Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [39]
Tasia snapped back, 'And some would say that Roamers have forgotten basic hospitality.' She stepped forward, toe to toe with the surly trader. 'I'm Tasia Tamblyn, from clan Tamblyn. After fighting the drogues for years I was recently freed after being held prisoner inside a gas giant, so I'm a bit behind the times.'
The trader didn't know how to respond. Tamblyn, you say? From Plumas? You're Bram's little girl? Ah, then you must be here to join with King Peter? We never know where anybody's allegiance lies these days.'
Robb frowned. 'Join King Peter? When did we ever change?'
'And what about the EDF? I need to make my report to General Lanyan.' Conrad was plainly disturbed. 'I saw a lot of trading ships over your new capital, but no defences.' The Roamers looked at him sceptically, one made a rude noise.
At ground level, the visitors stood together looking up at the mammoth tree and the huge fungus-reef city suspended in its high branches. Holes had been carved through the asymmetrical mounds of white fungus to create a suspended metropolis with hundreds of rooms and open balconies. Simple lift platforms ran on tracks and cables installed by Roamers.
Finally, a broad-shouldered green priest named Solimar came to guide them up into the tree city. Tasia straightened her uniform to make herself as presentable as she could, and brushed a dried leaf from Robb's shoulder.
Conrad's forehead was deeply creased. 'I don't see any other uniforms. We can't be the only EDF soldiers on this whole planet.'
'You are, at the moment,' Solimar said as the platform came to a stop. 'But maybe more will come around.'
They entered a large room that had been hung with colourful thread-weavings and webworks. Wearing crowns made of insect wings and polished beetle carapaces, along with garments reminiscent of what they'd worn on Earth, the King and Queen greeted their guests.
Conrad stepped forward and saluted, as did Tasia and Robb. As the highest ranking officer present, Tasia spoke for them. 'Majesties, we present ourselves for duty. We are required to deliver our report to a commanding officer. May we speak with General Lanyan or his officer in charge?'
Tasia caught the look that flashed between Peter and Estarra. Peter said, 'I am your commander-in-chief. Your King. You can report to me.'
'And we welcome you,' Estarra said. 'Would you renew your oath of loyalty?'
Conrad looked troubled by the question. 'Why should I need to do that? When has my loyalty ever been questioned?'
'Circumstances have changed, Lieutenant Commander.'
'So… where is Chairman Wenceslas?' Robb asked.
Peter's voice became cold. 'Chairman Wenceslas is no longer a part of the legitimate government.'
'He attempted a coup,' Estarra said. 'We managed to escape here. We're more than the Hansa now. The Confederation is a true representation of humanity.'
No one spoke for several seconds, as the three newcomers absorbed the unexpected information. Conrad asked, 'But what about the EDF? What about General Lanyan?'
'Members of the Earth Defence Forces were either complicit in the coup attempt, or they failed to respond accordingly when informed of the Chairman's illegal actions.'
'Remember the words of your oath,' Estarra said. 'Your true loyalty is to the King.'
Conrad maintained a stony expression for hours, showing no hint of how he really reacted to the news. Tasia felt as if the planet had shifted on its axis… but then she had never considered the Big Goose to be perfect in the first place. May be this change was for the better.
* * * * *
Later, after an evening meal, Tasia talked joyfully with many other Roamers, exchanging stories and reminiscing as she tried to pretend that everything was back to normal. Robb loved being with her and was clearly happy to be wherever she was, but his father grew increasingly anxious. They were shown to temporary quarters, and Tasia looked forward to having a spacious bed for a change.