Reclamation

Basq didn't know whether he wanted to scream or simply fall down and die. Trust, trust, trust, he ordered himself. Avir and Kelat will not let this go unchallenged. They will not. How they are remembered is bound up with how I am remembered. Vary will not mention Jahidh, even if there is no way I can make a good answer about his defection. He was removed from my supervision. He is not my fault. He has nothing to do with this.

Kelat rested his fingertips against the tabletop. "Bio-technician Uary, can you here before formal Witnesses cite flaws in Ambassador Basq's research?" he asked.

"I cannot," admitted Uary.

"Can you cite errors in the conclusions he has drawn based on that research?"

After a long pause, Uary said, "I cannot."

"Then the issue is not organic to the contract we propose for Ambassador Basq. The issue is procedural. If the Ambassador's contract is approved by this committee, I propose an additional contract will be drawn up with a Formal Witness agreed upon by the committee. Bio-technician Uary will have veto powers of the choice of Witness. The Witness will have final say over any and all security decisions regarding Ambassador Basq's work and will have the authority to subcontract other Witnesses and services as may be required to enforce prudent and reasonable security for that work.

"Will that satisfy your issue, Bio-technician Uary?"

Uary considered the matter.

He's going to do it. He's going to remind them about Jahidh. He will lay the faults of my child, my child I was not allowed to supervise, at my feet. He'll cast doubts upon my memory any way he can to keep me off the committee because I lost him those globes and his chance for promotion.

"Contractor Avir, it will satisfy my current issue," said Uary.

A flood of relief washed through Basq and he had to work to keep it from showing. Even if I must endure a Witness, it's all right, Basq told himself. If the Witness watches me, the Witness also watches Uary, and I believe it is Uary who will provide the more…entertaining show.

"Are there any other issues to be raised regarding the contracting of Ambassador Basq?" inquired Kelat.

The silence stretched out and with each heartbeat Basq felt hope grow stronger.

"Then," said Avir, "I invoke the name I hold. Ambassador Basq Hanr Sone of the Grand Errand." Basq turned to face her as she recited the conditions of his contract. At last she said, "Do you understand the responsibilities to be laid beside your name?"

"Contractor Avir, I do." Basq hoped his voice was full of calm assurance. He couldn't tell. His heart was pounding too loud for him to hear anything properly.

"And do you believe you possess the skill necessary to complete this contract?"

"I do."

"And do you agree to the appended contract that will place you under the authority and eye of a Formal Witness for the duration of this contract?"

"I do."

"Then we bind your name to this contract," said Kelat. "Ready your resources for the work you are assigned."

Basq made the half obeisance his invocation required. He let all the pride he felt show in his face. It was appropriate now. He was officially part of the committee, and Uary could dine on his objections in silence.

"This committee shall join the Reclamation Assembly in fifteen days as measured in the Hundredth Core," said Avir. "In six core days, this committee will reconvene to compare information and initiate such procedures as are in its sphere of authority so that we may report to the Assembly that we are moving ahead expeditiously." Avir smiled warmly at her committee. "Now, my friends, the real work begins."

"The real work begins," chorused the committee. When the sound of their voices died away, the Witnesses closed their eyes and bowed. The meeting was ended.

Still dazzled from the turn of events, Basq forgot to move. Avir reached out and shook his shoulder.

"The time for dreaming is when we walk on the Home Ground, Ambassador," Avir laughed.

Basq felt his cheeks heat up. "I was not dreaming, Contractor, I was…readjusting."

Avir nodded. "I can understand the need, but there is not much time for that. Let me give you Ivale's name formally."