Cally's War

The Tir was awakened out of a sound sleep by the melodious chiming of his AID. It took the usual three measured breaths to fight down the urge to kill something. The AID, out of long experience, heard and correctly interpreted the change in the pace of his breathing, waiting patiently until its master was more controlled.

“Intercept of local transmissions indicates the live capture of an enemy agent. Agent is in the custody of Fleet Strike personnel, currently in transit to the Detention Facility Dome for processing and interrogation,” it said.

“Get me the Human Minister of Defense. Date a resolution of a Council of Ministers’ vote from now appointing me an authorized observer for the Council based on the commercial ramifications of the espionage. Cite appropriate precedents and get the signoffs of the other Ministers’ AIDs, of course. Forward the resolution to the Human Minister.” His ears pricked in sudden alertness, whiskers twitching in barely leashed excitement.

“Resolution transmitted. Stand by for the human Li.” The cool, melodic voice combined with his breathing exercise to restore him to his usual full control.

“Cancel that personal contact. Instruct him to pass the relevant orders down the line. Have his AID ensure that it is done immediately. Monitor the passage of orders and inform me when they get down to the guards at the detention center.” Avoiding personal contact was better in this case. The more intelligent and competent the human underling, the more nervous they tended to be as recipients of direct, personal Darhel attention. Normally, this was a plus, but at the moment he needed efficiency more than intimidation.

He motioned with one hand for his body servants to attend him. He hated going out late at night, but it couldn’t be helped. They had his sleeping robe halfway over his head when the AID chimed again.

“Traffic analysis data, Your Tir.”

“Report.” At least he was already awake.

“Our human service providers report the unfortunate demise of three hostile agents. Traffic records a transmission immediately prior to the capture of local enemy agent by Fleet Strike personnel. Area of transmission was department that initially provided the intercepted data revealing these specific enemy agents. Projected transmission and processing times suggest this leak as the probable cause of the fourth identified hostile agent failing to meet as scheduled with our human service providers,” it said.

“One in the hand here, for one out of reach there. A favorable trade.” He stalled the Indowy with the waking robe with a brief gesture, motioning for another to bring a plate of food. After it left, he allowed the first to resume robing him. He would need to eat before transit to the Detention Center. He would also have his traveling attendant bring stimulants. It was likely to be a long night.