Acorna's World Part 14

Both Acorna and Aari blushed and Maati, who also picked up the whisper, stomped hard on Thariinye's foot.

Acorna embraced Aari and his parents and Maati touched him briefly.

Karina arrived. "I suppose we should start by everyone forming a circle!" she said brightly.

"Why?" everyone else asked, almost in unison.

"The better to commune, of course!" Karina said.

"With our species or yours maybe," Acorna told her gently. "But I think perhaps with these beings we might need to use different methods. One thing I do feel we must do, however, is to distance ourselves from the main part of the camp. The odor given off by the vines is the most overpowering and noxious near the ships."

Acorna led them into the vines, which parted almost politely before her and the others. They walked perhaps a half of a kilometer from the ships before Acorna stopped and inhaled.

"What do you smell?" she asked.

"It's nice here," Maati said. "Does that mean the plants here aren't as upset as the ones near the ships?"

"I don't know really," Acorna said. "It's just something I thought -we might try."

"It sounds pretty silly to me," Liriili said, though she had been unusually quiet until then. "How ever can you imagine that something can communicate with smells?"

Miin laughed. "What do you think -we do when -we're ready to mate, Liriili? Or other species for that matter? With pheromones!"

"It's not unheard of for species to communicate with something other than sound, after all," Neeva said. "Many do by sight, or touch, or, as we do ourselves, by thought alone. Had you spent more time investigating the universe around you, Liriili, you would know that."

Acorna said, "Now I remember! Ants! Little ants communicate by pheromones too-a fairly complex set of smells to give ", each other signals, indicate path-ways, that sort of thing."

"Ye-es," Liriili said, sounding almost pleasant, "Of course.

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"Yes, well, live and learn," Neeva said as diplomatically as possible, clearly not wishing to discourage Liriili's willingness to consider for once that something someone else said might actually contain merit. "The problem is how we should interpret the scents given here."

"That probably won't be as hard," Acorna said, "As somehow managing to communicate with the plants themselves. But I wondered-if the scents symbolize their thought forms, perhaps we can find some common ground to teach them something about ours."

"Why?" Thariinye asked.

"There are many good reasons why one would wish to communicate with a new species, Thariinye," Neeva said. "But the specific one Kh.o.r.n.ya has in mind, I suspect, is so that we might ask the vines to part and allow the holograms to be seen by the Khieevi."

"But first "we must find a common vocabulary," Khaan said. "What do we know about the vines? How could we show similarity?"

"We-ell," -Maati said, "If-we want them to part, maybe she should start with that. They come together and they spread apart. Maybe we can show that with each other."

"But they don't communicate by what they see," Liriili said, and for once she -was using a reasonable, if impatient, tone that only slightly hid the fact that she was as puzzled as any of the rest of them. "They communicate by smell."

"But they convey a thought, sort of," -Maati argued. Acorna thought the girl had matured a great deal since she had stopped being Liriili's messenger. She was much more confident now.

(Showing off for her parents,) Thariinye, catching Acorna's thought, -whispered to her uncharitably. But Aan scowled at him, as if he read the thought too, and Thariinye looked away as if the thought had been sent by someone else.

"Yes," Acorna agreed with Maati. "It is a thought form, however they express it and who knows? Maybe to the vines, we exude a scent too when we are thinking certain things. Only we'd be a lot more complicated for them to read, maybe, than they are for us. Let's try to simplify it for them. Everyone spread apart and concentrate, as we do so, that we are spreading apart."

"Our essential apartness," intoned Karina.

(Move gently, spread wide,) Acorna whispered. "Karina, think, 'Move gently, spread wide.' "

"A mantra! I love it!" Karina squealed. "Move gently, spread wide. Move gently, spread wide,"

"Softly," Acorna said. "In fact, don't say it, think it."

Karina nodded gravely and only moved her lips to the words.

The whisper was taken up by the others, in unison, (Move gently, spread wide). Their line spread until they could not touch outspread hands. As they moved at first the plants only parted to let each individual pa.s.s but gradually, as the people kept whispering, the vines softly lay themselves down upon each other until there was a large rectangular area open around the Linyaari and Karina.

When this concept seemed to be understood, Acorna said softly to Karina, who was on her right, while whispering to the others, (Close up, gather together, twining, tangling, plaiting).

The others took it up and gently came together, then pressed themselves in closer, Joining hands, lacing fingers, wrapping knees and feet around legs, hips, and waists as tightly as possible-and then more tightly as the vines locked in around them, squeezing until Acorna gasped, "Move gently, spread wide" again and the others picked up the thought. It took the vines a breathtaking moment to realize that this time, they must spread first, but their scent lightened from the suffocatingly close aroma it had become while holding the Linyaari, and the vines spread once more.

"These plants are definitely sapient beings," Neeva said approvingly-and apparently somewhat fragrantly. The vines swayed gently back and forth, as if pleased, and emitted a light, sweet aroma.

"Good," Acorna said, "Because now we have to tell them about the Khieevi."

"Why?" Thariinye asked.

"And how," added JVlaati.

"Because," Aari said. "We are bringing the Khieevi among them to be killed, but the Khieevi may also kill many of the vine people. When we thought they -were not possessed of intelligence, then it seemed good to let the Khieevi graze here and be killed by the sap. But now that we bring this evil upon these beings, the least we can do is -warn them."

"Where are they going to go if they object?" Liriili asked archly.

"That is not the point," Neeva said. "Now that we know they are beings who would suffer from the Khieevi as we would, we naturally will continue Captain Becker's plan only with their cooperation."

"Which we will obtain how?" Liriili demanded with the same archness.

"My collection bag!" Miiri said suddenly. "Where is it?"

"There-among the vines," Kaarlye said. "Mine too. They're open. Do you suppose the plants mind that we are taking the sap?"

"Perhaps they don't mind so much as-wonder -what we are doing with it," Acorna ventured. "After all, they know what function it serves for them, but it must be hard for them to understand why we would wish to take some away."

"Mother, Father," Aari said, "I know of one smell that is very evocative-that might demonstrate to them exactly what *we are trying to convey. Do you have anything with you that smells like the Khieevi?"

"Oh no," Miiri said. "We bathe very carefully after our laboratory work."

"I'll bet MacKenZ does," Acorna said. "The ship still reeks horribly of Khieevi when you first board it, no matter how many times horns purify the air. That shuttle has the stench hardwired into its structure, I believe."

"I'll go ask him," Maati said.

She returned a short time later holding a peculiar looking object at arms length in one gloved hand, while she held her nose with the other.

"I guess I'm not old enough yet to purify it," she said.

"Good. Don't anyone else try to erase the smell till we can show the vine beings what it means," Acorna said. "Now then, set the thing down, Maati, and let us all allow ourselves to react as we would to a Khieevi with it-fear, disgust, horror, anger, feel them as hard as you can and send. Work yourself up into a sweat if possible."

They all did as she suggested. Aari grew particularly rank with sweat and the stench of fear so that even she could smell him, though usually the Linyaari had only a pleasant odor, if any.

The vines shook and trembled at first and then all at once they swept past the people and converged on the Khieevi object, pouring sap over it, almost shooting the viscous fluid from their stems and blossoms until the thing was entirely covered.

"They get it!" Thariinye cried. "They understand."

"Either that or they're simply acting from self-protection," Liriili said.

"Maybe we should make a holo of the Khieevi to show them?" Maati suggested.

"If they communicate by scent, they'll know the Khieevi -when they smell them, and apparently they know what to do with them too," Melireenya said.

"We need our collection bags back," Kaarlye said.

Acorna frowned. "Perhaps they'll understand now. Try to take it back. They know we are afraid of the Khieevi and they have probably noticed that -we can't exude sap as they can. That might be clear enough to them-we fear something they have a defense for that -we don't."

Kaarlye reached for the sack and met with no resistance as he reclaimed it and then Miiri's from the vines that had been curled protectively over it.

"Back to the original problem of the holos. I suggest that we simply go to the various holos and ask the plants to spread apart where they are. We will have to work on suggesting that they remain that way until the Khieevi are among them."

Neeva shook her head. "The initial problem isn't the main question now. With beings as intelligent as these, we have no right to sacrifice them to spare the Niriians, or ourselves for that matter."

"So, let's show them the piiyi," Thariinye said.

"If they can't see it, how can they judge?"

"Can they smell it?" Aari asked. "Becker -was complaining of the smell of the piiyi. We still have the capsule in which we found it. Perhaps the smell of that will convey information to the plants that it does not to us."

"I suppose it's worth a try," Acorna said. "Though I hope we're not giving them the wrong smells."

Thariinye and Aari duly boarded the Condor and emerged with the piiyi. They were trailed by RK, who ignored the smelly organic communications device to sniff the plants, after which the cat turned his hoisted tail to the nearest vine and, with a mighty shudder of his magnificently furred appendage, let fly a bolus of eau ^e chat that momentarily overpowered the scent of the flowers. The vines bent down and for a moment Acorna feared they would perhaps attack RK, but they seemed instead to be bowing to him.

"Look!" -Maati cried. "They recognize his scent! They know he's a sacred temple cat! It's like he's blessed them!"

Neeva wrinkled her nose. "If that is the blessing of the sacred temple cat, I should hate to smell the curse!"

The piiyi was attached to a portable scanner and played for the plants. The vines reacted to nothing until the Khieevi appeared on the piiyi. Then, to everyone's surprise, the plants sprayed the piiyi with sap.

"Well," Acorna said, "they clearly recognize the Khieevi. Even when Captain Becker behaved aggressively toward the plants, they didn't spray sap at him or us, but just the image and the klacking of the Khieevi cause the plants to attack."

Aari nodded. "Yes, I think it is because the Khieevi seem to the vines to be larger versions of the insects their sap is created to destroy. That first time -we were here-when I- when I had to return to the ship? I saw the resident insects in the sap and they reminded me of the Khieevi. Very much."

Neeva frowned. "If the plants regard the Khieevi as natural enemies, and respond aggressively automatically, then I think perhaps this plan will work and still be within the bounds of diplomatic integrity. Now then, all -we have to do is get them to spread themselves away from the holos."

With the communication they had already established, this did not prove difficult. Even Becker was impressed by the cooperation of the vines. When the last drones -were planted, the crew of the Cow)or looked down to see a little frontier outpost of the Linyaari, nestled among flowering vines. Tall unicorn people scurried to and fro among the buildings and vines.

"That ought to be enough to fool the Khieevi," Becker said, and turned to Mac, "Are you ready to transmit from your shuttle?" "Aye, Captain." -Mac said.

"Then stand by. As soon as the area is cleared, you can invite your friends to our garden party," Becker said, his mustache bristling as he bared his teeth in what Acorna decided was not a show of friendship.

"Uncle, I thought we agreed that the children were to be evacuated here to the Moon of Opportunity immediately," Rank Nadezda reminded Hafiz.

"Ah, but that was before the excellent Becker devised his excellent plan," Hafiz said. "And Amba.s.sador Neeva and the eminent Lmyaari scientists Kaarlye and Miiri a.s.sure me it will succeed, as does our own beloved Acorna. So why send the kiddies home? And if they go, why not all of us? And if "we go, so goes a large portion of the a.s.sets of House Harakamian, which I have invested in the establishment of the Moon of Opportunity." Seeing his nephew's eyes snap and his mouth open, Hafiz added hastily, "I know, dear boy, I know, of course, that human-and Linyaari-life is not to be measured against mere profit. Naturally. But is it not true as well that these people, Acorna's people, have come to rely upon us for a certain measure of protection-*well, perhaps, support is a better word? And if we begin sending away our own children, indicating that we believe danger still exists, does this not imply that ours are more important than their loved ones? Such an implication hardly sets the right tone, you see?"

"Tone be d.a.m.ned!" Rafik said. "These kids have already been through a thousand kinds of h.e.l.l and^we have definitely promised them our protection. The Linyaari are home, as are their children. Our kids should return to Maganos Moonbase and stay there until the Khieevi are no longer a problem. And the Haven has no business here either."

"The Haven is free to go whenever it wishes. Thus far the Starfarers have decided to remain with us." "You can't allow it. Uncle Hafiz. It's much too risky."

"Nephew, dear boy, listen to me. Life is risky. Business- successful business-is even more so. We are pioneers, son of my heart. If we are to tread the surface of planets -which have never known a human footprint, if we are to trade in currency as yet untouched by human hand, risks are necessary."

Rafik's eyes narrowed and his tone -was filled with disgust he didn't bother to conceal. "You say this to me, you who cowered in the underground shelter of your compound at Laboue when you first saw what the Khieevi did to their prisoners?"

Sweat broke out on Hafiz's forehead despite the sweet and mild day Dr; Hoa's weather iriagic had provided. "The shock of first contact, dear boy." Hafiz blotted the moisture with a monogrammed scarlet synsilk tissue. "But, very -well, if you insist, your aunt and I will personally escort the children back to Federation s.p.a.ce, while you as my heir and representative will naturally conduct business as usual until the crisis has pa.s.sed and it is safe for us to return. At which time you will see the wisdom of your old uncle's counsel and realize how hasty you have been."

Rafik smiled ruefully, to let his uncle know he had been outmaneuvered. Hafiz could now take Karina and the children and retire from the field, leaving others to face danger for the sake of his profit. On the other hand, with the old man and the kids safely out of the way, Rafik could command the dismantling of the Moon immediately if it looked like Becker's plan to eradicate the danger from the Khieevi might fail.

Hafiz knew this, of course. And furthermore, he knew that Rafik knew that he knew. But it was much easier to handle matters this -way, allowing Rafik to make the decisions that would preserve or risk life, determine profit or loss. After all, Rafik was now head of House Harakamian, -while Hafiz was technically retired. But these things -were very difficult and must be handled delicately. If the Moon of Opportunity failed, it would be on Rank's head, and not Hafiz's.

Thus as soon as the holo team returned from the vine "world, the Acadeckt and the Haven were loaded with the children of Maganos Moonbase. As a mark of his faith that he would be returning shortly, Hafiz left the Sharazad on the Moon of Opportunity and submitted himself and Karina to the far less commodious accommodations of the AcaSeckl. Rafik had suggested the gesture, both because the plans were already in place to use the AcaSecki for evacuation and also because, should general evacuation become necessary, the Sharaza<) was="" larger="" and="" *would="" hold="" more="">

With Aari translating, Kaarlye and Miiri approached Hafiz just before he boarded. Miiri spoke first and Aari said, "My mother implores you to take my sister with you and the children. My parents vow to remain here and continue searching for a way to exploit this biological 'weapon the vine world has provided, although you understand of course that no Lmyaari can actually deploy it as an implement of aggression, even against the Khieevi. However, they say they can work better if they know that Maati is safe. They wished for me to join her, but Kh.o.r.n.ya and I wish to remain with Captain Becker. My sister is young and longs for new experiences, and would very much like to see the Federation worlds. So take her with you. Take Thariinye as well so that one of her own kind bears her company." He looked back to his mother for further words but she was swallowing hard and looking away.

As Maati and Thariinye transferred ships, Thariinye complained that he wanted to stay -with the Condor but he drew only a stern look from Neeva, who silently indicated he should obey.

What no one said, or even whispered, was that if the Khieevi prevailed, despite the plan, and once more attacked narhii-Vhiliinyar, at least there would be one young male and one young female of the Linyaari safe in Federation s.p.a.ce, as hope for the Linyaari. Meanwhile, the Balakiire's remaining crew worked on coordinating with other teams of volunteer rescuers, in the event it became possible to take a relief mission to Nirii once the Khieevi had been lured away. Distressing transmissions from the Khieevi showed them torturing stoic two-horned beings who were obviously in great pain, but refusing to utter a sound or show any fear at all. Even stranger, Toroona and Byorn, "who had been so emotional on their planet's behalf when asking for help, watched the transmissions -with the same stoicism. Their emotions showed only when they turned away as the frustrated Khieevi increased their efforts until their prisoners, still silent, died.

Becker and RK enjoyed a brief reunion with Nadhari. She, as security chief, was now second in authority on the Moon of Opportunity only to Rafik Nadezda. Since she was supervising the security arrangements for the evacuation, she had time only for a quick half hug with Becker, and to 'welcome RK as the cat draped himself around her shoulders while she worked.

As the pa.s.sengers finished loading onto the Acaoecki, Miiri and Kaarlye supervised the loading of canisters full of sap into the cargo hold. Hafiz wished to take it to his corporate laboratories for further a.n.a.lyses and study. Should the Khieevi ever attack *within Federation s.p.a.ce, the Federation would pay well in terms of influence and power, as well as great sums of money, to the holder of a secret weapon against this terrible enemy.

Aari surprised Hafiz by clasping the older man's round synsatin clad form in his own large embrace. "Farewell, Uncle Hafiz. Look after my sister and Thariinye and our friends and be well. Joh, Kh.o.r.n.ya, Riid-Kiiyi, and I too will let you know when it is safe to return."

"Er, farewell, my nephew."

Karina gave him a somewhat more effusive hug. "Farewell, Aari, and oh, my, is that a horn you're growing there?" She reached up to touch it and with difficulty he endured what she probably didn't realize was an inappropriate intimacy. "Oooh, I just had a flash. The plan will succeed but there will be difficulty-and danger! Be careful, dear friend-friends!"

Ready, Captain," -Mac said. The android was in the c.o.c.kpit of the Khieevi shuttle. It was still in the hold of the Condor, which was now orbiting the vine world. The holograms moved below in their randomly programmed patterns. Some of them were speaking, some were not. It didn't matter. The Khieevi wouldn't understand anyway.

Becker rubbed his hands together as gleefully as a landlord about to foreclose on the heroine's mortgage in a vid melodrama. "The trap is set, the bait's in place, now all we need is to wiggle the string a little to make the bait look lively to the rats."

Acorna looked up from the console, smiled and stroked RK's head. "Captain, it occurs to me you've been hanging out too much with RK lately."

"Yes," Aari said. "You are beginning to think like a cat."

Becker shrugged. "I could do worse. Cats are good at strategy. " He flipped the toggle on the ship's intercom. "Okay, Mac, do your thing," he said, then, recalling how literal minded the android -was, added, "I mean, make the speech -we discussed to the Khieevi and try to lure them over here."