Stone Blade (36 page)

Micah scanned the street with eyes barely above the newsmod. He and Ferrel stood beside a newsstand listening to the crowd speculating. Georges alMarklin didn't keep them waiting long.

“Pardon, brother. Can you assist me?”

“Gladly,” said Micah, “If I am able.”

“I have a hover waiting.”

As Micah slid into the nondescript sedan he slapped a spider where it would not be easily seen. Kidwell, slouching in a hover nearby, fired up her terminal.

“There have been disturbing developments,” said alMarklin.

“These are not calm times. But caution and considered action will triumph, I'm sure.”

As alMarklin drove he tried to pry loose some information. Micah and Ferrel held their peace and their amusement. Though subtle to alMarklin the probes were crude and amateurish to the League agents. And quite amusing! Finally alMarklin parked in front of an unremarkable building and handed Micah a card.

“I'll wait here,” he said.

***

When Micah and Ferrel entered the room two men stood to greet them.

“I'm glad you came,” said Orris, “We were not certain you would.”

Micah eyed Orris' companion. An older man, he stood solidly and with certainty. Though not tall he radiated a presence that elevated him above his height. His slightly-round face bespoke the innocence of youth, or just beyond, but his eyes gave lie to it. When Micah met the man's gaze he found a well of knowledge far beyond the man's years. The man measured Micah even as Micah did likewise. Then he did the same to Ferrel. Those keen eyes drank in every detail and fed it to a sharp and capable mind.

“An honor,” said the man, gesturing toward seats, “You may call me Kermit.”

Litho, supplied Micah.

“As you might guess, Joshua has given me some information. Information of a less than delicate nature.”

“These are turbulent times,” said Micah.

“Indeed.” Once again Litho's gaze assayed them. “In such times tragedy and regret are more easily committed than avoided. A moment of haste can lead to a lifetime of regret. Or worse.”

“Truth,” said Micah.

Litho smiled as he conceded Micah the march.

“There are rumors,” said Litho, “Rumors of indiscretion. Perhaps you have heard them?”

“Perhaps.”

Another smile, this one a bit wider.

“I shall be frank, then. Young Joshua has shown me evidence of certain transgressions. The detail need not burden us but the fact is indisputable. And less than surprising.”

“Such disclosure would be calamitous,” offered Micah.

“Indeed. Consensus would be impossible and unity would be shattered.”

“A path to be avoided,” said Micah, “Most emphatically.”

“A favorable solution is possible,” said Litho, “However this morning brought more troubling news.”

“How so?”

“Among those who should lead by immaculate example there are rumors of a more selfish motive. It is possible that some few seek personal gain from such events that might transpire, did not reason prevail.”

“A disgrace,” said Micah.

“Quite so.”

On the verge of speaking, Orris fell silent at a gaze from Litho.

“Such dishonorable acts must be handled,” said Litho, “The Unity must be strong. With excess, iron shatters and steel is impossible.”

“Truth,” replied Micah.

“Here is my conundrum. Were the pressure less, the steel might yet emerge, pure and lacking imperfection.”

“Again, truth.”

“My question, then. Can you order the League forces to withdraw?”

“The decision is not mine alone,” said Micah, “But yes, with proper assurances. None of us, none, wish to see blood shed.”

“Truth,” said Litho, “You speak with honor yet you are not of the Unity. I shall listen.”

Micah hid his smile. Success! Now was just a matter of working out the details of it!

“The return of our hostages,” said Micah, “would be seen with much favor.”

“A gesture of goodwill,” said Litho, “Perhaps not instantly, but with certainty and in good health.”

Micah nodded. “Our desires beyond that are well-known. Setting them aside,” Micah met Litho's gaze evenly and without wavering, “Before long you will be making a very important decision. One requiring weighty consideration and deliberation.”

“Yes?”

“A decision which must with absolute imperative benefit the Unity. We do not in any way wish to interfere with this decision.”

“But?”

“A question. Need that decision be to your interest alone?”

Litho regarded Micah for a long time.

“You walk a dangerous path, stranger. The needs of the Unity shall prevail.”

“I do not speak otherwise,” said Micah, “The question I ponder is the path on which those needs lie. We do not seek to corrupt the Unity. Nor, indeed, to change it. We do not seek to rule a single world beyond those who have us willingly. What we do seek is peace and prosperity, both for ourselves and those with whom we trade.”

Litho considered this for quite a time.

“It is possible that such a man might be found. One who would serve the Unity with absolute faith and unwavering purpose. Yet, open to consideration of your interests. Such a man would be strong in the Unity, first and only.”

“Honest,” added Micah.

“Accomplished in leadership.”

“Open to skies beyond his own.”

“A champion of the people,” said Litho, “And one who speaks the truth as a matter of course, even when falsehood would better serve.”

Litho and Micah both turned toward Orris. His eyes widened as he followed their reasoning to its conclusion.

“No!” said Orris, “May I be forgiven, this cannot be!” Orris gaze at Micah turned hostile.

“Why so, Brother Joshua? Have your thoughts not turned so?”

“Forgive me, First. I abase myself humbly.” Orris swallowed hard before continuing. “Often have I stood penance for my ambition! You know this!”

“Well indeed, younger brother. Too often you do take penance for transgressions you have not committed, save in your thoughts. Is this not the goal to which you strive?”

Orris' expression grew tortured. He didn't want to answer honestly but he could not do otherwise.

“Yes, First.”

“Have you not worked, even against odds past sanity, to clean the foulness from those about you?”

“Yes, First. What matters the goal when those who should exemplify righteousness and purity do not?”

“Indeed. And when you overcame those obstacles did you not turn from prideful indulgence in your accomplishment and toward your next goal?”

“Yes, First.”

Litho nodded with satisfaction.

“Then why do you object, young brother?”

Orris looked down with considerable shame.

“It is not something I wish handed me, First. It is my desire, may I be forgiven it, to attain that of which you speak, but the accomplishment or failure to be mine alone.”

“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.”