Chapter 18: Chapter Seventeen. Nikie Puts Her Plan to work.

At the soft sound of his computer, Kirkrup di Frim, secretary of The Lepus Writer’s Club stopped what he was writing and accessed the encrypted messaging system. Reading the brief message, which even unencrypted would have meant nothing to anybody else who read it, he felt a surge of emotion. Turning to his wife, he spoke without smiling. “Your idea is approved.”

His wife, Nikie di Frim, didn’t smile either, although she exulted inwardly. “I know how to handle it.” She said, “I already have five appointments set up and will get started in the morning. They will be expecting their usual crop of outrages and I have a few for them.” They talked quietly for a while, going over their usual articles. Some were discarded, but they soon had a number of stories that they felt were appropriate and sellable. This was how they got most of their income. Other funds came as donations from supporters and from various small jobs, such as being the secretary of the ‘The Lepus Writer’s Club’.

“Good, and I have a story as well, regarding the water” her husband replied. The look they exchanged was one full of meaning. They were finally going to strike back at the rulers of Ti Lepus, in a way that they had wanted to for over twenty years. This was important, water was a delicate issue and they were determined to make the most of it.

“You are sure of this?” Nikie gave a questioning look at her husband. “We were told not to use that information until we were instructed to.”

Kirkrup laid back in his chair. “I have been working on several stories involving the water shortage ever since we got the information.” He gave a conspiratorial smile. “The message approving your idea included approval to release any stories about the water.” He explained his stories and suggested who to give them to.

“Good, I know who, and how, to give it to.” Nikie lounged back on their couch, a smile flickering on her narrow, but not unattractive face. “I will enjoy this.” The smile vanished, “But not dealing with those basticka who are so, so insufferable and smug. I swear that sometimes I would prefer to deal with outworlders.” She shuddered.

Her husband stared at her and he moved to sit beside his wife. Taking Nikie into his arms he assured her that soon they would be free of such people. “Our victory will come,” he said as he kissed her.

*********

The next day, Nikie started on her usual rounds, all prearranged before they had received the latest approval. All of the people she planned to meet were in the news business but none would meet her at their offices. They felt that the notoriety of the Frims would lay them open to an investigation by the patrol, so some other place then their offices was arranged. First on the list was Olaf Bender.

A tall thin balding man, on another planet Olaf Bender may have been mistaken as a teacher. This would be reinforced by his elegant manner and polite way of greeting people. Not the most fanatical of the newsman that the Frims used, he was useful as for that very reason his stories carried more weight. His weakness was that he did love being noticed and admired, which was one of the reasons that the Frims had courted him. One thing Nikie did appreciate about Olaf Bender was that he always kept their meetings businesslike, and short.

“Good morning, Madam Nikie di Frim.”

“And good morning to you, Master Olaf Bender. I thank you for being so punctual.” Nikie replied with a small bow.

“Do you wish for a cup of tea?” Bender asked politely.

“Thank you, but I must decline, as you know I have more people to see.” It was a game they played, Olaf always asked, Nikie always refused.

Olaf smiled and placed his comm unit on the table. Nikie tapped it with hers. A story based on the projected water shortage was transferred to Olaf’s unit. It had been carefully written so it was not as egregiously biased against the Empire as the others.

“I thank you, Mrs. di Frim, you truly are a wealth of information. I sometimes wonder where it comes from.” Bender remarked as he quickly scanned the story.

Nikie showed no emotion; trained in the Ti Lepus way of self-control, this was not difficult. “Any information comes from loyal people of Ti Lepus, we do not even know who some of them are.” She replied.

“Of course,” Olaf acknowledged, “As a news reporter, I of course, am curious but I ask you to say nothing.” He stowed away his comm unit and with a polite ‘goodbye,’ left.

Nikie waited for the newsman to depart. She had carefully watched when Olaf Bender arrived and now looked to see if he was followed when he left. In their line of work, the Frims could not be too careful. Satisfied that she was still safe for the time being, Nikie left for the meeting with her next contact, Danki Twis.

*********

Danki was late, raising Nikies annoyance levels more than usual. Waiting in the sun at the agreed location, outside a café that she was unable to enter until the writer’s arrival, and so buy a drink, simply made it worse. The sight of others getting cool drinks, added to her ire.

It was half a period after the agreed time that Danki Twis bustled up to Nikie.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting. I was interviewing a witness to a police outrage.” Danki explained, “Anyway what have you got for me?”

Courtesy to each other was a cornerstone of Ti Lepus society. Danki Twis was verging on the edge of showing his real status, that of the lower service class. Nikie gritted her teeth and acknowledged Danki politely. “I bid you thanks, Master Twis.”

The newsman was shorter than Olaf Bender, by several centi’s. Stockier and somewhat shabbily dressed and overweight, he did not look the part of the successful writer that he was. But he was also a fanatic who hated the outworlders almost as much as the Frims did. He also was usually much more pleasant. This he now showed.

“Let me at least make amends by getting you a cool drink of the water of Ti Lepus, Madam Frim.” Danki said. “I really am sorry I was late.”

“I thank you Master Twis, it is warm today.” Nikie replied. The cool drink was quickly purchased and, as Nikie drank, Twis reviewed the story that Nikie had uploaded to his comm. While it was much the same as the one given to Olaf Bender, there were however several differences. The most important was that it was alleged that the Empire was secretly taking water from the planet.

“This is good. The estimates are accurate?” Danki asked.

“Indeed, they are, and the government cannot deny it.”

“Even better!” Danki Twis stood. As did Nikie. “You are off to see the usual group?” Danki continued.

“I am,” Nikie replied, “But only you and Olaf will have this story.”

“Even better, too many with the same story would bring the Grey’s down on me. I expect a visit anyway.” Danki gave a shrug at the last part.

“Will that mean trouble for you at your work?” This did not really concern Nikie except as to whether or not it would lead the police to her and her husband.

“A visit, nothing more, I am used to them and they are to me.” He frowned. Nikie noted that as she waited. “The last one though, he was scary.”

It was Nikies turn to frown, she thought that she knew, but she had to ask. She sat back down before speaking again, “What do you mean? Did he try some rough stuff on you?” At the last question she felt eager at the prospect of writing a story about the Secret Police beating a writer. She was disappointed at the reply.

“No, not that.” Danki replied, he had also taken back his seat, “It was his questions and the way he asked them.” The news man fell silent for a fraction. “He was smart. You felt that he knew the answers to the questions even before he asked them. If you made a mistake and lied, he would have you. He scared me more than any of the others I have dealt with.”

There was silence between them, then, “Do you know his name?” Nikie asked, a worm of fear in her stomach.

“Yes, why?”

“Just tell me.” She snapped.

A fractions stare, then, “Yes, it is Sessi Dark gen Wattar.” At the hiss of Nikies indrawn breath, Danki continued, “Do you know him?” He looked at Nikie closely.

“I have heard of him.” Nikie replied slowly. She stood. “We better go, I will leave first.” She wanted to get away, to walk and think.

“Very well.” The newsman sat back. He regarded the attractive woman in front of him. “If you ever get tired …” The rest of the proposal was left unsaid.

“I will tell you.” Nikie even managed to raise a smile as she left. I better not tell Kirkrup about that suggestion. As she walked her smile broadened slightly, Or maybe I should. Checking her time, she looked for a place to catch public transport, she had a distance to travel to meet the next contact.

*********

Arriving at the agreed rendezvous, the steps of the building across from the contacts offices, Nikie activated her comm unit and sent a message. The message was for Likki Nies, a news reporter in a small data newsgroup. Another contact where Nikie could not enter the offices giving her another twist to her anger.

Just a fraction later, Likki Nies appeared. Somewhat heavier than most woman of Ti Lepus, she also wore her hair shorter than normal.  A matronly woman, she had a pleasing face however she was just as fanatical as any of the others. As well, she was desirous of breaking out of the tight strictures that governed the society that she was born to. Her appearance was always well maintained and her clothes neat and tidy. Like many other writers, she never used her class designation as that would have revealed her as a member of the service class. Nikie disliked her intensely.

“Thank you for seeing me, Madam Nies.” Nikie greeted the newswoman.

“Thank you as well Madam Frim.” Likki Nies replied. “You have something for me?”

The abrupt question grated on Nikies nerves. A lot about Likki Nies grated on Nikie, not least her discourtesy and her not-very-well-disguised contempt for the Frims. Likki was a social climber who wanted to be a member of the high class. Perversely, this made her even more useful to the Frim’s, who played on her weakness.

Hiding her displeasure at Likki’s actions which, even for Ti Lepus, bordered on rudeness, Nikie brought up her comm unit. “I have a story for you, it is about the children of Ti Lepus.” She looked at the newswoman. “Do you want it?”

Likki gave a sniff. “Is it good? Or at least better than the last one?” With her arms folded, Likki was enjoying herself. A tall woman, she was emphasizing her height by standing on a step above Nikie.

“All our stories are good, but, if you are uninterested …” Nikie let her voice trail off and half turned away.

“Now, now. Don’t be like that.” Likki at least tried to sound sympathetic, even if she really didn’t succeed. “Let me look at your story; what is it about?” Out came the comm unit.

With obvious reluctance, only partly assumed, Nikie sent the story to Likki’s comm, “It is how the government is perverting our children and then sending them to the Empire so that they can be brainwashed!” The agitator kept her voice low and calm, not wanting to let any of the people around them hear or take interest in their meeting. “It contains an interview with two young military cadets that my husband carried out. At great personal risk, I might add.”

“I see, well that could be interesting. I will look it over and let you know, but I must return to work.” Leaving Nikie standing, her face expressionless only by virtue of her life-long training, Likki Nies turned and went back inside.

Controlling her rage at being so cavalierly dismissed, Nikie also left, berating herself for allowing the newswoman to affect her so. Taking a deep breath, she returned to the public station where she could catch a transport to her next meeting, this time with a young newswoman, Renni Tapau.

*********

Sitting at a café across from the offices of one of the larger news outlets, Nikie considered Renni Tapau. A young woman, Nikie had come across her almost by accident. Introduced by a colleague at a function they both attended, Renni admitted that she was there hoping to meet Nikie. It transpired that Renni was just as, if not more fanatical then the Frims.

They had talked briefly and made an arrangement to meet later, privately. During that meeting, it was clear that Renni was willing to be the mouthpiece for the Frims. Nikie had been feeding her minor news items ever since. She and Kirkrup agreed that because Renni was working at a news organization that was not one of their usual outlets for their stories, then they would be very careful with the stories they would give her.

Accordingly, the story that Nikie had picked for Renni today was tepid by comparison to what she had given the others she had seen this day.

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Watching the young woman, Renni was in her middle twenties, crossing the street to meet her, Nikie was struck again by Renni’s youth. Even the heavy and concealing clothes could not completely disguise the slim figure, or the large hat, the long black hair. ‘Where has time gone?’ thought Nikie. Was I ever that young?

 Approaching Nikie, Renni allowed her training to slip a little and gave the older woman a small smile, lighting up her attractive face. Forgetting herself momentary, Nikie responded with one of her own.

“Welcome Madam di Frim, I am sorry that you can’t come in.” The sincere apology relieved some of the angst from Nikies last encounter. The obvious hero-worship of the young woman sloughed away even more of Nikies annoyance.

“Thank you, Madam Tapau, I am used to the prejudices of the uneducated. They are not like you or me and we must work to awaken them.”

Renni flushed with pleasure at the implied compliment. Nikie noted the reaction and smiled inwardly. This was a contact that they would cultivate and use in the future. Even though she followed the usual writer’s practice of not using her class designation.

“Let’s go and sit in the shade for a fraction.” Nikie suggested. The two walked a few steps to a stone seat under some trees. Both seated themselves comfortably.

“I do have a story for you. Not a big one, but one I think that you could use.” Nikie took the lead. “It’s about our children, they were interviewed and it shows how reliant on the Empire we have become, dangerously so that we even have no capability of defending ourselves against attacks. Also, our children want to leave our planet and join this Empires Legion.”

“That is terrible!” Renni was aghast at the thought of the children of Ti Lepus being inducted into the Empires armed forces. “I will take it and get it broadcast.”      

“That is wonderful, but be careful and don’t upset your bosses. They work for the government in part remember.” Nikie was careful to keep Renni aware that she wanted to protect her.

“Oh, I will be. I know how persecuted you have been and your experience has taught me well. You are my guide.”

Spontaneously the younger woman made a move as if to embrace the older one. Nikie stiffened and Renni pulled back. “Sorry, I forgot.” Renni apologised.

“Never mind, we must obey and stay hidden, but one day we will have a truly free Ti Lepus.” Nikie preached the mantra, even though she didn’t want or believe it. Power and revenge was her goal. Especially against that one person who had prevented her from her obtaining her desire, long ago.

With proper goodbyes, the two parted. Renni to sell the story and Nikie to her last meeting, the one she was really looking forward to.

“And now for Wiski Lewes.” Nikie murmured to herself.

*********

Catching a public conveyance across the city of Lepus Mal was easy. The government of Ti Lepus supported the creation and funding of an extensive and inexpensive public transport system. The reason was simple, a frustrated public was an unhappy public. An unhappy public was a restless public and none of the various levels of government wanted that! So, along with other measures, including funding the major public festivals, a wide reaching and inexpensive public transport system was built. This was both city wide, and planet wide.

The public trains were of the magnetic levitation type. Fast and quiet, they sped in a logical pattern across the various cities and between the cities. Redundancies were built into the system so that, if a problem occurred on one line, the public could be transferred to another. In theory, travel was unrestricted but in practice, travel was closely monitored and reasons had to be given for travel.

The conveyance that Nikie boarded was inexpensive and Nikie took advantage of having an annual pass. While she realised that the government could track her easily, using the pass, the much cheaper cost made it worthwhile. The trips could be explained away in any case.

Arriving at her destination in a rundown part of Lepus Mal, close to the area of the underclass, Nikie alighted and looked around. ‘Typical,’ she thought, ‘no Lewes!’ Leaving the tired station, she walked in the hot weather to the agreed location, an equally tired café that had seen better days. Not trusting the chilled water, she ordered a brewed drink and sipped it. The few other patrons of the café ignored her, remaining immersed deep in their own troubles.

It was almost a full period later that the news writer showed up. He was typically graceless. Remaining standing, he addressed Nikie. “Sorry, important business. What do you have for me?” Even by the standards of the planet, Wiski Lewes was being grossly impolite.

Controlling the rage that fissioned inside of her, Nikie took a sip of the second drink that she had ordered. Lewes who, typically had not offered to purchase a drink for Nikie, scowled and slumped into a seat opposite Nikie, the two remaining patrons and owner of the café ignored them. “And a good day to you, Master Lewes.” She responded.

Angry at being schooled by a woman, Lewes still knew he had to reply. “A good day to you, Madam Frim.” He paused then continued, the scowl still in place, “Well?” Lewes asked the attractive woman opposite him.

Putting down the poorly shaped cup, which in Nikie’s mind mirrored the poorly maintained café, Nikie considered the news writer, “I don’t have an article, but I do have some information.” She responded.

“No article, then this trip is just a waste of my time.” The somewhat corpulent writer heaved himself to his feet. Seemingly ready to leave, he stopped and turned narrowed eyes in a round face surrounded by dark, dank hair, back to the agitator. “What information?”

Nikie did not smile but inwardly a cynical smile grew in her. “Interesting information, it comes from a very reliable source.”

Standing close to the table, Lewes was trying the dominating position of looming over the smaller woman. As she was used to such tactics, Nikie was not intimidated. She waited for Lewes response. It came quickly enough.

After a fraction, Lewes asked, somewhat more politely, “Tell me more.”

“It involves the government, and outsiders, visitors to the planet.” Nikie was deliberately letting the information drip out slowly.

“Really, I could write about that.” Sitting down in the chair opposite Nikie, Lewes was showing interest openly now.

“Oh, a proper man of Ti Lepus could do more than that with this information.” The woman stared straight at the writer.

“Really,” Lewes frowned. “Why is that?”

“The visitors have received permission to visit a university in the south. It is a teaching hospital with a large number of students.” Nikie took a drink and set the cup down before continuing. Lewes lent slightly forward as if to speak. Nikie spoke first, “Some of our children, our most precious resource, are at risk of being contaminated.”

Silence reigned for a fraction as Nikie waited again for Lewes response. There was a pause, Lewes was considering his options. As he could travel anywhere in Ti Lepus, he asked the obvious question. “Why don’t you or your husband handle this, ‘interesting information’ as you call it?”

“We would be pleased to do so, however we are both constrained from travelling outside of Lepus Mal by our lovely government.” Nikie did not disguise her bitterness. “My husband is even more constrained. He is not allowed to even leave the district.”

“I forgot, sorry.” Lewes did not look sorry. “So, what do you expect me to do?” At a sound, he looked sharply around. Seeing that it was only the last remaining patron leaving, he relaxed.

“A man of Ti Lepus who loves his planet would know what to do to remove the source of taint from our places of higher learning.” Nikie shrugged. “At the least, he would go and see what he or others could do.”

Wiski Lewes sat back lounging in his chair, at least as best as he could considering the uncomfortable chairs. For a fraction, he pondered the possibilities. Nikie waited, she realised that this was the crucial point.

“It does sound interesting, but I have much on my plate at this time … I wonder…” Hi voice trailed off.

Nikie groaned silently. It was time to hook Lewes or go to the backup plan. “If you are not interested,” she said with a shrug. “I could give the information to someone who also is interested.”

Lewes stiffened, no longer lounging. “Just who do you think could do a better job than me?” he almost snarled.

“Do a better job?” Nikie tried to look innocent. “I never said that!”

Lewes frowned at the response. “Well than, who could you ask instead of me?” He asked.

Looking as if she was seriously considering the question, Nikie was quiet for a fraction than spoke. “Well, there is Danki Twis or even Likki Nies. I am not sure who else.”

An inarticulate cry issued from Wiski Lewes. “Those two frauds who make stuff up even worse than you? You would trust our children to them?” Lewes surged to his feet and walked back and forwards. The café owner turned and stared at the pair.

“Sit back down, please. You are drawing attention to yourself.” Nikie spoke soothingly, wanting to calm the writer down.

Taking a deep breath, Lewes sat, “I will go, give me the details.” He growled.

“I am not sure, you got so upset.” She replied. “I am no longer certain that you can handle this …” Her voice trailed off.

There was silence for a fraction. “I am sorry.” Lewes spoke quietly. “It was just that, well those two, I just can’t stand the idea of those two involved with anything.” He paused, then continued. “It was a private matter, you understand.”

“Of course, here is the information.” Nikie produced her comm unit. Lewes produced his as well. Selecting the proper file, she tapped her comm unit to Lewes, completing the file transfer.

Looking at the information, Lewes gave a nasty smile. “I have been wanting to get at the government for a while. I think I know just what to do.”

“Be careful now.” Nikie warned.

Lewes laughed, “A smart man of Ti Lepus knows when to be somewhere else.” He laughed again, then gave the slim woman another look, a different one. “If you are looking for a change?”

“When you get back, we can talk.” Nikie kept her face expressionless.

Lewes left after giving Nikie a nod.

“When you get back? Ha, if you get back!” Nikie muttered darkly.

Walking to the station, Nikie considered her days work. The first four, she quickly dismissed. It was the last one that was the important one. She had known for a considerable period of time why Lewes hated Danki Twis and Likki Nies. Olaf Bender had been the source of information. Lewes had used another writer’s work, passing it off as his own, and the other two had forced his resignation. He had never forgiven them.

Taking her seat on the long trip back to her home, Nikie felt a warm glow.

It had been a good day’s work!

 

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