Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [110]
'You're aware that there's an arrest warrant out for her and her partner?'
'No, she didn't mention it. And I'm not in charge of spaceport security, Basil.' She saw a chance to turn the conversation. 'I might have known, however, if you'd keep me in the loop. I feel you're shutting me out. I don't know half the things you're planning. You have another Prince candidate, for instance.'
'A King candidate.'
She set down her knife and fork. You see what I mean? I don't know anything about this. I don't know who he is. Neither, apparently, does your own deputy.'
Basil's expression hardened. That's confidential information.'
'But shouldn't we be in this together? We are your supporters, your advisers, and I'm your lover. At least, I think I still am.' Sometimes she needed to remind herself of that.
He seemed to find that amusing. You think I've found someone else?'
'No, never that, Basil. I just wonder whether you need me - or anyone.'
'I need people who are loyal to me.'
After their meal, instead of coffee they had a hot beverage called clee made from ground worldtree seeds, a drink that Sarein had often consumed on Theroc. She knew that Basil had served it intentionally, to prove he was thinking of her. That was how he scored points. Instead of warming her heart, though, the clee (which was not easy to obtain, especially now) only raised more questions.
Afterward they made love, and for a short time Sarein let herself be reassured, let herself be fooled. Basil knew exactly what she liked, so he had not forgotten her entirely. But throughout she had the nagging feeling that the Chairman was simply accomplishing a task, checking off an item on a list of things he needed to do. When they were finished, she snuggled against him, remembering when she had first come to his bed and all the incredible, impossible changes - his changes - that had happened since then.
He wrapped his arm around her, holding her. 'I need to keep you close, Sarein.'
'I'm here, Basil.' But she swallowed hard as she remembered an old cliche of leadership that Basil loved to quote. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
For the first time Sarein wondered, really wondered, what would happen if she asked him for permission to go back to Theroc, to go home. What would happen if she tried to escape?
Am I a hostage here?
Sixty-five
Queen Estarra
Although the EDF's would-be invasion fleet had left Theroc alone, the ring of thorny treeships still hung in orbit like spiny guard dogs. The thought of Beneto and the other verdani battleships up there, watching over the worldforest, made Estarra feel safe.
She had always felt she could count on him. After being destroyed by hydrogues and resurrected by the worldtrees, Beneto had already been more than human, yet he had never stopped being her brother. Even as a sentient pilot fused with a wental-verdani hybrid, he had responded to Theroc's need and come to defend it.
But Estarra missed him very much. Needing to see her brother, she announced that she would visit Beneto in orbit. Peter -apprehensive at the idea of his very pregnant wife leaving the planet, however briefly - could not dissuade her, so he asked OX to be her pilot. The King came to see her off as brightening dawn light shone through gaps in the worldforest canopy.
The small hydrogue derelict sat like a pearl in the lush Theron meadow where it had landed, looking beautiful rather than ominous. The alien ship still functioned, but only the Teacher compy was competent to operate its systems. 'I am pleased to offer my assistance, Queen Estarra,' said OX. Bits of damp grass and weeds clung to his polymer feet from his march across the dewy meadow.'Where exactly do you wish to go?'
Was that a different tone she heard in his voice - less formality and more complexity than before? Estarra hoped so. Each day, she and Peter diligently helped the Teacher compy rebuild his knowledge base of hard facts, nuances of statecraft, and memories