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C.JCherryh
ThePrideofChanur
Therehadbeensomethinglooseaboutthestationdockallmorning,skulkinginamongstthegantriesandthelinesandthecanisterswhichwerewaitingtobemoved,lurkingwherevershadowsfellamongtherampwayaccessesofthemanyshipsatdockatMeetpoint.Itwaspale,naked,starved-lookinginwhatfleetingglimpseanyoneonThePrideofChanurhadhadofit.Evidentlynoonehadreportedittostationauthorities,nordidThePride.Involvingoneselfinothers’concernsatMeetpointStation,whereseveralspeciescametotradeandprovision,wasill-advised-atleastuntilonewaspersonallybothered.Whateveritwas,itwasbipedal,brachiate,andquickatmakingitselfunseen.Ithadsurelygottenawayfromsomeone,andlikeliestwerethekif,whohadathievingfingerineverything,andwhowerenotabovekidnapping.Oritmightbesomelarge,bizarreanimal:themahendo’satwereinclinedtothekeepingandtradeofstrangepets,andStationhadbeendispleasedwiththeminthatrespectonmorethanoneoccasion.Sofarithaddonenothing.Stolennothing.Noonewantedtogetinvolvedinquestionandanswerbetweenoriginalownersandstationauthorities;andsofarnoofficialstatementhadcomedownfromthosestationauthoritiesandnonoticeofitslosshadbeenpostedbyanyship,whichitselfarguedthatawisepersonshouldnotaskquestions.Thecrewreporteditonlytothecaptainandchasedit,twice,fromThePride’sloadingarea.Thenthecrewgottoworkonnecessaryduties,havingsettledtheannoyancetotheirsatisfaction.
Itwasthelastmatteronthemindofthenoble,thedistinguishedcaptainPyanfarChanur,whowassettingoutdownherownrampwayforthedocks.Shewashani,thiscaptain,splendidlymanedandbeardedinred-gold,whichreachedinsilkencurlstothemiddleofherbare,sleek-peltedchest,andshewasdressedasbefittedahaniofcaptain’srank,blousingscarletbreechestuckedupatherwaistwithabroadgoldbelt,withsilkcordsofeveryshadeofredandorangewrappingthatabout,eachknottedcordwithapendantjewelonitsdanglingend.Goldfinishedthebreechesatherknees.Goldfiligreewasherarmlet.Andarowoffinegoldringsandalargependantpearldecoratedthetuftedsweepofherleftear.Shestrodedownherownrampwayinthesecurityofownership,stillhigh-bloodedfromaquarrelwithherniece-andyelledandbaredclawsastheintruder
bloodedfromaquarrelwithherniece-andyelledandbaredclawsastheintrudercamebearingdownonher.
Shelandedoneraking,startledblowwhichwouldhaveheldahaniintheencounter,butthehairlessskintoreandithurtledpasther,tallerthanshewas.Itskiddedroundthebendingofthecurvedramptubeandboundedrightintotheship,trailingbloodallthewayandleavingabloodyhandprintontherampway’swhiteplasticwall.
Pyanfargapedinoutrageandpeltedafter,clawsscrabblingfortractionontheflooringplates.“Hilfy!”sheshoutedahead;herniecehadbeeninthelowercorridor.Pyanfarmadeitintotheairlock,hitthebarofthecompanelthereandpunchedallship.“Alert!Hilfy!Callthecrewin!Something’sgottenaboard.Sealyourselfintothenearestcompartmentandcallthecrew.”Sheflungopenthelockernextthecomunit,grubbedapistolandscrambledinpursuitoftheintruder.Notroubleatalltrackingit,withthedottedredtrailonthewhitedecking.Thetrackledleftatthefirstcross-corridor,whichwasdeserted-theintrudermusthavegoneleftagain,startingtoboxthesquareroundtheliftshafts.Pyanfarran,heardashoutfromthatintersectingcorridorandscrambledforit:Hilfy!Sheroundedthecornerataslideandcameupshortonatableau,theintruder’shairless,red-runningbackandyoungHilfyChanurholdingthecorridorbeyondwithnothingbutbaredclawsandadolescentbluster.
“Idiot!”PyanfarspatatHilfy,andtheintruderturnedonherofasudden,muchcloser.Itbroughtupshortinastaggeredcrouch,seeingthegunaimedtwo-handedatitself.Itmighthavesensenottorushaweapon;might…butthatwouldturnitrightbackatHilfy,whostoodunarmedbehind.Pyanfarbracedtofireontheleastmovement.
Itstoodrigidlystillinitscrouch,pantingfromitsrunninganditswound.“Getoutofthere,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy.“Getback.”Theintruderknewabouthaniclawsnow;andguns;butitmightdoanything,andHilfy,anindistinctioninhervisionwhichwastunneledwhollyontheintruder,stayedstubbornlystill.“Move!”Pyanfarshouted.
Theintrudershoutedtoo,asnarlwhichalmostgotitshot;anddrewitselfuprightandgesturedtothecenterofitschest,twice,defiant.Goonandshoot,itseemedtoinviteher.
ThatintriguedPyanfar.Theintruderwasnotattractive.Ithadabedraggledgoldmaneandbeard,anditschestfur,almostinvisible,narrowedinalinedownits
maneandbeard,anditschestfur,almostinvisible,narrowedinalinedownitsheavingbellytovanishintowhatwas,legitimately,clothing,aragalmostnonexistentinitstattersandobscuredbythedirtwhichmatchedtherestofitshairlesshide.Itssmellwasrank.Butastraightcarriageandawild-eyedinvitationtoitsenemies…thatdeservedasecondthought.Itknewguns;itworeatleastatokenofclothing;itdrewitslineandmeanttoholditsterritory.Male,maybe.Ithadthatover-the-brinklookinitseyes.
“Whoareyou?”Pyanfaraskedslowly,inseverallanguagesoneaftertheother,includingkif.Theintrudergavenosignofunderstandinganyofthem.“Who?”sherepeated.
Itcrouchedslowly,withasullenscowl,allthewaytothedeck,andextendedablunt-nailedfingerandwroteinitsownbloodwhichwasliberallypuddledaboutitsbarefeet.Itmadeapreciserowofsymbols,tenofthem,andasecondrowwhichbeganwiththefirstsymbolprefacedbythesecond,secondwithsecond,secondwiththird…patiently,withincreasingconcentrationdespitethegrowingtremorsofitshand,dippingitsfingerandwriting,madfixationonitstask.
“What’sitdoing?”askedHilfy,whocouldnotseefromherside.
“Awritingsystem,probablynumericalnotation.It’snoanimal,niece.”
Theintruderlookedupattheexchange,-stoodup,anabruptmovewhichprovedinjudiciousafteritslossofblood.Aglassy,desperatelookcameintoitseyes,anditsprawledinthepuddleandthewriting,slippinginitsownbloodintryingtogetupagain.
“Callthecrew,”Pyanfarsaidlevelly,andthistimeHilfyscurriedoffingreathaste.Pyanfarstoodwhereshewas,pistolinhand,untilHilfywasoutofsightdownanothercorridor,then,assuredthattherewasnoonetoseeherlapseofdignity,shesquatteddownwiththeguninbothhandsandlooselybetweenherknees.Theintruderstillstruggled,proppeditselfupwithitsbloodybackagainstthewall,elbowpressedagainstthatdeeperstarting-pointofthescratchesonitsside,whichwasthesourceofmostoftheblood.Itspaleblueeyes,foralltheirglassiness,seemedtohavesenseinthem.Itlookedbackatherwarily,withseemingmadcynicism.
“Youspeakkif?”Pyanfaraskedagain.Aflickerofthoseeyes,whichmightmeananything.Notawordfromit.Itstartedshivering,whichwasshocksettingin.Sweathadbrokenoutonitsnakedskin.Itneverceasedtolookather.
in.Sweathadbrokenoutonitsnakedskin.Itneverceasedtolookather.
Runningbrokeintothecorridors.Pyanfarstoodupquickly,nottobecaughtthusengagedwiththecreature.Hilfycamehurryingbackfromherdirection,thecrewarrivingfromtheother,andPyanfarsteppedasideastheyarrivedandtheintrudertriedtoscrambleoffinretreat.Thecrewlaidhandsonitandjerkeditskiddingalongthebloodypuddle.Itcriedoutandtriedtograpplewiththem,buttheyhaditonitsbellyinthefirstrushandablowdazedit.“Gently!”Pyanfaryelledatthem,buttheyhaditthen,gotitsarmslashedatitsbackwithoneoftheirbelts,tieditsanklestogetherandgotoffit,theirfurasbloodyastheintruder,whocontinuedafeeblemovement.
“Doitnomoredamage,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’llhaveitclean,thankyou,watered,fed,andhealthy,butkeepitrestrained.Preparemeexplanationshowitgotfacetofacewithmeintherampway,andifoneofyoubleatsawordofthisoutsidetheshipI’llsellyoutothekif.”
“Captain,”theymurmured,down-earedindeference.Theyweresecondandthirdcousinsofhers,twosetsofsisters,onesetlargeandonesmall,andequallychagrined.
“Out,”shesaid.Theysnatchedtheintruderupbythebindingofitsarmsandpreparedtodragit.“Careful!”Pyanfarhissed,remindingthem,andtheyweregentlerinpullingitalong.
“You,”PyanfarsaidthentoHilfy,herbrother’sdaughter,wholoweredherearsandturnedherfaceaside-short-maned,withanadolescent’sbeginningbeard,HilfyChanurpresentlyandwithaairofmartyrdom.I’llsendyoubackshavedifyoudisobeyanotherorder.Understandme?”
Hilfymadeabowfacingher,dulycontrite.“Aunt,”shesaid,andstraightened,contrivingtomakeitallthoughtfullygraceful;-lookedherstraightintheeyeswithoffendedworship.
“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid.Hilfybowedasecondtimeandpaddedpastassoftlyaspossible.Incommonbluebreecheslikethecrew,wasHilfy,buttheswaggerwasallChanur,andnotquiteludicrousonsoyoungawoman.Pyanfarsnorted,fingeredthesilkofherbeardintoorder,lookeddowninsoberthoughtatthewallowedsmearwheretheOutsiderhadfallen,obliteratingallthewritingfromtheeyesofthecrew.
So,so,so.
Pyanfarpostponedhertriptostationoffices,walkedbacktothelowerdeckoperationscenter,satdownatthecomboardamidallthetelltalesofcargostatusandlinesandgrapplesandtheroutineoperationsThePridecarriedonautomatically.Shekeyedinthecurrentmessages,sortedthroughthoseandfoundnothing,thendelvedintoThePride’srecordingofallmessagesreceivedsincedocking,andallwhichhadflowedthroughstationcommunicationsaimedatothers.Shesearchedfirstforanythingkif-sent,arapidflickeroflinesonthescreeninfrontofher,alloperationalchatterintranscription-averygreatdealofit.Thenshequeriedfornoticeofanythinglost,andafterthat,foranythingescaped.
Mahendo’sat?shequeriedthen,stayingconstantlytoherownship’srecordsofincomingmessages,ofthesortwhichflowedconstantlyinabusystation,andinnowisesendinganyinquiryintothestation’scompsystem.Sherecycledthewholerecordlastofall,ranitpastateye-blurringspeed,lookingforanykeywordaboutescapesorwarningsofalienpresenceatMeetpoint.
Soindeed.Noonewasgoingtosayawordonthetopic.Theownersstilldidnotwanttoacknowledgepubliclythattheyhadlostthisitem.TheChanurwerenotlack-witted,toannouncepubliclythattheyhadfoundit.Ortotrustthatthekiforwhoeverhadlostitwerenotatthismomentturningthestationinsideoutwithasurreptitioussearch.
Pyanfarturnedoffthemachine,flickedherearssothattheringsontheleftonejangledsoothingly.Shegotupandpacedthecenter,thrustherhandsintoherbeltandthoughtaboutalternatives,andpossiblegains.ItwouldbeadarkdayindeedwhenaChanurwenttothekiftohandbackanacquisition.Shecouldjustifiablymakeaclaimonitregardinglegalliabilitiesandtheinvasionofahaniship.Publichazard,itwascalled.Buttherewerenooutsidewitnessestotheintrusion,andthekif,almostcertainlytoblame,wouldnotyieldwithoutawrangle;whichmeantcourt;,andprolongedproximitytokif,whosegray,wrinkle-hidedpersonssheloathed;whosenaturallydolorousfacessheloathed;whosejeremiadofmiseriesandwrongsdonethemwasconstantandunendurable.AChanur,instationcourtwithahowlingmobofkif…anditwouldgotothatextremeifkifcameclaimingthisintruder.Thewholebusinesswasunpalatable,inallitsramifications.
wasunpalatable,inallitsramifications.
Whateveritwasandwhereveritcamefrom,thecreaturewaseducated.Thathintedinturnatotherthings,atcogentreasonswhythekifmightindeedbeupsetatthelossofthisitemandwhytheywishedsolittlepublicityinthesearch.Shepunchedinintraship.“Hilfy.”“Aunt?”Hilfyrespondedafteramoment.“Findouttheintruder’scondition.”“I’mwatchingthemtreatitnow.Aunt,Ithinkit’she,ifthere’sanyanalogyofformand-”“Nevermindzoology.Howbadlyisithurt?”“It’sinshock,butitseemsstrongerthanitwasamomentago.It-he-gotquietwhenwemanagedtogetananestheticonthescratches.Ithinkhefiguredthenweweretryingtohelp,andhequitfighting.Wethoughtthedrughadgothim.Buthe’sbreathingbetternow.”
“It’sprobablyjustwaitingitschance.Whenyougetitsafelylockedup,youtakeyourturnatdockwork,sinceyouweresoeagertohavealookoutside.Theotherswillshowyouwhattodo.TellHaraltogetherselftolowerdeckop.Now.”“Yes,aunt.”Hilfyhadnosulkinginhertone.Thelastreprimandmustnothavewornoff.Pyanfarshutdownthecontactandlistenedtostationchatterintheinterim,wishinginvainforsomethingtoclarifythematter.
Haralshowedupontherun,soakingwet,blood-spatteredandbreathless.Shebowedshortlyinthedoorway,straightened.Shewasoldestofthecrew,wasHaral,tall,withadarkscaracrossherbroadnoseandanotheracrossthebelly,butthosewerefromherrashyouth.“Cleanup,”Pyanfarsaid.“Takecashandgomarketing,cousin.Shopthesecond-handmarketsasifyouwereonyourown.TheitemIwantmaybedifficulttolocate,butnotimpossible,Ithink,insuchaplaceasMeetpoint.Somebooks,ifyouwill:amahendo’satlexicon;amahendo’satversionoftheirholywritings.ThephilosopherKohboranuaoranotherofthatilk,I’mcompletelyindifferent.Andamahendo’satsymboltranslator,itsmodulesandmanuals,fromelementaryup,asmanylevelsasyoucanfind…aboveallthatitem.Therestisallcover.Ifquestioned-aclient’stakenareligiousinterest.”
Haral’s,eyesflickered,butshebowedinacceptanceoftheorderandaskednothing.Pyanfarputherhanddeepintoherpocketandcameupwithamotleyassortmentoflarge-denominationcoinage,awholestackofit.
“Andfourgoldrings,”Pyanfaradded.
“Captain?”
“ToremindyouallthatThePridemindsitsownbusiness.Saysowhenyougivethem.It’llsalveyourfeelings,Ihope,ifwehavetomisstakingalibertyhere,aswellwemay.Buttalkandrousesuspicionaboutthoseitems,HaralAraun,andyouwon’thaveaneartoweariton.”
Haralgrinnedandbowedathirdtime.
“Go,”saidPyanfar,andHaraldartedoutinzealousapplication.
So.Itwasarisk,butaminorone.Pyanfarconsideredmattersforamoment,finallywalkedoutsidetheoproomanddownthecorridor,tooktheliftuptocentrallevel,whereherownquarterswere,outofthestenchandthereekofdisinfectantwhichfilledthelowerdeck.
Sheclosedthedoorbehindherwithasigh,wenttothebathandwashedherhands,seeingthatthereremainednoshredoffleshintheundercurveofherclaws-checkedoverherfinesilkbreechestobesurenospatterofbloodhadgottenonthem.Sheappliedadashofcolognetoclearthememoryfromhernostrils.
Stupidity.Shewasgettingdullasthestsho,tohavemissedagripontheintruderinthefirstplace:oldwasnotawordshepreferredtothinkabout.Slowofmind,woolgathering,thatshestrucklikeayoungsteronherfirstforage.Lazy.Thatwasmorelikeit.Shepattedherflatbellyanddecidedthattheyear-oldcomplacentoutlettingofherbelthadtobetakeninagain.Shewaslosingheredge.HerbrotherKohanwasstillfitenough,planetboundashewasandnotgiftedwiththetimestretchofjump:hemanaged.Inter-malebickeringandacoupleofsonstothrowoutofthedomicilekepthisbloodcirculating,andtherewasusuallyatrioofmatesinthehouseatanyonetime,withoffspringtochastise.Abouttime,shethought,thatsheputThePrideintohomedockatAnuurnforathoroughrefitting,andspendalayoverwithherownmateKhym,highintheKahinhills,intheMahnestates.Getthesmellofthehomeworldwindinhernostrilsforafewmonths.Doalittlehunting,runoffthatextranotchonthebelt.CheckonherdaughterTahyandseewhetherthatsonofherswasstillrovingaboutorwhethersomeonehadfinallybrokenhisneckforhim.SurelytheladwouldhavehadthecommoncourtesytosendamessagethroughKhymorKohanifhehadsettledsomewhere;andabovealltoherdaughter,whowas,godsknew,grownandgettingsofthangingaboutherfather’shouse,amongadozenotherdaughters,mostlybrotherless.SonKarashouldsettlehimselfwithsomeunpropertiedwifeandgivehissistersomegainfulemploymentmaking
someunpropertiedwifeandgivehissistersomegainfulemploymentmakinghimrich-aboveall,settleandtakehimselfoutofhisfather’sandhisuncle’sway.Ambitious,thatwasKara.LettheyoungraketrytomoveinonhisuncleKohanandthatwouldbethelastofhim.Pyanfarflexedclawsatthethoughtandrecalledwhyallhershoreleaveswereshortones.
Butthisnow,thisbusinesswiththisbitoflivecontrabandwhichhadstrayedaboard,whichmightbekif-owned…thehonorablelordKohanChanurherbrotherwasgoingtohaveawordtosayabouthisship’scarelessnessinlettingsuchanincidentreachtheirdeck.AndtherewasgoingtobeamajorrearrangementinthehouseholdifHilfygothurt-brotherless;Hilfy,whohadgottentobetoomuchChanurtogofollowingafterabrotherifeverhermothergaveherone.HilfyChanurparFaha,whowantedthestarsmorethanshewantedanything;andwhoclungtoherfatherastheonewhocouldgivethemtoher.ItwasHilfy’slifelongwaitedchance,thisvoyage,thisapprenticeshiponThePride.IthadtornKohan’sdotingsoultopartfromhisfavorite;thatwasclearintheletterwhichhadcomewithHilfy.
Pyanfarshookherheadandfretted.Deprivingthosefourrag-earedcrewofhersofashoreleaveinthepursuitofthismatterwasonething,buttakingHilfyhometoAnuurnwhileshesortedoutamajorquarrelwiththekifwasanother.Itwasexpensive,curtailingtheirhomewardrouting.More,Hilfy’spridewoulddieadeath,ifshewerethecauseofthatrerouting,ifsheweremadetofacehersistersinhersuddenreturntothehousehold;andPyanfarconfessedherselfattachedtotheimp,whowantedwhatshehadwantedatsuchanage,whomostlikelywouldcometocommandaChanurshipsomeday,perhapseven-godspostponethehour-ThePrideitself.Pyanfarthoughtofsuchalegacy…someday,somedaythatKohanpassedhisprimeandshedid.OthersinthehouseofChanurwerejealousofHilfy,waitingforsomechancetousetheirjealousy.ButHilfywasthebest.Thebrightestandbest,likeherselfandlikeKohan,andnoonesofarcouldproveotherwise.WhateveryoungmaleonedaywontheChanurholdingfromKohaninhisdeclinehadbestwalkwarilyandpleaseHilfy,orHilfymighttakeherselfamatewhowouldteartheearsofftheinterloper.ThatwasthekindHilfywas,loyaltoherfatherandtothehouse.
AndruiningthatspiritorriskingherlifeoverthatdraggledOutsiderwasnotworthit.Maybe,Pyanfarthought,sheshouldswallowthebittermouthfulandgodumpthecreatureonthenearestkifship.Sheseriouslyconsideredit.Choosingthewrongkifshipmightaffordsomelivelyamusement:therewouldberiotamongthekifandconsternationonthestation.Butyieldingwasstill,atbottom,distasteful.
distasteful.
Gods!sothatwashowsheproposedteachingyoungHilfytohandledifficulties.Thatwastheexamplesheset…yieldingupwhatshehad,becauseshethoughtitmightbedangeroustoholdit.
Shewasgettingsoft.Shepattedherbellyagain,decidedagainstshoreleaveatvoyage’send,anotherlying-upandanotherMahnoffspringtomuddlethingsup.Decidedagainstretreat.Shedrewinagreatbreathandputonagrimsmile.Agecameandtheyounggrewold,butnottooold,thegodsgrant.Thisvoyage,youngHilfyChanurwasgoingtolearntojustifythatswaggershecutthroughthecorridorsoftheship;so,indeedshewas.
Therewasnoleavingtheshipwithmattersaboardstillinflux.Pyanfarwenttothesmallcentralgalley,upthestarboardcurvefromherquartersandthebridge,stirredabouttotakeacupofgfifromthedispenserandsatdownatthecounterbytheoventoenjoyitatleisure,waitinguntilhercrewshouldhavehadampletimetohavedealtwiththeOutsider.Shegavethemabitmore,finallytossedtheemptycupinthesterilizerandgotupandwanderedbelowdecksagain,wherethecorridorsstankstronglyofantisepticandTirunwasloungingabout,leaningagainstthewallbythelowerdeckwashroomdoor.“Well?”Pyanfarasked.
“Weputitinthere,captain.Easiesttoclean,byyourleave.Haralleft.ChurandGeranandkerHilfyareoutdoingtheloading.Thoughtsomeoneoughttostayawhilebythedoorandlisten,tobesurethecreature’sallright.”
Pyanfarlaidherhandontheswitch,lookedbackatTirun-Haral’ssisterandasbroadandsolid,withthescarsofyouthwell-weathered,thegoldofsuccessfulvoyageswinkingfromherleftear.ThetwoofthemtogethercouldhandletheOutsider,shereckoned,inanycondition.“Doesitshowanysignofcomingoutofitsshock?”
“It’squiet;shallowbreathing,staringsomewhereelse-butawarewhat’sgoingon.Scaredusamoment;wethoughtit’dgoneintoshockwiththemedicine,butIthinkitjustquieteddownwhenthepainstopped.Wetriedwiththewaywehandledit,tomakeitunderstandwedidn’twanttohurtit.Maybeithasthatfigured.Wecarrieditinhereanditsettleddownandlaystill…movedwhenmadetomove,butnotsurly,morelikeit’sstoppedthinking,likeit’sstoppeddoinganythingitdoesn’thavetodo.Wornout,I’dsay.”
doinganythingitdoesn’thavetodo.Wornout,I’dsay.”
“Huh.”Pyanfarpressedthebar.Thedarkinteriorofthewashroomsmelledofantiseptictoo,thestrongesttheyhad.Thelightsweredimmed.Theairwasstiflinglywarmandcarriedanoddscentundertheantisepticreek.Hereyesmissedthecreatureamoment,searchedanxiouslyandlocateditinthecorner,aheapofblanketsbetweentheshowerstallandthelaundry…asleeporawakeshecouldnottellwithitsheadtuckeddowninitsforearms.Alargecontainerofwaterandaplasticdishwithafewmeatchipsandcrumbsleftrestedbesideitonthetiles.Well,again.Itwasthencarnivorousandnotsodelicateafterall,tohaveanappetiteleft.Somuchforitscollapse.“Isitrestrained?”
“Ithaschainenoughtogettotheheadifitunderstandswhatit’sfor.”
Pyanfarsteppedbackoutsideandclosedthedooronitagain.“Verylikelyitunderstands.Tirun,itissapientorI’mblind.Don’tassumeitcan’tmanipulateswitches.Nooneistogointherealoneandnoone’stocarryfirearmsnearit.Passthatordertotheotherspersonally,Hilfytoo.-EspeciallyHilfy.”
“Yes,captain.”Tirun’sbroadfacewasinnocentofopinions.Godsknewwhattheyweregoingtodowiththecreatureiftheykeptit.Tirundidnotask.Pyanfarstrolledoff,meditatingonthescenebehindthewashroomdoor,theheapofdeceptiveblankets,thefoodsohealthilyconsumed,theavowedcollapse…nolackwit,thiscreaturewhohadtwicetriedhership’ssecurityandonthethirdattempt,.succeededingettingthrough.WhyThePride?shewondered.Whyhership,outofalltheothersatdock?Becausetheywerelastinthesection,beforethebulkheadofthedocksealmightforcethecreaturetohaveleftcoversomewhat,anditwasthelastavailablechoice?Orwastheresomeotherreason?
Shewalkedthecorridortotheairlockandtherampway,andoutitscurvingribbedlengthintothechillairofthedocks.Shelookedleftasshecameout,andtherewasHilfy,canister-loadingwithChurandGeran,rollingthebigcargocontainersoffthestationsidedollyandontothemovingbeltwhichwouldtakethegoodsintoThePride’sholds,paidfreightonitswaytoUrturandKuraandTouinandAnuurnitself,stshocargo,commoditiesandtextilesandmedicines,ordinarystuff.Hilfypausedatthesightofher,pantingwithhereffortsandalreadylookingclosetocollapse-stoodupstraightwithherhandsathersidesandherearsback,bellyheaving.Itwashardwork,shiftingthosecansabout,especiallyfortheunskilledandunaccustomed.ChurandGeranworkedon,smallofstatureandwiry,knowingthepointsofbalancetoanexactitude.Pyanfaraffectednottonoticehernieceandwalkedonwithwidestepsand
Pyanfaraffectednottonoticehernieceandwalkedonwithwidestepsandnonchalant,smilingtoherselfthewhile.Hilfyhadbeenmightilyindignant,barredfromrushingouttostationmarket,toroamaboutunescorted,sightseeingonthisherfirstcallatMeetpoint,wherespeciesdockedwhichnevercalledathomeworld…sightsshehadmissedatUrturandKura,likewisepentaboardshiporheldclosetoThePride’sberth.Theimphadtoomuchenthusiasmforherowngood.SoshegotthelookatMeetpoint’sfamousdocksshehadarguedtohave,now,thisveryday-butnotthesightseeingtourofheryoungimaginings.
Nextstation-call,Pyanfarthought,nextstation-callherniecemighthavelearnedenoughtoletlooseunescorted,whenthewild-eyedeagernesshadwornoff,whenshehadlearnedfromthisincidentthattherewerehazardsondocksideandthatalittlecautionwasinorderwhenprowlingthefriendliestofports.
Herself,shetookthedirectroute,notwithoutwatchinghersurroundings.
II
AcallonMeetpointStationofficialswasusuallyaleisurelyandpleasantaffair.Thestsho,placidandgraceful,ranthestationofficesandbureausonthissideofthestation,whereoxygenbreathersdocked.Methodicaltoafault,thestsho,tediousandfullofendlesssubtlemeaningsintheirpastelornamentandthetattooingsontheirpearlyhides.Theywereanotherhairlessspecies-stalk-thin,tri-sexedandhanilikeonlybythewildeststretchoftheimagination,ifeyes,nose,andmouthinbiologicallyconvenientorderwassimilarity.Theirmannerswerebizarreamongthemselves.Butstshohadlearnedtosuittheirmethodicalploddingandtheirceremoniousnesstohanitaste,whichwastohaveasoftchair,areadycupofherbaltea,aplateofexoticediblesandanindividualaspleasantaspossibleabouttheformsandthestatistics,whocouldmakeitalllikeasocialchat.
Thisstshowasunfamiliar.Stshochangedofficialsmorereadilythantheychangedornament-eitheradifferentindividualhadcomeintocontrolofMeetpointStation,Pyanfarreckoned,orastshoshehadonceknownhadenteredaNewPhase,-newdoings?Pyanfarwondered,atthenudgeofasmallandpricklyinstinct-newdoings?LooseOutsidersandstshopowershuffles?Allchangesweresuspectwhensomethingwasoutofpocket.Ifitwasthesameasthepreviousstationmaster,ithadchangedthepatternofalltheelaboratesilverfiligreeandplumes-azureandlimenow,notazureandmint;andifitwerethecase,itwasnotatallpolitetorecognizetherefurbishedperson,evenifahanisuspectedidentity.
Thestshoproffereddelicaciesandtea,bowed,foldedupgtststalklikelimbs-he,she,orevenit,hardlyappliedwithstsho-andseatedgtst-selfingtstbowlchair,acushionedindentationintheofficefloor.Thenecessarytableroseonapedestalbeforeit.Pyanfaroccupiedthefacingdepression,loungedonanelbowtoreachforthesmokedfishthestsho’slesser-statusservanthadplacedonasimilartableatherleft.Theservant,ornamentlessandnoone,satagainstthewall,kneestuckedhigherthangtsthead,armsaboutbonyankles,waitingusefulness.Thestshoofficiallikewisetookasampleofthefish,pouredtea,gracefulgesturesofstshoeleganceandhospitality.Plumedandcosmeticallyaugmentedbrowsnoddeddelicatelyovermoonstoneeyesasgtstlookedup-whitebrowsshadingtolilacandazure;azuretracingsonthedomedbrowshadedtolimeoverthehairlessskull.Anotherstsho,ofcourse,mightreadthepatternswithexactitude,
hairlessskull.Anotherstsho,ofcourse,mightreadthepatternswithexactitude,thestationinlife,thechosenMoodforthisPhaseofgtstexistence,theaffiliationsandmodesandthereby,gtstapproachability.Non-stshowereforgiventheirtrespasses;andstshoinRetiringmodewerenotlikelyfillingpublicoffices.
PyanfarmadeoneattemptontheOutsidertopic,delicately:“Thingshavebeenquiethereabouts?”
“Oh,assuredly.”Thestshobeamed,smiledwithnarrowmouthandnarroweyes,acarnivorehabit,thoughthestshowerenotaggressive.“Assuredly.”
“Alsoonmyworld,”Pyanfarsaid,andsippedhertea,anaromaofspiceswhichdelightedallhersinuses.“Herbal.Butwhat?”
Thestshosmiledwithstillmorebreadth.“Ah.Importedfrommyworld.Weintroduceithere,inouroffices.Dutyfree.Newcultivationtechniquesmakeitavailableforexport.Thefirsttime,youunderstand.Theveryfirstshipmentoffered.Veryrare,atasteofmyverydistantworld.”
“Cost?”
Theydiscussedit.Itwasoutrageous.Butthestshocamedown,predictably,particularlywhentemptedwithacaseofhanidelicaciespromisedtobecartedupfromdocksidetotheoffices.Pyanfarleftthenecessaryinterviewinhighspirits.Barterwasasgoodtoherasbreathing.
Shetooktheliftdowntodocklevel,straightdown,withoutgoingtheseveralcorridorsoverinlateralwhichshecouldhavetaken.ShewalkedthelongwaybacktowardThePride’sberth,strolledcasuallyalongthedocksidewhichhorizonedupwardbeforeandbehind,unfurlingasshemoved,officesandbusinessesontheonehandandthetallmobilegantriesontheother,towerswhichaimedtheirtopstowardthedistantaxisofMeetpoint,sothatthemostdistantappearedinsanelyatiltonthecurvinghorizon.Displayboardsatperiodicintervalsgaveinformationofarrivals,departures,andshipsindock,fromwhatportandbearingwhatsortofcargo,andshescannedthemasshewalked.
Acarshotpastheronthedock,frombehind:globularandsealed,itwovealongavoidingcanistersandpassersbyandlineswithgreaterspeedthananautomatedvehiclewoulduse.Thatwasamethane-breather,morethanlikely,someofficialfrombeyondthedividinglinewhichseparatedtheincompatiblerealitiesofMeetpoint.Tc’aranthatsideofthestation,sinuousbeingsandleatherygold,
Meetpoint.Tc’aranthatsideofthestation,sinuousbeingsandleatherygold,utterlyalienintheirmultipartitebrains-theytradedwiththeknnnandthechi,keptgenerallytothemselvesandhadlittletosayortodowithhaniorevenwiththestsho,withwhomtheysharedthebuildingandoperationofMeetpoint.Tc’ahadnothingincommonwiththissideoftheline,notevenambitions;andtheknnnandthechiwerestrangerstill,evenlessparticipantwithintheworldsandgovernmentsandterritoriesoftheCompact.Pyanfarwatchedthevehiclekitealong,upthehorizonofMeetpoint’sdocks,andthesectionsealcurtaineditfromviewasitjitteredalonginzigzaghastewhichitselfarguedatc’amindatthecontrols.Therewasnotroublefromthem…nowaythattheycouldhavedealtwiththeOutsider:theirbrainswereasunlikeastheirbreathingapparatus.Shepaused,staredupatthenearbyregistryboardswithawrinklingofhernoseandastrokingofherbeard,sortingthroughtheimprobableanduntranslatablemethane-breathernamesformorefamiliarregistrations-forpotentialtrouble,andforpossiblealliesofuseinacrisis.TherewasscantpickingamongthelatteratthisapogeeofThePride’sramblingcourse.
Therewasoneotherhanishipindock,Handur’sVoyager.SheknewafewoftheHandurfamily,remotely.TheywerefromAnuurn’sotherhemisphere,neitherrivalsnorcloseallies,sincetheysharednothingonAnuurn’ssurface.Therewerealotofstshoships,whichwastobeexpectedonthisvergeofstshospace.Alotofmahendo’sat,throughwhoseterritoryThePridehadlatelycome.
Andonthesideoftrouble,therewerefourkif,oneofwhichsheknew:Kut,captainedbyoneIkkkukkt,anagingscoundrelwhosestylewasmoretoallowanothership’scanisterstoedgeupagainstandamonghisondockside;andtobluffdownanyeasilyconfusedownerswhomightprotest.Hewasonlysmalltrouble,alone.Kifingroupscouldbedifferent,andshedidnotknowabouttheothers.
“Hai,”shecalled,passingamahendo’satdockingarea,atashipcalledMahijiru,wheresomeofthattall,dark-furredkindweremindingtheirownbusiness,cursingandscratchingtheirheadsoversomedifficultywithaconnectioncollar,alock-ringdisassembledinorderalloverthedeckamongtheirwaitingcanisters.“Youfarewellthistrip,mahe?”
“Ah,captain.”Thecentermostscrambledupandothersdidthesameasthisonesteppedtowardher,treadingcarefullyamongthepiecesofthecollar.Anywell-dressedhaniwascaptaintoamahendo’sat,whohadrathererrbycomplimentthanotherwise.Butthisonebyhisgiltteethwaslikelythecaptainofhisown
thanotherwise.Butthisonebyhisgiltteethwaslikelythecaptainofhisownfreighter.“Youtrade?”
“Tradewhat?”
“Whatgot?”
“Hai,mahe,whatneed?”
Themahendo’satgrinned,abrilliantgoldenflash,sharpedged.Nooneofcoursebegantradebyadmittingtonecessity.
“Needafewlesskifonstation.”Pyanfaransweredherownquestion,andthemahendo’satwhistledlaughterandbobbedagreement.
“True,true,”Goldtoothsaidsomewherebetweenhumorandoutrage,asifhehadapersonaltaletotell.“Whiningkifwewishyouendofdock,goodcaptain,honestcaptain.Kutnogood.Hukanmorenogood;andLukkursame.ButHinukkumakenewkinddealnogood.Waitatstation,waitnogetsameyoucoursewithHinukku,goodcaptain.”
“What,armed?”
“Likehani,maybe.”Goldtoothgrinnedwhenhesaidit,andPyanfarlaughed,pretendeditafinejoke.
“Whendohanieverhaveweapons?”sheasked.
Themahethoughtthatafinejoketoo.
“Tradeyoutwohundredweightsilk,”Pyanfaroffered.
“Stationdutytakeallmyprofit.”
“Ah.Toobad.-Hardwork,that.”Shescuffedafoottowardtheailingcollar.“Icanlendyouverygoodhanitools,finesteel,twoverygoodhaniwelders,FahaHousemake.”
“Ilendyougoodqualityartwork.”
“Artwork!”
“Maybesomedaygreatmahenartist,captain.”
“Thencometome;I’llkeepmysilk.”
“Ah,ah,Imakeyoufavorwithartwork,captain,butno,Iaskyoutakenochance.Ihaveinsteadsmallnumberveryfinepearllikeyouwear.”
“Ah.”
“Makeyousecurityforlendtoolsandwelders.Mymanhecomebyyousoonborrowtools.Showyoupearlsametime.”
“Fivepearls.”
“Weseetoolsyouseetwopearls.”
“Youbringfour.”
“Fine.Youpickbestthree.”
“Allfourifthey’renotofthebest,mygood,mygreatmahecaptain.”
“Yousee,”hevowed.“Absolutebest.Three.”
“Good.”Shegrinnedcheerfully,touchedhandtohandwiththethick-nailedmaheandstrolledoff,grinningstillforallpassersbytosee;butthegrinfadedwhenshewaspasttheringoftheircanistersandcrossingthenextberth.
So.Kiftroublehaddocked.Therewerekifandkif,andinthathierarchyofthieves,therewereafewshipcaptainswhotendedtoserveasringleadersforhighstakesmischief;andsomeelectwhowereverygreattroubleindeed.Mahendo’sattranslationalwayshaditsdifficulties,butitsoundeduncomfortablylikeoneofthelatter.Stayindock,themahendo’sathadadvised;don’tchanceputtingouttillitleaves.Thatwasmahendo’satstrategy.Itdidnotalwayswork.ShecouldkeepThePrideatdockandrunupamonstrousbill,andstillhavenoguaranteeofasafecourseout;orshecouldpulloutearlyandhopethatthekifwouldnotsuspectwhattheyhadaboard-hopethatthekif,atminimum,werewaitingforsomethingeasiertochewthanamouthfulofhani.
Hilfy.Thatworryrodehermind.Tenquietvoyages,tenvoyagesofaching,bone-wearytranquility…andnowthisone.Thedockslookedallquietahead,
bone-wearytranquility…andnowthisone.Thedockslookedallquietahead,upwhereThePridehaddocked,herpeopleworkingoutbytheloadingbeltastheyshouldbedoing,takingaboardthemailandthefreight.Haralwasback,workingamongthem;shewasrelievedtoseethat.ThatwasTirunoutsidenow,andHilfymusthavegonein:theothertwowereGeranandChur,slightfiguresnexttoHaralandTirun.Shefoundnocausetohurry.Hilfyhadprobablyhadenoughbynow,retreatedinsidetoguarddutyovertheOutsider,godsgrantthatshestayedoutsidethedoorandrefrainedfrommeddling.
Butthecrewcaughtsightofherasshecame,andofasuddenexpressionstookondesperatereliefandearsprickedup,sothatherheartclenchedwithforeknowledgeofsomethingdirelywrong.“Hilfy,”sheaskedfirst,asHaralcamewalkingouttomeether:theotherthreestayedattheirloading,alltoobusyforthoselooksofanxiety,playingthepartofworkersthoroughlyoccupied.
“KerHilfy’ssafeinside,”Haralsaidquickly.“Captain,Igotthethingsyouordered,puttheminlowerdeckop,allofit;buttherewerekifeverywhereIwent,captain,whenIwasoffinthemarket.Theywereprowlingabouttheaisles,staringateveryone,buyingnothing.Ifinishedmybusinessandwalkedonbackandtheywerestillprowlingabout.SoIorderedkerHilfytogooninandsendTirunouthere.Therearekifnosingabouthereofasudden.”
“Doingwhat?”
“Lookbeyondmyshoulder,captain.”
Pyanfartookaquicklook,ashiftofhereyes.“Nothing,”shesaid.Butcanisterswerepiledthereatthesectionseal,twenty,thirtyofthem,eachastallasahanianddouble-stacked,coverenough.ShesetherhandonHaral’sshoulder,walkedhercompanionablybacktotheothers.“Haral,there’sgoingtobeasmallstshodeliveryandamahendo’satwithathree-pearldeal;botharetrue…watchthemboth.Butnoothers.There’soneotherhanishipdockedfararoundtherim,nextthemethanedocks.I’venotspokenwiththem.It’sHandur’sVoyager.”
“Smallship.”
“Andvulnerable.We’regoingtotakeThePrideout,withalldecenthaste.Ithinkitcanonlygetworsehere.Tirun:asmalltask;gettoVoyager.Idon’twanttodiscussthesituationwiththemovercom.Warnthemthatthere’sashipindocknamedHinukkuandthewordisoutamongthemahendo’satthatthisoneisuncommonlybadtrouble.Andthengetyourselfbackherefast-No,wait.Agood
uncommonlybadtrouble.Andthengetyourselfbackherefast-No,wait.Agoodtoolkitandtwogoodwelders-dropthemwiththecrewoftheMahijiruandtakethepearlsinahurryifyoucangetthem.Seventhberthdown.They’lldeservethatandmoreifI’veputthekifontothembyaskingquestionsthere.Go.”
“Yes,captain,”Tirunbreathed,andscurriedoff,earsback,uptheservicerampbesidethecargobelt.
Pyanfarcastasecondlookatthedouble-stackedcanistersinturning.Nokifinsight.Haste,shewishedTirun,hurryit.Itwasaquicktripinsidetopullthetradeitemsfromtheautomateddelivery.Tiruncamebackwiththeboxesunderonearmandsetoutdirectlyinthekindofreasonablehasteshemightuseonhercaptain’sorder.
“Huh.”Pyanfarturnedagainandlookedtowardtheshadow.
There.Bythecanistersafterall.Akifstoodthere,tallandblack-robed,withalongprominentsnoutandhunchedstature.Pyanfarstaredatitdirectly-wavedtoitwithenergeticandsarcasticcamaraderieasshestartedtowardit.
Itsteppedatoncebackintotheshelterofthecanistersandtheshadows.Pyanfardrewagreatbreath,flexedherclawsandkeptwalking,roundthecurveofthecanisterstacksandsoftly-facetofacewiththetoweringkif.Thekiflookeddownonherwithitsred-rimmeddarkeyesandlongnosedfaceanditsdustyblackrobesliketherobesofallotherkif,ofonetonewiththegrayskin…abitofshadowcometolife.“Beoff,”shetoldit.“I’llhavenocanister-mixing.I’montoyourtricks.”
“Somethingofourshasbeenstolen.”
Shelaughed,helpedbysheersurprise.“Somethingofyoursstolen,masterthief?That’sawondertotellathome.”
“Bestitfinditswaybacktous.Bestitshould,captain.”
Shelaidbackherearsandgrinned,whichwasnotfriendliness.
“Whereisyourcrewwomangoingwiththoseboxes?”thekifasked.
Shesaidnothing.Extrudedclaws.
“Itwouldnotbe,Captain,thatyou’vesomehowfoundthatlostitem.”
“Itwouldnotbe,Captain,thatyou’vesomehowfoundthatlostitem.”
“What,lost,now?”
“Lostandfoundagain,Ithink.”
“Whatshipareyou,kif?”
“Ifyouwereascleverasyouimagineyouare,captain,youwouldknow.”
“IliketoknowwhoI’mtalkingto.Evenamongkif.I’llreckonyouknowmyname,skulkingaboutouthere.What’syours?”
“Akukkakkismine,Chanurcaptain.PyanfarChanur.Yes,weknowyou.Knowyouwell,captain.Wehavebecomeinterestedinyou…thief.”
“Oh.Akukkakkofwhatship?”Hervisionsharpenedonthekif,whoserobesweremarginallyfinerthanusual,whosebearinghadpreciouslittlekifishstoopindealingwithshorterspecies,thathunchofshouldersandthrustingforwardofthehead.Thisonelookedatherthelongway,fromallitsheight.“I’dliketoknowyouaswell,kif.”
“Youwill,hani.-No.Alastchance.Wewillredeemthisprizeyou’vefound.Iwillmakeyouthatoffer.”
Hermustache-hairsdrewdown,asatsomeoffensivearoma.“InterestingifIhadthisitem.Isitroundorflat,thisstrayedobject?Ordidoneofyourowncrewrobyou,kifcaptain?”
“Youknowitsshape,sinceyouhaveit.Giveitup,andbepaid.Ordon’t-andbepaid,hani,bepaidthentoo.”
“Describethisitemtome.”
“Foritssafereturn-gold,tenbarsofgold,fine.Contriveyourowndescriptions.”
“Ishallbearitinmind,kif,shouldIfindsomethingunusualandkif-smelling.Butsofarnothing.”
“Dangerous,hani.”
“Whatship,kif?”
“Whatship,kif?”
“Hinukku.”
“I’llrememberyouroffer.IndeedIwill,masterthief.”
Thekifsaidnothingmore.Towerederectandsilent.Sheaimedadryspittingtowarditsfeetandwalkedoff,slowswagger.
Hinukku,indeed.Awholenewkindoftrouble,themahendo’sathadsaid,andthissurlykiforanothermighthaveseen…ortalkedtothosewhohadseen.Gold,theyoffered.Kif…offeredransom;andnocommonkif,either,notthatone.ShewalkedwithapricklingbetweenhershoulderbladesandamultiplyingapprehensionforTirun,whowasnowasmallfigurewalkingoffalongtheupcurvingdocks.Nohopethatthestationauthoritieswoulddoanythingtopreventamurder…notonebetweenkifandhani.Thestsho’sneutralityconsistedinretreat,andtheirlawinarbitratingafterthefact.
Stshoshipswerethemostcommonvictimsofmaraudingkif,andstillkifdockeduncheckedatMeetpoint.Madness.Abristlingranupherbackandherearsflicked,jinglingtherings.Hanimightdealwiththekifandteachthemalesson,buttherewasnoprofitinit,notuntilmomentslikethisone.Diverteveryhanishipfromprofitabletradetokif-hunting?Madnesstoo…untilitwasThePrideinquestion.
“Packitupouthere,”shetoldherremainingcrewwhenshereachedthem.“Getthoselastcansonandshutitdown.Geteverythingreadytobreakdock.I’mgoingtocallTirunbackhere.It’sworsethanIthought.”
“I’llgoafterher,”Haralsaid.
“DoasIsay,cousin-andkeepHilfyoutofit.”
Haralfellback.Pyanfarstartedoffdownthedock-oldhabit,nottorun;areserveofpride,ofcaution,ofsomeinstincteithergoodorill.Stillshedidnotruninfrontofwitnesses.Shewidenedherstridesuntilsomebystanders-stsho-didnotice,andstared.ShegainedonTirun.Almost,almostwithinconvenientshoutingdistanceofTirun,andstillafar,nakeddistanceupthedock’supcurvingcoursetoreachHandur’sVoyager.HinukkusatatdockforTiruntopassbeforesheshouldcometothehaniship.Butthemahendo’satvesselMahijiruwasdockedbeforethat,ifonlyTirunhandledthatextraneouserrandon
Mahijiruwasdockedbeforethat,ifonlyTirunhandledthatextraneouserrandontheway,thelogicalthingtodowithaheavyloadunderonearm.Surelyitwasthelogicalthing,evenconsideringtheurgencyoftheothermessage.
Ah.Tirundidstopatthemahendo’satberth.Pyanfarbreathedagaspofrelief,brokeherownruleatthelastmomentandsprintedbehindsomecanisters,stroderightintothegatheringwhichhadbeguntocloseaboutTirun.Sheclappedastartledmahendo’satspectatoronthearm,pulleditaboutandthrustherwaythroughtoTirun,grabbedherarmwithoutceremony.“Trouble.Let’sgo,cousin.”
“Captain,”Goldtoothexclaimedfromherright.“Youcomebackmakenewbiggerdeal?”
“Nevermind.Thetoolsareagift.Comeon,Tirun.”
“Captain,”Tirunbegan,bewildered,beingdraggedbackthroughthegatheringofmahendo’sat.Mahendo’satgavewaybeforethem,theircaptainstillfollowingthemwithconfusedchatteraboutweldersandpearls.
Kif.Ablack-cladhalfringofthemappearedsuddenlyontheoutskirtsoftheswirlofdark-furredmahendo’sat.PyanfarhadTirun’swristandpulledherforward.“Lookout!”Tiruncriedsuddenly:oneofthekifhadpulledagunfrombeneathitsrobe.“Go!”Pyanfaryelled,andtheydivedbackamongcursingandscreamingmahendo’sat,outagainthroughameleeofkifwhohadcircledbehindthecanisters.Firepoppedafterthem.Pyanfarbowledoverakifintheirpathwithastrikethatshouldsnapvertebraeanddidnotbreakstridetofindout.Tirunranbesideher;theysprintedwithfirepoppingsmokecurlsoffthedeckplatesaheadofthem.
Suddenlyashotcamefromtherighthand.Tirunyelpedandstumbled,limpingwildly.Morekifalongthedockfrontoffices,oneverytallandfamiliar.Akukkakk,withfriends.“Earlessbastard!”Pyanfarshouted,grabbedTirunafreshandkeptgoing,draggedherbehindthecanistersofanothermahendo’satshipinahailoflaserpopsandthereekofburnedplastic.Tirunsaggedinshock-acurseandajerkonthearmgotherrunningagain,desperately:theburnrupturedandbled.Theydartedanopenspace,havingnochoice:shrillharooingrangoutbehindandontheright,kifonthehunt.
Asecondshoutroaredoutfrombeforethem,anotherflashfromguns,multicolor,atThePride’sberth:ThePride’screwwasreturningfire,highfortheirsakesbutmeaningbusiness.Stationalarmsstartedgoingoff,bass-tone
theirsakesbutmeaningbusiness.Stationalarmsstartedgoingoff,bass-tonewhooping.Redlightsflashedonthewallsandupthecurvetilltheceilingvanished.Higherupthecurveofthedock,stationfolkscrambledinpanic,huntingshelter.Iftherewerekifamongthem,theywouldcomechargingdownfromthatdirectiontoo,atthecrew’sbacks.
AndHilfywasoutthereatthataccess,fourthinthatlineoftheirownguns-layingdownaberserkpatternoffire.PyanfardraggedTirunthroughthatlineoffourbythescruffoftheneck.TiruntwistedandfellontheplatesandPyanfarhelpedherupagain,notwithoutawildlookback,atadocksidewhereenemiesfiredfromcoverathercrewwhohadpreciouslittle.“Board!”sheyelledattheotherswiththelastofherwind,andherselfskiddedonthedeckinginturningfortherampway.HaralretreatedandgrabbedTirun’sflailingarmfromtheothersideandHilfysuddenlytookPyanfar’s.Pyanfarlookedbackagain,willingtoturnandfight.GeranandChurwerefallingbackinorderlyretreatbehindthem,stillfacingthedirectionofthekifandfiring-thekifhadbeenpinnedbackfromadvanceintobettervantage.HilfypulledatherarmandPyanfarshookfreeastheyreachedtherampway’sfirstdoor.“Comeon,”sheshoutedatGeranandChur;andthemomenttheyretreatedwithin,stillfiring,shehitthedoorseal.Themassivesteelclangedandthumpedshutandthepairstumbledbackoutoftheway;Hilfydartedinfromacrossthedoorandrammedthelock-leverdown.
PyanfarlookedroundthenatTirun,whowasonherfeetthoughsagginginHaral’sarms,andholdingherupperrightleg.Herbluebreechesweredarkwithbloodfromtheretothefurofhercalfandthreadingdowntoherfootinapuddle,andshewasmutteringasteadystreamofcurses.
“Move,”Pyanfarsaid.HaraltookTirunupinherarmsandoutrightcarriedher,nosmallload.Theywithdrewuptherampwaycurveintotheirownlock,sealedthatdoorandfeltsomewhatsafer.
“Captain,”Chursaid,businesslike.“Alllinesarelooseandcargorampisdisengaged.Incase.”
“Welldone,”Pyanfarsaid,vastlyrelievedtohearit.Theywalkedthroughtheairlockandroundthebendintothemainlowercorridor.“SecuretheOutsider;sedateitalltheway.You-”shelookedasideatTirun,whowastryingtowalkagainwithanarmacrosshersister’sshoulders.“Getawraponthatlegfast.Notimeforanythingmore.We’regettingloose.Idon’timagineHinukkuwillstandstillforthisandIdon’twantkifpassingmytailwhilewe’renose-to-station.
stillforthisandIdon’twantkifpassingmytailwhilewe’renose-to-station.Everyonerigformaneuvers.”
“Icanwrapmyownleg,”Tirunsaid.“Justdropmeinsickbay.”
“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,collectedhernieceassheheadedforthelift.“Disobedient,”Pyanfarmutteredwhentheywereclose.
“Forgive,”saidHilfy.Theyenteredthelifttogether;thedoorshut.Pyanfarfetchedtheyoungsteracuffwhichrockedheragainsttheliftwall,andpushedthemainlevelbutton.Hilfyrightedherselfanddisdainedeventoclapahandtoherear,buthereyeswerewatering,herearsflattenedandnostrilswideasifshewerefacingintosomepowerfulwind.“Forgiven,”saidPyanfar.Theliftletthemout,andHilfystartedtorunupthecorridortowardthebridge,butPyanfarstalkedalongatamoredeliberatepaceandHilfypausedandmatchedherstride,walkedwithherthroughthearchwayintothecurved-deckmainoperationscenter.
Pyanfarsatdowninhercushioninthecenterofabankofvidscreensandstartedturningonsystems.Stationwassquallingstsholanguageprotests,objections,outrage.“Getonthat,”Pyanfarsaidtoherniecewithoutmissingabeatinswitch-flicking.“Tellstationwe’recuttinglooseandthey’llhavetocopewithit.”
Adelay.Hilfyrelayedthemessageinlimpingstsho,ignoringthemechanicaltranslatorinherhaste.“Theycomplainyoukilledsomeone.”
“Good.”Thegrapplesclangedlooseandatelltalesaidtheyhadretractedalltheway.“Tellthemwerejoicetohaveeliminatedakifwhostartedfiringwithoutprovocation,endangeringbystandersandpropertyonthedock.”Shefiredtheundockingrepulseandtheywereloose,suddenlossofgandreacquisitioninanotherdirection…firedthesecondarieswhichsentThePrideoutofplanewithstation,aredirectionofupanddown.Ship’sgstartedup,aslowtugagainstthethrustaft.
“Stationismightilyupset,”Hilfyreported.“Theydemandtotalktoyou,aunt;theythreatennottoletusdockatstsho-”
“Nevermindthestsho.”Pyanfarflickedfromimagetoimageonscan.Shespottedanothershiploose,inabouttherightlocationforHinukku.Abruptlythescanacquiredallkindsofflitteronit,chaffmorethanlikely,asHinukku
scanacquiredallkindsofflitteronit,chaffmorethanlikely,asHinukkuscreeneditselftodosomething.“Godsrotthem.”ShereachedmadlyforcontrolsandgotThePridereorientedgentlyenoughtosavethebonesofthoseaboardwhomightnotyetbesecuredformaneuvers…warningenoughforthosebelowtodiveforsecurity.“Iftheyfireonusthey’lltakeouthalfthestation.Gods!”Shehitgeneralcom.“Brace;we’rebackinghard.”
Thistimethingscameloose.Anotebooksailedacrossthesectionandlandedsomewhereforward,missingcontrols.Hilfyspatandcursescamebackfromcom.ThePridewasnotmadeforsuchmoves.Norforthenext,whichhammeredagainstthatbackwardmomentumand,nosedipped,shotthemnadirofstation(thenotebookflewbacktoitsorigins)andbraked,anothercareerofflutteringpages.
“Motherlessbastards,”Pyanfarsaid.Shepunchedcontrols,linkedturrettoscan.Itwouldswiveltoanysighting,anythingmassive.“Nowletthemputtheirnosedownhere.”Herjointsweresore.Alarmswereringingandlightswereflashingonthemaintenanceboard,cargohavingbrokenloose.Sheranhertongueoverthepointsofherteethandwrinkledhernoseforbreath,worryingwhatquadrantofthescantowatch.SheputThePrideintoaslowaxisrotation,gamblingthatthekifwouldnotcomeundersideofstationinsoobviousaplaceastheoneinlinewithlast-known-position.“Watchscan,”shewarnedHilfy,divertingherselftomonitortheopboardhalfaheartbeat,toseeallthetelltaleswhattheyoughttobe.“Haral,getuphere.”
“Aunt!”Hilfysaid.Pyanfarswungherheadaboutagain.Alittledusthadappearedonthescreen,someofthechaffspinningtheirwayfromabove.Shehadthescanlinkedfirecontrolsetlooserthanthatandthearmamentdidnotreact.Theliftbackdownthecorridorcrashedandhummedinoperation.Haralhadnotacknowledged,butshewascoming.“Wefireonanythingthatshowssolid,”Pyanfarsaid.“Keepwatchingthatchaffcloud,niece.Andmind,itcouldbeoutrightdiversion.Idon’ttrustanything.”
“Yes,”Hilfysaidcalmlyenough.Andthen:“Lookout!”
“Chaff,”Pyanfaridentifiedtheflutter,herheartfrozenbytheyell.“Bespecifictoquadrant:number’senough.”
Runningfeetinthecorridor.Haralwaswiththem.Hilfystartedtoyieldherplaceatscan;Haralslidintothethirdseat,adjustedtherestraints.
“Didn’tplantodosomuchmoving,”Pyanfarsaid,nevertakingthefocusofhereyesfromscan.“Anyonehurt?”
“No,”saidHaral.“Everything’ssecure.”
“They’rethinkingitoverupthere,”Pyanfarsaid.
“Aunt!4/2!”
Turretwasswiveling.Eyetrackedtothenumberfourscreen.Energywashedoverstation’srim:morechafffollowed,largerdebris.
“Captain,theyhitstation.”Haral’svoicewasincredulous.“Theyfired.”
“Handur’sVoyager.”Pyanfarhadtheoriginmappedonthestationtorusandmadetheconnection.“Ogods.”Shehitrepulseandsentthemhurtlingtostationcoreshadow,tiltedtheirnosewithasecondburstandcutinmainthrust,shootingthemnadirofstation,noseforinfinity.Pyanfarreachedanduncappedaredswitch,hitit,andThePriderockedwithexplosion.
“Whatwasthat?”Hilfy’svoice.“Arewehit?”
“Ijustdumpedourholds.”Pyanfarsuckedair,anexpansionofhernostrils.Herclawsflexedoutandinonthetogglegrip.Gwashaulingatthembadly.ThePrideofChanurwasinfullrout,havingjustalteredtheirmass/driveratio,strippedforrunning.“Haral,getusacourse.”
“Working,”Haralsaid.NumbersstartedcominguponthecompscreenatPyanfar’sleft.
“Goingtohavetofindusaquietspot.”
“Urtur’sjustwithinsinglejumprange,”Haralsaid,“strippedasweare.Maybe.”
“Hastobe.”BeyondMeetpointintheotherdirectionwasstshospace,withagreatscarcityofjumppointstohelpthemalong,thosemassesbywhichThePrideoranyotherjumpshipsteered;andonothersideswerekifregions;andknnn;andunexploredregions,uncharted,withoutjumpcoordinates.Jumpblindintothoseandtheywouldnevercomebackagain…anywhereknown.
Shelivenedanotherboard,bringingupjump-graphs.Urtur.Thatwastheway
Shelivenedanotherboard,bringingupjump-graphs.Urtur.Thatwasthewaytheyhadcomein,twojumpsandloaded-averylargesystemwheremahendo’satdidalittlemining,alittlemanufacture,andlicensedothers.Theymightmakethatdistanceinonejumpnow;kifwerenotfollowing…yet.Didnothavetofollow.Theycouldfigurepossibledestinationsbydumpedmassandthelogicofthesituation.Omybrother,shethought,wonderinghowshewouldfaceKohan.Hewouldbeaffectedbythisdisgrace,thisoutrageoflostcargo,offlightwhileahanishipperishedstationboundandhelpless.KohanChanurmightbebrokenbyit;itmighttemptyoungmalestochallengehim.Andiftherewereenoughchallenges,andoftenenough….
No.NotthatkindofendforChanur.Therewasnogoinghomewiththatkindofnews.Notuntilkifpaid,untilThePridegotthingstorightsagain.
“Markfifteentojumppoint,”Haralsaid.“Captain,they’lltraceus,noquestion.”
“Noquestion,”shesaid.BeyondHaral’sscarredfaceshecaughtsightofHilfy’s,unmarredandscant-bearded-frightenedandtryingnottoshowit.Pyanfaropenedallship:“Rigforjump.”
Thealarmstarted,aslowwailingthroughtheship.ThePrideleaptforwardbyhergenerationpulses,borrowedvelocityattheinterface,severalwrenchingflickers,whippedintothebetween.Pyanfardugherclawsin,decadesaccustomedtothis,didthatmentalwrenchwhichtoldliestotheinnerears,andkeptherbalance.Comeon,shewilledtheship,asifintentalonecouldtakeitthatcriticaldistancefarther.
III
ThePridecamein,sluggish,nightmarearrival,pulsedoutandinagain,aflickeringofjump-distortedinstrumentswhichshowedthemfaroutontheUrturrange,notcloseenoughtopickupmorethananindicationofastellarmass.
Nearmiss.Theyhadstretcheditasfarasitcouldbestretched.Pyanfarstruggledtomoveinhercushion,fightingtoaimthefingersofherhand,toshutdownallscan,runninglights,theweaklocationalandIDtransmission,everyemissionfromtheship,forgettingnothinginthementalconfusionwhichwentwithemergence.Thenshestartedthesequencetobleedofftheirvelocity,anuncomfortableride,evenasnightmare-slowastheyweremovingontheiremergence.Shekepthermindfocused,tryingnottoletherthoughtsstraytothehorroratthebackofit,howfinetheyhadcutit.
Hilfythrewup,notanuncommonreactiontotheshift.ItdidnothelpPyanfar’sownstomach.
“We’redumpingdowntosystemicdriftvelocity,”Pyanfarsaidonallship.“Possiblythekifstayedtosortthroughwhatwejettisoned,butthey’llbehereinshortorder.Orthey’realreadyhere…withlikelymorekifheretohelpthem.I’llbeverysurprisedotherwise.We’veshutdownalltransmission,allscanoutput.Nouseofthemainengineseither.Everyonestillallrightdownthere?”
Therewasprolongeddelayinresponse.“Lookstobe,”Tirun’svoicecamebackfromlowerdeckop,whichhadlostmostofwhatitwasprimarilydesignedtomonitorwhentheholdsblew.“ChurandGeranarestartingacheckbyremote,butitlookslikeitwasacleanseparationwhenweblewitout.Allworkingsystemsareclean.”
Thevelocitydumpwenton.Hilfymovedabout,cleaningupinshame.Haralstayedherpost.Pyanfaroccupiedherselfwithfeverishcalculationsandsortedandcalculatedonthatonearrivalimagetheyhadgottenbeforescanshutdown,andonwhattheyhadonpassiverecept.Shedidadelicateattitudeadjustment,trimmeduprelativetotheflowtheyweretryingtoenter,topresenttheleastsurfaceandtheleastdelicateportionofthemtohazard-putThePrideintosynchwiththegeneralrotationofthesystem,onewiththedebrisandtherockandgaswhichmadeUrtur,spreadoutovertheorbitsoftenplanetsandfifty-sevenmajormoonsanduncountedplanetoidsandsmallerhazards,oneofthemoredifficult
moonsanduncountedplanetoidsandsmallerhazards,oneofthemoredifficultsystemsfortherapidpassageofanyshipintoitscentralplane.ThePridewaspickingupdecayedsignalfromamahendo’satinstallationfartherin…atleastthatstationshouldbetheoriginofit,chattermeaninglessnotonlyinthedistancebutinelapsedtimesinceitssending.Somemightbescatterfromshipsoperatinginthesystem,traders,countlessminersinshipsofallsizesfromthegreatorecarriersdowntosingleseatskimmers.Induecoursetheythemselvesoughttoannouncepresenceandidentity,butshehadnointentionofdoingso.Therewasanexcellentchancethattheirarrivalhadbeenfarbeyondthecapacityofthelongestscanfromoutsystemrelay,andshesawnoprofitinbringingthemahendo’satofUrturinonaprivatequarrelwiththekif.Thekifcouldhavearriveddaysago,bypassingtheminthebetween,whichcouldhappenwithamorepowerfulship-systemchattermightrevealthat.Shekeptlisteningtoitwithoneear,finishedupthedump,pullingthemfinallyintotrim,countingtoherselfandhopingherpositionwaswhatshethoughtitwas.
ThePridedriftedthen,stillmaintainingrotationforg,butnothingelseofmovement.Shekeptcounting.Debrissuddenlyrangofftheunshieldedhull,distantbattering,afewcrashesandsquealsoflargerobjects.Targetdeadon:shehadit,amobofrocksalittleofftheirvelocity,coldmassswarmingaboutthem,ascreenbetweenthemandthekifspossiblearrival.Shefeathereddirectionaljetsandtrimmedupagain.Thebatteringdiminishedtoanoccasionalpatterofdust.Hilfy,standingbythecomconsolecounter,lookedaboutherasifshecouldexpecttoseetheimpactswithalltheirsensoreyesdark;metPyanfar’sfaceandlookedthenatHaral,whogrimlysatherpostandkepttryingtoplottheirposition;andHilfycomposedherownface,managednottoflinchwhenanotherrockshrilleddowntheforward-thrustingbow.
Pyanfarheavedherachingbodyoutofthecushion,staggeredinwalkingaroundthedividingconsoletoputherhandonthebackofHaral’scushion.“Putthepagersinlink,”shetoldHaral.“Keepitchanneloneandseethatsomeone’salwaysonit.Tieintolowerdeckop:they’llbeworkingdownthereawhileyet.Thekifwillshow,neverdoubtit.Soweliestill,restup.Wereceivesignal;wedon’tsend;wedon’tmaneuver.Wedon’tdoanythingnowbutdrift.”
“Aye.”Haralstartedmakingthelinks,shuntingoversomeofcomfunction,anoperationwhichHilfyshouldhavedone.Herbroad,scarredfacewaswithoutdisturbanceatthisinsanity.Haralknewthegame;theyhaddoneitatimeortwo,thisprolongeddarksilence,waitingoutakiforanunknown-butnotinUrtur’sdebris-clutteredfield,notwhereothershipswerelikelyandcollisionwas
debris-clutteredfield,notwhereothershipswerelikelyandcollisionwaspossible.Haralknew.ItwasHilfyforwhomsheofferedinstructions.
PyanfartookherownpagerfromthewallbytheexitandwentbacktogiveonetoHilfy,whowasleaningagainstthecounter,nostrilsslittedandearslaidback.Pyanfarclappedherontheshoulderandthrustthepagerintoherhand.“Out.Go.Everything’sabouttogounderautomatichere,andthere’snothingyoucando.”ShepassedbyHilfyandheadedoutherownwaydownthecorridoroutside,withafoulheadache,aworryinhergut,andanobsessivedesireforabath.
Herquarters,leftunsecured,werenotasbadastheymighthavebeen.Thespringcovershadheldontheroundbed,andtheonlycasualtywasapileofchartsnowrandomized.Shegrittedherteethagainstthethrobbinginherskullandpickedthemup,straightenedtheedgesandslappedtheunsortedpilebackontothedesk,thenstrippedoffherbloodyclothes,brusheddriedbloodfromherfurandacloudofshedfur,too.Shealwaysshedinjump…sheerfright.Hermusclesweretight.Sheflexedhercrampedshouldersandanarmstrainedfromfightingg,astitchallthewayintoherribmuscles;andshepickedupthepageragainandtookitwithherintothebath,listeningtoit,whichhadnothingbutstatic-setitonthebathroomcounterbeforegettingintotheshowercabinet.
Theshowerwaspuredelight,warmandsoothing.Sheliftedherfacetoit,loweredears,shutnostrilsandsquinchedhereyesshut,lettingthestreamfromthejetcombhermaneandbeardintoorder,steppedbackandwipedhereyesclear,turnedherbackandletthespraymassagethepainoutofhertiredshoulders.
Thepagerwentoff,emergencybeep.Shespatacurseandflungtheshowerdooropen,skiddedonthefloorandranoutofthebathandoutofherquartersnakedanddrippingasshewas.ShemetHaralandHilfyontheirseparatewaysbackandbeatthemtothecentralconsole.
Ashipwasoutthereallright,somewaysdistant,wherenoshiphadbeenpreviously-anarrivaloutofjump.Pyanfarleanedovertheboard,wipedabitofwateroffthescreenandwipeditdownherchest,holdingherbeardandtryingtoavoiddripping.ThenewcomerwasclosertoUrturthanthey,agooddistanceinwardandzenith-hadactuallyarrivedawhileago:passivereceptpickeditupfromitsinherentnoise.
“Betterpartofanhourbacktime,”Haralcalculated.“Icanfineitdown.”
‘Dothat.”
Theywatcheditawhile,whilePyanfardrippedacoldpuddleonthedeckingandthecounter.“Goinginward,”shepronouncedfinallyonthefiguresHilfypassedher,checkedagainstcurrentreception.“Ifthat’sthekif,theyoverjumpedusandnowthey’vegotabitofhuntingtodo.Wehaveawavejustgettingtothem,butit’sgotnothingforthem,nothingthey’regoingtoknowfromalltherestofthejunkouthere.Good.”Sherecalledherconditionandstraightenedfrombendingovertheboard.“Mopthat,”shesaidtoHilfy,whowasjuniormost.Shestrodeoff,pricklishinherdignity.
“Captain,”Haral’svoicecameoverthepager,andPyanfarcrossedthecabinintwostridestoreachthecombyherbedside…puncheditwithaforefinger,combclenchedinthesamehand.“Receivingyou.”
“Gotsomechatterthatdoesn’tsoundgood,”Haralsaid.“Ithinktherearekifhere,allright.Whatcameintothesystemawhileagoisn’tcertain,butitcouldbemahendo’sat;andI’mgettingkifvoicesandkifsignaloutofsystemcenter.
“Doesn’tsurpriseme.Pitythemahewhodroppedintothispond,ifthat’swhat’shappened.Butitmightcoveranynoisewemadeinentry,ifthat’swhatitis.”
“Mightdo,”Haralsaid.“Gods,captain,notellinghowmanykiftheremayhavebeenatUrturtostartwith.They’regoingtoswarmalloverthemahendo’sat.”
“Godsknowhowmuchkiftroublethey’vealreadyhadhere.ThatbunchfromMeetpointcouldhavegottenasmuchasfive,sixdays’jumponus.Forgetit.Letitrest.Ourbusinessisourownbusiness.”
“Aye,”Haralsaidreluctantly.
“Shutitdown,Haral.Untiltheycomeafterus,we’resnug.”
“Aye,captain.”
Thecontactbrokeoff.Pyanfardrewalongbreathandletitgo,stoodinfrontoftheunitandafteramomentpunchedintheimagetheycouldget,fromthe
theunitandafteramomentpunchedintheimagetheycouldget,fromthetelescopeintheobservationdome.Urturwasaglorioussight…atadistance,asaucerofmilkylight.Ashadowpassedtheimage,abitofrock,doubtless,partoftheswarmwithwhichtheytraveled.Sheshutitdownagain.Theyrolledalongblind,gettingataponthehullnowandagainfromdebris,mutedthisfarintoThePride’score,astheyplayedtheirpartasamoteinUrtur’svastlens.Thissilencewasanoldtrick.Itworked…sometimes.
Shecontinuedhercombing,andfinally,peltdried,maneandbeardcombedandsilkyagainintheirringlets,changedtoherthird-besttrousers,ofblacksilk,withgreenandgoldcuffingandbelt,around-the-hipsdangleofrealgoldchains.Shechangedherpearlearringforanemerald,inspectedherclawsandtrimmedaroughness.Atiphadbroken.Hard-skinned,thekif.Butshehadgothim,thatbastardonthedock.ThatwasatleastsomeconsolationforthelostcargoandTirun’smisery.Forhanilives-thatwasyettocollect.
Shestrolledoutagain,intocontrols,whereHilfywasstandinglonewatch.Theyhadfarmoreroomwhentheywereunderrotation,withtheship’sgmakingthecrew’sprivatequartersandagreatdealofstorageaccessible,aswellasthatlargeforwardellofthecontrolareaitselfwhichwasoutofreachduringdock.Someofthecrewoughttobeoffshiftnow,eating,sleeping:theyarrangedsuchdetailsamongthemselveswhenthingsweretight,knowingbestwhentheyneededrestandbalancingtheship’sneedsagainsttheirown.HilfyhadabruisedlookwhensheturnedtofacePyanfarasshecameupbehindherinthesemishadowofthebridge,amiddeadscreensandvirtuallylightlesspanels.Shestoodthereasiftherewassomethingshecouldhopetodo,earsprickedupandeyeswide-irisedwithhergeneraldistress.
“Haralleftyouonwatch,imp?”
“Haralsaidshewasgoingbelow.”
“IthoughtIdismissedyou.”
“Ithoughtitwouldn’thurttobehere.Ican’trest.”
“Can’trestisacheatontheship.Can’trestissomethingyoulearntoremedy,imp.It’sgoingtobetoolongawaittowearourselvestoragsuphere.Nothingwecando.”
“Comkeepscomingin.It’sthem-it’sthesamekif.They’reaskingthe
“Comkeepscomingin.It’sthem-it’sthesamekif.They’reaskingthemahendo’satshipswhereweareandthey’remakingthreats.Theycallusthieves.”
Pyanfarspatdrylyandchuckled.“Whattenderhonor.Whatarethemahendo’satdoingaboutit?”
“Nothing.Itisamahendo’satstation,afterall;thereareotherships…allovertheplace-there’shelpforthem,isn’tthere?I’dthinkthey’ddosomething,notjustletthekifdowhattheyplease.”
“Theremaybealotofkif,too.”Pyanfarleanedforwardandcheckedtheboardsherself,thelittledatathecomputergotoffpassiverecept.Arockhitthem,aslowscreamdownthemetal;ascreenflickeredtostaticandcorrecteditself,animpactononeoftheantennae.“Iwon’ttellyou,imp,justhowclosewecametolosingourreferentsinthatjump.Ifthatkifshipdidgethereaheadofus,it’sconsiderablymorepowerfulthanweare.Allpowerandpreciouslittlecargoroom.Thattellyouanything?”
“It’snotafreighter.”
“Kifrunner.Gotafewfalsetanksstrappedon,allshellandnomasstospeakof,maskingwhatsheis.Youunderstand?Shipslikethatdothekill;thecarrioneaterscomeafter,realfreighters,thatsuckupthecargoesanddothedocksidetradingwhentheydogettosomeport.That’swhatwe’relikelyupagainst.Arunner.Ahuntership.Theyoverestimatedourcapacity…overjumpedus,morethanlikely,andincomingtrafficmayhavebeengoodenoughtoconfusetheissuefurther.Ifthat’sthecasewe’vejustusedupalltheluckwe’reentitledto.”
“Arewejustgoingtosithere?”Hilfyasked.“Shipaftershipisgoingtocomeintothissystemnotknowingwhatthey’rerunninginto…allthoseshipsfromMeetpointthatdon’tgothestshoroute-”
“Imp,we’reblindatthemoment.We’vedumpedvelocity…andmaybesomeofthosehuntingushaven’t;andmaybesomeareyettocome.Youknowwhatkindofsituationthatputsusin.Sittingtarget.”
“Iftheyallstaytocenterward,”Hilfysuggestedcautiously,“wecouldjustjumpoutagain…begonebeforetheycouldcatchus,takethepressureoffthesemahebeforesomeoneelsegetshurt.Maybewecouldgetawaywithitagainatthenextjumppoint,gettoKirdu…afterUrtur,couldn’twemaybemakeKirduin
nextjumppoint,gettoKirdu…afterUrtur,couldn’twemaybemakeKirduintwojumps?Getoutofhere.Afterthisplace,thereareotherchoices.Aren’tthere?”
Pyanfarstaredather.“Beendoingsomeresearch,haveyou?”
“Ilooked.”
“Huh.”Itwasasensibleidea,andoneshehadhadevenbeforethejump;buttherewereloosepiecesinthisbusiness.Movesnotyetcalculated.Itremainedtomeasurehowupsetthekifwere.Andwhy.“Possible.”ShejabbedafingeratHilfy.“Firstwetakeaccountofourselves.Wegodown,shallwe,andseewhatwehaveleftofcargo.”
“Ithoughtwedumpeditall.”
“Oh,notwhatthekifwant,notthat,niece.”Sheleanedovertheconsole,checkedthepagerlink.“Ithinkwecanleaveitawhile.Comealong.It’sallbeingrecorded,allthecomandscanuphere.We’llcheckit.Can’tliveuphere.”ShesetherhandonHilfy’sshoulder.“Wegoasksomequestions,that’swhat.”
Theiruninvitedpassengerhadsettledafterjump-cocoonedinblanketsandsedatedforthetrip,nowletgoagain,tohuddleinthatheapofblanketsinthecornerofthewashroom.Ithadcurledupinaknotandthrownoneoftheblanketsoveritshead,showingnothingbutthemotionsofitsbreathingtoproveitwasunderthere.
“Theanklerestraintisbackonit,”Chursaidastheywatcheditfromthedoorway.“It’sbeendocileallalong…butletmecallGeranandwe’llbesureofit.”Churwassmallestofthecrew,smallerthanGeranhersister,whowasherselfofnogreatstature-withathinbeardandmaneandayellowishtinttoherfur:delicate,onemightsay,whodidnotknowChur.
“Therearethreeofus,”Pyanfarsaid,“already.Let’sseehowitreacts.”Shewalkedintothewashroomandcamenearthatheapofbreathingblankets.Coughed.Therewasmovementintheblankets,theliftingofacorner,afurtivelookofapaleeyefrombeneaththem.Pyanfarbeckoned.
Itstoppedmoving.
Itstoppedmoving.
“Itquitewellunderstandsme,”shesaid.“Ithink,Chur,you’regoingtohavetogetGeran.WemayhavetofetchitoutandIdon’twanttohurtit.”
Churleft.Hilfyremained.Theblanketsstirredagain,andthecreaturemadeafalteringefforttogetitsbackintotheangleofthecornermadebytheshowerstallandthelaundry.
“It’sjusttooweak,”Hilfysaid.“Aunt,it’sjusttooweaktofight.”
“I’llstandhere,”Pyanfarproposed.“There’samahendo’satsymboltranslatorandsomemanualsandmodules-Haralsaidsheputitinthelowerdeckop;Iwanttheelementarybook.Here.Godsforbidsomeoneputitintocargo.”
Hilfyhesitated,castalookattheOutsider,thenscurriedoffinhaste.
“So,”Pyanfarsaid.Shedroppedtoherhaunchesasshehadbefore,putoutaforefingerandtracednumbersfromonetoeightontheflooring.Lookedupfromtimetotimeandlookedatthecreature,whowatchedher.Itreachedoutofitsnestofblanketsandmadetentativemovementsofwritingonthefloor,drewbackthearmandwatchedwhatshewasdoinguntilshestoppedatsixteen.Ittuckedtheblanketsmorecloselyaboutitselfandstared,frombleak,blueeyes.Washed,itlookedbetter.Themaneandbeardwereevenbeautiful,silken,pollen-gold.Butthenakedarmoutthrustfromtheblanketsboreuglybruisesoffingeredgrips.Therehadbeenalotofbruisesunderthedirt,shereckoned.Ithadareasonforitsattitude.Itwasnotdocilenow,justweak.Ithaddrawnanotherline,stakedoutitscorner.Theblueeyesheldapeculiarexpression,analysis,perhaps,somethoughtproceedingatlength.
Shestoodup,hearingChurandGerancoming,theirvoicesinthecorridor-turnedandmotionedthemtowaitamomentwhentheyarrived.ShewatchedtheOutsider’spaleeyestakeaccountofthereinforcements.AndHilfycamebackwiththemanual.“Itwasinthe-”Hilfybrokeoff,inthegeneralstillnessoftheplace.
“Giveithere,”Pyanfarsaid,holdingoutherhandwithoutlookingawayfromtheOutsider.
Hilfygaveit.Pyanfaropenedthebook,turnedthepagestowardtheOutsider,whoseeyesflickeredwithbewilderment.Shebent,discardingherdignitya
whoseeyesflickeredwithbewilderment.Shebent,discardingherdignityamomentintheseriousnessofthematter,andpushedthemanualacrossthetilestotheareathecreaturecouldreach.Itignoredtheopenbook.Anotherployfailed.Pyanfarsatstillamoment,armsonherknees,thenstoodupandbrushedhersilkbreechesintoorder.“Itrustthesymboltranslatormadeitintact.”
“It’sfine,”Hilfysaid.
“Solet’strythat.Canyousetitup?”
“Ilearnedonone.”
“Doit,”Pyanfarsaid;andmotionedtoGeranandChur.“Getitonitsfeet.Begentlewithit.”
Hilfyhurriedoff.GeranandChurmovedincarefullyandPyanfarsteppedoutoftheway,thinkingitmightturnviolent,butitdidnot.Itstoodupdocilelyastheypatteditandassistedittoitsfeet.Itwasnaked,andhewasareasonableguess,Pyanfarconcluded,watchingitmakeasnatchaftertheblanketsaboutitsfeet,whileChurcarefullyunlockedthechaintheyhadpaddedaboutitsankle,Geranholdingontoitsrightarm.Pyanfarfrowned,disturbedtobehavingamaleontheship,withallthethoughtsthatstirredup.ChurandGeranwerebeinguncommonlycourteouswithit,andthatwasalreadyahazard.
“Looksharp,”Pyanfarsaid.“Takeittotheoproomandmindwhatyou’redoing.”Shestoopedandgatheredupthesymbolbookherselfastheyleditouttowardthedoor.
TheOutsiderbalkedofasuddeninthedoorway,andChurandGeranpatteditshairlessshouldersandletitthinkaboutitalongmoment,whichseemedtherighttacktotake.Itstoodaverylongmoment,lookedeitherwaydownthecorridor,seemedfrozen,butthenatanewurging-“Comeon,”Geransaidinthesoftestpossiblevoiceandtuggedveryslightly-theOutsiderdecidedtocooperateandletitselfbeledintothehallandontowardoperations.Pyanfarfollowedwiththebookunderherarm,scowlingforthecosttheOutsiderhadalreadybeentothem,andwiththedespondentfeelingthatshemightyetbewrongineveryassumptionshehadmade.Theyhadpaidfartoomuchforthat.
Andthenwhat?Giveitbacktothekifafterall,andshrugandpretendithadbeennothing?
TheOutsiderbalkedmorethanonceinbeingmoved,lookedaboutitatsuchintervalsasifthingsweremovingtoofastforitandithadtogetitsbearings.ChurandGeranletitstopwhenitwould,neverhurryingit,thencoaxeditgently.Itwalkedforthem-perhaps,Pyanfarthoughtsourly,bidingitstime,testingtheirreflexes,memorizingthecorridors,ifithadthewittodoso.
Theybroughtitintotheoproom,infrontofalltheboardsandtheglowinglights,anditbalkedagain,hard-breathing,lookingabout.Now,Pyanfarthought,theymighthavetrouble;butno,itletitselfbemovedagainandletitselfbeputintooneofthecushionsatthedeadcargo-monitorconsole,nearthecounterwhereHilfyworkedoverthetranslator,runningaseriesoffiguresoverthescreen.TheOutsiderslumpedwhenseated,dazed-lookingandsweatingprofusely,tuckedinitsblanketwhichitclutchedaboutitself.Pyanfarwalkeduptothearmofthecushion;itsheadcameupinstantlyatherpresenceandthewarinesscamebackintoitseyes.Morethanwariness.Fear.Itrememberedwhohadhurtit.Itknewthemasindividuals,pastaclothingchange.Thatatleast.
“Hai,”Pyanfarsaidinherbestfriend-to-outsidersmanner,patteditshairless,sweatingshoulder,sweptHilfyasideinherapproachtothetranslator,acheap,replaceablestickeredkeyboardunitlinkedbycableintooneoftheirnonesocheapscanners.Shepushedwipe,clearingHilfy’sfigures,thentheBipedalSentientbutton,withastickfigureofalong-limbedbeingspread-eagledonit.Thesamefigureappearedonthescreen.Shepushedthenextwhichshowedahaniinphotographicimage,andindicatedherself.
Itunderstood.Itseyeswerebrightwithanxiety.Itclutcheditsblankettighterandmadeafalteringattempttogetitsfeetbackonthefloorandtostand,reachingtowardthemachine.“Letitloose,”Pyanfarsaid,andChurhelpeditup.Itignoredthemall,leanedonthecounterandpoisedatremblinghandoverthekeyboard.Thewholearmshook.Itpunchedabutton.
Ship.Itlookedup,itseyesseekingunderstanding.
Pyanfarcarefullytookitsalienhand,oh,socarefully,butitallowedthetouch.Sheextendeditsforefingerandguidedittothewipebutton,backtotheshipbuttonagain.Itfreeditshandandsearched,thehandshakingviolentlyasitpassedabovethekeys.FigureRunning,itkeyed.Ship.FigureRunning.Shipagain.Hani.Wipe.Itlookedaboutather.
again.Hani.Wipe.Itlookedaboutather.
“Yes,”shesaid,recognizingthestatement.Motionedforittodomore.
Itturnedagain,madeanothersearchofthekeys.FigureSupine,itstated.Itfoundthepictorialforkif.Thatlong-snoutedgrayfacelitthescreenbesidetheFigureSupine.
“Kif,”Pyanfarsaid.
Itunderstood.Thatwasveryclear.“Kif,”itechoed.Ithadavoicefullofvibrantsounds,likepurring.Itwasstrangetohearitarticulateafamiliarword…hardtopickthatwordoutwhenthetonguemanagedneitherthekifclicknorthehanicough.Andthelookinitseyesnowwasmorethanapprehensive.Wild.Pyanfarputherclawsoutanddemonstrativelyrestedherhandovertheimage.Pushedwipe.Sheputthehanisymbolbackon,punchedinvoice-record;hani,theaudioproclaimed,inhanimode.ShepickedUpthecheapmikeandspokeforthemachine’sstudy-tape,withthemachinerecordinghervoice.“Hani.”Shecalledupanotherimage.“Stand.”Athird.“Walk.”
Ittookalittlerepetition,buttheOutsiderbegantoinvolveitselfintheprocessandnotinitstremblinghysteriaoverthekifimage.Itstartedwiththefirstbutton…workedatthesystem,despiteitsphysicalweakness,recordeditsownidentificationforallthesimplesymbolsonthefirstrow,soberly,withnojoyinitsdiscovery,butnotsluggishlyeither.Itbegantogofasterandfaster,jabbedkeys,spoke,oneaftertheother,madlyrapid,asifitwereprovingsomething.Therewereseventy-sixkeysonthatunitanditranthroughthelot,althoughtowardtheenditshandwashardlycontrollable.
Thenitstoppedandturnedthatsamesullenlookonthemandreachedfortheseatithadleft.Itbarelymadeit,sankdowninthecushionandwrappeditsblanketupaboutitsshoulders,paleandsweating.
“It’sgoneitslimit,”Pyanfarsaid.“Getitsomewater.”
Churbroughtitfromthedispenser.TheOutsideraccepteditone-handed,sniffedthepapercup,thendrainedit.Itgavetheemptycupback,pointedatitself,atthemachineonthecounter,lookedatPyanfar,correctlyassessingwhowasincharge.Itwanted,Pyanfarreadthegestures,tocontinue.
“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,“themanual,onthecounter.Giveithere.”
Hilfyhandeditover.Pyanfarsearchedthroughtheopeningpagesfortheprecisesymbolsofthemoduleinthemachineatpresent.“Howmanyofthosemodulesdowehave?”
“Ten.Twomanuals.”
“Thatoughttocarryusintoabstracts.GoodforHaral.”ShesettheopenedbookintotheOutsider’slapandpointedatthesymbolsithadjustdone,showedithowfarthesectionwent.Nowitmadetheconnection.Itgatheredthebookagainstitselfwithbotharms,intentonkeepingit.“Yes.’Pyanfarsaid,andnoddedconfirmation.Maybenoddingwasagesturetheyshared;itnoddedinreturn,neverlookinghappy,buttherewaslessdistressinitslook.Itclutcheditsbookthetighter.
PyanfarlookedatHilfy,atGeranandChur,whoseexpressionswereguarded.Theywellknewnowwhatlevelofsentienttheyhadaboard.Howmuchtheyguessedoftheirdifficultieswiththekifwasanothermatter:alot,shereckoned-theypickedupthingsoutoftheair,assembledthemthemselveswithouthavingtoask.“Apassengercompartment,”shesaid.“Ithinkitmightlikeclothes.Foodanddrink.Itsbook.Cleanbeddingandabedtosleepin.Civilizedfacilities.Thatdoesn’tmeanyoushouldn’tbecarefulwithit.Let’smoveit,shallwe,andletitrest.”
ItlookedfromChurtoGeranasthetwoclosedin,grewdistressedwhenChurtookitsarmtogetitonitsfeet.Itpointedbackatthemachine…wantedthat,itschancetocommunicate.Perhapstherewasmoreitplannedtosay,inthesymbols.Surelyitexpectedtogobacktothewashroomcorner.Pyanfarreachedandtoucheditsshoulderfromtheotherside,touchedthebookitheldandpresseditshandthetighteragainstit,indicatingitshouldkeepthebook,thebestpromiseshecouldthinkofthatmighttellittheywerenotdonewithtalking.Itcalmeditself,atleast,letitselfbedrawntoitsfeetand,oncesteadied,ledout.
Pyanfarlookedatthemachineonthecounter,walkedoverandturneditoff.Hilfywasstillstandingthere.“Movethewholerig,”Pyanfarsaid.“We’llrisktheequipment.”Sheunpluggedthekeyboardmodule,whichwasnoburdenatall,butawkward.“Bringthescreen.”
“Aunt,”saidHilfy,“whatarewegoingtodowithhim?”
“Thatdependsonwhatthekifhadinmindtodowithhim.Butwecanhardlyaskthem,canwe?”ShefollowedaftertheOutsiderandChurandGeran,down
askthem,canwe?”ShefollowedaftertheOutsiderandChurandGeran,downthesidecorridortooneofthethreeroomstheykeptforThePride’soccasionalpayingpassengers,upthecurveintotheareaofthecrew’sprivatequarters.Theywerenicelyappointedcabins.TheoneChurandGeranhadselectedwasinfreshgreenswithwovengrassforthewallsandwiththebedandchairsinpalelimecomplement.Pyanfarcountedthedamagepossibleandwinced,buttheyhadsufferedfarworseinthecausethantornupholstery.
AndtheOutsiderseemedtorecognizeamajorchangeinitsfortunes.Itstoodinthecenteroftheroomclutchingitsbookanditsblanketandstaringaboutwithalesssullenexpressionthanbefore…seemedratherdazedbyitall,ifitsnarrowfeatureswereatallreadable.“Bettershowitthesanitaryfacilitiesfirst,”Pyanfarsaid.“Ihopeitunderstands.”
Churtookitbythearmanddrewitintothebath,carefully.HilfybroughtthescreeninandPyanfaraddedthemoduleasshesetitonthecounterandpluggeditintotheauxiliarycom/compreceptacle.Fromthebaththerecamebrieflythesoundoftheshowerworking,thenthetoiletcycling.ChurbroughttheOutsiderbackintothemainroom,bothlookingembarrassed.ThentheOutsidersawthetranslatorhookupsittingonthecounter,anditseyesflickeredwithinterest.
Notjoy.Therewasneverthat.
Itsaidsomething.Twodistinctwords.Foramomentitsoundedasifitwerespeakingitsownlanguage.Andthenitsoundedvaguelykif.Pyanfar’searsprickedupadshedrewinabreath.“Sayagain,”sheurgeditinkif,andmadeanencouragingmotiontowardherear,standarddocksidehandsign.
“Kif…companion?”
“No.”Shedrewadeeperbreath.“Bastard!Youdounderstand.”Andagaininkif:“Whoareyou?Whatkindareyou?”
Itshookitshead,seeminghelpless.Evidentlywhowasnotpartofitsrepertoire.PyanfarconsideredtheanxiousOutsiderthoughtfully,reachedandsetherhandonChur’sconvenientshoulder.“ThisisChur,”shesaidinkif.Andinhani:“Youdomeagreatfavor,cousin:yousitwiththisOutsideronyourwatch.Youkeephimgoingonthoseidentifications,changemodulestheminuteyou’vegotonefullyidentified,theaudiotrackfilled.Keephimatitwhilehewillbutdon’tforcehim.Youknowhowtoworkit?”
“Yes,”Chursaid.
“Youbecareful.Noknowingwhatit’sthinking,whatit’sbeenthrough,andIdon’tputdeviousnessbeyonditsreacheither.Iwantitcommunicative;don’tberoughwithit,don’tfrightenit.Butdon’tputyourselfindangereither.-Geran,youstayoutside,doyouroperationsmonitorbypagersolongasChur’sinside,hear?”
Geran’sears-therightonewasnotched,marringwhatwasotherwiseaconsiderablebeauty-flickedindistress,awinkingofgoldringsontheleft.“Clearlyunderstood,”shesaid.
“Hilfy.”Pyanfarmotionedtohernieceandstartedoutthedoor.TheOutsiderstartedtowardthem,butChur’soutflungarmpreventeditanditstopped,notwillingtoquarrel.Churspoketoitquickly,gingerlytoucheditsbareshoulder.Itlookedfrightened,forthefirsttimeoutrightfrightened.
“Ithinkitwantsyou,aunt,”Hilfyobserved.
Pyanfarlaidherearsback,abhorringthethoughtoffendingoffagrabatherperson,walkedoutwithHilfyunhurriedallthesame.Shelookedbackfromthedoorway.“Becarefulofit,”shetoldChurandGeranagain.“Tentimesitmaybegentleandagreeable…andgoforyourthroatontheeleventh.”
Shewalkedoff,theskinofhershoulderstwitchingwithdistaste.Hilfytrailedher,butPyanfarjammedherhandsintothebackofherwaistbandandtooknonoticeofhernieceuntiltheyhadgottentothelift.Hilfypressedthebuttontoopenthedoorandtheygotin.Pressedcentral;itbroughtthemupandstillwithoutawordPyanfarwalkedoutintothebridgewardcorridor.
“Aunt,”Hilfysaid.
Pyanfarlookedback.
“Whatshallwedowithit?”
“I’msureIdon’tknow,”Pyanfarsaidtartly.Herearswerestillback.Shepurposelyputonabetterface.“Notyourfault,niece.Thisoneismyownmaking.”
“I’dtakesomeoftheslack;I’dhelp,ifIknewwhattodo.Withthecargogone-”
“I’dtakesomeoftheslack;I’dhelp,ifIknewwhattodo.Withthecargogone-”
Pyanfarfrownedandtheearswentdownagain.Youwanttorelievemeofworry?shethought.Thendon’tdoanythingstupid.Buttherewasthatface,youngandproudandwantingtodowell.MostthatHilfyknewhowtodoontheshiphadgonewhencargoblewandscanshutdown.“Youngster,I’vegottenintoalargergamethanIplanned,andthere’snogoinghomeuntilwe’vegottenitstraightenedout.Howwedothatisanotherquestion,becausethekifknowourname.Haveyougotanideayou’vebeensittingon?”
“No,aunt-beingignorantabouttoomuch.”
Pyanfarnodded.“Sowithmyself,niece.Letitbealessontoyou.Mysituationprecisely,whenItooktheOutsiderin,insteadofhandingitrightbacktothekif.”
“Wecouldn’thavegivenhimtothem.”
“No,’Pyanfaragreedheavily.“Butitwouldcertainlyhavebeenmoreconvenient.”Sheshookherhead.“Gorestwhelp,andthistimeImeanit.Youweresickduringjump;you’llbelaggingwhenIdoneedyou.AndneedyouIwill.”Shewalkedon,intothebridge,pastthearchway.Hilfydidnotfollow.Pyanfarsatdownatherplace,amongallthedeadinstruments,listenedtothesometimewhisperoflargerdustoverthehull,calledupalltherecordwhichhadflowedinwhileshewasgone,listeningtothatwithoneearandthecurrentcomflowwiththeother.
Badnews.Asecondarrivalinthesystem…morethanoneship.Itmightbekif,mightbesomeoneelsefromthedisasteratMeetpoint.Ineithercaseitwasbad.Theonesalreadyherewereonthehuntbeyondquestion-kifwereupsetenoughtohavedumpedcargotogetherefromMeetpoint:noothershipshadcausetohuntThePride,ortocallthemthief.Theywerethesamekif,beyonddoubt,upsetenoughtohavebandedtogetherinahunt.Badnewsalltheway.
UrturStationwasintothecomflownow…bluster,warningthekifofseverepenaltiesandfines.Thatwasveryoldchatter,fromthebeginningofthetrouble,awavefrontjustnowreachingthem.Threatsfromthekif-thoseweremorecurrent.Themahendo’satship…harassed,madeitswaystationward.Thekifturnedtheirattentiontothenewarrivals,tootherthings.TheywouldbegintofiguresoonthatthefreighterslastarrivedhadjumpedbehindThePride.ThatThePridehadtohavetrickedthemandgoneelsewhereintostshoterritories,or
ThePridehadtohavetrickedthemandgoneelsewhereintostshoterritories,orhadtobehere…doingpreciselywhattheyweredoing;andveryprobablyanervouskifwouldplaythesurmisehehadalreadystakedhisreputationon.Theywouldstarthuntingshadowsoncetheyreachedthatconclusion,havingquestionedafewfrightenedmahe.Theywouldfanout,prowlthesystem,stopminerships,askclosequestions,probablycommitsmallpiracyatthesametime,nottowasteanopportunity.Thestationcoulddonothing-alargeronemight,butnotUrtur,whichwasmostlymanufacturingandscarcelydefended.Nomahendo’satshipwouldbewillingtobestopped-buttherewasnohopeforthemofoutrunningthathypedkifship,nochanceatleastwhichanordinarymahendo’satcaptainwasequippedtotake.
AndtherewasnochancethatoneofthoseshipsincomingfromMeetpointwouldturnouttobehani,andrelievethemallofthatweightofguilt.Handur’sVoyagerwasgone,beyondhopeandhelp.NotevenproximitytoMeetpointwaslikelytohavesavedanyoneinthatattack.Thekifwerenothingifnotthorough:theypracticedbloodfeudthemselves,andleftnosurvivors.
Kif-hadsomehowmissedkillingoneanotheroffintheirriseofftheirhomeworldandintospace.Theyhaddoneit,hanihadalwayssuspected,inmutualdistrust;inoutrighthatred.Theyhadcontestedthemselvesintospace,andhuntedeachotherthroughituntiltheyfoundeasierpickings.
NotThePride,sheswore,andnotPyanfarChanur.
Thatkifwhowasincommandoutthere-shewascertainbeyondquestionthatitwasAkukkakkofHinukku,whohadcomeaheadtostakeoutUrturtobewaitingforthem-oncethatkifknewtheyhadgottenthrough,hewouldbecheckingallhisbacktimerecords,sniffingthrougheverythinghopingtocatchsomemissedtraceofThePride’sarrival.Theyhadleftverylittleofawavefrontghosttodetect;buttheremightbesomething,somesmallmissedflicker.
Running-now-haditshazards.Aslongassomeofthekifshuttledthesystematrelativelyhighvelocity,thoseshipscouldrundownonthemwhiletheyweretryingtobuildtheirsbackfromvirtualdeadstop.Theirchancesofbreakingcoverandrunningdependedonthepositionofthekifships,whethertheyhadthatcriticaltimetheymightneedtogettheirreferentandtocomeuptopositiontojump.Blindastheyhadmadethemselves,theonlywaytofindoutwherethoseshipswerewastotrysomething;andtheonlywaytofindouthowmanytherewere,wastokeepaneartothekifchatterandseeiftheycouldpickoutindividualships.
individualships.
ThisAkukkakkwouldnotlikelybesocareless.ItwascertainenoughtheywerenotoutputtingIDsignal,whichitselfbroughtprotestsfromthestation;noIDsignalandnolocationalsignalfromanyofthem.Onlyfromminersandlegitimateresidents-ifthosesignalswerewhattheyoughttobe.
So,so,so.Theywereinabottle,anditwastoomuchtohopethatthekifwouldnotultimatelycoercemahendo’sathelpinthehuntforthem.Stationandminerscouldbeintimidatedasthekifputthepressureon.Whatwasmore,hanishipscameandwentatUrtur,andthoseshipswouldbevulnerabletothekif,unsuspectingofatrocitysuchasthekifhadcommittedatMeetpoint.Theywouldcomeintoconfrontationwiththekifhavingnoideaofthestakesinvolvedhere.Thekifmightactagainstthemwithoutwarning,todrawThePrideout.Suchtacticswerenothanipractice;butshehadbeenmanyyearsoffAnuurnandamongoutsiders,andsheknewwellenoughhowtothinklikeakif,eveniftheprocessturnedherstomachandbristledthehairsonhernape.
AndthenwhatdoIdo?shewonderedtoherself.DoIcomeoutmeeklytodie?Orletothers?Hercrewhadnomoreorlessrighttolifethanthecrewofanyotherhanishipwhichcamestrayingintothetrap.Thereweretheirlivesinvolved.TherewasHilfy’s.Andthereby-allofChanur.
Nexttimehome,shevowed,/getthatothergunbatterymoduledin,whateveritcosts.
Nexttimehome.
Shefrowned,cutofftherecording,whichhadcometothepointatwhichshehadcomein.Thepresenttransmissionswerefewandterse.Someoneshouldbeupheredirectlyandconstantlymonitoringthecomflowandtherest:Hilfywasrightonthatscore.Buttheywerenotafightingshipandtheyhadnopersonneltospareforsuch.Sixofthem,withordinarydutiesandaprisonertowatch:therewascoursetoplot,therewerecheckstoberunaftertheirjumpunderstress,systemstheyhadtobesureof;andtherewasthechancethattheymighthavetomove,defendthemselvesandrunatanymoment,whichmeantthreecrewmembershadtobementallyandphysicallyfittotakeactionatanyinstant,whateverthehour.TheautomationswhichranThePrideinhernormalworkadaybusinesshadnothingtodowiththeirsituationnow,systemsoverstressedfromajumptheshipwasneverdesignedtomake,makeshiftsecurityonanalienandpossiblylunaticpassenger.Gods.Shedouble-checked
securityonanalienandpossiblylunaticpassenger.Gods.Shedouble-checkedthepageroperation,whichwastransmissionactivated,advisedthecrewonwatchthatshewastakingovermonitorforawhile,togivethemrestfromtheresponsibility.
“He’sallright,”GeranreportedontheOutsider.“Restingawhile.”
Itwasgood,shethought,thatsomeonecould.
Shewentfinallytothegalley,upthecurve;thereasonofthatlargeellinthecontrolsection-noappetiteinparticular,butherlimbswereweakfromhunger.Sheheatedupamealfromthefreezer,forceditdownagainstherstomach’searnestcomplaints,andtossedthedishintothesterilizer.Thenshewalkedbacktoherprivatequarterstotrytorest.
Shefrettedtoomuchforsleep,pacedthefloorpointlessly,sortedthestackofchartsintoorderandsatdownandplottedandreplottedpossiblealternatives,whichshealreadyguessed,againstoddsshealreadyknew.AtlastsheshovedallthatworkasideandusedtheconsolebyherbedtolinkinontheOutsider’sterminal,viamaincompandaccesscodes.Itwasactiveagain:sheheardtheOutsider’svoiceaswellassawthesymbolscalledupbythetranslatorkeys.Hewasusingthemoneaftertheother,andwhenshekeyedinoncomaswell,shecouldpickupChur’svoiceintheroom,quietassistance-soundswhichmightgowithpantomime.Occasionallytherewasapairingofsymbolsthemachinedidnotdo-Chur’sinterference,perhaps,tryingtogetapointacross.Pyanfarcutoffcomandthetranslatorreception,staredatthedeadscreen.ThechatterfromUrtursystemcontinuedfromthepageratherbelt,subduedanddepressingincontent.Mahendo’satshipswerebeingadvisedbytheirownstationnottorun,tosubmittosearchifsingledoutbythekif,tohugstationiftheywerealreadythereandhopeforsafety.
Ahanivoiceobjectedaquestion.
Hani!
Pyanfarsprangfromthebedside,thewallsofhercabinimmaterialbeforehervisionofthatstationwithahanishipatdock;withkifabletomoveonitatwill.Thehanispoke…hadspokenlongago,inthetimelag.Whateverwouldhappen…hadlongsincetakenplace.TimeaswellasspacelaybetweenThePrideandthathanishipandthekif,andtherewasnothingshecoulddo,blind,fromadeaddrift,tohelpit.
drift,tohelpit.
“Gods!”shespat,andhurledthedeskchairforwardonitstrackwithacrash.ItwasaFahavesselinport;Faha’sStarchaser,andthatwasahouseandacompanyalliedtoChanur.HerbrotherKohan’sfirstwifewasHuranFaha.Hilfy’smother,forthegods’sakes!Therewerebonds,compacts,agreementsofalliance….
AndHilfy.
Themahendo’satatUrturStationurgedthehanishiptokeepcalm.Themahehad,theyavowed,nointentionofbecominginvolvedinakifquarrel,andtheywerenotgoingtoletarashhaniinvolvethem.
Thehanidemandedinformation;kifhuntedaChanurship:theFahahadbeenlisteningandfrettingunderrestraintthislong,andwantedanswers-knewthiswasgoingoutovercom,asthestationknewwhattheFahaweredoing,makingvocaltrouble,makingsureinformationgotoutintothedarkwhereChanurearsmightpickitup.
Ogods,ogods.Therewasanally,doingthebestforthemthatcouldbedoneatthemoment…andtheywerebothhelplesstocomeattheenemy.
Pyanfarpulledthechairoutagain,satdown,lostinlisteningforawhile.Therewasnofurtherinformation.Theyhadgottenthatspurtonthestation’slongrangeoronStarchaser’s…informationlikeabeaconfiredoffintooutsystem,deliberately.IftheyhaditfiguredThePridewashere…thensodidthekif.
Therewereechoes,repetitionsofthemessage:comwassortingthemout,transmissionsofdifferingdegreesofclarity,andthehairprickledonPyanfar’sneck,sudden,gratefulrealization:shipsalloverthesystemhadbegunrelayingthatmessage,lettingitofflikemultipleripplesinstillwater,massivedefianceofthekif-andthekifhadnotorderedsilence…onthistimeline.Theycouldnotenforcesuchademand,atthepresentlimitsoftheiraggressionatUrtur:butthoselimitscouldchange.Theinformationwasgoingoutlikeamultipliedshout…hadgoneout,longago,andwasstilltraveling.
ShefoundHilfyforoncewhereshewassupposedtobe,inherownquarters,asleep.Shehesitatedwhenthesleepyvoiceansweredthedoorcomhail,nomore
asleep.Shehesitatedwhenthesleepyvoiceansweredthedoorcomhail,nomorethanhesitated.“Up,”shesaidintothecom.“I’vesomewhattotellyou.”
Hilfywasquicktothedoor.ItwhippedopenedandHilfyhungthere,disheveledfrombedandgrimacinginthefulllightofthecorridor.Shehadnotpausedforclothes.
Pyanfarwalkedinpasther,waitedwhileHilfybrightenedtheinteriorlighting,andhelduparestraininghand,thatthebrighteningneednotbepermanentorfull.ItwasaroomHilfyhadmadeherown,agreatdealofChanurstyleinthiscabin,morethaninherownquarters,mementoesaffixedtothewalls,picturesofhomeworld’smountainsandthebroadplainsoftheChanurholdings…theHoldingitself,goldstone,shadedwithvines.Pyanfarlookedabouther,andlookedatHilfy.“Briefly,”Pyanfarsaid,“Ihavetotellyouathing;andthere’snothingcanbedoneaboutit,I’lltellyouthatfirst.We’vepickedupsignalfromaFahashipdockedatstation.They’reinthemiddleofthekif,andtheyfiredamessageoffforstationthatIthinktheymeantweshouldhear:noisychatter.Ithinktheyknowwe’reouthereandinwhatkindoftrouble.Butthere’sthekifbetweenus,andthere’snowaywecandomuchforeachother.Youunderstand?”
Hilfy’seyeshadstoppedflinchingatthelight.Shestared,amber-rimedabouttheblack,andherearsflattenedandprickedupagainwitheffort.Forayoungwomanandrousednakedoutofsleep,sheacquiredaquietdignityingettingherwitscollected.“Doyouknowwhichship,aunt?”
“Starchaser.That’sLihanFahaincommand.”
Hilfynodded.Theearsflinched,ringless.Herfacestayedcomposed.“They’llbeindanger.LikeVoyager.Andtheywon’tknowit.Noonewouldexpectthatkindofattack.”
“Lihan’snotyro,imp,believeit.Wedon’tplaytheirhand;theydon’tinterfereinours.Can’t.Nothingwecandoouthere.”
“Wecouldthrowthemawarningandrun.”
“Idon’ttakethatasanoptionatthemoment.WesenditfromdistanceandthekifwillhaveitbeforeStarchaserhasachance.Andpublicdefiance,involvingStarchaserinourleaving-thekifwouldbeobligedtoreact.Revengeispartoftheirmindset.Youhavetocalculatethatintoit.No.Starchaser’sridingherown
theirmindset.Youhavetocalculatethatintoit.No.Starchaser’sridingherownluck.Idon’tplantopushitforher.Sogobacktobed,hear?”
Hilfystoodamomentwithoutmoving.Noddedafteramoment,herdignitystillabouther.
“Good,”Pyanfarsaidtightly,andwalkedout.Sheheardthedoorcloseafterher,andwalkedtheupcurvingcorridorwhichledfromHilfy’squarterstoherown,acrossthemaintopsidecorridoranddownashortdistance.
SoshemighthavecostHilfyhersoundsleep,andthemealshehadeatenlaylikeleadatherownstomach;butFahainvolvementinthehazardwasnotsomethingforHilfytofindoutlater,likeachild,sparedadultunpleasantnesses.Hilfy’sfacestayedbeforeher;thepagerunitatherhipkeptupitsstaticbabble,dyingechoesofthemessage,occasional-spurtsofclosertransmission,butrarerandrarer.Astshoshiphadcomeintothesystem.Thekifdisdainedtoharassit;itbeggedinstructionsofUrturStation,anxioustoscudinbeforethestorm.
Alotofmaheinthesystemmighthavethesameidea,minerswhohadalreadyreckonedittimetoheadforport,gettingthemselvesoutofthewayofthekifshunt.
Itwasavastsystemoutthere.Mostoftheshipsinitwereincapableofjump,insystemoperatorsonly.Sofar,everyonewaskeepingremarkablycalm,eventhehaniattheeyeofthatstorm.
Godsgrantagreatmanyshipspulledinward…andaffordedthekifahardertargetiftheywantedtoraidStationinsearchofonehaniship.Thatwasonehope.LihanFahaofStarchaserwastooold,toowarytorushouttomismatchedbattle.LihanwouldnotexpectstupidityofThePride.TheFahawouldexpectthemtofendforthemselvesandaboveallnottouchanythingoffprematurely.TheFahaneededtime:therewasachancethattheycouldoffloadcargoandstripthatshipdownforspeed,giventime,shedmasswithouttheneedtoloseacargo.Theywouldnotexpecthelpmorethanthat.
Thatwaslogicspeaking.
Butithurt.
IV
Shesatandlistenedatimeinhercabin,finallycontactedGeranbelowdecksandturnedoverthemonitoringtoher.“Faha,”wasGeran’sonlycomment.
“Hilfyknows,”Pyanfarsaid.
“So,”Geranmurmured.Andthen:“I’mon.I’vegotit.”
Pyanfarsignedoffandsighedheavily,sittingontheedgeofherbed,armsonherknees-finallytookamildsedativeandundressedandcurledupinthebowlshapedbedforapreciouswhileofoblivion,tryingnottothinkofemergenciesandcontingenciesandthehordeofkifprowlingaboutthesystem.
Thatdidnotwork,butthesedativedid.Shewentunderlikeastoneintoapondandcameoutagainstartledbythealarm-butitwasonlythetimergoingoff,andshelayinthebedclotheswithherheartslowlysteppingbackdowntonormal.
“Anydevelopments?”sheaskedlowerdeckopbycomfromherbedside,notevenhavingcrawledfrombeneaththesheets,butthrustinganarmouttopushthebottomontheconsole.“AnythinghappenedwhileIwasoff?”
“No,captain.”Haral’svoiceansweredher.Ashiftchangehadoccurredinherofftime.“Thesituationseemstobetemporarystalemate.Stationisbroadcastingonlyoperationalchatternow.Wearen’tgettingmuchfromthekif.Nothingalarming.We’dhavewakedyouiftherewasnews.”
Sotheirordersran.Interpretationsofemergencyvaried;butHaralwasthewisestheadinthecrew,thecanniest.Pyanfarlaytherestaringattheceilingamomentandfinallydecidedshemighttakehertime.Therewasnowheretorush.Theribmusclesshehadstrainedingforcehadstiffened.“Whataboutsystemscheck?Hasanyonehadtimetogettothat?”
“We’restillrunningtheboard,captain,butitlooksgoodalltheway.Theblowoutwasabsolutelycleanandtherecalibrationwasrightalmosttothehair.”
“Betterluckthanwedeserve.What’stheOutsiderupto?”
“Backatworkatthekeyboard.ChurandGeranareoffnow,andTirun’son,but
“Backatworkatthekeyboard.ChurandGeranareoffnow,andTirun’son,butIdidn’tfeel,byyourleave,captain,thatTirunbelongedintherewithhiminhercondition,andI’vehadallIcandowithvisualchecksontheseparationreadouts-againbyyourleave.”
“Youwereright.”
“He’ssleptabit.Hehasn’tmadeanytrouble…gods,heworkedtillhenearlydroppedover,Chursaid;andhe’sbackatitagainthisshift,shakyasheis.Wefedhimrightawaywhenhewokeup,andheateitallandwentbacktohisdrills,politeasyouplease.I’vegothisroomcomandhiscompmonitoredfromtheopstation,sowe’veatleastgotaneartowardhim.”
“Huh.”Pyanfarranahandthroughhermaneandscowledupatthebrighteningroomlight.Thealarmhadstartedthedaycycleintheroom.“LettheOutsiderwork;ifitfallsover,thenletitrest.How’sTirunmakingit?”
“Limping,sore,andworkingwiththelegproppedup.She’sstillwhitearoundthenose.”
“I’mallright,”Tirun’svoicecutin,usurpingthesamemike.
“Yougooff,”Pyanfarsaid,“anytimeyoufeelyououghtto.We’redeaddrifting,andsomeoneelsecantakeuptheslackifthosefirstchecksarerun.Youseetoit,Haral.AnythingelseIshouldknow?”
“That’sthesumofit,”Haralsaid.“We’reallrightsofar.”
“Huh,”shesaidagain,gotoutofthespring-heldsheetsandcutthecomoff,pulledonherblacktrousersandputonherbelt,herbracelet,andherseveralearrings-shooktheeartosettlethemandgavehermaneandbeardaquickcombintoorder.Vanitybehanged.Sheleftthecabinandpaidashortvisittothegalley,ateasolitarybreakfast,feelingsomewhatbetter.Sheturnedthepagertothemonitorchannelinthemeanwhile,listenedtothechatterwhichwasreachingthemandfounditmuchwhatHaralhadsaid,alullineventswhichinitselfcontainedworrisomepossibilities.Bynowthekifhadsurelyfiguredoutwhathadhappened,andbynowtheywouldbehuntinginstealth-hencethequiet.ThePridehadundergoneagreatdealoflateraldriftfromtheirentrypoint,butifshewerethatkifcaptain,tryingtoreckonthearrivalpointofacargolessfugitiveonajumpalmosttoomuchfortheship…shewouldcalculateafringeareajumponastraightstringfrom
Meetpoint’smasstothatofUrtur.Andthatwouldfinethehuntingzonedownconsiderably,fromthevasttractsofUrtur’slenslikesystem-toaspecificzoneonthefringe,andthedirectionofsystemicdrift,andcertainplaceswhereashipseekingcovermightmove.Timewastheotherfactor;timedefinedthesegmentofspaceinwhichtheymightlogicallybedrifting,twopoints-within-which,whichthenmightbefineddowntighterandtighter.
Time,time,andtime.
Theywererunningoutofit.
Sheshutoffthepager,wentbacktohercabin,spreadoutthechartsofthelasteffortandpickedupacomplinkofherown,startedasprecisecalculationsasshecouldmakeontheoptionstheyhadleft.
Fromthehaniship-sheinterruptedherselftoqueryHaralandTirunonthepoint-therehadbeennothingduringthepastwatch.Notransmissionatall.Starchaserwouldbefeverishlybusyatherownbusiness,strippingdown,notprovokinganythingatthisjuncture.
Waiting.AllincomingtransmissionindicatedthatshipsofallkindsweremovingtowardUrturStationwithallpossiblehaste,ajourneyofdaysforsomeships,andofweeksforothersoftheinsystemoperators…buteventhegesturespoketothekif,thatthemahewoulddefendUrturStationitself,abandoningotherpointstowhateverthekifwishedtodo.Theincomingjumpshipshadlongsincemadeitin,snuggedclose:armedships,those…butoneatleastwasstsho,anditsarmswereminoranditswilltofightwasvirtuallynonexistent.
Again,shereckoned,ifshewerethatkifincommand,thoseinsystemshipswouldnotgoinunchallenged.Forallthoseincomingfromthesuspectvectorwhereahanishiplayhidden,therewouldbecloserscrutiny-tomakesureacleverhanididnotdriftindisguisedwiththerestoftheinboundtraffic.IDtransmissionwouldbechecked,identificationsrunthroughcomp;shipsmightbeboarded…allmannerofunpleasantness.Mostofthemwouldpassvisualinspection:therewaspreciouslittleresemblancebetweenagut-blownjumpfreighterwithitshugevanes,andalumpyminer-processorwhosepropulsionwasallinsystemandhardlyenoughtomoveitalongwithitstowfull.
OnlytheminerswhomighthavehadthebadlucktocomeinfromthefarthestedgeofThePride’spossiblelocation…theymightbestopped,havetheirrecordsscanned,theircompstripped-theirpersonssubjectedtogross
recordsscanned,theircompstripped-theirpersonssubjectedtogrossdiscomfortsuntiltheywouldvolunteerinformation,ifthekifweretruetonature.
“Someone’sjumped,captain.”
Tirun’svoice,outofthecomunit.Pyanfardumpedacomplexcalculationfromhermindandreachedforthereplybar,twistinginherchair.“Who?Where?”
“Justgotthecharacteristicghost,that’sall.Idon’tknow.Itwasfarsideofsystemandlongago.Nofurtherdata;butitfitswithinourtimeline.Thatclose.”
“Givemetheimage.”
Tirunpasseditontothescreen.Nadirrangeandbadlymuddledpickup:therewastoomuchdebrisintheway.
“Right,”shesaidtoTirun.“Noknowing.”
“Out?”Tirunasked.
“Out,”Pyanfarconfirmedher,andkeyedouttheimageaswell,staredmoroselyatthechartsandthefigureswhich,nomatterhowtwisted,keptcomingupthesame:thattherewasnowaytosinglejumpbeyondUrtur,howeverreducedinmasstheywerenow.
Thatjump-ghostwhichhadjustarrivedmighthavebeensomeonesuccessfullyrunningforit.Moreshipsthanthatonemighthavejumpedfromhere,lostinthegasanddebrisofUrtur’senvirons.
Butquite,quitelikelythatshipwaskif,asurplusshipmovingontoarrangeambushatthemostlogicaljumppointthattheymightuse.
RotAkukkakk.Sherecalledtheflatblackeyes,red-rimmed,thelonggrayface,thevoiceverydifferentfromthewhiningtoneoflesserkif.Abittertastecameintohermouth.
Howmanyofthem?shewondered,andpulledthescatteredchartstowardheronthedeskandagainthoughtlikeakif,wonderingjustwherehemightstationhisshipsremainingatUrtur,havingfigurednow,ashemusthavefigured,whattheywereupto.
Thatinwardflightwhichwasmakingthestationsafer-wasalsogivingthisAkukkakkafreefieldinwhichtooperate.TherewereafinitenumberofopacitiesinthequadrantwherethesweepofdebrismightbeconcealingThePride.Adiminishingnumberofotherfugitivestoconfusehim…justthemandhim,finally,alongwithwhateverotherkifshipshehadcalledin.
FourkifshipshadbeenatMeetpoint.Someorallmighthavecomewithhim.TheremighthavebeenasmanymoreatUrturwhenHinukkucamein.Eightships,say.Notbeyondpossibility.
Shemadehercalculationsagain,flexedanachefromhershoulders,andpushedbackfromthedesk,combedherbeardwithherfingersandflickedherearsforthesoothingsoundoftherings.
Huh.So.Sheatleastknewtheiroptions-orthelackofthem.Itwasathoroughlybadgametohavegotteninto.Sheleveredherachingbodyoutofthechairithadoccupiedtoomanyhours,stretchedagain,calculatingthattheymustbeaboutdueforChurandGerantocomeonagain.AndHilfy:therehadnotbeenawordoutofher.Possiblytheimphadbeenlategettingtosleepafterthenewswhichhadbrokeninonherrest.Ifshehadbeensleeping,somuchthebetter.
Pyanfarwalkedoutintothecorridoranddownit,intothedimzoneofthebridge,beyondthearchway,wheremostofthelightswereoutandthedeadscreensmadeareasdarkwhichshouldhavebeenbusywithlights.Therewasoneunexpectedbrightspot,acounteralightinthatellnookofthebridgearoundthemaincompbank.Someonehadcomebackandleftiton,shethought,walkinguponittoturnitout;andcameonHilfythere,seatedwithherattentionfixedonthetranslator,lefthandproppingherforeheadandherrighthandpoisedoverthetranslatorkeyboard.Thescreeninfrontofherwasalivewithmahendo’satsymbols.AudiobroughtinapatheticOutsider-voicedattemptatspeech.Pyanfarfrowned,walkedcloser,andHilfysawthemovementandhalfturned,turnedbackinhastetocloseofftheaudiofromthebridge.Pyanfarleanedonthebackofherchairtoobservethestringsofsymbolsonthescreen,andHilfygotupinhaste.
Go,theOutsiderwastryingtosay.Thatwasthesymbolonthescreenatthemoment./go.
“Ithoughtyouweresupposedtoberesting,”Pyanfarsaid.
“Igottiredofresting.”
“Igottiredofresting.”
Pyanfarnoddedtowardthescreen,wheretheFigureWalkingwasdisplayed.“How’sitdoing?”
“He.”
“It,he,how’sitdoing?”
“Notsogoodonpronunciation.”
“You’vebeencuttinginonhislessons?Talkingtohim?”
“Hedoesn’tknowmefromthemachine.”Hilfyhadherhandslockedbehindher,earsflat,waryofreprimands.“Youcan’tworkthesecondmanualwithouthelp:it’ssentences.Hehastohaveprompts.I’vegotmorevocabularyfilledinwithhim.We’rewellintoabstractsandI’vebeenabletofiguresomethingaboutthewayhisownsentencesarebuiltfromwhathekeepsdoingwrongwithours.”
“Huh.Andhaveyouperchancegottenanameoutofhimamidthesemistakes?Hisspecies?Anindicationwhathecomesfrom?Alocation?”
“No.”
“Well.Ididn’texpect.Butwelldone,allthesame.I’llcheckitout.”
“Sevenhundredfifty-threewords.Heranthewholefirstmanual.Churdemonstratedchangingthekeyboardandthecassetteandheranitall,justlikethat;andgotintothesecondbook,tryingtodosentences.Buthecan’tpronounce,aunt;itjustcomesoutlikethat.”
“Mouthshapeisdifferent.Can’tsaywecaneverdomuchwithhislanguageeither;liketryingtotalktothetc’aortheknnn…maybeevenadifferenthearingrange,certainlynotthesameequipmenttospeakwith-gods,noguaranteeingthesamelogic,butthelatterIthinkwemayhave.Somethingshedoesmakehalfsense.”Sheloweredherselfintothevacatedchair,reachedandlivenedasecondscreen.“GotalkTirunoutofherworkdowninop,imp;she’sbeenondutyandsheshouldn’tbe.I’mgoingtotrytorunatranslatortapeonyoursevenhundredfifty-threewords.”
“Ididthat.”
“Ididthat.”
“Oh,didyou?”
“WhileIwassittinghere.”Hilfyuntuckedherhandsfrombehindherandhastilyreachedforthecounter,indicatedthecassetteintheslotofthetranslatorinput.“Ipulledthebasicpatternandsortedthewordsin.Sentencelogictoo.It’sfinished.”
“Doesitwork?”
“Idon’tknow,aunt.Hehasn’tgivenmeasentenceinhisownlanguage.Justwords.There’snooneforhimtotalkhisownto.”
“Ah,well,so.”Pyanfarwasimpressed.Sheransomeoftheaudioofthetapepast,cutit,lookedupatHilfy,wholookeduncommonlyproudofherself.“You’resureofthetape.”
“Themasterprogramseemedclear.I-learnedthetranslatorprinciplesprettythoroughly;fatherdidn’tconnectthatsomuchwithspacing.Igottostartthatstudyfromthefirst;but/knewwhatIwanteditfor.Likecomp.I’mgoodatthat.”
“Huh.-Whydon’twetryit,then?”
Hilfynodded,moreandmoreself-pleased.Pyanfarroseandsearchedthroughthecomboardcabinets,pulledouttheboxofsanitarywrappedaudioplugsanddroppedahandfulofthoseintoHilfy’spalm,thenlocatedasparepagerfromthesamesource.Shesatdownatmaincomandranthedoublechannelsofthetranslatorthroughbandstwoandthreeofthepagers.Shetookherownplugandinserteditinherear,testeditoutlinkedtotheOutsider’sroomcomforamoment,andgotnothingbackbutburstsofwhitesound,whichweremangledhaniwordsthatpartoftheschizoidtranslatormindrefusedtorecognizeaswords.“We’retwo,he’sthree,”shesaidtoHilfy,shuttingtheaudiodownforthemoment.“Bringhimuphere.”
“Here,aunt?”
“YouandHaral.ThisOutsiderwhotriestoimpressuswithhissevenhundredfifty-threewords…wefindoutonceforallhowhispublicmannersare.Takenochances,imp.Ifthetranslatorfails,don’t;ifhedoesn’tactstable,don’t.Go.”
“Yes,aunt.”Hilfystuffedtheaudiounitsandtheotherpagerintoherpockets,hastenedoutthearchwayinaparoxysmofimportance.
“Huh,”Pyanfarsaidafterher,stoodstaringinthatdirection.Herearsflickednervously,ajanglingofrings.TheOutsidermightdoanything.Ithadchosentheirshiptoinvade,outofanumberofmoreconvenientchoices.It.He.Hilfyandthecrewseemedunshakeablyconvincedofthehe,onanalogytohanistructure;butthatwasstillnoguarantee.Therewere,afterall,thestsho.Possiblyitmadethecreaturemoretragicintheireyes.
Gods.Naked-hided,blunt-toothedandblunt-fingered.…Ithadhadlittlechanceinhand-to-handargumentwithaclutchofkif.Itshouldbegratefulforitspresentsituation.
No,sheconcluded.Itshouldnot.Everyonewhogothandsonitwouldhaveplansforthiscreature,ofonekindandanother,andperhapsitsensedthat:henceitsperpetuallysullenanddolefullook.Shehadherownplans,tobesure.
He,Hilfyinsistedateveryopportunity.Herfirstvoyage,atragic(andsafelyunavailable)alienprince.Adolescence.Gods.
Fromthemainsectionofthecomboard,outsidetransmissionbuzzed,whined,lapsedintoalongconvoluteseriesofwailsandspine-rufflingpipings.Shejumpedinspiteofherself,satdown,keyedinthetranslatoroncom.Knnn,thescreeninformedher,whichshealreadyknew.Song.Norecognizableidentity.Nonumericalcontent.Range:insufficientinput.
ThatkindfrequentedUrturtoo,minerswhoworkedwithoutlifesupportinthemethanehellofthemoonUrojiandfoundithome.Oddfolkinallsenses,many-leggednestsofhair,blackandhatingthelight.Theycametoastationtodumporesandoddments,andtosnatchfurtivelyatwhatevertradewasinreachbeforescuttlingbackintothedarknessesoftheirships.Tc’amightunderstandthem…andthechi,whowerelessrational…butnoonehadevergottenaclearenoughtranslationoutofatc’atodeterminewhetherthetc’ainturnmadeanysenseoftheknnn.Theknnnsang,irrationally,pleasedwiththemselves;orlovelorn;orspeakingalanguage.Nooneknew(butpossiblythetc’a,andthetc’aneverdiscussedanytopicwithoutwendingoffintoathousandothertangentsbeforeansweringthecentralquestions,proceedingintheirthoughtsassnake-fashionedastheydidintheirphysicalmovements).Noonehadgottentheknnntoobservepropernavigation:everyoneelsedodgedthem,havingnootheralternative.
propernavigation:everyoneelsedodgedthem,havingnootheralternative.Generallytheydidgiveoffnumericalmessages,whichthemechanicaltranslatorshadthecapabilitytohandle-buttheywereacodeforspecificsituations…trade,orcomingin,ablinkcode.Therewasnothingunusualinknnnpresencehere,acreaturestrayingwhereitwould,oblivioustooxygen-breatherquarrels.TherestillcametheoccasionalpingorclangofdustandrockagainstThePride’shull,theconstantrumblingoftherotationalcore,thewhisperofairintheducts.Thedeadnessoftheinstrumentsdepressedherspirits.Screensstaredbackintheshadowofthebridgelikesomanyblindedeyes.
Andtheywereoutheredriftingwithkifandrocksandaknnnwhohadnoideaofthemattersatissue.“Captain,”Tirun’svoicebrokein.“Hearingyou.”“Gotaknnnoutthere.”
“Hearingthattoo.WhatareHilfyandHaraldoingabouttheOutsider?”
“They’vegoneafterhim;I’mpickingthatup.He’snotmakinganytrouble.”
“Understood.They’reontheirwayuphere.Keepyoureartotheoutsidecomflow;goingtobebusyuphere.”
“Yes,captain.”
Thelinkbrokeoff.Pyanfardialedthepagertopickupthetranslatorchannel,receivedthewhite-soundofhaniwords.Everythingseemedquiet.Eventuallysheheardtheliftinoperation,andheardstepsinthecorridorleadingtothebridge.
Hecamelikeanapparitionagainstthebrightercorridorlightbeyond,tallandangular,withtwohanishapesclosebehindhim.Hewalkedhesitantlyintothedimnessofthebridgeitself,clearnowtotheeyes…startlinglypalemaneandbeard,paleskinmottledwithbruisesandtherakingstreaksofhiswound,sealedwithgelbutangryred.Someone’sblueworkbreeches,drawstringwaistedandloose-kneed,accommodatedhistallstature.Hewalkedwithhisheadalittlebowed,underthebridge’sloweroverhead-notthathehadto,butthattheoverheadmightfeelalittlelowerthanhewasaccustomedto-hestopped,withHilfyandHaralbehindhimoneitherside.
“Comeahead,”Pyanfarurgedhimfarther,androsefromherplacetositbracedagainstthecompconsole,armsfolded.TheOutsiderstillhadasicklylook,wobblyonhisfeet,butshereachedbacktokeythelockoncomp,whichcouldonlybecodedfreeagain,thenlookedbackagainattheOutsider…whowas
onlybecodedfreeagain,thenlookedbackagainattheOutsider…whowaslookingnotather,butabouthimatthebridgewithanexpressionoflonging,of-whatfeelingsomeonemighthavewhohadlatelylostthefreedomofsuchplaces.
Hecamefromaship,then,shethought.Hemusthave.
Hilfystoodbehindhim.Haralmovedtotheotheraisle,blockingretreatinthatdirectionshouldheconceivesomesuddenimpulse.Theyhadhimthatwayinaprotectivetriangle,her,Hilfy,Haral;butheleanedunsteadilyagainstthenumber-twocushionwhichwasnearesthimandshowednodispositiontobolt.Heworethepagerathiswaist,hadgottentheaudioplugintohisear,howeveruncomfortableitmightbeforhim.Pyanfarreachedupandtightenedherown,dialedthepagertoreceive,lookedbackathimfromherperchagainstthecounter.“Allright?”sheaskedhim,andhisfaceturnedtowardher.
“Youdounderstand,”shesaid.“Thattranslatorworksbothways.Youworkedveryhardonit.Youknewwellenoughwhatyouweredoing,I’llreckon.Soyou’vegotwhatyouworkedtohave.Youunderstandus.Youcanspeakandmakeusunderstandyou.Doyouwanttositdown?Pleasedo.”
Hefeltafterthebendofthecushionandsankdownonthearmofit.
“Better,”Pyanfarsaid.“What’syourname,Outsider?”
Lipstautened.Noanswer.
“Listentome,”Pyanfarsaidevenly.“Sinceyoucameontomyship,I’velostmycargoandhanihavedied-killedbythekif.Doesthatcomethroughtoyou?Iwanttoknowwhoyouare,whereyoucamefrom,andwhyyourantomyshipwhenyoucouldhavegonetoanyothershiponthedock.Soyoutellme.Whoareyou?Wheredoyoucomefrom?Whatdoyouhavetodowiththekifandwhymyship,Outsider?”
“You’renotfriendstothekif.”
Loudandclear.Pyanfardrewinabreath,thrustherhandsintoherwaistbandbeforeherandregardedtheOutsiderwithapursed-lipsmile.“So.Well.No,we’vesaidso;I’mnotworkingforthekifandI’mnofriendoftheirs.Negative.Doesthewordstowawaycomethrough?Illegalpassenger?Peoplewhogoonshipsanddon’tpay?”
shipsanddon’tpay?”
Hethoughtthatover,asmuchofitasdidcomethrough,buthehadnoanswerforit.Hebreathedindeepbreathsasifheweretired…jumpedasaburstofknnntransmissioncamethroughtheopencom.Helookedanxiouslytowardthatbank,handsclenchedonthecushionback.
“Justoneoftheneighbors,”Pyanfarsaid.“Iwantananswer,Outsider.Whydidyoucometousandnottoanothership?”
Shehadgottenhisattentionback.Helookedatherwithathoughtfulgnawingofalip,amovementfinallywhichmightbeashrug.“Yousitfarfromthekifship.Andyoulaugh.”
“Laugh?”
HemadeavaguegesturebacktowardHilfyandHaral.“Yourcrewworkoutsidetheship,theylaugh.Theytellmeno,go####noweaponstowardme.###Icomeback###.”
“Intotherampway,youmean.”Pyanfarfrowned.“So.Whatdidyouplantodoinmyship?Tosteal?Totakeweapons?Isthatwhatyouwanted?”
“#####no####”
“Slower.Speakslowerforthetranslator.Whatdidyouwantontheship?”
Hedrewadeepbreath,shuthiseyesbrieflyasiftryingtocollectwordsorthoughts.Openedthemagain.“Idon’taskweapons.Iseetherampway…herewithhani,smallafraid.”
“Lessafraidofus,wereyou?”Shewashardlyflattered.“What’syourname?Name,Outsider.”
“Tully,”hesaid.Sheheardit,liketheoccasionalcomsputter,fromtheotherear…anamelikethenaturalflowofhislanguage,whichwaspurrsandmoanscombinedwithstrangersounds.
“Tully,”sherepeatedback;henodded,evidentlyrecognizingtheeffort.Shetouchedherownchest.PyanfarChanurismyname.Thetranslatorcan’tdonamesforyou.Py-an-far.Cha-nur.”
Hetried.Pyanfarwasrecognizable…atleastthathepurredtherhythmintohisowntongue.“Goodenough,”shesaid.Shesatmoreloosely,linkedherhandsinherlap.“Civilized.Civilizedbeingsshoulddealwithnames.Tully.-Areyoufromaship,Tully,ordidthekiftakeyouoffsomeworld?”
Hethoughtaboutthat.“Ship,”headmittedfinally.
“Didyoushootatthemfirst?Didyoushootatthekiffirst,Tully?”
“No.Noweapons.Myshiphavenoweapons.”
“Gods,that’snowaytotravel.WhatshouldIdowithyou?Takeyoubacktowhatworld,Tully?”
Hishandstightenedonthebackofthecushion.Hestaredatherbleaklypastit.“Youwantsametheywant.Idon’tsay.”
“Youcomeontomyshipandyouwon’ttellme.Haniaredeadbecauseofyou,andyouwon’ttellme.”
“Dead.”
“Kifhitahaniship.Theywantedyou,Tully.Theywantedyou.Don’tyouthinkIshouldaskquestions?Thisismyship.Youcametoit.Don’tyouthinkyouowemesomeanswers?”
Hesaidnothing.Meanttosaynothing,thatwasclear.Hislipswereclamped.Sweathadbrokenoutonhisface,glisteninginthedimlight.
“Godsrotthistranslator,”Pyanfarsaidafteramoment.“Allright,sosomebodytreatedyoubadlytoo.Isitbetteronthisship?Dowegiveyoutherightfood?Haveyouenoughclothes?”
Hebrushedatthetrousers.Noddedunenthusiastically.
“Youdon’thavetoagree.Isthereanythingyouwant?”
“Wantmydoor#.”
“What,open?”
“Open.”
“Open.”
“Huh.”
Hisshoulderssagged.Hehadnotexpectedagreementonthat,itwasevident.Hemadeavaguemotionofhishandabouttheirsurroundings.“Wherearewe?Thesound….”
Thedustbrushingpastthehull.Ithadbeenbackgroundnoise,amaddeningwhispertheylivedwith.Downinlowerdeck,hewouldhaveheardalotofit.“We’redrifting,”shesaid.“Rocksanddustoutthere.”
“Wesitatajumppoint?”
“Starsystem.”Shereachedandcutonthetelescopeintheobservationbubble,bringingtheimageontothemainscreen.ThescopetrackedtoUrturitself,theinfernoofenergyinthecenterofthedustylens-shapedsystem,aringedstarwhichflungouttendrilsthemovementofwhichtookcenturies,ropyfilamentsdarkagainsttheblazeofthecenter.TheimagecastlightontheOutsider’sface,amomentofwonder:Urturdeservedthat.Shesawhisfaceandrosetoherfeet,movedtothesideofthisshaggy-manedOutsider-acalculatedmove,becauseitwasherart,totrade,toknowthemomentwhenaguardwasdown.“Itellyou,”shesaid,catchinghimbythearm-andheshivered,buthemadenoprotestatbeingdrawntohisfeet.Hetoweredaboveherasshepointedtothecenteroftheimage.“Telescopeimage,yousee.Abigsystem,ahordeofplanetsandmoons-Thedarkringsthere,that’swheretheplanetssweepthedustandrocksclear.There’sastationinthatwidestband,orbitingagasgiant.Thesystemisuninhabitedexceptformahendo’satminersandafewknnnandtc’awhothinktheplaceispleasant.Methanebreathers.Butalotofminers,alotofpeopleofallkindsareindangerrightnow,inthere,inthatcenter.Urturisthenameofthestar.Andthekifareintheresomewhere.Theyfolloweduswhenwejumpedtothisplace,andnowalotofpeopleareindangerbecauseofyou.Kifarethere,youunderstand?”
“Authority.”Hisskinwascoldunderherfingerpads,hismuscleshardandshivering,whetherfromtherelativecoolnessofthebridge’sopenspacesorfromsomeothercause.“Authorityofthissystem.Hani?”
“Mahendo’satstation.Theydon’tlikethekifmucheither.Noonedoes,butit’snotpossibletogetridofthem.Mahendo’sat,kif,hani,tc’a,stsho,knnn,chi…alltradehere.Wedon’talllikeeachother,butwekeepourbusinessto
alltradehere.Wedon’talllikeeachother,butwekeepourbusinesstoourselves.”
Helistened,silent,forwhateverhecouldunderstandofwhatshesaid.Comsputteredagain,thewhistlesandwailingoftheknnn.
“Someofthem,”Pyanfarsaid,“arestrangerthanyou.Butyoudon’tknowthenames,doyou?Thiswholeregionofspaceisstrangetoyou.”
“Farfrommyworld,”hesaid.
“Isit?”
Thatgotamisgivinglookfromhim.Hepulledawayfromherhand,lookedatherandattheothers.
“Whereveritis,”Pyanfarsaidinnonchalance.ShelookedbackatHaralandHilfy.“Ithinkthat’saboutenough.Ourpassenger’stired.Hecangobacktohisquarters.”
“Iwanttalkyou,”Tullysaid.Hetookholdofthecushionnearest,resistinganyattempttomovehim.“Iwanttalk.”
“Doyou?”Pyanfarasked.Hereachedtowardher.Shestoodstillwithdifficulty-buthedidnottouch.Hedrewthehandback.“Whatisityouwanttotalkabout?”
Heleaned,standing,againstthecushionwithbothhands.Hispaleeyeswereintentandwild,andwhateverthepreciseemotionhisfaceregistered,itwasdistraught.“You####me.Work,understand.IstaythisshipandIworksamecrew.Allyouwant.Whereyougo.#giveme####.”
“Ah,”shesaid.“You’reofferingtoworkforyourpassage.”
“Workonthisship,yes.”
“Huh.”Shethrustherhandswithinherwaistbandandwouldhavelookeddownhernoseathim,butitwasamatteroflookingup.“Youmakeadeal,doyou?Youworkforme,Outsider?YoudowhatIsay?Allright.Yourestnow.Yougobacktoyourcabinandyoulearnyourwordsandyouthinkhowtotellmewhatthekifwantwithyou-becausethekifstillwantthisship,youunderstand.They
thekifwantwithyou-becausethekifstillwantthisship,youunderstand.Theywantyou,andthey’llcomeafterthisship.”
Hethoughtaboutthatamoment.Almosthelookedasifhemightspeak.Hislipsshapedawordandtookitbackagain,andclampedshut.Andsomethingsealedinbehindhiseyeswhenhedidthat,ableaknessworsethanhadeverbeenthere.
Itsentaprickledownherspine.Thiscreatureisthinkingofdying,shethought.Itwasthelookfromagainstthewall,fromthecornerinthewashroom,butcolderstill.“Hai,”shesaid,inherbestdocksidemanner,andsetherhandonhisbowedshoulder,roughlybutcarefulwiththeclaws.Shookathim.“Tully.Youaren’tstrongenoughyettowork.Enoughthatyourest.You’resafe.Youunderstandme?Hanidon’ttradewithkif.”
Therewasaglimmeringthen,asuddenbreakinthatseal.Hereachedoutquiteunexpectedlyandseizedherotherhand,hisbluntfingersbothholdingandexploringit,thefurredwebhelacked,thepadsofthetips.Pressurehitthecenterofherhandandtheclawscameout,onlyslightly:shewascareful,thoughherearsflattenedinwarning.Toherfurtherdistresshesethisotherhandonhershoulder,thenletgobothholdsandlookedaboutatHaralandHilfy,thenbackatheragain.Crazy,shejudgedhim;andthenshethoughtaboutkif,andreckonedthathehadlicenseforalittlestrangeness.“I’lltellyousomething,”shesaid,“forfree.KiffollowedyouacrosstheMeetpointdocktomyship;theyfollowedmyshipheretoUrtur,andrightnowwe’resittinghere,justtryingtobequietsothekifdon’tfindus.Tryingtodecidehowbesttogetoutofhere.There’sonekifinparticular,incommandofashipnamedHinukka.Akukkakk.…”
“Akukkakk,”heechoed,suddenlyrigid.Thesoundcameasnamesmust,fromtheotherear,hisownvoice.Hiseyesweredilated.
“Ah.Youdoknow.”
“Hewanttakemehisship.Bigone.Authority.”“Verybig.Theyhaveawordforhiskind,doyouknowit?Hakkikt.Thatmeanshehuntsandotherspickupthescrapsheleaves.IlostsomethingatMeetpoint:ahanishipandmycargo.Sodidthisgreathakkikt,thisgreat,thispowerfulkif.Youescapedhim.Youranfromhim.Soit’smorethanprofitthathewantsoutofthis.Hewantsyou,Tully,tosettleaccounts.It’shisprideatstake,hisreputation.Forakif,that’slifeitself.He’snotgoingtogiveup.Doyouknow,heItriedtobuyyoufromme.Heofferedmegold,alotofgold.Hemightevenhavekeptthedealstraightandnot
offeredmegold,alotofgold.Hemightevenhavekeptthedealstraightandnotdelayedforpiracyafterward.He’sthatdesperate.”Tully’seyesdriftedfromhertotheothersandbackagain.Youdealwithhim?”
“No.Iwantsomethingfordeadhaniandlostcargo.Iwantthisgreathakkikt.Youhearme,Tully?”
“Yes,”Tullysaidsuddenly,“/wantsame.”
“Aunt,”Hilfyprotestedinafaintvoice.
“Youwanttowork,”Pyanfarsaid,ignoringherniece’sdisquiet.“There’llbethechanceforthat.Butyouwait,Tully.Yourest.Atshiftchange,I’llcallyouagain.Youcomeeatwithus.Meal,understand?Butyougetsomerestfirst,hear?Youworkonmyship,youtakeordersfirst.Followinstructions.Right?”
“Yes,”hesaid.
“Go,then.HaralandHilfywilltakeyoubackdown.Go.”
Henodded,deliveredhimselfovertoHaralandHilfytogether:notabackwardlookfromeitherofthemastheytookhimout.Orfromhim.Shewatchedthemgo,foundherselfrubbingthehandthathehadtouched.
Theknnnsongwailedoutagain.Neighborstothekif,theknnn.Thatboreremembering.Thatonewasuncommonlytalkative.Noonewaseversurewhatknnnsenseswere,orwhatmotivatedtheirmigrationsfromstartostar.
Sheturnedtothecombank,pushedRecord,andsentthesongagaintothetranslator.Itgavehernomoreinformationthanthelasttime.Thesongceased,andthereremainedonlythewhisperofthedust.Urtursystemeverywherehadgrownverystill.
Thetranslatorstillcarriedwhitesound,Haral’svoiceorHilfy’s.TheOutsiderwassayingnothinginbeingtakenbacktohisquarters.Shewasmarginallyuneasyabouthavinghimoutofsight.Perhapshewasmadafterall.Perhapshewouldsuicideandleavethemwithnothingtoshowfortheencounterbutafeudwiththekif.Uptoapointshecouldnotpreventhimkillinghimself,exceptbytakingmeasureswhichwouldnotencouragehisgoodwill.
Butrevengewassomethingofpurpose,somethingtomakelifeworthwhile.Shehadofferedhimthat.
hadofferedhimthat.
Shethoughtofhisfacecloseathand,lively,crazedeyes,ahandascoldassomethinganhourdead-acreature,sheremindedherself,whohadbeenfightingaloneanenemywhichwouldhaveturnedastshotojelly.
Shegrinnedsomewhat,adrawingbackofthelipsandwrinklingofthenose,andstaredthoughtfullytowardthetelescopeimage.
Nodisengagementpossible.Notwiththiskifprince,thishakkiktAkukkakk,whosepersonalsurvivalrodeonthisOutsiderbusiness.Hisownsycophantswouldturnonhimifhelostfaceinthismatter.HehadlostthisOutsiderpersonally…likelybysomesmallcarelessness,theoldkifgameoftormentingvictimswithpromisesandthreatsandshreddingsofthewill.Anoldgame…onewhichhaniunderstood;irresistibletoakifwhothrivedonfearinhisvictims.
AkukkakkhadtomakeupthatembarrassmentatMeetpoint.Hewouldhavebeenobligedtorevengeifitweresomuchasabaublestolenfromhimatdockside.ButthisOutsiderTullywasfarmorethanthat.Acommunicative,spacefaringspecies,hithertounknown,inapositiontohavecomeintokifhandswithoutpassingthroughmorecivilizedregions.Thekifhadnewneighbors.
Possibledangertothem.
Possibleexpansionofkifhuntinggrounds…indirectionswhichhadnothingtodowithhaniandmahendo’sat.Thosewerehighstakes,impossiblyhighstakestoberidingononepoorfugitive.
Urturwouldswarmwithkif,beforeallwassaidanddone.
Shedelvedintothecomstorageandstartedhuntingcomponentsforatransmitterofsomepower,rousedoutChurandsentherhuntingthroughthedarkerareasofThePride’scircumferenceforothersupplies.
V
Itwasamonster,likeTully,thisthingthattheyconstructedinthespotlit,chillbowelsofThePride’sfarrim.Ithadstartedouthani-shaped,apatchedandhazardousEVA-podwhichtheyhadstrippedforpartsandneversucceededinfoistingoffonanotherhaniship.Itslimbshadjustgrownlonger,sectionedoffandsplicedwithtubing,anditwasriggedwithawheezinglifesupportsystem.
“GetTully,”Pyanfarsaidapplyingherselftothelastoftheweldingwhichshouldgetthesysteminorder.“Rousehimout.”AndChurwent,bedraggledasherselfwiththedustandthegrimeofThePride’ssalvagestorage.
Pyanfarworked,splicedandcursedwhenthesystemblewinanotherfrustratingcurlofsmoke,unhitchedthatcomponentandrummagedforanewone,sealedthatinandcongratulatedherselfwhenitworked,avibrationandaflickerofgreenlightsonthebeltandinsidethehelmet.Shegrinned,wipedherhandsontheblueworkbreechesshehadputonforthisgrimytask…alongtimesinceshehadpracticedsuchthings,alongtimesinceshehadwornblueroughspunandgottenblistersonherhands.Inheryouth,underanotherofThePride’scaptains,shehaddonesuchthings,butonlyHaralandTiruncouldrecallthosedays.Shelickedaburnonherfingerandsquattedonthedeck,contentwiththeoperationoftheunit.Letitrunawhile,shedecided:seeifitwouldgoonworking.Thesuitstaredback,stiffandganglingonitshugefeet,reflectingherindistantminiatureoffitscurvedfaceplate.Itstoodlikesomemahendo’satdemon,twolimbsshyofthatdescription,butghastlyenoughinitsexposedhosesanditsmalproportionedheight,againstthedarkofthesurroundingmachine-shop.Areekofbloodmingledwiththesingedsmellofthewelding.Abucketonthedeckcaughttheoccasionaldripfromtheskinnedcarcasswhichhungbeyonditunderthelight.
Itwasalittlemorethanhani-sized,chaineduptothehoist-trackabove,long-facedheadadrooponalongishneck,tothawanddrain.Ithadbeguntoreekunderthelights.Thelonglimbswerecominguntucked,andthebellygaped.Uruus.Sweetmeatandafatone:thebeststeakshadalreadyheadedgalleyward,inthisraidontheirprivatelarder.Ithadwoundsthiscarcass,butthatonlylengthenedthelimbs,lettingthehaunchesdrop.
Thedoorunsealedandsealedinthedarkdistance;stepswhisperedalongthemetalflooring.Pyanfaradjustedhertranslatorandgotnothing,butshecouldsee
metalflooring.Pyanfaradjustedhertranslatorandgotnothing,butshecouldseethelightsgooninthefardarkexpanse,illusionlikeandhighbecauseoftheupwardcurveofthedeckinthevaststoragechamber,pickingouttwofigures,oneganglingtallandpale.Shesatandwaitedasthelightsturnedthemselvesonandoffinsequencealongthewalkway,bringingthetwonearerandnearerwhereshesat.
TullyandChur,ofcourse.TheOutsidercamewillinglyenough,buthestoppeddeadwhenhecameclose,andthelightwentoutonhim,leavinghimandChurinthedarkoutsidetheareawherePyanfarsat.Shestoodup,makinghimoutclearlyenoughintheshadow.“Tully,it’ssafe.Comeon.it’sallright,Tully.”
Hedidcome,slowly,alienshadowintherestofthestrangeness,andChurhadholdofhisarmincase.Helookedatthevacantsuit,andatthehangingcarcass,andkeptstaringatit.
“Animal,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tully.Iwantyoutoseewhatwe’redoing.Iwantyoutounderstand.Hear?”
Heturnedtowardher,eyesdeepintheirshadowedsockets,theangledlightglancingoffapalemaneandplanesoffeaturedecidedlyun-hani.“Youputmeinthis?”
“Putthatinthesuit,”Pyanfarsaidcheerfully.“Transmittersendingsignalhardasitcan.Wetellthekifthatwe’rethrowingyououtandwegivethemthat,youunderstand,Outsider.Makethemchasethat.Andwerun.”
Itbegantogetthroughtohim.Hiseyesflickeredoverthebusinessagain,thevacantsuit,thefrozencarcass“Theirinstrumentsseeinit,”hesaid.
“Theirinstrumentswillscanit,yes;andthat’swhatthey’llget.”
Hegesturedtowardthecarcass.“This?This?”“Food,”shesaid.“Notaperson,Tully.Animal.Food.”
Ofasuddenhisfacetookonanalarminggrin.Hisbodyheavedwithachokingsoundsherealizedfinallyforlaughter.HeclappedChurontheshoulder,turnedthatconvulsedfacetowardherwithmoisturestreamingfromhiseyesandstillwiththatmahendo’satgrin.“You#thekif.”
“Putthatinside,”shetoldhim,motioningtowardthecarcass.“Bringit.You
“Putthatinside,”shetoldhim,motioningtowardthecarcass.“Bringit.Youhelp,Tully.”
Hedid,withChur,hisrangybodystrainingagainstthehalf-frozenweight,anoccasionalgrimaceofwhatmightbedisgustatthelookorthefeelofit.Pyanfarshutdownthepod’slifesupport,openeduptheirworkofart,andwrinkledhernoseastheOutsiderandChurbroughtthereekingcarcassover.Therewastrimworktodo.Sheabandonedfastidiousnessanddiditherself,havingsomenotionhowitmightfit.Theheadcouldbegottenintothehelmet,abitofthenecktostuffthevacantbodycavityofthecarcass,andalittlescoringandbreakingoftheribcage,asectioningandstraighteningofstifflimbs.
“Goingtosmellgoodifthatdriftsawhilewiththeheateron,”Churobserved.Tullylaughedhisownchokinglaughandwipedhisface,smearinghismustachewiththemuckwhichcoatedhisarmstotheelbow.Pyanfargrinned,suddenlystruckwiththeincongruityofthings,squattinghereinthedarkwithacrazedalienandasuitfullofuruuscarcass,thethreeofthemininsaneconspiracy.“Holdit,”sheorderedChur,tryingtogetthebellyseamfastened.ChurheldthesidestogetheratthebottomandTullyhelpedatthetop,andthereitwas,sealedandTully-shaped.
“Come,”Pyanfarsaid,takingthefeet,andTullyandChurenergeticallygotpurchaseonitsshoulders,lumberingalongwithitasthelightsrecognizedtheirpresenceandbegantogoonandoffastheytraveled.
“Cargodump?”Churasked.
“Airlock,”Pyanfarsaid.“Shouldpassengersleaveashipbyanyotherroute?”
Itwasnolightweight.Theystaggeredalongthewalkwiththebodyofthepoddraggingatthisandthatpoint,gotitontoacargocarrieratthenextsectionandbreathedsighsofreliefasitlaycorpsewiseonthecarrier,mirroredfaceplatestaringupattheoverhead.Tullywaswhiteandtremblingfromtheexertion:sweatstoodonhisskinandheheldontothecarrier’sendrail,panting,butbrighteyed.
“You’rePyanfar,right?”heaskedbetweenbreaths.“Pyanfar?”
“Yes,”sheowned,wipedanitchonhernosewithadirtyhand,reckoningshecouldgetnodirtier,noddedatChurandgavehimChur’snameagain.
“I#,”hesaid,noddingaffirmative.Hepushedenthusiasticallywhentheypushed,andtheygotthethingmovingeasilydowntheaislethroughinteriorstorage,pastthehulkingshadowsofthetanksandthecirculatingmachinery,outagainintothenormallightedsectionsofbelowdecks,underalowerceiling,andthroughordinarycorridorstothelock.
“#hego#?”Tullyasked,staggeredashehelpedthemoffloadthepod,lookedanxiouslyleftwardasthelock’sinnerhatchopened.“Goquickout?”
“Ah,no,”Pyanfarsaid.ShecarriedthefeetthroughandbracedthemasChurandTullygottheupperbodythroughandupright.“There,againsttheouterhatch.Weblowthat,andhe’llgorightnicely.”Shesetthefeetdownandaddedherweightastheyheavedandbracedit,stoodbackandsurveyedherhandiworkwithagrinandathoughtofthekif.Shepoweredupthelifesupportwithatouchofthebuttonsonthebelt,anditstoodalittlestiffer,onminimummaintenance.Sheshutitdownagain,nottowasteagoodcylinder.
AndforthemomentTullystoodstaringatittoo,pantingandsweating,armsathissidesandahaggardlooksuddenlyinplaceofthelaughter,anexpressionwhichheldsomethingofashudder,asifafterallhehadbeguntothinkaboutthatthingandhissituation,andtoreckonquestionshehadnotasked.
“Out,”Pyanfarsaid,motioningChurfromthelock,includingTullywiththatsweepofherarm.Hehesitated.Shemovedtotakehisarminhisseemingdaze,andhesuddenlyhunghishandonhershoulder,oneandthentheother,andbowedhisheadagainsthercheek,briefgesture,quicklydropped,handswithdrawnasswiftlyasherearsflattened.Shecaughtherselfshortofahiss,deliberatelypattedhishairlessshoulderandbroughthimonthroughthelockintothecorridor.
Thankyou,thatactseemedtosignify.So.Ithadsubtlerunderstandings,thisTully.Sheflickedherears,alookwhichgotaquicklyturnedshoulderfromChur,andshovedtheOutsiderleftwardinChur’sdirection.“Gocleanup,”shesaid.“Getshowered,hear?Wash.”
Churtookhim,indicatedtohimthatheshouldhelpherwiththecarrier,andtheywenttrundlingitpastanddownthecorridortoputthatbackwhereitbelonged.Pyanfarblewashortbreathandclosedtheinteriorlock,thenheadedforthecommonwashroomwhereshehadleftherbetterclothes-didasmallshudderoftheskinwheretheOutsider’shandhadrestedonhershoulder.
theskinwheretheOutsider’shandhadrestedonhershoulder.
Butithadunderstoodwhattheyweredoing,verywellunderstoodwhattheywereuptowiththedecoy,andthatinfactitwasnotallamatterofhumor.
Godsrotthekif.
Andthenshethoughtoftheuruus’solemnlongface,sobenignlystupid,andofthedeadlyprideofthegreathakkiktofthekif,andhernosewrinkledinlaughterwhichhadnothingtodowithhumor.
Supperwason,adeliciousaromafromthegalleytopside,HilfyandGeranhavingstirredaboutforsometimeinthatquarterandinthelargerfacilitiesbelow.Itwasarealmealthistime,oneofthedelightsomeconcoctionsGeranwasskilledat,thepenultimatecontributionoftheuruustotheircomfort,preparedwithallthecaretheylavishedonfoodonmoreordinaryvoyages,whenfoodwasanobsession,apreciousvarianceinroutine,anarttheypracticedtodelighttheiroccasionalpassengersandtoamazethemselves.
Nowdinnercamewithasgreatawelcome,aromaticcouragewaftingtheairflowfromthatcorridor,andPyanfarsethercomlinkstothebridgeanddidwhatwanteddoingtheretosecuretheplace,atthelastwithherhandsallbuttremblingfromhunger,andwithanachinggreathollowinthemiddleofher.Therehadbeennothingdiresofar,onlynuisancecomingovercom,noindicationoftroublemorethantheyalreadyhad;andthesuiteduruuswaitedinthelock,meltingandstill…shecheckedtheairlockvid…onitssomewhatalteredfeetagainsttheouterhatch.Shecutthatimageandcheckedthegalley/commonroomlinkagain,pickedupHilfy’svoiceandshuntedtheflowtheotherway,vowedagreatcurseonanykifwhomightinterruptsuchanhourastheyhadearned.Butthelinkwasthereifneededandtheunitinthecommonroomwouldcarryanybusinessithadto.ShegotthewordfromGeranandpasseditoverallship,finallyleftthebridgeandwalkedonroundtodinner,cleanagainandfullofanticipation.
Shegrinnedinsideandoutatthesight,thetablelengthenedsothatithardlygavethemroomtoedgearoundit,thecenterspreadwithfantasticalculinaryartistry,plattersofmeat,bythegods,nostalefreeze-driedchipsandjerkyandsuchlike;graviesandsaucesinwhichtidbitsfloated,garnishedwithherbsandcracklingbitsoffat.Thesterilewhitecommonroomwastransformed,andHilfyandGeran
bitsoffat.Thesterilewhitecommonroomwastransformed,andHilfyandGeranhastenedabouttolaycushionswithbrightpatterns,Chanurheraldry,redandgoldandblue.
“Wondrous,”Pyanfarpronouncedit,inhaling.Placesforseven.Sheheardtheliftandlookedtowardthecorridor.InshortordercameHaralandChurwithTullyintow,andTirunlimpedalongbehindthem,usingherpipe-cane.“Sit,sit,”PyanfarbadethemandTully,andtheysortedthemselvesandedgedalongastheyhadtointhenarrowconfines,tookthen-placesshouldertoshoulder.Pyanfarheldtheendmostseatbridgeward,Haraltheendmostgalleyward,andTirunandChursandwichedTullybetweenthem,whileHilfyandGerantooktheotherside.Itpresentedabizarresight,thiswhitegoldmanebetweentworuddygoldones,hairlessshouldersnexttoredbrowncoatedones,andTullyhunchingslightlytotrytokeephisganglinglimbsoutofhisseatmates’way…Pyanfarchuckledingoodhumorandmadethehealthwish,whichgottheresponseoftheothersandstartledTullybyitsloudness.Thenshepouredgfifromherownflaskbyhercup;thewholecompanyreachedfortheirsanddidthesame,Tullyimitatingthembelatedly,andforamomenttherewasnothingbuttheclatterofknivesandcupsandplatesasGeran’sandHilfy’smonumentsunderwentswiftdemolition.Tullytooksnatchesofthisandthatasthedishesrotatedpasthimonthetable’srotatingcenter,smallhelpingsatfirst,asifhewerenotsurewhathehadarightto,andlargeronesashedartedfurtiveglancesatwhatotherstook,andladledonsaucesandlaidbysmallpuddlesofthisandthatintheevidentcaseitmightnotcomeroundasecondtime.Noquestionsfromhim.
“Uruus,”Chursaidwickedly,crookingaclawontohisarmtocatchhisattention,gesturedatthesteaks.“Samething,this,theanimalwegivethekif.”
Tullylookedmomentarilyuncertain,pokedatthesteakwithhisknifeandlookedupagainatChur’sgrin.“Same,this?”
“Same,”Churconfirmed.Tullytookonanoddlook,thenstartedeating,laughedtohimselfafteramomentinacrazedfashion,shouldersbowedandattentionturnedwhollytothefood,dartingonlyoccasionalglancestotheirhands,tryingtohandletheutensilshani-style.
“Good?”Pyanfarbrokethegeneralsilence.Tullylookedupatonce,dartedlooksatthemingeneral,helplesstoknowwhohadspoken.Thetranslatorspeakingintohisearhadnopersonality.
“I,Pyanfar.Allright,Tully?Thisfood’sallrightforyou?”
“I,Pyanfar.Allright,Tully?Thisfood’sallrightforyou?”
“Yes,”hesaid.“I’mhungry.”Hungry,thetranslatorsaidintoherear,dispassionately;butthelookonhisfaceforamomentputagreatdealmoreintoit.Thebruisesshowedstarklyclearinthecommonroom’swhitelight;theangularityofbonesreachedthesurfaceonhisshouldersandabouthisribs.
“Sayshe’scoldmostofthetime,”Chursaid.“Hedoesn’thaveournaturalcovering,afterall.Itriedajacketonhim,buthe’stoobig.Hestillwantsit,askstocutit.MaybebettertostartwithsomethingofHaral’sinthefirstplace.”
“Stilltoosmallforthosearms,”Haraljudged.“ButI’llseewhatIcanfind.”
“Cold,”Tullysaid,inhislimitedunderstandingofthediscussion.
“We’retrying,Tully,”Chursaid.“IaskHaral,understand.Maybefindyousomething.”
Tullynodded.“#”hesaidforlornly,andthenwithabrightexpressionandagestureatthemeal:“Good.Good.”
“Notcomplaining,areyou?”Pyanfarcommented.“Don’t-Gods.”
Thecombrokein,aknnn-song,andTullyjumped.Everyonelookedupreflexivelytowardthespeaker,andPyanfardrewadeepbreathwhenknnnwasallitturnedouttobe.Tullyalonekeptstaringthatway.
“That’snothing,”Pyanfarsaid.“Knnnagain.It’llshutupinamoment.”Shelookedsoberlyattheothers,nowthatbusinesswasonhermind.“Gotourselvesacourselaid,incase.It’sinthecompwhenweneedit.Andwewill.Gotourselvesadecoyriggedtoo,ChurandTullyandI-agiftforthekifthat’sgoingtocostthemcriticalspeediftheywanttopickitup;gotitfixedsoit’lllookgoodtotheirsensors.”
Therewasamoment’ssilence.
“Allrighttotalk?”Hilfyasked.
Pyanfarnoddedwithoutcomment.
“Where?”Hilfyasked.“Ifwe’rerunning-where?Meetpointagain?”
“No.Iconsideredthat,tobesure,throwingthekifoffbythat.Butfiguringitandrefiguring-wecamecloseenoughnotmakingitwhenwecameinwithallUrtur’smasstofixon;andthere’snotaprayerofdoingitinreversewithonlyMeetpoint’slittlemasstobringusup.I’veworkedpossiblecoursesoverandoveragain,andthere’snothingforit-twojump,toKirdu.It’sabigstation;andthere’shelppossiblethere.”
“Thekif,”saidGeran,“willhaveitfiguredtoo.They’llinterceptusatKita.”
“Sowestringthejumps,”Pyanfarsaid,takingasipofgfi.“Nootherway,Geran,absolutelynoother.”
“Gods,”Churmutteredundiplomatically.Hilfy’sexpressionwastroubled,quickdartsoftheeyestowardtheothers,whoweremoreexperienced.Tullyhadstoppedeatingagainandlookeduptoo,catchingsomethingoftheconversation.
“Consecutivejump,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy.“Nodelayforrecoverytime,novelocitydumpintheintervalandgodsknow,ahazardwherewe’regoing:we’reboundtoboostsomeofthisdebristhroughwithus.Buttheriskisstillbetterthansittingherewhilethekifpopulationincreases.There’sonejumppointwehavetomake:Kita.PastKitaPoint,thekifhavetotakethreeguesseswherewewent-Kura,Kirdu,MaingTol.Theymightguessrightafterall,buttheystillmightdispersesomeshipstocoverotherpossibilities.”
“We’regoinghome,”Hilfysurmised.
“Whosaidgoinghome?We’regoingtosortthisout,that’swhat.We’regoingtoshakeafewofthem.Getourselvesaplacewherewecanfindsomeallies.That’swhatwe’redoing.”
“ThentheFaha-wecouldwarnthem.”
“What,spillwherewe’rebound?They’llfiguretoo…thebesthope’sKirdu.They’lllikelygothere.”
“Wecouldwarnthem.Here.Givethemachancetogetout.”
“Theycantakecareofthemselves.”
“Afterwebroughtthetroublehere-”
“Mydecision,”Pyanfarsaid.
“I’mnotsayingthat;I’msaying-”
“Wecan’thelpthembyspringingintheirdirection.Orhowdoyouplantogetwordtothem?We’llmakeitworseforthem,wecanonlymakeitworse.Youhearme?”
“Ihear.”Theearswentback,prickedupwithalittleeffort.Therewasasilenceattable,exceptfortheknnn,whowailedonalone,raptinwhateverimpulsemovedknnntosing.
Andstopped.“Gods,”Haralmutteredirritably,shotaworriedlookthelengthofthetable.Pyanfarreturnedit,pastHilfy,pasttheOutsider.
“Pyanfar.”Tullyspoke,satholdinghiscupasifhehadforgottenit,somethingobviouslywellingupinhimwhichwantedsaying,withalookclosetopanic.“Italk?”heasked.AndwhenPyanfarnodded:“Whatmovemakethisship?”
“Goingclosertohometerritory,tohanispace.We’regoingwherekifwon’tfollowussoeasily,andwherethere’stoomuchhaniandmahendo’sattraffictomakeiteasyforthemtomoveagainstus.Betterplace,youunderstand.Safer.”
Hesetdownthecup,madeavaguegestureofaflatnailedlong-fingeredhand.“Twojump.”
“Yes.”
“#.Need#,captain.#.”
Hewassorely,urgentlyupset.Pyanfardrewinabreath,madeacalminggesture.“Again,Tully.Sayagain.Newway.”
“Sleep.Needsleepinjump.”
“Ah.Likethestsho.Theyhaveto,yes.Iunderstand;you’llhaveyourdrugs,then,makeyousleep,neverfear.”
Hehadstartedshaking.Ofasuddenmoisturebrokefromhiseyes.Hebowedhisheadandwipedatit,andwasquietforthemoment.Everyonewas,recognizingaprofounddistress.Perhapsherealized:hestirredinthesilenceandclumsily
aprofounddistress.Perhapsherealized:hestirredinthesilenceandclumsilypickeduphisknifeandjabbedatabitofmeatinhisplate,carriedittohismouthandchewed,allwithoutlookingup.
“Youneeddrugstosleep,”Pyanfarsaid,“andthekiftookyouthroughjumpwithoutthem.That’swhattheydid,wasit?”
Helookedupather.
“Wereyoualonewhenyoustarted,Tully?Werethereotherswithyou?”
“Dead,”hesaidaroundthemouthful,andswalloweditwithdifficulty.“Dead.”
“Youknowforsure.”
“I’msure.”
“Didyoutalktothekif?Didyoutellthemwhattheyaskedyou?”
Ashakeofhishead.
“No?”
“No,”Tullysaid,lookeddownagainandupunderhispalebrows.“Wegivewrong#totheirtranslator.”
“What,thewrongwords?”
Hestillhadtheknifeinhishand.Itstayedtherewithitsnextmorsel,thefoodforgotten.
“Hefouledtheirtranslator,”Tirunexclaimedindelight.“Gods!”
“Andnotours?”Pyanfarobserved.
Tully’seyessoughttowardher.
“Ithoughtyouranthatboardtooquickly,”Pyanfarsaid.“CleverOutsider.We,yousaid.Thenthereweremoreofyouinthekifshandsatthestart.”
“Thekiftakefourofus.Theytakeusthroughjumpwithnomedicine,awake,youunderstand;theygiveusnogoodfood,notmuchwater,makeusworkthistranslatorkeyboardsameyouhave.Weknowwhattheywantfromus.Wemake
translatorkeyboardsameyouhave.Weknowwhattheywantfromus.Wemakeslowwork,makewedon’tunderstandthekeyboard,don’tunderstandthesymbols,workallslow.Theystandsmalltime.Theyhitus,bad,pushus,bad-makeusworkthismachine,makequick.Weworkthismachineallwrong,makemanywrongwords,thiswordforthatword,long,longtape-someright,mostwrong.Oneday,two,three-allwrong.”Hisfacecontorted.“Theyworkthetapeandwemakemistakemore.Theyunderstandwhatwedo,theytakeoneofus,killher.Hitusall,much.Theygiveusagainsamework,makeatapetheywant.Wemakenumbertwotapewrong,differentmistake.Thekifkillsecondonemyfriends.I-mannameDickJames-wetwoontheshipcometostation.TheymakeusknowthisAkukkakk;hecomeaboardshipseeus.He-”Againacontortionoftheface,agesture.“He-takemyfriendarm,breakit,breakmanytimetwoarms,leg-Imakefighthim,donogood;hehitme-walkoutside.Andmyfriend-heask-Ikillhim,youunderstand.Idoit;Ikillmyfriend,#kifnomorehurthim.”
Thesilenceaboutthetablewasmortal.Pyanfarclearedherthroat.Others’earswereback,eyesdilated.
“Theycome,”Tullywentonquietly.“Findmyfrienddead.They#angry,hitme,bringmeouttowardthissecondship.Outside.Docks.Irun.Run-longtime.Icometoyourship.”Heduckedhishead,lookedupagainwithawan,mahendo’satsmile.“Imakethekeyboardrightforyou.”
“Thatkifwantskilling,”Haralsaid.
“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid.“Iunderstandwhyyou’recarefulaboutquestionsaboutwhereyoucomefrom.ButI’lllayoddsyourspaceisnearthekif-youjustlistentome.Ithinkyourshipgotamongkif,andnowtheyknowthere’saspacefaringspeciesneartheirterritories,eitheronetheycantakefrom-oronethey’redesperatelyafraidisadangertothem.Idon’tknowwhichyouare.Butthat’swhatthekifwantedwithyou,I’mbetting-toknowmoreaboutyou.Andyouknowthat.Andyou’rereluctanttotalktouseither.”
Tullysatunmovingforamoment.“Myspeciesishuman.”Shecaughtthewordfromhisownspeech.
“Human.”
“Yes,theytryaskme.Idon’tsay;makedon’tunderstand.”
“Yourship-hadnoweapons.Youdon’tcarrythem?”
“Yourship-hadnoweapons.Youdon’tcarrythem?”
Noanswer,
“Youdidn’tknowtherewasdanger?”
“Don’tknowthisspace,no.Jumplong.Twojump.#weheartransmission.”
“Kif?”
Heshookhishead,hismannerofno.“Ihear-”Hepointedtothecom,whichremainedsilent.“That.Makethatsound.”
“Knnn,forthegods’sake.”
Hetouchedhisear.“Sayagain.Don’tunderstand.”
“Knnn.Aname.Aspecies.Methanebreather.Youwereinknnnterritory.Worseandworsenews,myfriend.Knnnspaceisbetweenstshoandkif.”
“Captain,”saidGeran,“I’dlaybetswithachithestshohadafingerinthistoo.Theirstation,afterall…wherethekiffeltfreetomovehimaboutthedockinpublic…Idaresaythekifdidn’tgetanyquestionsatallfromthestsho.”
Pyanfarnoddedthoughtfully,recallingthestshoofficial,thechangeinthatofficeorthatofficer.Asmilingwelcome,impassivemoonstoneeyesanddelicatelavenderbrows.Acertaincoldwentupherback.“Stsho’dturnablindeyetoanythingthatlookedliketrouble,that’ssure-Imp,”shesaid,seeingHilfy’slaidbackearsanddilatedeyes,“payattention:thisisthewayofourfriendsandalliesouthere.Godsrotthem.-Eatyourdinner.”
Tullystirredhisplateabout,turnedhisattentionbacktothat,andPyanfarchewedanotherbite,thoughtful.
Knnn,kif,stsho…gods,thewholepothadbeenstirredwhenthisOutsider,thishuman,droppedintothemiddleofit.Anuncomfortablefeelingpersistedatthebackofherneck,likeacoldwindofbelatedreason.ThewholedockatMeetpoint,zealouslytryingnottohearorseeanythingamiss,withafugitiveonthelooseandthekifonthehunt….
Therewasnoparticularevilinthestsho-exceptthedesiretoavoidtrouble.Thathadalwaysbeenthewayofthem.Buttheyweredifferent.Nohanireadpastthe
hadalwaysbeenthewayofthem.Buttheyweredifferent.Nohanireadpastthepatterns.Nohaniunderstoodthem.And,gods,iftheknnnwerestirredup-alongwiththekif.…
Sheswallowedthedrymouthfulandwasheditdownwithadraughtofgfi,pouredherselfanothercupful.Tullyatewithwhatlookedlikeappetite.Fooddisappearedallroundthetable,andtheplatesrotatedforsecondhelpings.
“I’mgoingtoputTullyonlimitedassignment,”shesaid.“Hecan’tread,sureenough.Butsomethingshecando.”Hehadlookedup.“Niece,”shesaid,“you’renolongerjuniormostonThePride,thisrun.Oughttomakeyouhappy.”
Hilfy’sbrownstudyevaporatedintodisquiet.“He’sjuniormost?”
“Awillingworker,”Pyanfarsaid,withawrinkingofhernose.“Yourresponsibilityinpart,now.”
“Aunt,I-”
“Itoldyouhowitwas,niece.Hear?Youknowwhatwe’redealingwith,andwhatstakesareinvolved?”
“Ihear,”Hilfysaidinafaintvoice.“No,Idon’tknow.ButI’mfiguringitout.”
“Kif,”Geranspat.“They’redifferent,whentheoddsgoagainstthem.”
“Once-”Haralsaid,andwinced.Theknnnsongwasbackagain,shriller.“Rotthat.”
“Close,”Pyanfarjudged.Itwasexceedinglyclearreception.ShemetHaral’seyesfacingherdownthelengthofthetable,moreandmoreuneasy.Thesongcontinuedforamoment,tooloudtotalkaboveit,thenwailedaway,gibberingtoitselfintolowertones.
“Toorottedclose,”Haralsaid.“Captain-”
Pyanfarstartedtopushherselfbackfromtable,surrenderingtoanxiety.
“ChanurCaptain,”comsaidfarmorefaintly,aclickingvoicespeakingthehanitongue.“ChanurCaptain-don’ttroubletoacknowledge.Onlylisten.…”
Pyanfarstiffened,lookedtowardcomwithabristlingathernapeandalowering
Pyanfarstiffened,lookedtowardcomwithabristlingathernapeandaloweringofherears.Everyonewasfrozeninplace.
“ThebargainyourefusedatMeetpoint…isnolongeravailable.NowIofferotherterms,equaltothesituation.Anewbargain.Asafedeparturefromthissystem,foryourselfandfortheFahashipnowatdock.Iguaranteethingswhichproperlyinterestyou,inreturnforonewhichdoesn’t.Jettisontheremnantofyourcargo,hanithief.Youknowourways.Ifyoudothewisething,wewillnotpursueyoufurther.Youknowthatwearetherightfulownersofthatmerchandise.Youknowthatweknowyournameandthenamesofyourallies.Werememberwrongsagainstus.Allkif…remembercrimescommittedagainstus.Butpurgeyourname,PyanfarChanur.More,saveliveswhichwerenotoriginallyinvolvedinyouractofpiracy.Giveusonlyourproperty,PyanfarChanur,andwewilltakenofurtheractionagainsttheFahaandyourself.Thatismybestoffer.AndyouknownowbyexperiencethatImahenoemptythreat.IsthismatterworthyoursuredestructionandthatoftheFaha?Orifyouthinktorunawayagain,desertingyourally,willyouhopetorunforever?Thatwillnotimproveyourtrade,ormaheyouwelcomeatstationswhowilllearnthehazardofyourcompany.Giveitup,thief.It’ssmallgainagainstyourloss,thisthingyou’vestolen.”
“Akukkakk,”Pyanfarsaidinalowvoicewhenithaddone.“So.”
“Aunt,”Hilfysaid,carefullyrestrained.“They’regoingtogoafterStarchaser.First.”
“Undoubtedlytheyare.”Themessagebegantorepeat.Pyanfarthrustherselftoherfeet.“Godsrotthatthing.Downit.”
Churwasnearest.Shesprangfromherseatandturneddownthevolumeofthewallunit.Othershadstartedworkingthemselvesoutoftheirplaces,Tullyamongthem.Sweathadbrokenoutonhisskin,afine,visibledew.
“Sealthegalley,”Pyanfarsaid.“Secureforjump.We’removing.”
Hilfyturnedalast,pleadinglookonher.Pyanfargloweredback.AndwithGeranurginghimtomoveon,Tullydelayed,puttingoutahandtotouchPyanfar’sshoulder.“Sleep,”Tullypleaded,remindingher,paniclargeinhiseyes.
“Forthegods’sakeputhimout,”Pyanfarsnarled,turnedandthrustherown
“Forthegods’sakeputhimout,”Pyanfarsnarled,turnedandthrustherownplateandsomeofthenearerdishesintothedisposal,shovedothersintothehandsofHaralandTirunandChur,whowerethrowingthingsinasfastastheycouldsnatchthem.Hilfystartedtohelp.“Out,”PyanfarsaidtoChur.
“Thatbusinessintheairlock…getitslifesupportgoing.Moveit!”
Churscrambledoverthetopofthetableandranforthedoorwayinascrabblingofclaws.Pyanfarturnedwithfineeconomyandstalkedoutinherwake,towardcontrols.Tirunlimpedafterher,butPyanfarhadnodispositiontowait.Anxietyprickledupanddownhergut,disturbingthemealshehadjusteaten,suddendistrustofallthechoicesshehadmadeuptillnow,includingtheonethathadaslightlycrazedOutsiderlooseontheshipinacrisis;andknnnnearthem;andtheireyesblindedandtheirearsdeaftotheoutside….
Shewalkedintothedarkenedbridge,slidintothewellworncushionwhichknewherbody’sdimensions,settledinandbeltedin,heardthestirofothersabouther,Tirun,Hilfy,Haral.Thekifvoicecontinuedovercom.ElsewheresheheardTullypleadingwithGeranoversomething,tryingtogetsomethingthroughthetranslatorwhichhecouldonlyhalfsay.Shestartedrunningperfunctoryclearchecks,allinternal,threwalooktowardhercompanions.HaralandTirunweresettledandrunningpersonalchecksontheirposts,roughandsolidandintentonbusiness.Hilfyhadherearsback,herhandsvisiblyshakingingettingherboardsready.So.Itwasonething,toridethroughkiffireatMeetpoint…quiteanothertofaceitafterthinkingaboutit.
“Please,”amahendo’satvoicecamethrough,relayedsuddenlyfromHilfy’sboardtohers.“Standofffromstation.Weappealtoallsidesforcalm.Wesuggestarbitration.…”
Theyhadthrownthatoutonlongrange,pleatoallthesystem,toalltheirunrulyguests,thisstationfullofinnocents,whereallwhocouldinthesystemhadtakenrefuge.
Andamongthem,Starchaser.
“Thathadtoantedatetheothermessage,”Pyanfarsaidmorosely.“It’salloldhistoryatstation.”ThatforHilfy,togethermindstraight.Tullywasstilltalking:shetookthetranslatorplugfromherear,shuttingdownallcommunicationfromthatquarter,trustingGeran’snotinconsiderablerightarmifallelsefailed.
ifallelsefailed.
“Captain.”ThatwasChuronallship.”Lifesupport’sonandthelock’ssealedagain.”
“Understood,Chur,”shemuttered,plyingthekeyboardandcallinguphercourseplottings.“Takestationinlowerdeckop.”ShewouldratherChuronthebridge;buttherewasTullyloose;therewasakifloose,andtimerunningonthem-itwasgettinglatetorisksomeonemovingaboutinthecorridors.Shespunhalfabout,indecisive.Hilfy,theweaklink,satatcom,scanbackup.“What’sthekifdoing?Anypickup?”
“Negative,”Hilfysaidcalmlyenough.“Repeatofmessage.I’mgettingagarbleoutofshipsinsystem,nosignyetofanydisruption.Theknnn.…”
Thatsoundmoanedthroughmaincomagain,atransmissionincreasinglyclearanddistinct.Closertotheminthismaelstromofdustanddebris.Pyanfarsuckedinabreath.“Standbytotransmit,fullsensors,allsystems;Iwantalookoutthere,cousins.”Shestartedthrowingswitches.ThePride’snervoussystemcamealiveagaininflaresofcolorandlight,busyripplingsacrosstheboardsassystemsrecalibratedthemselves.Shehitpropulsionandreoriented,reachedforthemaincomp.
“Gods,”Tirunmuttered,throwingtohernumber-onescreenthescanimagewhichwascomingin,adustysouppockedwithrocks.“Ship,”Haralsaidsuddenly,number-onescan,andoverrodewiththatsectorizedimage.PanichitPyanfar’sgut.Thatwasclosetothem,andmoving.
“Resolution,”shedemanded.ThePridewasaccelerating,withouthershieldsasyet.Thewhisperofdustoverthehullbecameashriek,ascream:theyhitarockanditshrilledalongthehull;hitanotherandascreeneruptedwithstatic.“Gods,thismuck!”
“Shields,”Haralsaid.
“Notyet.”
“Noresolution,”Tirunsaid.“Toomuchdebrisoutthere.We’restillblind.”
”“Godsrotit.”Shehittheairlockcontrol,blewit.“Welostsomething,”Tirunsaid;“Beeperoutput,”Hilfysaidatonce.“Loudandclear.Aunt,isthatour
said;“Beeperoutput,”Hilfysaidatonce.“Loudandclear.Aunt,isthatourdecoy?”
Pyanfarignoredthequestions,harried.“Longrangecomtomyboard.Now.”
Itcamethroughunquestioned,alightonherpanel.Sheputthemikein.“ThisisPyanfarChanur,Hinukku.We’vejustputapodoutthelock.Callitenough,hakkikt.Leaveoff.”
Andbreakingthatcontact,toHilfy:“Getthatonrepeat,imp,twiceover;andthencutallsignaloutputandIDtransmissionandoutputthesignalontranslatorchannelfive.”
Halfasecondofparalysis:Hilfyreachedfortheboard,frozeandthenpunchedsomethingelseover,static-riddensnarl,ahanivoice.“Chanur!Go!We’removing!”Itrepeated,arisingshriekofurgencylikethatofthedebrisagainstthehull.
“It’snotourtimeline,”PyanfarsnappedatHilfy,butHilfywasalreadymovingagain,outputtingonetransmission,thenclearing,reachingwithearsbackandapanickedlookafterwhatrecordingshehadbeenordered,howeverinsane.
“Primecourselaid,”Haralpronouncedimperturbably.“Referentbracketed.”
“Standby.”Theiraccelerationcontinued:thedustscreamedoverthehull.Anotherscreenbrokeupandrecovered.
“Aunt,”Hilfyexclaimed,“we’reoutputtingknnnsignal.”
“Rightweare,”Pyanfarsaidthroughherteeth.SheangledThePrideforsystemzenith,wherenooutgoingshipbelonged.Aprickleofsweatchilledhernose,sicklycold,andthewailoverthehullcontinued.“Readoutbehindus,”Geransaid,“confirmedknnn,thatshipbackthere.”Godsrotit,nothingwasevereasy.Differentialcomwassuddenlygettinganothersignalinthesputterofdust.“Chanur!Go.…”
Andakifvoice:“Regrettabledecision,FahaCaptain.”
Pyanfarspatandgulpedairagainstthedragofg,visiontunneledwiththestressandwithanger.Houroldsignal,thatfromtheFaha;atleastanhourold,maybemorethanthat.
“Secondship,”Tirunsaid.“3/4by32ourreferent.”
“GetmeStarchaser’scourse,”Pyanfarsaid.
“Beentrying,”Haralsaid.“BearingNSRstation,bestguessuncertain.”Figuresleapedtothenumbertwoscreen,aschematiccoveringaquarterofUrtur’sdust-barrieredsystem,belowthem,systemreferent.
“Knnnship,”Hilfysaid,“movingonthebeeper.-Aunt,they’regoingtointerceptit.”
Pyanfarhesitatedhalfabeatinturning,aglanceatscanwhichflashedinterceptprobableonthatshiptrailingthem.Knnn,bythegods,knnnweremovingonthedecoy,andtheywerenotknownforrescues.Somethingclenchedonherheart,instinctiveloathing,andinthenextbeatsheflungherattentionbacktowardthesystemschematic.
NowaytohelptheFaha.None.Starchaserwasonherown.Knnnhadthedecoy;kifwerenotgoingtolikethat.Ifthereeverhadbeenknnn.MorethanThePridecouldplaythatdangerousgame.Thescreamonthehullroseinpitch-
“Screens,”shesnappedatHaral.Shereachedfordrivecontrol,uncappedswitches.“Standby.Goingtothrowournavigationalltoblazes;I’llkeepAlijuunoffournosewhenwecycleback.”Shepulsedthejumpdrive,once,twice,threetimes,microseconddaringsofthevanes.Herstomachlurched,pulsequickeneduntilthebloodcongestedinhernoseandbehindhereyes,narrowingvisiontoahazedpinpoint.Theywereblindathirdtime,instrumentsrobbedofregainedreferents,velocityboostedinmajorincrements.Dead,ifHaralfailedthemnow.ButtheywereoldhandsatUrtur,knewthesystem,hadasensewheretheywereevenblinded,fromaknownstart.
Downthethroatofthekifssearchpattern,fromzenith…shepulsedthevanesagain,anotherincrement,swallowedhardagainstthedinnerwhichwastryingtocomeupagain.Differentialcomgotthemakifhowl,andamahendo’satyammeringdistress.
That,forwhatevertheyhaddoneagainstStarchaser,skintheirbacksidesforthem,astreakingsearchforatarget.
“Ai!”Haralyelped,andinstrumentsflared,nearcollision.“Chanur!”sheheard:thenamewouldbeinfamyhereasatMeetpoint.Thereweresurgesandflaresall
thenamewouldbeinfamyhereasatMeetpoint.Thereweresurgesandflaresallovertheboard.Shepulsedoutandinagainandtheinstrumentswentmanic.“Gods,”Haralmoaned,“Ialmosthadit.”
“Now,Haral!forthegods’sakefindit!”
Instrumentsflickeredandscreensstatic-madsortedthemselves,manifoldlyoffended.Analienscreameruptedfromtheirowncom.Tully,Pyanfarreckonedsuddenly:hisdrugswerenotquickenough.Theyhadbetrayedhimlikethekif.
Imageappearedonhernumberonescreen:Alijuun.ThestarwassightedandbracketedandtheIDwaspositive.
“Hail”sheyelled,purestrelief,andhitthejumppulseforthelongone.Hervoicewoundinandoutinadozencolors,coiledandrecoiledthroughthelatticeswhichopenedforthem,andthestomach-wrenchingsensationofjumpswallowedthemdown.…
VI
…andspatthemupagain,adizzyingperceptofelsewhere.Ashimmerbeforehereyes,thatwasthescreen,andtheautomatedinstrumentsweresearching.Keepconscious,don’tgoout,notnow,keepthehandoncontrols….“Working,”Haral’slowvoicedriftedtoheroutofinfinity.“Ogods.”Thatwassomeoneelse.Hilfy?Astarcameintobracketsonthescreenandwobbledoutagain.“Checkreferent,”Pyanfarsaid.Herblurringeyessoughtinstruments.Aredlightwason.“Gotaproblem,”Haralsaid,sendingcoldchillsalongherback.“NopositiveIDonreferent.”
“Brace.”Shestartedabortingtheproposedsecondjump,dumpingspeedsufficientforthescanningsensorstomaketheirfix.Therewasamoannearherwhentheshiftslammedin.Herhandshooklikepalsyoverthecontrols,hoveringoverthebutton.“Gods,we’vemissed,”Haralmoaned;andthenTirun:“Abort!we’revectoredmassward!”
Darkmasswasaheadofthem,themasswhichhadpulledtheminfromjump,comingupintheirfaces.Sensorsrealizedit:alarmswentoff,dinningthroughtheship.Pyanfardumpedagain,hard,flinchedasscreenswentstaticandonewentdead.Somethinghadgivenway.
“Turning,”shewarnedthecrew.ThePrideveeredinhernextskip,andbloodstartedinPyanfar’snose,internalorgansandjointsandfleshhauledinindependentmotion.Shespatandstruggledwiththemusclesofhereyestokeepfocused,foughtastrainedmuscletokeepherhandatthecontrols.Scanshowedhairbreadthmissnowandshetrimmedshipandletitride,hurtlingforavirtualskimoftheobstacle.
Akifvoicecameinovercom.“Identify:urgent.”Someonewaswaitinginthisplace,stationedtoguard,anotherofAkukkakk’slongarms.
“Aunt,”Hilfy’svoicecameweakly,bubblingliquid.“Kif…”
“Gotit.”Pyanfarsniffedbloodorsweat,lickedsaltfromhermouth,staringatthescreenswhichshowedthedarkmasshovingupatthem…tightskim,incrediblytight.Theirownoutputwasstillknnn-song,wailingupanddownthescale,tickingsandwhines…thathadtoputthekifoff.HaralandTiruntalkedfranticallytoeachother,searchingwiththesensorsfortheirwayout.
franticallytoeachother,searchingwiththesensorsfortheirwayout.
“Gotit!”Haralexclaimedsuddenly;astarshowedupinthebracket.
“Can’tdoit,”Pyanfarsaid:themasswastooclose.Theyhadnochoicenowbuttoskimpastandhope.
“Identify,”thekifvoiceinsisted.
Instrumentsflaredofasudden,screensgoingstatic.“Thatwasfire,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy,“ontoourformervector,thankthegods.”
Asecondflaring:ThePridehadreturnedashot,automaticresponse.Ofasuddenthealarmswentagain,crescendoofmechanicalpanic.
“Massproximity,”Pyanfarsaidintoallship,forthoseridingitoutbelow.“We’regoingtomissit.”
Thesoliditywasthere,asuddenjumpineverymass/driveinstrumentonthebridge,lightsflaringred,astaticwashoutonthenumberfourscreen:KitaPointmass,achunkofrock,acinderradiatingonlythedimmestwarmthintothedark,lightless,lonely,andfar,fartoobigforThePridetodragwithherintojump….
Vidpickedupflaresoflight,massivespotsliketheglowofasuninthatdark,illuminingthesurfaceofKitamass.RockboostedintheirfieldoutofUrturhadnotchangedvector.Ithitthedarkmassatnearc,pyrotechnicswhichfloweredthedark.
Theypassedinthatflareofimpact,slingshottedwithawrenchwhichbroughtanewfloodofbloodtoPyanfar’sthroat…grayout…
…backagain.“Haral!”
Afranticmoment.“There!”Then-referentwasbackinbracket.Akifvoiceclickedandchatteredoutofphasewithwhattheyshouldbegetting:thatwasthenasecondship,lyingoffKitazenith.
Firehitthem.
Pyanfarslammedthedrivebackin,withthehowlofthekifinherears,thestaticspitofinstrumentstrainedonthechaosintheirwake.Shetriedwithallherwitstokeeporiented,a.slowreachofasorearmwhilemattercameundoneabout
tokeeporiented,a.slowreachofasorearmwhilemattercameundoneaboutthem,whiletheywerenakedtothebetweenandtimeplayedgameswiththesenses.Nowaythatthekifcouldhavefollowed.Theyhadrunthegauntlet.Theywerethroughtheworst.AfterKitaitwasoneofthreedestinationsandafterthenext,oneoftwomore;andthechoicesmultiplied,andthekifhadharderandhardershifttobringnumberstobearagainstthem….
“We’refading,”Haralsaid,wordswhichstretchedthroughinfinity,emotion-dulled,nowhere:thiswasthewayitwentwhenshipslostthemselves,whentheyjumpedandfailedtocomeoutagain…perhapssomemathematicallimbo…orstraightintomahendo’sathell,wherefour-armeddemonsinventedhorrors…Pyanfardraggedherwitstogether,watchedforanothersuchwobble.Damagetheyhadtakenunderfirecouldhavedonesomethingtothevanes,robbedthemofcapacity,mightlosethempermanently….
…secondarrival,ablurringdowndropofthesensesintohereandwhenagain.Pyanfarreachedforthepanelandorderedscansearch.Differentialcomwasalreadygettingsignal:itwasthemarkerofKirduSystem,wondrous,beautifulmahendo’satvoice,thebuoyofthejumprange.
“We’rein!”Hilfycried.“We’rein.”
“Clearandintherange,”Pyanfarsaid,smug.Shehitthejumppulsetothrowoffvelocityandthesmugnessevaporatedsomewhat:thepulsewasqueasy,lesspowerfulthanitoughttobe.
“Captain?”Haral’svoice.
“Ifeelit.”
“Maintainknnnoutput?”Hilfyasked.
“Yes.”Pyanfarkepthereyesonthereadout,hitthepulseagain.“Plotentryvector,”sheorderedTirun.“Wemighthavetrailedsomedebriswithus.”
“ReckonwedumpedmostoftherocksonKita,”Tirunmuttered.Shestartedsendingtheschematicover,firedoffacomp-signalwarningforwhatgooditwoulddoaslowshipinthepathoftheirdebris-attendedentry.Thedumpwenton,sicklypulseswhichfinallybegantocount.
“That’sbetter,”Pyanfarsaid,swallowingagainstthestress.“Hilfy,gotalag
“That’sbetter,”Pyanfarsaid,swallowingagainstthestress.“Hilfy,gotalagestimate?”
“Approximate,”Hilfysaidinathinvoice.“Thirty-minuteroundtriptostation,estimate.”
Close,bythegods,tooclose.Pyanfarkeptthedumppulsesgoingattheclosestpossibleintervals,kepthereyesnowherebutthecenterscreennow,therelayedscanfromthestationbuoywhichplottedthelocationofshipsandplanetsandlargeobjectsinthesystem.AutomationhadaddedinthewarningThePridehadsentout,ahazardzoneinaconeheadedtranszenithofsystem.
“Gettingrefinementoncourse,”Haralsaidasaschematiccameuponnumbertwoscreen.Ittookonlyalittlebending:checkvelocity,thewarningkeptflashing.PyanfarcoaxedanotherdumpoutofThePrideandmadetheslightcorrection,hersensesswimmingnowwiththeprolongedstrainofhigh-velocityreckonings,withstringinghermindalongthosedistancesandspeedswhichtheship’sowncomphandledinspecialconflict-dumpingmode.
“Downtheslot!”Tiruncriedasthelinesmatched.
Theyweredeadonatlast,freeandsafeandheadeddowntheapproachpathstationhadpreassignedthenextincomerinthatareaoftherange.Pyanfaraffordedherselfalighterbreath,stillwithhereyesfixedonthescan,tryingtofigurehowmuchmoretheycoulddumpandhowfast.Letoneminerbewhereheoughtnottobe,letoneskimmerhavegoneoffforsomeprivatereasonwithoutadvisingstationinadvance,someidiotcrossingtheentrylanes,somemadknnnorchi,withwhomtherewasneveranyreasoning,navigationhazardswherevertheyoperated….
Sweatran,orblood.Shesniffedandwipedathernose,eyesstillfixedandhandonthebutton.Theyrodetheodds;theycameinlikeashot,countingonstatisticsandblindluckandtrafficbeingexactlywhereitought:onecoulddothatafewtimesinalifetimeandnotrunoutofluck.
“Acquiringstationsignal,”Hilfysaid.“That’stc’atalkingnow,Ithink.It’sthisknnnsignalofours….”
“Cutthesignal.GivestationourproperID.Relaypirateattack;damageandemergency,andprobableaccompanyingdebris.”
“Gotit,”Hilfysaid.
Pyanfarhitthedumpagain,forcedthemalittlemoretowardasanespeed,andaboardredlighted.Shecycledinabackup.
Haralunbeltedandleanedintothepitbesideherconsole,franticreadjustments.
TheremightbekifindockatKirdu…gods,wouldbekifhere,byalltheodds,andjustpossiblyoneofthemhadcomethroughfromUrtur.ButthiswasKirdu:mahendo’sathere,intheirownterritory,hadteeth,andtooknoargumentsfromvisitors.Theywoulddemandexplanationsforsuchanentry.GodsgrantwhateverremainingdebristheyhadboostedthroughwiththemfromUrturfoundnomahendo’sattargets,ortherewouldbemorethananexplanationdue.
“Something’sleftstation,”Tirunsaid.Theimageshoweduponthenumbertwoscreen.Shipswereoutbound,fourofthem,oneaftertheother,movingonintercept,doppleringintotheirpath.“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,“signalgeneralalert,allhanishipsinsystem.”
“Done,”Hilfysaid,movingtodoit.Haralslidbackintoplace,settoworkinhasteatthecomp.Thenumberonescreenstartedacquiringestimates,locationalshiftsontheoncomersandeverythingelseinthesystem.Thatwasstationguardwhichhadjustputout,morethanlikely:ThePridehadbrokenregulationsfromentrytothismoment,heapsandpilesofregulations.Somemangymahestationofficialwaslikelyelbowdeepintherulebooksthismomenthuntingpenalties,Pyanfar’snosewrinkledatthethoughtofthefines,thelevies,thearguments.
“Gettingsignalontheshipsoutcoming,”Hilfysaid.“They’remahendo’sat,allright.”
“Huh.”Pyanfarblewasighofrelief.Worsehadbeenpossible,worseindeed.“Geran,”shesaidoverallship.“Chur.Areyougettingthisdownthere?We’reallright;station’sendingusanescort.”
“Cominginclear,captain.”
“Iseverythingsecuredownthere?How’sTully?Haveyougotamonitoronhim?”
“He’shereinopwithus,”Geransaid.“Drugsarewearingoff.He’smuzzybutfollowingwhat’sgoingon.”
followingwhat’sgoingon.”
“Nomorerisks,rotyou;whoclearedthat?-Takescanonnumberfourforapproach;giveussomereliefuphere;andgethimsecure.”
“Ifriend.”Tully’svoicecamebacktoher,haniwords.Andothers,hisowntongue,afloodofwords.“Shuthimdown,”Pyanfarhissed;andtherewassilence.“Working,”Chur’svoicereported,andTirunpausedinherfranticpace,droppedherheadintohandsandwipedthembackoverhermane.Shetookthechanceforadrink,fromaplasticbottlefromunder-counter,passedittoHilfyandthentoTirunandthentoHaralandHaraltoPyanfar.Theremnantwentdown,awelcomecoolingdraught.Pyanfartookthechancetocallupcomptolocatethedamage,gnawedherupperlipastheinformationcamethroughincomplete.Shelookedright,attheothers,atHilfy,whowaslisteningtosomething,withabruised,exhaustedlookonherface.“ShuntthatbelowwhentheygettheOutsidersettled,”Pyanfarsaidtoher,andlookedatHaral,whowasstilldoingupdates.“Damageindeterminate,”shesaidtoHaralprivately.“Idon’tfeelanylagintheinsystemresponses,atleast.Itshouldbeanormaldock,butwe’regoingtohavetogetahurryuponthatrepairandIdon’tknowhowtothegodswe’regoingtofinancethebribe.”
“Aunt,”Hilfysaid,“stationison,wantstotalktoyoupersonally.Itoldthem-”
“Captain.”Lowerdeckoverrode,sentupanimageonscan.
Shipinthejumprange,incoming,ontheirtail.
“Gods,”Pyanfarhissed.“Godsrotallkif-Hilfy:ID,fast.”
Hilfyhesitatedhalfabreath:Tirunwasalreadyoverreachingalongarmontoherterritory.Wailingcamethrough,andPyanfargrimacedatthehigh-pitchedsqueal.
“Knnn,”Tirunsaid.“Captain,it’sthatrottedknnn.”
“Wedon’tknowit’sthatknnn,”Pyanfarspatback,snatchingthemike-wavedanangrygesturewithitatHilfy.“Station.Station,andgetyourwitsworking,niece.”
Thereadylightcameon.“Go,”Hilfysaid,distraughtandJwild-eyed,andsubduedtheknnnpickup.
subduedtheknnnpickup.
“ThisisKirduStation,”themachine-translatedvoicecamethrough.“Wemaheurgentsevereprotestthisentry.Goslow,hanicaptainincoming.”
“ThisisThePrideofChanur,PyanfarChanurspeaking.We’reincomingwithanunidentifiedonourtailandwithdamage,butwehavemaneuverability.Theshipbehindusmayposeathreattostation;Isuggestyourescortdirectitsattentiontowhat’sfollowingus.”
Comstayeddead,longerthanlagtimedictated.
“Escortispassingturnoverpoint,”Geran’squietvoicecamefromtheotheropcenter.“Captain,they’regoingtopassus,goingtogooutandlookthatbastardover.”
Pyanfarlooked,saw,returnedherattentiontocomp,wherenewestimatewascominguponthepositionoftheincomingship.Itwasclose,movinghard,nodumpofspeed.
“Gotahanicontact,”saidHilfy.“Tahar.”
“Godsandthunders.”ThiswasnotafriendlyhousetoChanur.Pyanfarpickedupthecontactonherboard.“Taharship,thisisPyanfarChanur.Standreadyfortrouble.Don’tbecaughtatdock.”
“Chanur,thisisDurTahar.Isthisyourtrouble?”
“Ithasnopatent,Tahar,notsofar.Standoutfromstation,Iwarnyou.Incase.”
“Chanur,”thetranslatedvoiceofstationbrokeinonthem.“TaharCaptain.Againstregulation,this.“Usestationchannel.Andthisstationorderstay.Nomovingout.”
“We’recomingin,station.Weadviseyoushipsaredestroyedandliveslost.Ifthatshipbackthereisknnn,well;butifitisn’t,Kirduhastrouble.”
Anothervoice,clickingandharsh.Kif.
“That’sfromadockedship,”Hilfysaidquickly.“Gotitonstationdirectional.”
“Captain.”ThatfromTirun.“Incomer’sjustbegundump;they’rechecking
“Captain.”ThatfromTirun.“Incomer’sjustbegundump;they’recheckingspeed.”
Pyanfarblinked,thesuspicionofgoodnewshittingdullyonadazedbrain.Shedrewawholebreath.“Godsgrantitisknnn,”shemuttered.“Station,youshouldbegettingthatnow:we’llmakeafullexplanationassoonaswegetinandgetourmechanicalproblemsinorder.Westronglyurgeyoutakefullprecautionsandgetapositivevisualonthatso-namedknnnarrival.Wehaveseriouschargestolodge.”
Silencefromstation.Theywerenot,mostlikely,overjoyed.
Pyanfarbrokethecontact.“Bastards.”Shewipedhermouth,straightenedherbeardwithherfingers.“Cowards.”Theescortpassedandheadedouttotheincomingshipbehindthem.Shesettledbackinhercushionandlistenedtothereports.
“Aunt,”Hilfysaidfinally,“mahendo’satreportvisualconfirmation:itisaknnnship.”
“Thankthegods,”Pyanfarmuttered,andthrewopentherestraintonhercushion,leanedforwardmorecomfortably.Stationwascomingup.Aflurryofdockinginstructionswasarrivingonthenumberthreescreen.
Notkifbehindthem,onlyavastlyconfusedknnn.Shegaveawrypursingofthemouth,imaginingthechagrinoftheoddcreatures,whohadarrivedtofarmorecommotionthanknnnwerewonttostirunderanycircumstances.Coincidence,perhaps;shipscameandwentfromeverywhere-gods,raretohavetwoshipscomeintoajumprangethatclose,butnotthatrare.KirduhadagreatdealmoretrafficthanthatgeneratedbyThePride.Thiswascivilization,hereatKirdu,civilization,afterall.
Shedrewaseriesofquieterbreaths.Watchedtheschematicwhichshowedthemthewaytowarddocking.Tired.Indeedshewastired.Sheachedinherbones.Ittookamoralefforttosettleinfordockingmaneuvers,todoitbymanualbecauseshewantedthefeelofit,nottobesurprisedbysomefurthermalfunctionunderautomatic.
ShewasalreadymentallysortingthroughpossibleargumentswiththeTahar,aloan,anythingtogetThePride’srepairsmadeandpaid,togetoutofthisplace:theyneedednomoredamagesthantheyhad,andmostofalltheydidnotneedprolongedresidencehere.
prolongedresidencehere.
Iftheywerevery,veryfortunate,thekifweresortingmattersoutwithacertainknnnwhohadpickedupabitofsalvageatUrtur;andthatknnnmightnotbeamusedbyahanijoke.ThegreathakkiktAkukkakkwouldbeevenlessamused…buthewouldhaveahardtimenegotiatingwiththeknnnforalookatitsprize;andahardertimewithhisfellowkif..indeedhewould.Shefelt,inall,satisfied.
Butaknnnhadhappenedthroughjumpwiththem;hadhappenedtocrowdthem.Gods…didtheyhaveapparatuswhichmadetrackingpossible?
Itsvoicewasback,distantandeerie,likethatwhichshehadduplicatedatUrtur,touseaknnnvoiceasshieldanddisguise.
Godsknewwhatmessagetheyhadbeentransmittingtoknnnhearing:followme?Helpme?Somethingfarlessfriendly?
Tc’amightknow;buttherewasnoqueryingthatsideofKirduStation.
Theycameupondock,movinginnexttheTaharship:Kirduwanteditshaniproblemscollected,apparently,givingthemberthsnexteachother.Insomepartthatwasgood,becauseitgavethemprivateaccesstotalkwithoutwitnesses;andinanotherpartitwasnot,becauseitmadethemonesingletarget.
“Wherearethekif?”sheaskedstationbluntly,stallingontheapproach.“I’mnotputtingmynoseintostationuntilIknowwhatberthstheyhave.”
“Numbertwentyandtwenty-one,”stationinformedher.“Maheandstshointhebetweennumbers,notrouble,notrouble,hanicaptain.Youmakeeasydock,please.”
Shewrinkledhernoseandcommittedthem,notwithoutcontrarythoughts.
VII
ThePride’snosewentgentlyintodock,thegrapplesclangedtoandaccessesthumpedopen,andPyanfarthrustbackfromthepanelwithasuddenwateryfeelingaboutthejoints.Stationchatteredatthem,requestsforroutinecooperations.“Shutdown,”shesaidcurtly,wavedawearysignalatHaralandpushedthecushionroundtheslightbititcouldgo.“Hilfy:tellstationoffices.Tellthemwe’vegotsomeshakeup.I’lltalkwiththemwhenwegetinternalbusinesssettled.”
“Aye,”Hilfymurmured,andrelayedthemessage,withmuchflickingoftheearsintalkingwiththeofficialandafinalflatteningofthem.Pyanfarshortenedherfocus,onTirun,whowasrunningherlastfewchecks.Herhandsmadesmalluncertainmovements;herearsweredrooping.“Tirun,”Pyanfarsaid,andTirun’sfacewhenshelookedaroundshowedthestrain.“Out,”Pyanfarsaid.“Now.”
Tirunstaredatherhalfamoment,andordinarilyTirunwouldhavemusteredargument.Shelookedonlynumb,andpushedbackfromherplaceandtried,afalteringeffortwhichgothertoherfeet,andareachwhichgothertothenextconsole.Theyallscrambledforher,butHilfywasquickest,flunganarmabouther.“Shegoestoquarters,”Pyanfarsaid.“Aye,”Haralsaid,andtookchargefromHilfy,replacingTirun’ssupportonthatside.
Hilfystoodamoment.Pyanfarlookedonherback,onthebacksofTirunandHaralasTirunlimpedawaytryingnottolimp;andHilfystraightenedhershouldersandlookedback.
“I’llstayonthecom,”Hilfyoffered.
“Leaveit.Letstationwonder.Cleanup.”
Hilfynoddedstiffly,turnedandwalkedout,quite,quitewithoutswagger,withahandtosteadyheragainstthecurvature-feelingofthedeckwhentheyweredocked.ItoccurredtoPyanfarthenthatHilfyhadnotbeensick,notthistime.Pyanfardrewadeepbreath,letitgo,turnedandleanedoverthecom.“Lowerdeck,who’satstation?”
“Geran,”thevoicecameback.“Allstablebelow.”
“Geran,”thevoicecameback.“Allstablebelow.”
“Cleanup.AboveallgetTullystraightenedupandpresentable.”
“Understood.”
Pyanfarbroketheconnection.Therewasanothercallcomingovercom.
“Chanur,thisisTahar’sMoonRising.Privateconference.”
“Tahar,thisisPyanfarChanur:wehaveamedicalsituationinprogress.Standbythatconference.”
“Doyourequireassistance,PrideofChanur?”
Therewas,infinitesimalinthetone,,satisfactioninthatpossibility.Pyanfarsweetenedhervoicewithprodigiouseffort.“Hardly,MoonRising.I’llreturnthecallattheearliestpossible.Chanur’srespects,Tahar.Out.”
Shebrokeoffwithabruptness,pushedbackandstrodeoff,withoutswaggerinherstrideeither.Allherjointsseemedrearranged,herheadsittingprecariouslythrobbingonabodywhichcomplainedofabuses.Hernapebristled,notatkifpresence,butatanenemywhosatmuchclosertohome.
Gods.BegoftheTahar?
OfahousewhichhadpresentedformidablethreattoChanurduringKohan’sholding?ThesatisfactionintheTaharwhelp’svoicehardlysurprisedher.Itwasaspectacle,ThePridewithhergutmissingandhertailsinged.TherewouldbehissinglaughterinTahar,thevidimagecarriedhomefortheedificationofKahiTaharandhismatesanddaughters.
AndfromTaharitwouldgooutoverAnuurn,sothatitwouldbesuretocometoKohan.Therewouldbechallengesoverthis,beyonddoubttherewouldbechallenges.SomeTaharwhelpwouldgethisneckbrokenbeforethedustsettled,indeedhewould:youngmaleswerealwaysoptimists,alwaysreadytosetoffatthesmellofadvantage,theleastedgeitmightaffordthem.
Theywouldtry.So.Theyhaddonethatbefore.
ThatwaswhatDurTaharhadwindof.
“She’swellenough,”Haralreportedatthedoorofthecrew’squartersonthelowerdeck.PyanfarlookedbeyondandsawTirunsnuggeddowninbedandoblivioustoitall.“Legswelledabitunderthestress,butnoworry.”
Pyanfarfrowned.“Goodmedicalfacilitieshereonstation.Butitmightbewe’dhavetopulloutabruptly;Idon’twanttoriskleavinganyofusbehindforalayover,not…underthecircumstances.”
“No,”Haralagreed.“Noneedforthat.Butwe’rewearingthin,captain.”
“Iknow,”shesaid.
“Youtoo,beggingyourleave.”
“Huh.”ShelaidherhandonHaral’sshoulders.Walkedawaytothelift,pausedthereandlistenedinthedirectionofChurandGeran’spost.Shewalkedbackthatwayandleanedinatthedoorofop,whereGeransatwatch,washedandincleanbluetrousers,butlookingontheworldwiththedulllooksomeoneoughttohavewhohadgonefromoneon-shifttothenextwithoutsleep.“Right,”Pyanfarsaidsimply,recallingthatshehadgiventhemorderstheywerefollowing,andleanedanarmagainstthedoorframe.“Tullymadeitallrightdownhere,didhe?”
“Notroublefromhim.”
“I’mgoingtohavetotakehimuponthatworkoffer.YouandChurtradeoffwithhim,oneonandoneoff.Tirun’sailing.”
“Bad?”
“Gstressdidn’tfavorthatleg.We’llresthereasmuchaswecan.I’mgoingtoseewhatcharityIcangetoutofTahar.Needtofindoutwhatdamagewe’vegot,firstoff.”
“Gotaremoteonit,”Geransaid,turnedaboutandcalledituponthenearestscreen.Pyanfarcameintotheroom,lookedattheexteriorcameraimage,whichwasfromtheobservationblister,andsufferedaphysicalpangatthesight.Numberonevanehadamooringlinesnakingloose,driftingaboutunderstation’srotation,andtherewerepanelsmissing,darkspotsonthelongsilver
station’srotation,andtherewerepanelsmissing,darkspotsonthelongsilverbar.“Thatwasourfade,”Pyanfarsaidwithabelatedchill.“Gods.Couldhavelostitallcominginwiththatloose.Goingtotakeaskimmercrewtogetthatlinkedbackup,nowaythesixofuscandoit.”
“Money,”Geransaiddismally.“Mighthavetoselloneofustothekifafterall.”
“Badjoke,”Pyanfarsaid,andwalkedout.
Tully,shehadthought,withanimpulseofwhichshewasheartilyashamed.
Butshekeptthinkingofit,allthewayuptoherownquarters.
Shestrippedandshowered,shedamassoffurintothedrain;driedandcombedandarrangedhermaneandbeard.Itwastheredsilkbreechesthistime,thegoldarmlet,thependantpearl.Shesurveyedherselfwithsomesatisfaction,aliftinherspirits.Appearancesmeantsomething,afterall.Themahendo’satweresensitivetothematter,quiteasmuchasthestsho.
Offendedprosperity,thatwasthetacktotakewiththem.TheyknewThePride.AslongasitseemedthatChanur’sfortuneswereintactandthatChanurwasstillapowertoreckonwithamonghani,thatlongtheymightholdsomehopeofmahendo’sateagernesstoserve.
Andtherewas,shereckoned,smilingcoldlyatthesplendidhanicaptaininthemirror,therewasdeadlyearnestinthishaste.
TherewasAkukkakk.
Godsrotitall.
Possiblyshehadembarrassedhimenoughthathisownwouldturnonhim.Thatwouldtaketimetoknow.Alongtimeoutfromhomeport,keepingherearalertforrumor.
GetridoftheOutsiderTully…wouldthatthedisentanglementwerethateasy.
Shestaredintoherowneyes,earsflat,andmeditatedthevillainythatanytraderseeingtheOutsiderwouldthinkonnaturallyasbreathing;andafteralittlethinkingherlipspursedinagrimlysmugsmile.
So,so,so,PyanfarChanur.Therewasawaytosettlemorethanoneproblem.
So,so,so,PyanfarChanur.Therewasawaytosettlemorethanoneproblem.LikelyTullywouldnotlikeit,butanOutsiderwhocamebeggingpassagecouldtakewhathecouldget,anditwasnotinhermindtobegfromTahar.
Shecheckedcom,foundtheexpectedclutterofmessageswaitingattention.“Nothingreallyurgent,”Geransaid.“Station’sstillupset,that’sthesumofthem.”
“Chur’sgotTully,hasshe,cleaninghimup?”
“Alittleproblemthere.”
“Don’ttellmeproblem.I’vegotproblems.Whatproblem?”
“Hehashisownideas,ourTullydoes.Hewantstobeshaved.”
“Godsandthunders.Washroom?”
“Here,now.”
“I’mcomingdownthere.”
Shestartedforthedoor,wentbackandpickeduptheaudioplugforthetranslatorandheadeddowninhaste.Shaved.Herearsflattened,prickedagaininaforcedreckoningthatcustomswerecustoms.
Butappearances,bythegods….
Shearrivedinopindeliberatehaste,foundthetriothere,Geran,Chur,Tully,allcleanlyandhaggardanddrowningtheirmiseriesinaroundofgfi.Theylookedup,Tullymostanxiousofall,stillpossessed,thankthegods,ofallhismaneandbeardanddecent-lookinginafreshpairoftrousers.
“Pyanfar,”hesaid,rising.
“Captain,”shecorrectedhimsternly.“Youwantwhat,Tully?Whatproblem?”
“Wantstheclippers,”Chursaid.“Itrimmedhimupabit.”Shehad.Itwasagoodjob.“Hewantsthebeardoff.”
“Huh.No,Tully.Wrong.”
Tullysankdownagain,thecupofgfiinhistwohands,lookedchagrined.“Wrong.”
Pyanfarheavedasigh.“That’sreasonable.YoudowhatIsay,Tully.Youhavetolookrightforthemahendo’sat.Youlookgood.Fine.”
“Same#hani.”
“Likehani,yes.”
“Mahendo’sat.Here.”
“You’resafe.It’sallright.Friendlyfolk.”
Tully’smouthtightenedthoughtfully.Henoddedpeaceablyenough.Thenhereachedahandbehindhisheadandknottedthepalemanebackinhisfingers.“Right,that?”
“No,”Pyanfarsaid.Thehand.dropped.
“Idoallyousay.”
Pyanfarflickedherears,thrustherhandsintoherwaistband.“Doall?”Shefeltpricklishintheareaofherhonor,andtheOutsider’spaleeyesgazedupatherwithdisturbingconfidence.“Itmightfrightenyou,whatIwant.Imightasktoomuch.”
Someofthatgotthrough.Theconfidencevisiblydiminished.
“Imakeyouafraid,Tully?”Shegesturedwide,towardthebow.“There’sastationoutthere,KirduStation.Mahendo’satspeciesistheauthorityinthisplace.There’sahanishipdockednexttous.Stshospeciestoo,downthedock.”
“Kif?”
“Twokifships,notthesameones.NotAkukkakk’s,notlikely.Traders.They’retroubleifwelingerheretoolong,buttheywon’tmakeanysuddenmove.Iwantyoutogooutside,Tully.Iwantyoutocomewithme,outintheopen,onstationdock,andmeetthemahendo’sat.”
Hedidunderstand.Amusclejerkedinhisjaw.“I’mcrewofthisship,”hesaid.
Hedidunderstand.Amusclejerkedinhisjaw.“I’mcrewofthisship,”hesaid.Itseemedaquestion.
“Yes.Iwon’tleaveyouhere.Youstaywithme.”
“Icome,”hesaid.
Thatsimply.Shestaredathimamoment,deliberatelyheldoutherhandtowardthecupinhis.Helookedperplexedforamoment,thensurrenderedittoher.Shedrank,subduingacertainshudder,handeditbacktohim,
Hedrankaswell,glancedather,measuringherreactionbythatlook,finishedthecup.Noprejudices.Nosqueamishnessaboutotherspecies.Shenoddedapproval.
“Gowithyou,captain,”Churoffered.
“Comeon,then,”Pyanfarsaid.“Geran,youstay;can’tleavetheshipwithnoonewatchingthings,andtheothersareoff.We’regoingjusttostationofficesandback,anditshouldn’tbetrouble.Idon’texpectit,atleast.”
“Right,”Geransaid,notwithoutaworriedlook.
PyanfarputahandonTully’sshoulder,realizedthechillofhisskin,theperpetuallyhunchedposturewhenhewassitting.Hestoodup,shiveredabit.“Tully.Thetranslatorwon’tworkoutsidetheship,understand.Onceouttherampway,wecan’tunderstandeachother.SoItellyouhere:youstaywithme;youdon’tleaveme;youdoallthatIsay.”
“Gototheoffices.”
“Offices,right.”Shelaidonesharpclawedfingertipamidhischest.“I’lltrytogetitthroughtoyou,myfriend.Ifwegoaboutwithyouaboardinsecret,ifweleavemahendo’satterritorywithyouandgoontoAnuurn,toourownworld-thatcouldbetrouble.Mahendo’satmightthinkwekeptsomethingtheyshouldhaveknownabout.Sowemakeyoupublic,letthemallhavealookatyou,mahendo’sat,stsho,yes,eventhekif.Youwearclothes,youtalksomehaniwords,yougetyourselfregistered,properpapers,allthethingsagoodcivilizedbeingneedstobealegalentityintheCompact.I’llgetitallarrangedforyou.There’snowayafteryouhavethosepapersthatanyonecanclaimyou’renotasapient.I’llregisteryouaspartofmycrew.I’llgiveyouapaperandwhereItellyou,youputyournameonit.Andyoudon’tgivemeanytrouble.Doesenough
you,youputyournameonit.Andyoudon’tgivemeanytrouble.Doesenoughofthatgetthrough?It’sthelastthingIcantellyou.”
“Don’tunderstandall.Youask.Idoit.”
Shewrinkledhernose,threwanimpatientwaveofherhandatChur.“Comeon.”
Churcame.Tullydid,blindlytrusting,atwhichshescowledandwalkedalonginfrontofthembothtothelock,handsthrustintothebackofherwaistband,wonderingwhetherstationofficeshaddetectorsandwhethertheycouldgetawaywithaconcealedweapon,goingwheretheyweregoing.Shedecidedagainstit,whatevertheotherrisks.
Awatcherstoodbytherampwayoutside,amahedockworkerwhoscamperedoffquicklyenoughwhentheyshowedoutside,andwhoprobablymadeacalltohissuperiors…themahendo’satwerediscreetlyperturbed,politeintheirsurveillance.Buttheywerethere.Pyanfarsawit,andChurdid;andTullyturnedafrightenedlooktowardthesuddenmovement.Hetalkedatthem,butthetranslatorwashelplessnow,outsidetherangeoftheinshippickup,andPyanfarlaidareassuringhandonhisshoulderandkepthimmoving.“Justaprecaution,”shesaid,aquiettone,andlookedbeyondtotherampwayaccessofMoonRising,whereafarmorehazardouswatcherstood,ahanicrewwoman.
“Bettertakecareofthatbusiness,”PyanfarsaidtoChur,anddivertedheircoursediagonallyamongthecanister-carrierstowardMoonRising.
Anotherhanishowedupoutside,ontherun:secondcrewwoman,doubledreflectionoftheother,samewidestanceandsteadystare.AtacertaindistancePyanfarstopped,andwaited,andmadeasubtlesigntoChur,whostrodeforwardtomeettheothers.
Therewasanexchangetooquietforherears…nofriendlinessinthepostures,butnoovertunpleasantness.Churcameback,notinhaste,notdelayinganyeither,earsflat.
“Theircaptain’sasleep,”Churreported.“SheproposestocomeaboardThePridewhenhernap’sdone.Answer,captain?”
“WhyshouldI?Iwasn’tadvised.ButImaylethercome.Itsuitsme.”Sheturnedwithoutaglanceattheothers,putahandonTully’shairlessbackandsteeredhimawaywiththem.
AndiftheTaharcaptainwasinfactsleeping,shewouldnotbebythetimethosetworag-earsgotbackinside,toreporttheChanurcaptainhadacompanionofunknownspecies,headedforstationoffices.TheTaharhadgottencaughtintheirownarrogance,andChanurfailedtorisetotheinsult,simplywalkedoff.Pyanfarthrewalittleswaggerintothedeparture,fortheTaharandforthegapingmahedockworkers,someofwhomfledinhastetoreporttosuperiorsortogathercomrades,adark-furredandscantlycladcrowd.
“Theynoticed,”Chursaid.
“Thattheyhave.”Pyanfarlockedherhandsbehindherandtheystrolledalongincompany,onetallhanicaptaininscarlet,onesmallishhanicrewwomaninroughspun(blue,andimprobablybetweenthem,atoweringwide-shoulderedOutsiderwithnakedskinandabeautifulgoldenmane,excruciatinglyconspicuous.Pyanfarsufferedanirrepressiblerushoftheblood,atighteningofthelipsasacrowdbegantogather,farmorepeoplethanthosewhoworkedthedocks.Mahendo’sat,dockersandmerchantersandminersandgodsknewwhatelse;andascatterofstsho,paleandpastelamongthecrowd,theirwhitisheyesroundasmoons,holdingeachothers’handsandchatteringtogetherinshock.Ofthekif…nosignasyet,buttherumorwoulddrawthem,shewaswellsureofthat,andwishedinthatregardthatshehadthatgunshehadthoughtoftaking.
They,reachedthelift,pushedthebutton,mahegivingwayaboutthemandcrowdingbackagainateveryopportunity,aroarofcrowd-noiseaboutthem.“Captain,”someoneasked,oneofthemahendo’sat.“Whatisthisbeing?”
Sheturnedaboutwithagrinwhichlackedallpatience,andmahendo’satwhoknewhanibackedup,buttherewashumorinittoo,satisfactionattheturmoil.Theliftarrived,andahalfdozenstartledmahedecidedtovacateit,whetherornottheyhadplannedongettingoutonthislevel.TheyedgedoutthedoorinhasteandPyanfarseizedTullybythearmandputhiminside.Churdelayedwhileshesteppedin,andcamelast,lacingthecrowd.Thedoordelayed,timeenoughforanyoneelsewhothoughttheywantedtorideupwiththem,butnooneentered.Thedoorclosed,andtheliftshotupward.PyanfarletgoofTully’sarmandputherhandonhisback,readytoindicatetohimtomoveout.Hewassweatingdespitethechillintheair.
sweatingdespitethechillintheair.
OntheothersideofhimChurpattedhisarm.Theliftstoppedonce.Thosewaitingdecidedagainstentering,eyeswide;andtheliftwentonup.
“Friend,”Tullysaidnervously,outofhisscanthanirepertoire.
“Mahendo’satandstsho,”Pyanfarsaid.“Friend.Yes.”
Thecarstoppedasecondtime,aquietercorridorintheofficecomplex.Tullywalkedwiththem,outanddownthehall,startlingothermaheworkers.
Andstopped,abruptly.Akifcamefromtheofficesahead,stoppedandstared,anonymousingrayrobesanddolefulkifishface.PyanfarseizedTully’sarm,pulledtheclawsinwhenhewinced,butthestinggothimmoving.Theypassedthekifandthekifturned;Pyanfardidnotreacttoit,butChur,crewandunburdenedwithcaptaincy,facedaboutwithearsflatandasnarlonherface.Likelythekifkeptstaring.PyanfarwhiskedTullythroughthewelcomeofficedoorsaheadandonlythenturnedtocastalookback;butthekifwasonitsway,robesaswirlinitshaste,andChur,earsstillflat,joinedtheminsidetheregistryoffice.Tullysmelledofsweat.Veinsstoodoutinhisarms.Pyanfarpattedhisshoulderandlookedroundthegaudycoloredroomatafrozenofficefulofmahendo’sat,moststanding.
“I’mPyanfarChanur.Yourequestedaninterview.”
Therewasageneralflutter,theforemostoftheofficialsditheringaboutlettingthemthroughthegeneralregistryareatothemoresecludedcomplexbehindthedoors,withadozenlooksatTullyintheprocess.
“Comealong,”Pyanfarurgedhimsoftly,keepingahandonhiselbow,andnowshesweated,reckoningtheshocksTullyhadenduredthusfar,akifinthehall,closespaces…oneirrationalmomentandhecouldbolt;orstrikeatsomeone-“Friend,”shesaid,andhestayedbyher.
Theofficialletthemthroughintoaluxuriouswaitingarea,thickcarpetandpillowlikecouchesinbrightcolors,hastenedaboutprovidingthemrefreshmentastheysettledonafacinggroupofcouches.“Sit,sit,”Pyanfarsaid,providingTullytheexample,legstuckedandanklescrossed,andChurwaiteduntilTullyhadsettlednervouslyonthefacingcouch.Chursankdowninrelief.Theofficialsetthewelcomingtrayonaportabletableintheirmidst.Hisdarkmaheeyeswerealivewithcuriosity.“Begunderstanding,hanicaptain…thisis-
werealivewithcuriosity.“Begunderstanding,hanicaptain…thisis-passenger?”
“Crew,”Pyanfarsaidwithaprimpursingofthelips.Sheacceptedtheglassthesquattingmahefilled,two-handedmahestyleinherholdingofit;andsawtohersatisfactionthatthemahehadinfactprovidedthreeglasses.HefilledthesecondandgaveittoChur,whosemannerswereimpeccable,andwithsomediffidence,offeredtoTully.
Tullytookhisafterthesamefashion,keenmimic.Pyanfarsmiledtoherselfandsmotheredthesmileinasipofmahendo’satliquor.Theofficialpatteredoutwitheffusiveandanxiousbows,leavingthemalone;andwhateverTullythoughtoftheliquorhehadtheself-possessionnottoflinchfromit.
“Friend,”Tullysaidagain,lookingworried.Chur,besidehim,putahandonhiskneeandheseemedtotakereassurancefromthat.Panic,notquite,buthisskinglistenedwithsweat,hismusclesweretaut.Stepssoundedjustoutsidethedooratthesideoftheroomandhewouldhavelookedaround,butChurpattedhiskneeandherefrained.
Thedooropened.Ahandfulofmahendo’sat,importantwithelaboratebrightkiltsandcollars,cameinonthem,oneofthemattendedbyasmallbrownandwhitefluffwhichscurriedabouttheflooratitsfeetandbristledatthescentofhani.Ithissedandhadtobescoopedupintheofficial’sarms;andPyanfarkeptawaryeyeonitallthesame,risinginrespecttothevisitors.ChurandTullyfollowedherlead,andshebowedandsufferedthemahendo’sat’sfranklyappraisingstareatTully.Theychatteredamongthemselves,nolittledisturbed,andsomeofthatshecaught,exclamationsofcuriosity:thefluffgrowled,anditsowner-anelderlymahewhosedarkfurwasgrayingandwhoseflatfacehadalltheotherattributesofage-lookedtowardherwithaloweringoftheears.
“Chanurcaptain?”
“Thesame.HaveIthehonortoknowyou?”
“AheStasteburana-to,I.”
Thestationmasterinperson.Shemadeanotherbow,andthestationmasterdidthesame,keepingtheequilibriumofthepamperedcreatureinhisarms,soothingitsgrowlsunsuccessfullyashestraightenedagain.AndwithapparentdistractionStasteburanastrolledoff,whileanotherofthecompanymadeastifferbowand
Stasteburanastrolledoff,whileanotherofthecompanymadeastifferbowandlaunchedintothem.“Youpay,Chanurcaptain,finesforrecklessapproach.Finesforbringdebrisboostedthrough,dangertoallinnocent.Finesforrecklesshastenearstation.Forbringhazardoussituation.”
“Ispitatyourcharges.IdumpedthedebrisatKitaandwarnedyouonlyintheremotechancetherewasstillsomewithme,dumpedit,Imightadd,andsustaineddamageprotectingyourworthlessstationfrominjury.Asforfines,you’rebrigands,bloodsuckers,topreyoffafriendlyshipwithalong-standingaccountatthisstation,whenforthepreservationofourlivesandtheprotectionoftheCompactwehadtocomeinforshelteragainstpiracy.Ahani,ahani,mind,asksshelter,andwhenhaveweeverdonesuchathing?Areyoublindanddeafaswellasgreedy?”
“Wehaveoutrage.Wehaveknnnactcrazyoutthere.Wehavereport-”
ThePersonageStasteburanahelduphisagedandmanicuredhand.HisVoicesilencedherselfandbrokeoffwithabow,whileStasteburanastrolledback,strokinghisballoffluff,whichhadneverceasedtogrowl.“Youmakelargecommotion,honorableChanur,greathanicaptain,yes,weknowyou-longtimeabsent;maybetradeourrivalAjir,butweknowyou.Goodfriend,we.Maybemakedealonfines.Butseriousmatter.Wherecomefrom?”
“MeetpointandUrturviaKita,wisemahe.”
“Withthis?”Anears-flatlookatTully.
“Anunfortunate.Abeingofgreatsensitivity,wiseandgentlemahe.Hisshipwaswrecked,hiscompanionsgone…hecasthimselfonmycharityandprovesofconsiderablevalue.”
“Value,hani,captain?”
“Heneedspapers,wisemahe,andmyshipneedsrepairs.”
AgainStasteburanawalkedaway,alooffromtheVoice.“Yourshipgotnocargo,”theVoicespat.“Youcomeemptyhand,makebigtroublehere.Younearaskcredit,hanicaptain;whatcredit?Wemakeyoufines,yousendAnuurngetcargo,maybetwo,threehanishippayoffdamages.Yougotusknnn.Yougotuskif.Weknowthis.Yougotalkhaniatnextberth,askshepayyourfines.”
“Trivial.Ihavecargo,betterthanMoonRising.Imakeyouadeal,indeedIshall,inspiteofyouruncivilizedbehavior.Imakeadealallmahendo’satwillwant.”
TheVoicelookedatTully,andthePersonageturnedabout,movedinwithaleisurelygrace,handedthesmallnoisyanimaltotheVoice,andfrowned.Stasteburanamadeafurthersigntohisotherthreecompanions,andoneofthemcalledtosomeoneinthehall.
Itwasnoteasytomakedistinctionsofmahendo’satofthesameageandsexandbuild;butaboutthelargeandrelativelyplainfellowwhoansweredthatsummons…therewasaninstantandqueasyfamiliarity-particularlywhenheflashedabroadgilt-edgedsmile.Pyanfarsuckedinherbreathandtuckedherhandsbehindher,pullingtheclawsbackin.
“CaptainAnaIsmehanan-minofthefreighterMahijiru,”Stasteburanasaidsoftly.“Acquaintancetoyou,yes.”
“Indeed,”Pyanfarsaid,andbowed,whichgestureGoldtoothreturnedwithaflourish.‘
“Thiskifbusiness,”saidStasteburana,foldinghiswrinkledhandsathismiddle.“Explain,haniCaptain.”
“WhoamItoknowwhatakifthinks?Theyletthisunfortunatebeingsliptheirfingersandexpectedmetosellhimback,plainlyillegal.Thentheyattackedahanishipwhichwas
Completelyignorantofthematter.AHandurshipwascompletelydestroyedunlessthecaptainofMahijiruhasbetternews.”
“Nogoodnews,”Goldtoothagreedsadly.“Alllost,hanicaptain.All.Igetawayquick,comeheretellstorymyport.”
ThePersonageturnedandtappedGoldtoothontheshoulder,spoketohiminoneofthoseobscuremahenlanguagesoutsideherreckoning.Goldtoothbowedprofoundlyandbackedaside,andPyanfarlookedwarilyatthePersonage.“Youknow,”shesaid,torecovertheinitiative,“whatthekifwanted;andyouknowthatthere’snochanceofhidingsuchaprize,nothere,notonAnuurneither.Nogoodhidingitatall.”
“Imakeyou-”Therewasabeepfromsomeone’spager.Avoicefollowed,andoneoftheattendantscameforwardinconsternation,offeredtheinstrumenttothehandofthePersonageStasteburana.Therewastalkofknnn:thatmuchpastthelocaldialect;andthePersonage’sdarkeyesgrewwider.“Whereisit?”Pyanfarcaughtthatmuchoftheconversation,andsawdistressamongtheothers.“Youcome,”saidStasteburanahimself,notusinghisVoiceforinstruction,andsweptagesturetothedoorwayfromwhichthemahendo’sathadcomeintotheroom.
“Come,”PyanfarechoedtoChurandTully,andwalkedalongamidthemahe,theattendantsandtheVoiceandthecaptainofMahijiru,allinthewakeofthePersonage,whowas-hasteningwithsomeevidentalarm.
Thecorridordebouchedonanoperationscenter.TechniciansintheaislesmeltedasideforthePersonageandhisentourage.TheVoicehissedorders,andthefluffhissedtoo,ingeneralmenace.Ontheairatc’aspoke,asoundlikestaticburstsandclicking.
“Screen,”Stasteburanaorderedinhisowntongue.
Themainscreenlivenedinfrontofthem,meterswideandshowingadimlylitdockside.Bluesandviolets,ahorridlight,likenightmare,andascuttlingshapelikeasnarlofhairpossessedofanindefinitenumberofthinblacklegs.ItdartedthisIwayandthat,draggingwithit,clutchedinjaws-appendages—underthehair?-somethingwhichglitteredwithmetalandhadthelookofalong-limbedhanibody.
WithasinkingfeelingPyanfarrecognizedit.ItwasagoodJbetthatChurandTullydid,whohadconspiredinitsconstruction.
“That’saknnn,”PyanfarsaidtoTully.HesaidsomethingIback,shortandunhappy.OnthescreenthecreaturescurriedIthiswayandthatwithitsburden,eludingtheattemptsofwrithingshapesintheshadowswhichtriedtodealwithit:thoseweretc’a.Somethingstiltlikejoinedthecommotion,dartedattheflittingknnnandtuggedattheprize,skitteredoffagain.CM,bythegods:thosemanicbeggars;thelimbsglowedphosphorescentyellow,leftconfusingtrailsonthescreeninitshaste.
Ofasuddenapairoftc’awrithedintotheknnn’sway,physicallydispossessedtheknnnofitsburden;andtheknnndartedabouttheharder,wailingwithrageordistressorsimplytryingtocommunicate.Thescenewascompletechaos;and
ordistressorsimplytryingtocommunicate.Thescenewascompletechaos;andsuddenlymoreknnnpouredin.Thesolitarychifled,ablurofyellow-glowingsticks;andinthemahendo’satcontrolcenter,technicianswhohadbeenseatedstooduptowatchwhathadbecomeriot.Hissesandclicksandwailscamefromtheaudio.Theknnnbegantogiveground,aphalanxofhairysnarledmasses.
Suddenlyonedartedforward,seizedoneoftheleathery,serpent-shapedtc’aanddraggeditoffintotheirretreatingline.Therewasafrantichissingandclickingfromthemassoftc’a;butapartfromamillingabout,awrithingandtwiningofdozensofserpentinebodieslikesomanyfingerslacingandunlacingindistress…nothingNottheleastattemptatcounterattackorrescue.Pyanfarwatchedthekidnappingwithherearslaidback.
Sotheknnnhadtraded,afteritsfashion,dartedontostationandlaiddownitsofferedgoods-madeoffwithsomethingittookforfair;andnowanotherspecieshaddescendedtotradinginsapients.
“Whatisit?”amaheaskeddistressedly,andfellsilent.Themainbodyofthetc’amanagedtodragtheknnn’stradegoodsalong,agrotesqueflailingofsuitedarmsandlegs.Acommunicationcamethrough,andatechnicianapproachedthePersonageStasteburana.“Hani-makeeva-pod,”thatonesaid,andStasteburanaturnedadisturbedglanceonPyanfar,wholiftedherearsandassumedhermostcarelessexpression.
“Ishouldn’twanttodisturbyou,”Pyanfarsaid.“Allyou’llfindinthatsuit,wisemahe,isaveryspoiledlotofmeatfromourlocker;I’dadviseyoutakedecontaminationprecautionsbeforetakingthatpodhelmetoff.”
“Whatyoudo?”StasteburanaspokeinangerwithouthisVoice,andwavedhisVoiceoffwhensheattemptedtointervene.“Whatyoudo,Chanurcaptain?”
“Theknnnseemstohaveinterceptedagiftofminemeantforthekif.It’sconfused,I’msure.Probablyit’llreturnthetc’a.-Itwas,atthetime,amatterofnecessity,reveredmahe.”
“Necessity!”
“Onlyspoiledfood,Iassureyou.Nothingmore.-Wewereonthepointofdiscussingrepairstomyship…whichareurgent.You’llnotwantmesittingatyourdockanylongerthanyouhaveto.AskthehonestcaptainofMahijiru.”
“Outrage!”theVoiceproclaimed.“Extortion!”
“Shallwediscussthematter?”
Thefluffballsufferedanothertransfer,tothenearestofthedignitaries,andtheVoicelookedtobepreparingforverbalcombat;butthePersonageliftedaplacidandsilencinghand,motionedthegroupbackdownthecorridor,delayingtogiveaninstructionregardingthetc’a.ThenthePersonageledthewaybackintothecomfortableroomdownthecorridor.
“Profit,”Pyanfarsaidquicklyandsoothinglywhentheeldermaheandhisentourageturnedtofaceherandhers.
“Troublefirstwithkifandnowwithknnnandwithtc’a.Deceptionsandhazardstothisstation.”
“Anewspecies,reveredmahe.That’stheprizethathasthekifdisturbed.Theyseethehopeofprofitthelikeofwhichthey’venotknownbefore;andIhavethesolesurvivingmemberofhiscompany,aspacefaringpeople,communicative,civilized,wisemahe,andfittotiltthebalanceoftheCompact.ThiswastheprizeatMeetpoint.ThiswasthereasonofthelossoftheHandurship,andthiswasthepartofmycargoIrefusedtojettison.Surelyweagree,reveredmahe,whatthekifmeanttodoiftheyhadgottenthisinformationfirst.ShallItellyoumoreofmysuspicions…thatthestshoknewsomethingaboutwhatwasgoingon?Thatkifmeanttoannexalargeportionofadjacentspace…havingintimidatedthestsho?Thathavingdoneso,theywouldthenbeinapositiontoexpandtheiroperationsandrearrangethemapoftheCompacttosuitthemselves-anacquisitionfromwhichtheothermembersoftheCompactwouldbepositionallyexcluded;onlythestsho…whowouldlickthekifsfeet.AndwhatfuturefortheCompactthen?WhatofthisCompactwhichholdsallofourveryprofitabletradetogether?Whatofthebalanceofthings?ButIshalltellyouwhatIhave:atape,atape,mygood,mygreatandfarsightedmaheelder,forasymboltranslator.…atapewhichthekifspentsapientlivestoobtainandfailedtoget.Wearen’tselfish;Imakethistapeavailabletomahendo’satasfreelyashani,intheinterestsofspreadingthisknowledgeasfaraspossibleamonglikemindedpeople.ButIwantmyshiprepaired,thefinesforgotten,theassurancethatChanurwillcontinueinthefriendshipofthisgreatandpowerfulstation.”
ThePersonagelaidhisearsback,hiseyesdilated.Heturnedaway,leavinghis
ThePersonagelaidhisearsback,hiseyesdilated.Heturnedaway,leavinghisVoicetofacethematter.“Wherecomethiscreature?Howweknowsapient?Howweknowfriendly?”
“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid,andputahandonhisarmanddrewhimforward.“Tully,thisistheVoiceofthestationmaster..friend,Tully.”
Foraterriblemomentthatarmwastense,asifTullymightbolt.“Friend,”hesaidthenobediently.TheVoicefrowned,peeredthiswayandthatatTully’sface…onalevelwiththemahe’sown.“Speakhani?”theVoiceasked.
“IgoonPyanfarship.Friend.”
Gods.Asentence.Pyanfarsqueezedthearmandputhimprotectivelybehindher.TheVoicefrowned;andbehindtheVoicethePersonagehadturnedbackwithinterest.“You
bringthistroubletous,”Stasteburanasaid.“Andknnn…whyknnn?”
“AresidentofUrtur.Iclaimnounderstandingofknnn.It’sbecomedisturbed…butnotofmydoing,noblemahe.ThesafestthingforKirduStationinalleventsistohavemesafelyonmyway…andtohavethat,Ifear,there’samatterofcertainessentialrepairs-”
Theelderflaredhisnostrilsandpuffedbreathsbackandforth.HeconsultedwithhisVoice,whospoketohimrapidlyinvolvingkifandknnn.ThePersonageturnedbackyetagain.“Thistapedeal-”
“-keytoanotherspecies,reveredmahe.Mahendo’satwillhaveaccesstothisdevelopment;meetshipsofthiskind-assuredpeacefulmeeting,fullcommunication.Andmind,youdealwithnostranger,noonewhowillcheatyouandbegone.ChanurexpectstobebackatKirduinthefuture,expects-mayIspeaktoyouinconfidence-todevelopthisnewfind.”
StasteburanacastanervousglanceatTully.“Andwhatyoufind,a?Findtrouble.Maketrouble.”
“Areyouwillingtohavethekifdothemovingandthegrowingandthegetting?Theyassuredlywill,goodmahe,ifwedon’t.”
ThePersonagemadenervousmovesofhishands,walkedtotheoneofhiscompanionswhoheldtheangryballoffluffandtookitback,strokingitand
companionswhoheldtheangryballoffluffandtookitback,strokingitandtalkingtoitsoftly.Helookedup.“Repairsbegin,”Stasteburanasaid,andwalkednearTully,whostoodhisgrounddespitethegrowlingcreatureinthemahe’sarms.Thegrowlinggrewlouder.Themahestoodandstaredalongmoment,gaveavisibletwitchoftheskinofhisshouldersandliftedahandfromhispettosigntohisVoice.“Makepapersthissapientbeing.Makerepairs.Allhanigo.Goaway.”HelookedsuddenlyatPyanfar.“Butyougivetape.Wesaynothingtokif.”
“Wisemahe,”Pyanfarsaidwithallhergrace,andbowed.ThePersonagewaggledfingersanddismissedtheminthecompanyoftheVoice,andthefluffgrowledattheirbacks.
So,Pyanfarthought,astheydelayedatthedesksoutside,asnervousmahendo’satofficialswentthroughthemechanicsofidentificationswithTully.Sotheyhadpromises.Shekeptherearsup,herexpressionpleasant,andsmiledwithextraordinarygoodwillatthedeskdwellers.ChurkeptherhandhoveringnearTully’sarm,athisback,constantlyreassuringhimatthisandthatstep,answeringforhim,keepinghimcalmwhentheywantedhispicture,urginghimtosignwhereappropriate.Pyanfarcranedforward,gotaglimpseofasignatureofintricateregularitywhichcouldnotbeanilliterate’smarkinanyone’seyes.
“Good,”shesaid,pattedTullyontheshoulderasthedocumentwentbackintothehandsofmahendo’satofficials-lookedaboutagain,nosewrinklingtoascentofperfume,fortwostshohadjustcomeintotheoffices.Theystoodtherewiththeirjeweledpallorlookingoutofplaceinmahendo’satmassivearchitecture,thehugeblockydesksandthegarishcolors.MoonstoneeyesstaredunabashedlyatTullyandatthem.Capaciousstshobrainsstoredupawealthofdetailforgossip,whichstshotradedlikeothercommodities.Pyanfarbaredherteethatthemandtheywiselycamenocloser.
Thepaperscameback,plasticizedandpermanent,withTully’sfacestaringbackfromthem,specieshandwritten,classificationgeneralspacersemiskilled,sexmale,andmostoftheothercirclesunfilled.TheofficialgavethefoldertoPyanfar.ShegaveittoTully,clappedhimontheshoulder,facedhimaboutandheadedhimforthedoor,pastthegawkingstsho.
Elsewhere,shetrusted,orderswerebeingpassedwhichwouldgetarepairskimmerprioritiedforThePride.Themahendo’sat’sprimeconcernhadbecome
skimmerprioritiedforThePride.Themahendo’sat’sprimeconcernhadbecomegettingridofthematutmostspeed:shedidnotdoubtit.
Therewouldbeamaheofficialdemandingthattapebeforeallwasdone:thatwasbeyonddoubttoo.Therewouldbesomelittlequibblewhichcamefirst,repairsortape;repairs,shewasdetermined.Themahehadlittlechoice.
Theywalkedthecorridortotherightfromtheofficedoorway,towardthelift,thethreeofthem,pastoccasionalmahendo’satofficeworkersandbusinessfolkwhoeitherfoundreasontoduckbackintotheirdoorwaysoranxiouslytriedtoignorethem.
Butthethreewhowaitedbeforethematthelift…Pyanfarstoppedhalfastep,madeitawiderone.“You,”shesaid,stridingforward,andtheforemostmahestoodoutfromhistwocompanions,giltteethhiddeninablackscowl.
“Bringtrouble,you,”saidthecaptainofMahijiru.
“Howyoulive,mahe?A?Sellinformationeveryportyoutouch?”
“Myport,Kirdu.Youmaketrouble.”
“Huh.Troublefoundme.Gotcrewshotgettingyouyourrottedwelderstokeepourdeal.DoIsayanythingaboutpearlsyouoweme?No.Igiveyouagift,bravemahe.Iasknoreturn.”
Goldtoothfrownedthemore,lookedatChurandwalkedclosertoTully,tiltedhisroundchinandlookedTullyupanddown,butkepthishandsoffhim.ThenhethrewaglanceatPyanfar.“Thisyoupickuponthedock.”
“YouaskquestionsforthePersonage?SameyougatherinformationatMeetpoint?”
Forthefirsttimethemaheflashedthatsharpedgedgoldgrin.“Youclever,hanicaptain.”
“YouknowthisAkukkakk.”
Thegrindied,leavingdeadlyseriousness.“Maybe.”
“Youreallymerchant,mahecaptain?”
“Longtime,honesthani.Mahijirulongtimemerchantship,me,mycrew,longtimemerchanter,sonsanddaughtersmerchanters.ButweknowthisHinukku,yes.Longtimebadtrouble.”
Pyanfarlookedintothatbroaddarkfaceandwrinkledhernose.“Sweartoyou,mahecaptain-Ididn’tthinktobringtroubledownonyou.Igiveyouthetradegoods,makenoclaimforreturn.Yousavedourhides,putusontothatkifbastard.Oweyouplentyforthat.”
Themahefrowned.“Deal,hani.Theymakeyourepair,yougetquickleave…danger.Tellyouthatfree.”
“MahijirutooknodamagegettingoutofMeetpoint?”
“Smalldamage.Youtakeadvice,hani.”
“Itakeit.”Shepressedtheliftbutton,tookasecondlook,torememberthefaceofthismahebeyonddoubt.“Come,”shesaidastheliftarrivedempty.SheshepherdedChurandTullythroughthedoorandturnedonceinside.Goldtooth/Ismehananandhiscompanionsshowednoinclinationtogowiththem.Thedoorclosedbetweenandtheliftstarteddown.Shelookedback,atTullyandatChur,andgatheredTullybytheelbowasthecar,unstoppedthistimebyotherpassengers,madethewholetripdownandletthemoutonthedocks.
Thecrowdhaddispersedsomewhat,thankthegods;butnotenough.Itgatheredquicklyenoughastheycrossedthedock,andPyanfarwatchedonallsides,flickingquickglancesthiswayandthat,reckoningthatbynow,troublehadtimetohaveorganizeditself.
Anditwasthere.Kif-bythegantries,watching.Thatpresencedidnotatallsurpriseher.Tullyfailedtospotthem,seemingdazedintheswirlofbodies,noneofwhichpressedtoocloselyonthem,butstayedaboutthem.
Therampwayaccessgapedahead.Agroupofmahendo’satlawenforcementstoodthere,sticksinhand,andthecrowdwentnofarther.Pyanfarthrusthercompanionsthroughthatline,withherownlegstremblingunderher-wantofsleep,gods,wantofrest.Churwasinthesamecondition,surely,andTullywashardlysteadyonhisfeet,unfitmentallyandphysicallyforthiskindofturmoil.Shesightedontherampwayandwent,hard-breathing.
Butamongthegantriesbesidethem…hanishadows.MoonRising’sfolk,none
Butamongthegantriesbesidethem…hanishadows.MoonRising’sfolk,noneofherown,hadspilledoverfromthenextberth,behindthesecurityline.“Comeon,”shesaidtoChurandTully.“Ignorethem.”
Sheheadedintotherampway’sribbedandlightedgullet,hadledthetwoofthemupthecurvingcoursealmosttothesecurityoftheirownairlockwhensheheardsomeonecomingbehind.“In,”shesaidtohercompanions,andturnedtobartheintruderwhoappearedaroundthecurve.Herearswereflat;shereachedinstinctivelyfortheweaponshehadleftbehind-butthefigurewashani,silk-breechedandjeweled,stridingboldlyrightuptherampway.
“Tahar,”shespat,wavedadismissinghand.“Gods,doweneedcomplications?”
“I’vedonenapping.”TheTaharcaptainstoppedjustshortofher,tookherstance,handsatherwaist,alargefigure,withatornleftearberingedwithprosperity.Broadfaced…ablackscarcrossedhermustache,makingitscantontheleftside,andgivingDurTaharnopleasantexpression.Herbeardwascrisplyrippledandsowashermane,characteristicofthesoutherners,darkbronze.Twoofhercrewshowedupbehindher,likeasetofclones.
“We’vemanaged,”Pyanfarsaid,“withouttroublingyourrest.”
DurTaharignoredher,lookedbeyondhershoulder-atwhatsight,Pyanfarhadnotroubleguessing.“What’sthatthing,Chanur?Whatcreatureisthat?”
“That’saproblemwe’vegotsettled,thankyou.”
“Bythegods,settled!We’vejustbeenorderedoffthestation,andit’salloverthedockaboutthispassengerofyours.Abouthaniinvolvedwiththekif.Aboutadealyou’vemade-bythegods,I’llreckonyou’vesettledthings.-Whatareyou,tradinginlivebodiesnow?You’vefoundyourselfsomethingspecial,haven’tyou?Thatfracasthatsentyoukitinginherewithyourtailsinged-involvedwiththat?”
“That’senough.”Herclawscameout.Shewastired,gods,shakingonherfeet,andshestaredatDurTaharwithadarktunnelclosingabouthervision.“Ifyouwanttotalkaboutthis,youaskmebycom.Notnow.”
“Ah.Youdon’tneedourhelp.Areyouplanningtostayhereindockwithyourtailhanging…ordidyouandthemahendo’satcomeupwithadeal?Whatkindofgameareyouproposing,Chanur?”
ofgameareyouproposing,Chanur?”
“I’llmakeitclearenough.Later.Getclearofmyairlock.”
“Whatspeciesisit?Wherefrom?Therumorflyingthedockssayskifspace.Orknnn.Saysthere’saknnnshipherethatdroppedahanibody.”
“I’lltellittoyouonce,Tahar:wegotthisitematMeetpointandthekiftookoutHandur’sVoyagerforspite,nosurvivors.Caughtthemsittingatdock,andtheyandwehadn’tevenbeenincommunication.WedumpedcargoandranforUrtur,andthekifwhofollowedusstruckatFaha’sStarchaserwithnobetterreason.WhetherStarchasergotawayornotIdon’tknow,buttheyAtleasthadarunatit.Thekifwantthisfellowbadly.Andit’sgottenbeyondsimpleprofitandlosswiththem.There’sahakkiktinvolved,andthere’snostoppingthisthingtillwe’vegothim.Maybewedid,atUrtur.Helookedbad,andthatmaysettleit.Butifyouwanttomakeyourselfuseful,you’rewelcometorunourcourse.”
“Supposeyoumakeyourselfgenerous.Givethisthingintomyhands.I’llseeitgetssafetoAnuurn.”
“No,thanks.”
“I’llbetnot.Youcandealwiththemahendo’sat,afterall,butnotwitharival.Well,Chanur’snotgoingtositonthisone,I’llpromiseyouthat,PyanfarChanur.Andifthisturnsouttobethefiascoitpromisestobe,I’llbeonyourheels.Thatbrotherofyoursisgettingsoft.Backhome,theyknowit.Thisshoulddoit,shouldn’tit?”
“Out!”
“Givemetheinformationyoutradedthemahendo’sat.Andwemayviewthingsinabetterlight.”
“IfyouweremaheI’dtrustyoumore.Lookhimover,DurTahar.Butanythingelseyouwanttoknow…I’lldecideonwhenI’vegotthisstraightenedout.Neverfear;you’llgetthesamedataIgavethemahendo’sat.Butifyouleavethisinourlaps,thenbythegods,we’llsettleitourwaywithoutyourhelp.”
DurTaharlaidherearsbackandstartedtogo,lingeredforonepoisonouslookbeyond,towardtheairlock,andafocussnappedbackoncenter.“I’llaskyouatAnuurn,then.Andyou’llhaveanswers,godsrotyou.You’llcomeupwiththem.”
them.”
“Nothingpersonal,Tahar.Youalwaysdidlackvision.”
“Whenyoubegmyhelp-Imightgiveit.”
“Out.”
DurTaharhadmadeheroffer.Perhapssheexpectedadifferentanswer.Sheflinched,managedalazyindifference,smoothedherrippledbeard,turnedandlookedbacktowardtheairlockalasttime,slowly,beforeshestalkedout,gatheringhertwocrewwomenasshewent.
“Gods,”Pyanfarmutteredthroughherteeth,putahandwearilytotherampwaywallandturnedabouttotheairlock,feelingsuddenlyolder.Thatwasmuffed.Sheshouldhavebeenquickeronhermentalfeet,sloweroftemper.TheTaharmighthavebeentalkedintoit.Maybewantedtobetalkedintoit.IfaTaharcouldbetrustedattheirbacks.Shehatedthewholeofit,mahe,Tahar,Outsider,allofit-wincedunderChur’sstare.NotawordfromChurthewholewayback,regardingthebusinessshehadconducted,thistape-selling,trust-selling.
AndTully’sface…ofasuddenhejerkedawayfromChur’sgripandwentintotheairlock,Churhasteningtostophim.Pyanfarbrokeintoarunintothehatchway,butChurhadgothim.Tullyhadstoppedagainsttheinsidewall,hisbackagainstit,hiseyesfullofanger.
“Captain,”Chursaid,“thetranslatorwasworking.”
Pyanfarreachedintoherpocketandthrustheraudioplugintoherear,facedTully,wholookedsteadilytowardher.“Tully.Thatwasnotafriend.Whatdidyouhear?What?”
“You’resamelikekif.Wantthesamemaybe.Whatdealwiththemahendo’sat?”
“Isavedyourmiserablehide.Whatdoyouthink?ThatyoucantravelthroughCompactterritorywithouteveryonewhoseesyouhavingthesamethoughts?Youdidn’twanttodealwiththekif-goodsense;butbythegods,youhaven’tgotachoicebutusorthekif,myfriendTully.Allright.Itradedthemthetapeyoumade-butnotthatIcouldn’thavegottentheshiprepairwithoutthat:they’reanxioustogetridofus;they’dhavecomeroundtapeornotape,youcanbettheywould.Butnoweveryone’sgoingtoknowaboutyourkind;gods,letthe
theywould.Butnoweveryone’sgoingtoknowaboutyourkind;gods,letthemahendo’satmakecopiesofit;letthemsellitinthestandardkit.It’sthebestdealyoucanget.I’mnotsellingyou,yourag-earedbastard;canImakeyouunderstandthat?Andmaybeifyourshipsmeetourships…there’llbeatapeinthetranslatorsthatmaykeepusfromshootingateachother.Wemeetandtrade.Understand?Betterdealthanthekifgiveyou.”
Atremorpassedoverhisface,expressionsshecouldnotread.Theeyesspilledwater,andhemadeamoveofhisarm,jerkedatChur’sgriponitandChurcautiouslylethimgo.
“Youunderstandme?”Pyanfarasked.“DoImakemyselfunderstood?”
Noresponse.
“You’refree,”Pyanfarsaid.“Thosepapersletyougoanywhere.Youwanttowalkouttherampway,ontothedock?Youwanttogobacktostationofficesandstaywiththemahe?”
Heshookhishead.
“That’sno.”
“No.Pyanfar.I#.”
“Sayagain.”
Hereachedtohiswaistanddrewoutthepapers,offeredthemtoher.
“Yourpapers,”Pyanfarsaid.“Allinorder.Goanywhereyoulike.”
Hemighthaveunderstood.Hepointedtowardthedoor.“Thishani-wantmegowithhim.”
“Her.DurTahar.Nofriendofmine.Ortothisship.Nothingthatconcernsyou.”
Hestoodamoment,seemingtothinkitover.Finallyhepointedbacktowardtheinnerhatch.“Igositdown,”hesaid,shouldersslumping.“Igosit.Right?”
“Go,”shesaid.“It’sallright,Tully.You’reallright.”
“Friend,”hesaid,andtouchedherarminleaving,walkedoutwithhishead
“Friend,”hesaid,andtouchedherarminleaving,walkedoutwithhisheaddownandexhaustioninhisposture.“Followhim?”Churasked.
“Notconspicuously.Docking’sgothisquartersoutofcommission.Getapropercotforthewashroom.”
“Wecouldtakehimintocrewquarters.”
“No.Idon’twantthat.There’snothingwrongwiththewashroom,forthegods’sake.Justgethimasedative.Ithinkhe’shadenough.”
“He’sscared,captain.Idon’tmuchblamehim.”
“He’sgotsense.Go.TellGeranifshedoesn’thearsomethingaboutthatrepaircrewwithinhalfanhour,comegetme.”
“Aye,”Churmurmured,andhastenedoffinTully’swake.
So.Done,forgoodorill.Pyanfarleanedagainstthewall,achinginallherbones,hervisionfuzzing.Afteramomentshewalkedout,downthevacantcorridortowardthelifts,hopingtoallthegodsGerancouldfindnoincidenttoputbetweenherandbed.
Noonestoppedher.Sherodetheliftup,walkedasleep-drunkencoursedownthecentralcorridortoherowndoor.
“Aunt,”Hilfy’svoicepursuedher.Shestoppedwithherhandagainstthelockplateandlookedaboutwithasourandforbiddingstare.
“Repaircrew’sonitsway,”Hilfysaideversoquietly.“Ithoughtyou’dwanttoknow.Messagejustcame.”
“You’vebeensittingwatchtopside?”
“Gotalittlerest.Ithought-”
“IfGeran’son,it’swastetoduplicateeffort.Getyourselfbacktoquartersandstaythere.Sleep,godsrotyou;amIsupposedtocoddleyoulater?Takesomethingifyoucan’t.Don’tcomecomplainingtomelater.”
“Captain,”Hilfymurmured,earsback,andbowed.
Pyanfarhitthebarandopenedthedoor,walkedinandpuncheditclosedbeforetheautomaticcouldfunction.BelatedlythelookonHilfy’sfaceoccurredtoher;andthelongdutyHilfyhadspentatcomthroughtransit,andthatshehadintendedtosaysomethingapprovingofthat,andhadnot.
Godsrotit.Shesatdownonthesideofthebedanddroppedherheadintoherhands.Gods,thatshehadstaggeredthroughtherequisiteinterviewwiththemahendo’sat,bargainedwiththem,offendedtheTahar-andTully…shehadtradedoffwhatthreeofhisshipmateshaddiedtokeeptothemselves.
Insuchaconditionshegambled,withChanurandTully’swholespeciesontheboard.
Shedroppedherhandsbetweenherknees,finallyreachedforthebedsidedrawerwhereshekeptaboxfulofpills.Sheshookoneintoherhandandputitintohermouth-spatitoutinsuddenrevulsionandflungtheopenboxfulacrossthecabin.Pillsrattledandcircledandlaystill.Shelaydownonthebedasshewas,drewthecoverletoverherself,tuckedher;armsaboutherheadandshuthereyes,flingingherselfintoanextendedcalculationabouttheirroutingoutofhereandrefusingtolethermindoffthattechnicalproblem.ShebuiltthenumbersinfrontofhereyesandfendedofftherecollectionofTully’sfaceorHilfy’s,orthescuttlingfigureoftheknnnwithitsprize,orthekifwhichskulkedandwhisperedtogetheroutonthedocks.
VII
“Aunt.”
Itwasnotcom;itwasHilfyinperson,leaningoverherbed,shakingather.“Aunt.”Pyanfarcameoutofsleepwithawildreachtogetherelbowunderher,shookherself,staredintoHilfy’sdilatedeyes.“It’sStarchaser,”Hilfysaid.“They’vecomethrough.They’reintrouble.Theycan’tgetdumped.Thewordjustcamein-”
“Ogods.”Pyanfarkickedthecoverletoff,scrambledoutdressedasshewasandseizedHilfybythearmonherwayoutoftheroom.“Talk,imp:hasanyonescrambled?”
“Station’scalledminersinthepath…somementionofanoutboundfreighterbeingabletochangecourse.…”Hilfyletherselfbepulledthroughthedoorwayintothecorridorandlopedalongkeepingupwithheronthewaytothebridge.“They’retwentyminuteslagout,crossingLijahantrackzenith.”
“Twentynow?”
“About.”
Haralwasonthebridge,standingbyscan,withthearea-lightonherface,andherexpressionwasgrimwhenshelookedaroundattheirarrival.“They’vegottogettothepod,”Haralsaid.“Nowayanyonecangettoherintime.Nowayanyrescuecanhaulthatmassdown,evenifshe’sstripped.”
“What’sourstatus?”
“Wecan’tgetthere,”Hilfyobjected,plainlogic.
“Notforrescue,”Pyanfarsaidquietly.
“Repairsunderway,”Haralsaid.“Vane’sunsecured.Ifthey’rerunningaheadofcompany-we’reintrouble.”
Tiruncamelimpingin,lopinghaste,andtherewasaqueryfromlowerdeck.“You’regettingallwe’vegot,”HaralrelayedtoGeranandChurbelow.“Can’ttellanythingyet.”
tellanythingyet.”
“Comeon,”Pyanfarmutteredtothebliponsystemicimage.“Doit,Faha.Getoutofthere.”Shesankdownintothecomcushion,aneyestilltowardthescreen,andpunchedthroughthestationopcode.“ThisisThePrideofChanur.Urgentrelaythestationmaster,PyanfarChanurspeaking:warnyouofpossiblehostilepursuitontailofincomingemergency.Repeat:warnyouofpossiblehostilepursuitofincomingemergency.”
“Thismessagereceiveclear,PrideofChanur.Mahenshipsansweremergency.Pleasestandby.”
Shewatchedscan,restedaknuckleagainstherteethandhissedabreath.Shipsshowedintheschematic,trafficatdeadstandstillcomparedtotheincomingstreakthatwasStarchaser,motionslowedenoughtoseeonlybecauseofsystemwidescale.Everythingwashistory,theimagesonthescope,thevoicesfromthezoneofemergency.Unabletodumpvelocity,Starchaserwouldstreakhelplesslyacrossthesystemandloseherselfonanunaimedvoyagetoinfinity.Itwasalongwaytodie.
“Lostthetransmission,”Haralsaid.Hilfyedgedin,lookingdesperate,triedtheswitchesherselfpastHaral’sside.Pyanfargnawedtheundersideofa^clawandshookherhead.Thebusinessofgettingajump-mazedcrewontheirfeetandheadedtotheescapepod-inStarchaser’stype,highupontheframe-andgetitaway,allthiswithintheminutestheyhadleft…
Thentheycouldonlyhope,iftheycouldmakeitthatfar,thatthepod’senginescouldhammerdownthevelocity,givesomejumpshipthechancetomatchvelocitiesandlockontothepod’ssmall,manageablemass,sothattheycouldbedumpeddown.Thatfreighterouttherewasthebestchancethecrewhad,ifonlytheycouldgetloose.
“Pod’saway!”Haralexclaimed,andTirunandHilfywerepoundingeachotherontheback.Pyanfarclenchedhertwohandstogetherinfrontofhermouthandstaredflatearedatthescan,whereanewschematicindicatedtheprobablecourseofthepodwhichhadnowpartedcompanywithdoomedStarchaser.Bothdotsadvancedalongthetrack,butagapdeveloped,thepod’sdecelerationfarfromsufficienttoriditselfofajumpship’svelocitybeforeitgaveout,butdoingwhatitcould.Thecrewwouldlikelyblackoutinthestress:thatwasamercy.Nowitwasaracetoseeifthefreightercouldoverhaulthepodorwhetherthepod
wasaracetoseeifthefreightercouldoverhaulthepodorwhetherthepodwouldleavethesystem.
“Mahefreighter?”Pyanfarasked.
Haralnodded.
ThePridewasonstation-fedtransmission;andstationhadtobeusingthefeedfromshipsfartherout,theLijahanmines,whateverwasinapositiontohavedata,andrelativetimewashardtocalculatenow.Thefreightercameupbymajorincrementswhiletheminutespassed,boostingitselfonitsjumpfield.Thegapstillnarrowedwithagonizingsluggishness,asscanshifted,keepingupwitheventswhichwerenowlongdecided.
Comsputtered,awailingtransmission.Knnn.“Gods,”Tirunsaid.“Aknnn’soutthereinit.”
Stationcommandresponded,atc’avoice.Therewereothertransmissions,knnnvoices,morethanone,adissonanceofwails.
“Chanur,”saidahanivoice,clearandcloseathand.“Isthisalsoyourdoing?”
Pyanfarreachedforit,punchedinthecontact,retractedtheclawwithamoraleffort.“Tahar,isthataquestionoracomplaint?”
“ThisisDurTahar.It’saquestion,Chanur.Whatdoyouknowaboutthis?”
“Itoldyou.Let’skeepitoffcom,Tahar.”
Silence.TheTaharwerenoalliesoftheFahacrew.ItwasaChanurpartisanintrouble,butifanyshipatstationcouldhavemovedintime,MoonRisingwouldhavetried:shedidnotdoubtit.Itwasapainfulthingtowatch,whatwashappeningonscan.Closetoher,Tirunhadsettled,andHilfy,simplywatchingthescreenwhileherFahakinswomenandthewreckagethathadbeenaFahashiphurtledcloserandclosertotheboundariesofthepickup.Aftersuchapointinsystemscancouldnotfollowthem.Stationwasgettingtransmissionnowfromadifferentsource,fromthemerchanterHasatso,thefreightertrackingStarchaser,theonlyshipinrange.TheblipthatwasStarchaseritselffinallywentoffthescreen.
“Chanurship,”stationsent.“Taharship.AdviseyoumerchanterHasatsohavemakecargodump;doallpossible.”
makecargodump;doallpossible.”
“ChanurandFahawillcompensate,”Pyanfarreplied,andharduponthatMoonRisingsentthankstoHasatsoviastation.“Godslookonthem,”Haralmuttered-acargodumped,toclosethegap,tocloseonanemergencynotoftheirspecies.
Knnnwailed.Elsewheretherewassilence.ForalongwhilethereseemedonlyonerhythmofbreathsonThePride,aboveandbelow.
“They’renearlyonit,”Hilfybreathed.
“They’vegotthem,”saidTirun.“Nowaytheycanmissnow.”
Itwentslowly.ThetransmissionsfromHasatsobecamemoreandmoreencouraging;andatlonglasttheyreportedcapture.“Hanisignal,”HasatsotoldKirduStation,“inpod.Live.”
Pyanfarbreathedoutthebreathshehadbeenholding.Grinned,reachedandsqueezedHilfy’sarm.Hilfylookeddrained.“Tahar,”Pyanfarsentthen,“didyoureceivethatreport?”
“Received,”Taharsaidcurtly.
Pyanfarbrokeitoff,satamomentwithhandsclaspedontheboardinfrontofher.Ashiplost;atradition;thatdeserveditsownmourning.HomeandlifetotheFahacrew,andthatwasgone.“Station,”shesentafteramoment,“advisetheFahacrewthatChanursendsitsprofoundsorrow,andthatkerHilfyChanurparFahawilloffertheresourcesofThePrideofChanur,suchastheyare.”\
“Advisethem,”anothervoicesentdirectly,“thatDurTaharo/Tahar’sMoonRisingalsooffersherassistance.”
Thatwascourtesy.Pyanfarleanedbackinthecushion,finallyturnedandrosewithastretchofhershoulders.“Whatcanbedone’sdone.Gofetchsomethingtodrink,Hilfy;ifI’mrousedout,someoneowesmethat.Drinkforallthatwantit.Breakfast.I’llhearreportslessurgentduring.-Haral,who’ssupposedtobeonduty?”
“Iam.”
“So.Thenclosedownlowerdeck.Tirun,backyougo.”
“Aye’Tirunmuttered,andleveredherselfupstifflyandlimpedoffinHilfy’swake.PyanfarsettledagainstthecompostcounterandlookedatHaral,seatedatthenumbertwospot.
“Thatknnn’sfallenintopatternaboutLijahan,”Haralsaid,payingattentiontothescreens.“Stillmakingcommotion.Awondertheydon’ttryforthecargosalvageoutthere.”
“Huh.Onlygranttheyallstayput.”
“Skimmer’sstillworkingoutthereatourtail.They’vegotacrewoutsideworkingtheconnectors.Thecable’sreadytosecure.Butfourteenpanelsweremissingandsixloose,andtheyestimateanothertwentyhoursworkingshiftonshifttogetthenewoneshookedup.”
“Gods.”Pyanfarranahandoverherbrowandintohermane,thinkingofkif-ofattackwhichhadchewedStarchasertoscrap.Therewereothersbesidestheknnnwhomightbeexpectedtorushtothatsalvageoutthere;thereweretheonstationkif…whoshowednosignofmoving.Thatwasunnatural.Noonewasmoving,exceptmaybeafewminersouttherewithambition.Noonefromstation.
Wordwasout;rumor…hadawindupeveryone’sback.
“TheTahar,”Haralsaidfurther,afteramoment,“appealedthatordertoputoutwithanappealtofinishcargooperations.Itwasallowed.”
“Helpful.Atleastthey’rehere.”
“HelpfulastheTaharingeneral.Beggingyourpardon.”
“I’lltalktothem.”
“YouthinkTahar’dmovetoguardourtail?”
“No,”shesaid.“Idon’t.Notunlesstheyseeprofitinit.Whataretheydoing?Nottakingcargo.”
“Offloading.Strippingtorun.Canisterspouringoutlikemaggots.”
Pyanfarnodded.“Stationwantsthatcargosafethen;andTahar’sgoingtodump
Pyanfarnodded.“Stationwantsthatcargosafethen;andTahar’sgoingtodumpthatoutfastdowntothebitsheusestostallwith.ThePersonagehasbackeddown,that’swhat;gotafewofhisonstationcompanieswailingaboutlosses,andTahar’llstayhereaslongasshelikes.That’llgivemetime.”
“Gods,thebillonthis.”
“Expensive,ourOutsider.Inallsenses.”ShelookedaboutasHilfycamethroughthearchwaywithalargetray,twocupsandtwobreakfasts.“Thanks,”Pyanfarsaid,takingplateandcup…pausedtolookatHilfy,whohadstoppedtolookatthesituationonthescreen.TheywerestillgettingtransmissionrelayedfromHasatso,withoccasionalbreakupwhichindicatedvelocitydump.“Goingtobeawhile,”Pyanfarsaid.“Unlessthey’vegotamedicalemergencyIdoubtthey’llboostupagainafterturnover,justrideitslowin.Hoursfromnow.Goonbacktoquarters.Imeanit.”
AfewportsagoHilfymighthaveargued,mighthavelaidherearsbackandsulked.Shenoddednowandwent.PyanfarslidaglanceatHaral,whostaredaftertheretreatingyoungsterandthennoddedonce,thoughtfully.
“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid,diggingintothebreakfast,andforsomelittletimesheandHaralsatandwatchedthescanandate.“Tellyou,cousin,”Pyanfarsaidfinally,“yougooff-watchandI’lltakeit.”
“Notneedful,captain.”
“Don’tbenoble.I’vegotsomethingstodo.Onethingyoucandoforme.Whenyougodown,lookinonTully.Makesurehe’sallright.”
“Right,”Haralsaid.Shestoodupandgatheredthedishesontothetray.“Buthe’sallright,captain.Chur’sbeddeddowntokeepaneyeonhim.”
Pyanfarhadbeenfinishingherlastsipofgfi,tosurrenderthecup.Shebangeditdownonthetray.“Godsblast-DidIordidInotorderhimseparate?”
Haral’searsdroppedindismay.“Chursaidhewasupset,captain;madeherselfapalletinthewashroomso’shewouldn’twakeupbyhimself.Shesaid-yourpardon,captain-sedated,helookedsobad-Youwereinbed,captain.Itwasmydiscretion.”
Pyanfarexhaledshortly.“So.Well.Depressed,ChurSays.”
Haralnodded.“We’dtakehim,”Haralsaid.I
“Chursaid.”
“Um.”Haralfiguredthattrainofthingsofasuddenandhermustache-hairsdrewdown.“Sorry,captain.”
“Him,forthegods’sake.”
“Notasifhewashani,captain.”
“Notasif,”Pyanfarsaidafteramoment.“Allright.Puthimwhereyouwant;that’screwbusiness,noneofmine.Workhim.Heclaimstobeascantech.Lethimsitwatch.Who’sonnext?”
“KerHilfy.”
“Withsomeoneoftheexperiencedcrew.Someonewho’smadetheirmistakes.”
Haralgrinnedandrubbedtheblackscarwhichcrossedhernose.“Aye.Oneofuswillsorthimout.”
“Offwithyou.”
Haralwent.Pyanfarsliddownoffthecounterandtransferredtheactivitytoherownboard,satdowninherowndeeplypaddedcushionandrantheincomingmessagesofhourspast.TherewasnothingtherebutwhatHaralhadsaid,Tahar’sargumentaboutstayingandthebeginningsofStarchaser’scrisis.Sporadicinformationstillcamein:Hasatsosentwordoffoursurvivors….
Four.Acolddepressionsettledoverher.
Fouroutofsevencrewonthatship.ItwasmorethanthephysicalbodyofStarchaserlostoutthere,moreeventhanalifeortwoinacrewkin-close.Fouroutofsevenwastooheavycasualtiesforagrouptorecoveritself-notthewayithadoncebeen.Gods,tostartover,havinglostthatheavily-
“Station,”shesent,“thisisPyanfarChanur:confirmthattransmissionfromHasatso.Namesofsurvivors.”
Hasatso.Namesofsurvivors.”
“PrideofChanur,”stationsentbacktoher,“Hasatsotransmitfoursurvivorsgoodcondition.Nomoreinformation.Werelayquery.”
Shethankedstationabsently,satstaringatthescreenamoment.Therewaslagtimetocontendwithonthatrequest,nothingtodobutwait.Shebestirredherselftoruncheckswiththeshipsatrepairontheirowndamages,tocontactstationmarketandtoarrangeafewpurchasesanddeliveriesviadocksidecourierservices.Therewasdelayonthecommunications:everyoneatstationseemedmuddle-wittedintheconfusion,downtothejobbersincommodities.
“Station,what’skeepingthatanswer?”shesentmainop.
“Crewrefusereply,”theanswercameback.Communicationfailuretheretoo.Nerves.Possiblyshaken-uphaniandmaherescuerswereatodds.Shiplost,cargoeslost,liveslost.Anuglybusiness.
Andoneoftheknnnhadputoutfromstation,puttingoutwailingtransmissionandwallowinguncertainlyaboutstation’speripherieslikeaglobeofmarshfire,touchingofftickingobjections/accusations/pleas?fromthetc’acontrol.
Gods.Theoxygen-breathercommandwentsilentforthemoment.Tc’achatteredandhissed.Pyanfarreachedfortranslationoutput,butitfailed:tc’atranslatedbestwhenitwassimpledockinginstructionoroperationswhichwerecommontoallships.Thiswassomethingelse,godsrotthem.
Therewassilencefinally,evenfromthetc’a.Theknnnmovedoutfartherandstayedthere.Hasatsocontinueditsslowinwardprogress.Atlastthemahendo’satsideofstationcameonagain,quietoperationaldirectionsfortheincomingfreighter,nothinginformational.
Pyanfarsentthemnoquestions.Noonedid.
ThenewscamewhenHasatsoenteredfinalapproach:foursurvivors,afifthdeadinthestressofthepodeject,ofwounds,andallowedtogowiththepodwhenHasatsoreleasedit,notahanichoice,butmahehonor.TwowentwithStarchaser,deadintheattackorunabletogettothepod-theinformationwasnotclear.Therewasaname:firstofficerHilanFaha,survivor;andanother:LihanFaha-thecaptain,thethirdcasualty.
Faha-thecaptain,thethirdcasualty.
“Aunt,”Hilfysaid,whenPyanfarcalledhertothebridgeandtoldher,“I’dliketogodowntothedockwheretheyare.Iknowit’sdangerous.ButI’dliketogo.Byyourleave.”
PyanfarsetherhandonHilfy’sshoulder.Nodded.“I’llgowithyou,”shesaid,atwhichHilfylookedbothrelievedandpleased.“Geran,”shesaid,turningtoleanoverthecomboard,puttingitthroughonallship.“Geran.”
Theacknowledgmentcameback.
“Geran,takewatchagain,lowerdeckop.Newword’scomein.Starchasercaptainislost,andtwoofthecrew.HilfyandIaregoingtomeettherescueship;we’llbringtheFahabackaboardifthey’resoinclined.Nosensethemhavingtoputupwithmahequestionsandforms.”
Therewasamoment’sdelay,asorrowfulacknowledgment.
“Come,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfythen,andtheywalkedouttowardthelift.Hilfy’sbearingwasstraightenough,herfacecomposed…notgoodnews,whenshehadgonetosleepthinkingthatthingswerebetterthantheywere;buttheyhadsomething,atleast,oftheFahacrew,somethingsaved;andthatwasstillmorethantheyhadoncehoped.
Anothermattertothekifaccount,whenitcametoreckonings.Butiftherewerekifouttherenow-andtheremightbe,hoveringatthesystem’sedges,thesamegamethattheythemselveshadplayedatUrtur-thentheywerewaitingsomemomentofadvantage,somemomentwhentherewerenotfivearmedmahendo’satpatrolshipscruisingapatternoutthere.
AllshiphadwakedmorethanGeran.Tirunwasup,sittinginopwhentheycamedowntowardthelock;andGeran,whohadbeenassignedtheduty;andChurwasstandingaboutwithTully,wholookedvaguelydistressedinthisdisturbancehelikelyfailedtocomprehend.Haralshowedupinhastefromfartherdownthecorridor.“Goingwithyou,byyourleave,”Haralsaid,andPyanfarnodded,notsorryofit.“Kifoutthere,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’mnotgettingcaughttwicethesameway.”
“Takecare,”Tirunwishedthemastheywent,andintheairlock,whileHaralopenedtheouterhatch,Pyanfardelayedtotakethepistolfromitssecureplaceinthelockerbycomandtoslipitintoherpocket.
“Nodetectorstopass,”Pyanfarsaid.“Comeon.”
Thehatchwaystayedopenbehindthem;theywalkedouttheribbedrampwayanddownontothedockside.Engineswhinedontheirleft:MoonRisingwasstillaboutheroffloading,andcanisterswerecomingoffintothehandsofmahendo’satdockworkers,nothanicrew.
“TheymayhavegonetomeettheFahatoo,”Pyanfarjudged,markingthetotalabsenceofahanisupervisoroutside.Itwasacourtesytobeexpected,politicsasideinahani-ship’smisfortune.
“Notmuchstirring,”Haralsaid.
Thatwasso.Wherenormallythevastdockswouldhavehadabusypedestriantrafficupanddownthevastcurve,therewasadearthofcasualstrollers,andtheactivityaboutMoonRisingwastheonlyactivityofanymeasureinsight.Dockworkers,serviceworkers,mahewithspecificbusinessunderwaypausedtostareatthemandafterthemastheywalked.Stshohuddledneartheiraccessesandwhisperedtogether.Thekifwereoutabout,predictably,clusteredtogetherneartheaccesswayofoneoftheships,amassofblackrobes,seven,eightofthem,wholoungedneartheircanistersandclickedinsultsafterthem.
AndatoneofthoseinsultsPyanfar’searsflicked,andshestoppedtheimpulseinmid-twitch,tryingtomakebelieveshehadnotheardorunderstood.Heknows,hanithief.Howmanymorehanishipswillyoukill?
“Captain-”Haralmurmured,andHilfystartedtoturnaround.“Front,gods-”PyanfarhissedandseizedHilfybythearm.“Whatdoyouwanttostart,atwhatodds?”
“Whatdowedo?”Hilfyasked,walkingobedientlybetweenthem.“Howcanheknow?”
“Becauseoneofthosekifshipsishis,imp;cameinherefromKita;andnowAkukkakk’senlistedothershipstohelphim.They’llscatteroutofherelikesporeswhenwego,andgodshelpus,we’restucktillwegetthatrepairdone.”
“TheyasgoodashitStarchaserthemselves.I’dliketo-”
“We’dallliketo,butwehavebettersense,Comeon.”
“Iftheycatchusonthedock-”
“Allthemorereasonwegetthesurvivorsaboardandgetoffthedocks.Afraidyou’renotgoingtogetthatstationlibertyhereeither,imp.”
“ThinkIcandowithout,”Hilfymuttered.
Theykeptwalking,downamongthegantries,pastidlecrews,asfarasnumberfifty-twoberth,whereasurplusofbystandersgathered,adarkcrowdofmahendo’sat,sleek-furred,tallbodieswhichmadeitdifficulttoseeanything.Medicalpersonnelwereamongthem;andstationofficials,conspicuousbytheircollarsandkilts.
Andhani,tobesure.Elbowingthroughthegathering,Pyanfarcaughtsightofbronzemanesandaglitterofjewelsonahaniear,andshemadeforthatgroupwithHaralandHilfybehindher..
“It’shightimeyoushowedup,”DurTaharsaidwhenshearrived.
“Mindyourself,”Pyanfarsaid.“MyniecebehindmeisFaha.”
DurTaharslidaglanceinthatdirectionwithoutcomment.“Hasatso’sduetotouchanymoment,”shesaid.
“We’vegotsomekifgettingtogetherdownthedock.I’dwatchthatifIwereyou.”
“Yourproblem.”
“Awarning,that’sall.”
“Ifyoustartsomething,Chanur,don’tlookforourhelp.”
“Godsrotyou,yougivemenoencouragementtobecivil.”
“Idon’tneedyourcivility.”
“Amutualhazard,Tahar.”
“Amutualhazard,Tahar.”
“What,areyouaskingfavors?”
Theclawstwitched.“Askingsense,rotyou.”
“I’llthinkonit.”
Hasatsotouched,acrashingoflocksandgrapples.Gantriesslidupandcrewsopenedstationportsoneafteranotherinresponsetotheship,connectedlines,startedtherampwayouttomeetthelock.Itwasanagonizinglyslowprocessfromthespectatorranks,andonlythemahendo’satfoundoccasiontochatter.
Andfinallyadistantwhineandthumpannouncedthebreachingofthefreighter’shatch,firstinprocedure:stationreciprocated,andthemahecrewescortedofffourhani,exhaustedhani,onewithanarmbandagedandboundtoherchest,allofthemlookingasiftheyweredoingwelltobewalkingatall.Necessarilythemahendo’satofficialsmovedin:therewassigningofpapers,maheandhani;andPyanfartookHilfybytheshoulder,workedforwardwithher.Hilfywentthelastonherownandofferedanembracetotherefugees,anembracewearilyreturnedbytheFaha,oneaftertheother.
“Mycaptain,”Hilfysaidthen,“myauntPyanfarChanur;mycrewmateHaralAraunparChanur.”
Therewereembracesdowntheline.“Ourshipisopentoyou,”Pyanfartoldthefirstofficer,whosehaggardfaceanddazedeyestookherinandseemedatthemomenttohavetoomuchtotakein,withthemaheofferingmedicalassistance,stationwantingimmediatestatements.PyanfarlefttheFahamomentarilytoHilfyandtotheTaharwhohadmoveduptooffertheirowncondolences,andherselftookthehandsofthemaherescuecrewoneaftertheother,andthoseoftheapparentcaptain,atallhulkingfellowwholookedasbruisedandbewilderedastheFaha,whowasprobablyatthemomentreckoninghislostcargoandthewrathofcompaniesandwhatcomfortallthisgratitudewasgoingtowinhimwhentheshoutingdieddownandthebillscamein.
“You’recaptain,mahe?”Pyanfarasked.
Asignofthehead.
“I’mPyanfarChanur;ChanurhasfiledareportinyourbehalfatKirdu;Chanur
“I’mPyanfarChanur;ChanurhasfiledareportinyourbehalfatKirdu;ChanurcompanywillgiveyouhanistatusatAnuurn:youcomethere,understand?MakerunstoAnuurn.Notax.”
Darkmaheeyesbrightenedsomewhat.“Good,”hesaid,“good,”andsqueezedbothherhandsinacrushinggrip,turnedandchatteredathisownfolk-likelyoneofthosemahewhocouldscarcelyunderstandthepidgin,andgoodmightbeabouthalfhisspeakingvocabulary.Heseemedtomakeitcleartotheothers,whobrokeoutingrins,andPyanfarescapedthroughthecrushtowardHilfyandtheothers,gotherarmaboutHilfyandgotthewholehanigroupmovingthroughthepressureoftallmahendo’satbodies.TheTaharmadeawedgewiththem,andtheybrokeintotheclear.
“Thisway,”Pyanfarsaid,andfirstofficerHilanFahatooktheotherelbowofherinjuredcompanionandmadesureoftheothertwo,andtheystartedwalking,escapingtheofficialswhocalledafterthemaboutforms-Chanur,Faha,andTaharinonegroupupthedock,towardtheupcurvedhorizonwhereThePrideandMoonRisingweredocked.
“Howfar?”theFahaofficeraskedinashakingvoice.
“Closeenough,”Hilfyassuredher.“Takeyourtime.”
Thewaybackseemedfarlonger,slowerwiththeFaha’space;Pyanfarscannedthedarkplacesalongtheirroute,nottheonlyonewatching,shewassure.Inevitablytherewerethekifships;andthekifwerethere,tenofthemnow…callingoutinmockingclickstheirinsultsandtheirinvitationtocomeandshipwiththem.“Wetakeyoutoyourport,”theyhowled.“Weseeyougetyourreward,hanithieves.”
AwildlookcameintoHilanFaha’seyes.Shestoppeddeadandturnedthatstareonthem.“No,”Pyanfarsaidatonce.“We’rehereonstation’stolerance.Thisisn’tourterritory.Notonthedocks.”
Thekifhowledandchirredtheirabuse.ButtheFahamoved,andtheymadetheirwayfartherwiththekifvoicesfadinginthedistance,pastthestsho,whostaredwithlarge,paleeyes,uppastacomfortingnumberofmahendo’satvessels,andvirtualsilence,dockcrewsandpassersbystandingquietlyandwatchingandrespectfulsympathy.
“Notsomuchfarther,”Pyanfarsaid.
“Notsomuchfarther,”Pyanfarsaid.
TheFahahadnotthebreathtoanswer,onlykeptwalkingbesidethem,andfinally,atlonglast,theyhadreachedtheareaofThePride’sberth.“Faha,”DurTaharsaidthen,“MoonRisinghasnodamage,andThePridedoes.Weofferyoupassagethat’sassuredlymoredirectandquickerhome.”
“We’llaccept,”HilanFahasaid,toPyanfar’sconsternation.
“Cousin,”Hilfysaidinavoicecarefullymodulated.“Cousin,ThePridewillputoutquicklyenough;andweneedthehelp.Weneedyou,cousins.Youmightfindcommoncauseinthecompany.”
“Tamun’shadallshecanstand,”HilanFahasaid,withaprotectivemoveofherhandonherinjuredcomrade’sshoulder.ShelookedtowardtheTahar.“We’llboard,byyourleave.”
“Come,”DurTaharsaid,andtheTaharfellaboutthefourandescortedthemacrosstotheirownaccess.Hilfytookacoupleofstepsforward,earsflat,stoodthere,handsfallentohersides,andtookagoodlongmomentbeforesheturnedaboutagain,withherkinswomendisappearingupwardintotherampwayofMoonRising.Mortificationwasineverylineofherstance,ayoungster’shumiliation,thatsetherdownaswellassetheraside,andPyanfarthrusthandsintoherwaistbandtokeepthemfromawkwardness-noreachingouttotheimpasifshewereachild,nocomforttobeoffered.ItwasHilfy’saffair,totakeithowshewould.“They’vehadashock,”Hilfysaidafteramoment.“I’msorry,aunt.”
“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid,noddingtowardtheirrampway.Therewasaredwashaboutherownvision,aslowseething.ShewasboundtotakethematterasitfellforHilfy’ssake,butitrankled,allthesame.ShewalkedupfirstandHarallast,leavingHilfyhersilenceandherdignity.
Cowards,Pyanfarthought,andswallowedthatthoughttooforHilfy’ssake.Theydesperatelyneededtheaddedhands:thatthoughtalsognawedather,lessworthy.TheyneededtheFaha.ButtheFahahadhadenoughofkif.
Andtherewerekifshipsoutthere,waiting.Shewasincreasinglycertainofit-ifnotactuallyonthefringesofKirduSystem,whichtheymightbe,atleastscatteredallabout,waitingthemoment.Moreandmorekifships,agatheringswarmofthem,unprecedentedintheircooperationwitheachother.
Shepassedtheairlockintothecorridor,andChurandTirunwhohadturnedoutwiththeevidentintentionofwelcomingtheirFahaguests-stoppedintheirexitfromtheoproom,
simplystopped.
“Ourfriendschangedtheirminds,”Pyanfarsaidcurtly.“They1decidedtotakepassagewithTahar.Somethingaboutaninjuryaoneofthemsuffered,andtheTaharpromisedthemamoredirectroutehome.”
ThatputatleastanacceptablefaceonmattersforHilfy’ssake.TheyretreatedasPyanfarwalkedintotheoproom,lookedatGeranandTullywhosatthere,GeranhavingwellunderstoodandTullylookingdisturbed,catchingthetemperintheair,nodoubt,butnotunderstandingit.“Nothingtodowithyou.”Pyanfarsaidabsently,settlingintoachairatthefarcounter,lookingatthesystem-imagewhichGeranhadbeenmonitoring.HilfyandHaralcameintogether,andtherewasastrainedsilenceintheoproom,allofthemgatheredthereandHilfytryingtokeepagoodfaceon.
“Well,goodlucktothem,”Tirunmuttered.“Godsknowthey’veseenenough.”
“Therearekifoutthereonthedock,”Pyanfarsaid,“whoknowtoomuch.Gettingcheekyaboutit.They’vecomeinfromKitaaheadofus,partofthebunchfromMeetpointorUrtur-Urtur,I’llreckon,sinceIcheckednamesandtheyweren’tthesameasthere.Justpassingthemessagefromonekiftothenext.It’sgettingtighthere.”
“There’llbemoresoon,”Haralsaid.“I’llbetthere’ssomeoutsystem.Captain,thinkwecantalkthemahetorunusescorttoourjumppoint?Surelywe’vegotleverageenoughforthat.”
“Thatstorywillgofromstationtostation,”Pyanfarsaidbitterly.“Gods,butIdon’tthinkwe’vegotmuchchoice.Getthemtoshepherdusoutofhere.”
“Whenwecangetourtailputtogetheragain,”Tirunsaidglumly.
Therewasanoisefromdownthehall,afootstepintheairlock.EveryheadturnedforthedoorwayandPyanfarreachedfortheguninherpocketandthrustherwaypastTirungettingtotheoproomdoorandthecorridor,clickingthesafetyoffthegun.
safetyoffthegun.
Itwashani-HilanFaha,whoflungupastartledhandandstoppedatthesightofher.Pyanfarpunchedthesafetybackonwithaclawtipandthrusttheweaponbackintoherpocket,awareofothersofhercrewnowbehindher.
“Changedyourmindofasudden?”sheaskedtheFaha.
“Needtotalktoyou.Tomyyoungcousin.”
“Toyourcousin,rotyou;andtome.Comeoninside.NeithershenorI’lltalkoutherelikedocksidepeddlers.”
“KerPyanfar,”theFahamurmured,mannerswhichinnowisemollifiedhertemper.Pyanfarwavedthelotofthembackintotheoproom-onlythenrecalledTully,whowastrappedthereinthecorner,buttherewasnothingofsecretinhispresenceontheship,andnocausetosendhimslinkingoutpastthemall.LettheFahatalkinfrontofhim;letherdeliverherexcusesunderanOutsider’sstare-servedherright.
AndHilanFahastoppedinthedoorwayatthesightofTully,thisnaked-skinnedcreaturehani-styledandhani-dressedsittingatthecounteramongthecrew;andHilan’searswentflat.“This,”shesaid,roundingonPyanfar,“thisisthatitemthekifwanted-isn’tit?”
“HisnameisTully.”
Hilan’smouthtightened,amominousfurrowingofthenose.“Aliveitem.Bythegreatergods,wherehaveyoubeen,Chanur,andwhat’sgoingonwiththisbusiness?”
“IfyouweretravelingonthisshipyoumightaskandImightanswer.Asthingsare,youcanlearnwhentheTahardo.”
“Rotyou,Starchaserdiedinyourcause,forthis-”Shespat,swalloweddownasurplusofwordswhenPyanfarstaredathersullenly.“Itwasthecaptain’sdecision;weoffloadedeverythingatUrturandtriedtoruntogiveyouabreakforit.Butwherewereyouthen?Wherewasourhelp?”
“Blind,HilanFaha-offinthedustandstarkblind.Wetried,believethat;butatthelastwehadtojumpforitorriskcollision;wehopedyoucouldgetoffinwhatconfusionwecreated.”
whatconfusionwecreated.”
Hilandrewaquieterbreath.“Thecaptain’sdecision,notmine.I’dnothavebudgedoutofdock:knowthat.I’dhavesatthereandletyousortitoutwiththekif,thisso-namedtheftofyours….”
“Youtakekifwordabovemine?”
“IfyouhaveanexplanationI’llbegladtohearit.Mycousinsaredead.We’rebroken.We’llnotgetanothership,notsolikely.GreatChanurmakesplans,butthelikesofus-we’llgoonotherFahaships,whereverwecangetaberth.I’llreckonyouknowwheretheprofit’stobefound,and,godsrotyourconnivinghide,you’vestirredupwhatalotofshipsaregoingtobleedfor.Whatalotofsmallcompaniesaregoingtogounderfor.Theygavemeamessagetogiveyou,PyanfarChanur-thekifgavemethistotellyou:thatwhatyou’vedoneistoomuchtoignoreandtoogreattoletpass.Thatthey’llcomeafteryouwhereveryouareinwhatevernumbersittakes-eventoAnuurn.Thatthey’llmakeitcleartoallhanithatthisprizeofyoursisnoprofittoyou.Thisfromtheirhakkikt.Akukkakk.HimfromUrtur.Hiswords.”
“Kifthreats.I’dthoughtyouhadmorenerve.”
“Noemptythreats,”Hilansaid,eyesdilated,hernostrilsflaredandsweat-glistening.“Tellallhani,thisAkukkakksays-desertthisPyanfarChanurorseedesolation…eventoAnuurnspace.”
“Andwheredidyouhearallthis?Fromascatteringofshipsandakifwhonevercaughtus-whofailedtocatchyou.HilanFaha;andifwe’dgottentogetheratUrtur-”
“No.-No.Youdon’tunderstand.Theydidcatchus,Chanur.Didoverhaulus.Killedtwoofmycousinsdoingit.AtKita.Andtheyletusgo…butwebrokedowninthejump.Theyletusgotodeliverthatmessage.”
TheFaha’sshamewasintense.Therewasasilenceintheroom,nooneseemingtobreathe.
“So,”saidPyanfar,“doyoubelieveallyourenemiessay?”
“Iseethis,”Hilansaid,gesturingatTully.“Andallofasuddenthegamelooksalotlargerthanbefore.AllofasuddenIseereasonthatthekifmightgather,and
lotlargerthanbefore.AllofasuddenIseereasonthatthekifmightgather,andwhytheymightnotstop.Chanur’sambition-hasgonetoofarthistime.Whateveryou’reinto,Idon’twantpartofit.Mysister’salive;andtwoofmycousins;andwe’regoinghome.-Cousin,”shesaid,lookingatHilfy,“toyou-Iapologize.”
Hilfysaidnothing,onlystaredwithhurtinhereyes.
“Hilfycanleavewithyouifshelikes,”Pyanfarsaid.“Withoutmyblame.Itmightbeaprudentthingtodo…asyoupointout.”
“I’dbepleasedtotakeher,”Hilansaid.
“Istaywithmyship,”Hilfysaid,andPyanfarfoldedherarmsoverastomachmoilingwithwishesonewayandtheotheratonce.Andpride-thattoo.
“So,”Pyanfarsaid,“Iwishyousafejourney.Bestweshouldtraveltogether,butI’msurethat’snotintheTahar’smindnow.”
“No.It’snot.”TheFahalookeddown,andupagain,inTully’sdirection,adarkeningoftheeyes.“Ifyouconsideredyourrelationstoothers,youwouldn’thavedonethisthing.You’vetakenontoomuchthistime.Andotherswillthinkso.”
“WhatItookonmyself,arrivedonourshipwithoutabyyourleaveormyknowledgeitexisted.Whatwouldyoudowitharefugeewhoranontoyourship?Handhimovertothekifattheirasking?Idon’tselllives.”
“Butyoudon’tmindlosingthem.”
“Youthrowawaywhattheydid,”Hilfysaidsuddenly,“withyoursmallness.”
TheFaha’searsflattened.“Whatareyoutojudge?Talktomewhenyou’vegotsomeyearsonyou,cousin.This-”ShecamedangerouslynearTully,andChurwhohadbeensittingonacountersliddowntoplantbothfeet,barringtheway.Tullygotoutofhischairandstoodasfarbackinthebendofthecounterashecouldget.TheFahashrugged,acarelessgesturethrowingawayherintent.“I’veanotherword,”theFahasaid,lookingstraightatPyanfar.“Whetherornotyouintendedwhatyou’veinvolvedyourselfin-itjustmaybethefinish.Youralliesmighthavestoodbyyou,butit’sallgottentootangled.It’sgottentoorisky.Howlongsinceyou’vebeenhome?”
Howlongsinceyou’vebeenhome?”
“Somefewmonths.”Pyanfardrewinabreathandthrustherhandsintoherbelt,withthetasteofsomethingbadcoming-thatillfeelingofahouseatitsheight,inwhichanybreathofchangewastrouble;andofasuddenshemislikedthatlookontheFaha’sface,thattruculencewhichmeltedintosomethingofdiscomfort,adecentshame.“Maybemorethanthat,”Pyanfarsaid,“ifyoucountthatIdidn’tgodownworldlastcall.Whatisit,Faha?Whatisityou’reburstingtotellme?”
“Asonofyours-hastakenMahnfromKhymMann.He’sneighbortoChanurnow.Hehasambitions.TheoldMahnisinexile,andKohanChanurisfindingsuddenneedofallhisallies.”HilanFahashrugged,down-earedandwhiteaboutthenoseandlookingaltogetherasifshewouldwishtobeelsewhereatthemoment,insteadofbringingsuchnewstoaChanurship.“Mycaptainwouldhavebackedyou;butwhatarewenow,withoneofourshipsgone,oneoutofthethreeFahaowns;andwhatdowethinkwhenyoutakeonsomethinglikethiswhenyoualreadyhaveasmuchasChanurcanhandle?You’velostyourcargo;you’vegottenyourselfafeudwiththekif,andkifthreateningtogointoAnuurn/ones,forthegods’sake-howcanChanurholdontoitsotherallieswhenthatstarts?I’velostmyship,mycaptain,someofmycousins-andIhavetothinkofmyfamily.Ican’tinvolvemyselfwithyou,notnow:Ican’tmakeFahapartofthisandgetourshipsafeudwiththekif.You’reabouttoloseeverything.Otherswilldecidethesame,andChanurwon’tbethereevenifyougetback.I’mgoinghome,KerPyanfar,ontheTaharshipbecauseIhaveto,becauseI’mnottanglingwhat’sleftofusinChanurfortunes.”
“You’reyoung,”Pyanfarsaid,lookingdownhernose.“Theyoungalwaysworry.You’reright,yourcaptainwouldhavebackedme.Shehadthenerveforit.Butgoyourway,HilanFaha.I’llpayyourdebtsbecauseIpromised;Chanurwillrewardthemahewhopulledyouout.AndwhenI’vesettledwiththatwhelpKaraI’llbeinbetterhumor,soImayevenforgetthis.Soyouwon’tworryhowtomeetmeinfuture-don’tfeartoomuch.I’llnotregardyoutoobadly…theyoungdogrow;butbythegodsI’llneverregardyouthewayIdidyourcaptain.You’renotLihan,HilanFaha,andmaybeyouneverwillbe.”
TheFahafairlyshookwithanger.“Tobepaidthewayyoupaidher-”
“She’dcursemetoamahehellifshewerehere,butshe’dnotdowhatyou’vedone.She’dnotrunoutonafriend.Goon,HilanFaha,leavemydeck.Asafevoyagetoyouandaquickone.”
ForamomenttheFahamighthavestruckout;butshewaswornthinandhopelessandthemomentandthecouragewent.“Hercurseonyouthen,”shesaid,andturnedandstalkedout,notsostraightintheshoulders,notsohighofheadasshehadcomein.PyanfarscowledandlookedatHilfy,andHilfyherselfwasvirtuallyshaking.
“KohanneversaidanythingaboutthisMahnbusinessinhisletter,”Pyanfarsaid.“Whatdoyouknow,niece?”
“Idon’t,”Hilfysaid.“Iwon’tbelieveit.IthinktheFaha’sbeenlisteningtorumors.”
“Howmuchdidyouknowabouttheestateswhenyouwereathome?Wherewasyourheadthen,butonThePride?Isitpossiblesomethingwasbrewingandyoudidn’thear?”
“Therewasalwaystalk;KaraMahnwasalwayshangingaboutthedistrict.HeandTahy.There-wassomecallingbackandforth;IthinknaKhymtalkedtofatherdirect.”
“Rothishide,Kohancouldhavesaidsomethinginthatletter.”
“Hesentme,”Hilfysaidinasmall,strickenvoice.“WhenThePrideturnedupinsystemIaskedtogo,andhesaidhe’dneverpermitit;andthen-thenextnighthegavemetheletterandputmeintheplaneandgods,Iwasofftotheportlikethat.Hardlyachancetopack.SaidIhadtohurryorThePridewouldleaveportandI’dmissmychance.Likethat,atnight;butIthought-Ithoughtitwasbecauseshipsdon’tcalculatedayandnight,andthatshuttlewasgoingupanyway.”
“Ogods,”Pyanfargroaned,andsatdownagainstthecounter,lookedupatalltheringofanxiousfaces.“Notyetthatsonofminedoesn’t.Godsblightthekif;we’llsettlethem,butwe’regoingtotakecareofthatsmallbusinessathome;that’sfirst.”
Earspricked.“We’rewithyou,”Haralsaid.“Gods,yes,home.GoingtoshakemesomescruffswhenIgetthere.”
“Hai!”Geranagreed,andTirun;andTullyvisiblyflinched,calmedagainasChurpattedhisshoulder.HesettledandHilfysatdownbesidehim,putherhandonhisothershoulder,twodisconsolatesoulswhosharednotmuchatallbut
onhisothershoulder,twodisconsolatesoulswhosharednotmuchatallbuttheirmisery.
“We’llstraightenitout,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy.“We’lldoitonourterms.Agreed,niece?”
“Hegotmeoutofthere,”Hilfysaid.“Icouldhavehelpedandhesawitcomingandhemovedmeout.”
“Huh.You’renotoldenoughtoknowyourfatherfrommyview,withallrespectforyourown.Hethinks,sometimebeforeaproblemcomesonhim-notmuchmeditationduring,godsknow,buthesetsthingsuplikepiecesonaboard.Toorottedproudtocallmedownworld,ah,yes;toorottedsmarttohaveyoungHilfyChanurathandtogetherselfinatanglewithherMahncousinsandtopitchforkthattemperofKohan’sintoit…don’tgetyourearsdownatme,imp;we’refamilyhere.Thesunrisesandsetsonyourshouldersofarasyourfather’sconcerned,andthatblastedsonofminewouldgorightforthegreatestirritancehecouldgiveyourfatherifhewantedtotakeonChanur-yourpreciousinexperiencedself.No,Kohanjustclearedthedeck,that’sall.Chancesarehewaswrong;he’snotimmunetothateither.I’dsoonerhavehadyouthere;Ithinkyou’dhavehandledyoungKararightenough;andTahywithhim.ButifMoonRising’sgoinghome,it’stocarrythekindofnewstheTaharhavegottenhere;it’sgoingtomaketrouble,nothankstotheFaha:andthere’satimepastwhichKohan’sgoingtobehardput.He’sgot-whatmatesinresidence?Yourmotherandwho?”
“AkifyandLilun.”
“Hopeyourmotherstandsbyhim,”Pyanfarsaidheavily:theKihanandtheGaraswereornaments.Shewalkedovertothecounterandstaredatthescanamoment.“Nomatter.Whatever’sgoingon,we’llputitinorder.”
“Pyanfar-”
Tully’sstrangevoice.Sheturnedaboutandlookedathim,recalledthepagerandturneditonbroadcast,notbotheringwiththeplug.
“Question,”Tullysaid,andmadeavaguegesturetowardthedoorwheretheFahahadleft.“Hefight.”
“She,”Pyanfarsaidimpatiently.“Allshe.”Tullybithislipandlookedconfused.
“She,”Pyanfarsaidimpatiently.“Allshe.”Tullybithislipandlookedconfused.“It’snothingtodowithyou,”Pyanfarsaid.“Nothingyou’dunderstand.”
“Igo.”heoffered,startingtoslidefromhisplaceonthecounter,butChurheldhisshoulder.“No,”Chursaid.“It’sallright,Tully.Noone’sangryatyou.”
“You’renotthecause,”Pyanfarsaid.“Notofthis.”Shewalkedtothedoor,lookedbackatthecrew.“We’llsettleit,”shesaidtothecrew,andturnedandwalkedout,downthecorridorandalonetowardthelift.
Khymoverthrown.Dead,maybe.Attheleastinexile.Thelossofhermateoppressedhertoasurprisingdegree.MahninyoungKara’shandswouldnotbewhatithadbeeninKhym’s.Khym’sstylehadbeeneasygoingandgraciousandadmittedlylazy:hewasacomfortablesortoffellowtocomebackto,wholikedfinethingsandlovedtositintheshadeofhisgardenandlistentothetalesshecouldspinoffar“portshewouldneversee.Boundlesscuriosity,gentlecuriosity.ThatwasKhymMahn.Andthesonhehadindulgedandpardonedhadcomebackandtakenhisgardenandhishouseandhisname,whilepoorKhym-godsknewwherehewas,orinwhatmisery.
Sherodetheliftuptomainlevelandenteredherownquarters,shutthedoorandsatdownatthedesk…forboreforalongtimetopulloutthefewmementoesshebotheredtokeep,keepinghomemoreinhermindthaninobjects.Finallyshelookedatwhatshehad,apicture,asmoothgraystone-oddhowpleasantabitofstonefelt,andhowalieninthissteelworld;stonethatconjuredtheKahinHills,thelookandthesoundofgrassinthewind,andthewarmthofthesunandtheslickcoldoftherainontherockswhichthrustupoutofthegrassyhillsides.
Herson…castKhymout:movedinnexttoChanurtothreatenKohanhimself,tobreakapartallthatshehaddoneandbuiltandallthatKohanheld.SmallwonderKohanhadwantedHilfyoutofharm’sway-outofasituationinwhichtemperscouldbetriggeredandreasonlost.
Putsomeexperienceonher,Kohanhadasked.And:Takecareofher.
Sheputthethingsaway,andsatthinking,becausewhilerepairsproceeded,therewaslittleelseshecoulddo.Theysatherelockedintostation’sembraceandhopingthatthekifstayedofftheirvulnerablebackside.Satherewhiletheirenemieshadtimetodowhattheyliked.
StrikeatAnuurnitself-Akukkakkcouldnotbesorash.Hehadnotthatmany
StrikeatAnuurnitself-Akukkakkcouldnotbesorash.Hehadnotthatmanyships,thathecoulddosuchathing.Itwasbluster,ofthesortthekifalwaysused,hyperbole…ofthesorttheyalwaysflungout,hopingformoregainsfromanenemy’spanicthanforcecouldwin.Unlessthehakkiktwasmad…adefinitionwhich,betweenspecies,lackedprecision.Unlessthehakkiktcommandedfollowersmoreinterestedindamagethaningain.
Nohakkiktonrecordhadeverstirredaswideadistance,involvingsomanyships.Noonehadeverdonewhatthisonehaddone,attackingastshostation,harassingandthreateninganentirestarsystemandallitstrafficashehaddoneatUrtur.
Shesatandgnawedatherlipandreckonedthatthethreatmighthavesubstancetoitafterall.Shecheckedscanfinally,onherownterminal.Nothingshowedbuttheexpected.Theknnnstillhoveredofffromstation:whenshesearchedaudiothesingingcameback,placidnowandwaveringoverthreediscordanttones.Thetc’aweresilent,butone,whichbabbledstaticintonesasslowastheknnn’s.Theprisoner?shewondered.Lamentingitsfate?Beyondthosevoicestherewasonlynormalstationnoise,andtheclose-inchatteroftheskimmercrewswhohadneverceasedtheirworkonThePride’sdamage.Normallysomeofthesejumpfreighterswouldhaveputout:Hasatso’sventureoutonlytomeetemergencyhadfrozeneverything.NoteventheminerswerestirringoutfromtheirberthswiththeorehaulersandthoseweresnuggedintoorbitaboutMalaorKilaunan.
Shepatchedacallthroughtostationservices,complainedaboutthelatedeliveryonorderedgoods:thecourierserviceissuedpromisesafterthetime-honoredfashion,andshetookthem,reckoningontheusualcarrierarrivingaboutthetimetherampwaywasabouttoclosedown.
Stasteburana-tousedsense,atleast;andthepatrolsstayedout,shuttlingthesystem,alertagainsttrouble.Themahekeptfaith.
SheexpectedlessoftheTahar.
IX
MoonRisingpulledoutintheoffshift,adeparturewithoutwordtothem,inPyanfar’snight.Sheignoredit,snarlinganincoherencyfromoutthebedclothestothecomatbedsidewhenshewasadvised,andpullingthecoverbackoverherself;itwasnotworthgettinguptosee,andshehadnocourtesiestopaytheTahar,whodesertedanotherhanitostrangers,crippledastheystillsat.Shewashardlysurprised.Watchhadtheirstandingorders,andtherewasnoneedtowakeupanddealwithit.Hilfyslept:therewasnoneedtorouseheroutforwhatHilfyalsoexpected.Pyanfarburrowedintosleepagainandshedthematterfromhermind…nogettingheradrenalinuptorobherselfofrest,nothinkingabouthere,orhome,oranythinginparticular,onlymaybetherepairswhichwerestillproceeding,whichoughttobevirtuallyfinishedbythetimeshewaked,allthepanelsinplacenow,andmaheworkingoutontheirtailcheckingallthesorrylittleconnectionsonwhichtheirlivesrelied.
Thedarktookherback.Shesnuggeddownwithafeelingofrareluxury.
“Captain.Captain,hatetodisturbyou,butwe’regettingsomemovementoutoftheknnn.”Shethrustanarmabout,feltafterthetimeswitch.Anhourandahalffromwakeup.Shekeptmoving,swingingherfeetout.
“Captain.”ThatwasTirunonwatch.“Urgent.”
“I’mwithyou.Feedithere.What’shappening?”
Thescreenlitinthedarkenedcabin.Pyanfarblinkedandrubbedhereyesandfocusedontheschematic.Shipmarkerswereblinkinginhazardwarning,tooclosetoeachotherforsafety.“Everyknnnatdock,”Tirunsaid.“They’rebreakingdockandthegeneraldirection-”
“AfterMoonRising?Querystation.What’sgoingonwiththem?”
“Did,captain;officialnocomment.”
“Rottheirhides.Putmethrough.”
Ittookamoment.Pyanfarrummagedinthehalflightfromthescreenafterherbreeches,pulledthemonandjerkedtheties.
“Station’sstillrefusingcontact,captain:theyinsistcommunicationbycourieronly.”
Pyanfartiedtheknotandswalloweddownarushoftemper.‘Myregardstothem.Whatarethekifdoing?”
“Sittingstill.Ifthey’retalkingtoeachotherit’sbyrunnerorbyline.”
“Justkeepwatchingit.I’mawake.”Shewenttothebath,turnedonthelightsandwashed,walkedoutagainandtookalookatthesituationonthescreen.Tenshipsoutofdocknow,allchasingoutafterMoonRising,asifthatsamerottedknnnhadgottenutterlymuddledwhichhaniwaswhichandconvincedalltheothers-ludicrous,absolutelyludicrous;buthumorfailedher-therehadbeenmisunderstandingsintheolddays,beforestshohadgottentheideaoftheCompactacrosstothetc’a,andthetc’ainturnhadgottentheknnnandchitocomprehendCompactcivilization…enoughtocomeandgoinitwithouttrouble;totradewithit;toavoidcollisionsandprovocationsandsometimestocooperate.Themethane-breathersweredangerouswhenstirred.Shefrownedovertheimage,combed,cutoffthecomandheadedoutdownthecorridorforthelift.
“Nochange?”sheaskedwhenshewalkedinonTiruninop.
“Nochange,”Tirunsaid.Herinjuredlegwasnotpropped,thoughthrustoutatanangleassheleanedtotapthescreen.“They’reallinastring,alltenofthem,allaftertheTahar.”
“Gods,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Amess.”
“They’vegotidsignals-theyhavetoknowthat’snotus.”
Pyanfarshruggedhelplessly.Shewalkedbacktothedoor.“I’mgoingtogettheothers.Abouttimeforyoutogooff,isn’tit?”
“Halfanhour.”
“Who’supnext?”
“Haral.”
“Sowestartearly.”Pyanfarwalkedoutanddownthecorridortowardthelargecabinthatwasin-dockcrewquarters,pushedthebartoopenthedoorandinside,theonethatstarteddawn-cycleonthelights.“Up.Gotalittledisturbance.Knnnhavegoneberserk.Idon’twantusabediftheycomethisway.”
Therewasageneralstirringofblanketedbodiesinthehalflight,onarowofbunksundertheprotectivenettingoftheoverhead;bunksandcots-Tullywasattheleft,curtainedoff,butnotfromhervantage,atousledheadandbewilderedstarefromamongtheblankets-andHilfy…Hilfywasontheothersideoftheroom,stirringoutwiththerest,nakedastherest,asTully,whowasgettingoutofbedonhissideofthecurtain.Gods.Angercoursedhernerves,adistasteforthisupsetinorderwhichhadsweptThePride.Theyvoyagedcelibate.InhermindshecouldhearTahargossip-somethingelsethatwouldbetoldonAnuurn.Andgods,shecouldseethelookinKohan’seyes.Shescowled.“Hilfy.Breakfastonwatch,halfanhour.Move!”
“Aunt.”Hilfystoodupandjerkedupherbreecheswithdispatch.
Pyanfarstalkedout,headedbacktotheoproom,shookoffherdistasteinself-reproach.SoHilfyhadresignedtheprivilegeofguestquartersandsnuggedinwiththecrew;sheguessedwhy-withthepartingofwayswiththeFaha.Andthecrewhadinvited:thatwasterritoryinwhichtheinvitationcamefrominsideandshedidnotintervene.Intheireyes,
Ihen,Hilfybelonged.
AstheyhadtakenTullyin.
Gods.Hernapeprickled.
“Breakfastandreliefiscoming,”shetoldTirunasshearrived.
“Nochange,”Tirunsaid.“Samecourses,allinvolved.Notamovefromthekif,notaword.”
“Huh.”Pyanfarsatdownsidewaysonthecounter.“Confusedlikewise.Ihope.”
“Theycouldn’tbeincommunicationwiththem.”Tirunturnedadisquietedstaretowardher.
towardher.
“I’moutoftheassumptionmarket.”
Theroutprogressed,MoonRisingproceedingoutsystemwithiimaheescortatgreatdistanceandamanicfloodofknnnbehind.
“They’remad,”Tirunsaid.
Pyanfarsatandwatched,glaringatthescreen.
Haralarrived,withHilfyandbreakfast;theothersshoweduphardontheirheels,aprocession,GeranandChurandTullycarryingtheirowntrays.“What’sgoingonoutthere?”Haralasked.
“Tahar,”Tirunsaid,“leadingeveryscatterwittedknnnatthestation-”
Thescreenhadchanged,thedotspartingonthescan,thatwhichwasTahargoingon,theknnn….
“They’restopping,”Hilfysaid.
“Wonderful,”Pyanfarmuttered,tookuphercupofgfiandsippedit,watchingasthegapwidened.Turnovereventually,shereckoned;theknnndevelopedotherplans.Tullyspoke,afloodofalienbabble,butshehadleftthepagerinhercabin.Churturnedherstobroadcast.“Enemyship,”itrendered.
“Knnn,”Haralsaid.“Notanenemy.Neutral.Buttrouble.That’sMoonRising.Theknnnfollowedthem;nowthey’vequit.”
“Why?”
“Don’tknow,Tully.”
MoonRisingmadejump,asuddenwinkoffstationscan-knnnless.“Gods,”Hilfyexclaimed,astheknnnbentaturn.
“Knnnmaneuver,”Tirunsaid.“Thebastardsareshowingout.Theycanjumpboostandturnlikethat.It’dkillahani.Anyoxygenbreather.Can’toutmaneuverthem.Godsforbid,ifweshouldhavetoshootatone-compplottingcan’thitone:notprogrammedfortheirmoves.”
“Theydon’tshootatus.Theyaren’tarmed.”
“Intheolddays,”Haralsaid,“theynevercaughttheknnnshootingeither.Butshipsturnedupgutted.Beforemytime.ButIheardthey’dswarmaship,jumpitelsewhere-haulitsmassoffwherethey’dopenitattheirleisure-”
“Haulitbetweenthem?”Hilfy’sfacemirroreddisbelief.
“Amongthem.Adozen.Allsynched.SoIheard.Haniships’dteareachothertojunk;butknnncansynchlikethat.”
“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid.Itwasanoldbunkyarn,likeghostships.LikealiensoutsidetheCompact.ShestaredatTullyandthoughtaboutthat.Ateherdriedchipsandwasheditdownwithgfi.Oncom,stationsentinstructionstoitspatroltostayoutofthewayoftheknnn.Atc’awenton,presumablytalkingtotheknnn.
Andamessagelightblinkedontheirownboard,somethingdirectedatthem.
Reviseestimate,theletterscreptacrossthescreenwhenTirunkeyedit.75hoursrepairadditional.Regret.Mahemoreworkerthisjob.Twoteam.Repeat…
“Godshelpus.”Pyanfarsnatchedthemikeandpunchedinstationop.“Whatkindoftroublethis?Whatfifteenhours?Fifteenmorehours?”
Stationroutedthecomplaint,onetothenext,tothealmostincomprehensiblemaheskimmersupervisor.“Allskimmerstationwork,”wastheanswer,threetimesrepeated,inrisingvolume,asifloudnessimprovedcommunication.“Thanks,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Out.”Sheranahandthroughhermane,putthemikedown,lookedaroundatstaringeyesandmanagedabetterface.
“Well,”Haralsaidinaquietvoice,“atleasttheyfounditbeforetheysentusoutwithit.”
“I’llgoouttheaftlock,”Geransaid,“andcheckthemoutonit.”
“No,”Pyanfarsaid.“Idon’tdoubtyou’llfinddamage.Longshotitfromtheobservationdome.Andbythegods,ifthere’ssomethingnewIwanttoknowaboutit.”Shecomposedherselfamoment.“No,godsrotthem,themahe’dgougeusonfinesandcharges,butifI’vegotthemeasureofthatforemanshe’snotthetype.Still…Dothecheckanyhow.”
notthetype.Still…Dothecheckanyhow.”
“Right.”Geransnatchedupthetrayandheadedout,downthecorridorforthebubbleaccess,acoldtriptotheframe.Pyanfarthoughtofgoingherself,delayedtofinishherbreakfastandwatchedtheknnn,whohadstoppedagain,hoveringoffinutterviolationoflanesandregulations.Stationoperationsreportedashipcomingin,amahendo’satfreighterarrivinginthezenithrange:theyhadtheirownproblems.Sodidthemahenfreighter,comingintowhatshouldbeasafehavenandfindingtrafficsnuggeddownandknnngoneberserk.
“I’mgoingtomain,”shesaidfinally.“Gooffdownhere.Rest.Haral,I’lltakeit,upthere.I’llkeyyou.”
“Captain-”Haralstartedtoobject,swallowedit,havingasenseaboutsuchthings.“Right.”
Pyanfarwalkedout,hitchedupthetrouserswhichhadgottentoolooseinrecentdays,headedforthelift.Goinpersontostationofficesandtaketheplaceapart?Ittempted.Atthemomentshewantedsomethingbreakablewithinreach.Butitwouldhardlymendmatters.Fifteenhours.Itwashardlysurprising;repairsforalloftimeandtoallendsoftheCompactranbehindscheduleandoverestimate.Andthenitwassixteenandseventeenandanothertwenty-Shetooktheliftup,ensconcedherselfinhercushiononthebridgeandsentrapidinquirythroughallappropriatechannels.Defectvaneyoke,theanswercamebackfromthestationoffice,andharduponthat,fromGeran:“Gotcloseup;they’veswarmedinonthevanecollar,butIcan’ttellmuch.”Theimagecamethrough,twoskimmersandthreeworkersineva-Ipodsgrappledontotheafflictedvanewhereitattachedtothestrut,cablesandvaneandstrutstrungwithredhazardlightstopreventaccidentsinshadow.Itwasaplausiblerepair,gods-nothingcheap;thedamagethathadblownthepanelsloosecouldhavestressedit…oneofthosesystemsforwhichtherewasnobypass,throughwhichathirdofthepowerofthejumpdrivepassed.“Yoke,”PyanfarsenttoGeran,whowaslikelyshiveringherteethlooseinthebubble.“Comeoninship;there’snomorewecando.”
Itwasafifteenhourjob.Agnawingsuspicionworkedathergut.Thedefectshouldhaveshownupontheboard:therewerereasonswhyitmightnot-thatithadblownastheycamelin…somethinghadredlighted,somanythingshadredlightedatoneinstantandgonebacktonormalstatus.possibly,possiblyitwasreal.Possiblytooitwasoneofthosedemontouches,themahendo’satcalledthem,thatlostships,somethingloosethatcontactedinstressesandkilled.Itwasfivetofivetheyowedthemahendo’satcrewprofoundthanks;ortheywere
fivetofivetheyowedthemahendo’satcrewprofoundthanks;ortheywerebeingstalled,conned,setup.Checkitnowandillwasboundtoredlight:thecasingwasoff.Shesatstaringatthevidscreenwithherbloodpressureupandasmoldering]ragewithnowheretosendit.
“Haral,”shesaidintocom.
“Captain?”
“Thatproblemyoufixedaswewerecomingin.Wasthenumberoneyokeinvolved?Couldyoutell?”
Alongmomentofsilence.“Captain,wewerelosingtheinput;Iputinanewboardandwegotitcleared.Butthatfadehadstressedeverything;thewholeboardwasfouled.Icouldn’tsaybeyonddoubt.Itwaseverywhere.Ithoughtitwasthepanels.I’msorry,captain.”
TherewasmiseryinHaral’svoice.Haralwasnotaccustomedtobewrong.Ever.“It’soneofthosethings,”Pyanfarsaid,“thatwouldredlightifthepanelswereoverloaded;I’mnotsosureyouwerewrong,Haral.I’mnotatallsureyouwerewrong.”
“I’llgooutthere,”Haralsaid.
“Anddowhat?They’vegotitinamessittakesskimmerstoputback.Mahenskimmers.No.Wesititout.”
“Suppliesarriving,”Churinformedhereventuallyviacomfrombelowdecks.ThatwasfrozenfishoffKirduIIsonworldponds;andsomestshogoodsforTullyandsomemoretranslatortapes.Shecheckedthetime;aftertheiroriginallyscheduleddeparture.Thecourierservicehadbeeninformedofthedelayasquicklyastheyhadbeen,whichinsolencesentherbloodpressureupanotherseveralpoints.“Captain?”Churasked.“Noted,”Pyanfarsaidcoldly,andChurbrokethecontact.
Anotherhour.Thevidshowedcontinualactivityaboutthevane.Pyanfardivertedherselfintoboardmaintenance,burrowedintounder-consolespaces,
divertedherselfintoboardmaintenance,burrowedintounder-consolespaces,checkedandrechecked,surfacednowandagaintodartajaundicedlookatthevidortolistentosomecommunicationcomingin.Thestationwasgettingbacktonormal;onlytheknnn…stayedout,fellintosystemicdrift,wailingstilltoeachother.
Theliftdownthecorridorhummedandopeneddoors:Pyanfarheardthatandworkedherwayoutofafinishedjob,stoodupandwipedherhandsandstraightenedhermane-softquickfootfallsinthecorridor.“Aunt?”
Shesatdownonthearmrestofherowncushion,scowledatherniece.Hilfystoodinthearchwaywithapaperinherhand,cameandofferedit.“Justcame.Couriered.Securityseal.”
Pyanfarsnatchedit,hookedaclawinit,rippeditopen,nosewrinkling.Stasteburana’ssignature.Greetings,respects,andtheassuranceallpossiblewasbeingdone.“Thestationmaster’scompliments,”Pyanfartranslatedsourly.“Wegetescorttoourjumppointwhenwego;departure’sfirmforthatfifteenthhour.Rotthem,theyknewaboutthis,orthey’dhavebeenhereaskingforthattape.Theywantit,tobesure-beforethejob’ssealedoff.Isthecourierwaiting?”
“No.”
“Rotthemall.”
“Tully’stape,youmean.”
ShelookedupatHilfy,whoseadolescent-beardedheldahintofafrown.“Isthatacomment?”
“No,aunt.”
“ItoldtheOutsiderwhy.”
“Tully,aunt.”
Pyanfarsuckedinabreath.“Tully,ifyouplease.Itoldhimwhy.DidIgetthrough?”
“He-talkedtoChuraboutit.”
“Whatdidhesay?”
“Whatdidhesay?”
“Thatheunderstood.”
“Andtherestofyou?”
Hilfytuckedherhandsbehindunderherbrow.“Hesensesmuchtrouble’sgoingon.Lastoffshift,hetriedtotalktoallofus,gods,howhetried.Finally-”Herearswentdown,asecondglanceatthedeck.“FinallyheputhisarmsaroundChurandthenhewentjfromonetothenextofusallanddidthesame,not-male-female,notlikethat.Justlikehehadsomethingtosayandhe’didn’thaveanyotherwaytosayit.”
Pyanfarsaidnothing,jawset.
“He’sstartedanothertape,”Hilfysaid.“Thenewmanual.”
“Ishe?”,
“Wegaveittohim;hesatdownwithitinopandhe’sfeedingthewordsinasfastashecango.”
Pyanfarfrowned,takenaback.
“Helikedthestshoshirtsyoucameupwithtoo.Warm,says,nevermindthefancywork.”
“Huh.”Pyanfarthrustherselftoherfeet,pokedanextendedclawatHilfy.“Nicefellow,thisTully,sounderstandingandgratefulandall.I’vebeenbackandforththisrouteafewvoyages,imp,andI’veseenmyshareofconartists.Inthe1firstplace,sincewebringitup,Idon’tliketheOutsiderbeddingdownwiththelotofyou.Ipermitteditinamomentofsoft-headedness,becauseIdidn’tlikehismopingaboutandIdidn’twanthimselfkillinghimselftheway,markyou,imp,thewayheadmitstokillingacompanionofhis-forfriendship’ssake.”
“It’snotfairtosaythat.Itwasbrave,whathedid.”
“Granted.Andmaybehe’sgotafewmorebravenotions.Thecrew’susedtoalienwaysandIfiguredthey’dkeeptheirjudgment,butIdon’tlikeyoudownthere.Godsknowyou’veearnedtherighttobedownthere-that’swhereI’dratheryouwere,allthingsequal,buttheyaren’t;there’sthatrottedOutsiderinthecompany,andhemakesmenervous,niece,thewaythingsmakemenervous
thecompany,andhemakesmenervous,niece,thewaythingsmakemenervousthatjustmayblowupwithoutwarning.Idon’tlikeyounearhim.”
Hilfy’searswereplasteredflattoherskull.“Pardon,aunt.Ifyouordermetogobacktomyquarters,Iwill.”
“No,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’lldoyouoneworse.I’llrelyonyoursense.I’lljusttellyoutothinkwhatgetsblowntoruinifsometrivialitysetsourguestoffatthewrongmoment.Chanur,niece.Youunderstandthat?”
Theearscameup.Hilfy’snosewrinkledallthesame,theshotgonehome.“IknowIwanttogetbacktoAnuurn,aunt;butIknowtoothatIwanttobeproudofonesideofthefamilywhenIgetthere.”
Pyanfarraisedherhand-gotthatfarwithit,andstoppedtheblowandturneditintoagestureofdismissal.“Out,imp.Out.”
Hilfyturnedonherheelandwent.Pyanfarslidintothecushionandcrumpledthestationmaster’smessagewiththeotherhand,punchedclawsthroughit.Godsrotit,tohaveleanedontheyoungsterinthatmatter…andtonopoint:tonopoint;underway,theywouldbebacktowiderspaces,to-godsknewwhattheywouldbeupagainst.
Shereachedandkeyedthroughthetranslatorchannel,heardTully’ssteadyinput,jabbeditoutagain.
Afteramomentsheshookherhead,smoothedoutthepaperandfileditinfax.PunchedthetranslatorkeyonagainandlistenedtoTully,aquiet,familiarvoice,puttingwordafterwordintomemory.
Sixhours;nine;twelve;thirteen.Thedaypassedinmeals-at-station,inchecksandcounterchecks;inenforcedrestandsecure-for-jumpproceduresandmostofallinmonitoringscanandcom.Pyanfarreachedthestageofpacingandfrettingbythetwelfthhour,fedandnappedbeyondendurance-woreoffclawtipsontheflooringanddisguisedtheanxietywhenanyofthecrewcamenearonerrands.
ButHilfymanagednottocome.Stayedbelow,inwhatframeofmindorwhatunderstandingPyanfarcouldnotfindawaytoask.
“Courier’shere.”Chur’svoicecrackedoutofthesilenceonthebridge,comfromlowerdeck.“Askingthetape,captain.’
“Askthecourier,”Pyanfarsaid,“thefinishtimeontherepair.”
Adelay.
“Thecouriersayswithinthehour,captain.”
“Understood.”Pyanfarcaughtherbreath,lookedleftwhenshehadlaidthetapeshehadprepared,reachedandpocketedthecassetteandheadedoutforthelift,insuchafeverthatitwasnottillshehadstartedtheliftdownwardthatshehadthoughtagainwhatitwasshewentdowntotrade:awayfromthisplacewasallthethought;andthetapewasameanstogetfree;andthesheddingofthewholeuglynecessitysomethingshewasonlytoogladtohavedone,togetThePridefreeo:mahendo’satandlooseandonherway.
ButHilfywasdownthere.Thatrecollectionhither.Theliftstopped,thedooropened,andshehesitatedhalfaheartbeatinwalkingout,suckedupabreathshewantedalltoomuchtospendonthemaheforthedelay,andstrodeoutquitebereftofthebreathandtheangershewantedtoloose.
Tully.Yegods,Tullywasinoptoo,offthecorridorwhereanyvisitortotheshipnotconfinedtotheairlockwouldbebroughtasamatterofcourse.
Sheroundedthecornerandfoundagatheringindeed-adignified-lookingmaheinajeweledcollarandkilt;amaheattendant;Haral,Tirun,andHilfy.Shewalkedintothegroupsuddenlyconsciousofherowninformalattire,scowledanddrewherselfuptoallherstature-nonetootallinmahendo’satreckoning.
“Badmess,”therankingmahespatather.“Bigtroubleyoucause,hani.Allsamewefixship.”
TheVoiceofthestationmaster,primedwithaccusationsandbluster.TheVoicelookedherupanddown,withgrandhauteur.Jeweledandperfumed.Pyanfarflexedherclaws,pointedlyandwithgrandercoolnessturnedhershoulderandlookedtowardherown.“Tully.Where’sTully?Ishestillinop?”
“Youendangerthestation,”theVoicerailedonherdutifully.“Bigtroublewithtc’a;knnnbastardkidnapandextortion.Youwanttakewithyoutheeva-podtheknnnbringfortradeforgoodtc’acitizen,hah?Gotyournameonit,haniPride
knnnbringfortradeforgoodtc’acitizen,hah?Gotyournameonit,haniPrideofChanur,clearletters.”
“Tully!Getyourrottedselfouthere.Now!”
“Theydon’tcomeintostationnow,theknnn,no,makenavigationhazardallthissystem.Alldisturb.Miningstop.Tradestop.Allbusinessstanddeadstill.Youuseknnnsignal,a?Upsettheknnn;takekifproperty,upsetthekif;gettc’akidnap,tc’aupset;getfightstshostation,stshomakecharge;hanidon’tspeaktoyou;-whatforwedealwithyou,hani,a?”
Tullycameoutoftheoproom,Churattendinghim.Hehadonhisnewstsho-madeshirt,whitesilkandblueborders-lookedimmaculatelycivilizedandnolittleupsetintheshouting.“Thepapers,Tully,”Pyanfarsaid.“Showthemtothiskindmahe.”
Hefishedinhispocketforthefolder,paleeyesanxious.
“Igotnoneedcursedpapers,”theVoicesnapped.Tullyhadthemallthesame,heldthemopeninfrontofthemahe,whowavedthemaside.
“Youissuedthem,”Pyanfarsaid.“Propertyofthekif.Propertyofthekif,yousay.Youlookatthisfine,thishonest,thisdocumentedmemberofanintelligentandcivilizedspacefaringspeciesandyoutalkabouthimwithwordslikepropertyofthekif?Icalldownshameonyou;Iaskyouexplaintohim,you,inyourownwords,explainthisproperty.”
TheVoiceflattenedherears,lookedasideatherattendant,whoprofferedascentbottle.InelaborateindirectiontheVoiceunstoppeditandinhaled,recollectingherselfinretreat.Herfacewhennextshelookeddownatthemwastolerablymild.
“Thetapes,”theVoicesaid.“Thetapesyoumakedealcoversomedamage.”
“Allthedamages.Nofines.Nocharges.Nocomplaints.”
‘‘Starchaserrescue.”
“Aseparatematter.ChanurandFahatogetherwillstandgoodforitwhenwereachhome.Asforthecaptainoftherescueship,hehasmyguarantee,whichisworthmorethanhislosses.It’ssettled.”
TheVoiceconsideredamoment,nodded.“Thetape,”shesaid,holdingoutherhand.“Thisgive,repairfinish.Giveyousafeescort.Fairdeal,Chanur.”
Pyanfartookitfromherpocket,anuncommonwarmthaboutherears-lookedasideatTully.Shethrustitathim.“Yougiveit.Yours.”
Hilfyopenedhermouthtosaysomething,andshutit.Tullylookeddownatthecassette,lookedupattheVoiceandhesitantlyhandedthetapetowardher.“Friend,”hesaidinthehanitongue.“Friendtomahe.”
Thedark-furredhandclosedonthecassette.TheVoicelaidbackherearsandpursedhermouthinthoughtfulconsideration.Tullystillhadhishandout-hisownkindofgesture,whowasalwaystouching;keptitout.Slowlythemahereachedout,alienprotocolbeinghercalling,andgamelysufferedTullytoclaspherhand,tookitbackwithoutvisibleflinching…butwithasubduedquietunlikeherself.Shebowedherheadthatslightestdegreeofcourtesy.“Icarryyourword,”shesaid.
AndwithascowlandaglanceatPyanfar:“Undockonehour,firm.KirduStationgiveyouallpossiblehelp.Urgeyougiveuslocationofthisgoodfellowhomeworld-dangertoloseyou,him,all,thistrip.”
“Beyondthekifisthelocationwepresentlysuspect.Haven’thadthetimetolearn,honorable.”
“Stupid,”theVoicesaidwithherprofessionallicense.
“Ourunfortunatefriendwasdraggedthroughmiserablecircumstanceswiththekif;hurt;notstupid-toowisetotalkwithoutunderstanding.Nowthere’stoolittletime.Youhelpusgetoutofhereandwe’llsettlethekifsoonerorlater.”
“Thishakkikt….Akukkakk.Weknowthisone.Badtrouble,Chanurcaptain.”
“Whatdoyouknow?”Pyanfarasked,suddenlyandnotforthefirsttimesuspiciousofeverymahe.atKirdu.“Whatdoyouknowaboutthiskif?”
“Youundockonehour.Skimmersgonow.Youmakegoodquickvoyage,Chanurcaptain.”
“Whatdoyouknowaboutthekif?”
“Whatdoyouknowaboutthekif?”
“Goodvoyage,”theVoicepronounced,andbowedonceandgenerally,collectedherattendantandwalkedfortheairlock.
“Hai,”Pyanfarsaidinvexation,andwithawaveofherhandsentHaralstridingaftertheVoiceandhercompanion.ShelookedaboutatHilfy,whoseearsweresomewhatdown;andatTirunandChurandTully.Tullylookeddisquieted.“Good,”Pyanfarsaidtohim,clappinghimonthearm.“Goodtouch,that‘friend.’Youlaidtheburdenonher,youknowthat?That’stheVoicethatspeakstoandforthePersonagehimself,thestationmasterofKirdu;andbythegodsyoudidit,myclever,mymannerlyOutsider,youthrewthatonerightinthestationmaster’slap.”
Tullyglanceddown,madeasmallshrug,nolesstroubled-looking.Shewasnotwearingthetranslatorplug.“Anhour,hear?”shesaidtotheothers,toTirunandHilfyandChur-andGeran,whowouldbekeepingwatchintheoproomwithstrangersrunninginandoutoftheship:nowayitwasunattended.“Anhourandwe’reunderway,outofhere.Home.”“Howarewedoingit?”Gerancalledfromoutoftheroom.“Stringingthejumpslikebefore?”
“Closeaswecancutit,”Pyanfarsaid,andlookedleftasmovementcaughthereye,Haral’sreturnfromthelock,asfarasthebeginningofthecorridor.
“Sealusup,captain?”Haralshouteddownthecorridor.
“Sealusup,”Pyanfarconfirmed,andstoppedinmid-waveasatalldarkfigureappearedinthecorridorbehindHaral“Ware!”
Mahendo’sat.Haralhadalreadyspunabout,andthelanky,dark-furredmahewalkedoninasifhebelonged,flashingagilt-edgedgrin.
“Ismehanan-”Pyanfarshouted.“-Goldtooth,godsrotyou,slinkingintomycorridorswithoutabyyourleave-Wholetyouin?”
Thegrininnowisediminished.Themahegaveasweepingbowandstraightenedasshestrodeuptohim.“Gotsuddenbusiness,Chanur,maybesameyoucourse.”
“Whosebusiness?”
“Maybesameyoubusiness.”
“Maybesameyoubusiness.”
Sheswelledupwithabreathandlookedupathim,handsinthebackofherwaistband.“Maybeyoutalkstraight,captain.Once.”
“Whereyougo?”
“MaybeIshouldbroadcastitonthedock.Forthekif.”
“Home,maybe?Ajirroute?”
“Guessasyoulike.”
“GotMahijiruweaponsfirstrate;friendminemakeporttoday,alsogotnumber-onerig.Waitover,Chanur.”
“Bastard!”
Hesteppedback,heldahandup,blunt-nailed;hers,lifted,wasnot.Hegrinnedwiththefendinggesture.“Necessity,timemaheshedcargo.”
“Youegg-suckingliars.WhereI’mgoinghasnothingtodowithyou;hanibusiness,youhearthat?Privatebusiness.Youwantaquarrelwiththekifyougofindyourown.”
“Gohome,doyou?”
“Privatebusiness,I’mtellingyou.”
“Warnyou,”Goldtoothsaid.“Once.Maybenowgomakedealhaniport;lotstrade.Youtalkforyourgoodfriendthere,yes?”
“Goldtooth,whatgameareyouplaying?”
Hegrinnedandturnedonhisheel,walkedofftowardthelock,whereHaralstoodinscowlingindignation.
“Goldtooth!”
Hepausedtowave.“Mahijiruyouescort,captain.Yougotnumberonebest.”
“Rotyourhide,I’mnotplayingdecoyinsomemahengamewiththekif!”
“Rotyourhide,I’mnotplayingdecoyinsomemahengamewiththekif!”
Hewasgonewhiletheechoeswerestillringing.Haral,lackingorders,lookedbackather,andPyanfarslungherarmstohersides,notreckoningongivingany.Itwasthemahe’stermsandtherewasnothingtheycoulddotostophimfromfollowing.“Sealthatlock,”shesaid.“Godsknowwhatelsemightgetin.”Haralwentontherun.Pyanfarlookedaboutattheothers,atTully,andChurandHilfyandTirun;andGeran,whohadsteppedoutofop.
“Mahijiru’son,”Geransaid.“Someone’sjusthookedupashieldedlineandwe’regettingtransmission.Theyclaimthey’vegotordersandthey’reaskingdata.”
“We’regoinghome,”Pyanfarsaidshortly.“Home,bythegods.They’vecostustime.IfStasteburana’sgotnotionsofusingus,rothim,twocanplaythatgame.I’llgivethemourcourse;I’llgivethemaleadininsidetheAnuurnperimeter.”
“Chanur-”Tirunobjectedquietly.
“MorethanChanur’sgotastakeinthis.MaybeAnuurnneedstoseethat.We’vegotourselvestrouble.Widespreadtrouble.Wedon’tknowhowfaritstretches.Thereoughttobehanihere,doyoumarkthat?Lotsofhanishipscomingandgoinghere,notjustTahar.Hereweareatoneoftheprimestopsonourrivals’route…andnohanishipsbutthatone.Homebound.I’lllayyouodds,cousins,they’vebeenstayinghomewhenthey’vecometoport.That’swhat’svacatedthetrackwe’vebeenon.Starchaserknew;word’sbeenpassing,ateveryport,everycontact.”
“Aye,”Churmurmured.“Aye.Gods.Sixmonthstheycouldhavehadatthis-”
“I’mgoingtothebridge.Bridgecrewthispassage-Haral;
Geran;Chur.Therestofyoutakeopstation;andgetTullyhissedative,now,beforesomeoneforgets.”
“Aunt!”Hilfycalledafterher.Pyanfarstoppedandturned.“Captain,”Hilfysaidinaquietervoice.
“Question?”Pyanfarasked,scowling.Hilfy’schinwentup.“No,captain,”Hilfysaidquitesteadily.Pyanfarnodded,withasmalltighteningofthemouth,lookedsatisfactionintoHilfy’scleareyes,thenturnedagainandstrodeofftothelift.
lift.
Downthecorridor,thelockboomedshut.ThePridehadbegunherseparation.
X
“Gettingpickuponthecompanion,”Chursaid,snuggedincomstation.“Theyswearit’sasecureline.”
“Huh.”Pyanfarfinishedupthechecksandreachedforthecontactflashingonhercommodule.“Chanurhere.”
“Introduceyou,”Goldtooth’svoicecamebacktoher.“CaptainPyanfarChanur,gotlinktoAjaJin.CaptainNomesteturjai.”
“Chanur,”avoicerumbledback.“NameJik,here.”
“Numberonefellow,Jik,”Goldtoothsaid.“Honestsameyou,PyanfarChanur.”
“Honestlikestallmeoff;likedelayme.Chanur’sfightingforitslife,yourag-earedbastard,doesthatgetthroughyourhead?Challenge;andI’mnotthere.Inyourspyingabout,doyouknowwhatthatmeans?”
“Ah,”Goldtoothsaid.“Knowthistrouble.Yes.”
Pyanfarsaidnothing,forcedtheclawsbackin.
“KnowwherethisAkukkakktoo,”Goldtoothsaid.“Interested,hanicaptain?”
“AfterI’vesettledmyownbusiness.”
“Sameplace.”
“Anuurn?”
“Keepyoualive,hani.Wemakeslowmaybe,butyoumakedealwewant.Morebigthanpearlsandwelders,a,hani?”
“Youfollow,rotyou.”Shekeyedthroughthecourseandthegraphoncomp.“There’stheway.”
Amahenhisscameback,throatyandrueful.“Yousteerbyluck,hani?Youcrazymad,thatcourse?”
“Doitallthetime,mahe.Scareyou?”
“Hanijoke,a?”
“Gottwokifdockeddownthere.Wego,they’llgo.Yougotthatpatrolalerted?”
“Got,”camethatsecondvoice.
“Ha,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Yougotyourdata;gotallyouwant.Enough.We’regettingoutofhere.”
“A.”
Assent.PyanfarflungaglancetowardHaral,acrosstheseparatingconsole,andthecontactwentout.Churflickedsignalstothedockcrew.“Gotusprioritiedout,”Churreported.“Noproblem.”Thelineswerecomingloose.Telltalesbegantoflash,wantingportssealed.Haralputthesealsinfunction,straightdownthesequence.Screensinfrontofnumberonepostlivened,Geranroutingthroughthestationscanimage.Theairlockgrappleclangedintounlock,andthelastoftheseal-portswasfirm.“Movingout,”Pyanfarwarnedoverallship,andclearedThePride’sowngrapples,hergriponstationindependentofthestation’sgriponher:thoseboomedintothehousing,andundockingjetseasedthemclear.
Itwasasmoothparting,aneasypushclearandanosingtowardanuntraffickednadirasgstartedup,awhineoftherotationalengines.Compflashedthemtheirlane,andscanshowedMahijiruandAjaJinmovingdownbelowthestationrimoffportside.ThePridegatheredmomentum,asolidgandahalfnow,outbound.
“Kifarebreakingfree,”Chursaid,commonitor.“Stationadvises.”
“Noscanconfirmation,”Geransaid.
Pyanfarwasalreadyreachingfortheshieldedweaponsswitch,uncappeditandflickediton:arippleoflightsadvisedthegunportswereclearing.“Stayonthat,”shetoldHaralwithouttakinghereyesoffherownbusiness.“Nocompsynch,notwiththemaheintheway.Can’tbetakingoneofthembymistake.”
“Hopethey’reasconsiderate,”Haralmuttered.
“Huh.”
“Huh.”
“Kifaremovingout,”Geransaid.“Numbertwoscreen.”
“Where’sourescort?”Pyanfarwonderedglumly.“-Opdeck,staybraced.Listeninandtakeyourcues.”
“Escortmoving,”Chursaid.“They’reonintercept;station’sgotthemscan-blanked.”
“Understood.”Shedartedalookatstationsentscan,onwhichtheythemselvesshowedasanoversizedwedge,massedblipofshipsinsynch.Geransentanotherimage.Gcontinued,draggingatthegut,strainingherarmbackagainsttheelbowbrace.Thekifwerenotgaining,weremaintainingasedateaccelerationintheirwake.
GoldtoothandthisstrangerJik:escort.Shedidnot,sheadmittedtoherself,understandthemahenorderofthings,nomorethanoutsidersunderstoodthestsho.Tradingwiththemwasonething.FiguringoutthelimitsofamahelikeStasteburanawasanother.Goldtoothandthismahefriendofhis,thisshipwhichhadcomekitingintosysteminthehourofTahar’sexit-merchanters,maybe;butwhatshesawofMahijiruandAjaJinonvidwasominouslylean,ominouslytrimwiththeircargoholdsstrippedoff;alotofspacegiventothepowerassemblyonthosetwo,aprofligatelotofjumpcapacitymaskedbythosemissingholds,odd-shapedcoresswellinginsuchfashionthattheywouldcutintoanyreasonablegeometryoftankswhichhadbeenstrappedon.Vaneswithstrangedarkinterstices,likefoldingjoints,vaneslargerthanshipsoftheirmassoughttocarry.Itwasacuriousthing,thatshipsneversaw“achother;thattheynoseduptostationandstayedinvisiblebehindstationwalls;thattheyexistedasblipsanddotsandfiguresincomp,movingtoofastforvidtopickup.Onlynowthattheywereinsynch,apackagemovingatthesamevelocityandinsightofeachother-
“Runnerships,”PyanfarmutteredtoHaral.“Lookatourescort,cousin.”
“Gotthat,”Haralsaidquietly.“Gotthat,Captain.”
Somethingnewamongthemahendo’sat.Somethingwhichhadtohavebeenveryquietforalongtime.Shipslikethekifrunners.Hunterships.Hermustache-hairsdrewtautasifhernosehadpickedupsomething.Gods:Mahijiru,outprowlingaboutMeetpoint,outonthefringesofstshospace-
Mahijiru,outprowlingaboutMeetpoint,outonthefringesofstshospace-Huntingrumors?Acrewloungingonthedock,loudandvisiblewithrepairtheycouldhavedoneinsideaswell.Twosetsofhuntersonthedocksbesidesthekifthemselves,andtheyhadcomesniffingroundeachother,eachsocleverlyassayingtheother,sheandthemahe-
“Thatgoldtoothedbastardknewsomething,”Pyanfarsaid.“Fromtheverystartheknew.KnewthisAkukkakk;knewthosekifships;knewwhatwasstirringouthere.”
Haralshotheradisquietedlook.
“Knnn,”Geransaidsuddenly;andvidwentoffandanotherimagecamein,sectorizedonthemassofknnnships,whichwerenolongerstationary.
“Gods,”Churmuttered,“herewego.”
“Nevermindtherottedknnn,”Pyanfarsaid.“Watchthekif;op,takethatsectorizedimageandkeepusposted.”
Itvanishedfromherscreen;Tirunacknowledgedreceptbelow.Behindthem,ontheimagewhichturnedup,thekifstartednowtomove.
“Gotusknnn,”Goldtooth’svoicecutin,transferredfromChur’sboard.
“Nuisance,”Pyanfarsaid.“Youknowmorethanthat,mahe?Whatmoredoyouknow?AbouthowyouwerehuntingtroubleatMeetpoint?”
“Gotnoneedhunt.Haniinport.”
“Captain.”Tirun’svoice.“Decreasedinterval.”
Shewaswatchingit.Flexedherclawscarefullyonthetogglegrip.“Movingout,”shetoldthemahe.“Goingtoboostupandtest;clearmyfield,understand?Nomoretimehere.”
“A.”
Shemovedthecontrol.ThePridekickeduptowidentheintervalbetweenherselfandthemahe.Thenumberonescreenflickedfromscantoabracketedstar;theimagesshiftedonescreenoveranddumpedthevidentirely.Onscanthekiffellfartherandfartherbehind,chancingnothingwiththepatrol.
kiffellfartherandfartherbehind,chancingnothingwiththepatrol.
Andtheknnn-theknnnstreamedalonginamanicflood,acceleratingastheywent,afewpointsofftheircourse.
“Intervalachieved,”Haralsaid.
“Boostingup,”Pyanfarwarnedtheothers.Shehitthejumppulse,lightly,swallowedagainstthequeasinessandsawtheinstrumentssortingthemselvesoutatthenewvelocity.
“Clear,”Haralsaid.“Allstable.Cominguponjump.”
“Standbythelongone,”Pyanfaradvisedthecrewbelow.Castalastandfranticlookatscan,whereMahijiruandAjaJinhadfallenbehindonestimated-position.Nocommunicationpossiblenow:theyweretoomuchlagapart.Itwasthepositionshewanted,themaherunningattheirtail:theirnosetheycouldtakecareofthemselves.Besttoflarethroughanyambushwheretheyweregoingandnotbethesecondorthirdshipin,asStarchaserhadbeenatKita,afterthenesthadbeenstirredandthekifwakened.
Luck,shewishedthemahe.Inspiteofotherthings.Inspiteofdeceits;inspiteofmahenpurposeswhichhadnothingtodowithhers.Luck,shethought;and:connivingliar.
Thecoursewasflashingonthescreen,ajumpfirstforAjir
System,andthroughittoAnuurnitself,thestraightestcourseandthemostvulnerabletoambush;buttheywereoutoftimeforfinesse.
“Ready,”shewarnedthecrew.
Theyreachedtheirpoint.Mahijiruwouldbeafterthem,glidingontheirtail;andAjaJin,thatotherofGoldtooth’silk.…
…alltheway.
Awailfromcomastheycameup,abuoy,Ajirmarkerdoppleredintononsense.Mahendo’sat/hanicooperative,thisstation,fulloftrafficandhazardsinthejumprangeforalunaticchasetocomestreakingthrough,velocityunchecked:a
rangeforalunaticchasetocomestreakingthrough,velocityunchecked:asecondtimetotrythemaneuverthathadfailedatKita,hadfailed,withdamagetotheship.Godshelpanyotherincomerwhochancedtobeintheway.
ALERTALERTALERT,ThePridewailed,capsuledtransmission:maheescortbehind.Likelyhostileaction.Bewareofkifinsystemandout.Launchallsystemdefense.Takeprecaution.Twoshipsfollowingusareescort.Nextistrouble.Casualtiesinpreviousattacks:Handur’sVoyager;Faha’sStarchaser.Kifattackonnon-Compactunarmedship,threealiencasualties.ALERTALERTALERT….
ChaoswouldbreaklooseatAjir:kifatdockmighttakeexceptiontoit;Handurmightbeheretohearit;andFaha.
Ifthekifwerenotwaitinghere,inambushalready…
ThemassthatwasAjir,ayellowsun,loomedahead:Ajir,askewfrommoststarsoftheregion,wearingitsbeltofworldsanddebrisrakishlyaslant-hazard,Pyanfar’smemorykeptwarningher,distantandfoggedinthemuddleofpostjump,ofextremevelocitiesandinstrumentsfeedingthemonlytheskimofreality,toofast,toofast….
“Whereisit?”sheaskedofHaral-forthegods’sakes,homestar…ablindnewborncouldsenseitfromAjir,couldfeelit,headforithowevershakeninjump:theirbowwastowardit.
“Lockedon,”Haral’sslowvoicepurredthroughthemadness,slow,whentheywerepushingcandthesystemwaswhippingpastinunreality,movingwhiletheydriftedthroughmovements:onedoppleredstarwasclearforthem,zeroedinthebrackets,andalltheresthadgonemad….
Home.
Weeks,inthetime/notimeofjump.…
Theywerein.Hardtothink,tobeginthedumpsequences.Theshipwouldtakeoverwhenmanualinterventionfailedutterly;woulddumpvelocityandglidethemtoanoutsystemhalt,stillwithinreturnrange.Easiertoletitslide,letthesystemblurpast,letthemachinerytakeover—
systemblurpast,letthemachinerytakeover—
No.Theywereonmanualoverridefromthelastone.Machine-ruleswerealreadyviolated.Pyanfarliftedthearm,sawwithherdazedvisionHaral,whohadbegunthesamedesperatestruggle,slowandsicklyintheaftermathoftheirarrival.Awarninglightwasblinking,notthesamemalfunction,butoutsidealert:comrecept-beacon-Theydumpeddownandwenttotallyblindforaninstant.Anuurnbeaconwelcomedthemoutofit;theirownalertwasstillgoing,cryinghavocwheretheywent.Shegotherhandup,signaledChurwithablinker;afteraninterminablemomentitwentout.
Seconddump.TherewasTully’svoiceovertheopencom;andHilfy’scomfortinghim-Hilfy,whonotsolongagohadriddensicklythroughthejumps,andnowsteadiedtheirpassenger.
“Gettingimage,”Geransaid.“Thereareshipsouthere.”
Noneintheirway:Geranwouldnotbesocalm.Theywerezenithofeverythingandeveryone.
“Gettingcourseinput,”Haralsaid;andthescreenshifted,linesblinkingandcallingformatchup,thelaneassignmentfromthebuoy.
Thirddump.Pyanfarswallowedheavilyandlookedatscanagainasitsorteditselfout.“Imageaft,”Geransaid:itwenttonumbertwoscreen.Mahijiru.Thewavefrontwasrunninguptheirbacksides,wherethatshipanditspartnerwereaimediftheydelayeddump.
“Tooclose,mahe,”Pyanfarmuttered.
Finaldump.Theyhitcourse,downtheslotandtrue,onKilanStation’sguidance.“TransmitintenttodockatGaohn,”Pyanfarsaid:thatwastheinnermostofthetwostationsofAhrSystem,thataboutAnuurnitself.Thesignalwentout:theacknowledgmentflashedbackfromoneoftherobotbuoys,automaticrouting,approachasroutineasanyincomingmerchanter.
“Dumpbehindus,”Chursaid.“Secondarrival;bothourIfriendsarein.”
“Transmitinstructionstoignoreroutingandstayonourtail.Givethemasignal.”
“Stationscan,”Geransaid,“isshowingalotofships.Alotofships.”
“Stationscan,”Geransaid,“isshowingalotofships.Alotofships.”
Pyanfarlooked.SixmajorplanetsaboutAhr:Gohin;Anuurnitself;Tyo;Tyar;TyriandAnfas-withassortedmoons,ringsandplanetoids.Anuurnalonewascomfortablyhabitable;andGaohnStationcircledit;andtherewasKilanStationwhichsupportedthelittlecolonyonTyo.Therewasalwaystraffic.Haniwerenotthecoloniststhatmahendo’sat”andstshoandevenknnntendedtobe:buthere,inhome-system,therewasalwaystraffic,fromlittleshipswhichpliedthesystemtothegreateroneswhichjumpedinfromotherstars;therewasthehugenull-gshipyardofHarnStation,whereallhanishipswerebornandwheretheycameforrefittingandrepair.
Butthereweretwicetheusualnumber,easilytwice,shipsinofflanespositions,waiting;shipsinclusters;shipsbygroupsoffourandfive.“Idon’tlikethat,”Haralsaid.
“Notallours,”Pyanfarsaid.Andafteramoment:“He’shere.Goldtoothsaidit;thekifatKirdusaidit.Hinukku’scomehere.Afterrevenge.”
Noonesaidanything.Theminutescreptuponthechronometer.ThePridewassendingherownsignal,computertalkingtocomputer.Atelltaleflashedandasignalcameovercom.“Mahijiru,”Chursaid.“AjaJin,Bothmovinguponourtrack.”
“Blinkthemacomeahead,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tightbeam;nothingmore.”
“Permissiontomoveabout,”Tirunsentfromlowerdeck.“Denied.Gotasituationhere.Stayput.”“Understood,”Tirunanswered.
Churleaneddown,openedthecabinetbyherpostandbroughtoutabottle,suckedabitfromitandpassediton;itwenttoGeranandtoHaral;finallyintoPyanfar’shandwithanexactquartervisiblethroughtheopaqueplastic.Shesippedatit,hermouthlikepaperandtastingdaysstale;herhandleftshedfuronthemoistbottlewhenshedroppeditintothewasteholder.Thesaltandthemoisturehelped,tooksomeoftheshakesfromherlimbs.Therewasstillamiseryinherbackandinherjoints,atendencyforhereyestoblur.Noteasyonthebody,double-skipping.Bodieswerenotdesignedforsuchabuses.Shethoughtofdocking,ofhavingtowalkabout,todealwithpossibletrouble-Togetashuttleandtogetdownworldwithallelsehoveringaboutthem….
Somethingclenchedabouthergut,protesting.Shelookedatscan,theirown,
Somethingclenchedabouthergut,protesting.Shelookedatscan,theirown,tightscan,numberfourscreen,whereafriendlyblipwasmovingupintointercept.Anotherblipshowedontheedgeofthescreen.
“Gotsynch,”Goldtooth’svoicecamethrough.“Jikcomeupotherside.”
“Gottoomanyships,”Pyanfarsaid,signalingChurtoputthetransmissionthrough.“Wantyouwhereyouare,mahe.”
Amahenchuckle.“A.”
“Rotyourhide.”
Sheshutitdown.
“Gotstationcontact,”Chursaid.“Theydon’tsayanythingoutoftheway;normalapproachinstructions.”
“Threeberths,”Pyanfarsaid.“Together.Tellthemtoclearsomethingiftheydon’thaveit.Talkthemintoit.”
Itwasalonginterval.Theystillhadlagtimefromstation.“Stationmaster,”Chursaidfinally,“intervenedtograntit.We’vegottwentythroughtwenty-two.”
“Comment?”
“Nothing,”Churreported.
Trouble.Pyanfar’searsflicked.Iftheycoulddemandshipsshuntedaboutandgettheirrequestitwasbecausetheyhadarighttoit;andiftheyhadarighttoit,thentherewasanemergencyinprogress.Homecomingkinhadright-of-way…insituationsofdeath;ofchallenge;ofdisasters.
“System’squiet,”Churreported.“I’mnotgettingidlechatter.They’renotvolunteeringanyinformation,captain.”
“Kif,”Pyanfarsaid.“Outsiderspresent.”
Tullysaidsomethingfrombelowdecks.Wentsilent.Hilfy’svoicefollowed,talkingtohim,lowandurgent.
“Let’snothaveanypanicdownthere,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tully.Quiet.Takeorders,
“Let’snothaveanypanicdownthere,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tully.Quiet.Takeorders,hear?”
“Understand,”Tullysaid.
Theminutescrawledpast.Jik’sAjaJincameintoposition,sothatThePridewentflankedbythemahe.“Goldtooth,”
Pyanfarsaid.“Youcomeonstationwithme;wantyourfriendstayoutofdockandwatch,a?”
“A,”theanswercameback,shortandsweet;fromJiknoword.Hewoulddoit,Pyanfarthought.Stationwassendingspecificinstructions:Haralwasattendingthat,inputtingitforcomp.ShehittheshuntwhichdumpedthedataontoHaral’sscreens,withablinkingwarningthatcontroloftheshipcamewithit:Haralnodded,acceptingitwithoutmissingakeystroke.Pyanfarloosedherrestraints,swunghercushionaboutandassayedtogetherfeetunderher.
“Gettothebridge,”shetoldthosebelow,leaningovercom.“Aye,”Tirunsentback.Pyanfarwalkedaboutabit,unsteadyonherfeet,bentdownenoughtogetsomeofthedriedfoodoutofstoragebyherownconsole.Chipsandbottlesofsalts.Sheopenedthem,puttheminreachofHaralandGeranandChur,chewedonabitofdriedmeatandwasheditdownwithhalfabottleoftheliquid.Dehydrated.Thejumpstooksometimeoffbodies.Shewalkedabouttryingtogettheneedlingpainsoutofherjoints,heardtheliftinfunctionandthenstepscomingdownthecorridors.
“Captain.”
Knnn-songwailedoutofcom.
“Godsandthunders!”Pyanfarspat.“Locationonthat.”
“Aheadofus,”Geransaid.“Oneofthoseshipsmovinguponstation.”
TirunandHilfyandTullyhadarrived,stoodtogetherinthearchwaywhichopenedontothebridge,silentinthegratingsoundwhichranthescale.
KnnnnevercalledatAnuurn.Never,tillnow.
“Itoverjumpedus,”Pyanfarsaidwith-shereckoned-commendablecalm.“Ifthat’sourknnn,itjustoverjumpedusbyatleastanhour.”
that’sourknnn,itjustoverjumpedusbyatleastanhour.”
“Fastbastard,”Tirunmuttered.
“Mahijiru,”Chursaid,“asksifwenotice.”
“Cutthatthingoff,”Pyanfarsaid.“TellMahijiruyes,wedidnotice.”Sheprickedupherearswithaneffort,flickingtheringsintoorderontheleft.“Hilfy.Tully’schannel.”Hilfyturnedherpagerontobroadcast.“Tully-we’rehomenow.Anuurn.Gottroublehere.”
“Kif,”Tullysaid.“Ihear.Hani-makedealwiththem?”
“Papers,”Pyanfarsaidsharply,andwhenTully’shandwenttohisleftpocket:“Youkeepthosewithyou.You’reregistered;you’vegotanumberintheCompact.No.Nowaythekifcantakeyoubylaw.Goingtohaveonelotofmadkif,maybe;maybesomemadhani.Buttheycan’ttakeyou,exceptbyforce.”
“Fightthem.”
“Youtakemyorders.Mycrew,myorders.”
“Pyanfar.”Tullythrustouthishandtostopherfromturningaway.“Idon’tgofromyou.”
Pyanfarflattenedherears,staringupintoTully’spale,distraughteyes.“Idon’tneedsomeonemakingmeconditions.YoudowhatItellyou.”
“Do.Yes.Igoonthisship.Withyou.####give###haniIquickdead.”
“We’vegottroublesenough,Outsider.Hanitroublesaswellaskif.Letbe.”
“Withyou.Longtimevoyage.Withyou.”
“I’mnotyourkin,rotyou.Youcomeonmyship,youmakemetrouble-whatinaMahenhelldoIoweyou?”
“Dead,outside.Needyou.”
“Huh.”Male.Theshoutleftaquietafterit.Alienmale,butallthesameshesawthelinedrawn,theedgepastwhichtherewasnothinking…theirpatient,docileOutsider.Shecuffedhisarm,clawsnotquitepulled.“Youlisten,friendTully;
Outsider.Shecuffedhisarm,clawsnotquitepulled.“Youlisten,friendTully;youthink,rotyourhide.Wegooffthisship;we;you;wecomeback,youcomebackwithus.Hear?”
“Comewithyou?”
“Isayit.”
Heflunghisarmsabouther;sweaty,reekingashewas,astheybothwere,hehuggedherwithabandon.Shefreedonearmandtheotherandshovedhimoffinindignation,whichinnowisechangedthelookinhiseyes.
“Doallyousay,”hesaid.
“Bythegodsyou’lldoit.YoudosomethingwrongandI’llnotchyourearsforyou.YoukeepthatbrainofyoursworkingorI’llrattleitlikeagourd.Canyoudothat?Canyoulookatakifandnotgocrazy?”
Thattookamoment’sthought.Henoddedthen.“Getthemothertime,”hesaidconfidently,wavedahandtowardthewideinfinite.“Wegofindkifothertimepulltheirheadsoff.”
Themangledextravaganceappealedtoher;hedid,withhisclear-eyedinsanity.Shecuffedhimharderandgotamoment’sshock,nottemper-likeKhym,likeherowneasygoingKhym,whereKohanwouldhaveswungandcursedatthesting.Shewasreassured,thathewascapableofrestraint,thatacuffontheearsstoodachanceofgettinghisattention;thatblunt-fingeredandslenderashewas,acoupleofthemcouldholdhimiftheyhadto.“Ifwegetoutofthis,”shepromisedhim,“wegoskinsomekif.Nexttripout.Itakeyouwithme.”
Thatwaspremature.Theyownednothingtogiveaway,leastofallthedispositionoftheOutsider.LoseChanur,shethoughtwithachill,andtheycouldmakenomorepromisesatall;butconfidenceburnedinTully’seyes,atrustthathewastheirs.
Gods.Theirs.Theirsformanaging,forusing,forfindingthelocationofhisdistantpeoplebeforethemahendo’satorthekifcoulddoso,andmakingawedgeforChanurtrade.ButitwasHilfy’skindofalookhegaveher.Worship…notquite.Absolutebelief.ShelookedatHilfytobesureandfoundthesame.Lookeddisquietedlyattheothers,atHaralandGeranandChurandTirun,whohadtheirownrightsonthisshipwhichwastheirsaswellashers,whohadbeen
hadtheirownrightsonthisshipwhichwastheirsaswellashers,whohadbeenherelongerandknewbetterandhadtoknowwhattheoddswere.Itwastheretoo-quieter,butascrazilytrusting.Shetalkedaboutgoingkif-huntingandtheygaveherthatkindofstare.
“Keepitsaneinhere,”shesaid.“I’mgoingtocleanup.Tully,forthegods’sake,bathe.”
Shestalkedout.ThePridestreakedontowardstation.Shehadnoleastdoubtthatsomeofthoseshipsouttherewerekif,andthattherewasatleasttheremotepossibilitythatthekifmightfaceaboutandstartarunattheminsomeberserknotionofrevenge.
IfthisAkukkakksawnootherpossibility,hemight.Buthispresencehere,beforeher,indicatedthatheknewthatshehadtocomehere;andwhy;andthathehadachanceofrevengefarwiderthanoneship,ahandfulofdeaths.
ItwasChanurhewasaimingat.Hisinformationwasaccurateenoughtohavebroughthimhere.Somewhere,hanihadtalked;andheknewwheretoputthepressureon.
Faha,shethoughtunworthily,butthesuspicionnaggedather.IfnottheFaha,others,whohadtalkedtoofreelyatsomedockor-godshelpthem-Handurprisoners,takenaliveatMeetpoint.Shedoubtedthelatter:thedestructionhadbeenthorough:andGoldtoothdeniedthechanceofsurvivors.Butsomeone,somewhere-hadsaidenoughinthewronghearing.Sheputthethoughtaway.Itwastoobitter.
Sheworetheredthistime,redsilkbreechesandthebestofherringsandthependantpearl.Appearances.Shecombedandbrusheduntilhermaneandherbeardgleamedredgoldhighlights.Shesplashedonperfume,reckonedthatsomesweeterscentwouldhardlyhurtTully,andpocketedoneofseveralvialsinthedrawer.
ForHilfyshepocketedsomethingtoo.Shewentbacktothebridgethen,distractedherselfwithcurrentreportsontheirapproach-Hilfywasnotthere,norwereTullyorGeranorChur,butTirunhadtakenthenumberthreecushionnextHaral.“Notrouble,”Pyanfarobserved.
“Routinesofar,”Haralsaid.
“Routinesofar,”Haralsaid.
“I’lltakeit.Yourturn.”PyanfarslidinatherplaceandHaralslidoutofhers,wearyandstaggeringintheuseofcrampedmuscles.
“Gettingsomekiftransmission,”Tirunsaidafteramoment.“Operational.Theyknowwe’rehere.Nothingmoresaid.”
“Howmanyofthem,doyoureckon?”
“Station’sgivenusanaccuratecount.Seven.”
“Godshavemercy.”
“Aye.”
Pyanfarshookherheadandcalledupthevariousimagesavailabletoherscreens.Theywerecominginunderautomaticatpresent,lockedonstation’sguidance.Vidimagefilledonescreen,Anuurnitself,blueandmarbledwithcloud.Beautiful.Itwasalwaysbeautifulonapproach,neversospectacularasUrtur,butfulloflife.Itconjuredblueskies;andgrassy\plainsandbroadriversandvastseas;itconjuredcolors;andscents;andtextures;andagutfeelingwhichwasdifferentthanallotherwords…forhani.
Shewatchedatherleisure:withThePrideunderautomatictherewaslittleelsetodo.Asweepoftheirsecondvidcamerashowedtheirmahenescortsridingslightlyaft,twosleekkillers,sopreciseinpositiontheymighthavebeenonesingleship.
“AjaJinadviseshe’lldropbacktoguardaswegoin,”Tirunsaid.
“Understood.”
“Stillpickingupsignalfromthatknnn.Triedthetranslatoronit.Igetnothingbutadockingmatchup,asidefromthesinging.”
“Theydocked?”
“Quarterhourago.Godsknowwhatstation’sgoingtodowiththem.Nofacilitiesexcepttheemergencyhookup.Idon’tgetanyoutsidetransmissiononthatproblem.”
“Huh.”
“Notawordfromanyoneelseinsystem.Unnaturalquiet.”
“Kifdocked?”
“Allseven.”
“Thankthegodsforthat.Yousure?”
“Station’swordonit.”
Pyanfarlaidherearsback,scowled.Itwastoocooperativeallround,kifwhoputintostation…somethingwascrookedhere.Badlyoutoftrim.Itwasfartoolatetoturnabout.AndtherewasKohanandallofChanurbelow,whohadnosuchoptionstoturnandrun.ThereforeThePridedidnot.
“Stationrequestsallweaponsshielded.”
Pyanfarconsideredamoment,reachedtotheboardandcomplied.“Done,”shesaid,wishingotherwise.PresumablyMahijirudidthesame.AjaJinhaddroppedbehindthemnow,inadefensivepositionattheirvulnerabletails.
“Gotplan?”Goldtooth’svoicereachedherearsthen,transferredfromTirun’sboard.
“Wantyouwithmewhenwegoout,”shesaid.“Youunderstandhanistationrules.Knowthemall?”
“All,”Goldtoothconfirmed.
“Seeyouonthedock.”
Weapons,shemeanttosay:hanistationsobservednoweapons-rules.Itwasnotathingshewantedtodiscussoncom.Shetrustedthatthemahewouldturnuparmed.Itwascertainthekifwould.
XI
Automationtookthemintothelast,truedtothecone.Itwasaneasydock.Thegrapplestouchedandlockedonbothsides.Theinstructioncameuptoaccessthelineports;declined,shesentback,refusingthatmandatedservice.Itwasnotlikely,consideringthecircumstances,thatstationwouldquibble.Noobjectioncameback,onlyapressurereadingforthestationitselfandarecommendationtousetheah-shuntinthelock.
“Theyknowit’strouble,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Tirun,someone’sgottostayaboard.You’reit;youandGeran.Sorry.”
“Aye,”Tirunmutteredunhappily.Nodiscussion.“ShallIpageGeranandadviseher?”
“Dothat.”
“Wantbothofyoufit.Ifwecan’tgetback,takecommand,yourowndiscretion.Taketheshipandgetoutofhere,pickupcrewatKirdu-mahendo’satoranythingelse;andmakeitcount,hearme?”
Tirun’searswentdown.“You’renotplanningonit.”
“Godsno,I’mnotplanningonit.Butif,if,oldfriend.Ifwelose-inanysense-neitherhaninorkifsetshandtoThePride.That’sfirm.”
“That’sfirm,”Tirunsaid.“Tully-ourproblemoryours?”
“Mine,”Pyanfarsaid.“He’swalkingevidence.Andmoreproblemthanyouneed.You’vegotthattape;you’vegotanallyintheKirdustationmasterifitcomestothat.Idon’tleaveyouanyinstructions.Ifsomethinggoeswrong,makeupyourownrules.”
“Right,”Tirunsaid.
Theordersplitthesister-teamsdownthemiddle.Ifitcametothat-TirunandGeranwouldbeawoundedhalf.Butthatwasthewayitwent:shewantedHaral’ssizeandstrengthwithher,andTirunwashardlyfitforafight.Churwasthesmallestofthelot,butofthetworemaining,themeanesttemper.Pyanfar
thesmallestofthelot,butofthetworemaining,themeanesttemper.Pyanfarextendedherhandinrising,pressedTirun’sshoulder.Practicalities.Tirunknew.
Theygatheredbelowdecks,allofthem,cleanandcombed,exceptingTirun,whohadnevergottenherturnatwashingup:Tullyworeawhitestshoshirtbeltedhiplengthabouthim,andabetterpairofbluebreeches-Haral’slikely,whohadbeensharingclotheswithhim.Pyanfarlookedthepartyover;andrememberingtheperfumeinherpocket,tookitoutandtosseditatTully.“Allthingshelp,”shesaid.Tullyunstoppeditandsniffed,wrinkledhisnoseandlookeddoubtful,butwhenshejmimedputtingiton,hesplashedsomeonhishandandwipedIhisbeardandhisthroat.Hecoughed,andthrustthebottleintohisownpocket.
“Anothermatter,”Pyanfarsaid,andtookafinegoldringfromthedepthofherlefthandpocket,offeredittoHilfyandhadthesatisfactionofseeingthelookinHilfy’seyes.“Iwon’ttakeyouanywhereringless.Ifwemeetsomekif,orevenpolitercompany-you’dbetterlooklikewhereyoucomefrom,hear,imp?”
“Thankyou,”Hilfysaid,lookeduncertainwithit,andflustered;butGerantuggedherheadoveronthespotandbitaIneatplaceforit,deftlythrusttheearringthroughforherandfastenedit.“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid,therebeingherniecewithIherfirstgoldshininginherearandprideglowinginhereyes,j“Comeon.Let’sfindoutwhat’swaitingoutthere.-Tirun,Geran,youkeepthatlocksealedforeveryonebutus,nomatterhowbaditgetstosound,nomatterwhattheyofferyou.Getonthecominop.TellGoldtoothtogetmoving.”
“Aye,”Tirunsaid.NeitherTirunnorGeranwaspleasedwiththeunshipassignment-Geranwastryingtobecheerful,andnotwellsucceeding:“Takecare,”Geransaid,pattedChur’sshoulder.“Luck,”Tirunsaid,last,andPyanfarnoddedtotheothersandwalkedwiththemdownthecorridor,leavingTirunandGerantogettobusiness:sheandHaralandChur,andHilfy;andTully,wholookedback,whennoneoftherestofthemdid,withaforlornexpression.
Pyanfarwentfirstintotheairlock,waitedforTully,handonthehardnessofthepistolshehadinherpocket-asallofthemhadbutTully;hehurriedinwiththemandHaralclosedtheinnerhatch.OnefurtherinsanemomentPyanfardebatedwithherself,thenmadeuphermindandopenedthelockerbytheouterhatch,tookoutthepistoltheykeptthereandgaveittoTully.“Pocket,”shesaidwhenhelookedanxioussurpriseather.“Pocket.Don’ttouchit.Don’tthinkaboutit.If/fire,youcan,hear?Ifyouseemeshoot,thenyoushoot.ButIwon’t.It’s
If/fire,youcan,hear?Ifyouseemeshoot,thenyoushoot.ButIwon’t.It’scivilizedhere.Hanidon’ttakenonsensefromthekifandkifknowthat.Ifthekifgetnastytheyfindthemselvesmorehanithantheyknowhowtorunfrom.Promiseyou.YoudrawthatatthewrongtimeandI’llskinyou.”
“Understand,”Tullysaidfervently.Hethrustthepistolintohispocketandputhishandsdemonstrativelyinhisbeltathisback.“Itakeorders.Idon’tmakemistake.”
“Huh.”Shetouchedthebar.Theairlock’soutersealopenedforthemandherearspoppedwiththepressurechangeasthecoldairofdocksidesuckedthroughtheaccesstube.Soundsoutsideechoed,nothingoutoftheordinary.Pyanfarledthewayontotherampwayplates,aroundthecurveanddowntowardthegraynessofthedockside,withallitsmetalandmachinery.
Thetranslatorwasoutofpickuprangenow:Tullybecameeffectivelydeafandmute.Pyanfarlookedaskanceathimastheywalkedoutthearchofthefarsidelock,ontothedocksideitself.HewasstickingclosetoChurandHilfy,ortheytohim,whileHaralbroughtuptherear,tallandsolidandlookinglikebusinesswithherscarsandherberingedleftear.HaralhadinstinctivelyplantedherselfbacktheretoguardtherearandquitepossiblytoheadoffTullyifheshouldlosehishead.Thelatterwasnotlikely,Pyanfarthoughtwithsomeassurance.Oldhunterthatshewas,shehadsomesensewhichwaythingswoulddartinacrisis,andshehadTullyfiguredfortheotherdirection.Shedirectedherattentionsharplyahead,wheredockworkershadsetupcordbarriers-whereastationofficial,LlunhouseoroneofhalfadozenotherProtectedfamilieswhichkeptthestation,madeherbodythegateway,guardenoughforahanistation,wherecivilizedfolkknewwhattheywouldtouchoffiftheyharriedawarderrepresentingherfamilyandherfamily’spost.
Llun,thatguard,ifthesetoftheearswasanytrueindication,amaturehaniintheblackbreechesofofficialdomimmemorial.TheLlundrewapaperfromherbeltastheyapproachedher,andofferedit,notwithoutanears-downlookatTully:buttheLlunkeptherdignityallthesame.“Ker
Chanur,you’rerequestedforGatheringinthemainmeetingarea.You’reheldresponsibleforalltheothersofyourparty;it’sassumedthemahenshipisunderyourescort.”
“Accepted,”Pyanfarsaid,takingthepaper.TheLlunmovedasidethentoletthempass,impeccableinherneutrality.Alittledistanceaway,atthenextberth,
thempass,impeccableinherneutrality.Alittledistanceaway,atthenextberth,asimilarbarrierwassetupaboutMahijiru’saccess.“Come,”Pyanfarsaidtotheothers,andwalkedinthatdirection,tookthechancetoscantheofficialsummons.“Chargesfiled,”shesaid.“Compactviolationsandpiracy.”
“Rotthem,”Churmuttered.
“We’regoingtogetthatshelved,”Pyanfarsaid,lookedupagainandletherjawdropasGoldtoothledagoodnumberofmahedownontothedock,aGoldtoothresplendentindarkredcollarandkilt,glitteringwithmahendecorations.“Bythegods,lookathim.”
“Merchanter,”Haralspat.“AndI’mkif.”
“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaidtohercompany.Goldtoothofferedhispaperstothehanionguard,buttheguardwavedhimthroughunquestioned;themaheandhiscrewwalkedouttojoinherinthewalktowardthemaindocksideentry,atoweringdarkcrowdofmahendo’sat.Sidearms,openlycarried,businesslikeheavypistolsstrappedtotherightleg.Decorations,wornbymorethanoneofthegroup.
“Wherewego?”Goldtoothasked.
“Gathering.Ihi.Placewherewesortthingsout.Hanilawhere,mahe.Civilized.”
“Gotkifhere,”Goldtoothmuttered.“GotJikwatchourtail.”
Theyenteredthecorridor.Itstretchedahead,polished,clean,uncommonlyvacant.Noyoungonesabout,preciousfewofanyoneexceptofficialsinuniform,averyfewhanidressedlikespacers,whowatchedinsilenceandsteppedwellaside.
“Toofew,”oneofthemaheobserved.Goldtoothmadealowsound,uninformative.
“Toorottedfew,”Pyanfarsaid.Sheturnedanecessarycorner,sawthedoorsofthemeetinghallahead,double-guarded.Shetooknomorethoughtofhercompanionsthen,ofmaheorOutsiderorkinswomen,flickedherearstosettletheringsinplaceandwavedagrandgesturetotheblack-trouseredhaniwhostoodthere.
“Chanur,”onesaid.Thedoorswhiskedopen,andamilling,noisycrowdofhani
“Chanur,”onesaid.Thedoorswhiskedopen,andamilling,noisycrowdofhaniweregatheredbeyond-acrowdwhichretreatedingrowingquietastheysweptintotheroom.Pyanfarstoppedinthemidst,handsinherbelt,lookedtowardtheCardinalpointoftheroom,atthestationauthoritieswhogatheredthere,atLlunandKhaiandNuurun,SahanandMauraandQuna,evidentbytheirpositionandbythepostedColorsinfrontofwhichtheystood.
Andkif,totheirright,aclusterofblackrobes.Apairofstsho.Pyanfar’snosewrinkledandherearsflattened,butsheliftedthemagainasshefacedtheLlun,whostoodcentermostandprominentamongthestationfamilies.SheheldupthepaperandproffereditforapagewhoretrieveditandtookittotheLlunsenior.
“Chanurrequeststransportdownworld,”Pyanfarsaidquietly.“Ourclaimhasprecedenceoveranylitigation.”
TheLlunsenior-KifasLlunherself,broadandsolidandunmistakableinhergoldandherdignity,unhurriedlytookthepaper,thrustitintoherbelt,andlookedagainatPyanfar.“AcomplaintofpiracyhasbeenfiledbyCompactlaw;bytreaty,thisstationhasobligationswhichhaveprecedence.”
“Therightsofafamilywhenquestionedbearontreatylawanddefinethehan.Ourplaceisinquestion.”
TheLlunhesitated,mouthtaut.“Challengehasn’tyetbeenissued.”
“Yet.Butitwillbenow-won’tit,herKifas?Youknowit;andIknowit;andtherearethosehereflatlycountingonit.Pointofequity,herKifas.Pointofequity.”
Therewaslongsilence.TheLlunsenior’searsloweredandlifted.Hernosewrinkledandsmoothedagain.“Pointofequity,”shedeclared.“Thecompositionofthehanisinfactinquestion.Familyrighttakesprecedence.ThehearingispostponeduntilChanurrightsandMahnhavebeensettled.”
“No,”saidafamiliar,kifishvoice.Amongthetall,black-robedfigurestherewasastirring,andPyanfarmovedherhandstoherhipsandclosetoherpockets.Moreofthekifmoved-totheoutrageofthehall,thewholekifishcontingentlefttherimofthemeetinghallandcameouttothecenterofit.Thestshomovedwiththem,ganglingpalefigures,sorrowfullygaunt,theirpastelpatternsasymmetricanderraticontheirwhiteskins,theirpersonsindisarrayandtheirheadsdrooping.Andonekifstoodtallerthantherest,hisstancethatofauthority
headsdrooping.Andonekifstoodtallerthantherest,hisstancethatofauthorityamongthem.Pyanfarpursedherlipsandslowlydrewthemback,eyesbroadfocusedonallthekif,welltowardadozenofthemand,godsknew,armedbeneaththoserobes.
“Akukkakk,”shesaid.
“Weprotestthisdecision,”thekifsaidtotheLlun.Notwhining,no:hedrewhimselfupwithborderlinearrogance.“Wehavepropertyinquestion.We’vesuffereddamages.ThisOutsiderandthesemaheareinquestion.IclaimthisOutsiderforkifjurisdiction;andIclaimthesemaheaswellforcrimescommittedinourterritories.They’refromtheshipMahijiru,whichiswantedforcrimescontrarytotheCompact.”
“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid.“Papers.”
Hemovedupbesideherandgavethemtoher,rigidlyquiet.Sheofferedthepaperstothepage,whotookandreadthem.
“Tully.ListedbyKirduStationauthorityascrew,ThePrideofChanur,withamahenregistrationnumber.”
“Theconnectionisobvious,”thekifsaid.“IchargethisOutsiderwithattackonakifshipinourterritories;withmurderofkifcitizens;withnumerousatrocitiesandcrimesagainsttheCompactandagainstkiflawinourterritories.”
Pyanfartiltedherheadbackwithasmall,unfriendlysmile.“Fabrications.IstheLlungoingtotoleratethismove?”
“Inwhichacts,”Akukkakkcontinued,“thisChanurshipandallitscrewintervenedatMeetpoint,withtheprovocationofashootingincidentonthedocks,thekillingofoneofmycrew;withtheprovocationofahaniattackinthevicinityofthestation,inwhichwedefendedourselves.Inwhichattackthismaheintervenedandtookdamage,arecklessactofpiracy-”
“Lie,”Goldtoothsaid.“Gotherepapersmygovernmentchargethiskif.”
“Awide-reachingconspiracy,”Akukkakksaid,“inwhichChanurhasinvolveditself.Ambition,wisehani.Don’tyouknowtheChanur…forambition?Iamkif./haveheard…theChanurhavemaintainedatightholdoverthefartherterritorieswhereyourshipsgo,privateforthemselvesandtheirpartisans.Now
territorieswhereyourshipsgo,privateforthemselvesandtheirpartisans.Nowtheydealwiththemahe,ontheirown;nowtheymakeseparatetreatieswithOutsiderforces,contrarytotheCompact,fortheirownprofit.Kifrelationswiththemahearenotfriendly;weknowthisparticularcaptainandhiscompanionwhohoversarmedandwaitingjustoffthestationperimeter,threateningourshipsandyours.Thisisyourlaw?ThisisrespectfortheCompact?”
“Llun,”saidPyanfar,“thiskifisdisregardingthestation’sdecision.Idon’tneedtospecifythegamehe’sengagingin.Thelawprotectsthehanfromsuchoutsidemanipulations.Thesechargesareatactic,nothingmore.”
“No,”saidavoicefromthegallerybehind.Ahanivoice.Avoiceshehadheard.Pyanfarturned,earsflattened,prickedthemupagainasshesawawholearrayoffamiliarfacesontheothersideofthehall.DurTaharandhercrew;andtheFahabesideher.
“Thisisnot,”theLlunsaid,“ahearing.Thekifdelegationhasitsrighttolodgeaprotest;butthematterisdeferred.”
DurTaharwalkedforward,plantedherselfwidelegged.“WhatIhavetosayhasbearingontheprotest.ThekifsrightthattheChanur’sgonetoofar,rightthattheChanur’smadedealsonherown.AskaboutatranslatortapetheChanurtradedtomahendo’satanddeniedtous.AskaboutthisOutsidertheChanurclaimsascrew.AskaboutdealsworkedoutinKirduofficeswhichexcludedotherhaniandcreatedincidentsfromtheretoMeetpoint.”
“Bythegods,ambition!”Pyanfaryelled,andcrookedanextendedclawattheTahar’sperson.“Ambition’saspacercaptainwho’dsidewithahani-killingkiftoserveherhouse’sgrabforpower.Gods!”sheshouted,lookingabouttheroomatstrangefaces,atunknowns,insystemcrewsandlandlessonAnuurnforthemostpart.“IsthereanyoneherefromAheruun?Anyonefromthatsideoftheworld,someoneheretospeakfortheHandurshipthiskifkilledatMeetpoint,whiletheywerenose-to-dockandhadnoideatherewasanytroubleinthesystem?Ambition-istheTahar,wholeftusatKirducrippledandaloneandcamerunninghometousetheinformationtoTaharadvantage,whosideswiththekifwhohitthreehanishipsandafourthshipfromoutsideourspace,akifwho’sterrorizedthesewretchedstshointocomingherewithgodsknowwhatstory,akifwho’screatedacrisisinvolvingthewholestructureoftheCompact.Bythegods,IknowwhatblindstheTahartothefacts-butyou,you,Faha-greatgods,theykilledyourkin,andyoustandtheretakingthepartofthehakkiktwhohadyouboarded?What’shappenedtoyournerve,HilanFaha?”
hadyouboarded?What’shappenedtoyournerve,HilanFaha?”
Hilanopenedhermouthtoanswer,steppingforward,earsback,eyeswild.Thekifhowledandclicked,drowningwhatevershetriedtosay,andhowleduntilAkukkakkhimselfliftedabonygrayarmandshouted,turningtotheLlun.“Justice,hani,justice.ThislyingthiefChanurwasinvolvedfromthebeginning,privateallyofthemahendo’sat,anagentoftheirsfromthebeginning,involvedwiththeminattacks,recklessattacksintoourterritorywhichwedonotforget.”
“Thiskif,”Goldtoothroared,louderstill,“hakkikt.Killer.Thirtyshipshis.Makeallkiftogether,thishakkikt.MakemovenewkindtroubleinCompact,gotnocareCompact,spitatCompact.”Hestrodeforward,pulledawalletfromhisbeltandslammeditintothehandsofthepage.“Paperssayfrommygovernmenttruth.Haniandmahehuntthisone,yes.Gotkifrunfrommahe,moveintoterritorythisnewOutsider,thisTully.Bigterritory.Bigtrouble.Imaketruthforthehan;ImakeliarthisAkukkakkHinukkui.IwitnessatMeetpoint;thiskiflie.”
“Dangerourstation,”thestshostammered,thrustforwardbythekif.“Weprotest-weprotestthisincident;demandcompensation-”
“Enough,”theLlunsaidoveralltheuproar,andhaninoisediedquickly;kifcommotionsankawaylikewise.-“Llun.”HilanFahasaidinthatnewquiet.
“Enough,”theLlunsaid,scowling.“Thekifhashisrighttoprotestandtoadvanceaclaim.Butsincethatclaimexists,allsideshavearighttobeheard.There’safurtherstatemententeredinthiscause.”
Shetookacardfromherbelt,thrustitoutfortheharriedpage,whotookitinhasteandthrustitintothewallslotwhichcontrolledthehallviewingscreen.Itflaredtolife,rapidprintout.
stshokifknnn(*)hanimahetc’a
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Tc’acommunication,matrixcommunicationofamultipartitebrain,simultaneousthought-chains.Pyanfarstudiedit,tookadeeperbreath,andGoldtoothlooked,andthekif,andallthehani.
“It’sourshadow,”Haralmurmured.“It’sthetc’awiththatrottedknnn.”
“Itgotitselfaninterpreter,bythegods,”Pyanfarmuttered,andavastgrinspreadacrossherface.“Gotitselfthattc’aoffKirduandit’stalkingtous,godsprosperit-Seethat,kif?Yourneighborsdon’tlikeyourcompany,andsomeoneelsesawwhathappened,someoneyoucan’tcorrupt.”
“We’vegotamajorcrisisthankstoyou,”DurTaharcried,thrustingherselfbetweenherandtheLlun.“Godsblastyou,Chanur,thatyoucanfindanythingencouraginginknowingthetc’aareinvolvedinthismess.KnnnmobbedmyshipoutboundfromKirdu,knnn,likeintheolddaysofdeadcrewsandstrippedfreighters.Areyouproudofthat,thatyou’vegottentheminvolved?IcallforthedetentionofthisOutsiderpendingjudicialaction;suspensionofthismahe’spermitandpapers;forthecensureofthecaptainofThePrideofChanuralongwithallhercrewandthehousethatsponsorshermeddling.”
“Butnothingforthekif?”Pyanfarreturned.“NothingforakifadventurerwhomurderedhaniandmaheandprovokesapowerfulOutsiderspecies,withallthatmightmean?Ambition,Tahar.Andgreed.Andcowardice.Whathaveyougotfromthekif?ApromiseTaharshipswillbesafeifthisdiesdown?Iturneddownakifbribe.Whatdidyoudowhentheymadeyoutheoffer?”
Itwasachanceshot,awildshot;andtheTahar’searswentbackandhereyeswentwideasifshehadbeenhithardandunexpectedly.Everyonesawit.Therewasasuddenhushintheroom,theTaharvisiblyataloss,thekifdrawingeversoslightlytogether,thestshoholdingontoeachother.Itwasbittersatisfaction,thesightofthatretreat.“Bastard,”Pyanfarsaid,withasuddenrushofsorrowfortheTahar,andfortheFahawhostoodthereinthatcompany,earsfallen.Akukkakkstoodwithhisarmsfolded,kifishamusementdrawingdownthecornersofhismouthandlengtheninghisgray,wrinkledface.
cornersofhismouthandlengtheninghisgray,wrinkledface.
“He’slaughing,”Pyanfarsaid.“Athaniweaknesses.Atambitionthatmakesusforgetwedon’ttradeinallmarkets,inallcommodities.Andathisreckoningwe’lltradeagaintogetourshipsmovingagainoutsideourownhomesystem-becausetherearemorekifouttherethanyousee,andhaniwon’tallfight.Hanineverdo.Hanineverhave.AndI’vebeenstalledlongenough.IwaspromisedtransportdownworldandI’mtakingit.I’mgoinghomeandI’mcomingback,masterthief,masterkiller-andI’llseeyouinthatfullhearing.”
Akukkakknolongerlaughed.Hisarmswerestillfolded.Thekifwereallveryquiet.Thewholeroomwas.PyanfarmadeastiffbowtotheLlun,turnedandwalkedforthedoor,butGoldtoothandhiscrowdlingered,facingthekif.Tullyslowedandlookedback,andPyanfardid,scowling.
“Goldtooth.Youcome.I’mresponsibleforyou,hear?AstheTahar’smadeherselfresponsibleforthiskifonstation.Comeon.”
TheTaharsaidnothingtothegibe.Thatwasthemeasureoftheirdisarray.
“Gotfriend,”GoldtoothsaidtoAkukkakk.“Thistime,gotfriend,andnotatdock.Youdockedgood,kif,gotyounosetostation.Maybeyouaskhanigiveyousafeescort,a?”
Akukkakkscowled.“Perhaps.AndperhapsChanurwillbesokindastodothatherself.WhenshecomesbackfromAnuurn.”
AchillwindwentwanderingacrossPyanfar’sback.Shestaredamomentatthekif,thinkingovertheodds.TheLlunandtheinsystemmerchanterswerethinkinglikewise,surely,whattheymightlogicallydowithsevenkifshipsandtwomahehunters.
“Giveme,”Akukkakksaid,“theOutsider.Orthetranslationtape.It’snotsomuch.Icangetitfromthemahe,soonerorlater.”
“Ha,likeyougetfromhani?”Goldtoothmuttered.
“Whathanigive,”Pyanfarsaiddarklyandwithdistaste,“isamatterforthehan.Consensus.Maybe,hakkikt.Maybewe’lltalkthisthingout,withassurancesonallsides.BeforeitdamagestheCompactmorethanithasalready.”
Thequietpersisted,onallsides.Thestshostaredbackatherfromhauntedpaleeyes,thekiffromred-rimmeddarkones,hanifromamber-ringedblack.Kiffaith.Sheturnedherback,retreatedasfarasthedoorofthechamber,andthistimeGoldtoothandhiscrewwerewithher-andTully,whosefacewaspaleandbeadedwithsweat.
Thedooropenedandsealedagainattheirbacks.TheypassedLlunguards.Thecorridorstretchedahead,empty.
“Goingtomyship,”Goldtoothsaid.“Goingtobackoffandkeepwatchthesekifbastard.”
“Goingtotheshuttlelaunch,”Pyanfarsaid.“Gotbusinesswon’twait.GotstupidsonandtroubleinChanurholding.Lifeanddeath,mahe.”
“Kiffindyougo,makeoneshotyoushuttle.Jikmakeyouescort,a?Runcloseyouside,makeorbit,getyoubacksafe.”
Shestaredupatthemahe’sverysoberface,reachedandclaspedhisdark-furredandmusculararm.“Youwanthelpafterthis,mahe,yougotit.Numberonehelp.Thiskiflies.Youknowit.”
“Knowthis,”Goldtoothsaid.“Knowthisalltime.”
Theirwayspartedattheintersectingcorridor.Pyanfarpointedthewaybacktothedock,astraightwalkonward,andGoldtoothtookit,hiscrewwithhim,adark-furred,tallbodymovingoffdownthehall.Pyanfarmotionedherowngrouptheotherway,whichcurvedtowardtheshuttlelaunch.
Stepshurriedafterthem,clawedhanifeetinundignifiedhaste.Pyanfarlookedaboutastherestofherpartydid,sawayoungandblack-trouseredstationercomepantingtowardher.Theyoungstermadeahastybow,lookedupagain,earsdownindiffidence.“Captain.AnaKhai.Thestationbegsyoucome.Allofyou.Quicklyandquietly.”
“Stationgavemeleaveformyownpressingbusiness,youngKhai.I’mdueashuttledownworld.I’mnotstoppingforconferences.”
“Iwasonlygiventhatword,”theKhaibreathed,hereyesshiftingnervouslyoverthem.“Ihavetobringyou.TheLlunisthere.Quick.Please.”
Pyanfarglaredattheyoungwoman,noddedcurtlyandmotionedtheothersabouttofollowthemessenger.“Quickaboutit,”Pyanfarsnapped,andtheyoungsterhurriedalongatthelimitofherstrides,hardlykeepingaheadofthem.
Itwas,astheKhaihadsaid,notfar,oneofthesecondarymeetingroomsatwhichdoorawholehostofstationersandnofewinsystemspacershovered,acrowdwhichpartedattheirapproachandswarmedinafterthem.
TheLlunindeed.Theoldmanofthestation,sittinginasubstantialcushionedchairandsurroundedbymates/daughters/niecesandafewunderagesons,withoutmentioningtheclientfamiliars,theblack-trouseredofficials,thescatteringofspacercaptains.KifasLlunwasthere,firstwife,standingnearhim,andtherewereothersofotherhouses.AProtectedhouse;theLluncouldnotbechallenged,holdingtoosensitiveapost,likeotherholdersofportsandwaterwaysandthingsallhaniusedincommon,andhehadslidpasthisprime,buthewasimpressivewhenhegottohisfeet,andPyanfarexchangedherscowlforarespectfulnodtohimandtoKifas.
“Thistrouble,”hesaid,andhisvoiceshooktheair,abassrumbling.“ThisOutsider.Letmeseehim.”
PyanfarturnedandgatheredTullybythearm.TherewasapanickedexpressioninTully’seyes,areluctancetogoclosertotheLlun.“Friend,”shesaid.“He.”
Tullywent,then,andPyanfarkeptherclawsclenchedintohisarmtoremindhimofmanners.Tullybowed.Hehadthatmuchsenseleft.“Male,naLlun,”Pyanfarsaidquietly,andtheLlunnoddedslowly,hisheavymaneswingingashedidsoandhismouthpursedwithinterest.
“Aggressive?”theLlunasked.
“Civilized,”Pyanfarsaid.“Butmahe-like.Armed,naLlun.Thekifhadhimawhile.Killedhisshipmates.Hegotawayfromthem.That’swherethisstarted.Wehaveatranslatortapeonhim.We’llprovideitwithnoquibbles.Iwantitonrecordhegaveitfreely,forhisownreasons.IntheTaharmatter-that’sahanquestion.Ididn’ttrusttheTaharasacourier.Godswitness-I’llbesorrytoberight.Andbyyourleave,naLlun,I’llbebacktoansweryourquestions.There’samatteroftimeinvolved.Iwasgivenleavetogo.”
“Challengehasbeengiven,”KifasLlunsaid,andPyanfardartedherahardlook.“Onlynowthewordcameup.”
“Onlynowthewordcameup.”
PyanfarthrustTullybacktoHilfy’skeepingandstartedawaywithoutaword.
‘KerChanur,”Kifassaid,andshecastaburninglookback.“Aquickerway:listentome.”
“I’llwantacomlink,”Pyanfarsaid.“Now.”
“Listen,kerChanur.Listen.”Kifascrossedtheroomtoherandtookherarmtostopher.“Ourneutrality-”
“Godsrotyourneutrality.Keepthekifoffmyback.I’vegotbusinessdownworld.”
“Gotaship,”oneoftheinsystemcaptainssaidunbidden,ahaniofHaral’sbuild.“She’sold,kerChanur,butshecansetdowndirectonChanurland,thatnoshuttlecando.Tyofreightlander:Rau’sLuck.I’mwillingtosetherinthewayoftroubleifChanur’sminded.”
Pyanfardrewinabreathandlookedattheagingcaptain.Rauwasnodownworldhouse.Insystemhani,landlessandunpropertiedexceptforashiportwo,unlesstheywereTyo-based,colonials.
“Yourwordisworthsomething,”Kifassaid,“PyanfarChanur.We’reboundbytheCompact.Wecan’tdomorethanpinthesekifatthestation.You’vegotthemaheforhelp.Youcandomorethanwecan.Chanurhastwomoreshipsinthatmightbeofuse.Tahar-”
Kifasdidnotfinishthestatement;herearsflickedindiscomfort.
“Yes,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tahar.I’mnotsosureI’drelyontheirshipseitheratthemoment.”
“Wecan’tmusteradefense,”Kifassaid.“Yourcaptainsaredownworldwithmostofthecrews.Soareothers.We’vegotkifatdockforaslongaswecankeepthem,butyousaidyourself-theremaybeothers.”
“You’vegottheinsystemcaptains.”
“Againstjumpshipvelocity-”
Pyanfarlookedabouther,atthespacerspresent.“Gotothejumpshipsyoucanreach;youcanfilloutcrews.Takeorders.Nomatterwhathouse.Getthoseshipsableandready.I’llgettheChanurcaptainsbackhere;andanyothersIcanfind.Inthemeantime,keepingthoseshipsreadytogowillbethebestactionwiththekif.”ShelookedatKifasLlun,grimsobriety.“Yourneutralityisinrags.Givemeoneofyourpeople.Tobringwitnessdowntheretowhat’sgoingon.Ihavetogetmoving.Now.MahijiruandAjaJinwillkeepthekifpinnedandthewayopen.-IfIdon’tmove,kerLlun…theupheavalinthehanisgoingtomakedifferences,differencestomorethanChanur.Tahar’sdownthere,Idon’tdoubttheyare.Standinginlinetogetashareofthespoils.You’realreadyinit.I’mnotgoingtoletChanurgounder.”
“Rau,”KifasLlunsaid.“You’rereadytogo?”
“Ontheinstant,”theRaucaptainsaid.
“Ginas,”Kifassaid,withagesturedsignaltooneofherpeople.“GowiththeChanur.Talktothem.Answerwhatyou’reasked.You’reatherorders.”
Theonesingledoutbowed.Kifasofferedthedoor,asweepofherhand.“Llun,”PyanfarmurmuredinaquickbowofcourtesytowardKifasandtowardnaLlun,whohadseatedhimselfagain.Thensheturnedandsweptherowncompany,theLlunmessengerincluded,towardthedoor,followingtheRaucaptain.“Thisway,”theRausaid,indicatingaturnwhichwouldtakethemtowardthesmall-craftdocks.
Kohan,Pyanfarpersuadedherself,wouldnothavetakenchallengeimmediatelyasitwasoffered,notknowingthatshehadreachedthesystem;andsurelyheknewbynow:itwasroutinethatahousewasnotifiedwhenashipbelongingtoitmadeport.Thetimingofitarguedthathisenemiesknew;andsurelyKohandid.Hewastoowisetobecatapultedintoanysuchthingwithoutsomepreliminaries:shereliedonthat,withallherhopes.
TwohoursbyplanefromtheshuttleporttotheairportthatservedChanurandFahaandthelesserholdingsofthevalley:withtheRau’sproposaltheysavedthatmuchtime:andonthattoosherelied.
Andonapairofmahe.
AndgodsgrantAkukkakksawsomehopeforhimself.Ifoneofthosekifships
AndgodsgrantAkukkakksawsomehopeforhimself.Ifoneofthosekifshipsgotastrikesignaloff,ifthekifwasbentonsuicide-hemightaccomplishit,ifthereweremorekifshipslyingoffoutofscanrange.Maybefive,sixhourslagtimeformessageandstrike.Withluck,thekifdidnotknowthatthehanishipsgatheredinsystemwereonskeletoncrew;withluckthekifwouldregardthemasathreat…ifnoonehadtalked.
“Thatshipofyours,”PyanfarsaidtotheRau.“Armed?”
“Gotafewriflesaboard,”theRausaid.
XII
Therewasnoaccessrampforaninsystemworkhorse,onlyadarktubeintoachillanddimlylitinteriordirectlyoffthedock.TheRaudivedinfirstandshoutedtohercrew,athunderingandboomingoffeetontheuncushionedplates.Theairwasfoul,stingingtothenose.PyanfarcameaboardsecondsafterthecaptainoftheLuck,putahandonthehatchwayasshestoopedtoenteranddrewthehandbackdampwithcondensation-sealsleakedsomewhereintherecyclingsystems.Godsknewwhatthemarginwasonlifesupport.Sheworkedherwaypastlockerstothecontrolpitoftheprobe,trustingHaralandChurtogeteveryoneelseaboardandsettled.
“Name,”sheaskedoftheRaucaptain,droppingdownintothethree-cushionpit,waist-high,andduckingundertheoverheadscreens.“Nerafy,”thecaptainsaid,noddedbacktowardherpresumedcopilotandnavigatorwhoweredroppingintothepitontheotheraide.“Tamy;Kihany.”
“Gotusanescort,”Pyanfarsaid.“Mahe’sgoingtoseewegetthereandback;moveit.Nogroundlingsinthislot.Willyougivemecom?”
“We’regoing,”Nerafysaid,sinkingintohercushion.Thehatchboomedshut,deafening.“Kihany:it’sAnuurnwe’reheadedfor;getthecaptainthatlink.”
Repulsecutin.Pyanfarhand-over-handedherwayaroundthebackofthecushionstothecom/navigationboardandbracedherselfwithfeetandahandontherimtoleanovertheboard.“Iwant,”shesaid,ignoringthecontraryslamsofgagainstwhichsheshiftedwithoutthinking,“relaytoAjaJin.Mahe.Getthatshipfirst.”
Ittookamoment.Amahevoicecamecracklingthrough.TheylostgasRau’sLuckexecutedawallowingmaneuver,acquireditagain.“AjaJin.Haveyougotusinwatch?Trackthissignal.”
“Got,”thecomfortinganswerreturned.“Got.Wewatch.”
“Out,”Pyanfarsaid.Shebrokeitoff,notanxioustohavelongconversationswithkiftopickthemup.Themikeinhand,shetappedtheharriednavigatorontheshoulder.“Nextcall:satellitetogroundstationEnafyregion,area34,localnumber2-576-98;speaktoanyonewhoanswers.”
number2-576-98;speaktoanyonewhoanswers.”
Thenavigatorthrewheradesperateglance,shuntedherfunctionstothecopilotandstartedworking,noquestions,noobjections:“Whatlanding?”thecopilotwasasking;“Firstwegetthere,”Narafysaid.“Gotourselvesarescuerun.Speedcounts.”
“MapCoordinates54.32/23.12,”Pyanfarsaid,listeningtotheone-sidedcom.TheywereincontactwithEnafy.Inamomentmorethenavigatorheldupafingerandshetuckedtheplugintoherearandappliedherselftothemike.“Chanur,”shesaid,shaking;butthatwasfromthecold.“IsChanuranswering?”
“Here,”saidavoicefromtheworld,distantandobscurebyabadpickup.“ThisisChanurHolding.”
“ThisisPyanfar.We’reonourwayin.Who’sspeaking?”
Therewasamoment’ssilenceinwhichshethoughtthecontactwaslost.“It’sauntPyanfar,”thatvoiceontheotherendhissedwithinthemike’spickup.“Forthegods’sake,tellJofanandhurry!”
“NevermindJofan,whelp!GetKohanonandhurryup,youhearme?”
“AuntPyanfar,it’sNifas.IthinkkerJofan’scoming…TheTahararehere;theMahnhavechallenged;KaraMahnhas;andFaha’sgoneneutralexceptHuran’sstillhere;andAraunandPyruunhavecalledthatthey’recoming.Everyone’sgatheredhere.Theyknew-AuntJofan,it’s-”
“Pyanfar.”Anothervoiceassumedthemike.“Thankthegods.Gethere.”
“GetKohanon.Gethim.Iwanttotalktohim.”
“He’s-”Jofan’svoicetrailedofforstaticobscuredit.“I’lltry.Holdon.”
“Holding.”Pyanfarrestedthebackofthehandwhichheldthemikeagainsthermouth,shiftedherbodyinpain:theywereunderaccelerationnow.Therimofthepitwascuttingintoherback.Sheachievedalittlerelief,foundallherlimbsshakingagainstthestrain,thephysicaleffortofthepositionshemaintained.Shewatchedthescreens,seeingsomethingelsemovingonscan.AjaJin,shehoped.Ithadbetterbe.
“Pyanfar.”Thedeepvoice,static-ridden,explodedinherear.Kohan,beyond
“Pyanfar.”Thedeepvoice,static-ridden,explodedinherear.Kohan,beyondmistake.“Pyanfar.”
“Kohan.I’mintransit.I’mcoming.Howmuchtime,Kohan?”
Alongsilence.
“Kohan.”
“I’llwaittillyougethere.IthinkIcanstallitthatlong?”
“I’mcominginonadirectlanding.Iwantyoutostayinsideandhearnothingandseenothing.Ihavesomethingwithme.Somethingyou’llfindofinterest.”.
“ThisOutsider.”
“Newshasgotthere.”
“Tahar-makechargesagainstyou.”
“Alreadysettled.Settled.Youunderstand?”
Therewasanotherprolongedsilence.“Ihavemywitsaboutme.Iknewyouwereonyourway.Hadtobehereifthiscrowdshowedupinsuchgracelesshaste.”
Sheletgoalongbreath.“Good.Goodforyou.Youkeepatit.”
“Where’sHilfy?”
“Fine.Fineandsafe.I’monmyway.Now.Nomoretalking.We’vegotbusiness.Hear?”
Abreathcrackledthroughthestatic.“I’llworkthatMahnwhelpintoafitofhisown.”Itbegantosoundlikeareassuringchuckle.“I’llsitinsidesippinggfiandenjoyingtheshade.-Move,Pyanfar.Iwantyouhere.”
“Out,”shesaid.Shehandedthemikeback,astrainofherarmagainstacceleration,letthearmfallbackandshiveredasitsankinhowlongthatconversationhadbeen,howclearitwaswhowasspeakingfromthisshellofaship.Theywereondirectionaltothesatellite:perhapsnoonehadpickeditup.
“Gotitsetup,”Narafysaid.
“I’mgoingbacktomycrew,”Pyanfarsaid.Sheedgedherwayoutofthepit,onefootagainstthebulkhead.“Safetyline,”thecaptainadvisedher;shesawit,andtuckeddown,gainedthebrakingcliponthelineandwrappedherhandintoit.Launchedherselfdownthelongpitofthecentralcorridor,pastmoisture-dewedmetalandagedplasticlightingpanels,herownweightandahalfonherarm.ShereachedthebarrieredrecessofcushionswheretheothershadsnuggedinandHaralsnaggedher,hauledherwithdifficultyoverthepaddedsafetyarmwhichclosedoffthecompartment,andinseveralhands,onepairalien,sheletherselfcollapseintothecushionswiththerestofthem.“GotcontactwithKohan,”shebreathed,sortingherlimbsoutfromamongtherestofthem.“He’sgoingtostall.”
Hilfy’sface.Shesawthattight-lippedreliefandfeltalittledismayforthegirlwhohadcomeontoThePrideavoyageagojandthewomanwhostaredbackather,self-controlledandreckoningtheodds.
“Gotcontactwiththemahetoo,”Pyanfarsaid.“They’rewithus.”ShecastalookpastChurandHaraltotheLlun,Ginas,whonodded,aflatearedandanxiousstareinreturn“Youdon’t,”Pyanfarsaid,“havetomakethereturntripThere’snoreasonforyouto,kerLlun.Wejustgetyoudownsafetheonetime,that’sall.”
“Appreciated,”theLlunsaidtautly.
“Captain.”Haralthrustapackageofchipsintoherhands,andabottleofdrink.Pyanfarbracedthebottleinherlapandhookedaclawintothepackage,handstremblingwiththeprolongedstrain,usedtheclawtopunchdoubleholesonthe.,;plasticbottlecapandspout.Thefoodhelped,howeverdifficulttoswallowintheaccelerationstress.Sheofferedtotheothers.1
“We’vehadours,”Chursaid.BodiessquirmeddowntheIline,everyonesettling.Tullytriedtotalk,handsignsandmangledwords,andHilfyandChurcommunicatedwithhimasbesttheycould,speakingslowly,somethingtodowiththeshipandatmosphere.Hewascold;theyheldontohimandsettledfinally.PyanfarrolledastrainedglanceatHaralandthenclosedhereyes,numbedbymisery.
Therewasnomorethatshecoulddoforeithersituation,theoneonthegroundortheoneonstation.Kohan’snerveswouldbeontheraggededgebynow.This
ortheoneonstation.Kohan’snerveswouldbeontheraggededgebynow.Thisgo-and-stop-againpsychingforchallengewouldwearathimbythehour.Likenervingoneselfforajumpandwalkingbackfromit.Thesecondeffortwasaharderone.Afrom-the-hearteffort.GodsknewhowlongthesituationhadbeensawingatKohan’snerves.Months.SincethenightHilfyleft.Sincebeforethat-whenhesawKhymMahnlikelytofalltochallenge.Therewasapointpastwhichhewouldheaveupanyfoodhetriedtoeat,awakeallnight,wearinghisstrengthdownwithpacing,withtheconstantadrenalinhighwhichwouldwearhimtoskinandbonewithindays.Huranandsomeoftheothermateshadstayed.Therewerehisyoungestcoupleofsons,whohadrunforthebordersiftheyhadanysense,nottolingerwithinhisreach.Therewereascoreofdaughters,whomightmusterworthenoughtoseeheateandsleptasmuchaspossibleapproachingthistime.Daughters,mates,andwiththecaptains%in,severalmorehalf-sisters,whoweremostreliableofthelot.ButthereweregrownChanurmaleswhomightcomestrayingbackfromexiletokeyupthesituationfurther-returnedfromHermitage,fromwandering,fromgodsknewwhatoccupationswhichfilledthelivesofmalesinthesanctuaries.Always,atchallenge,therewerethose,hopeless,keyedup,anddangerous,hangingaboutthefringes.
AsforyoungKaraMahn,hewasprobablygood.HehadtakenKhym,whohadsurvivedthusfarmorebywitthanbystrength.Karahadpromisedbothsizeandintelligence,thelasttimeshehadseenhim.Chanurblood,afterall,Chanurtemperament.Shecursedherownstupidity,inseekingafteramatelikeKhym,aquietandpeacefuldomicile,amountainhideawayandKhym,arestingplace,agardenlikeadream.Khymhadlistenedtoherstories,soothedhernerves,madeherlaughwithhiswit;anidealmate,withoutthreattoChanur’sinterests.Butgods,shehadneverthoughtwhatsheleftbehindinthatplace,herownChanur-bloodedoffspring,largerthanKhym’sdaughtersandsonsoflocalwives;larger;andstronger;and-ifsuchthingscouldbeinherited-quarrelsomeanddemanding.
Nothinglikefamilyloyalty.HersonyearnedafterhisChanurheritagesomuchhewantedtotakeitforhisown.
Bettermentofthespecies,haniphilosophershadcalledit.Churrauhanim.Thedeathofmaleswasnothing,nothingbutchangehappening:thehanadjusted,andtheyounggotsiredbythesurvivors.Onemanwasasgoodasanother;andservedhispurposewellenough.
Butbythegodsitwasnottrue;thereweretheyoungandtherecklesswho
Butbythegodsitwasnottrue;thereweretheyoungandtherecklesswhomight,onabetteropponent’soffday,win;therewerechallengesliketheoneshapingupagainstChanur,whichinvolvedmorethanoneagainstone.
Andsometimes-gods-onelovedthem.
Shesleptsomewhat,inthesteadyacceleration,insensationssouncomfortablenumbnesswasthebestrefuge;andintheconfusionofjumpandtime,herbodywaspersuadeditwasoffshiftorperhapstheshiftpastthat.
Anewsensationbroughtheroutofit,weightlessnessandsomeonehaulingheroutofadriftasalightflashed.“Abouttomakedescent,”Haralsaid,andPyanfarreachedforasecureholdinpreparation.
Itwasaroughdescent:sheexpectednothingelse.Shehadnoideaoftheshapeofthelander,butitwasnotoneofthewinged,glidingshuttles.Thelanderhammereditswaydownafterthemannerofitskind,vibratingstressintothemarrowoflivingbonesandvibratingskinandtissuesandeyesintheirsockets,sothattherewasnothingtodobutrideitdownandwishdesperatelythattherewasasightofsomething,somethingtodowiththehands,somesequencewhichwantedthinkingaboutandmanaging.
Therewasatimeshesimplyshuthereyesandtriedtocalculatetheirprobableposition;shehad,shedecided,noloveofridingasapassenger.Thenthesoundincreasedandthestresseschanged-gods,thenoise.Sheheardwhatsheferventlyhopedwasthelandingpodsextending.
Theywereinstraightdescentnow,avibrationofarhythmicsort.
Touch,onepodandthentheothers,ajoltandaseriesofsmallerjolts,andsilence.
Pyanfarflickedherearswiththesuddenfeelingthatshewasdeaf,lookedaboutherathershakencomrades.Downwasdifferentthanbefore:thegimbaledpassengersectionhadreorienteditselfandthecentralcorridorwasflatandwalkable.“Out,”Pyanfarsaid.“Let’sseewheretheysetusdown.”
Hilfyunlockedthepaddedsafetybarrier,andtheywent.Hydraulicsoperatednoisilyandwhentheyhadcomeasfarasthecontrolpit,daylightwasfloodinginontothemetaldeckingfromtheopenlock.
inontothemetaldeckingfromtheopenlock.
Theothersdescended.Pyanfardelayedforaninstant’scourtesy,athanksfortheRaucrewwhowereclimbingoutoftheirpit,theirshipsecured.“Ifyoucome,”Pyanfarsaid,“well;you’rewelcomeinChanurland.Orifyoustayhere-we’llbebringingmorepassengersasquicklyaswecan.”
“We’llwait,”NerafyRausaid.“Weputyouclose,Chanur.We’llhavetheshipreadyforlift;we’llbewaiting.”
“Good,”shesaid.Thatwasherpreference.Sheduckedundertheconduitsandswungdownontotheextendedladder,scrambleddowntotherockyflatwheretheyhadlanded,inthegenerallywedge-shapedshadowofthelander.Theairsmelledofscorchandhotmetal;theshippingedandsnappedandsmokecurledupfromthebrushnearby.
Midday,groundtime.Theshadowsshowedit.PyanfarjoinedtheothersandlookedwhereChurpointed,tothebuildingswhichshowedonagrassyhorizon:ChanurHolding;andFahawasfartherstill.Andthemountainswhichhoveupbluedistancesontheirright-therelayMahnHolding.Closeindeed.
“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid.Shehadmadeherselfdizzywiththatoutwardgaze,andshortenedherfocustotherockystretchbeforeher.Horizonswentthewrong.way;andthecolors,gods,thecolors….Theworldhadagarishbrightness,aplenitudeoftextures;andthescentsofgrassanddust;andthefeelofthewarmwind.Onecouldgetdrunkonit;onehadenoughofitinahurry,andthesightfilledherwithamoment’sirrationalpanic,aslippingfromonerealitytotheother.
“Notsofar,”Hilfypanted,latestfromtheworld.“They’llhaveheardthatlanding.He’llknow.”
“He’sgotto,”Haralagreed.
Sowillothers,Pyanfarthought,deliberatelyslowingherpace.Rushingupexhausted-no;thatwasnotthewisethingtodo.Tullycheckedhislongstridesastheydid;theLlunwhohadtrailedbehindthemcaughtup.Maneswerewindblown,Tully’smostofall.Thesunbeatdownwithagentleheat:autumn,Pyanfarrealized,lookingaboutherattheheavy-headedgrasses,thecolorsoftheland.Insectsstartedupinpanic,settledagain.
“They’llsurelysendacar,”Chursaid.“Ifthey’vespottedus.”
“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid;itwasherownhope.Butnonehadshowedthusfar,noplumeofdust,nothingofthesort.“Theymay,”shesaid,“havetheirhandsfull.Nogoodanyofthemleaving,notifthingsareheatingup.”
Nooneansweredthat.Itcalledfornothing.
Shekeptwalking,outtotheforeoftheothers.Familiarground,this.Shehadknownitasachild.Theyreachedabrookandwadeditankledeep,cameuptheotherside,andbynowTullywaslimping-“He’scuthisfoot,”Chursaid,supportinghimwhileheliftedittoexamineit.“Youcome,”
Pyanfarsaidunforgivingly,andhenodded,caughthisbreathandkeptgoing.
Notsofarnow.Theyjoinedtheroadthatledtothegates,easiergoingforTully,forallofthem.Pyanfarwipedhermanefromhereyesandsurveyedthewayahead,wherethegoldstoneouterwallsofChanurHoldingstretchedacrossthehorizon,nodefense,butabarriertogardenpestsandthelike-theopenplainslappedupagainstitingrassywaves.Beyondit-morebuildingsofthesamegoldstone.Therewouldbecars…theairportwasbehindthem,downtheroad;theywouldhavecomeinfromthere,alltheinterestedpartiesandthehangers-on,saveonlytheadventurersfromthehills,fromHermitageandsanctuaries,whowouldcomeoverlandandskulkaboutthefringes;vehicleswouldhavedriveninalongthisroad,gonethroughthegates,parkedonthefieldbehindthehouse…thatwaswheretheyalwaysputvisitors.
WhentheirunclehadfallentoKohan—
Theyearsrolledbackandforwardagain,apulselikejump,leavingherasunsettled.Homeward…withallthemindsetwhichtookthingssoeasily,sogods-rottedeagerly.
Nature.Naturethatmademalesuseless,toohigh-strungtogooffworld,toholdanypositionofresponsibilitybeyondtheestates.Naturethatrobbedthemofsenseandstability.
Oranupbringingthatdid.
Thegrillworkgateswerepostedwide,flungopenonahedgeofrusset-leavedernafya,musky-fragranteveninautumn,thatstretchedtowardtheinnergates
ernafya,musky-fragranteveninautumn,thatstretchedtowardtheinnergatesandthehouse,anunbrokenandhead-highcorridor.Shepassedthegate,lookedbackastheothersovertookher,andinturning-
“Pyanfar.”Someonecamefromamongthehedge,arustlingoftheleaves;amalevoice,deep,andshespunabout,handtoherpocket,thinkingofsomeoneoutofsanctuary.Shestoppedinmid-reach,frozenbyrecognitionaheartbeatlate-avoicesheknew,abentfigurewhichhadrisen,bedraggledanddisfigured.
“Khym,”shemurmured.Theothershadstopped,ahazebeyondherfocus.Thesighthurt:impeccableandgracious,thathadbeenKhym;buthisrightearwasrippedtoribbonsandhismaneandbeardweremattedwithawoundwhichranfromhisbrowtochin;hisarmswerelacedwitholderwounds,hiswholebodyamapofinjuriesandhurts,oldandnew.Hesankdown,squattingonthedusthalfwithinthehedge,hiskneesthrustingoutthroughtheragsofhisbreeches.Hebowedhisfilthyheadandlookedupagain,squintingwiththeswellingofhisrighteye.
“Tahy,”hesaidfaintly.“She’sinside.They’veburntthedoorsdown…Iwaited-waitedforyou.”
Shestareddownathim,dismayed,herearshotwiththewitnessofhercrewandoftheLlun-onthiswreckagewhichhadbeenhermate.Whohadlostthatnametoo,whenhelostMahntotheirson.
“They’vesetfiresinthehall,”Khymstammered,even*hisvoiceashadowofitself.“Chanur’sbackedinside.They’recallingonnaKohan-buthewon’tcomeout.Faha’slefthim,allbut-allbutkerHuran;Araun’sthere,still.They’veusedguns,Pyanfar,toburnthedoor.”
“Kohanwillcome,”Pyanfarsaid,“now.AndI’llsettleTahy.”Sheshiftedherweighttomove,hesitated.“HowdidyougettoChanur?Kohanknows?”
Thewholeeyelookedupather;theotherranwater,squintedalmostshut.“Walked.Longtimeago.Forgethowlong.NaKohanletme…stay.KnewIwashere,butletmestay.Goon,Pyanfar.Goon.There’snotime.”
Shestartedaway,downthatroadwhichledtothehouse,notwithoutlookingback;andHilfywalkedbesideher,andChurandtheLlun,butTully-Tullyhadlingered,stareddownatKhym,andKhymreachedoutahandtostayhim,onlylooking….
looking….
Khym,whohaddelightedinthetalesshebroughthim,ofstrangeportsandOutsiders,andhehadneverseenaship,neverseenanOutsider,untilnow-^-
“Tully!”shecalled,andHaralcaughthimbythearmandbroughthimquickly.Andthen:“Khym-”shecalled.Fornoreason.Forshame.Kohanhadbeenassoft…whenKhymhadstrayedhereinhisexile,huntingsomebetterdeaththanstrangers.
Helookedupather,aslowgatheringofhope.Shenoddedtowardthehouse,andhepickedhimselfupandcameafterthem:thatmuchshewaitedtoknow.Sheturnedontheinstantandsetagoodpacedownthedustyroad,eyeingthehedgeswhichfolloweditsbending.Ambush,shethought;butthatwasanOutsiderway,somethingforkifandmahe,nothanionGathering.
Still.…
“Scatter,”shesaid,withawaveofherarmtohercrew.“Thegardenwall:getthereandwe’llsettlethisdaughterofmine.Hilfy:withHaral;Tully-Chur,youtakehim.KerLlun,youandIaregoingthroughthegate.”
GinasLlunnodded,herearsflatwithdistress,andwhiletheothersscatteredinoppositedirectionsthroughthehedge,Pyanfarthrustherhandsintoherbeltandstrodealongatagoodpacearoundthebendingoftheroadandtowardtheinnergates.Astepscuffedbehindher,andthatwasKhym:sheturnedtolook,toencouragehimwithanodofherhead,herselfingaudyredsilk;hercompanioninofficialblack;andKhym-grimyragsthatmightoncehavebeenblue.Hecamenearher,besideher,limpingsomewhat;andgods,thewaftofinfectioninhiswounds-buthekepttheirpace.
Theycouldhearitnow,themurmurofvoices,theoccasionalshoutofavoicelouderthantheothers.Pyanfar’searsflattenedandprickedupagain;asurgeofadrenalinhitfatiguedmusclesandthreatenedthemwithshivers.“It’snotchallenge,”shemuttered,“it’sriot.”
“Tahar’shere,”Khymsaidbetweenbreaths.”NaKahiandhissisters.That’ssecondtrouble.It’ssetup,Pyanfar.”
“Icanbetitis.Where’sourson’sbrains?”
“Belowhisbelt,”Khymsaid.Andafewstepslater,withthesoundsofdisorder
“Belowhisbelt,”Khymsaid.Andafewstepslater,withthesoundsofdisorderclearerintheair:“Pyanfar.GetmepastTahyandhercrowdandIcanmakeadifferenceinthis…taketheedgeoffhim.Thatmuch,maybe.”
Shewrinkledhernose,gavehimasidelongglance.Itwasnotstricthonor,whatheproposed.NeitherwaswhatTaharintended.Theirson-toendhimbysuchamaneuver-
“IfIcan’tstopit,”shesaid,“-takehim.”
Khymchuckled,athroatyrattle.“Youalwayswereanoptimist.”
Theyroundedthelastcurve,thegateahead,wideopentowardthegardens,theagedtrees,thevine-coveredgoldstoneoftheHoldingitself.Acrowdsurgedaboutthefrontofthehouse,tramplingtheplantingsandthevines.Theyshouted,tauntsandderisiontowardChanur;theyrattledthebarsofthewindows.
“Rotthem,”Pyanfarbreathed,andheadedforthegate.AhandfulofMahnspottedherandsetupanoutcry,andthatwasallshewanted:sheyelledandbowledintothemwith/Khymatherside,andtheMahnretreatedforreinforcementsinthegarden.“Hai!”sheyelled,andofasuddentherewereHilfyandHaralatopthewall,andapepperingofshotsintothedirtinfrontoftheMahn,whoscrambledforcover.
“Getthedoor,”Pyanfaryelled,wavingatthem,andtheyjumpedandstartedrunning:moreoftheMahnandsomeoftheirhangers-onwereonthecolonnadedporch,andofasuddenChurandTullywereonthelowgardenwallwhichflankedthat,Churyellingasifencouragingawholebandofsupporters.TheMahndartedthiswayandthat,herdwise,andscatteredfromthedoorinthefaceofthethree-waycharge.PyanfarracedupthestepsandconvergedwithHaralandChur,guninhand,burstthroughthedoorwayhalfastepaheadofthem,intodimmerlightandachaosofbodiesandthereekofsmoke.Itwasahugeroom,litfrombarredwindows,thewreckageofdoubledoorsattheend:hanithereturnedandfacedtheirrushinasuddenparalysis,ahundredintruderswhostaredatleveledChanurguns.
Somemoved;youngwomenputthemselvesintotheforeofthings.Othersshiftedaboutthefringes,carefully.Voicesechoeddeepwithinthehalls.Pyanfarkeptthepistolbracedinhertwohands,hereyeswide-focused,takinginallthemovements.
Thatyoungwoman-herownimage,red-goldmaneandstaturemorethanherMahnsisters:Tahy.Herfocusnarrowed.Theyoungman-gods,tallandstraightandbroad-shouldered…yearssinceshehadseenthem.Longeryearsforherplanetbounddaughterandson,growing-upyears;andtheyhadallies…ascoreofMahnyouths,maleandfemale;andaboutthewallsoftheroom-KahiTahar,naKahi,theoldman,Chanur’ssouthernrival;andothers-seniorwomenofholdsshesuspectedasEnauryandothersofTahar’shangers-on,hereforthescavenging.
“Outofhere,”Pyanfarsaid.“Outofhere,allofyou.”
“Guns,”Tahyspat.“Isthatthewayofif?Wehaveourown.Isthatwhatyouchoose,whilenaKohanhidesfromus?”
“Putthemaway,”Pyanfarsaid.Shepushedthesafetybackon,pocketedhers.InthetailofhereyeHaraldidthesame,andtheothersfollowedsuit.“Now,”Pyanfarsaid.“You’resomewhatstrayedfromthefield,sonofmine.Let’swalkthisbackoutwhereitbelongs.”
“Here,”Karasaid.
AmovementinthecorridorbehindtheMahn:Pyanfarnoteditanddrewinherbreath.Chanur.Agoodscoreofthehouse.AndKohan,aheadtallerthantheothers.
“Holdit,”Pyanfarshouted,movedsuddenlytotheside,distraction:theinvadersshiftedinconfusionandhandsreachedforweapons,amoment’sfrozenconfusionandsuddenlyChanurattheMahn’sbacks.TheMahnretreatedinhaste,backingtowardthewallthathadbeenattheirleft,butTahyandhercompanionswhothrustthemselvesbetweenKaraandKohanquickasinstinct;Pyanfardivedfortheotherside,HaralandChurandHilfymovingonthesameimpulse,interposedthemselves.ShetouchedKohan’soverheatedarm.Hewastrembling.“Back,”shesaid.“Backoff,Kohan.”AndtoTahy:“Out.Noonewinshere.IfKohandelayed-itwasmydoing;andI’mhere.WithGinasLlun,who’llbackupwhatIsay.WithanOutsider,who’sproofenoughwe’vegottrouble.We’vegotkifatthestation:they’vecalledthecaptainsin…todefendGaohn.It’slikethatupthere.Wecan’taffordasplitinthehan.”
Tahygaveanegativetossofherhead.“Wehearadifferentstory-alltheway.No.Youwanttosettlesomethingonourown-we’llobligeyou.Kohanneedhelp,thatyouhadtodraghimupoutofthebrush?We’llsettlethat.”
help,thatyouhadtodraghimupoutofthebrush?We’llsettlethat.”
“Station’sfallen,”avoicesaidoutofChanurranks,andoneofthecaptainsthrustherselfforward,Rhean,withcrewinherwake.“Word’sonthecom:they’vecalledforhelp-it’snolie,kerMahn.”
Noisebrokeoutintheroom,arippleofdismaythroughallthosepresent.TheLlunstrodeintoit,neutralityabandoned.“Howlongago?Chanur…howlong?”
“Messageisstillgoing.”Kohananswered,self-controlled,thoughhisbreathwascominghard.“KaraMahn.Iforgetallthis.It’sover.Leavenow.We’llnottalkaboutit.”
Karasaidnothing.Therewasaglassylookinhiseyes.Hisearswereback.ButTahylookedlesssureofherself,motionedtheothersback.
“You’vegotyourchance,”Pyanfarsaidquietly,evenly.“Listentome:you’vegotMahn.Tahar’snotyourally.Yougoonwiththischallenge,andTahar’sheretotakeonthewinner:worndown,youunderstandme.TotaketwoHoldings.Theirambition’smorethanyours.TheLluncantellyouthat-aTaharcaptain,dealingwiththekif-”
“Rotyourimpertinence,”KahiTaharshouted,andoneofhissistersinterposedanarm.“Alie,”thatonesaid.
“Perhaps,”Pyanfarsaidlevelly,“amisunderstanding.An…excessofzeal;acarelesstongue.Backoutofhere.Wemaynotpursueit.-Tahy…outofhere.TheCompact’sclosetofracturing.It’snotthemoment.Getoutofhere.”
”NaMahn,”Kohansaid.“It’snottoyouradvantage.”
“You’llloseMahn,”Khymsaidsuddenly,thrustingpastHilfy.“Hearme,whelp-you’llloseit…toKohanortoKahi.Useyoursense.”
Karawaspastit.Theeyeswerewideanddark,theearsflat,nostrilswide.Ofasuddenhescreamedandlaunchedhimself.
AndKhymdid.Pyanfarflungherselfabout,bodilyhurledherselfatKohanashercrewdid,asHilfyandHuranFahaandRheanandhercrew.Hebackedup,shookhimself,inpossessionofhisfaculties:Pyanfarsawhiseyeswhichwerefixedonthescreamingtanglebehindher-herselfspunabout,sawKhymlosing
fixedonthescreamingtanglebehindher-herselfspunabout,sawKhymlosingthegripthatwouldkeepKara’sclawsfromhisthroat.
“Stopit,”sheyelledatTahy,andherselfwadedintoit,tryingtogetapurchaseoneitherstrugglingbody,topushthemapart.AnelbowslammedintoherheadandShestumbled,hurledherselfbackintoit,andnowothersweretryingtopartthetwo.“Tully!”Hilfyshouted;andsuddenlyafluidspatteredthem,straightintoKara’sface,andoverher,stingingtheeyesandchokingwithitsfumes.Karafellbackwitharoarofoutrage;andshedid,wipinghereyes,coughingandsupportedbyfriendlyhands.ChanurhadholdofTully,shesawthatthroughstreamingeyes-hisarmspinnedbehindhim,andKhymwasdown;andKarawasrubbinghiseyesandstrugglingtobreathe,Shecaughtherbreath,stillcoughing,shookoffthehandswhichhelpedher,Sheknewthearoma;sawthesmallviallyingemptyonthefloor-thesmellofflowersgotpastherstingingnasalmembranes.“Tully,”shesaid,stillchoking,reachedoutahandandpulledhimtoherbythebackoftheneck,shookhimfreeoftheChanurwhohadseizedhim-pattedhisshoulderroughlyandlookedacrossatherson,whoseeyeswerestillrunningwater.“Breakitoff,naKara.YouhaveMahn.Callitenough.”
“Offmyland,”Kohansaid.“Tahar.Beglad/don’tchallenge.GetclearofChanurHolding.NaKara:apoliterleave.Please.Priorities.I’llnotcomeatyounow.Icould.Thinkofthat.”
Karaspat,turned,stalkedout,wipinghiseyesandflingingoffofferedhelp,dispossessedofhisimpetus,hisdignity,andhisadvantage.Tahyremained,lookeddownatKhym,whohadleveredhimselfuponhiselbows,headhanging.Shemighthaveflungsomefinalinsult.Shebowedinstead,toPyanfar,toKohan,lastofalltoKhym,whoneversawit.Thenshewalkedout,theotherMahnbeforeher.
Taharlingeredlast,naKahiandhissisters.
“Out,”Kohansaid,andtheTahar’searsflattened.Butheturnedandwalkedoutofthehall,outthedoor,andtookhissistersandhispartisanswithhim.
Kohan’sbreathsighedout,agustyrumble.HereachedforHilfy,laidhisarmabouthershouldersandruffledhermane,touchedtheringwhichhungonherleftear-lookedatPyanfar,andatKhym,whohadstruggledtohisknees.Khymflinchedfromhisstareandgatheredhimselfup,retreatedheaddownandslouching,withoutlookingathim.
“Gotnotime,”Pyanfarsaid.“Welldone.Itwaswelldone.”
Kohanblewasigh,nodded,madeagesturewithhisfreehandtowardtherest.Noddedtowardthedoor.“KerLlun.”
“NaChanur,”theLlunmurmured.“Please.Thestation-”
“Goingtobefightingupthere?”
“Nosmallbit,”Pyanfarsaid.
“Youhandleit?”
“Mightusesomeofthehouse.”
“I’llgo,”Kohansaid.“/’//goupthere.”
“AndleaveTahartomoveinontheboys?Youcan’t.GivemeRheanandAnfyandtheircrews;whoeverelsecanshoot.We’vegottomove.”
Kohanmadeasounddeepinhisthroat,nodded.“Rhean;Anfy;Jofan-choosefromthehouseandhurryit.”HepattedHilfyontheshoulder,wentandtouchedHaralandChurinthesameway-lingeredstaringatTully,reachedandalmosttouched…butnotquite.Heturnedthenandwalkedback.“Hilfy,”hesaid.
“Myship,”Hilfysaid.“Myship,father.”
Itcosthim,asmuchastheotheryielding.Henodded.Hilfytookhismassivehand,turnedandtookthehandsofHuranFaha,whonoddedlikewise.
“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid.“Comeon,allofyou.Move.-I’llgetherback,Kohan.”
“Allofyou,”hesaid.Theothersgatheredthemselvesandheadedforthedoorinhaste,somedelayingtogobackafterweapons.Pyanfarstayedaninstant,lookedatKohan,his:eyes,hisgolden,shadowedeyes;hisearswereprickedup,hemanagedthat.“Thatmatter,”shesaid,“thisOutsiderofmine-I’llbebackdowntoexplainit.Don’tworry.GetChanurbackinorder.We’vegotanedgewehaven’thadbefore,hearme?”
“Go,”hesaidsoftly.“I’llgetitsettledhere.Gettoit,Pyanfar.”
“Go,”hesaidsoftly.“I’llgetitsettledhere.Gettoit,Pyanfar.”
Shecamebackandtouchedhishand,turnedforthedoor,crossingtheroominadozenwidestridesandheadedofftheporch,wherenosignremainedoftheattackbutthetrampledgardenandapassingofvehiclesheadeddowntheroadbeyondthewall,clearingoutinhaste.
AndKhym.Khymwasthere,bythegate,crouchedtherewithhisheadonhisfoldedarms.Freshwoundsglistenedonhisredbrownshoulders.Hesurvived.Hewentonsurviving,outofhistimeandhisreasonforliving.
“Khym,”shesaid.Helookedup.Shemotionedtowardthesideofthehouse,thatpathwaywhichtheothershadtakentotheback,wheretheycouldfindtransport.Hestoodupandcame,limpinginthefirststepsandthennotlimpingatall.“I’mfilthy,”hesaid.“Nopolitecompany.”
Shewipedherbeardandsmelledherhand,sneezed.“Gods,Ireekforbothofus.”
“Whatishe?”
“OurOutsider?Human.Somethinglike.”
“Huh,”Khymsaid.Hewaspanting,outofbreath,andthelimpwasback.Theycamealongthesideofthehouse,downthepathbythetreesattheback,andlatecomersfromthehousereachedthemandfellinattheirpace,carryingrifles.Khymlookedbacknervously.“It’sallright,”Pyanfarsaid.“Youwanttogo,Khym?Wanttohavealookatstation?”
“Yes,”hesaid.
Theyreachedthebottomofthehill,whereHaralandChurhadstarteduptwoofthetrucks,whereagreatnumberfromChanurwereboarding,agoodthirty,fortyofthem,besidesthosetenorsobehind.Tullywasbythesideofone,withHilfy.PyanfarreachedandcuffedTully’sarm.“Good,”shesaid.“Up,Tully.”
Hescrambledupintothebed,surprisinglyagileforclawlessfingers.Hilfycameupafterhim,andKhymvaultedupwithaweightthatmadethetruckrock.Othersfollowed.
Pyanfarwentaroundtothecab,climbedin.“Go,”shesaidtoHaral,andthetrucklurchedintomotion,aroundthecurveandontotheroad,towardtheouter
trucklurchedintomotion,aroundthecurveandontotheroad,towardtheoutergates,flingingupacloudofdustastheycareenedbetweenthehedges,joltingintonear-collisionwiththefarpostoftheoutergatebeforetheyheadedoffacrossthefieldonthedirectcoursetowardthewaitingship.
Godshelpus,Pyanfarthought,lookingbackattheassortmentwhichfilledthebedofthetruck,youngandoldChanur,armedwithrifles;andaone-timelord;andTully;andtheLlun,whohaddecidedtocomebackwiththemafterall.
Theshipshadgottenoffstationtokeepthekifthere,andthekifwerestillthere,indeedtheywere;wererunningthehallsofstation-kifloosewithrevengeinmind,ahakkiktwhomightseehisownsurvivaldoubtfulandrevengeverymuchworthhaving.
Shefacedaboutagain,feetbracedagainstthejoltsasthetrucklurchedoverunevenground.Haralfoughtthewheelwithdesperateturnsandreverses,followingthetracktheyhadwalkednow,thebeatenlineoftheirownprintsinthetallgrass,wheretherewouldbefewerhiddenpitsandhummocks.
“HopeAjaJin’sstillinplace,”Haralmuttered.
“HopeHinukkuandtherestare,”Pyanfarsaid,bracingherhandagainstthedash.“Ifwe’vegotmorekifthanwehad-ifthey’vegottenacalloutforreinforcements.…”
“Lagtime’sonourside.”
“Somethinghadbetterbe,”Pyanfarsaid.“Gods,foracom.”
Haralshookherheadandgaveallherstrengthtothewheel,slowedastheyjoltedtowardtheslopeofthestream.Thetrucklumbereditswayoverthegrassybank,claweditswayovermuddybottomandrocks,slewedaboutandfoundpurchaseontheotherbank,headedupagain,withtheungainlywedgethatwasRau’sLuckgrowingcloserandcloser.
Alightwasflashing,sun-brightagainsttheship.Pyanfarpointedtoit,andHaralnodded.TheRausawthemcoming.Runninglightsbegantoflash,redandwhite,blinkcode.
Itwasthemessagetheyalreadyhad.Haralflashedtheheadlights,adesperatesnatchbackatthewheel.
snatchbackatthewheel.
Planetaryspeeds.Inthetimeithadtakenthemtogetthisfarfromthehouse,ajumpshipcouldcrossaninterworlddistance.Andperhapssomeweredoingthat.Thehanwasintact,thestructureofHoldingswhichcoulddecidepolicies;butthelossofGaohnStation—
Shecursedherself,tohaveassumedanyrevengewouldbetoogreatforAkukkakk’spride;tostrikeatstations-hehaddonethat;noonestruckatworlds,notinthewholehistoryofthecivilizedpowers.
Exceptthekif…itwasrumoredthattheyhaddoneso,intheirownriseofftheirnativeworld,inthecontestsforpower.Theyhadoncestruckattheirown.
XIII
Theenginesputonthrust,ahollowroarofthedownworldjets,andtheLucklifted.Pyanfardroppedintotherearofthedarkcontrolpitasthedeckcameup,hitheavilyandcrouchingandtuckeddown,straighteningtheblanketandpillowshehadgottentopadherbackinthatnook,onthepitfloorbehindtheRau’sthreecushions.Thecaptainliftedherhand,signalthatherpresencewasnoted,andreachedatoncebacktotheboardinfrontofher.TheLuckwentonrising;thegearthumpedupintothehousingsandthepressuremounted.Pyanfardiscoveredapaininhershoulderandstruggledalittleagainsttheblankettorelieveit.
Notsosteepaliftcomparedtotheangleatwhichtheyhadlanded:thelanderflew,ofsorts,verticalliftatfirst,andthenanangledflightwhichstillhadaftfordownside,g-wise.Theprimariescutinwithathrustwhichsettledallhergutdifferentiallytowardherspine.
Someoftheircompanywerewelloff,aft,inthepaddedpassengershell:TullyandKhymandGinasLlunweresettledthere,inthickcushions;andHaral,tokeepthemcompanyandsettleproblems.Theunluckyrestrodetheboards,tiltingcushionedpartitionsexpandedfromthenextbulkhead-blind,darkmisery,packedinlikefish,fouracross,thebackofthenextcushiontiltingbackandforthalmostinone’sface…gods,gods,toridelikethatwiththeshipgoingintotroublealoft-shefeltguiltforbeingwhereshewas,inwhatrelativecomfortshehad.
Thecopilotletanobjectfalltoher.Shereachedwithdifficultyandgatheredtheplastic-wrappedarticlefromtheangleofthepitwhereitstayedfast,unwrappedtheearplugandthrustitin.Noinformationwascominginduringtheirascent,onlystatic,buthavingthecontacthelped.
Stationhadgottenthatonemessageoff,hadstillbeensendingitoutwhenascentbegan,whichmeantthatthestationcentralcommandhadbeeninhanicontrolandthatstationershadtheirhandsfull,sparingnoonetoanswerquestions.Itkeptgoing,meaningthatthekifhadnotgottentoittosilenceit-orthattheyhadhadnocriticalinterestindoingso.
Butthedocks-Shepicturedtheworkersfledinpanic,disorganized,havingnopreparationagainstsuchanactionasthekifhadtaken.Attackingstationswas
preparationagainstsuchanactionasthekifhadtaken.Attackingstationswasnotathinghaniwoulddo;thereforeitwasnotreasonable;thereforetherewasnocontingency.
Godsblastsuchthinking,andthecomplacencywhichfedit.Godsblastherown;andhaninature,thattheyraneachfortheirownfragmentedconcerns,becausealltheworldwassetupthatway.ShehadhadnochoiceingoinghometoChanur,becauseahaniwouldgoonwithchallengewhilethehousecaughtfire,untilthefiresingedhisownhide.Hanialwayswenttheirownway,disdainingOutsideconcerns,pricklishaboutadmittingtheywouldnotbeinspaceatallbutforthemahendo’satexplorerswhohadfoundthem-butthatwasso.Andhaniwentondoingthingstheoldway,thewaythathadworkedwhentherewerenocoloniesandnooutsidetrade;whenhaniweretheunchallengedownersoftheworldandhaniinstinctsweresuitedtotheworldtheyowned.
But,gods,therewereotherecosystems.Theyhadanotheronegoing,intheCompactitself;andtheydealtwithdistanceswiderthanthegrassyexpansesofAnuurn’splains;andwithcreaturesofinstinctswhichhadprovenequallycapableofbeingrightinotherways.
Inoneunimaginedhell,thekifwayhadworkedbest;andgods,eventhechiwayhadworkedsomewhere,lunaticastheyseemed,incomprehensibletoOutsiders.AndTully-whosometimesmadehalfsense,andatothertimesmadenoneatall.
HadGoldtoothdespisedherforherdesertion,becausebeinghanishehadhadnochoicebuttogo,inthefaceofeveryreasontothecontrary?Shameprickedather,thesuspicionthatallhani-kindhadfailedamahenhope,thathopewhichhadlentthosetwoships;andthatsomewhereupabovemightbethewreckageofhermahenalliesandThePrideitself,withakifwaitingtoblowthisshellofalandertovaporandjunk,alongwiththehanibrainwhohadjustfiguredoutsomethingcriticaltothespecies,fartoolate.
Madness.Theanglehadherbrainshortofoxygen.Therewasagraynessabouthervision.Shefeltnothinganylongerinherbacksideandherarmsandherlegs,andthepressurekeptjonbuilding.
Enginesoundchanged.Theywereleavingthe-envelopeofIair,stillaccelerating.Sheblinkedandstruggledtomoveherneck,sawthroughablurtelltaleswinkinginthedarkness,sawjaflareoflightasthescanscreencleared.Sheblinkedagain,tryingtoseepastthesilhouettedarmofthecopilot,makingoutsomethinglargeandclosetotheirposition.
outsomethinglargeandclosetotheirposition.
“…Luck,”avoicesnappedthroughtheplugintoherear,I“thisisThePrideofChanur.We’llmatchwithyouandlockon.”
Tirun.
IfshecouldhaveleapedupandshoutedforjoyshewouldIhavedoneso.Pinnedbythegforce,itwasallshecoulddotosmile,astrainedanddifficultsmile,withherhearthammeringagainstherribsandthebloodbringingpaintoherextremities.
ThentheLuck’senginesstopped,andshegaspedareflexivebreathinthesuddenrelief.Theinvisiblehandwhichhadpressedhertothedeckwasgone,andshereachedinapracticedhand-over-handtothecomboard,driftingfeettowardtheoverheadandtuckingdownagaintoreachthemike.“Hurryit,Tirun,forthegods’sake.AndtotheRau:“Wherearethekif?Canyoupickthemup?”
“Station’sscan’soff,”theRaunavigatorsaid.“NotjustGaohn’s:HarnandTyotoo,completelydown.We’vegotourown,that’sall.”
“Putontherescuebeeper,”Pyanfarsaid,thrustingthatdirenewstoafarrecessofhermind.“ThePridecanhomeonit.Letherautomaticstakeyou.”
“Advice,”thecaptainsaid.“Yourjobnow,herChanur.Godshelpus,we’restoneblindtoanyjumpshipsmovingoutthere.”
“Keephertrimmedandconstantandwatchoutfortheshock.”Pyanfaraimedherselfbacktotheshelterofherpaddednestinhaste.“Thosegrappleswilldothefinematching,don’ttrythejets.She’smovingundercomp.”
“Gods,it’sonus,”thecopilotsaid.
“Closing,”Geran’svoicesoundedthroughthecomplug.“Standby,Luck.”
Aproximityalarmstarted,quicklysilencedfromtheboard.Scanbrokeup.
“Ogods,”saidthenavigator.
Pyanfartucked,clenchingthecushionsupportwithallherstrength.
Impact.TheLuckrangandleaptandherbodyleftthedeck,gripscarcely
Impact.TheLuckrangandleaptandherbodyleftthedeck,gripscarcelyholding;hititagain,shovedbackasthegrapplesgrated,shifted.
Held.Therewasacomfortingsilence.Weightlessness.
“Gottrouble,”Tirun’svoicesaid.“Blowthatlockout;we’vegotatubetheotherside.Forthegods’sakeboard,abandonship.Wecan’tdefendyou.”
“Haral!”Pyanfaryelleddownthecorecorridor.“Everyone!getforward!”
“Captain,”NerafyRausaid.
“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid,hauledherselftothecaptain’scushionandhungthereone-handed,staringdownather.“Allofyou…gods,comewithus.We’llgetyoubacktoyourshipifthere’sachanceofit.Ifnotthat,there’skiftosettlewith,andthosepeopleonthestations-willyoudieherewithnoshotfired?”
“No,”theRaucaptainsaid,andstartedunbuckling.Theothersdid.Pyanfarcompletedthesomersaultandlookedaftdownthecorridor,atawhite-shirtedhumansailingupitnarrowlyinadvanceofafloodofarmedhani.TheRaucaptainhandedherwayupfromthepitandheadedforthenearbylockandPyanfargrabbedfortheboardandthemikeasthecrewleftit.“Tirun!Wherearethekif?”
“Godsknow.Mahijiru’srunningfar-guard;tellyoutherestwhenyougethere.”
Thebodiesofhercompanionstumbledabouther.Thelockpoweredinwardandairshockrammedthroughinacoldgust.“Coming,”Pyanfarsaid,andletthemikego,kickedatthenearestconduitandflungherselfintothestreamofbodies,intothedarkandnumbingcoldofThePride’sship-to-shipgrapple-tube.Extremitieswentnumb.Breathstunginthelungsandmoisturethreatenedtofreezehereyeballs.Ithurt,gods,ithurt.AlightglowedgreenasshearrivedinThePride’snull-gouterframe,asafetybeacon,aguidancestarfaracrossthedark,markingthelocationofthepersonnellift.Abluechainofglowlightsdottedacrosstheblacknesstowardit,thesafetyline.“Khym!”Pyanfarshouted,thinkingofhisinexperience,“blue’stheguideline,Khym…Tully!gotothebluelights!”
“Gothim,”Hilfy’syoungvoiceshoutedupahead.“Gotthemboth.”
Adooropenedontothelift.Someonehadgottentoit.Adistantrectangle
Adooropenedontothelift.Someonehadgottentoit.Adistantrectangleopened,blindingwhite,withascoreofdarkbodieshurtlingandstrugglingalongthebluedottedcoursetowardit,largeandsmallwithdistance,somelikeswimmersintheair,someusingtheropeandpropellingtheswimmersalong.Bodiescollidedandcaughteachotherandkeptgoing,oneaftertheother,intothatliftchamber,wheretheytookoncolorandidentity.Pyanfarfoundherselfslungalongthefinaldistance,hauledintothelift;andamongthelastcametheRau,intothatblindingglare.
“We’rein,”Churwasshoutingintocom.Haralshoutedawarningandclosedtheliftdoor,andsuddenlyallthefloatingbodiestendedfloorwardasthecarmoved.“Brace!”Pyanfarsnappedatthenovices,butexperiencedspacersgrabbedthem,andofasuddenthecarthunderedandslammedintosynchwiththerotatinginnercylinder.Therewasfullg,andtheliftslammedupwardagain,withaqueasyrear-of-the-caraccelerationstressasThePrideputonagingerlymovement.Somethingbangedinthedistance.-“Grapple’sclear,”Haralsaid.Theliftwentonrising,pastlowerdeck,tomain.Feetfoundthefloor;bedraggledgroundlingshuggedthosewhohadaholdonthem,earsflatandeyeswild.
Thecarstoppedandopenedonmain.Pyanfarthrustherselfthroughandout,raceddownthemaincorridorforthearchwayofthebridge,clawsscrabblingonthedeckingagainstthegentlethrust.Haralwashardonherheels.“Lowerdeck,”Churshoutedbehindthem.“Rideitbackdownwherethere’ssecurespace.”Thedoorclosed;thelifthummedintofunctionagain.Pyanfardidnotlookback.Shehurledherselfthelastdifficultdistance,pastGeranandTirunatthenumberthreeandtwopostsasHaralfoundherplaceandslidintoit.Pyanfarreachedherownvacantcushionandflungherselfintoitwithoutaword.Scanimageswerecominguponherscreens,theirpositionrelativetotheworldandthestationadotthatwasknnn-symboled,hoveringoffapartfromthechaosofotherdots,twomarkedmahe,andthehorridhazardnearthestation,ahordeofunidentifieds,debrissweepsthatmarkedthedeathofshipsandthecourseoftheirremains.
“AjaJintookdamage,”Tirunsaidsteadily.“Kifinvadedtrafficcontrolonthestationandknockedthescanout.Llunhadtheirhandsfull;everyonewasboardinganyshipatall.Webrokeoutofdockandranwiththerest…figuredtheywerescreeningincomingships.Strikecameinthreequartersofanhourago.Outboundnow.We’reheadedbackintostation,presentcourse:Fortunegotalandingpartyin.Severalothersgotinafterthem.Proceed?”
“Keeptalking.Goaswebear.”Shereachedandhitthemotionwarning.“We’removing,”shesaidoverallship.“Brace;I’mgoingtokeepthecomopenfromour
moving,”shesaidoverallship.“Brace;I’mgoingtokeepthecomopenfromourend.We’vegottroublesandIdon’twantanystirringaboutdownthere.-Tirun,what’sthecomponthatkifmovement?Gotacourseplotting?”
Thedataflashedtothescreen.“Allstationshavekilledscanoutput.Someofthekifareoutofdockbutwedon’tknowwhich.Onlygoodthinginit,withstation’sscanstoppedagoodbitbeforethestrike,theyhadonlyourlast-knownpositiontogoonandtheattackmissedmostofus.AjaJingotit,beingpostedstationary;atleastonefreighterwashitandwethinksomeofthekif,butwedon’tknowwhogothit,becausenoone’soutputtingmuchchatterandalotofthefreightersarescan-blankedandhiding.Ifigurethey’llgoforthefixedtargetsonthenextpass-thestation,AjaJin’slastposition…”
“Anuurn,maybe.”
Tirunthrewheranears-flatlook.
“You’vegotitgoing,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’llgowithit.Givemetherestofyourreckoning.WheredoyoureckonAkukkakkis?”
“Ithinkhewasonethatgotoffstation;andhecan’thaveboostedfastenoughtohaverunwiththestrikers.Ifigurehe’soneofthoseshipsoutthere,quietlikealltherestofthem.Andwefindoutjustwhichoneheiswhenthatstrikeforcecomessweepingbackin.”
Pyanfarnodded.Totakethemaneuvertheyhadhandedhim-theundockingofthefreighters-andtoturnittohisownadvantage…thatwasveryprobable.ThatwasAkukkakk’sstyle,forwhichshehadbeguntoacquireasense:apatternofmovements,atendencytoupthestakeswhenchallenged.
“He’sgoingtogoonsendingtheminagainstthestation,”shejudged,“hammeritintojunk.That,foralessonforus.Butheknowsrottedwellwhichoneweare,cousins:we’realltooconspicuous,andI’veanotionwhichwayhe’llgowhenhecan-evenoddsbetweenusandMahijiru.AndsinceMahijiru’sgotJikbyhim…”Shecastaglanceatscan,wherethemaherodeasadoublebliphardbythekifpositionatstation.“They’llbeoverridingtheirownscan,thatstrikeforce,butAkukkakk’sgoingtohaveagoodidentifiedimageforthem.Godsrothim.”
“Wedropourpeopleatstation,”Haralsaidfromthefourthcushion,“andpullatightturn,maybe;gosortthatcrowdout.”
“Gottodosomething,that’ssure.-Tirun:toyou.”Sheshuntedbackwhatactivityherboardhadreceived.“Takeusin.I’mgoingtotalktotheothers.-Goingtoneedalltherestofyouuphere.Stayput,Haral.”
“Right,”Haralmuttered.
Pyanfarturnedthecushion,slidoutofit,headedoutofthebridgeatadeadrunintothedirectionofthrust,digginginfortraction.Sheskiddedtoacollisionwiththewallatthelift,hitthecallbuttonandcaughtherbreathwhileitcame.
Itarrived;shesteppedinandwaitedwhileitspedhertothelowerdeck,tremorsinhermuscles,atendencytoshiverinwhatoughtnottobeachill.
Lowerdeckmaincorridor.ShefoundtheChanurgatheredthere,bracedsittinginthepassage,riflesinlaps,thebestsecuritytheycouldfindneartheirexit.Theyscrambledupasshecame…andtherewasChuramongthem,andKhym;andTully,withHilfy;andtheLlunandtheChanurcaptainsandtheircrews.Shewentamongthem,caughtChur’sarmandlookedattheothers.“You’veunderstood?”
“Understood,”RheanChanursaid.“Wetrytogetthestationersroundedupandifwehavetoridethroughanotherstrike-wegettocoreandtrytowaityourpickupafterit’spast.Godshelpus.”
“ThePridewillbeback,Rhean;that’syourshipthatforcedthebreach:yourcrew,godslookonthem.Idon’tknowwhatdamageshemayhavetaken:you’dbetterplanforanypickupthatcomesforyou.-Anfy:samegoes;anyship.Gotin-systemersfillingjumpshipposts,anythingwecanget.Godsknowwho’swhere.-Therestofyou:ifyouusethoseguns,youpairupwiththecrewsandgivebackupfire.Hitthewrongtargetandyou’llkillyourownallies,hear?Orblowaseal;keepyourwitsstraightandknowwhat’sbehindwhatyou’reshootingat.Yougoshootingonastation,hearme,youputyourshotsonthedeckingandworkuptheirlegs.”
Youngearsloweredindistress;eyesstared,black-centered.Hilfy’slookwassomethingelseagain,earspricked,sober.Pyanfarstaredather,atoncepleasedandheartsick.Nowaytopullheroutofit.Noneed.ThosewhowentontostationandthosewhostayedwithThePridewereinequaldanger.Maybemore,forthemontheship.Akukkakkwouldseetoit,giventhechance.
“Approachingdock.”comsaid.“Standbyforbraking.”
“Approachingdock.”comsaid.“Standbyforbraking.”
“We’llnotwastetime,”Pyanfarsaidquietly,tothoseabouther.“Chur;Hilfy;you’reallThePridecansend:doitrightandgetback;allofyou-Khym…gowithmycrew,hear?”
Henodded.Therewasapricklishnessintheair.Nooneelsewouldhavebeengladtotakehim.InChur’sandHilfy’seyestherewasnoflinching.Heglancedtowardthemandtheremnantofhisearsliftedinthelooktheygavehim.
Forhersake,shethought.Godshelpthem-ifhegotoneofthemkilled,rushingintosomethingblind-crazy.
Brakingstarted.Theybracedagainstthecorridorwall-hardthrust,andmiserablefortheapproach.Pyanfarshuthereyesamoment,sliddowntoacrouchwiththerestofthem,contentforthemomenttobewhereshewasandwishingtoallthegodsshecouldgowiththem.
Tully-squatteddownclosetoHilfy;Pyanfarturnedherhead,tightenedhermouthinconsideration.Thatwastheonewhomightbolt.Thatwastheone,deaftoinstructions,crazywithanger.Khymcrouchedfartherdown,shamed,sheknew,byhiscondition;bythedistrustabouthim,theexpectationthathewouldbemoredangerthanhelptohisownside,pronetotakehisownway,pronetomaletemperandinstability-Khym,whohadsavedalltheirnecksandgiventhemthechancetogetaloftintime.LikeKohan,frettinginagonydownworld,becausehewastrappedinChanurHolding;andgods,hehadwon.
Theylostg,madetheshifts,suchthatbodiesleanedagainstoneanotherinthenudgingsofthedockingjets,andthosewhohadaholdbracedthosewhodidnot.
Contact.Thelastdirectionofgconfirmeditselfandthegrapplesclangedhome,theaccessthumpedintoposition.“Gotcontactwithahaniforceoutthere,”Geransaid.“You’vegotaclearexit.-Lucktoyou.”
“Havesomeyourself,”Churcalledupatthecom.“Hai,upthere,”Hilfyshouted,andthelotofthemscrambledupinreadinesstorushtothelock.
Pyanfarrosewiththerestofthem.‘“Tully,”shesaid,andbeckonedhim.Hisfacewhichhadbeeneagertookonanapprehensionofwhatshewanted;shebeckonedasecondtime,withtheChanurforcesbeginningtoheaddownthe
beckonedasecondtime,withtheChanurforcesbeginningtoheaddownthecorridortowardthelock,andwhenhedidnotcomeshewentafterhimandtookhimbythearm,whileChurandHilfydelayed.
“Go,”Pyanfarsaidtothetwo.“Takecare.”
Theywent,inorderlyhaste,withtheothers,downthecorridortowardthelock.Pyanfarlaidherearsback,feltTullypullatherhand.
“Ask,”hesaid.“Fightthem,Pyanfar.”
“No,”shesaid.“Youcan’thearordersoutthere,understand?Comewithme.Comeuptothebridge.”
Ifhispatheticsmallearscouldhavemovedtheywouldhavelaindown,shethought;itwasthatkindoflook.“Yes,”hesaidinasmallvoice.“Understand.”
Thelockopenedandshutagainshortlyafter.“Comingup,”shecalledtotheopencom.“Easyontheundocking.”
Tullycamewithher,runningbesideher.Shegothimintotheliftandheleanedagainstthewallwithhiseyesonhers,withpaininthoseeyes,likeKohan’spain-shadowedeyes,hisbrightmanetangled,hiswholebodyshrunkenwithexhaustionandunhappiness.
“Wego,”shesaidastheliftopenedontothebridgewardcorridor.“Wegetthekif,friend,findAkukkakkandsettleascore,shipandship.”
“There?”Hemadeawidegesture,infinity.
“Thissystem.Alltooclose.”Shestrodethroughthearchwayontothebridge,grabbedTully’sarmandthrusthimfortheauxiliaryseatnextHaral’spost,nonesosafethere,butnothingwas.Sheslidintoherownwell-worncushionandfastenedtherestraintswhileTirunungrappled;tookthecontrolsasThePrideacquiredherowng,sentthemoutnarrowerthanshewouldhavecutitwithstationauthoritiesinapositiontoprotest.
“Situationas-was?”sheaskedTirun.
“Figurewe’vegotalittleunderahalfhouronthatstrike,”Tirunsaid.
“Haral:toallships;gotkifamongus;broadcastID’s,now-houseandorigin-and
“Haral:toallships;gotkifamongus;broadcastID’s,now-houseandorigin-andgetourownsignalgoing.”
“Right.”Sheputthemoverstation.Vidshowedthetwomaheshipsclearenough,ascatteringofshipswhichhadnevermadeitawayfromdock,somewrecked,sometrailingdebristhatstreamedinthestation’srotation.
Kifships,threeofthem,stillatdock,withtheirtailssinged:Mahijiruhaddonethatmuch.
Fromthemahe…nothing,neithersignalnoroutput.Buttheystartedtomove,oneaftertheother.
“We’vestirredsomething,”shesaid.“Ourfriendshavesomenotionthey’renottalkingabout.”
“GettingIDinput,”Geransaid.“
Scanstartedacquiringdata,positiveID’sonhaniships.Theknnnziggedanddartedatsomevelocity,throwingoffsmallghoststhatindicatedboosts.Pyanfarranhertongueoverherteeth,refusingthatdistraction,watchingthepatternofthoseshipsasyetunidentified,asmoreandmoreidentificationscameinandThePrideincreasedherownspeed.Anothershipwasmovinginondock,andanotheronebehind,insystemhaulers,atastandstillcomparedtotheirownbuildingvelocity.Shipsweremovinginrandomdirections,nottobecaughtwhenthestrikecamein-atleastthatwastheirhope.
“Rotthem!”Haralexclaimed.“Crippledeven-lookatthatspeed.”
Jik,Haralmeant.AjaJintraileddebris;butthetwomahekeptacceleratingwithnoapparentimpairment…straightintothethickestconcentrationofships.
Sheeasedup,shutdownaltogether.Themahehadgivenupflexibility,launchedthemselvesintotheheartofthings,deliberateandlessandlessabletoveeroffandhandleaturn.“Maintainouroptions,”shesaidquietly.
Suddenlyafreighterdesignatedhaniblossomedintochaff.
“Captain,”Tirunsaid.Threeunidentifiedsinthevicinityacquiredtheenemydesignation.MahijiruandAjaJinswepttowardthegroup.
“Keepoutofourway,rotyou,”Pyanfarmuttered.Haralwasoncom,advisingallshipsintheareatoheadoffthekifmovement.
“Goingtohavethemaheinlineoffireiftheydoastraightturnover,”Geransaid.“Fireheadon-”
“Goingtoletthekifpassourzenith,”Pyanfarsaidgrimly.“That’sourbestsideanyway.”
“I’vegotit,”Tirunadvisedher,throwingthesafetyoffthearmamentsoftheupperframe.
“Knnn’scomingup,”Geransaidsharply,andtheproximityalarmbeepedasthehigh-velocityshiprippedfromtailtobow,nadir,goneintothedevelopingmahe/kifconfrontationsofastscandevelopedthemalineoflikelycourse.
“Mahijiru’scompliments.”Haralrelayed.
Scanshoweddebris,hani,mahe,orkifwasuncertain:positionsweretooclose.Dotscoincidedandsplitasthekifmovedtowardthem.Someonewashit;andsuddenlythefightwasheadedThePride’sway.
“Akukkakk’sthere,”Pyanfarsaid,beyonddoubtwhatkifwouldrateThePridehisprimetarget,disregardingthemahewhohadjustattacked.
“Twoshipnow,”Tullyexclaimed.Scanshowedthemahestillpaired,nolongeracceleratingandprobablybrakingfortheirreturn;showedhanimovingonthekiffrompointsofthesphere;andtwoactivekifships.Thethirdwasinvolvedwithadebris-track,neartheknnn’serraticblip.“Thatkiftheyget.”
“Thispairwegot,”Tirunmuttered.Thedoubleimagewasclosingwiththem,lessandlessinterval,withtheirownimpetusaddedtothekifsoncomingvelocity.Theknnnwasonthereturnnow,streakingoutofthevicinityofthedebris-track.MahijiruandAjaJinwerefartherandfartheraway,obligedtolosevelocitybeforetheycouldmakewayonthekifsheading,tooclosetotrafficforjumppulsestoassist.
“Whichone?”Tirunasked.
“Takethebesttarget,”Pyanfarsaid.“Ican’ttell.”Hanijumpshipswereonthenear-scannow,severalofthem,hammeringtowardinterceptwiththekif,butnot
near-scannow,severalofthem,hammeringtowardinterceptwiththekif,butnotintimeforThePride,Noplaceforafreighter,aracewiththeswifthunter-ships,evencargo-dumped.Nowaytowin.
“Now!”
Thekifrippedpastthem,zenith,andtheyfired.Screensbrokeup.ExplosionslammedThePrideaskewandredlightedtheboards.Pyanfarreachedinanadrenalintimestretch,foughtthepitchandwobble.Inthescreen’sclearinganewrapidimageboredownonthem,ahighknnnwailincom.
Itwentpastthem,zenith.PyanfarspunThePrideonehundredeightydegreesinatailroll,anticipatingakifturnoverandreturnpass,hopingtogetashotoff.MahijiruandAjaJinwouldcome;werecoming;mightgetbackintime.ThePridefiredbackasthegunscameinline:thekifhadproceededintoturnoverastheirrespectivemomentumseparatedthem,andfirecameback,brokeupscreens,redlightedremainingclearboards.
“Gotone,”Geranyelled.“Lookatthatbastardwobble.Bythegodswegothim!”
Firefromtheotherkeptup.Theintervalwasstillincreasingbetweenthem,butataslowerrate.Itwouldbecomingback…soon.
“Goldtooth,”Pyanfarsaid,punchinginthecom,“rotyou,hurryitabit,someoneouttherehurryit.”
Theknnnwaspullingaboutinatightturn,oneofthosemaneuversaknnncouldsurviveandhanicouldnot.Itziggedintotheinterval,intothelineoffire.
“Goodjob,”Goldtooth’svoicereachedThePride.“Got-”
Combrokeup.Scansuddenlywentberserk,allthesensorsblind…
…jumpfield.Gods,ajumpfield-incrowdedspace.
“Captain!”Tirunyelled,farawayandsuddenlycloseasthefieldletthemgo.Tullycriedout,amiserablewail.
Somethingwasthere-wherenothinghadbeen;amassivepresence,avastbliponscanasitcleared,amonsterlocatedtostarboardzenith.Theywereofftheirheading,displaced.Everyonewas.Compwasflickeringwildlytryingto
heading,displaced.Everyonewas.Compwasflickeringwildlytryingtocompensate.Pyanfarkeyedintothesystem,tryingtogetsenseoutofit.Gods,thenewcomerwashuge.Scanhadtheotherblips,thatwerethekifandthemaheandthehaniandthesolitaryknnn-
“Captain.”Haral’svoice.Cornwentonbroadcastagain,awailingchoruswhichoverburdenedtheaudio,noisevibratingaboveandbelowhearing,woundingtheears.
Thehugeblipbrokeapart,fragmented,notdebris,butdiscretepartsofwhichonestayedcentralandtherestspedoutward.
“Knnn,”Pyanfarbreathed.“Travelinginsynch.Godshelpusall.”
“Hani-”Comcrackledthroughthestatic,afamiliar,kifishvoice.“PyanfarChanur-”
Theknnnshipsmovedtogether,acloudofthem,headedforthekif;andallatoncethekifsoutgoingvelocitybegantoshowincrease-Akukkakkhadwayandhewasthrowingeverythinghehadintoit.Retreating.Unabletoboostup:theknnnweretooclose,andcloseryet.
Thesolitaryknnnshipziggedanddartedandjoinedthechase.
“Chanur!”Goldtoothsaid.
Pyanfarwatchedthescreens,frozeninplace.Hanivoicescameovercom,panicked,questioning.Thechaseonscangatheredmoreandmorevelocity.
Ofasuddencameanotheroutput,asignalwhichmadenosensetocomp:scanstartedblinkingontheship-sizedobjecttheknnnhadleftbehind,askingoperatorintervention.
Analienvoicecameovercom,Tully-likeandfrightened.
PyanfarcastaglanceatTully,whoclungsweatingandjump-shockedtotheedgeofthecomcounter,whoseeyesstaredwildlyasthevoicekeptgoing.
“##ship,”translatorrenderedthetransmissionfromthenewcomer.“##ship##you.”
“Com!”PyanfaryelledatHaralandgotit.Herheartpoundedagainstherribs.
“Com!”PyanfaryelledatHaralandgotit.Herheartpoundedagainstherribs.“ThisisthehanishipThePrideofChanur.You’reinhanispace.Friend,hear?”
“Captain,”Tiruncried,“Captain,theknnn-”
Thetranslatorresponsedronedinherears.Pyanfarstaredatthescreen,atanarrowerandnarrowergapbetweentheknnnandthefleeingkif.“Tully,”shesaidwithoutlookingaround.“Haral-givehimcom.Giveittohim.”
Thetranslatorvoicewentout,cut.Sheflunganinstant’slookback,atTully,whohadgottenhimselftogether,whohadthemikeinhandandtalkedawild-eyedrapidpatteratthesecreatureswhohadarrivedinknnnsynch,inashipwhichhadcomeinhauledlikesomuchfreight,unabletocommunicatewiththeknnn-
“Captain-”
Shelookedaboutagain.KnnnclosedwithHinukku,surroundedthekif,becameonemassaboutit,astheyhadbeenmassedabouttheOutsidershipatitsarrival.
“Gods,”Tirunmuttered.
“They’retrading,”Pyanfarsaidincredulously.“LikeatKirdu-gods,they’remakingatrade.AnOutsidership-forHinukku.ForAkukkakk.”
“Pyanfar!”Goldtooth’svoicecameovercom.“Yougotsensethesebastard?”
“Humanship,”Pyanfarsaid,punchinginherstill-activelink.“Theknnnjustdroppedalivecargoonus.Tully’skind.-They’restillgoing,bythegods,theknnnarestillgoing,outbound.”
“Kifshipleavestation,”Jikcutin.“Hego.”
Asolitarykif,ofthecrippledthreeatstation…itwasso:alamekifwithoutatail,headedoutonthecourseoftheotherlamekif,inchinghiswayintoretreat.“Rightdowntheincomingstriketrack,that’stheircourse,”Pyanfarsaid,fairlyshakingwithexcitement.“Bythegreatandlessergods,they’repullingout,they’regoingtorun.”
Therewasasuddenandmajorvacancyonscan,thecharacteristicscatter-ghostofashipdepartedintojump-wherethemassofknnnhadbeen,enveloping
ofashipdepartedintojump-wherethemassofknnnhadbeen,envelopingHinukku.Avastghost,arippleinspace-time;andhardafterit-asmallerghost,theirownknnn.Vanished.
Thetworemainingkifkeptgoing,realspaceandrealtime,headedforthefardarkandsendingoutasteadysignal,tellingofdisaster.
Runningfortheirlives.
“Wegot,”Goldtoothsaid.“Got,Pyanfar.”
“Got.-Godsknowwhatwe’vegot.”SheheardTullystillchatteringbackandforthwiththenewcomer,heardliltsandtonesinhisspeechshehadneverheard.Shelookedbackathim,whohadallbutusurpedHaral’scomboard.Hesawher.Hisfacewaswet.“Friend,”hesaidtoherinherownlanguage.“Allfriend.”
Godsknewwhattherewastosaytothenewcomersthatthetranslatorcouldconveywithoutfoulup.GodsknewhowtocopewithadozenotherTullysequallyconfusedandupsetashehadbeeninhisarrival.
“Theycome,”shesaidslowly,distinctly.“Tellthemtheycometostation.”
“Come,yes.”
Shespunaboutagain,towardthescreens,startedputtingonthrustforastationwardcourse.Othershipswereproceedingonthatheading,thehanijumpshipswhohadneverslackenedspeed;haniwhohadkinonstation;haniwhohadcrewfromstationorwhohaddroppedlandingpartiesonthedockstotrytoassisttheLlun.
Anythingmightbehappeningthere,evennow,withkifelsewhereinrout.
AhundredOutsidersplatedingoldcouldnothaveinterestedheratthemoment.
“Captain-”Geransaid;andofasuddennewdatacameuponthescreens,andafamiliarsteadysignalcameoveraudio.“Station’sbroadcastingagain,captain.”
Sheheardthemaheadvisethemoftheobvious,heardthealienchatterfromtheOutsider,whomusthavepickeditup,andthevoicesofhanisendinganxiousqueriestostation.
“Stationisentirelysecure,”theanswercameback.“ThisisKifasLlunspeaking;
“Stationisentirelysecure,”theanswercameback.“ThisisKifasLlunspeaking;resistancehasendedandthestationisentirelysecure.”
Pyanfarkeptupthethrust,recklessofthelightswhichadvisedofdamage.Thatrottednumberonevanewashitagain;godsknewwhatelsewasgone,butthefinecontrolwasstillthere;andlikewisetheirabilitytobrake:nolimpingin;nolanesestablishedyet:theywereallsee-and-avoid.
Othersignalscamein.HarnStationwasbackonoutput;andthenTyo,reportingminordamage,minorcasualties.
Hilfy,Pyanfarkeptthinking;andChur.
AndKhym:atthebottomofherthoughts,Khym,forwhomshehadnohope.
Butthatwaswhathehadcomelookingfor,afterall.
Asweatprickledonhernose.Breathcamehardundertheacceleration.Themahetraveledwiththem,andforitsownreasonsandinitsownpurpose,theOutsidershipcame,outstrippingslowerinsystemhaulersforwhomthatvoyagewastheworkofhours.
Bythetimetheycouldgetthere,GaohnStationmighthavesomereckoningofthecasualties.
XIV
ThePrideopenedaccesseswhileMahijirueasedintodockbesideher,andJik’sAjaJinstoodwatchtowardthatquarterofthesystemoutofwhichsomestraykifmightstillcome…notexpected,buttheytookprecautions.
TheOutsidershipcameinmoreslowlystill,permitteddocking,buthavingtoaccomplishitwithoutunderstandingthelanguage,theprocedures,andwithoutcompatibleequipment:“Besideus,”Pyanfarhadtoldthemsimply.“Yougotvid?Youseefourgrapples:airlockplacedincenter,understand?Yougoslow,verycareful.Youhavetrouble,youstop,wait,backoff:smallshipcancomefromstation,helpyoudock.Allunderstood?”
“Understand,”theanswerhadcomebackthroughthetranslator.AndtheOutsiderarrived,cautiously…wondering,doubtless,attheholedcarcassesofkifshipsnearby;atthesignsoffirewhichpittedtheadjacentsectionofthestationtorus.
Someoneonthedockgotadirectlinehookedup.“Captain,”Gerancried,hereyesshiningamber.“Captain,it’sChurandHilfy.They’rethere,bothofthem!”
“Huh,”Pyanfarsaidjudiciously,becausetherewasadockingOutsiderchatteringinherotherearatthemoment;butreliefjelliedhergut,sothatsheheardverylittleoftheOutsider’sbabbleatall.Shelookedathercrew,andatTully,whoseeyeshadlightedatthenews.
“They’resafe,”heasked,“ChurandHilfy?”
“We’regoingoutthere,”Pyanfarsaid,thrustingbackfromthecontrols.“Allofus,bythegods.”Shestoodup,rememberedthetapetheyhaddupedonthewayinandpocketedit.“Comeon.”
Theycame,offthebridgeandlong-stridingdownthecorridor,Tullytoo,rodedowntheliftandmarchedoutthelock.Iftherewaseve1-atimeforrunningforjoy,itwasthatlastwalk
downtherampway;butPyanfarheldherselftoasedatewalkdowntheramp,intothewide,fire-scarreddockwherehastoodwithweapons.
ChurandHilfyandsomeoftheotherChanur-ogods,Hilfy,withabloodstainedbandageroundhersideandleaningonChurwhohadonearminasling.Theysmiled,inshapetodothat,atleast.ChurhuggedGeranone-armed,andPyanfartookHilfybybothshoulderstolookather.Hilfywaswhiteaboutthenose,withpaininthesetofhermouth,butherearswereupandhereyeswerebright.
“Wegotthem,”Hilfysaidhoarsely.“Gotbehindthematthedocksidewhileotherscamethroughthecoreandpushedthemouttous.AndthenIthinktheygotsomekindoforderbecausetheywentfrantictogettotheirships.Thatwasthebigtrouble.Onegotaway.Therest-wegot.”
“Khym.”
Hilfyturnedwithsomeevidentstiffness,indicatedafigure*,crouchedagainstthefarsideofthedock,smallwithdistance“NaKhymgottheonethatgotme,aunt,thankthegods.”
“Hitthemhandtohand,hedid,”Chursaid.“Saidhenever*couldshootworthanything.Hecameacrossthatdockandhi1thatkif,andgods,fiveofthemnevermorethansingedhisfurIdon’tthinktheyeversawahaniofhissize-gods,itwassomething.Theybailedoutofcoverandwegottheleftovers.”
Pyanfarlooked,atonceproudandsad,atthatquiet,with’drawnfigure.Proudofwhathehaddone-Khym,whohadneverbeenmuchforfighting-andsadathisstateandhisfuture.,
Gods,iftheycouldonlyhavekilledhim-givenhimwhathersonhadnothadthegracetogive….
OrperhapsKarahadsensedhecouldnotkillhim;it*KhymMahnbackedtothewallwasadifferentKhymindeed.
“I’llseehim,”shesaid.“We’regoingtogetyoutwotostationhospital.”.
“Beggingpardon,”Hilfysaid,“stationhospital’sgotitshandsfull.Rhean’sgotsomeonehitbad;andGinasLlun-she’snonetoogoodeither;andalotofothers.”�
“HilanFaha,”Chursaid,“andhercrew-they’redead,captain.Allofthem.Theyledthewayinforthecorebreak-through.Theyinsistedto.Ithinkitwasshame-forthecompanythey’dkept.”
forthecompanythey’dkept.”
“Godslookonthem,then,”Pyanfarsaidafteramoment.
“TheTahar-”Hilfysaidbitterly,“gotMoonRisingoutandranforjump.Ranforit.That’swhatthey’resayingonstation.ButtheFahawouldn’tgowiththem.”
“That’llbetheend,”Pyanfarsaid.“WhenthattalegetsbacktoEnafyprovince,KahiTaharandhislotwon’tshowtheirfacesinChanurlandorelsewhere.”
“Hani,”amahenvoicebellowed,andherecameGoldtoothandcrew,adozendark-furred,rifle-carryingmahendo’satfloodingtowardthem,toweringoverthem.GoldtoothgrabbedPyanfar’shandandcrushedittillclawsremindedhimtocaution.Hegrinnedandslappedherontheshoulder.“Gotnumberonehelp,whatItellyou?”
Haniwerestaringatthismahe-hanifamiliarity.Hercrewwas.Pyanfarlaidherearsbackinembarrassment,recalledthenwhattheyowedGoldtoothandhisunrulylotandprickedtheearsupatonce.More,shelinkedarmswiththetallmahe,andgavethehawkersondocksidesomethingpropertostareat.“Numberonehelp,”shesaid.
“Gotdeal,”saidGoldtooth.“GotfriendJikrepair,sameyougetatKirdu.Chanurfix,a?”“Rotyou-”“Gotdeal”
“Got,”sheadmitted,andsufferedanotherslapontheshoulder.ShelookedatTully,thinkingofChanurbalancesheets,debitsandcredits.Lookedathimlookingatherwiththoseoddpaleeyesfullofworship.Behindhimanaccesswayhadopened.Hisownkindhadcome,gods,abewilderingassortment,paleonesanddarkonesandsomeshadesinbetween.“Tully,”shesaid,signedwithhereyesthatheshouldlook,andhedid.
Hefrozefortheinstant,thenranforthem,hani-dressedandhani-looking,rantohisassortedcomrades,whowereclippedandshavedandclothedtopandbottominskintightgarmentsshodbesides.Handsreachedouttohim;armsopened.Heembracedthemallandsundryandtherewasababbleofalienlanguagewhichechoedofftheoverhead.
Sohegoes,Pyanfarthoughtwithastrangesadness-andwithacertainanxietyaboutlosingavaluablecontacttoothers-toLlun,bythegods,whowouldbeeagertogettheirown-clawsin;andKananmandSanuumandsomeoftheother
eagertogettheirown-clawsin;andKananmandSanuumandsomeoftheothercompetitorsinport.PyanfarshedGoldtooth’sarmandcrossedthedocktowardtheknotofhumans,herowncompanionsfollowingher.Tullybroughthispeopleatleasthalfwaywhenhesawher,camerushingupandgrabbedherhandwithfeveredjoy.
“Friend,”hesaid,hisbestword,anddraggedherreluctanthandtowardthatofawhite-manedhuman,whosenakedfacewaswrinkledasakif’sandtawny-coloredlikeahani’s.
Thecaptain,shethought;anoldone.Shesufferedthehandclaspwithclawsretracted,bowedandgotacourteousbowinreturn.Tullyspokeinhisownlanguage,rapidly,carryingsomepoint-indicatedoneafteranotherofthemandsaid”theirnameshisway-HaralandTirun,GeranandChurandHilfy;andthemahendo’satatleastbyspecies.
“Wanttalk,”Tullymanagedthen.“Wantunderstandyou.”
Pyanfar’searsflickedandlifted,thechanceofprofitwithinherreachafterall.Shepuckeredhermouthintoitsmostpleasantexpression.Gods,someofthemwereodd.Theyrangedenormouslyinsizeandweightandthereweretworadicallydifferentshapes.Females,sherealizedcuriously;ifjTullywasmale,thentheseoddtypeswerethewomen.
“Wetalk,”Goldtoothinterposed.“Mahemakedealtoo.”
“Friend,”PyanfartoldthehumansinherbestattemptatIhumanlanguage.Tullystillhadtotranslateit,butithaditseffect.“Icometoyourship,”shesaid,choosingTully’ssmalljhanivocabulary.“Yourship.Talk.”
“Icometoo,”Goldtoothsaiddoggedly,nottobeshaken.Tullytranslated.
“Yes,”Tullyrenderedtheanswer,grinning.“Friend.Allfriend.”
“Dealslikeamahe,”Pyanfarmuttered.Butthatarrangementwaswellenoughwithher.Shesuddenlyconceivedplans-forthefurtherloanoftwomahehuntershipsonaprofitablevoyage.
“Captain,”Haralsaid,touchingherarmandcallingherattentiontoaclusteroffigurescomingoutofthedocksidecorridor.
Llunwereontheirway-KifasLlunherselfintheleadofIthatgroup,cometo
Llunwereontheirway-KifasLlunherselfintheleadofIthatgroup,cometoanswerthisuncommoncallatGaohnStation,ascoreofblack-trouseredofficialdomtrailingafterher.
Theywoulddemandthetranslatortape,thatwassure.Pyanfarthrustherhandsintoherwaistband.“Friends,”sheassured
Tully,whogavetheapproachinggroupanxiouslooks,andheinturnreassuredhiscomrades.
“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,“Chur,noneedforyoutostandthroughthis.Gototheship.Geran,yougoandtakecareofthem,willyou?”-“Right,”Geranagreed.“Comeon,youtwo.”
Noprotestsfromthem.ChurandHilfystartedawayinGeran’skeepingandTullydelayedthemtotaketheirhandsonebyoneasifheexpectedsomethingmightkeephimfromfurthergood-byes.
Gods,shehadnodesiretodealwiththeLlunoranyoneatthemoment.Herkneesached,herwholebodyached,fromwantofsleepandfromstrain.ShefeltaspanshorterthanshehadcomeacrossthatblinkfromKirdu.’Theyallmust.Tullytoo.Shewanted—
Shewantedtohavetime…totalktoherown;tofindoutwhoelseofChanurwashurt;tocallKohan.…
Andsomehow-totalktoKhym.Todosomething,anythingforhismisery,inspiteofwhatothersthoughtandsaid.
“Geran,”shecalledoutattheretreatinggroup.“Khymtoo.Gethimaboardandtendtohim.TellhimIsaidso.”
Asmallflickoftheears.“Aye,”Geransaid,andwentoffinKhym’sdirectionwhileChurandHilfymadetheirownwayback.PyanfarturnedtothearrivingLlunwithadazzlinglycheerfulsmile,fishedthetapefromherpocketandturneditovertoKifasatoncewithneverafadeofgoodhumor.
“WeregisterthesegoodOutsiders,ourguests,atGaohnnation,”Pyanfarsaid,“underChanursponsorship.”
“Allies,herChanur?”TherewasafrownofsuspiciononKifasLlun’sface.
“Allies,herChanur?”TherewasafrownofsuspiciononKifasLlun’sface.“NothingtheTaharsaidweighsherenowwithus…butdidyousendforthem?”
“Godsno.Theknnndidthat.Knnnwhogotabellyfulofkifinterventionintheirspace,I’dguess;whofoundtheseOutsidersneartheirspaceanddecidedintheirowncuriousfashiontoseetoitthattheymetreputableCompactcitizensofasimilarbiology-snatchedthem,upinsynch,theydid,andtheytookthehakkiktoutthesameway,maytheyhavejoyofhim.They’retraders,youknow,kerLlun,aftertheirownlights.I’llwagerourhumanfriendsheredon’tknowyetwhat’shappenedtothemorhowfartheyarefromhomeorhowtheygothere.They’llhavedruggeddownandriddenoutthejumpsittooktogetthemhere;andgodsknowhowmanythatwasorfromwhere.”
“Introduceus,”theLlunsaid.
“I’llremindyou,”Pyanfarsaid,“thatweandtheyhavegonethroughtoomanytimechanges.We’renotuptoprolongedformalities.They’reChanurguests;I’msponsoringthemandIfeelitincumbentonmyselftoseethattheygettheirrest…butofcoursethey’llsigntheappropriatepapersandregister.”
“Introductions,”theLlunsaiddryly,toooldandtoowisetobeputoffbythat.
“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid,“yougottoorottedmanyfriends.”
Itwaswhatsheexpected,grueling,astrainoneveryone’sgoodhumor,andentirelyover-long,thatvisittostationoffices.Therewassomerestraintexercised,inrespecttofamilylosses,inrespecttofrayedandlatelyhightempers;inrespecttothefactthatforonetimeoutofahundred,hanihadworkedtogetherwithoutregardtohouseandprovince,andthecooperativespirithadnotentirelyfaded.
TherewasgratitudetoGoldtoothandthemaheshipswhogotstationprivilegesandrepair.GaohnStationwasalltooanxioustosharethebillwithChanur,achingtogetAjaJinintothehandsofHarnShipyards,tobestudiedandanalyzedduringthecourseofthework.Themahendo’satwereevidentlysatisfiedwiththesituation-smugbastards,Pyanfarthought,bristlingsomewhatasallhanidid,attheunhappytruththatthemahendo’satwerealwaysaheadofhani,thatmahendo’sattechnologywhichhadgottenthemintospaceinthefirstplacewasresponsibleforkeepingthemthere.Themahendo’satwereapparently
placewasresponsibleforkeepingthemthere.Themahendo’satwereapparentlyreadyfortheiralliestoseethehunter-ships,atleast.RotthePersonageandhissmallfluffwithhim.
Stationwaseagertooforalookatthehumanship;anddoubtlessthehumansentertainedsomesuspicionsaboutthatandeverythingelse,butitwasafairquestionwhattheyhadintheirpowertodoaboutit.
Theywere,atleastforthemoment,effectivelylost
“Wefindhome,”Tullysaid,“notfarfromMeetpoint.Knowthis.Yourrecord,yourshipinstruments-helpus“
“Notdifficultatall,”Pyanfarsaid.“Allwehavetodoissendyourrecordsthroughthetranslatorandgetourchartstogether,right?Wecomeupwiththeanswerinnotime.”
“Mahendo’sat,”Goldtoothsaid,“gotnumberonegoodreckoninglocationhumanspace.Numberonegoodcharts.”
Alltoomanyfriendsindeed,Pyanfarreflected.
Tullywenttohisown,notwithouthuggingherandHaralandTirun,andshakinghandsenergeticallywithGoldtoothandwithKifasLlunandothers-animportantfellowamonghispeoplenow,thisTully,surely;apersonwhoknewthings;apersonwithvaluableandpowerfulfriends.Goodforhim,shethought,recallingthewretched,nakedcreatureunderthepileofblanketsinthewashroom.
ShemadethecalltoKohan,aquick’call-hervoicewasgettinghoarseandherkneeswereshaking;butitwasgoodtohearthatthingsontheworldhadsettleddown,thatKohanhadgottenhimselfagoodmealandthatthehousewasbackinsomeorder.
Whiletheworldhadbeenunderkifguns,theyhadtidiedupthehouse,cookeddinner,andstartedreplantingthegarden.Pyanfarloweredherearsatthethought,howlittlerealthelargeruniversewastodownworldhani,whohadneverthoroughlyimaginedwhathadalmosthappenedtothem;whoheardabouttheterribledamagetothestationastheymighthearaboutsomeearthquakeina
theterribledamagetothestationastheymighthearaboutsomeearthquakeinaremoteareaoftheglobe,shakingtheirheadsinsympathyandregrettingit,butnotpersonallytouched-worriedfortheirownkin,ofcourseworried;andtherewouldbehuggingandsympathyathomecoming.ButtheysettheworldinorderbyreplantingthegardenandseeingKohanfed.
Godslookonthemall.
Shewentonthelastofherstrengthtothehospital,tovisittheChanurwounded,becauseshewasfirstinChanuranditmeantsomethingtothem;becausesheowedcourtesytoRhean,whosatwithhermendingcrewwoman;becausethenewsfromhomewoulddothemgood,thesedownworldChanurnotoftheshipcrews,whounderstoodthenecessityofplantinggardens.
Shecheckedwithstationcommand,thattheRauhadfoundawaybacktotheirship,whichanothermailfreighterhadmanagedtosecureforthem.
AndthensheandHaralandTirunwalkedthelongwaybacktoThePride,allofthemhoarseandexhaustedandfindingthelimitoftheirenergysimplyinputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.Shelimped,realizedshehadsomehowbrokenaclaw;thoughtwithlongingofabath,andbed,andbreakfastwhensheshouldwake.
ButonThePride,onethingmoreshedid:shestoppedbysickbayandlookedinonGeran’scharges,foundHilfyandChurcomfortablyasleeponcotsjammedsidebysideintothesmallcompartment,andGerandrowsinginthechairbythedoor.
Geranwokeashershadowcrossedherface,murmuredbleary-eyedapology.Pyanfarmadeashrug.TirunandHarallookedinatthedoor,leanedthereintheframe,twowornghosts.
“Khym,”Pyanfarsaid,missinghim.
“Cotinthewashroom,”Geransaid.“Byyourleave,captain.Hewouldn’tacceptHilfy’squarters,butshetriedtoinsist.”
“Huh.”SheedgedthroughtoseetoChurandHilfy,sawtheirfacesrelaxedandtheirsleepeasy,walkedout.“Orders?”Haralaskedinapparentdread:“Sleep,”
theirsleepeasy,walkedout.“Orders?”Haralaskedinapparentdread:“Sleep,”shesaid,andthesisterswenttheirwaygladlyenough.
Forherself,shewalkedondownthecorridortothewashroomandopenedthedoor.
Khymwassafelytuckedinbed,nestedinblanketsonacomfortablecot.Oneeyewasbandaged.Theotheropenedandlookedather,andhemovedtositup-clean,hispoorearsplasmedtogethersuchastheycouldbe,theterriblescratchesonhisarmsandshoulderstreated.Patchesofhiscoatweregonewherethescabshadbeen;hisbeardandmanewerehaggledup,doubtlesswheresnarlshadhadtobesnippedout.
“Better?”sheasked.
“KerGeranshotenoughantibioticsintome,Ishouldliveforever.”
Ruefulhumor.Shesankdownontheendofthecot,refusing,asKhymrefused,toabandonacheerfulfaceonthings.Shepattedhisknee.“Ihearyouputawindupthekifsbacks.”
Heshrugged,flickedhisearsindeprecation.
“Yougotyourlookatstation,”shesaid.“Whatdoyouthinkofit?”
Earsprickedup.“Worththeseeing.”
“ShowyoutheshipwhenyouandIgetsomesleep.”
“Ican’tstayuphere,youknow.You’regoingtohavetofindmeashuttledowntomorrow.”
“Whycan’tyoustayuphere?”
Hegaveasurprisedchuckle.“TheLlunandotherswillsay,that’swho.NotmanylordsastolerantasnaKohan.”
“Sostation’stheirterritory.So,well.Ithoughtyoumightconsidertakingaturninmine.OnThePride.”
“Gods,they’d-”
“-dowhat?Talk?Gods,Khym,ifIcancarryanOutsidermalefromoneendoftheCompacttotheotherandcomeoutaheadofit,Icanrottedwellsurvivethegossip.Chanurcandoanythingitpleasesrightnow.GotourselvesaprizeinthisOutsider;gotourselvesacontactthat’sgoingtotakeyearstoexplore.IcandealwithTully;andwiththemahendo’sat-awholenewkindofdeal,Khym.Who’stoknow-ifyoustayontheship;who’stoquestion-whenwe’renotinhometerritory?Whatdoyouthinkthemahendo’satcareforhanicustoms?Notathing.”
“NaKohan-”
“What’sittoKohan?You’remybusiness,alwayswere;heletyoustayonChanurland,didn’the?Ifhedidthat,he’dcarelessaboutyoulightyearsabsentonaChanurship.Andrightnow,whatIwant-Kohan’sgoingtohavealotofpatiencewith.”
Hewaslistening,earsupandallbuttrembling.“Thinkso,doyou?”
“What’sdownworldgotto.offeryou?Sanctuary?Huh.Thinkyou’dgocrazyonaship?Unstable?Maketroublewiththecrew?”
“No,”hesaidafteramoment.Andthen:“Oh,godsrotit,Pyanfar,youcan’tdosomethinglikethat.”
“Afraid,Khym?”
Earswentdown.“No.ButIhaveconsiderationforyou.Iknowwhatyou’retryingtodo.Butyoucan’tfightwhatis.Time,Pyanfar.Wegetold.Theyounghavetheirday.Youcan’tfighttime.”
“We’rebornfightingit.”
Hesatsilentamoment.Theearscameupslowly.“Onevoyage,ifthecrewdoesn’tobject.Maybeone.”
“Beawhileinport,gettingourtailputbacktogetheragain.Gettingnavigationaldetailsworkedout.Thenwegooutagain.Alongvoyage,thistime.”
Helookedupunderhisbrow.
“It’sdifferentoutthere,”shesaid.“Nothaniways.Noonespecies’way.Right
“It’sdifferentoutthere,”shesaid.“Nothaniways.Noonespecies’way.Rightandwrongaren’tthesame.Attitudesaren’t.I’lltellyousomething.”Shecrookedaclawandpokeditathim.“Hanidownworldwanttheirhousesandtheirwaysunquestioned,that’sall.Theydon’taskmuchwhatwedowhilethegoodscomeinanddon’tcostoutlandishmuch;theydon’tcarewhatwedoeither,solongaswedon’tvisiblyembarrassthehouse.Kara’sgoingtobeupset.Buthe’lllivewithit…whenThePride’slightyearsoutofsightandmind.Mightstartafashion.Might.”
“Dreamer,”Khymsaid.
“Huh.”Shegotup,flickedherearsandwaitedtoseehimsettledagain.Shewalkedoutthen,weavingabitinherstepsandfiguringshehadaboutstrengthenoughtogettoherowncabinandherownbathandherownbed,inthatorder.
Tullycameandwent,amonghishumancomrades,andonThePride.Hedidnot,toPyanfar’ssurprise,cuthismaneandshavehisbeardandwalkaboutinhumanclothes:hedidgoshod,butnomorechangethanthat.
Forthesakeofappearances,shethought;inrespectofherone-timeadviceandtheopinionoftheLlun(andofChanurtoo,thatbrieftimetheypaidadownworldvisit,toaffordKohantimewithhisfavoreddaughterandaviewoftheirsponsoredguests).Tullyflourished-grinnedandlaughedandmovedwithaspringinhisstepquitestrangeinhim.HebroughtasolemntrioofhumansofftheirshiptotakenotesaboardThePride-Goldtoothattendedwithhisownrecords-toaskquestionsandtoexchangedatauntiltheyhadsomenavigationalreferentsincommon.
Theyfrownedsuspiciously,thesehumans,buttheystoppedfrowningwhentheylearnedpreciselywherehomewas-somedistancebeyondknnnspaceandkif.
“Gotbetween,”Tullysaidenthusiastically,jabbingthechartwhichshowedhaniandmahendo’satterritory,cuppingonehandonthehani-mahendo’satsideandonehandonthehumanside,withthekifneatlybetween.Thehandsmovedtogetherslowly,clenched.“So.”
So,so,so,Pyanfarthought,andherlipsdrewbackandhernosewrinkledcheerfully.
Intime,hewent,backtohisown…thatlastsealingofthelockwhichmarkedtheseparationofthehumanshipfromGaohn.Ulysses,itsnamewas,whichTullyhadsaidmeantFar-Voyages.Nearlyfiftyhumanslivedonit,andwhethertheywererelatedornot,shecouldnotdetermine.
Theypreparedtogo.ShestartedbackacrossthedockstoThePride,tofollow-withasmallishcargo,nothingofgreatmass,butitemsofinteresttohumans.TheremightbeachancetoseeTullyatvoyage’send,butitwouldhardlybethesame.Hebelongedwithhisown,thatwaswhat,andshedidnotbegrudgehimthat.
Sheplannedtohaveuseofthatacquaintance,Tully-andthecaptainofthisFar-Voyages.So,ofcourse,didGoldtooth,withhissleekrefittedship,goingwiththem,whileJikcarriedmessagesbacktothePersonage,nodoubt,andthemahendo’sattriedtofigureouthowtocheatanhonesthanioutofexclusivearrangements.
Buttheoddsinthatencounterwereeven.