Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [82]
His expression fell. 'There's a lot you should know before you make a rash decision. The clans need you--'
'The clans need somebody, that's for certain.' When she shook her head, her damp dark hair waved slowly, as if pregnant with electricity. 'But it would be impossible for me to do the job. Now that the wentals live within me, close quarters like crowded Roamer settlements are dangerous not only for me, but for you. The slightest touch, a single mistake, would result in someone's death.'
Cesca saw her father resist the idea for a moment before a reluctant understanding settled on his face. She said, 'With the new government, you need more than just a Speaker. You'll need representatives to the Confederation. And I think you would make a damned good one.'
He lifted his chin, grinning. 'I already am. Official liaison between the clans and Theroc. I couldn't wait forever, you know. Jess, your sister left here not long ago. She and her boyfriend are working at the Osquivel shipyards to build a Confederation military - frantically, I might add. We found out that the Eddies are coming here soon to cause trouble.'
'An attack? What does the Chairman think he's doing?' Cesca already had experience with Basil Wenceslas and knew his dangerous unpredictability.
Denn looked at their shimmering wental ship. 'You couldn't have come at a better time. Whenever those battleships show up, you'll give them a nice surprise!'
'We'll see King Peter to discuss how the wentals can help,' Jess said with a grin.
Forty-eight
Orli Covitz
With numerous buildings destroyed in the Klikiss expansion and so many families inside the walled enclosure, the Llaro colonists crowded together in communal houses. They shared their fears and shored up each other's hopes.
Orli had moved in with Crim and Maria Chan Tylar, and DD knew exactly where to find her. She looked up to see the Friendly compy standing by the door. Although his polymer face did not change, he always seemed to be smiling at her. 'Orli Covitz, Margaret has asked me to take you to her. Please bring your music synthesizer strips.'
Curious, Orli gathered her strips and trotted after DD. Margaret had shown an interest in her playing, often sitting and listening with other colonists when the girl gave a performance. During those times, Margaret's expression showed a contentment that seemed very unfamiliar to her. 'Does she want to hear some of my music?' she asked brightly. 'The breedex does.'
A stab of cold pierced her heart, and her knees felt weak as she stepped outside. The breedex? DD led her to one of the barred gaps in the thick stockade wall. Showing no reaction whatsoever, the Klikiss guards let the compy pass with Orli in tow.
Margaret was waiting outside the wall, her face full of concern. 'I am very sorry, but this is for your own good. It might give you a chance - I can't think of anything better to do.' She looked down at the music strips rolled up under Orli's arm. 'I want you to play today - and promise me you'll play as you have never done before.'
'I've learned the song “Greensleeves,” the one from your music box.' Margaret had even taught her the words.
The older woman jerked in alarm. 'Not “Greensleeves”. They've already heard that song. Concentrate on your own compositions.'
Orli forced optimism into her voice. 'Okay, I have plenty. I can do that.'
DD strutted happily beside them. Massive Klikiss warriors stood by the dark entrance of the smooth-walled, freeform building that looked like a squat beehive, a veritable fortress in the centre of the insect city. There was only one entrance, an arching passageway tall enough to allow the domates to enter. Following Margaret into the darkness, Orli felt very small.
The smell inside was more potent than