Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [194]
Out in the Palace District, the Archfather was leading another huge rally, and Cain could hear the restless murmuring, the fear-driven shouts as the citizens reacted to - and believed - the man's outrageous claims. Cain had read a draft of the speech and , cringed all the way through it.
Basil straightened his suit jacket, studied his face in a small mirror mounted on the wall. He was not vain, he simply demanded “perfection in everything, including himself. 'As Chairman, I regret many decisions. I can see and admit some of my mistakes. My most unforgivable error was in being too lenient. I waited too long before I was willing to show our strength. If I had not hesitated - if I had struck swiftly at the beginning of these little insurrections - I could have kept the Hansa strong.' He nodded, like a little boy who had been severely scolded. 'Yes, that is the only decision I truly regret.'
Sarein was doing her best to mask her expression, but the shock and horror still showed. Cain would never get the massacre out of his mind - a stark contrast to the earlier beautiful images of Usk with peaceful shepherds, blossoming orchards, prosperous farms.
Chairman Wenceslas gazed down at his blank deskscreen, as if still seeing things that he had long-since deleted. 'My own people never cease to surprise me. Success, then failure. They switch back and forth like a magician's hands. Sometimes it's so absurd I just want to laugh.' New screens popped up at his touch, and he stared down at them, nodding grimly, absorbed in his own work, as if Cain and Sarein weren't even there.
'I sent Admiral Willis with ten Manta cruisers to reassert our authority on Rhejak - and I've just received a “bill” from her! She expects the Hansa to pay for supplies and materials from our own colony. Willis made concessions to the locals, letting them push her around, and now she expects us to reimburse them for what the Hansa already owns.' He rolled his grey eyes as if to emphasize the sheer absurdity of the request.
'Do you want me to help you with the portrayal of the Rhejak situation?' Cain nervously cleared his throat. 'Should I release a carefully prepared statement to the newsnets?' Perhaps he could salvage this, somehow, and not let it turn into a horrific disaster like Usk.
'What more do we need to know? It's another rebellious Hansa colony. We are entitled to anything they produce. I knew I should have relieved Willis of command, but I gave her a second chance, against my better judgement. Another sad mistake on my part.'
And how will you respond, Mr Chairman?' Cain looked at the dapper man, not flicking his gaze to the blank screen that had recently projected the images of the Usk massacre.
'Not to worry. I've already dispatched General Lanyan to deal with the matter. On Usk, we set a new tone for these unruly bastards who are intent on bringing down the Hansa. Once the General confronts Admiral Willis, he'll do what's required to make Rhejak - and the Admiral - fall into line.' He folded his hands. 'Afterward we'll have even more powerful images to disseminate via the newsnets.' Basil looked pointedly at Sarein, then at his deputy, slicing them with the scalpel of his gaze. 'Any other questions?'
Cain spoke before Sarein could say something she might regret. 'None, sir.'
* * * * *
Back in his own quarters, Cain sat in blissful silence, appreciating the perfect illumination on the painting. The masterpiece gave him solace when the universe seemed too insane for him to comprehend.
He drew a long, calming breath, tried to imagine himself falling into the painting - and away from the Hansa. Velasquez was a genius, unquestionably Spain's greatest master. Cain never tired of staring at the composition, the colours, the nuanced brushstrokes.
But he could not stop thinking of Chairman Wenceslas.
The images of Usk haunted him more than the most violent and disturbing paintings of Goya. The Titan Saturn devouring his children. Worse, Cain knew that more incidents of such violence were surely to come.