Темное, кривое зеркало. Том 3 : След на песке.

One question left, the important one, the one which would decide the future of the Republic. "Do we have enough guards on our side to mount an assault on the Court?"

"Yes. We do."

"Thank you. Go." The spy nodded, bowed and left. An invaluable find, one of Durano's proteges, he had recognised the need for strength and order in the Court, and had chosen to throw his hand in with Valo. A wise choice. Valo was one of the few nobles in the Court who had seen real combat, who knew how to lead, how to fight, how to be strong.

A military coup. That was what was needed. Jarno had had the right idea, unusually for him, and so had Kiro, but they were all feinting around the sidelines, striking at each other. If any of them had had half the military mind Valo had, they would have known that the way to win any battle was to go for the head, and where was the head? The Court itself.

"You heard all that?" Valo asked. His companion stepped out from hiding and nodded.

"What do you think? What is your uncle up to?"

"I have no idea," replied Carn Mollari. "I haven't spoken to him in years."

"Well, we'll soon find out. A few days at most, and then we'll make a stab at the Court. Once we control it, the rest of the military and the Guards will fall in with us. It'll all be over, Carn."

Carn smiled, and nodded. "Indeed it will…. Majesty."

* * *

Delenn hesitated as she looked at the quiet form seated before her. She was not entirely sure why she had come here, but she did know that words needed to be said, and that she was the person to say them.

"It is strange how things can change in a handful of hours," she said, and noticed Captain Smith start, raising his head to look at her.

"Yeah. 'Let no man be called happy or great until he be dead,' hmm?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Something someone said a long time ago. It doesn't matter. So, have you decided what to do with me? Sheridan promised an amnesty for my crew, remember."

"Yes, he told me…. and that amnesty has been accepted. Some of the alliance were…. unappreciative, but we convinced them. Your crew will be permitted to return home as soon as the current crisis is over."

"Well, that's something. Thank you. I…. wait…. what current crisis?"

"A…. topic for another day, I believe. Tell me, Captain, why did you offer yourself as compensation for your crew?"

"There's no reason why they should pay for my mistakes. Besides, I could hardly return home. Do your people have a word for scapegoat?"

"I…. am familiar with the term, yes. I have been used in that position myself. Your people would do the same to me if they could. No matter what either of us may feel, Captain…. my death would not undo what has been done."

"Nor will mine, but I'm willing to give it a try anyway. Tell me, what are you going to do with me?"

"Some people wanted you dead, yes…. but I have had another idea. I am going to make you an offer, Captain. A chance to buy your freedom. And your life.

"How would you like to fight alongside us?"

He laughed.

* * *

Lord-General Marrago knew all about responsibility. He had been born to it, trained almost from birth to the duties that were his heritage as a member of a noble line. He had learned the hard way about the responsibilities he owed to the soldiers who served alongside him and under him. He knew about his duties to his family, and to his family name. He knew about the bonds of loyalty to old friends — one had compelled him to marry a woman he did not love, and another had forced him to raise arms against his own Government.

But as he sat alone in a room stinking of blood, he pondered on his responsibilities to his people, his planet, his friends…. They had never seemed heavier.

He had just received word that Londo was missing somewhere in the capital. None of Durano's agents could find him, or indeed find any trace that he had even arrived.

This had always been a possibility. In a war fought primarily by poison in the wine cup or knife in the dark, Londo had always been aware that he might be lost before the capital and the Court could be taken, and he had planned accordingly. Marrago knew enough of his plans to continue and conclude this campaign. He might even be capable of becoming Emperor himself, although he had no wish to be so.

He looked around the room that had once been the study of the Governor of Gallia, a room where several of his servants and family had been butchered by a blood-crazed mob who had carried the terrified Governor away…. Marrago had had the bodies removed, but he could do nothing about the smell. He was a soldier. Death was a constant companion.

He was thinking about death as well as responsibility. Londo's death and his responsibility to him. Marrago had had to tell a great many people that those they loved would never be coming home, but it would be so much harder this time. How to tell Timov?

A beeping sound came from his coat, and he started. With a soft sigh he realised what it was: Londo's personal communicator. Londo had given it to him before leaving for the capital, knowing that it could conceivably be used to trace important conversations.

Marrago pulled it out and activated it. A face he knew showed up on the screen. Carn Mollari, Londo's nephew and one of their most trusted agents in the capital.

"Lord-General," he said. "Where…. where is our leader?" No names. Names could be very dangerous if anyone were to overhear.

"He is…. unavailable at present. What do you have to report?"

"Events here are moving faster than I'd expected. The city has calmed down, but the tensions in the Court are on the verge of exploding again. My…. friend is going to attack the Court openly within a few days. You have to get here soon, or there won't be anyone left to rule over."

"We don't have the time, or the resources. We're spread thinly as it is, just trying to secure our hold on the territory we control now. You have to delay things."

"I can't! He's moving too fast. I never thought he'd be this ready for it. He really believes he can make himself Emperor."

"There is nothing we can do. Our original plans didn't envisage a march on the capital for months. Even allowing for the acceleration, we won't be able to reach you for weeks at least. Do whatever you can…. whatever you must, but save the Court."

"I'll do what I can, but get here quickly, or there'll be nothing left to save. Out."

The viewscreen went blank and Marrago sat back. Responsibilities…. duties…. loyalty. All the hallmarks of a good soldier, and he was a good soldier. He knew he was, and he would save his people.