The Ashes of Worlds - Kevin J. Anderson [224]
But there were still some holdouts. Peter tried to contact General Conrad Brindle, as did Admiral Willis and Robb Brindle, but the man refused to respond, refused to turn his loyalty from the EDF. The commander had always been skeptical of the Confederation, but now with most of his fleet destroyed by black robot sabotage, he had very few straws left to clutch.
The Teacher compy stood supportively beside the throne, and Deputy Cain waited with a very downcast Rory, who looked miserable despite Peter’s assurances.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Peter said. “Call Admiral Willis and ask her to escort Queen Estarra to the Whisper Palace. Deputy Cain, I’d like you to work with Ambassador Sarein to effect the transfer of the Hansa government into the Confederation — you two have done well to get us this far. We’ve got to return to a steady course to reassure the people. I want to communicate that the worst is over.”
Cain nodded. “I would be honored. It’s time for a smooth transition.”
“And bring Trade Minister Kett here. She’ll enjoy being able to operate openly for a change. A lot of merchants will love to have open markets again.”
OX baldly stated the largest problem they would face. “I suggest that you order Chairman Wenceslas immediately detained. It would be best to eliminate any potential confusion.“
“The compy’s right,” Fitzpatrick said. “Even if he has no power, Wenceslas can be a pain in the ass.”
Suddenly, the dozen soldiers Willis had left as Peter’s personal guard raised their weapons at the doorway. Rory slumped down, as if trying to hide.
“I call for your arrest, Peter.” Chairman Basil Wenceslas pushed his way past the guards and entered the throne room, accompanied by five ruffled-looking members of the cleanup crew, whom he had freed from the temporary holding room where Admiral Willis had kept them. Colonel Andez was among them, once again sporting a sidearm. “Colonel, take him into custody.”
Andez, looking embarrassed at having been knocked out and disarmed, ordered her team forward. However, since she and her four companions were heavily outnumbered by the Confederation guards, Peter didn’t know what she expected to accomplish. His soldiers were ready to shoot to protect him, but he motioned for them to hold their fire. There was no need.
The Chairman strode forward, blind to all the weapons raised against him, and Peter leaned forward on the throne, unperturbed. “Are these all the supporters you have left on Earth, Basil? Five people?”
Basil blithely refused to see. “My forces are preoccupied with the madness you initiated in the streets while I was saving humanity from the Klikiss. I’ve alerted all the security troops in the Whisper Palace. More guards are coming down the halls. We will take care of everything here and now.”
Peter doubted the Chairman would find any support in the whole city, but Basil seemed convinced.
Acting on his own, Deputy Cain touched a security pad on the wall. Thick doors slammed down across the entrance arches with loud crashes of metal. Blast shields covered the small stained-glass windows, and heavy grates blocked access to the ventilation ducts. All weak areas, all vulnerable entry points were locked down. “I took the liberty of activating the security systems. The throne room is now secure.”
Peter nodded. Even if the Chairman did manage to rout out any loyal followers, they were now locked outside. Andez and her few companions looked uneasily at the Chairman, perhaps wondering if he could remedy their weak position.
Basil directed his building, frustrated anger at Rory, but when the young man flinched, he turned away in disgust.
Patrick Fitzpatrick made a rude noise. “I’m sorry Admiral Willis didn’t just blast your ship away. Isn’t that your approved method of problem solving, after all?”
“Maureen Fitzpatrick was executed for intent to commit treason.” Basil sounded dismissive, impatient.
“I can hear my grandmother’s ghost laughing at you,” Patrick snapped.
Finally, Basil skewered Deputy Cain with a glare, looking