

She was puzzled. “Would I…?

Suddenly she was aware that DuQuesne was chuckling. “What are
you
laughing at?”

“You don’t know what he’s asking, do you?”

“No, I—” she froze, then looked down. “You…want my autograph?”

“Your personal mark identifier, as signifying I have met and spoken with you! Yes!”

She laughed.
Hardly the first time I’ve been asked, but I had actually thought I’d left that behind.
“If you’ll explain to me how this little thing works so I know how, yes. But why me?”

“Oh, you’re
famous
already in the Challenges, Captain!” Kekka said enthusiastically, the translation making him sound so
very
like a young sports fan meeting one of his idols that Ariane had a momentary pang of longing for her days as a racing pilot.
It’s only been…not even a year, but it seems three lifetimes ago.
“You beat the Blessed in a sky-race, and then you beat
Amas-Garao
. No one’s beaten a Shadeweaver for
centuries
.” He held up a sticklike object. “How it works? Some will touch it with their manipulators and generate a unique scent, others impress their nose-prints on them material…the pages are made to accept all sorts of impressions. You can use the stylus to make marks, too.”

She took the stylus and smiled. “I’ll do it the way we do at home.” She thought a moment, then wrote quickly and handed the book back.

Even though the creature was almost completely alien, of armored legs and spherical body, with manipulative tendrils and lacking anything ordinarily considered a face, there was somehow something about the young Milluk’s posture and movement as he took the signed book and studied it that conveyed the same awed excitement she’d seen in thousands of human fans. “What…does it say? It is language, yes?”

“Yes, it is,” she answered with another smile. “It says, ‘To Kekka’a’shi—My first fan in the Arena, where I didn’t know I
had
fans. Thank you!—Ariane Austin.’”

“
Wow,
” he said. What the original expression, or even sound, was, it didn’t matter; the Arena’s translation had perfectly conveyed the reaction. “Your
first
fan here?”

“You are indeed,” she said. “And—”

“Ariane!”

She looked where DuQuesne pointed, and saw three clearly human figures standing on one of the Gateway platforms about three hundred yards distant.

The real game’s begun.