Cat-a-lyst by Alan Dean Foster

Author:Alan Dean Foster
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Fiction, General
ISBN: 9781857230116
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 1992-05-14T00:42:49+00:00

104 Alan Dean Foster

our respective desires. I was wondering about one thing, though. Where is the emperor?"

The nobles relaxed and a few smiled tolerantly. "We have not been governed by an emperor for more than a hundred years," the first speaker informed them. "Emperors lost us our empire, our land, and our

freedom. When we came here and listened to the advice of the learning machines, we did away with such anachronisms." He gestured around the table. "This is the government of Contisuyu, contentious as it may appear. You see that we have not only progressed in matters scientific." "You really think you can impose your will and take revenge on the descendants of your conquerors?" the soft-drink bottler inquired.

The red-clad noble whom Manco had come to think of as a military officer replied. "Among the devices and designs left to us by Those-WboCame-Before are many which, while not intended to be used as weapons, can certainly be adapted for use as such. We do not know how far military science has advanced on Earth in our absence, but I believe we can construct weaponry which the descendants of our conquerors cannot defend against. Our attack will be many-faceted and well conceived." "That's very interesting," Manco agreed.

"What are you thinking of doing? Taking back control of the lands our ancestors lost to the Spaniards? Restoring the empire?" "That might be an eventual aim," one of the nobles agreed. "But the Spanish don't run any part of South America anymore," said Blanco Ferndndez. "Nothing at all?" The military noble frowned. "Another of your party said as much." "He was telling the truth. It's all independent." "How many countries?"

Manco responded when his brother hesitated. "Thirteen. They've fought against each other ever since the Spanish left, and they'd be a lot better off if a greater power forcibly unified them." Eager opportunism lent strength to his suggestion. "Someone like you people, for example. "They all still share the common Spanish heritage . . . except for the Brazilians, of course." "Ah yes," murmured another noble. "That ridiculous Treaty of Tordesillas. It would be appropriate for us to put that to fight." "What then of those who destroyed our lands and enslaved our ancestors?" asked the man in red. "Spain is still a strong European country,"

Manco informed them. "It does not matter." The noble looked satisfied. "We will crush them."

He narrowed his gaze. "Do not think to enhance your own position with lies. We still do not trust any of you."

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