Out of the Dark by David Weber Page A

and we’ve observed experiments with early-generation directed energy weapons, as well. They have
not
established a unified planetary government as yet, which is virtually unheard of for a species at this level of advancement, but there are indications that they are headed in that direction at this time. And while their technological capabilities are not distributed uniformly about their planet, they’re spreading rapidly and should achieve that level of distribution within the next generation or two. Indeed, they might manage it even sooner, if their ridiculous rate of technological advancement to this point is any guide!”
    The silence around the conference table was profound. Thikair let it linger for several moments, then leaned back in his chair.
    “How would you account for the discrepancy between what we’re now observing and the initial Survey report?”
    “Sir, I
can’t
account for it,” she said frankly. “I’ve double-checked and triple-checked the original report. There’s no question that it was accurate at the time it was made, yet now we find
this
. Every projection says this species ought to be experimenting with muzzle-loading black powder firearms and crude steam engines. Instead, it’s somehow made the jump from animal transport, wind power, and muscle-powered weapons to what’s clearly a Level Two culture more than three times as rapidly as any other species. And please note that I said ‘
any
other species.’ The one I had in mind were the Ugartu.”
    The fleet commander saw more than one grimace at that. The Ugartu had never attained Hegemony membership . . . since they’d turned their home star system into a radioactive junkyard first. The Council of the time had breathed a quiet but very, very profound sigh of relief when it happened, too, given that the Ugartu had been advancing technologically at twice the galactic norm. Which meant
these
people . . .
    “Well, I suppose that explains how Survey’s estimate of their tech level could be so far off,” Jainfar said dryly. “Now if we only knew
why
it’s happened!”
    “Is it possible the initial survey team broke procedure, Sir?” Ship Commander Ahzmer asked, his expression troubled. Thikair glanced at him, and his flagship’s commander flicked both ears. “I’m just wondering if the surveyors might inadvertently have made direct contact with the locals? Accidentally given them a leg up?”
    “Possible, but unlikely, Ship Commander,” Ground Force Commander Thairys said. “I wish I didn’t have to say that, since I find this insanely rapidadvancement just as disturbing as you do. Unfortunately, the original survey was conducted by the Barthoni.”
    Several of Thikair’s officers looked as if they’d just smelled something unpleasant. Actually, from the perspective of any self-respecting carnivore, the Barthoni smelled simply delicious. But the timid plant-eaters were one of the Shongairi’s most severe critics. And the reason the miserable little centaurs were so heavily represented in the Hegemony’s survey forces, despite their inherent timidity, was because of their fanatic support for the Council regulations limiting contact with inferior races.
    “I’m afraid I agree with the Ground Force Commander,” Shairez said.
    “And it wouldn’t matter if that
were
what had happened,” Thikair pointed out. “The Constitution doesn’t care where a species’ technology
came
from. What matters is the level it’s
attained,
however it got there.”
    “That, and the way the Council would react to finding out about it,” Jainfar said sourly, and ears moved in agreement all around the table.
    “I’m afraid Squadron Commander Jainfar has a point, Sir.” Thairys sighed heavily. “It was hard enough getting approval for our other objectives, and they’re far less advanced than
these
creatures have turned out to be. Or I hope to Dainthar’s Hounds they still are, at any rate!”
    More ears waved agreement, Thikair’s