Scattered Suns - Kevin J. Anderson [164]
Fighting back his simmering anger, he watched as a very contrite and frightened-looking Daniel faced the crowds and media cameras for the first time. The Prince had obviously been through an ordeal. Even the best makeup could not hide the shadows under his eyes. At last the brat had been broken, whipped into cooperation, though now it was effectively too late. Basil had decided to wash his hands of Daniel, but the Prince could still serve a purpose. His fate could be an effective threat against the too-independent Peter.
The King and Queen, pretending to be well behaved—so smug in their secret about Estarra’s pregnancy!—stood in the background, dressed in colorful raiment. They kept glancing at each other in confusion and concern.
“People of the Hansa!” Daniel’s voice was watery, shaky. OX had coached the boy over and over again; he should have done better. “I...I feel it’s time for me to explain.”
Basil had hoped their surrogate Prince would shine in his last moment in the limelight. How could I have made such a grave error in choosing this person? When they’d been forced to pick a potential replacement for Peter, Basil had been under a great deal of stress. He’d moved too precipitously, and now the Chairman had to backpedal just to implement damage control.
Daniel gathered momentum as his stage fright dissipated. “I choose to remain out of public view so as not to diminish the importance of my dear brother King Peter. He is your leader. Your hopes and prayers ride with him, not me.”
Basil flicked his gray eyes to see the surprised expression on Peter’s face. Quietly and discreetly, the King squeezed Estarra’s hand, as if he honestly thought he could protect her from what the Chairman would have to do.
Daniel continued, “However, some people have taken advantage of the fact that my face is not overly familiar to you. You may have seen news reports of an impostor pretending to be your Prince. That poor deluded young man has been apprehended and will be given the treatment he needs.” Daniel fidgeted; makeup hid any evidence of whether or not his face grew pale.
Though Eldred Cain had suggested a toned-down reaction, Basil had dismissed the deputy from his offices and written the speech himself.
“The true King has the vision and leadership to guide the human race through these dark times. He has my support, and I know he has yours.” Daniel bowed, presumably thinking it was all over.
The people in the Royal Plaza applauded politely. Peter and Estarra moved up beside the Prince in a show of mutual respect. Cautiously, Basil retreated a few steps to let the “royal family” have all the attention. Images of the well-staged moment would be widely distributed across the Hansa.
Peter shot a glance at the Chairman, his blue eyes narrowed. Basil was sure his puppet King would understand the need for a tighter grip on power, closer observation.
Cain and Pellidor waited in the shadows. The pallid deputy watched in silence, clearly disapproving. Basil decided to ignore him. No one but the Chairman knew what was in the best interests of the human race.
He turned to his expediter. “Now that Daniel has publicly covered his ill-advised stunt, he probably thinks he is forgiven, but our dear Prince couldn’t be further from the truth. We can’t risk a repeat of this circus. Mr. Pellidor, you know what to do.”
Cain looked at him in alarm, but Pellidor gave a crisp nod. “I have already made preparations, Mr. Chairman.”
At last, Basil allowed himself a calming smile and reminded himself of pleasant thoughts. Sarein would be back in another day or so...
Chapter 81—ORLI COVITZ
After three days of cooling her heels in the EDF base, Orli was already tired of the Moon. Admiral Stromo was due to return later today with his analysis of the Corribus attack—not that there would be any surprises.
General Lanyan was through with her and Hud Steinman,