Выбрать главу

But this- We were watching while people moved to save a world ! Of course there's a lot to be said for waiting until the money's in the bank before you start making announcements. The neighbors showed up, and the screaming and hugging started again. There was a fresh round every time somebody new came to the door. They were all wet, most were drenched, but it didn't matter. We embraced them anyhow. During the course of all this I asked Selotta why it was happening? "Why are your neighbors so involved?" "Because," she said, "they'd like the constant wars to stop. But there's something more." "And what's that?" "They've shared everything you've seen and felt. They've been on Salud Afar, too. Through you. They've seen the children and the crowds in the streets. And they've tasted the fear." We were still celebrating when Giambrey caught our attention. But this time he looked shocked. One of our visitors spoke through his voice box. "What's wrong, Giambrey?" "The Confederates are sending eleven ships. Eleven . Cargo and transport vessels. And that's all. The announcement was just made." "Eleven?" I said. "What the hell do they expect Kilgore to do with eleven?" Alex sank into a chair. Kassel simply stared out at the rain. "A token force," Kassel said. He looked at his wife. A silent message passed between them. Even now, they do not trust us.

Maybe especially now.

THIRTY-EIGHT

In the end, everything is politics.

- Nightwalk

There were rumors that, despite the announcement, there was strong disagreement with the decision. That a dozen worlds, led by Toxicon, were strongly opposed. That Whiteside might even be overruled by the Confederate Council. But the following day, the Director spoke from the Hall of the People on Rimway. He sat behind the plain, battered desk that was part of his image. He looked lost in thought, his dark blue eyes peering past us into the distance. Public figures traditionally sit straight during these events, but Whiteside was supporting his jaw on one fist, his elbow planted on the desktop. His mustache, as always, was unkempt in a way that was intended to suggest a man of action, a decision-maker who could be counted on. He shook his head, as if dismayed by events, inhaled, and finally focused on us. The chair creaked as he leaned forward, reminding me that the omicron carried sound. "Citizens and friends," he said, "you are all aware by now of the desperate situation that has developed on Salud Afar. Administrator Kilgore is doing everything he can to alleviate the situation, but in fact there is little that can be done. The scale of the approaching disaster is simply too great. "Too great by far. "He has appealed to the Confederate Worlds for assistance. I am proud to say we are responding with all the resources at our disposal. Hundreds of ships, many operated by private corporations, and in some cases by individuals, are on their way as I speak to you tonight. Administrator

Kilgore has found a world that is being converted into a refuge. It is not by any means close to Salud Afar, but it is the nearest that nature has provided. "We will be helping to move as many of his people there as we possibly can. We are sending supplies, engineers, and other specialists who will assist in the effort to erect shelters on the new world, which they've named Sanctum . "In addition, we will be sending the Alberta , with its escort of destroyers and support vessels to assist in any way they can. Finally, I'm pleased to report that the Council has voted an aid package totaling six hundred million."

When he was finished, the imager pulled back, and we saw that four senior Council members were in the room with him. It was a display meant to signal unity. He thanked us for our attention, reassured us that the Confederacy would continue to do whatever was humanly possible, and delivered his signature "good night," looking away as he did so, as though other decisions required his immediate attention. That quickly, it was over.

In the morning, we heard the reactions from Assemblage representatives and other prominent Ashiyyureans:

"An opportunity has been missed. And it will not come again." "What else can be expected from a race of yappers?" "The truth is that the Confederacy does not wish to help Salud Afar. That world has, after all, remained outside the human politique. And now they will pay the price. And their politicians, of course, will try to blame it on us." "The real reason for the Director's reluctance is that he intends to move against the Assemblage and hopes this may give him the opportunity."