The Independent Command by James Doohan & S. M. Stirling

Author:James Doohan & S. M. Stirling [Doohan, James ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 0-671-31951-5
Publisher: Baen Publishing Enterprises
Published: 2000-11-07T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Aliens?" Lady Sisree asked. "What do you mean, aliens?"

One of the lady's charms was her ability to hide negative reactions. To one and all, unless she specifically wished otherwise, Sisree projected serenity and interest. And so she did now, though internally she was mightily perplexed.

"We have not seen them ourselves, Lady. So far we have only the strange configuration of their ships to go by. But as you can see, those ships are very strange."

Sisree examined the images that Sum-sef had sent to her and found the ships themselves and the movements the fliers made with them were indeed very strange. She had never seen the like. Certainly they were formidable fighters.

A little thrill of fear went through her at the thought. Until now Clan Nrgun had been invincible, with nothing at all to threaten its tranquility. But these . . . aliens? Were they in fact another life-form, or was this some bizarre yet sophisticated plot to destroy Nrgun? Either possiblility could cause indigestion and, regrettably, Clan Snargx was all too capable of dreaming up such a mad scheme of conquest.

"You may bring them to the clan home," she said at last. "But they may not leave their ship until we have considered this matter. Also, close watch will be kept on them at all times."

"Yes, Lady. I was wondering if any might be permitted to visit their ship?" His posture indicated great respect blended with intense curiosity.

Sisree wore a considering look for a moment. "Has such an invitation been extended?" she asked.

Would the huntmaster presume to withhold such information?

"No, Lady. I spoke hypothetically." Sum-sef lowered his fore-body respectfully.

In general the lady did not require such abasement; it was an instinctive reaction to something subtle in her manner. It was always wise for a male to keep his place.

"I will take your interest into consideration, Huntmaster, should such an invitation be forthcoming." The lady's pedipalps rippled in a way that indicated that it was time to close this interview. "I will have my assistant schedule a personal interview for you as soon can be managed upon your return," she said. "Please stay on until Has-sre can arrange an appointment."

With a click, Sisree was on her own again. She rose from her couch and paced her room, climbing the silk-lined walls over and over again. At last, with a resigned click of her mandibles, she returned to her console. There was no escaping her duty. She must inform the queen. With a few taps she found herself looking at Hoo-seh, Queen Tewsee's first assistant.

With a graceful gesture Sisree conceded his position as a near equal in status. Hoo-seh instantly responded with a respectful gesture that acknowledged the inherent superiority of the queen's second.

"It is excellent to see you looking so well," Sisree said.

"And a great joy to be able to say the same to you, my lady."

Hoo-seh positioned his pedipalps in the first degree of respect. Not mere flattery, either. He did indeed respect the lady for her political acumen as well as her general attractivness.

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