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Peter took his new role as a real king seriously and was determined to make progress in at least one task that all could agree on. He turned to Yarrod, who acted as spokesman for the green priests. 'One of our clear advantages over the Hansa is that we have green priests and instantaneous telink communication. I want to put at least one green priest on every single world that joins our Confederation. That way we'll keep one step ahead of Basil.'

Yarrod's smooth face was covered with tattoos that indicated his areas of study. The worldforest will find volunteers. We will, however, need transportation to these planets.'

Denn Peroni, a prominent Roamer merchant, peered over the edge of the balcony, not the least bit troubled by the long drop to the forest floor below. 'Not a problem. We have clan ships coming and going wherever you need them.' Denn wore his finest singlesuit embroidered with Roamer clan designs, bedecked with pockets, clips, and zippers. His long hair was neatly tied back with a colourful ribbon.

The independent trader Rlinda Kett strode across the open balcony toward the refreshment tables, where OX was arranging food trays. 'Green priests are fine, King Peter, but you need more than just communications to run the show. You need trade.' She sampled some baked insect larvae wrapped in leaves, smacked her lips. 'If you're going to convince orphaned colonies that you're any better than the Hansa, then send extravagant shipments of all the goods that the Hansa denied them. Give those colonies plenty of food and stardrive fuel, and they won't forget who brought it to them.'

Rlinda picked at a small condorfly pupa, split it open, and inhaled deeply of the piquant aroma. 'I'd forgotten how much Theroc has to offer. Sarein introduced me to this.' She extracted a bite of succulent white flesh and held it out toward her skinny partner. 'Try this, BeBob. You've never had anything like it.'

'No, thanks.' Branson Roberts contented himself with slices of exotic fruits.

She pushed it under his nose. 'Come on. Expand your horizons. Try new things.'

'I'm happy to try new things - as long as they aren't insects.'

'Says the man who willingly eats spampax.' She gobbled the bite herself and continued to work her way down the table, sampling the unusual dishes.

Peter considered all the people offering him advice who were experts in their fields. These men and women could lighten his burden and reduce the uncertainties of forming a new government. One of the most important things Basil had taught him was the necessity of delegating tasks to competent people. A leader should surround himself with intelligent, capable deputies, and listen to them.

Peter made up his mind. He knew it might seem impulsive, yet his decision was well considered. 'Captain Kett, congratulations.' She looked at him and quickly wiped her mouth. 'I am selecting you to be the Confederation's first Trade Minister. Or Interim Trade Minister, if you prefer.' ,

Her confusion was replaced by a look of pride. A moment later, practicality took over. 'And what would that entail? I've got a halfway decent business I'm looking after.'

'Not really,' Roberts muttered. 'One ship...'

'Quiet, BeBob.'

Peter folded his hands until, realizing it was a habit he had picked up from Basil, he quickly dropped them to his sides. 'We need someone to oversee shipping, arrange deliveries to orphaned colonies, recruit a new generation of transport captains. Can you think of anyone more qualified than yourself?'

'Not usually.' She sampled a buttery roasted nut.

'Practically speaking, I expect you can do the same job you always have, living the life of a simple independent trader, though now you'll have the ear of the King whenever you like.' He looked at her and her partner. 'Captain Roberts, of course, can be your second in command, and you're free to choose his title.'

'As it should be.' Rlinda tousled BeBob's frizzy, grey-brown hair.

'And you, Denn Peroni,' Peter continued, 'will serve as the Confederation's