Hidden Empire - Kevin J. Anderson [232]
Pellidor's eyes were distant as he considered how best to assemble discreet work teams of architects and engineers.
"Immediately following the funeral of state," Basil continued, "we will host a glamorous coronation for King Peter. And I want a genuine celebration. You know, 'long live the new King!' " He took one step ahead of the Teacher compy. "Come, OX. You and I have to write the first public speech Prince Peter will give. I think I have exactly the right announcement for him to make."
When Peter stepped out onto the oration balcony of the Whisper Palace, Basil watched him with all the critical skepticism of a perfectionist director of an expensive entertainment production.
Prince Peter's hair and clothes were immaculate, his posture and poise admirable. Looking at him now, Basil could see almost no remnant of the streetwise Raymond Aguerra. Peter looked like images of a young King Frederick, though many of those photographs and holograms had been subtly doctored in recent months to enhance the resemblance between the two.
The public was surprised to learn of the young Prince's existence, for King Frederick's family life had been a closely held secret. But in such trying times, they expressed neither shock nor complaint, only relief that the Hansa crown would be passed smoothly to a new ruler and sympathy toward Peter for the loss of his revered "father." Old Frederick had been pleasant and benevolent, and his reign had spanned calm waters. Now, with the hydrogue depredations, a stronger monarch was required.
At the start of the well-rehearsed speech, Prince Peter raised his hands, as he had been instructed to do. The crowd swarming across the plaza roared with approval. "To all my people on Earth and all my subjects in Hansa colonies, allow me to introduce myself." Peter gave them a cocky smile. "In the times to come, we'll probably be seeing a lot of each other."
Basil frowned at the Prince's casual ad-libbed comment. His speech hadn't been scripted in that way, but the people chuckled—they actually chuckled—which was a heartening sound and a great relief after their shock and grief. While Basil was annoyed that Peter had already departed from the script, perhaps the young man's instincts weren't so bad. A warmhearted and beloved leader could draw the population together more effectively than a stony, aloof idol.
"My father is dead, and I must become your new King far sooner than I had hoped. The Archfather has counseled me through this difficult time, giving me the blessings of Unison, and now I am ready. I promise you I will never serve with less than my utmost ability...if you will promise to do the same for all of humanity."
The crowd cheered, and Basil nodded to himself. These times call for a strong and decisive leader. And a likable one wouldn't hurt, either.
The coronation date was already scheduled, as was the funeral of Old King Frederick. Such spectacles would distract the people from their fear of further hydrogue strikes. The deep-core aliens could return at any time.
"As my first duty to you," Peter continued, his strong voice echoing across the torch-lit plaza, "I must issue orders to General Kurt Lanyan, the leader of our Earth Defense Forces. The hydrogues have committed an unforgivable aggressive act, not only by assassinating my father and your King, but by threatening to cripple the Terran Hanseatic League. We cannot tolerate this!" He raised a fist and the people roared their approval. "We must stand up to our enemies. They are gravely mistaken if they think the human race will cower from an unwarranted threat. They cannot deny us the stardrive fuel our civilization requires!"
Basil was astounded to hear the shouts and cheers of absolute conviction. Prince Peter had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
"Therefore, I command the launch