, or at a bookstore near you.From Chapter 16
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“Advance.”
The inner doorveil parted, and gal’Fondro of Gr’Shuna entered the room. Ga’Glish lifted his eyes from the monitor and, seeing his father’s emissary and oldest friend, bade his aides to leave.
“I hate to intrude upon the duties of office,” gal’Fondro smiled, as he heard the outer door close behind the last of the departing assistants.
“We were all but done,” said Ga’Glish, motioning for the emissary to seat himself, “and I would not keep an old friend waiting without need.”
“Ga’Glishek sends his wishes, and your mother sends her love.”
Ga’Glish sighed; Gr’Shuna had seen many seasons since his feet felt the soft earth of home. He had wished for a more amiable parting, and the intervening years had made him wonder if part of the fault might not be his. His own mate had often remarked that the men of the Galgravina clan were better known for their obstinacy of purpose than for their tact.
“I am glad my father sent you,” he said at last. “It eliminates the need for digressions of form.”
“He understands the need for frankness,” returned gal’Fondro, “even if other needs sometimes escape him.”
Ga’Glish rose to his feet and walked toward the anteroom, where a large spherical map of the skies protruded from the wall. Though no words passed between them, gal’Fondro rose and followed. As soon as he entered, a sliding door closed behind them, sealing the room from the prying ears of outsiders. “The walls are now deaf,” said Ga’Glish, confirming that they could talk freely.
“You are aware of events in the Capitol?”
“My Ministry keeps me well-informed.”
“Then you know that your uncle vies with Cra’Jenli for the post of First Minister. And so the Expanse Ministry and Foreign Ministry are locked in struggles that follow the interests of their leaders. ”
Ga’Glish nodded.
“Gal’Shenga can afford no incidents, Ga’Glish. His reputation rests on avoiding the scandals of the past. And the Imperator does not like to intervene in squabbles among the contending bureaucracies.”
“I propose nothing beyond— ”
Gal’Fondro held up his hand, in the manner of an Elder silencing a young one, but Ga’Glish took no offense. Despite the difference in rank decreed by fate and fortune, in his mind his father’s aide would always be his elder. “You seek to force a jurisdictional dispute, Ga’Glish, one that plays into the hands of the Foreign Minister.”
“But Gal’Shenga— ”
“Your uncle is aware of your concern, Son of my Friend, but he is stepping through a nest of vipers. A false step now will cost his post and perhaps more, if the Imperator is in a playful mood.”
“So Gal’Shenga allies himself with his rival, and my own father sleeps in the face of danger, ignoring the bond of his own blood.”
“Ga’Glish, you forget yourself!” hissed gal’Fondro. “And you forget how much both you and your father have for which to atone.”
Ga’Glish felt the blood burn in his soul, but he also knew that gal’Fondro spoke the truth, and so he held his tongue until the rage subsided.
“You and your father are much alike,” the emissary smiled. “Perhaps too much so for your own good.”
“All too well do I know my own mind,” Ga’Glish smiled lamely, “though I answer not for the faults of another.”
“Well spoken,” laughed gal’Fondro, placing a friendly hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “And you underestimate your elders, Ga’Glish. They are better versed in the subtleties of politics than you can be, isolated here on a sterile haven with none but the stars and a lonely mate for companionship.”
“I am listening, Old Friend.”
Though none but Ga’Glish could hear, gal’Fondro spoke in the darkest of whispers. “You must trust to the wisdom of the Galgravina elders.”
“I have had occasion to laugh at such wisdom, Fondro.”
“Trust their good intentions, then, Ga’Glish.”
“I am still listening.”
“Gal’Shenga cannot release his havenmaster from obedience, and cannot afford to press this struggle— ”
“This is tedious, but I listen still.”
“But the Provincial Governor must pass on the Protocol for the coming Festival of Terra, and neither he nor his designee may be excluded from the ceremonies. Form will not permit it.”
“I will not renounce my post, Fondro!” Ga’Glish hissed. “My father has tried before, but this— ”
“Silence!” gal’Fondro commanded imperially. “None but fools place stones in their ears.”
Ga’Glish raged inside, but struggled to listen to Fondro’s words.
“Your father cannot override the Foreign Minister’s command,” the emissary continued sharply. “Not for reasons of blood, not even for the dictates of security. But as the Imperator’s local representative, Ga’Glishek may defer his prerogatives to others, of like kind and higher rank.”
“This talk of protocol is like the babbling of an infant.”
“Meaning,” gal’Fondro replied impatiently, “that Ga’Glishek may defer to another Imperial official of higher rank, a class which includes your uncle. And as an Imperial Minister, Gal’Shenga can command his own retinue.”
Ga’Glish fell silent, and began to feel very young and foolish.
“You may go to Gr’Shuna, Ga’Glish, in good time and in good form. But you go not as a Havenmaster, or on ties of blood. You go as a retainer, under call of duty, to attend your Superior under his command…if you accept the charge.”
“Fondro— ” Ga’Glish began.
“You will await the Terrans’ arrival, and watch their passage through the expanse. When they near your Haven, you may expect your uncle’s call, even though he may still be in transit. This will permit you to observe the Terran craft in full operation as you travel to Gr’Shuna. As you will be serving your current Superior, you need not renounce your current post, for the duties will not conflict. And when Gal’Shenga departs for home, he will release you from your new obligations, returning you to your haven.”
Though Ga’Glish said nothing, gal’Fondro felt the emotions storming within the young man’s breast, emotions of elation and respect, but mostly of the profound gratitude of the undeserving. “You owe me no debt,” smiled gal’Fondro, reading the thoughts of his old friend’s son. “In fact, I deem it just the opposite, for your needs have led me to witness the first civil conversation between Ga’Glishek and his brother since you were a small one clinging to your mother’s arms. As for the rest—it was your father’s idea.”
© 2009 by Jeffrey Caminsky
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