Of Fire and Night - Kevin J. Anderson [46]
On one of the new plants, a cluster of orange berries peeked out from achingly green leaves. Peter lifted the leaves to touch the tiny hard berries, but Estarra pulled his hand away. "Fauldur berries are extremely poisonous. The first Theron settlers learned quickly not to touch them."
"Why bring such a deadly plant here?" He looked suspiciously at Sarein. Weren't there enough dangers in the WhisperPalace already?
"The fauldur has many uses," Sarein said coolly. "The leaves are the only known cure for a degenerative blood disease, and the roots are considered one of our greatest delicacies. I thought it was important to preserve this plant."
Peter straightened. "So it's both useful and deadly at the same time." He glanced at OX, his affection for his teacher mingling with the dread he felt at what was happening to other compies at this very moment. "Like compies can be." Next to the Queen, OX also studied the items on display. The silent guards regarded the little Teacher compy warily.
He finally embraced Estarra, ignoring the guards, ignoring Sarein. When he clung a bit too tightly, the Queen could tell something was wrong. "What is it?"
He quickly explained. Sarein looked as alarmed as her sister; she shot a glance at the guards, as if wondering why the Chairman hadn't summoned her immediately.
The lead royal guard took a stiff step forward, positioning himself between the King and the little compy. "Sire, we are charged with your protection. The situation is uncertain and dangerous. Therefore, we should separate you from this potential threat."
"From OX?" Estarra said in surprise. "He's served humanity since the time of the first generation ships!"
"Nevertheless, it's time we exercised a little more caution. As the King himself suggested."
Peter looked at the helpful compy, one of his few allies and friends in the whole WhisperPalace. Could there be destructive programming implanted there, too? From centuries ago? Not possible.
He rested his hand reassuringly on the Teacher compy's solid shoulder. "Captain, OX was the first to draw my attention to possible flaws in the Soldier compies and to question the Klikiss modules."
When the compy faced Peter, his voice was calm and modulated, like a patient teacher's. "Early designs such as mine have proved reliable for centuries. Three hundred thirty-six years ago, I served aboard the Peary. I taught many families, many generations. Would you like to hear stories of how I returned to Earth with Adar Bali'nh to speak for the Ildirans and the generation ship colonists? I was also present in the Throne Hall when Old King Ben received the first green priest, and I was there when he granted Theroc its independence. My extensive memories of events fill my mental storage to capacity. I am incapable of harboring hostility toward humans."
Peter was grave, seeing the guard's continued skepticism. "To my knowledge, Captain, only Soldier models have been affected. I believe the new Klikiss programming modules are the root of this string of malfunctions. My concerns in that respect have been a matter of public record for more than a year, as you well know." He narrowed his eyes. "Now, if you would grant me privacy with my wife and her sister? We'll be safe enough at the moment--unless we have something to worry about from these Theron plant exhibits?"
Grudgingly, the guards backed out of immediate earshot, but remained within visual range. Peter's knees were shaking with relief and the long-delayed aftereffects of shock.
OX said, "Recalling my centuries of service and my years with you, King Peter, I reassert my loyalty. You are the Great King of the Terran Hanseatic League. I am programmed to be your faithful servant. You need not fear any threat from me, and I will do my best to warn you of any dangers I foresee."
Peter's heart warmed at the compy's simple yet utterly believable declaration. OX reminded him of a miniature knight swearing fealty to his liege. "I trust you,