fighting man.”
I tapped the report.
“This states all I need to know, unless you have more to add.”
Mahzit leaned forward, eyes intently fixed on mine. “I have experience throughout the Northern Territories. We journeyed with the Kanns and the Raiders. I’m young, yes: and strong, capable and perfectly suited to meet unforeseen challenges.”
“So I noticed.”
I studied him a bit longer; then gave my order.
“You’ll join the team from the Baji-Ney unit. They are a tough and highly ethical clan and—”
“I’m acquainted with the Raiders. I’ll work well with them.”
“Then, it is settled,” I decided.
“Critical expectations are included in written directives. You will make every effort to connect with the Resistance. Learn everything you can and report your findings to Central Command.”
Once I had dismissed Officer Mahzit, I left my offices to meet with Proctor Romos and the General.
* * * *
Qui Shan and the Proctor were in deep conversation when I arrived. They turned, pushing a thick ream across the table.
“Here, take a look at this.”
Proctor Romos shuffled the pages to a section labeled: from the Janis Foundation.
“The great Muti questions so many learned scholars were reticent to recognize are right here, Torlo, made clear through the Messenger.
“We discovered the Mutis have been aware of the expansion of this empire. How long had they been watching? Why hadn’t they advised our leadership earlier? How much did they know?
“Go ahead, read it for yourself.”
Excerpt from the council records.
Reference source: the Guardian of Haldolen.
.…we had never challenged the Mutis nor dared to vocalize our reservations regarding their ways.… For generations we endorsed their consummate authority. They consistently and accurately foretold the future on our behalf.
The Mutis on the continent were not inclined to band together and rarely would participate in worldly affairs. On occasion a few Mutis appeared at an event or counsel meeting: often silently observing; loathe to interfere with the human process.
Nomadic by nature, individualistic, shunning social trivialities save for matters of state, ritual or ceremony. Any one Muti might be speaking for all Mutis, and yet be speaking only for itself with its prophetic cadence. Personal bonding with a family or clan occurred over generations, though it would often travel alone for extended periods.
Alarming evidence has challenged the time worn facts. A legion of Mutis have become violent: emotionally unstable, lashing out against the humans: against the natural order of Noomas.
The report continued:
Their numbers are expanding beyond the territory of Prophet Kalinis, into the heart and to the coastlines of the continent. The Kaminaean Mutis assimilate all Mutis into their grip, convincing them to obey its teachings.
An edict has been sent to all regions with specified regulations, including the punishment of resistance.
Any Muti who disobeys shall be slain.
I looked up at the other two and decided to make this a logical place to stop. Qui Shan paced heavily back and forth, his stocky bulk echoing loudly through the royal audience chamber. The Proctor seemed equally agitated, drumming his fingers on the table.
“What is our response, General?”
Summarizing the preliminary progress of the Armada Project, the General spoke with precision, giving quick accounts of resources under his command. The man displayed exquisite control over his administrative duties.
“We’ve encountered a few snags. Blunt complications. The Helandians have been reluctant to deal with the arrogance of the nations at the Gapa Sea.
“Despite the stubbornness of the peoples of Walinal and Kulaina, we’ve made strides towards cooperation and resolving their differences. I believe it won’t be long before we have a trained force ready to confront Kamina. The Diano have been a strong influence, successfully compelling the mountain clans to support the Armada. The Kanns and Raider tribes are already activated. They will be armed and dispatched at your command.”
“Is an international world war what you want, sir?” I measured my words. “I’ve seen whole planets wiped clean, everyone on them annihilated without mercy: to what purpose?”
Neither one of us was anxious to argue.
I took a deep breath.
“Qui Shan, I respect your experience. You have led many combat missions resulting in minimal casualties and lasting peace.
“Kill the head of the beast and the body will die. I prefer to seek reconciliation with the Muti population at large. And I intend to request full Muti cooperation in order to accomplish this. Are you prepared to involve the Muti sages?”
The General answered.
“The Mutis are not warriors, Torlo, and you know it. Talni’s warning was clear: the Kamina would not negotiate under any circumstances. Their sole intent is to invade and conquer. The enemy may not be so easily defeated! The problem is grave. We’re going in blind, no matter what.”
The Proctor interjected.
“That’s why I assigned you this mission: to operate the initial explorations with explicit authority to speak in my name.”
The General faced me directly.
“Spy missions are expected to supply vital information for the Armada. We need to learn the mechanisms controlling their Ersatz warriors and the reported Gatherers. We will need as much information as possible to plan our ground and air operations against the Kaminaean forces: territorial layouts, mapping charts, and details about the cultures and people.
“Our aircraft will only have power to transport the missions into the territory. Most will not be able to return, even if they succeed. Their ground orders will require them to seek out and join with any Resistance movements. Very likely there are a number of them active throughout the continent. It will be your responsibility to follow up and coordinate with their operations once we’re inside their empire.”
Romos sharply cut in.
“Until then, we must be ready to defend our borders and aggressively rebuke the enemy.”
The General clamped his mouth shut. He obviously had unspoken concerns as the Proctor continued.
“Our re-mapping of the Diano nation, since their defeat, also reshaped its political leadership. The ruling family was exiled. New governing parties, under the Bel-loniean Alliance, have created a strong and effective hold on this nation. We’re assured of their loyalty. I’ve requested a list of qualified officers to be assigned frontline positions in the Armada’s initial probes into Kaminaean territory. Their units will be trained and placed under your direct responsibility.”
A well of distrusting emotion arose as I recalled the Diano who had taken Youi captive.
The Proctor raised his hands at my possible protest. “Things are quite proper. And these people are from a different clan than we had experienced during the wars. Their allegiance to the tyrannical ruling family had been in dispute even before the new order. One officer, in particular, has requested specific assignment to your personal fleet. No. You don’t know him. But he admired what you did.”
“As you say, sir,” I replied, although I had misgivings.
The Proctor added grimly.
“You hesitate. The war is over; they lost. They are now our colonial partners. If I trust them, you can. Captain