"Jacqueline Lichtenberg - Dushau Trilogy 01 - Dushau" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lichtenberg Jacqueline)

"Now, I really think you're exaggeratingтАФno, you're just plain wrong. The Dushau are known as the
staunchest supporters of the Allegiancy. You've done more for our growth and continuance than any
other single species."

"That's not wholly true. We take a passive stance in your affairs, for it's up to Ephemerals to choose how
Ephemerals will be governed. But once you've chosen, we will support your choice, and your right to
rechoose. Yet we're often blamed when things go wrong. I'm not episodic; my memory is functioning
properly now, so believe me. If you befriend us, you're endangering yourself. Say the word, and we'll
leave right now. Arlai can eradicate all trace of our presence, and you'll only have to account for why you
pulled us out of the infirmary. Finemar's collapse is good enough reason for that. You'll be clear."

She looked at the door, then at the blank screen where Arlai had treated Fiella with such courtesy. How
could she turn out three tottering Dushau? What if they collapsed, as Arlai seemed to feel they might? It
would be her fault. Then she stopped kidding herself. She wasn't going to turn them out, because they
were good people, and such were hard enough to find in any world. "Look, I don't believe it's like that.
There may be some rotten people in high places, but the Allegiancy will come through on your side.
You're not going anywhere tonight. Now get in there and eat your supper before I evoke Arlai and get
him down on you!"

He stepped back. "Yes, Zavaronne. If that is what you wish. We're gratefulтАФand obligated." He made
obeisance to her, just a shade less than if she'd been Empress. There wasn't a hint of mockery in it,
either.

Embarrassed, she rushed about, putting the piol out on the balcony with a dish of water and some scraps
of food, then hustling Jindigar in to wash up while the aroma of rich, Dushau fare wafted through the
apartment.

Once they were all seated about her small table, and Fiella had sent her serving scurry around to present
each of them with choices of entree and beverage, Krinata heaved a sigh. There wasn't anything sinister
going oh. It was just one of those things that were bound to happen when a government got as big and
unwieldy as the Allegiancy.

They were hardly finished eating when Arlai came onto the dining-room screen and announced, "Jindigar,
I've got Ambassador Trinarvil. She wants to speak with youтАФprivately."

THREE
Proctor's Arrest

They adjourned to the sitting room where the screen was larger, taking their drinks with them. Seum
lingered to thank Fiella. A scurry set out dishes of fruit as Jindigar brought Ambassador Trinarvil onto the
screen, leaving a window in one corner with a headshot of Arlai's simulacrum.

Trinarvil was a small Dushau woman with anxious features and a high voice which nevertheless carried
authority. Her plush indigo skin was darker than Jindigar's, almost as dark as Lelwatha had been,
denoting truly advanced age. Yet she made full formal obeisance to Jindigar.

He waved that aside. "It's almost time to forget that silly title forever."

She grinned, showing healthy blue teeth. "Before we discuss sensitive material, we must secure this line."