╥No, no, no,╙ Rogan said, remembering to be patient, ╥The Rogue╒s an Arcana card. It outranks the Ace.╙
Megan stared down at the cards in front of her and shook her head. ╥But it╒s the Ace of Baubles,╙ she held up the card, ╥It╒s the Grounder Tableau.╙
╥That doesn╒t matter. An Arcana card always beats a suit, no matter the tableau.╙
Meg growled to herself and threw down the card. ╥Fester it,╙ she said, rising from the table, ╥Why do the Koni have to make their games so complicated?╙
Rogan smiled at this. She knew the answer; she was just blowing off steam. But he felt the need to bait her all the same. ╥Koni are traders, my friend,╙ he said, doing his best to sound wise and sagelike, ╥Games of chance are almost their religion. A game of cards isn╒t just a game of cards, it╒s a sacred ritual.╙
╥It╒s a sacred something, all right,╙ Meg muttered, passing into the kitchenette and disappearing. Rogan called after her, ╥I still can╒t believe that you╒ve been traveling with these guys for five months and they never taught you polenko.╙
╥What can I say,╙ Meg called back over the sound of running water, ╥I guess in the final analysis I╒m still just a Terran to them.╙ She reappeared, bearing two steaming cups. ╥Besides,╙ she added with a mischievous grin, ╥I don╒t have the pedigree you do.╙
Rogan grinned sheepishly and took the cup she offered. ╥Well, that╒s enough for now, anyway,╙ he said, leaning back in his chair, ╥We╒ve still got a while yet before we reach Latmino.╙
╥I suppose,╙ Meg hid her sudden sad expression in her cup, as she raised it to her lips. Rogan tried to be sympathetic. The last month had been hard on all of them, but on Megan the most. She╒d lost the closest thing to a father she╒d ever had.
A standard month ago Rogan Slorn and Megan Lobos had found themselves on Shayadran. There they╒d gotten mixed up in a smuggling affair, which had cost the lives of two of Meg╒s good friends. One of them, Gersha Lomas, was an aged and venerable Master Trader out of Latmino Port. Rogan had not known him long, but he seemed an honorable man. Meg had cared a great deal for him, more than she would ever say out loud. Rogan had done his best to help her through it, but he knew his old friend was still hurting badly.
Which brought them here now. Halfway through the long journey to Latmino, the Koni spaceport that Gersha Lomas called home. Distant and only vaguely known of by outsiders, Latmino would have been an exciting lure for Rogan under less solemn circumstances. Now, as they carried the ashes of a fallen Master Trader home, the spaceport took on a more forbidding face. This was a place that few Terrans had ever seen, save the odd the deep-spacer, who more often than not was a bit space-happy and not a reliable source of information anyway. So not only were the two Terrans traveling into alien territory, but they were also to be the bearers of very bad news. Not the best first impression to make.
Meg put down her cup and consulted a small handheld readout. ╥Particle collectors almost done,╙ she said, ╥I╒ll be ready for hyperspace soon.╙
Rogan nodded. ╥I should be checking on my ship as well,╙ he took a long swig, ╥She╒s not as reliable as yours.╙
Meg chuckled. ╥I still don╒t know what you see in that piece of junk, Rogue,╙ she pointed out the window to the John Bonham, tethered beside them, ╥It╒s falling apart. It╒ll be lucky to survive the next jump.╙
Rogan grinned wickedly. ╥You know me, I╒m a sucker for older women.╙ When he╒d succeeded in getting a laugh out of her, he went on, ╥Besides, Bonzo╒s the first ship I╒ve ever had. I can╒t bear to part with her.╙
Meg rolled her eyes. ╥I╒ve been aboard that first love of yours, friend,╙ she retorted, ╥I hate to break it to you, but she╒s been around the port a few times.╙
╥Unlike your little boytoy here,╙ Rogan made a sweeping gesture around the room, ╥So clean and fresh.╙
Meg spread her hands. ╥I like a clean ship.╙
╥Yeah.╙ Rogan took a glance around the living quarters Meg had carved out of the Light Fantastic. Megan Lobos was usually not someone to be trifled with. She was tough, strong, and quick on the draw -- faster than most men Rogan had seen. But she did have a softer side, and that showed in the decor of her ship. The living quarters here were plush and homey, warm colors and soft furniture. Rogan could only smile and shake his head in wonderment whenever he was here. The wild daughter of a Temisan noble family still carried a little of the leisured life with her wherever she went. ╥Good and domesticated in here,╙ he remarked.
╥You know, your ship could use a woman╒s touch, Rogan,╙ she retorted.
╥You keep your hands to yourself,╙ Rogan snorted, rising from his chair, ╥I have to go make sure my hydrogen scoops are still running.╙
Meg smiled. ╥See you in hyperspace.╙
Rogan nodded and made his exit.
Through the tether and Rogan was back aboard his ship. He closed the hatch and looked around him, and realized with a sigh that Meg had been right, at least about a few things. Compared to the cozy little place he╒d just left, the John Bonham was Spartan and stark. True, it suited his needs well enough, and in time he╒d come to think of this tough little ship as his home, but it wasn╒t very inviting. Certainly not on the level that Meg╒s was. He sighed, glanced at the living quarters -- Maybe he needed a piece of art in there; a painting, perhaps -- then went on to the cockpit.
He checked the console. All four hydrogen collectors still functioning. The second port scoop was working at eighty-five percent capacity, but that was normal for those old parts. Fuel tank was almost full. Good. The sooner they were off and running again, the better.
A light was flashing on his console. He touched the control. ╥Incoming transmission,╙ the readout flashed, ╥Koni vessel Mataskova.╙
One of the Shileya brothers was calling. He connected the call. The screen flashed into life, revealing the smiling face of Nomat Shileya. ╥Hey, Rogue.╙
╥Hey, Nome,╙ Rogan greeted the younger of the Koni brothers, ╥What╒s going on? How long have you been waiting on the line?╙
╥Not long,╙ Nomat replied cheerfully, ╥Just wanted to let you know we╒re all charged up. Ready to go when you are.╙
╥I╒m almost done here. Give me a few more minutes.╙
╥Sure, no problem.╙
╥Where╒s Gil?╙
╥Oh,╙ a mischievous look appeared on Nomat╒s face, ╥Big brother╒s over on the Rig. Doesn╒t trust the remote; he╒s gotta make sure it makes the jump okay.╙
╥I╒ll bet.╙ Rogan had gotten used to the Shileya brother╒s quirks in the last month. Gilon was the technical perfectionist. Everything had to be perfect or else he wouldn╒t even power up his ship. Nomat, the younger, was a bit more laid back. Close to Rogan╒s age, fun-loving, a bit reckless, he had bonded instantly with the young Terran Freemerchant. They had become fast friends over the last month, and that was a comfort, given their circumstances here. ╥How is the Rig?╙
╥Holding together. It should make it home.╙
╥Good.╙ The Rig was the name the Shileya brothers had given to a pair of ships they had tooled together for hyperspace transport. Originally the Shileya brothers, along with Meg, Gersha Lomas, and a young mercenary named Niyez Kuda had been a trading partnership, working together on a long trading run from the Galactic Core to Alpha Centauri. Then Kuda had gotten himself mixed up in drug smuggling. Things had quickly gone sour, and when the dust had cleared Lomas and Kuda were dead. Gilon Shileya had lashed the ships of their two dead comrades together and towed it along with them by remote. The Rig made an effective hearse, a place where the Master Trader╒s ashes could lie in state peacefully until they were brought home.
╥I╒ve just been over with Meg,╙ Rogan went on, ╥Teaching her a little more.╙
Nomat nodded. His bright green eyes softened with concern. ╥How is she?╙
╥She╒s holding up. Better than she was before.╙
╥I╒m glad,╙ Nomat replied, ╥And I╒m glad you╒re teaching her the game, Rogan. It╒ll take her mind off things.╙
╥Yeah.╙ A pause. ╥Nomat, tell me a little more about Latmino.╙
Nomat took a moment before answering. Rogan had been gently pumping him for information about his home port for the last few weeks. Nomat had tried to be helpful, to his credit, but much of what he said was a bit vague. ╥Well, what can I say?╙ he finally said, ╥It╒s...home. Very traditional.╙
╥What does that mean, traditional?╙
╥You know, traditional. Very Koni. Not a lot of aliens live planetside. Almost no Terrans come out that far.╙
╥Will they be hostile toward us?╙
╥Not hostile,╙ Nomat said, chewing his words thoroughly before saying them, ╥That╒s not our way. Polite indifference, probably. But since you two are Freemerchants, you might get treated better. Traders pretty much run the port, and new blood╒s always good for business.╙
╥I╒m sure.╙ Rogan had his doubts about being well-treated, but he╒d deal with that when it came up.
╥Incidentally, I╒ve been monitoring the commwaves,╙ Nomat said, ╥Word has reached Latmino that Gersha╒s gone.╙
╥Oh.╙ Well, that was something. It wouldn╒t be as bad a shock when they arrived with his ashes. ╥Any idea how things are going there?╙
╥I don╒t have a lot of detail, but I can imagine the port╒s pretty shook up,╙ Nomat paused, looking profoundly saddened, ╥Koni traders are pretty close-knit bunch, you know. When we lose one of our own...╙ He looked up. ╥Things can get tough all around.╙
╥I can imagine.╙ This didn╒t do much for Rogan╒s worries about how they would be received. Grieving didn╒t always bring out the best in people, especially in a close-knit group.
A beep sounded on Rogan╒s console. He looked down. ╥My tanks are full,╙ he told Nomat, ╥I╒m ready.╙
Nomat nodded and glanced at a readout somewhere off-screen. ╥Guess we╒re all set to go, then,╙ he said, ╥I╒ll send word to Gilon, and we╒ll make the jump.╙
╥All right. See you in hyperspace, Nomat.╙
Nomat grinned and vanished from the screen. Rogan began to program in the coordinates for the jump. He tried to push his worries aside. Latmino was a Koni port, and he╒d spent a good chunk of his life around the Koni. He knew the customs and some of the language. He was confident he could hold his own. Besides, how bad could it really be?
It was a common misconception among law-abiding citizens of the Terran Empire that Galcus was the closest thing to Hell that existed in this plane of being. Imperial law tended toward leniency most of the time, giving citizens who truly wished to walk the straight and narrow every opportunity to correct their mistakes. So it stood to reason that the kind of people who eventually wound up on the handful of penal colonies on the fringes of Terran space were the worst of the worst, those who simply did not wish to reform themselves. And Galcus, the harshest and most inhospitable of these colonies, surely must be the worst place in the galaxy to find oneself.
Adrian LaBlanca, triggerwoman for the Earth First Militia, could attest to the inaccuracy of this misconception. Having been a citizen of Galcus for some years now, she had found the world livable. Granted, she was more fortunate than most of the inmates there: she had been spared the indignity of the chaotic life on the surface of Galcus, and the maddening claustrophobia of underground solitary confinement. By either a grand stroke of luck or a serendipitous clerical error, the terrorist sniper had been incarcerated on one of the lower asteroids in orbit around the harsh world below. With a modest pressure dome and some bare essentials of life, Adrian LaBlanca had settled into a comfortable, if somewhat solitary, existence. Here, at least, was a place where she could while away her remaining days with some dignity, and catch up on some of the reading she╒d never gotten around to while free.
She was doing so, in fact, right now. Skimming through an old novel she had downloaded from the prison library, and enjoying a nourishing, if not particularly appetizing, lunch from the synthesizer. Engrossed in the book as she was, she wasn╒t aware of the subtle vibration underfoot until it became a full-fledged tremor. Startled, Adrian rose to her feet and listened carefully. What was this? Were the gravity generators going on the blink again? It had been so long since any maintenance was done here, it wouldn╒t surprise her if...
The rumbling ceased with a sudden jolt, and Adrian knew that it wasn╒t the gravity generator. A ship had just landed on the asteroid. This was unusual. There weren╒t supposed to be any landings here today. What was going on?
A metallic bang. Someone was in the airlock. Adrian turned to face it, waiting to see who this was making an unscheduled visit. A hiss, a rush of air, and the door slid open. Adrian peered beyond it, and saw a lone figure there.
It was a man, and mostly human, it seemed. A tall, wiry scarecrow of a human being, with chalk-white skin, glowing amber eyes, and not a hair on his head. Kallan. Adrian╒s Earth First sentiments bred revulsion in her upon seeing this perversion of the true Terran form. She╒d been taught to see creatures like Kallans, Terrans who had adapted strange new physical forms in response to alien environments, as weak and imperfect, mongrels to be eliminated for the sake of the purity of the human race.
When the Kallan spoke, however, it was without a trace of weakness. ╥We have ninety seconds before the security scan detects my ship,╙ he spoke quickly and with great confidence, ╥Answer my questions quickly and succinctly.╙
Adrian was so taken aback by this sudden bizarre situation that she could barely speak. All she managed to get out was, ╥Okay.╙
╥Good,╙ he went on, ╥Confirm that you are Adrian LaBlanca, former member of the Earth First terrorist group, currently serving a life sentence for the assassination of Grocker Tillek of Makestra.╙
Indignation rose up in the terrorist. ╥Not former, but always a member of-╙
╥Yes or no, quickly.╙
Startled by his brusqueness, Adrian managed a ╥yes.╙
╥I╒m offering you freedom,╙ the Kallan simply replied.
At the word ╥freedom╙ Adrian╒s heart leapt up. The years she╒d spent here had not killed her desire to feel the warmth of a sun and grass beneath her feet. But who was this Kallan? And why was he offering it?
╥We have one minute left, Miss LaBlanca,╙ the Kallan said impatiently.
╥Who are you?╙
╥My name is Durgen,╙ the man replied curtly, ╥And I╒m offering you the chance to leave this place and put your natural talents to good use. Are you coming or not?╙
╥What do you want from me?╙
╥Your skill as an assassin.╙
This was starting to make sense. And she had been itching to get her hands on a weapon again for some time. But she still had her principles, and would not compromise them. ╥Who do you want me to kill?╙
╥This is no time for explanations, Miss LaBlanca,╙ Durgen said impatiently, ╥You will have all the information you need once we╒ve cleared this system.╙ He consulted a wrist chrono. ╥Which we have thirty seconds to do.╙
Adrian╒s mind was racing. A chance at freedom, after so long! But what were the conditions? Who was this man Durgen, and what did he stand for? What was this assassination that was so important that she was being pulled out of prison for it?
╥Twenty seconds, Miss LaBlanca,╙ Durgen was moving back into the airlock, ╥I╒ll be going now. With or without you. What╒s your decision?╙
Adrian took less than another second to make her decision. ╥With me,╙ she leapt forward, past Durgen and into his ship.
The ship was small -- barely a pod -- but it was functional. Durgen closed the hatch and strode forward to the pilot╒s chair. ╥Strap yourself in,╙ he commanded, ╥This is going to be quite a ride.╙ Adrian did not hesitate to obey. She took the seat next to him and buckled up, just as an alarm began to sound. Their time had run out.
She looked at Durgen. His face was a hard expressionless mask as he programmed their course. Adrian was knocked back in her seat as they blasted off the asteroid and into space. When she had regained her balance she stared out the cockpit window. They were barreling through the asteroid field at a terrible speed. Looking at the quiet intensity on the Kallan╒s face, she knew it was better that she not say anything, but her concern was too great. ╥Are you sure you know what you╒re doing?╙
╥No distractions,╙ Durgen grunted. Adrian could do nothing but sit back, as Durgen handled the pod like an expert, swerving to avoid every asteroid their path crossed. She could not help but be impressed.
They sped onward, through the asteroids. They swung around a large one. Two short-range patrol ships were there, flying toward them. Adrian tensed herself. ╥I hope this thing has weapons,╙ she muttered.
╥No need,╙ Durgen snapped impatiently, ╥They won╒t see us.╙
╥What do you...╙ Adrian trailed off as she watched, with deep amazement, the two patrol ships race forward, go past them as if they weren╒t even there, and continue on into the asteroid field. ╥How...?╙
╥Stealth device,╙ Durgen explained, his eyes never leaving the starfield, ╥Can╒t see us unless they actually look out the window.╙ He snorted to himself, almost with arrogance. Adrian only sat back in her chair, overwhelmed. Who was this man? And where did he come from?
The wild ride was over quickly, as they reached open space. Durgen finally slowed the ship to a reasonable velocity. Adrian breathed a sigh of relief, and scanned the edges of the viewer for any pursuers. ╥There╒s no one following us,╙ she said.
╥Not surprising,╙ Durgen replied, punching buttons on the console, ╥Once a proximity alarm goes off on an asteroid, first order of protocol is to secure the asteroid itself, make sure it wasn╒t a false alarm. It╒ll take them some time to confirm that you╒re not there.╙
Adrian watched his thin fingers dance across the console, and realized what he was doing. He was programing coordinates for a hyperspace jump. Once again she was astounded; a ship this small had lightdrive capacity? ╥Then what happens?╙ she managed to get out.
╥Then,╙ Durgen replied, ╥They╒ll track us down by our ion trail, inform local Galactic Patrol they have an escapee, converge on our position within seconds.╙ He looked up. ╥But we╒ll be long gone by then.╙ He touched a button on the console.
A lurch in the pit of Adrian╒s stomach, and suddenly the stars were gone, replaced by the brilliant busy nothingness that was hyperspace. Durgen sat back in his chair and breathed a sigh of relief. ╥No way to track us now,╙ he said, sitting back, ╥We╒re safe.╙
After a recollective moment, Durgen rose from his seat and walked to the back of the pod. Adrian unbuckled herself and followed him. ╥What kind of ship is this?╙ she asked, staring in wonder around the little pod.
╥Hybrid lightdrive pod,╙ Durgen said, occupying himself with a rear console, ╥Incorporates Koni technology with Terran engineering. Fast, small, and detectable only by its ion trail.╙
╥Where did you get it?╙
╥My employers. Who are now, also, yours.╙ Durgen finished with the rear console, and a panel of the wall slid open. A tray slid out, bearing a teapot and a few cups. ╥Care for some?╙
Adrian was too disoriented to refuse. An aromatic cup was pressed into her hand, and she continued to stare around the tiny ship that had broken the rules of design and physics that she had thought unbreakable. ╥Where are we headed?╙ she asked.
╥Somewhere safe,╙ Durgen poured himself a cup of tea, ╥Cream? Sugar?╙
╥Sugar, no cream, thanks.╙ As Durgen dropped a lump into her cup, Adrian felt some confidence returning. ╥So, Mister Durgen, now that we are safe, maybe you╒d like to share some information with me?╙
╥In due time.╙ He raised his cup. ╥You know, the Koni never talk business until they╒ve finished their first drink. Fine custom. It should be practiced everywhere.╙
Adrian got his point. She raised her cup to his and took a sip. It was remarkably good tea. Regulan, perhaps. ╥You bring up Koni customs,╙ she said, ╥Is that a clue to where we╒re headed?╙
Durgen blinked and inclined his head. Clearly he hadn╒t expected her to catch on so quickly. Adrian felt a thrill of triumph at this. ╥You╒re sharp, assassin,╙ Durgen acquiesced, ╥Good. You╒ll need all your wits where we╒re going.╙
╥And where╒s that?╙ Adrian had a feeling she knew where they were going. The wild Border Provinces, perhaps, where the scars of the Mercenary Wars still smarted and the Koni still held sway. Perhaps this Durgen was a mercenary himself.
╥You╒ll find out,╙ was all Durgen would say. Clearly he hadn╒t expected her to catch on so quickly. Adrian had to suppress a smile of triumph. She knew it was unwise to press on, but she did so anyway. ╥We╒re mercenaries now, I take it,╙ she said, ╥For whom? Who are we working for?╙
Durgen said nothing. He drank down his cup of tea and poured himself another. ╥More for you?╙ he offered the pot. Adrian shook her head; she was still working on the one she had. Durgen set down the teapot and returned to the pilot╒s seat. Adrian followed him, determined to pump him for more information. ╥Are we working for a conglomerate?╙ she pressed, settling into the passenger seat, ╥Military wing of an industrial combine? We can╒t be working for a mercenary cell; the Empire scattered them in the Wars. So who...╙
╥Assassin,╙ Durgen cut her off quickly. Adrian immediately fell silent. Durgen turned to face her. His eyes were amber and glowing. ╥Are you grateful for your freedom?╙
Adrian bit back a surge of indignation. ╥Yes,╙ she grumbled.
╥Good.╙ Durgen turned away from her again, staring out into hyperspace. ╥All your questions will be answered at the necessary time, Miss LaBlanca.╙ He took a sip of tea, then continued, ╥That time will come at the end of this jump, when we are securely in a safe location.╙
Adrian calmed down and leaned back in her chair. The warmth in her hands drew her attention back to her cup. ╥So, until then...?╙
╥Until then,╙ Durgen replied, gazing out contemplatively, ╥Drink your tea and enjoy the silence.╙
When Adrian was sure he wasn╒t going to say anything else, she resigned herself to his suggestion. She raised the warm cup to her lips.
As one, the small fleet of four leapt back into normal space at the edge of the Latmino system. The system was any navigator╒s dream: no asteroid fields to thread past, no gas giants to create gravity wells, no solar winds or excess radiation from the average size yellow sun. Only three planets, all terrestrial and simple. Only the closest to the sun held an atmosphere, and it was on this planet that Latmino had been built.
As the fleet approached Latmino, Rogan Slorn was dazzled by his first look at the spaceport he had only heard legends about. The long months of the journey had not diminished his awe at finally seeing it. It glittered from space like a great jewel set in the lush green orb. It was not as fine as Shayadran -- but then, nothing was as great as that finest of the Koni spaceports -- but it had a beauty all its own. With a sizable injection of Terran culture, Shayadran had grown organically from its Koni roots. Large but asymmetrical, the two jibing architectural influences -- the long firm straight lines of the Imperial, the artistic natural curves of the Koni -- existed side by side, and were quite obvious from orbit.
Latmino lacked the Terran influence; it was pure Koni from spire to foundation. Small and compact, the spaceport was built in a perfect oval. Rogan could see lights of many colors on the buildings below, streets spiraling outward from the spaceport itself in the center of the city. It was beautiful in its symmetry and its planning. A tried and true form of engineering perfected by the Koni and their thousands of years╒ experience in building them.
So enthralled by the view was the young Terran that he wasn╒t aware of the beeping from his console until it had been going for a while. Shaking himself back to reality, Rogan looked down and saw the message flashing on his display. Standard hail from the planet below. He cut in the transmission.
The hail was in Koni, a dialect Rogan had never heard before. But he caught enough to recognize a standard port challenge. Gilon Shileya╒s face appeared on the intraship console. ╥I╒ll take care of it,╙ he announced, and replied to the hail. ╥Latmino Port, this is Shileya convoy,╙ Gilon spoke in the higher order of Koni, the subdialect used for formal conversation, ╥We bring sad tidings.╙
A brief pause at the other end. Then, a reply in the same order of speech. ╥Who brings these sad tidings, Shileya convoy?╙
╥Gilon, eldest son of Marlen and Tulia, a Koni of the Shileya line and a Trader of Latmino.╙
╥Gilon Shileya, the tidings you bring are known to us.╙
Gilon paused. ╥A Master has passed. Gersha, of the Lomas line. We bring his remains to their final rest.╙
Another pause, then, in the common register, ╥Hail and welcome to Latmino Port, Shileya convoy. Make planetfall on this beacon.╙ A signal began to pulse on Rogan╒s console. Rogan keyed his controls in to follow it down.
╥Many thanks, Latmino Port. Shileya convoy out.╙ Gilon╒s face vanished from the display, and Rogan was left to follow the beacon.
As the signal guided him down, the port loomed closer and closer. Buildings grew larger and more defined. Rogan could see the gently spiraling crystalline towers, the characteristic organic look of Koni architecture. He smiled as he saw the curving narrow streets and tiny groundcars weaving through them. Not a straight line to be found; not a trace of Imperial influence. This place was all Koni. He╒d have to remember that. There would be people here who╒d never seen a Terran before, and people who knew of Terrans only from rumor and legend -- and rumor and legend were rarely kind to the builders of empires. It would not pay to step on any toes.
The ride was over all too quickly, and with the firm clamp of magnetic locks the John Bonham was earthbound. Rogan powered down and made his way out of the ship. Once outside, Rogan breathed in the warm, dewy atmosphere with a sigh. There was something about Koni ports, some inexplicable feeling in the air, that set them apart from any other. Rogan loved it. It smelled like adventure and opportunity.
The other three ships of the convoy had circled around the pad. Meg and Nomat had already emerged. Nomat was wearing a bright smile as he approached Rogan. ╥Welcome to Latmino, my friend,╙ he beamed, ╥Home sweet home.╙
╥I have to say I╒m impressed,╙ Rogan said, ╥It looked amazing from orbit.╙
╥Even more so at street level,╙ he retorted, ╥I╒ll have to show you a few places I know.╙
╥Hey now,╙ Meg broke in, laughing, ╥You better not show us the tourist traps.╙
Nomat laughed back. ╥Hey, if you were tourists I would have charged for getting you here.╙
Any further laughter was cut short, as Gilon emerged from the Rig. In his hands was the black lacquered wooden sphere that contained the ashes. He nodded to the rest and managed a weak smile. He looked around him. ╥We╒re home, Gersha,╙ he muttered, just loud enough to be heard.
Rogan maintained a few moments of respectful silence, then turned to Nomat. ╥What now?╙ he whispered.
╥The Honor Guard should be arriving any time now,╙ Nomat whispered back, ╥to escort us to the Grocker╒s palace. Master Traders go out in style.╙
Sure enough, the pad airlock hissed and slid open, and in marched what could be only described as a small parade. Eight Koni in rows of four, dressed in the resplendent old-fashioned dark green armor of the Port Honor Guard. Each carried an electron pike at his side and a ritual knife at his belt. The Koni were impressive indeed: tall, hard-muscled men with luxuriant black hair and bright green eyes. Rogan suppressed a shudder at the sight of them: this display was a throwback to the violent past the Koni rarely discussed with outsiders. More than ever now he felt like a blundering foreigner, in a land he only thought he knew.
The Honor Guard stopped before them and parted rows. There, within their ranks, hitherto well hidden, was a ninth Koni. He was not dressed in warrior╒s garb, but he was just as resplendent in old-fashioned green and gold robes of state. By contrast to his traditional clothes, the Koni had a young face; he looked about Gilon╒s age, possibly younger. That put him around thirty; young for a Koni, younger still for a member of the Honor Guard.
The Koni stepped forward and raised a hand in salute. ╥Masha,╙ he greeted them.
Gilon raised his hand and returned the greeting. ╥Shamasha.╙
The Koni smiled and lowered his hand. ╥My name is Borgesh,╙ he introduced himself, ╥I am Grocker Shurlen╒s Minister of Trade. I welcome you to Latmino Port.╙
Rogan saw a look of confusion wash over Gilon╒s face for a moment, then it passed. ╥Many thanks, Minister Borgesh,╙ he replied, ╥May I present the rest of my party...╙ He turned and spread his arm to the others. Borgesh came forward to greet them. ╥My brother Nomat,╙ Gilon introduced them each in turn, ╥And two good friends, Freemerchants of the Empire, Megan Lobos and Rogan Slorn.╙
Borgesh went to each one, offering first Koni salutes, then Terran handshakes. He paused at Rogan. ╥Rogan Slorn,╙ he said, brightly, ╥Your reputation proceeds you.╙
Rogan was flattered but somewhat confused by this statement; he didn╒t know he had a reputation. ╥Nothing bad, I hope.╙
Borgesh laughed politely. ╥Nothing terrible,╙ he replied, ╥Only that the name of Kothos is still revered among the Traders of Latmino, and it is an honor to have his trade-son among us.╙ Rogan only nodded his thanks, a bit embarrassed.
╥The Kothos curse strikes again,╙ Meg whispered in ear playfully. Rogan felt his ears grow hot. Scorit Kothos, the Koni Grand Master Trader who had taught him the art of interstellar commerce, was a legend among Freemerchants and deep-spacers throughout the Galaxy. It had been a singular honor when Scorit had taken a young Rogan Slorn under his wing and made him into a Freemerchant. But the downside was that wherever he went, the Kothos name went with him, earning him privileges he neither wanted nor deserved. It would take some doing to get out of Scorit╒s shadow, and Rogan was confident that someday he would. But now, here, in this unfamiliar place, he was glad to have its protection.
╥The Grocker is honored to have all of you as her guests,╙ Borgesh addressed the entire party now, ╥Every courtesy will be extended to you during your stay. Now, if you please, we have a transport waiting outside.╙ Borgesh turned on his heel and walked back the way he came, followed by half of the Honor Guard. Gilon hesitated a moment. His face indicated he wasn╒t fully grasping something. Then, finally, he motioned for them to follow, and he took off in pursuit of Borgesh. The other four Honor Guards fell in step behind them.
Gilon managed to catch up with Borgesh in the lead, and began to speak with him. Rogan was close enough to hear most of it. ╥Grocker Shurlen, you said?╙
Borgesh nodded. ╥Mayina Shurlen.╙
╥What happened to Layadin? When I left port he was Grocker.╙
Borgesh emitted a small ironic snort. ╥The Wheel didn╒t stop turning when you left port, Trader Shileya. Ender Layadin died three standard months ago.╙
Gilon lost a step as this information sunk in. Behind him, Rogan saw an equally stunned expression on Nomat╒s face. ╥Ender╒s dead?╙ Nomat blurted out, ╥How?╙
╥A tragic accident,╙ Borgesh replied, smooth and unfazed, ╥The crash of a fuel tanker. It was a terrible mess; many lives were lost, including many members of the Council. In the absence of any other candidates, Mayina Shurlen was appointed Grocker by the Council.╙
╥Ender....╙ Gilon muttered to himself, almost too softly to be heard. Nothing else was said until they reached the street. Before them was a large vehicle. A heavy groundcar, large enough to accommodate them all. And, Rogan noted with a touch of bewilderment, it was heavily armored. It looked more like a troop carrier than a diplomatic transport. Feeling a pang of unease, Rogan looked around at the street. It was deserted: not a soul on the sidewalk, not a car on the street. Even the storefront windows were closed, bolted, and darkened. ╥What╒s...╙ Rogan asked, then trailed off, as he was hurriedly bundled into the transport, and the door sealed shut behind him with a hiss.
╥Please take a seat, Freemerchant,╙ Borgesh, standing at his shoulder, insisted gently, ╥And we╒ll get under way.╙ Rogan, too bewildered to protest, obeyed. He found himself in a good-sized cabin, furnished with a low table surrounded by plush cushions. Three were occupied by his companions, and Rogan planted himself on a fourth. Borgesh smiled. ╥Next stop, the Grocker╒s Palace.╙ Then he bowed and took his leave.
Once he was gone, Rogan began to speak freely. ╥What╒s all this about?╙
Gilon looked extremely downcast. Nomat seemed more ready to speak. ╥Ender Layadin was a family friend. He and our father were trade-brothers.╙
Rogan offered his condolences. He saw Meg reach out and squeeze Gilon╒s hand. The contact seemed to loosen his tongue. ╥He was the finest Grocker Latmino ever knew. Even when the mercenary groups fled here after the Wars, he kept order. He was a man of honor and virtue. Like Gersha was.╙ He reached up and laid a hand gently on the wooden sphere on the table before them. Rogan felt a knot in his stomach for the man. In the space of two months he╒d lost two men he loved like family. He could only imagine what he was going through.
Rogan let a respectful silence pass before he asked his next question. ╥Who╒s this Shurlen?╙
╥Mayina,╙ Gilon said, ╥When we left she was one of Ender╒s top advisors.╙ He shrugged. ╥I only know her by reputation.╙
Rogan let the matter drop for the moment, stood up and turned his attention to the window on the far wall. They were moving through the streets at a brisk pace -- too brisk for the Terran╒s comfort. And the streets were practically deserted; he saw barely a person out and about. Here and there, as they moved through the city, Rogan saw a few uniformed Militia officers, but rarely a civilian. It was as if the entire port were deserted...or worse.
Rogan took a glance at the door. It remained closed. No one would disturb them. All the same he lowered his voice as he spoke. ╥Was Latmino always like this?╙
Gilon╒s brow furrowed. ╥Like what?╙
╥Like...╙ Rogan gestured vaguely to the world outside, ╥Like that.╙
For the first time, Gilon looked up at the window. He rose to watch his home port pass by his eyes for the first time since he╒d returned, and Rogan watched his jaw drop. ╥Lady Fortune...╙ he muttered under his breath, ╥Nome.╙ He gestured to his brother, who stumbled to his feet and came to his brother╒s side.
╥What is it?╙ Meg asked, rising to get a good look, ╥What╒s wrong?╙
╥What the hell?╙ Nomat exclaimed, his eyes not leaving the view, ╥This is midday, isn╒t it?╙
Gilon nodded. His gaping jaw had closed, and was slowly setting itself. ╥This place should be bustling with people. Especially this time of day. Something╒s wrong.╙
Meg looked out the window and made a small sound of confusion. ╥If I didn╒t know better I╒d swear this city was under martial law.╙
Rogan felt a twinge at the base of his spine. This was exactly what he was thinking.
╥I don╒t know,╙ Gilon said, turning away from the window with a pensive face, ╥But something╒s going on. Home wasn╒t like this when we left.╙
╥Far from it,╙ Nomat put in, returning to his cushion with a look of confusion. He turned to his brother. ╥What could have happened in so short a time?╙
╥A lot, apparently. But I╒m going to find out.╙ He sat down on his cushion, and bid his companions to do the same. ╥As soon as we get to the Palace,╙ he said, ╥I╒m going to request an audience with the new Grocker. If anyone knows, she does.╙
Rogan leaned forward. ╥How are you going to pull that off? With all due respect to Master Lomas...╙ he gently tapped the wooden sphere, ╥...his ashes will only take us so far.╙
Gilon managed a weak smile. ╥The Shileya name still turns a few gears in the machine,╙ he replied, ╥I think I can find out a few things. If not from the Grocker, then I╒ll look up a few old family friends.╙
╥Good to know,╙ Meg muttered, still staring at the window. Gilon reached out and touched her shoulder. She turned back to face him. ╥I╒m sorry I couldn╒t bring you back to the port I knew and loved, Meg,╙ he said, with the same weary grin.
Meg returned that smile, and laid a comforting hand on his arm. Rogan╒s eyes widened; this was new. ╥I╒m just sorry your home has changed out from under you.╙
╥Don╒t worry,╙ the Koni assured her, ╥I╒ll find out why.╙
╥And I╒ll do whatever I can to help you.╙
Rogan watched the two of them lose themselves in each other╒s eyes, amused and bemused. How long had this been going on behind his back? ╥Um...╙ he tried to insinuate himself, ╥You can count on me too, Gil.╙
No response; they were in their own galaxy now. Nomat turned to him and shrugged. The look on his face was probably the same one Rogan had. Rogan sighed. He did his best to be happy for his friend, but he knew that this wasn╒t the best time for any kind of romance to be brewing. He just hoped that if anything unexpected occurred, Meg and Gilon wouldn╒t be caught off-guard. And given what he saw on the other side of the window, that would be easy to do.
One of the things prison had taught Adrian LaBlanca was that all the meaningful things in life were small. The tiny details that one took for granted when one was free to enjoy them. The refreshment of a water shower. The smell and taste of real, unsynthesized food. The feel of soft, comfortable clothing against the skin. These were things she╒d missed on Galcus, and now, clad in a silk robe in a luxurious space station flat and stuffing herself with rich desserts, she remembered how good they were.
As she scooped the dregs of her third hot fudge sundae -- real vanilla ice cream, real chocolate sauce, a real cherry; heaven -- her thoughts turned to her mysterious liberator, this Durgen character, and what his designs were for her. Adrian had satisfied herself that she knew where they were going -- the Border Provinces -- but why had still escaped her. She was sure the Earth First Militia hadn╒t broken her out; they wouldn╒t have employed a perversion of true Terran form like a Kallan. Clearly Durgen was working for some more mysterious outfit. He had that pod with its cutting-edge technology, and he had the connections to secure this suite with no questions asked. And Durgen himself had the bearing of a true professional; anyone he was working for had to be equally professional. But who? Who was left in the Border Provinces with that kind of power and influence?
Adrian racked her brains to no avail. She couldn╒t figure out who would be behind this. Although she became convinced, after a long mental journey back to her early days as an assassin, she knew Durgen from somewhere. His name sounded so familiar. Perhaps one of her tutors had mentioned him once...
At that moment, the door slid open and the man himself entered. He didn╒t look pleased -- Adrian was beginning to believe he was never pleased with anything -- but he did certainly look a bit more relaxed. ╥You╒ve settled in, I see,╙ he noted the empty plates that surrounded Adrian╒s place on the couch. Adrian shrugged. ╥I╒ve missed a lot.╙
╥Yes, you have,╙ He removed a few plates from the couch and took a seat, ╥Have you caught up on anything other than desserts while I╒ve been gone?╙
Suddenly sensing she was walking on thin ice again, Adrian slowly shook her head. ╥Should I have been?╙
Durgen made a little growling sound in his throat, but he spoke civilly enough. ╥Not necessarily. But it would do you some good to familiarize yourself with the current political situation.╙
Adrian put down her sundae cup and straightened up, giving Durgen her full attention. ╥Fill me in,╙ she said, feigning eagerness.
Durgen made another sound, this one of annoyance. ╥You guessed correctly yesterday,╙ he finally said, ╥We are going into Koni territory.╙
╥The Border Provinces?╙
╥Yes. Specifically, the port of Latmino.╙
╥Latmino?╙ Adrian made a face. Why would they be going to that alien backwater? What could possibly be there for her?
╥That╒s right,╙ Durgen replied, ╥Our employer has a hand in some political doings there. We╒re part of those doings.╙
A Koni port? Koni politics? With a growl of her own Adrian rose from the couch and paced a few feet away. ╥That╒s why you broke me out of Galcus?╙ she asked, indignant, ╥To serve a politico in some greeneye port?╙
╥Watch your language,╙ Durgen snapped, ╥There are Koni in these parts who don╒t much like being called that.╙
╥And what are they going to do?╙ Adrian mocked, her arrogance returning, ╥Not sell me trinkets?╙
Durgen stiffened and stood up. ╥You don╒t fully understand the seriousness of your situation, assassin,╙ he said, a menacing edge in his voice, ╥And you╒re not showing the proper gratitude to those responsible for your freedom.╙
╥Gratitude?╙ Adrian laughed, ╥I╒d rather be a prisoner again than a greeneye╒s guard dog.╙
╥That can be arranged,╙ Durgen warned her, but she didn╒t hear him. The fuzzy memory she had of hearing his name before had been crystallized by the heat of their argument. ╥And who are you to lecture me about loyalty? I╒ve heard of you, Ulic Durgen.╙
Durgen╒s eyes widened momentarily, then narrowed to murderous slits. ╥Have you now?╙ he asked, in a voice that sounded like steam escaping from a kettle.
╥Oh yeah,╙ Adrian launched into her tirade, ╥Ulic Durgen, Centurion during the Mercenary Wars. One of the finest sharpshooters the Imperial Legionnaires ever had.╙
╥The finest,╙ Durgen corrected her, harshly but not without pride.
╥Whatever,╙ Adrian was determined not to miss a beat, ╥You abandoned your Legion and joined the Koni mercenaries. You betrayed your own race. You╒re the worst kind of traitor.╙
Durgen said nothing for a long moment. Then, what could have been a smile on some other man╒s face appeared. ╥My motives for joining the Kolon-Sar were personal, assassin,╙ he said, remarkably calm, ╥I╒m no more a traitor than you are.╙
Adrian stiffened at this insult. ╥I╒m a patriot. I fight for a holy cause.╙
╥Ah yes, the Earth First Militia,╙ now it was Durgen╒s turn to pace a few steps around the room, ╥Dedicated to...what was it again? Murdering non-Terrans?╙
Adrian fought down a tide of indignation. How dare he negate the cause? ╥Purifying Terran space of undesirables,╙ she corrected him, ╥Giving the Empire back to True Terrans.╙
Durgen snorted. ╥Often wondered what you people mean by ╘True╒ Terrans. Terrans have been colonizing space for nearly a thousand years now. It╒s a wonder we even remember where our homeworld is, let alone what our ╘true╒ form is.╙
╥The Earth First Militia remembers.╙
╥I╒m sure you think you do,╙ Durgen retorted. Then, with a shrug, ╥Not that your precious holy cause did you a universe of good, assassin. Lifelong exile to Galcus, no reprieve. Never tried to rescue you, did they? Disowned you, in fact, once you were caught.╙
Adrian raised her chin, proud of that sentence. ╥I was a martyr for the cause.╙
╥You picked the wrong cause,╙ Durgen returned, ╥As an assassin one of the first things you should have been taught is that there╒s only one cause worth fighting for.╙
╥And what╒s that?╙
Durgen produced a coin -- a Koni five-ingot coin, Adrian noticed -- and held it up. ╥This one.╙
Adrian laughed scornfully. ╥I fight for a nobler cause than just money.╙
╥Not anymore you don╒t,╙ Durgen shot back so quickly that Adrian felt the sting, ╥Once I took you into my charge, you dedicated yourself to fighting for my cause.╙ He threw the coin down on the ground between them. ╥You can take it, or I can turn you over to the Station Administrator.╙
Adrian found herself at a loss for words. She stared down at the gold coin on the floor, and contemplated the consequences. Standing by her principles would land her back on Galcus; she had gotten accustomed to life there, it wouldn╒t be so bad. Although, now that she╒d escaped once, her life would probably be even more restricted. She might even be moved off her asteroid -- she shuddered at the thought -- and down to the surface. Or worse, below-ground solitary. No library privileges. No personal effects. No interaction with the outside world. Adrian turned, looked at the empty dishes and plates strewn about the place. There╒d be no desserts below ground. No ice cream. No hot fudge. No cherries...
Adrian scooped up the coin. ╥I╒ll join your cause,╙ she said.
╥Excellent,╙ Durgen turned his attention to the room computer console, ╥We have...one standard hour before our transport leaves for Latmino.╙
Well, they╒d be where they needed to be soon enough. Only one question remained, and Adrian, now confident that she had Durgen╒s trust, asked it. ╥Who is our employer?╙ she asked. As Durgen turned to face her, she quickly, almost instinctively, added, ╥If it╒s not too much trouble to ask, sir.╙
That almost smile tugged at one corner of Durgen╒s mouth. ╥There are two misconceptions about the Koni which are held throughout the Empire,╙ he said, ╥One is that they╒re a peaceful race of traders and explorers.╙
Adrian sat down. This was one of the cornerstone doctrines of the Earth First Militia. That the Koni were so unconfrontational, unworthy to possess the wide-reaching influence they did. And that wasn╒t so? Incredulous, all she could get out was, ╥Aren╒t they?╙
╥Hardly,╙ Durgen went to the bar and mixed himself a drink, ╥If you delve into Koni history, you╒ll find that they╒ve only been peaceful for a few millennia. The Koni were once a race of warriors, powerful and savage even by Terran standards.╙ His drink fully mixed now, he turned his attention back to Adrian. ╥The old mercenary brotherhoods were holdovers from that warlike past.╙ He uttered a humorless bark at her disbelieving expression. ╥You╒re from Centauri, the only Koni you ever knew were the Shayadran traders. Kittens. They care about wealth and high society; they solve their disagreements without bloodshed. Latmino╒s an entirely different world; you╒ll see Koni doing things out here you╒d never think they were capable of.╙
Adrian was still trying to make herself believe that the Koni, the fat and flamboyant green-eyed humanoids she╒d both admired and resented while growing up on the streets of Shayadran, could be an aggressive, warlike species. ╥But,╙ she protested, carefully, ╥But it can╒t still be so wild out here. I mean, the Empire won the Mercenary Wars. The power of the mercenary groups was broken.╙
Durgen sighed and walked over to a nearby chair. ╥That,╙ he said, sitting down, ╥is the other common misconception.╙
Adrian╒s eyes widened as the implication sunk in. She╒d known all her life that the Empire had won the Mercenary Wars, had utterly destroyed the Koni privateers that harried Terran colonies along the border. She╒d known! It was one of the things that had made her believe in the Earth First Militia, had convinced her that the Terran Empire was the supreme force in the universe, had assured her that her calling -- purifying the Empire of all things non-Terran -- was a divine one. All her beliefs, the doctrines of the Militia that she╒d considered gospel, were beginning to unravel. ╥We...╙ she was almost afraid to ask, ╥We didn╒t win the Wars?╙
╥Oh, the Empire did win the Wars,╙ Durgen assured her, taking a sip of his drink, ╥There╒s no disputing that. And the weaker brotherhoods were destroyed all right. But a few of the strong ones survived.╙ Durgen╒s eyes turned inward, and a real smile appeared on his face -- but not one that was pleasant to see, ╥Including my brothers-in-arms, the Kolon-Sar.╙
Adrian╒s blood ran cold. That╒s our employer, isn╒t it?╙ she asked with some distress.
Durgen nodded. ╥I owe my brothers-in-arms a favor,╙ he said, ╥They need an assassination done. A big one.╙ The assassin shrugged. ╥I╒m good, but I know a two-person job when I see one. So I requisitioned the best assassin I knew of.╙
╥Me?╙ Under different circumstances Adrian would be flattered at this. As it was she was just too overwhelmed. When Durgen nodded again, she could not help but to ask, ╥Why me?╙
╥I studied the assassination of Tillek. Photon bullet, clean through his skull, from a kilometer away. I was impressed.╙
Now Adrian was flattered. ╥Thank you.╙
Durgen finished his drink. ╥I don╒t need your thanks,╙ he replied, ╥All I need from you is for you to do that again.╙
Adrian considered her response. She knew she was rusty, having spent a few years away from a firearm. But with enough time to practice...she stared down at the coin in her hand. ╥If I can,╙ she asked, ╥What do I get?╙
╥Five thousand of those.╙
Twenty-five thousand ingots! Adrian felt a grin spreading over her face which she was sure bore a resemblance to Durgen╒s. Twenty-five thousand ingots. Thirty-five thousand Terran solaris. A small fortune. That bought a lot of hot fudge sundaes. She flipped the coin back to Durgen. ╥You╒ve got yourself a partner, Master Durgen.╙
Durgen raised his free hand and caught the coin without effort. ╥Pleasure to be working with you, Mistress LaBlanca.╙ He rose from his chair. ╥Get yourself ready to go,╙ he concluded, ╥We have forty-five minutes.╙
Adrian smiled at him. Traitor he might have been, but a kindred spirit he definitely was. A master assassin like this, one who had learned from both Koni and Terran masters, must have a lot of wisdom to impart. And clearly her teachers within the Militia had not told her everything. Maybe she could learn more from this traitor than she could from patriots.
The luxury of his surroundings actually increased Rogan╒s anxiety. The moment the armored groundcar had reached the Grocker╒s Palace, the Freemerchant and his partners had been bundled into the building, rushed through twisting hallways, and securely ensconced in a row of posh adjoining chambers. Rogan barely had time to see anything, but the things he did manage to see were enough to worry him. Great cracks in the outer walls of the Palace, from what looked like bombardments; security scanners the likes of which Rogan had never seen outside of a military barracks or a prison; a whole battalion of red-clad port police stationed within the walls. Every instinct Rogan had about these things was crying out. He had no idea what Latmino had been like before, but this was not the port Nomat had bragged to him about for the last two months.
Rogan was exploring the complementary bar inside his room for something familiar -- he╒d found a small bottle of synthetic whiskey; better than nothing -- when a knock on his door got his attention. It was the door to one of the adjoining chambers. Nomat╒s, to be specific. Good. He needed to talk to someone. ╥Come in.╙
Nomat came in, looking decidedly more pensive than usual. ╥Hey,╙ he said, breathlessly.
╥Hey,╙ Rogan returned, ╥How you holding up?╙
Nomat snorted humorlessly. ╥As well as I can.╙ He looked up and seemed to see the bar for the first time. ╥You got anything hard?╙
Rogan shook his head and held up the bottle. ╥Just this. You want some?╙
The young Koni sighed. ╥Sure. Um, lots of ice, okay?╙
╥Sure thing.╙ Rogan filled two glasses and watched Nomat sink into a chair and cover his face with his hands. Rogan felt for him; he was coming back to his home and it was completely alien to him.
╥I╒m sorry to bother you, Rogue,╙ Nomat said when he raised his head, ╥But Gil and Meg are...kinda busy.╙
Rogan stopped halfway across the room. He had seen it coming, but it still boggled his mind. When had the two of them found time to fall in love? Meg did tend to move fast in these matters, but being as serious as they seemed to be took time to develop. How long had it been going on, anyway? And why had he never seen anything happening? He shook his head. Meg. Every time he thought he had her figured out...
╥Everything is just so out of place,╙ Nomat went on, as Rogan pressed a glass into his hand, ╥The two of them, and Latmino. It╒s just...╙ He took a sip and made a face. ╥Synth?╙
Rogan nodded. ╥Synth.╙
He sighed and stared at his drink. ╥Too much has changed here.╙
Now Rogan took the opportunity to ask his questions. ╥About that,╙ he started, ╥This isn╒t the same port you told me about.╙
Nomat shook his head. ╥It isn╒t the same port I left,╙ he said, ╥I don╒t know what happened. It╒s like...like a war zone. Like martial law.╙
╥Surely the Trader╒s Council wouldn╒t let that happen?╙ Rogan asked. At least, that was how Shayadran was run. Koni politics was complicated to the outside eye, and debates were known to get ugly and personal, but rarely did the process break down to require something like this.
╥I don╒t know,╙ Nomat said, ╥Tempers run pretty hot around here. Especially with the old families. Some of them have been rivals for centuries. But it would never ever get this bad.╙ He shook his head and gulped down the rest of his synth. ╥Ender was able to keep them in line when he was in power. But now that he╒s gone...╙ he spread his hands, ╥Well, you see.╙
That made a little sense. ╥This new Grocker, Shurlen,╙ he asked, ╥What do you know about her?╙
Nomat shrugged. ╥The Shurlens are one of the old families. Well connected, powerful. The family╒s been caught up in a few trade rivalries over the years, but Mayina was always a moderate. That╒s why Ender kept her around. Probably why she was appointed to take his place.╙
╥Well, I think they made the wrong decision, Nome. What I saw out there isn╒t just the result of martial law. It╒s like there╒s been a few battles already.╙
╥I know.╙ Nomat ran a hand through his black hair. ╥Goddess, I wish I could talk to Gil. He╒d know what to do.╙
Rogan wasn╒t sure what Gilon could do about this. ╥How well connected is Gil in Latmino?╙
Nomat laughed humorlessly. ╥Our mother had served on the Council; she knew how ugly it could get. Her dying wish was that we stay out of politics. We╒ve been free traders all our adult lives. All we╒ve got to tote is the Shileya name.╙ He groaned and raised his head to stare at the ceiling. ╥I don╒t know how far that╒s going to get us. Especially the way things are now.╙
Rogan╒s computer console began to chime urgently. ╥I just hope it gets us far enough to figure out what happened here,╙ he said, as he approached it and read the flashing message. ╥Incoming message,╙ it said, ╥Intra-Palace communication.╙
Well, this sounded important. Rogan closed the connection. The screen flashed to life, revealing the familiar face of Borgesh. ╥Minister,╙ Rogan greeted him, with more than a little confusion. Why was he calling him?
╥Freemerchant Slorn,╙ Borgesh returned, amicably, ╥I hope I haven╒t caught you at a bad time.╙
╥Not at all.╙ The look on Rogan╒s face must have revealed too much. ╥I was just wondering why you╒re calling on me.╙
╥Very important reason, Freemerchant. As you╒re probably aware, the occasion of a Master Trader╒s death is traditionally marked by a farahdya.╙
Rogan nodded. A wake for a trader of importance. He╒d been to a few. ╥And Master Lomas will be honored with one, I take it?╙
╥Yes, and now that the word has gone out, traders and old friends are descending on Latmino from all points.╙
╥Well, I╒m glad to hear that the Master had so many friends,╙ Rogan replied, with uncertain tones; where was this heading?
╥He was one of the finest Master Traders,╙ Borgesh agreed. Then, finally, he came to his point. ╥Anyway, I felt it appropriate to inform you that your trade-father will be attending.╙
Rogan started, and he heard Nomat gasp behind him. Scorit? Scorit was coming here? Scorit was coming all this way, to pay his respects to someone he hadn╒t seen in decades? Before he had found his tongue, Nomat, having come up behind him since then, spoke for him. ╥Scorit Kothos is coming here?╙
╥Oh, forgive me, Young Shileya,╙ Borgesh said, recovering quickly, ╥I thought the Freemerchant was alone.╙
╥That╒s not a problem,╙ Nomat said quickly, then got back to the question at hand, ╥The Grand Master Trader is coming here?╙
╥That╒s right. Word of Master Lomas╒s passing seems to have reached him early; he╒s been in transit for the last two months.╙
And didn╒t mention a word to me, Rogan thought to himself. How like Scorit. ╥When will he arrive?╙ he asked, a lump rising in his throat.
╥We expect his arrival within the next few days. The farahdya is scheduled to begin in eight days.╙ A devious smile appeared on the Minister╒s lips. ╥Plenty of time to get reacquainted, I hope.╙
╥I╒m sure.╙ But Rogan wasn╒t sure. How long had it been since he╒d seen Scorit? Two years? Scorit had always been eccentric and hard to find, but Rogan still felt he should have kept in better touch with him. After all, the old Koni was his trade-father, and the closest thing to family he had. ╥Thank you, Minister,╙ he finally said, ╥I appreciate the advance word.╙ That, at least, was true; a visit from Scorit required at least a day of preparation.
╥Not at all,╙ Borgesh replied, ╥Well, that╒s all, really. Just wanted to let you know.╙
╥Minister,╙ Nomat burst in before Borgesh had a chance to leave the screen. Borgesh did wait. ╥Yes?╙
╥Minister,╙ Nomat continued, ╥Have you given any further consideration to my brother╒s request?╙
╥Ah yes,╙ Borgesh said, after a moment╒s thought, ╥Your brother requested an audience with Grocker Shurlen.╙
╥Is there any chance of it? Before the farahdya?╙
╥Well, the Grocker is a busy woman,╙ Borgesh lapsed into a pleasantness that was so obviously false, ╥And her schedule is full for the next few days. I╒m afraid I can╒t make any promises.╙
╥Not even a brief meeting? Half an hour?╙
╥As I said, I can make no promises. It is possible something will open up. I╒m sorry, but I can╒t be more definite.╙
╥Well, please keep us informed. We╒d both really appreciate it.╙
Borgesh spread his hands helplessly. ╥I╒ll do what I can.╙
╥Thank you, Minister.╙
╥Not a problem. Now, if that╒s all...?╙ Both Rogan and Nomat assured him it was, then Borgesh was gone, as officiously as he came.
Nomat sighed and slunk back to his seat. ╥That wasn╒t very encouraging,╙ he said, unnecessarily.
╥I╒m sorry you╒re having such a hard time of it,╙ Rogan offered.
Nomat nodded his thanks and sank into his chair. ╥I just want to know what happened here,╙ he said, sounding frustrated, ╥This is my home here. This is my home and I don╒t even recognize it anymore.╙
╥I know,╙ Rogan pulled up a chair next to him, ╥I know how hard this must be for you. I wish I could help.╙
Nomat snorted. ╥Maybe Master Kothos could get us in to see the Grocker.╙
He meant it as a joke, but that got gears turning in Rogan╒s mind. Maybe that was a possibility. Of course, how would that look? To never so much as speak to his trade-father in two years, and then, the first time they see each other, to ask a favor of him? What kind of son did that make him? Then again, Scorit was a strange one; for all he knew he might go for it. He put that in the back of his mind for another time, and asked, ╥So now what?╙
╥Now? Now we wait for the farahdya. I guess we╒ve got run of the Palace til then.╙ Another humorless snort. ╥What there is of it to run.╙ He turned to face Rogan. ╥I╒m going to talk to Gil next time I see him. See what he makes of this.╙
Good luck prying Meg off of him, Rogan thought to himself; he╒d seen how Meg held onto men she liked. ╥So,╙ he asked, holding up the bottle of synth, ╥Until then?╙
Nomat smiled a humorless smile. ╥Until then,╙ he held out his glass. ╥You know we can╒t get drunk off of synth, don╒t you?╙ he said, as Rogan refilled him.
╥I know,╙ Rogan replied, filling his own glass, ╥But it╒d be nice to think we were, wouldn╒t it?╙
Nomat laughed a real laugh, and raised his glass. ╥To the power of positive thinking,╙ he toasted.
╥Hear hear.╙
And they drank.
The jump to Latmino had been uneventful, and Adrian considered that a good thing. She╒d had quite enough surprises on this trip already. Durgen had been his usual talkative self along the way, leaving the young assassin to her own thoughts. Many times, aboard the small civilian cruiser they╒d acquired for the trip, she pondered the path of fate she had now chosen.
How ironic, she thought, that Adrian LaBlanca, an assassin for the Earth First Militia, would find herself working for the most hated enemies of the Terran Empire. Koni mercenaries, no less. All her life she╒d heard the tales of the Mercenary Wars, of the long and bloody conflict between the noble Imperial Legionnaires and the ruthless Koni pirates. The Empire╒s ultimate victory in the last of the Wars was one of the few bastions of racial pride she had had as a child. She╒d grown up on the mean streets of Shayadran, the streets no tourists ever saw and no trader would ever acknowledge existed. She╒d known hardship and poverty, but even more so she╒d known resentment. The LaBlancas were Terran to the bone, members of a race that had conquered half the galaxy. Yet Adrian and her family were second-class citizens on a planet less than five light years from the Homeworld. She╒d developed her hatred for aliens -- for the Koni in particular -- at an early age, and had gravitated easily toward the doctrines of the Earth First Militia. Convinced that she as a Terran had a divinely-bestowed right to everything she saw, Adrian had joined the purist crusade.
And now she was working for the same people she╒d been taught to hate. Not only was she working for the sworn enemies of the Terran Empire, but she was in the tutelage of a man she would have spit on three years ago. Owed him her freedom, in fact. And what amazed her even further was that she was going along with him, had agreed put aside her convictions -- convictions she had been willing to die for once -- for a few thousand suns. She was still trying to piece out why she had agreed. Maybe, after so many years of imprisonment, she was enjoying freedom and didn╒t want to give it up. Or maybe Durgen had presented a convincing argument. After all, Adrian remembered without fondness, the Earth First Militia had all but abandoned her when she╒d been caught. All her convictions had led her nowhere but a lonely asteroid. And more convincing than Durgen had been the thirty-five thousand solaris he╒d dangled in front of her. Enough money, she thought, to make any crusader switch sides.
She was still wrestling with her conscience -- and her conscience was growing weaker every moment -- when they reached Latmino. As she watched the planet below grow larger, Adrian remembered Durgen╒s advice to step lightly here. She╒d hated Koni all her life; it would be difficult to curb it, but necessary. Durgen had driven home the need to keep a low profile at every chance. Adrian would definitely do her best to remember.
Latmino Port was impressive indeed from orbit. Perfectly round and glittering like a jewel in space. She was breathless as she witnesses it, but even more breathless when Durgen began to navigate the cruiser into a higher orbit, moving away from the city. Adrian turned to him. ╥We╒re not landing in port?╙
Durgen shook his head. ╥Too big a data trail to leave,╙ he replied, ╥We╒re landing on a private strip.╙ As the city rapidly spun out of view, the continent gave way to an ocean, and then to a large island. ╥There,╙ Durgen pointed to it, ╥that╒s where we╒ll meet our contact.╙
╥Then what?╙
╥We get our tools,╙ Durgen explained, never taking his eyes off the viewscreen as he made the descent, ╥And we get our target.╙
The cruiser began to bump and wobble as it passed through the first layer of the atmosphere. Durgen spoke no more, and Adrian did not press him; he needed his concentration to guide the ship smoothly. Once he had the ship leveled out and cruising at a good altitude, the comm began to beep. Someone from the island was hailing them. Durgen turned to Adrian. ╥Remember what I said,╙ he warned, sternly, ╥Walk softly.╙ Adrian nodded, and Durgen opened the channel.
A window slid open to the right of the viewscreen, revealing the face of a desperate-looking Koni. Adrian stifled a gasp; this wasn╒t a fat and jolly Shayadran merchant by any means. This man was grizzled, tattooed, and battle-scarred. One eye was bright green and glowing; the other was a blind white. His black hair was tied in an intricate braid to the left side of his face. Adrian looked at him with a grim fascination; this was a mercenary, a pirate, if Adrian ever saw one. Durgen hadn╒t been kidding when he warned her to step lightly here; if there were more Koni like this one down there she╒d better.
The pirate didn╒t seem to notice her -- or didn╒t care -- but began immediately speaking to Durgen. ╥Masha.╙
╥Shamasha,╙ Durgen returned, in faultless Koni, ╥Mekduff Aranji kutamo gav Latmino.╙
╥At,╙ the pirate nodded, and the corner of his mouth turned up a little, ╥Ban kutamo Latmino.╙
╥Na╒gut.╙
Adrian only had a smattering of Koni, but she caught most of the brief conversation. The pirate╒s face vanished from the viewscreen. Durgen turned to Adrian and almost smiled. ╥We have permission to land,╙ he said, and turned back to the screen.
╥You know him?╙ Adrian presumed.
Durgen nodded. ╥A brother-in-arms. Haven╒t seen him in a long while.╙
╥Since the Wars?╙
Durgen didn╒t answer, only steered the ship. Adrian took that as a yes. She let a moment go by -- a moment in which the island grew steadily larger -- then asked another question. ╥Pale as Death?╙
Durgen snorted with amusement. ╥Mekduff Aranji,╙ he said, ╥That╒s the name the Kolon-Sar gave me after my initiation. They thought I was albino; they╒d never seen a Kallan before.╙
Adrian let another moment go by as she pondered this. Her instructors had told her stories about the great traitor Ulic Durgen. The master assassin with more than thirty kills under his belt before joining the mercenaries. He╒d been Death incarnate to the enemies of the Empire, and had faded into myth after leaving it. Not even Adrian╒s best tutor had been sure he was still alive. Pale as Death. It wasn╒t just his complexion that had earned him that name.
By now they were gliding across grass, slowly approaching a final planetfall. Adrian looked ahead of them, and saw their destination. It looked like a palace, with its great dome and gently spiraling towers. Clearly a Koni structure, possibly the out-of-port estate of an affluent merchant. Adrian felt a surge of her old resentment at this sprawling opulence, but she fought it down. When this hit was done, perhaps she could afford an estate of her own.
Durgen brought the ship into the courtyard of the estate and gently set it down on a paved landing pad. ╥All right,╙ he said, shutting down the ship, ╥Welcome to Latmino.╙ He rose from his chair and led the way to the hatch. ╥Be careful,╙ he said, ╥Things are a little moist on this world.╙
A loud click, a rushing hiss, and Durgen vanished through the hatch. Adrian followed him, and was instantly hit by a wave of dew. She gasped. He was right; this was a moist little planet. She could feel her clothes growing damp just standing there.
Durgen wasn╒t standing still, though; he was moving toward a figure who was coming down the path. Adrian hurried to catch up with him, then fell a step behind him when she saw who was coming to greet them. It was the pirate who had first welcomed them to the planet.
On the screen he╒d been intimidating enough; in person he was chilling. He was gigantic, well over two meters tall. His body was lean and well-muscled, and some intricate and colorful tattoo decorated every part of his flesh his clothing did not cover. And his clothing was bright and well made, in sharp contrast to his desperate appearance. Was this his estate? Was he a servant here? At any rate, he didn╒t look like he wanted for anything. Adrian was amazed; she never knew killing could be so profitable.
The Koni came forward, and a smile cracked his formidable visage. He spread his arms wide. ╥Ulic!╙ he cried out, and caught Durgen in a crushing embrace. Adrian watched as Durgen hugged him back and -- wonder of wonders -- began to laugh with him. ╥Good to see you again, Tarl,╙ he said, while extracting himself from the clinch.
╥You╒ve got to drop by more often, Ulic,╙ the Koni replied, jovially, ╥I won╒t have to break your ribs as much.╙ The Koni punched him gently on the arm and laughed. As Durgen rubbed his arm, he turned his attention to Adrian. ╥Ooh,╙ The pirate declared, ╥And what╒s this? Did you finally steal yourself a wife, Ulic?╙
╥Hardly,╙ Durgen replied, ╥Let me make the introductions. Adrian LaBlanca, my partner. Tarl Baskane, my Brother-in-Arms.╙ Baskane gave her a Koni salute, with a sly look in his bright green eye. Adrian bowed to him. ╥You╒re Kolon-Sar?╙ she asked.
╥Once and always,╙ Baskane replied, proudly showing her the palm of his left hand. The coat of arms of the Kolon-Sar was imprinted on it. There was no mistaking that symbol. Durgen wore gloves, but Adrian knew he had it too. No doubt, she was in deep with the brotherhood now.
╥Delighted to meet you, Madame LaBlanca,╙ Baskane went on, ╥Ulic never works with a partner, so I know you must be good.╙
Adrian shrugged, doing her best to seem nonchalant. ╥So I╒ve been told.╙
╥It must be so, if Ulic picked you,╙ Baskane shot a glance at Durgen, a glance that seemed to have some meaning between them, ╥Ulic almost never picks a loser.╙
Durgen averted his eyes from the Koni╒s cyclopean gaze. ╥Almost never,╙ he muttered to himself. Adrian didn╒t know what was going on, but Durgen was clearly embarrassed by something. He looked up again. ╥But this one╒s no misfire, I can assure you,╙ he said, with more confidence, ╥I hand-picked her. She╒ll get this job done if anyone can.╙
Baskane smiled again. ╥Your word╒s always been good enough for me, Ulic,╙ he punctuated with a playful shove, ╥But come on now, let╒s get out of the wet. Our employer╒s waiting.╙ He stepped aside and motioned toward the house. Durgen started down the path, beckoning Adrian to follow. Baskane fell in behind. Adrian could not resist questioning their host a little. ╥This estate is amazing,╙ she said, ╥Is it yours?╙
Baskane laughed a hearty belly-laugh. ╥I wish,╙ he replied, ╥No, this estate belongs to our employer. I just live here.╙
╥Are you a courtier?╙
╥Not exactly,╙ Baskane paused as he tried to explain, ╥I╒m under contract.╙ He chuckled under his breath. ╥What you might call a consultant.╙
╥The Kolon-Sar is bound to several trading families throughout the galaxy,╙ Durgen picked up the thread, explaining it more precisely, ╥Tarl is our representative with this family.╙
╥Not a bad gig, either,╙ Baskane retorted, ╥Run of the estate, open credit account in port, nice weather most of the time. Could be worse.╙
╥Except that you have to kill people sometimes,╙ Adrian said, almost to herself.
Baskane shrugged philosophically. ╥Part of the job.╙ He grinned. ╥But anyway, I won╒t be doing any killing this time around.╙
Durgen made a grunt of assent. That was, after all, why they were there. But by now they had reached the estate house. Baskane slid open one of the glass doors, and ushered them inside. The spacious room within was dry, cool, and dimly lit. A few globes of glowwater placed around the room provided a smoky illumination. Adrian had to take a moment to let her eyes adjust. When they did, she took in the room.
It was decorated traditional Koni style. Tapestries in deep reds and blues and greens hung on the walls. Living crystal plants decorated the bare corners. In place of chairs were plush floor cushions, spaced around a low table. And two of those cushions were occupied. Adrian suppressed a start; so dim was the light, and so still were the men, that she almost didn╒t see them.
They were both Koni, that much was obvious. There weren╒t many other details she could make out, except one of them -- presumably the leader, since he sat at the head of the table -- looked much older than the other. Perhaps this was a family affair, and this was a father and son?
Baskane slid the door shut behind them. It was as if the sound was a cue, for the elder Koni now spoke. ╥Welcome to my estate, honored guests,╙ he spoke Terran with a thick accent, ╥Come, sit, make yourselves at home.╙
Baskane and Durgen did not hesitate to obey, and Adrian followed on their heels. As each took up an unoccupied cushion, their host touched a switch embedded in his part of the table. One of the glowing spheres, filled with agitated phosphor, began to drift toward them. Accompanied by the soft, almost subliminal hum of antigravs, the sphere stopped above them, illuminating the table. Now Adrian could see more detail of their hosts. As she suspected, they were obviously family. The son looked to be in his late twenties, but his face was sullen and serious beyond his years. The father looked at least sixty. His luxuriant hair had long since turned gray, and his face was worn by far more than just age. He had the paunch around the chin and stomach that came to Koni as they aged, and he made no attempt to hide it; the dark red colors of his well-made clothing seemed to enhance rather than conceal his size. His green eyes still had the gleam of imagination and power within them. Adrian knew that this was not a man to ridicule.
╥Masha,╙ the old Koni spoke again, ╥and welcome to Latmino.╙
╥Shamasha,╙ Durgen replied to him, inclining his head in a small but respectful bow, ╥and thank you for honoring us as your guests.╙
The Koni nodded. He turned to his son. ╥Serve our guests.╙ The youth did not hesitate, but poured a round of drinks from the pitcher in the center of the table, and handed them out. The guests first, himself last. The old Koni raised his glass. ╥To a profitable partnership.╙
╥Hear hear,╙ Adrian heard Baskane reply, and they all took a long swig. Adrian thought it wise to go along with the custom. The drink was something akin to cider, warm, sweet and refreshing. She smiled to herself. Plenty of free drinks among the Koni; she could get used to these customs.
The elder Koni set down his glass with an audible clink. ╥Now then,╙ he began, ╥To business.╙
Baskane nodded and set down his glass. ╥To business, Master Togeti,╙ he replied, indicating Adrian and Durgen, ╥These are our people.╙
The Koni turned his attention to the other two. He leaned forward and scrutinized the assassins with a practiced eye. ╥Terrans,╙ he said, after a long moment.
╥Outsiders,╙ Baskane put in immediately, ╥Just as you requested.╙
╥Can they be traced back to us?╙
╥Unlikely. Mistress LaBlanca is a complete outsider. And Master Durgen...╙ Baskane grinned mischievously, ╥Well, no one╒s really sure if he╒s still alive.╙
╥Durgen,╙ it was the younger Koni who spoke now, ╥I╒ve heard of you.╙ Durgen said nothing in response; the look on his face was glacial. The boy took his silence as an invitation to continue. ╥Pale as Death, they call you,╙ he said, ╥I thought you were only a myth.╙
╥I prefer to keep it that way,╙ was all Durgen said, but Adrian heard the menace behind his words.
Master Togeti raised his hand, and his son fell silent. ╥I╒ve heard of you as well, Master Durgen,╙ he said, ╥Your reputation speaks for you in these circles. I hope, however, that it speaks the truth.╙
╥It does, Master Togeti. I can do what you ask of me.╙
Master Togeti nodded. Then he turned his attention to Adrian. ╥Mistress LaBlanca,╙ he said, ╥Your name I don╒t know.╙
╥I can vouch for her ability...╙ Durgen cut in, but was silenced by that raised hand again. ╥This is not the Empire, Master Durgen,╙ he said, ╥We let our women speak for themselves here.╙
Adrian gulped. She hadn╒t expected an outright interview.
╥Tell me, Mistress LaBlanca,╙ Master Togeti continued, ╥Why have I not heard of you before?╙
Walk softly, Adrian told herself, remembering Durgen╒s advice. Walk softly. ╥I╒ve been...semiretired for the last few years, Master Togeti,╙ she spoke hesitantly, ╥Not active in the trade.╙
The Koni nodded slowly; he seemed to understand what she was saying. ╥Who did you train under?╙
╥Many trainers. I learned the most from a man called Jadlan...╙
╥Jadlan,╙ Master Togeti mused, ╥A name I╒ve heard. A bit...political.╙
Adrian bit her lip, and risked a glance at Durgen. His gaze was steely. He seemed to be willing her to be calm and evasive. She thought it wise to comply. ╥He believed passionately in some things,╙ she replied carefully, ╥But he was a good teacher. I learned much from him.╙
╥I╒m sure,╙ Master Togeti replied. Then, leaning forward, he spoke intently, ╥You say Jadlan believed in things. What do you believe in, Mistress LaBlanca?╙
Adrian allowed herself to smile. Durgen had already taught her the right answer to this one. ╥My ability to do this job,╙ she said, slyly, ╥And your ability to compensate me for doing it.╙
A smile spread across the old Koni╒s big face. Satisfied, he leaned back in his chair. Adrian felt a wave of relief wash over her. Risking another glance at Durgen, he saw him make an imperceptible nod of approval. She smiled again. After getting that from the old assassin, this hit would be a walk in the park.
Master Togeti turned to Baskane now. ╥These assassins seem capable.╙
╥They are, Master Togeti,╙ Baskane assured him, ╥The finest the Brotherhood has. They╒ll do your job for you.╙
Togeti nodded. ╥It will be a pleasure working with you, assassins.╙ He raised his hand, and at that signal his son rose and dashed to a table in a far corner of the room. ╥I have kept the details from you for security reasons, but no longer.╙ The youth returned bearing a data tablet, which he handed to his father. Togeti punched a few keys on it, confirmed that the correct data was displayed, then passed it to Durgen. ╥Here are your targets.╙
Durgen looked it over and showed it to Adrian. She saw the pictures there of two Koni. The man was young, well-groomed, and had an air of arrogance. The woman was older, relaxed, dignified. She looked at the names. They meant nothing to her, of course, but it was likely they were players in port politics. No one else would be worth what they were being paid.
╥For generations the Shurlen and the Togeti have been rivals in trade,╙ Togeti said, ╥But our feud has always been bloodless. But now,╙ the old man╒s face twisted with anger, ╥the Shurlen ally themselves with the Chasek Mercenaries to seize power in Latmino. They restrict our trading and they put this...╙ he spat the word, ╥figurehead in the Grocker╒s Palace. The Shurlen have no right to the Grockership. We want them removed.╙
Adrian took this in with fascination. She╒d known Koni traders before. They had always seemed jolly, amicable sorts, who loved money and opulence and pleasure. It had never occurred to her that they had honor and rage too. This old Koni patriarch was as ruthless as any Earth First warrior she╒d ever known. Adrian didn╒t know what to feel; her horizons were broadening whether she wanted them to or not.
Durgen felt nothing, or if he did, showed no indication of it. ╥And the boy?╙ He asked, ╥This Borgesh?╙
╥He is Chasek,╙ Togeti replied, again spitting out the words as if they tasted rancid on his tongue, ╥He is the real power. The puppet and the puppeteer both must die.╙
╥The Chasek are strong,╙ Durgen said, ╥His death will have consequences.╙
╥We can handle those consequences,╙ Togeti assured him, ╥So long as their power is broken in this port.╙
Durgen waited a precise moment, then nodded. ╥It╒ll be done.╙ He handed the tablet back to Togeti. The old Koni nodded and raised his hand again. His son moved again at this gesture, producing a case which he set down on the table and opened. Adrian watched as it swung open, and the gleam of metal coins greeted her. Koni ingots, the universal currency, recognized and accepted everywhere in the known galaxy. Adrian was enraptured by their shine in the dim light. They were beautiful. Worth fighting for.
╥Standard Kolon-Sar arrangement,╙ Togeti explained, ╥Half in advance.╙ He nodded to his son, who closed the case and slid it across the table. Durgen caught it up and rose from the table in a single fluid motion. Not sure of the etiquette in this situation, Adrian stood with him. ╥Thank you for your hospitality, Master Togeti,╙ Durgen said, bowing, ╥Now we must get to work.╙
Togeti nodded. ╥The sooner the better, my friend. Lady Fortune be with you.╙
╥And to you and yours,╙ Durgen spun on his heel and headed for the door. Adrian followed, and heard Baskane scrambling to bring up the rear. Once back out in the bright, wet day, Durgen stopped and handed the case to Adrian. ╥Put this in the ship,╙ he instructed her, ╥Somewhere safe.╙
Adrian took the case and fought down an impulse to run off with it. ╥Where are you going?╙
Durgen had already started to walk across the garden with Baskane. ╥To get our tools.╙ He didn╒t look back. Adrian had nothing else to do but go back to the ship.
The case was heavier than she thought; after a few steps her shoulder was aching. But she got it back to the ship and inside. Someplace safe, the man had said. Where was a safe place on board this stripped down ship? Maybe in the cockpit.
Adrian hauled the case into the cockpit and shoved it underneath the pilot╒s seat. Stretching her shoulder and straightening up, she noticed something. The startup key. It was still in its slot on the console. Durgen must have forgotten it.
A realization flooded over her. She could take the ship. She had twenty-five thousand ingots and a ship build for speed. She could get off this blob of mud right now, and go...anywhere, really. A ship like this, and that kind of money...she could live quite happily incognito on some border world, or do a little exploring in unknown territory. There╒d be no Koni giving her orders, no Durgen to hover over her...
Or would there? She learned many things about Durgen in the last few weeks. One of them was that he had the tenacity of a bulldog; he never let go once he got a grip. And Adrian was sure that he would never let her get away with it. He╒d been able to find her in the heart of Galcus and get her out; he could find her anywhere.
Besides -- and Adrian was amazed at her own realization -- she didn╒t want to leave. In a way she liked Durgen. They were, after all, in the same trade. And Durgen was the master, regardless of his loyalties. He wasn╒t very forthcoming with the wisdom, but he had a lot of it to impart. And Adrian truly wanted to learn. She╒d chosen to be an assassin, and what good was it being an assassin if you couldn╒t be the best? She had a lot to learn, she now realized; and there was no one better to learn from than this man.
Quickly, before she could change her mind, Adrian turned her back on the cockpit and left the ship. Outside, she was startled to encounter both Durgen and Baskane waiting for her. Baskane was grinning broadly; Durgen looked merely satisfied. ╥You sure did pick this one well, Ulic,╙ Baskane said.
Durgen nodded. ╥I know that now.╙
Adrian stopped for a moment, then it dawned on her. ╥You left the key there on purpose.╙
╥I did,╙ he replied, ╥I wanted to see if you╒d been listening to me.╙
Despite herself, Adrian smiled. ╥Never leave a job half-done.╙
Finally, a real smile on the Kallan╒s face. ╥First rule of business.╙
Adrian stepped to the ground. ╥I hope I╒ve proved my loyalty, Master Durgen.╙
Durgen held up a hand. In was a small remote control, upon which was flashing a single red light. He pressed a button and the light went out. ╥You have.╙
Adrian felt a chill when she realized what it was. She was glad she made the right decision too.
╥Glad you didn╒t have to use that, Ulic,╙ Baskane said, ╥Shame to burn all those ingots. Well, anyway,╙ He set down on the ground the two oblong steel cases he╒d been hefting, ╥Here are your toys. You two play nice.╙ He looked up at Adrian, a mischievous light in his eye. ╥Maybe when this is over, you and I could...?╙
Adrian smirked. ╥If the Master permits it.╙
Baskane laughed. ╥You hear that, Ulic?╙ he said, ╥I need to ask your blessing.╙
Durgen rolled his eyes; clearly he╒d been down this road before with the Koni. ╥Talk to me when we have the rest of our money.╙
╥Fair enough,╙ Baskane turned to go, ╥Lady Fortune be with you, and don╒t be strangers.╙ He made his way back to the house.
Durgen picked up one of the cases and handed it to Adrian. ╥In five days there╒ll be a wake for a Master Trader. Our targets will be there along with a lot of potential for confusion. You have that long to remember all you forgot in prison.╙
Adrian nodded and opened her case. Inside was a photon rifle and all its peripherals. She smiled and ran her hand down the muzzle. It was like meeting an old lover again. Instantly the sensations came back to her. Her eye ached to look through the sight. Her shoulder ached to feel the stock. Her finger ached to pull the trigger. This she understood. This she remembered well. Five days. She laughed to herself; she wouldn╒t need that long.
The next three days passed quickly in the Grocker╒s Palace. Rogan found them uneventful and maddening. Confined to the grounds, his days consisted of wandering the garden and staring down at the port below from the walls. No one he spoke to would give him a straight answer about anything. The guards were tight-lipped anyway, and the servants were to afraid to speak -- afraid of what, Rogan couldn╒t find out either. It was like being a prisoner, or worse, being a ghost no one would acknowledge.
On the third day -- a gloomy, overcast one -- Rogan found himself once again standing on the Palace wall, staring down at Latmino Port. He sighed with longing at the city below. He hadn╒t seen any of this legendary port since he╒d gotten here. Not that there seemed to be much left to see, but still, it was the principle of the thing. To have come all this way, lured by tales of the exotic, and then to be locked up in this fortress for the entire duration. It was disappointing, to say the least.
Rogan sensed a presence beside him, and turned to see Nomat there. Nomat barked a low ╥Hey,╙ then settled down next to Rogan and stared out at the city. His city, Rogan reminded himself. His home. No matter how frustrating this trip had been for him, it had to be worse for Nomat. He╒d come back after a year abroad to find all the things he knew pulled out from under him. And it had affected him so badly; Rogan could see it in his eyes. He looked lost, adrift in a vacuum.
╥Any word from Gil?╙ Rogan ventured. He hadn╒t seen the two lovers since they╒d gotten here. Apparently, neither had Nomat; he shook his head. ╥Last I saw Gil, he said he was looking up some old friends.╙ He sighed. ╥He hasn╒t been having much luck. Seems like a lot of our family friends left right around when Ender was killed. Guess they didn╒t like it any more than we did.╙
That wasn╒t good, on any level. ╥I╒m sorry, Nome,╙ was all he could say.
Nomat shrugged. ╥Well, Gil╒s still digging. Someone╒s bound to still be around.╙
╥I wish him luck.╙ Whatever that was worth. Of course any luck would be better than what Rogan had had so far.
╥Hey, guys!╙ A voice turned their heads. A voice they hadn╒t heard in a long time. There they were, standing in the portal and looking surprisingly cheerful. Meg╒s grin was wide. ╥What╒s going on with you?╙
Rogan let one side of his mouth curl up. ╥The face is familiar. I can╒t remember the name, though. Nome?╙
Nomat responded with a smirk of his own. ╥I think we ran together a long time ago. It╒s on the tip of my tongue...let me think...╙
╥Very funny,╙ Gilon deadpanned, ╥Look, I know we╒ve been keeping to ourselves lately, and we╒re sorry.╙
╥Really,╙ Meg chimed in, ╥But you╒re not going to believe what just happened.╙
This was new. She seemed seriously. ╥What?╙ Rogan asked.
Gilon╒s eyes flashed; his face was actually glowing. ╥He╒s here,╙ he said, ╥He╒s in the Palace. We just met him.╙
Him? Who....realized flooded over Rogan. Only one man could be inspiring such awe in the elder Shileya. ╥Scorit? Scorit╒s here already?╙
╥He just arrived today,╙ Gilon was almost gushing, ╥His household is moving in right now.╙ The Koni almost sighed. ╥Lady Fortune, he╒s incredible.╙
Scorit was here! Rogan froze; he had no idea what to do. Nomat brought him back to reality with a jab on the shoulder. ╥Goddess, man, let╒s go see him!╙ he turned to his brother, ╥Can we see him?╙
╥His servants are moving him in,╙ Meg explained, ╥He╒s down in the garden.╙ She looked at Rogan. ╥He asked about you.╙
Rogan was nervous enough; he didn╒t need that. ╥Was he...?╙ Angry? Sad? What was he about to say, anyway? He wasn╒t sure. Meg laughed and rolled her eyes. ╥Oh, just go see him, will you?╙
Nomat grabbed him by the arm and almost dragged him forward. ╥Come on!╙ he said, as eagerly as a child. Rogan could not do otherwise. They raced down the hall and out into the garden.
The scene in the garden was a strange one, but a familiar one to Rogan. Scorit never traveled light. Servants were rushing everywhere, carrying furniture and pieces of luggage from a great pile in the center of the garden into the Palace. A few armed guards, wearing the Kothos Fleet colors, stood around, giving the man directing this chaos a wide berth.
Rogan felt a warmth at seeing his trade-father again. He hadn╒t changed a bit. His stature great, his girth formidable, his clothing ostentatious. There were a few more streaks of gray in his fastidiously coiffed hair, but he bellowed orders and waved his arms about with the gusto of a man half his age.
╥That╒s very delicate!╙ Scorit blustered at a terrified servant who was trying to juggle three cases at once, ╥Drop it and you buy it from me! And it╒s very expensive too!╙
Seeing this, all nervousness vanished from Rogan╒s heart. ╥Still paying retail, Scorit?╙ he called out, entering the garden.
Scorit whirled around. His face brightened instantly. ╥Rogan!╙ He strode across the courtyard, his arms open wide. ╥Rogan my boy!╙ They closed the distance quickly. Scorit clamped his strong arms down on his trade-son╒s shoulders and planted a bruising kiss on his forehead. ╥My boy!╙ He cradled Rogan╒s head in his hands, ╥My son!╙ He caught him up in a bonecrushing hug. ╥Goddess I╒ve missed you boy!╙
╥I╒ve missed you too, Scorit,╙ Rogan managed to get out. Gently he extracted himself. Scorit still held him by the arm, his face beaming. ╥Rogan,╙ he laughed, shaking him firmly, ╥Lady Fortune, boy, you╒re skin and bones! What have you been eating?╙
╥Whatever the synthesizer shoves out,╙ Rogan returned, ╥Business isn╒t always as good to me as it is to you.╙
Scorit laughed a great belly laugh and punched him on the arm. ╥How long has it been, boy?╙
╥About two years,╙ Rogan replied, rubbing his arm where a bruise was sure to form later. He tried to be serious for a moment. ╥I╒m sorry I haven╒t kept in touch. I-╙
╥Bah!╙ Scorit dismissed his concerns with a grin, ╥Looking at you I╒m just glad you haven╒t starved to death already.╙ He laughed that great laugh again and clapped him on the shoulder. ╥We╒ll see what we can do about that, eh? You╒re just about due for a home-cooked meal.╙
Rogan smiled, but his stomach did not. Traditional Koni cooking. Greasy,heavy, spicy. Good when the mood struck you, of course, but not in the quantities Scorit would lay out for a meal. Rogan was defeated after two or three slabs of meat; he still had no idea where the old man put it all...although looking at his stomach, a bit larger now than it was last time they met, he had a pretty good idea.
Before Scorit could drag him away, respite came. ╥E...excuse me,╙ a nervous voice cut the air, ╥Master Kothos?╙ Both Scorit and Rogan turned to see Nomat standing there, his eyes wide as moons, his hands shaking. Beyond them, Rogan could see Meg and Gilon standing together. Gilon still looked awe-struck; Meg was, of course, less impressed. She╒d met him many times before, and had ceased to be awe-struck once she╒d seen him hungover.
╥Last time I checked, that was me,╙ Scorit replied jovially, ╥What can I do for you, my friend?╙
╥I...╙ Nomat had apparently lost his train of thought now that he was actually speaking to the Grand Master Trader, ╥I just...I╒m Nomat. Nomat Shileya. I╒m a trader. Latmino... my port. I...╙
╥Relax, son,╙ Scorit laughed, ╥I╒m not the Oversoul, for Lady Fortune╒s sake.╙
Nomat smiled nervously and took a moment to swallow. ╥I just wanted to say...that it╒s an honor to have you in my home port. And to meet you.╙
Scorit shot a mischievous glance at Rogan; he did so enjoy being worshipped. He extended his hand. ╥The honor is mine, Trader Shileya.╙
Nomat stared at the outstretched hand, mouth hanging open. Then, cautiously, as if he might be struck dead by the touch, he took the hand. He looked up at Scorit. His grin could not have been wider.
╥Master Kothos,╙ Gilon and Meg now came forward.
╥Elder Shileya,╙ Scorit nodded, and took the two of them aside, ╥How did you wind up in the company of this woman, anyway?╙
╥Rogan?╙
A soft voice and a gentle hand on his shoulder pulled Rogan away. He turned to see who the hand belonged to...and was stunned. Saint Brendan, was this...? It couldn╒t be. ╥Durlane?╙
The radiant young woman before him smiled wide, her green eyes dancing. ╥You don╒t recognize me, Rogue? Has it been that long?╙
╥I....╙ Rogan was speechless. Durlane! Two years ago she had been a pimply tomboy of thirteen years, with an stocky, ungainly figure and a boy╒s haircut. Now...in the space of two short years the flower had bloomed. Her hair had grown curly and luxuriant, well past her shoulders. Her skin was flawless and luminous. And her body...there was nothing ungainly about it.
Durlane smiled. She spread her arms wide and presented herself for his inspection . ╥You like what you see?╙
Rogan snapped himself out of it immediately. There was no right answer to that question. ╥Last time I saw you, you were...╙ he stopped; there was no right way to end that sentence, either. ╥You look wonderful.╙
Durlane squealed and threw her arms around him. ╥I missed you Rogue,╙ she spoke in his ear, ╥It╒s so good to see you again.╙
╥It╒s good to see you too, Lane,╙ Rogan╒s hands went around her, returning the embrace. Saint Brendan, but there wasn╒t an ounce of baby fat left on her...
Durlane extracted herself and looked him over. ╥Papa╒s right. You haven╒t been eating enough.╙
╥I grab what I can find, here and there,╙ Rogan said, ╥The trade can╒t be good all the time.╙
╥So I╒ve heard,╙ Durlane replied. Rogan wondered if she understood. Durlane had been born into wealth and affluence. Through skill, shrewd deals, and luck, Scorit had acquired a mighty trading empire. His little girl, his only child of his old age, had wanted for nothing her entire life. Rogan wouldn╒t call her spoiled, but she certainly wasn╒t deprived. He put the thought aside. ╥So what brings you here, Lane?╙
Durlane snorted. ╥Papa╒s grooming me to take over for him, when he retires. He thought this would be a good experience for me.╙
This was new. ╥Scorit╒s not going to retire, is he?╙
Durlane rolled her eyes. ╥You know Papa,╙ she said, ╥he╒s always on about how old he╒s getting and how much he wants to just sit on his estate and not be bothered.╙
That Rogan understood. Scorit loved the trade too much to retire, no matter how old he was getting. Still, it was good that he was thinking about the future of his empire. On more than one occasion Durlane had proven herself to be just as shrewd as her father; the Kothos Fleet would be in good hands.
╥What╒s this?╙ Scorit╒s voice broke in so suddenly Rogan jumped. He turned just as a python of an arm wrapped itself around his shoulders. ╥You don╒t think I╒m entitled to a little bit of rest and relaxation in my old age, boy?╙
╥Of course not,╙ Rogan retorted, ╥But I always thought that you╒d be waiting until you╒re old.╙
Scorit roared with laughter and playfully slapped his trade-son on the cheek. ╥Always the sweet talk,╙ he chortled, ╥I knew you were listening to me when I taught you.╙ He went over and kissed his daughter╒s cheek. Holding her gently behind her head, he turned back to Rogan. ╥I wish this one listened as well as you did.╙
╥Papa!╙ Durlane╒s face was scarlet as she stepped out of his hold. Scorit laughed as she looked genuinely embarrassed. ╥You need to have a sense of humor, girl,╙ he half-lectured, ╥You won╒t get far otherwise.╙
Durlane drew her face up into a petulant sneer Rogan knew well, then she stalked off. Scorit grinned and shook his head. ╥My baby,╙ he said, ╥Either she╒ll make me proud or she╒ll be the death of me.╙
╥She╒ll make you proud, Scorit,╙ Rogan replied quickly, ╥She╒s got your fire.╙
Scorit snorted. ╥That may not be a good thing.╙ He took a much gentler grip on Rogan╒s shoulder and began to lead him off. ╥So, my boy,╙ he continued, ╥What╒s this I hear about you from the Shileyas? You went off and became a hero, did you?╙
╥I wouldn╒t go that far,╙ Rogan said, wondering just what the brothers had told him, ╥I just did what I could.╙ He paused, respectfully. ╥It was a bad business. Master Lomas was just trying to do right by his trade-son.╙
╥Mmmm,╙ Scorit had suddenly gone somber, ╥Gersha was like that. Loyal to the end. One of the things I admired about him.╙ He paused, smiled sadly to himself. ╥Funny, how you think of all the things you always meant to say to someone once they╒re gone.╙
Rogan nodded. Then, hesitantly. ╥I didn╒t get a chance to know him well. But he seemed a man of honor.╙
╥That he was. That he was.╙
╥I am sorry for your loss, Scorit. I wish I could have saved him.╙
╥No, boy,╙ Scorit replied gently, ╥You did all you could. Gersha╒s wheel had turned. That╒s all there was to it.╙ He clapped Rogan on the shoulder as they approached Meg and the Shileyas again. ╥My friends,╙ the old Koni addressed them.
The Shileyas bowed. ╥Master Kothos,╙ they said as one.
╥What╒s become of Latmino, my friends?╙ Scorit asked, seriously, ╥Last time I was here, trade was bustling. Now it looks like the entire planet is off-season.╙
Rogan saw the flash of relief in Gilon╒s eyes. He never would have asked for the Grand Master Trader╒s help -- that would be rude -- but now he could lay out the problem and let Scorit make his own choices. ╥We don╒t know, Grand Master,╙ Gilon replied, ╥The port was like this when we returned from our run.╙
Scorit did look genuinely puzzled. ╥This port, it looks like a war zone. Surely you╒ve heard something about what happened here?╙
╥Nothing, Grand Master.╙
Scorit╒s brow furrowed. ╥You╒ve been confined to the Palace for nearly a week, and no one╒s told you anything?╙
╥Not a word.╙
Scorit made a thoughtful noise under his breath, then took a moment to take in the courtyard. Rogan watched him. He was scanning the place, seeing how much of the situation was beyond their control. He had no doubt seen the armed guards along the wall, the servant stationed at each door. Too many variables, Rogan knew, for him to be comfortable. He╒d act quickly, and would throw his full force into it.
╥Outrageous!╙ he suddenly exclaimed. Rogan knew it was mostly for effect, but there was definitely true feeling behind it. ╥You there!╙ he thrust a powerful finger at the servant by the nearest door. The boy started at being addressed by the Grand Master Trader, and began shaking when that finger crooked and beckoned him close. The boy came forward and managed a clumsy bow. ╥Y-yes, Grand Master?╙
Scorit spoke in softer tones now, but he was still firm and in control. ╥Is the Grocker within the Palace today, my boy?╙
╥Yes, Grand Master,╙ the boy spoke without hesitation, ╥but she is in Council at the moment.╙
╥Excellent!╙ Scorit declared, ╥Step lively, boy, and tell the Grocker that the Grand Master Trader Scorit Kothos-╙ he emphasized that title as strongly as he could, ╥-demands an audience, immediately.╙
The servant looked flustered, and more than a little afraid. ╥I...the Grocker is in Council, Grand Master,╙ he tried to maintain his dignity, ╥The Council cannot be disturbed while in session.╙
╥Bah!╙ Scorit exclaimed again, ╥Are we living in the Terran Empire? Does Latmino Port live by process alone? We are Koni! We shall behave like Koni, with civility and hospitality! I demand a audience, as is my right as a guest.╙
╥But Grand Master...╙
Scorit came dangerously close to the boy, overshadowing him with his stature and power. ╥Would you deny me my traditional rights, boy?╙
The servant was quivering with abject terror now. ╥I...╙ he swallowed hard, ╥I╒ll see what I can do, Grand Master.╙
A smile broke out over Scorit╒s face as suddenly as a thunderbolt, and the clouds lifted from his face. ╥That╒s the spirit, my boy,╙ He took a step back and spread his hands in a gesture of peace, ╥Lead on. We shall follow you.╙
Eyes as round as moons, the boy made another hasty bow and made for the door. Scorit turned to the Shileyas and winked. ╥That╒s how you get an audience.╙
Nomat was impressed, so much so that he couldn╒t speak. Gilon spoke for them both. ╥You have our eternal gratitude, Grand Master.╙
Scorit grinned. ╥Don╒t show me your gratitude, show me your backsides,╙ he snapped his fingers toward the rapidly disappearing page, ╥Hurry now!╙ The Shileyas scrambled to obey, and Meg fell in behind her lover. Rogan stood by, less dazzled but no less impressed. He╒d seen him in action before, of course, but Scorit had never ceased to amaze. He always got his way, no matter what. He smiled wide. ╥Not bad for an old man, eh?╙ Rogan nodded in agreement, grinning quietly to himself.
╥Durlane, dear heart!╙ Scorit called to his daughter, sulking in a far corner of the courtyard, ╥See to it that everything gets done properly here, won╒t you?╙ Durlane only raised her hand in acknowledgement.
╥Kids today,╙ Scorit shook his head, half-serious, ╥Such thin skins.╙ He turned to the young Terran still before him. ╥Well? What are you waiting for?╙ He clapped his hands and began to stride purposefully toward the doorway, ╥Let╒s go!╙
Rogan fell in behind him. Maybe they╒d get some answers now. At the very least, now that Scorit was here in full force, things would finally start to get exciting.
The journey down the long and winding corridors to the Council Chamber was a brief one. The page leading the way ran almost as if he wanted to get away from them -- which may have been true -- and Scorit, bringing up the rear, almost jogged with energy down the halls. At last they came to a huge set of double doors. The page stopped them here, pushed one open a crack, and disappeared inside.
╥Wonderful boy,╙ Scorit said to no one in particular, ╥Very quick to respond.╙
╥He was probably scared stiff,╙ Meg remarked.
Scorit grinned. ╥Always helps when the domestics are a little scared of you.╙
From within the room beyond, a great murmuring of voices was heard. Then, the page reemerged, looking somewhat more relaxed. ╥The Council will greet you, Grand Master.╙
╥Excellent!╙ Scorit declared, as the doors were pulled wide open from the inside. ╥Well, my friends, shall we?╙ Scorit led the way, flipping the page a coin for his troubles, with the other traders falling in behind.
It had occurred to Rogan he╒d never actually seen the inside of a Council Chambers before. To say the least it was most impressive. A great oblong chamber lined with rows of chairs, most of which were occupied. The heads of trader families, no doubt; the nobility in this port. All were dressed in their finery and all were dazzling, yet each one of them wore an expression of awe and shock at seeing the Grand Master Trader, most for the very first time. They rose slowly, in sporadic waves, out of respect as Scorit made his way to the chamber floor.
Awaiting them on the chamber floor were Borgesh -- Rogan was surprised and a little pleased to see him looking flustered -- and the Grocker herself. Mayina Shurlen looked to be in her early forties, weathered by age and long experience in politics but still a handsome woman. Her green eyes were bright and quick, her black hair arranged simply and neatly about her head. She smiled quietly and warmly as the little band approached her seat.
Shurlen rose, and Borgesh, seated beside her, did the same. ╥Masha, Grand Master Kothos,╙ she said, in the smooth practiced tones of a career politician, ╥and welcome to Latmino. I trust your journey was uneventful?╙
Scorit switched gears immediately. That was something he was always good at. He╒d intimidate those he could intimidate, and he╒d play up to those he couldn╒t. ╥Shamasha, Grocker Shurlen,╙ he returned, bowing, ╥I must apologize for my rudeness, but I was eager to make my appearance to my generous host.╙
A soft, almost perfunctory smile appeared on Shurlen╒s lips. ╥It is I who must apologize, Grand Master. For neglecting my obligations as a host. But there was a pressing matter before the Council, and it was necessary to discuss it.╙ She turned now and addressed herself to the entire Council. ╥But I trust that, out of respect for the Grand Master, the Council might adjourn for now, to allow me to fulfill my obligations to my guests?╙
There was another wave of murmuring throughout the gathered company; it was clear that some of them didn╒t want to go. Yet they all began to move away from their seats and file out. Rogan watched them go. Merchants of all ages, shapes and sizes. It was an impressive gathering. Rogan╒s eyes moved across them...and met within a pair of intense Koni eyes staring back at him. They belonged to a young Councilwoman, younger than most he had seen, but with a seriousness to her bearing that belied her apparent years. She gazed intently, and Rogan suddenly realized that she was not gazing at him, but at the man next to him.
He looked to Gilon. He, too, had noticed her, and was returning the stare. At last the Councilwoman broke the contact and filed out with the rest. Rogan turned to Gilon, who looked profoundly affected. ╥Do you know her?╙ he asked.
Gilon nodded. ╥Friend of the family. Known her since I was a kid.╙ He watched her leave. ╥I had no idea she was representing her family. I thought...╙ he trailed off, apparently dismissing his train of thought.
Shurlen and Borgesh conversed silently together for a few moments, then Shurlen looked up with that same smile on her face. ╥If you╒ll follow me,╙ she said, gesturing toward a rear entrance, ╥We can proceed immediately to my audience chamber. Much more private than this.╙
╥Much appreciated,╙ Scorit replied, sounding almost humble, ╥Please, lead on.╙
This journey was much shorter. Out the door, down a straight simple hallway, and they were in the audience chamber. Again, Rogan found himself impressed. The Grocker was an elected leader, but the finery he saw here rivaled that of royalty. The furnishing were more casual than that of the Council Chamber -- cushions instead of chairs, artwork hanging on the walls, a low round table in the center of the room -- but they were made with a care and ornamentation absent from the stark and functional government room. Rogan had never had the privilege to attend the Imperial court, but he was sure that the Terran Empress and her courtiers must have lived in surroundings like these.
╥Please, make yourselves comfortable,╙ Shurlen offered her guests cushions as she and Borgesh took the two largest ones at the head of the table. Rogan watched as Scorit surveyed the table. Trade-son,╙ Scorit said, ╥Accompany me.╙ Rogan came forward and took his place at his trade-father╒s side. All sat, and a servant came forward bearing a tray of steaming glasses. Rogan could smell the pungent stuff from here. Tragh. A hot cider-like concoction made from local fruits, very common in Koni ports. Wherever there was citrus fruit, there would be a tragh vendor somewhere nearby. Rogan took the glass of steaming pale liquid with a bit of dread; he╒d never been able to acquire a taste for the stuff, and it╒d be an insult to the host if he didn╒t finish at least one glass.
Shurlen raised her glass. ╥To my guests,╙ she toasted, ╥Especially the Grand Master Trader. May you leave some of your good fortune here after you.╙
╥Grocker,╙ Scorit returned simply, and drained half his glass in a single gulp. Rogan did his best to get down a few swallows, fighting down a wave of nausea.
╥How are you finding our port so far, Grand Master?╙ Shurlen asked.
╥I╒ve only just arrived,╙ Scorit returned, ╥But what I have seen...╙ he trailed off, gazing into his glass as he chose his words. ╥It╒s been many years since I last saw Latmino. Much has changed here since then.╙
Shurlen nodded, her smile flickering slightly. ╥That, sadly, is true,╙ she agreed, ╥Latmino has fallen on some hard times.╙
╥Indeed,╙ Scorit set down his glass and turned to his right. ╥These men are native traders here,╙ he indicated the Shileyas, ╥and good friends of my trade-son. They share my concerns for their home port.╙
Shurlen acknowledged the brothers with a small bow. ╥We are grateful to you, Shileyas, for bringing Master Lomas home. We╒re open to any concerns you may have.╙
The look on Gilon╒s face was something like relief. Quickly he turned to Scorit and bowed. Rogan could see his gratitude; they never would have gotten this far without him. ╥Grocker,╙ he began, ╥We╒ve been away so long. We don╒t know what╒s happened here. Please...╙ He spread his hands.
Shurlen was about to reply, when Borgesh, who had been sitting quietly until now, touched her arm and began to whisper in her ear. Rogan could not help but notice this unusual move. It was unusual for a Minister of Trade even to be present during this kind of meeting. Let alone to be in a position to give advice to the Grocker. Judging by the look on Shurlen╒s face, she was taking his advice very seriously. Rogan was worried; more was going on here than it seemed.
At last, Shurlen straightened up, and that smile appeared again. ╥Trader Shileya,╙ she spoke with what sounded like genuine concern, ╥You know how well-respected Grocker Layadin was in Latmino.╙
╥Yes,╙ Gilon replied, ╥Ender was a close friend of our family for many years.╙
╥No doubt,╙ Shurlen paused and breathed a heavy sigh -- mostly for effect, Rogan noticed, ╥In life he held this port together as no one else could. But with his passing, things fell apart very quickly. Old rivalries that Grocker Layadin had managed to smooth over resurfaced.╙ The smile reappeared, but this time it was sad, ╥And I╒m sorry to say, the worst of these is partially my fault.╙
╥Your fault?╙ Gilon repeated, incredulous, ╥How?╙
╥My appointment as Grocker was not a unanimous decision,╙ Shurlen went on, ╥It was opposed by some powerful families. Most notably the Togeti family.╙
Rogan watched the Shileya brothers exchange a significant look. Clearly that name meant something to them. ╥Then,╙ Gilon continued, slowly, ╥All this, all that has happened here...the padshah has broken?╙
The term was not familiar to Rogan, but it apparently was to Scorit, who made a deep groaning noise in his throat and lowered his head. Evidently this wasn╒t a good thing.
╥Yes,╙ Shurlen replied, solemnly, ╥A state of padshah has existed between the Shurlen and the Togeti for an age. But it had never been an open war, until my appointment.╙ She sighed and spread her hands. ╥And so, Latmino has become as you see it now. Under martial law. Under siege.╙
Gilon bowed his head and closed his eyes. Rogan felt a twinge of pity for him. He finally had the truth he╒d sought, but it wasn╒t a comfort to him. He saw Meg reach over and take his hand in hers. Once again, that contact seemed to soothe him a little. In a way Rogan envied him; he had something to give him solace. He looked at Scorit╒s face and found no solace there.
╥I had hoped,╙ Scorit said, his breath heavy, his words slow, ╥that Latmino had calmed since the last time I was here. It seems to have actually gotten worse.╙
╥I╒m afraid so, Grand Master,╙ Shurlen replied, ╥I wish I could offer words of hope.╙
╥Is there none? No hope of reconciliation?╙
╥Grand Master,╙ it was Borgesh who spoke now, cutting off Shurlen╒s reply -- and most definitely speaking out of turn, Rogan noted, ╥Distinguished traders. The Grocker has a most busy schedule for the next few days. The farahdya for Master Lomas, the concerns for order which she has just outlined. All these things require her prompt and full attention. I believe the Grocker has satisfied her obligations as host, to greet you and to offer you welcome. But now we must return to the business at hand.╙
Rogan turned to Scorit. His face held no expression, but Rogan knew he was affected by this. His voice, also, betrayed no emotion, ╥I am satisfied, and I thank the Grocker for her time and trouble.╙ Shurlen nodded in thanks. Scorit drained the rest of his tragh, then rose from his seat. Rogan threw back his drink -- and prayed to Saint Brendan he wouldn╒t vomit as he swallowed it down -- and rose beside him. Everyone else followed suit. ╥We leave in peace, Grocker,╙ Scorit raised his hand in salute to his host, ╥May Lady Fortune bless and keep you.╙
Shurlen rose and returned the salute. ╥And you, Grand Master.╙
Scorit bowed and made his exit, trailing the others in tow. Once they were out into the hallways and the doors shut behind them, Rogan approached him. Scorit didn╒t look much liked he wanted to talk. He looked angry, and even a little afraid. But Rogan had to know. ╥Scorit?╙ he ventured, ╥What╒s a padshah?╙
Scorit made that same growling noise in his throat, and when he spoke it was in subdued, serious tones. ╥A trade rivalry, usually between two merchant families.╙ He closed his eyes and shook his head. ╥Normally it╒s nothing more than friendly competition. Only rarely have I ever seen it break down into open warfare.╙
╥Tempers run hotter in Latmino, Grand Master,╙ Gilon spoke up from behind, ╥People are quicker to resort to violence. The mercenaries are still strong here.╙
Scorit╒s eyes flashed, and he stopped and turned to Gilon. ╥Do you think there╒s a mercenary group involved somehow? Maybe one of the families is employing one to do their dirty work?╙
Gilon hesitated. Clearly even he hadn╒t considered this possibility. It was Meg who spoke up now. ╥Maybe both of them,╙ she offered, ╥Maybe we╒ve got mercenaries fighting mercenaries here.╙
She had suggested this innocently enough, but the effect was profound. The Shileya brothers looked as if someone had just kicked them in the head. The dark cloud over Scorit╒s face got even darker. He touched three fingers to his forehead and spat over his right shoulder -- a superstitious ritual, but expressive enough of his mood. ╥This port smells,╙ he growled. Then, quickly, to Gilon, ╥No offense.╙
╥None taken,╙ Gilon returned, ╥It hasn╒t smelled the same to me since I returned.╙
╥This is just the kind of thing Ender would have prevented,╙ Nomat put in, with unabashed resentment.
╥Might be the reason he╒s dead now,╙ Scorit muttered, just loud enough to hear. He let that allegation hang in the air, however -- the Shileya brothers only stared at each other, speechless at the possibility -- and called Rogan to him. Overwhelmed at these few rapid developments, Rogan did his best to react quickly.
╥Rogan,╙ he said, more serious than Rogan had ever seen him, ╥I came here to pay my respects to Gersha. When I╒m done with that, I╒m leaving. Immediately. I╒d advise you to do the same.╙
Leave? After all this? It didn╒t seem right; Rogan felt too involved here now. ╥Scorit, isn╒t there something we can-?╙
╥Rogan!╙ Scorit cut him off with a stern index finger, ╥You don╒t know. I do. I╒ve seen this before. This is a padshah . This has probably been going on for centuries, and believe me, not even the families involved can even remember how it all got started. There won╒t be any reconciliation. The only thing we can do is get out of the way.╙ He looked up. ╥Shileyas,╙ he addressed the brothers, ╥You╒re welcome to travel with me, if you want.╙
Gilon and Nomat looked at each other for a moment. Their resolution was mutual and unanimous. ╥Thanks for the offer, Grand Master,╙ Gilon replied, ╥But Latmino is our home. We╒ll stay here and ride it out.╙
Scorit nodded. ╥Lady Fortune protect you, then.╙ He turned on his heel and started back down the corridor. Rogan fell in behind him, heard the others wander off on their own. His mind was reeling. All these revelations, one on top of the other, so quickly! Borgesh was definitely more than he claimed to be, just as more was going on here than just a simple family feud. Although the prospect of that was more than enough to frighten Scorit, which was disturbing in itself.
Scorit seemed resolute to leave and let this thing resolve itself, but Rogan could not. He had to know what was going on here. Besides, he felt like he owed something to the Shileyas, after traveling with them for so long. He╒d feel he was betraying them if he left without trying to help.
Maybe Scorit was right, though. Maybe getting involved would only get him killed. But, he supposed, in a way he already was involved. He╒d have to see this through to the end.
Besides, he thought, he didn╒t come to Latmino to be bored.
The day of the farahdya came at last. Koni Master Traders had converged from all points of the galaxy to pay their respects. Most knew Gersha Lomas only by reputation. Many knew him as a colleague. A handful called him friend. But they all came, from the ports of Shayadran and Almas, Makestra and perhaps beyond, to Latmino.
By midday, the Grocker╒s Palace was bustling with activity and crowded with people. And Adrian LaBlanca found herself stunned by the relative ease with which she and Durgen had managed to slip into the celebration. Two Terrans, two outsiders, carrying suspicious-looking cases, had somehow managed to slip by all the red-clad police and the green-clad palace guard. Adrian hadn╒t had a chance to ask -- not that she thought Durgen would answer -- but she was sure his Kolon-Sar connections had something to do with it.
They traveled down an deserted corridor. Not as large or as grandiose as the main halls, nor was there another soul in sight. Servants╒ corridor, maybe, or perhaps a hallway just forgotten about in this huge palace. Adrian wouldn╒t have been surprised if there was an entire network of such forgotten passageways. Better than secret, she thought to herself. No need to go through the trouble of concealing them; people simply forgot they were there.
╥Here we are,╙ Durgen finally spoke, indicating the light at the end of the hall. Coming to it, they emerged onto a balcony, high above the main audience chamber. Below them, a vast throng of people, Koni, Terran, and many other races, had gathered. Adrian took it in, dazzled by them all. So many, of so many different species. All traders and friends, she assumed. It was quite a sight.
Durgen seemed less impressed. ╥Lots of people,╙ he said, clinically, ╥Good. Ample confusion factor.╙ He consulted his wrist chrono. ╥The Grocker is set to address the crowd in...ten standard minutes.╙
Adrian consulted her own, synchronizing it.
╥She╒ll be out in the open then,╙ Durgen continued, ╥Unattended, unencumbered.╙ He pointed to the far wall of the hall, where the shrine had been erected. ╥There, in front of the ashes.╙
Adrian nodded her acknowledgment, feeling her instincts returning as the moment of truth got closer. She gauged the distance. ╥Looks like about forty-five meters.╙
╥Give or take a few,╙ Durgen replied. ╥One of our people in the Palace has placed some smoke canisters in the hall. There,╙ He pointed to a far corner, in which stood a crystalline floor plant, ╥And there.╙ The other far corner, with a glowglobe on a stand. ╥They╒re timed to go off once the Grocker begins her speech. Once they╒ve opened they should conceal half the room.╙
Well, that explained the special sighting modifications on the rifles. ╥Where will Borgesh be?╙ Adrian asked, looking down at the room once again.
╥He╒s a variable, but he╒ll definitely be nearby,╙ Durgen replied, ╥But don╒t worry about him. Shurlen╒s your target.╙ He, too, looked down into the room so far below, taking in the setup. ╥Once Shurlen enters the room, lock your smart-track onto her signal. That way you won╒t lose her when the smokescreen goes up. Once she╒s concealed, do it.╙
Adrian acknowledged, setting her case down on the floor. ╥Shall I set up here?╙
Durgen nodded. ╥I╒ll be setting up over there,╙ He indicated an identical balcony on the wall to their right. He tapped the comm around his neck. ╥Set to Channel K. Break silence only in an emergency.╙ Adrian nodded and adjusted her own comm. ╥Once you make the kill, duck down behind the wall,╙ Durgen continued, ╥Wait till panic sets in, then leave. Quickly, but calmly. And leave everything behind. Gun, peripherals, everything. None of it can be traced, and we╒d attract too much attention with these cases. We╒ll meet at the rendezvous point after things have calmed down.╙
Adrian nodded as she unpacked her case and assembled her rifle. She was amazed at how quickly it had all come back to her; her hands seemed to be working independently, putting the weapon together faster than she thought possible. ╥Any questions?╙ Durgen asked her, making it clear that he was bout to leave her.
╥One,╙ she said, ╥What if someone walks in on me?╙
╥No one will,╙ Durgen replied, ╥Trust me. These passages have been cleared just for us.╙
If Durgen said it was so, it was so. She was filled with confidence now.
╥Good luck,╙ Durgen said, turning on his heel.
╥And to you,╙ Adrian called after him as he went. Left alone, she felt giddy, almost whimsical. After so long, finally a chance to do what she loved. She cradled the rifle carefully in her arms, and gently inserted the power cell. The dull whir as the photon generator ignited was such a comforting sound. She ran her hand down the cold black barrel, and a smile came to her face. Such a lovely machine, this gun. It╒d be such a shame to have to get rid of it when this was all over. But it would have to be done. And the money it would earn her could buy a lot of rifles.
By all rights, Rogan should have been relaxed. Here he was, in the finest palace on a planet of palaces, a free drink in his hand, rubbing elbows with the legendary and the near-legendary in both Koni and Imperial trading circles. It should have been a dream come true for him.
But it wasn╒t. What he had learned about the situation here, this padshah business, had set him quite on edge. He hadn╒t slept well in the last couple of days; the fear of an assassin attempt had taken root in his subconscious, and he dared not let his guard down. It might have been an irrational fear -- why would Koni mercenaries want to kill a complete stranger? -- but it was a strong one, and would not leave him.
Gilon and Meg, standing next to him, did not look any more relaxed. Gilon shifted nervously in place, despite Meg╒s calming presence. He looked like a man buried alive, about to burst out in claustrophobic panic at any moment. His nervous eyes darted about the room, stopping here and there for a few moments, then darting again. Rogan doubted even he knew what he was looking for, but he shared the Koni╒s nervousness. He also scanned the room, keeping a close on Scorit, who was hobnobbing with a few other traders he knew a few meters away. Nomat was doing the same, with a group of younger Koni. Rogan noted that most of them were girls, and adoring ones by the look of it. Rogan smirked; he was probably regaling them with tales of his heroics on Shayadran...and probably leaving out the fact that he╒d been hungover for most of the action.
Rogan constantly scanned the crowd for any suspicious behavior -- though it occurred to him he wouldn╒t know what to look for. Professional assassins would probably be impossible to spot. Forlornly, Rogan put his hand at his side, felt the empty space where his pistol usually hung. Weapons were banned at the farahdya; Rogan felt naked and helpless without the reassuring weight of the great Maverick-819 particle cannon on his hip.
╥How much longer?╙ Meg gently asked of her paramour.
Gilon never took his eyes off the crowd, even when he answered her. ╥Not much longer now. Five minutes, maybe. Grocker should be arriving any minute.╙
Rogan downed the last of his drink. ╥Any idea how long the speech will last?╙
Gilon shrugged. ╥No way to tell. Depends on how much there is to say about Gersha. Might be as long as an hour.╙
An hour of this? Rogan groaned. He stared at his empty glass. He╒d need a lot more than that if he was going to be here another hour. ╥I╒m going to get a refill,╙ he announced, ╥Anybody want anything?╙
Neither of the couple did, so Rogan gently pushed his way through the crowd toward the refreshment table. As he went, he suddenly ran up against another person, moving just as purposefully in the opposite direction. Face to face, he realized it was the young woman who╒d stared so intensely at them from the Council Chambers. Her eyes were just as focused as they were before. She muttered an apology, and she and Rogan danced around each other. Rogan risked one glance back as she disappeared into the crowd, wondering if perhaps she was on her way to greet her old friend....
╥As I live and breathe, Gilon Shileya!╙
The voice, familiar and yet not, shook Gilon from his current state and turned his head. There she was again. He hadn╒t been exactly sure in the Council Chambers, but now there was no doubt. She╒d aged a little -- but hadn╒t he, too, after all? -- but she was still as beautiful as she╒d been the day he╒d left Latmino. ╥Kelsa!╙
Kelsa Rudell looked at him, smiling that way she did. ╥A few days ago I didn╒t have a chance to see you. But now, things are a little more personable. I just wanted to welcome you back.╙
Gilon smiled, then winced slightly, as he felt Meg╒s grip on his arm tighten. Lady Fortune, but she could be so jealous. Quickly, to smooth things before they got rough, he made the introductions. ╥Megan Lobos, Kelsa Rudell, one of my old friends.╙
Kelsa smiled and nodded pleasantly enough. But Meg...there was venom in her brown eyes as she said, in eerily pleasant tones, ╥Delighted.╙
╥Meg and I have been running together for over a year now,╙ Gilon quickly continued, ╥We╒ve become very close.╙ He hoped Kelsa took the hint. And if she didn╒t, then the way Meg suddenly decided to lean into his shoulder certainly would drive the point home. He bit back a groan. He╒d been warned about Terran women: the jealousy, the distrust, the spite. No matter how much he loved Meg -- and he did love her so -- she had all these faults. He hoped she╒d learn to trust him. And soon.
Fortunately, Kelsa seemed to understand. ╥Have you been well, Gil?╙ she asked, in a neutral enough tone.
╥Well enough, considering.╙
Meg decided to speak up now. ╥We saw you in the Chambers. Are you on the Council?╙
╥Yes. I╒m my family╒s representative now.╙
Gilon suspected that....and feared it. If she, at her young age, had been named speaker for her clan, then that meant...╥Kelsa, is your father...?╙
Kelsa╒s face fell. ╥Grocker Layadin wasn╒t the only one to die in the accident.╙
Gilon was sure he could feel his heart break. This was too much. All the people he╒d known, he╒d grown up with, were gone. He really had come home to a port he no longer knew. ╥I╒m...I╒m so sorry, Kelsa.╙
Kelsa nodded solemnly. ╥Gil,╙ she said, ╥There╒s something I need to talk to you about.╙
Gilon felt Meg squeeze his arm again. There╒d be a mark by night╒s end, he was sure. ╥Of course, Kelsa. Anything.╙
She hesitated. Her eyes glanced at Meg. Then, carefully. ╥I...we have to talk alone.╙
Now this was unusual. ╥What? Why?╙
╥It╒s very important,╙ Kelsa insisted, ╥And very private.╙
Gilon felt Meg was about to say something. He put a hand over the one clutching his arm and tried to calm her. ╥Anything you need to say to me,╙ he said, meaning every word, ╥You can say to Meg.╙
Kelsa looked at him with pleading in her eyes. ╥Please, Gil.╙
Gilon sighed. Somewhere, in some lifetime, he must have truly angered Lady Fortune, for her to do this to him. Halfheartedly he turned to the woman on his arm. ╥Meg,╙ he said, choosing his words carefully, ╥I think that maybe...╙
Meg looked genuinely hurt, for a few seconds. Then she released him and took a step back. Her brown eyes were dark. ╥Fine,╙ she said, her voice cold as space, ╥I╒ll go see if Rogan needs help at the bar.╙ Firing one parting glance at Kelsa, she was gone. Gilon groaned. He╒d be hearing about this tonight.
Kelsa at least seemed to be aware of this. ╥I╒m sorry if I caused any trouble.╙
Gilon didn╒t answer her. He just wanted this over with so he could get back to Meg. ╥So what╒s so important?╙
╥Are you sure this is okay?╙ Rogan asked the bartender, upon receiving his glass of pungent something. It certainly didn╒t smell okay.
╥Finest punch on Latmino,╙ the bartender assured him, ╥My personal guarantee.╙
Rogan eyed the green concoction in his glass with some skepticism. ╥It smells a little skunky.╙
╥It╒s supposed to smell that way. That╒s how you know it╒s fresh.╙
╥Right.╙ Rogan retired to a polite distance and took a tiny sip...and almost gagged up a lung. He could clean his ship╒s hull with this stuff. He was about to go back and get something else, when Meg suddenly stormed into his space. ╥Meg? What...?╙ he started to say, but the look on her face warned him not to press her.
╥Talk to me after I╒ve had a drink,╙ she muttered, marching up to the bar. ╥What have you got?╙ she peered into his glass. At the first whiff, she drew back. ╥Damn, that stuff╒ll kill you.╙
The bartender had noticed her now. ╥Give me a double of whatever you gave him,╙ she announced. Rogan watched with wide wonder as she accepted a tall glass of the green stuff and threw half of it back in one huge gulp. Meg╒s body tensed and her face turned as green as the punch. When it had returned to normal, Rogan thought it safe to talk to her. ╥What happened?╙
╥Apparently it╒s a Koni-only party up at Gil╒s place,╙ she grated, bitterly, ╥His old ╘friend╒ said she needed to talk to him alone.╙
Saint Brendan, but this wasn╒t good. Megan Lobos was quick on the draw, but her temper was even quicker. And it was up now, in full force. Rogan had seen her like this a few times. And though he knew it was pointless to try and reason, he didn╒t know what else to do. ╥Meg, I╒m sure he╒s not...╙
╥Oh what do you know?╙ she snapped, ╥Hell, what do I know about him? Maybe she╒s his wife or something. Maybe he╒s got a Kelsa in every port.╙
╥Oh now you╒re talking crazy.╙
╥Am I?╙ she turned to Rogan. Her anger was gone, replaced by something that would have been helplessness in anyone else. ╥I saw the way he looked at her, Rogue. I know that look. I╒ve...╙ she turned away, stared into her drink. ╥I╒ve seen it too many times already.╙
╥Meg...╙ Rogan put a hand on her shoulder. She had had her share of bad luck in this field, true enough. The Freemerchant trade wasn╒t the most conducive to lasting relationships. And poor Meg was getting to that age when she╒d start to want one.
╥What╒s this?╙ Rogan turned to stare into the jovial face of Scorit Kothos. He must have had a few drinks already; there wasn╒t a trace of the dead seriousness he╒d had not so long ago. ╥Why the long faces? You╒re not supposed to be mourning that much.╙
╥Scorit...╙ Rogan tried to warn him away, but the old Koni couldn╒t be stopped so easily. He came to the bar and took a seat next to Meg. After taking a moment to freshen his drink, his face grew serious and sagelike. ╥Man trouble, isn╒t it?╙
Meg snorted. ╥That obvious?╙
╥One thing I╒ve learned about women,╙ Scorit retorted, point to her drink, ╥When a woman drinks, she╒s unhappy. And when a woman╒s unhappy, it╒s usually some man╒s fault.╙
That at least brought a grin to Meg╒s face. She turned to him. ╥You truly are wise, Grand Master,╙ she said, half sardonically.
Scorit shrugged. ╥I just know how to read people. And because of that, Meg, I can tell you, Gilon Shileya is a good man.╙
Meg╒s grin slid away. ╥I don╒t know anymore.╙
╥What? What╒s happened?╙ Scorit turned to the crowd, scanning for Gilon.
Meg sighed. Perhaps even she was now realizing how silly it had all seemed. ╥Oh, some old ╘friend╒ of his popped up. Said she wanted to talk to him alone.╙
╥So she wants to talk to him alone. What do you think, he╒s going for it right here on the Chamber floor?╙
Rogan stifled a chuckle. Scorit rarely got vulgar, but when he did it was always to comic effect. And it seemed to work on Meg too. She snorted a laugh. ╥I guess not.╙ She sighed. ╥Saint Brendan, guys, I think I╒m in falling love with him. I just can╒t stand the thought of him...╙ she trailed off, shaking her head.
╥The thought of him making eye contact with another woman? Bah!╙ Scorit laughed, ╥Rogan, boy, this is what╒s wrong with your people! Your women are nuts!╙
Meg went red in the face, but she took the joke gracefully. Rogan couldn╒t help but laugh; he╒d more than once come to that conclusion as well.
╥Now, Koni women,╙ Scorit continued, apparently finding a subject he knew well, ╥They╒re another story. They trust their men. They don╒t have these little jealous fits every hour or so. They╒re a delight and a joy to have around.╙
Rogan rolled his eyes. He had a feeling where this was going. Again. ╥That so?╙ he said, non-committantly.
╥Oh it╒s so. Take it from one who╒s lived long and done much.╙ Scorit leaned forward and directed his speech straight to Rogan now, ╥I don╒t know if you╒ve noticed, Rogue, but my Durlane has become a lovely young woman since you saw her last.╙
╥Oh no, I╒ve noticed,╙ Rogan said quickly, hoping he didn╒t sound too uncomfortable.
╥Lot of eligible men have too,╙ Scorit said, a gleam in his eye, ╥She╒s been turning quite a few heads lately.╙
╥I don╒t doubt it,╙ Rogan feinted. It felt strange, using the verbal sparring tricks Scorit had taught him against him. ╥You╒ve raised quite a flower, Scorit.╙
╥I wish I could take all the credit. She╒s got a lot of her mother in her. Rest her sweet soul.╙ A brief pause, then the pitch came. ╥You know, Rogue, you╒ve been my trade-son. My apprentice. But I╒ve always thought of you as more. You know that.╙
╥I know. And I╒ve always been honored.╙
Scorit smiled and spread his hands. Beyond him, Rogan could see Meg trying to hold back a giggling fit.
╥You╒ve been like a son to me, Rogan,╙ Scorit went on, ╥The son I never had. Even these last few years when we haven╒t seen much of each other. And like any father, I want to see that you╒re taken care of if something ever happens to me.╙
╥Oh Scorit, don╒t talk like that,╙ Rogan meant it, of course, but Scorit was always saying things like that.
╥I just want to make sure you╒ve got some stability. Now if you and Durlane were to...well, come to an arrangement, let╒s say, you╒d be my heir as much as she would be. Even more so, because you╒re better at the trade than she is. Think of that, Rogan. The Kothos name behind you, the fortune, the trade connections. And my daughter. She╒d take good care of you. I know she would.╙
It took every ounce of self-control Rogan had to suppress the sigh that was rising to his lungs. Scorit had been trying to fix the two of them up almost since he╒d met Rogan. What he╒d never understood was that Rogan had spent so much time with the Kothos family that he came to see Durlane more like a sister than a potential mate. Plus which, he had no idea what Durlane thought of him. The question had never come up; Rogan had never let it.
He was about to say something, but Scorit stopped him with a wave of his hand. ╥You don╒t have to answer me right now, my boy,╙ he assured him, ╥Just tell me you╒ll consider it. Okay? For an old man╒s sake?╙
Rogan smiled. ╥Okay,╙ he replied, ╥For your sake, I╒ll think about it.╙
Scorit grinned widely and patted Rogan╒s cheek. ╥That╒s all I ask.╙
Rogan gently extracted himself from Scorit and took in the hall around him. The place was definitely packed, with Koni traders and Terran Freemerchants. Most of them elder, famous, and successful -- and Rogan was none of these. Oh, he got by, but he hadn╒t made his fortune. And most of the places where his name was known were the same places he wasn╒t welcome anymore. At any rate he felt quite out of place here. It was a chance encounter at the Spacer╒s Lounge on Shayadran that had led him to Gersha Lomas, and eventually here. As a result he felt somewhat unworthy of the company assembled here. These were people who had made names for themselves; what had he done lately?
His attention wandered over the brightly-colored crowd, and came to rest on the near corner of the room. One of those woven-crystal artificial plants that the Koni liked so much in their decorations was standing there, glittering many colors in the light. They were beautiful, Rogan mused idly. If he had room on his ship he╒d get one...
Something very odd in the planter caught Rogan╒s eye. He couldn╒t see clearly from where he was, but it looked like something metal, just tucked in behind the plant. What could that possibly be?
Adrian scanned the room below, feeling jumpy now. She checked her chrono. Less than three minutes now. Good. The sooner this got under way, the better. She was getting anxious to pull the trigger and be done with it.
Scanning the room, her eye caught a disturbing sight. Someone was approaching the planter where the smoke canister had been hidden. He was Terran, by the looks of him. Small man, maybe in his teens. She couldn╒t make out all the details from where she was. But what she could see was enough; he was heading for the planter. And quite purposefully. Could he know something?
Well, this would qualify as an emergency. She tapped her comm. ╥Durgen, are you seeing this?╙
A moment╒s pause. She glanced over at the second balcony, saw Durgen moving about. ╥I see it,╙ was his response, calm as a glacier.
╥What do we do?╙
╥Nothing, yet. He might just be examining the plant.╙
That didn╒t allay her fears. ╥What if he finds the canister?╙
╥He won╒t. It should be well-hidden. Even if does find it he probably won╒t know what it is.╙
╥And if he does? If he tells somebody?╙
╥Be calm!╙ Durgen snapped, ╥Do not panic.╙
Adrian did her best to comply.
╥Focus on the moment,╙ he continued, ╥Don╒t concern yourself until it becomes necessary. You just worry about taking out Shurlen. I╒ll keep an eye on him. He╒s probably nothing.╙
Adrian closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath. She hoped Durgen was right.
╥You didn╒t have to get me alone to tell me that, Kelsa,╙ Gilon replied, ╥I knew the minute I got here the port was dying.╙ Gilon was starting to get irritated. If all Kelsa wanted to do was share her concerns for Latmino, then she was being much too dramatic about it. This was definitely not worth alienating Meg over.
╥But do you know why it╒s dying?╙ Kelsa pressed on; apparently she had more to say. ╥Do you know what happened to bring us to this?╙
╥Grocker Shurlen told me about the padshah.╙ Gilon was about to turn and leave. He stuck one eye out, scanning the crowd for Meg.
Kelsa snorted. ╥Tip of the iceberg, Gil, tip of the iceberg. You╒ve lived in Latmino all your life; you should know there╒s always more going on than meets the eye.╙
Gilon rolled his eyes. He╒d grown up with conspiracy theories; he didn╒t want to hear another one. ╥A broken padshah is bad enough to do this to a port.╙
╥Do you think that the padshah was responsible for Ender Layadin╒s death?╙
That got Gilon╒s attention. He turned both eyes back to Kelsa.
╥Do you think that tanker explosion was an accident?╙ Kelsa continued, ╥Do you think...╙ she paused, checked to see if anyone else was listening, then went on in hushed tones, ╥Do you think it was just a coincidence that the thing blew while the Grocker, and the members of the Council most loyal to him, were present? Do you think it was just dumb luck that Mayina Shurlen had a ╘personal matter to attend to╒ when she should have been there?╙
Gilon didn╒t know what to say. These details were new to him. He felt his initial aggravation beginning to unknot itself. ╥What are you saying? Ender was assassinated?╙
Kelsa nodded. ╥Along with my father and eight of his most devoted supporters. Once they were gone the way was clear for Shurlen to take over.╙
Now it was getting incredulous again. Shurlen was no dictator. She was a career politician, harmless...unless she was just a figurehead, for someone more dangerous. ╥Why?╙ he asked.
╥It╒s complicated,╙ Kelsa looked increasingly more nervous now; she glanced furtively around the room again, ╥The padshah╒s the most convenient answer, but the truth is far worse.╙
╥What truth?╙
The great gong sounded at the front of the hall, cutting off Kelsa╒s reply. All eyes turned at the sound. The Grocker and her procession were about to enter. Kelsa whirled on Gilon. ╥I╒ll track you down after the speech,╙ she said, ╥Don╒t talk to anyone else about this.╙
╥But...╙
She was gone, melted into the crowd.
Too puzzled to be frustrated, Gilon found himself unable to do anything but watch as the ceremony began.
Rogan looked up at the gong, watched as the slow, solemn procession filed into the room. Grocker Shurlen was at the head, clad in the dark red of mourning. Omnipresent Borgesh was at her side. Two rows of ceremonial guard followed them as they went up onto the dais that held the shrine and took their places there. Rogan watched the proceeding; it was slow and heavy with ritual -- one of the things the Koni did well.
╥Rogan,╙ Scorit╒s voice was at his ear, an urgent whisper. Rogan turned to see him at his side, grinning. ╥What, you╒d rather talk to a plant than to me?╙
╥Sorry,╙ Rogan offered, ╥I was just...╙ He looked back down at the planter. ╥I saw this from over there.╙
He hadn╒t had a chance to give the object in the planter a good look, but now he could make out the details. It was a metallic cylinder about fifteen centimeters long. At least that╒s how long it looked; half of it was buried in the loose gravel. If someone was trying to hide it, they weren╒t doing a very good job.
Scorit was at his shoulder. ╥What is that?╙
Rogan shook his head. ╥Never seen anything like this before.╙
Despite her ever-increasing nervousness, Adrian managed to lock her smart-track on Shurlen once she entered. But she never took her eyes off the planter. Now there were two men there...and they definitely were looking at something. ╥Durgen...╙ she hissed over the comm.
╥Stay focused,╙ he replied, his voice carrying a warning.
╥They won╒t be any cover on my side if they remove it.╙
╥Then you╒ll have to take the shot open, won╒t you? They╒re going to go off any second now. There╒s nothing we can do about it. Just roll with it.╙
╥Traders of Latmino,╙ Shurlen began her speech now, ╥Distinguished guests. Friends. We have come here today, not in mourning, but in celebration. We come here to honor our Master Trader and our friend,╙ she turned slightly and indicated the sphere on the shrine, ╥Gersha Lomas. We come not to mourn his untimely death, but to celebrate his worthy life.╙
The rest of the speech faded to a dull drone in Rogan╒s head as he gave the cylinder in the planter his undivided attention. He wasn╒t sure what it was. Was it some kind of surveillance device? Or...or a bomb?
Suddenly Scorit reached out a hand for it. ╥Scorit, I don╒t think that╒s a good idea,╙ he tried to stop him.
╥I╒ve handled dangerous things before, Rogue,╙ Scorit assured him, ╥And this doesn╒t look dangerous.╙
╥At least let me get someone. Scorit, it could be a bomb.╙
Scorit shook his head, as he gingerly removed it from the planter and looked it over. ╥It╒s too uniform to be a bomb.╙ Gently he turned it over in his hands. ╥I don╒t see any controls....wait.╙ He stopped and pointed. ╥There.╙
Rogan looked. All he saw was a red flashing light. He felt a wave of cold wash over him. One thing he╒d learned about red flashing lights was that they were never indicative of harmlessness.
Adrian swore under her breath. ╥Durgen, they╒ve got the canister.╙
She heard Durgen swear an even worse oath. ╥It╒s going to go off.╙
╥What do I do?╙
╥Take the shot if you can. Then be ready to move.╙
Adrian growled and leveled her gun. This was going to be close.
╥Scorit, please,╙ Rogan was getting really nervous now, ╥Put it down.╙
╥Hang on now,╙ Scorit was still examining it. Rogan hovered at his shoulder, trying in vain to get the thing away from him. Suddenly, the red flashing light went out.
╥What...?╙ Scorit said, just before all hell broke loose.
The canister in his hand suddenly vanished in a cloud of noxious smoke. The cloud enveloped the both of them. Scorit took most of it, collapsing to the ground, wheezing. Rogan was at his side, struggling to breathe and checking his trade-father╒s vitals. He was breathing, but with difficulty. Desperately, Rogan rose up, peering over the cloud of smoke, scanning the panicking crowd for help...and his eyes looked skyward. There, in a high balcony, a gleam of metal...
Choking back a string of curses, Adrian took a fraction of a second to assess the new situation. The smoke canister out of position, the smoke was drifting away from the podium, leaving her side vulnerable. She risked a glance at the two nosy guests, and her blood ran cold. The Terran, the young one who╒d first discovered the canister. He was up...and he could see her.
╥Take the shot!╙ Durgen shouted. Adrian whirled and leveled her weapon on the Grocker. Just in that moment she heard the Terran boy shout, ╥Gun!╙
Before she could react, a burst of light shot across the hall and cut him down. Unfortunately Durgen was a second too late to stop him from warning them, and as Adrian took her shot, a bodyguard leapt up on the podium and threw the Grocker to the ground. She felt the kick of the photon rifle, saw the burst fly true, but the smart-track couldn╒t compensate for such a quick reaction. The burst caught Shurlen in the shoulder, but it definitely wasn╒t a mortal wound. Adrian leveled her sights for a second shot...and a beam of light tore a chunk out of the balcony just to her right. Cursing, she dove behind the wall.
╥Did you get her?╙ she heard Durgen say urgently.
╥I don╒t know,╙ she replied, disarming the rifle and tossing it aside, ╥I think I just winged her. Damn it, Durgen! What happened?╙
╥Someone didn╒t do their job,╙ Durgen replied, ╥and it wasn╒t us.╙ His voice, strangely calm and quiet despite the chaos that surrounded them, was most unsettling.
Adrian stripped off her gloves and all the peripherals. ╥What now?╙
╥Get out of here,╙ Durgen instructed, ╥Just like we planned. Meet me at the rendezvous point.╙
╥What about you?╙
A pause. Then, as Adrian readied herself to go, she heard Durgen take another shot into the smoke. She heard a scream, and knew the master had connected. Well, a job half-done was better than nothing. Then, his voice in her ear, ╥Go!╙
Adrian thought it wise to obey.
Gilon pushed his way through the stampede. People were screaming in terror and fleeing in all directions. Gilon wasn╒t quite sure exactly what had happened, but he knew it wasn╒t good. And Kelsa╒s allegations had found fertile soil in his brain.
He pressed forward, his eyes darting everywhere. Where in Space itself was Meg? Had she left already? Was she hiding? Was she...no. He would not think that. Not Meg. He╒d lost Gersha. He╒d lost Ender. He would not lose Meg.
Gilon made it to the bar. Relief washed over him as he saw her there, looking just as confused and worried as he must have. ╥Meg!╙ he shouted.
She turned at the sound of his voice and sobbed with relief. ╥Gil!╙ She ran forward and fell into his arms. Gilon held her. ╥I thought I╒d lost you,╙ he said, pressing her close.
╥Saint Brendan, Gil,╙ she said, her voice shaky, ╥What╒s going on?╙
╥I don╒t know.╙ They parted. ╥Are you all right?╙
Meg took a moment to slow her breathing to normal. ╥Yeah,╙ she said, ╥You?╙
╥Fine.╙ Gilon scanned the room again, and his eyes rested on Nomat, rushing toward him. He grabbed his little brother and held him. ╥Thank the Goddess, Nome. You╒re safe.╙
╥Gil, Gil, I saw it!╙ Nomat looked genuinely terrified now.
╥You saw what?╙
╥I saw it all!╙ Nomat turned and pointed up at one of the high balconies. ╥Assassins. Up there. First there was this smokescreen and then...bam! gunfire. Oh....╙ Nomat cradled his head in his hands and started to hyperventilate. Gilon lead him to the bar, leaned him there. ╥Breathe, Nome, breathe.╙
╥I╒m feeling kinda lightheaded....╙ Nomat got out as he tried to breathe.
╥We should get you somewhere where you can lie down.╙ Gilon took his brother by the shoulder, meaning to lead him away.
But Nomat apparently had more to say. ╥I heard the guards talking,╙ he went on, ╥They╒re saying...they╒re saying Borgesh is dead.╙
Gilon gasped, and heard Meg do the same. Borgesh? Why would anyone want to kill him? ╥The Grocker?╙
╥She was hit, but she╒s alive.╙ Nomat took one last deep breath, seemed to calm down. ╥That╒s what I heard.╙
Gilon took this information in with a heavy heart....and a racing mind. What did this mean? Had Kelsa been right? Was there really more going on here than he╒d thought?
╥Where╒s Rogan?╙ Meg said, looking around.
╥Where╒s Master Kothos?╙ Nomat put in.
Another shard of ice pierced Gilon╒s heart. No, not them. He scanned the room, then heard Meg groan. ╥Saint Brendan,╙ she said, suddenly rushing forward. Gilon looked where she looked, and shivered. There they were, in the corner of the hall. Both on the ground. Neither moving.
Gilon rushed forward, and heard Nomat following. All sorts of thoughts were darting through Gilon╒s fevered brain. They can╒t be dead, he kept telling him, they are not dead.
As he got closer, he saw that at least Rogan was still alive. He rolled to one side at their approach, clutching his shoulder and groaning. Meg rushed to his side first. ╥Rogue!╙ she cried out, sliding to her knees and attending to him. She reached out to touch his shoulder. Rogan drew back with a cry of pain...and uttered the fiercest string of curses Gilon had ever heard come out of the boy╒s mouth.
╥....nuking festering Mother of....╙ he finished, rolling his injured shoulder away, ╥Leave it alone!╙
Nomat was hovering next to his brother, looking terrified and helpless. Gilon felt bad for him; he and Rogan had grown so close. ╥Nome, see if you can find a medic.╙ Relieved to have an occupation, Nomat nodded and took off. Gilon came to Rogan╒s side. ╥What happened?╙
╥What the hell you think happened?╙ Rogan grated through clenched teeth, ╥I╒ve been festering shot!╙ Gilon peered down at the wound. A clean hole right through his shoulder, his skin charred, his flesh still smoldering round the edges. Photon burst. A lucky shot, too, Gilon thought with trepidation. One centimeter to the left and the burst would have punched a hole in his heart.
╥Scorit....╙ Rogan moaned, as he slid into unconsciousness, ╥Help Scorit...╙
Gilon rose and turned his attention to the Grand Master. He was completely unconscious. He was breathing...but barely. A dark brown fluid was seeping from a corner of his mouth. Not a good sign at all.
At that moment Nomat returned. With him was the Palace doctor. Gilon stood away and let the man work. Meg latched onto him. He held her. But his mind was going somewhere else. When this was over he was going to find Kelsa Rudell and have a long talk with her about this. And he wouldn╒t stop until he got some answers.
