Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [71]
Celli picked up on her mood. 'You look so sad.'
Estarra manufactured a smile, surprised that she could do it so quickly and gracefully. As Queen, she had learned how to hide her emotions in order to avoid the Chairman's displeasure. 'I've managed to make something of myself, but what about you, little sister? Have you decided what you're going to do with your life?'
Celli grinned, crossing her tomboy arms over her small breasts. 'You're the first one I wanted to tell. I've made up my mind to become a green priest - like Solimar and Beneto.'
Estarra was delighted. 'Aren't you a little old to become an acolyte, though? Most of them start as children.'
'I'm smart. I'm a fast learner. And Solimar says that with all my prior knowledge and the treedancing I've done, the worldforest already knows who I am.'
'Probably. But I think Solimar would tell you anything you wanted to hear. He wants to please you.'
'And is there something wrong with that?'
'Not at all. Peter's the same way.'
As if he had heard them talking about him, Solimar climbed out onto the upper level of the fungus-reef. A deep frown creased his face, despite his obvious pleasure at seeing Celli. 'A message from Nahton! Bad news - very bad news.'
'Tell me,' the Queen commanded.
'The Earth Defence Forces are planning to attack Theroc. Chairman Wenceslas is sending his battleships. A whole invasion force.'
Estarra felt cold. She knew the Chairman would never have allowed the green priest to pass such a message.
'Nahton was being kept from his treeling--that's why we haven't heard from him in so long - but he escaped. He managed to send the information, and then he said that guards were coming. They had guns.' Solimar's voice hitched. 'Then telink broke off. We think the treeling was either taken from him - or destroyed.' Celli hurried to him, and he easily folded her in his arms.
Estarra pressed her lips together, expecting the worst. Chairman Wenceslas did not tolerate defiance in any form. She guessed Nahton was probably dead.
The Hansa might be trying to make us worried, hoping we'll change our minds,' Celli said. 'They want us to panic. This could be a bluff.'
'It's no bluff. He'll do it.'
* * * * *
The green priests flashed the alarm through telink, and soon every member of the Confederation knew of the impending emergency. At the Osquivel shipyards, under the rushed and determined supervision of Tasia Tamblyn and Robb Brindle, Roamers retooled and armed any serviceable vessel they could find. Dozens of fresh ships raced to Theroc, arriving within two days.
Estarra stayed at Peter's side, giving him any advice and assistance he might need. The King and Queen greeted each new ship, thanking the pilots for joining in the defence of the Confederation. Though she said nothing, Estarra knew in her heart that the numbers would never be sufficient; reading Peter's carefully masked expression, she could tell he was thinking the same thing. Theroc would have only a shadow of a 'navy' in place before the EDF arrived.
Yet they would do their best.
Flushed and indignant Roamer captains paraded into the throne room, offering mismatched ships to stand as a cordon in orbit. One long-haired man crossed muscular arms over his chest. 'Do you think the Eddy battleships are simply going to open fire on us? Are they that inhuman?'
'Some of them are,' Peter said.
Estarra reached out from her ornate chair and took her husband's hand. 'And many of them have friends and loved ones on Earth. The Chairman could easily threaten retribution if anyone baulks.'
'And Rlinda just went there!' said Branson Roberts, looking heartbroken. 'She has no idea what she might