nurseries and sufficient stores of viable seeds to replant when that’s
feasible. We’re also continuing our research into dwarfing plants for
indoor propagation. All minor holders are fully aware of the problems
and are con plying Everyone’s signed up for the ground-crew course.
Paulin made a notation, nodding. Agriculture’s still working on the
?roblem of an inhibitor for your tropical weed types, Fran.
I hope so. Stuff grows out of pure sand without any cultivation at
all.
Then Paulin turned to Chalkin who had been polishing his rings with
every evidence of boredom.
I’ve had nothing at all from you, Lord Chalkin of Bitra,’ Paulin said.
Oh, there’s plenty of time A report was required by this date,
Chalkin,’ Paulin reminded, pushing the issue.
Chalkin shrugged. You all can play that game if you wish, but I do not
believe that Thread is going to fall next spring, so why should I bother
my people with unnecessary tasks…” He wasn’t able to finish his
sentence for the acrimonious reactions from everyone at the table.
Now see here, Chalkin – -.
Hey, wait a bleeding minute . . “Just where do you get off.
Bastom was on his feet with indignation.
Chalkin pointed one thick be ringed finger at the Tillek Holder.
The Holds are autonomous, are they not? Is that not guaranteed in the
Charter?” Chalkin demanded, rounding on Paulin.
In ordinary times, yes,’ Paulin answered, waving a hand to the others
to be quiet. He had to raise his voice to be heard over the angry
remarks and protests. However, with .
This Thread of yours coming. So you say, but there’s no proof.
. . Chalkin said, grinning smugly.
Proof? What more proof do you need?” Paulin demanded.
This planet is already feeling the perturbation of the rogue planet
Chalkin dismissed that with a shrug. Winter brings bad storms,
volcanoes do erupt You can’t so easily dismiss the fact that the planet
is becoming more visible . .
Pooh. That doesn’t mean anything .
So,’ and Paulin again had to quell angry murmurs to be heard, you
discount entirely the advice of our forebears? The massive evidence
that they left for our guidance?” They left hysterical They were
scarcely hysterical . . . Tashvi bellowed. And they coped with the
emergency, and gave us specific guidelines to follow when the planet
came back. And how to calculate a Pass.
Hold it, hold it,’ Paulin shouted, raising both arms to restore order.
I’m Chair, I’ll remind you,’ and he glared at Tashvi until the Telgar
Lord resumed his seat and the others had quietened down. What kind of
proof do you require, Lord Chalkin?” he asked in a very reasonable tone
of voice.
Thread falling…” someone muttered, and subsided before he could be
identified.
Well, Chalkin?” said Paulin.
Some proof that Thread will fall. A report from this AI VAS we’ve all
heard about Landing is under tons of volcanic ash,’ Paulin said, and
then recognized S’nan’s urgent signal to speak.
Nine expeditions have been mounted to investigate the installation at
Landing and retrieve information from the AI VAS S’nan said in his
usual measured tones. As he spoke he searched for and found a sheaf of
plastic and held it up.
These are the reports.
And?” Chalkin demanded, obviously enjoying the agitation he had
aroused.
We have been unable to locate the administration building in which the
AI VAS was located .
Why not?” Chalkin insisted. I remember seeing tapes of Landing prior
to the first Threadfall . . -.
Then you will appreciate the size of the task, said S’nan.
Especially since the blanket of volcanic ash covers the entire plateau
and we have not been able to locate any landmark by which we could judge
the position of the administration building. And since the housing was
similar, it’s difficult to establish where we are when we have dug one
out of twenty feet of ash and debris. Therefore we have not been able
to establish the location of the building.
Try again,’ Chalkin said, turning his back to S’nan.
So you have done nothing at all to prepare your Hold for the
onslaught?” Paulin asked calmly, reasonably.