Part 18 (1/2)

A black box? A homing device? That's, well, prehistoric!' said Jav.

'Not quite, but certainly a few centuries old. As technology bounds forward, it's trinkets like this, which operate on primitive but still effective carrier waves, that enable me to do business. The Federation are so busy flaunting their modern biomorphic computers and A.I.s that a little beauty like this is ignored. It's from the twenty-fifth century, you know. Remarkably preserved.'

Jav nodded. Is it? Well, that's interesting but not-'

'Not what you came to see me about, eh? No, you presumably want money to stop you running upstairs and telling the Federation observers exactly what you've discovered.'

'Basically, that's it.'

'How much?'

'Enough. Enough to buy me a new, luxurious life out there.' Jav pointed towards the sky.

'Ah. An entrepreneur. I admire that.'

Jav grinned. This was going well. 'Glad you see it my way.'

Oh, indeed I do. If I was in your position, I'd do exactly the same.

However, I'm not in your position, I'm in mine.'

Jav didn't like the sound of that. 'Now hold on...'

Oh do shut up, you pathetic little rat. You made a big mistake coming here.

You should've held out a little longer. This time tomorrow I would be ready to leave Peladon, with its art treasures and of course the Pakhar Diadem. I could have used some help, for which I would have paid heavily. But you played your hand too early, Jav. Too early...'

If anyone had been listening carefully at that moment they might have heard a terrible scream as a metre-high Pakhar, by the name of Javi'ta'ko was bodily picked up and shoved through a window in the Citadel on Mount Megeshra. If they'd looked they might have seen a blur as his still screaming body was hurled hundreds of feet down the mountainside where, after four or five bounces on jagged black rock, the pulpy remains came to rest, spread over a cl.u.s.ter of stones.

However, with the savage murder of Lianna upmost in everybody's minds, and the ever-present storms howling and cras.h.i.+ng around outside, looking and listening out of Citadel windows was the last thing on anyone's mind.

It was almost certainly the last thing on a desperate Jav's mind, but no one would ever know for sure.

To the person who had just thrown him out, Jav was just the latest in a long line of people murdered to keep his presence hidden on Peladon, including the Lady Lianna who, like Damajina and O'Brien before, had realized too much to be allowed to live.

But again a mistake had been made. Two people did witness Jav's unaided flight, although they were impotent to do anything about it, except store the knowledge for future use.

King Tarrol kicked out at a chair and sent it cras.h.i.+ng across the throne room. A totally irrational and futile gesture, but it released a fraction of the pent-up anger he felt.

The doors opened and Geban entered, bowing and closing them again. As he walked towards his friend and monarch he casually righted the chair as if it was the sort of thing he did every day.

Oh, Geban. What has gone wrong?'

Geban shook his head. 'Your Majesty, what can I say? The Lady Lianna has been killed and the Doctor looks the most likely candidate.'

'But we are supposed to be his friend. And he to us. Tell me, Geban, do you believe he did it?'

'Unfortunately, Your Majesty, what I think will have little effect. Atissa has dredged up every ancient law and unamended ruling from history to support her case for the Doctor's execution.'

Tarrol slammed his fist on his throne. Am I not king? Am I not this planet's highest judge and jury?'

'According to Atissa's researches, no, Your Majesty, you are not.' Geban frowned. I am afraid that we may have been placed entirely in the high priestess's hands on this one.'

'Why? The Doctor has not affronted Aggedor. He has not breached Atissa's shrine,' said Tarrol.

Geban nodded. 'True, Your Majesty. But by the time we have proved that Atissa is wrong, she will have bent the will of the people and executed the Doctor. She is not well.'

'Not well?' said a voice from the doorway. Bernice jabbed her finger against her temple repeatedly. Is that the best you can do? Not well?

She's two sandwiches short of a picnic if you ask me. Three steps short of a staircase!'

Geban rose. 'How dare you enter-'

Tarrol waved him down, wearily. I cannot be bothered with protocol, Geban. Let the professor speak her mind. She only says what we haven't the courage to acknowledge ourselves.'

'Thank you, Your Majesty. May I have the honour of addressing the king?'

She copied the bow the Doctor had made at the meal last night. Tarrol nodded and Bernice continued: All three of us know that the Doctor would not murder Lianna. They were old friends. Indeed, it was Lianna who alerted the Doctor that things were not right on Peladon.'

Tarrol was immediately interested. 'Did she? Neither of them spoke of this to Us.'

'Well, I can't speak for Lianna, but I know the Doctor would not wish to alarm the king so near to such an important event as the restatement vows.

I a.s.sure you that his silence was a considered judgment.' Christ, she was talking c.r.a.p. Still, the king seemed to fall for it. He nodded and suggested that an audience with the Doctor was again necessary.

I know Atissa will be angry, Geban, but bring the Doctor here. Call all the Federation representatives. We must discuss this further.'

Geban stood up, bowed and walked towards the door, swiftly and firmly grasping Bernice's arm and propelling her out with him. As they pa.s.sed through the doors and closed them, he let go. 'You were very good,' he said. 'You should be a diplomat.'

'Listen, Chancellor. I don't give two hoots for your king or this planet, frankly. The Doctor is my friend and I want him off the hook. If I have to go cap in hand and charm a few favours, then I'll do it. We came here looking for trouble, the Federation knew something was up. Somehow I don't think getting the Doctor shot for killing someone was part of the plan!'

'Oh, if Atissa has her way, he won't be shot. Just beheaded. In her temple to make it really dramatic.'

Bernice exploded. I don't believe this! You're so b.l.o.o.d.y calm. The Doctor's going to die and you know Atissa's flying without a license but you just accept it. You let her run your lives because of this fragging Aggedor thing!'

Geban held up a warning hand. 'Professor Summerfield, your diplomatic hat is slipping. Our ”fragging Aggedor thing” is the spiritual guide here. The Pel people believe in it, it brings us together as one common people. We have none of the differing religions, creeds or sub-cultures that dominate so many other plants. We are a united people. Do not mock us simply because it does not suit your taste.'

Bernice breathed out. Okay, you're right and I'm sorry. But right now it looks like the Doctor's going to end up going home in a diplomatic bag and I'm powerless to stop it.'

Geban placed a hand on her shoulder. a.s.semble the Martians, Amba.s.sador Centauri and Nic Reece outside the throne room. The king will talk to them. I will fetch the Doctor.' He wandered towards the cell area and Bernice headed towards the Federation Representatives' room.

'Well, what am I to do with you two?'

Keri looked up at Savaar and smiled. 'Let us go, yeah?'

In the light of what has happened this evening, the fewer Federation citizens roaming free in the Citadel the better. No, tonight you stay in the shuttle where Pilot Ha.s.sek can watch over you. Besides, I . .

Savaar was cut off as the shuttle's computer relayed a message from Alpha Centauri.

'This is an important message for High Lord Savaar from Alpha Centauri.