That meant he would have to encourage innovation from his own people. It was a task that filled him with a mixture of nervousness and exhilaration. He was certain they could do it.
The Adar stood at the doorway of his temporary command post, watching heavily laden troop transports disgorge workers, engineers, diggers, attender kithmen, and more bureaucrats. At one time, Adar Korinh had expressed disappointment that he was forced to devote so much of his career to civil engineering projects and rescue missions; Korinh had wanted to experience military glory in order to earn a place in theSaga of Seven Suns.
Now Zannh found himself in the opposite position. Hed had his fill of space battles and destruction, of losing ships and uncounted crewmen, of constant tragedies and atrocities. He was perfectly content to devote the capabilities of the Solar Navy to the rejuvenation of the Empire.
He savored the simple act of watching the golden light of Marathas protracted sunrise grow slowly brighter across the broad construction site.
165
Queen Estarra
Estarra took great pleasure in being home on Theroc and holding her baby again. Not surprisingly, Father Idriss and Mother Alexa had doted on little Reynald while his parents were gone.
What have you been feeding him? she asked. He looks like hes doubled in weight!
Her mothers expression puckered. Is there something wrong with that? Hes a growing baby.
Estarra cradled her son and looked into his bright eyes. They were brown, the natural color of Peters eyes, as well as her own. The childs dark hair was already unruly.
She looked up at the magnificent worldtrees, some of which showed deep scorch wounds from the faeros flames. Now Theroc was abustle with Confederation representatives, Roamer workers, and visitors from Earth. Green priests sent excited messages back and forth to the interconnected colony worlds, disseminating news of all the positive changes. With the outpouring of support, much progress had been made in erecting a new ruling house a combination of Roamer structure, fungus reef, and sturdy yet ornate Hansa architecture. The King and Queen felt it was important to show that the new Confederation was a synthesis of all parts of humanity.
Beside her, watching Estarras wistful expression as she surveyed the thick forest and the people, Sarein said, Its time for us to sink our roots deep. She looked around with an expression of contentment and a hint of awe. I never imagined I could miss this place so much.
Idriss and Alexa had welcomed their oldest daughter home after her escape from Basil Wenceslas, not worried about what she had done on Earth or what political entanglements the Hansa had dragged her into. Estarra was proud of her sister, knowing how she and Deputy Cain had worked to bring about the downfall of the Chairman.
Celli ran to her sisters wearing a garland of flowers. A sash made of lavender and peach lichens hung loosely around her narrow waist. Only a few more hours. All the trees are focused on it I can tell. You should hear the buzzing across telink.
Dont the trees have anything more important to worry about? Estarra teased.
Not right now, and not to me. Celli turned to her oldest sister. Come on, Sarein show some excitement! This is my big day.
Sarein seemed embarrassed. I am excited honestly. I wouldnt miss it for anything.
Youd better not. Then Celli bounded off.
Estarra glanced at Sarein. Wed like you to put on your ambassadors robes for the occasion. It seems appropriate.
Im not sure I should ever wear those again, considering.
Yes, you should. Estarra lifted her chin regally, then broke into a smile. Your Queen gives you permission to do so.
She went off to extricate Peter from his political meetings, insisting that he take the time to prepare himself properly. When they were ready, they ascended to the bright sunshine of the canopy where everyone had gathered to watch the wedding of Celli and Solimar.
Estarra carried the baby against her chest in a cocoon-weave net, while Peter reclined next to her in a mesh chair. The purple-and-black butterflies were hatching again, and clouds of them swirled around like winged amethysts in the open breezes.
Celli and Solimar stood together on the interlocked branches, beaming. Their emerald skin was marked with new dye-tattoos to signify their training, their accomplishments, and their betrothal to each other. The couple looked extremely young, Estarra thought, but she realized that Celli was now nineteen, a year older than she herself had been when shed married King Peter.
They look so proud to be together, Peter said, as if they share one heart and one mind.
Through telink, theyve already joined their thoughts and emotions.
We didnt have that advantage. He turned to her. But I still would have chosen you, no doubt about it.
As green priests, Celli and Solimar had come to their decision and announced it to the other green priests through telink. Their comrades already knew of their deep commitment, and so the two needed to say very little aloud for the marriage ceremony.
Instead, Celli and Solimar did what they had been born to do. Rejoicing in their abilities, glad to be alive and moving, they demonstrated the acrobatic skills they had learned from other master treedancers. Solimar leaped out to grab a high branch, swung himself around, and folded his legs until he dangled upside down, just as Celli jumped behind him. Solimar caught her with his downstretched arms and swung her up to the next branch, where she pirouetted, barely seeming to touch her toes to the wood.
As the audience cheered and applauded, Solimar launched himself after her, and the two continued a spontaneous yet perfectly choreographed chase through the canopy. Their exuberant dancing had once awakened a new spirit in the devastated worldforest. Now the verdani reciprocated, bowing branches, fanning fronds, taking part in the performance.
As she watched the exhilarating spectacle, Estarra basked in the sunshine. Around her, she saw her parents and other Therons sitting comfortably with Roamers, colonists, and even Hansa representatives. The baby in her arms was warm, solid, and alive. Theroc was lush and in bloom again, and Estarra could smell the flowers in the air.
166
Margaret Colicos
Alongside theBlind Faith, theVoracious Curiosity took off from the sprawling Klikiss hive city on Llaro. The fully repairedCuriosity lifted into the air, her engines sounding like a sigh of relief.
Margaret watched the two ships go with a bittersweet feeling, uneasy at being left behind with the Klikiss again, though it was what she had requested. Anton stayed with her, looking somewhat uncertain about his decision, too.