Torian Reclamation 2: Flash Move (15 page)

He turned to the Dirgs. “Are we all in agreement now, that responsibility for the light weapon cannot be determined, and, under the circumstances, blame for the resulting battle cannot rightfully be assigned to either party? If so, we can move on to the only remaining issue—that of salvage rights to the Azzarian warships.”

Inquisitor Errshlin nodded from across the table. “Yes,” he said, “under the circumstances, we reluctantly agree to your point.”

Brandon was blown away. Never had he witnessed such diplomacy.

The Dirg admiral still objected, however. “I am not satisfied on the issue of the light weapon,” he said. “I suspect responsibility for it lies within this very room, whether it be with the Latians, the Torians, or even the half-breed races.” He turned and looked at the Sheen.

Belle-ub responded. “We need to get beyond this issue. There must be some trust between us in regards to the unknown origin of the light weapon. Many strange things are occurring in the Erobian Sphere. We cannot become suspicious of one another over every phenomenon, or a complete breakout of galactic war will be the consequence. This we must avoid at all costs.”

The Dirg admiral shook his throbbing head. “We cannot get beyond this issue without first achieving satisfaction. The salvage ships we are willing to concede to the Latians as the spoils of a victorious battle. But they should not have followed us here. We will make no restitution for their loss, as they themselves have now agreed that we are not at fault for instigating the fight under the circumstances. If we can settle the light weapon issue, then all will be settled, as we relinquish our rights to the Azaarian vessels. But we remained unappeased in regards to the light weapon—and if this situation is not rectified, war may be unavoidable.”

“As I told the Inquisitor,” Olut6 said, “any fighting in this system will be considered an act of aggression against Tora.”

“Does that include the Noors and Circons?” Admiral Hochob asked.

Olut6 frowned. “We will deal with them next, hopefully. At the moment, the reason for them being here is as much of a mystery to the Torian military as the reason for your visitation, Admiral. We are unaware of any invitation being extended. This space station has always been Tora’s foreign relations reception facility, but it is currently closed to visitors for reconstruction.”

Mip7 finally sat back down, but Belle-ub stood again, drawing scowls from both Mip7 and Olut6. Brandon held up a hand to them from across the table, in an effort to keep them from voicing an objection. Brandon wanted to hear anything Belle-ub had to say, without it being altered by combativeness.

“The Dirgs are invited guests of Amulen,” Belle-ub said.

Olut6 stood up—to Mip7’s obvious chagrin—and said, “Do you claim to represent all of Amulen?”

“As much as what matters, General. I currently speak for most of Continent-3 and the industrial captains of Continent-4. That means most of the food supply and technology production of the planet. Very soon, I expect, all voices of recognized authority will in turn recognize me as their representative.”

“Very interesting,” Olut6 said.

Belle-ub continued. “All current visiting alien races are in fact invited guests of Amulen.”

Belle-ub then turned to Errshlin. “Inquisitor, I now also extend our invitation to you. My apologies for not having contacted you formally at your home world, but you are so far out on the edge of the sphere it was impractical. I am happy, though, that you have found your way here for this momentous occasion, however unfortunate the circumstances which led you here may have been.”

“What is this momentous occasion?” Olut6 asked.

“An interstellar tournament, General. We are hosting an interstellar tournament.”

“Of that extat polwar game, you mean? Surely you must know it is banned on Banor, and on this space station.”

“Yes, General. That’s why you were not invited.”

Olut6 was visibly upset. He leaned forward and stood with both hands spread on the table.

“Belle-ub, Amulen currently possesses no known interstellar travel capabilities. How is it you managed to venture out into the galaxy to extend these invitations? And why would you invite warring races to come here?”

Belle-ub smiled. “Banorian authorities lacking knowledge of Amulen interstellar travel ability does not mean we do not possess it. Also, such a thing is not difficult to arrange when the capability exists all around us, and has for nearly 2,000 years. One merely requires the intent. When the intent is strong enough, the means will appear. All it takes is a solitary messenger to begin a process which can change the fate of the galaxy. The fact that races in the Erobian Sphere are warring among themselves is why we proposed the tournament. We can settle our differences in the arena, and become the instigators of peace rather than those who sanction war through complacency.”

Everyone looked back at Olut6, who appeared poised to launch into an angry rant. Instead, he restrained himself and sat down. Belle-ub sat back down as well, but continued speaking.

“Governor, we would also request the use of this station, as an official reception facility, and for hosting a social affair.”

“I’m afraid that’s impossible,” Mip7 said. “As you know, Cardinal-4 submits itself to Banorian authority and falls under their jurisdiction and laws. We cannot be supportive in any way to an event which glorifies an illegal game.”

“Especially when that game is the primary factor responsible for dividing our two worlds,” Brandon added.

Olut6 remained silent but seemed to be calming down.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Belle-ub said. “Perhaps it was the regulation of polwar that divided Tora, which we see as oppressive and unfortunate—but it is the widespread popularity of this game which can now be used as an opportunity to promote a return to peaceful times. It is highly regrettable that the repressively conservative policies of Banor would interfere with such a thing.”

“We’ve seen what this game does to civilizations,” Brandon said. “Look at your own world, as a perfect example. Where this game goes, societies regress and cultures are destroyed.”

Brandon’s comment caused the Latians to glance at each other back and forth, as if they found great interest in his statement. The Dirgs were only pulsating faster.

Mip7 spoke again. “It is not in our best interest to turn these talks into a political debate. Let’s stick to the issue at hand and try to form a resolution. Belle-ub, you should have at least told the Banorian authorities what you were doing. Our military was not properly prepared for this.”

“You would not have approved, and would have taken action to stop us,” Belle-ub said. “This thing is larger than the petty squabbles of the Torians. Galactic peace is at stake.”

Olut6 began shaking his head and spoke. To Brandon’s surprise, it was in a calm and steady voice.

“Belle-ub, I’m trying to understand you. I don’t know whether I believe your intentions are honorable. Even if I extend you the benefit of the doubt, the results of your actions have created a hazardous condition. You’ve behaved recklessly and unwisely.”

“General,” Belle-ub said, “the tournament will bring peace.”

“When is this tournament of yours scheduled to take place?”

“In three days.”

Olut6 visibly tightened and spoke through a clenched jaw.

“Exactly how many alien races have shown up for it?”

“Not nearly as many as are still coming, General.”

Jumper slept well. He didn’t think Alan or Kayla did, though, judging by the rustling he heard from their cots on the few occasions he did awake. When dawn broke, they were all up and waiting for it. The three of them took turns using the public hygiene rooms to get clean before finding breakfast set up on a cart at the fire pit closest to their shack. The two Amulites who fed them last night before showing them to their lodging were sitting on the fire pit ring eating.

One of them was larger and duller-skinned than the other. His name was Totlen6, and was the apparent leader of the expedition. Totlen6 had a rifle on his shoulder as he ate. The shorter, brighter one’s name was Mulb9. He wore a belt with a hand-laser hooked to it, plus several other tools Jumper didn’t recognize. Mulb9 also had something strapped to his ankle that might have been an additional weapon.

Jumper took a bite of his biscuit and approached Totlen6.

“Where are the others?” he asked.

“Meeting us at the fuel station with the cruiser.” Totlen6 appeared slightly annoyed at having his meal interrupted.

Jumper refused to be intimidated.

“A long-ranger?”

“Yes, like the one you stole the other day.”

Jumper chuckled with his mouth full. “You can get that back from the Midlands Militia. They were …insistent upon appropriating it from us.”

“We did.” Totlen6 then stood and walked away to finish his sandwich in solitude.

Undiscouraged, Jumper decided to see if Mulb9 was as easily disturbed as his companion.

“Your skin is brighter. Are you from the north?”

Mulb9 nodded as he swallowed his last morsel of biscuit. “As far north as you can get on this continent.”

“So you’re with the Northern Militia?”

“Correct. Or at least, I was.”

“Joining up with the Central Region now?” Jumper asked.

“Erob, no. The new C3 Guard. We’re all merging.”

Now that was interesting. Jumper sat down next to him. “You mean the Northern and Central Regions?”

“All of us,” Mulb9 said. “Midlands and cities, too. Maybe even the mountain dwellers if our mission is successful—assuming they have any kind of organized leadership.”

Jumper cocked his head. “The cities? I live in the cities. Why haven’t we heard anything about this new C3 Guard?”

“I don’t know,” Mulb9 said. “Who’s in charge there?”

Jumper thought for a second. “Well, there’s a self-appointed council that meets, but no one takes them seriously since there are no elections, and no real regulation of anything. The only authoritative structure I’ve personally known is at the university. If I had to identify one group in the cities that has any discernable measure of control, it would be the supply hub workers, who receive all shipments of food and goods and arrange the distribution routes.”

Mulb9 stood up. “That may be your answer. The prophet’s unification efforts have centered mostly on food and technology distribution channels.”

“The prophet. You mean Belle-ub, right?” Jumper stood and followed Mulb9 back to the food cart.

Mulb9 grabbed a couple more biscuits and said, “Of course. Let’s get going. If you Earthlings require more food, bring some of it with you. The others will be waiting.”

Mulb9 joined Totlen6 on the other side of the fire pit.

“You Earthlings?” Alan said as he stuffed his pockets.

Jumper laughed. “I’m sure he didn’t intend disrespect. Mulb9 is from the far north. Could be he’s never even met a human before. In any case, he seems the nicer of our two escorts.”

“I’m hoping the rest of our party is even nicer,” Alan said.

“I wouldn’t count on it.” Jumper pointed at Totlen6 and Mulb9 behind him with his thumb. “Come on, let’s go. I don’t want us to be the ones dragging behind on this trip.” He then looked at Kayla. “Let’s show these natives how the Amulen Earthlings get things done. Maybe they’ll regret neglecting us in forming this continental guard force.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Kayla said. She checked the safety lock on her hand laser, reattached it to her belt, and then jogged over to be the first to join the two native escorts. Jumper could see Mulb9 smile and start talking to her.

Jumper shook his head. “Man, I hope she’s not going to be more of a liability than an asset.”

“Not if there’s another attack of mini-drones,” Alan said.

Jumper and Alan joined them. They all then walked across the village and through the thin strip of woods. The large force-field fence came into view on the other side, and an off-trail cruiser could be seen parked at the fueling station.

“So, you guys stole a cruiser?” Kayla asked. Her tone was slightly cynical.

“You bet,” Jumper replied. “It was our only way out of here. They basically abducted us, and were trying to keep us captive and force us to work in the agritents.” Jumper pointed to the greenhouses now visible to the left. “Guess they have something to learn about the human spirit.”

Both natives turned and glared at Jumper in reaction to his comment. Jumper thought he noticed something individually different about their glares, though. Totlen6 seemed to be reacting in an insulted, defensive way while Mulb9’s face was more of one of concern. Totlen6’s next comment confirmed Jumper’s analysis of his reaction.

“Let’s see how this ‘human spirit’ of yours holds up on our expedition. I don’t suppose you’d like to take the point position all the way up?”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jumper said. “Besides, you don’t know the path.” He noticed Alan tighten his grasp on his rifle strap.

There were two additional natives waiting next to the cruiser at the fueling station. One of them had a rifle. Jumper was surprised to see that he was a Banorian.