OUTCASTS

The official ceremony ended with the echoes of the clash and the war cry.

FOR-mation DIS-missed. Nachtoter growled loudly. Rocar's warriors broke their formal ranks, but remained formed into loose cohorts as the Delegation moved from its formal place to approach their commandant. Most of the Simians were unaware that not a Fur-Bearing eye left the group as the paced solemnly up to Rocar.

We have no wish to burden you farther at such a time, my Brother. Ku Min Li said. But I am instructed to inquire of you if you feel fit enough for a command meeting.

Rocar considered the request a gross breach of both protocol and personal respect, but if the Simians had to talk to him now, it was more than urgent. He swallowed softly.

I beg two minutes to dispose my command, then I shall be at your disposal. Rocar answered slowly.

Ku Min Li bowed deeply. It is well. I beg forgiveness Brother Warrior. The idea is not of my design. Ku Min Li's voice lowered as he spoke, and to Rocar's surprise betrayed a hint of genuine distaste for his seniors in station and government.

No slight taken To yourself,My Brother Warrior. Rocar replied.

Ku Min Li bowed, with what passed for a Simian smile, understanding the inflection in the Lion's resonant voice. The Simian warrior made a parade ground turn and marched a few paces back to the officials.

Nachtoter! Rocar sent quickly.

Instantly, there was a wall of panther between the Lion and the delegation. The huge Black Cat displayed no change in attitude or deportment that the Simians could detect.

Yessir?

I have been asked to meet with the deligation. Rocar sent. I do not know what they plan, but I fear the worst for the Fur-bearing populace. Rocar told his second in command.

We are with you, Sir. One and all. Nachtoter thought to his friend.

Very well. You and Slasher take over guard duty, as I instructed before. But Be prepared to evacuate the position if I send for you.

Will you be all right, Rocar?

Yes. I will keep our guests from becoming too curious. The Raccoon in your command?

Shalmira, Sir.

Ah. I remember her. Her Mother was always a friend to our family.

Yes, Sir

Ask her to use the command tunnel into the hospital. Anything she can tell us might be critical.

Already Done, Rocar. Nachtoter sent swiftly. The panther did not wait to be formally dismissed.

Nachtoter? Rocar sent as the inky streak flowed swiftly away.

Yes, My Friend?

Good Hunting

You will need more luck than I. The Panther sent in response. You will be closer to the enemy than we shall be!

As Rocar turned to enter his command bunker, filled with State sponsored Simians, he wondered to himself if perhaps there was too much truth in Nachtoter's insight.

Crystal sat quietly in a corner and watched as the room was transfigured by a fast moving cohort of ocelots. Within moments, tables were gently cleared, and a circle of chairs and benches set around the larger of the two adjoining tables. The ocelots were gone almost before they could be seen, to be replaced by an odd group of mixed fur-bearers.

They were a dozen in number, and Crystal could recognize the whizzened badger who led the group to their seats.

One of the skunks, a statuesque female paused and held the chair for the badger. Thank you, Samara. The old badger said softly.

You're welcome, Most Honored Khai. Samara replied.

Both the Cheetah and the Mustelid female giggled as they watched their elder statesman blush just a bit! The alert she skunk and the elder badger gave a quick look in Crystal's direction. Friendly smiles all around, but Crystal suddenly felt rather small. She sort of shark back into her corner as the rest of the group was seated at last about the tables.

Then Crystal saw her Vladimir rise and step behind the rostrum!

Thank you all for coming, at a most difficult hour and moment. Shomron Began. What we have seen today was far worse than we had been led to expect.

Was it due to faulty intelligence once again, Shomron? The elder badger spoke up.

No, Khai Sharda. This time, it's a purely Simian excess. Something we all know too well. But there is some good news to report. Shomron answered.

Crystal heard the odd name and her ears pricked. But she wrote it off to the advanced years and perhaps poor eyesight on the part of the badger.

Perhaps you'd best tell us. Samara interjected. This day is too young to be so gloomy.

Shomron nodded. Point taken.

You have seen the intelligence images taken by our reconnaissance units. We have identified the object of so mush Simian work and worry, Thanks in part to Khai Sharda's wisdom. Permit me to illustrate.

The room lights dimmed and the dataflow display streamed on. A montage of images skimmed from the flow, and became three dimensional within the room.

It was the third of these images, the long gray container, that crushed the breath from Crystal's body with a nearly explosive gasp!

Within the dimly lit room, Crystal felt every eye around both tables settle on her.

You have something to add, Miss? Oh. Shomron, who is our guest, in any case, manners first. Sharda said without rancor.

Which brings me to the second point of my good news. Crystal, will you come up here, Please?

Crystal got up and walked, but it was as if someone with a bad sense of both timing and humor had strapped her knees together!

Leaders of the Movement. Shomron began. I can disclose to you now that there was a unique survivor of our action against the Internal Security warehouse. Shomron told the assembled group.

Crystal came up and stood beside Vladimir, making a point to take his paw and place an arm around his waist, as much to help her stand as to send a message that she wanted the group to understand. Greetings, My Friends. She began with strong stress on the last word. I am Tribune Crystal. Late of the Simian Praetorian Guards.

The second table nearly over tuned as the opposition leaders sprang to their paws in a mixed barrage of disbelief, shouted and sent insults and general outrage!

You've forfeited your rights to command, Shomron!

You betrayed the movement!

Kill her. Now!! a lanky civet growl-screeched.

It was the last shout that galvanized Shomron to action. He took a half step over, standing squarely in front of Crystal. You'll kill me first! The elder Cheetah growled.

We ought to! Snapped the civet-cat.

And me!

The quiet interjection froze the heated air of outrage in the room. Mustering all his strength, Khai Sharda stood up and waddled toward the rostrum, his thick staff supporting him as he walked slowly around the room. But the badgers eyes held all of them in a riveting gaze that was nearly supernatural in its strength of will.

Shomron lowered the rostrum without a word, and stood aside quickly, still shielding Crystal as he stepped back, giving age and station its due.

I am the first among you. Sharda snarled quietly. Do you task me to prove it, ANY of you?

No one in that room stirred in the slightest. Not whisker, nor tailtip, nor fur. They knew that to do so was to invite violence to take their seat in the meeting.

Maruda and I founded this movement on PEACE and EQUALITY. Sharda reminded them all as aged and power filled eyes swept the opposition with the scorching fires of scorn. You have a right to doubt, and to oppose if that be your heart, but by the peaceful Stars, you have no right to kill.

Great Khai. came the gentle voice.

Sharda's attention nor his eyes left the second table, but he could sense Crystal as she stepped out from behind her living shield and stood beside Sharda at the rostrum, making herself an easy target. This is my fight. Trust must always be born of struggle.

See? Khai Sharda scolded. She whom you would kill stands better with Maruda's principles than all of you!

Words make noise. Actions demonstrate principles. the Civet spat, unimpressed.

I've been here for days, and fully sighted and healed for almost three hours. Crystal retorted. I could have quit this place, and with one send, given you and this Movement over our enemies. But here I stand, head cleared of poison, heart open, and with the knowledge you require to change your lives and our entire world. Will you not hear me? Crystal's voice was begging now. The next moment went to the fates, whatever hers might be.

The atmosphere in Rocar's command bunker seemed suddenly oppressive. The Simians stood around his command table and looked at his dispositions with suspicious eyes. Their attempts to look at him and smile were exercises in rote, and any mask of pleasantry faded instantly.

We have heard reports that you attacked groups of Citizens, Praetor, Is this true?

There have been some infractions of the curfew, and in one instance, an act of trespassing onto our encampment here. Rocar answered. No violence was applied, unless it was on the part of a few misguided former Citizens. If you wish, I will produce my reports and those who witnessed the acts in question. I myself was assaulted, and forced to defend myself. Nothing more.

The semi circle of flat faces was repressively silent. If they challenged Rocar's honesty, it became a matter of honor from which not even members of the Government were immune. Rocar knew this well, and used truth and honor as twin hammers to batter the Simians into embarrassed silence.

The reports we received must have been exaggerated. A suspicious and angry set of Simian eyes fell for just a moment on the head on Internal Security. We have matters of greater import to deal with.

In accordance with the information disclosed at the State Funeral for your father, command authorities have directed the military to undertake the arrest, processing, and trial of certain dissidents, and all members of the former government.

Processing, Sir? Rocar asked pointedly.

The Simian nodded. Their legal representation, and the handling of any confessions which might yield more concrete and useful intelligence prior to their public trials, Praetor.

Rocar chose that moment to look past the Simian who addressed him, and into another set of Simian eyes. Ku Min Li's eyes were filled with the same trepidation that Rocar could feel.

Yes. Sir. Rocar replied.

We understand that you must be particularly anxious to go after these traitors, after what they have cost you and the State, Praetor. That is why I am giving your command the honor of overall command of this operation. Your orders flow directly from the highest authority.

I am. grateful. Sir.

As part of the operation, the Government expects ordinary citizens to assist the Internal Security services in bringing these criminals to the dock of the law. I am instructed from the highest authority to order you directly to render any aid and support such citizens groups might request.

Yessir! Rocar replied, a false enthusiasm hiding the daggers of fear and loathing that had just been thrust to his heart.

Then you have no reservations, Praetor? We thought that owing to your father's ties to the old republic, you might feel apprehensive about certain actions this operations might require.

No, Sir. I have an order from higher authority. and in my father's name and memory, I pledge him justice. Rocar answered.

Very well, Praetor. We shall not disturb you longer at this emotional hour. Anything you may require shall be placed at your disposal.

Thank you, Sir. May I ask that Ku Min Li remain for a moment. I wish to consult him upon orders to be issued for this operation.

Very well, we shall await him before our departure.

The balance of the Simian Delegation filed out of the bunker in silence, leaving the Simian and the Lion standing alone, across the table.

Warrior to Warrior, and upon the Code, I would know your heart and mind. Rocar asked his brother warrior. He had done so in a way that bound the Simian to speak only the totality of the truth he felt, or if not, to take his own life.

This is a black thing, and I have my doubts of its honor.

I saw your eyes, and you mine. I will not turn against innocents. Rocar told him.

You risk much brother.

I ask only the code and honor. I will trust your silence as I do your honor

Thank you, My Brother. The stars will speak before I will.

It is well. If asked to walk a different path to keep your honor, would you spare your life?

"You ask me to betray my oath, Rocar."

"Long before you swore an oath as a Simian officer of the state, you and I swore a deeper oath, that of the warrior. It is the first oath that supplants any falsehood. "If asked to slay innocents, what would you do? Rocar pointed the question as surely as a sword at his brother warrior.

"I would open my veins rather than forsake the warriors promise."

Rocar nodded. "And if I say to you that there is a path in keeping with that oath, will you walk it rather than choosing your own death?"

"Much depends. Allow this heart to ponder your words. My silence and honor shall hold until my mind and heart accord." Ku Min Li said.

"That is all I ask."

Ku Min Li turned and walked out of the bunker. Rocar counted ten, and then followed.

He watched from the edge of the bunker as Ku Min Li remounted the trac which had brought the delegation into the compound. The Simian warrior hung onto the grip railing at the rear of the trac, mounting guard while the State officials rode inside. After a moment, it rose and floated out of the main gate, which was closed and locked behind it.

"Nachtoter?"

"Yes, My commandant?"

"You and Slasher leave now. Be not seen until the house that you watch can be seen. I now expect a dark shadow to fall across our Homeworld, and I trust the dark warrior who is my forepaw to stay that shadow for a time." Rocar told his black comrade.

"My life and blood are yours. No night shall extinguish that fire, upon my Honor." Nachtoter answered.

"Go now. Light the night, keep the code, and protect the innocent."

"Honor, justice and peace, my Praetor."

The air in the command center was charged with Crystal's emotion as she stood open and honestly before friends and foes.

Another of the opposition stood, and placed a paw on the civet's well muscled shoulder. The gentle touch snuffed his temper like a pinched candle's flame.

What harm can words do, Malnatev?" She cannot send from this room, you know that. Let us hear her, and then reason with one another. The female bobcat said.

K'a'chi has reason, Malnatev. Said the canine who held the seat next to him at the opposition table, The she cheetah is in no position to harm us here. If she lies, she can be exposed and dealt with easily enough. Can we gamble on not knowing what she might know?

Silent and sullen, Malnatev resumed his seat.

Rather than make the taxing walk back to his own seat, Khai Sharda limped quietly to the command console nearest to him and sank into a chair, wheezing and trying not to sound spent.

You seem to know what this is, Crystal. Shomron asked.

I ought to, I was under orders to die rather than let it be captured.

Is it a bomb? Sharda panted.

Almost. They had not finished casing the other one when. well. you know.

Then that's what destroyed the Nexis." Shomron interjected.

But I don't understand something." Vladimir said. "I know Simians, and I know science. That casing is wrong for a bomb. It would channel the power outward, instead of inward. The critical mass should not be enough to cause anything but a controlled chain reaction. That's a reactor core. I'll bet my chirp on it.

Vladimir is right. Sharda spoke thru deep breaths. "The blast that destroyed the building. our blast. would have ruptured the casing that controlled the reaction."

Beside Shomron, Crystal gave Shomron another puzzled look. She paused as the male cheetah smiled, and then she went on.

"There's more to it than that." Crystal told them. So very much more.

What ever you can tell us can only help, my Dear. Shomron said gently. Go on.

I was never told what was inside the two cases. They assigned me because I'm strong enough to lift them without help, if I had to. But there were symbols on each case. I know whatever these were, they were hot, and wrapped in lead. Crystal began. And besides. She added slowly You all know that nothing stays secret in the military for long. I heard whispers about this, the day they assigned me.

Whispers of what, Crystal? Shomron asked.

Rumors and gossip mostly, but the odd thing is that if anyone asked about it, we never saw them again. I never could fathom why they would keep a spaceship so secret.

The sound of breaking glass shattered the night and the peace.

BACK!

The squad leader sent sharply to his patrol. The hidden tunnel entrance wasn't closed yet, and for a fleeting moment, the canine considered retreat. He pressed close against the cold rough stone of the building, nearly panting with tension as he listened hard.

Heavy footfalls over the unmistakable rattle of the now broken glass being walked over. The Canine motioned to close the tunnel.

Kashira! he sent calmly

Yessir?

I'm going around the corner, and see what I can see. If anything happens to me, take the patrol below.

What about you Kasimir?

Never mind me, just get them below. Those are my orders!

Kashira sent nothing in return, but he knew that he would never leave his twin, orders be damned, but he couldn't send it to his headstrong brother, who was all ready pressed hard against the edge of the building as he slipped around the corner.

Kashira motioned the rest of the patrol to flatten against the wall and wait. Then Kashira's paw found the pouch on his belt without looking, and the canine loaded his double crossbow and set both triggers. Then he too crept for the corner of the building, only four paces distant.

The street was a mess. The large front windows had been partly broken out of most of the shops, altho an odd few remained dark and untouched. Another fusillade of thrown stones finished the remains of the largest window, this one belonged to a book shop. A few of the dozen Simians behind the stones surged forward, clambering over the glass and into the shop thru the shattered window. Lights came on inside, and there was a short, house cry of terror from within.

Two of the Simians reappeared shortly to face the others who still stood in the street. Between them, they trapped two struggling figures, who were shoved ahead of them and out into the teeth of the mob.

Him. a Simian said, slapping the male ferret hard. He is the one. The judge.

The stunned Mustelid recovered some of his stature, and spoke thru a bleeding muzzle. Former judge, now retired. what of it?

You signed the Charter?

The small ferret grew for a moment in pride. I signed the original, not that pale copy that ones like you use. The ferret said flatly.

You're a traitor, and you must die! the Simian snarled.

The Female ferret let out a shriek of terror. NO! she screamed. You can't.

Her objections ceased as one of the Simians hit her hard and she crumpled to the pavement.

Hold him. and we'll give the judge a taste of the new justice. One Simian gloated.

Two of the larger Simians took an arm apiece and held the ferret steady while another Simian drew his sword.

The ferret did not flinch or cower. Justice and Peace! he shouted.

The ferret saw the flash of steel as the blade swept back, and prepared to die, on his feet, and with the principles he held upon his tongue. He saw the blade begin to sweep forward, living his last moments in slowed motion. He thought he heard some strange sound, but it was forgotten instantly as the ferret watched the sword swinging Simian seem to twist farther sideways, and issue a short, burbling cough before falling over sideways at the feet of the mob!

Both Simians and ferret stood in shock for a moment as the body slumped forward, revealing a single bolt, sped cleanly thru the Simians neck, at the only spot on the back of his late neck that was unprotected by his helmet!

Please don't wrinkle the Chief Justice! A voice called behind them. Let them go, now!

The mob turned as one to face a short, tawny canine form which seemed smaller than the double crossbows he welded, one in each paw.

Look, another who wants to die! One of the Simians said, his voice scornful. The same Simian took a step toward the canine, but was brought up short, as a bolt speared thru the shoulder of his sword arm!

I have two left, and I'm afraid I mean it. the Canine said simply. Let them go. NOW!

You must be mad, Fur bearer. we are many and you are one. You have two bolts. we have ten swords. You all will die.

Perhaps. the canine answered. But which two die, so eight can kill?

The thought brought the group of Simians up short. They looked at one another.

Each waited for the other to be the first to move, yet none wanted to die.

Kasimir could see that in the groups eyes as he sighted them over the crossbows, His own eyes steady as cold steel.

Slowly, the mob backed away from their ferret captives.

The male ferret stooped quickly to pick up his mate, and quickly walked out of he Simian midst. As the former judge reached the canine's side, the ferret was shocked to see the mirror image of the canine now at his back trot quickly toward him!

The second canine quickly indicated the path to safety. The ferret did not have to be told twice.

Kashara slid past the fleeing ferrets to stand beside his brother. Kashara made a point of brandishing the crossbow he pointed at the Simian mob. suddenly the number of arrows had doubled, and so, it seemed, had the Simians weak vision!

Good evening, Brother. You do seem to attract the most unsavory friends. What would mother say?

She would tell me to carry more ammunition. Shall we go? Brother asked brother.

A fine idea. This night air is chilly. said Kashara. Then the second canine looked at the mob. Now you won't move, will you? We want to remember you just as you are now.

Slowly the canine pair walked backwards up the street, their bolts always pointed at the Simians. Only when they reached the edge of crossbow range did the two turn and run, to catch up with their patrol.

Deep below the ground, where the many fingers of the movement came together, reports began to flow from all parts of K'al'i'tai of increasing violence and abandon. The mink who was the communications officer watched the emergency basket fill with alarming speed with messages that screamed for help. Within an hour, the slight hyperactive Mustelid had dispatched all the ready alert in the movement, and needed authority to release their ready reserve. Salome knew that an officers call was going on one floor up, and protocol told her that only an extreme emergency justified interruption. For the first time in three years, she posted her relief and ran a message up the narrow stone stairs.

The command center fell suddenly silent.

Say that again. Shomron said, utterly stunned.

What? Asked Crystal. Secret or spaceship? She wondered aloud.

What else have you been hiding. Tell us everything! Malnatev said, jumping up so quickly that he upset his chair.

First you want to silence her, and then you don't want her to be silent. Which is which, Malnatev? Vladimir asked playfully.

She has to be wrong, or worse, lying. Where would the Simians get the design? Malnatev hissed.

I believe I can answer that. A voice said from the doorway.

All heads turned, as Shalimar's imposing frame filled the doorway to overflowing. Across the room, the eldest head among them broke into a sudden smile. Why hello, young hothead! Sharda wheezed, a happy tone behind his namecalling.

Shalimar looked over at the redoubtable badger and smiled warmly. Just when you thought you were rid of me, I return, Master Sharda.

Come in boy. come in and join us. We seem to need a hothead on this side of the room just now.

Shalimar accepted the invitation, and padded over to the table, speaking as he walked. The design. He said briefly, pausing to bow and nuzzle the old badger ever so slightly, Was Maruda's, and mine.

And you gave it to them? Snapped Malnatev

Shalimar looked at the opposition leader with anger in his eyes. No! He said flatly.

As I recall. Sharda interjected. Maruda had the only papers.

Yes, Teacher. Shalimar replied. I could not find them. In the ashes of his home. that night. Shalimar paused, speaking with the difficulty the memory brought with it.

Sharda reached over and gave the huge astronomer a gentle pat. There, There, Lad. Nothing you could have done. So the Simians got Maruda's notes, my lad?

I was never sure until this moment, Teacher. Shalimar replied.

This is dreadful. Aurora injected.

More than that. Vladimir added. Its deadly dangerous.

Meaning what? Vladimir? K'a' chi asked from the other table.

Do you suppose these stupid Militaristic Simians would stop at just one world, even if it already belonged to them? Vladimir answered urgently.

I see your point, Vladimir. The female skunk answered slowly.

Internal Security went to Karnat the day of the explosion. Karnat gave them all of my papers, but not my data. Shalimar told the group. Now its clear what they wanted. He said with a slow, awful sadness in his voice. They needed a target.

Across the room, Aurora gasped with horror.

The scene was interrupted by a rapping on the clear partition that sectioned the room. At first, Shomron smiled at the sight of Salome. His smile vanished as he saw the worry and urgency on the mink's muzzle. Shomron waved her in without ceremony.

She said nothing, but stiffly handed Shomron a single piece of paper.

From where he stood, Shalimar could see the cheetah's expression change. Shomron Looked at Salome, who nodded and flew from the room so fast that her tail was nearly left behind. The resistance leader turned to address the group. I have just ordered the release of all of our ready reserve. We have reports from all districts of. Simian attacks on Fur- Bearers. Shomron said, finding it as difficult to speak these words as Shalimar had found his memories.

K'a'chi nodded and stood up. She stood in-between the narrow space that separated the two identical wings of the table. In an admirable show of strength, physical and otherwise, she pulled the tables into a triangle.

Malenetev looked at her in shock. It would appear. K'a'chi began slowly, That this is no time for partisanship. The opposition has always favored conference over confrontation. She explained. That avenue appears to be futile. Shomron will have my Full support during this crisis, and for the foreseeable future, it would seem.

The late Khai Sholo's daughter speaks well of his memory. Sharda complemented.

Malnatev, son of Khai Romi, will you join us in our time of destiny? Shomron asked quietly.

I ask you, for the sake of your father's memory. Sharda implored. We must all unite, or die.

Malnatev stood his ground, motionless, and emotionless.

The Simians are killing your own people, Malnatev. Shomron injected. How can you best serve them? They need your leadership. as we do. here and now.

Slowly, Malnatev turned and looked at K'a'chi. She nodded slowly.

Only then did the civet reclaim his seat at the re-formed table. Very well. He said shortly. What do you propose to do?

The official entourage was barely gone, and the gate secured behind them before Rocar felt someone, and loped into a pounding run across the compound. His size and power let him cross the entire distance to the field hospital before the hum of the last trac faded away. The huge warrior was stopped short inside the downward sloping entrance tunnel by the diminutive figure of a raccoon, whose eyes glowed a bright yellow in the low light. Wordlessly, the uniformed ringtail motioned for silence and waved Rocar fully into the room. When he had entered, with the tunnel closed behind him, Rocar felt a fine, strong send touch his mind. The same one that had called him from here a few moments before!

You are Nachtoter's friend?

Yes, Rocar. My Name is Shalmira. She sent in return.

And you know these Victims, Shalmira?

Not All, but he who lays yonder is the Lifemate of my bonded friend. His name is Shalon.

And Know you why the Simians would seek hard after his pelt?

He is feeble now, close to death. He can send only one word. Ship.

Shalon is a boatwright?

Nay, Rocar. His life has been as one who works with metals.

**** ****

This changes everything we thought we knew. Shomron said quietly. I am prepared to accept your council. Shomron told the room.

I think we should consider the possibility of dissolving the movement. Malnatev said quickly.

And upon what insight do you base this wisdom? Sharda asked, trying not to sound scornful, and failing.

It's plain to me. Malnatev explained. If they have a spaceship, I think they might be ready to consider a partnership again, just as it was in the beginning.

Possibly. Admitted Aurora And a fine hope, save for one thing.

And that is? Malnatev asked.

The Simians are not completely inept. If they wanted to make peace, they wouldn't have to call out the military to find us.

Someone did blow up half of the capital. Malnatev retorted.

Yes, admitted Aurora, And I consider that our greatest stroke of luck thus far. Aurora finished.

I can't argue with that. Shomron interjected, pausing to look at Crystal, whom he motioned to the table. She padded over, and Shomron gave her his chair.

What? Malnatev said, indignant.

If not for that one event, the Simian's true intentions would not have shown themselves until another world besides our own may have fallen to their tyranny. Aurora offered.

You have no concrete proof that they mean to undertake military conquest.

Aurora may not have concrete proof, but remember who I was. Crystal interrupted.

They decanted me as an OFFENSIVE weapon, and they told me so in camp. I was one of a cohort of scouts they said. It never made any sense to me, until tonite, but then, I was never required to gave it any real profound thought while I was behind that electrified fence.

Malnatev could not argue that point.

Why would the Simians use fur bearers as scouts and killers on their own world, Malnetev? Sharda asked pointedly. Until the raid on the warehouse, their official version of things was that we were just a few malcontents, remember? Sharda went on.

All of a sudden, why go after so few with specially designed assassins? Sorry my dear. Sharda paused.

It's all right Master Sharda. That's what I was.

No. Sharda concluded. They spent three years drunk on unlimited resources. They were ready, and they used them, on us. It only makes sense if they also planned to use it elsewhere. We are just the exercise. Of that, I'm sure. the elder badger finished.

But we helped them develop all their technology. I still do not understand why they would destroy their greatest resource, even if they did mean wanton conquest.

The oldest reason in the universe. Vladimir answered. Greed.

I agree with Vladimir, Malnatev. K'a'chi spoke up quietly. Once they conquer another race, they get all the technology and resources they need. They don't have to wait years and what's more, they don't have to share it with anyone who might have different ideas. K'a'chi said plainly.

That is what Maruda feared, if you remember. Shalimar said. More than once, they tried to trick him out of what the Skiltaire already know. Shalimar reminded. Maruda told me to stop and hide our work on the starship for fear of Simian motives. He was right, and they killed him for it. Shalimar told Malnatev.

Now, they have it. Malnatev admitted. at last. And we are--

In the way. Aurora finished quietly.

Malnatev sighed heavily. All right. I'm convinced. But that still begs my first question, What are we going to do about it? the resigned civet asked.

You know what I proposed at the general meeting a few days ago. Shomron countered.

Pipe dreams won't stop the Simians, Shomron.

No. The elder cheetah admitted. But they might just set us free.

Are you suggesting? Crystal interjected.

It does seem to be an alternative. Vladimir admitted. Why not put this Simian enterprise to some good use?

If it exists at all. We still don't know enough. Malnatev objected.

I must be approaching middle age. Sharda answered. For once, I agree with Malnatev.

And as you are so fond of pointing out, Shomron, the Simians aren't likely to be in a sharing mood just now. Malnatev added. So where does that leave us?

It leaves us with the one responsible for this. Me. Shalimar spoke up quietly. Now, you need to remember who I am. Or was, until this morning, anyway. Shalimar said dryly.

Yes. Malnatev replied. You are. Were. the State Science advisor. And you never heard anything about this?

No. Shalimar admitted. But as time went on, I can see now that I knew less and less about more and more. If the military worked in secret, and that seems likely from what Crystal as told us, I would never been trusted with the knowledge. Shalimar conjectured.

But they did use your fame and wisdom to help them find a target. Aurora said.

Exactly! That's why I had all I needed, as long as I looked in certain places. Shalimar confirmed.

And that's why they got suspicious when Karnat found out you weren't. Vladimir speculated.

It all fits. but. Shalimar paused, almost afraid to finish his thought.

Go on, Khai Shalimar. Crystal encouraged. But when Shalimar spoke, it was a father's worry that filled his words.

The Simians would have wanted to insure my silence if they were ever discovered was, after all, Datamaster to the State. I built their systems. And I knew too much.

Aurora let out a whistle of alarm.

I don't understand, Shalimar. what is it? K'a'chi wondered.

That's why they insisted that Rocar join the military.

And now that you're gone Vladimir followed up.

Rocar may be in deadly danger. More so because he is popular with his warriors. All of them fur bearers.

It seemed to take forever, but Shantal heard the paw falls outside her door before the handle could move. She sprang off the cot with a yip, and threw the door open!

Shari pounced, and would not let go as Shantal carried her to the bed and sat down, with her mate in her arms.

I missed you, honeyfox! Shantal thought at her Soulmate as they melted together into a long hug.

Oh, Sweetfur! Shari returned. It was so wonderful. After the Simians left, nearly fifty of us showed up! They took every one of the wounded into the hospital down here! They say they have rooms here for us and the baby! Shari's thoughts flowed into a happy and relieved jumble as the vixens hugged.

Shantal steadied her. You wouldn't mind giving up the house? We wouldn't be able to bring much, except for baby things. The elder vixen thought at her.

Shari's return came on a wave of mingled relief and resentment. Honeyfox, nothing matters as long as the three of us are together. After what's happened, I never want to see another Simian again. They're so awful!

It's a big step. Shantal thought at her. Let's go home and sleep in our own beds, and think on it. If you still want to come tomorrow, we'll do it. All right?

Oh, Shantal, I love you, so much!