Hidden Empire - Kevin J. Anderson [30]
Finally, the Theron diplomatic transport pulled alongside the Roamer yacht, deftly maneuvering with jets and aligning the two vessels. After the airlock connections were attached, Reynald stepped across into the yacht's receiving area.
The Theron prince's dark hair was bunched together in a mass of braids. Tattoos stood out at his collar and along his neck. His handsome face broke into a polite smile before he bowed to the two women, eyes flashing at Cesca in obvious admiration. She fought back a flush from his open scrutiny.
"I apologize that we can't welcome you with more ceremony," Jhy Okiah said, gesturing him into their small common chamber, which held refreshments, a table large enough to seat a few people, and little else. "You must be accustomed to everything on a grander scale, coming from Theroc."
Reynald spread his hands. "At times I prefer a more intimate setting. Besides"—he looked at Jhy Okiah, then gave Cesca a longer, more intense smile—"I wish to speak with you two, not a thousand others in an audience."
After they exchanged sips of pepperflower tea and a few token gifts, Jhy Okiah took a seat and regarded him. "You have whetted our curiosity, young man. Tell me, what have the Roamers done to arouse the interest of a prince of Theroc?"
Reynald leaned across the table, clasping his hands and seeming to exude an earnestness that Cesca didn't believe was an act. "It's occurred to me that Roamers and Therons have much in common. We've both dodged the net of the Hansa. Theroc alone among the colony worlds remains independent. All others have signed the Hansa Charter. Roamers also live their own lives and govern themselves without Terran restrictions."
Cesca said, "That is because we both provide vital services—you with your green priests, and us with our ekti."
Reynald raised a finger. "But still, the trap is always there. Now, I'm not advocating any drastic change, because if we were to rouse the ire of the Hansa, there's no telling what desperate actions they might take. However, we could arrange a few minor alliances between our peoples, reciprocal concessions to strengthen our respective foundations."
Cesca looked at Jhy Okiah, but the old woman maintained her focus on Reynald. "I would not argue against having more security from the whims of Earth. You've obviously thought about this a great deal, young man."
"As heir to the throne, I've had years to think about what I might do. Now I'm exploring some of my ideas."
"And what are they?" Cesca asked.
Reynald frankly addressed their several joint concerns. "Let me start from your perspective. Roamer skymines produce most of the ekti used in the Spiral Arm. Cargo escorts deliver ekti from skymines to transport stations, where it is distributed solely by the Terran Hanseatic League. Theroc and other human settlements have no other place to purchase ekti because of the Hansa's 'benevolent monopoly.' Why should they have such a stranglehold on ekti distribution?"
"Are you suggesting the Hansa is engaging in unfair trade practices?"
Reynald took a sip of his spicy tea. "It is no secret that they recently imposed severe tariff increases and changed their policies, which was detrimental to Roamer business. Isn't that why Rand Sorengaard began preying on Hansa merchant ships?"
Cesca frowned. "He is an internal problem among the Roamers. We have many clans and many strong-willed people. Occasionally, some of our people become...unruly. Unfortunately, even the Speaker can't keep control of them all."
"And how would you change these trade practices, young man?" Jhy Okiah said, returning the conversation to the business at hand.
"Well, Theroc does not