Chapter Eleven

Morning brings a war council. I lay some ground rules for that.

“Sean, at this stage, I want our people to meet with as few of your people face-to-face as is possible. I can do parades and such, but your people know your own resources better than our group does, and they have to win this war, not my people. We can crack some tough nuts but we can’t be everywhere and do everything.”

“And in fact we can do little if we don’t get communications and supplies from off-world. It should come as no surprise that until we get those our resources are … limited.”

Sean laughs a bit. “We see eye-to-eye on this. The War Council is meeting in another part of this building. We have arranged closed circuit coverage so you can watch. I will be your liaison if you so desire.”

I grin. “Excellent. Let me start by telling you that our two priority items are establishing an off-world supply link, at least a small one, and locating the equipment stripped from the two warriors who were captured.”

Sean and I listen to the War Council for about 30 minutes when I hear Chin on the intercom say, “Bingo. … I have the location of the weapons.” Sean and I immediately head for our own little war council.

“People are still being a little sloppy, and still choosing sides,” says Chin.

Sean reads what she has. “That’s a federal base 100 kilometers north of here. They didn’t get burned in yesterday’s fiasco so they’ll be at full strength and nervous as wet hens given that they’re now in a sea of hostiles. Other than that it’s just a military base.”

“Then I suggest we go as soon as possible, Commander,” says Gunther.

Al picks that moment to announce, “I’ve made contact with Azzeed O’Malley.”

This is a relief. I’ve dealt with Azzeed for many years. If anyone can come through in a pinch, it’s Azzeed. “I’ll take it,” I say.

The contact fades in and out but is sufficient. After brief greetings, I ask, “Azzeed, has Al explained what we need?”

“He has, and it adds up to a Platoon Field Center plus some skin. It won’t be cheap, you understand, and normally it would be impossible in the time frame you desire. But General Nolentov’s ‘temporary reversal’ has pried open some normally closed resources. Phtoo! That son of a cow has dishonored himself and his father! There is confusion up here and the repercussions are far from finished.

“Also, my friend, you may not know it but you have more good friends up here. When the rumor spread that you were still alive and holding a bridgehead that’s when some people came through for me.”

“I can’t imagine who spread those rumors,” I grin.

“Only in your interest, my friend! But alas, even with your friends and mine working on this project it will not come cheaply. What resources do you have to pay for this?”

“The payment will be a bit unconventional.…”

“That I anticipate.”

“Give me a moment.”

“I am at your disposal.”

I switch to the other line. “Sean, I need to speak to the governor at once, but for just a moment. And you should stay on as a witness.” Off either line I call out, “Al, get on this line. I need another witness.”

The governor comes on. He has the wide, relaxed eyes of a man who is open to what is coming next. It’s going to be quite a bombshell … I switch everyone to the line with me and Azzeed.

“Governor, it’s time to start paying for this operation. I have an arms dealer on the off-world line who can arrange an emergency resupply. Something we need badly. The payment he asks is, uh, three six-story buildings … in Verdant here. Can you arrange that?”

Governor Algers blinks, swallows, blinks again, and says, “OK … I agree.” I breathe a sigh of relief and give him credit for being both a true leader and a quick study. “What do you need beyond that?” he asks.

Azzeed answers, “Your word is sufficient for now, Honorable Governor. I will leave the details to…”

“Kull,” I interject quickly. “Kull the Conqueror.”

Azzeed laughs. “May your miseries always be short ones … Kull, and Governor,” and he hangs up.

“We will talk more later. Thank you, Governor. That’s all I needed.” We break connection and the War Council displayed on the video continues.

We watch for only a few more minutes before I shut down the connection and face Sean. The councilors are now talking tactics, not strategy, and I’ve seen what I need.