Sague poured them drinks of some fiery Istannan whiskey and directed them to a couple of comfortable chairs in his office. Since the meeting was at Cahntu’s request, Charlie let him set the pace, though it was aggravating to have to waste his time discussing local Istannan politics. Eventually, Cahntu said, “I suppose you’re wondering why I requested this meeting, Your Grace.”
Charlie smiled and said, “Somehow I doubt it was to discuss the controversy surrounding rice subsidies, and the trade imbalance that has produced with Terranzalbo.”
Cahntu laughed. “Quite tedious, isn’t it? But it plays a role in the coming election. Though I must confess your king’s ambitions will play an even greater role.”
Charlie didn’t want to take that bait. “Which ambitions are you referring to?”
“His annexation of Aagerbanne, of course, and his alliance with Syndon.”
Charlie tried to be evasive. “But how does that concern you?”
Cahntu swirled the whiskey in his glass and looked at it for a moment. “The entire Planetary Council, and most of the general populace of Istanna, fears that his annexation of Aagerbanne is merely the first step toward annexation of all of the independent states.”
Charlie could see where this was going and wasn’t sure he wanted it to go there. “It’s no secret that Lucius has ambitions of empire. Why come to me?”
“Because it’s well known that you have no love of the Syndonese and that you openly oppose Lucius’s warlike inclinations. Because Sague speaks highly of you.”
Sague had been mysterious about this meeting, had refused any details in advance, though he had made a point to say beforehand, “During this meeting, should you have any doubts, please be assured that I have divulged none of your activities.” The man nodded now, to indicate what he’d said earlier was still true.
Cahntu continued. “And because if Lucius attempts to annex another of the independent states, there’ll be war. And perhaps the most important reason: because Ethallan recommended I speak with you.”
Charlie couldn’t help but show surprise. “Ethallan?”
“Yes. She wouldn’t say more than that, but when I expressed our concern to her only a tenday ago, she told me to speak with you.”
. . . only a tenday ago . . . That was a hint that Cahntu had been in contact with her after she’d gone into exile.
“Tell me, Your Grace. We have a certain need for small arms, light armor, and explosives, things of that nature. And we have the funds to pay for them. Could you recommend a supplier?”
Charlie assumed Cahntu intended to feed such supplies to the Aagerbanni resistance, so he spoke cautiously. “Hart & Delorm on Toellan are certainly capable of supplying the materials you require, and can be quite discreet in such matters. I know them personally, am one of their investors, and I’d be happy to have a word with them.”
Cahntu looked Charlie in the eyes, and Charlie felt as if nothing was hidden from the man. Cahntu said, “That would be kind of you, Your Grace.”
“And what of you?” Charlie asked. “Should it come to war, is Istanna prepared to fight? Can Istanna field troops and arms?” At that moment Charlie had an idea he’d never considered. “Might Istanna be prepared to enter into a coalition to oppose Lucius and Goutain?”
Cahntu smiled. “Three questions, Your Grace. Three answers. Yes. Yes. And it would depend upon who would be our partners in this coalition.”
Charlie shook his head. “Partnerships don’t work in war. A coalition would need one leader.”
“Of course, Your Grace. And I think we know who that leader should be, though I’ve only recently met him and don’t know him well. But people who do know him speak highly of him, people whom I trust. And I will admit that my first impression of him is good.”
Charlie stood politely when Sague ushered Cahntu out of the room. It occurred to him he should find a way to surreptitiously contact the leaders of the other independent states, try the same proposal on them. He decided to broach the subject with Sague on the way to the spaceport. When the Istannan returned he was preparing to leave.
“No, Your Grace. You mustn’t leave yet. You have several more meetings.”
Clearly Sague had had a similar thought—and the foresight to act on it. So Charlie watched as Sague then ushered in the ambassador from Finalsa, followed by the ambassadors from Toellan, Terranzalbo, Allison’s Cluster, and the Scorpo Systems. Charlie met with each of them separately, and with each the