Spirit of Empire 4: Sky Knights (38 page)

Silence filled the room. Ellie broke that silence. “You’re right, Governor. Do you have a solution?"

"I have a potential solution, though it's a long shot.” He paused, then said, “I’m looking for a world that needs the gleasons.”

This time an awesome silence lingered. Even Ellie found herself speechless. She eventually broke the silence by addressing Krys. “You were right, Daughter.” She stood up and approached Havlock, then went to a knee. She lifted her head to him and to the whole room. “Your solution is the solution of a Chosen.”

Havlock stepped back in shock. He had never even imagined meeting the Queen let alone her kneeling before him.

Atiana took his arm and forced him to return to his Queen. “Your Majesty,” she said, “the solution might not have an answer. We only have hints.”

“What hints?”

“Well, Lady Krys’ vision.”

Ellie stood up and turned to Krys. “A vision raises the ante. Did it provide direction?”

“It’s a riddle, Mother. Tarn has given us direction. We’ll take it from there.”

“All of your visions have had material impact on our war.”

“Exactly, Mother. We’re not sure on this one. I know you’re looking for a permanent solution to the Chessori. Does this give you direction in that regard, or does the vision only have something to do with the home we hope to find for the gleasons? I don’t know, but I intend to find out.”

Ellie placed a hand on Havlock’s shoulder and said, “Well done, Governor. Your idea might eventually point me toward a solution for the Chessori. Even if it does not, it points me in new directions as I seek answers.”

She stepped over behind Krys’ couch and placed both of her hands on Krys’ shoulders. “Again, you shoulder the weight of our fight. The Leaf People said you were stronger than you knew, and they were right.”

“There’s more, Mother. Are you up to a Testing?”

Ellie stepped out from behind the couch. “I am. Who and why?”

Krys
’
gaze went to Seeton. “Are you familiar with the story of a Marine captain who, for want of a better word, hid out while the Chessori killed everyone in his unit?”

“I am, Krys. I reviewed and approved the findings of the inquiry concerning Governor Havlock. What are you saying?”

“Mother?”

Ellie suddenly understood. She stepped over to Havlock and asked, “Will you submit to my Test?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

She stepped up to him, took his face in both of her hands, and delved into his thoughts. Mike stepped up to Havlock and held him when he saw the marine’s legs weakening. Ellie’s Testings were usually brief, but not this time. When she released him to Mike’s support, she stepped back deep in thought.

“Am I right, Mother?” Krys asked.

Ellie did not answer her. Instead, she stepped back to Havlock. Mike judged him recovered and stepped away.

“Governor, I never, ever reveal what I learn during a Testing without that person’s permission. I find you true, and I hereby confirm your position of Governor of Tranxte, but there’s more. Either you and I hold a meeting in private right now, or we discuss my findings here in front of your peers.”

Havlock blinked, uncertain, though there was no conceivable request from his Queen that he would refuse. “I don’t call sector governors and Knights my peers, Your Majesty, but I have no secrets to withhold. You have my permission to reveal whatever you find appropriate.”

Ellie turned to the five from Tranxte and said, “The ability to Test is a Trait found nowhere else in our Empire except in the Chosen. It is one of the most fundamental reasons we are chosen to rule. There are no secrets withheld from me during a Testing, with one exception: I cannot see Krys’ visions. I can see her memories of them, but I cannot see the visions themselves.”

She turned back to Havlock. “I cannot see your entrance to the armory that morning. I see your memories of waking up after the
scree,
and I see the memories you have of the compulsion, but I do not see the compulsion itself. The only conclusion I can draw from that is that you were the recipient of a vision that day.”

“So I’m no longer their only Messenger, Mother,” Krys said.

“It appears there’s another,” Ellie agreed.

Havlock suddenly found himself the center of everyone’s attention, again. This Leaf People connection seemed to be a much bigger deal than he’d imagined, and his Queen confirmed it.

She said to him, “You have been guided by the Leaf People, Governor. I cannot rule on what they did to you—I can’t see it—but before everyone in this room I confirm by Test the findings of Governor Seeton’s Inquiry.”

She was not done with him yet. She added, “We take our Seers seriously. You are to let me know if you even suspect a recurrence. Your name will bring instant response from everyone in this room for the rest of your life.” She turned to Mike, then Otis. “Do we provide Protection?”

Otis’ lips lifted in a smile, though it could have been interpreted by some as a leer. “Protection for one who stood before a gleason in an open field? Better he should protect us.”

Mike held up a hand. “Hold on,” he commanded. “No one knows who he is except on Tranxte, and Great Cats would complicate an already complicated venue there.”

Havlock turned to him, then to Otis. “Are we talking about Protectors
for me
?”

“We are, Governor.”

“Absolutely not,” Havlock said without hesitation. “You’ve blown this way out of proportion. Besides, it would be an insult to my marines.”

Hawke stood up and cleared his throat. “If I may, Your Majesty?”

She lifted an eyebrow and nodded.

Hawke turned to Otis. “Sire, we’re talking about an emerging world here, a world populated by humans. With only rare exceptions, we’ve taken extreme measures to ensure they only see humans. The presence of Great Cats would send the wrong message regarding relationships we’re trying to build.”

Otis stared at him with a look that even a marine accustomed to fighting gleasons gave all of his attention to. Eventually, Otis nodded his great head. “There’s more. Gleasons and Great Cats are ancient adversaries. Our presence on Tranxte would completely unbalance whatever tactics you’ve developed. You’re on the front line, Teacher, and I respect that. Know that I stand ready to answer whenever you call.”

Most of the people in the room let out a breath they hadn’t even known they were holding. Ellie clapped her hands together strongly and said, “Well! I had thought this would be a happy reunion and a meeting of new friends.”

“It can still be that, Your Majesty,” Stven said from across the room. “Since the Leaf People have called us back, it’s time to take a break from war.”

Seeton set up a meeting with General Stymes for later in the day, then escorted Havlock to his own personal tailor, insisting that Havlock meet the general and his staff looking like a real governor. In short order Havlock and Seeton walked out of the tailor similarly attired: black pants and a short, waist-length black jacket open at the front over a slightly ruffled white shirt. Havlock felt like he was going out to a dinner party, but Seeton assured him it was standard attire for himself and most of the human governors who reported to him.

"Sir,” Havlock said, “I’m a little embarrassed about this whole governor thing.”

Seeton stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and turned to Havlock with a hand on the sleeve of his new jacket. “You are? Are we not doing the right thing? Did Lady Krys err?”

“No, sir. It’s the right thing. It’s just a very strange feeling to leave as a marine and come back a governor.”

Seeton smiled in relief and started walking again. “I know exactly what you mean. I was a fleet commander one day and a Sector Governor the next. The Queen and her Knights care little for rank, but they do look for putting the right people in the right job. In your case, after hearing what you’ve been through and your plans for the future, I concur with their choice. Since I’ll be the one supporting you, that’s probably in your favor. I do have some demands, though."

"I expect you do. Name them."

“I demand absolute honesty from everyone who reports to me. That said, I know that's asking too much. Our positions are at levels where it's sometimes better to keep things to yourself until they flesh themselves out, but Governor, I’ll permit no lies. You and I and a lot of other people are on the same team here. We're good backup when you get in a bind, and you will get into binds. So long as we feel like we're pointed in the same direction, meaning you haven't misled us, we'll be there to help you pick up the pieces."

"I understand, sir. I make similar demands of my own staff."

Seeton nodded. “I expect you do, but you’re no longer just responsible for the lives of your marines. You, and all of us at these levels, are responsible for civilizations. You’re on the front line, and even the Queen and King consider themselves part of your support staff. The situation on Tranxte qualifies as one of those rare problems that does not find itself constrained by budgets—so long as you're forthcoming with your problems and mistakes, you'll get whatever you need to make things right. Mislead us, and that all goes away. Am I clear?"

“You're clear, sir. Would that support include access to Struthers?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Lady Krys’ vision suggests he might be able to point me toward a new home for the gleasons.”

“Hmm. He instigated the coup and ruled the Rebels, but he’s just a shadow of the man he once was. Juster, his second in command and the Queen’s brother, might be a better source.”

“They’re here?”

“They are. By rights they should be dead, but the First Knight persuaded the Queen to cut a deal with them: banishment from the Empire in return for an order to all rebel forces to stand down.”

Havlock stopped walking, not sure he’d heard right. “You can’t be serious. After what they did?”

“I know, but the Chosen have reputations for cleverness, and the Queen heads the list. She did not tell them their banishment would be to a world of her choice. We’re looking for a mild world with no intelligent life. She’s setting them free with the clothes on their backs and one knife each.”

Havlock’s lips firmed. “I hope they use the knives on each other.”

“If they don’t right away, they probably will in time. They're psychopaths who have shown no remorse, and they both crave challenge.”

“They sound like gleasons without invisibility. I’d be happy to bring them back to Tranxte and set them free with as many weapons as they can carry.”

Seeton’s eyes narrowed while he actually considered the proposition. “You know, I wish we could, but the First Knight would veto it, I'm certain. I don't personally know of any appropriate punishment. Their crimes are unconscionable, maybe the greatest in the history of Empire.”

The two of them walked into Seeton’s office where General Stymes and three of his senior commanders waited for them. Everyone stood, but Seeton waved them back to their seats. Havlock remained standing, and the rest of them shook hands with him before sitting back down.

“General, Colonel Havlock has been appointed Governor of Tranxte,” Seeton said.

“Yes, sir. The word’s out. Appointed by a Knight and confirmed by the Queen no less!” To Havlock, he said, “I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve always thought highly of you.”

"Thank you, sir. I'm still in shock to tell the truth."

"Well, getting back to work is a good way to get over it. I hear you’ve come with a shopping list . . .”

* * * * *

Havlock accompanied Governor Seeton and his First Knight to the sector’s prison. Protectors, some of them in plain view and some of them out of sight, ranged on all sides as the three walked the ten blocks briskly in the cold air.

Mike sensed Havlock's unease at walking side by side with his First Knight, but he respected his newest governor. More important, the problems Havlock would deal with, assuming he ever resolved the gleason issue, were close to Mike's heart. He decided to break the ice. "Do you know my background?"

"Only vaguely, Sire."

"Can you believe your First Knight is from an emerging world?"

“Actually, Sire, had I not been standing in your presence, I would have said it would never happen.”

“So would I. I get the impression you’re sweet on a certain person from an emerging world."

Havlock considered the question and decided he could be nothing but forthright with this man. "It's way more than that, Sire."

Mike nodded. “We share similar relationships. The Queen and I don’t advertise it, but we fell in love and are married. As King, that means I fill two normally separate positions. Surprisingly, the fact that I’m from an emerging world has yet to become an issue. My Queen and I could not be happier. Your circumstances and mine are different, but they share some similarities.”

Havlock stopped walking to stare straight ahead, his senses numbed. Mike gave him a moment, but only a moment. “Come on, Gar. We’re beyond titles at this point.”

“You’re my
King
?” Havlock heard himself saying.

“I am. Get over it. I just wanted to tell you that a couple of choices I’ve made have simplified our lives, mine and Ellie’s, and I’d like to share them with you.

“By all means, Sire.”

“First, there’s no higher position within the Empire than Queen. That’s a fact of life that will not change, but I’m solid enough in our relationship that her amazing position does not threaten me. We have private lives and public lives. In private, within our family, we’re equals. In public, I am not the slightest bit hesitant to put myself in second place. The Empire works because the Chosen occupy a very special pedestal, and I take every opportunity I can to reinforce that pedestal.

“Second, I might be ignorant compared to the those of you with an Empire education, but I'm not stupid and I’m capable of learning. I suspect Atiana is every bit as capable if not more so. For the Empire, my ignorance is sometimes an advantage, and hers might be to you. I question everything, and sometimes I see a clearer path through the morass of issues. I guess I’m saying your differences can become roadblocks, or you can use those differences to create synergy, to grow your relationship.”

“I hear you, Sire.”

“Sire . . . hmm. Look, you and I will be working closely together during the coming years as we try to guide two worlds through their emergence. Unless we're in a formal setting, I need you to call me Mike.”

"Sire, I'm with my King and my Sector Governor. Can it get any more formal?"

Mike grinned, knowing exactly how Havlock felt. "Actually, yes it can. This is a working meeting and we're the workers. Got it?"

"Uh, yes, Sire."

"Say it, Gar. It's Mike."

"Mike.”

When they reached Struthers’ cell, a marine opened the door and the three of them entered a well appointed, large room that resembled private quarters more than a prison cell.

Struthers stood up from his desk to greet them. “I don’t recall your making an appointment,” he said with a straight face.

"We're here for information," Mike informed him.

"What could I possibly know that you haven’t already pried from me?"

"We're looking into some projects you authorized, secret projects."

Struthers slumped and flopped back down in his chair. "Oh, that old stuff?" He waved a hand through the air. "I've forgotten."

"We might be able to make it worth your while," Mike said.

"How? I'm not stupid, you know. I’m well aware of what the Queen has in mind for me."

"How long do you think you'll last?" Mike asked.

Struthers looked at his missing arm, an arm Mike had shot off and an arm only slightly re-formed by his Rider. Without the assistance of a tank, it would take his Rider years to restore the arm. He shifted his gaze back to Mike. "Does it matter?” His gaze went to Seeton whom he knew, then to Havlock. "Who are you?"

Havlock looked to Mike with raised eyebrows. When Mike gave him an almost imperceptible nod, he took a leap of faith that Seeton’s promise of support was real.

”I'm the one who might help you level the playing field,” he said. “How would you like to have your arm repaired before facing your ultimate challenge?"

Struthers' eyes flashed to Mike for confirmation.

Mike didn't hesitate. “In return for hard facts, nothing less,” he said.

Struthers stared at him. Clearly, the arm was an important issue to him. ”You’re toying with me."

"Am I? Test me," Mike countered.

"What are you looking for? We had lots of secret projects."

"Actually, it might have been one of Juster's projects,” Mike replied. "Part of your agreement with me was that you reveal everything."

"I have. I can't reveal what I don't know."

"Reveal what you suspect and I'll consider the arm," Mike rebutted. Struthers stared at him for so long that the air in the cell actually seemed to chill. Mike finally said, "Come now. You're better than this."

Struthers’ chest swelled as he nodded. "About time you acknowledged that. What sort of project?"

"All of them,” Mike said, looking to Havlock with a question.

Havlock was ready. ”To get your arm back, I need a comprehensive list. I’m particularly interested in secret projects that had to do with gleasons and the Chessori.”

Struthers leaned back and stared at the ceiling for a while. “You know the results of our project with the gleasons. We successfully managed to hire 200 of them. We had several projects trying to figure out how the
scree
worked. Is that what you’re looking for?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “I don’t see why—you’ve already figured it out. We had to keep those projects deeply hidden since it would have been a disaster for the Chessori to find out—our scientists had to sacrifice some Chessori during their studies. I wish we’d been as successful as you,” he said to Mike. “Sadly, we got nowhere. I can’t give you names and places—I never knew them. There will be files of course, but they won’t be easy to get to.”

“Nothing else on the gleasons?” Havlock asked.

“I’m not aware of any specific scientific projects, if that’s what you mean. We recruited them, though I pitied the people who had to do the work. The price was a pittance, just an emerging world, but that didn’t require a scientific project, we just needed to ensure their cooperation. The gleasons delivered on their end of the agreement and so did we.”

“I’ll need a list of any names or locations you can remember,” Havlock said. “It has to be good enough to earn you time in a tank for the arm.”

“I can’t give you details since I never knew them. Juster might remember. What I can give you is my personal codes for accessing secure files. The last I knew, those files were on Triton.”

“I’ll check them out before we continue this discussion about your arm, so be complete.”

“You make it sound like a stay of execution.”

Mike interjected. “No stays, and we pay only for results. I might give you an extension while we check out your data, and good data might take a while to sift through, but if the data is poor, it won’t take long to figure it out. It’s your call. Give us the proper codes, and you’ll have a little more time.”

They moved down the corridor to Juster’s cell. In all the time he had been prisoner, Juster had only been willing to talk with Mike. Mike struck a potential deal, though the price was different.

“My sister has yet to see me,” Juster said. “I deserve a visit.”

“From the Queen? Hardly,” Mike said. “She’s washed her hands of you. Be grateful for what she gave you.”

“She hasn’t given me anything. My deal was with you.” He brought a hand to his face and rubbed his chin. “To answer your question, I knew the day might come when we faced the Chessori as adversaries. I had several projects working on solutions to defeat the
scree
. None of them had succeeded by the time you arrested me.”