RAEFF (Jim Able: Offworld Book 6) by Ed Charlton (best books to read fiction .TXT) 📗

A thought occurred to Jim. “Do you think the Guls are aware of this?”

The question caused some visible discomfort around the table. Tamric looked to Daum Robertus again, who made an open-handed gesture toward Jim.

Tamric coughed and said, “We think there is a thirty percent chance that they know this. Within that, we estimate a ten percent chance that they have the resources to examine the plans closely enough.”

“Is that all?” said Jim, more bluntly than he intended. “All this for so slim a chance?”

“Jim,” countered Daum Robertus, “rest assured that the resources we are putting into dealing with this matter are commensurate with its significance.”

Jim sighed and bit back a comment about remembering who was in control.

“And so,” continued Daum Robertus, “we come to the next question for you to pursue. Have they examined the original plans in detail enough to concern us, or did they merely copy them and secure the originals?”

“That’s a tough one to find out,” muttered Jim.

“We have not embarked upon this task and engaged your services because we thought it easy.”

Jim sighed again. “Okay, what else?”

Daum Robertus smiled and said, “Then, there is, if you are correct in your analysis, the small matter of an unknown number of craft built from those plans.”

“The fleet,” agreed Jim. “You want it destroyed.”

Huh-Llahn spoke. “We would prefer it did not take off.”

Daum Robertus continued, “Our concerns are several. We would prefer the crews of these craft not to be placed at unnecessary risk. The informant, Marhan, will have already briefed you on the fate that awaits them in open space. Of course, we know Marhan had a working ship. We estimate a sixty-six percent chance that his modifications have become known and incorporated into the fleet. In either case, we would prefer that the fleet not launch against Tanna Jorr. They can defend themselves to an extent, but the prospect of a vigorous battle in space alarms us all. None of us needs reminding of the horrors that could be visited upon space travelers by stray armaments and the debris of war. We would also prefer that the Gul-Raeff have his political wings trimmed. If, as we suspect, his prestige rests in large measure upon his fleet, removing it should sufficiently reduce his influence. So, as Huh-Llahn has said, we would prefer it to be quietly disposed of on the ground.”

“Why don’t you go in and do it?

“Guls have had a great deal of practice with war amongst themselves. If they are ready for interplanetary war, what reaction do you think we would provoke if we went in force to remove those ships? No, Jim, a clandestine operation is the only choice. Two people, or perhaps three”—Daum Robertus glanced at Tella—”have a chance to slip in undetected.”

Jim shook his head and sighed. “It’s a tall order.”

Tella placed its hands on the table, one metallic and solid with the lighted bracelet, the other fading to a transparent shadow.

“Perhaps some refreshments are in order?”

Chapter Four

“If the Gul-Raeff will permit?” began his aide.

“What is it?” he muttered, his mouth half full of food.

“The reconnaissance team has sent its report.”

He stopped chewing. “Let me see!”

He snatched the display pad from his aide’s paw. A minute of silent reading ended in a laugh.

“They have it. They have it! Hah!” He slapped his aide on the shoulder and laughed louder. “Out! Out! Everyone get out, and don’t come back till I call!”

The Luminant was at his shoulder. The room was silent but for his labored breathing.

“What does the spirit say?”

“They have located the place. I hear the voice of war, not the whisperings of a spirit.”

“I understand, but the spirit speaks alongside the words of war. Can you not hear it?”

“No! Be silent! This isn’t the time for your babbling!”

She stepped back. Calna had warned her of his mistakes of this kind. She had to be careful.

“If the Gul-Raeff will permit?” she said, imitating the aide.

He walked a few steps away and then stopped and turned, laughing. “Ha! What? What do you want to say, my voice?”

“That the spirit loves you. That this news is part of the spirit...in a different form.”

“Yes! Yes, I know! I know all that!”

He threw himself onto a couch and picked a piece of fruit from a bowl.

“Then let us think for a moment what the spirit is saying.”

“I know! I know what it’s saying! I don’t need to...”

His eyes glazed over, and his breath became shallow. She was at his side at once, stroking the knotted muscles of his neck.

“What do you see?”

“I see the fleet.”

“What do you feel as you look at it?”

“Nothing matters. We have the more important task. I see it more simply now. I have tried too much too soon. It need not be so.”

“The spirit moves you to a new work?” she asked, not understanding him.

“No, but the priorities change. Call the chiefs of staff. I...ah!” He shuddered and sagged into her arms. The fruit thumped onto the floor and rolled away.

“My Raeff, my Raeff. All is well. The spirit is good. You have let it touch you. This is good.”

“Hmm. You sound like Calna.”

“I thank you. She was a great voice and a steady light.”

“You’re a lot prettier than her.”

“What a silly thing to say! I am your Luminant. I have no appearance; I have no body. I am light and sound, nothing more.”

“You think yourself unattainable?”

“There is nothing to attain. I shall call your chiefs.”

He rolled further into her arms and slid his own arms around her.

Smiling, she untangled herself and pressed the button for the aides to return.

Chapter Five

Jim was impressed with the array of food. He piled his plate with an assortment of interesting-looking lumps. Tella only drank.

Daum Robertus inquired if Jim approved. “We have tried to find something that would appeal while, at the same time, not infringing our own rules.”

“Let me guess. You don’t do meat?”

“Correct, nothing that breathes. It is a simple restriction, and one that is easier to follow than