darknadir (64 page)

* * *
Day 42

The next morning, Dzaou met L'Seuli. "I've had a good look round the landing deck, and I need an extra unit of ten people, Commander," he said in his slow, drawling accent. "We've not been in verbal communication with any of our people since they went missing. It's quite possible they could have been subverted to the Primes' way of thinking. I want the whole of the docking bay secured, all gun emplacements occupied and sealed, all vehicles out, and the two crews separated and taken under escort to debriefing rooms. I want to be sure this Kaid character is fit to be a negotiator."
"Brother Kaid is
the
negotiator," corrected L'Seuli automatically, as he considered the request. "I'll pass on your recommendations to Captain Zhaddu, but as for taking the people on the
Profit
into custody, I would remind you they are not criminals, Lieutenant, and should not be treated as such."
"They are a security risk, Commander, almost as great a one as the other aliens here. And there's the matter of the extra day."
L'Seuli could hear the condemnation in his voice. "The
Profit
arrived in this system on schedule. It's their journey from the gas giant that's delayed them. Remember, Dzaou, this is our time," he said, putting an underlying growl of annoyance into his voice. "You are merely passing through. Stronghold and Shola have to live with our decisions. I'm well aware of your reasons for choosing cryo, but Brothers should be capable of rising above their personal prejudices. If you cannot, I will report you to your Instructor and request your return to Stronghold. Do I make myself clear?"
Dzaou suppressed his anger with an effort. "My priority is the safety of our species."
"You'd do that best by not starting an incident through insulting our new allies. Agreed, our people could be a security risk, but the U'Churians and the Cabbarans will not be subjected to an inquisition style debriefing. Remember, had it not been for their help, we'd have lost Clan Leader Aldatan and his Leska."
"Very well, we can escort the crew of the
Profit
to safe quarters, but I insist our people be taken into custody until fully debriefed." Concessions had to be made, and if the aliens from the
Profit
were in guarded quarters, and kept there till this encounter was over, he'd be satisfied. Briefly, he wondered why their Instructor hadn't given him a larger unit.
"Maybe because he knew that with it you wouldn't be forced to make compromises," said a voice as the door opened. "Sorry to interrupt, Commander L'Seuli, but Master Rhyaz said to report to you immediately."
Flanked by Banner and Jurrel, Brynne stood just inside the room. Behind him stood Keeza and Shaayiyisis, the Sumaan captain of the
Couana.
"We're to augment your unit. I presume this means we'll be working with Lieutenant Dzaou."
Dzaou had spun around in his chair as he heard the voice. A Human, wearing the Brotherhood active grays edged with purple. What the hell was he doing in that getup?
"Brother Brynne, I'm sure Master Rhyaz didn't envisage such a sudden entrance to my office," L'Seuli said coldly, while blessing him mentally for his interruption.
Dzaou couldn't believe what he was hearing. The Brotherhood had alien members?
No problem,
came the reply.
Master Rhyaz said to tell you this fellow needs to lose some of his species prejudice or he'll not be returning to his unit, whatever that means. I came in because he was broadcasting his dislike so loudly I picked it up as we came past. At the moment, he's freaking out about alien Brothers.
Several emotions flitted through L'Seuli's mind, as well as several thoughts. Foremost of those was that putting Brynne on Dzaou's team could be almost as much trouble as it was benefit. The wry face Brynne pulled wasn't lost on him.
He stood up, looking at Dzaou. "These three Brothers will be added to your unit, Dzaou," he said. "You must learn to work with Brynne and any of our other alien Brothers, or return to Stronghold at the end of this mission. As for your request, I'll make sure the additional ten Brothers are sent to the landing bay within the next half hour. And you may escort our people from the
Profit
to the debriefing room when they arrive. The U'Churians and the Cabbarans are to be quartered in dormitory one, the others in dorm seven."
Dzaou got to his feet, aware from the sleeping arrangements that the commander had already considered the potential risk posed by the returning Sholans and Humans. "Which room has been designated for debriefing, Commander?"
"The offices on the starboard side opposite the briefing room have been allocated to us. And, Lieutenant Dzaou," he said quietly. "I'm in charge of debriefing. Remember that. Brother Jurrel, your orders, if you please. Where have you left Kezule?"
Jurrel came forward to hand him the comp pad with their orders on it. "He's being revived from cryo in the sick bay, Commander. Master Rhyaz wants Brynne to be present with the negotiating party. He's the one who contacted Kusac a couple of days ago."
"Noted," said L'Seuli. "Dismissed."
Dzaou saluted sharply and turned to follow the other three Brothers into the corridor. Working with a Human did not please him at all. The fact he was a telepath was an extra annoyance. Unable to stomach violence, they had no business being out here in the front line.
Brynne turned round and blocked his way. "If you think working with you when you're broadcasting your dislike of me is any kind of a picnic, think again, mate," he said, making sure to show his teeth in an unfriendly grin. "En'Shalla Brothers fight, and our training at Stronghold is as complete as anyone else's. I may have started later than you, and be a beginner, but don't underestimate me, or any other Humans."
"Brynne," said Banner warningly. "On a mission, we're given ranks, even though none exist otherwise. He's our lieutenant."
"Yeah, well, I have this problem with racists," said Brynne. "He should button his mind if he doesn't want me knowing what he's thinking!"
"Is he your pupil?" asked Dzaou coldly.
"Mine," said Jurrel. "And with respect, Lieutenant, he's right. If you haven't worked with En'Shallan telepaths before..."
"I'm aware of their level of Talent," he interrupted. "Stow your belongings in dorm eight and get down to the landing bay on the double!"
He watched them head off, then angrily made for the comms room, requesting a secure line to his unit Instructor.

* * *

"You set me up for this," Dzaou said.
"There are lessons you must learn if you wish to be part of Shola's future. It's not enough to condition you to accept the new species with whom we must work," said his Instructor placidly. "You must learn to accept them. See the strengths they bring to our world as well as our species."
"What I went through in the Chemerian wars..."
"Is known to us. You should use that to help you deal with our returning Brothers and Sisters with compassion. That is why you were chosen."
"When I volunteered to be a Sleeper, I thought..."
"That you were a perfect warrior because you were accepted." The Instructor nodded. "It's a common mistake, one usually rectified during the first awakening. You were unlucky that this didn't happen for you. Swallow your pride, Brother Dzaou. You are no better than any of the current day Brothers with whom you work."
"Will you let me finish talking, dammit!"
"I've listened to such arguments many times," his Instructor sighed. "Say something new and I will listen, Brother."
"Why was I chosen if I've got so many flaws?" he demanded.
"Vartra's reasons are sometimes known only by Him. You know what you must do, Brother Dzaou. I have confidence in your ability to succeed. Do not prove me wrong and have to return to Stronghold, unless that's what you wish."
Dzaou began to growl angrily. "What of our imperative to protect our species?"
"We do that best by listening to those who lead us. A briefing of the situation is only that, not a knowledge of it. They live now, they know their own time. Be guided by them, Brother Dzaou. And make use of the En'Shalla telepaths. They are a gift from Vartra Himself. The future will see their children come into their own for the benefit of all the Alliance."
"Their children?" he asked, startled.
"The hybrid cubs born of the mixed Leskas." The Instructor frowned. "This was in your briefing tapes. Don't you remember?"
"Yes, now you mention it. I hadn't realized that the cubs were actually hybrids of both species."
"Now, perhaps, you see the wisdom of learning to work with these Humans. They are our future, Dzaou. We either embrace them, or are overtaken by them. As for our new allies, the U'Churians and the Cabbarans have already shown their worth in the help they've given us during the past few weeks. Contrast them with the Chemerians of your own time. Doesn't the jegget in your den keep out the rodents who would otherwise inflict poisoned bites on your cubs? Strange times bring strange bedfellows, Dzaou. Try to open your mind to them, accept them for what they are, rather than what they're not."
"All very well for you to say, Instructor," he grumbled. "I'm the one who's got to do it, not you."
"Do you think I don't have my own lessons to learn?" He raised an eye ridge. "I assure you, I have. The higher we aspire, Dzaou, the harder the lessons, and the farther we can fall. Now go back to your unit, and welcome the new Brothers as comrades in arms. You're on the same side, after all, and the telepath Brynne has lately learned his own lessons concerning our people."
Dzaou sighed. "Yes, Instructor,"

* * *

As the
Profit
settled down gently on the landing deck, Kaid began the power-down sequence, then transferred the board over to Sheeowl. The journey back had been a tremendous strain on everyone. They'd lived with the constant fear of the Prime ship following them and the worry that the repair would not stand up to the pressures of the journey. That was in addition to their fears for Kusac.
Tirak had asked him to handle the emergence and landing at Haven, since he'd been there before. In order to cut the time from their journey, they'd had to emerge as close to the gas giant as possible, taking into account that he'd no real idea of where the craft that would inevitably be there would be deployed. But they'd made it, and been escorted in to Haven itself.
"Got a reception committee for us here, too," said Tirak, indicating the forward view screen.
Kaid looked up. A group of gray-clad Sholans was running forward to surround the craft. One of them was Human. A lone figure stood off to one side by the elevator. L'Seuli.
Hello, there, Kaid, Carrie,
came Brynne's thought.
Commander L'Seuli says he knows you'll understand the need for the security.
He sounds bouncy,
Carrie commented.
I see you joined up,
sent Kaid.
Done a lot of things recently. How you all doing? Anyone hurt?
T'Chebbi's injured. Arm wound, not serious, but we're all exhausted.
Brace yourselves. Dzaou, the tan one, he's in charge. He wants our lot all debriefed immediately. Not the
Profit
crew, just your group. He's got an Attitude problem with us Humans and telepaths.
Figures. We'll be out shortly. Middle cargo air lock, port side.
Gotcha.
"They'll want to debrief us," said Kaid to Tirak as he got to his feet. "Not you, though. See they put you somewhere comfortable and feed you. I said we'd exit from the cargo bay."
Tirak nodded. "I want to have a word with you about Jeran. He's asked to join my crew. All his friends and family are dead. Says he's got nothing to go back for."
"Wants to stay with Giyesh."
"I'm a military ship, Kaid, so are my people," he said awkwardly. "If I were a trading vessel, it might be different. I shouldn't have let Giyesh take up with him, but she's the youngest and she needed someone during our captivity. If it becomes general knowledge on Home, she'll find herself compromised when it comes to finding a mate."
"Then why not let them stay together? Tell Home you need him as an ambassador. Because of the time he spent on Jalna, he's got a good working knowledge of the Free Traders, and he's Sholan. Perfect for the job," he said, knowing if he wasn't so tired, he'd be amused. "Request him from the one called L'Seuli. Tell him, if he asks, I said yes."
Tirak nodded. "You make a good argument for him, one I think even our people will accept."
Kaid patted him on the shoulder as he went past. "Got something to see to before we debark," he said.
Carrie and the others had gathered in the mess with their belongings. "You go on down to the cargo bay and wait for me," he said as they got onto the elevator. "I want to catch Rezac on his own. We'll bring Zsurtul."

* * *

As Kaid and Rezac, with Zsurtul between them, came across from the elevator, Tirak opened the outer hatch and extended the ramp. Cold air surged in around them, making him shiver as he joined Carrie.
"Well come back," called out Brynne as they began to walk down the ramp onto Haven.
"Good to be back," said Kaid, watching as the Sholan wearing the insignia of a lieutenant stepped forward.
"Well come to Haven," Dzaou said to them. He gestured two males forward. "Prince Zsurtul, my people will escort you to your new quarters. The commander of this facility will be along to see you shortly."
"Lieutenant Dzaou," said Kaid as their hostage was led away, "Prince Zsurtul has been cooperative with us. May I recommend you bear this in mind?"
Dzaou barely looked at him before turning to the U'Churians and Cabbarans. "Captain Tirak, my people will escort you and your crew to your quarters, where a meal awaits you."
At least they're treating Tirak decently,
sent Carrie, eyeing the group of Brothers and Sisters that were moving to surround them.
As Tirak and the others were led to the elevator and L'Seuli, Dzaou finally turned to them.
"We're taking you up to level two for debriefing, then you'll be shown to your quarters."
"My people are exhausted, Lieutenant Dzaou," said Kaid. "Can't this wait? We need food and sleep, and clean clothes. We've got civilians and younglings with us."
"All that will have to wait, Brother Kaid. You know the protocol as well as anyone. The Prime ship is only a day behind you. We have very little time."
"What's your gift, Lieutenant?" asked Carrie.
Startled, Dzaou looked at her. "Excuse me?"
"Gift. All Brothers have a psi gift. What's yours? Or do you have anyone capable of receiving telepathic communications, apart from Brynne?"
The seven guards looked at each other, then Zhiko spoke. "I can receive a little. Why?"
Carrie stepped toward her and instantly six rifles came up to bear on her. The only one that didn't was Brynne's. She ignored Kaid's mental warning as she stared at the Brothers ringing them.
"Don't be ridiculous," she said. "Do you think we escaped from the Primes to come here and kill you?" She looked round them. "You do! Of all the damned foolish ideas! I'm too damned tired to be bothered with your games of soldiers."
Dzaou stepped forward. "Let's get moving," he said, indicating the elevator with his gun barrel.
"Is there a problem?" asked L'Seuli as he strolled over. "Well come back, Kaid, Carrie. T'Chebbi, I didn't realize you were injured," he said, gesturing toward the medics still standing by the elevator. "Or that there was a pregnant female with you. Jo, isn't it? Lieutenant Dzaou, see these two females are taken straight to the sick bay," he said.
"I'm going with her," said Rezac. "So's Zashou. We're Linked as a Triad."
"Take them as well," said L'Seuli to the medics. "And for the Gods' sake, see they're fed."
"I want a Brother to accompany them," said Dzaou.
"I'm a Brother," said Rezac. "No need for anyone else."
"That's not sufficient!"
"They're hardly going to cause any trouble, Lieutenant," said L'Seuli dryly. "They're so exhausted they can barely stand."
"Take them to sick bay," ordered Dzaou through clenched teeth.
"The younglings, Commander L'Seuli, do they have to be debriefed right now? Can't it wait?" asked Kaid quietly.
L'Seuli looked at them. The male was only about sixteen, the female he couldn't guess, not having any experience of Humans.
"She's sixteen, too," said Carrie.
"Kate and Taynar, isn't it?" L'Seuli asked, getting tired nods in reply from them. "Taeo, take them to the dorm. They should be in their beds at this time of night."
"That just leaves the three of us," said Kaid.
L'Seuli looked at Kaid. "Never straightforward when you're involved, is it, Kaid?"
"I do my best, Commander," he murmured, letting his tail sway gently.
"No, I want you three debriefed. Jeran was with M'ezozakk's ship until Jalna. His information is invaluable to us. I'll debrief you myself, and see you're fed, but it will be done tonight," he said firmly.
Carrie stepped up to him and linked an arm through his. "In that case, since you insist so nicely, Commander L'Seuli," she said, smiling up at him as she began walking him toward the elevator.
Dzaou looked on speechless, then powered down his gun and, slinging it over his shoulder, gestured Kaid and Jeran to follow them.
Quite put him off his stride, we did,
Carrie sent to Kaid.
"Master Lijou warned me about you," said L'Seuli in an undertone to Carrie. "I take it Brynne updated you as you landed."
"Forewarned is forearmed. You don't really think we've been brainwashed, do you?"
"It's a possibility."
"All you have to do is ask Vriuzu to read us. He knows us, and he'll be able to tell you right away. He says he'd be happy to do it."
L'Seuli stopped in his tracks. "You've contacted him already? Of course you have. Why didn't I think of that?" He shook his head and started moving again. "I should have. I'll get him to join us in the debriefing room."
"Already done. Another problem solved," she said. "You're just not used to having the resources of us telepaths at your command, that's all."