Myndo smiled as she surveyed the faces of the other First Circuit members. None of you believe that story, though some of you will support the Primus just because of his office."Let us accept that answer, for now. What has prevented you from placing House Liao under total interdiction? We know the assassin belonged to a cult associated with Romano Liao. Our course seems clear."
Villius Tejh spoke in a sibilant whisper that still seemed too powerful for his small frame. "Forgive me, Precentor Dieron, but I do not feel interdiction is advisable at this time." Precentor Sian's gaze flickered toward the Primus, then returned to Myndo. "While I agree with you that House Liao must be disciplined for this unconscionable breach of courtesy, interdiction would destroy the Capellans."
Myndo nodded slowly. "Ah, the theory that Hanse Davion would strike at the Capellan Confederation. It is a rather large state to swallow, Precentor Sian."
Tejh graced Precentor Dieron with a brief smile. "Under normal circumstances, Precentor, I would share your skepticism about House Davion's ability to take the Capellan Confederation, but you must recall that Liao's military strategy really relies upon communication and swift reaction. The Warrior House Regiments are provided with the means necessary to reinforce besieged worlds. Lacking the communication and coordination that our Order provides, Liao's ability to wage war is severely limited."
Villius gestured with his left hand. "I hasten to add that an interdiction would affect all Liao agents in the Federated Suns, but would not work against Davion agents in the Capellan Confederation. The intelligence supplied by Davion's spies would prove a crushing blow to the Confederation."
Myndo laughed throatily. "I believe you overestimate Alexi Malenkov's efficacy, Precentor Sian, because the information streaming in from Michael Hasek-Davion more than offsets Malenkov's anemic efforts. Besides which, you know the easiest way for us to deal with that threat is to expose Malenkov to his masters. I am quite certain Justin Xiang Allard would take great delight in debriefing one of his father's agents!
"Still, your point is well taken. How, then, shall we punish this rash action by Romano Liao?"
The Primus folded his arms across his chest. "We will demand that the Capellan government supply the materials and labor to upgrade several of our stations on their worlds. We will also select from among the best and brightest of their citizens as inductees into our service."
Villius smiled openly. "We may even suggest that the Chancellor turn over to us his son Tormana for reeducation. It would remove a thorn from his side, and give us the kind of opportunity ComStar enjoys in the Free Worlds League."
Myndo narrowed her eyes. "This course of action seems appropriate to my mind." It is a bold step. I doubt the Chancellor will agree to it, but Villius feels confident enough to suggest it. He will bear watching.
The Primus bowed with exaggerated ceremony toward her. "We are so pleased you approve, Precentor Dieron." He straightened up and gazed around at the other Precentors. "If there is no objection, we shall appoint Precentor Sian to undertake the necessary discussions."
Myndo, in concert with the other First Circuit Precentors, nodded agreement. Mock me now, Julian Tiepolo, but remember that unlike the Word of Blake and my anger, you are not immortal and you will not rule forever.She smiled to herself. When I'm through with you, you'll not even be remembered.
36
ComStar First Circuit Compound
Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra
20 August 3028
Archon Katrina Steiner bit at her lower lip to stop it from trembling as she watched her daughter's reflection in the triptych mirror. Melissa, my child, you are so beautiful. I do not want to lose you yet.Though she fought it, a tear rolled down one cheek.
Melissa turned slowly amid a swirl of white silk and smiled gently at her mother. Fine lace covered her from throat to shoulders and down the bodice of the gown. Wide white silk bows sat on each shoulder as though securing the puffy upper part of the sleeve to the body of the dress. From elbow to wrist, the sleeves tapered down Melissa's forearms, ending in a lace triangle that covered the backs of her hands.
Hundreds of pearls had been painstakingly handsewn over the bodice to roughly describe not the well-known Steiner Fist, but the four center-pointing triangles crest of Arthur Luvon's home-world, Donegal. Delicate lace patterns decorated both the gown and the train.
Melissa reached out to her mother and brushed away the tear. "Please don't cry." She smiled sheepishly. "If you start, then I will, too, and then we'll never be ready."
The Archon nodded. Katrina looked over at Misha Auburn, Melissa's maid of honor. "Misha, could you give me a minute alone with my daughter?"
"Call for me when you want me to put on the veil and I'll help you," Misha said, flashing them both a smile as she closed the door of the dressing room behind her.
After Misha had vanished, the Archon turned to her daughter.
"I know we've had this conversation before, Melissa, and you've answered my questions . . . I just want you to know . . ."
Melissa raised her right hand to her mother's lips. "Hush, Mother. Yes, you and Hanse Davion arranged this marriage six years ago when I was still a child. You asked for my consent then, and I agreed because you asked. What I knew of Hanse Davion at that time was nine-tenths legend and one-tenth hostile court gossip."
Melissa smiled as memories flooded back to her. "When Ardan Sortek came to Tharkad to recover from his injuries on Stein's Folly, I developed a fine crush upon him. Hanse seemed so distant then and Ardan so immediate. It was difficult to keep things straight in my mind, but so fierce was Ardan's loyalty to Hanse that I don't think anything in the galaxy could have made him return my interest.
"It was then that I realized what sort of man Hanse Davion must be. He trusted his friends and confidants with power and responsibility." Melissa glanced at the framed picture of Hanse on her vanity table. "As you've often reminded me, a ruler is judged by the people she keeps as advisors. A strong person associates with strong people, and a weak ruler gathers a court of sycophants around himself. Hanse Davion, as I came to see him through Ardan's stories and actions, had to be a strong man."
The Archon nodded. "But is he a man with whom you can spend the rest of your life?"
Melissa nodded. "The incident with the Silver Eaglelast year gave me all the assurances I'll ever need. When I reached Northwind in the company of the Kell Hounds, I was badly shaken. I saw every death on the Styx station as my fault and an indication of my inability to do anything effectively. Hanse was firm but gentle in pointing out where my assessments were flawed, and where I had made errors in judgement. He helped me understand that I must learn from that horrible situation. I know I cannot prevent disasters, but I do feel I'm better able to deal with them because of his help."