Shadows of Golstar Read online

  CHAPTER 1

  In spite of his years, the Grand Patriarch presented an imposing figure. Dressed in the black, scarlet, silver and gold trimmed robes of state; his regal bearing served to emphasize his broad shoulders and tall stature. The only jewelry he wore was an intricately wrought, gold medallion, suspended on a gold chain around his neck. It took the form of a symbolized sun, similar in style to a zodiacal representation.

  In contrast, his features reflected age beyond his years. High cheekbones stood out in marked relief with sharp creases beginning on either side of his aquiline nose, bracketing a thin-lipped mouth framed by a lean, clean-shaven jaw. Deep furrows plowed above his thoughtful brow, and though he still retained full, shoulder-length hair, the once shocking red was now in retreat from encroaching strands of silver and white. The Grand Patriarch’s countenance was softened only by the humor reflected in the webs of laugh lines bordering his gray-green eyes.

  With hands loosely clasped behind his broad back, he faced a wall covered by an expansive tapestry. His eyes held a blank stare, unfocused and unseeing of the richly colored threads woven by deft artisans of centuries past, depicting scenes of the first colony ships landing on Berralton. Instead, he looked inward, testing his resolve as he had countless times before. Behind him was the expansive vista of the quiet capital displayed prominently in the large amber tinted, crystal window in his receiving room.

  The discussion that was taking place, reflected an earlier era in human history. The formality, context and archaic phrasing would not be recognized by denizens of Confederated Planets.

  The Grand Patriarch was pointedly ignoring his second in command, the Guardian of the Way. The Guardian of the Way oversaw the defense of the Golstar system. He controlled the space force, armies and navies, and was answerable only to the Grand Patriarch. The Guardian of the Way was currently trying to mask his agitation and failing miserably. He and the Grand Patriarch were in the midst of a continuing discussion that had taken place for the last three days. The most-recent dialog had become quite heated.

  “I remain firm in my belief that a straight-forward abduction would have the best chance for success,” the Guardian of the Way said carefully. “In my experience, I have found elaborate plans often fail under the weight of their own complexity. Surely, the disappearance one human being out of a trillion cannot be of any great concern to Confederated Planets.”

  The Grand Patriarch sighed quietly and remained facing away from his advisor. “What you say is quite true, at least in regard to the risk of failure. Nevertheless, I remain firm in my belief that the plan, complex as it may seem, has the greatest chance for success.”

  “Your Luminance, a quick surgical extraction would be well within our capabilities and would greatly reduce the risk resulting from the elaborate scenario you propose.”

  “I understand. At first blush, your logic appears sound. However, remote though it may be, the discovery of an attempted kidnapping by Golstar would be absolutely devastating. It would trade one potential threat for another, much more immediate, with far-reaching consequences.”

  “With respect, I believe you give too much credit to our enemy.”

  The Grand Patriarch shook his head, “Not at all. Confederated Planets may be a ponderous monolith, but it has made great strides in technology. Using that technology, it takes extraordinary measures to know where its citizens are.” He shook his head again. “No, I remain convinced that any other course would not succeed.”

  After a thoughtful pause, the gaunt adviser asked, “Then if we must go forward with that aspect of the plan, are you still so certain your daughter must play the pivotal role in its latter phase?”

  The Grand Patriarch’s posture stiffened.

  “Surely you agree that there are other women just as qualified as Sharné,” the Guardian of the Way ventured. “The University should have a number of women who could well play the part.” He paused. “Sharné is in-line for Matriarch and I fear for her safety. Must we risk her royal lineage with an outsider?” Rubbing his short bristled iron-gray hair, he spoke the word “outsider” with ill-concealed distaste.

  The Grand Patriarch finally turned and faced his trusted friend and advisor. He took a measured breath and said, “At the risk of repeating myself, I am quite aware there are women equally qualified in a number of areas that will be needed for the task ahead.”

  The Guardian of the Way opened his mouth to speak, but the Grand Patriarch held up a hand and continued, “You know also, that is not the underlying issue. Evaluating an alternate candidate would take time, precious time. Psychological and physical profiles are not enough to judge their fitness for the crucial role they would be asked to play. Our schedule does not allow us the time to evaluate their suitability, not to mention the very real difficulty of finding a candidate who is both sympathetic and unquestioningly loyal to our cause.”

  “Time is the key,” the Grand Patriarch said, “…never enough time. Had we more of it, then perhaps another candidate could indeed be found. However, we do not. The longer it takes to finalize the plan and put it in motion, the greater the chance for the Council to become aware of our intent.” He rubbed his forehead tiredly. “You know what would happen, should they discover what we are planning. Even now, the opposition grows within the Council. Every attempt I have made to convey the seriousness of our situation has been rebuffed. They will not acknowledge the immediacy of the threat nor would they find favor with my remedy for a crisis they believe does not exist.”

  The Guardian of the Way had heard this many times before, but wisely remained silent, patiently waiting for his leader to continue.

  “Should they realize what we intend, I have grave concerns that their outrage could find its way back to the citizenry.” The Grand Patriarch’s expression hardened. “If our plans were made public, the outcome of civilian sentiment would be too close to call. At best, our society would be split into separate factions. At worst, the traditionalists would gain control of our government. In either case, the crisis would not be addressed until it was far too late.”

  The Grand Patriarch paused before continuing. “Talin, regaining our heritage will depend in great part on Sharné’s independent judgment and actions. I know my daughter quite well, and I trust her implicitly. She is intelligent and has many of my superior traits and few of my bad ones. She has lived with me from the moment of her birth and I understand her better than I could anyone else on Berralton. Indeed, she has all the qualifications, with the added, and I believe most important qualification, since I…” he paused then corrected, “…since we can be absolutely sure of her loyalties.”

  He smiled, “You cannot discount the unique value of her specialized education and training as a Keeper of the Way. You, of all, must acknowledge that no other candidate could match her knowledge of our politics, religion and history. This will be vital for the indoctrination of the one chosen.”

  The Guardian of the Way kept his face emotionless, screening his disapproval of the Grand Patriarch’s plan. Even with the Grand Patriarch’s earnest arguments, the Guardian of the Way could not understand his leader’s stubborn willingness to put Sharné, his only child, at such risk. Nor, frankly, was he convinced the crisis was as dire as the Grand patriarch believed, or that it truly merited the ‘crisis’ designation. He was convinced their scientists would find a solution; a solution not requiring the help of anyone outside of Golstar, especially anyone from Confederated Planets.

  He braced himself and in his most conciliatory tone, he tried again to appeal to the Great Leader’s reason. “By our custom and tradition, she is destined to be the next Grand Matriarch, your successor. If she is tainted, in fact, or simply by perception, as a result of associating with the outsider... her reputation and standing could be jeopardized. Her position could be seriously diminished, affecting her ability to fulfill her manifest destiny. Respectfully, Sharné’s importance to our people should not be underestimated. I confess that I fear the con
sequences of such risk-taking. I ask you once more, can you not reconsider your decision to include her in such a role?”

  “I, of all people, do not underestimate her importance. Once more, you question what I have already answered.” Hearing this oft repeated objection, the Grand Patriarch lost his usual iron-control. His voice rose in anger, “I will not again justify my position to you! My final word, there will be no further discussion on this!”

  His voice then lost some of its stridence, but its edge remained sharp. “Our fate as a people, our very civilization is at risk. The future is beginning to dim and in the growing darkness, the People are beginning to lose their path to the Light of the Way. Talin, I have shared with you the facts, the importance of the plan’s success and Sharné’s role in it. Do not dare to think that I underestimate the importance of my daughter nor the potential risk that the role I have envisioned for her entails. However, as the Grand Patriarch, I must weigh her fate against that of our entire civilization.”

  The Guardian of the Way paled at the sudden fury of the Grand Patriarch’s thundered response. It was all he could do to keep himself from stepping back from the raging storm of his leader’s ire. He knew he had overreached his position, and now he could only steel himself for what was sure to follow. He remained rigidly erect, waiting for his leader to declare the appropriate punishment for his transgression.

  The Grand Patriarch stopped his tirade abruptly and appeared startled by his own outburst. He quickly regained his composure and looked searchingly into his loyal advisor’s eyes. The Guardian of the Way was surprised to see not anger but only a great sadness. The Grand Patriarch allowed the silence to grow. After a time, he took a deliberate breath and in a much cooler and more measured tone said, “Sharné can serve her people in a no more vital way than to perform this… sacred duty. I know this to be true.”

  His demeanor softened further, and placing his hands on his friend’s thin shoulders said, “Yes Talin. I understand the risks and they eat at me as well, but you know what is at stake. It is far too important to leave this task to another. She is the right one to take this on, the only one. Sharné understands the personal danger, but she has expressed her willingness to take the risk and contribute to our success. She also understands the potential loss to our people if our plan were to fail. Truly, she is the only one that I can trust in this. If I believed there was any other way, you must know I would gladly take it.”

  Talin felt the tension in the room subside. He knew that the matter was closed, and he would not dare to bring it before the Grand Patriarch again. Nodding, he gently removed the Grand Patriarch’s hands from his shoulders and knelt before the most powerful man in the Golstar system. Bowing his head, he said, “You are my leader and also my friend. From my Grand Patriarch, I ask for no clemency for my insubordination. From my friend, I beg forgiveness for my unwarranted outburst.”

  The Grand Patriarch reached forward and drew Talin back to his feet. When Talin raised his head, the Grand patriarch was smiling, “Insubordination? The Grand Patriarch has witnessed no insubordination and your friend understands your concern and gladly forgives you. Talin, we have known each other since childhood and the Founder willing, our friendship will endure to the end of our days. You know I continue to look to your counsel during these trying times. Do not hesitate to speak forthrightly. Whether I agree with you or not, there is always wisdom behind your words.”

  His smile grew a little warmer, “I do understand that a good measure of your concern for Sharné’s well-being goes beyond that of your position. She has known you as ‘Uncle’ since she could first talk, and I know she understands her Uncle Tal’s objections to her involvement in this scheme; she knows they originate from concern and love.” The Grand Patriarch was about to continue when the great chimes of the palace began to sound, echoing throughout the vast structure. They announced that the evening hour of Service was fast approaching.

  The Grand Patriarch did not speak for a moment, withdrawing into himself, again thinking of the daunting task ahead of them. Yes, the plan was so very fragile and full of flaws. The smallest miscalculation could have disastrous results. The very nature of the plan was based on misdirection; a story within a story. The Grand Patriarch’s own daughter, though her role was critical, was not privy to all of the plan’s twists and turns and for that matter, neither was Talin. He had made many sacrifices over the years and given the gravity of the situation, was prepared to make more, even if they included the life of his only daughter.

  He dismissed these dark thoughts and returned to the more pressing subject at hand. The chosen man’s background had dictated eleventh-hour changes to the plan. Even with these accommodations, the Grand Patriarch remained confident that the plan would still succeed. Flaws notwithstanding, he knew it was the proper and only path to take.

  The shroud of mystery that cloaked Golstar would certainly capture the chosen man’s imagination. His profession and experience had turned out to be fortuitous and should work in their favor. This discovery had added an unexpected but essential element that would contribute to the plan’s ultimate success. The chance of success had increased two-fold in the Grand Patriarch’s view, though failure still remained a real possibility. However, he fervently wished that he could be as sure of its success as he had represented it to Talin.

  He suddenly roused, realizing that he had been silent for an uncomfortable length of time. He said briskly, “We only have an hour before Sharné arrives to join us for Service. Let us use that time to our advantage. Have you reviewed the personal background files I forwarded to you this morning? Can you see the advantage presented to us?”

  Talin, now fully composed, nodded. “I believe so. His background is quite interesting. I too can see some possible advantage to be gained. But his background information is not what first struck me.” He paused, “Rather, it is the medical data that I found truly intriguing; his profile is almost too good to be true. It is hard to believe that the genetic parameters appear to be an exact match. Truly, I would not have thought it possible.”

  The Grand Patriarch waited for him to continue.

  “But of course, you know this, as well as I. Coming back to your question regarding the man’s background, although there are still some holes in the subject’s personal history, I must admit that I do feel more comfortable having this additional insight into the man’s character. I believe that his professional history may actually help forward the plan.”

  “Excellent. I too believe his background can work in our favor.” The Grand Patriarch smiled, “But going back to our earlier discussion, I can still appreciate your concerns, especially as they relate to Sharné interacting with him, a member of our historical enemy. Fortunately, the files indicate he is an honorable man.”

  The Grand Patriarch then spoke to Talin’s earlier comment, “You know... I too was intrigued by the biological data. Indeed, you are right to conclude an exact match is more than we could have hoped. Have the labs re-certified the key compatibility factors? We must have that confirmation. It is critical we be absolutely sure in this.”

  “I just received the answer before I joined you. Incredible as it still seems, it was yet again confirmed. He is the one, apparently the only one that matches our exact requirement,” Talin answered grudgingly. “But may I ask, how was the original information gathered? I do pray that the procurers of those files remain discrete.”

  “Oh, I am quite sure that they will,” the Grand Patriarch replied. “Indeed, I chose two of my most trusted personal guards to complete the task of retrieving the files. They performed their task quite satisfactorily.”

  Talin raised his eyebrows. “You actually sent them out of the system? I… what if they had been discovered? The consequences…” He squelched his growing anger. If he had not broached the subject, he wondered if the Grand Patriarch would have told him.

  “I know. I know,” the Grand Patriarch interrupted. “I took great pains to ensure they would not
be discovered. They were carefully disguised and equipped with a Reaper. As loyal protectors of my office, they were prepared to use it if it became necessary,” the Grand Patriarch replied.

  Talin shuddered at the mention of the Reaper. Small enough to fit in a hand, the Reaper was a “clean” atomic device outlawed centuries ago on old earth. It used reverse shield technology to constrain a limited nuclear explosion. When triggered, anyone or anything caught within the 50 meters of its flashed shield enclosure was instantly vaporized. Designed to destroy mobile artillery, the device could also be used as a very effective instrument for self-destruction. Stripped down to their component atoms, there would not be anything left of the two guards for a DNA tag analysis. Even equipped with such a safeguard, Talin was still taken aback by the risks raised by the physical incursion into Confederated Planets’ territory, not to mention the Grand Patriarch’s failure to consult him before taking such a dangerous path.

  The Grand Patriarch, oblivious to the Guardian’s discomfort, continued with some satisfaction, “But everything went well and such draconian measures were not required. My guards were able to penetrate the designated facilities with little trouble. Not surprisingly, Confederated Planets are complacent in their security measures and were not prepared for our... ah... unique approach.”

  Talin bowed his head and said a silent prayer of thanks.

  “So, now after all of these efforts, it has finally been confirmed that he is the one,” the Grand Patriarch beamed.

  Talin suppressed a sigh, “Yes, as I said, the second analysis was completed just this afternoon and the results do not differ from the first. The preliminary and final screens all indicate a positive match with a ninety-nine, point nine percent confidence level.” Talin replied. “But you do understand that we are relying on an outside contractor for the final confirmation. We simply no longer have the resources in-house to do the job within our limited timeframe.”