The Ashes of Worlds - Kevin J. Anderson [207]
More important, the other nine swarmships were still headed toward Earth. Smaller craft began to split off and bombard the ship-repair docks around the planet. “Should we open fire?” Queen Estarra asked. “Do we have enough combined weapons to damage those alien clusters?”
Robb knew how difficult the swarmships had been to fight at Pym, and this insect force was hundreds of times larger. “It would be like pricking an elephant with a needle.”
“But we have a lot of needles, don’t we?” Captain Kett said. “We’ll fly the Blind Faith out there to take potshots, if it will do any good.”
“I’ll thank you not to go volunteering my ship,” Roberts said. “You already crashed your own.”
The EDF battle group, though, did not show restraint. Robb’s father ordered a barrage to delay the giant clustered vessels before they could take up their positions above the Earth. Each blast destroyed at least one component ship, but there were millions. Robb directed his ships to help his father. The concentrated shots peeled off the clusters’ external components, but all signs of damage were simply absorbed and erased.
Swifter, smaller human vessels passed the swarmships and turned about to form a crowded defensive line, the Jupiter next to the Goliath. It seemed an impossible stance, but they did it nevertheless.
Robb swallowed hard and sat straighter in his command chair. “It’s showtime.”
The nine swarmships closed around Earth — and then stopped in front of the blockade of EDF and Confederation vessels. They just hung there.
* * *
144
Admiral Sheila Willis
Though no one had asked him to, King Rory stepped away from the massive throne and now sat on the stone steps of the dais, looking pale. In a way, he seemed almost relieved.
Admiral Willis’s troops had secured the throne room, and Peter was clearly in charge. Within the first twenty minutes, she set up holo-imagers and newsnet recorders, then transmitted a live feed of King Peter on his throne. He hoped it would quell some of the riots.
“People of the Hansa, I am ready to resume my responsibilities as your King. Chairman Wenceslas has been relieved of his duties, and Rory has surrendered the throne. The Confederation and I will do everything in our power to repair the recent damage to Earth, unify humanity, ensure the rights of every citizen, and strengthen the human race.”
Outside in the streets, the demonstrations had grown in size and fervor, swelling with a giddy, celebratory mood despite the looming Klikiss threat.
Shortly after they had solidified their hold on the Whisper Palace, Deputy Cain reappeared. Even with the Hansa, and perhaps the human race itself, on the verge of total destruction, he looked as if this were any other day and he was simply attending a conference. Willis told her guards to let the man pass, and Cain approached the throne with a polite bow. “King Peter, I’m pleased to see I could count on you. Sarein obviously delivered our message. She is safe?”
Peter nodded. “She’s with Queen Estarra up on the flagship. I’m grateful for what you did. You took quite a risk.”
“It was necessary. The worst I’d anticipated for today was being murdered by the Chairman becausee Sarein and I undermined his authority. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Klikiss demonstrates that there are even worse things. Our priorities have obviously changed. We’ll have to adapt our approach to finishing this.”
Patrick and Zhett, having seen the Confederation Manta hovering in the Palace District, also arrived to offer their assistance. Peter welcomed them. “I’m relieved to see you safe, and free, Mr. Fitzpatrick. You cleared the way for my return, just as I had hoped your grandmother would.”
Patrick smiled. “As you can see on the newsnets, you have a lot of support on Earth, sire. It’s good to have you back.”
Willis was obviously pleased to see him. “You always did excel in causing trouble, Mr. Fitzpatrick. Glad to see you using your talents in a productive way.”