Horizon Storms - Kevin J. Anderson [72]
The Hansa’s preliminary assessments of the young candidate had apparently been in error. Daniel was not particularly bright, diplomatic, or personable. Once Chairman Wenceslas realized the mistake he had made, OX postulated that the Hansa would simply make this young man disappear and select a replacement “Daniel.” As it was, the public was not familiar with him.
As further proof of his unsuitability, the boy was oblivious to his own precarious position.
Returning to the business at hand, OX once again reset his priorities and attempted to teach Prince Daniel. “Now we will review the story of the generation ship Abel-Wexler, the tenth to depart from Earth, in 2110AD. ”
“That’s boring.”
OX continued anyway. “Once the Ildiran rescuers delivered the ship to Ramah, their history became interesting. Ildirans remained with the passengers for years, helping the humans establish their foothold on the new colony. After making close ties with several Ildiran lens kithmen, a charismatic religious leader on Ramah became convinced that devout humans should emulate the Ildiran thism, as a conduit to God. Although he had originally been trained as a spokesman for Unison, he developed his own beliefs.”
Daniel began tapping his writing implement on the desktop, making a loud noise. Accordingly, OX increased the volume of his voice.
“Many of the strictly religious passengers of the Abel-Wexler resented the ‘Ildiran heresy,’ and a series of holy wars broke out on Ramah. Several lens kithmen were killed. The Ildiran Empire chose not to retaliate militarily, but withdrew its people from the world. Religious wars simmered between the human settlers for decades, with many attempts at recasting Raman theology into a version acceptable to each sect. When no human priest actually succeeded in linking with the Ildiran thism, however, most of their followers broke away.”
Throughout the brief lecture, Daniel displayed exaggerated restlessness. The young man seemed to be trying to provoke OX, but the Teacher compy remained much more patient than any human would have been. “Unless you finish this lesson satisfactorily, Prince Daniel, I will invoke my privilege to cancel the dessert course at this evening’s meal. Conversely, superior performance may result in an extra portion.”
“I could have you removed if you do that!”
“No, you cannot.” The compy remained firm and silent. Daniel chose not to press his position.
“All right, but why does it have to be so dull?” He slumped back.
“It is dull to you, because you refuse to apply your imagination. My goal is not to entertain you, but to instruct you. I intend to succeed, whether you enjoy it or merely endure it. But you will listen to my lessons, and I will repeat them as many times as necessary until you comprehend the concepts.”
“I hate you, OX.”
The compy remained silent for a moment. “Your emotional response to me is irrelevant. Shall we continue with your lessons?”
Sulking, Daniel didn’t answer.
After a few moments of tense silence, OX began his lecture again. He was a Teacher compy and followed his assigned tasks with full diligence.
He knew, however, that this young man would never be much of a King. Daniel simply did not have the potential or the drive that Peter had exhibited. But the Hansa had given OX explicit instructions on what he must do.
Chapter 36—CHIEF SCIENTIST HOWARD PALAWU
In Earth’s largest factory the compy production line hissed and burbled with molten alloys and sprayed solvents. The smell of hot metal and caustic chemicals filled the air. The din of large-scale fabrication, with the whirring machinery and the clang of shaped components, was deafening.
Howard Palawu, the Hansa’s Chief Scientist, took comfort from the sights and sounds of an efficient plant operating at full capacity. Smiling, he called up quota numbers on a handheld electronic pad and studied delivery records, projections, and profits. He turned to the tall Swede next to him. “We’ll