Of Fire and Night - Kevin J. Anderson [240]
Peter took her hand. "In signing the Charter, those colonies swore allegiance to their King. I am the King. I may have left the Whisper Palace, and I may no longer be on Earth, but the center of government resides with me, wherever I am. Therefore, here on Theroc with my Queen, I intend to establish a new seat of government."
Some of the listeners were surprised. As Therons, they had never been part of the Hansa. "But it will be a different sort of government from the failed example of the Terran Hanseatic League," Estarra assured them. "This is a time for healing the rifts among the branches of humanity. Listen."
Peter continued. "We propose to form a new confederation that is inclusive and strong. We invite all Therons to join us, along with all of the orphaned Hansa colonies, and all of the unjustly persecuted Roamer clans. We will share skills and resources and help everyone rebuild after the past eight years of war. This is a dramatic change, but I know in my heart that it is the right thing for us all."
Estarra could see some of the Therons nodding. She knew they would need time to absorb all the immense implications, but she wanted to give them plenty to think about. "When the Caillié left Earth, we intended to be independent. After we formed our colony here, we reestablished ties with Earth, and King Ben granted us our sovereignty. For years now, the Hansa has been struggling to absorb Theroc, but we have refused."
Peter swept his blue-eyed gaze across the room. "The confederation we propose would allow the various colonies and groups to keep their independent identities, yet give us the strength in numbers we sorely needed in our recent battles. We will act together for the common good."
"Shouldn't we worry about military reprisals?" someone called from the floor. Estarra knew the former Hansa colonies would be the most concerned about that.
"Not much of the EDF remains, and they certainly don't have extra ships for policing long-lost colonies." Peter glanced out the open balcony to the lush forest beyond. "If we pull together and agree to certain terms of mutual aid, we will be stronger than the handful of battleships that survived the hydrogue war."
Green priests passed along the messages. The people in the speaking hall seemed receptive to the idea.
Peter held out his hands. "Obviously, there are many details to work out. All the clan leaders and colony governors will have their own concerns, legitimately afraid of being trampled by an overbearing government. But especially now, with humanity crippled and reeling, our greatest strength lies in unity. Estarra and I are offering a viable alternative to the Terran Hanseatic League."
She took his hand. "We invite representatives of the factions of humanity to come to Theroc, to discuss the fundamentals. If we are agreed, we can even draw up a constitution. We must be strengthened by our numbers, rather than crushed by them."
Peter's expression grew hard, and he looked at Yarrod. "Before we can move on, everyone must understand that the Hansa Chairman is no longer a legitimate ruler. Send the word out through telink. Tell every green priest what has taken place here. The King and Queen now rule from Theroc, not Earth. The Chairman no longer has any foundation of power."
Surveying the room, Estarra saw faces full of heady idealism. Idriss and Alexa were extremely proud of their daughter. Even Celli applauded wildly.
Estarra felt a twinge in her belly--the baby kicking? An omen? She sat down on the ornate throne and put an arm across her abdomen, knowing now that their baby would be safe.
143
CHAIRMAN BASIL WENCESLAS
While grim assessments of death and destruction continued to roll in for days, Basil felt giddy with both euphoria and disappointment. For the time being, he had holed up in his penthouse office, from which he could look out at the bustling Palace District as the sun rose.
The population of Earth had survived.