Warrior: riposte

by Michael A. Stackpole

  Precentor Tharkad threw his head back, barking a harsh laugh. "This is truly absurd, Precentor Dieron. Not two days ago, you rebuked the Primus for not taking enough security precautions because Jaime Wolf arrived here armed with two swords. Now, it seems, you complain when we hear and comply with your own urgent demands."

  Myndo's stare silenced Precentor Tharkad. "What I wish to know, Ulthar Everson, is whether the laser rifles were issued before three ROM agents died Thursday night, before the assassin attacked Quintus Allard and his son, or after both of those most serious incidents."

  Ulthar stiffened, turning mechanically to face the Primus. "Three ROM agents dead?"

  Myndo smiled slyly. Yes, Ulthar, your mentor has deemed you unworthy of trust in that matter. "Well, Primus, what is the answer?"

  Anger smoldered in Julian Tiepolo's slender frame, filling it out with almost palpable energy. Yet when he rebuked her, it was in a voice that he managed to keep calm through near superhuman effort. "I gave the order, Precentor Dieron, when I felt it prudent to do so. The deaths of three ROM agents were put down to misadventure. You know as well as I that the preservation of Blake's Will forces us to employ many unsavory individuals. Disputes among them break out and sometimes prove fatal, as in this case. The investigation revealed no breach of security."

  Myndo smiled as she surveyed the faces of the other First Circuit members. None of you believe that story, though some of you will support the Primus just because of his office. "Let us accept that answer, for now. What has prevented you from placing House Liao under total interdiction? We know the assassin belonged to a cult associated with Romano Liao. Our course seems clear."

  Villius Tejh spoke in a sibilant whisper that still seemed too powerful for his small frame. "Forgive me, Precentor Dieron, but I do not feel interdiction is advisable at this time." Precentor Sian's gaze flickered toward the Primus, then returned to Myndo. "While I agree with you that House Liao must be disciplined for this unconscionable breach of courtesy, interdiction would destroy the Capellans."

  Myndo nodded slowly. "Ah, the theory that Hanse Davion would strike at the Capellan Confederation. It is a rather large state to swallow, Precentor Sian."

  Tejh graced Precentor Dieron with a brief smile. "Under normal circumstances, Precentor, I would share your skepticism about House Davion's ability to take the Capellan Confederation, but you must recall that Liao's military strategy really relies upon communication and swift reaction. The Warrior House Regiments are provided with the means necessary to reinforce besieged worlds. Lacking the communication and coordination that our Order provides, Liao's ability to wage war is severely limited."

  Villius gestured with his left hand. "I hasten to add that an interdiction would affect all Liao agents in the Federated Suns, but would not work against Davion agents in the Capellan Confederation. The intelligence supplied by Davion's spies would prove a crushing blow to the Confederation."

  Myndo laughed throatily. "I believe you overestimate Alexi Malenkov's efficacy, Precentor Sian, because the information streaming in from Michael Hasek-Davion more than offsets Malenkov's anemic efforts. Besides which, you know the easiest way for us to deal with that threat is to expose Malenkov to his masters. I am quite certain Justin Xiang Allard would take great delight in debriefing one of his father's agents!

  "Still, your point is well taken. How, then, shall we punish this rash action by Romano Liao?"

  The Primus folded his arms across his chest. "We will demand that the Capellan government supply the materials and labor to upgrade several of our stations on their worlds. We will also select from among the best and brightest of their citizens as inductees into our service."

  Villius smiled openly. "We may even suggest that the Chancellor turn over to us his son Tormana for reeducation. It would remove a thorn from his side, and give us the kind of opportunity ComStar enjoys in the Free Worlds League."

  Myndo narrowed her eyes. "This course of action seems appropriate to my mind." It is a bold step. I doubt the Chancellor will agree to it, but Villius feels confident enough to suggest it. He will bear watching.

  The Primus bowed with exaggerated ceremony toward her. "We are so pleased you approve, Precentor Dieron." He straightened up and gazed around at the other Precentors. "If there is no objection, we shall appoint Precentor Sian to undertake the necessary discussions."

  Myndo, in concert with the other First Circuit Precentors, nodded agreement. Mock me now, Julian Tiepolo, but remember that unlike the Word of Blake and my anger, you are not immortal and you will not rule forever. She smiled to herself. When I'm through with you, you'll not even be remembered.

  36

  ComStar First Circuit Compound

  Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra

  20 August 3028

  Archon Katrina Steiner bit at her lower lip to stop it from trembling as she watched her daughter's reflection in the triptych mirror. Melissa, my child, you are so beautiful. I do not want to lose you yet. Though she fought it, a tear rolled down one cheek.

  Melissa turned slowly amid a swirl of white silk and smiled gently at her mother. Fine lace covered her from throat to shoulders and down the bodice of the gown. Wide white silk bows sat on each shoulder as though securing the puffy upper part of the sleeve to the body of the dress. From elbow to wrist, the sleeves tapered down Melissa's forearms, ending in a lace triangle that covered the backs of her hands.

  Hundreds of pearls had been painstakingly handsewn over the bodice to roughly describe not the well-known Steiner Fist, but the four center-pointing triangles crest of Arthur Luvon's home-world, Donegal. Delicate lace patterns decorated both the gown and the train.

  Melissa reached out to her mother and brushed away the tear. "Please don't cry." She smiled sheepishly. "If you start, then I will, too, and then we'll never be ready."

  The Archon nodded. Katrina looked over at Misha Auburn, Melissa's maid of honor. "Misha, could you give me a minute alone with my daughter?"

  "Call for me when you want me to put on the veil and I'll help you," Misha said, flashing them both a smile as she closed the door of the dressing room behind her.

  After Misha had vanished, the Archon turned to her daughter.

  "I know we've had this conversation before, Melissa, and you've answered my questions . . . I just want you to know . . ."

  Melissa raised her right hand to her mother's lips. "Hush, Mother. Yes, you and Hanse Davion arranged this marriage six years ago when I was still a child. You asked for my consent then, and I agreed because you asked. What I knew of Hanse Davion at that time was nine-tenths legend and one-tenth hostile court gossip."

  Melissa smiled as memories flooded back to her. "When Ardan Sortek came to Tharkad to recover from his injuries on Stein's Folly, I developed a fine crush upon him. Hanse seemed so distant then and Ardan so immediate. It was difficult to keep things straight in my mind, but so fierce was Ardan's loyalty to Hanse that I don't think anything in the galaxy could have made him return my interest.

  "It was then that I realized what sort of man Hanse Davion must be. He trusted his friends and confidants with power and responsibility." Melissa glanced at the framed picture of Hanse on her vanity table. "As you've often reminded me, a ruler is judged by the people she keeps as advisors. A strong person associates with strong people, and a weak ruler gathers a court of sycophants around himself. Hanse Davion, as I came to see him through Ardan's stories and actions, had to be a strong man."

  The Archon nodded. "But is he a man with whom you can spend the rest of your life?"

  Melissa nodded. "The incident with the Silver Eagle last year gave me all the assurances I'll ever need. When I reached Northwind in the company of the Kell Hounds, I was badly shaken. I saw every death on the Styx station as my fault and an indication of my inability to do anything effectively. Hanse was firm but gentle in pointing out where my assessments were flawed, and where I had made errors in judgement. He helped me understand that I must learn from t
hat horrible situation. I know I cannot prevent disasters, but I do feel I'm better able to deal with them because of his help."

  Melissa half-shut her eyes. "More important, Mother, I saw how deeply Hanse cared for me and for those lost in the Styx station battle. To him, the people who died there were more than statistics. In private moments, he spoke of his pain at seeing so much human potential senselessly wasted.

  "I do not doubt, Mother, that Hanse is capable of using men and machines to punish his enemies—this we both know—but I do believe a piece of him dies with each of his citizens. Any war he chooses to wage will occur only because it prevents a conflict that would be even more destructive."

  The Archon smiled openly. You made a decision first as a child, but you have grown into it as a woman. I pray you find the happiness you deserve. "Melissa, I always believed that you were destined for great things. This wedding, sealing the fates of the Lyran Commonwealth and the Federated Suns together, is just the beginning. Thank God such responsibility has fallen upon one who is willing to accept it."

  Melissa hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you for trusting me with it."

  The Archon broke the embrace reluctantly. "I'll get Misha."

  Melissa shook her head. She crossed to the room's other door and knocked on it twice. She waited, then knocked three more times. The Archon-Designate stepped back as the lock clicked and the door opened.

  Jeana bowed her head to the Archon. "You need me?"

  Melissa nodded, then turned to her mother. "Mother, could you hand me that box on the vanity, please?" Melissa took the small hinged box from her mother and handed it to Jeana. "Open it."

  Jeana looked from Melissa to the Archon and back apprehensively. She started as she opened the box, then drew from it a slender silver chain. Hanging from the chain was a twisted, partially melted sliver of metal. The Archon's eyebrows knitted together in a wary look. That's a 'Mech charm. What's Melissa doing with it?

  Melissa smiled at Jeana. "That is what they refer to, in the Federated Suns, as a 'Mech charm. The tradition of salvaging a piece of your first 'Mech, especially if it's shot out from under you, dates from Star League days—or so Hanse tells me. He said the graduates of the Albion Military Academy believe that to give a 'Mech charm to a loved one will protect that person, and that it is the greatest honor one person can bestow on another."

  Melissa swallowed hard. "Hanse gave me the charm after Styx, and said he wished he'd given it to me earlier. I've worn it ever since."

  Jeana slowly shook her head. "I can't take this, Highness, I . . ."

  Jeana tried to give it back, but Melissa firmly shook her head. "You must. I have Hanse to protect me now. I want you to have this 'Mech charm to hold you safe, and as a very inadequate token of my gratitude for all you have done for me, and will continue to do. Because of you, I have this chance to be happy."

  Jeana nodded wordlessly. Melissa reached out and brushed the tears from her cheeks. Jeana brought her head up and smiled. "I have happiness in service to you, Melissa Arthur Steiner. You are the heart and soul of the Lyran Commonwealth. You make all of us proud."

  "Thank you, Jeana." Melissa gave her a brief hug, then let her slip back through the door. Turning to her mother, she smiled happily. "Don't worry, Mother. I really do love him."

  The Archon nodded at her only child. "You look so beautiful, Melissa. Your father would have been proud of you. I can only hope that you and Hanse will share the joy that your father and I did, and know it for many more years."

  Melissa closed her eyes to hold back the tears. "I love you, Mother."

  The Archon enfolded her daughter in a hug. "And I love you, Melissa, my child. Always."

  37

  ComStar First Circuit Compound

  Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra

  20 August 3028

  Morgan Hasek-Davion tugged at the sleeves of his midnight blue dress jacket. The silvery starburst at his left shoulder sent four rays out toward the jacket's centerline. He rubbed his sleeve against one ray to remove a smudge, then brushed his long red hair back from the argent epaulets with the wide white band at their base. Turning from the full-length mirror, he opened his arms wide. "What do you think, love?"

  Kym smiled proudly, then reached up and adjusted the ceremonial silver gorget so that it was centered on Morgan's broad chest. Standing on her toes, she kissed him briefly. "I think, dear heart, that you look very handsome and that I shall be most jealous at the reception while you dance with the maid of honor."

  "Not to worry, Kym. I learned the other night that Misha Auburn was quite taken a year ago with Andrew Redburn during his tour of the Lyran Commonwealth. I guess they've been corresponding since then. I'd not steal a woman from an old friend."

  Kym's lower lip began to thrust forward in a pout. "Is that the only reason you'd not be interested in her?"

  Morgan pulled Kym close. "You are the only reason I'm not interested in any other woman."

  She smiled and brushed the tip of Morgan's nose with one finger. "That's the right answer, Morgan Hasek-Davion. Don't you forget it."

  Morgan nodded happily. "Just as long as you're there to remind me."

  The door behind Kym swung open, but Hanse Davion hesitated in the doorway. "Forgive me. I should have knocked."

  Kym shook her head. "No, I'm the one who shouldn't be here." She kissed Morgan quickly, then added, "I'm just leaving. Congratulations, Highness. I wish you much happiness."

  Hanse smiled pleasantly. "Thank you, Lady Sorenson. I trust you have made sure Morgan has the rings and will not embarrass the Federated Suns."

  Kym winked at Morgan. "Have no fear, Highness." She bowed to the Prince, then withdrew, closing the door behind her.

  Morgan smiled at the Prince. "I have the rings, Uncle."

  Hanse nodded somewhat distractedly. "I know, Morgan. I know."

  Morgan's red brows knitted together in a frown. "Hanse, you're not actually nervous, are you?"

  Hanse hesitated, then laughed. "It shows, then?"

  "A bit," said Morgan, a devilish grin working onto his face.

  "But I don't expect you'll have any trouble, you know . . ."

  Hanse raised his eyebrow, but kept his good humor. "Trouble with what, Morgan?"

  Morgan chuckled. "Remembering your lines today. But if you do, I'll be there to help."

  Hanse laughed along with his nephew. "Thank you, Morgan, for helping me to loosen up some of this tension. This is a momentous day."

  Morgan nodded solemnly. "That it is." He chewed his lower lip, then swallowed hard. "I just want you to know, Hanse, that being your best man means a great deal to me. You know, back when the tradition first began, the best man was chosen because it was his job to fight off pursuers when the groom stole the bride from her family." Morgan looked down at his boots and spurs. "That's what I'll do, too . . . I'll defend you, your bride, and the House of Davion against anyone who threatens it."

  Hanse rested both hands on Morgan's broad shoulders. "Morgan, when I brought you to New Avalon four years ago, it was a way to make your father think twice about some of the actions he'd taken. Soon after your arrival, I realized it was a mistake because I ended up punishing you for difficulties your father and I had with each other." Hanse smiled briefly. "However, I also came to realize that I wanted you to remain on New Avalon. It is my home and having you there made it seem even more the kind of place I want it to be."

  Hanse dropped his hands and turned away. "I would be lying if I said there were not political considerations in choosing you to stand beside me, however. Ardan suggested it, and I agreed because we know that by honoring you, we show the people of the Capellan March that I do care for them and their well-being."

  Hanse turned back slowly. "Believe me, however, when I tell you that not for an instant have I regretted that choice. There are those who advise me against trusting you. They say you are a Hasek and they remind me that you spent your formative years in the Capellan March. Indeed, yo
u sit nearest the thrones of two Houses. Were I to die without an heir, you would certainly be pressed into service as a candidate to succeed me."

  Hanse smiled with sincerity at his nephew. "Still and all, I have come to understand one very important thing about you, Morgan. Because you have lived in both the Capellan March and the Crucis March, because of your education at Warriors Hall and NAMA, and because of your blood, you do truly understand what it means to belong to the Federated Suns. You are a Hasek and a Davion, but more than either one. No matter what, never doubt that you have my complete trust."

  Morgan looked down for a moment as he collected his thoughts. He was touched by the fervor in the voice of the man who was his uncle and also his Prince. "Thank you, Hanse, for that trust. I don't want Marches to rule, nor do I want the power-that intoxicating, mindnumbing power that warps and twists people—that seems to go hand in hand with ruling some part of the Successor States. Once you have an heir, you can award me a small plot of land somewhere and let me live out my days as a country squire."

  Hanse smiled. "You've been talking to Ardan Sortek too much."

  Morgan shrugged. "Maybe so, but he's got the right idea. Politics is for those who know how to navigate the intricate and subtle patterns fate weaves. I served the Federated Suns willingly, but if I can keep the thread of my life clear of political entanglements, I will be more than happy."

  Hanse glanced at his chronometer. "Well, it looks as though the time has come to tie another knot in fate's tapestry."

  Morgan nodded, leading the way to the door. "Into the future, my Prince, a future of great happiness for you and your bride." Into a prosperous and secure future, my Prince, which I will do all in my power to make come true for you.

  38

  ComStar First Circuit Compound

  Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra

  20 August 3028