Crusdae, p.15
Crusdae, page 15
So he left these cursed places after having consulted his oracle Houen-lun, who confirmed his impression. Outside of a legion of beasts and insects, no being with a brain could live there.
Reassured, the Grand Master then turned their bows for Oddh, to concentrate his forces for the final assault.
On the way, he received excellent news from the message darts. The enemy fleet had disappeared from space.
This was reassuring for the moment and disquieting for the future. The Templar disclosed this information to Sonz, whose intelligence he respected, and Sonz confirmed his fears.
“I discussed that with the Orpheds at some length,” the Odeous assured him, "and here is what they conclude: the Baphomets are cowards. They gladly annex planets when they face only a feeble resistance, which has been the case until now. They surely reckoned that your Earth would be ill defended, and their surprise was considerable when they found themselves faced with a people resolved to fight with all their resources. Since you have at your disposal, besides, technological means equal to their own, these cowards have adopted the tactic of walls. Only their planet has a power device behind which they can find shelter. Their satellites constitute a sealed enclosure which few ships can face and even in the event attackers succeed in making a breach, they will have to defeat the massed squadrons behind them. On Baphom, there are food supplies and minerals which must let them hold out for years. What matter if they have to sacrifice a few slaves?”
“We know that tactic very well,” William murmured, mechanically stroking his black beard. “Our kings have fortified cities, and their dukes and barons have mighty walled castles, very hard to destroy, except with our thunderballs. We are expert in the art of siege and we are well experienced in tactics that require this kind of fighting. So then why can't we come at the enemy in his lair when we have forces enough at our disposal?”
“There’s a good reason, noble lord," the Odeous said. “When you fight on Earth, your troops can feed themselves on the land. In space, it goes differently. How can your ships stay near Baphom without provisioning with fuel and food? You have to divide your forces, one part coming back to Oddh to take on supplies, while the other maintains the ring around the strong place. Then the enemy will have a hard time making sorties en masse, but you will be numerically inferior, and for all the courage of your warriors, you will sustain serious losses, maybe even disastrous ones. Then when your crews are reduced, the Baphomets, assured of combat at odds of ten to one, will only make a single mouthful of your ships.”
Those were the right words to make all the soldier-monks stop and think, accustomed as they were to the art of war.
William himself could not but recognize the correctness of his ally's opinion. Of course h was possible to leave the Baphomets in their lair and exploit the planets they had liberated, increasing the squadrons with new crusaders. But for their part the demons would surely take advantage of this to reinforce themselves, and the installations on Baphom were intact, while the Templars could only count on Oddh. Time was surely in favor of the besieged, who someday would break out in force.
So it was necessary to make a choice: to protect Garth, without great strategic interest, since its science, still in its infancy, could not let them build vast factories; or Oddh, the only world capable of furnishing a great quantity of indispensable minerals to the duplicators and to the alchemists who worked out the delicate mechanisms of the ships and weapons.
Thinking well on the matter, the Baphomets had the master cards and only Marco Polo with his houbits could change the course of events.
Now, the dart messages had not furnished any clear information on the Venetian. Had he been unmasked or had he indeed found himself quite simply walled into the enemy fortress?
Houen-Lun would perhaps have been able to answer these questions, but the Tibetan wise man, plunged into a sort of catalepsy, had escaped this world and its intrigues.
William was thus alone, face to face with his dilemma, while the unbeaten armada turned toward Oddh.
Marco Polo had kept his promise faithfully. He had left Chang-Chu four days after the departure of the Grand Master’s squadrons, the lama Tarim, Brother Berard and Brother Montclair going with him, all of them, of course, made up like Lyzogans and speaking the language of those aliens fluently.
The route followed by this cautious ship drew off to one side, away from that followed by the invasion fleet, so that the pseudo merchants arrived unhindered at satellite.
There, things became a little more complicated. The garrison had been relieved and none of the new people knew Marco Polo. Surely the memory of the central computer kept a record of the passage of the Lyzogans, but the Odeous captain in command of that station demanded the arriving ship stay in orbit, waiting on precise instructions. A state of war had been declared, and no ship could get into the fortifications of Baphom without a special safe conduct
Marco Polo and his companions must then wait patiently for the requisite authorization to arrive. Evidently the Baphomet leaders had other matters to occupy them, for the Terra ns stayed in that condition in range of the satellite defense for five interminable days.
The Venetian, worried, racked his brain to discover some subterfuge which would let him carry off his mission, but in vain. He could not help but Alert the Baphomets and corn-promise the success of an operation of extreme importance for the Tenaris.
He had, besides, other worries, for Tarim did not prove very cooperative. The Tibetan disliked to leave his meditations to probe the minds of the occupants of the satellite and the Venetian was not very sure how to bring him out of it The two Templars were hardly better recruits, being unbridled loudmouths who constantly talked about the fine points of swordsmanship and tricks of war, making ceaseless fencing passes in the narrow living quarters.
Marco Polo paced like a fox in a cage and was beginning to wonder if his trick had not been discovered, when the satellite finally gave him authorization to approach.
Each occupant of the ship put a final touch on his makeup and when the Odeous captain made his entry, all was ready to welcome him.
The Odeous looked the Lyzogans over arrogantly, comparing them against pictures previously taken of the visitors to Zolial without their knowledge, then inspected the cargo in detail and finally deigned to grow! at them: “All of it looks all right to me. You’re going to take yourselves directly to Baphom. You see, our emperor fears our fortifications may be the object of an attack and he wants the houbits to be turned over to him in his palace. You’ll land directly at the imperial starport; there, they’ll give you new instructions. Two starships will escort you as far as Baphom as a security precaution. I warn you to obey these instructions strictly. It’s worth your life, if you value your lives at alL”
Then the Baphomets’ slave turned his back without further civilities and went back to his post
Marco Polo easily found the two ships indicated to him and put himself at once at the disposal of their commanders. They had come to guide the ship and the three vessels veered toward Baphom.
The Venetian, during the passage, did not fail to look carefully at the borders. He could thus observe that countless patrols were cruising about making any invasion impossible. The convoy was checked more than ten times before it arrived in Baphom’s near neighborhood.
There a grand and frightening spectacle was awaiting the Terran spies. As far as the eye could see extended clouds of ships of all sizes, well arranged in squadrons.
Their forces matched the size of William’s armada, and they still had to reckon with countless ships stationed on the satellites and on Baphom itself.
Berard and Montclair were seized with an understandable dismay and Marco Polo had to reassure them, reminding them that if they succeeded on this mission, all these fine vessels would be without leaders to command them. That cheered the Templars somewhat, little accustomed as they were to such sights as this.
Before entering the planet’s atmosphere, the ship underwent a new inspection, made this time by Orphed slaves.
The two monks had the utmost difficulty mastering themselves, for these creatures reminded them of the demons of hell, minions of Lucifer. But the Terrans underwent this last test successfully, and a few minutes later they were authorized to set down before the palace, but on automatic pilot, like all the other vessels, doubtless to avoid having candidates for suicide missions hurl their ships onto the defensive installations.
Finally, after a perfect landing, the hatch opened and the four passengers found themselves in the presence of a squad of robots. This time it was quite necessary that Tarim follow his companions.
Marco Polo, anxious for his cargo, went back for several checks. Ethir slaves were already proceeding to off-load the precious houbits into vehicles ranged beside the ship.
The Venetian heaved a sigh of relief. Apparently the Baphomets had no doubts and were taking the agreed delivery of the precious devices.
Nothing had changed since his last stay. The patrols were better equipped, the checks more frequent, but the palace was still thrust toward the clouds. The emperor had not yet judged the situation grave enough to hide the high tower in the entrails of the rocks.
The Terrans’ escort followed the same route as they had on the Venetian’s first visit As far as he could judge, the lift led to the same floor, and they let them into an apartment identical to the one they had previously occupied.
The moment he knew they were not headed for some dark dungeon, Marco Polo found himself perfectly satisfied. But as his guards were going to leave without uttering a word, he made up his mind to question them.
"Can I know when it will be possible for me to meet a Baphomet lord?”
"Question without answer,” replied the robot in a rasping voice. "Our lords know your presence in these places. They will call you when they deem fit I advise you the danger of crossing the threshold without being asked. You will receive very disagreeable shocks to your organism, which will become fatal if you make a second attempt”
Then the metal machine turned its back and walked out
Marco Polo's first concern was to put a finger on his lips to signal his companions that all conversation would be overheard.
Sulking, the Templars went to lie on the downy beds while Tarim cast a psychic message to his companion.
"I don’t particularly approve the object of our mission,” he stated. "This interference in the existence of creatures endowed with reason does not please me at all, but Houen-Lun has charged me to guard you. So then here is what I could learn. The Baphomets have detected the fleet of the Grand Master of the Templars. They have decided to remain on the alert and to retreat behind their powerful defenses where they enjoy a crushing superiority. So far as concerns us directly, I have not noted any particular distrust”
This information was of the greatest interest, and Marco Polo would have given a great deal to send it to William, but that was unhappily impossible.
So he asked in his thoughts:
"Do you think they will let us leave their planet to go get other cargo?”
“I don’t know. Emperor Zolial is presently in conference with his generals. He scarcely has time to concern himself with us. Now leave me to my meditations. I will advise you if something unforeseen comes up.”
The Tibetan then broke off all mental contact and Marco Polo, for all his attempts, could not get further information out of him.
But the Lyzogans appeared still to enjoy certain prerogatives, for scarcely had die robots crossed the threshold than four slaves with slender bodies and small high breasts slipped furtively into the room.
Pertly they came to size up the guests, curious to look over their anatomy. To judge by their frowns they were not seduced by the virility of the Lyzogans, for they went off into a corner of the room, squatting on a rug of long downy fur, and began to babble and whisper in each other's ears commentaries which made them laugh like little mad things.
One of them, though, came to Marco Polo, whose breadth of shoulder seemed to Impress her. She planted herself in front of him, hands on hips, the tips of her breasts thrust forward under the diaphanous tissue of her tunic, and smiled at him quite wickedly. Then she drew closer to him, slid her hand under his shirt to caress his neck, and breathed in his ear: “You’re the stranger that left with Aira, aren’t you?"
“Indeed,” the Venetian agreed. “Was she a friend of yours?"
“My sister. Fm called Daicha. What happened to her? Pretend to embrace me if I don’t displease you too much. You know that they spy on us.”
“You’re even prettier than she is. I take the greatest pleasure in covering you with kisses.” So the Venetian assured her and set to work. This lasted some few moments. “Your lips are soft as velvet,” he said. “And your perfume drives a man mad.”
“Tell me about Aira,” the slave insisted.
“She’s getting along well,” Marco Polo replied evasively. “I left her on my planet”
“You aren’t Lyzogan. I know you’re in disguise. Tell me where you come from. Is your nation powerful and well armed?”
The Terran hesitated a moment Such confidences risked compromising all their plans. But on the other hand, he was alone, without ties with the Templars, and an ally was not to be rejected. Besides, the female slaves wore no implant. “I come from Earth,” he answered. “We have a powerful fleet which is right now not far from Baphom. That’s why the Baphomet emperor has decreed a state of emergency. An attack against this planet... would it be possible?”
“Alas, its defenses are impenetrable. I heard Fizzur talk about it The Baphomets have decided to retreat behind the wall of satellites and wait till your people come here, then destroy them. Now your people are attacking my homeworld of Oddh. I hope they free it! Then your people will doubtless attack Eth and Orph, but you must warn them not to go up against the defenses of Baphom.”
“And how might I do that?” Marco Polo asked. “Normally I would have set my cargo out on a satellite and gone back to Lyzog, but the Baphomets decided otherwise, for all ties with other worlds have been broken.”
“We’re going to think on this problem,” whispered Daicha, who made herself quite small in his arms, groaning with pleasure. “Take me. I want you ...”
Surprised, the Venetian carried her to the bed and let her down delicately. At that moment a robot entered.
“Lord Fizzur,” it said, “is waiting on the Lyzogan Polo.”
The Terran straightened, straightened his hair and clothing, then followed his guide. He knew that the Baphomets did not like to be kept waiting.
The governor of Tekaph received him in the same luxurious apartment he had occupied when the pseudo Lyzogan had made his last visit.
“Salutations, my dear Polo,” he exclaimed jovially. “I have to congratulate you. Your houbits are marvelous. No psychedelic drug ever gained us such a quintessence of pleasures. The emperor is enchanted. I learned that you have faithfully discharged your mission. Perfect. We love faithful servants. Alas, due to a slight mishap, we can’t let you go back to bring a new cargo. Pirates are menacing our communications lanes and we can’t let you run such a risk. Don’t worry. This incident will be of short duration and we’ll soon resume fruitful exchange with your planet Tell me. Have you had any difficulty on your way, met any fleet?”
“No, your lordship, everything went as fine as could be, apart from the usual small incidents, we met a magnetic disturbance that shook us up a little, but nothing serious.”
“I was only wanting to be sure that the pirates hadn't sent some ships toward Lyzog. Apparently they haven’t done anything of the sort. That confirms our information. Well! my dear merchant, go back to your apartment. You have to rest there a little while, but well give you all you desire to entertain you. The slaves do seem to be to your taste.”
“Indeed, sir. Daicha is a marvelous creature. I was going to try her out when your robot came to get me.” “Perfect Go back to her and avail yourself of her till you’ve had enough. When you tire of her we’ll find you others."
“Thank you, thank you, munificent highness. Your humble and obedient servant only asks to be useful to you.”
“You please me. I think we’re made to understand one another. Go. If I need you I’ll send for you.”
Marco Polo withdrew, bowing liberally. He reentered the lift and went back to the gentle Odeous, who was still lying on his bed.
In a corner the Templars were devouring the tempting food, while the Tibetan stayed in lotus position on the carpet.
The Venetian took off his boots and lay down near Daicha.
“Everything went all right?” she asked in a low voice.
“Yes. He only wanted to ask me questions about my voyage and to tell me I was going to be here a little while. In one regard, that isn't displeasing to me, although the place does lack privacy.”
"Don’t let that bother you,” said the Odeous.
So saying, she pushed a button in reach of her hand. A bronze curtain at once isolated the bed from the rest of the room.
“Now I think we are going to have to make love.” She smiled. “If you’re not too tired, that is.”
The Venetian’s fervent grip left her no doubt on the subject. As for Fizzur, if he was watching the scene, he was going to be satisfied.
Chapter X
☆
During the days that followed, William's envoy lived the life of a pasha. He did leam interesting details on the slave organization. They had a well organized information service. They had even succeeded in stealing some very useful instruments, several devices to command the robots, devices that looked like little cylinders, that one could slip into a pocket; and even the pen-shaped weapons which gave off a killing ray. The most precious was beyond a doubt the electronic key that disconnected the energy screen at the doors. All these objects had been stolen from wastebaskets, for they were broken equipment that the slaves had patiently put back in working order.
