Intrigue on Planet Gr'Shuna

Sxcerpted from The Star Dancers by Jeffrey Caminsky, available directly from the Publisher, or from Amazon, or at a bookstore near you.

 From Chapter 19

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“So the Terrans must bide their time like the rest of us.”

Drubid ran a finger over his beak-like mouth. The soothing sensations helped the Glincian focus his thoughts. As his lips stretched into a grim smile, a servant filled the two cups on the table with spirits. Drubid wanted his guest’s lips to float as freely as her mind. As the two exchanged toasts, he saw that his stratagem might yet yield results. It amused him to think that the surest way to ensure that he spoke alone with the Veshnan solon Zatsami was to suggest that she bring Zatar along with her.

“It should be but a short while,” smiled the Veshnan, feeling the glow of intoxicants coursing through her body. “I am told that even now the storm abates. In a few more days, they should resume their course.”

“You must be curious about the reason for this meeting.”

“Curiosity can be a virtue, Drubid.”

“So it can,” the Glincian laughed without warmth. “I hope that the differences of our governments will not keep us from talking freely.”

Zatsami bowed politely. The lamp on the table threw shadows on the wall. From her pillow, she could see the Glincian’s eyes reflect the soft light.

“In the current intrigues in the Crutchtan capital,” Drubid continued, after a long pause, “your Government’s sympathy for the reform movement is well known.”

“Crutchtan intrigues know no season,” the Veshnan returned blandly. “Our only interest is that of spectators.”

“Of course,” the Glincian added hastily. “As allies, we dare not presume to meddle in the affairs of our brother races. But we cannot help but notice the effect of the Terran controversy on our friends.”

“Continue,” Zatsami said noncommittally, but Drubid sensed that he had piqued her interest.

“I see no quarrel between my people and yours. And between mine and the Crutchtans—well, our real differences are too petty to warrant discussion. But the controversy will continue, as long as it suits the needs of the contenders in the Crutchtan capital.”

“Controversy is not unknown in the corridors of the Grand Alliance either, Drubid.”

The Glincian laughed a shallow laugh. “There is that old proverb, you know. ‘There are disputes that shake the rafters, and disputes that shake the air.’ We have as much to lose— ”

“And twice as much to gain,” smiled the Veshnan.

“Perhaps. But time is on our side, as it is not with the Crutchtan reformers. This is not the first time that one such as Gal’Shenga has risen to prominence. And like the others before him, his efforts will come to nothing, without the kiss of Fate. Or, perhaps, help from friends. Think of it, Solon: he cannot even acknowledge openly what he hopes to achieve, much less seek support for it in the palace halls. And this is the one whom your Government hopes will rise to power?”

“Our hopes have little to do with the Terrans,” retorted Zatsami.

“But resolving the controversy quickly will hardly help bring change,” smiled Drubid.

The Veshnan was about to respond, but the Glincian silenced her with a outraised hand. “I ask only that you consider the consequences, that is all. We each have our own interests to advance, that I willingly concede. And ours, for the moment, are in conflict with the Crutchtans—that I will grant.

“For now I see no change coming, either from within or without, not under the present circumstances. Yet alter the circumstances, and the future opens like a flower unfolding. Today’s paper peace with Terra helps none but Cra’Jenli. But the longer the controversy festers, the more it helps the forces of change. If circumstances limit what we may hope to achieve, why should we decline to achieve what little is permitted?”

Zatsami rose to her feet. “I am indebted to your hospitality,” she smiled. “But I have other duties to attend.”

“I understand,” replied Drubid, and he rose to escort her to the door.

As her footsteps faded into the distance, Drubid rested his head against the wall and breathed deeply of the perfumed air. He had learned what he wanted to know. Zatar aside, Veshna was up to its neck in Crutchtan palace politics. Otherwise, Zatsami would have left the minute he brought up the subject. That was what protocol demanded, and what Veshnan diplomats did as a matter of course in similar circumstances. But Gal’Shenga was no ordinary reformer. His words and deeds sounded deeply in the Veshnan soul; his muted cries for an easing of the Autocracy harkened to the very beginnings of Veshnan civilization. It seemed to him that the Veshnans must be deeply divided on the subject of how to accomplish their ends, torn between their duties as allies and their own parochial philosophies. If his efforts had helped sow confusion among the friends of Crutchta, or tipped the scales to those willing to admit delay in resolving the “Terran Dilemma,” then he could count his mission a success.

© 2009 by Jeffrey Caminsky