This Day All Gods Die Part 32

He seemed to mark time for a beat or two. Then he announced, "However, I will contrive to make it known that I have resigned as acting director. The position is yours, Director Donner, with all the powers and responsibilities"-he sounded almost whimsical-"appertaining thereunto."

Morn ignored Captain Ubikwe's surprise. She had no attention to spare for Angus' reaction, or anyone else's. She focused exclusively on Min's voice, and Hashi's, trying to make sense of the undercurrents between them; glean what she needed for her own decisions.

"What?" Min retorted. "Are you out of your mind, Hashi? You can't do that. Warden gave you you the job." She caught herself. "I mean, I a.s.sume he did." the job." She caught herself. "I mean, I a.s.sume he did."

Hashi's silence conveyed a shrug.

The muscles at the corner of Min's jaw bunched like a fist. "So I also a.s.sume he had a reason. You probably know what that is. I don't. Besides, I'm stuck out here on a ship that doesn't take orders from me. I can't-"

"Nevertheless," Hashi cut in, "you will accept the appointment, Min. Warden Dios did indeed elevate me to my exalted state. But he did so for the simple and sufficient reason that you were not here. No other explanation is necessary."

Without pausing he continued, "You will ask why I desire to be-as one might say-decommissioned. I must reply that my motives are various.

"Surely you understand that you outrank me. Enforcement Division precedes Data Acquisition. It is right and proper that you should replace me.

"In addition-" He sighed again. "I must say this, Min, although doubtless Ensign Hyland and her cohorts can hear me. As Acting Director I am not favorably placed to withstand the Dragon. I am here here, precariously accessible to the great worm and his minions, as well as to"-his tone became a sneer-"our esteemed Council. Worse, I am also in communication with Calm Horizons. Calm Horizons. Hence I am vulnerable to any instructions or compromises which the Amnion may extract from Warden. Hence I am vulnerable to any instructions or compromises which the Amnion may extract from Warden.

"Finally I do not desire this responsibility. Command interests me-very little. And I have other duties which I believe require my attention. If my public profile is diminished," he explained ambiguously, "the Dragon will find it more difficult to thwart me.

"You are now Acting Director of the UMCP, Min." Hashi's earlier frailty had returned. "The transfer of authority has already been logged and recorded by both Center and Administration. If you decline the position, you must name a surrogate."

Roughly Min toggled the pickup. For a moment she scanned the bridge. Then she fixed her hard gaze on Morn. Her eyes hinted at vast dimensions, terrible depths: she could confront gulfs which made Morn quail. She wasn't afraid to determine the fate of humankind.

"If you're going to stop me," she said harshly, "do it now. Once I'm Acting Director, I won't put up with any interference.

"I'll leave Punisher Punisher to you. I'll cooperate with you as much as I can." The winds of a chasm blew in her voice, cold and pitiless. "But if you don't like the decisions I make for UMCPHQ-or for our other ships-you'll have to kill me. to you. I'll cooperate with you as much as I can." The winds of a chasm blew in her voice, cold and pitiless. "But if you don't like the decisions I make for UMCPHQ-or for our other ships-you'll have to kill me. And And Captain Ubikwe." Dolph nodded. Captain Ubikwe." Dolph nodded. "And "And the duty officers." So did his people. "And then you'll have to start on the rest of the crew. If I accept this job, I mean to do it." the duty officers." So did his people. "And then you'll have to start on the rest of the crew. If I accept this job, I mean to do it."

"Morn," Angus protested quickly, warning her. He stood near enough to protect her. "How many times have you told us we can't trust the cops?"

He was right, of course. No matter how she felt about Min Donner, Morn believed that the UMCP was corrupt. They'd stifled Intertech's mutagen immunity research. They were owned by Holt Fasner and the UMC. The threat of Calm Horizons' Calm Horizons' guns wouldn't make them honest. guns wouldn't make them honest.

Yet she lacked the resources to meet that threat. She could open fire: she was capable of that. Butcher millions of people. Get killed herself. Self-destruct-But if there was another way out of her dilemma, she couldn't find it. She'd never been able to find it.

She needed help.

"Davies." She turned away from Min to look around her. "Mikka. Vector. Can any of you think of a reason why we should trust Director Donner?"

"Sure," Davies said before anyone else replied. As if he were Morn's father, the man he'd been named for, he answered, "She's Min Donner."

Morn understood. In some ways he remembered Min more acutely than she did. And she had nothing else to go on.

Angus swore. "What the f.u.c.k is that that supposed to mean?" supposed to mean?"

Morn faced him briefly. "It means she's the right person for the job. And I'm not." Then she returned her gaze to Min.

"Go ahead."

Min didn't hesitate. A combative flare lit her eyes as she thumbed the pickup toggle. Without preamble she demanded, "What duties, Hashi? You know I'm not going to refuse. Not with so many lives at stake. Not when Warden is in this much trouble. But if you want to drop this load on my shoulders, you better tell me what I'm carrying."

The DA director had been waiting for her answer; but his response avoided her question. "As Acting Director," he stated formally, distantly, as if his thoughts were already elsewhere, "your duties are at once simple and ambiguous. The chartered purpose of the UMCP is to preserve and defend humankind. You see the threat. A Behemoth-cla.s.s Amnion warship armed with super-light proton cannon has violated our s.p.a.ce. Her matter cannon and other weapons are more than adequate to destroy UMCPHQ. Her proton gun impends over Suka Bator. Given time, she can ruin much that is vital to us, both planet-side and in orbit.

"The scan net has doubtless made our defensive preparations visible to you. Center will brief you further whenever you wish.

"Clearly you must deal with Calm Horizons." Calm Horizons."

While Hashi spoke, Davies left his g-seat and came to stand beside Angus at the command station. Captain Ubikwe did the same as if he thought Min might need his support. During the rest of the DA director's speech, they seemed to keep watch.

"The Amnioni's approach has been curious as well as unexpected," Hashi observed. "It appears that she has a former human being aboard-one Marc Vestabule."

Morn gasped involuntarily. Davies drew a hissing breath through his teeth. Even Mikka flinched, despite her emotional exhaustion. They had encountered Vestabule first on Enablement Station, then at Billingate. More than once, he'd boarded Captain's Fancy Captain's Fancy to present the Amnion demand for Davies' life. And Nick had delivered Morn to him. In a cell in the Amnion sector of Billingate, he'd injected a mutagen into her veins. to present the Amnion demand for Davies' life. And Nick had delivered Morn to him. In a cell in the Amnion sector of Billingate, he'd injected a mutagen into her veins.

If she'd thought about it, she might have guessed that he was with Calm Horizons. Calm Horizons. She'd seen a shuttle leave the Amnion sector before She'd seen a shuttle leave the Amnion sector before Captain's Fancy Captain's Fancy went down; before Billingate was destroyed. He must have been on it. went down; before Billingate was destroyed. He must have been on it.

His presence made Calm Horizons' Calm Horizons' purpose painfully obvious. purpose painfully obvious.

Min noticed Morn's reaction, and Davies', but she didn't interrupt Hashi.

The DA director was saying, "This individual has been 'invested with decisiveness.' Quaint phrase. Although he came upon us of his own volition, he acknowledges the impossibility of his position. He may harm us on any imaginable scale, but in the end Calm Horizons Calm Horizons will surely die. And the longer combat is postponed, the less harm we will suffer before the end. In any case, much of our capacity for retaliation and vengeance will remain intact. The potential cost of warfare may be greater than the Amnion can bear. will surely die. And the longer combat is postponed, the less harm we will suffer before the end. In any case, much of our capacity for retaliation and vengeance will remain intact. The potential cost of warfare may be greater than the Amnion can bear.

"Because this Marc Vestabule was once human, he claims the ability to reason in human terms. And he has insisted that there is an issue-an unspecified point of contention-upon which humankind's future against the Amnion depends, and which can only be resolved by personal negotiation. On pain of Suka Bator's destruction, and our own, he has demanded Warden's presence aboard his vessel in order to 'discuss' this matter."

For a moment Hashi seemed more present. His tone sharpened. "Marc Vestabule has not named his concerns, but you know them as well as I do. Certainly Warden does." Then his abstraction distanced him again. "For that reason-among others-he has complied with Vestabule's demand. He is duty-bound to stave off bloodshed and damage if he can. And he hopes to prevent the defensive from attacking you immediately. He has not spoken to us since he went aboard. His shuttle is in transit from Calm Horizons Calm Horizons.

"When you receive Warden's orders, you must decide how-or indeed whether-to carry them out."

The suggestion of frailty in Hashi's voice increased. "Even if the Amnioni's concerns are resolved to his satisfaction, I believe Warden will not be released. Calm Horizons Calm Horizons will retain him in an attempt to ensure our compliance. Hence I consider him a hostage. I mention this so that you will comprehend all the consequences of refusing his instructions." will retain him in an attempt to ensure our compliance. Hence I consider him a hostage. I mention this so that you will comprehend all the consequences of refusing his instructions."

"I understand, Hashi," Min p.r.o.nounced acidly. "Just because I'm ED doesn't mean I'm stupid."

Hashi ignored her retort. Still wanly, he continued, "In addition, you must decide how best to answer Holt Fasner's demands. In some sense, his importunity is justified. He owns the UMCP. Were it not for the War Powers provisions of our charter, he would be ent.i.tled to req every sc.r.a.p of data we possess, and to treat with Calm Horizons Calm Horizons himself. And even under conditions of war, he retains the power to fire Warden. Doubtless he would cite 'malfeasance' to account for his action." himself. And even under conditions of war, he retains the power to fire Warden. Doubtless he would cite 'malfeasance' to account for his action."

Morn and Davies both winced at the idea. Was Holt Fasner capable of firing Warden while the UMCP director was being held hostage? Despite the fact that Warden was risking his life to save millions of others? Apparently Hashi thought so.

However, Min heard Hashi's statement in other terms. She c.o.c.ked her head. "But he can't fire us, Hashi. Can he?"

"No." Hashi's reply suggested a grim satisfaction. "Only the UMCP director can do that. The great worm must dispense with Warden and replace him. Until then we are secure."

Min permitted herself a thin sigh of relief.

"I might also say," Hashi went on, "that in my view it is open to question whether UMCPHQ would accept a replacement under these conditions. Our Warden has never inspired more loyalty here than he does at this moment."

Morn nodded in recognition. She might have felt that way herself.

"All right." Min straightened her shoulders. "I have the situation. I'll talk to Center in a minute." She paused to collect her thoughts, then pursued, "But you still haven't told me what your your duties are." duties are."

"Ah, Min." Hashi's voice seemed to drift away from the speakers. He sounded almost unreachable as he asked, "Are you entirely certain that you wish me to answer you in the presence of Ensign Hyland and her cohorts?"

"Of course not," Min retorted. "I have no idea what you might tell me." Immediately, however, she corrected herself. "Yes, I'm sure. They have a right to know what's at stake. And I'm not exactly in command here. Ensign Hyland can shut me down if she doesn't like the way we treat her. I need her support."

Without transition Hashi's distant frailty disappeared. "Then I will explain." His voice became a precise wheeze in the speakers, brisk and clear. Min must have given him the response he wanted: a kind of permission.

Morn had the frightening sense that her position was about to become even more difficult; that in his oblique way Hashi would put as much pressure on her as he could.

He began by saying, "Calm Horizons "Calm Horizons has come upon us at a complex time. As you might suppose, our estimable Governing Council is in emergency session as we speak. I believe President Len opened the proceedings-oh, perhaps ten minutes ago. Thus events conspire to produce marvels of synchronicity. has come upon us at a complex time. As you might suppose, our estimable Governing Council is in emergency session as we speak. I believe President Len opened the proceedings-oh, perhaps ten minutes ago. Thus events conspire to produce marvels of synchronicity.

"As you might further suppose, our newly anointed colleague, PR director Koina Hannish, attends the session. She has been charged to speak for Warden while he is otherwise occupied."

Morn started to ask what had happened to G.o.dsen Frik; then bit the question down. She wasn't sure she wanted an answer. It was common knowledge that he'd worked for Holt Fasner.

"I venture to say, however," Hashi expounded, "that no supposition will prepare you for the nature of the mandate which Warden has given her."

Min listened in a state of coiled poise; but she didn't interrupt.

"Director Hannish," Hashi p.r.o.nounced, "has been instructed to reveal that our Captain Thermopyle is not an escaped illegal-as I personally a.s.sured the Council scant days ago, on Warden's direct orders-but is rather a welded cyborg sent to effect Billingate's destruction. By implication, of course, she must admit that Captain Thermopyle's success has motivated the acts of war committed by Calm Horizons." Calm Horizons."

Angus jerked up his head. "I'm d.a.m.ned," he murmured in astonishment. "He was serious. That f.u.c.ker was serious." serious."

Morn had no idea what he meant-or why Warden might have ordered Hashi to lie to the Council-but she didn't ask. Hashi wasn't done.

"Further," he continued, "she has been told to describe the manipulations by which pa.s.sage of the Preempt Act was obtained."

Davies frowned confusion at Morn. He hadn't heard Angus explain the Preempt Act. Min's clenched attention, and Dolph's closed stare, revealed nothing. Angus glanced at them, then whispered to Davies, "I'll tell you later."

"Lastly," Hashi stated, "if corroborative evidence can be obtained, she has been authorized to accuse CEO Fasner of sending kazes against both the GCES and the UMCP."

Min's head jerked aside as if to avoid a blow-an instinctive reaction of which she seemed unaware. One hand clutched at her hip, groping for the gun she usually carried. Captain Ubikwe made a choking sound deep in his throat. In the distance Glessen muttered, "Fasner? That b.a.s.t.a.r.d?"

Kazes-? Mutely Morn turned to Angus.

He shrugged. Apparently this was a subject he knew nothing about.

Only Patrice attended his board-Patrice and Mikka. The rest of the bridge crew stared at Min in shock or incredulity.

Tensely Min asked her pickup, "Is it true?"

"I believe so."

Past a veil of thrust static Hashi continued, "You will be unaware that there has been another attack. In addition to the kaze who threatened Captain Vertigus, and the one who slew poor G.o.dsen, a third attempted detonation during a session of the Council, specifically during a session in which Captain Vertigus attempted-and failed-to obtain pa.s.sage for a Bill of Severance which would have relieved us of the Dragon's authority."

Min bit down questions while Hashi said, "Fortunately our casualties were slight-and included none of the Members. Unfortunately the good captain's Bill was defeated. However-again fortunately-the kaze's earthly remains hint at his origins.

"Hence our belief that these a.s.saults derive from the great worm in his lair."

Grimly the DA director finished, "In essence, both Chief of Security Mandich and I have been a.s.signed the same duties. Each in our own province, we must do what we can to substantiate Director Hannish's accusation. Considering that the emergency session has already begun, the need for evidence is urgent. That is my work, Min, and I mean to do it."

"Good G.o.d, Hashi," Min breathed when he was done. "He's going after Fasner. He's trying to bring the Dragon down."

"I drew the same conclusion," Hashi answered laconically.

Min might not have heard him. A moment later she added, "This will kill Warden. Even if he succeeds, it'll kill him."

Again Hashi's voice receded. Clearly he wanted to stop talking and get to work. "Perhaps that explains his willingness to hazard himself aboard Calm Horizons." Calm Horizons."

Going after Fasner, Morn thought dumbly. She felt that she'd been stricken stupid. Trying to bring the Dragon down. So much had happened-there was so much she didn't know. Authorized to accuse-Kazes had attacked the GCES and the UMCP? Sent by Fasner? Hashi said it was true, but it didn't make sense.

Why in the name of G.o.d-?

Vector stood by the command station. Morn hadn't seen him move: she only realized he was there when he cleared his throat. His eyes shone a clear blue above his soft smile.

Quietly he remarked, "This might be an especially good time for the Council to hear what we have to say."

He knew no more than she did; had no more to go on. Yet he seemed to grasp the situation better than she did.

Was he right? Was Min? Was Warden Dios at last trying to clean up the UMCP?

She couldn't think of another explanation. It'll kill him. He was willing to die in order to challenge the Dragon. Willing to be held hostage-willing to risk mutation- He'd sent this Koina Hannish to Earth to level charges against CEO Fasner. Then he'd put himself out of reach so that Fasner couldn't give him any more orders; force him to commit any more crimes.

Or fire him.

Morn reeled inwardly. Gulfs gaped at her on all sides.The sheer scale of the desperation which must have driven Warden to such extremes stunned her. He understood self-destruct as well as she did- But what if he was wrong? What if Holt Fasner hadn't sent kazes?-or if Hashi Lebwohl and Chief Mandich failed to find evidence? What then?

Then the UMC CEO might survive the challenge. And the only man in human s.p.a.ce who could have opposed him would be gone.

Unless somebody intervened- Unless somehow Morn did what Vector suggested.

Min had recovered faster than Morn could imagine. She was already in command of herself; prepared to make choices and take action. She may have been training for this crisis all her life.

"All right, Hashi," she told the pickup decisively. "Two more quick points, and I'll let you go.

"Can that defensive read our scan net?"

The DA director sighed in the distance. "Surely. This is Earth, not the frontier. The volume of traffic demands data which is both plainly and promptly accessible. Until now we have had no reason to encrypt the net."

"Then shut it down," Min ordered. "Our ships can get by with their own sensors."

"Calm Horizons also has sensors," Hashi observed. also has sensors," Hashi observed.

"Just do it. The less help we give her the better."

"As you say," Hashi a.s.sented. "And the second point?"

"Tell Center to relay communications from Calm Horizons Calm Horizons to me. Also anything from Fasner. And the emergency session. But keep it all tight-beamed. I don't want eavesdroppers. to me. Also anything from Fasner. And the emergency session. But keep it all tight-beamed. I don't want eavesdroppers.

"I'll talk to Center as soon as I sort out some of the confusion here."

Hashi was in a hurry to leave. "Farewell, Director Donner," he said at once. "Your orders will be obeyed." Despite his eagerness, however, he paused long enough to add, "I do not envy you your responsibilities."

Then an audible click silenced his pickup. The speakers were left with nothing but static and open s.p.a.ce.