TRUTH SEEKER
PROLOGUE: POLITICS
The bar was housed in tiny building just outside the bustling spaceport of Assaam Kiith'sid – two storeys high, and rather run down. The place was barely six years old, but its cracked and dull exterior gave the impression that the building had undergone years of wear and tear in Kharakian sandstorms. But this place was not Kharak.
This was Hiigara, the beautiful rich planet from which the Kushan had been exiled. For four thousand years it had stayed in the firm grasp of the Taiidan Empire, until the Mothership had made its epic voyage across the Galaxy, carrying its colonists to this ancient home.
If only the Emperor's death had been all that was needed to make things better. Months of planet wide war had shattered much of Hiigara's original infrastructure, leaving the new owners to slug it out in rebuilding their homes.
It had been a good seven years since the Landfall, and things were starting to get better. While thousands of people remain engaged in construction and food rationing was still common, the tumultuous past was finally coming to an end.
The bar had quenched the thirst of many a Somtaaw engineer, coming in exhausted after a hard day's work. Their Kiith had been miners for time immemorial, be it in the sandy wastelands of Kharak, or onboard the resource collectors that had fed the Mothership Fleet for six long months.
With the evening light fading away and Hiigara's star dipping into the horizon, Somtaaw workers began streaming in. It looked just like any other day, except that the mood was one of excitement and anticipation. Engineers, miners, and the occasional scientist gathered around the small viewscreen fitted snugly just behind the counter. There was only flickering static as the barkeep tried to get the old contraption up and running. For a moment, the static gave way to reveal moving images. The viewers were about to cheer when the screen flickered and reverted to its incomprehensible display. An audible groan echoed through the bar.
"You really need to get a new viewscreen," commented a burly engineer seated right at the counter, "No point keeping one that doesn't work."
"Yeah, it's irritating to have the thing give out when there's a good show on," agreed another, "If you can't spare the cash we can lend you some."
"Just be patient guys," the barkeep muttered as he twiddled a few loose knobs and pressed a few dusty buttons. The screen wavered, but still showed no sign of working. Another wave of complaints swept through the gathered crowd.
"Here, let me help," offered a lean miner who leapt over the counter. The barkeep pressed another button and stared at the screen before sighing in resignation.
"All yours," the barkeep replied as he walked off to get a few drinks. The miner did the same – twisting the knobs and pushing every button there was. When the screen stubbornly ignored his efforts, the Hiigaran swore and gave the machine a hard kick. Dust flew off as the interference started to clear, the fuzzy lines focusing into crystal clear images. Applause sounded as the miner shrugged and went to find a seat.
Then silence covered the bar as the viewscreen's speakers finally kicked in. It was a live broadcast of the New Daiamid, which was meeting to discuss what was probably the most controversial political furore there ever was in Kushan history.
"… The Somtaaw have been known for their mining expertise since the old days of Kharak. In fact, it would be for the greater good of all Hiigara if we could tap this treasure trove of skills for colonies through the buffer zone…"
"You mean 'Naabal-owned' colonies," interrupted Khontala, the Somtaaw Kiith'sa, "You see, this is just another of Talas' schemes to dominate Hiigara – bear in mind that it's only been a few months since he was charged with trying to buy over Hraal industries by force…"
"What's done is done, Khontala, and while I regret my actions I cannot do anything to rectify my past deeds," Talas Naabal replied, glaring at the Somtaaw, "But your stubbornness will do unparalleled harm to the Hiigaran economy – no other Kiith has had the experience which your workers possess."
"I have no wish to send Somtaaw workers to their deaths, just like what your predecessor did back on Kharak," Khontala stated flatly, "Heaven knows how many died under those horrific living conditions…"
"Khontala, you're going off-point," the LiirHra elder reminded, "Please stick to the matter at hand."
"I'm going off-point?" Khontala repeated incredulously, "What happened years ago is happening again – Naabal is trying to absorb Somtaaw as a vassal clan, and in doing so deprive us of our rights…"
"I beg your pardon Khontala, but it is rather pragmatic for you to come under Naabal," Talas commented smugly, "Your numbers are few – having only fifteen thousand…"
"Twenty-five thousand," corrected Khontala, "Many have joined us ever since you made clear your motives."
"Twenty-five thousand it will be then," Talas muttered, "That is barely enough for you to undertake projects as massive as shipbuilding. In fact, if you indeed join Naabal, I will personally see to it that…"
"Lies!" Khontala yelled, "The other Kiith which you absorbed under your banner are now nothing but second-class Kiithid that serve at your beck and call. What rights have they to speak of?"
"The rights you speak of have already been given as stated in the terms and conditions agreed upon," Talas replied calmly, "I estimate that at least two-thirds of the people we absorbed now serve onboard Naabal vessels…"
"Yes they do, they serve as cooks, basic technicians, cleaners," Khontala scoffed, "It is indeed an interesting definition of 'service' that you go by. Why, I suppose you'll have our women to 'serve' you next!"
Khontala's words echoed through the Assembly, which was now silent with shock. Moments later, the hall broke out in chaos – dozens of Naabal elders got up and hurled profanities at the Somtaaw Kiith'sa, while other Naabal supporters had to be held back by Daiamid security personnel. The Somtaaw returned the insults, flinging shoes and chairs at the Naabal side. A riot would surely have broken out had the Soban Kiith'sa not fired his weapon at the ceiling, the gunshot ringing through the place and bringing order back once more. Clearly disgusted, Karan Sjet stood up to address the Assembly.
"As elders and leaders of the people, your actions were utterly disgraceful!" Karan shouted, refusing to mince her words, "Why, your behaviour make you all no better than the beasts of the Great Desert!"
Karan continued to glare at the humbled Assembly, her gaze boring down into all before her. It was a good half minute before Karan finally took a deep breath and composed herself.
"Let us return to Khontala Somtaaw's proposal regarding the Mothership Station," Karan began, "Khontala suggested his people be permitted to build a tonnage of starships that is proportional to their numbers…"
"I object," Talas stood up in defiance, "To hand the Mothership Station over to these… superstitious scoundrels is utter madness. Who knows what savageries the Somtaaw would commit with this privilege? For all you know, they could steal the Mothership and use it for their own ends, imposing their religious madness on all Hiigara…"
"Talas, that is nonsense," interjected Fraal Soban, the leader of the Soban Kiith, "If the Somtaaw really wanted religious war they'd have started it back at the Landfall, not wait seven years!"
"That's where you're wrong, Fraal," disagreed the LiirHra Kiith'sa, "The Somtaaw were probably biding their time, waiting for an opportunity such as this. I'm sure Khontala's fully aware of this – how else can his clan hope to survive if he does not take up Talas' offer?"
Khontala and the rest of his retinue – small in comparison with the other major Kiith, glared angrily at the smug LiirHra. If it were not for Karan's watchful gaze, they'd probably have leapt up and castrated the bootlicking fool there and then.
Karan saw the Paktu delegation, who were on the side of the Somtaaw, fidgeting restlessly with their daggers. She decided to heed the warning signs and take pre-emptive action.
"Very well then, since it seems we will not be able to come to an agreement, I will declare a vote," Karan announced, "Kindly key YEA or NAY into the voting consoles now."
With that, the hall was filled with clicking sounds as the various Kiith made their decisions. For the Naabal and the LiirHra, there was no hesitation – the computers registered a near immediate and simultaneous NAY. For the neutral Kiith like the Manaan and the Sjet, there were localised discussions taking place as the representatives considered their choices. Five minutes later, Karan declared the vote closed.
"The computers are now processing the votes," Karan spoke, "For this proposal to pass, the Somtaaw will require a simple majority."
Talas smiled smugly at the worried Khontala. Given the power of his Kiith in the Daiamid, the Somtaaw wouldn't even get a substantial minority.
A minute later, the computation was complete. Karan studied the results, raising her eyes in mock surprise. She shot a quick glance at the Naabal Kiith'sa, who could not fathom the look on her face.
"The computation of votes has been completed," Karan announced. The rest of the Assembly waited anxiously for the results, while Khontala Somtaaw stared at his console, his fingers crossed in worry. Hopefully, his little trump card would work…
"… There are fifty-three votes against, and fifty-seven votes for the proposal," Karan declared, "The Somtaaw proposal is passed via simple majority."
Khontala Somtaaw nearly leaped from his chair in delight, the rest of the Somtaaw elders and representatives congratulating him on their success. Talas Naabal stood like a statue, all the haughtiness wiped from his face. He collapsed into his chair, dazed, while an advisor came up to him and whispered a few words into his ear. Talas' eyes widened and he sprang up once again.
"Khontala Somtaaw! I never thought that you'd stoop so low!" Talas yelled indignantly, "To think you actually threatened a strike over this issue! No wonder the neutral Kiith sided with you!"
"Talas, threats of strike pale in comparison with your hostile actions in dominating the Hiigaran economy," Khontala replied calmly, "I don't see why I can't do a bit of politicking myself when you're out there blatantly abusing your power."
"Khontala! You…" Talas uttered, completely incensed by the Somtaaw's words. Years of planning had gone down the drain just like that – now the Somtaaw could take to the stars and make their living in space, with no need to depend on a larger Kiith absorbing them, which was his original intent.
"Enough of this," Karan ordered, "Since the Somtaaw have won this vote, I hereby grant the complete use of the Mothership Station and its facilities to the Somtaaw for a period of forty-five days."
Karan turned to face Khontala, who was ecstatic beyond imagination.
"The Mothership's all yours, Khontala," Karan smiled, "Make good use of it."
"I will, Karan," Khontala responded in gratitude, "I thank you for your support in this matter."
"Oh, it was no problem at all!" Karan laughed, "Just keep our little secret safe."
"Of course, of course," Khontala chuckled as he thought back to the trump card that he had used to such success. Trust Karan to suggest strike threats!
The viewscreen in the pub flickered and died, but there were no groans of annoyance – only silence. No one knew how to respond to this sudden breakthrough.
It was then that an engineer sprang from his seat, running towards the doors.
"What are you people still waiting for," he exclaimed, "Forty-five days, remember?"
And then the engineers were all swarming out of the pub, running towards the spaceport for the next shuttle flight to the Mothership Station.