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entire Galaxy knows about your study."
"We had that feeling." The Ecolitan took a last bite of the salad, then sipped
the Lexin.
"A pity that the New Avalonian ArchTory government fell. You know, I assume,
that the commission of your study was about its last official act?"
"No, I didn't know that." Nathaniel could sense Sylvia stiffen and swallow
hard.
"The ArchTories succeeded in being voted out because they suggested, and
attempted to carry out, a program which reduced social benefits in order to
fund greater infrastructure development on the outplanets. They argued that
greater development would eventually reduce the drain on New Avalon. " De
Vyierion paused and sipped his Lexin. "Any economist or even broken-down
functionary could understand that. The voters did not."
The salad plates vanished into the hands of the silent server, and were
replaced with the entrees. The aroma of apple-roasted scampig drifted up to
Nathaniel's nostrils, and he could feel his mouth water-a definite improvement
over ship fare and the mess at the Legation. "And?" prompted Nathaniel.
"Your study was commissioned, and funded, as a means to embarrass the new
government."
"Will the people care?" asked Sylvia, "No," said Nathaniel, "not until the
next elections. Then someone will drag out the study to show the new
government's failings."
"If there remains a government," added De Vyierion, "or a problem with Artos."
Still listening to De Vyierion, Sylvia took a small bite of the crab. "This is
very good."
"I am glad." De Vy-lerion glanced at his salad"I doubt that Minister Smeaton-
Adams will be quite so enthused about your findings, although Harding-Eames
will be. He's the shadow minister, now."
"How did this change of government affect overall New Avalonian policies?"
asked Nathaniel.
"Let us offer an analogy. New Avalon resembles a stately spaceliner whose
drives have failed and which circles a black hole in a decaying orbit. I have
some doubts that changing the captain alone will effect any significant
difference in the eventual outcome."
Sylvia took the smallest of sips of Lexin, then reached for the pepper.
"You have doubtless observed the decline of New Avalon." De Vyierion gestured
around the oak-paneled and velvet-hung room. "Although that decline is far
from obvious in present surroundings. Camelot has much to offer, even in its
present slow decline. Some might suggest you wander through the Gerry Adams
Park today. That offers a view of Camelot unlike any other. Myself, I would
think you would find the park inhospitable today. It might be chilly . . .
unwelcoming. Perhaps on a warmer day," De Vyierion suggested.
"Aaachew. " While Sylvia's sneeze was muted, both men paused for an instant.
"Sorry." Sylvia rubbed her nose. "I overdid it on the pepper."
"That is easy to do. I have done so often." De Vyierion nodded politely. "As
for the park, no one quite knows where the name came from, but I would surmise
that she was an early politician, somewhere. Its quite amusing really, and
sometimes informative. Perhaps the only place on New Avalon where one can
speak in public and be totally ignored."
"Or in New Augusta," suggested Nathaniel. De Vyierion laughed politely. "Only
visibly ignored," added Sylvia.
"True," admitted Nathaniel. He set down his fork, not believing how quickly
he'd demolished the scampig. "How do you see the situation on Artos?"
De Vyierion lifted his wineglass, sipped, then offered an almost imperceptible
shrug. "There will be a struggle for control of Artos. That has been obvious
to those near the Three System Bulge for some time. Yet, except for the
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Empire, and for New Avalon itself, those likely to be affected are locked in a
delicate balance of force. We of the Union have an alliance of mutual survival
with the Hegemony against the larger forces of the Conglomerate and the Empire
. . . although we share little else." He raised his eyebrows. "Very little
else."
"You think that New Avalon has any awareness of the situation?"
"Awareness . . . most certainly. The will and ability to commit resources?
Most certainly not. So we shall see." De Vyierion paused. "Oh, by the way, I
understand that you prevented some considerable unpleasantness on the Omnia
Gallia." De Vyierion laughed gently. "Captain Muerorce did not see it that way
initially. But he does now."
"Thank you."
"No, most honored Ecolitan envoy, the Frankan Union owes you. At this time, to
have a ship disappear on jumps through Hegemony territory . . ." He shrugged.
"That would be destabilizing, to say the least."
"It would seem that everything points toward destabilization," began Sylvia,
lowering her wineglass. "Yes, Lady Ferro-Maine, and the name suits you, much
points toward such destabilization. Much indeed." Sylvia waited expectantly.
"And of that, there is the Empire. Alas, I fear that the Imperial eagles would
employ any excuse to begin a conflict on the Rift. That could, unhappily,
divert Imperial forces from our sector here." De Vyierion shrugged. "I
mentioned that to my Imperial counterpart. Legate Wu-Reginald, but he was less
concerned than I. Could you speak to the feelings of the Accord Legate?"
Sylvia nodded at Nathaniel, who stalled by sipping the wine. Good . . . but
was it excellent? How would he know? Or ever know?
"Legate Spamgall has expressed some concerns about the economics of the
situation." That much was true, and it was about all Spamgall had said in
three days. "He has avoided commenting beyond that."
"That would seem politically wise . . . for anyone but a representative of
Accord."
"Legate Spamgall is a politician appointed by politicians," Nathaniel pointed
out.
"As are all too many Legates." De Vyierion laughed ironically. "Would you care
for dessert?"
Nathaniel considered the tightness of his trousers. "Ah, I'd care, but I would
regret it long after the pleasure passed."
"That could be said of many pleasures. Lord Whaler."
"He takes his duties very seriously." Sylvia's somber words were lightened by
the twinkle in her eyes.
"In that. Accord is fortunate, as are we all." De Vyierion eased back his
chair ever so slightly. "I do regret that Caroline was not here to meet you
both, but I would hope that, once you have completed your study and the
associated duties, you would be able to visit us."
"That would be a pleasure," said Sylvia. "Thank you, for everything," added
Whaler. The Frankan Legate rose. "It has indeed been a pleasure in seeing you,
and I wish you every success in your study, and in con veying the results to
all interested parties. I would hope to see a copy, as we might be able to aid
in its distribution."
"Thank you. You're most thoughtful," said Sylvia. Nathaniel inclined his head
as he stood. "You've always been helpful, and you have been again."
"We do live in the same Galaxy, Lord Whaler, and it grows smaller with each
year. Some fail to recognize that, or that the laws of economics are not to be
mocked . . . but we must try. My best to you both." De Vyierion inclined his
head again as the Ecolitans left.
XXXII [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]