Armies of Light and Dark (25 page)

"That he sent Mr. Garibaldi does not surprise me," Londo said slowly, beginning to pace the throne room. "And Welch, I vaguely remember him. He is obviously there as backup for Garibaldi. But G' Kar? Here?"

"He was a most impressive individual," Durla said. "I was there when he broke free of his restraints in defiance of Cartagia. It was ... the most remarkable thing I have ever seen."

"It may well be the most remarkable thing that ever was," replied Londo. "I am not entirely sure whether Sheridan is brilliant, or a fool, or both."

"What shall we do, Highness?" Londo looked bemused.

"You are asking me what to do? Minister, I am stunned. Shocked and appalled. Customarily, you tell me how things will be, and that is that. To what do I owe this honor?"

"You diminish your contribution, Highness," said Durla.

"I know precisely what my contribution is, Durla. Do not seek to fool me. It ill becomes you. Or has Mariel schooled you better in the ways of deceit?"

Durla stiffened when Londo said that.

"I do not see the need to insult the lady Mariel, Highness."

"Believe me," Londo said firmly, "no one could insult the lady Mariel." He waved it off dismissively. "Very well. Simply put, they will be extended every courtesy. They are here to speak. Let them speak. Obviously, Sheridan has handpicked this particular group of individuals because he hopes to play upon old loyalties."

"And ... has he succeeded?" asked Durla.

Londo snorted derisively.

"My loyalty, Durla, first, last, and always, remains to Centauri Prime. As you well know."

Durla bowed and said, "As you say, Highness."

"Yes," Londo said faintly, and with less conviction than he would have liked, "as I say."

As they approached the front steps of the palace, G'Kar slowed a bit. Garibaldi noticed it and hung back, causing the guards who were escorting them to stop. He put a hand on G'Kar's arm, and said, "Is everything all right?"

"Just ... some unpleasant memories," G'Kar said slowly. "Odd. I had thought that they would not pose a problem. Interesting how there are always new things to learn about oneself, isn't it."

"Very interesting," Garibaldi agreed. But from the look on his face, he wasn't sure what they were talking about. "Do you want to wait out here for–"

But G'Kar shook his head firmly.

"I will be fine. Do not worry about it. After all I have been through, I think I can handle a bit of unpleasant nostalgia and a flight of stairs." He took a deep breath and, moments later, they were entering the palace. Several ministers were waiting there to greet them. None of them were familiar faces to G'Kar ... save for one. He stared at him for a moment, and then said, "Have we met, sir?"

"Not really, no. I am Minister Durla," answered the Centauri. He introduced the others who were with him, and the one who caught G'Kar's attention the most squarely was the one known as Vallko, minister of spirituality. "The emperor is most anxious to meet with you," Durla told them. "Right this way."

They followed their escort down a long hallway, and G'Kar couldn't help but notice the guards who watched them warily. No ... him. They were watching him. G'Kar was beginning to wonder if his presence there wasn't meant to serve primarily as decoy. Everyone would be so busy watching him, that they wouldn't pay nearly as much attention to Garibaldi and Welch. The silence was broken only by the sounds of their footsteps until Vallko finally said, "My understanding is that you are something of a religious figure on your Homeworld."

"So I have been designated," G'Kar admitted. "It is not a status that suits me, truth to tell. Fortunately enough, I have managed to convince my people to accept me in a manner that is more appropriate."

"And that would be?"

"As an advisor. A proponent of restraint and ... dare I say it ... wisdom. But I do not wish to be considered a god, or even a leader. I am more than content to let others lead, and I will simply stand on the sidelines and applaud or do what I may to guide their efforts."

"Restraint." It was the minister introduced as Lione who now spoke, as if G'Kar had said nothing beyond that word. "What an odd word to hear from a Narn. You are generally considered a rather warlike race, with restraint being a term that has little-to-no meaning for you."

"Yes, I have heard that, too. Then again, I have also heard that the Centauri are a vomitous pack of lying, rapacious bastards." There were audible gasps of anger from the ministers, and Garibaldi fired G'Kar a look that the Narn ignored. He was speaking so pleasantly that it was hard to believe that he was attempting to give offense. "Now, of course, whenever such calumnies are uttered, I step right in and say `No, no! One must not believe what one hears!' Oh, certainly, the Centauri imprisoned me several times, and gouged out my eye, and covered my back with so many whip scars that to this day I still cannot sleep properly. But is that any reason to condemn an entire race? Of course not! Broad and unfair characterizations are anathema to civilized society, don't you agree, Minister?"

The towering Lione looked as if he were ready to assault G'Kar with his bare hands, but Durla merely smiled in what seemed polite amusement.

"Wholeheartedly, Mr. Ambassador."

"Please, please ... ambassador no longer. `Citizen' G'Kar will suffice."

"Citizen G'Kar it is. This way, please."

They walked down another hallway, and G'Kar noticed that Lou Welch seemed to be frowning at something. He tried to see what had caught Welch's curiosity, and it quickly became evident: it was the black-suited young people who seemed to be all over the palace. Black, with some sort of red sash over them like a badge of honor.

"Who are they?" G'Kar abruptly asked, indicating one of the passing young men, who fired him a glance.

"The Prime Candidates. Our youth group," said Minister Lione.

"Ah. HitlerYouth," Lou Welch said. Lione looked at him in confusion.

"What?"

"Nothing," Welch said promptly, apparently happy to let the matter drop. Lione shook his head in a manner that indicated he found all Humans to be extremely puzzling.

They were ushered into the throne room, which was empty. Londo always did prefer to make an entrance, thought G'Kar, and his instinct was quite correct. Moments later Londo walked in with such enthusiasm that he seemed like a white-clad tornado.

"Mr. Garibaldi!" he called out as if Garibaldi were on the opposite side of the city. "Citizen G'Kar! Mr. Walsh!"

"Welch," Lou corrected him.

"Ach. Who cares? You're here, whatever your name is. Sit, sit." He gestured toward the Centauri who had accompanied them. "You may all leave us." G'Kar was pleased to see that the ministers looked decidedly disconcerted.

"Highness," Durla said slowly, "if you are going to discuss matters pertaining to Centauri Prime, should we not be here to represent the people's interests?"

"I am the people," Londo replied. "One of the many burdens that I happily bear. When old friends chat it is merely a get-together, Durla. Bring in ministers, and suddenly it becomes a council. There is no need for that at this time. But rest assured, if I feel that someone is needed to escalate matters to the breaking point and beyond, I will send for all of you instantly. Now you may go."

"But Highness," Durla began.

Something in Londo's demeanor shifted quite subtly.

"Do not confuse my use of the word `may' with the notion that you actually have a choice in the matter."

Durla mustered his dignity, then gestured to the other ministers. They followed him out and the doors shut behind them, leaving only a handful of security guards behind. The fact that the guards were there, though, was enough to convince G'Kar immediately that Londo wasn't going to say anything that he wasn't comfortable with having repeated to Durla. It was his suspicion, based not only upon Londo's passing comments, but also his abundant knowledge of just how Centauri politics worked, that Londo was under careful watch at all times.

"So–" Londo rubbed his hands together "–how long will you be here, eh? If you wish, I can provide a tour of Centauri Prime. You can see all that we have accomplished."

"That ... is actually what we've come to talk about," Garibaldi said, shifting in his chair. He leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "As you know, we were sent by the president..."

"Yes, yes, Sheridan informed us of your visit. I cannot tell you the rejoicing there was, knowing that the Alliance is so concerned about our welfare, that they feel the need to check on us constantly. It is very uplifting to the spirit, yes, to know that we are so beloved." Garibaldi ignored the sarcasm.

"The factory on Xonos..." G'Kar watched Londo very carefully. Mollari certainly had the ability to keep his cards close to his vest, but G'Kar fancied that, by this point, he could tell when Londo was out-and-out lying. Londo, however, looked at Garibaldi with what could only be considered wide-eyed innocence.

"The agricultural site, you mean. I had this discussion with President Sheridan. We have, as your people say, beaten our swords into plowshares, Mr. Garibaldi. Would you now take issue with how we plow?"

"There's just concern that things may not be the way that they're being presented to us."

"In other words, you think we are lying."

"Not in other words," G'Kar spoke up. "Those are exactly the right words." Londo, to G'Kar's surprise, laughed slightly at that.

"Now I see why he is here," he said, indicating G'Kar. "He says all the things that will anger me, leaving you free to be as charming as possible. Or at least, as charming as is possible for you."

"Look, don't get the wrong idea..."

Londo rose from his seat.

"I cannot do more than be open with you, Mr. Garibaldi. I can do nothing more than hide nothing. You are free to look wherever you wish upon Centauri Prime, at whatever you wish to examine. Inspect the facility on Xonos ... I shall arrange transportation for you there tomorrow."

"Why not tonight?" Garibaldi said quickly.

"Tonight if you wish," Londo shrugged. "I had thought you would be tired, and desire some time to recover from your trip. But if tonight is what you desire," and he turned to his guards to arrange it.

"No, no, that's all right," said Garibaldi. "Tomorrow would be fine. No need to put anyone out. You're right, we could use some time to rest up."

"Very well," Londo said, equally agreeably. "Your guest chambers are already arranged, and tomorrow ... tomorrow we shall take a trip to Xonos. Now, if you'll excuse me ... affairs of state that must be attended to, and all that."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Garibaldi said formally.

"`Your Highness?' " Londo looked both surprised and amused. "Please, please, Mr. Garibaldi. We go too far back, you and I. You, and your associates, can feel free to address me as," and he paused dramatically, "`Your Majesty.'"

"Why are we waiting until tomorrow?" Welch asked. Garibaldi was busy unpacking the few articles of clothing he had brought with him. Welch, who had brought even less than Garibaldi, already had his gear stowed in the adjacent room.

"Because there's not going to be anything there," Garibaldi told him flatly. "Whenever people are eager to have you inspect something – their apartment, their ship, their planet, whatever – doesn't matter. It means they've already got whatever it is you're looking for safely tucked away where they think you'll never find it."

"So you're saying his being willing to be forthcoming is just proof that he's covering something up."

"More or less," said Garibaldi. "There's one of two options here, Lou. Either the Centauri really are up to nothing ... or they're up to something, but it's not here."

"Which begs the question of, if they are up to something ... where is it happening."

"Yup. Any thoughts?"

Welch gave the matter some consideration, pacing the room while scratching behind his ear as if trying to tickle his brain into operation. Finally he said, "You believe in gut hunches, Chief?"

"You've known me this long, you have to ask me that?"

Welch chuckled at that and then grew serious again.

"Those kids. Those Prime Candidates. They were all over the place, did ja notice?"

"Yeah, I noticed. It was kind of spooky. No matter which corner we turned, there were more of them. It was like running into clones of the same person."

"I think they might be the key to this. Or at least they might be worth exploring."

"What do you have in mind?"

Welch stepped out onto the narrow balcony and gestured for Garibaldi to join him. He did so, and Welch pointed.

"See." Garibaldi looked where Welch was indicating. There was a small cluster of the Prime Candidates heading in the direction of the city. They were moving in synchronous step, with such perfect regimentation that they might well have been the same person, simply replicated. "So I was watching them from my balcony a little bit ago. There were more of them, heading in exactly the same direction, and some coming back, also from the same place."

"You want to follow them."

"Exactly, Chief. See where they lead. See what comes up."

"All right," Garibaldi said. "When did you have in mind?"

Welch abruptly coughed, very loudly and hoarsely. Then, with a greatly exaggerated croaking, he said, "I think I feel a cold coming on. It should be pretty nasty by tomorrow."

"I'll send your regrets along," Garibaldi said.

G'Kar heard the soft footfalls behind him and did not even have to turn to see who it was.

"Hello, Your Majesty" he said.

Londo came up behind him, his hands draped behind his back, and he was clearly puzzled.

"Londo. You, G'Kar, of all people, know that `Londo' will more than suffice. I was told you were down here. Is there any particular reason? Were the accommodations I provided for you so wretched that you think a dungeon would be preferable?"

For that was indeed where they were; in the subterranean dungeons far beneath the palace. G'Kar was standing at the doorway of one particularly odious chamber, with a stench so foul that Londo had to fight to repress his gag reflex. He heard the faint scuttling of tiny claws across the floor and wondered what sort of vermin were running about within.