Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [229]
Even that bittersweet memory could not overpower his happiness. The baby boy had Estarra’s eyes, and wispy dark hair like Peter’s had been, before the Hansa reprofiling had changed him to blond. He bent and kissed his son’s forehead, more proud of this than anything else he had ever done.
'We’ll name him Reynald, after your brother,’ he whispered to Estarra. 'If that’s all right with you?’
'Yes, I’d like that very much.’
One hundred and forty-two
Chairman Basil Wenceslas
As Basil had instructed, the Mage-Imperator’s captured warliner was brought to Earth without any fanfare. Held I in place by powerful tractor beams, the ornate ship was hauled to the EDF base on the Moon and held where it would not be visible to casual observers. Jora’h would need thorough debriefing and instructions before the Chairman could allow him to be seen in public.
Basil shook his head. Another supposed ally who had turned against the Hansa, another disappointment, another betrayal…
Admiral Diente deserved a commendation for his efficient handling of the operation, and the Chairman would make sure he got it. Willis, on the other hand, should be executed for treason. General Lanyan along with his beaten and embarrassed (but demonstrably loyal) soldiers had returned home in disgrace. Basil was so furious he had refused to speak with Lanyan, though the man had issued several increasingly desperate-sounding reports. Maybe Admiral Diente should be put in charge of the Earth Defence Forces, so far he was the only man who had actually done what he was ordered to do…
As a formality, Basil took Deputy Cain with him to the Moon. Since the Mage-Imperator had at least one green priest aboard, he also considered bringing Sarein, the ostensible ambassador from Theroc, but she had criticized and questioned far too much recently. He decided to keep her out of this. Despite his efforts to keep her firmly under his thumb, he was no longer sure he completely trusted her.
And then there was Cain. The deputy was clearly troubled as they travelled to the EDF base. 'I doubt the Ildiran Empire will ever forgive you for this.’
Basil sighed. 'I know you don’t approve, but I assure you this is the right decision. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Everything will fall into place as soon as I make the Mage-Imperator see reason.’
The lunar base was not designed for comfort. It was a stripped-down, no-nonsense facility where military trainees learned to cope with minimal amenities. The floors and walls were sealed stone, the furnishings made of metal and glass manufactured from the regolith. Jora’h had probably never lived under such austere conditions in his hedonistic life. Basil didn’t feel sorry for him.
Though the Mage-Imperator waited, Basil was in no hurry to see him. Upon arriving at the Moon, he changed into a fresh business suit, freshened up, and checked his appearance before walking to the holding area with his deputy. EDF soldiers guarded the door to the tunnel barracks that had been set aside for the Ildiran leader and his entourage. The hostages had to share sanitation facilities, and they ate standard EDF ration packs in a communal mess. Basil was sure they would get used to the conditions.
Inside the common area, Jora’h looked agitated and cold.
Unlike his fat old predecessor, this Mage-Imperator had been willing to venture forth from his Prism Palace. He probably regretted that now. If only he hadn’t gone to Theroc first…
'Welcome to the Hansa, Mage-Imperator,’ Basil said. 'I apologize for these accommodations. In time, we may arrange to provide additional comforts.’
'In time?’ Jora’h strode to Basil. 'You cannot keep me here. I am the Mage-Imperator of the Ildiran Empire, not a pawn or hostage to be dealt with at your whim.’
'You are here as my guest. Considering our times of political change, the Terran Hanseatic League and the Ildiran Empire have much to discuss.