Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [50]
Peter was determined, though. If we can't recruit EDF battleships, then we'll build our own. I need your help - all of you. We'll need Roamer industries converted to produce armaments. Mr Peroni, I understand that Del Kellum has put you in charge of the new Osquivel shipyards?'
Denn crossed his arms over his chest, making his zippers and ringlets jingle. 'Just give me the specs.'
Peter turned to Tasia and Robb. 'And you two are the most well-versed in how the EDF thinks and works.'
That's not very encouraging.' Tasia chuckled, and Robb looked embarrassed. 'We've both been out of the loop for quite a while.'
'Even so, you're the best the Confederation has. I know you hoped to go to Plumas, but I'm asking you to accept a special assignment first. Go to the Osquivel shipyards and show them how we need to arm our ships. Refit as many of the vessels as we already have. Work miracles for me.'
Robb looked at Tasia. 'If she's up for it, so am I.'
'I wouldn't do it without you, Brindle.' Peter watched an expression of acceptance and practicality settle on Tasia's face. 'Does this job at least come with a living wage?'
* * * * *
In an open meadow, the Teacher compy stood rigid, his optical sensors glowing brightly even in the daylight. Peter paced next to him. This is a turnabout, isn't it, OX - me being the teacher and you the student?'
'I believe your observation to be factually correct. However, you are the King, and it is not necessary for you to spend valuable time assisting me. From data uploads and selected programming packs, I can relearn any diplomatic, political, and historical information you require.'
'What I require, OX, is you. You taught me the subtle difference between data and knowledge. They're not at all the same things. In the Whisper Palace, I had enemies and I had allies, and each of them had biases and agendas. You were the only one I could count on to give me rational, objective advice.'
'I will continue to do my best, King Peter.'
Estarra sat near them on the soft grass. They had all come out to the meadow where the small hydrogue derelict had landed. Each time Peter saw the derelict and OX - who was no longer OX - he was reminded of how much the old compy had given up in order to help Peter and Estarra escape. Would it have been kinder if OX had simply been destroyed in battle? The compy didn't even know what he had lost. Fortunately, one of the Roamer engineers had upgraded the ancient Teacher compy's memory capacity, allowing him room to acquire and retain new memories without deleting the advanced programming he had needed to guide the alien vessel.
'We're going to spend at least an hour a day together, OX - you and I and Queen Estarra. We'll help you relearn the things you need to know.'
The Teacher compy had been a valuable historical and political asset for centuries. Peter hoped that Basil Wenceslas had grasped the value of such a resource. So much firsthand knowledge of Hansa history had resided within OX's memory core. Basil must have kept a backup somewhere.
OX turned his head as two people approached. 'Greetings, Tasia Tamblyn and Robb Brindle.'
Tasia had been watching the royal couple with OX. Her expression, normally brash and confident, revealed a deep hurt. 'I had a Listener compy named EA. I think it was the Chairman himself who tried to interrogate her - and triggered her memory wipe. EA was in my family for years, and I tried like hell to replace those memories, telling her stories of my childhood, adventures we'd had together.' Her lips quirked in a sad smile. 'It started to work, too. We were making new memories together, even if I couldn't restore everything she'd lost.'
'And what was the result, Tasia Tamblyn?' OX asked. 'Were you ultimately successful? I am most interested.'
'Never got the chance to find out. Those damned black robots tore EA apart.' Her voice hitched and her shoulders trembled. Robb rested a comforting hand on her neck, but Tasia composed herself and took a step away from him, trying to look tough.
'So