TheHonoroftheQueen

byDavidWeber

Thisisaworkoffiction.Allthecharactersandeventsportrayedinthisbookare
fictional,andanyresemblancetorealpeopleorincidentsispurelycoincidental.

Copyright1993byDavidWeber

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ISBN:0743435729

CoverartbyDavidMattingly
InteriormapbyN.C.Hanger

Firsthardcoverprinting,March2000

LibraryofCongressCataloginginPublicationData
Weber,David,1952
Honorofthequeen/DavidWeber
p.cm.
 ISBN0743435729(HC)
I.Title.
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 CHAPTERONE
Thecutterpassedfromsunlitbrilliancetosootblackshadowwiththeknifeedgesuddenness
possibleonlyinspace,andthetall,broadshoulderedwomanintheblackandgoldoftheRoyal
ManticoranNavygazedoutthearmorplastportatthebattlesteelbeautyofhercommandand
frowned.
Thesixlimbedcreamandgraytreecatonhershouldershiftedhisbalanceassheraisedherright
handandpointed.
IthoughtweddiscussedreplacingBetaFourteenwithCommanderAntrim,Andy,shesaid,and
theshort,dapperlieutenantcommanderbesideherwincedathersopranovoicestotallackof
inflection.
Yes,Maam.Wedid.Hetappedkeysonhismemopadandcheckedthedisplay.Wediscussed
itonthesixteenth,Skipper,beforeyouwentonleave,andhepromisedtogetbacktous.
Whichheneverdid,CaptainHonorHarringtonobserved,andLieutenantCommanderVenizelos
nodded.
Whichheneverdid.Sorry,Maam.Ishouldvekeptafterhim.
Youvehadalotofotherthingsonyourplate,too,shesaid,andAndreasVenizeloshid
anotherandmuchmorepainfulwince.HonorHarringtonseldomrappedherofficersintheteeth,
buthewouldalmosthavepreferredtohaveherhandhimhishead.Herquiet,understandingtone
soundedentirelytoomuchasifshewerefindingexcusesforhim.
Maybeso,Maam,butIstillshouldvekeptafterhim,hesaid.Webothknowhowtheseyard
typeshatenodereplacements.Hetappedanoteintohispad.Illcomhimassoonaswegetback
aboardVulcan.
Good,Andy.Sheturnedherheadandsmiledathim,herstrongbonedfacealmostimpish.Ifhe
startsgivingyouasonganddance,letmeknow.ImhavinglunchwithAdmiralThayer.Imaynot
havemyofficialordersyet,butyoucanbetshesgotanideawhattheyregoingtobe.
Venizelosgrinnedbackinunderstanding,forheandhiscaptainbothknewAntrimhadbeen
playinganoldyardtrickthatusuallyworked.Whenyoudidntwanttocarryoutsomeirksomebitof
refit,youjustdraggedyourfeetuntilyouranoutoftime,onthetheorythatashipscaptainwould
rathergetbackintospacethanincurTheirLordshipsdispleasurewithatardydeparturedate.
UnfortunatelyforCommanderAntrim,successdependedonaskipperwhowaswillingtoletayard
doggetawaywithit.Thisonewasnt,andwhileitwasntofficialyet,thegrapevinesaidtheFirst
SpaceLordhadplansforHMSFearless.Whichmeantthistimesomeoneelsewasgoingtobuya
rocketfromtheAdmiraltyifshewaslate,andVenizelosrathersuspectedtheCOofHerMajestys
SpaceStationVulcanwouldbelessthanpleasedifshehadtoexplaintheholduptoAdmiralDanvers.
TheThirdSpaceLordhadanotoriouslyshortfuseandareadinesstocollectscalps.
Yes,Maam.Ah,wouldyoumindifIjusthappenedtoletsliptoAntrimthatyourelunching
withtheAdmiral,Skipper?
Now,now,Andy.Dontbenastyunlesshelookslikegivingyouproblems,ofcourse.
Ofcourse,Maam.
 Honorsmiledagainandturnedbacktotheviewport.
Fearlesssrunninglightsblinkedthegreenandwhiteofamooredstarship,clearandgemlike
withoutthediffractionofatmosphere,andshefeltafamiliarthrobofpride.Theheavycruiserswhite
skingleamedinreflectedsunlightabovetherulerstraightlineofshadowrunningdownherdouble
ended,twelvehundredmeter,threehundredthousandtonhull.Brilliantlightspilledfromtheovalof
anopenweaponbayahundredandfiftymetersforwardoftheafterimpellerring,andHonorwatched
skinsuitedyardtechscrawlingovertheominousbulkofNumberFiveGraser.Shedthoughtthe
intermittentglitchwasintheonmountsoftware,butVulcanspeopleinsisteditwasintheemitter
assemblyitself.
Shetwitchedhershoulders,andNimitzscoldedgentlyashedughisclawsdeeperintothepadded
shoulderofhertunicforbalance.Sheclickedherteethandrubbedhisearsinwordlessapology,but
shenevertookhereyesfromtheviewportasthecuttercontinueditsslowtourofFearlesssexterior.
Halfadozenworkpartiespausedandlookedupasthecutterghostedpastthem.Shecouldnt
makeoutexpressionsthroughtheirvisors,butshecouldimaginethecombinationofexasperationand
warinesssomeofthemwouldwear.Yarddogshatedtohaveacaptainpeeringovertheirshoulders
whiletheyworkedonhership...almostasmuchascaptainshatedturningtheirshipsovertothe
yarddogsinthefirstplace.
Sheswallowedachuckleatthethought,becausewhileshehadnointentionoftellingthemso,she
wasimpressedbyhowmuchVulcanandVenizeloshadaccomplishedduringhertwoweek
absence,despiteAntrimspassiveresistancetothenodechange.Replacinganimpellernodewasa
majorpain,andAntrimobviouslyhopedhecouldskateoutofit,butthatambitionwasdoomedto
failure.BetaFourteenhadbeenaheadachealmostsinceFearlesssacceptancetrials,andHonorand
herengineershadputupwithitlongenough.Itwasntascrucialasanalphanode,ofcourse,and
Fearlesscouldeasilymaintaineightypercentofmaxaccelerationwithoutit.Then,too,therewasthe
littlematterofthepricetagforareplacementsomethinglikefivemilliondollarswhichAntrim
wouldhavetosignoffon.Allofwhichnodoubthelpedexplainhisreluctancetopullit,but
CommanderAntrimwouldntbeaboardthenexttimeHMSFearlesshadtoredlineherdrive.
Thecuttercurledbackupoverthehull,crossingdiagonallyabovetheafterportmissilebatteryand
thegeometricprecisionofRadarSix.Thelong,slenderbladesofthecruisersmaingraviticsensors
passedoutofsightunderthelowerlipoftheviewport,andHonornoddedinsatisfactionasher
chocolatedarkeyesnotedthereplacementelementsinthearray.
Allinall,shewasmorethanpleasedwithhowFearlesshadperformedoverthelasttwoandhalf
Tyears.Shewasarelativelynewship,andherbuildershaddoneherproudinmostrespects.Itwasnt
theirfaultsomeonehadslippedthemafaultybetanode,andshedstoodupwelltoanarduousfirst
commission.NotthatantipiracypatrolswereHonorsfirstchoiceforassignments.Ithadbeenniceto
beonherown,andtheprizemoneyfrompickingoffthatSilesianprivateersquadronhadntdone
herbankbalanceabitofharm.Forthatmatter,therescueofthatpassengerlinerhadbeenapieceof
workanyonecouldbeproudof,butthemomentsofexcitementhadbeenfewandfarbetween.Mostly
ithadbeenhardworkandmorethanalittleboringonceshegotoverthesheerexcitementof
commandingherfirstheavycruiserandabrandspankingnewone,toboot.
ShemadeamentalnoteofascuffedpatchofpaintaboveGraserThreeandfeltatinysmile
tuggingatherlipsasshecontemplatedtherumorsabouthernextassignment,forthealacritywith
whichAdmiralCourvosierhadacceptedhisinvitationtothetraditionalrecommissioningparty
suggestedtherewasmorethanabitoftruthtothem.Thatwasgood.ShehadntseentheAdmiral,
muchlessservedunderhim,infartoolong,andifdiplomatsandpoliticianswerenormallyalower
orderoflifethanpirates,itshouldatleastbeaninterestingchangeofpace.
***
Youknow,thatyoungmanhasareallyniceassforaroundeye,Dr.AllisonChouHarrington
observed.Ibetyoucouldhavesomefunchasinghimaroundthecommanddeck,dear.
Mother!Honorsteppedonanunfilialurgetothrottleherparentandlookedaroundquickly.But
nooneseemedtohaveoverheard,and,forthefirsttimeinhermemory,shewasgratefulforthe
chatterofothervoices.
Now,Honor,Dr.Harringtonlookedupatherwithadeadlygleaminthosealmondeyessomuch
likeHonorsown,allIsaidwas
Iknowwhatyousaid,butthatyoungmanismyexecutiveofficer!
Well,ofcourseheis,hermothersaidcomfortably.Thatswhatmakesitsoconvenient.Andhe
certainlyisahandsomefellow,isnthe?Illbethehastobeatthemoffwithastick.Shesighed.
Assuminghewantsto,sheaddedthoughtfully.Justlookatthoseeyes!HelooksjustlikeNimitzin
matingseason,doesnthe?
Honorhoveredonthebrinkofapoplexy,andNimitzcockedhisheadreprovinglyatDr.
Harrington.Itwasntthatheobjectedtohercommentsonhissexualprowess,buttheempathiccat
wasonlytoowellawareofhowmuchhispersonsmotherenjoyedteasingher.
CommanderVenizelosisnotatreecat,andIdonothavetheleastintentionofchasinghimwitha
club,Honorsaidfirmly.
No,dear,Iknow.Youneverhavehadverygoodjudgmentwheremenareconcerned.
Mother!
Now,Honor,youknowIdneverdreamofcriticizing,thetwinkleinAllisonHarringtonseyes
wasdevilish,yettherewasatraceofseriousnessunderthelovingmalice,butaNavycaptaina
seniorgradecaptain,atthatoughttogetoverthosesillyinhibitionsofyours.
Imnotinhibited,Honorsaidwithallthedignityshecouldmuster.
Whateveryousay,darling.Butinthatcase,yourelettingthatdeliciousyoungmangosadlyto
waste,executiveofficerornot.
Mother,justbecauseyouwerebornonanuncivilizedandlicentiousplanetlikeBeowulfisno
reasonforyoutomakeeyesatmyexec!Besides,whatwouldDaddythink?
WhatwouldIthinkaboutwhat?SurgeonCommanderAlfredHarrington(retired)demanded.
Oh,thereyouare.Honorandherfatherstoodeyetoeye,toweringoverherdiminutivemother,
andshejerkedathumbdownward.Motherscastinghungrylooksatmyexecagain,she
complained.
Nottoworry,herfatherreplied.Shelooksalot,butshesneverhadanyreasontoroam.
Youreasbadassheis!
Meow,Allisonsaid,andHonorfoughtbackagrin.
Foraslongasshecouldremember,hermotherhaddelightedinscandalizingthemore
conservativemembersofManticoransociety.Sheconsideredtheentirekingdomhopelesslyprudish,
andherpungentobservationstothateffectdrovecertainsocietydamesabsolutelyberserk.Andher
beauty,andthefactthatshedotedonherhusbandandneveractuallydidtheleastthingforwhichthey
couldostracizeher,onlymadeitworse.
Ofcourse,ifshehadbeeninclinedtofollowthemoresofherbirthworld,shecouldhave
assembledadroolingmaleharemanytimeshecaredto.Shewasatinything,littlemorethantwo
thirdsHonorsownheightandofalmostpureOldEarthOrientalextraction.Thestrong,sharply
carvedbonestructurewhichhadalwaysmadeHonorfeelplainandunfinishedwasmutedintoexotic
beautyinhermothersface,andtheprolongprocesshadfrozenherbiologicalageatnomorethan
thirtyTyears.Shereallywaslikeatreecatherself,Honorthoughtdelicatebutstrong,gracefuland
fascinating,withjustahintofthepredator,andthefactthatshewasoneofthemostbrilliantgenetic
surgeonsintheKingdomdidnthurt.
Shewasalso,Honorknew,genuinelyconcernedaboutheronlychildslackofasexlife.Well,
sometimesHonorwasabitworriedaboutit,butitwasntasifshehadallthatmanyopportunities.A
starshipscaptainsimplycouldnotdallywithamemberofhercrew,evenifshehadthedesireto,and
Honorwasnonetoosureshedid.Hersexualexperiencewasvirtuallynilasidefromasingle
extremelyunpleasantAcademyepisodeandoneadolescentinfatuationthathadtrickledoffindreary
unhappinessbecauseshedsimplynevermetamanshecaredtobecomeinvolvedwith.
Notthatshewasinterestedinwomenshejustdidntseemparticularlyinterestedin
anyonewhichmightbejustaswell.Itavoidedallsortsofpotentialprofessionaldifficulties...and
sheratherdoubtedanovergrownhorselikeherwouldprovokemuchreciprocalinterest,anyway.That
reflectionbotheredherabit.No,shethought,behonestitbotheredheralot,andthereweretimesher
mothersversionofasenseofhumorwaslessthanamusing.Butthiswasntoneofthem,andshe
surprisedthembothbyputtinganarmaroundherandsqueezinginararepublicdisplayofaffection.
Tryingtobribemeintobeinggood,huh?Dr.Harringtonteased,andHonorshookherhead.
Inevertrytodotheimpossible,Mother.
Thatsoneforyourside,herfatherobserved,thenheldouthishandtohiswife.Comealong,
Alley.Honoroughttobecirculatingyoucangomakesomeoneelseslifemiserableforawhile.
YouNavytypescanbearealpaininthe...posterior,Allisonrepliedwithawickedlydemure
glanceatherdaughter,andHonorwatchedfondlyasherparentsvanishedintothecrowd.Shedidnt
gettoseethemasoftenasshewouldhaveliked,whichwasonereasonshedbeensohappywhen
FearlesswassenttoVulcanforrefit,insteadofHephaestus.VulcanorbitedHonorsownhomeworld
ofSphinx,tenlightminutesfurtheroutthanthecapitalplanetofManticore,andshedtaken
shamelessadvantageofthefacttospendtimeathome,wallowinginherfatherscooking.
ButAlfredHarringtonwasquiterightaboutherresponsibilitiesasahostess,andHonorsquared
hershouldersfortheplungebackintothefestivities.
***
AratherproprietarysmiletouchedAdmiraloftheGreenRaoulCourvosiersmouthashewatched
CaptainHarringtonmixconfidentlywithherguestsandrememberedtheganglingmidshipman,all
kneesandelbowsandsharp,angularface,hedfirstmetsixteenManticoranyearsovertwentyseven
Tyearsago.Shereallyhadbeenapieceofwork,hereflectedaffectionately.Absolutelydedicated,
shytothepointofspeechlessnessanddeterminednottoshowit,terrifiedofmathcourses,andoneof
themostbrilliantintuitiveshiphandlersandtacticianshedevermet.Shedalsobeenoneofthemost
frustrating.Allthatpromiseandpotential,andshednearasnothingflunkedoutonhimbeforehe
couldconvincehertousethatsameintuitiononhermathtests!Butonceshedgottenherfeetunder
her,nothingcouldstopher.
Courvosierwasachildlessbachelor.Heknewhedinvestedsomuchofhislifeinhisstudentsat
theAcademyascompensation,yetfewofthemhadmadehimasproudasHonor.Toomanyofficers
simplyworetheuniformHonorlivedit.Anditbecameherwell,hethought.
HewatchedherchattingwiththehusbandofVulcanscommandingofficerandwonderedwhere
thatawkwardmidshipmanhadgone.Heknewshestilldislikedparties,stillthoughtofherselfasthe
uglyduckling,butsheneverletitshow.Andoneofthesedays,hethoughtfondly,shewouldwakeup
tothefactthattheducklinghadbecomeaswan.Oneofthedrawbacksoftheprolongtreatment,
especiallyinitslater,moreeffectiveversions,wasthatitstretchedouttheawkwardperiodsin
physicaldevelopment,andHonor,headmitted,reallyhadbeenonthehomelysideasagirlatfirst
glance,atleast.Shedalwayshadthecatquickreflexesofher1.35gravityhomeworld,butthegrace
ofhercarriagehadbeensomethingelse,somethingthatwentbeyondherhighgeebirthenvironment.
Evenasafirstformmiddy,shedhadthateleganceinmotionwhichdrewsecondglancesfromeyes
whichhaddismissedherunprepossessingsurfacetooquickly,andherswasafacethatimprovedwith
age.Yetshetrulydidntrealize,evennow,howthetoosharpedgeshadsmoothedintocharacter,how
hermothershugeeyeslenthertriangularfaceanintriguing,exoticair.Hesupposeditwasntallthat
surprising,givenhowlongtheprolongslowedsmoothingprocesshadtaken,anditwastrueshe
wouldneverbeprettyonlybeautiful...oncesherealizedit.
Whichonlyaddedtohispresentconcerns.Hefrowneddownintohisdrink,thencheckedhis
chronoandsighed.Fearlesssrecommissioningpartywasanoutstandingsuccess.Itlookedlike
lastingforhoursyet,andhedidnthavehours.Thereweretoomanydetailsthatneededclearingup
backonManticore,whichmeanthewasgoingtohavetodragherawayfromherguestsnotthathe
expectedthattobotherherunduly!
Hemadehiswaycasuallythroughthecrowd,andsheturnedtowardshimasherinternalradar
sensedhisapproach.Courvosierwasntmuchtallerthanhermother,andhesmiledupather.
Quiteabash,Captain,hesaid,andshesmiledbackabitsourly.
Itis,isntit,Sir?Andnoisy,too,sheaddedwithagrimace.
Yes,itis.Courvosierglancedaround,thenbackupather.ImafraidImgoingtohavetocatch
theshuttlebacktoHephaestusinanotherhour,Honor,andweneedtotalkbeforeIleave.Canyouget
away?
Hereyesnarrowedathisunexpectedlyserioustone,andshe,too,glancedaroundthecrowded
wardroom.
Ireallyshouldnt...shesaid,buttherewasanalmostwistfulnoteinhervoice.Courvosier
smotheredagrinashewatchedtemptationwarwithhersenseofduty.Itwasanunfaircontest,
especiallywithcuriosityweighinginontemptationsside,andherlipstightenedindecision.She
raisedherhand,andChiefStewardsMateJamesMacGuinessmaterializedoutofthecrowdasifby
magic.
Mac,wouldyoupleaseescortAdmiralCourvosiertomydaycabin?Shepitchedhervoicelow
enoughtobelostinthecrowdnoise.
Ofcourse,Maam,herstewardreplied.
Thankyou.ShelookedbackatCourvosier.IlljoinyouthereassoonasIfindAndyandwarn
himhesonhisownashost,Sir.
 Thankyou,Captain.Iappreciateit.
Oh,sodoI,Sir,sheadmittedwithagrin.SodoI!
***
CourvosierturnedfromthecabinviewportasthehatchslidquietlyopenandHonorstepped
throughit.
Iknowyourenotfondofparties,Honor,hesaid,butIreallyamsorrytocallyouawayfrom
onethatseemstobegoingsowell.
Attherateitsgoing,Illhaveplentyoftimetogetbacktoit,Sir.Sheshookherhead.Idont
evenknowhalfofthem,anyway!AlotmoreplanetsideguestsacceptedtheirinvitationsthanId
expected.
Ofcoursetheydid,Courvosiersaid.Youreoneoftheirown,andtheyreproudofyou.
Honorwavedherhand,andhercheekbonesheated.
Youregoingtohavetogetoverthatblushreaction,Honor,heroldmentortoldherseverely.
Modestyisallverywell,butafterBasiliskStation,youreamarkedwoman.
Iwaslucky,sheprotested.
Ofcourseyouwere,heagreedsopromptlyshegavehimaverysharplookindeed.Thenhe
grinned,andshegrinnedbackathoweasilyshedrisentohisbait.Seriously,ifIhaventgotten
aroundtomentioningitbefore,youdidusallproud.
Thankyou,shesaidquietly.Thatmeansalot,comingfromyou.
Really?Hissmilewasabitcrookedashelookeddownatthegoldringsonhisownspaceblack
sleeve.Youknow,Imreallygoingtohategivinguptheuniform,hesighed.
Itsonlytemporary,Sir.Theyrenotgoingtoleaveyouonthebeachforlong.Infact,Honor
frowned,IstilldontunderstandwhytheForeignOfficewantedyouinthefirstplace.
Oh?Hecockedhisheadandhiseyesglintedather.Areyousayinganoldcrocklikemecant
betrustedwithadiplomaticmission?
Ofcoursenot!ImjustsayingyourefarmorevaluableattheAdvancedTacticalCoursethan
foolingaroundatdiplomaticsoirees.Hermouthcurledindistaste.IftheAdmiraltyhadalickof
sense,theydhavetoldtheFOtotakeaflyingleapthroughtheJunctionandgivenyouataskforce,
Sir!
TherearemorethingsinlifethanrunningATCorataskforce,hedisagreed.Infact,politics
anddiplomacyareprobablymoreimportant,whenyoucomerightdowntoit.Honorsnorted,andhe
frowned.Youdontagree?
Admiral,Idontlikepolitics,shesaidfrankly.Everytimeyougetinvolvedinthem,thingsgo
allgrayandmurkyonyou.PoliticswerewhatcreatedthemessinBasiliskinthefirstplace,andthey
darnneargotmyentirecrewkilled!Sheshookherhead.No,Sir.Idontlikepolitics,Idont
understandthem,andIdontwanttounderstandthem!
Thenyoudbetterchangeyourmind,Captain.TherewasbiteinCourvosierssuddenlychill
voice.Honorblinkedinsurprise,andNimitzraisedhisheadonhershoulder,bendinghisowngrass
greengazeonthecherubiclittleadmiral.Honor,whatyoudoinyoursexlifeisuptoyou,butno
captaininHerMajestysservicecanbeavirginwherepoliticsareconcernedandespeciallynot
wherediplomacyisconcerned.
 Sheblushedagain,muchmoredarkly,butshealsofelthershouldersstraightenjustastheyhadat
theAcademywhenthenCaptainCourvosierhadlaiddownthelaw.Theywerebothalongwayfrom
SaganamiIsland,butsomethingsneverchanged,sherealized.
Ibegyourpardon,Sir,shesaidabitstiffly.Ionlymeantthatpoliticiansseemmoreconcerned
withpayoffsandempirebuildingthanwiththeirjobs.
SomehowIdontthinktheDukeofCromartywouldappreciatethatcharacterization.Nordoesit
suithim.CourvosierwavedagentlehandasHonoropenedhermouthagain.No,Iknowyou
werentreferringtothePM.AndIunderstandyourreactionafterwhathappenedtoyourlastship.But
diplomacyisabsolutelycriticaltotheKingdomssurvivaljustnow,Honor.ThatswhyIagreedtothe
FOsrequestwhentheyneededsomeoneforYeltsinsStar.
Icanunderstandthat,Sir.AndIsupposeIwasabitpetulantsounding,wasntI?
Justabit,Courvosieragreedwithasmallsmile.
Well,maybemorethanabit.Thenagain,Ihaventreallyhadmuchtodowithdiplomacy.My
experiencehasbeenmorewithdomesticpoliticosyouknow,theslimysort.
Afairenoughestimation,Isuppose.Butthisisfarmoreimportant,andthatswhyIwantedto
talktoyou.Herubbedoneeyebrowandfrowned.Frankly,Honor,Imalittlesurprisedthe
Admiraltyassignedyoutoit.
Youare?Shetriedtohideherhurt.DidtheAdmiralthinksheddolessthanher
bestespeciallyforhimjustbecauseshedidntlikepolitics?Surelyheknewherbetterthanthat!
Oh,notbecauseIdontthinkyoureuptoit.Hisquickresponseeasedherhurt,andheshookhis
head.ItsjustWell,howmuchdoyouknowabouttheYeltsinsituation?
Notalot,sheadmitted.Ihaventgottenmyofficialordersordownloadyet,soallIknowis
whatIreadinthepapers.IvecheckedTheRoyalEncyclopedia,butithasntbeenmuchhelp,and
theirnavysnotevenlistedinJanes.IgatherYeltsindoesnthavemuchtopiqueourinterest,aside
fromitslocation.
Iassumefromthatlastremarkthatyouatleastknowwhywewantthesysteminourcamp?
Courvosiermadethestatementaquestion,andshenodded.YeltsinsStarlaylessthanthirtylight
yearstogalacticnortheastoftheManticorebinarysystem.ItalsolaybetweentheKingdomof
ManticoreandtheconquestbloatedPeoplesRepublicofHaven,andonlyanidiotoramemberof
theLiberalorProgressivePartycouldbelievewarwithHavenwasntcoming.Thediplomatic
confrontationbetweenthetwopowershadgrownincreasinglyviciousinthetwoandahalfTyears
sincethePRHsbrazenattempttoseizetheBasiliskSystem,andbothofthemwerejockeyingfor
positionbeforetheinevitableopenclash.
ThatwaswhatmadeYeltsinsStarsoimportant.ItandthenearbyEndicottSystemhadtheonly
inhabitedworldsinavolumefortylightyearsacross,squarelybetweenthetwoadversaries.Allies,or
(perhapsevenmoreimportantly)anadvancedfleetbase,intheareawouldbeinvaluable.
Whatyoumaynotrealize,Courvosierwenton,isthatmoreisinvolvedherethanjuststrategic
realestate.TheCromartygovernmentistryingtobuildafirebreakagainstHaven,Honor.Wererich
enoughtostanduptothePeeps,probably,andwevegotthetechnicaledge,butwecantbeginto
matchtheirmanpower.Weneedallies,but,evenmore,weneedtobeseenasacreditableplayer,
someonewiththegutsandwilltofaceHavendown.Therearestillalotofneutralsouttherethere
probablystillwillbewhentheshootingstarts,andweneedtoinfluenceasmanyaspossibleofthem
tobeneutralinourfavor.
Icanseethat,Sir.
Good.ButthereasonImsurprisedtheAdmiraltyassignedyoutothisparticulareffortisthat
youreawoman.Honorblinkedincompletesurprise,andCourvosierlaughedwithouthumorather
expression.
ImafraidIdontfollowthat,Sir.
Youwillwhenyougetyourdownload,Courvosierpromisedsourly.Inthemeantime,letme
justgiveyouthehighpoints.Haveaseat,Captain.
HonorsankintoachairandliftedNimitzfromhershouldertoherlapassheregardedhersuperior.
Heseemedgenuinelyconcerned,andforthelifeofher,shecouldntseewhathergenderhadtodo
withhersuitabilityforcommand.
YouhavetounderstandthatYeltsinsStarhasbeensettledfarlongerthanManticore,
CourvosierbeganinhisbestSaganamilecturersvoice.ThefirstcolonistslandedonGrayson,
Yeltsinssinglehabitableplanet,in988P.D.,almostfivehundredyearsbeforewearrivedonthe
scene.Honorseyesnarrowedinsurprise,andhenodded.Thatsright.Infact,Yeltsinhadnteven
beensurveyedwhentheyleftSol.Forthatmatter,theentirecryoprocesshadbeenavailableforless
thantenyearswhentheyshippedout.
ButwhyinGodsnamecomewayouthere?Honordemanded.Theymustvehadbetterastro
dataonsystemsclosertoSol!
Theydid,indeed,butyouvealreadyhittheirmotivation.Shefrowned,andhesmiledthinly.
InGodsname,Honor.Theywerereligiouszealotslookingforahomesofarawaynoonewould
everbotherthem.Iguesstheyfiguredfivehundredpluslightyearswasaboutfarenoughinanera
beforehypertravelhadevenbeenhypothesized.Atanyrate,theChurchofHumanityUnchainedset
outonaleapoffaith,withabsolutelynoideawhattheyweregoingtofindattheotherend.
Lord.Honorsoundedshaken,andshewas.Shewasaprofessionalnavalofficer,andthemere
thoughtofallthehideouswaysthosecolonistscouldhavediedwasenoughtoturnherstomach.
Precisely.Butthereallyinterestingthingiswhytheydidit.Honorquirkedaneyebrow,and
Courvosiershrugged.Theywantedtogetawayfromthecorrupting,souldestroyingeffectof
technology,hesaid,andshestaredathimindisbelief.
Theyusedastarshiptogetawayfromtechnology?Thatsthatsinsane,Sir!
No,notreally.Courvosierleanedbackagainstatableandfoldedhisarms.Mindyou,thatwas
myownfirstthoughtwhentheFOhandedmethebackgroundonthesystem,butitactuallymade
sense,inacrazysortofway.Remember,thiswaswaybackintheearlyfourthcenturyofthe
Diaspora,whenOldEarthwasfinallygettingarealhandleonpollution,resourcedepletion,and
overcrowding.Actually,thingshadbeengettingbetterforatleasttwohundredyears,despitetheeco
nutsandEarthFirstgroupseffortstokillthevariousspaceinitiatives.TheEarthFirstersprobably
hadabettercase,giventheresourcedemandsSTLcolonyshipsmadeonSolseconomy,butatleast
theyrecognizedthespinoffadvantages.Deepspaceindustry,asteroidminingoperations,orbital
powercollectorsallofthemwereonlineatlast,andthequalityoflifewasclimbingsystemwide.
Mostpeopleweredelighted,andtheEarthFirstersonlyrealcomplaintwasthatitcouldhaveclimbed
evenfasterifpeoplewouldonlystopbuildinginterstellarcolonyships.
Ontheotherhand,therewerestillcrackpotgroupsparticularlytheextremeGreensandthe
NeoLudditeswhodidntdistinguishbetweenthecolonizingeffortsandanyotherspaceactivity.
Theyinsisted,eachfortheirownreasons,thattheonlyrealsolutionwastothrowtechnologyouton
itsearandlivethewaymanwasintendedtolive.Honorsnortedinderision,andhechuckled.
Iknow.Theydhavelookedprettysickiftheydtriedit,especiallywithasystempopulationof
overtwelvebilliontofeedandhouse,butmostoftheidiotswerefrommoredevelopednations.
Extremiststendtogrowmoreextreme,notless,asproblemsgetclosertosolutions,youknow,and
theseextremistsdidnthaveanyrealconceptofwhataplanetwithouttechnologywouldbelike,
becausetheydneverexperiencedit.Besides,afterthreecenturiesofpreachingtheevilsof
technologyandtheirownsocietiesgreedy,exploitativeguilttheGreensweretechnoilliterates
withnorealrelevancetotheworldaboutthem,andmostoftheNeoLudditesjobskillshadbeen
maderedundantbynewtechnologies.Neitherbackgroundreallyqualifiedthemtounderstandwhat
washappening,andsweeping,simplisticsolutionstocomplicatedproblemsaremuchmoreappealing
thantacklingtherealthoughtthatmightactuallysolvethem.
Atanyrate,theChurchofHumanityUnchainedwastheproductofafellownamedAustin
GraysontheReverendAustinGraysonfromsomeplacecalledtheStateofIdaho.Accordingtothe
ForeignOffice,therewerehordesoflunaticfringegroupsrunningaroundatthetime,andGrayson
wasabacktotheBibletypewhogotcaughtupinthebanthemachinemovement.Theonlythings
thatmadehimdifferentfromothercrackpotsandbombthrowerswerehischarisma,his
determination,andhistalentforattractingconvertswithrealability.Heactuallymanagedtoassemble
acolonyexpeditionandfundittothetuneofseveralbilliondollars,alltotakehisfollowersawayto
theNewZionanditswonderful,technologyfreeGardenofEden.Itwasreallyaratherelegant
concept,youknow,usingtechnologytogetawayfromtechnology.
Elegant,Honorsnorted,andtheAdmiralchuckledagain.
Unfortunately,theygotanastysurpriseatjourneysend.Graysonsaprettyniceplaceinmany
ways,butitsahighdensityworldwithunusualconcentrationsofheavymetals,andthereisnta
singlenativeplantoranimalthatwontkillanyhumanwhoeatsitforverylong.Whichmeant,of
course
Thattheycouldntabandontechnologyandsurvive,Honorfinishedforhim,andhenodded.
Exactly.Notthattheywerewillingtoadmitit.Infact,Graysonneverdidadmitit.Helived
anothertenTyearsaftertheirarrival,andeveryyeartheendoftechnologywasjustaroundthecorner,
buttherewasafellownamedMayhewwhosawthewritingonthewallalotsooner.Accordingto
whatIcandigoutoftherecords,hemoreorlessalliedwithanotherman,aCaptainYanakov,whod
commandedthecolonyship,andthetwoofthempulledoffasortofdoctrinalrevolutionafter
Graysonsdeath.Technologyitselfwasntevil,justthewayithadbeenusedonOldEarth.What
matteredwasntthemachinebuttheungodlylifestylemachineagehumanityhadembraced.
Herockedonhisheelsinsilentthoughtforamoment,thenshrugged.
Atanyrate,theyabandonedtheantimachineportionofGraysonstheologyandconcentratedon
creatingasocietyinstrictaccordancewithGodsHolyWord.Whichhedartedaquickglanceat
HonorfromunderloweredbrowsincludedthetheorythatManistheheadofWoman.
ItwasHonorsturntofrown,andhesighed.
Damnit,Honor,youretooManticoran!And,headdedwithasuddengenuinelaugh,Godhelp
usallifyourmothereverendeduponGrayson!
 ImafraidIstilldontquiteunderstand,Sir.
Ofcourseyoudont,Courvosiersighed.But,yousee,womenonGraysonhavenolegalrights,
Honornoneatall.
What?!Honorjerkeduprightinherchair.Nimitzchitteredinalarmasherlapshiftedunderhim,
andshewincedasonecentimeterlongclawdugabitdeeperthanhedintended,butherconscious
mindhardlynoticed.
Precisely.Theycantvote,cantownproperty,cantsitonjuries,andespecially!cantserve
inthemilitary.
Butthats...thatsbarbaric!
Oh,Idontknow,Courvosiersaidwithalurkinggrin.Mightbeabitrestful,nowandthen.
Honorglaredathim,andhisgrinfaded.
ThatwasntquiteasfunnyasIthoughtitwouldbe.Butthesituationsevenlessfunny.Yousee,
Masada,thehabitableplanetoftheEndicottSystem,wassettledfromGrayson,andnotexactly
voluntarily.Whatstartedasaschismovertheretentionoftechnologyturneddownotherpathsonceit
becamecleartheycouldntsurvivewithoutit.TheoriginalproTechfactionbecameModerates,and
theantiTechiesbecametheFaithful.OncetheFaithfulwereforcedtoacceptthattheycouldntget
ridofthemachines,theyturnedtocreatingtheperfectgodlysociety,andifyouthinkthepresent
governmentofGraysonisabitbackward,youshouldseewhattheycameupwith!Dietarylaws,ritual
cleansingforeveryimaginablesinlawcodesthatmadeanydeviationfromtheTrueWaypunishable
bystoning,forGodssake!
Intheend,itcametoopenfighting,andittooktheModeratesmorethanfiveyearstobeatthe
Faithful.Unfortunately,theFaithfulhadbuiltthemselvesadoomsdayweaponiftheycouldnthavea
godlysociety,thentheydblowupthewholeplanetin,ofcourse,exactaccordancewiththeobvious
WillofGod.
TheAdmiralsnortedinpuredisgustandshookhishead,thensighed.
Anyway,theGraysongovernmenttheModeratescutadealwiththemandexiledthemlock,
stock,andwhippingposttoMasada,wheretheysetaboutcreatingthesocietyGodHadIntended.It
savedGrayson,buttheFaithfulhavegrownmoreintolerant,notless.Therearealotofpointsabout
theirsocalledreligionthatIcantgetdefinitiveinformationon,butIdoknowtheyvechoppedthe
entireNewTestamentoutoftheirBiblesbecauseifChristhadreallybeentheMessiah,technology
neverwouldhavearisenonOldEarth,theywouldnthavebeenkickedoffGrayson,andWoman
wouldhavebeenputinherproperplacethroughoutthehumancommunity.
Honorlookedathim,toobemusedtodisbelieveanylonger,andheshookhisheadoncemore.
Unfortunately,theyalsoseemtobelieveGodexpectsthemtofixallthethingsthatarewrong
withtheuniverse,andtheyrestillsetonmakingGraysontoetheirdoctrinalline.Neithersystemhas,
youshouldpardontheexpression,apottopissin,economicallyspeaking,buttheyretooclose
together,andtheyvefoughtseveralwarsoverthecenturies,completewiththeoccasionalnuclear
strike.Which,ofcoursecreatestheopeningbothweandHavenaretryingtoexploit.Itsalsowhythe
ForeignMinisterconvincedmethatweneedafairlywellknownmilitarytypelikeyourhumble
servanttoheadourdelegation.TheGraysonsareonlytoowellawareofthethreatMasadapresents
tothem,andtheyregoingtowanttoknowthepersontheyrenegotiatingwithisawareofit,too.
Heshookhisheadandpursedhislips.
 Itsahellofamess,Honor,andImafraidourownmotivesarentaspureasthedrivensnow.
Weneedaforwardbaseinthatarea.Evenmoreimportantly,weneedtokeepHavenfromsecuring
onethatclosetous.Thosefactorsaregoingtobeasobvioustothelocalsastheyaretous,sowere
boundtogetinvolvedinthelocalconflict,inapeacekeepingroleattheveryleast.IfIwerethe
Graysongovernment,thatwouldcertainlybethepointIdinsiston,becausethebasiccredoof
MasadantheologyisthatsomedaytheywillreturntoGraysonintriumphandcastdowntheheirsof
theungodlywhoexiledtheirforefathersfromtheirrightfulhome.WhichmeansGraysoncanreally
useapowerfuloutsideallyandthatassoonaswestartedcourtingthem,thePeepsstartedsucking
uptoMasada.Mindyou,theydprobablypreferGraysontoMasada,too,buttheGraysonsseemabit
moreawareofjusthowfatalitcanbetobecomeafriendofthePeoplesRepublic.
Andthat,Honor,iswhyyouneedtoknowexactlywhatsgoingon,diplomaticallyspeaking,on
thislittlejaunt.Youregoingtobevery,veryvisible,andthefactthattheKingdomissendinga
womantocommandthemilitarysideofthemission,well
Hebrokeoffwithashrug,andHonornoddedslowly,stilltryingtograpplewiththeideaofa
moderndayDarkAgeculture.
Isee,Sir,shesaidsoftly.Isee,indeed.

 CHAPTERTWO
Honorreleasedthehangingringsandwhippedthroughaflashing,somersaultdismount.Shewas
farfromaprofessionalqualitygymnast,butshelandedalmostperfectlyandbowedwithextravagant
gracetoheraudiencewhoregardedherwithatoleranteyefromhiscomfortableperchonthe
parallelbars.Sheinhaleddeeply,usingherhandstostripsweatfromherdripping,twocentimeter
hair,thenscrubbedherfacevigorouslywithhertowelbeforeshedrapeditaroundherneckandgave
himaseverelook.
Alittleworkoutwouldnthurtyou,either,shepanted.
Nimitzrespondedwithanairyflirtofhisfluffy,prehensiletail,thensighedinreliefasshepadded
acrosstothewallmountedgravcontrols.Sheresetthegymtotheregulationonegeemaintained
aboardallRMNships,andthecatswarmeddownfromthebars.Hedneverbeenabletounderstand
whysheinsistedoncrankingthegymsgravityclearuptothe1.35geesshedbeenbornto.Itwasnt
thatNimitzwaslazy,butinhisuncomplicatedviewexertionwassomethingtobeendured,notchased
after.Heregardedthelowerstandardshipboardgravityasthegreatestinventionsincecelery,andif
shehadtoexercise,shemightaswelldosomethingheenjoyed,aswell.
Hescamperedintothedressingroom,andHonorheardherlockerdoorrattle.Thenhereappeared
withahappyBleek!andherhandshotupjustintimetosnatchahurtlingplasticdiskoutoftheair
infrontofherface.
Why,youlittlecreep!shelaughed,andhechitteredindelight,dancingfromsidetosideonhis
midandrearmostlimbswhilehespreadhistruehandswide.
Shelaughedagainandtossedtheancientfrisbeeback.Therewastoolittlespaceforthekindsof
intricateflightpathsshecouldmanageonaplanet,butNimitzbuzzedwithgusto.Hedbeenafrisbee
freakeversincethedayhedseenamuchyoungerHonorsfatherplayingthesamegamewithhis
goldenretriever,and,unlikeadog,hehadhands.
Honorcaughtasizzlingreturnandgrinned,thenfeintedahigh,loopingcurveandsenttheactual
tossstreakingoutatkneelevel...whichbroughtitrighttochinheightonNimitz.Hesnaggedit
adroitlyandskitteredaroundinacircle,usingbothtruefeetandhishandpawstobuildmomentum
likeadiscusthrowerbeforehereleasedit.
Honorspalmsstungwiththeforceofthecatch,andsheshookherheadasshetosseditback.
Afteralltheseyears,shedstillnevermanagedtofoolhim.Nooneknewpreciselyhowtreecats
empathicsensesworked,butthelittledevilalwaysknewwhenshewastryingtoputsomethingover
onhim.
Whichwasmorethanshecouldsayabouthim.HisnextthrowcarriedwickedterminalEnglish
andcamecurvinginlikeaboomerang.Shemissedhercatch,duckingbarelyintimeasithissedpast
herheadandbouncedacrossthedecksole,andNimitzdashedovertoit.Heleaptintotheairand
landeddirectlyontopofthefrisbee,bleekinghistriumphasheexecutedanimpromptuvictorydance.
Honorstraightenedandshookherhead,thenlaughed.
Allright,youwon,shetoldhim,proppingherhandsonherhips.Isupposeyouwantyour
usualforfeit?Nimitznoddedcomplacently,andshesighed.Allrighttwocelerystickswithlunch
tomorrow.Butonlytwo!
 Thetreecatconsideredforamoment,thenflippedthetipofhistailinagreementandrosetohis
fullsixtycentimetersonhistruefeet,huggingherkneewithhismidlimbhandpawsandpattingher
thighwithhistruehands.Nimitzwasincapableofspeech,despiteanintelligencehumansweresadly
pronetounderestimate,butsheknewwhathewanted.Hepattedagain,harder,andshegrinneddown
athimasshepluckedhersweatsoakedunitardawayfromherbreastswithonehandandfannedher
cheekswiththeother.
Oh,no,youdont,Stinker!ImnotabouttotrustyourclawswhenImwearingsomethingthis
thin.
Hesniffed,managingtolooksimultaneouslydisdainful,trustworthy,pitiful,andneglected,then
brokeintoaloud,buzzingpurrassherelentedandgatheredhiminherarms.Sheknewbetterthanto
lifthimtohisnormalpositiononhershoulder,buthetwistedontohisback,wavinghistworearsets
oflimbsintheair(histruehandsclutchedhisfrisbee,instead)asshecuddledhim.
Lord,butyouareonespoiledbeastie,shetoldhim,nuzzlinghernoseintohiscreamcolored
bellyfur,andhebleekedincheerfulagreementassheheadedfortheshowers.
Honorhadthegymtoherself,foritwaslateinFearlesssofficialnight,andmostofthecruisers
offwatchcrewweresnugintheirbeds.Sheoughttobethereherself,butshewasspendingtoomuch
timebehindadesk,andthereneverseemedtobeenoughhoursforhertostealexercisetimeduring
theday.Besides,workingoutlateletherresetthegravfieldwithoutinconveniencinganyoneelse,
thoughherpresentheavybreathingandaslightmusclequiverofoverexertiontoldhershehadntbeen
puttinginenoughhourshereatnight,either.
Shesteppedintothedressingroom,setNimitzdown,andmadeamentalnotetomakemoregym
timeasshepeeledoffherunitard.Thetreecattuckedhisfrisbeeneatlybackintoherlockerandgave
heradisgustedlookasshedroppedthesweatygarmentuntidilyonthedeckandsteppedintothe
showers.
Thehotwatersluiceddeliciouslyoverher,andsheturnedherfaceuptothesprayasshereached
forthesoapdispenser.Yes,shedefinitelyneededtogetinmoregymtime.And,whileshewas
thinkingaboutit,itwaspasttimeshefoundanothersparringpartner,too.LieutenantWisnerhadbeen
prettygood,buthedbeentransferredoutaspartoftheroutinepersonnelrotationduringFearlesss
refit,andHonorknewshedbeenputtingofffindingareplacementonthescorethatshehadnotime
forit.
Shefrownedupintotheshower,workingupalatherinhershort,curlyhair.SergeantMajor
Babcock,theMarinedetachmentsseniornoncom,mightbeagoodbet.Maybetoogood.Ithadbeen
along,longtimesinceHonorwasontheAcademyunarmedcombatteam,andjudgingfromher
personneljacket,IrisBabcockcouldprobablytieherupinknotswithoutbreakingasweat.Which
embarrassingfate,Honorreflectedasshegaveherselfonelastrinseandturnedofftheshower,would
nodoubtinspirehertorecoverthetopofherownformquickly.
Shedrippedherwaybackintothedressingroomandreachedforafreshtowel.Nimitzcurledup
onabenchandwaitedpatientlywhileshedriedherself,climbedbackintoheruniform,andsettledthe
whiteberetofastarshipcommanderonherstilldamphair,buthewasmorethanreadytohopuponto
thespeciallypaddedshoulderofhertuniconceshewasdressed.
Sheliftedhimintoplaceandheadedforherquarters.Shereallyoughttoturnin,buttherewere
stillafewitemsofpaperworktodealwith,sosheturnedintoherdaycabin,instead.
Shepalmedthelightsupandcrossedtoherdesk,resolutelyrefusingtoletthekneetoceilingview
portdistractheruntilshefinishedherchores.Shedidallowherselftopauseandcheckthetreecat
sizedlifesupportmoduleclampedtothebulkheadbesideherdesk.Itwasthelatestmodel,withall
sortsofwhistlesandbells,increasedendurance,andaddedsafetyfeatures,yetitwasalsonew.Shed
maderegularchecksonitsreadoutsapartofherdailyroutine,butuntilshefeltcompletelyfamiliar
withallitsfeatures,sheintendedtocheckiteverytimeshepassedit,aswell.
Nimitzmadeasoftsoundofagreementonhershoulder.Heknewwhatandwhothatmodule
wasfor,andpersonalexperiencemadehimafirmsupporterofherconscientiousness.Shegrinnedat
hissound,thenstraightenedaheatwarpedgoldenwallplaqueminutelyandseatedherselfbehindher
desk.
ShedbarelybroughtherterminalalivewhenMacGuinessappearedwithasteamingmug,andshe
wonderedyetagainifhehadapowermeteronhercomputercircuits.Healwaysseemedtoappear,as
ifbymagic,theinstantshebootedthesystem,andthislateatnighthecouldbecountedupontoply
herwiththerich,sweetcocoashelovedwhilesheworked.
Thankyou,Mac,shesaidasshetookthecup.
Yourewelcome,Maam.MacGuinesscompletedtheritualwithasmile.Thechiefstewardhad
followedherfromherlastcommand,andtheydsettledintoacomfortableroutineoverthepast
twentysevenmonths.Hewasabittooinclinedtofussoverher,butHonorhaddiscovered(somewhat
guiltily)thatshehadnoparticularobjectiontobeingspoiled.
Hevanishedbackintohispantry,andHonorreturnedtoherscreen.Officially,shewasnthere
expresslytosupportAdmiralCourvosiersmission.Instead,shewasseniorofficeroftheescort
assignedtoaconvoywhoseultimategoalwastheCascaSystem,twentytwolightyearsbeyond
YeltsinsStar.NeitherYeltsinnorCascawereinaparticularlygoodgalacticneighborhood,forthe
singlestarpoliciesoutheretendedtobehardscrabblepropositions.Manyhadbitterpersonal
experienceofpiraticalraids,andtheredalwaysbeenatemptationtobettertheirlotswithalittle
piracyoftheirownagainstthepassingcommerceofwealthierstarsystems.Thesituationhadgotten
farworseoflate,andHonor(andtheOfficeofNavalIntelligence)morethansuspectedthatHavens
interestintheregionhelpedaccountforthatasuspicionwhich,inturn,explainedwhytheAdmiralty
hadprovidedtheconvoywithanescortoftwocruisersandapairofdestroyers.
Honornoddedasstatusreportsscrolledacrossherscreen.Theylookedgoodasshedexpected.
Thiswasherfirstopportunitytocommandwhatwas,forallintentsandpurposes,herownsquadron,
butifeverycaptainintheNavywereasgoodasherCOs,squadroncommandwouldbeabreeze.
Shefinishedthelastreportandleanedback,sippinghercocoawhileNimitzcurledonhis
bulkheadmountedperch.ShewasntparticularlyimpressedwithoneortwomembersofAdmiral
CourvosiersstaffofForeignOfficeexperts,butsofarshehadnothingtocomplainaboutwhereher
owndutieswereconcerned,asidefromthechunksoftimehernewjobwaseatingup.Andthat,she
toldherselfyetagain,washerownfault.Andreaswasperfectlycapableofrunningtheshipwithout
her,andshefeltfairlycertainshewasspendingtoomuchtimeworryingovertheconvoysdaytoday
operations.Delegatinghadalwaysbeenthehardestthingforhertodo,yetsheknewtherewasanother
factorthistime.KeepingherhandsoffwhileAndreasmanagedFearlessandfreedhertoworryabout
therestofthesquadronwaspreciselywhatsheoughttobedoing,andshedidntwantto.Notbecause
shedistrustedhiscompetence,butbecauseshewasafraidoflosingthethingeveryNavycaptainmost
cravedtheactiveexerciseofherauthorityandresponsibilityasmistressafterGodinoneofHer
Majestysstarships.
 Shesnortedtiredlyatherselfandfinishedthecocoa.MacGuinessknewexactlyhowtomakeit,
anditsrich,smoothcalorieswereanotherreasontoputinmoregymtime,shethoughtwithagrin.
Thensheroseandcrossedtotheviewporttostareoutintotheweird,shiftingsplendorofhyperspace.
ThatviewportwasoneofthethingsHonormosttreasuredabouthership.Herquartersaboardher
lastship,theelderlylightcruiserwhichhadbequeathedhernameandbattlehonorstothepresent
Fearless,hadnthadone,anditgaveHonoraneverrenewedsenseofthevastnessoftheuniverse.It
offeredbothrelaxingcontemplationandasenseofperspectiveanawarenessofhowsmallany
humanbeingtrulywasagainsttheenormityofcreationthatwasalmostachallenge,andshe
stretchedherlongbodyoutonthepaddedcouchbeneathitwithasigh.
Fearlessandtheshipsofherconvoyrodethetwistedcurrentsofagravwavewhichhadnever
attainedthedignityofaname,onlyacatalognumber.Honorscabinwasbarelyahundredmeters
forwardofFearlesssafterimpellernodes,andtheimmaterial,threehundredkilometerdiskofthe
cruisersafterWarshawskisailflickeredandflashedlikefrozenheatlightning,dominatingtheview
portwithitssoftgloryasitharnessedthegravwavespower.Itsgrabfactorwasadjustedtoatiny,
almostimmeasurablefractionofitsfullefficiency,providingaminusculeaccelerationwhichwas
exactlyoffsetbytheforwardsailsdecelerationtoholdFearlessatfiftypercentoflightspeed.The
cruisercouldhavesustainedavelocitytwentypercenthigher,butthehyperbandsheavierparticle
densitieswouldhaveovercomethefreightersweakerradiationshieldinglongbeforethat.
Honorsbrowneyeswereraptasshewatchedthesail,fascinatedasalwaysbyitsflowingice
beauty.Shecouldhaveshutdownhershipssailsandletmomentumtakeitscourse,butthosesails
balancedFearlessdelicatelybetweenthemlikeexquisitelycounterpoisedfulcrumsthatlentthe
cruiseraninstantresponsiveness.Theircurrentgravwavewasbarelyahalflightmonthdeepanda
lightmonthwide,amererivuletbesidetitansliketheRoaringDeeps,yetitspowerwasenoughto
sendhershipleapingtoaneffectivefivethousandgravitiesaccelerationinlessthantwoseconds.
AndshouldFearlesssgravitydetectorspickupunexpectedwaveturbulenceaheadofher,shemight
havetodojustthat.
Honorshookherselfandlethereyesrovefurtherout.Thesailcutoffallviewofanythingastern
ofFearless,butthebottomlesssweepofhyperspacestretchedoutaheadandabeam.Thenearest
freighterwasathousandkilometersaway,givingbothvesselssailsampleclearancefromone
another,andevenafivemegatonfreighterwasaninvisiblemotetounaidedvisionatthatdistance.
ButHonorstrainedeyepickedouttheglitteringdisksoftheshipsWarshawskisails,likeflawsof
strange,focusedpermanenceagainstthegorgeouschaosofhyperspace,andasternofherwasthe
gleamofyetanotherstupendousmerchantman.
Hermerchantmen,shetoldherself.Herchargesslow,fat,clumsy,thesmallestofthemsixtimes
moremassivethanFearlesssthreehundredthousandtonsbuttotallydefenseless,andstuffedwith
cargoeswhosecombinedvaluewasliterallybeyondcomprehension.Overahundredandfiftybillion
ManticorandollarsworthofitheadedforYeltsinsStaralone.Medicalequipment,teaching
materials,heavymachinery,precisiontools,andmolycirccomputersandsoftwaretoupdateand
modernizetheGraysonsoutofdateindustrialbaseeverypennyofitpaidforbyCrownloans
whichamountedtooutrightgifts.ItwasasoberingindicationofhowhighQueenElizabeths
governmentwaswillingtobidfortheallianceAdmiralCourvosiersought,anditwasHonors
responsibilitytoseeitsafelydelivered.
Sheleanedfurtherbackintothecushionedcouch,recliningtosavorthemeltingmuscular
relaxationinthewakeofherexercise,andherbrowneyeswereheavy.NoNavyskipperenjoyed
convoyduty.FreighterslackedwarshipspowerfulWarshawskisailsandinertialcompensators,and
withoutthemtheydarednotventuremuchabovethedeltabandsofhyperspace,whereaswarships
rangedashighastheetaoreventhetabands.Atthemoment,forexample,Honorsconvoywas
cruisingalonginthemiddeltabands,whichtranslatedtheir.5Ctruevelocityintoaneffective
velocityofjustoverathousandtimeslightspeed.Atthatrate,thethirtyonelightyearvoyageto
YeltsinsStarwouldrequiretendaysjustundernine,bytheirshipboardclocks.Lefttoherself,
Fearlesscouldhavemadethesamecrossinginlessthanfour.
Butthatwasallright,HonorthoughtdrowsilyasNimitzhoppedupontoherchestwithhissoft,
buzzingpurr.Hecurleddownandrestedhischinbetweenherbreasts,andshestrokedhisearsgently.
Fourdaysorten,itdidntmatter.Shedidntneedtosetanyrecords.Shedidneedtodeliverher
chargessafely,andcommerceprotectionwasoneofthepurposesforwhichcruiserswerespecifically
designedandbuilt.
Sheyawned,slidingstillfurtherdownonthecouch,andconsideredgettingupandtakingherself
offtobed,buthersleepygazeclungtothewaveringgrayandblackandpulsingpurpleandgreenof
hyperspace.Itglowedandthrobbed,beckoningtoher,starlessandshiftingandinfinitely,beautifully
variable,andhereyesslippedshutandNimitzspurrwasasoft,affectionatelullabyinthebackground
ofherbrain.
CaptainHonorHarringtondidnteventwitchwhenChiefStewardMacGuinesstiptoedintoher
cabinandtuckedablanketoverher.Hestoodamoment,smilingdownather,thenleftasquietlyashe
hadcome,andthecabinlightsdimmedintodarknessbehindhim.


 CHAPTERTHREE
Whitetablelinensglowed,silverandchinagleamed,andconversationhummedasthestewards
removedthedessertdishes.MacGuinessmovedquietlyaroundthetable,personallypouringthewine,
andHonorwatchedthelightsglitterdeepintherubyheartofherglass.
Fearlesswasyoung,oneoftheRoyalManticoranNavysnewestandmostpowerfulheavy
cruisers.TheStarKnightclassoftenservedassquadronorflotillaflagships,andBuShipshadborne
thatinmindwhentheydesignedtheiraccommodations.AdmiralCourvosiersflagcabinwaseven
moresplendidthanHonors,andthecaptainsdiningcabinwasdownrighthugebyNavystandards.If
itwasntbigenoughtoseatallofHonorsofficersaheavycruiserwasawarship,andnowarship
hadmasstowasteitwasmorethanlargeenoughtoaccommodateherseniorofficersand
Courvosiersdelegation.
MacGuinessfinishedpouring,andHonorglancedaroundthelongtable.TheAdmiralwho,true
tohisnewlyacquiredstatus,hadexchangedhisuniformforformalciviliandresssatatherright
hand.AndreasVenizelosfacedhimatherleftfromthere,herguestsrandownthesidesofthetablein
descendingorderofseniority,militaryandcivilian,toEnsignCarolynWolcottatitsfoot.Thiswas
Wolcottsfirstcruiseaftergraduation,andshelookedalmostlikeaschoolgirldressedupinher
mothersuniform.Tonightwasalsothefirsttimeshedjoinedhernewcaptainfordinner,andher
anxietyhadbeenobviousinherovercontrolledtablemanners.ButtheRMNbelievedtheproper
placeforanofficertolearnherduties,socialaswellasprofessional,wasinspace,andHonorcaught
theensignseyeandtouchedthesideofherglass.
Wolcottblushed,remindedofherresponsibilityasjuniorofficerpresent,androse.Therestofthe
guestsfellsilent,andherspinestraightenedasalleyesturnedtoher.
LadiesandGentlemen,sheraisedherwine,hervoicedeeperandmoremelodiousand
confidentthanHonorhadexpected,theQueen!
TheQueen!Theresponserumbledbacktoher,glassesrose,andWolcottslippedbackintoher
chairwithobviousreliefastheformalitywascompleted.Sheglancedupthetableathercaptain,and
herfacerelaxedasshesawHonorsapprovingexpression.
Youknow,CourvosiermurmuredinHonorsear,Istillrememberthefirsttimeitwasmyturn
todothat.Oddhowterrifyingitcanbe,isntit?
Allthingsarerelative,Sir,Honorrepliedwithasmile,andIsupposeitdoesusgood.Werent
youtheonewhowastellingmeaQueensofficerhastounderstanddiplomacyaswellastactics?
Nowthat,Captain,isaverytruestatement,anothervoicesaid,andHonorsuppressedagrimace.
Infact,IonlywishmoreNavyofficerscouldrealizethatdiplomacyisevenmoreimportantthan
tacticsandstrategy,theHonorableReginaldHousemancontinuedinhisdeep,culturedbaritone.
IdontbelieveIcanquiteagreewiththat,Sir,Honorsaidquietly,hopingherirritationathis
intrusionintoaprivateconversationdidntshow.Atleast,notfromtheNavysviewpoint.Important,
yes,butitsourjobtostepinafterdiplomacybreaksdown.
Indeed?HousemansmiledthesuperiorsmileHonorloathed.Irealizemilitarypeopleoftenlack
thetimeforthestudyofhistory,butanancientOldEarthsoldiergotitexactlyrightwhenhesaidwar
wassimplythecontinuationofdiplomacybynondiplomaticmeans.
 Thatssomethingofaparaphrase,andthatsimplyunderstatesthecaseabit,butIllgrantthatit
sumsupthesenseofGeneralClausewitzsremark.HousemanseyesnarrowedasHonorsupplied
Clausewitzsnameandrank,andotherconversationsflaggedaseyesturnedtowardthem.Ofcourse,
ClausewitzcameoutoftheNapoleonicEraonOldEarth,headingintotheFinalAgeofWestern
Imperialism,andOnWarisntreallyaboutpoliticsordiplomacy,exceptinasmuchastheyand
warfareareallinstrumentsofstatepolicy.Actually,SunTzumadethesamepointovertwothousand
Tyearsearlier.AhintofredtingedHousemansjowls,andHonorsmiledpleasantly.Still,neither
ofthemhadamonopolyontheconcept,didthey?TanakovsaidmuchthesamethinginhisTenetsof
WarjustaftertheWarshawskisailmadeinterstellarwarfarepossible,andGustavAndermancertainly
demonstratedthewayinwhichdiplomaticandmilitarymeanscanbeusedtoreinforceoneanother
whenhetookoverNewBerlinandbuiltitintotheAndermanEmpireinthesixteenthcentury.Have
youreadhisSternenkrieg,Mr.Houseman?Itsaninterestingdistillationofmostoftheearlier
theoristswithafewgenuinetwistsofhisown,probablyfromhispersonalbackgroundasamercenary.
IthinkAdmiralWhiteHavenstranslationisprobablythebestavailable.
Ah,no,ImafraidIhavent,Housemansaid,andCourvosierblottedhislipswithhisnapkinto
hideagrin.Mypoint,however,thediplomatcontinueddoggedly,isthatproperlyconducted
diplomacyrendersmilitarystrategyirrelevantbyprecludingtheneedforwar.Hesniffedandswirled
hiswinegently,andhissuperiorsmilereasserteditself.
Reasonablepeoplenegotiatingingoodfaithcanalwaysreachreasonablecompromises,Captain.
Takeoursituationhere,forexample.NeitherYeltsinsStarnortheEndicottSystemhaveanyreal
resourcestoattractinterstellarcommerce,buttheyeachhaveaninhabitedworld,withalmostnine
billionpeoplebetweenthem,andtheylielessthantwodaysapartforahyperfreighter.Thatgives
themampleopportunitytocreatelocalprosperity,yetbotheconomiesareatbestborderline...which
iswhyitssoabsurdthattheyvebeenatoneanothersthroatsforsolongoversomesillyreligious
difference!Theyshouldbetradingwithoneanother,buildingamutuallysupported,secureeconomic
future,notwastingresourcesonanarmsrace.Heshookhisheadsorrowfully.Oncetheydiscover
theadvantagesofpeacefultradeoncetheyeachrealizetheirprosperitydependsontheothersthe
situationwilldefuseitselfwithoutallthissaberrattling.
Honormanagednottostareathimindisbelief,butifshehadntknowntheadmiralsowell,she
wouldhaveassumedsomeonehadfailedtobriefHouseman.Itwouldcertainlybenicetomakepeace
betweenMasadaandGrayson,butherownreadingofthedownloadaccompanyingherordershad
confirmedeverythingtheadmiralhadsaidabouttheirlongtermhostility.Andniceasitwouldbeto
putthatenmitytorest,ManticoresfundamentalpurposewastosecureanallyagainstHaven,not
engageinapeacemakingeffortthatwasalmostcertainlydoomedtofailure.
Imsurethatwouldbeadesirableoutcome,Mr.Houseman,shesaidafteramoment,butI
dontknowhowrealisticitis.
Indeed?Housemanbristled.
TheyvebeenenemiesformorethansixhundredTyears,shepointedoutasgentlyasshecould,
andreligioushatredsareamongthemostvirulentknowntoman.
Thatswhytheyneedafreshviewpoint,athirdpartyfromoutsidethebasicequationwhocan
bringthemtogether.
Excuseme,Sir,butIwasundertheimpressionourprimarygoalsaretosecureanallyandFleet
baserightsandtopreventHavenfrompenetratingtheregioninsteadofus.
 Well,ofcoursetheyare,Captain.Housemanstonewasjustshortofimpatient.Butthebest
waytodothatistosettlethelocalsdifferences.ThepotentialforinstabilityandHaveniteinterference
willremainaslongastheirhostilitydoes,whateverelsewemayaccomplish.Oncewebringthem
together,however,wellhavetwofriendsintheregion,andtherewontbeanytemptationforeitherof
themtoinviteHaveninformilitaryadvantage.Thebestdiplomaticglueiscommoninterest,not
simplyacommonenemy.Indeed,Housemansippedhiswine,ourentireinvolvementinthisregion
stemsfromourownfailuretofindacommoninterestwiththePeoplesRepublic,anditisafailure.
Theresalwayssomewaytoavoidconfrontationifoneonlylooksdeepenoughandremembersthat,
inthelongrun,violenceneversolvesanything.Thatswhywehavediplomats,Captain
Harringtonandwhyaresorttobruteforceisanindicationoffaileddiplomacy,nothingmoreand
nothingless.
MajorTomasRamirez,commanderofFearlesssMarinedetachment,staredatHousemanin
disbelieffromfurtherdownthetable.Theheavyset,almostsquatMarinehadbeentwelveyearsold
whenHavenconqueredhisnativeTrevorsStar.He,hismother,andhissisterhadescapedto
ManticoreinthelastrefugeeconvoythroughtheManticoreWormholeJunctionhisfatherhadstayed
behind,ononeofthewarshipsthatdiedtocovertheretreat.Nowhisjawtightenedominouslyas
HousemansmiledatHonor,butLieutenantCommanderHiggins,Fearlessschiefengineer,touched
hisforearmandjerkedatinyheadshake.ThelittlescenewasntlostonHonor,andshesippedherown
winedeliberately,thenloweredherglass.
Isee,shesaid,andwonderedhowtheadmiraltoleratedsuchanincompoopashissecondin
command.Housemanhadareputationasabrillianteconomistand,givenGraysonsbackward
economy,sendinghimmadesense,buthewasalsoanivorytowerintellectualwhodbeenplucked
fromatenuredpositioninMannheimUniversitysCollegeofEconomicsforgovernmentservice.
MannheimwasntcalledSocialistUfornothing,andHousemansprominentfamilywasavocal
supporteroftheLiberalParty.NeitherofthosefactswerecalculatedtoendearhimtoCaptainHonor
Harrington,andhissimplisticnotionofhowtoapproachtheGraysonMasadahostilitywasdownright
frightening.
ImafraidIcantquiteagreewithyou,Sir,shesaidatlast,settingherglassdownpreciselyand
keepinghervoiceaspleasantashumanlypossible.Yourargumentassumesallnegotiatorsare
reasonable,first,andsecond,thattheycanalwaysagreeonwhatrepresentsareasonable
compromise,butifhistorydemonstratesonethingquiteclearly,itsthattheyarentandtheycant.If
youcanseetheadvantageofpeacefultradebetweenthesepeople,thensurelyitoughttobeevidentto
them,buttherecordindicatesnooneoneithersidehaseverevendiscussedthepossibility.That
suggestsadegreeofhostilitythatmakeseconomicselfinterestimmaterial,which,inturn,suggests
thatwhatweconsiderrationalismmaynotplayaparticularlyprominentpartintheirthinking.Evenif
itdid,mistakeshappen,Mr.Houseman,andthatswherethepeopleinuniformcomein.
Mistakes,asyouputit,Housemansaidmorecoolly,oftenhappenbecausethepeoplein
uniformacthastilyorilladvisedly.
Ofcoursetheydo,Honoragreed,andheblinkedatherinsurprise.Infact,thefinalmistakeis
almostalwaysmadebysomeoneinuniformeitherbecauseshegavethewrongadvicetoherown
superiorswhentheyweretheaggressorsorbecauseshesqueezedthetriggertooquicklywhenan
enemymadeanunexpectedmove.Sometimesweevenmakethemistakeofprojectingthreatsand
responsesintoomuchdetailandlockourselvesintowarplanswecantbreakfreeof,justas
Clausewitzsowndisciplesdid.But,Mr.Houseman,herdarkeyesmethissuddenlyacrossthe
snowytablecloth,thesituationswhichmakemilitarymistakescritical,evenpossible,growoutof
politicalanddiplomaticmaneuverswhichprecededthem.
Indeed?Housemanregardedherwithgrudgingrespectandmarkeddistaste.Thenwarsare
primarilythefaultofthecivilians,Captain,andnotthepureheartedmilitaryprotectorsoftherealm?
Iwouldntgoquitethatfar,Honorsaid,andagrinlitherfacebriefly.Iveknownquiteafew
militaryprotectors,andImsorrytosayalltoofewofthemwerepurehearted!Hergrinvanished.
Ontheotherhand,Idhavetopointoutthatinanysocietyinwhichthemilitaryiscontrolledbyduly
constitutedcivilianauthoritieslikeourstheultimateresponsibilityhastoliewiththecivilianswho
makepolicybetweenthewars.Idontmeantosuggestthatthoseciviliansarestupidorincompetent
afterall,shethought,onemustbepoliteorthatthemilitarygivesthemunfailinglygoodadvice,
butmutuallycontradictorynationalgoalscanpresentinsolubledilemmas,howevermuchgoodfaith
theremaybeonbothsides.AndwhenonesidedoesntnegotiateingoodfaithSheshrugged.
ItwasalsoClausewitzwhosaidPoliticsisthewombinwhichwarisdeveloped,Mr.
Houseman.Myownviewisabitsimplerthanthat.Warmayrepresentthefailureofdiplomacy,but
eventhebestdiplomatsoperateoncredit.Soonerorlatersomeonewhoslessreasonablethanyouare
isgoingtocallyou,andifyourmilitarycantcoveryourI.O.U.s,youlose.
Well,Housemantwitchedhisownshoulders,theobjectofthismissionistoavoidbeingcalled,
isntit?Hesmiledthinly.Itrustyouwontobjecttoouravoidingawarifwecan?
Honorstartedtoretortsharply,thenmadeherselfshakeherheadwithasmile.Shereallyshouldnt
letHousemangetunderherskinthisway,shescoldedherself.Itwasnthisfaulthedbeenrearedina
nice,safe,civilizedsocietythatprotectedhimfromtheharshrealityofanolderandgrimmersetof
imperatives.Andfoolishasshemightthinkhewasoutsidehisownundoubtedareaofexpertise,it
wasntasifhewereinchargeofthemission.ThatwasAdmiralCourvosiersresponsibility,andshe
feltnoqualmsabouthisjudgment.
Venizelossteppedintothebrieflull,tactfullyengagingHousemaninadiscussionofthe
governmentsnewtaxationpolicies,andsheturnedherownheadtospeaktoLieutenantCommander
DuMorne.
***
ArustleofmovementsweptthebriefingroomasAdmiralCourvosierfollowedHonorintothe
compartmentandherofficersrose.Thetwoofthemwalkedtotheirchairsattheheadofthetable,
thensat,followedamomentlaterbytheothers,andHonorlethereyessweeptheassembledfaces.
AndreasVenizelosandStephenDuMorne,herownexecandsecondlieutenant,represented
Fearless.Honorssecondincommand,CommanderAliceTrumanofthelightcruiserApollo,sat
besideLieutenantCommanderLadyEllenPrevost,Apollosexec,bothofthemasgoldenhairedas
Honorwasdark,andCommanderJasonAlvarezofthedestroyerMadrigalsatfacingthem,
accompaniedbyhisexec,LieutenantCommanderMercedesBrigham.AfterAdmiralCourvosier,
Brighamwastheoldestpersoninthecompartment,andjustasdarkandweatheredand
competentlookingasHonorrememberedher.TheescortforcesmostjuniorCOsatfacingherfrom
theendofthetable:CommanderAlistairMcKeonofthedestroyerTroubadourandhisexec,
LieutenantMasonHaskins.
Noneoftheadmiralscivilserviceassociateswerepresent.
Allright,people,shesaid.Thankyouallforcoming.Illtrynottouseupanymoreofyour
timethanIhaveto,but,asyouallknow,wellbetranslatingbackintonspaceforYeltsinsStar
tomorrow,andIwantedonelastchancetomeetwithallofyouandtheAdmiralbeforewedo.
Headsnodded,thoughoneortwoofHonorsofficershadbeenabittakenabackinitiallybyher
tasteforfacetofacemeetings.Mostseniorofficerspreferredtheconvenienceofelectronic
conferences,butHonorbelievedinpersonalcontact.Eventhebestcomconference,inherview,
distancedtheparticipantsfromoneanother.Peoplesittingaroundthesametableweremorelikelyto
feelpartofthesameunit,tobeawareofoneanother,andsparkthesortsofideasandresponsesthat
madeacommandteammorethanthesumofitsparts.
Or,shethoughtdryly,itseemedthatwaytoher,anyway.
Inlightofthefactthatyourmissionistheprimaryone,Admiral,shewenton,turningto
Courvosier,perhapsyoudcaretobegin?
Thankyou,Captain.Courvosierlookedaroundthetableandsmiled.Imsurebythistime
yourealmostdepressinglyfamiliarwithmymissionbrief,butIdliketohitthehighpointsonemore
time.
First,ofcourse,istheabsoluteimportanceofsecuringourrelationshipwithGrayson.The
governmenthopeswellcomehomewithaformalalliance,buttheyllsettleforanythingthatbrings
theYeltsinSystemmorefullyintooursphereofinfluenceanddecreasesHavensaccesshere.
Second,rememberthatanythingwesaytotheGraysongovernmentwillbefilteredthroughtheir
perceptionoftheMasadanthreat.TheirnavyandpopulationarebothsmallerthanMasadas,and
whatevercertainmembersofmyowndelegationmaythinkasoftchuckleranaroundthetable
theyhavenodoubtthatMasadanrhetoricaboutreturningtotheirplanetasconquerorsiscompletely
serious.Ithasntbeenthatlongsincetheirlastshootingwar,andthecurrentsituationisvery,very
tense.
Third,andinconjunctionwiththemilitarybalanceofpowerintheregion,rememberyoursingle
smallsquadronmassesseventypercentasmuchastheentireGraysonNavy.Giventherelative
backwardnessoftheirtechnology,Fearless,alone,couldannihilateeverythingtheyhaveinastandup
battle.Theyregoingtorealizethat,whethertheywanttoadmititornot,butitsessentialthatwenot
rubtheirnosesintheirinferiority.Makethemawareofhowusefulwecouldbeasallies,byall
means,butdontletyourselforanyofyourpeoplecondescendtothem.
Heheldthemwithlevelblueeyes,everycentimetertheadmiraldespitehistemporarycivilian
status,andhischerubfacewasdeadlyseriousuntilheadsnoddedaroundthetable.
Good.Andrememberthisthesepeoplearentfromthesamesocietalmatrixasweare.They
dontevencomeclose.Iknowyouveallstudiedyourdownloads,butbecertainyourcrewsareas
awareofthedifferencesasyouare.Inparticular,ourfemalepersonnelaregoingtohavetobe
extremelycarefulinanycontactswiththeGraysons.CommanderTrumangrimaced,andCourvosier
nodded.Iknow,andifitseemsfoolishtous,imaginehowmuchmorefoolishitsgoingtoseemto
someofyourjuniorofficersandratings.Butfoolishornot,itsthewaythingsarehere,andwerethe
visitors.Wemustconductourselvesasguests,andwhileIdontwantanyoneactingamillimeterless
thanfullyprofessionalatalltimes,regardlessofgender,themerefactthatwehavewomenin
uniformfarlessofficersuniformsisgoingtobehardforthemtoaccept.
Headsnoddedoncemore,andhesatbackinhischair.
Thatjustaboutcoversit,Captain,hetoldHonor,atleastuntilImeettheirrepresentativesand
havemoreofafeelforthesituation.
Thankyou,Sir.Honorleanedforwardandfoldedherhandsonthetable.Asidefromendorsing
everythingAdmiralCourvosierjustsaid,IhaveonlyonethingtosayaboutGrayson.Weregoingto
havetoplaythingsbyear,butourresponsibilityistocontributetotheAdmiralssuccess,nottomake
waves.IfthereareproblemswithanyrepresentativeoftheGraysongovernment,orevenaprivate
Graysoncitizen,Iwanttohearaboutitimmediatelyandnotfromthelocals.Theresnoroomhere
forprejudicefromourside,howevermeriteditmayseem,andIdbetternothearaboutany.Isthat
clear?
Aquietmurmurofagreementanswered,andshenodded.
Good.Sherubbedherleftforefingerlightlyacrossthebackofherrighthandandnodded.All
right,then,letsturntoourownschedule.
WevegotfourMandrakeclassfreighterstodropoffatYeltsinsStar,butwerenotsupposedto
actuallyturntheircargoesovertoGraysonuntilAdmiralCourvosierspeoplehavebegunnegotiations
andreleasedthem.Idontanticipateanyprobleminthatregard,butthatmeanstheyllremainour
responsibilityuntilwedohandthemover,andthatmeansweregoingtohavetoleaveatleastsome
oftheescorttokeepaneyeonthem.Inaddition,ofcourse,weresupposedtobeashowofforce,a
sortofpointedremindertotheGraysongovernmentofjusthowvaluabletheNavycanbetotheir
securityvisavisMasadaor,forthatmatter,thePeeps.
Ontheotherhand,wevegotfivemoreshipsgoingontoCasca.Wellhavetosendalonga
reasonableescort,giventhereportsofincreasedpirateactivityinthearea,somypresentthoughtis
tokeepFearlesshere,asourmostimpressiveunit,andsendyouandApolloontoCascaincompany
withTroubadour,Alice.CommanderTrumannodded.WithAlistairtoscoutforyou,youshouldbe
abletohandleanythingyouruninto,andthatwillgivemeJasonandMadrigaltosupportFearless.
ItlltakeyouabitoveraTweektogetthere,butIwantyoubackhereASAP.Youwonthaveany
freighterstoslowyoudownonthereturnvoyage,soIllexpectyoubackinelevendays.
Inthemeantime,Jason,shemovedhereyestoAlvarez,youandIwilloperateonthetheory
thattheGraysonsknowwhattheyretalkingaboutwhereMasadaisconcerned.Itwouldntbevery
brightofthemtotryanythingagainstus,butunlikecertainmembersoftheAdmiralsdelegation,
werenotgoingtotaketheirrationalityforgranted.Anotherrippleofamusementflowedaroundthe
table.Iwantourimpellershotatalltimes,andassumingwecanarrangelocalleave,Idontwant
morethantenpercentofourpeopledirtsideatanyonetime.
Understood,Maam.
Allright,then.Doesanyoneelsehaveanythingtoadd?
Ido,Skipper,McKeonsaid,andHonorcockedherheadwithasmile.Itjustoccurredtometo
wonder,MaamdidanyoneeverexpresslytelltheGraysonsthat,well,thatourseniorofficerisa
woman?
Idontknow,Honorsaid,andtheadmissionsurprisedher,forshehadntevenconsideredit.
SheturnedtoCourvosier.Admiral?
No,wehavent,Courvosierrepliedwithafrown.AmbassadorLangtrysbeenonGraysonfor
overthreelocalyears,andhisadvicewasthatmakingapointofexplainingthatwehavefemale
militarypersonnelmightbecounterproductive.Theyreaproud,touchylotnotleast,Isuspect,
because,scaredastheyareofMasada,theyknowtherealbalanceofpowerbetweenthemandthe
Kingdomaswellaswedoandresenttheirweakness.Theydontwanttobeoursupplicants,andthey
gooutoftheirwaytorefusetoadmittheymaybe.Atanyrate,SirAnthonyfelttheymightseeitas
somesortofslur,asifwewerepointedlytellingthemhowuncivilizedweconsiderthem.Ontheother
hand,wetransmittedalistofourshipsandtheirCOstothem,andtheircolonistscamepredominately
fromOldEarthsWesternHemisphere,justasouroriginalsettlersdid.Theycertainlyoughtto
recognizefemininenameswhentheyseethem.
Isee.McKeonfrowned,andHonorwatchedhisfacecarefully.SheknewAlistairwellenoughto
seethatsomethingaboutthesituationbotheredhim,buthechosetosaynothingmore,andshelooked
aroundthetableagain.
Anythingelse?sheasked,andheadsshook.Verywell,then,ladiesandgentlemen,letsbe
aboutit.
SheandCourvosierstoodandledthewaytotheboatbaytoseetheirvisitorstotheirpinnacesand
backtotheirownships.

 CHAPTERFOUR
SwordoftheFaithfulMatthewSimondsstumpedangrilydownthepassageaboardhisnew
flagshipandremindedhimselfnottospeaktoCaptainYuliketheheathenhewas.Hehadnodoubt
Yuwasgoingtobedispleasedbywhathewasabouttohear,andthoughthecaptainwasalways
exquisitelypolite,hecouldntquitehidehisfeelingofsuperiority.Thatwasparticularlymaddeningin
amanfromsuchanungodlyculture,buttheChurchneededYu,foratime,atleast.Yetthatwouldnt
alwaysbetrue,Simondspromisedhimself.ThetimewouldcomewhenGoddeliveredtheirtrue
enemiesintotheirhandsatlast.Onthatdayinfideloutsiderswouldnolongerbenecessary...andif
thesegodlessforeignerscouldcreatetheconditionsforMaccabeustosucceed,thatdaymightcome
farsoonerthantheysuspected.
Thebridgehatchopenedbeforehim,andhesummonedupasmileandmadehisirritatedpace
slowashesteppedthroughit.
CaptainAlfredoYurosefromthechairatthecenterofthemagnificentcommanddeck.Hewasa
tall,slenderman,overtoppingSimondsbyatleastfifteencentimeters,comfortableandelegantinthe
scarletandgoldoftheNavyofMasada,yettherewassomethingsubtlywrongwiththewayhecame
toattention.Notdisrespectfulorinsolent,butsimplydifferent,asifhedlearnedhismilitarycourtesy
somewhereelse.
Which,ofcourse,wasexactlywhathehaddone.
Goodmorning,Sir.Thisisanunexpectedhonor.HowmayIserveyou?
Comeintomybriefingroom,please,Simondsreplied,somewhatmollified,despitehimself,by
Yusunfailingcourtesy.
Ofcourse,Sir.CommanderManning,youhavethewatch.
Aye,Sir,thecommandernot,Simondsnotedwithfreshgrumpiness,a
Masadanacknowledgedcrisply,andYufollowedSimondsintothebriefingroomandturnedan
attentivecountenancetohimasthehatchclosedbehindthem.
Simondsstudiedthatbland,waitingexpressionandwondered,notforthefirsttime,whatthemind
behindthosedarkeyesthought.YuhadtoknowhowcriticalheandhisshipweretoMasadas
plansor,atleast,totheplansheknewaboutandathirdofThunderofGodscrewwerestill
heathensfillingthespecialistrolesnoMasadancould.TheylookedtoYufortheirorders,not
Simonds,andnotsimplybecausehewasthecaptainoftheirship.Simondshadsurvivedthirtyyears
ofinternecinepoliticalanddoctrinalwarfarewithinMasadastheocracy,andheknewperfectlywell
Yuhadhisownsuperiorsandhisownagenda.Sofar,thatagendahadmarchedsidebysidewiththe
Faiths,yetwhatwouldhappenonthedaythatwasnolongertrue?ItwasntsomethingSimondsliked
tocontemplate,butitwasalsosomethinghehadnochoicebuttoponderandthereasonitwasso
criticaltohandleYuperfectly.Whenthetimecamefortheirwaystopart,itmustbeontheFaithfuls
terms,nottheirs.
Heclearedhisthroat,banishinghismoodythoughts,andwavedatachair.
Sit,sit,Captain!
YuwaitedwithpunctiliouscourtesyuntilSimondshadtakenhisownseat,thendroppedneatly
intotheindicatedchair,andtheSwordswallowedthebitterbileofenvyathoweasilyYumoved.The
captainwastenyearsolderthanSimondsandlookedhalfhisage.Looked?YuwashalfSimondsage,
physically,atleast,forhispeopleweresolosttoGodtheysawnoevilintamperingwithHisplanfor
theirspecies.Theyusedtheprolongprocessliberally,amongtheirmilitaryandrulingfamilies,at
least,andSimondswasdisturbedbyhowmuchheenviedthem.Thetemptationtodrinkfromthat
springofyouthwasadeadlyone.PerhapsitwasaswellMasadasmedicalcommunitywasincapable
ofduplicatingit,evenifthatinabilitywasonemoregallingindicationofthethingstheseinfidels
coulddoandtheFaithfulcouldnt.
Wehaveaproblem,Captain,hesaidatlength.
Aproblem,Sir?Yusforeignaccent,withitslongervowelsandsharperconsonants,stillfell
strangelyonSimondsear.
Yes.OuragentsonGraysonhavejustdiscoveredthattheconvoywillarrivewithapowerful
escort.
Howpowerful,Sir?Yuasked,sittingstraighter,andSimondssmiledsourly.
Wedontknowyetonlythatitwillbepowerful.Hesnorted.Weshouldhaveanticipatedit,
Isuppose.TheirbitchofaqueenwillguardherthirtypiecesofsilverwelluntilMayhewsellsGrayson
toher.
AlfredoYunodded,carefullyconcealinghisreactiontothesavageryofSimondsvoice.Themere
ideaofawomanasaheadofstateappalledMasadadidnttheBibleitselfsayitwasEves
corruptionwhichhadtaintedallhumanitywithsin?andSimondsdisgustatthethoughtthateven
Graysonmightconsiderallyingitselfwithsuchavileandunnaturalregimewasclear.Yetitprobably
gavehimacertainhorrifiedsatisfaction,aswell,foritmustpandertohisownsenseofsuperiorityas
onemoreindicationofGraysonsapostasybesidetheuncorruptedfidelityoftheFaithful.But
Masadanbigotrywaslessimportantatthemomentthantheinformationthattheconvoyhadareal
escorttoworryabout,andthecaptainfrownedinthought.
Haveyoubeenabletodiscoveranythingaboutthisescortsorders,Sir?
Howcanwe?theSwordgrumbledinadeliberatelysourvoice.Itshardenoughtodiscover
whattheApostateareupto!ButwehavetoassumetheManticoranswontsitidlybywhilewe
eliminatetheirpotentialally.
Theymight,dependingontheirorders,Sir.Simondseyesflashed,andthecaptainshrugged.I
didntsayitwaslikely,Sir,onlythatitwaspossible.AndIsincerelyhopeitisthecase,underthe
circumstances.
Yusquiettoneheldacarefullymeasuredbite,andSimondsflushed.Yuandhissuperiorshad
pressedtheCouncilofEldersforweeksrespectfully,butstronglytomoveforwardonOperation
Jericho.Simondswasmorethanalittlefrightenedoftakingtheplungehimself,butheknewYuhad
beenrightfromapurelymilitaryviewpoint,andhedsaidso.Notthatithadmattered.TheCouncilas
awholehadbeendeterminedtowaituntilaftertheManticoranbribewasdeliveredtoGrayson.Their
ownally,unabletomatchtheefficiencyofManticoranindustry,wouldhavebeenhardpressedto
providethesamesortofinfrastructureboost,andtheElders,intentongatheringinthatlargessfor
Masadasbenefit,haddelayedtoolong.
Orperhapsnot.NoteventhemajorityoftheCouncilofElderskneweverything,andtheinner
circlehaditsownreasonstodelay.Ofcourse,itwasalwayspossiblethattheydwaitedtoolong,as
well,buttheyhadmorethanonewaytotheirend.Andevenifitcamedowntotheoperationeveryone
elseexpected,theescortswouldwithdrawwiththeirunloadedfreightersoncethecliqueruling
Graysonhadsoldwhatwasleftoftheirsoulsasthevassalsofinfidelswholetthemselvesberuledby
women.Therewouldbeawindow,howeverbrief,betweenthesigningofthedrafttreatyandits
ratification.IftheFaithfulstruckthen,beforethetreatywasformalized,andeliminatedthe
governmentwhichwouldhaveratifiedit...
TheCouncilofEldersisunanimousonthis,Captain.TheSwordmadehimselfsoundpleasant.
UntilandunlesswecanconfirmthattheManticoranescortcommanderhasordersnottointervene,
wewillpostponeJericho.
Withallduerespect,Sir,theirescortwouldhavetobeverypowerfultooffsetThunders
presenceinourownorderofbattle.Particularlywhentheydontknowwehaveher.
Butiftheyintervene,JerichowillresultinashootingconfrontationwithManticore,andwecant
possiblystandofftheRoyalManticoranNavy.
Notalone,no,Sir,Yuagreed,andSimondsbaredhisteethinatightgrinofunderstanding.He
knewwhereYuwasheadedandhehadnointentionoffollowinghimthere.TheCouncilofElders
wouldntthanktheSwordforcreatingasituationinwhichtheircontinuedexistencedependedupon
Yustruemastersdispatchingapowerfulfleettoprotectthem!Theywouldbecomelittlemorethan
prisonersunderhousearrestiftheyallowedthattohappenwhichwouldnodoubtsuittheirallys
purposesperfectly.NotthathecouldsaythattoYu.
Therestoomuchroomforerrorinprecipitateaction,Captain,hesaidinstead.Manticoreis
muchcloserthanyourfriendsare.Ifitcametoopencombatandanyoftheirshipsescaped,their
reinforcementswouldgetherebeforeyourscould.Underthosecircumstances,evenavictorywould
beadisaster.And,ofcourse,headded,itsmuchtoolateforustoprepositionRepublicannaval
unitsherebeforewelaunchJericho.
Isee.Yuleanedbackinhischairandfoldedhisarms.WhatdoestheCouncilwanttodo
instead,then?
WellproceedwiththeplanningandinitialdeploymentsforJericho,butwewontmountthe
actualoperationuntiltheManticoranescortwithdraws.
Andifitdoesntwithdraw,Sir?Oriftheyreplaceitwitharegularpicketforcebeforeitdoes?
WebelievethattobeunlikelyandtheriskofprecipitatingopenwarwithManticoreoutweighs
thepossibility.ItwasSimondsturntoleanback.Whiletherewerethingsitwouldneverdoforthe
captaintolearn,itwastimeforafewunambiguous,ifcarefullychosen,words,hedecided.
CaptainYu,yoursuperiorsobjectivesandoursarenotidentical.Webothknowthat,andmuch
asweappreciateyourhelp,theCouncilisntblindtothefactthatyourehelpingusbecauseitsuits
yourownpurposes.
SimondspausedwhileYucockedhishead.Thenhenodded,andtheSwordssmileturnedmore
genuine.Infidelornot,therewasacoreoffranknessinthecaptain,andSimondsappreciatedit.
Verywell,then,hecontinued.WeknowyourfundamentalobjectiveistokeepManticoreout
oftheregion,andwerewillingtoguaranteethatoutcomeafterourvictory.Wearenot,however,
preparedtoriskthesurvivaloftheTrueFaithinpursuitofit.Wevewaitedoversixcenturiestocrush
theApostateifwemust,wecanwaitanothersix,becauseunlikeyou,ifyoullforgivemyfrankness,
weknowGodisonourside.
 Isee.Yupursedhislips,thenshrugged.Sir,myordersaretosupportyourdecisions,butIm
alsochargedwithadvisingyouonthebestuseofThunderandPrincipalityinpursuitofourcommon
goals.Obviously,thatincludesgivingyoumyhonestopinionofthebesttimingforJericho,and
frankly,thebesttiminghasalreadyescapedus.Ihopemysayingthatdoesntoffendyou,butIma
militaryman,notadiplomat.Assuch,myfirstconcernmustbeavoidingmisunderstandings,notthe
formalnuancesofcourtesy.
Irealizethat,Captain,andIappreciateit,Simondssaid,and,infact,hedid.Hemightworry
abouthisbloodpressurewhenYudisagreedtoobluntlywithhim,andkeepinghimignorantof
Maccabeusmadethingsmuchharderallaround,butitwasfarbettertohearthemanout,heathenor
no,thandrivehimintoworkingbehindSimondsback.
Withinthoselimitations,then,Yucontinued,ImustrespectfullyarguethatGodhelpsthose
whohelpthemselves.Thisescortforcemaynotwithdrawatall,atleastuntilitstimetoconvey
Manticoresdiplomatshome,andevenadrafttreatyofalliancemightverywellbringtheManticorans
inagainstyouifyouhitGraysonaftertheirdelegationleaves.Ibelievetheprobabilitythatabinding
alliancebetweenthemwillmakeanyfutureactionfarmoredangerousmustbebalancedagainstthe
possibilitythattheescortscurrentordersaresimplytoprotecttheconvoyandtheirown
representatives.
Youmaybecorrect,Captain,Simondsadmitted,butthatsupposesthatweactopenlyatall.
TheCouncilbelievesrightly,Ithinkthateveniftheysigntheircursedtreatyitwillbeprimarily
defensive.WithoutaManticoranguaranteetosupportoffensiveaction,theApostatewontdareattack
usalone,andonethingtheFaithfulhavelearnedispatience.Wewouldprefertobeyourfriendsand
tostrikenow,butifdoingsojeopardizesthesecurityoftheFaith,werepreparedtowait.Sooneror
lateryouandManticorewillsettleyourdifferences,onewayortheother,andManticoresinterestin
thisregionwillwane.Eitherway,ourchancewillcomeintime.
Perhaps,Sirandperhapsnot.Asyousay,youvewaitedsixcenturies,butthosehavebeensix
centuriesofrelativepeaceinthisregion.Theoddsareveryhighthatthatpeacewillsoonbeathingof
thepast.MysuperiorshopeandbelievethatanywarwithManticorewillbeshort,butwecant
positivelyguaranteethat,andEndicottandYeltsinsStarwillbecaughtsquarelybetweenuswhenthe
shootingstarts.IfManticoresecuresbaserightsinYeltsin,thatshootingisalmostcertaintomove
rightontoyourdoorstep,withconsequencesnoonecanpredict.
Simondstastedthedistanttangofironinthecaptainsmeasuredwords.Yuwasbeingcarefulnot
tosaythatoneofthoseconsequencesmightwellbetheannexationofbothstarsystemsbyMasadas
presentally,buttheybothknewwhathemeant.
Underthecircumstances,Sir,Yuwentonquietly,itsmyopinionthatanyoperationwhich
promisesasignificantchanceofvictorynowiswellworthafewrisks.Fromourperspective,it
relievesusofthenecessityofdealingwithanadvancedenemybasesquarelyinourpathtoManticore
fromyourperspective,itavoidsthehighprobabilitythatyourstarsystemwillbecaughtinthe
crossfireatalaterdate.
Theresagreatdealoftruthinthat,Captain,Simondsconceded,andIllcertainlybearitin
mindwhennextIspeakwiththeCouncil.Ontheotherhand,someoftheEldersmayfeelyourvictory
overManticoreislessassuredthanyouseemtobelieve.
Nothingiseverassuredinwar,Sir,butwerefarbiggerthantheyare,withamuchlargerfleet.
And,asyouyourselfhavepointedout,Manticoreisweakanddegenerateenoughtoallowawomanto
holdthereinsofpower.
Simondstwitched,faceflushing,andYuhidasmile.TheSwordwouldundoubtedlyrecognizethe
manipulationofthatlastsentence,butitappealedtoostronglytothemansintoleranceforhimto
simplyshrugitoffassomeonefromamorecivilizedculturemight.
Simondsswallowedaharshremarkandlookedlongandhardatthecaptain,sensingthesmile
behindthosecourteouseyes.HeknewYudidntbelievehisowndismissalofManticoresdegeneracy
...but,then,Yuhimselfsprangfromadegeneratesociety.ThePeoplesRepublicofHavenwaseven
morecorruptthanmostforeigners,yettheFaithfulwerewillingtouseanytoolthatwasofferedfor
GodsWork.Andwhenoneusedatool,oneneednottellitofallofonesothertools.Especiallynot
whentheobjectwastouseoneofthemtodisplaceanotheratthepropertime,andHavenscynical
ambitionwastoobarefaced,andfartoovoracious,foranyonetotrust.Thatwastheveryreason
anythingYusaid,howeverprofessionalandreasonable,mustbeexaminedagainandagainbeforeit
wasaccepted.
Yourpointiswelltaken,Captain,theSwordsaidafteramoment,and,asIsay,theEldersandI
willconsideritcarefully.IbelievethedecisiontowaituntiltheManticoranescortwithdrawswill
stand,butIalsofeelcertainGodwillguideustothecorrectdecisionintheend.
Asyousay,Sir,Yureplied.Mysuperiorsmaynotshareyourreligion,SwordSimonds,butwe
respectyourbeliefs.
Wereawareofthat,Captain.Simondssaid,thoughhedidntforamomentbelieveYus
superiorsrespectedtheFaith.Butthatwasacceptable.Masadawasaccustomedtodealingwith
unbelievers,andifYuwassincere,ifHavendid,indeed,believeinthereligioustoleranceitprated
about,thentheirsocietywasevenmoredegeneratethanSimondshadbelieved.
Therecouldbenocompromisewiththosewhorejectedonesownbeliefs,forcompromiseand
coexistenceonlyopenedthedoortoschism.Apeopleorafaithdividedagainstitselfbecamethesum
ofitsweaknesses,notitsstrengths,andanyonewhodidntknowthatwasdoomed.


 CHAPTERFIVE
Hyperspacesripplingenergyfluxesandflurriesofchargedparticleshashedanysensorbeyonda
twentylightminuteradius,buttheconvoysclusteredlightcodeswereclearandsharpand
gratifyinglytightonHonorsmaneuveringdisplayasitapproachedthehyperlimitofYeltsinsStarat
acomfortablethirdoflightspeed.
Thetranslationfromnspacetohyperwasspeedcriticalatanythingabove.3C,dimensional
shearwouldtearashipapartbutthereversewasnttrue.Whichdidntmakehighspeeddownward
translationspleasant.Theenergybleedastheconvoycrossedeachhyperwallwouldslowthemtoa
crawllongbeforetheyreachedthealphabands,andshearwasntafactorasfarashardwarewas
concerned,buttheeffectonhumanswassomethingelseagain.Navalcrewsweretrainedforcrash
translations,yettherewasalimittowhattrainingcoulddotooffsetthephysicaldistressandviolent
nausea,andtherewasnopointinputtinganyoneespeciallyhermerchantcrewsthroughthat.
Readytobegintranslationinfortyoneseconds,Maam,LieutenantCommanderDuMorne
reportedfromAstrogation.
Verywell,Mr.DuMorne.Theconisyours.
Aye,aye,Maam.Ihavethecon.Helm,prepareforinitialtranslationonmymark.
Readyfortranslation,aye,ChiefKillianreplied,andthehelmsmanshandhoveredoverthe
manualoverride,justincasetheastrogatorscomputersdroppedtheball,whileHonorleanedbackto
watch.
Mark!DuMornesaidcrisply,andthenormallyinaudiblehumofFearlessshypergenerator
becameabassogrowl.
Honorswallowedagainstasuddenrippleofnauseaasthevisualdisplayalteredabruptly.The
endlesslyshiftingpatternsofhyperspacewerenolongerslowtheyflickered,jumpingaboutlike
poorlyexecutedanimation,andherreadoutsflashedsteadilydownwardastheentireconvoy
plummeteddownthehyperspacegradient.
Fearlesshitthegammawall,andherWarshawskisailsbledtransitenergylikeanazureforestfire.
Hervelocitydroppedalmostinstantlyfrom.3Ctoamereninepercentoflightspeed,andHonors
stomachheavedasherinnerearrebelledagainstaspeedlosstherestofhersensescouldnteven
detect.DuMornescalculationshadallowedfortheenergybleed,andtheirtranslationgradient
steepenedevenfurtherastheirvelocityfell.Theyhitthebetawallfourminuteslater,andHonor
wincedagainlessviolentlythistimeastheirvelocitybleddowntolessthantwopercentoflight
speed.Thevisualdisplaywasafiercechaosofheavinglightastheconvoyfellstraightdownacross
adistancewhichhadnophysicalexistence,andthentheyhitthealphabandsandflashedacross
themtothenspacewalllikeacomet.
Herreadoutsstoppedblinking.Thevisualdisplaywassuddenlystill,filledoncemorewiththe
unwinkingpinpricksofnormalspacestars,thesenseofnauseafadedalmostasquicklyasithad
come,andHMSFearlesssvelocityhaddroppedinlessthantenminutesfromninetythousand
kilometerspersecondtoabarehundredandforty.
Honordrewadeepbreathandsuppressedtheautomaticurgetoshakeherheadinrelief.Oneor
twopeoplearoundthebridgeweredoingjustthat,buttheoldhandswereaspurposelyblasaboutit
assheherself.Itwassilly,ofcourse,buttherewereappearancestomaintain.
Herlipstwitchedatthefamiliarthought,andsheglancedatherastrogationrepeater.Stephenhad
donehisusualbangupjob,andFearlessandherchargesfloatedtwentyfourlightminutesfrom
YeltsinsStar,justoutsidetheF6shyperlimit.Eventhebesthyperlogwassubjecttosomeerror,and
thenatureofhyperspaceprecludedanyobservationstocorrect,butthevoyagehadbeenrelatively
shortandDuMornehadshavedhissafetymarginwithanexperttouch.
Shepressedacomstudonherchairarmwhilehetooknormalspacefixestorefinetheirposition,
andthevoiceofherchiefengineeranswered.
Engineering,CommanderHiggins.
Reconfiguretoimpellerdrive,please,Mr.Higgins.
Aye,aye,Maam.Reconfiguringnow,Higginsacknowledged,andFearlessfoldedher
Warshawskisailsintoherimpellerwedge.
Therewasnointernalsignofthechange,butHonorsengineeringreadoutsandvisualdisplaytold
thetale.UnlikeWarshawskisails,whichwereinvisibleinnormalspaceexceptforthebriefmoment
inwhichtheyradiatedtheenergybleedofatranslation,thestressedgravitybandsofanimpellerdrive
werealmostpainfullyobvious.NowtheysprangintoexistenceaboveandbelowFearless,angled
towardsoneanotherinawedgeopenbothaheadandastern,andstarsredshiftedasagravity
differentialofahundredthousandMPS2grabbedattheirphotons.Thecruiserfloatedwithinher
wedge,likeasurferpoisedinthecurlofawavewhichhadntyetbeguntomove,andHonorwatched
hercommunicationsofficer.
LieutenantMetzingerpressedthefingersofherrighthandgentlyagainstherearbug,thenlooked
up.
Allshipsreportreconfiguredtoimpeller,Maam.
Thankyou,Joyce.HonorseyesmovedtothebluegreenlightcodeoftheplanetGrayson,ten
andahalflightminutesfurtherinsystem,andthentoDuMorne.MayIassume,Mr.DuMorne,that,
withyourusualefficiency,younowhaveacourseworkedoutforGrayson?
You,may,Maam.DuMornereturnedhersmile.Courseisoneonefivebyhedouble
checkedhispositionandtappedaminutecorrectionintohiscomputerszerozerofourpointzero
niner.Accelerationistwozerozerogravitieswithturnoverinapproximatelytwopointsevenhours.
Layitin,ChiefKillian.
Aye,aye,Maam.Comingtooneonefive,zerozerofourpointzeroniner.
Thankyou.Com,passourcoursetoallships,please.
Aye,aye,Maam.MetzingerdumpedfiguresfromDuMornescomputerstotherestofthe
convoy.Courseacknowledgedandvalidatedbyallunits,shereportedamomentlater.Convoy
readytoproceed.
Verygood.Areweready,Helm?
Yes,Maam.Standingbyfortwozerozerogravities.
Thenletsbeonourway,Chief.
Aye,aye,Maam.Underway.
TherewasnodiscerniblesenseofmovementasFearlessgatheredspeedatjustundertwo
kilometerspersecondpersecond,forherinertialcompensatorallowedhertocheatNewton
shamelessly.
TwohundredgravitieswasaleisurelylopeforFearless,lessthanhalfofwhatshecouldhave
turnedoutevenattheeightypercentmaxpowersettingstheManticoranNavynormallyused,butit
wasthehighestsafeaccelerationforHonorsfreighters.Merchantmenwerefarlargeryethadmuch
weakerimpellerdrivesthanwarships,withproportionatelylesspowerfulcompensators.
ShelookedbackatMetzinger.
HailGraysonTrafficControl,please,Joyce.
Aye,aye,Maam.Transmittingnow.
Thankyou.Honorleanedbackinhercommandchair,proppedherelbowsonitsarms,and
steepledherfingersunderherpointedchin.ItwouldtakeherhailovertenminutestoreachGrayson,
andasshewatchedthedistant,gleamingmarbleswellwithinfinitesimalspeedinthevisualdisplay,
shewonderedhowmuchofaproblemhergenderwouldactuallybe.
***
HighAdmiralBernardYanakovlookedupfromhisreaderashisaiderappedgentlyontheframe
oftheopendoor.
Yes,Jason?
Trackingjustpickedupahyperfootprintrightonthelimit,Sir.Wedonthaveimpeller
confirmationyet,butIthoughtyoudwanttoknow.
Youthoughtcorrectly.Yanakovswitchedoffthereaderandrose,twitchedhisbluetunic
straight,andpickeduphispeakedcap.LieutenantAndrewsmovedoutofhisway,thenfellinbeside
andslightlybehindhimashestrodebrisklytowardsCommandCentral.
Thechatterofvoicesandoldfashionedimpactprintersmetthemastheysteppedthroughthe
soundproofeddoor,andYanakovhidagrimace,fortheclatteringprinterswereevenmoreprimitive
thanthosetheoriginalcolonistshadbroughtfromOldEarth.Theydidthejob,buttheywereonemore
indicationofhowfarGraysonstechnologyhadbackslid.Itwasntsomethingthatusuallybothered
theAdmiral,buttodaywasntusual.ThatfootprintalmosthadtobetheManticoranconvoy,andhis
planetsbackwardnesswouldbeembarrassinglyapparenttotheirvisitors.
Crimsonstatuslightscaughthiseye,andhenoddedinsatisfaction.Untiltheyknewforcertainthat
thatfootprintwastheconvoy,theGraysonNavywouldassumeitwasaMasadanattackforce.The
unscheduleddrillwoulddoallhandsgood...andgiventhecurrentlevelsoftension,Yanakovhadno
intentionoftakinganychanceswithhishomeworldssecurity.
CommodoreBrentworthlookedupasYanakovcrossedtohim.
Passivesensorsjustregisteredincomingimpellerdrives,Admiral,hesaidbriskly,andalight
glowedonthemastersystemdisplaybehindhim.Tinylettersandnumeralsbesideitdetailednumbers
andaccelerations,andYanakovgruntedsoftlyashestudiedthem.
NumbersandformationmatchtheManticoranconvoy,Sir.Ofcourse,weonlyhavethemon
graviticsnow,notlightspeedsensors.Wewonthearanythingfromthecomforanothereight
minutesorso.
Understood,Walt.Yanakovwatchedtheboardamomentlonger,thenglancedathisaide.Alert
mycutterforimmediateliftoff,Jason,andinformGraysonIllbearrivingaboardshortly.
Yes,Sir.Andrewsvanished,andYanakovturnedbacktotheboard.AustinGraysonwouldbe
smallandantiquatedbesidetheStarKnightcruiserheadingtheManticoranescort,butshewasstillthe
flagshipoftheGraysonNavy,andhewouldgreettheirguestsfromhisflagdeck,wherehebelonged.
***
GraysonlookedoddlypatchyinthevisualdisplayasFearlessandherbroodsettledintotheir
parkingorbit,andHonorhadbeenamazedonthetripinsystembythescaleofGraysonsspaceborne
industry.Foratechnicallybackwardsystem,YeltsinsStarboastedanamazingnumberofbulk
carriersandprocessingships.Noneofthemappearedhypercapable,andthelargestmassedbarelya
milliontons,buttheywereeverywhere,andsomeoftheorbitalstructurescirclingGraysonitselfwere
atleastathirdthesizeofHephaestusorVulcanbackhome.Nodoubtthescaleoftheorbital
constructionprojectsalsoexplainedtheplethoraofenergysourcesanddrivesignaturesplying
betweenGraysonandthelocalasteroidbelt,butthesheernumbersofthemstillcameasashock.
FearlesscutherwedgeasChiefKilliansignaleddonewithenginesandstationkeepingthrusters
tookover,andHonorfrownedoverherdisplayswhileacornerofhermindmonitoredtheflowof
communicationsbetweentheplanetaryauthoritiesandAdmiralCourvosiersstaffontheheavy
cruisersflagbridge.EverythingshesawonlyseemedtounderscorethestrangetoManticoraneyes,
atleastdichotomybetweenthealmostincredibleenergyofGraysonsactivitiesandthecruditywith
whichtheywerecarriedout.
Oldfashionedelectricarcandlaserweldersglaredandsputtered,despitethewastefulnessofsuch
primitive,energyintensivetechniquescomparedtomodernchemcatalystwelders.Hardsuited
constructioncrewsheavedmassiveframemembersaround,overcomingmassandmomentumbybrute
musclepowerwithoutthetractor/countergravexosuitsManticoranworkerswouldhaveusedasa
matterofcourse,andittookherawhiletorealize(andevenlongertoaccept)thatsomeofthemwere
usingrivetguns.Thelocalorbitalpowerreceptorswerehugeandclumsyandlookednonetoo
efficient,andhersensorssaidatleasthalfthestructuresouttherewereusingfissionpowerplants!
Fissionplantswerentjustoldfashionedtheyweredangeroustechnicalantiques,andtheirpresence
baffledher.TheoriginalChurchofHumanityscolonyshiphadusedfusionpower,sowhywerethe
colonistsdescendantsusingfissionpowerninehundredyearslater?
Sheshookherheadandturnedherattentiontothenearestcompletehabitat.Itrotatedslowlyabout
itscentralaxis,butitobviouslyboastedinternalgravgenerators,forthespinwasfartooslowto
produceanythinglikeausefulgravity.Infact,therewassomethingpeculiaraboutthatleisurely,
almosttricklingmovement.Coulditbethat?
Shepunchedaqueryintohertacticaldisplay,andherpuzzlementgrewasCICconfirmedher
suspicion.Thatstructurewasspinningonitsaxisexactlyonceperlocalplanetaryday,whichseemed
veryodd,anditglitteredlikeahuge,facetedgemasYeltsinslightbouncedoffunusuallyvast
stretchesoftransparenthull.Shefrownedandleanedclosertohervisualdisplay,zoominginonan
enormoussurfacedome,ablisteroftransparencyoverakilometeracross,andhereyeswidened.The
designershadusedsomethinglikeoldfashionedVenetianblinds,nottheselfpolarizingantirad
armorplastHonorwasusedtonowtheblindswerehalfopenonthenearersideofthedomeasit
rotateditswaytowardsevening,andshestaredattheimageforalong,disbelievingmoment.
Thatwasntanorbitalhabitatafterall.Or,rather,itwasntahabitatforpeople.Shewatchedthe
herdofcattlegrazeacrossakneehighmeadowonwhathadtobeoneofthemostexpensivefarms
intheexploredgalaxy,thenshookherheadagainthistimewithslowlydawningcomprehension.So
thatwaswhytheywerebuildingsomanyorbitalinstallations!
 Sheturnedbacktotheplanet,andthepeculiarsplotchinessofitscolorationreallyregisteredfor
thefirsttime.Graysonslandsurfacewasthelifebreathinggreenofchlorophyll,withveryfew
patchesofdesert,butmostofitwasarich,bluetonedgreen,darkerthananythingHonorwasusedto
seeing.Lighterpatches,withsuspiciouslyneatandregularboundaries,brokethedarknessup,butthe
lighterareaswerecenteredonwhatwereobviouslycitiesandtowns,andallofthosehabitationswere
wellinland.Graysonsseaswereadeepandsparklingblue,painfullysimilartothoseofHonors
nativeSphinx,yettherewerenocitiesalongthosebright,whitebeaches,andshenoddedtoherselfas
sherealizedwhy.
Graysonwas,asAdmiralCourvosierhadsaid,alovelyplanet.Itscolorshadarich,jewelliketone
rareevenamonglifebearingworlds,anddespiteitsthirteenandahalflightminuteorbitalradius,its
brilliantstarandminimalaxialtiltgaveitsurfacetemperaturesandweatherpatternsanyresortplanet
mightenvy.Butbeautifulasitwas,Graysonhadneverbeenintendedasahomeforman.Itwas
considerablysmallerthanOldEarth,yetitsmasswasalmostEarthStandard,foritwasrichinheavy
elements.Dangerouslyrich.Sorichitsplantlifefixedarsenicandcadmium,mercuryandlead,and
passedthosesameelementsontotheherbivoreswhoateit.Sorichitsseaswerentmerelysaltbuta
brewofnaturallyoccurringtoxinsthatmademerelyswimminginthempotentiallylethal.Nowonder
Graysonspeoplelivedinland,andHonorhatedeventothinkoftheunremittingstruggletheymust
facetodecontaminatethesoilthatsupportedthoselightergreenpatchesofterrestrialfoodcrops.
Honorsparentsweredoctors,andsheshudderedatthepotentialforneuralandgeneticdamage
Graysonsenvironmentoffered.Itmustbelikelivinginachemicalwastedump,andthesepeoplehad
livedhereforninecenturies.Nowondertheybuiltfarmsinouterspaceifshedbeenthey,she
wouldhavemovedherentirepopulationintoorbit!Thesheerbeautyoftheirplanetmustmakeits
dangersevenhardertoendure...andastillmorebittercosmicjoke.AustinGraysonsfollowershad
comefivehundredandthirtylightyearstoescapethetechnologytheybelievedpollutedtheirbirth
worldandracialsoulonlytofindthispoisonousjewelofaplanetatjourneysend.
Sheshudderedandturnedawayfromthatgorgeous,deadlyviewtoconcentrateonhertactical
display.Thelocalnavalunitswhichhadcomeouttogreetthemhaddeceleratedtomatchvectorswith
theconvoynowtheysharedFearlesssorbit,andsheknewshewasstudyingthemtoavoidlookingat
theirhomeworlduntilshecouldcometotermswithitsreality.
Mostofthemwerelightattackcraft,purelysublightintrasystemvessels,thelargestmassing
barelyeleventhousandtons.TheLACsweredwarfedbytheirlightcruiserflagship,yethoweverlarge
shemightbebesideherdiminutiveconsorts,thecruiserwasonlyalittleoverninetythousandtons,
barelytwothirdsthesizeofAliceTrumansApollo.Shewasalsothirtyyearsold,butHonorslast
commandhadbeenevensmallerandolder,andshecouldonlyapproveofthecrispdeftwaythe
Graysonshadmaneuveredtorendezvouswithherowncommand.Thoseshipsmightbeoldand
technicallyinferior,buttheircrewsknewwhattheyweredoing.
Shesighedandleanedback,glancingaroundherbridgeoncemore.AdmiralCourvosiersstaff
hadhandledallmessagetraffic,butshedmonitoreditathisinvitation,andshedbeenrelievedbythe
genuinewelcomeinAdmiralYanakovsvoice.Maybethiswasntgoingtobeasbadasshed
fearedandevenifitwas,hernewinsightintotheenvironmentfromwhencethesepeoplesprang
shouldcertainlytemperherownreaction.
AdmiralYanakovwillarriveinsixminutes,Skipper,LieutenantMetzingersaidsuddenly,and
Honornodded.Shepressedabutton,andhercommandchairdisplaysfoldedintotheirstorage
positions.
IthinkitstimeyouandIgotdowntotheboatbaytojointheAdmiralandgreetourguests,
Exec.
Yes,Maam.AndreasVenizelosclimbedoutofhisownchairandjoinedherassheheadedfor
thebridgelift.
Mr.DuMorne,youhavethewatch.
Aye,aye,Maam.Ihavethewatch,DuMornereplied,andmovedfromhisstationtothe
commandchairastheliftdoorslidshutbehindher.
***
HighAdmiralYanakovtastedpure,undilutedenvyasHMSFearlessswelledbeforehim.Now
thatwasawarship,hethought,drinkinginthesleek,doubleendedspindleappreciatively.Thebig,
powerfulshiphungagainstthebottomlessstars,gleamingwithreflectedsunlight,andshewasthe
mostbeautifulthinghedeverseen.Herimpellerwedgeanddefensivesidewallsweredown,
displayingherarrogantgracetothenakedeye,andhermidshipssectionswelledsmoothlybetween
thebandsofherforeandaftimpellerrings,bristlingwithstateoftheartradarandgraviticarraysand
passivesensorsystems.HerhullnumberCA286stoodoutboldlyagainstthewhitehulljustaftof
herforwardimpellernodes,andweaponbaysrandownherarmoredflanklikewatchingeyes.
Hiscuttershiveredasoneofthecruiserstractorslockedon,andhispilotcuthisthrustersasthey
slidintothebrightcavernofFearlesssboatbay.Thetractordepositedthesmallcraftneatlyina
cradle,thedockingcollarnestledintoplace,andthepressuresignalbuzzed,indicatingasolidseal.
LieutenantAndrewsandhisstafffellinbehindhimastheAdmiralswamdowntheaccesstube,
andhesmiledashesawtheManticoranratingstationeddiplomaticallybythescarlethuedgrabbar
justshortofthetubesend.Theratingstartedtospeak,butstoppedhimselfashesawYanakov
alreadyreachingforthebar.TheGraysonNavyusedgreen,notscarlet,buttheAdmiralrecognized
themeaningofthecolorcodeandswunghimselfnimblyacrosstheinterfaceintothecruisersinternal
gravity.Hesteppedoutoftheway,movingforwardtomakeroomforhisstaff,andtheshrillofthe
bosunspipesgreetedhimasheclearedthetubehatch.
TheboatbaygallerywashugecomparedtotheonehedleftbehindaboardGrayson,butit
seemedabsolutelyfilledwithpeople.TheMarinehonorguardsnappedtoattentioninitsgreenand
blackdressuniforms,navalpersonnelintheblackandgoldoftheRoyalManticoranNavysaluted
sharply,andYanakovblinkedinsurprise.
Thedamnedshipwascrewedbychildren!TheoldestpersoninsightcouldntbeoverthirtyT
yearsold,andmostofthemlookedliketheywerebarelyoutofhighschool!
Trainedreflextookhishandthroughanansweringsaluteevenasthethoughtflashedthroughhis
mind,andthenhekickedhimself.Ofcoursetheywerentchildrenhedforgottentheprolong
treatmentwasuniversallyavailabletoManticorans.Butwhatdidhedonow?Hewasntthatfamiliar
withManticorannavalinsignia,andhowdidhepicktheseniorofficersoutofthismorassofjuvenile
delinquents?
Partoftheproblemanswereditselfasasmall,roundfacedmanincivilianclothingstepped
forward.Logicsuggestedhehadtobethedelegationhead,andthatmeanthewasAdmiralRaoul
Courvosier.Atleasthelookedlikeanadulttherewasevengrayinhishairbuthewasfarless
impressivethanYanakovhadanticipated.HedreadeveryarticleandlectureofCourvosiershecould
find,andthissmilingmanlookedmorelikeanelfthanthebrilliant,sharpeyedstrategisttheadmiral
hadanticipated,but
Welcomeaboard,HighAdmiral,Courvosiersaid,claspingYanakovshandfirmly,andhisdeep
voice,unlikehisface,wasexactlywhatYanakovhadenvisioned.Thecrispaccentsounded
oddGraysonslongisolationhadproducedonewhichwasmuchsofterandslowerpacedbutits
veryoddnesswassomehowrightandfitting.
Thankyou,AdmiralCourvosier,andallowme,inthenameofmygovernmentandpeople,to
welcomeyoutooursystem.
Yanakovreturnedthehandclaspwhilehisstaffassembleditselfbehindhim.Thenheglanced
aroundthecrowdedgalleryoncemoreandstiffened.HedknownManticoreallowedwomentoserve
initsmilitary,butithadbeenanintellectualthing.Nowherealizedalmosthalfthepeoplearound
himevensomeoftheMarines!werefemale.Hedtriedtopreparehimselfforthealienconcept,
butthedeep,visceralshockechoingdeepinsidehimtoldhimhedfailed.Itwasntjustalien,itwas
unnatural,andhetriedtohidehisinstinctiverepugnanceashedraggedhiseyesbacktoCourvosiers
face.
OnbehalfofmyQueen,Ithankyou,hishostsaid,andYanakovmanagedtobowpleasantly
despitethereminderthatawomanruledManticore.Ihopemyvisitwillbringourtwonationsstill
closertogether,Courvosiercontinued,andIdliketopresentmystafftoyou.Butfirst,permitmeto
introduceFearlessscaptainandourescortcommander.
SomeonesteppedupbesideCourvosier,andYanakovturnedtoextendhishand,thenfroze.He
felthissmilecongealashesawthestrong,beautiful,youngfaceunderthewhiteberetandthetight
curledfuzzofsilkybrownhair.YanakovwasunusuallytallforaGrayson,buttheofficerbeforehim
wasatleasttwelvecentimeterstallerthanhewas,andthatmadeitirrationallyworse.Hefoughthis
senseofshockashestaredintotheManticorancaptainsdark,almondeyes,furiousthatnoonehad
warnedhim,knowinghewasgapingandembarrassedbyhisownfrozenimmobilityandperversely
angrywithhimselfbecauseofhisembarrassment.
HighAdmiralYanakov,allowmetopresentCaptainHonorHarrington,Courvosiersaid,and
Yanakovheardthehissinggaspofhisstaffsutterdisbeliefbehindhim.

 CHAPTERSIX
Idontlikeit.Idontlikeitatall,Mr.Ambassador.
LeonardMasterman,theHaveniteambassadortoGrayson,lookedupandfrowned.Captain
Michaelswasseldomthisvocal,andhisexpressionwasuneasy.
Whyinhelldidtheyhavetosendher?Theseniormilitaryattachepacedbackandforthacross
theambassadorscarpet.OfalltheofficersintheManticoranNavy,theyhadtostickuswith
Harrington!God,itslikehistoryrepeatingitself!hesaidbitterly,andMastermansfrowndeepened.
Idontquiteunderstandyourconcern,Captain.ThisisnttheBasiliskSystem,afterall.
Michaelsdidntreplyatonce,forMastermanwasananachronism.Thescionofaprominent
Legislaturistfamily,hewasalsoacareerdiplomatwhobelievedintherulesofdiplomacy,andSpecial
OpshaddecidedheshouldntknowaboutJericho,CaptainYu,orThunderofGodonthetheorythat
hecouldplayhisrolefarmoreconvincinglyiftheynevertoldhimitwasarole.
No,ofcourseitsnotBasilisk,thecaptainsaidfinally.ButifanyManticoranofficerhasreason
tohateus,itsher,andshegaveusahellofablackeyeoverBasilisk,Mr.Ambassador.TheGraysons
musthaveheardaboutit.IfCourvosierusesherpresencetoplayuptheHavenitethreattotheirown
system
Youletmeworryaboutthat,Captain,Mastermanrespondedwithaslightsmile.Believeme,
thesituationsundercontrol.
Really,Sir?Michaelsregardedtheambassadordubiously.
Absolutely.Mastermantippedhischairbackandcrossedhislegs.Infact,Icantthinkofa
ManticoranofficerIdratherseeouthere.Imastonishedtheirforeignministrylettheiradmiralty
sendher.
Ibegyourpardon?Michaelseyebrowsrose,andMastermanchuckled.
LookatitfromtheGraysonsviewpoint.Shesawoman,andnooneevenwarnedthemshewas
coming.Howevergoodherreputationmaybe,itsnotgoodenoughtooffsetthat.Graysonsarent
Masadans,buttheirbureaucratsstillhavetroublewiththefactthattheyredealingwithQueen
Elizabethsgovernment,andnowManticoresrubbedtheirnosesintheculturaldifferencesbetween
them.
TheambassadornoddedatMichaelssuddenlythoughtfulexpression.
Exactly.AndasfortheBasiliskoperationMastermanfrowned,thenshrugged.Ithinkitwasa
mistake,anditwascertainlyexecrablyexecuted,but,contrarytoyourfears,itcanbemadetowork
forusifweplayourcardsright.
Thecaptainspuzzlementwasobvious,andMastermansighed.
GraysondoesntknowwhathappenedinBasilisk.Theyveheardoursideandtheyveheard
Manticores,buttheyknoweachofushasanaxetogrind.Thatmeanstheyregoingtotakeboth
versionswithmorethanagrainofsalt,Captain,buttheirownprejudicesagainstwomeninuniform
willworkinourfavor.Theyllwanttobelievetheworstabouther,ifonlytovalidatetheirownbias,
andthefactthatwedonthaveanyfemaleofficerswillbeafactorintheirthinking.
Butwedohavefemaleofficers,Michaelsprotested.
 Ofcoursewedo,Mastermansaidpatiently,butwevecarefullynotassignedanytothis
system.And,unlikeManticorewhichprobablydidnthaveanychoice,giventhattheirheadofstate
isawomanwehaventtoldthelocalsweevenhaveany.Wehaventtoldthemwedont,either,but
theirsexismcutssodeeptheyrereadytoassumethatunlessweprovedifferently.Soatthemoment,
theyrethinkingofusasagood,oldfashionedpatriarchalsociety.Ourforeignpolicymakesthem
nervous,butoursocialpoliciesaremuchlessthreateningthanManticores.
Allright,Icanseethat,Michaelsagreed.Ithadntoccurredtomethattheymightassumewe
donthaveanyfemalepersonnelIthoughttheydjustassumewewerebeingtactfulbutIseewhat
youredrivingat.
Good.ButyoumaynotrealizejusthowvulnerableHarringtonreallyis.Badenoughshesa
womaninamansrole,butshesalsoaconvictedmurderer,theambassadorsaid,andMichaels
blinkedinastonishment.
Sir,withallduerespect,noonesgoingtobelievethat.Hell,Idontlikeherabit,butIknow
damnedwellthatwaspurepropaganda.
Ofcourseyoudo,andsodoI,buttheGraysonsdont.Imquiteawaretheentirethingwasa
showtrialpurelyforforeignconsumption,andtobeperfectlyhonest,Idontlikeit.Butitsdone,so
wemayaswelluseit.AllanyGraysonknowsisthataHavencourtfoundCaptainHarringtonguilty
ofthemurderofanentirefreighterscrew.OfcourseManticoreinsiststhefreighterwasactuallya
Qshipcaughtredhandedinanactofwarwhatelsecantheysay?butthefactthatacourt
pronouncedherguiltywillpredisposeacertainpercentageofpeopletobelieveshemusthavebeen
guilty,particularlysinceshesawoman.Allwehavetodoispointoutherprovenguiltmorein
sorrowthaninanger,asthenaturalresultofthesortofcatastrophewhichresultswhenyouput
someonewithallofawomansfrailtiesincommandofashipofwar.
Michaelsnoddedslowly.Hefeltatwingeofguilt,whichsurprisedhim,butMastermanwasright,
andthelocalsprejudiceswouldmakethemfarmorelikelytoacceptastorynocivilizedplanetwould
believeforamoment.
Yousee,Captain?Mastermansaidquietly.Thiswillletuschangetheentirefocusofthe
internalGraysondebateoverManticoresoverturesfromacoldbloodedconsiderationofadvantages
toanemotionalrejectionbasedontheirownbigotry.AndifIvelearnedonethingovertheyears,its
thatwhenitcomesdowntorawemotionagainstreason,emotionwins.
***
...andthisisourcombatinformationcenter,gentlemen.AndreasVenizeloswasshortby
Manticoranstandards,buthestoodcentimeterstallerthantheGraysonofficersinthecompartmentas
hegesturedabouthimselfattheshiningefficiency.
AdmiralYanakovmanagednottogawk,buthispalmsitchedashetookinthesuperb
instrumentation.Theholotankwasoverthreemetersacross,andtheflatscreendisplaysaroundhim
showedeveryshipwithintenlightminutesofGrayson.Notwithsingle,annotatedlightcodesfor
groupsofvessels,butasindividualunitswithgraphicrepresentationsofmassandvector.
Hesteppedclosertooneoftheratingsandpeeredoverhisshoulder.Theyoungor,young
looking,anywaymandidnteventwitchathispresence,andYanakovturnedbacktoVenizelos.
Couldyoubringuptheholotank,Commander?
Venizelosregardedhimforamoment,thenlookedpasthim.
 Captain?
Yanakovfelthisexpressiontrytofreeze,thenturned.CaptainHarringtonstoodbehindhim,her
stronglycarvedfaceshowingnoemotionatall,andhemadehimselfmeethereyes.Thesenseofthe
aliengrewgreater,notless,everytimehesawheruniform,andhesuspectedsheddelegatedthetask
ofspokesmantoherexecutiveofficerbecauseshefeltit,too.
Wouldyouobjecttoourobservingtheholodisplayinoperation...Captain?Yanakovsvoice
soundedstrainedeveninhisownears,andhecursedhimselffortheslighthesitationhegavehertitle.
Ofcoursenot,Admiral.Hermusicalsopranoonlyincreasedhisfeelingofunreality.Itsounded
almostexactlylikehisthirdwifes,andthethoughtofAnnainuniformappalledhim.
Bringupthetank,please,ChiefWaters,shesaid.
Aye,aye,Maam,apettyofficerrespondedwithacrispnessthatseemedoddaddressedtoa
woman.But,Yanakovthoughtalmostdespairingly,itdidntsoundabitoddaddressedtoanofficer.
Damnit,theveryconceptofafemaleofficerwasanoxymoron!
Theholotankblinkedtolife,extendingitsupperedgealmosttothedeckhead,andtheclustered
Graysonofficersmadeasoftnoiseofapprovalanddelight.Smalllightcodesdriftedbesideeverydot:
arrowsdenotingheadings,dottedlinesprojectingvectors,numeralsandlettersdefiningdrivestrength,
acceleration,andactivesensoremissions.ItwashowGodHimselfmustseethestars,andpureenvy
forthisshipscapabilitiestingledinYanakovsbrain.
Asyoucansee,Admiral,Harringtonraisedahandtogesturegracefullyattheholo,weproj
ShebrokeoffasCommanderHarris,Yanakovsoperationsofficer,steppedbetweenherandthe
tankinsearchofacloserlookatoneofthesymbols.Herhandhoveredamoment,andthenherlips
firmed.
Excuseme,Commander,shesaid,hertonedevoidofallemotion,Iwasjustabouttopoint
somethingouttoAdmiralYanakov.
Harristurned,andYanakovflushedathiscoldeyed,contemptuousexpression.Yanakovwas
havingtroubleenoughwiththeconceptofaseniorfemaleofficer,butHarriswasahardline
conservative.Hestartedtoopenhismouth,thensnappeditshutatatinygesturefromhisadmiral.His
lipstightenedfurther,buthesteppedback,everylineofhisbodyasilentexpressionofresentment,for
Harringtontoproceed.
Asyoucansee,Admiral,shecontinuedinthatsame,evenvoice,weprojecttheprobable
weaponsrangeforeachwarship.Ofcourse,adisplaywiththismuchdetailcanbealiabilityforactual
tacticalcontrol,soweusesmalleronesonthebridgetoavoidinformationoverflow.CIC,however,is
responsiblefordecidingwhichthreatsweneedtosee,and
Hervoicewenton,showingnosignofangeratHarrisinsultingbehavior,andYanakovlistened
attentivelyevenwhilehewonderedifheshouldhavedressedHarrisdown.Certainlyhedhaveto
havealongtalkwithhiminprivate,butshouldhehavemadethepointnow?Itwouldhavehumiliated
hisopsofficerinfrontofhisfellows,buthowwouldtheManticoransreacttohisownrestraint?
HeglancedupandcaughtAndreasVenizelosunawares,andtheangerintheManticoranofficers
eyesansweredhisquestion.
***
Iknowtheyredifferent,Bernard,butwejusthavetomakeallowances.BenjaminMayhewIX,
PlanetaryProtectorofGrayson,snippedanotherroseandlaiditintheservantsbasket,thenturnedto
regardhisnavalcommanderinchiefsternly.Youknewtheyhadwomeninuniform.Surelyyou
realizedwedhavetodealwiththatsoonerorlater.
OfcourseIdid!AdmiralYanakovgloweredatthebasket,notbotheringtohidehisconviction
thatflowerarrangementwasntpreciselythemostmanlyarthisheadofstatemighthavepursued.He
wasoneofthefewwhomadenosecretofhisfeelings,butthen,hewasalsoProtectorBenjamins
fifthcousin,withveryclearmemoriesofaninfantwhodstillbeenmakingpuddlesonthepalace
carpetwhenhehimselfwasalreadyinuniform.
ThenIdontquiteunderstandyourvehemence.Mayhewgestured,andtheservantwithdrew.
Itsnotlikeyoutocarryonthisway.
Imnotspeakingformyself,Yanakovsaidabitstiffly.AllIsaidwasthatmyofficersdontlike
it,andtheydont.Infact,dontlikeisputtingitfartoomildly,Ben.Theyhateit,andtherearesome
uglyrumorsabouthercompetence.
Hercompetence?GoodGod,Bernard!ThewomanholdstheManticoreCross!Yanakovlooked
athiminsomeconfusion,andMayhewsighed.Youdbetterboneuponforeigndecorations,cousin
mine.Foryourinformation,theManticoreCrossisaboutonenotchlowerthantheStarof
Graysonanditcanonlybeearnedforheroismunderfire.
TheStarofGrayson?Yanakovblinkedashedigestedthatthought.Itdidntseempossible
someoneasgoodlookingandyoung
Hestoppedhimselfwithamentalcurse.Damnit,thewomanwasntasyoungashekept
thinking!Infact,shewasfortythreeTyearsold,barelytwelveyearsyoungerthanYanakovhimself,
butstill...
Allright,soshesgotguts,hegrowled.ButIllbetshewonthatmedalinBasilisk,didntshe?
TheProtectornodded,andYanakovshrugged.Thenitsonlygoingtomaketheofficerswhodont
trusthermoresuspicious,notless.Heflushedathiscousinsexpressionbutplowedonstubbornly.
YouknowImright,Ben.TheyregoingtothinkexactlywhattheHavenitesaregoingtosayout
loud:decoratingherwaspartofadeliberatepropagandaefforttocoverupwhatreallyhappenedwhen
shelostitprobablybecauseitwashertimeofmonth!andblewawayanunarmedmerchantman.
Histeethgratedinfreshfrustration.Damnit,iftheyhadtosendusawoman,couldnttheyatleast
havesentusonewhoisntrumoredtobeamurderer?!
Oh,thatsbullshit,Bernard!Mayhewledthewayacrossthedomedterraceintothepalace,
followedbyhisblankfacedpersonalSecurityman.YouveheardManticoresversionofBasilisk,
andyouknowaswellasIdowhatHavenwantsinthisregion.Whodoyouthinkistellingusthe
truth?
Manticore,ofcourse.ButwhatyouorIbelieveisnttheissue.Mostofmypeopleareonlytoo
readytoseeanywomanaspotentiallydangerousinacommandslot.Thosewhodontautomatically
assumetheymustbeloosewarheadsarehorrifiedbythethoughtofexposingwomentocombat,and
realconservatives,likeGarretandhiscrowd,arereactingonpureemotion,notreason.Theyseeheras
acalculatedinsulttoourwayoflifeandifyouthinkImmakingthatup,youshouldhavehearda
littleconversationIhadwithmyopsofficer!Underthecircumstances,Havensversionofwhat
happenedonlyvalidatesallthreegroupsconcerns.Anddontcomedowntooheavilyonmypeople,
either!Someofyourciviliantypesareevenworsethananybodyinthemilitary,andyouknowit.Hell,
whataboutJared?
Dear,sweetcousinJared.Mayhewsoundedasdisgustedashelooked,thenwavedhishandsin
theair.Oh,yourerightyoureright!AndoldClinkscalesisevenworse,thoughatleasthesnot
secondinlinefortheprotectorship.TheProtectorsankintoanoverstuffedarmchair.Butwecant
affordtoseethisthinggodownthetubesoversomethingasstupidasculturalprejudice,Bernie.
ManticorecandoalotmoreforusthanHavencan:theyrecloser,theirtechnologysbetter,and
theyreahellofalotlesslikelytoabsentmindedlygobbleusuponefineday.
ThenIsuggestyoutellyournegotiatorsthat,Yanakovsighed.
Ihave,butyourethehistorian.YouknowhowtheCouncilscutbacktheProtectors
constitutionalauthorityoverthelastcentury.PrestwickisadecentsortasChancellor,buthedoesnt
reallywanttoopenthedoortoresumptionofdirectrulebyYoursTruly.Ihappentothinkweneeda
strongerexecutivetodealwithallthatsabouttocomedownonus,butImaybeabitbiasedbywhoI
am,andwhateverIdliketohave,thefactisthatImprettymuchreducedtothepowerofprestige.
Admittedly,theMayhewClanstillboastsafairamountofthat,butadisproportionateshareofits
withtheconservativesandtheconservatives,asyouyourselfjustpointedout,thinkacceptingany
outsidehelpwillthreatentheGraysonwayoflife!IvegottheCouncilinlinesofar,andIthinkIve
gotamajorityintheChamber,butitsslimveryslimandifthemilitarydoesntsignon,Illlose
it.Youvegottogetyourpeopletoseereasonaboutthis.
Ben,Yanakovsaidslowly,Illtry,butIdontknowthatyoufullygraspjustwhatyoure
askingfor.Mayhewstraightenedinhischair,buttheAdmiralwentonspeaking.Iveknownyou
sinceyouwereakid,butIvealwaysknownyouweresmarterthanIam.Ifyousayweneedthe
Manticoranalliance,Ibelieveyou.ButsometimesIthinkyourgrandfathermadeamistakehavingyou
andyourfathereducatedoffworld.Oh,Iknowallabouttheadvantages,butsomewherealongthe
wayyousortoflosttouchwithhowmostofourpeoplefeelaboutsomeissues,andthatsdangerous.
YoutalkabouttheconservativesintheChamber,but,Ben,mostofthemarelessconservativethanthe
populationasawhole!
Irealizethat,Mayhewsaidquietly.Contrarytowhatyoumaythink,havingadifferent
perspectiveactuallymakesiteasiertoseesomethingslikehowdifficultitreallyistochange
entrenchedattitudesandtheMayhewshavenomoredesiretobeGraysonsPahlavisthanits
Romanovs.Imnotproposingtooverturnsocietyovernight,butwhatweretalkingaboutisthe
survivalofourplanet,Bernie.Weretalkingaboutanalliancethatcanbringusmodernindustryanda
permanentManticoranfleetpresenceSimondsandhisfanaticswontdarescrewaroundwith.And
whetherwesignupwithManticoreornot,werenotgoingtobeabletositthisoneout.Igivethe
HavenitesanotherTyearattheoutsidebeforetheymoveopenlyagainstManticore,andwhenthey
do,theyllcomestraightthroughusunlesstheressomethingheretostopthem.Wereintheway,
Bernie,andyouknowthatevenbetterthanIdo.
Yes,Yanakovsighed.Yes,Ido.AndIlltry,Ben.Ireallywill.ButIwishtohellManticore
hadbeensmartenoughnottostickuswithasituationlikethis,becauseIwillbedamnedifIthinkI
canpullitoff.

 CHAPTERSEVEN
SergeantMajorBabcocksmiledasHonorsteppedontothemat.
BabcockwasfromGryphon,ManticoreBV.Gryphonsgravitywasonlyfivepercentabove
TerranStandard,lessthaneightypercentthatofHonorsnativeSphinx,andBabcockwasagood
twentycentimetersshorter,withamuchshorterreach,toboot.ShewasalsojustovertwiceHonors
age,andlikeAdmiralCourvosier,shewasfirstgenerationprolong.Theoriginaltreatmenthad
stoppedtheagingprocessatamuchlaterpointthancurrenttechniques,andtherewerestrandsofgray
inherredhairandcrowsfeetaroundhereyes.
NoneofwhichhadkeptherfromthrowingHonoraroundthesallewithembarrassingease.
Honorwastallerandstronger,withbetterreactionspeedandhandeyecoordination,butthat,as
Ms.MidshipmanHarringtonhadlearnedlongagoonSaganamiIsland,didntnecessarilymeana
thing.Babcockwasinatleastasgoodashapeasshewas,andshedbeendoingthisfortyTyears
longer.SheknewmovesherCOhadnteventhoughtofyet,andHonorsuspectedthesergeantmajor
wasdelightedbytheopportunity(onecouldntexactlycallitanexcuse)tokickthestuffingoutofa
seniorNavyofficer.
Ontheotherhand,Honorwasgettingbackintothegrooveherself,andshewasntinthemoodto
behumiliatedtoday.
Theymetatthecenterofthematandfellintoguardpositions,andtherewasnosmileonHonors
lips.Herfacewasstillandcalm,herbackgroundangerandfrustrationnotatBabcock,but
nonethelessrealleashedandchanneled,andonlythosewhoknewherverywellwouldhavenoted
thehardnessinhereyes.
Theycircledslowly,handsweavingindeceptivelygentle,gracefulpatterns.Bothwereblackbelt
incoupdevitesse,themartialartdevelopedtocombineOrientalandWesternformsonNouveau
Dijoneightcenturiesbefore,andahushenvelopedthegymasotherexercisersturnedtowatchthem.
Honorfeltheraudience,butonlydistantlyashersensesfocusedonBabcockwithcrystal,catlike
concentration.Coupdevitessewasaprimarilyoffensivehardstyle,acombinationofcoolself
controlandgoforbrokeferocitydesignedtotakeadvantageofWesternerslargersizeandlonger
reach.Itwasnttooproudtoborrowfromanytechniquefromsavatetotaichibutitwasless
concernedwithformandmorewithconcentratedviolence.Itmadefarlessefforttouseanopponents
strengthagainstherthanmostOrientalformsdidandlaidproportionatelymoreemphasisonthe
attack,evenattheoccasionalexpenseofcenteringanddefense.
AclassmatefromtheAcademyunarmedcombatteamwhopreferredtheeleganceofjudotothe
couphadoncelikenedittofencingwithtwohandedswords,butitworkedforHonor.And,likeanyof
themartialarts,itwasntsomethingonethoughtthroughinthemidstofabout.Yousimplydidit,
respondingwithattacksandcounterswhichweresodeeplytrainedintoyouthatyoudidntknowwhat
youweredoingnotconsciouslyuntilyoudalreadydoneit.Soshedidnttrytothink,didnttryto
anticipate.Babcockwastoofastforthat,andthiswasafullcontactbout.Shewholetherselfbecome
distractedwouldpayabruisingprice.
Thesergeantmajormovedsuddenly,feintingwithherlefthand,andHonorswayedbackward,
righthandslappingBabcocksrightankleasidetoblocktheflashingsidekick.Herleftpalm
interceptedtheelbowstrikefollowup,andBabcockwhirledonherleftfoot,usingthemomentumof
Honorsblocktoturnstillfaster.Sheslammedtheballofherrightfootontothematandherleftfoot
cameupinalightningfastbackkick,butHonorwasntthere.Sheslippedinsidethestrikingfoot,and
Babcockgruntedasarockhardfistdrovehomejustaboveherkidneys.Honorsotherhanddarted
forward,snakingaroundthenoncomforthethrow,butBabcockdroppedlikeastringcutpuppet,
pivotedoutofHonorsgrip,andkickedupthroughaninstantbackwardsomersault.Herfeetcaught
Honorsshoulders,drivingherback,andBabcockbounceduplikearubberballonlytofindherself
flyingawayashandslikesteelclampsflungherthroughtheair.
Shehitthemat,rolled,vaultedtoherfeet,andrecoveredherstancebeforeHonorcouldreachher,
anditwasthecaptainsturntogruntasstifffingersrammedintohermidriff.Shebuckledoverthe
blow,butherleftarmroseinstinctively,blockingthesecondhalfofthecombinationandcarrying
throughinanelbowstriketoBabcocksribsthatrockedthesergeantmajoronherheels,andafierce
exultationfilledher.Shepressedherattack,usingherlongerreachandgreaterstrengthruthlessly,but
thesergeantmajorhadafewtricksofherown.
Honorwasnevercertainpreciselyhowshefoundherselfairborne,butthenthematslammedinto
herchin,andshetastedblood.Shehitrolling,bouncingawayfromBabcocksfollowthrough,and
rockeduponherkneestocatchanincomingkickonhercrossedwristsandupendheropponent.Both
ofthemsurgedupright,andthistimetheywerebothsmilingastheymovedintooneanotherwitha
vengeance.
***
Itrustyoufeelbetternow?
Honorssmilewasabitpuffyashertongueexploredacutontheinsideofherlowerlip,andshe
wrappedthetowelaroundherneckasshemetAdmiralCourvosiersquizzicaleyes.Sheshouldhave
wornamouthprotector,butdespitewhatpromisedtobeanamazingarrayofbruises,shefeltgood.
Shefeltverygood,forshedtakenBabcockthreefallsoutoffour.
Asamatteroffact,Ido,Sir.Sheleanedbackagainstthelockers,playingwiththeendsofher
towel,andNimitzhoppeduponthebenchbesideherandrubbedhisheadagainstherthigh,purring
moreloudlythanhehadindays.Theempathictreecatwasalwayssensitivetohermoods,andshe
grinnedasshefreedonehandfromthetoweltostrokehisspine.
Imglad.Courvosierworeafadedsweatsuitandhandballgloves,andhesankontoafacing
benchwithawrygrimace.ButIwonderiftheSergeantMajorrealizeshowmanyfrustrationsyou
wereworkingoutonher.
Honorlookedathimmoreclosely,thensighed.
Inevercouldfoolyou,couldI,Sir?
Iwouldntgoquitethatfar.LetsjustsayIknowyouwellenoughtoknowwhatyourethinking
aboutourhosts.
HonorwrinkledhernoseinacknowledgmentandsatbesideNimitzwhileshedabbedabsentlyat
thesmall,freshbloodspotsonhergi.
Thesituationhadntgottenbetter,especiallysincetheHaveniteembassyhadhititsstride.There
wasnowaytoeliminatethecourtesycallsbetweenhershipscompaniesandtheirhosts,andshe
knewtheGraysonsspecialdiscomfortwithherwasspillingoverontoherotherfemalepersonnel.
Nimitzstoppedpurringandgaveheradisgustedlookashepickedupthedirectionofher
emotions.Honorspententirelytoomuchtimeworryingoverthings,inhisopinion,andheleanedup
tonipheradmonishinglyontheearlobe.ButHonorknewhimaswellasheknewher,andherhand
interceptedhimandscoopedhimintoherlaptoprotectherear.
Imsorry,Sir.IknowhowimportantitisthatweallhangontoourtempersLordknowsIve
laiditalloutforeveryoneelseoftenenough!butIhadntcountedonhowinfuriatedIdbe.Theyre
soso
Pigheaded?Courvosiersuggested.Bigoted?
Both,Honorsighed.Sir,allIhavetodoiswalkintoaroom,andtheyclamupliketheyve
beenfreezedried!
WouldyousaythatsquitefairwhereAdmiralYanakovisconcerned?heroldmentorasked
gently,andHonorshruggedirritably.
No,probablynot,sheadmitted,buthesalmostworsethantheothers.Theylookatmelike
someunsavorymicrobe,buthetriessohardtoactnaturallythatitonlymakeshisdiscomforteven
moreevident.Andthefactthatnoteventheexampleoftheircommanderinchiefcangetthroughto
theothersmakesmesomadIcouldstranglethemall!
Hershouldersslumped,andshesighedagain,moreheavily.
IthinkmaybeyouhadapointabouttheAdmiraltyschoiceofseniorofficersforthisoperation,
Sir.ThefactthatImawomanseemstogetrightuptheirnosesandchokethem.
Maybe.Courvosierleanedbackandfoldedhisarms.Butwhetheritdoesornot,yourea
Queensofficer.Theyregoingtohavetofaceseniorfemaleofficerssometimeitspartofour
missiondescriptiontoteachthemthat,andtheymightaswellgetusedtoitnowandspareusallgrief
later.ThatwastheFOsopinion,andthoughImighthavegoneaboutthingsabitdifferently,overallI
havetoagreewiththeirassessment.
IdontthinkIdo,Honorsaidslowly.SheplayedwithNimitzsearsandfrowneddownather
hands.Itmighthavebeenbettertosparethemtheshockuntilafterthetreatywasafaitaccompli,
Sir.
Bushwah!Courvosiersnorted.YoumeanitmighthavebeenbetterifAmbassadorLangtryhad
letusgoaheadandwarnthemyouwereawoman!
Wouldit?Honorshookherhead.Imnotsosure,Sir.Ithinkmaybeitwasanowin
situationandthefactisthattheAdmiraltywaswrongtopickme.TohearHaventellit,Imthemost
bloodthirstymaniacsinceVladtheImpaler.Icantimagineanyonewecouldhavesentwhowouldve
beenmorevulnerabletothatkindofattackafterBasilisk.
Shestareddownatherhands,caressingNimitzsfluffyfur,andCourvosiergazedatthecrownof
herheadinsilence.Thenheshrugged.
Actually,BasiliskispreciselywhytheAdmiraltychoseyou,Honor.Shelookedupinsurprise,
andhenodded.YouknowIhadmyownreservations,butTheirLordshipsbelievedandtheFO
agreedthatGraysonwouldseewhathappenedthereasawarningofwhatcouldhappenhere.And
justastheytappedmebecauseIvegotareputationforstrategy,theypickedyoubecauseyouvegot
onefortacticsandguts...andbecauseyoureawoman.Youweremeanttobealiving,breathing
symbolofjusthowruthlessHavencanbe,ontheonehand,andhowgoodourfemaleofficerscanbe,
ontheother.
Well,Honorsquirmedatthethoughtthatshemighthaveareputationoutsideherownservice,
Ithinktheymadethewrongcall,Sir.Or,rather,Havensturneditaroundonthem.Imaliabilityto
you.ThesepeoplecantgetpastwhoIamtothinklogicallyaboutwhatIam.
Ibelievethatwillchange,Courvosiersaidquietly.Itmaytaketime,butnoonegavemeatime
limitwhenweshippedout.
Iknowtheydidnt.HonorrolledNimitzontohisbacktostrokehisbellyfur,thensatstraight,
plantedbothfeetonthefloor,andmettheadmiralseyeslevelly.Nonetheless,IthinkIshould
removemyselffromtheequation,Sir.Atleastuntilyougettheballrollingintherightdirection.
Youdo?Courvosierarchedhiseyebrows,andshenodded.
Ido.Infact,IsortofthoughtthatmightbewiserfromthemomentYanakovandhispeoplecame
onboardFearlesstogreetyou.ThatswhyIdidntgoaheadandsendAliceandAlistairstraightonto
CascaasIdoriginallyplanned.
Ithoughtthatmightbethecase.Theadmiralconsideredhersoberly.Yourethinkingabout
takingtheothermerchiestoCascayourself?Shenodded.Imnotsurethatsagoodidea,Honor.
TheGraysonsmayseeitasrunningout,asproofamerewomancanttaketheheat.
Maybe.ButIdontseehowitcouldcreateanymorenegativereactionsthanmypresenceseems
tobegenerating.IfItakeApollotoCascawithme,itllleaveJasonAlvarezasSO.Hedoesntseemto
behavinganyproblemswithhisoppositenumbersexceptfortheoneswhothinkhemustbesome
kindofsissyfortakingordersfromawoman.MaybebythetimeIcomeback,youllhavemade
enoughprogresswiththesepeoplethatmymerepresencewontqueerthedealforyou.
Idontknow....Courvosierpluckedathislowerlip.IfyoutakeFearlessandApollooutof
here,ourshowofforcewillgetalotweaker.Haveyouconsideredthat?
Yes,Sir,buttheyvealreadyseenbothships,andtheyllknowwerecomingback.Thatshould
besufficient,Idthink.AndImnottheonlywomanstuckintheircrawsrightnow.Aliceismy
secondincommandtwowomen,bothseniortoanyofourmaleofficers.Sheshookherhead.Better
togetbothofusoutofthewayforawhile,Sir.
Courvosierwasunconvinced,butshemethisgazealmostpleadingly,andhesawthedesperate
unhappinessbehindherbrowneyes.HeknewhowdeeplytheGraysonstreatmenthurt,notleast
becauseitwassoutterlyunjust.Hedwatchedherswallowingheranger,sittingonhertemper,forcing
herselftobepleasanttopeoplewhoregardedheratbestassomesortoffreak.And,heknew,she
wastrulyconvincedhermerepresencewasundermininghisownposition.Shemightevenberight,
butwhatmatteredmostwasthatshebelievedit,andthethoughtofbeingresponsible,however
innocently,forthelossofatreatyherkingdomneededsobadly,wastearingherupinside.Shewas
angry,resentful,andevenclosertodespairthanhedrealized,andheclosedhiseyes,weighingher
proposalascarefullyashecould.
Hestillthoughtitwasthewrongmove.Hewasanavalofficer,notatraineddiplomat,yethe
knewhowpreconceptionsshapedperceptions,andwhatshesawasareasonabletacticalwithdrawal
mightbeseenassomethingentirelydifferentbytheGraysons.Thereweretoomanyimplications,too
manypossibilitiesformisinterpretation,forhimtoknowwhowasright.
Butthenhelookedatheragain,andhesuddenlyrealizedrightnessorwrongnessdidntmatterto
himjustnow.Itcouldbearguedeitherway,yetshethoughtshewasright,andifshestayedandthe
treatynegotiationsfailed,shewouldalwaysblameherself,rightlyorwrongly,forthatfailure.
StillplanningtotakeTroubadourwithyou?heaskedatlast.
 Idontknow....Honorrubbedhernose.IwasthinkingIshouldatleastleavebothtincansto
showtheflagifIpullthecruisersout,Sir.
Idontthinkasingledestroyerwouldmakemuchdifferenceinthatregard.Andyouwereright
originallyyouaregoingtoneedsomeonetodoyourscoutingifthereportsofpirateactivityare
accurate.
IcoulduseApolloforthatHonorbegan,butheshookhishead.
Youcould,butitmightbejustabittoopointedtopullbothshipswithfemaleskippersandleave
bothshipswithmenincommand,dontyouthink?
Honorcockedherhead,consideringhisquestion,thennodded.
Youmayberight.Shedrewadeepbreath,herhandsmotionlessonNimitzsfurasshemethis
eyesagain.DoIhaveyourpermission,then,Sir?
Allright,Honor,hesighed,andsmiledsadlyather.Goahead.GetoutofherebutIdont
wantyoudillydallyingaroundtodelayyourreturn,younglady!Youbebackinelevendaysandnot
oneminutelonger.IfIcantsortthesebigotedbarbariansoutinthatmuchtime,thehellwiththem!
Yes,Sir!Honorsmiledathim,herreliefevident,thenlookedbackdownatNimitz.And...
thankyou,Sir,shesaidvery,verysoftly.
***
Takealookatthis,Sir.
CommanderTheismanlaidhismemoboardinhislapandturnedhiscommandchairtofacehis
executiveofficer,andamobileeyebrowarchedashesawtheimpellerdrivesourcesglowinginthe
maintacticaldisplay.
Fascinating,Allen.Heclimbedoutofhischairandcrossedtostandbesidehisexecutiveofficer.
HavewegotafirmIDonwhoswho?
Notabsolutely,butwevebeentrackingthemforaboutthreehours,andtheyjustpassedturnover
forthebelt.ThatfaroutfromGrayson,andonthatheadingwiththatacceleration,Trackingspretty
confidenttheyarentheadedanywhereinthissystem,sotheymustbetheconvoy.Andiftheyare,
thesefivelightcodesglowedgreenarealmostcertainlythefreighters,whichmeansthesethree
moredotsglowedcrimsoninatriangleaboutthefirstfivearetheescorts.Andifthererethreeof
them,theyreprobablythecruisersandoneofthetincans.
Um.Theismanrubbedhischin.Allyouvegotisdrivesources,notanyindicationofmass.
Thatcouldbebothofthecansandthelightcruiser,hepointedoutinhisbestdevilsadvocates
voice.Harringtoncouldbeholdingherownshiponstationandsendingtheothersoff.
Idontthinkthatsverylikely,Sir.Youknowhowterriblethepirateshavebeenoutthisway.
Theireyesmetwithasharedflickerofamusement,butTheismanshookhishead.
TheManticoransaregoodatcommerceprotection,Al.Oneoftheirlightcruisers,especiallywith
acoupleofdestroyerstobackher,wouldmakemincemeatoutofanyoftheoutlawraidersout
here.
IstillthinkthisoneoneofthecrimsonlightsflashedisFearless,Sir.Theyretoofaraway
fordecentmassreadings,buttheimpellersignaturelooksheavierthaneitheroftheotherwarships.I
thinkshesgotonetincanoutfrontandthecruiserscloseduptocoverthemerchiesflanks.The
execpaused,tuggingatthelobeofoneear.Wecouldmoveincloser,takealittlepeekatthe
planetaryorbitaltraffictoseewhosleft,Sir,hesuggestedslowly.
Forgetthatshitrightnow,Al,hisskippersaidsternly.Welook,welisten,andwedontgetany
closertoGrayson.Theirsensorsarecrap,buttheycouldgetlucky.Andtheresstillatleastone
Manticoranaround.
Theexecnoddedunhappily.OnethingthePeoplesNavyhadlearnedsinceBasiliskwasthat
Manticoreselectronicswerebetterthantheirs.Howmuchbetterwasatopicoflivelywardroom
debate,butgiventhatCaptainHonorHarringtonseightyfivethousandtonlightcruiserhadtakenout
asevenpointfivemilliontonQship,prudencesuggestedthatHavenerronthesideofpessimism.At
leastthatwayanysurpriseswouldbepleasantones.
Sowhatdowedo,Sir?heaskedfinally.
Anexcellentquestion,Theismanmurmured.Well,weknowsomeofthemareoutoftheway.
AndiftheyregoingontoCasca,theycantbebackherefortenortwelvedays.Hetappedonhis
teethforamoment.Thatgivesusawindow,assumingtheseturkeysknowwhattodowithit.Wake
upEngineering,Al.
Yes,Sir.WillwebeheadingforEndicottorBlackbird,Sir?
Endicott.WeneedtotellCaptainYuandSwordSimonds,ofcourseaboutthis.AMasadan
courierwouldtaketoolonggettinghome,soIthinkwelljusttakethisnewsourselves.
Yes,Sir.
Theismanreturnedtohiscommandchairandleanedback,watchingtheoutgoingimpellertraces
crawlacrossthedisplayundertwohundredgravitiesofacceleration.Readinessreportsflowedin,and
heacknowledgedthem,buttherewasnorush,andhewantedtobecertainoneofthosecrimsondots
wasntgoingtoturnaroundandheadbacktoGrayson.Hewaitedalmostthreemorehours,untilthe
lightcodesvelocityhadreached44,000KPS,andtheycrossedthehyperlimitandvanishedfromhis
graviticsensors.
Allright,Al.Takeusoutofhere,hesaidthen,andtheseventyfivethousandtonMasadan
destroyerPrincipality,whosewardroomcreststillproclaimedhertobethePNSBreslau,crept
carefullyawayfromtheasteroidinwhoseleeshehadlainhidden.
PassivesensorsprobedbeforeherlikesensitivecatswhiskerswhileTheismanmadehimselfsit
relaxedinhiscommandchair,projectinganairofcalm,andthetruthwasthatPrincipalityherselfwas
safeenough.TherewasntashipintheGraysonNavycapableofcatchingorengagingher,and
despitethebeltsbustlingminingactivity,theextractionshipstendedtoclusterintheareaswherethe
asteroidsthemselvesclustered.Principalityavoidedthosespotsliketheplagueandcreptalongunder
afractionofhermaximumpower,forifthelocalssensornetswerecrudeandshortranged,therewas
atleastonemodernwarshipinGraysonorbit,andTheismanhadnointentionofbeingspottedbyher.
DetectioncouldbecatastrophictoHavensplans...nottomentionthemoreimmediateproblemthat
CaptainYuwouldnodoubtstringhistesticlesonanecklaceifheletthathappen.
Ittooklong,wearinghours,butatlasthisshipwasfarenoughfromGraysontoincreasepower
andcurveawayfromtheasteroidbelt.Principalitysgraviticswoulddetectanycivilianvesselfarout
ofradarrangeandlongbeforeshewasseenherself,withplentyoftimetokillherdrive,andher
velocityclimbedsteeplyassheheadedoutsystem.Sheneededtobeatleastthirtylightminutesfrom
theplanetbeforeshetranslatedintohyper,farenoughforherhyperfootprinttobeundetectable,and
Theismanrelaxedwithaquietsighasherealizedhedgottencleanlyawayoncemore.
 NowitonlyremainedtobeseenwhatCaptainYuandSwordSimonds,ofcoursewoulddo
withhisdata.


 CHAPTEREIGHT
Thankyouforcoming,AdmiralCourvosier.
HighAdmiralYanakovstoodtogreethisguest,andCourvosierseyebrowstwitchedashesawthe
twowomenatthetable,fortherichnessoftheirclothingandjewelryproclaimedthattheyweretwoof
Yanakovswives.ItwasalmostunheardofforaGraysonwifetoappearatevenaprivatedinner
unlesstheguestswereamongherhusbandsclosestfriends,andYanakovknewCourvosierknewthat
...whichmadetheirpresenceamessage.
Thankyouforinvitingme,Courvosierreplied,ignoring,asetiquettedemanded,thewomens
presence,fornoonehadintroducedthem.Butthen
Allowmetopresentmywives,Yanakovcontinued.Rachel,myfirstwife.Thewomantohis
rightsmiled,meetingCourvosierseyeswithafranknesswhichsurprisedtheManticoran.Rachel,
AdmiralRaoulCourvosier.
Welcometoourhome,Admiral.Rachelsvoicewaslikehersmile,softbutselfassured,andshe
extendedahand.CourvosierhadntbeenbriefedonhowonegreetedahighrankingGraysonwife,but
hehadntspentalifetimeintheserviceofhisQueenfornothing.Hebowedovertheofferedhandand
brusheditwithhislips.
Thankyou,MadamYanakov.Imhonoredtobehere.
Hereyeswidenedashekissedherhand,butsheneitherpulledawaynorshowedanysignof
discomfort.Indeed,shesmiledagainashereleasedher,andthenlaidherhandontheotherwomans
shoulder.
MayIpresentAnna,Bernardsthirdwife.Annalookedupwithasmileofherownandheldout
herhandtobekissedinturn.MysisterEstheraskedmetoextendherregrets,Admiral,Rachel
continued,andCourvosieralmostblinkedbeforeherememberedthatallwivesofaGrayson
householdreferredtooneanotherassisters.Shescomedownwithabug,andDr.Howardordered
herintobed.Rachelsgracioussmileturnedintosomethingsuspiciouslylikeagrinthistime.I
assureyou,butforthat,shewouldhavebeenhere.Likeallofus,shesbeenmosteagertomeetyou.
CourvosierwonderedifitwouldbepropertoexpressadesiretomeetEsthersomeothertime.It
seemedharmlessenough,butGraysonmenwerejealousoftheirwives.Bettertosettleforsomething
withlessfauxpaspotential.
PleasetellherImverysorryherillnesskeptheraway.
Iwill,Rachelreplied,andwavedgracefullyatthefourthchair.
SherangasmallbellasCourvosiersat,andsilent,efficientservingwomengirls,really,he
thought,remindinghimselfthatthesepeopledidnthaveaccesstoprolongbustledinwithtraysof
food.
Pleasedontbeafraidtoeatfreely,Admiral,Yanakovsaidasaplatewassetbeforehisguest.
Allthesefoodsarefromtheorbitalfarms.Theirmetallevelsareaslowasanythinggrownon
ManticoreorSphinx.
Courvosiernodded,butheknewbetterthantodigstraightin.Hewaiteduntiltheservantshad
withdrawn,thenbowedhisheadrespectfullyasYanakovrecitedabriefblessingoverthefood.
 GraysoncuisineremindedCourvosierofacrossbetweenOldEarthOrientalandsomethinghe
mighthaveencounteredinNewToscanaonManticore,andthismealwasexcellent.Yanakovschef
wouldhaveratedafullfivestarsevenatCosmos,andthetableconversationwasnothinglikewhat
hedimagineditwouldbe.YanakovandhisofficersallGraysons,infacthadbeensostiffand
unnaturalorhalfopenlycontemptuousinthepresenceofhisownfemaleofficersthathed
developedamentalpictureofadour,humorlesshomelifeinwhichwomenwererarelyseenand
neverheard,butRachelandAnnaYanakovwerelivelyandeloquent.Theiraffectionfortheirhusband
wasunmistakable,andYanakovhimselfwasatotallydifferentman,outfrombehindthebarriersof
formalityatlast,comfortableandconfidentinhisownsetting.Courvosierhadnodoubttheevening
wasintended,inpartatleast,toshowhimthemorehumansideofGrayson,yethefelthimself
relaxinginthegenuineauraofwelcome.
Softmusicplayedwhiletheyate.ItwasntthesortofmusicCourvosierwasusedtoGraysons
classicalmusicwasbasedonsomethingcalledCountryandWesternbutitwascuriouslylively,
despiteanundertoneofsadness.Thediningroomwaslarge,evenbyManticoranplanetarystandards,
withahigh,archedceilingandrich,tapestrylikewallhangingsandoldstyleoilpaintings.Religious
themespredominated,butnotexclusively,andthelandscapesamongthemhadahaunting,bittersweet
beauty.Therewasasenseofthelostaboutthem,likewindowsintoElfland,asifthelovelinessthey
showedcouldneverbewhollyhometothehumanswholiveduponthisworldandyetcouldneverbe
anythingbuthome,either.
Andbetweentwoofthoseyearninglandscapeswasahugebaywindow...doublepanedand
sealedhermeticallyintoitsframe,withanairfiltrationintakeunderit.
Courvosiershiveredsomewheredeepinside.Thescenerythroughthatwindowwasbreathtaking,a
sweepofrugged,snowcappedmountains,theirshouldersclothedinlush,richgreenerythatalmost
beggedhimtokickoffhisbootsandrunbarefootthroughthebluegreengrasstomeetthem.Yetthe
windowwassealedforeveragainstit,andtheEmbassyissuefiltrationmaskhunginitsdiscreetcase
athiship.Hewouldntneedit,theambassadorhadtoldhim,aslongashelimitedhisstaydirtside..
.unlesstheatmosphericdustcountrose.Andhishostsfamilyhadlivedhereforninecenturies,inan
environmentwhich,inmanyways,wasfarmoredangerousthananyspacehabitat.
Hemadehimselfturnfromthewindowandsiphiswine,andwhenhelookedupagain,Yanakovs
eyesweredarkandthoughtfulastheymethis.
Themealended,RachelandAnnawithdrewwithgracefulfarewells,andanotherservantthis
oneamanpouredimportedbrandyintodelicatesnifters.
Itrustyouenjoyedyoursupper,Admiral?Yanakovsaid,passinghisbrandybackandforth
underhisnose.
Itwasexquisite,AdmiralYanakov,aswasthecompany.Courvosiersmiled.As,Iamsure,the
companywasintendedtobe,headdedgently.
Touch,Yanakovmurmuredwithanansweringsmile,thensethissnifterasidewithasigh.In
fact,Admiral,Iinvitedyouherebywayofsomethingofanapology,headmitted.Wevetreated
youpoorly,especiallyyourfemaleofficers.Hegotthewordfemaleoutwithonlythebarest
hesitation,Courvosiernoted.Iwantedyoutoseethatwerenotentirelybarbarians.Andthatwe
dontkeepourwiveslockedincages.
Courvosierslipstwitchedattheothersdrytone,buthesampledhisownbrandybeforehe
replied,andhisvoicewaslevelwhenhedid.
 Iappreciatethat,AdmiralYanakov.Butinallfrankness,Imnottheonetowhomyouowean
apology.
Yanakovblushed,buthealsonodded.
Irealizethat,yetyoumustunderstandthatwerestillfeelingourwayintothepropermodes.
UnderGraysoncustom,itwouldbetheheightofimproprietyformetoinviteanywomanintomy
homewithoutherprotector.HisblushdeepenedatCourvosiersquirkedeyebrow.Ofcourse,I
realizeyourwomendonthaveprotectorsinthesensethatourowndo.Ontheotherhand,Ihaveto
beconsciousofhowmyownpeoplemysubordinatesandtheChamberdelegateswouldreactifI
violatedcustomsoradically.Notjusthowtheymightreacttome,buthowtheymightregardyour
ownpeopleforacceptingtheinvitation.AndsoIinvitedyou,whomypeopleseeinsomewaysasthe
protectorofallyourfemalepersonnel.
Isee.Courvosiersippedmorebrandy.Isee,indeed,andItrulyappreciatethegesture.Illalso
bedelightedtoconveyyourapology,discreetly,ofcourse,tomyofficers.
Thankyou.Yanakovsreliefandgratitudewereobvious.Therearepeopleonthisplanetwho
opposeanythoughtofanalliancewithManticore.Somefearoutsidecontamination,othersfearan
alliancewillattractHavenshostility,notguardusagainstit.ProtectorBenjaminandIarenotamong
them.Weretoowellawareofwhatanalliancecouldmeantous,andnotjustmilitarily.Yetitseems
whateverwevedonesinceyourarrivalhasbeenwrong.Itsdrivenwedgesbetweenus,and
AmbassadorMastermanhasbeenquicktohammerthosewedgesdeep.Iregretthatdeeply,Admiral
Courvosier,andsodoesProtectorBenjamin.Infact,hespecificallychargedmetoexpresshisregrets,
bothpersonalandasGraysonsheadofstate,toyou.
Isee,Courvosierrepeatedmuchmoresoftly,andatinglewentthroughhim.Thiswasthe
frankestavowalofinterestyet,anopeningheknewwasmeanttobetaken,butitleftasour,angry
tasteinhismouth,aswell.Itwashisdutytopursuethetreaty,andhewantedto.Helikedmostofthe
Graysonshedmetnotall,certainly,butmostdespitetheirreservednaturesandpricklysocial
codes.Yetgratefulashewasfortheoverture,hecouldntforgetthatHonorhadbeenoutoftheway
lessthanonedaywhenitwasissued.
AdmiralYanakov,hesaidfinally,pleasetellProtectorBenjaminIdeeplyappreciatehis
messageand,onbehalfofmyQueen,lookforwardtosecuringtheallianceweallhopefor.ButImust
alsotellyou,Sir,thatyoursubordinatestreatmentofCaptainHarringtonhasbeeninexcusablein
Manticoreseyes.
Yanakovsflushreturned,darkerthanever,yethesatmotionless,clearlyinvitinghisguestto
continue,andCourvosierleanedtowardshimacrossthetable.
IaminnosenseCaptainHarringtonsprotector,Admiral.Shedoesntneedone,and,frankly
shedbeinsultedatthesuggestionthatshedid.Sheis,infact,oneofthemostdedicatedand
courageousofficersithaseverbeenmypleasuretoknow,andherrankatwhatisaveryyoungage
forapersonfromourKingdomisanindicationofhowhighlyshesthoughtofbyherservice.But
whilesheneedsnoonesprotection,shesalsomyfriend.Myverydearfriend,astudentIregardvery
muchasthedaughterIneverhad,andthewayinwhichshesbeentreatedisaninsulttoourentire
Navy.Shehasntrespondedtoitonlybecauseofherprofessionalismanddiscipline,butItellyou
now,Sir,thatunlessyourpeopleattheveryleastyourmilitarypersonnelcantreatherasthe
Queensofficersheis,notsomesortofprizeexhibitinafreakshow,thechancesofgenuine
cooperationbetweenGraysonandManticorearevery,verypoor.CaptainHarringtonhappenstobe
oneofthebestwehave,butsheisntouronlyfemaleofficer.
Iknow.Yanakovsreplywasalmostawhisper,andheheldhisbrandysniftertightly.Irealized
thatevenbeforeyouarrived,andIthoughtwewerereadytodealwithit.IthoughtIwasready.But
wewerent,andCaptainHarringtonsdepartureshamesmedeeply.Irealizeourbehaviorwas
responsibleforit,whatevertheofficialstorymaybe.Thatswhat...galvanizedmeintoinvitingyou
tonight.
HeinhaleddeeplyandmetCourvosierseyes.
Iwonttrytorefuteanythingyouvejustsaid,Admiral.Iacceptit,andIgiveyoumypersonal
wordthatIllworktoresolveittotheverybestofmyability.ButIalsohavetotellyouitwontbe
easy.
Iknowitwont.
Yes,butyoumaynotfullyunderstandwhy.Yanakovgesturedoutthewindowatthedarkening
mountains.Thesettingsundyedthesnowypeaksthecolorofblood,andthebluegreentreeswere
black.
Thisworldisntkindtoitswomen,hesaidquietly.Whenwearrivedhere,therewerefour
womenforeveryadultmale,becausetheChurchofHumanityhasalwayspracticedpolygyny...and
itwasaswellwedid.
Hepausedandsippedathisbrandy,thensighed.
Wevehadalmostathousandyearstoadapttoourenvironment,andmytoleranceforheavy
metalslikearsenicandcadmiumisfarhigherthanyourown,butlookatus.Weresmallandwiry,
withbadteeth,fragilebones,andalifeexpectancyofbarelyseventyyears.Wemonitorthetoxicityof
ourfarmlanddaily,wedistilleverydropofwaterwedrink,andstillwesuffermassivelevelsofneural
damage,mentalretardation,andbirthdefects.Eventheairwebreatheisourenemyourthirdmost
commoncauseofdeathislungcancerlungcancer,seventeencenturiesafterLaoThanperfectedhis
vaccine!Andwefaceallofthat,Admiral,allthosehealthhazardsandconsequences,despitenine
hundredyearsalmostamillenniumofadaptation.Canyoutrulyimaginewhatitwaslikeforthe
firstgeneration?Orthesecond?
Heshookhisheadsadly,staringdownintohisbrandy.
Ourfirstgenerationaveragedonelivebirthinthree.Ofthebabiesbornliving,halfweretoo
badlydamagedtosurviveinfancy,andoursurvivalwassoprecarioustherewasnopossiblewayto
divertresourcestokeepthemalive.Sowepracticedeuthanasia,instead,andsentthemhometoGod.

Helookedup,hisfacewrungwithpain.
Thathauntsusstill,andithasntbeenthatmanygenerationssincethecustomofeuthanizing
defectives,eventhosewithminor,correctableflaws,stopped.Icanshowyouthecemeteries,therows
androwsofchildrensnames,theplaqueswithnonamesatall,onlydates,buttherearenograves.
Eventodaytherearenone.Thetraditionsofourfoundingdietoohardforthat,andthefirst
generationshadtoodesperateaneedforsoilwhichwouldsupportterrestrialfoodcrops.Hesmiled,
andsomeofthepaineased.Ourcustomsaredifferentfromyours,ofcourse,buttodayourdeadgive
lifetogardensofremembrance,notpotatoesandbeansandcorn.SomedayIllshowyoutheYanakov
Garden.Itsavery...peacefulplace.
Butitwasntthatwayforourfounders,andtheemotionalcosttowomenwholostbabyafter
baby,whosawchildafterchildsickenanddie,yethadnochoicebuttobearandbearandbear,even
atthecostoftheirownlives,ifthecolonywastosurviveHeshookhisheadagain.
Itmighthavebeendifferentifwehadntbeensuchapatriarchalsociety,butourreligiontoldus
menweretocareforandguidewomen,thatwomenwereweakerandlessabletoendure,andwe
couldntprotectthem.Wecouldntprotectourselves,butthepricetheypaidwassomuchmore
terriblethanours,anditwaswewhohadbroughtthemhere.
TheGraysonleanedbackandwavedahandvaguelybeforehim.Nolightshadbeenturnedon,and
Courvosierheardthepaininhisvoicethroughthegatheringdimness.
Wewerereligiouszealots,AdmiralCourvosier,orwewouldnthavebeenhere.Someofusstill
are,thoughIsuspectthefirehasdimmedormellowed,perhapsinmostofus.Butwewere
certainlyzealotsthen,andsomeoftheFoundingFathersblamedtheirwomenforwhatwashappening,
because,Ithink,itwassomucheasiertodothatthantobleedforthem.And,ofcourse,therewas
theirownpainwhentheirsonsanddaughtersdied.Itwasntapaintheycouldadmit,ortheywould
simplyhavegiveninanddiedthemselves,sotheylockeditdeepinside,anditturnedinto
angerangertheycouldntdirectatGod,whichleftonlyoneotherplaceitcouldgo.
Attheirwives,Courvosiermurmured.
Exactly,Yanakovsighed.Understandme,Admiral.TheFoundingFatherswerentmonsters,
noramItryingtoexcusemypeopleforbeingwhattheyare.Werenolesstheproductofourpast
thanyourownpeopleare.Thisistheonlyculture,theonlysociety,weveeverknown,andweseldom
questionit.Ipridemyselfonmyknowledgeofhistory,yettruthtotell,Ineverthoughtthisdeeply
aboutituntilIwasforcedupagainstthedifferencesbetweenusandyou,andIsuspectfewGraysons
everreallydelvedeepenoughtounderstandhowandwhywebecamewhatweare.Isitdifferentfor
Manticorans?
No.No,itsnot.
Ithoughtnot.Butthoseearlydayswereterribleonesforus.EvenbeforeReverendGraysons
death,womenwerealreadybecomingnotwivesbutchattels.Themortalityratewashighamongmen,
too,andtheredbeenfewerofthemtobeginwith,andbiologyplayedanothertrickonus.Ourfemale
birthsoutnumbermalebythreetooneifweweretosustainaviablepopulation,everypotentialfather
hadtobeginbegettingchildrenassoonaspossibleandspreadhisgenesaswidelyashecouldbefore
Graysonkilledhim,soourhouseholdsgrew.Andastheygrew,familybecameeverythingandthe
patriarchsauthoritybecameabsolute.Itwasasurvivaltraitwhichtiedinonlytoowellwithour
religiousbeliefs.Afteracentury,womenwerentevenpeoplenotreally.Theywereproperty.
Bearersofchildren.Thepromiseofamansphysicalcontinuationinaworldwhichofferedhimalife
expectancyoflessthanfortyyearsofbackbreakingtoil,andoureffortstocreateagodlysociety
institutionalizedthat.
Yanakovfellsilentagain,andCourvosierstudiedhisprofileagainstthefading,bloodysunset.
ThiswasasideofGraysonhedneverevenimagined,andhewasashamed.Hedcondemnedtheir
parochialismandcongratulatedhimselfonhiscosmopolitantolerance,yethisviewofthemhadbeen
astwodimensionalastheirviewofhim.HedidntneedanyonetotellhimBernardYanakovwasan
extraordinaryrepresentativeofhissociety,thatalltoomanyGraysonmenwouldneverdreamof
questioningtheirGodgivenascendancyoverthemerefemalesaboutthem.ButYanakovwasjustas
realasthoseothers,andCourvosiersuspecteditwasYanakovwhospokeforGraysonssoul.
GodknewtherewereenoughManticoransnotworththepressuretoblowthemoutthelock,but
theywerenttherealManticore.PeoplelikeHonorHarringtonweretherealManticore.Peoplewho
madetheKingdombetterthanitdreameditcouldbe,madeitliveuptoitsidealswhetheritwantedto
ornot,becausetheybelievedinthoseidealsandmadeothersbelievewiththem.Andperhaps,he
thought,peoplelikeBernardYanakovweretherealGrayson.
Yanakovstraightenedfinally,thenwavedahandoverarheostat.Lightscameup,drivingbackthe
darkness,andheturnedtofacehisguest.
Afterthefirstthreecenturies,thingshadchanged.Wedlostanenormousamountofour
technology,ofcourse.ReverendGraysonandhisFirstEldershadplannedforthattohappenthat
wastheentirepointofmakingthejourneyandtheyddeliberatelyleftbehindtheteachersandtext
books,theessentialmachinerythatmighthavesupportedthephysicalsciences.Wewerefortunatethe
Churchhadntregardedthelifescienceswiththesamedistrust,buteventhereweweredesperately
shortofthespecialistsweneeded.UnlikeManticore,nooneevenknewwherewewere,orcared,and
becausetheydidnt,noWarshawskisailshipcalledhereuntilbarelytwohundredyearsago.Our
colonyshipleftOldEarthfivehundredyearsbeforeManticoresfounders,soourstartingpointwas
fivecenturiescruderthanyours,andnoonecametoteachusthenewtechnologiesthatmighthave
savedus.ThefactthatwesurvivedatallistheclearestpossibleevidencethattheretrulyisaGod,
AdmiralCourvosier,butwedbeensmasheddowntobedrock.Wehadonlybitsandpieces,andwhen
webegantobuilduponthemwefoundourselvesfacetofacewiththeworstdangerofall:schism.
TheFaithfulandtheModerates,Courvosiersaidquietly.
Precisely.TheFaithful,whoclungtotheoriginaldoctrinesoftheChurchandregarded
technologyasanathema.Yanakovlaughedmirthlessly.Itshardformetounderstandhowanyone
couldhavefeltthatwayIdontimagineitsevenpossibleforanoutsider!Igrewtomanhood
dependingontechnology,crudethoughitmaybecomparedtoyourown,formyverysurvival.How
inthenameofGodcouldpeoplesomuchclosertoextinctionbelieveHeexpectedthemtosurvive
withoutit?
Buttheydidatfirst,atleast.TheModerates,ontheotherhand,believedoursituationherehad
beenourownFaithsDeluge,adisastertomakeGodstrueWillclearatlast.WhatHewantedfromus
wasthedevelopmentofawayoflifeinwhichtechnologywasusedasHehadintendednotasMans
master,butashisservant.
EventheFaithfulacceptedthatatlast,butthehostilitiesalreadyexisted,andthefactionsgrew
evenfurtherapart.Notovertechnology,now,butoverwhatconstitutedgodliness,andtheFaithful
wentbeyondconservatism.Theybecamereactionaryradicals,choppingandpruningatChurch
doctrinetosuittheirownprejudices.Youthinkthewaywetreatourwomenisbackward...haveyou
everheardoftheDoctrineoftheSecondFall?
Courvosiershookhishead,andYanakovsighed.
ItcameoutoftheFaithfulssearchforGodsWill,Admiral.Youknowtheyregardtheentire
NewTestamentashereticalbecausetheriseoftechnologyonOldEarthprovesChristcouldnthave
beenthetrueMessiah?
ThistimeCourvosiernodded,andYanakovsfacewasgrim.
Well,theywentevenfurtherthanthat.Accordingtotheirtheology,thefirstFall,thatfromEden
onOldEarth,hadbeenthefaultofEvessin,andwedcreatedasocietyherethatmadewomen
property.TheModeratesmightinterpretwhathadhappenedtousasourDeluge,mighthave
believedasweofGraysonbelievetodaythatitwaspartofGodsTest,buttheFaithfulbelieve
GodneverintendedustofaceGraysonsenvironment.ThatHewouldhavetransformeditintoaNew
Eden,hadwenotsinnedafterourarrival.AndasthefirstsinwasEves,sothissin,thecauseofour
SecondFall,wascommittedbyEvesdaughters.Itjustifiedthewaytheytreatedtheirownwivesand
daughters,andtheydemandedthatallofusacceptthat,justastheydemandedweaccepttheirdietary
lawsandstonings.
TheModeratesrefused,ofcourse,andthehatredbetweenthefactionsgrewworseandworse
until,asyouknow,itendedinopencivilwar.
Thatwarwasterrible,AdmiralCourvosier.TheFaithfulweretheminority,andtheirhardcore
zealotswereonlyasmallpercentageoftheirtotalnumber,butthosezealotswerecompletelyruthless.
TheyknewGodwasontheirside.AnythingtheydidwasdoneinHisname,andanyonewhoopposed
themmustthereforebevileandevil,withnorighttolive.Wewerestillfarfromhavingrebuiltan
advancedtechbase,butwecouldproducegunsandtanksandnapalmand,ofcourse,theFaithful
builttheirdoomsdayweaponasalastresort.WedidntevenknowofitsexistenceuntilBarbara
Bancroft,thewifeoftheirmostfanaticalleader,decidedtheModerateshadtoknow.Sheescapedto
usturnedagainstalltheFaithfulbelievedtowarnus,buthercouragehaditscostinfreshtragedy
aswell.
Yanakovstareddownintohisbrandyglass.
BarbaraBancroftiswell,Isupposeyoucouldcallherourtokenheroine.Ourplanetowesher
itsverylife.ShesourJoanofArc,ourLadyoftheLake,withallthevirtueswetreasureinour
women:love,caring,thewillingnesstoriskherlifetosaveherchildrens.Butshesalsoanideal,a
figureoutofmythwhosecourageandtoughnessaretoomuchtoexpectfromordinarywomen.
Weveforcedherintotheframeofourownprejudices,yettotheFaithful,thewomanwecallThe
MotherofGraysonistheverysymboloftheSecondFall,theproofofallwomensinherent
corruption.TheymayhaverejectedtheNewTestament,buttheyretaintheirversionoftheAntichrist,
andtheycallherTheHarlotofSatan.
ButbecauseofBarbaraBancroft,wewerepreparedwhentheFaithfulthreatenedtodestroyus
all.Weknewtheonlypossibleanswerwastocastoutthemadmen,andthat,Admiralthatwaswhen
theuniverseplayeditscruelesttrickofallonGrayson,fortherewasawaywecoulddothat.
Hesighedandsankbackinhischair.
Myownancestor,HughYanakov,commandedourcolonyship,andhetriedtohangontoatleast
alimitedspacecapability,buttheFirstEldershadsmashedthecryoinstallationsimmediatelyafterwe
planeted.Itwastheirequivalentofburningtheirboatsbehindthem,committingthemselvesandtheir
descendantstotheirnewhome.Idoubttheywouldhavedoneitiftheydbeenmorescientifically
educated,buttheywerent.Andsincetheshipcouldnttakeusaway,ourdesperatestraitsleftusno
choicebuttocannibalizeit.
Sowewereheretoliveordie,andsomehow,wedlived.YetbythetimeoftheCivilWar,wed
reachedthepointwherewecouldoncemorebuildcrude,chemfueledsublightships.Theywerefar
lessadvancedthantheonewhichhadbroughtushere,withnocryocapability,buttheycouldmake
theroundtriptoEndicottintwelveorfifteenyears.Wedevensentanexpeditionthereand
discoveredwhattodayisMasada.
Masadahasanaxialinclinationofoverfortydegrees,anditsweatherisincrediblysevere
comparedtoGrayson,buthumanscaneatitsplantsandanimals.Theycanlivewithoutworrying
aboutleadandmercurypoisoningfromsimplybreathingitsdust.Mostofourpeoplewouldhave
givenalltheyownedtomovethere,andtheycouldnt.Wedidnthavethecapabilitytomovethat
manypeople.ButwhentheCivilWarendedwithahandfuloffanaticsthreateningtoblowupthe
entireplanet,wecouldmovethemtoMasada.
Helaughedagain,harshlyandmoremirthlesslyeventhanbefore.
Thinkaboutit,Admiral.Wehadtocastthemout,andtheonlyplacetowhichwecouldbanish
themwasinfinitelybetterthanwherealltherestofushadtoremain!Therewerebarelyfiftythousand
ofthem,andunderthepeacesettlementsterms,weequippedthemaslavishlyaswecouldandsent
themoff,andthentherestofusturnedtomakingthebestwecouldofGrayson.
Ithinkyouvedonequitewell,allthingsconsidered,Courvosiersaidquietly.
Oh,wehave.Infact,Ilovemyworld.Itdoesitsbesttokillmeeverysingleday,andsomedayit
willsucceed,butIloveit.Itsmyhome.Yetitalsomakesuswhatweare,becausewedidsurvive,
andwediditwithoutlosingourfaith.WestillbelieveinGod,stillbelievethisisallpartofatesting,
purifyingprocess.Isupposeyouthinkthatsirrational?
Thequestioncouldhavebeencaustic,butitwasalmostgentle.
No,Courvosiersaidafteramoment.Notirrational.ImnotcertainIcouldshareyourfaithafter
allyourpeoplehavebeenthrough,but,then,IsupposeaGraysonmightfindmyfaith
incomprehensible.WearewhatourlivesandGodhavemadeus,AdmiralYanakov,andthatsas
trueofManticoransasGraysons.
Thatsaverytolerantview,Yanakovsaidquietly.OneImquiteconfidentagreatmany,
perhapsmost,ofmypeoplewouldfinddifficulttoaccept.Formyself,Ibelieveyourecorrect,yetits
stillourFaithwhichdictateshowweregardourownwomen.Oh,wevechangedoverthe
centuriesourancestorsdidntcallthemselvesModeratesfornothing!butweremainwhatweare.
Womenarenolongerproperty,andweveevolvedelaboratecodesofbehaviortoprotectandcherish
them,partly,Isuspect,inreactionagainsttheFaithful.Iknowmanymenabusetheirprivilegesand
theirwivesanddaughtersbutthemanwhopubliclyinsultsaGraysonwomanwillprobablybe
lynchedonthespot,ifheslucky,andtheyreinfinitelybettertreatedthanMasadanwomen.Yet
theyrestilllegallyandreligiouslyinferior.DespiteTheMotherofGrayson,wetellourselvesits
becausetheyreweaker,becausetheybeartoomanyotherburdenstobeforcedtovote,toown
property...toserveinthemilitary.HemetCourvosierseyeswithaslight,strainedsmile.And
thatswhyyourCaptainHarringtonfrightensusso.Sheterrifiesus,becauseshesawomanand,deep
downinside,mostofusknowHavensliedaboutwhathappenedinBasilisk.Canyouimaginewhata
threatthatistous?
Notcompletely,no.Icanseesomeoftheimplications,ofcourse,butmycultureistoodifferent
toseethemall.
Thenunderstandthismuch,Admiral,please.IfCaptainHarringtonisasoutstandinganofficeras
youbelieveasIbelievesheinvalidatesallourconceptsofwomanhood.Shemeanswerewrong,
thatourreligioniswrong.Shemeanswevespentninecenturiesbeingwrong.Theideathatwemay
havebeeninerrorisntquiteasdevastatingtousasyoumaythinkafterall,wevespentthosesame
ninecenturiesacceptingthatourFoundingFatherswerewrong,oratleastnotcompletelycorrect.I
thinkwecanadmitourerror,intime.Noteasily,notwithoutdealingwithourcurrentequivalentof
theFaithful,butIhavetobelievewecandoit.
Yetifwedo,whathappenstoGrayson?Youvemettwoofmywives.Iloveallthreeofthem
dearlyIwoulddietoprotectthembutyourCaptainHarrington,justbyexisting,tellsmeIve
madethemlessthantheycouldhavebeen.AndthetruthisthattheyarelessthanCaptainHarrington.
Lesscapableofherindependence,herabilitytoacceptresponsibilityandrisk.JustasI,theyre
productsofacivilizationandFaiththattellsthemtheyrelesscapableinthoserespects.SowhatdoI
do,Admiral?DoItellthemtostopdeferringtomyjudgment?Toentertheworkforce?Todemand
theirrightsandputonthesameuniformIwear?HowdoIknowwheremydoubtsovertheir
capabilitystopbeinggenuineloveandconcern?Whenmybeliefthattheymustbereeducatedbefore
theycanbecomemyequalstopsbeingarealisticappreciationofthelimitationstheyvebeentaught
andbecomessophistrytobolsterthestatusquoandprotectmyownrightsandprivileges?
Hepausedagain,andCourvosierfrowned.
I...dontknow.Noonecanbutyou,Isuppose.Orthem.
Exactly.Yanakovtookalongswallowofbrandy,thensettheglassverypreciselyonthetable.
NoonecanknowbutPandorasBoxisopennow.Justacrack,sofar,yetifwesignthistreaty,if
webindourselvestoamilitaryandeconomicallywhotreatswomenasthefullequalsofmen,well
havetolearntoknow.Allofus,womenaswellasmen,becausetheonecertainthinginlifeisthatno
onecanmakethetruthuntruesimplybecauseithurts.WhateverhappenstouswhereMasadaor
Havenisconcerned,ourtreatywithyouwilldestroyus,AdmiralCourvosier.Idontknowifeventhe
Protectorrealizesthatfully.Perhapshedoes.Hewaseducatedoffworld,soperhapsheseesthisas
theopeningwedgetoforcingustoacceptyourtruth.No,notyourtruth,thetruth.
Helaughedagain,moreeasilythistime,andtoyedwithhissnifter.
Ithoughtthisconversationwouldbemuchmoredifficult,youknow,hesaid.
Youmeanitwasntdifficult?Courvosieraskedwryly,andYanakovchuckled.
Oh,itwas,Admiral,indeeditwas!ButIexpectedittobeevenworse.TheGraysoninhaled
deeplyandstraightenedinhischair,thenspokemorebriskly.Atanyrate,thatswhywevereacted
thewaywehave.IpromisedtheProtectorIdtrytoovercomemyprejudicesandthoseofmyofficers
andmen,andItakemydutytomyProtectorasseriouslyasImcertainyoutakeyourstoyourQueen.
Iswearwellmaketheeffort,butpleasebearinmindthatImbettereducatedandfarmore
experiencedthanmostofmyofficers.Ourlivesareshorterthanyoursperhapsyourpeoplegain
wisdomwhileyourestillyoungenoughforittobeofusetoyou?
Notreally.Courvosiersurprisedhimselfwithachuckle.Knowledge,yes,butwisdomdoes
seemtocomealittleharder,doesntit?
Yes,itdoes.Butitdoescome,eventostiffnecked,conservativepeoplelikemine.Beaspatient
withusasyoucan,pleaseandpleasetellCaptainHarrington,whenshereturns,thatIwouldbe
honoredifshewouldbemyguestforsupper.
Withaprotector?Courvosierteasedgently,andYanakovsmiled.
Withorwithout,asshepleases.Ioweherapersonalapology,andIsupposethebestwaytoteach
myofficerstotreatherasshedeservesistolearnhowtodoitmyself.

 CHAPTERNINE
TheK4starcalledEndicottburnedintheviewport,andtheplanetMasadabaskedinitswarmth.
EndicottwasfarcoolerthantheF6furnaceattheheartoftheYeltsinSystem,butthen,Masadas
orbitalradiuswasbarelyaquarterthatofGraysons.
CaptainYusatwithfoldedarms,chinonhischest,contemplatingtheplanetandstar,andwished
thegovernmenthadfoundsomeoneelseforthisassignment.Hedislikedclandestineopsonprinciple,
andthesuperiorswhodexplainedhowthiswassupposedtoworkhadeithertotallyunderestimated
thenarrowmindedhesitancyoftheMasadansorelseliedwhentheybriefedhim.Hewasinclinedto
believeitwastheformer,yetonecouldneverbeentirelycertainofthat.NotinthePeoplesRepublic.
TheoutsidegalaxysawonlythehugesphereHavenhadconquered.Itdidntrealizehowfragile
theRepublicseconomytrulywasorhowimperativethatfragilitymadeitthatHavencontinueto
expand.OrjusthowcalculatingandcynicallymanipulativethePRHsleadershadbecome,evenwith
theirownsubordinates,underthepressureofthatimperative.
Yudid.HehadmoresenseofhistorythanmostofficersofthePeoplesNavymoreofitthanhis
superiorswouldhavepreferred.HedalmostbeenexpelledfromtheAcademywhenoneofhis
instructorsdiscoveredthesecretcacheofproscribedhistorytextswrittenwhenthePeoplesRepublic
wasstillsimplytheRepublicofHaven.Hedmanagedtocreateenoughuncertaintyoverwhoactually
ownedtheoffensivetapestoavoidexpulsion,yetithadbeenoneofthemoreterrifyingepisodesofhis
lifeandhedbeencarefultoconcealhisinnermostthoughtseversince.Thesophistryhepracticed
botheredhim,attimes,butnotenoughtochangeit,forhehadtoomuchtolose.
YusfamilyhadbeenDolistsforoveracentury.Thecaptainhadclawedhiswayoutofprole
housingandofftheBasicLivingStipendbysheergutsandabilityinasocietywherethosequalities
hadbecomeincreasinglyirrelevant,andifhehadnoillusionsaboutthePeoplesRepublic,hehad
evenlessdesiretoreturntothelifehehadescaped.
Hesighedandcheckedhischrono.Simondswaslateagain.ThatwasanotherthingYuhated
aboutthisassignment.Hewasapunctual,preciseman,anditirkedhimimmenselythathisnominal
commandercamefromaculturewheresuperiorshabituallykeptjuniorswaitingfortheexpress
purposeofunderliningtheirownsuperiority.
NotthatHavendidnthaveitsownwarts,hereflected,fallingbackintothedispassionatereverie
whoseSocialDysfunctionIndicatorswouldhavehorrifiedtheMentalHygienePolice.Twocenturies
ofdeficitspendingtocurryfavorwiththemobhadwreckednotonlythePeoplesRepublics
economybutanyvestigeofresponsibilityamongthefamilieswhoruledit.Yudespisedthemobas
onlysomeonewhohadfoughthiswayclearofitcould,butatleastitsmemberswerehonest.Ignorant,
uneducated,unproductiveleeches,yes,buthonest.TheLegislaturistswhomouthedallthepolitically
correctplatitudesforthebenefitoftherestofthegalaxyandtheDolistManagerswhocontrolledthe
prolevotingblocswerebettereducatedanddishonest,andthat,inCaptainAlfredoYusconsidered
opinion,wastheonlywaytheydifferedfromthemob.
Hesnortedandshiftedinhischair,staringouttheviewport,andwishedhecouldrespecthisown
government.Amanoughttobeabletofeelhiscountrywasworthfightingfor,butHavenwasnt,and
itwouldntbe.Notinhislifetime,anyway.Yetcorruptandcynicalornot,itwashiscountry.He
hadntaskedforit,butitwastheoneheddrawn,andhewouldserveittothebestofhisability
becauseitwastheonlygameintown.Andbecauseservingasitsswordarmandsucceedingdespite
itsflawswastheonlywaytoprovehewasbetterthanthesystemwhichhadcreatedhim.
Hegrowledtohimselfandrosetopacethebriefingroom.Damnit,sittingaroundandwaitinglike
thisalwaysturnedhisminddownthesegloomy,wornoutpathways,andthatwashardlywhathe
neededatatimelike
Thebriefingroomhatchopened,andheturned,thencametoattentionasSwordoftheFaithful
Simondswalkedin.Hewasalone,andYusspiritsroseabit.IfSimondshadintendedsimplyto
stonewall,hewouldhavebroughtalongafewoftheMasadanNavysplethoraofflagofficerstotrap
Yuintheformalchannelsofmilitarycourtesyandpreventhimfrompushinghard.
Simondsnoddedawordlessgreetingandfoundachairmuchmorebrisklythanusual,then
punchedthebuttonthatpoppedthedataterminalupoutofthetabletopandkeyedtheterminalon
line.Theredbeenatime,Yuremembered,whenhewouldnthavehadtheleastideahowtogoabout
eventhatsimpletask,buthedlearnedalotfromHavenandnotjustabouttheworkingsofThunder
ofGodsinformationsystems.
YutookachairfacingtheSwordandwaitedwhileSimondsquicklyrereadthereportfromBres
Thecaptaincaughthimself.HeneverthoughtofThunderofGodasSaladinthesedays,andhehad
tostopthinkingofPrincipalityasBreslau.NotjustbecauseofthefictionthatMasadahadbought
themfromHaven,either.Anyonewhocouldcountonhisfingersandtoeswouldrealizethetwo
warshipsrepresentedovereightypercentoftheEndicottSystemsannualGSP,buttheirformal
transfertotheMasadanNavyputHavenatasaferemove,legally(oratleasttechnically),from
whateverMasadadidwiththem.ItalsomadeitimportantforYutopreventtheMasadanofficercorps
fromsuspectingheandhisfellowimmigrantsregardedthemasacollectionofhalfassed,bigoted,
superstitionriddenincompetents.Especiallywhenhedidthinkofthemthatwayandcouldntmake
himselfstop,howeverhardhetried.
IvetakenyourproposalstotheCouncilofElders,Captain,Simondssaidatlast,leaningbackin
hischair,butbeforedeciding,ChiefElderSimondswishestohearyourreasoningfromyourown
mouth,asitwere.Forthatreason,withyourpermission,Iintendtorecordourconversation.
HelookedatYu,andthecaptainsuppressedafrownbeforeitreachedhismouth.Soitwashis
proposal,wasit?Well,thatwasnttoosurprising.TheSwordbadlywantedtobecomeChiefElder
himselfwhenhisolderbrothershuffledoff,yetheseemedunabletograspthatdecisivenesswasmore
likelythantimiditytowinhimthecouncilchairhecraved.
Ontheotherhand,iftheresponsibilitywasgoingtobeYus,thensowasatleastashareofthe
credit,anditcouldnthurttoenhancehisownpowerbasetotheextentanyheathencouldhave
onewiththesefruitcakes.
OfcourseIdontobject,Sir,hesaidcourteously.
Thankyou.Simondsswitchedontherecorders.Inthatcase,supposeyousimplybeginatthe
beginning,Captain.
Certainly,Sir.Yutippedhischairbackandfoldedhisarmsoncemore.Inessence,Sword
Simonds,mybeliefisthatthedepartureofthreequartersoftheManticoranescortgivesusawindow
toactivateJerichowithahighprobabilityofsuccess.Itspossibletheyvemovedonpermanently,
thoughIthinkitlikelythattheyllbereturninginthenottoodistantfuture.Ineithercase,however,I
believethat,ifweactpromptly,yourgovernmentwillbeabletosuppressthecurrentregimeon
Graysonandregainpossessionoftheplanet.Although,theCaptainthought,onlyabatchof
certifiablelunaticswouldwantGraysonwhentheyalreadyhadamuchnicerplanetalltheirown.
Atthistime,hecontinuedinthesamelevelvoice,thereisonlyoneManticoranwarshipin
Yeltsinspace,probablyadestroyer.Thatvesselsprimaryresponsibilityisundoubtedlytheprotection
ofManticorannationals,andIestimatethatitssecondarymissionprioritywillbetoprotectthe
freighterswhichhaveyettobeunloaded.Underthecircumstances,Iwouldexpectitscommanderto
adoptawaitandseeattitude,atleastinitially,ifweattackGrayson.ObviouslyIcantguaranteethat,
butGraysonshouldassumetheycandefeatourraidsthemselves,andifthecommanderofthe
remainingManticoranshipsharesthatbelief,hellalmostcertainlyremaininGraysonorbituntilits
toolate.OncewevedestroyedthebulkoftheGraysonNavy,hellbefacedwithamanifestly
hopelesssituationandmaywellwithdrawentirely,takinghisdiplomatswithhim.
Andifhedoesntwithdraw?Or,evenworse,doesntsimplysitoutourattack?Simondsasked
expressionlessly.
Neitherpossibilitywillhaveanybearingonthemilitarysituation,Sir.Hisfirepowercanmakeno
realisticdifferencetosubsequentoperations,andshouldheparticipateactivelyinGraysonsinitial
defensiveactions,hewontbearoundtowithdraw.
Yusmiledthinly.
IrealizeyourgovernmentfeelsanxiousoverthepossibilityofaclashwithManticore.The
PeoplesRepublic,however,underthetermsofyourexistingtreaty,ispreparedtodefendtheEndicott
Systemandanyterritoriesaddedtoit,andwerebothwellawarethatManticoresentireinterestin
thisregionstemsfromitsdesiretoheadofforatleastdelayopenwaragainsttheRepublic.My
consideredopinionisthattheriskofManticoraninterferenceinJerichoisacceptable,sinceits
unlikelyQueenElizabethhestressedthetitleslightlybutdeliberatelyandsawSimondsnostrils
flarewillhavethepoliticalandmilitarywilltocommithernavyinasituationwhichisso
obviouslybeyondretrieval.Evenifthatshipisdestroyed,hergovernmentwillprobablygrititsteeth
andtakeitratherthanprovokeamajorwarnow.
ThecaptainforboreagaintomentionthatiftheMasadanshadbeenwillingtoprovideHaven
withbasingrightsthereinforcementsneededtobackthemwouldalreadybeinplace.Ofcourse,the
chanceofaprematurewarwithManticorewouldalsobeproportionatelygreater,soperhapsthese
fanaticsxenophobiawasworththeotherpainsintheassitcreatedafterall.
Yousoundconfident,Captain,butwhatifthissingleremainingvesselshouldprovetobethe
heavycruiserandnotadestroyer?
Herclassisirrelevant,Sir.Simondsnostrilstwitchedagain,andYukickedhimself.Habitsof
speechdiedhard,andhedusedthefemininegenderwithoutrememberingthatnoMasadanwould
dreamofregardingawarshipasanythingbutmasculine.Butheallowednosignofhisslightchagrin
toshowashecontinued.ShouldthisshipbeFearlessandinterveneintheinitialoperation,Thunder
willmorethansufficetoassurehisdestruction.ShouldFearlesschoosenottointerveneattheoutset,
hewontbepowerfulenoughtomountacredibledefensebyhimselflater.
Isee.Simondsscratchedhischin.ImafraidwerenotquiteasconfidentManticorewont
respondinoverwhelmingforce,Captain,hesaidslowly,andittookconsiderableselfcontrolforYu
toschoolhisflashofdisappointmentintoanattentiveexpression,but,atthesametime,youdohave
apointaboutthewindowofopportunity.Psychologically,atleast,asinglewarship,particularlyone
whosseenallofhisconsortswithdraw,ismorelikelytobeawareofhisresponsibilitiestohisown
governmentthantosomeonewhoisntyetevenaformalally.
Precisely,SwordSimonds,Yusaidrespectfully.
Howmuchtimedowehave?Simondsaskedfor,Yuknew,thebenefitoftheCouncilof
EldersheandtheSwordhadbeenoverthenumbersonlytooofteninthepasttwentyhours.
Aminimumofelevendaysfromtheirdeparture,Sir,orapproximatelyninedaysfromrightnow.
Dependingontheirorders,wemighthavesomewhatlonger,butIcertainlywouldntcountonthat.
AndthetimerequiredtocompleteJericho?
Wecouldbereadytolaunchthefirstattackinfortyeighthours.Icantsaypreciselyhowquickly
thingswillmoveafterthat,sincesomuchwilldependonthespeedwithwhichGraysonreacts.Onthe
otherhand,wellstillhavealmostsevendaysbeforeanyotherescortscanreturn,whichwillgive
themplentyoftimetomounttheircounterattack.AndIsuspecttheyllwanttostrikebackasquickly
aspossible,ifonlytoprotecttheirpositioninthetreatynegotiationsbyavoidinganappearanceof
weakness.
Iknowyoucantbeprecise,buttheCouncilwouldappreciateyourbestestimate.
Isee,Sir.Yunarrowedhiseyestohidethecontemptinthem.Simondswasanavalofficer.He
oughttoknowaswellasYuthatanyestimatewouldbelittlemorethananeducatedguess.Infact,he
probablydidknow.Hesimplywantedtobesureanyblameforawrongguessfellonsomeoneelses
shoulders,andYuscontempteasedintowryhumorasherealizedhowmuchalikeHavenitepoliticos
andMasadantheocratstrulywereundertheskin.
Verywell,Sword.AllowingfornormalGraysonreadinessstates,andwiththeprovisothatany
estimatecanbeonlyanestimate,Idsaywecouldexpectthemtocounterattackoursecondorthird
raid.Bythewideststretchoftheimagination,IcantbelieveitwouldtakethemmorethanaTdayor
twotospotourraidingpatternsandrespond.
Andyoureconfidentofyourabilitytocrushthemwhentheydo?
Asconfidentasanyonecanbeaboutamilitaryaction.Itshighlyunlikelytheyoreventhe
Manticorans,shouldtheirwarshipintervenewillrealizewhattheyreupagainstintimetosave
themselves.Itsnotimpossible,ofcourse,butthepossibilityisslight,andeveniftheybreakoff
instantly,theirlossesshouldstillbeneartotal.
Neartotal?
Sir,weretalkingaboutadeepspaceengagementbetweenimpellerdrivevessels,andwecant
predicttheirexactapproachvector,Yusaidpatiently.Unlesstheycomeinexactlywherewewant
them,Thunderwillgetinonlyafewbroadsides.Theirlosseswillstillbehighinthatcase,butitwill
beuptoourlocallybuiltunitstomopthemup,anditshighlyprobableatleastsomeofthemwill
escape.AsIvealreadypointedout,however,theyhavenowheretoescapeto.Anysurvivorscanonly
fallbackonGrayson,andtheyllhavenochoicebuttoofferactionwhenweadvanceagainstthe
planetitself.Disengagingwontbeanoptionunderthosecircumstances,andThundercanwipeout
theirentirenavyinanafternooniftheystandandfight.
Um.Simondsrubbedhischinharderandfrowned,thenshrugged.Verywell,CaptainYu.
Thankyouforyourtimeandyourverycleararguments.IllreturntotheCouncilwiththerecording.
Hepressedthestudasecondtime,turningofftherecorders,andcontinuedinamorenaturalvoice.I
imaginewellhaveadecisionwithinanotherhourortwo,Captain.
 Imgladtohearthat,Sir.Yucockedaneyebrow.MayIaskifyouhaveanyfeelingforwhat
thatdecisionwillbe?
Ithinkitsgoingtobeclose,butIsuspecttheyllagree.ElderHugginsisallforit,andwhilehe
representsafairlysmallgroup,itsapowerfulone.ElderODonnalismorehesitant,butseveralofhis
adherentsareleaningtowardsHugginsonthisone.
AndChiefElderSimonds?Yuaskedinaneutraltone.
Mybrotheralsofavorsproceeding,Simondssaidflatly.Hellhavetospendafewpastfavors
tobringthewaverersaround,butIbelievehellpullitoff.TheSwordallowedhimselfahumorless
smile.Heusuallydoes.
Inthatcase,Sir,Idliketogoaheadandissuethepreparatoryorders.Wecanalwaysstandthe
fleetdowniftheCouncildecidesdifferently.
Yes.Simondsrubbedhischinagain,thennodded.Goahead,Captain.Butbearthisinmind.If
theChiefEldercommitshisownprestigetothisanditfails,headswillroll.Minemaybeamong
themyourscertainlywillbe,atleastasfarasyourfutureservicetotheFaithfulisconcerned.
Iunderstand,Sir,YusaidwithasuddenunwillingsympathyfortheSwordswaffling.Yu
himselffacednothingworsethanbeingbanishedbacktoHavenindisgrace,assumingONIandthe
governmentboughttheMasadansinsistence(whichhehadnodoubtwouldbeveryinsistent)thatany
disasterhadbeenentirelyhisfault.Thatwouldbehumiliatingandquitepossiblydisastroustohis
career,butinSwordSimondscase,headswillrollwasalltoolikelytobeliterallytrue,sincethe
sentencefortreasonagainsttheFaithwasbeheading...afterother,muchnastier,experiences.
Imsureyoudo,Captain.Simondssighed,thenstood.Well,Idbestbegettingback.Yurose
toescorthimout,buttheSwordwavedhimback.Dontbother.Icanfindmyownway,andIllpick
upachipoftherecordingfromCommunicationsonmywayout.Youvegotthingsofyourowntodo
here.
SwordoftheFaithfulSimondsturnedandsteppedthroughtheopeninghatch,leavingYualone
withthegorgeouspanoramaofMasadaanditssun,andthecaptainsmiled.Simondsmightbewalking
likeamanwhoexpectedapulserdartanymoment,buthewascommittedatlast.ThistimeJericho
wouldreallybelaunched,andonceGraysonswallscametumblingdown,CaptainAlfredoYucould
shakethedustofthisloathsomesystemfromhissandalsandgohome.

 CHAPTERTEN
EnsignWolcottnibbledafingernailandconsideredtheofficersatthenexttable.Lieutenant(JG)
TremainehadcomeaboardFearlessasCommanderMcKeonspilotnowhesatchattingwith
LieutenantCardonesandLieutenantCommanderVenizelos,andWolcottenviedhiseasewithsuch
exaltedpersonages.
Ofcourse,TremainehadbeenwiththeCaptaininBasilisk,too.BoththeCaptainandtheExec
werecarefulaboutneverlettingthatcolortheirofficialrelationswithanyone,buteveryoneknew
therewasaninnercircle.
TheproblemwasthatWolcottneededtotalktosomeonefrominsidethatcircleandnot
VenizelosorCardones.Theywerebothapproachabletotheirjuniors,butshewasafraidofhowthe
ExecmightreactifhethoughtshewascriticizingtheCaptain.AndCardonesreactionwould
probablybeevenworse...nottomentionthefactthatanyonewhoworetheOrderofGallantryand
thebloodredsleevestripeoftheMonarchsThankswasmorethanalittledauntingtoanyonefresh
fromSaganamiIsland,evenifshewashisjuniortacticalofficer.ButLieutenantTremainewasyoung
enoughandjuniorenoughtofeellessthreatening.HeknewtheCaptain,too,andhewasassigned
toadifferentship,soifshemadeafoolofherself,orpissedhimoff,shewouldnthavetoseehim
everyday.
Shenibbledherfingerharder,nursinghercoffee,thensighedinreliefasVenizelosandCardones
rose.
CardonessaidsomethingtoTremaineandtheyalllaughed.Thentheexecandtacticalofficer
disappearedintotheofficersmesslift,andtheensignpickeduphercoffeecup,stiffenedhernerve,
andcrossedtoTremainestableascasuallyasshecould.
Hewasjuststartingtotidyhistraywhensheclearedherthroat.Helookedupwithasmilea
verynicesmileandWolcottsuddenlyfoundherselfwonderingifperhapstherewerentother
reasonstomakehisacquaintance.Afterall,hewasassignedtoTroubadour,sotheprohibitions
againstinvolvementswithpeopleinthesamechainofcommandwouldntapply....
Shefeltherselfblushatherthoughts,especiallyinlightofwhatshewantedtotalktohimabout,
andgaveherselfaninternalshake.
Excuseme,Sir,shesaid.IwonderifImighthaveamomentofyourtime?
Ofcourse,Ms.?Hecockedhiseyebrows,andshesatathisgesture.
Wolcott,Sir.CarolynWolcott,Classof81.
Ah.Firstdeployment?heaskedpleasantly.
Yes,Sir.
WhatcanIdoforyou,Ms.Wolcott?
Well,itsjustSheswallowed.Thiswasgoingtobejustashardasshedexpected,despitehis
charm,andshedrewadeepbreath.Sir,youwerewithCaptainHarringtoninBasilisk,andI,well,I
neededtodiscusssomethingwithsomeonewhoknowsher.
Oh?Mobileeyebrowsswoopeddownward,andhistonewassuddenlycool.
Yes,Sir,shehurriedondesperately.Itsjustthat,well,somethinghappenedininYeltsin,
andIdontknowifIshould...Sheswallowedagain,butsomethingsoftenedinhiseyes.
HadaruninwiththeGraysons,didyou?Hisvoicewasmuchgentler,andherfaceflamed.
Well,whydidntyoutakeittoCommanderVenizelos,then?heaskedreasonably.
IShewiggledinherchair,feelingyoungerandmoreawkwardthaninyears.Ididntknow
howhemightreactortheCaptain.Imean,theawfulwaytheytreatedher,andsheneversaidaword
tothem....ShemighthavethoughtIwasbeingsillyor...orsomething,shefinishedlamely.
Idoubtthat.Tremainepouredfreshcoffeeforhimselfandpoisedthepotinterrogativelyabove
Wolcottscup.Shenoddedgratefully,andhepoured,thensatbacknursinghiscup.WhydoIhave
thefeelingitstheorsomethingthatworriesyou,Ms.Wolcott?
Herfaceflamedstilldarker,andshestareddownintohercoffee.
Sir,IdontknowtheCaptaintheway...thewayyoudo.
ThewayIdo?Tremainesmiledwryly.Ms.Wolcott,IwasanensignmyselfthelasttimeI
servedunderCaptainHarringtonandthatwasntallthatlongago.Idhardlyclaimtoknowher
especiallywell.Irespecther,andIadmirehertremendously,butIdontknowher.
ButyouwereinBasiliskwithher.
Sowereseveralhundredotherpeople,andIwasaswetbehindtheearsastheycome.Ifyouwant
someonewhoreallyknowsher,Tremaineadded,frowningasheranthroughamentallistof
Fearlesssofficers,yourbestbetisprobablyRafeCardones.
Icouldntaskhim!Wolcottgasped,andTremainelaughedoutloud.
Ms.Wolcott,LieutenantCardoneswasaJGthenhimself,andjustbetweenyou,me,andthe
bulkhead,hewasallthumbs,too.Ofcourse,hegotoverthatthankstotheskipper.Hesmiledat
her,thensobered.Ontheotherhand,youvegottenyourselfindeepenoughnow.Youmayaswell
goaheadandaskmewhateveritisyoudontwanttoaskRafeorCommanderVenizelos.Shetwisted
hercup,andhegrinned.Goaheadtrotitout!Everyoneexpectsanensigntoputafootinhisorher
mouthsometime,youknow.
Well,itsjustSir,istheCaptainrunningawayfromGrayson?
Thequestioncameoutinarush,andherheartplummetedasTremainesfacewentabsolutely
expressionless.
Perhapsyoudcaretoexplainthatquestion,Ensign.Hisvoicewasvery,verycold.
Sir,itsjustthat...CommanderVenizelossentmedowntoGraysontodropoffAdmiral
Courvosiersbaggage,shesaidmiserably.Shehadntmeantforittocomeoutthatway,andshe
knewshedbeenstupidtoaskanyoneaquestionwhichmightbetakenasacriticismofherCO.I
wassupposedtomeetsomeonefromtheEmbassy,buttherewasthis...Graysonofficer.Herface
burnedagain,butthistimeitwaswithhumiliatedmemory.HetoldmeIcouldntlandthereitwas
thepadIdbeenclearedfor,Sir,buthetoldmeIcouldntlandthere.That...thatIdidnthaveany
businesspretendingtobeanofficerandIshould...gohomeandplaywithmydolls,Sir.
AndyoudidnttelltheExec?Tremainescold,ominoustonewasnot,shewasrelievedto
realize,directedatherthistime.
No,Sir,shesaidinatinyvoice.
Whatelsedidhehavetosay?theLieutenantdemanded.
HeWolcottdrewadeepbreath.Idrathernotsay,Sir.ButIshowedhimmyclearanceand
orders,andhejustlaughed.Hesaidtheydidntmatter.TheywereonlyfromtheCaptain,notareal
officer,andhecalledherShestoppedandherhandsclenchedonhercoffeecup.Thenhesaidit
wasabouttimewebitchesgotoutofYeltsin,andheshelookedawayfromthetableandbitherlip
hetriedtoputhishandinsidemytunic,Sir.
Hewhat?!
Tremainehalfstood,andheadsturnedalloverthediningroom.Wolcottdartedanagonizedlook
around,andhesatbackdown,staringather.Shemadeherselfnod,andhiseyesnarrowed.
Whydidntyoureporthim?Hisvoicewaslowerbutstillharsh.YouknowtheCaptainsorders
aboutthingslikethat!
But...Wolcotthesitated,thenmethiseyes.Sir,wewerepullingout,andtheGraysonhe
seemedtothinkitwasbecausetheCaptainwas...runningawayfromhowbadlytheyvetreatedher.
Ididntknowwhetherhewasrightornot,Sir,shesaidalmostdesperately,andevenifhewasnt,
wewerescheduledtobreakorbitinanhour.Nothinglikethateverhappenedtomebefore,Sir.IfId
beenathome,IwouldveButouthereIdidntknowwhattodo,andififItoldtheCaptainwhat
hedsaidabouther!
Shebrokeoff,bitingherlipharder,andTremaineinhaleddeeply.
Allright,Ms.Wolcott.Iunderstand.Buthereswhatyouregoingtodo.AssoonastheExec
comesoffwatch,youregoingtotellhimexactlywhathappened,wordforwordtothebestofyour
memory,butyouarenotgoingtotellhimyoueverevenconsideredthattheCaptainmightbe
runningaway.
Hereyeswereconfusedandunhappyandhetouchedherarmgently.
Listentome.IdontthinkCaptainHarringtonknowshowtorunaway.Oh,sure,shesmakinga
tacticalwithdrawalrightnow,butnotbecausetheGraysonsranheroff,whatevertheymaythink.If
youevensuggesttoCommanderVenizelosthatyouthoughtthatmightbewhatwashappening,hell
probablyhandyouyourhead.
ThatswhatIwasafraidof,sheadmitted.ButIjustdidntknow.And...andiftheywere
right,Ididntwanttomakethingsevenworseforher,andthethingshesaidaboutherwereso
terrible,Ijustdidnt
Ms.Wolcott,Tremainesaidgently,theonethingtheSkipperwillneverdoisblameyoufor
someoneelsesactions,andshefeelsverystronglyaboutharassment.IthinkithastodowithHe
stoppedandshookhishead.Nevermind.TelltheExec,andifheaskswhyyouwaitedsolong,tell
himyoufiguredwewereleavingsosoontheycouldnthavedoneanythingaboutittillwegotback
anyway.Thatstrueenough,isntit?
Shenodded,andhepattedherarm.
Good.Ipromiseyoullgetsupport,notareaming.Heleanedbackagain,thensmiled.Actually,
Ithinkwhatyoureallyneedissomeonetoaskforadvicewhenyoudontwanttostickyourneckout
withoneoftheofficers,sofinishyourcoffee.IvegotsomeoneIwantyoutomeet.
Whosthat,Sir?Wolcottaskedcuriously.
Well,hesnotexactlysomeoneyourfolkswouldwantmetointroduceyouto,Tremainesaid
withawrysmile,buthecertainlystraightenedmeoutonmyfirstcruise.Wolcottdrainedhercup,
andthelieutenantrose.IthinkyoulllikeChiefHarkness,hetoldher.Andhiseyesglinted
wickedlyifanyoneaboardFearlessknowsawaytodealwithscumbagslikethatGraysonwithout
involvinganyoneelse,hewill!
***
CommanderAlistairMcKeonwatchedNimitzworkhiswaythroughyetanotherrabbitquarter.
ForsomereasonknownonlytoGod,theterrestrialrabbithadadaptedamazinglywelltotheplanet
Sphinx.SphinxsyearwasoverfiveTyearslong,which,coupledwiththelocalgravityanda
fourteendegreeaxialtilt,producedsome...impressivefloraandfaunaandaclimatemostoff
worlderslovedduringspringandfallwell,earlyfall,anywayanddetestedatallothertimes.Under
thecircumstances,onemighthaveexpectedsomethingasinherentlystupidasarabbittoperish
miserablyinstead,theydthrived.Probably,McKeonreflected,thankstotheirbirthrate.
Nimitzremovedfleshfromabonewithsurgeonlikeprecision,laiditneatlyonhisplate,and
pickedupanotherinhisdelicatelookingtruehands,andMcKeongrinned.Rabbitsmightthriveon
Sphinx,buttheyhadntgottennoticeablybrighterand,justashumanscouldeatmostSphinxian
animallife,Sphinxspredatorscouldeatbunnies.Anddidwithgusto.
Hereallylikesrabbit,doesnthe?McKeonobserved,andHonorsmiled.
Notallcatsdo,butNimitzcertainlydoes.ItsnotlikeceleryeverycatlovesthatbutNimitzis
anepicure.Helikesvariety,andcatsarearboreals,soheneverhadachancetotasterabbituntilhe
adoptedme.Shechuckled.YoushouldhaveseenhimthefirsttimeIofferedhimsome.
Whathappened?Didourculturedfriendstablemannersdeserthim?
Hedidnthaveanytablemannersatthetime,andhepracticallywallowedinhisplate.
Nimitzlookedupfromhisrabbit,anditwasMcKeonsturntochuckleathisdisdainful
expression.FewtreecatseverleftSphinx,andoffworlderspersistentlyunderestimatedthosewhodid,
butMcKeonhadknownNimitzlongenoughtolearnbetter.CatsoutpointedOldEarthsdolphinson
thesentiencescale,andthecommandersometimessuspectedtheywereevenmoreintelligentthan
theychosetoletpeopleknow.
NimitzheldHonorsgazeamoment,thensniffedandreturnedtohismeal.
Takethat,CaptainHarrington,McKeonmurmured,andgrinnedatHonorslaugh,forhehadnt
heardmanyfromherinYeltsin.Ofcourse,hewasherjuniorCO,andunliketoomanyRMNofficers,
whosawpatronageandfamilyinterestasanaturalpartofamilitarycareer,shedetestedeventhe
appearanceoffavoritism,sotheredbeennoinvitationstoprivatedinnerssincehedjoinedher
command.Infact,shedinvitedCommanderTrumantojointhemtonight,butTrumanhadplannedan
unscheduleddrillforhercrewssurpriseeveningentertainment.
McKeonwasasgladshehad.HelikedAliceTruman,buthowevermuchHonorsotherskippers
mightrespecther,heknewdamnedwellnoneofthemwouldpushheronanysubjectshedidntopen
herself.Healsoknew,frompersonalexperience,thatshewouldneverdreamofsharingherownpain
withanyofherownshipscompanyandthatshewaslessimpervioustostrainandselfdoubtthan
shebelievedsheoughttobe.
HefinishedhispeachcobblerandleanedbackwithasighofcontentasMacGuinesspouredfresh
coffeeintohiscup.
Thankyou,Mac,hesaid,thengrimacedasthechiefstewardfilledHonorsmugwithcocoa.
Idontseehowyoucandrinkthatstuff,hecomplainedasMacGuinessretired.Especiallynot
aftersomethingassweetandstickyasdessert!
Fairenough,Honorreplied,sippingwithagrin.Iveneverunderstoodhowanyofyoucan
swillupcoffee.Yecch!Sheshuddered.Itsmellsnice,butIwouldntuseitforalubricant.
Itsnotasbadasallthat,McKeonprotested.
AllIcansayisthatitmustbeanacquiredtasteI,forone,havenointerestinacquiring.
Atleastitsnotgooeyandsticky.
Which,asidefromitssmell,isprobablyitsonlyvirtue.Honorsdarkeyesdanced.Itcertainly
wouldntkeepyoualivethroughaSphinxwinter.Thattakesarealhotdrink!
ImnottoosureIdbeinterestedinsurvivingaSphinxwinter.
ThatsbecauseyoureaneffeteManticoran.Youcallwhatyougetthereweather?Shesniffed.
Youreallsospoiledyouthinkameaslymeterorsoofsnowisablizzard!
Oh?IdontseeyoumovingtoGryphon.
ThefactthatIlikeweatherdoesntmakemeamasochist.
IdontimagineCommanderDuMornewouldappreciatethatimpliedaspersiononhishome
worldsclimate,McKeongrinned.
IdoubtStevesbeenbacktovisitGryphonmorethantwicesincetheAcademy,andifyouthink
whatIhavetosayaboutGryphonweatherisbad,youshouldhearhim.SaganamiIslandmadeatrue
believeroutofhim,andheresettledhisentirefamilyaroundJasonBayyearsago.
Isee.McKeontoyedwithhiscoffeecupamoment,thenlookedupwithanexpressionthatwas
halfsmileandhalffrown.Speakingoftruebelievers,whatdoyouthinkofGrayson?
SomeofthehumorvanishedfromHonorseyes.Shetookanothersipofcocoa,asiftobuytime,
butMcKeonwaitedpatiently.HedbeentryingtoworktheconversationaroundtoGraysonall
evening,andhewasntgoingtoletheroffthehooknow.Hemightbeherjuniorofficer,buthewas
alsoherfriend.
Itrynottothinkaboutthem,shesaidfinally,hertoneatacitacceptanceofhispersistence.
Theyreprovincial,narrow,andbigoted,andiftheAdmiralhadntletmegetawayfromthem,I
wouldvestartedbreakingheads.
Notthemostdiplomaticmethodofcommunication,Maam,McKeonmurmured,andherlips
twitchedinanunwillingsmile.
Iwasntfeelingparticularlydiplomatic.And,frankly,Iwasntallthatconcernedwith
communicatingwiththem,either.
Thenyouwerewrong,McKeonsaidveryquietly.Hermouthtightenedwithastubbornnesshe
knewwell,buthecontinuedinthatsamequietvoice.Onceuponatime,youhadarealjerkofan
execwholethisfeelingsgetinthewayofhisduty.Hewatchedhereyesflickerashiswordsstruck
home.Dontletanythingpushyouintodoingthesamething,Honor.
Silencehoveredbetweenthem,andNimitzthumpeddownfromhischairtohopupintoHonors
lap.Hestoodonhisrearmostlimbs,plantingtheotherfourfirmlyonthetable,andlookedbackand
forthbetweenthem.
Youvebeenheadedforthisallevening,haventyou?sheaskedfinally.
Moreorless.YoucouldhaveflushedmycareerdownthetoiletLordknowsyouhadreason
toandIdontwanttoseeyoumakingmistakesforthesamereasonIdid.
Mistakes?Therewasanedgetohervoice,buthenodded.
 Mistakes.Hewavedahandoverthetable.IknowyoudneverletAdmiralCourvosierdown
likeIletyoudown,butsomedayyouregoingtohavetolearntohandlepeopleinadiplomatic
context.ThisisntBasiliskStation,andwerenottalkingaboutenforcingthecommerceregulationsor
runningdownsmugglers.Weretalkingaboutinteractingwiththeofficersofasovereignstarsystem
witharadicallydifferentculture,andtherulesaredifferent.
Iseemtorecallthatyoualsoobjectedtomydecisiontoenforcethecomregs,Honorhalf
snapped,andMcKeonwinced.Hestartedtoreply,butherhandrosebeforeheopenedhismouth.I
shouldnthavesaidthatandIknowyouretryingtohelp.ButImjustnotcutouttobeadiplomat,
Alistair.NotifthatmeansputtingupwithpeopleliketheGraysons!
Youdonthavealotofchoice,McKeonsaidasgentlyashecould.YoureAdmiral
Courvosiersrankingmilitaryofficer.WhetheryouliketheGraysonsordetestthemandwhether
theylikeyouornotyoucantchangethat,andthistreatyisasimportanttotheKingdomasany
navalengagement.YourenotjustHonorHarringtontothesepeople.YoureaQueensofficer,the
seniorQueensofficerintheirsystem,and
AndyouthinkIwaswrongtoleave,Honorinterrupted.
Yes,Ido.McKeonmethereyesunflinchingly.Irealizethat,asaman,mycontactswiththeir
officersmusthavebeenalotlessstressfulthanyours,andsomeofthemaregenuinebastards,
potentialalliesorno.Butsomeoftheoneswhoarentlettheirguarddownwithmeatimeortwo.
TheywerecuriousmorethancuriousandwhattheyreallywantedtoknowwashowIcould
stomachhavingawomanasmycommandingofficer.Heshrugged.Theyknewbetterthantocome
rightoutandask,butthequestionwasthere.
Howdidyouanswerit?
Ididnt,insomanywords,butIexpectIsaidwhatJasonAlvarezoranyofourothermale
personnelwouldvesaidthatwedontworryaboutpeoplesplumbing,onlyhowwelltheydotheir
jobs,andthatyoudoyoursbetterthananyoneelseIknow.
Honorblushed,butMcKeoncontinuedwithoutatraceofsycophancy.
Thatshookthemup,butsomeofthemwentawaytothinkaboutit.Sowhatconcernsmenowis
thattheoneswhodidhavetoknowtherewasnorealneedforFearlesstoconvoythesefreightersto
CascanotwhenyoucouldvesentApolloandTroubadour.Fortherealidiots,thatmaynotmake
anydifference,butwhatabouttheoneswhoarenttotalassholes?Theyregoingtofigurethereal
reasonwastogetyouandCommanderTrumanoutofsight,outofmind,anditdoesntmatter
whetheritwasyourideaortheAdmirals.Except...ifitwasyouridea,theyregoingtowonderwhy
youwantedout.Becauseyoufeltyourpresencewashamperingthenegotiations?Orbecauseyourea
womanand,whateverwesaid,youcouldnttakethepressure?
YoumeantheyllthinkIcutandran,Honorsaidflatly.
Imeantheymay.
No,youmeantheywill.Sheleanedbackandstudiedhisface.Doyouthinkthat,Alistair?
No.OrmaybeIdo,alittle.Notbecauseyouwerescaredofafight,butbecauseyoudidntwant
tofacethisone.Becausethistimeyoudidntknowhowtofightback,maybe.
MaybeIdidcutandrun.Sheturnedhercocoamugonitssaucer,andNimitznuzzledherelbow.
ButitseemedtomestillseemstomethatIwasonlygettingintheAdmiralsway,andShe
paused,thensighed.Damnit,Alistair,Idontknowhowtofightit!
 McKeongrimacedattheoath,mildasitwas,forhedneverbeforeheardherswear,noteven
whentheirshipwasbeingblownapartaroundthem.
Thenyoulljusthavetofigureouthow.Shelookedbackupathim,andheshrugged.I
knoweasyformetosay.Afterall,Ivegotgonads.Buttheyrestillgoingtobetherewhenweget
backfromCasca,andyouregoingtohavetodealwiththemthen.Youregoingtohaveto,whatever
theAdmiralmayhaveachievedinourabsence,andnotjustforyourself.Youreourseniorofficer.
WhatyoudoandsaywhatyouletthemdoorsaytoyoureflectsontheQueenshonor,notjust
yours,andthereareotherwomenservingunderyourcommand.Eveniftherewerent,morewomen
aregoingtofollowyouinYeltsinsoonerorlater,andthepatternyouestablishistheonetheyllhave
todealwith,too.Youknowthat.
Yes.HonorgatheredNimitzupandhuggedhimtoherbreasts.ButwhatdoIdo,Alistair?How
doIconvincethemtotreatmeasaQueensofficerwhenalltheyseeisawomanwhoshouldntbean
officer?
Hey,Imjustacommander!McKeonsaid,andgrinnedatherfleetingsmile.Ontheotherhand,
maybeyoujustputyourfingeronthemistakeyouvebeenmakingeversinceAdmiralYanakovs
staffcrappedtheirshortswhentheyrealizedyouwereSO.Youretalkingaboutwhattheysee,not
whatyouseeorwhatyouare.
Whatdoyoumean?
Imeanyouvebeenplayingbytheirrules,notyours.
DidntyoujusttellmeIneededtobediplomatic?
No,Isaidyouhadtounderstanddiplomacy.Theresadifference.Ifyoureallydidpulloutof
Yeltsinbecauseofthewaytheyreactedtoyou,thenyoulettheirprejudicesputyouinabox.Youlet
themrunyououtoftownwhenyoushouldhavespitintheireyeanddaredthemtoprovetherewas
somereasonyoushouldntbeanofficer.
YoumeanItooktheeasywayout.
IguessIdo,andthatsprobablywhyyoufeellikeyouran.Therearetwosidestoeverydialogue,
butifyouaccepttheothersidestermswithoutdemandingequaltimeforyourown,thentheycontrol
thedebateanditsoutcome.
Um.HonorburiedhernoseinNimitzsfurforamomentandfelthisrumbling,subsonicpurr.
HeclearlyapprovedofMcKeonsargumentoratleastoftheemotionsthatwentwithit.And,she
thought,Alistairwasright.TheHaveniteambassadorhadplayedhiscardswellinhiseffortsto
discredither,butshedlethim.Shedactuallyhelpedhimbywalkingoneggsandtryingtohideher
hurtandangerwhenGraysoneyesdismissedherasamerefemaleinsteadofdemandingtherespect
herrankandachievementsweredue.
ShepressedherfacedeeperintoNimitzswarmfurandrealizedtheAdmiralhadbeenright,as
well.Perhapsnotentirelyshestillthoughtherabsencewouldhelphimgetatoeinthedoorbut
mostly.ShedrunawayfromafightandlefthimtofacetheGraysonsandtheirprejudiceswithoutthe
supporthehadarighttoexpectfromhissenioruniformedsubordinate.
Youreright,Alistair,shesighedatlast,raisingherheadtolookathim.Iblewit.
Oh,Idontthinkitsquitethatbad.Youjustneedtospendtherestofthistripgettingyour
thoughtsstraightenedoutanddecidingwhatyouregoingtodotothenextsexisttwit.Shegrinned
appreciatively,andhechuckled.YouandtheAdmiralcanhitemhigh,andtherestofuswillhitem
rightaroundtheankles,Maam.IftheywantatreatywithManticore,thentheydbetterstartfiguring
outthataQueensofficerisaQueensofficer,howeverheorsheisbuilt.Iftheycantgetthat
throughtheirheads,thisthingisnevergoingtowork.
Maybe.Hergrinsoftenedintoasmile.Andthanks.Ineededsomeonetokickmeinthe
posterior.
Whatarefriendsfor?Besides,IremembersomeonewhokickedmyasswhenIneededit.He
smiledback,thenfinishedhiscoffeeandrose.
Andnow,CaptainHarrington,ifyoullexcuseme,Ineedtogetbacktomyship.Thankyoufora
marvelousdinner.
Yourewelcome.HonorescortedMcKeontothehatch,thenstoppedandheldoutherhand.Ill
letyoufindyourownwaytotheboatbay,CommanderMcKeon.Ivegotsomethingstothinkabout
beforeIturnin.
Yes,Maam.Heshookherhandfirmly.Goodnight,Maam.
Goodnight,Commander.Thehatchslidshutbehindhim,andshesmiledatit.Goodnight,
indeed,shemurmuredsoftly.


 CHAPTERELEVEN
Hello,Bernard,CourvosiersaidasheranintoYanakovjustoutsidetheconferenceroomdoor.
Gotaminute?
Certainly,Raoul.
SirAnthonyLangtry,theManticoranAmbassador,smoothlydivertedtherestofYanakovsown
party,andtheGraysonsmiled.HeandCourvosierhadcometounderstandoneanotherfarbetterthan
anyoneelsemightsuspectoverthepastthreedays,andheknewthisslicklymanaged,unscheduled
encounterwasfarfromcoincidental.
Thanks.CourvosierwaitedwhileLangtryshepherdedtheotherGraysonsthroughthedoor,then
smiledabitapologetically.Ijustwantedtowarnyoutowatchyourbloodpressuretoday.
Mybloodpressure?Yanakovhadbecomeaccustomedtothefactthatthismanwholookedtwo
thirdshisagewasactuallyfortyyearsolder.IfCourvosierwantedtowarnhim,hewascertainlyready
tolisten.
Yes.Courvosiergrimaced.Sincethequestionofeconomicaidisontodaysagenda,youre
goingtohavetoputupwiththeHonorableReginaldHouseman.
Ah.ShouldIassumeMr.Housemanisgoingtobeaproblem?
Yesandno.Ivelaiddownthelawtohim,andImprettysurehellplaybymyruleswhenit
comestoactualpolicydrafting,buthethinksofmeasanavalofficer,whereashesaGreat
Statesman.Courvosiergrimacedagain.Hesalsoapatronizingsonofabitchwhothinksallus
militarytypeswanttosolveproblemswithagunineitherhandandaknifebetweenourteeth.
Isee.Werenotcompletelyunfamiliarwiththetypehere,Yanakovsaid,butCourvosiershook
hishead.
Nothistype,believeme.HespartofthedomesticgroupthatwantstoholddownourownFleet
expenditurestokeepfromprovokingHaven,andhegenuinelybelieveswecouldavoidwarwith
themifthemilitaryonlystoppedterrifyingParliamentwithscarestoriesaboutHavenitepreparations.
Worse,hethinksofhimselfasastudentofmilitaryhistory.Courvosierslipstwitchedwith
amusementatsomerecollection,thenheshrugged.
Thepointis,hesnotoneofmygreateradmirers,andhesnotatallpleasedwiththemilitary
cooperationagreementsyouandIinitialedyesterday.Hesgotallsortsofreasons,butwhatitcomes
downtoisthathisstudyoftheproblemconvinceshimourassumptionofMasadasfundamental
hostilitytoyourplanetisundulypessimistic.Yanakovblinked,andCourvosiernodded.Youve
gotit.Hebelievesinpeacefulcoexistence,andhecantquitegraspthatacragsheepcancoexistwitha
hexapumaonlyfromtheinside.AsIsay,heeventhinksweshouldbelookingforwaystocoexistwith
Haven.
Yourejoking...arentyou?
IwishIwere.Anyway,IsuspecthesgoingtoseeyourChancellorspresenceashislastchance
tosalvagethesituationfromuswarmongers.Itoldhimtowatchhisstep,butImnotreallywiththe
ForeignOffice.IdoubthestooworriedaboutanycomplaintsImayfilewithhissuperiors,andfrom
thewayhelookedlastnight,IfigurehesgothisStatesmanHaton.Hesjustlikelytostartpreaching
toyouaboutthevirtuesofeconomiccooperationwithMasadaasawaytoresolveyourminor
religiousdifferences.
Yanakovstaredathim,thenshookhisheadandgrinned.
Well,maybeitsarelieftoknowyouvegotpeopleonyourteamwithbeancurdforbrains,too.
Allright,Raoul.Thanksforthewarning.IllhaveawordwiththeChancellorandtrytositonour
peopleifhedoes.
Good.Courvosiersqueezedhisarmwithanansweringgrin,andthetwoadmiralswalkedinto
theconferenceroomsidebyside.
***
...soourgreatestneed,Admiral,ChancellorPrestwickfinishedhisinitialstatement,isfor
generalindustrialaidand,specifically,whateverassistancewecansecureforourorbitalconstruction
projects.Particularly,underthecircumstances,fornavalexpansion.
Isee.CourvosierexchangedglanceswithYanakov,thennoddedtoHouseman.Mr.
Houseman?Perhapsyoudcaretorespondtothat.
Ofcourse,Admiral.ReginaldHousemanturnedtotheGraysonwithasmile.Mr.Chancellor,I
appreciatetheclaritywithwhichyouvesketchedoutyourneeds,andtheKingdomwillgiveevery
considerationtomeetingthem.IfImay,however,Idliketotakeyourpointsinreverseorder.
Prestwickleanedbackslightlyandnoddedagreement.
Thankyou.Asfarasnavalexpansionisconcerned,mygovernment,asAdmiralCourvosierhas
alreadyagreedinprinciplewithHighAdmiralYanakov,ispreparedtoprovideapermanentsecurity
detachmentforYeltsininreturnforbasingrightshere.Inaddition,wewillbeestablishingourown
serviceandrepairfacilities,andIseenodifficultyinsharingthemwithyou.
HousemanglancedsidewaysatCourvosier,thencontinuedquickly.
Ithink,however,thatthereareother,nonmilitaryconsiderationswhichhavenotyetbeengiven
theirfullweight.YanakovsawCourvosierstiffen,andthetwoadmiralseyesmetacrossthetable,
butthenCourvosiersatbackwitharesignedexpressionasPrestwickspoke.
Nonmilitaryconsiderations,Mr.Houseman?
Indeed.Whilenoonecouldoverlookorignorethemilitarythreatyourplanetfaces,itmaybethat
therearenonmilitarywaystoreduceit.
Indeed?PrestwickglancedatYanakov,andthehighadmiralmadeagoeasygestureunder
coverofthetable.Whatwaysmightthosebe,Mr.Houseman?theChancelloraskedslowly.
Well,IrealizeImonlyaneconomist,Housemansvoicedrippedselfdeprecation,and
AmbassadorLangtrycoveredhiseyeswithonehand,butitoccurstomethatnavalexpansioncan
onlydivertmaterialsandlaborfromyourotherprojects.Giventhenecessityofyourorbitalfarmsto
yourgrowingpopulation,Ihavetowonder,asaneconomist,ifitwouldntbemoreefficienttofind
somemeansbesideswarshipstosecurepeacewithMasada.
Isee.Prestwickseyesnarrowed,butYanakovsrepeatedbrakinggesturerestrainedhisinstant,
incredulousresponse.Andthosemeansare?
Selfinterest,Sir.Housemanmadeitsoundlikeaconcepthedjustinvented.Despitethe
populationimbalancebetweenyourplanetandMasada,youhaveaconsiderablygreaterindustrial
capacitythanthey.Theyhavetobeawareofthat.Andwhileneitherofyoursystemspresentlyhave
anycommoditiestoattractlargevolumesofinterstellartrade,yourmutualproximitymakesyoua
naturalmarketarea.Transporttimesandcostsbetweenyoursystemswouldbeverylow,which
meansthepossibilityexistsforyoutoenterintoanextremelyprofitablecommercialrelationship.
WithMasada?someoneblurted,andLangtrysotherhandrosetojoinitsfellowoverhiseyes.
Housemansheadtwitchedasiftoturninthedirectionofthequestion,buthedidntquitethough
hissmiletookonaslightlyfixedairwhilePrestwicktookthetimetoframehisresponse.
Thatsaveryinterestingsuggestion,Sir,butImafraidthefundamentalhostilitybetween
GraysonandMasadamakesit...impractical.
Mr.Chancellor,Housemansaidearnestly,carefullyavoidinglookingatCourvosier,Iman
economist,notapolitician,andwhatmatterstoaneconomististhebottomline,thecold,hardfigures
ofthebalancesheet.Andthebottomlineisalwayshigherwhenpotentiallyhostilegroupsrecognize
theirdeepermutualselfinterestandactintelligentlytomaximizeit.
Now,inthisinstance,whatwehaveistwoneighboringstarsystems,each,ifyoullpardonmy
frankness,withmarginaleconomies.Underthecircumstances,anarmsracebetweenthemmakesno
economicsenseatall,soitseemstomethatanymovewhichcanreduceyourmilitarycompetitionis
highlydesirable.Imawarethatovercomingthelegacyofcenturiesofdistrustwontbeeasy,but
surelyanyreasonablepersoncanseetheprofittoallsidesinmakingasuccessfulefforttodoso?
HepausedtosmileatPrestwick,andCourvosiersatonhistemper.Likemostideologues,
Housemanwasconvincedthepurityofhisendsjustifiedhismeanswhatevermeansthose
werewhichmeanthispromisenottoopenthiscanofwormsmeantabsolutelynothingtohimbeside
hiscallingtoendsixcenturiesofsillysquabbling.Hewasgoingtohavehissay,andtheonlyway
Courvosiercouldhavestoppedhimwouldhavebeentobanishhimfromthediscussions.Thatwasnt
practical,givenhispositionasthesecondrankingmemberofthedelegationandconnectionsback
home,untilhegotblatantlyoutofline,sotheonlysolutionwastolethimmakehiscaseandthencut
himoffattheankles.
Masadaisbadlyoverpopulatedintermsofitsproductivecapacity,Housemanwenton,and
Graysonrequiresadditionalinfusionsofcapitalforindustrialexpansion.Ifyouopenedmarketsinthe
EndicottSystem,youcouldsecureanearbyplanetarysourceforfoodstuffsandsufficientcapitalto
meetyourownneedsbysupplyingMasadawiththegoodsandservicesitrequiresforitspopulation.
Theboontoyoureconomyisobvious,evenintheshortterm.Inthelongterm,acommercial
relationshipwhichservesbothyourneedscouldonlylessenperhapseveneliminatethehostility
whichhasdividedyouforsolong.Itmightevencreateasituationinwhichnavalexpansionbecomes
asunnecessaryasitiseconomicallywasteful.
TheGraysonsideofthetablehadstaredathiminmounting,horrifieddisbeliefnowtheyturned
asonetolookatCourvosier,andtheadmiralclenchedhisteeth.HedwarnedYanakovtowatchhis
bloodpressure,buthehadntcountedonquitehowdifficultitwouldbetowatchhisown.
AdmiralCourvosier,Prestwickaskedverycarefully,doesthisconstitutearejectionofour
requestforassistanceinnavalexpansion?
No,Sir,itdoesnot,Courvosiersaid,andignoredHousemansflush.Hedwarnedtheman
againstgoingoffhalfcocked,butHousemanhadbeentooconvincedofhisownmoralsuperiorityto
listen.Underthecircumstances,hisembarrassmentweighedverylittlewithRaoulCourvosier.
HerMajestysGovernment,hewentonfirmly,iswellawareoftheMasadanthreattoGrayson.
IntheeventthatGraysonalliesitselfwithManticore,thegovernmentintendstotakeallnecessaryand
prudentstepstosafeguardGraysonsterritorialintegrity.If,intheviewofyourowngovernmentand
military,thosestepsincludetheexpansionandmodernizationofyourfleet,wewillassistinevery
practicalway.
Mr.Chancellor,Housemancutin,whileAdmiralCourvosierisadirectrepresentativeofHer
Majesty,thefactremainsthatheisprimarilyamilitaryman,andmilitarymenthinkintermsof
militarysolutions.Imsimplytryingtopointoutthatreasonablemen,negotiatingfromreasonable
positions,cansometimes
Mr.Houseman.Courvosiersdeep,normallypleasantvoicewasvery,verycold,andthe
economistturnedtoglareresentfullyathim.
Asyouvejustpointedout,Courvosierwentoninthatsamecoldvoice,IamHerMajestys
directrepresentative.Iamalsothechiefofthisdiplomaticmission.Heheldtheotherseyesuntil
theydropped,thennoddedandreturnedhisownattentiontoPrestwick.
Now,then,hesaidasifnothinghadhappened,asIwassaying,Mr.Chancellor,wewillassist
yournavalexpansioninanywaywecan.Ofcourse,asyouyourselfhaveindicated,youhaveother
needs,aswell.Theequipmentandmaterialsalreadybeingtransferredfromourfreighterstoyour
custodywillmakeastarttowardsmeetingsomeofthem,buttheirlongtermsolutionisgoingtobean
extensiveanddifficulttask.Balancingthemagainstyourmilitaryrequirementswillrequiresome
carefultradeoffsandallocations,andImsureMr.Housemanwillagreethatthebestwaytomeetall
ofthemwillbetoupgradeyourownindustrialandtechnicalbase.AndIthinkwecanassumeyour
majortradingpartnerwillbeManticore,notMasada,atleastheallowedhimselfawintrysmile
fortheforeseeablefuture.
ArippleoflaughterwithanundeniableundertoneofreliefansweredfromtheGraysonsideofthe
table,andHousemansfaceturneduglyforjustamoment,thensmoothedintoprofessionalnon
expression.
Ibelievethatsprobablyasafeassumption,Prestwickagreed.
Thenwellproceedonthatbasis,Courvosiersaidcalmly.Heglancedbackathiseconomic
adviser,andtherewasahintofsteelinhisvoiceashesaid,again,Mr.Houseman?
Well,yes,ofcourse,Housemansaid.IwasmerelyHecuthimselfoffandforcedasmile.In
thatcase,Mr.Chancellor,Isupposeweshouldfirstconsiderthequestionofgovernmentguarantees
forloanstoGraysonindustrialconsortiums.Afterthat
ThelastofthestraindissipatedamongtheGraysondelegates,andYanakovleanedbackwitha
sighofrelief.HemetCourvosierseyesacrossthetable,andthetwoofthemexchangedabriefsmile.
***
SpacewasdeepanddarkandemptysixtyfivelightminutesfromYeltsinsStar,butthen,
suddenly,twostarshipsblinkedintoexistence,radiatingthebluegloryofhypertransitfromtheir
Warshawskisailsinabrief,dazzlingflashnoeyeorsensorobserved.Theyfloatedforamoment,sails
reconfiguringintoimpellerwedges,andthentheybegantomove,acceleratingatscarcelyhalfadozen
gravitiesinanarcwhichwouldintersecttheouteredgeoftheasteroidbelt,andnoonesawthem
comingatall.
***
AdmiralCourvosier,IresentthewayyouhumiliatedmeinfrontoftheGraysondelegation!
RaoulCourvosierleanedbackbehindhisdeskintheManticoranEmbassy,andthelookhegave
ReginaldHousemanwouldhavebeenrecognizedbywholegenerationsoferrantmidshipmen.
Therewasnoneedforyoutoundercutmypositionandcredibilitysoblatantly!Anydiplomat
knowsallpossibilitiesmustbeexplored,andthepossibilitiesforreducingtensionsinthisregion
wouldbeincalculableifGraysonwouldevenconsiderthebenefitsofpeacefultradewithMasada!
Imaynotbeadiplomat,Courvosiersaid,butIknowalittlesomethingaboutchainsof
command.Ispecificallytoldyounottoraisethatpoint,andyougavemeyourwordyouwouldnt.In
short,youlied,andanyhumiliationyoumayhavesufferedinconsequenceleavesmetotally
unmoved.
Housemanpaled,thenreddenedwithfury.Hewasunaccustomedtohearingsuchcoldcontempt
fromanyone,muchlessignorantuniformedNeanderthals.Hewasamasterofhisfield,withthe
credentialstoproveit.Howdaredthis...thisjingoisticmyrmidonspeaktohimthisway!
Itwasmydutytopresentthetruth,whetheryoucanseeitornot!
Itwasyourdutytoconformtomydirectivesortellmehonestlythatyoucouldntdosoingood
conscience,andthefactthatyoucametothissystemwithyourownpreconceptionsandhavent
botheredtolearnathingsinceonlymakesyouasstupidasyouaredishonest.
Housemangapedathim,toofurioustospeak,andtheadmiralcontinuedinaflat,deadlyvoice.
Thereasonthesepeopleareexpandingtheirpopulationaftercenturiesofdraconianpopulation
control,thereasontheyneedthoseorbitalfarms,isthatMasadaisgettingreadytowipethemoutand
theyneedthemanpowertofightback.Iwaspreparedtolearntheirfearswereexaggerated,butafter
studyingtheirintelligencereportsandthepublicrecord,itsmyopinion,Mr.Houseman,thatthey
haveinfactunderstatedthecase.Yes,theyhaveastrongerindustrialbase,buttheotherside
outnumbersthemthreetoone,andtheyneedmostofthatindustrysimplytosurvivetheirplanetary
environment!Ifyoudbotheredtoexaminetheirlibrarydatabase,oreventheprcisAmbassador
Langtrysstaffhaveassembled,youdknowthat.Youhavent,andIhaveabsolutelynointentionof
allowingyouruninformedopinionstocolortheofficialpositionofthismission.
Thatspreposterous!Housemanspluttered.Masadadoesntbegintohavethecapacityto
projectthatkindofmilitarypowertoYeltsin!
Iratherthoughtthemilitarywasmyarea,Courvosiersaidicily.
Itdoesnttakeageniustoknowthatjustsomeonewithanopenmind!Lookattheirpercapita
incomefigures,damnit!Theydruinthemselvesiftheymadetheattempt!
Evenassumingthatstatementtobetrue,thatdoesntmeantheywontmaketheattempt.The
pointyouseemconsistentlyunwillingorunabletograspisthatrationalityisnttheirdriving
motivation.TheyrecommittedtothedefeatofGraysonandtheforcibleimpositionoftheirownway
oflifeinbothsystemsbecausetheyseeitastheirreligiousduty.
Hogwash!Housemansnorted.Idontcarewhatmysticgobbledygooktheyspout!Thefactis
thattheireconomysimplywontsupporttheeffortcertainlynottoconquersuchahostile
environmentplanet!
Thenperhapsyoudbettertellthemthat,nottheirintendedvictims.Theirfleetistwentypercent
strongeroverallthanGraysons,andmuchstrongerintermsofhypercapableunits.Theyhavefive
cruisersandeightdestroyerstoGraysonsthreecruisersandfourdestroyers.Thatsnotadefensive
powermix.ThebulkoftheMasadanNavyisdesignedforoperationsinsomeoneelsesstarsystem,
butthebulkoftheGraysonfleetconsistsofsublightLACsforlocaldefense.AndLACs,Mr.
Houseman,areevenlesscapableincombatthantheirtonnagemightsuggestbecausetheirsidewalls
aremuchweakerthanthoseofstarships.Thelocalorbitalfortificationsarelaughable,andGrayson
doesntknowhowtogeneratesphericalsidewalls,sotheirfortsdonthaveanypassiveantimissile
defenses.And,finally,theMasadangovernmentwhichnukedplanetarytargetsinthelastwarhas
repeatedlystateditswillingnesstoannihilatethegodlessapostatesofGraysonifthatstheonlyway
toliberateandpurgetheplanet!
Theadmiralstood,glaringacrosshisdeskatthediplomat.
Allthatisavailablefromthepublicrecord,Mr.Houseman,andourownEmbassyreports
confirmit.TheyalsoconfirmthatthoseindustriallybackwardMasadanshavecommittedoverathird
oftheirgrosssystemproducttothemilitaryforthelasttwentyyears!Graysoncantpossiblydothat.
TheyveonlymanagedtostayinshoutingdistancebecausetheirlargerGSPmeansthesmaller
percentagetheycandiverttothemilitaryisabouthalfaslargeinabsoluteterms.Underthe
circumstances,onlyanidiotwouldsuggesttheyoughttogivetheirenemiesmoreeconomicmuscleto
beatthemtodeathwith!
Thatsyouropinion,Housemanmuttered.Hewaswhitefacedwithmingledfuryandshock,for
hedlookedonlyatabsolutetonnagesinthecasualglancehedgiventhecomparativenavalstrengths.
Thedifferenceincapabilitieshadntevenoccurredtohim.
Yes,itismyopinion.Courvosiersvoicewascalmer,buttherewasnoyieldinit.Andbecause
itis,itsalsotheopinionofHerMajestysGovernmentanditsdiplomaticmissiontothissystem.If
youdisagreewithit,youllhaveeveryopportunitytotellthePrimeMinisterandParliamentsoonce
wereturnhome.Inthemeantime,however,youwillrefrainfromgratuitouslyandstupidlyinsulting
theintelligenceofpeoplewhovelivedtheirwholelivesfacingthatthreat,orIwillhaveyouremoved
fromthisdelegation.Isthatclear,Mr.Houseman?
Theeconomistglaredathissuperiorforonemoremoment,thennoddedcurtlyandslammedoutof
theoffice.


 CHAPTERTWELVE
***
ThebuzzingcomterminaljerkedRaoulCourvosierawake.Hesatupinbedquickly,scrubbing
sleepfromhiseyes,andhittheacceptancekey,thenstraightenedasherecognizedYanakov.The
Graysonadmiralwasbarechestedunderabathrobe,andhissleeppuffyeyeswerebright.
Sorrytowakeyou,Raoul.HissoftGraysonaccentwasclipped.Trackingjustpickedupa
hyperfootprintthirtylightminutesfromYeltsin.Abigone.
Masada?Courvosieraskedsharply.
Wedontknowyet,buttheyrecominginfromohohthreeohninertwo.Thatscertainlyright
forastraightlinecoursefromEndicott.
Whatdoyouhaveonimpellersignatures?
Thatsmightyfaroutforus.Yanakovsoundedabitembarrassed.Weretryingtorefineour
data,but
PassthelocustoCommanderAlvarez,Courvosierinterrupted.Madrigalssensorsuiteisbetter
thananythingyouvegot.Maybehecanrefineitforyou.
Thankyou.Ihopedyoudsaythat.YanakovsoundedsogratefulCourvosierfrownedingenuine
surprise.
YoudidntletthatassholeHousemanmakeyouthinkIwouldnt?
Well,no,butwerenotofficiallyallied,soifyou
JustbecausewedonthaveapieceofpaperdoesntmeanyouandIarentawareofwhatbothour
headsofstatewant,andoneoftheadvantagesofbeinganadmiralinsteadofadiplomatCourvosier
madethewordanobscenityisthatwecancutthroughthebullshitwhenwehaveto.Nowpassthat
infoontoMadrigal.Hepaused,abouttocutthecircuit.AndmayIassumeIminvitedtoCommand
Central?
Wedbehonoredtohaveyou,Yanakovsaid,quicklyandsincerely.
Thankyou.Oh,andwhenyoucontactAlvarez,seewhereheisonthatprojectIassignedhim
Monday.Courvosiersmiledcrookedly.WevebeenmonitoringyourC3systems,andIthinkhecan
probablytieMadrigalssensorsdirectlyintoCommandCentralsnet.
Thatisgoodnews!Yanakovsaidenthusiastically.Illgetrightonit.Illpickyouupinmycar
infifteenminutes.
***
PrinterschatteredmadlyastheadmiralsarrivedatCommandCentral,andthetwoofthemturned
asonetothemaindisplayboard.Adotoflightcreptacrossitwithinfinitesimalspeed.Thatwasa
trickofscaleanydisplaycapableofshowingahalflighthourradiushadtocompressthingsbutat
leastgraviticdetectorswereFTLsotheycouldwatchitinrealtime.Forallthegooditwaslikelyto
dothem.
Madrigalhad,indeed,gottenherCICtiedintothenet.Theboardcouldntdisplayindividual
impellersourcesatsuchalongrange,butthedatacodesbesidethesingleblotchoflightwerefartoo
detailedforGraysoninstrumentation.ThatwasCourvosiersfirstthoughthissecondwasastabof
dismay,andhepursedhislipssilently.Thereweretenshipsoutthere,acceleratingfromthelow
velocityimposedbytranslationintonormalspace.NotevenMadrigalcouldseethemwellenough
toidentifyindividualships,buttheimpellerstrengthsallowedtentativeIDsbyclass.Andif
CommanderAlvarezssensorcrewswereright,theywerefourlightcruisersandsixdestroyersmore
tonnagethantheentireGraysonhypercapablefleet.
Aprojectedvectorsuddenlyarcedacrossthedisplay,andYanakovcursedbesidehim.
What?Courvosieraskedquietly.
TheyreheadedstraightforOrbitFour,oneofourbeltminingprocessingnodes.Damn!
Whathaveyougottostopthem?
Notenough,Yanakovsaidgrimly.Heglancedup.Walt!HowlongtilltheyhitOrbitFour?
Approximatelysixtyeightminutes,CommodoreBrentworthreplied.
Anythingwecaninterceptwith?
Judahcouldreachthemjustshortoftheprocessors.Brentworthsvoicewasflat.Nothingelse
couldnotevenaLAC.
ThatswhatIthought.Yanakovsshouldersslumped,andCourvosierunderstoodperfectly.
Sendingasingledestroyerouttomeetthatmuchfirepowerwouldbeworsethanpointless.Signal
Judahtostandclearofthem,theGraysonadmiralsighed,thengetmeamike.OrbitFoursonits
own.Hislipstwitchedbitterly.TheleastIcandoistellthemmyself.
***
TheholospheresparkledwithindividuallightsandshiftingpatternsofinformationasMatthew
SimondsstoodinThunderofGodsCIC.CaptainYustoodbesidehim,facerelaxedandcalm,and
Simondsrepressedaflareofdisappointment.HeshouldbeonAbrahamsbridge,notstandinghere
watchingoneofhisjuniorsleadMasadasmostpowerfulattackeveronYeltsinsStar!
Buthecouldntbe.Andpowerfulasthisattackwas,itwasbutoneaspectoftheoverallplana
planwhoseentiretynotevenCaptainYuknew.
***
OrbitFoursCOwatchedhiscom,andadropofsweattrickleddownhisface.Thetransmission
hadtakenalmosthalfanhourtoreachhim,buthedknownwhatitwasgoingtosayforovertwenty
minutes.
Imsorry,CaptainHill,butyoureonyourown,HighAdmiralYanakovsvoicewaslevel,his
facelikestone.AsidefromJudah,nothingwevegotcanintercept,andsendingherinalonewould
besuicide.
Hillnoddedinsilentagreement.Hisownlackofbitternesssurprisedhim,buttherewasnopoint
condemningJudahtosharehiscommandsdeath.Andatleasthedgottenthecollectorshipsout
threeweredownforrepairs,buttheotherswerewellaway,packedwithOrbitFoursdependents,and
hisgraviticshadalreadypickedupthesquadronheadedtowardsthemfromGrayson.Unlessthe
MasadansbrokeofffromOrbitFourtopursuethefugitivesinthenextfiveminutesorso,theycould
neverinterceptshortofthereliefforce.Atleasthiswivesandchildrenwouldsurvive.
Doyourbest,Captain,Yanakovsaidquietly.Godbless.
Putmeonrecord,Hilltoldhiswhitefacedcomofficer,andthelieutenantnoddedchoppily.
 Recording,Sir.
Messagereceivedandunderstood,AdmiralYanakov,Hillsaidascalmlyashecould.Welldo
whatwecan.Fortherecord,IconcurcompletelyinyourdecisionnottosendJudahin.Hehesitated
asecond,wonderingifheshouldaddsomelast,dramaticstatement,thenshrugged.AndGodbless
you,too,Bernie,heendedsoftly.
***
CaptainYusexpressionhadyieldedtoaslightfrown.Heleanedtooneside,checkingareadout,
thenstraightenedwithasmallshrug.Hisfrowndisappeared,yettherewasanewintentnessinhis
eyes.Itwasalmostalookofdisappointment,Simondsthought.Orofdisapproval.
HestartedtoaskwhatYusproblemwas,buttherangewasdowntothreeandahalfmillion
kilometers,andhecouldnttearhisattentionfromthesphere.
***
Theyrelate.AdmiralCourvosiersstatementwasbarelyawhisper,yetYanakovheardhimand
noddedcurtly.TheMasadancommanderhadmissedhisbestchancetokillOrbitFourfrombeyondits
ownrange...notthatitwasgoingtomakeanydifferencetoCaptainHillsmenintheend.
***
TheMasadanshipsvelocitiesmountedsteadily.Theircourseswerealreadycurvingupinthearc
whichwouldtaketheminsideOrbitFourandbackthewaytheydcome,andweaponscrewscrouched
overtheirconsolesastherangedropped.Therewastensionintheirfaces,butnorealfear.Theyhad
theprotectionoftheirimpellerwedgesandsidewallstheweaponstationsguardingOrbitFourwere
nakedtotheirfire,protectedonlybypointdefense.
Wevegotagoodtargetsetup,Sir.
AdmiralJansenlookedupaboardthelightcruiserAbraham,flagshipoftheMasadanNavy,ashis
chiefofstaffspoke.
Range?
Comingdownonthreemillionkilometers.
Jansennodded.HismissileswereslowerthanThunderofGods.Theirdriveswouldburnoutin
lessthanaminute,andtheirmaximumaccelerationwasbarelythirtythousandgravities,buthisfleets
closingspeedwasover27,000KPS.Hismissileswouldtakeseventyeightsecondstoreachtheir
targetsfromthatinitialvelocityOrbitFoursmissileswouldtakeaminuteandahalftoreachhim.
Onlyatwelveseconddifferencebutunlikeasteroids,hisshipscoulddodge.
Commencefiring,hesaidharshly.
***
CaptainHillsfacetightenedashisgraviticspickedupmissileseparations.Atthisrange,even
giventheirclosingspeed,driveburnoutwouldsendhismissilesballisticanddeprivethemoftheir
homingabilityover800,000kilometersshortoftarget.Thatwaswhyhedheldhisownfire,hoping
againsthopethattheydkeepcominguntilheopenedup.Notthathedexpectedthemto,butithad
beenworthprayingfor.Therewaslittlepointthrowingawaybirdsthatcouldntmaneuverwhenthey
reachedtheenemymissilesthathadgoneballisticwereeasyforimpellerdriveshipstoevadeor
pickoffbuttheydalreadycomecloserthanhedhadanyreasonablerighttoexpect,andevena
ballisticbirdwasbetterthannonewhenheandhismenhadatmostthreesalvosbeforetheMasadan
missilesarrived.
Openfire!hebarked,andthen,inasoftervoice,Standbypointdefense.
***
TherangewastoogreatevenforMadrigalssystemstoplotsinglemissiledrives,butthedisplay
flashedasthedestroyerssensorsnotedasuddenbackgroundcascadeofimpellersources.Courvosier
stoodsilentlybesideYanakov,watchingtheGraysonadmiralsgray,clenchedface,andknewthere
wasnothingatallhecouldsay.
***
SwordSimondsshiveredashewatchedthemissilesonThunderofGodsdisplays.Theyslashed
outfromattackeranddefenderalike,tinydropsofrubybloodthatweresomehowbeautifuland
obscenelytranquil.Thereshouldhavebeenfuryandthunder.Shouldhavebeenthesightsandsounds
andsmellsofbattle.Buttherewasonlythehumofventilationsystemsandthecalm,quietmurmurof
sensortechnicians.
Thetinydotsmovedwithagonizingslownessacrosstheholospheresvastscale,andtimeheldits
breath.Anothersalvofollowedthirtyfivesecondslater,andanother,answeredbytheGraysons
replies.Thenthefirstsalvosdotsvanishedastheirdrivesburnedout,andAdmiralJansenaltered
course,twistingawayfromthedefensivefirewhichhadgoneinertandclumsy.Simondspictured
JansensmissilesdrivingonthroughGodsownemptiness,invisibleonpassivesensorsatsucha
range,andtherewasaninevitability,almostadreaminess,aboutitnow.
***
OrbitFoursdefenseshadneverbeenintendedtostandoffeightypercentoftheMasadanNavyall
bythemselves.Thefixedfortificationsweresittingducksformissilesolutionsanythingfiredatthem
wasalmostboundtohit,unlessitwasstoppedbypointdefense,andtheresimplywasntenoughpoint
defensetostopthescoresofmissilescomingatthem.
Radarlockedontotheincomingwarheads,andcountermissilesracedtomeetthem.Thechances
ofinterceptionwerefarlowerthantheywouldhavebeenformoremoderndefensivesystems,but
CaptainHillsmendidwell.Theystoppedalmostathirdofthem,andlasersandlastditchautocannon
wenttocontinuousfireagainstthesurvivors.
***
AdmiralJansenstaredathisvisualdisplay,ignoringthesalvosofGraysonmissilesflashing
towardshim.Thefirstonedidntmatter,anywayitwouldbeballisticandharmlesslongbeforeit
reachedhim.Thesecondwouldstillhaveafewmomentsonitsdrives,butonlyenoughforstraightin
attackswithnolastminutepenetrationmaneuvers.Onlythethirdposedarealthreat,andhissmile
wasasharksashugefireballsglared,eyehurtingandsavageevenattenlightsecondsanddespitethe
displaysfilters.
***
SwordSimondsleanedclosertotheholosphereastheflashingtimedisplaycounteddownto
impactforthefirstGraysonsalvo.NoneofJansensimpellersignaturesvanished,andthetaskforce
alteredcourseagaintoevadethesecondsalvo.Hiseyesdartedbacktothesecondaryplotmonitoring
OrbitFourslaunchtimes,andhismouthcurvedupinasmileoftriumph.
***
Somethinglikeasoft,silentmoansensed,notheardsweptthroughthebackgroundprinter
clatterofCentralCommandasthedatacodesblinked.Moremissileprojectionstracedtheirway
acrosstheglass...andeveryoneofthemwasheadedawayfromtheattackers.
Courvosiersshouldersslumped.Theyddeservedbetterthanthat,hethought.Theyddeserved
Theygotoneofthebastards!someonescreamed,andhiseyesjerkedbacktotheboard.
***
ThemissilewasanorphanfromCaptainHillsthirdandfinalsalvo.Infact,itshouldhavebeen
fromhissecondsalvo,butitslaunchcrewhadsufferedamomentarylossofpower.Bythetimethe
frantictechsgottheirweaponbackonline,theirbirdlaunchedalmostfivesecondsafterthethird
salvo,andallofthemweredeadbythetimeitenteredattackrange.Theorphanneitherknewnor
caredaboutthat.Itdroveforward,stillunderpowerwhileitssensorslistenedtothebeaconofits
chosentarget.TheMasadandefensivesystemsalmostmissedthesinglemissileentirely,thenassigned
itafarlowerthreatvalueasittaggedalongbehindtheothers.
AdmiralJansensshipswrithedandtwistedfarmorefrantically,forunlikethefirstsalvo,thisone
stillhaddrivepower.ButTrackinghaditsbirdspeggedtoafaretheewell,andcountermissiles
chargedtomeetthemostdangerousones.
Defensivefiresmashedsomeoftheorphansfellows.Othersimmolatedthemselvesuselessly
againstimpellerwedgestheycouldntpossiblypenetrate.Ahandfulstrucksquarelyatthefarweaker
sidewallsprotectingtheopensidesofthosewedges,andoneofthemactuallypenetrated.Itstarget
lurched,damagealarmsscreaming,buttheMasadandestroyersdamagewasslight,andonlythe
orphanwasleft.Onlytheorphanwiththelowthreatvalue.
Thetwocountermissilestargetedonitflashedpast,clearmisseswithoutthebetterseekingheads
ofmoremodernnavies,anditstargetssensors,halfblindedbytheartificialgravwaveofitsown
bellystressband,lostlock.Therewasnolastminutelaserfire,andthemissilebobbedup,
programmedforafrontalattack,andthreweveryergofdrivepoweritstillhadintocrushing
deceleration.Therewasnttimetokillmuchvelocity,evenat30,000geesbutitwasenough.
Theunprotected,wideopenthroatofthelightcruiserAbrahamsimpellerwedgeengulfedthe
warheadlikeavastscoop.Primaryandbackupproximityfusesflashedasone,andafiftymegaton
explosioneruptedonehundredmetersfromtheMasadanflagship.
***
SwordSimondsfacewentbonewhiteastheimpellersignaturevanished.Airhissedinhis
nostrils,andhepeeredattheholosphereforone,frozenmoment,unwillingtoacceptit,thenturnedto
stareatCaptainYu.
TheHavenitereturnedhisgazegravely,buttherewasnoshock,nohorror,inhiseyes.There
wasntevenanysurprise.
Apity,Yusaidquietly.Theyshouldhavelaunchedfromfartherout.
Simondsclenchedhisteethagainstamadimpulsetoscreamathisadviser.Twentypercentof
theMasadanwallofbattlehadjustbeenobliterated,andallhecouldsaywastheyshouldhave
launchedfromfartherout?!Hiseyesblazed,butYuflippedhisowneyestothemembersofthe
swordsstaff.Mostofthemwerestillstaringatthesphere,shockedbythetotallyunanticipatedloss,
andtheHaveniteofficerpitchedhisvoicehighenoughforthemtohearashecontinued.
Still,Sir,itsthefinalobjectivethatmatters.Therearealwayslosses,howevergoodabattleplan
maybe,butGraysonhaslostfarmoreheavilythanwehave,andthetrapisset,isntit,Sir?
 Simondsstaredathim,stillquiveringwithfury,buthefelthisstaffbehindhimandsensedthe
potentialdamagetotheirconfidence.HeknewwhatYuwasdoing,andtheinfidelwasrightcurse
him!
Yes,hemadehimselfsaycalmlyandlevellyforhisstaffsbenefit,andthewordwasacidonhis
tongue.Yes,CaptainYu,thetrapisset...exactlyasplanned.

 CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
BernardYanakovsuniformtunichungoverachair,thetopmostbuttonofhisshirtwasopen,and
hefrownedathisterminal,thenlookedupwithawearysmileofwelcomeasthedooropenedtoadmit
RaoulCourvosierandthebackgroundchatterofprinters.
Civilianclothingornot,noonecouldmistakeCourvosierforanythingbutanavalofficernow,
andYanakovwasdevoutlythankfulforhispresence.Notonlyhadhemadehisdestroyerssensors
availabletoGrayson,buthedalsoplacedhisownvastexperienceatYanakovsdisposal.Despite,
Yanakovknew,protestsfromcertainmembersofhisdelegationthatheoughttoloadthemallaboard
Madrigalandgetthemsafelyoutofthelineoffire.
Youneedsleep,theManticoransaidbluntly,andYanakovnodded.
Iknow,hesighed,butHebrokeoffandshrugged,andCourvosiernoddedinunderstanding.
Notapproval,justunderstanding.
Afatiguedulledmindwasscarcelythebesttoolforhissystemsdefense,butYanakovcouldnt
sleep.OrbitFourhadbeenjoinedbyOrbitFiveandSix,andneitheroftheircommandantshadgotten
asluckyasHill.Or,rather,theMasadanshadgottensmarter.Theywerelaunchingfromsixmillion
kilometersormore,rangessolongthedefensivemissilesdrivesburnedoutoverfivefullminutes
shortoftheirtargets.Itgavethedefenderslongertrackingtimesandbetterpointdefensekill
probabilities,yetsheernumbersmorethanmadeupforthatbysaturatingthedefenses.Itmightcost
theMasadansalotofmissiles,butGraysonhadalreadylostninepercentofitsorbitalresource
processingcapacity...nottomentiontwentysixhundreduniformeddefendersandsixteenthousand
civilianworkers.
Youknow,theManticoranadmiralmused,lookingoutthroughtheglasswallacrossthebustling
battlestaff,theressomethingpeculiaraboutthiswholeattackpattern.HeturnedtofaceYanakov.
Whyarenttheyeitherpullingcompletelyoutofthesystemorcontinuingstraightalongthebelt?
Theyarecontinuingalongthebelt,Yanakovsaidinsomesurprise.Theyrepickingoffour
nodesinastraightlinesequence,directlyagainstthebeltsorbit.
Iknow,butwhytakesomuchtime?Whydashin,hitasingletarget,thenpullbackoutagain,
whentheycouldblowtheirwayrightalongthebeltinafractionofthetime?
Thiswaytheycanwatchuscoming,thenchooseadifferenttargetorevenbreakoffentirely,and
wecantprepositionourselvestointerceptunlesswespreadourselvessothinanyforcethatdoes
catchthemwillbecuttodogmeat,Yanakovpointedoutbitterly.
No,thatsnotit.Courvosierrubbedhischinandfrownedasheconsideredtheboard.The
Masadanraiderstrackedslowlyacrossit,retiringfromtheirthirdattack,andheshookhishead.Their
sensorsarenobetterthanyours,right?
Probablynotasgood,actually.
Allright.Yourorbitalsensorarraysgiveyourealtimegraviticdetectionouttothirtyfourlight
minuteseightlightminutesbeyondthebeltontheirnormalretirementvector.Morethanthat,the
Masadansknowtheydo.
Well,yes.Yanakovscrubbedatburningeyes,thenroseandwalkedacrosstostandbesidehis
friendandwatchthedisplay.Ofcourse,theresalotoftransmissionlagfromthemoredistant
arraysespeciallythoseonthefarsideofYeltsinbuttheyreworkingoursideoftheprimary,so
CommandCentralsgotrealtimedatawhereitreallymatters.Thatswhytheypullbackoutbeyond
ourdetectionrangeaftereachraid,pickanewattackvector,andcomechargingbackin.Asyousay,
ourshipboardsensorshaveverylimitedrangecomparedtoyours.Evenifwehappenedtoguessright
andplaceaforcewhereitcouldinterceptthem,itscommandercouldntseethemsoonenoughto
generateanintercept,andweprobablycouldntpasshimlightspeedordersfromCommandCentralin
timeforhimtodoit,either.
Icouldbuythat,Courvosieragreed,butyouremissingmypoint.Theykeeppullingbackout
tothesamedamnedplaceaftereachattack,andtheyhavetoknowyoucanseethemdoingit.
Um?Yanakovfrowned,andCourvosiernodded.
Exactly.Theykeepheadingbacktothesamespotbeforeyoursensorslosethem.Andasthey
worktheirwayalongthebelt,theykeepextendingtheirflightdistancebacktothatsameplacewith
eachtargettheyhit.Thatnotonlymakesthemmorevulnerabletointerceptionbutalsovastlyextends
thetimetheyrespendingontheentireoperation,yettheykeeppokingalongatnomorethanpoint
threeceewhiletheydoit.Nowwhywouldtheybedoingthat?
Well...Yanakovscratchedhishead.Theyrethrowingalotofmissilesineachattack.That
hastoruntheirmagazineslowmaybetheyvegotcolliersouttherewithreloadsandtheyhaveto
returntothemtorearm.AndIsupposethelowvelocitiescouldbesotheydonthavetokilltoomuch
veeifwedomanagetohidesomethinginfrontofthem.
Possibly,possibly,Courvosiermurmured.Buttheirtimingsuggeststheyhadsomebodyhidden
outthere,watchingwhenFearless,Apollo,andTroubadourleft.Theymaythinkthatwasourentire
escortforce,andtheymaynothaveanyideathoseshipsarecomingback,buttheyhavetoknow
theresahighprobabilitysomeManticoransquadronslikelytodropby.Thatshouldbeafactorin
theirplanning.Theyoughttobegoingforafastdecision,hopingtofinishyouoffbeforesomeRMN
admiralintervenesonyourbehalf.
Onealreadyhas,inasense,Yanakovsaidwithatiredgrin.
YouknowwhatImean.
TruebutImnottoosureaboutyourbasicpremise.TheresnocommercebetweenYeltsinand
Endicott.Thatmeansnoinformationflow,sohowcouldtheyknowyouwereeverhereinthefirst
place?
Thefactthatweweresendingadiplomaticmissionandaconvoyhasbeengeneralknowledge
formonths,Courvosierargued,andtheymustveknownwedsendalonganescort.Oncewe
arrived,alltheydhaveneededtomakeaprettyfairprojectionofwhatwewereuptoisasingle
hiddenpicket.Andlookatthetiming.AllowadayorsofortheirpickettosneakbackouttoMasada
afterFearlessleft,thenanotherdaytomobilize,andtheydbebackherejustaboutthetimethey
startedshooting.Heshookhishead.Theyknowatleastsomeoftheescortspulledout,andtheyre
tryingtogetinbeforeanyotherManticoranforcegetsheretoreplacethem.
Idontthinktheyhavethetechnicalcapabilitytopulloffthatkindofoperation,Raoul.Oh,
certainlytheycouldgetashipinorout.Alltheydhavetodoistranslatebeyondourdetectionrange
andcomeinwithalowpoweredwedge,thenhideintheasteroidbelt.Evenifwesawthem,wed
probablyputthemdownasroutineminingtraffic,andgettingoutwouldbejustaseasy.Butevenif
theydidthat,theydneedsensorsalmostasgoodasyourstotellwhatshappeningintheinner
system.Yanakovshookhishead.No,thetiminghastobeacoincidence.
Maybe.Courvosiershookhimself.Atanyrate,CaptainHarringtonwillbebackwithinanother
fourdays.
Icantwaitthatlong,Yanakovsaid,andCourvosierlookedathiminsurprise.Theyvetaken
outclosetotenpercentofourprocessorsifIgivethemanotherfourdays,theylldestroyfortyyears
ofinvestmentnottomentionkillingseveralthousandmorepeopleespeciallyif,asyouyourself
havepointedouttheyshould,theydropthisinandoutnonsenseandstartworkingtheirwaystraight
aroundthebelt.Ivegottostopthemsoonerthanthat...assumingIcanfigureawaytointerceptthe
bastardsinstrength.
Isee.Courvosierchewedtheinsideofhislipforaminute,thenfrownedintently.Youknow,
therejustmightbesomethingyoucando.
Suchas?
Youretootiredtothinkstraight,Bernie.Iftheykeepheadingbacktothesamespoteverytime,
youdonthavetoletthemseeyoucoming.
Youreright.Yanakovsatbackdownabruptly,thenbeganpunchingkeys.Ifweknowwhere
theyregoing,wecouldwaittilltheypullbackfromthislastattack,thenputeverythingwevegoton
acoursetointercepttheirretirementvectorforthenextone!
Exactly.Courvosiergrinned.Getyourpeopleoutthere,acceleratelikehelloncethebadguys
areoutoftheirsensorrangeofyou,thenkillyourdrivesandcoastuntiltheystartbackoutaftertheir
nextattack.Whatsyourmaxfleetacceleration?
Fivehundredgees,moreorless,forthehypercapableunits,Yanakovsaid.Threeseventyfive
fortheLACs.Hestudiedhiscalculationsforamoment,thengrimacedandstartedchanging
numbers.
DotheLACsaddenoughfirepowertojustifyholdingyourstarshipsback?
No.ThatswhatImreworking.Yanakovnoddedasnewnumbersbegantocometogether.
Okay,thatsbetter.Now,giventheiroperationalpatterntodate,Ithinkwecanassumeasensor
windowofHetappedaquickcalculation.Callitthreeandahalfhours.Threetobeonthesafe
side.
Whichmeansyoucouldbeupto?
ApproximatelyfiftythreethousandKPS.Andeveniftheydontcomebackinatall,thatwould
takeustothepointwhereoursensorskeeplosingthemin...roughlyfourhoursfromGraysonorbit,
Yanakovsaid,stillworkingathisterminal.Giventheirattackpatterns,wecankickourdrivesback
in...callitthreehoursintotheirnextrunandstillintercepteveniftheypullbackouttheinstantthey
pickusup!Hishandsstilledonthekeysandhistiredeyeswerealmostawed.BytheGraceofGod
theTester,youreright.Wecandoit.
Iknow,Courvosierreplied,buthesoundedlessenthusiastic.Yanakovlookedaquestion,andhe
shrugged.Oh,itsneat,andIlikethenotionofusingtheirpredictabilityagainstthem,buttheresstill
somethingIcantquiteputmyfingeron.Itjustdoesntmakesenseforthemtogiveusanopening
likethis.
Didntsomeonesaythegeneralwhomakesthelastmistakeloses?
Wellington,Ithink.OrmaybeitwasRommel.Courvosierfrowned.Tanakov?Heshruggedit
away.Thepointis,wewantthemtomakethemistake.
 Idontseehowitcanhurtus,Yanakovargued.HoldingtheFleetinsystemaccomplishes
absolutelynothing.Atleastthisgivesusachance.And,asyousay,CaptainHarringtonwillbeback
infourdays.Iftheyhavemissilecolliersoutthere,wemaybeabletoknockthemoutandchokeoff
theirsupplies,evenifwemissanactualinterception.Andevenifweonlyderailtheiroperationsfora
fewdays,thatllstillbelongenoughtopreventfurtherdamagebeforeshegetsbackandkicksthe
bas
Hebrokeoff,acuriousexpressiononhisface,andCourvosiercockedaneyebrow.
Sorry,Yanakovhalfmuttered.Iwassimplyassumingyoudcommithershipstohelpus.
Whyinthegalaxyshouldntyouassumethat?Courvosierdemanded.
ButyourenotImean,werenotYanakovpausedandclearedhisthroat.Wedonthavea
treatyyet.Ifyouloseshipsortakedamageonyourownresponsibilitywithoutone,yourgovernment
may
MygovernmentwilldowhatHerMajestytellsittodo,Courvosiersaidflatly,andHerMajesty
toldmetocomebackwithatreatywithGrayson.Yanakovlookedathimwordlessly,andhe
shrugged.IcantverywelldothatifIletMasadawipeyouout,canI?Heshookhishead.Imnot
tooworriedabouttheCrownsreaction,orevenParliaments.TheQueenshonorisatstakehere.And
evenifitwerent,IwouldntsleeptoowellnightsifIturnedmybackonyoupeople,Bernie.
Thankyou,Yanakovsaidverysoftly,andCourvosiershruggedagain,uncomfortablythistime.
Forgetit.Itsreallyjustasneakymaneuvertobringyourownconservativesaround.
Ofcourseitis.Yanakovsmiled,andCourvosiergrinnedback.
Well,Icanpretend,cantI?Herubbedhischinagainandfellsilentforamoment.Infact,with
yourpermission,ImgoingtotakeMadrigaloutwithyourinterceptionforce.
What?!SurprisebetrayedYanakovintotheundiplomaticexclamation,butCourvosieronly
shookhisheadinmocksorrow.
Itoldyouyouneedsleep.Madrigalssensorsarebetterthananythingyouand,ergo,the
Masadanshave.Ifweincludeherinyourinterceptforce,hergraviticsllpickthemupaminimumof
twolightminutesbeforetheyhavethereachtoseeyou.Thatmeansyoucankeepyourforceunder
powerlonger,buildahigherbasevector,becauseyoullonlyhavetoshutdownwhentheydocome
back,notwhenwethinktheymightcomeback.Andjustbetweenthetwoofus,Idontthinkany
Masadancruiseroutthereisgoingtoenjoymeetingupwithher,Bernie.
But...butyouretheheadofadiplomaticmission!Ifanythinghappenstoyou
Mr.Housemanwillbeonlytoohappytotakeoverinthatunhappyevent.Courvosiergrimaced.
Notthehappiestofoutcomes,Iagree,butscarcelydisastrous.AndItoldtheFOwhenItookthejob
thatitwasonlytemporary.AsamatteroffacthegrinnedslylyIbelieveImayhaveslippedup
andpackedauniformortwoalongwithallthesecivvies.
But,Raoul!
Areyousayingyoudontwantmealong?Courvosieraskedinhurttones.
OfcourseIdo!Butthepossiblerepercussions
arefaroutweighedbytheprobablebenefits.IfaQueensshipfightsalongsideyouagainst
yourtraditionalenemy,itcanonlybeaplusfortheratificationofanytreaty,dontyouthink?
Ofcourseitwould,Yanakovsaid,butthewordscrackedaroundtheedges,forheknewitwasnt
diplomaticconsiderationswhichshapedtheoffer.Ofcourse,hewentonafterhegothisvoiceback
undercontrol,youreseniortoanyofmyotherofficers.Hell,youreseniortome!
Illcertainlywaiveseniority,Courvosiersaidwryly.Afterall,myentirefleetconsistsofa
singledestroyer,forGodssake.
No,no.Protocolmustbeobserved,Yanakovsaidwithatiredsmile.Andsincethisisalla
sneakydiplomaticploy,notaspontaneousandgenerousoffertohelppeoplewhohavedonetheirbest
toinsultyourseniorsubordinateandhalfyourotherofficers,wemightaswellplayittothehilt.He
heldCourvosierseyeswarmlyandextendedhishand.
IherebyofferyouthepositionofsecondincommandoftheGraysonManticoranCombined
Fleet,AdmiralCourvosier.Willyouaccept?


 CHAPTERFOURTEEN
AnadmiralsvacsuitlookedoutofplaceonHMSMadrigalscrampedbridge,foradestroyerhad
neverbeenintendedasaflagship.Theassistantastrogatorhadbeensqueezedoutofhispositionat
LieutenantMacombselbowtoprovideCourvosierwithachairandamaneuveringdisplay,andif
CommanderAlvarezseemedtotallyunbothered,almosteveryoneelsewasclearlyalittleillateasein
hisaugustpresence.
ButLieutenantCommanderMercedesBrighamwasnt.Madrigalsexechadotherthingsonher
mindasshestoodatthetacticalofficersshoulderandpeeredatherdisplays,andthosedisplayswere
whyCourvosierwouldnthavebeenanywhereelse,fortheygaveMadrigalinfinitelybetter
informationthananyothershipinthesmallfleetacceleratingawayfromGrayson.
Theadmiralleanedback,restingonehandonhischairswaitingshockframe,andwatchedhis
ownreadouts.HiscrampedscreenwasntasdetailedastheoneBrighamandLieutenantYountz
studiedsointently,butitshowedtheGraysonshipsdeployedprotectivelyaboutMadrigal.Theydlost
ahalfhouroftheiranticipatedfreetimebecauseasingleMasadandestroyerhadlaggedbehindher
withdrawingconsortsforsomereasonasidefromthateverythingwasexactlyonschedule,andtwo
GraysondestroyersledMadrigalbyalightsecondandahalf,coveredbyhersensorsyetinterposing
themselvesbetweenherandanythreat.Notthattheywerelikelytomeetonewithhertowatchtheir
backs,buttheGraysonswereguardingherlikeaqueen.
Itwasodd,Courvosierthought.Manticorandestroyershadexcellentsensorsuitesfortheir
displacement,buttheywerehardlysuperdreadnoughts.Yetatthismoment,Madrigalwastheclosest
thingaround.ShewasapygmybesideHonorsFearless,muchlessabattlecruiserorshipofthewall,
butshemassedbarelytwelvethousandtonslessthanYanakovsflagship,andhercommandand
controlfacilities,likeherfirepower,werelightsecondsbeyondthebesttheGraysonscouldboast.
GiventhewayGraysonsoriginalcolonistshadmaroonedthemselves,itwaslittleshortof
miraculoustheirdescendantshadmanagedtorediscoversomuchandsurviveontheirown,but
theirtechbasewaspatchy.Theydbeenfifteenhundredyearsbehindtherestofthegalaxywhenthey
werefinallyrediscovered,yettheprogenyofAustinGraysonsantitechfollowershaddemonstrateda
positivegeniusforadaptingwhattheyalreadyknewtoanynewscrapoftechnologytheygottheir
handson.
NeitherEndicottnorYeltsinhadbeenabletoattractsignificantoutsidehelpuntiltheHaven
Manticoreconfrontationspilledoveronthem.Bothwerecrushinglyimpoverishednooneinhisright
mindvoluntarilyimmigratedtoanenvironmentlikeGraysonsandMasadastheocratictotalitarians
didntevenwantoutsiders.Underthecircumstances,theGraysonshadmadeupaphenomenalamount
ofgroundinthetwocenturiessincetheirrediscoverybythegalaxyatlarge,buttherewerestillholes,
andsomeofthemweregapingones.
Graysonfusionplantswerefourtimesasmassiveasmodernreactorsofsimilaroutput(whichwas
whytheystillusedsomanyfissionplants),andtheirmilitaryhardwarewasequallyoutofdatethey
stillusedprintedcircuits,withenormousmasspenaltiesandcatastrophicconsequencesfordesigned
lifetimesthoughtherewereafewunexpectedsurprisesintheirmixedtechnologicalbag.For
example,theGraysonNavyhadquiteliterallyinventeditsowninertialcompensatorthirtyTyearsago
becauseithadntbeenabletogetanyoneelsetoexplainhowitwasdone.Itwasaclumsy,bulky
thing,thankstothecomponentstheyhadtouse,butfromwhathedseenofitsstats,itmightjustbe
marginallymoreefficientthanManticores.
Forallthat,theirenergyweaponswerepitifulbymodernstandards,andtheirmissileswerealmost
worse.Theirpointdefensemissilesusedreactiondrives,forGodssake!Thathadstunned
Courvosieruntilhediscoveredthattheirsmallestimpellermissilemassedoverahundredandtwenty
tons.ThatwasfiftypercentmorethanaManticoranshipkiller,muchlessapointdefensemissile,
whichexplainedwhytheyhadtoacceptshorterranged,lesscapablecountermissiles.Atleastthey
weresmallenoughtocarryinworthwhilenumbers,anditwasntquiteasbadasitmighthavebeen,if
onlybecausethemissilestheyhadtostopweresolimited.Graysonmissileswereslow,shortlegged,
andmyopic.Worse,theyrequireddirecthits,andtheirpenaidsmightaswellnotexist.Theywerent
eveninshoutingrangeofMadrigalssystems,andthedestroyercouldtakeanythreeGraysonor
Masadanlightcruisersinastandupfight.
Which,hereflectedgrimly,mightbejustaswellinthenextseveralhours,forsomethingstill
botheredhimabouttheentireMasadanoperationalpattern.Itwastoopredictable,too...stupid.Of
course,closingtothreemillionklicksbeforeengagingOrbitFourhadntexactlybeenagemof
genius,either,buttheGraysonsandMasadanshadfoughttheirlastwarwithchemfuelmissilesand
noinertialcompensatorsatall.Theircapabilitieshadleaptaheadbyeightcenturiesorsointhelast
thirtyfiveyears,soperhapsclosingthatwayresultedfromsimpleinexperiencewiththeirnew
weaponsmix.
ButGraysonwouldnthavedoneit,hisdoubtstoldhim,forYanakovhadseentoitthathispeople
knewexactlywhattheirsystemscoulddo.Thenagain,Yanakovwasaremarkablemaninmanyways,
notsimplyasanofficer,andCourvosierregrettedthebrevityofhislifespan,alreadynearingitsend
afterlessthansixtyyears,almostasmuchasheregrettedFearlesssabsence.
Hesnortedtohimself.PerhapsheshouldntapplyYanakovsstandardstohisopponents,buthed
nevermetanyMasadans.Maybethatwashisproblem.Maybehewasgivingthemtoomuchcredit
because,despitetheircrudehardware,theGraysonsweresogood.Theiroppositionmightreallybeas
badastheiropspatternssuggested.
Heshrugged.Hewasgoingtodiscoverthetruthsoonenough,and
Maam,Ivegot
Iseeit,Mailing.Brighamtouchedtheensignattheassistanttacticalofficersstationlightlyon
theshoulderandlookedatAlvarez.
Wevegotthemongravitics,Skipper,bearingthreefivetwobyzerozeroeight.Rangenineteen
pointonelightminutes,speedthreezeroeighteightnineKPS,acceleratingatfourpointninezero
KPSsquared.Sheleanedclosertothedisplay,studyingdatacodes,thennodded.Allthere,Sir.And
theyreoncourseforOrbitSeven.
Closuretime?Alvarezasked.
Theyllcrossourtrackporttostarboardandbeginopeningtherangeintwothreepointtwotwo
ninerminutes,Sir,LieutenantYountzreplied.Atpresentacceleration,wellreachthecrossover
pointinninersevenpointsixminutes.
Thankyou,Janice.Alvarezglancedattheensignbesidehistacofficer.MailingJacksonwasa
petiteyoungladywhoremindedCourvosieragreatdealofDr.AllisonHarrington,andhedalready
notedthewayherseniorstrustedherjudgment,especiallywhereGraysonsystemscapabilitieswere
concerned.Howlonguntiltheirsensorscanpickusup,Mailing?
Assumingwebothmaintainourcurrentaccelerations,makeit...twozeropointninerminutes,
Sir.
Thankyou.AlvarezturnedtoCourvosier.Admiral?
AdmiralYanakovwillhavethedatafromCIC,Courvosiersaid,butdoublechecktobe
certain.
Aye,aye,Sir,Alvarezreplied,andLieutenantCummingsbecameverybusyathiscompanel.
Flagconfirmscopyofourdata,Skipper,hesaidafteramoment.Graysonisfeedingusafleet
coursechange.
Understood.Doyouhaveit,Astro?
Aye,aye,Sircominguponthecomputersnow.LieutenantMacombstudiedhispanel.
Coursechangetoonefiveonetwofourseventruewithimpellershutdowninoneninerminutes,
Sir.
Makeitso,Alvarezreplied,andYountzpunchedbuttons.
Thatbringsusacrosstheirprojectedtrackinoneonetwominutes,shereported.Assuming
theiraccelerationremainsunchanged,therangewillbefourpointoneonesixlightminutesat
crossover,butiftheymaintainheadingandacceleration,theyllreachthepointofnoreturnfortheir
recoveryvectorinjustovernineminutesfromourshutdown,Sir.
Alvareznodded,andCourvosierechoedhisgesturewithamentalnodofsilentsatisfaction.
Yanakovmightbecuttinghisdrivesalittlesoonerthanhehadto,butitwasprobablybettertobe
conservative.
Hemadequickcalculationsonhisownnumberpad,andhissmilegrewpredatoryasthesolution
blinked.Ifthetaskforcecoastedforjustthirteenminutes,thenwentbacktomaxaccelonanintercept
vector,theMasadanswouldhavetoacceptactionorcutandrunforthehyperlimittheinstantthey
sawitsimpellersignatures.Iftheyran,Yanakovwouldnevercatchthem,butifhewasrightabout
theirhavingsupplyshipsouthere,thatwouldbetantamounttoabandoningthemtohismercy.And
thatwouldspellthedefeatoftheircurrentoperationsatleastuntilHonorgotback.
And,hissmilegrewevenmorepredatory,itwasunlikelytheMasadancommanderwouldbreak
off.Hemighthavelostalightcruiser,buthestillhadnineshipstoYanakovsseven,andYanakov
hadlefttheGloryinGraysonorbit.Shewashisoldest,leastcapablecruiser,andshedbeen
completingaroutinemaintenancecyclewheneverythingbrokeloose.Sheneededanothertwenty
hourstogetbackonline,butherabsencehadleftaholeinYanakovsorderofbattleforMadrigalto
fill.Withanyluck,theMasadanswouldacceptbattlewiththeiroutnumberedenemieswithout
realizingGraysonsthirdcruiserwas,infact,aManticorandestroyer,andwouldntthatjustbetoo
bad?
***
HighAdmiralYanakovsatonhisownbridgeandyearnedsilentlyforthenestofrepeaterswhich
surroundedthecaptainschaironaManticoranwarship.Hehadaclearviewofallreallycritical
readouts,buthedidnthaveanythinglikeaManticoranCOsabilitytomanipulatedata.
Still,thesituationwasclearenoughjustnowthankstoMadrigalskeeneyes.Hefeltanodd,
godlikesenseofdetachment,forhecouldseeeverymovetheMasadansmade,buttheycouldnteven
guesshewaswatchingthem.Theirshipsslidonward,drivingeverdeeperintothetrapashisown
vectorangledtowardstheirs,andhesmiled.
***
WherearetheirLACs?SwordoftheFaithfulSimondsfrettedyetagainashestaredinto
ThunderofGodsholosphere,andCaptainYusuppressedadesiretobitehisheadoff.
Damnit,themanwassupposedtobeanavalofficer!Heoughttoknownoplanespeciallyone
thiscomplexsurvivedcontactwiththeenemy.Noonecouldcoverallthevariables,whichwaswhy
Jerichohadbeenplannedwithplentyofredundancy.Onlyafoolreliedonaplaninwhicheverything
hadtogoright,andkillingLACswascompletelyunnecessary.
Forthatmatter,theentiretrapwasunnecessary.Lefttohisowndevices,Yuwouldhavepreferred
adirect,frontalassault,trustingThundersmissilebatteriestoannihilateanydefendersbeforethey
everreachedtheirowncombatrangeofher.Butforalltheirvocalfaithintheirownperfectionas
GodsChosen,whatpassedforMasadasGeneralStaffheldtheGraysonmilitaryinalmost
superstitiousdread.TheyseemedunawareofthetrueextentoftheadvantageThundergavethem,but
then,mostofthemhadbeenveryjuniorofficersduringMasadaslastattempttoconquerYeltsins
Star.Thathadbeenthesortofdisastereventhemostcompetentmilitarypeopletendedtoremember
withdread...andmostoftheseniorofficerswhodlauncheditandescapeddeathatGraysonhands
hadfounditfromtheChurchtheirfailurehadbetrayed.Theconsequencestofleetmoraleand
traininghadbeenentirelypredictable,andYuhadtoconcedethatthepresentGraysonNavywasat
leasthalfagainasefficientashisownallies.
TheMasadansrefusedtoadmitthat...buttheydalsoinsistedtheGraysonNavymustbewiped
out,oratleastcrippled,beforeThundersexistencewasrevealedtotheenemy.Thepossible
interventionofaManticoranwarshiphadmadethemevenmoreinsistent,yetdespiteallThunderof
Godcoulddoforthem,itwastheGraysonsandtheirprimitiveweaponsthatreallyworriedthem.
Whichwasstupid,buttellingthemsowouldntbethemostdiplomaticthinghecouldpossiblydo,
nowwouldit?
Theyveclearlyleftthemhome,Sir,hesaidinstead,aspatientlyashecould.Givenwhatthey
know,thatwasthebestdecisiontheycouldhavemade.LACswouldhavereducedtheirfleet
accelerationbytwentyfivepercent,andtheLACsthemselvesaremuchmorefragilethanproper
starships.
Yes,andtheydontneedthem,dothey?AnxietyputavenomousedgeinSimondsquestion,
andhepointedtoasinglelightcode.SomuchforyourassumptiontheManticoranwarshipwouldsit
thisoperationout,Captain!
Itsinterventionwasalwaysapossibility,Sir.AsIsaidatthetime.Yusmiled,carefullynot
sayingthat,contrarytowhathedtoldtheCouncilofElders,hedassumedfromthebeginningthatthe
Manticoransprobablywouldpitchin.Ifhedtoldthemthat,theMasadanNavywouldhavesatinits
cornerandshititsvacsuitsratherthancommittoJericho.And,Sir,headded,pleasenotethatsh
heis,indeed,onlyadestroyer.Anastyhandfulforyourpeople,yes,butnomatchforThunderand
Principality.
Buttheyrenotcominginonthevectorwewanted,Simondsstewed.
Oneortwopeopleturnedtoglanceatthesword,thenwhippedbackaroundastheycaughttheir
captainscoldstare,yetSimondshadntevennoticed.HewastoobusyglaringatYu,asifchallenging
thecaptaintodisputehisstatement,butYusaidnothing.Therereallywasntanypoint.
 Theredneverbeenanywaytoguaranteetheexactcoursetheenemymightfollowoncetheirown
forceswerespotted.Inpointoffact,Yuwasquitepleasedwithhowclosehispredictionshadcome.
ThunderofGodhadenoughtrackingrangetoputtheregularMasadanshipsontheproperincursion
vectorevenwithlightspeedcommunications,andtheGraysoncommanderhadselectedverynearly
theexactcoursechangeYuhadprojected.AnyonebutanidiotorsomeoneasbadlyrattledasSword
Simondswouldhaveallowedforhowvastthefieldofmaneuverwas.Yuwouldhavesettledfor
gettingoneofhisshipsintoattackrangeasitwas,bothofthemwouldhavethereach,ifonlybarely.
Theyllcrossyourrangemorethansixhundredthousandkilometersoutatalmostpointfive
cee!Simondswenton.Andlookatthatvector!Theresnowaywellbeabletofiredowntheir
wedges,andthatmakesThundersenergyweaponsuseless.
Sir,Yusaidevenmorepatiently,noonecancountonhavinganenemyvoluntarilycrosshis
ownT.Andifwehavetotakeontheirsidewalls,thatsthereasonourmissileshavelaserheads.
But
Theymaynotbeontheexactvectorwewanted,Sir,butourflighttimewillbeunderforty
secondsattheirclosestapproach.Principalityswillbesomewhatlonger,true,buttheywonteven
knowwerehereuntilwelaunch,andtheresnowaytheycanlocalizeustoshootback.
Yuhimselfwouldhavebeenhappierifhistargetshadcomestraightathim,thoughhehadno
intentionoftellingSimondsthat.Hadtheydoneso,hecouldhavepunchedhismissilesstraightdown
thewideopenthroatsoftheirwedges.Evenbetter,hecouldhaveusedhisshipboardlasersand
grasersagainstthosesameunprotectedtargets.
Asitwas,ThunderofGodsenergyweaponswouldneverpenetratetheirtargetssidewallsattheir
closestrange,andhedhavetolaunchatbetterthanthreemillionklicksifhismissilesweregoingto
catchthemastheypassed,whilePrincipalitywasevenmorepoorlyplaced.Hedhadtospreadthe
shipstocoverthevolumethroughwhichtheGraysonsmightpass,whichmeantthedestroyersclosest
approachwouldbeoverahundredmillionkilometers,andthatshewouldhavetolaunchatsomething
likeeightmillion.ButevenPrincipalitysactualflighttimewouldbeunderaminute,andthetwo
shipssalvoswouldarrivewithintwentysecondsofoneanother.
Ofcourse,Thunderwouldhavetimeforonlyoneeffectivebroadside,thoughPrincipalitycould
probablygettwooff.Eveninrapidfire,theirbestreloadtimewasatadoverfifteenseconds,andthe
Graysonscrossingvelocitywasalmosttwicehismissileshighestspeedfromrest.Thatmadeit
physicallyimpossibleforhimtogetoffmorethanoneshotperlauncherbeforetheGraysonfleet
zippedacrosshisengagementrangeatavelocityhisbirdscouldneverovertake.Butthiswasan
almostclassicambushscenario,andCommanderTheismanalreadyhadhisshipspinningonher
centralaxis.Thunderwastooslowonthehelmandtooclose,butTheismancouldbringboth
broadsidestobearinhiswindowofengagement.Hedfirethefirstonewithitsmissilesdrives
programmedfordelayedactivation,thenfirethesecondashisotherbroadsiderolledontothetarget,
whichwouldbringthemintogetherandlethimgetoffalmostasmanybirdsasThunder.
And,inaway,Yuwasjustashappyhisenergyweaponswouldbeoutofit.Hisjammingand
otherprecautionsshouldmakeitalmostimpossibleforeventheManticoranstolocalizehimifheused
onlymissiles,butenergyfirecouldbebackplottedfartooprecisely,andhidinghisshipshadrequired
himtoshutdownhisowndrives,whichdeprivedhimofanysidewalls.Besides,Principalitywasone
ofthenewcityclassdestroyers.Shewasshortonenergyweapons...butshepackedamissile
broadsidemostlightcruisersmightenvy.
 Idontlikehowlongtherangeis,Simondsmutteredafteramoment,morequietlybutstill
stubborn.Theyllhavetoomuchtimetospotourmissilesafterlaunchandtakeevasiveaction.They
canrollandinterposetheirbellybandsiftheyreactquicklyenough.
ItsalongerrangethanIdreallyprefermyself,Sir,Yusaidwinningly,buttheyregoingto
havetodetectourbirds,realizewhattheyare,andreact.Thatwilltaketime,andeveniftheydo
managetointerposetheirwedges,ourbirdswillstillhavethepowertomaneuvertogetattheir
sidewalls.Andunlikeyourownweapons,thesehaveastandoffrange.TheGraysondefensive
systemswillhaveverylittlechanceofstoppingthemfarenoughout,andifwetakeoutonlythe
Manticoranandbothcruisers,theresnowaytheotherscanescapeAdmiralFranks.
If.Simondsfidgetedamoment,thenturnedawayfromthesphere,andYusighedinsilentrelief.
Foramoment,hedbeenafraidtheMasadanwouldactuallyscrubtheentireoperationbecauseofone
stupiddestroyer.
MayIsuggestweadjourntothebridge,Sir?hesuggested.Itsgettingclosetostartingtime.
***
GNSAustinGraysonsdrivehadbeenshutdownforovertwelveminuteswhileherenemies
continuedoncourse,andAdmiralYanakovcheckedhisprojectionsoncemore.TheMasadanfleet
waswellpastthepointofnoreturntheycouldntpossiblyretireonwhateverwassodamned
importanttothemwithouthisinterceptingthem,whichleftignominiousflightoraresoluteturnto
engageastheironlyoptions.
Heranahanddownthearmofhiscommandchair,wonderingiftheMasadancommanderwould
cutandrunorcounterattack.Hehopedforthelatter,butatthispointhewouldsettlefortheformer.
HeturnedhisheadandnoddedtoCommanderHarris.
***
SignalfromFlag,Sir,LieutenantCummingssaidsuddenly.Resumemaximumaccelerationat
zeroeightfivebyzerozerothreeintwentyseconds.
Acknowledge,Alvarezsaid,andthen,twentysecondslater,Execute!
Courvosierfelthisnervestightenastheshockframedroppedintoplaceandlockedabouthim.He
hadntseencombatinthirtyTyears,andtheadrenalinerushwasalmostashockaftersolong.
TheMasadanshipscouldseethemnow,butitwastoolateforthemtodoanythingaboutit.The
GraysonNavyandHMSMadrigalsnarledaround,bendingtheirvectorintoonethatarcedacross
tocuttheirenemiesofffromescape.
***
Rightonschedule,Sir,CaptainYusaidquietlyastheshipsofAdmiralFrankssquadronaltered
courseabruptly.TheyturneddirectlyawayfromtheGraysonsinwhatwasclearlyanalloutbidto
run,andtheGraysoncommanderdidexactlywhatanyadmiralworthhisbraidwoulddo:hewentin
pursuitathisownmaximumaccelerationontheexactvectorYuhadprojected.
Hewatchedhisdisplayandfeltanedgeofsympathy.Basedonwhatheknew,thatmanhaddone
everythingexactlyright.ButbecausehedidntknowaboutThunderofGod,hewasleadinghisentire
navyintoadeathtrap.
***
AdmiralCourvosiercheckedthenumbersoncemoreandfrowned,forthecurrentMasadan
maneuversbaffledhim.Theywereobviouslytryingtoavoidaction,butontheircurrentcoursethe
Graysontaskforcewouldovertakewellbeforetheyreachedthe.8Cspeedlimitimposedbytheir
particleshielding.ThatmeanttheycouldntrunawayfromYanakovinnormalspace,yettheywere
alreadyuptosomethinglike.46C,muchtoohighforasurvivableAlphatranslation,andiftheykept
thisnonsenseupmuchlonger,theydputthemselvesinapositionwherehewouldoverrunthemin
shortorderiftheytriedtodeceleratetoasafetranslationspeed.Whichmeant,ofcourse,thatforall
theirfranticattemptstoavoidaction,theywerepaintingthemselvesintoacornerwheretheyhadno
choicebuttofight.
Captain,Imgettingsomethingalittlewitchyonmyactivesystems,EnsignJacksonsaid.
Whatdoyoumeanwitchy?
Icantreallysay,Sir.Theensignmadecarefuladjustments.Itslikesnoworsomethingalong
theasteroidbeltaheadofus.
Putitonmydisplay,Alvarezdecided.
JacksondidbetterthanthatanddroppedthesamedataontoCourvosiersplot,andtheadmiral
frowned.HewasntfamiliarwiththeidiosyncrasiesoftheYeltsinSystem,butthetwoclumpsof
clutteredradarreturnscertainlylookedodd.Theywerefairlyfarapartandneitherwasallthatbig,yet
thereturnsweresodenseMadrigalcouldntseeintothem,andhisfrowndeepened.Micrometeor
clusters?Itseemedunlikely.Hesawnosignofenergysignaturesoranythingelseunnaturaloutthere,
andtheyweretoofaroffthetaskforcesvectortoposeathreatwithMasadanweaponry,buttheir
illogicproddedathisbrain,andhekeyedhisprivatelinktoYanakov.
Bernie?
Yes,Raoul?
Ouractivesystemsarepickingupsomethingstr
Missiletrace!LieutenantYountzsnappedsuddenly,andCourvosierseyesjerkedtowardsher.
Missiles?TheyweremillionsofkilometersoutsidetheMasadanseffectivemissileenvelope!Not
evenapanickedcommanderwouldwasteammoatthisrange!
Multiplemissiletracesatzerofourtwozerooneniner.Yountzsvoicedroppedintoatactical
officersflat,halfchant.AccelerationeightthreethreeKPSsquared.Projectinterceptinthreeone
secondsmark!
Courvosierblanched.EighthundredandthirtyKPS2was85,000gees!
Forjustamoment,asenseoftheimpossiblefrozehismind,butthenthemissileoriginsregistered.
Theywerecomingfromthosedamnedclusters!
Wevebeensuckered,Bernie!hesnappedintohiscom.Rollyourships!Thosearemodern
missiles!
Secondmissilelaunchdetected,Yountzchanted.BrilliantlightsflaredinAlvarezsand
Courvosiersplots.Secondlaunchinterceptioninfoursevensecondsmark!
Alvarezwhippedhisshipuponhersiderelativetotheincomingfire,andYanakovsordertothe
restofhiscommandcamewhileCourvosierwasstillspeaking.Buthisleaddestroyersweretwolight
secondsfromhisflagship,andittooktime.Timetopasstheword.Timeforstunnedcaptainsto
wrenchtheirattentionfromtheMasadanwarshipsclearlyvisiblebeforethem.Timetopasstheirown
ordersandfortheirhelmsmentoobey.
 TimetoomanyGraysonsnolongerhad.
ThedestroyersAraratandJudahvanishedinsavageflashes.Theyweretheflankers,closesttothe
incomingfire.ItreachedthemthirteensecondssoonerthanitdidMadrigal,andtheyneverhada
chance.Theydbarelybeguntorolltheirwedgesuptointerdictwhentheincomingmissiles
detonated,andtheycarriedlaserheadsclustersofbombpumpedXraylasersthatdidntneedthe
directhitsGraysonmissilesrequired.Theyhadastandoffrangeofovertwentythousandkilometers,
andeveryprimitivepointdefensesystemaboardthedestroyershadbeentrainedinthewrong
direction.
JustasMadrigalswere.
StunnedManticoranbrainsracedtokeepupwiththeircomputersastheirweaponswentinto
actionwithoutthem.Madrigalspeoplewereonlyhuman,buthercyberneticreflexesandaquite
inordinateamountofpurelucksavedherfromdestructioninthatfirstvolley.Ninemissilestore
downonher,butcountermissileswentoutatalmostathousandKPS2andpointdefenselaserstracked
andslewedwithcalmtechnologicalhaste.AdozenXraylaserslashedharmlesslyatherimpenetrable
bellyband,yetthetwolaserheadswhichmighthavepiercedhersidewallswerepickedoffjustshort
ofdetonation.
Butsimplysurvivingwasntenough,andCourvosiercursedwithsilentferocity.Theirattackers
hadtobeinthoseclusters,andinordertohide,theydhadtoshutdowntheirownimpellersand
sidewalls.Thatmeanttheywerenotonlyimmobiletargetsbutbucknakedtoanyreturnfire.Yet,
smallastheclustersmightbeonasolarsystemsscale,theywerefartoovasttocoverwithareafire.
Madrigalneededatarget,andshedidnthaveone.
Pointdefensetotaskforcecoverage!hesnappedtoAlvarez.
Makeitso,Tactical!ThecommanderlistenedtoYountzsacknowledgmentandwatchedher
punchthecommandintoherconsole,thensaid,almostconversationally,Thatsgoingtoleaveus
mightyweakourselves,Sir.
Cantbehelped.Courvosierneverlookedupfromhisdisplay.Whoeversshootingatuscant
havetimeformorethanoneortwobroadsideseachatthisvelocity.IfwecangettheGraysons
throughthem
Understood,Sir,Alvarezsaid,thenwheeledbacktoYountz.Canyougetmeanykindof
target?hedemandedharshly.
Wecantevenfindthem,Skipper!Thetacofficersoundedmorefrustratedthanafraid...but
thefearwouldcome,whetheritshowedornot,Courvosierthought.Theymustbeinsidethatcrap,
butmyradarsbouncingrightbackinmyface.Thatsgottobesomekindofreflectors,andShe
brokeoffforamoment,andhervoicewentflat.Nowsomethingsjamminghelloutofme,too,Skip.
TheresnowayIcanlocalize.
Alvarezswore,butCourvosiermadehimselfignorethecommanderandhistacticalofficerand
staredathisowndisplay.TheGraysondestroyerDavidstreamedatangledbloodtrailofatmosphere,
butshewasstillthere,andshewasuponherside,showingonlytheimpenetrablebellyofherimpeller
wedgetothesecondbroadsidealreadyrushingdownuponthem.
HersisterSaullookeduntouchedonthefarsideoftheformation,butbothlightcruisershadbeen
hit.Covingtonheldhercourse,trailingairbutwithlittleothersignofdamage,whilehercrudepoint
defenselaserscontinuedfiringaftermissileswhichhadalreadypassed.Shedidnthaveaprayerof
hittingthem,anditwouldnthavematteredifshehad,yetthevolumeofherfireindicatedshe
couldntbetoobadlyhurt.
AustinGraysonwasanotherstory.Debrisandatmospheretrailedinherwake,andshewasnt
undercompletecontrol.Shedcompletedherrollbutwasstillrolling,asifshedlostherhelm,and
herimpellerwedgefluctuatedasCourvosierwatched.
Bernie?Therewasnoreply.Bernie!Stillnothing.
SecondsalvoimpactonDavidinseventeenseconds,Yountzsnapped,butCourvosierhardly
heardher.
WhatsthestatusoftheFlag,Tactical?hedemandedharshly.
Shesbeenhitseveraltimes,Sir.EnsignJacksonsvoicequivered,butheranswercame
promptly.Icanttellhowbadly,butshetookatleastoneinherafterimpellers.Heraccelsdownto
fourtwoonegeesandfalling.
CourvosiernoddedandhismindracedevenasMadrigalscountermissileswentoutoncemore.
Thistimeherhumanpersonnelknewwhatwashappeningaswellashercomputersdidthatshould
havemadeherfireevenmoreeffective,butshewasspreadthinner,tryingtoprotectherconsortsas
wellasherself.Therewerealmostasmanymissilesinthissalvowithfewertargetstospread
themselvesamongandwhoeverhadplannedtheirtargetingclearlyknewwhatMadrigalwas.The
missilepatternwasobviouslyaclassicdoublebroadsidefromsomethingfairlypowerfulprobablya
lightcruiserandhedallocatedsixofthebirdsinhissecondlaunchtoMadrigal.Whetheritwasan
alloutbidforakilloronlyanefforttodriveherantimissilesystemsbackintoselfdefensewas
immaterial.
AllofthatflickeredatthebackofCourvosiersmind,yethecouldnttearhiseyesfromAustin
Graysonssilentlightcode.Then
Raoul?Yanakovsvoicewastwistedandbreathless,andCourvosierbithislip.Therewasno
visual,butthatbreathlessqualitytoldhimhisfriendwashurthurtbadlyandtherewasnothingat
allhecoulddoforhim.
Yes,Bernie?
EvenasCourvosierreplied,twomissilesslashedinonthedamagedDavid.Thedestroyers
outclasseddefensesnailedoneofthemtheotherpoppeduptocrossherstarboardquarteratlessthan
fivehundredkilometers.Thesidesofherimpellerwedgewereprotectedbythefocusedgravfieldsof
hersidewallsfarmorevulnerablethanthewedgesroofandfloor,butpowerfulenoughtoblunt
theheaviestenergyweaponatanythingabovepointblankrange.Butthiswaspointblankforthelaser
head...andGraysonsidewallswereweakbymodernstandards.
AhalfdozenbeamsrippedatDavidssidewall.Itbentanddegradedthemasitclawedattheir
photons,andtheradiationshieldinginsidethewedgebluntedthemabitmore,butnotenough.
Threeofthemgotthrough,andthedestroyerbelchedair.Herimpellerwedgeflashedthendied
astheshipbrokealmostsquarelyinhalf.Herforwardsectionvanishedinaneyetearingglareasher
fusionplantsmagbottlewent,andherfranticallyacceleratingsistersleftthemadlyspinningderelict
ofherafterhullandanysurvivorswhomightstillclingtolifewithinitasternastheyracedfor
salvation.
NolessthanfourmissilesattackedSaul,yetonceagain,Davidssistershipemergedmiraculously
untouched.Hercrudecountermissileswereuseless,butthistimehergunnerswereready.Primitiveas
theirfirecontrolwas,theynailedtwoofherattackersMadrigalgotathird,andthesinglelaserhead
theymissedwasteditselfharmlesslyagainstherupperimpellerband.
Covingtonwasnextasthemissilessleetedacrosswhatwasleftofthefleet.Threewentafterher,
butMadrigalpickedtwoofthemoffjustshortofdetonation.Thethirdgotthrough,andthecruiser
tookyetanotherhit,butsheshookitoffandkeptcharging.
Graysondidnt.
Onlyasinglemissilehadtargetedher,butitcameinonawicked,twistingflightpath,and
Madrigalsownevasivemaneuvershadtakenherawayfromthecruiser.Hercountermissileswent
wide,noneofherlasershadashot,andGraysonsfalteringdrivemadehereasymeatforitsterminal
attackmaneuver.Atleastfourlaserspossiblymoreslashedthroughherweakenedsidewall.The
Graysonflagshipsimpellerwedgewentdead,andCourvosierheardthescreamofdamagealarms
overhiscomlinktoherflagdeck.
Itsuptoyou,Raoul.Yanakovsvoicewasweaker,andhecoughed.Getmypeopleoutofitif
youcan.
Illtry,CourvosierpromisedsoftlyasMadrigalslaserclustersopenedupagainstthequartetof
missilesstillhomingonher.
Goodman.Yanakovcoughedagain,thesoundharshthroughthevoiceandelectronicchatterof
Madrigalspointdefense.ImgladIknewyou,hesaidfaintly.TellmywivesIloveth
ThecruiserAustinGraysonblewupwiththesilentfuryofdeepspacedeath.Asliverofasecond
later,asinglemissilepenetratedMadrigalsoverextendeddefenses.
***
AdmiraloftheFaithfulErnstFranksgloatedasherememberedanotherbattleoneinwhich
GraysonhadforcedSubofficerFrankscrudedestroyertosurrenderwithdemeaningease.Notthis
time.Thistimewasdifferent,andhisteethflashedinaferalsmile.
TheGraysonNavyhadbeensavagelymauled.Theywerestilltoofarawayforhimtomakeout
details,buttherewereonlythreeimpellersignaturesleft,andhenoddedashewatchedthemtwist
ontoanewheading.TheymusthaveclearedThundersactivemissileenvelopeasshecrouchedamid
theasteroidsnowtheyweretryingdesperatelytobreakawayfromhisownships.Butunlikethem,
hedknowntheambushwascomingandshapedhisvectoraccordingly.Hehadjustasmuch
accelerationastheydid,andhisapparentlysuicidalcoursehadplacedhiminsidethem.Notbymuch,
buthisnineshipswouldintercepttheminscarcelytwohoursastheystruggledtoreachhome.
No,hethought,inlessthantwohours,forthesurvivorsmusthavetakenimpellerdamage.Their
accelerationwaslessthan4.6KPS2,underfourhundredseventygravities.
***
Commodore,IhaveasignalfromMadrigal.
CommodoreMatthewslookedupfromthedamagecontrolreports.Covingtonwasbadly
hurtstillafightingforce,butwithaquarterofherweaponsoutofaction.Worse,theforwardthird
ofherstarboardsidewallwasdown,leavingadeadlychinkinherarmor,yetsomethingabouthiscom
officerstonecutthroughhisownshockandneardespair.
Putitonthemainscreen,hesaid
Thebigcomscreenblinkedtolife,butnotwiththefacehedexpectedtosee.Herecognized
CommanderAlvarez,instead.Thecommandershelmetwassealed,andagapingbulkheadhole
behindhimexplainedwhy.Matthewscouldactuallyseestarsthroughit.
CommodoreMatthews?Alvarezsvoicewasharshandstrained.
Here,Matthewsreplied.WheresAdmiralCourvosier,Captain?
Dead,Sir.TherewasmorethanharshnessinAlvarezsvoicenow.Therewaspainandhate.
Dead?Matthewsrepeatedalmostnumbly.GodtheTester,aidusnow,hismindwhispered,and
onlythendidherealizehowdesperatelyhehaddependedontheManticorantosavewhatwasleftof
Graysonsfleet.
Yes,Sir.Youreincommandnow.MatthewscouldntseeAlvarezsfaceclearlythroughhissuit
visor,buttheothermansmouthseemedtotightenbeforehespokeagain.Commodore,whatshape
areyourimpellersin?
Untouched.Matthewsshrugged.Ourweaponshavebeenbadlyhit,andmyforwardstarboard
sidewallisntthereanymore,butourdrivesfine.
AndSaulsundamaged,Alvarezsaidflatly.Thenhenodded.Wereslowingyoudown,arent
we,Sir?
Matthewsdidntwanttoanswerthatquestion.TheManticoranshiphadtakenatleasttwohits
fromthelastbroadside,andonemusthavegonehomeinherimpellers.Heraccelerationwasdropping
evenfurtherasMatthewswatched,buttheywouldallhavebeendeadalreadyifnotforCourvosiers
warning...andiftheManticoranshiphadntexposedherselftosavethem.Besides,abandoning
Madrigalwouldonlydelaytheinevitableadozenminutesorso.
Arentwe?Alvarezpressed,andMatthewsclenchedhisjawandmadehimselfnod.
ThecommodoreheardAlvarezinhaledeeply,thenthecommanderstraightenedinhischair.That
makesthingsmuchsimpler,Commodore.Youregoingtohavetoleaveusbehind.
No!Matthewssnappedininstant,instinctiveresponse,butAlvarezshookhishead.
Yes,youare,Sir.Thatsnotasuggestion.IhavemyordersfromAdmiralYanakovandAdmiral
Courvosier,andwereallgoingtoobeythem.
Orders?Whatorders?
AdmiralYanakovtoldAdmiralCourvosiertogetyouhome,Sir...andAdmiralCourvosier
livedlongenoughtoconfirmthoseorderstome.
Matthewsstaredattheholebehindthecommanderandknewthatwasalie.Therewasnoway
anyonekilledbythathithadlivedevenbriefly,muchlessissuedanyorders.Hestartedtosayso,but
Alvarezwentontooquickly.
Madrigalcantoutrunthemanyway,Sir.Thatmeansweredead.Butwevestillgotour
weapons.Youdont,butyouvestillgotyourdrive.Wereelectedtoplayrearguardwhatever
happens.Dontwastethat,Commodore.
Saulsstillundamagedandwerenotcompletelyoutofit!
Bothofyoutogetherwouldntmakeadamnbitofdifferencetowhathappenstous,Alvarez
saidharshly,butifwehitthemheadonMatthewssawhisbaredteetheventhroughhisvisor.
Commodore,theseassholeshaveneverseenwhataManticorandestroyercando.
But
Please,Commodore.Therewasanedgeofpleadingintheharshvoice.ItswhattheAdmiral
wouldhavewanted.Donttakeitawayfromus.
Matthewsfistsclenchedsohardtheyhurt,buthecouldnttearhiseyesfromthecom,and
Alvarezwasright.ItwasntmuchofachanceforSaulandCovington...butrefusingitwouldnt
saveMadrigal.
Allright,hewhispered.
Thankyou,Sir,Alvarezsaid.Thenheclearedhisthroat.AdmiralYanakovpassedonemore
messagebeforehedied,Sir.He...askedAdmiralCourvosiertotellhiswiveshelovedthem.Will
youpassthatonforus?
Yes.Tearsglitteredundertheword,butMatthewsmadehimselfgetitout,andAlvarezsquared
hisshoulders.
Imnotsurewhathitus,Sir,butassumingtheybothfireddoublebroadsides,Idguessonewasa
lightcruiser.Theotherwasbiggermaybeaheavycruiser.Theyrebothmodernships.Wecouldnt
getareadonthem,buttheyhavetobeHavenite.Iwishwecouldtellyoumore,but
Hebrokeoffwithashrug,andMatthewsnoddedagain.
IllinformCommandCentral,CaptainAlvarezandIllseetoitManticoreknows,aswell.
Good.Alvarezinhaleddeeply,thenlaidhishandsonthearmsofhischair.ThenIguessthats
aboutit,hesaid.Goodluck,Commodore.
MayGodreceiveyouasHisown,Captain.Graysonwillneverforget.
Thenwelltrytomakeitworthremembering,Sir.Alvarezactuallymanagedasmileand
sketchedasalute.ThesebastardsareabouttofindouthowaQueensshipkicksass.
Thesignaldied.GNSCovingtonwentbacktofullpower,racingdesperatelyforsafetywhileher
singleremainingdestroyercoveredherwoundedflank,andtherewassilenceonherbridge.
Asternofher,HMSMadrigalturnedalonetofacethefoe.


 CHAPTERFIFTEEN
FearlessdeceleratedtowardsYeltsinshyperlimitoncemore,andthistimeHonorHarrington
awaitedtranslationinaverydifferentmood.
Alistairhadbeenright,shethought,smilingatherdisplay.TroubadourledFearlessbyhalfa
lightsecond,andevenherlightcodeseemedinsufferablypleasedwithitself.Partofthatwasanytin
canscheekydisdainfortheheaviershipstrailinginherwake,buttherewasmoretoit,thistime.
Indeed,theentiresquadronhadanewairofdetermination.
Muchofitstemmedfromthesimplejoyofstretchingtheirlegs.Oncetheydhandedoffthe
freighterswhodlumberedthemforsolong,HonorsshipshadmadetherunbackfromCascawellup
intotheetaband,andthesenseofreleasehadbeenevengreaterbecausetheyhadntrealizedquite
howheavyfootedtheydreallyfeltontheoutwardleg.
Butthatexplainedonlyapartofherpeoplesmood.Thereststemmedfromtheconferencesshed
hadwithAlistairandAliceTrumantheconferenceswhosepurposeshedmadecertainwereknown
toallofhershipscompanies.
ShedbeenlividwhenVenizelosbroughtEnsignWolcottintohercabin.Wolcottsexperiencehad
crystallizedherdeterminationinawayalltheinsultstoherhadntmanaged,andshedlauncheda
fullscaleinvestigationaboardallthreeshipstoseewhatelsesomeonehadntreportedtoher.
Theresponsehadbeensobering.Fewofherotherfemalepersonnelhadexperiencedanything
quitesoblatant,yetonceshestartedaskingquestionsdozenscameforward,andshesuspected,not
withoutasenseofshame,thattheydbeensilentbeforeforthesamereasonsasWolcott.Shehadnt
hadthehearttopintheensigndown,butherredfacedcircumlocutionsasshedescribedwhatthe
GraysonhadsaidaboutHonorhadtoldtheirowntale.Honorhopedtheensignhadnthesitatedto
speakupforfearhercaptainwouldblamethebearerofthenewsforitscontent,butwhetherWolcott
hadbeenafraidofherornot,itwasclearherownfailuretofightbackwasatleastpartlytoblamefor
thegeneralsilence.WhatshedputupwithhadinhibitedWolcott(andothers)fromcomingforward,
eitherbecausetheyfeltshedprovenshecouldendureworsethantheyhadexperienced(andexpected
themtodothesame),orbecausetheyfiguredthatifshewouldntstandupforherself,shewouldnt
forthem.
Honorknewherownsenseoffailurewaswhathadmadeherfuryburnsobright,butsheddone
anexcellentanddeliberatejobofredirectingherangersince.Howevermuchofitwasherfault,
noneofitwouldhavehappenedifGraysonswerentbigoted,chauvinistic,xenophobiccretins.
Intellectually,sheknewtherehadtobeatleastafewGraysonofficerswhohadntallowedtheir
culturalbiasesfreereinemotionally,shenolongercared.Herpeoplehadputupwithenough.Shed
putupwithenough.ItwastimetosortGraysonout,andshefeltthefiercesupportofhercrewsbehind
her.
Nimitzmadeasoftsoundofagreementfromthebackofherchairandshereacheduptorubhis
head.Hecaughtherthumbandworrieditgentlyinneedlesharpfangs,andshesmiledagain,then
leanedbackandcrossedherlegsasDuMornepreparedtoinitiatetranslation.
***
Nowthatspeculiar,LieutenantCarstairsmurmured.Impickingupthreeimpellersignatures
aheadofus,Captain,rangeabouttwopointfivelightseconds.Ourvectorsareconvergent,andthey
looklikeLACs,buttheydontmatchanythinginmyGraysondataprofile.
Oh?CommanderMcKeonlookedup.PutitonmyHebrokeoffasCarstairsanticipatedhis
commandandtransferredhisdatatothecommandchairstacticalrepeater.McKeondidnt
particularlylikehistacofficer,butdespiteacertaincoldsuperciliousness,Carstairswasdamnedgood.
Thankyou,hesaid,thenfrowned.CarstairsIDhadtobecorrect.Theimpellerdrivesweretoo
smallandweaktobeanythingexceptLACs,butwhatweretheydoingclearoutherebeyondthe
asteroidbelt?Andwhywerenttheysayinganything?Itwouldbeanothersixteenminutesbeforeany
transmissionfromGraysoncouldreachTroubadour,buttheLACswererightnextdoor,andtheir
courseswereconvergingsharply.
Max?
Sir?
Anyideawhatthesepeoplearedoingwayouthere?
No,Sir,LieutenantStrombolisaidpromptly,butIcantellyouoneweirdthing.Ivebeen
runningbackmyastroplot,andtheirdriveswerentevenonituntilaboutfortysecondsago.
Onlyfortyseconds?McKeonsfrowndeepened.LACswereverysmallradartargets,soit
wasntsurprisingTroubadourhadntspottedthemiftheirdriveshadbeendown.Butthesquadrons
impellersignatureshadtostickoutlikesorethumbs,evenonGraysonsensors.IftheLACshad
wantedtorendezvouswiththem,whywaitnineminutestolightofftheirowndrives?
Yes,Sir.Seehowlowtheirbasevelocityis?Theyweresittingmoreorlessatrestrelativetothe
belt,thentheygotunderway.AgreenlineappearedonMcKeonsplot.Seethatjogrightthere?A
cursorblinkedbesideasharphairpinbend,andMcKeonnodded.Theystartedoutawayfromus
undermaximumaccel,thenchangedtheirmindsandalteredcoursethroughmorethanahundred
seventydegreestowardsus.
Doyouconfirmthat,Tactical?
Yes,Sir.Carstairssoundedabitpeevedwithhimselfforlettingtheastrogatorgetinwiththe
informationfirst.Lightingofftheirimpellerswaswhatattractedmyattentiontotheminthefirst
place,Captain.
Um.McKeonrubbedthetipofhisnose,unconsciouslyemulatingoneofHonorsfavorite
thinkingmannerisms.TroubadourwasuptobarelytwentysixhundredKPS,stillbuildingvelocity
fromtranslation.Theclosingratewasalittlehigher,giventheLACsturntomeether,butwhatwere
theyupto?
Howdotheydifferfromyourprofile,Tactical?
Almostacrosstheboard,Captain.Theirdrivestrengthistoohigh,andtheirradarspulserate
frequencyisninepercentlow.Ofcourse,wehaventseeneverythingGraysonhas,Sir,andIdont
haveanythingatallonaLACclassofthismass,muchlessdetailsonitssensorsuite.
Well,wemaynothaveseenthembefore,butLACsareintrasystemic,McKeonthoughtaloud,
sothesehavetobefromGrayson.Iwonderwhytheynevermentionedthemtous,though?He
shruggedslightly.Com,askCaptainHarringtonifshewantsustoinvestigate.
***
CommanderIsaiahDanvillesatverystillonBancroftsdeathlysilentbridge.Hecouldfeelhis
crewsfear,butitwasoverlaidbyresignationandacceptance,andinaway,theirveryhopelessness
mightmakethemevenmoreeffective.Menwhoknewtheywereabouttodiewerelesslikelytobe
betrayedintomistakesbythedesiretolive.
DanvillewonderedwhyGodhadchosentokillthemallthisway.AmanoftheFaithdidnt
questionGodsWill,butitwouldhavebeencomfortingtoknowwhyHedplacedhissmallsquadron
squareintheinvaderspath.Anywhereelse,andtheycouldhavelainlow,impellersshutdown.Asit
was,theywereboundtobeseen.Andsinceitwasimpossibleforthemtosurviveanyway....
Range?heaskedsoftly.
Comingdowntosixhundredthousandkilometers,Sir.Theyllenterourmissileenvelopein
thirtytwoseconds.
Standby,Danvillealmostmurmured.DontengageuntilIgivetheword.Wewantthemas
closeastheyllcome.
***
Honorwrinkledherforehead.ShehadtheLACsonherownsensors,andshewasaspuzzledby
theirpresenceasAlistair.
Reaction,Andy?
TheyreonlyLACs,Maam,Venizelosreplied.Itsnotliketheywerebignasties,butIvebeen
runningthemilitarydownloadGraysongaveus.Theyrenotinit,andIdfeelbetteriftheywere.
Me,too.Honornibbledtheinsideofherlip.TheremightbeanynumberofreasonsGraysonhad
inadvertentlyomittedasinglelightwarshipclassfromitsdownload,butshewasdarnedifshecould
thinkofoneforLACstobeswanningaroundthisfaroutsystem.Hailthem,Com.
Aye,aye,Maam.Hailingnow.LieutenantMetzingertransmittedthehail,thensatback.Four
secondspassed.Five.Thenten,andsheshrugged.
Noresponse,Maam.
***
Theyrehailingus,Captain.BancroftscommunicationsofficersoundedcalmerthanDanville
knewhecouldpossiblybe.TheirhailconfirmsTacticalsID.ShallIrespond?
No.Danvilleslipsthinned.SoitwastheManticoreescortforceanditsbitchofacommander.
Therewasacertainsatisfactioninthat.IfGodhaddecideditwastimeforhismentodie,whatbetter
waycouldtheytodosothanstrikingatawomanwhoblasphemedagainstHisWillbyassuminga
mansrole?
Theymaybesuspiciousifwedontreply,Sir.Hisexecsvoicewaspitchedtoolowforanyone
elsetohear.Maybeweshouldtrytobluffthem?
No,Danvillerepliedjustasquietly.Wedidntrecoverenoughoftheirsecurecodestoavoid
givingourselvesaway.Bettertoleavethemapuzzletheycantquitefigureoutthangivethemaclear
clue.
Theexecnodded,andDanvillekepthiseyesontheplot.TheManticoranshadmuchmorerange
thanhedid,andtheirdefenseswerefarbetter...yetnoneofthosedefenseswereactive,andthey
werealreadyinsidetheextremelimitofhispoweredmissileenvelope.Thetemptationtofirewas
great,buthethrustitasideoncemore,knowinghemustwaitfortheshortestpossibleflighttime.And
theydbeenoutofthesystemtoolongtoknowwhatwashappening,hetoldhimself.No,theydtryto
talktohimagain,trytofigureoutwhyhewasntresponding,andeverysecondtheydelayedbrought
themthirtythreehundredkilometersclosertohismissiles.
***
GetmeCommanderMcKeon,Honorsaidwithafrown,andAlistairMcKeonappearedonher
comscreen.
Idontknowwhatsgoingon,shetoldhimwithoutpreamble,butyoudbettertakealook.
Yes,Maam.Itsprobablyjustsomekindofcommunicationsfailure.Theyrestillaccelerating
towardsus,sotheymustwanttomakecontact.
Itdtakesomethingprettydrastictoaffectcommunicationsaboardallthreeofthem.Hailthem
againwhenyoureachonelightsecond.
Aye,aye,Maam.
***
Thedestroyerishailingus,Sir.
Thecomofficersoundedharshandstrainedthistime,andDanvilledidntblamehim.Troubadour
hadcrackedonafewmoreMPS2ofaccelerationdirectlytowardsBancroft,andtherangewasdown
toasinglelightsecond.ThatwasfarcloserthanheddaredhopeGodwouldletthemcome.Infact,
thedestroyerwasinsideenergyrangenow,stillwithoutasignhesuspectedathing.Eventhecruisers
werenowinsidetheLACseffectivemissileenvelope.
Standby,LieutenantEarly.Hespokeveryformally,thoughhisownvoicewaslesscalmthanhe
mighthavewished.Wellgoforthedestroyerwithourlasers.Layyourmissilesonthecruisers.
Histacticalofficerpassedordersoverthesquadronnet,andDanvillebithislip.Comealittle
closer,hetoldthedestroyer.Justalittle.Bringtheflighttimetoyourcruisersdownjustalittlemore.
..damnyou.
***
Thisisridiculous,McKeonmuttered.TheLACswerelessthanalightsecondawayandstillnot
sayingaword!UnlesshewantedtoassumeGraysonhadsufferedsomesortoffleetwide
communicationsfailure,theseturkeyshadtobeuptosomething.Butwhat?Ifthiswassomesortof
oddballexercise,hewaslessthanamusedbyit.
Allright,Tactical,hesaidfinally.Iftheywanttoplaygames,letsplayback.Getmeahull
mapofftheirleadunit.
Aye,aye,Sir!TherewasagrininCarstairsnormallycoldvoice,andMcKeonslipstwitchedas
heheardit.Theradarpulseitwouldtaketomapashipshullatthisrangewouldpracticallymeltthe
LACsreceivers,andmostnavieswouldunderstandthemessagehewasabouttosendaswellas
CarstairsdiditwasagalaxywidewayofshoutingHey,stupid!atsomeone.Ofcourse,these
peoplehadbeenisolatedforsolongtheymightnotrealizehowrudeTroubadourwasbeing...buthe
couldhope.
***
Whatthe?!Earlygasped,andDanvillewincedasathreatreceiversquealedinraucous
warning.
Engage!hesnapped.
***
 HMSTroubadourhadnowarningatall.Lasersarelightspeedweaponsbythetimeyoursensors
realizesomeonehasfiredthematyou,theyvealreadyhityou.
EachoftheMasadanLACsmountedasinglelaser,andifTroubadourssidewallshadbeenup,the
crude,relativelylowpoweredweaponswouldhavebeenharmless.Buthersidewallswerentup,and
CommanderMcKeonsfacewentwhiterthanboneasenergyfiresmashedintohisshipsstarboard
bow.Platingshattered,damageandcollisionalarmsshrieked,andTroubadourlurchedasthekinetic
energybledintoherhull.
MyGod,theyvefiredonus!Carstairssoundedmoreoutragedthanfrightened,butMcKeonhad
notimetoworryabouthistacofficerssensitivities.
Hardskewport!hesnapped.
Thehelmsmanwasasstartledasanyoneelse,buttwentyyearsoftrainedreflextookcharge.He
snappedtheshipuponherportside,simultaneouslyslewingherbowaroundtojerkthethroatofher
impellerwedgeawayfromtheenemy,evenbeforeheacknowledgedtheorder.Itwaswellhedid,for
thenextsalvooflasersstruckharmlesslyagainstthebellyofTroubadourswedgejustashergeneral
quartersalarmbegantoscream.
AnicicleofreliefstabbedthroughMcKeonashiswedgeinterceptedtheincomingfire,butlurid
damageandpressurelosssignalsflashed,andnoneofhispeoplehadbeenexpectingathing.Noneof
themhadbeenvacsuited,andthatmeantsomeofthemweredead.Heprayedtherewerenttoomany
ofthem,yeteventhatwasalmostanafterthought,forhedalreadyseenthemissilesstreamingpast
Troubadourtowardsthecruisersasternofher.
***
Skipper!ThoseLACshavefiredonTroubadour!LieutenantCardonesblurted.Andthen
Missilesincoming!Impactinfourfivesecondsmark!
Honorsheadwhippedupinpuredisbelief.Fired?Thatwasinsane!
Pointdefensefree!Soundgeneralquarters!
EnsignWolcottstabbedtheGQbuttonatCardoneselbow.Thetacofficerwastoobusyhed
anticipatedhiscaptainsorders,andhishandswerealreadyflyingacrosshispanel.
ZuluTwo,ChiefKillian!Honorsnapped.
Aye,aye,Maam.ExecutingZuluTwo.
Killiansoundedalmostdetached,notwithprofessionalcalm,butasiftherealshockhadnthithim
yet,yethisresponsewasalmostasquickasCardones.Fearlesssquirmedintoevasiveactionnot
thatshehadthebasevelocitytomakeitveryeffectiveandHonorheardthepopofpierced
upholsteryasNimitzsclawssankintothebackofherchair.
Adistantcornerofhermindrememberedahesitantpuppyofajuniorgradelieutenant,butthere
wasnosignofthatuncertainyoungofficertoday.RafaelCardoneshadhisprioritiesexactlyright,and
thegreenstandbylightofthepointdefenselasersblinkedtocrimsonevenbeforehebroughtthe
sidewallsup.Therewasnotimeforcountermissilesonlythelasershadtheresponsetime,andeven
theyhaditonlyundercomputercommand.
Thesidewallgeneratorsbeganspinningupjustasthelasersopenedfire.Anincomingmissile
vanished,thenanotherandanotherasthecomputersworkedtheirwaymethodicallythroughtheir
assignedthreatvalues.MoremissilesrippedapartasApollospointdefenseopenedupontheones
speedingtowardsher,andHonorgrippedthearmsofhercommandchairwhileNimitzstailcurled
protectivelyaboutherthroat.
Shedscrewedup.ShecouldntconceiveofanyreasonforGraysontobedoingthis,butshedlet
themdoit.DearGod,iftheydheldtheirfireonlyanothertwentyseconds,notevenRafeCardones
reactionscouldhavesavedhership!ThreewretchedlittleLACsfromaplanetsoprimitiveitdidnt
evenhavemolycircswouldhaveannihilatedherentiresquadron!
Buttheyhadntheldtheirfire,andherthunderingpulseslowed.TheGraysonmissileslow
accelerationnotonlylengthenedtheirflighttimesbutmadethemeasiertargets,andtheydidnthave
laserheads.Theyneededdirecthits,andtheywerentgoingtogetthem.NotagainstRafeCardones.
Shelookeddownagain,andherlipsdrewback.Manyofherpeoplemuststillberushingtotheir
stations,mostofherweaponcrewsmuststillbeunderstrength,butherenergyweaponsflashed
uniformcrimsonreadiness.
Mr.Cardones,shesaidharshly,youarefreetoengage.
***
CommanderDanvillebitoffasavagecurse.HehadntbeenpresentforJericho,andhehadnt
reallybelievedthereportsofhowasingleManticoranshiphadkilledtwolightcruisersandapairof
destroyersbeforetherestoftheFleettookhimdown.Nowheknewheshouldhave.Hedgottentwo
cleanhitsonTroubadour,andadropinimpellerstrengthindicatedhedgottenapieceofthe
destroyersdrive,yethedwhippedoverfasterthanaMasadanferrettohidehisvulnerableflanks.
Theoneshipheshouldhavebeenguaranteedtonailhadescapedhim,buteventhespeedof
Troubadoursresponsepaledbesidethatofthecruiserspointdefense.Bancroftandhisbrothers
massedbarelyninethousandtonseach.Thatwasfartoosmalltomountworthwhileinternal
magazines,sotheycarriedtheirmissilesinsingleshotboxlaunchers.Itreducedthetotalnumberthey
couldstowonlyslightlyandletthemthrowextremelyheavybroadsidesfortheirsize.Onlyonceper
launcher,perhaps,butLACswereeggshellsarmedwithsledgehammers.LACversusLAC
engagementstendedtoendinorgiesofmutualdestructionagainstregularwarships,thebestaLAC
couldrealisticallyhopeforwastogethismissilesoffbeforehewaswipedfromtheuniverse.
ButDanvillessquadronhadbeengiveneverypossibleedge.Theydsentthirtyninemissiles
streakingtowardsFearlessandApollowiththeadvantageoftotalsurpriseagainstdefensesthat
werentevenactivesurelyoneofthemshouldhavegottenthrough!
Butithadnt.
Hewatchedthelastmissileofhisfirstsalvodieathousandkilometersshortofthelightcruiser,
andthreatsignalswarbledafreshastargetingsystemslockedontohistinyships.Bancroftfinishedhis
franticroll,bringinghisunfiredbroadsidetobear,andLieutenantEarlysentafreshsalvocharging
towardstheirenemies,anditwasuseless.Useless.
Godwasgoingtoletthemalldiefornothing.
***
RafeCardonespointdefensewasfullyonlinenow.HedidntbotherwithECMtherangewas
tooshort,andaccordingtohisdatabase,Graysonmissileswerealmosttoostupidtofool,anyway.His
countermissileswentoutalmostastheenemylaunched,butheleftthemtoEnsignWolcott.Hehad
otherthingsonhismind.
Hisheavylauncherswerestillcomingonlineastheircrewsclosedup,buthisenergyweapons
wereready.Dancingfingerslockedinthetargetingschedule,andasingle,bigkeyatthecenterofhis
panelflashed,acceptingthecommands.
Hedroveitflat.
Nothingatallhappenedforoneendlessmoment.ThenChiefKilliansmaneuversswung
FearlesssstarboardsidetowardstheLACs.Itwasonlyforaninstant...butaninstantwasallthe
waitingcomputersneeded.
Adeadlyflickersparkleddownthecruisersarmoredflank,heavyenergymountsfiringlikethe
breathofGod,andtherangewaslittlemorethanaquartermillionkilometers.NoGraysonbuilt
sidewallscouldresistthatfuryatsuchshortrange.Theydidtheirbest,butthebeamsstabbedthrough
themasiftheywerepaper,andeachofthoseLACswasthetargetoftwolasersandagraser,each
vastlymorepowerfulthantheythemselvesmounted.
AtmospherespumedoutinashowerofdebrisasHMSFearlessblewBancroftandherconsorts
intoverytinypieces.


 CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Howbadisit,Alistair?
Badenough,Maam.AlistairMcKeonsfacewasgrim.WevelostMissileTwoandRadar
Three.Thatleavespointdefensewideopenonthestarboardbeam.Thesamehitcarriedthroughinto
theforwardimpellersAlphaFoursgone,andsoisBetaEight.Thesecondhitcameinrighton
FrameTwentyandcarriedclearbackthroughsickbay.IttookoutthemastercontrolrunstoLaser
ThreeandMissileFourandbreachedMagazineTwo.ThemagazinesatotalwriteoffLaserThree
andMissileFourareonlineinlocalcontrol,andwererepressurizingandriggingnewrunstothem
now,butwelostthirtyonepeople,includingDr.McFeeandtwosickberthattendants,andwevegot
wounded.
Hisvoicewasharshwithpain,andHonorseyesweredarkasshenodded,butforallthat,they
bothknewTroubadourhadbeenincrediblylucky.Thelossofoneofherforwardmissiletubesandan
entiremagazinehadhurtheroffensivecapability,andRadarThreesdestructionleftadangerous
chinkinherantimissiledefenses.Buthercombatpowerwasfarlessimpairedthanitmighthave
been,andthecasualtiescouldhavebeenmuch,muchworse.Shedbeenlamed,anduntilthealpha
nodewasreplacedshecouldntgenerateaforwardWarshawskisail,butshecouldstillmaneuverand
fight.
Icameintoofatandstupid,McKeonwentonbitterly.IfIdonlyhadmysidewallsup,
maybe
Notyourfault,Honorinterrupted.WedidnthaveanyreasontoexpectGraysontoopenfireon
us,andevenifwehad,itwasmyresponsibilitytogotoahigherreadinessstate.
McKeonslipstightened,buthesaidnomore,andHonorwasglad.Whateverwashappening,one
thingtheydidntneedwasforbothofthemtoblamethemselvesforit.
IllhaveFritzMontoyaoverthereinfiveminutes,Honorwentonwhenshewascertainhed
droppedit.Welltransferyourwoundedtooursickbayoncehessuretheyrestabilized.
Thankyou,Maam.TherewaslessselfblameinMcKeonsvoice,butnolessanger.
ButwhyinGodsnamedidtheyfire?AliceTrumanaskedfromherquadrantofthesplitscreen,
greeneyesbaffledasshevoicedthequestionforthemall.Itscrazy!
Agreed.Honorleanedback,herowneyeshard,butAlicewasright.Evenifnegotiationshad
brokendowncompletely,theGraysonsmustbeinsanetofireonher.Theywerealreadyworriedover
theMasadanssurelytheymustrealizewhattheFleetwoulddotothemforthis!
Itseemscrazytome,too,shewentonafteramoment,hervoicegrim,butasofrightnow,this
squadronisonawarfooting.IintendtoenterattackrangeofGraysonanddemandanexplanationand
thestanddownoftheirfleet.Ialsointendtodemandtospeaktoourpeopleplanetside.Ifanyofmy
demandsisrefused,orifourdelegationhasbeenharmedinanyway,wewillengageanddestroythe
GraysonNavy.Isthatunderstood?
Hersubordinatesnodded.
CommanderTruman,yourshipwilltakepoint.CommanderMcKeon,Iwantyoutuckedin
astern.StaytightandtieintoFearlesssradartocoverthegapinyourowncoverage.Clear?
 Yes,Maam,hercaptainsrepliedinunison.
Verywell,then,people.Letsbeaboutit.
***
Captain?IhaveatransmissionfromGrayson,LieutenantMetzingersaid,andthetensionon
Fearlesssbridgeredoubled.Barelyfiveminuteshadpassedsincetheambush,andunlessthe
Graysonswerestupidaswellascrazy,theycouldntpossiblyexpecttotalktheirwayoutofthiswith
amessagesentbeforetheirshipshadevenopenedfire!
ButMetzingerwasntfinished.
ItsfromAmbassadorLangtry,sheadded,andHonorseyebrowsrose.
FromSirAnthony?
Yes,Maam.
Putitonmyscreen.
HonorfeltasurgeofreliefasSirAnthonysfaceappearedbeforeher,forthewallofhisembassy
officewasclearlyvisiblebehindhim,andReginaldHousemanstoodbesidetheambassadorschair.
ShedbeenafraidtheentirediplomaticstaffwasinGraysoncustodyiftheywerestillinthesafetyof
theirownembassy,thesituationmightnotbetotallyoutofcontrolafterall.Butthentheambassadors
grim,almostfrightenedexpressionregistered.AndwherewasAdmiralCourvosier?
CaptainHarrington.Theambassadorsvoicewastaut.GraysonCommandCentralhasjust
pickedupahyperfootprintwhichIassumehopeisyoursquadron.BeadvisedMasadanwarships
arepatrollingtheYeltsinSystem.Honorstiffened.CoulditbethoseLACshadntbeenGrayson
ships?Only,iftheywerent,thenhowhadtheygottenhere,andwhyhadthey?
Buttheprerecordedmessagewasstillplaying,andtheambassadorsnextwordsshatteredhertrain
ofthoughtlikeahammeroncrystal.
Assumeanyshipencounteredishostile,Captain,andbeadvisedthereareatleasttwoIrepeat,
atleasttwomodernwarshipsintheMasadanorderofbattle.Ourbestestimateisthattheyreapair
ofcruisers,probablyHavenbuilt.Theambassadorswallowed,buthedbeenahighlydecorated
Marineofficer,andhecarriedthroughgrimly.NoonerealizedtheMasadanshadthem,andAdmiral
YanakovandAdmiralCourvosiertooktheGraysonfleetouttoengagetheenemyfourdaysago.Im.
..afraidMadrigalandAustinGraysonwerelostwithallhandsincludingAdmiralsCourvosierand
Yanakov.
EverydropofblooddrainedfromHonorsface.No!TheAdmiralcouldntbedeadnotthe
Admiral!
Wereinserioustroubledownhere,Captain,Langtrysrecordedvoicewenton.Idontknow
whytheyveheldoffthislong,butnothingGraysonhasleftcanpossiblystopthem.Pleaseadviseme
ofyourintentionsassoonaspossible.Langtryclear.
Thescreenblanked,andshestaredatit,frozeninhercommandchair.Itwasalie.Acruel,vicious
lie!TheAdmiralwasalive.Hewasalive,damnit!Hewouldntdie.Hecouldntdiehewouldntdo
thattoher!
ButAmbassadorLangtryhadnoreasontolie.
Sheclosedhereyes,feelingNimitzathershoulder,andrememberedCourvosierasshedlefthim.
Rememberedthatimpishface,thetwinkleinthoseblueeyes.Andbehindthosenewermemorieswere
others,twentysevenyearsofmemories,eachcuttingmoredeeplyandcruellythanthelast,asshe
realizedatlastwhenitwastoolatethatshednevertoldhimshelovedhim.
Andbehindtheloss,honingtheagony,washerguilt.Shedrunoutonhim.Hedwantedherto
stayandlethergoonlybecausesheinsisted,andbecauseFearlesshadntbeentherebecauseshe
hadntbeentherehedtakenasingledestroyerintobattleanddied.
Itwasherfault.Hedneededher,andshehadntbeenthere...andthathadkilledhim.Shed
killedhim,assurelyasifshedsentapulserdartthroughhisbrainwithherownhand.
SilenceenfoldedFearlesssbridgecrewasalleyesturnedtothewomaninthecaptainschair.Her
facewasstunnedaseventhetotalsurpriseoftheLACsattackhadnotleftit,andthelighthadgone
outofhertreecatseyes.Hecrouchedonherchairback,tailtuckedintight,prickearsflat,andthe
soft,heartrendingkeenofhislamentwastheonlysoundastearsrolledsilentlydownhercheeks.
Orders,Captain?AndreasVenizelosbrokethecrewssilenceatlast,andmorethanoneperson
flinchedashisquietvoiceintrudedupontheircaptainsgrief.
Honorsnostrilsflared.Thesoundofherindrawnbreathwasharsh,andtheheelofherhand
scrubbedangrily,brutally,atherwetfaceasshesquaredhershoulders.
Recordfortransmission,LieutenantMetzinger,shesaidinahammeredironvoicenoneofthem
hadeverheard,andthecommunicationsofficerswallowed.
Recording,Maam,shesaidsoftly.
AmbassadorLangtry,Honorsaidinthatsame,deadlyvoice.Yourmessageisreceivedand
understood.BeadvisedthatmysquadronhasalreadybeenengagedbyanddestroyedthreeLACsI
nowpresumetohavebeenMasadan.Wevesufferedcasualtiesanddamage,butmycombatpoweris
unimpaired.
Sheinhaledagain,feelingherofficersandratingseyesonher.
IwillcontinuetoGraysonatmybestspeed.ExpectmyarrivalinGraysonorbitinshechecked
herastrogationreadoutapproximatelyfourhourstwentyeightminutesfromnow.
Shestaredintothepickup,andthecornerofhermouthtwitched.Therewassteelinherbrown
eyes,smokingfromangersforgeandtemperedbygriefandguilt,andhervoicewascolderthan
space.
UntilIhavecompleteinformation,itwillbeimpossibletoformulatedetailedplans,butyoumay
informtheGraysongovernmentthatIintendtodefendthissysteminaccordancewithAdmiral
Courvosiersapparentintentions.Pleasehaveacompletebackgroundbriefwaitingforme.In
particular,IrequireanimmediateassessmentofGraysonsremainingmilitarycapabilitiesand
assignmentofaliaisonofficertomysquadron.IwillmeetwithyouandtheseniorGraysonmilitary
officerintheEmbassywithintenminutesofenteringGraysonorbit.Harringtonclear.
Shesatback,herstrongbonedfaceunyielding,andherowndeterminationfilledherbridgecrew.
TheyknewaswellasshethattheentireGraysonNavy,evenifithadsufferednolossesatall,would
havebeenuselessagainsttheweightofmetalshedjustcommittedthemtoface.Theoddswerevery
goodthatsomeofthem,orsomeoftheirfriendsontheothershipsofthesquadron,weregoingtodie,
andnoneofthemwereeagerfordeath.Butotherfriendshadalreadydied,andtheythemselveshad
beenattacked.
NoneofHonorsotherofficershadbeenAdmiralCourvosiersprotge,butmanyhadbeenhis
students,andhedbeenoneofthemostrespectedofficersintheirserviceeventothosewhodnever
knownhimpersonally.Iftheycouldgetapieceofthepeoplewhodkilledhim,theywantedit.
Onthechip,Captain,LieutenantMetzingersaid.
Sendit.ThensetupanotherconferencelinkwithApolloandTroubadour.Makecertain
CommanderTrumanandCommanderMcKeonhavecopiesofSirAnthonystransmissionandtie
theircomstomybriefingroomterminal.
Aye,aye,Maam,Metzingersaid,andHonorstood.ShelookedacrossthebridgeatAndreas
Venizelosasshestartedforthebriefingroomhatch.
Mr.DuMorne,youhavethewatch.Andy,comewithme.Hervoicewasstillhard,herface
frozen.Griefandguilthammeredatthebackofherbrain,butsherefusedtolistentothem.There
wouldbetimeenoughtofacethosethingsafterthekilling.
Aye,aye,Maam.Ihavethewatch,LieutenantCommanderDuMornesaidquietlytoherbackas
thehatchopenedbeforeher.
Sheneverheardhimatall.


 CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
CommanderManningpausedoutsidethebriefingroomanddrewadeepbreath.
ManninglikedCaptainYu.InaservicewheretoomanyseniorofficerscamefromLegislaturist
families,Yuwasthatrarestofbirds:aselfmademan.Itcouldnthavebeeneasyforhim,but
somehowtheCaptainhadwonhiswaytotheverybrinkofflagrankwithoutforgettingwhathe
himselfhadbeenthroughonthewayup.Hetreatedhisofficersfirmlybutwithrespect,evenwarmth,
andheneverforgotthosewhoservedhimwell.ThomasTheismancommandedPrincipalitybecause
hedservedwithCaptainYubeforeandYuhadwantedhimfortheslot,andManninghadbeen
handpickedasThundersexecforthesamereasons.ThatsortoftreatmentearnedtheCaptaina
remarkabledegreeofpersonalloyaltyanddevotion,buthewasonlyhuman.Hehadhisbaddays,and
whenaCOanyCOwasoutofsorts,hissubordinatestrodwarily.
AndiftheCaptainhadeverhadreasontofeeloutofsorts,nowwascertainlythetime,Manning
thoughtashepressedtheadmittancebutton.
Yes?Thevoiceovertheintercomwasascourteousasever,butitheldadangerous,flat
undertoneforearswhichknewitwell.
CommanderManning,Sir.
Thehatchopened.Manningsteppedacrossthesillandbracedtoattention,andsomeinstincttold
himtodoitHavenitestyle.
Youwantedtoseeme,Sir?
Yes.Sitdown,George.
Yupointedtoachair,andthecommanderrelaxedjustatadattheuseofhisfirstname.
WhatsthestatusofTractorFive?
Engineeringsaysanothertenortwelvehours,Sir.Yusfacetightened,andManningtriedto
keepanydefensivenessoutofhisvoice.Thecomponentswereneverintendedforthissortof
continualpowerlevel,Captain.Theyhavetostripitcleardowntothefluxcoretomake
replacements.
Goddamnit.YuranahandthroughhishairinaharriedgestureheneverletaMasadansee,and
thenhisfreehandsuddenlyslammedthetabletop.
Manningmanagednottoflinch.ItwasntliketheCaptaintocarryon,buttheseMasadanswere
enoughtotrythepatienceofasaint.Theclichwaslessamusingthanitmighthavebeen,butthefact
thattheCaptainwasallowinghimselftousethesortoflanguagehehadntlethimselfusesince
arrivingherewasafairindicationofhowfarhedbeenpushed.
Yusmashedthetableagain,thensatbackinhischairwithagroan.
Theyreidiots,George.Fuckingidiots!WecouldwipeouteverythingGraysonhasleftinan
hourinfifteenminutes!andtheywontletusdoit!
Yes,Sir,Manningsaidsoftly,andYushovedhimselfuptostalkbackandforthacrossthe
briefingroomlikeacagedtiger.
Ifanyonebackhomehadtoldmetherewerepeoplelikethisanywhereinthegalaxy,Idhave
calledhimaliartohisface,Yugrowled.WevegotGraysonbytheballs,andalltheycanseeis
howbadtheygothurt!Goddamnit,peoplegethurtinwars!AndjustbecauseMadrigalchewedthe
helloutoftheirpissantnavy,theyreshittingtheirdrawersliketheywereupagainsttheManticoran
HomeFleet!
ThistimeManningwastactfullysilent.Anythinghesaidcouldonlymakeitworseatthispoint.
Noone,CaptainYuincluded,hadbeenpreparedforjusthowgoodManticoranantimissile
systemshadturnedouttobe.TheydknowntheRMNselectronicwarfarecapabilitywasbetterthan
theirs,andtheydassumedacertainmarginofsuperiorityfortheirothersystemsaswell,butthespeed
andaccuracyofMadrigalspointdefensehadshockedallofthem.Ithadturnedwhatshouldhave
beenacompletekillintosomethingfarless,andifthedestroyersdefenseshadntbeenoverextended
byhereffortstoprotectherconsorts,sheprobablywouldhavegottenoutcompletelyundamaged.
Itwouldhavebeendifferentinasustainedengagement,whentheirowncomputerscouldhave
gottenareadonMadrigalsresponsesandtheycouldhaveshiftedtheirfiringpatternsandpenaid
settingsuntiltheyfoundawaythroughthem.Buttheydonlyhadoneshoteach,andthedestroyerhad
knockeddownentirelytoomanyoftheirmissiles.
ThathadsmartedbadlyenoughfortheimmigrantsinThunderscrewithadbeentheir
hardwarethatshowedupsopoorly,afterallbutithadmorethansmartedfortheMasadans.Sword
SimondshadbeenlividasMadrigalandthetwosurvivingGraysonsracedoutoftheirmissile
envelope.ManningwasstillastonishedtheCaptainhadmanagedtohangontohistemperasthesword
rantedandrailedathim,anddespitehisoutwardcalm,Manningknewhedbeenasclosetomurderas
theexechadeverseenhimwhenSimondsrefusedtoorderFrankstobypassMadrigalandpursuethe
Graysonsurvivors.
SimondshadpracticallydancedwithrageasherejectedYussuggestion.Theextenttowhich
Madrigalhaddegradedtheambushhadnotonlyinfuriatedbutfrightenedhim,andhedknown
perfectlywellthatatleastsomeofFranksshipswouldhavebeenexposedtoherfire,howeverwidely
theydispersed,ifthesquadronspreadouttooverflyher.
Well,ofcoursetheywouldhavebeen,buttheSwordsresponsetothethreathadprovenonceand
forallthathewasnotactician.Ifhisshipshaddispersed,hemighthavehadtowriteoffoneortwo
cruiserstoMadrigalsmissiles,buttheotherswouldhavebeenoutsidethedestroyerseffective
engagementrange.Shesimplywouldnthavehadthereachtohitthatmanytargets.Buthedinsisted
onbackingFranksdecisiontogointogetherformutualsupportandpaidthepricehesitanttactics
almostalwaysexacted.TheMasadanshipshadactuallydeceleratedtomeetMadrigalinaneffortto
bringtheirownweaponsintoeffectiverangeandkeepthemthere!
Ithadbeenlikeamobarmedwithclubschargingamanwithapulser.Madrigalsmissileshad
blownthecruisersSamsonandNoahandthedestroyerThronerightoutofspaceastheyclosed,and
thentheMasadansenteredherenergyrangeanditonlygotworse.ThecruiserDavidhadsurvived,but
shewaslittlemorethanahulk,andthedestroyersCherubimandSeraphimhadbeencrippledbefore
theyevergotintotheirenergyrange.
Ofcourse,theclubshadhadtheirownturnafterthat.CrudeasMasadanenergyweaponswere,
theredsimplybeentoomanyofthemforher,andtheydbatteredhertobits.Butevenaftershed
beenmortallywounded,MadrigalhadsetherteethinthedestroyersArchangelandAngel.Shed
poundedthemuntilshedidnthaveasingleweaponleft,andshedtakenArchangelwithher.Ofthe
entiresquadronwhichhadclosedwithher,onlythecruiserSolomonandthedestroyerDominion
remainedcombateffective...and,ofcourse,Franksdecisiontoslowforthesuicidalengagement
meantthesurvivingGraysonshadescaped.
Itshouldnthavemattered.Ifnothingelse,whatMadrigalhaddoneshouldhavemadeSimonds
evenmoreconfident.Ifadestroyercouldwreakthatkindofcarnage,whatdidhethinkThundercould
do?!
Doyouknowwhatthatinsufferablelittlepricksaidtome?Yuwhirledtofacehisexec,one
fingerpointedlikeapistol,andhiseyesblazed.Hetoldmetoldme,damnhim!thatifIhadnt
liedtohimaboutmyshipscapabilities,hemightbemoreinclinedtolistentomenow!Asnarl
quiveredintheCaptainsthroat.Whatthefuckdoesheexpectisgoingtohappenwhenhisfrigging
admiralshavetheirheadssofaruptheirassestheyhavetopipeinairthroughtheirnavels?!
Manningmaintainedhissilenceandconcentratedonlookingproperlysympathetic,andYuslips
workedasifhewantedtospitonthedecksole.Thenhisshouldersslumped,andhesankbackintohis
chair.
God,IwishtheStaffhadfoundsomeoneelsetodumpthison!hesighed,butthefuryhadleft
hisvoice.Manningunderstood.TheCaptainhadneededtoworkitoutofhissystem,andforthathe
hadtoyellatoneofhisown.
Well,Yusaidfinally,iftheyinsistonbeingstupid,Isupposetheresnothingwecandobuttry
tominimizetheconsequences.TherearetimesIcouldjustaboutkillValentine,butifthiswerentso
completelyunnecessary,Imightalmostadmiretheclevernessofit.Idontthinkanyoneelseever
evenconsideredtowingLACsthroughhyperspace.
Yes,Sir.Ontheotherhand,theycouldnthavedoneitwiththeirowntractorsorhyper
generators.Iguessbythetimeyouvegotthetechnicalability,youvefiguredouthowtobuildgood
enoughshipsthatyoudontneedtouseit.
Um.Yuinhaleddeeplyandclosedhiseyesforamoment.Stupidashethoughtthewholeidea
was,healsoknewthatonlyhischiefengineerssuggestionhadkepttheMasadansgoingatall.
TheydflatlyrefusedtoattackGraysonwiththeirremainingcombatstrengthinYeltsin.Asnearas
Yucouldfigureout,theywereafraidManticoremighthaveslippedsomesortofsuperweapontothe
Graysons.Thatwasthestupidestideatheydhadyet,butperhapsitshouldntbesoeasytoblame
themforit.Theydneverseenamodernwarshipinactionbefore,andwhatMadrigalhaddoneto
theirantiquatedfleetterrifiedthem.Intellectually,theyhadtoknowThunderandPrincipalitywere
manytimesaspowerfulasMadrigalhadbeen,buttheydneverseentheirtwomodernshipsin
action.Theircapabilitieswerentquiterealtothem...andYuscredibilityhadbeendamagedby
Madrigalsescapefromtheambush,anyway.
Foronewholeday,Simondshadbeenadamantabouttheneedtosuspendalloperationsandseeka
negotiatedsettlement.YudidntthinkMasadahadahopeinhellofpullingthatoffaftertheirsneak
attackandMadrigalsdestruction,buttheswordhaddughisheelsinandinsistedhesimplydidnt
havethetonnageinYeltsintocontinue.
ThatwaswhenCommanderValentinemadehissuggestion,andYudidntknowwhetherto
stranglehisengineerorkisshim.Ithadwastedthreedaysalready,andTractorFivesbreakdownwas
goingtostretchthatstillfurther,butithadgottenSimondstoagree,ifonlyhesitantly,topress
forward.
ValentinehadpointedoutthatbothThunderandPrincipalityhadfarmorepowerfulhyper
generatorsthananyMasadanstarship.Infact,theirgeneratorswerepowerfulenoughtoextendtheir
translationfieldsoversixkilometersbeyondtheirownhullsifheredlinedthem.Thatmeantthatif
theytranslatedfromrest,theycouldtakeanythingwithinsixkilometerswiththemwhentheydid.
AndthatmeantthatifMasadanLACsclusteredcloselyenougharoundthem,theycouldboostthe
lightervesselsintohyperspace.
Normally,thatwouldhavebeenlittlemorethananinterestingparlortrick,butValentinehadtaken
theentireideaonestagefurther.NoLACcrewcouldsurvivethesortofaccelerationshipsroutinely
pulledinhyperforthesimplereasonthattheirinertialcompensatorwouldpackuptheinstantthey
triedit.Butiftheytooktheentirecrewoffandremovedorsecuredallloosegear,Valentine
suggested,therewasnoreasontheshipsthemselvescouldnttaketheaccelerationontheendofa
tractorbeam.
Yuhadthoughthewasoutofhismind,buttheengineerhadpulledupthenumbersonhisterminal
anddemonstratedthetheoreticalpossibility.Simondshadjumpedatit,andtoYusconsiderable
surprise,ithadworked.
Sofar,theydlostonlytwoofthetinyships.TheLACswerejustbigenoughittookthreetractors
tozoneeachofthem,andonetractorhadlostlockduringacceleration.ThatLAChadsimplysnapped
inhalfthesecondhadsurvivedthejourneyonlytohaveitscrewfindaragged,threemeterholetorn
halfthelengthoftheirshipwhereatwelvetonpressuretankhadcomeadriftandcrashedaftlikean
ungainlycannonball.
Ofcourse,thetowingshipshadbeencrowdedalmostbeyondendurancebypackinginthecrews
whocouldntsurviveaboardtheirownshipsand,asManninghadsaid,thestrainontheirtractorshad
beenenormous.ButithadworkedandYuhadfoundThunderandPrincipalityplayingtugboatback
andforthbetweenEndicottandYeltsinsStar.
Itwasashorthop,barelytwelvehourseitherwayforamodernwarship,eventowingLACs
behindher,buttherewereonlytwovesselscapableofpullingitoff,andtheycouldtowonlythree
LACsatatime:twobehindThunderandonebehindPrincipality.Theysimplydidnthaveenough
tractorstomovemorethanthat.Inthreedays,theydtransferredeighteenofMasadastwentyLACs
toYeltsinwell,sixteen,discountingthetwotheydlost.ThisfinaltripbyThunderwouldmovethe
lastofthem,andifhecouldntseethattheirfirepoweraffordedanyparticulartacticaladvantage,it
seemedtohavebolsteredtheMasadansconfidence,soperhapsithadntbeenanentirewaste.
IneedtotalktotheAmbassador,hesaidsuddenly,andManningseyebrowsroseatthe
apparentnonsequitur.AboutgettingoutfromunderSimondsthumb,Yuclarified.Iknowwe
havetomaintainthefictionthatthisisapurelyMasadanoperation,butifIcangivethemagood,hard
pushjustonce,wecantiethiswholethingupinacoupleofhours.
Yes,Sir.Manningfeltoddlymovedbyhiscaptainsopenness.Itwasntthesortofthingone
normallyencounteredinthePeoplesNavy.
MayberepairingTractorFivewillgivemeenoughtimegroundside,Yumused.Itllhavetobe
facetofaceIdonttrustourcomlinks.
Actually,Manningknew,theCaptaindidnttrusthiscomofficer,sincethatwasoneoftheslots
nowfilledbyaMasadan.
Iunderstand,Sir.
Good.Yurubbedhisface,thenstraightened.SorryIscreamedatyou,George.Youwerejust
handy.
Thatswhatexecsarefor,Sir,Manninggrinned,notaddingthatfewothercaptainswouldhave
apologizedforusinganexecforoneofhisdesignedfunctions.
Yeah,maybe.Yumanagedasmile.Andatleastthiswillbethelasttowtrip.
Yes,Sir.AndCommanderTheismanwillkeepaneyeonthingsinYeltsintillwegetback.
BetterhimthanthatassholeFranks,Yugrowled.
***
SwordoftheFaithfulMatthewSimondsknockedonthedoorandwalkedthroughitintothe
palatiallyfurnishedroom.Hisbrother,ChiefElderThomasSimondsoftheFaithfuloftheChurchof
HumanityUnchained,lookedup,andhiswizenedfacewasnotencouraging.SeniorElderHuggins
wasseatedbesideThomas,andhelookedevenlessencouraging.
DeaconRonaldSandssatoppositeHuggins.Sandswasoneoftheyoungestmenevertoattainthe
rankofdeacon,andhisfacewasmuchlessthunderousthanhisseniors.Partofthatwasprobably
becausehewassojuniortothem,butSwordSimondssuspectedmostofitwasbecauseMasadasspy
masterwassmarterthaneitherofthemandknewit.
Clothrustled,andheturnedhisheadtoseehisbrothersjuniorwife.Hecouldntrecallhername,
andsheworethetraditionalformshroudingdressofaMasadanwoman,butherfacewasunveiled,
andtheSwordsuppressedagrinashesuddenlyrealizedthatatleastaportionofHugginsobvious
angerwasdirectedatthatshockingbreachofpropriety.Thomashadalwaysbeenvainabouthis
virility,andithadpanderedtohisamourpropretotakeawifebarelyeighteenTyearsofage.He
alreadyhadsixothers,andMatthewdoubtedhestillhadtheendurancetomountanyofthem,but
Thomashadtakentoflauntinghisnewprizesbeautywheneverhisassociatesmetinhishome.
ThepracticedroveHugginsberserkwhichwasonereasonThomasdidit.Hadthewench
belongedtoanyoneelse,thefireandbrimstoneelderwouldhavesenthertothepostforapublic
floggingprefacedbyafewpointedwordsonthelaxityofthemanwhoallowedhiswifetobehavein
suchungodlyfashion.Ifthemaninquestionhadbeenunimportantenough,hemightevenhavecalled
forhisstoning.Asitwas,hehadtopretendhehadntnoticed.
Theswordadvancedacrossthecarpet,ignoringherpresence,andsatinthechairatthefootofthe
longtable.Theappearanceofatribunal,withhimselfintheroleoftheaccused,wasnot,hewas
certain,acoincidence.
Soyourehere.Thomasvoicewascreakywithage,forhewastheeldestchildofTobias
Simondsfirstwife,whileMatthewwasthesecondsonoftheirfathersfourthwife.
OfcourseIam.Matthewwaswellawareofthedangerinwhichhestood,butifheshowedany
consciousnessofhisvulnerabilityhisenemieswouldcloseinlikearathoundpackpullingdowna
Masadanantelope.
Imgratifiedtoseeyoucanfollowatleastsomeorders,Hugginssnapped.Therancorouselder
consideredhimselftheswordsmaincompetitionfortheChiefElderschair,andMatthewturnedto
him,readytostrikeback,butThomasraisedhandhadalreadyrebukedtheelder.So.Atleasthis
brotherwasntyetreadytocuthimtotallyadrift.
Peace,Brother,theChiefEldersaidtoHuggins.WeareallaboutGodsWork,here.Letthere
benorecriminations.
Hiswifemovedsilentlyaboutthetable,refillingtheirglasses,thenvanishedasajerkofhishead
banishedherbacktothewomensquarters.Hugginsseemedtorelaxjustabitasshedisappeared,and
heforcedasmile.
Istandrebuked,ChiefElder.Forgiveme,SwordSimonds.Oursituationisenoughtotryeven
SaintAustinsFaith.
Indeeditis,ElderHuggins,theswordsaid,withjustasmuchfalsegraciousnessasHuggins,
andIcantdenythat,ascommanderofourmilitary,theresponsibilityforstraighteningthatsituation
outismine.
Perhapsso,hisbrothersaidimpatiently,butitwasnomoreofyourmakingthanoursexcept,
perhaps,inthatyousupportedthatinfidelsplans.TheChiefEldersjawworked,andhishead
seemedtosquatloweronhisshoulders.
InfairnesstoSwordSimonds,Sandsputininthediffidenttonehealwaysassumedbeforehis
superiors,Yusargumentswereconvincing.Andaccordingtomysources,theyweregenerally
sincere,aswell.Hismotiveswerehisown,ofcourse,buthetrulybelievedhehadthecapabilitieshe
claimed.
Hugginssnorted,butnoonedisputedSands.TheMasadantheocracyhadgonetogreatlengthsto
denyitsallyanyparticipationinitsowncovertactivities,andeveryoneinthisroomknewhow
extensiveSandsnetworkwas.
Nonetheless,wereinserioustroublebecausewelistenedtohim.TheChiefEldergavehis
brotherasharpglance.DoyouthinkhesrightabouthisabilitytodestroywhatsleftoftheApostate
fleet?
Ofcourseheis,theswordsaid.HeoverestimatedJerichosinitialeffectiveness,butmyown
peopleinhistacticalsectionassuremehisfundamentalassessmentsarecorrect.Ifasingledestroyer
coulddosomuchdamagetoourfleet,ThunderandPrincipalitytogethercouldmakemincemeatof
theApostate.
MatthewwasawarethatHugginsnolongertrustedYuoranyonewhoagreedwithhim,forthat
matteramillimeter.Yetwhathedjustsaidwasselfevidentlytrue...andhedavoidedmentioning
whatthosesamepeopleofhisinYustacticalsectionhadhadtosayabouthisowndecisiontosupport
FrankstacticsinYeltsin.Hehadntbeentoohappytohearithimself,butifhepunishedthemforit,
theywouldalmostcertainlystarttellinghimwhathewantedtohear,notwhattheytrulythought.
DeaconSands?Doyouagree?
Imnotamilitaryman,ChiefElder,but,yes.Ourownsourceshadalreadyindicatedthat
ManticoransystemsarebetterthanthoseofHaven,buttheirmarginofsuperiorityisvastlylessthan
ThunderssuperioritytoanythingtheApostatehave.
Sowecanlethimproceedifwemust?theChiefElderpressed.
IdontseeanyoptionbuttolethimifMaccabeusfails,Sandssaidunflinchingly.Inthatevent,
onlyamilitarysolutioncansaveus.Andwithallduerespect,timeisrunningout.Maccabeuswasnt
abletotellusiftheManticoranescortwasreturning,butwemustassumeitwillbebackwithindays.
Onewayortheother,wemustcontrolbothplanetsbythattime.
ButMaccabeusisourbesthope.Hugginsshotavenomousglanceatthesword.Your
operationsweresupposedtosupporthim,SwordSimonds.Theyweresupposedtobeapretext,nota
seriousattemptatconquest!
Withallrespect,ElderHuggins,Matthewbeganhotly,that
 Peace,Brothers!TheChiefElderrappedabonyknuckleonthetableandglaredatthemboth
untiltheysankbackintotheirchairs,thenturnedhisbasiliskgazeonHuggins.Wereallawareof
whatwassupposedtohappen,Brother.Unfortunately,wecouldntexactlytelltheHavenitesthat,nor
couldweproceedwithouttheirsupportincaseMaccabeusfailed.Godhasnotyetdecidedourefforts
meritHisBlessing,butneitherhasHecondemnedustofailure.Therearetwostringstoourbow,and
neitherhassnappedyet.
Hugginsgloweredforamoment,thenbobbedhisheadstiffly.Thistimehedidntevenpretendto
apologizetothesword.
Verywell.Thomasturnedbacktohisbrother.Howmuchlongercanyoustalldirectmilitary
actionwithoutarousingHavenssuspicions?
Nomorethananotherthirtyorfortyhours.Thunderstractordamagebuysusalittletime,but
onceallofourLACsareinYeltsin,welleitherhavetomoveoradmitwehavenointentionofdoing
so.
AndyourlastcontactwithMaccabeus?
Cherubimlaggedfarenoughbehindonourfourthstriketospeakwithhiscourier.Atthattime,
Maccabeusbelievedtherewasstilltoomuchpopularsupportforthecurrentregime,despiteour
attacks.Wevebeenunabletocontacthimsince,ofcourse,butheindicatedthathewaspreparedto
moveifpublicmoralebegantocrack,andJerichomusthaveweakeneditfurther.
Doyouconcur,DeaconSands?
Ido.Ofcourse,wecantknowhowmuchitsweakened.Ourownlossesandthefactthatanyof
theirshipsescapedmayhaveanoffsettingeffect.Ontheotherhand,theynowknowthatwehaveat
leastsomemodernvessels,andtheApostatemediahasnoSynodofCensors.Wecanassume,Ithink,
thatatleastsomeaccountsofthebattleandtheoddstheyfacehavefoundtheirwayintothe
planetarynewsnet.
DoesMaccabeusknowwhatstrengthwehave?Hugginsdemanded.
No,Sandssaid.HeandJerichowerecompletelycompartmentalizedforoperationalsecurity.
Givenhispositionunderthecurrentregime,however,hemustknowthatwhatwehaveoutclasses
anythingintheApostatenavy.
Thatstrue,ElderSimondsmused,theninhaleddeeply.Verywell,Brothers,Ithinkwehave
reachedourmomentofdecision.Maccabeusremainsourbesthope.Ifhecansecurecontrolof
Graysonbydomesticmeans,wellbeinafarbetterpositiontostaveofffurtherManticoran
intervention.Nodoubttheylldemandsteepreparations,andIampreparedeventobendmyneckto
publiclyapologizeforouraccidentalattackonashipwedidntrealizewasntApostatebuilt,butthe
destructionofanylocalregimetosupporttheiraimsintheregionshouldcausethemtocuttheir
losses.And,giventheirtraditionalforeignpolicy,itsunlikelytheyllhavethewillandcourageto
conquerustogainthebasetheydesire.Mostimportantly,ifMaccabeussucceeds,wecangaingradual
controlofGraysonwithoutfurtherovertmilitaryaction,whichmeanswewillnolongerneedHaven,
either,soIthinkwemustdelayThundersreturntoYeltsinforatleastonemoredaytogivehimtime.
Nonetheless,wemustalsofacethepossibilitythathewillfailor,atanyrate,requireafurther
demonstrationofthehopelessnessoftheApostatemilitarypositiontosucceed.
Hepausedandlookedathisbrother.
Bearingallofthisinmind,SwordSimonds,Iherebydirectyoutobeginmilitaryoperationsto
reducetheApostatenavy,followed,ifnecessary,bydemonstrationnuclearstrikesontheirless
importantcities,tocreatetheconditionsforMaccabeussuccess.Youwillbeginthoseoperations
withintwelvehoursofyourreturntoYeltsinwiththelastofourLACs.
Helookedaroundthetable,hisrheumyoldeyesflatasasnakes.
Isthereanydisagreementwithmydirections?


 CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
ThecoldstenchofpanichunginHonorsnostrilsasshesteppedoutofherpinnace,andarmed
sentrieswereeverywhere.ShedmetthetightfacedArmycaptainwhogreetedherbefore,andshe
hadntenjoyedit,butatthisparticularmomentotherworrieshadpushedhisbigotryintothe
background.
That,shethoughtbitterlyasheescortedherstifflytoagroundcar,wasonegoodthingabouta
firstclassmilitarydisaster.Liketheprospectofhanging,itconcentratedonesthoughtswonderfully.
Nimitzshiftedonhershoulder,earsflattenedandonetruehandpluckingnervouslyatherwhite
beretasthetensionabouthimassaultedhisempathicsense,andshereacheduptostrokehim.Shed
intendedtoleavehimbehind,buthedmadehisreactiontothatideaabundantlyplain,andtruthto
tell,shewasgladhehad.Evennow,nooneunderstoodexactlyhowacatsempathiclinktohis
humanfunctioned,butHonor,likeeveryhumanwhodeverbeenadopted,wasconvincedithelped
herretainherownstability.
Andsheneededallthehelpshecouldgetwiththatjustnow.
ThegroundcarwhiskedhertotheEmbassythroughdesertedstreets.Thefewpeopleinevidence
hurriedalong,necksturningagainandagainastheypeeredfurtivelyupatthesky.Thecarssealedair
systemwascleanandfreshsmelling,butonceagainshecouldsmellpanic.
Sheunderstoodit,forLangtrysstaffhaddonebetterthanshedasked.Theydsentherthe
requestedbackgroundbriefanhouroutofGraysonorbit,anditsgrimcontenttoldherexactlywhat
Graysonfaced.Forsixcenturies,thesepeoplesmortalenemieshadpromisedtodestroythemnow
theyhadtheabilitytodoso,andGraysonsonlyhopewasasquadronofforeignwarshipswhich
mightstandbetweenitandMasada.Asquadroncommandedbyawoman.
Oh,yes.Sheunderstoodtheirfear,andunderstandingwokeasympathydeepwithinherdespite
thewaytheydtreatedher.
ThecararrivedattheEmbassy,andsheswallowedfreshanguishasshesawSirAnthonyLangtry
waitingalone.Thereshouldhavebeenanotherfigurebesidethetall,broadambassador.Asmall
figure,withPucksfaceandaspecialsmileforher.
SheclimbedthestepspasttheMarineguard,notinghisbodyarmorandloadedpulser,andthe
Ambassadorcamehalfwaydownthemtomeether.
SirAnthony.Sheshookhishand,lettingnosignofherpaincolorhervoiceorexpression.
Captain.ThankGodyourehere.LangtryhadbeenaMarinecolonel.Heunderstoodtheirgrim
position,andshethoughtshesawjustahintofaMarinestraditionaldeferencetothecaptainofa
QueensshipinhisdeepseteyesasheusheredherintotheEmbassysfilteredair.Hewasatallman,
butmuchofhisbulkwasinhistorso,andhehadtohalftrottomatchherlongleggedstrideasthey
moveddownthecentralhall.
HastheseniorGraysonofficerarrived?
Ah,no.No,hehasnt.Shelookedsharplyathim,andhestartedtosaysomethingelse,thenshut
hismouth,pressedanadmittancekey,andwavedherthroughtheopeningdoorintoaconference
room.Twootherpeoplewerewaitingforher.OnewasacommanderintheblueonblueofGraysons
Navy,theotherwastheHonorableReginaldHouseman.
CaptainHarrington,thisisCommanderBrentworth,Langtrysaidbywayofintroduction.Mr.
Housemanyouknow,ofcourse.
HonornoddedtoHousemanandextendedherhandtothecommander.Shemightaswelltesthis
reactionnow,shethought,andfeltaslightsurpriseashetookitwithouthesitation.Therewas
discomfortinhiseyes,butforachangeitdidntseemtobedirectedather.Ornotdirectlyather,
anyway.
CommanderBrentworthwillbeyourliaisontotheGraysonNavy,Langtrywenton,andthere
wasanoddnoteinhisvoice.
Welcomeaboard,Commander.Brentworthnodded,buthisdiscomfortseemedtosharpen.Id
hopedyourseniorofficerwouldalreadybehere,Honorwenton,sinceIdontbelievewecan
accomplishmuchuntilIvehadachancetospeakwithhimandcoordinateourplanning.
Brentworthstartedtospeak,butLangtrycuthimoffwithacuriouslycompassionategesture.
ImafraidAdmiralGarretisntcoming,Captain,theambassadoransweredforBrentworth,and
hisvoicewasflat.HefeelshistimeisbetterspentmonitoringthesituationfromCommandCentral.
HeschargedCommanderBrentworthwithyourinstructionsunderhiscurrentdeploymentplan.
Honorstaredathim,thenlookedatBrentworth.TheGraysonwasbeetred,andnowshe
recognizedthediscomfortinhiseyes.Itwasshame.
Imafraidthatsnotacceptable,SirAnthony.Shewassurprisedbythesteelinherownvoice.
AdmiralGarretmaybeafineofficer,buthecantpossiblyhaveafullunderstandingofmyships
capabilities.Assuch,hecantknowhowtowringthefullestadvantagefromthem.Shelookedat
Brentworth.Withallduerespect,Commander,myassessmentofthesituationisthatyournavy
simplydoesntbegintohavethecapacitytodefeatthisthreat.
Captain,IBrentworthbegan,thenstopped,hisfaceredderthanever,andHonortookpityon
him.
Iunderstandyourposition,CommanderBrentworth,shesaidmorequietly.Pleasedont
consideranythingIvejustsaidacriticismofyou.
TheGraysonofficershumiliationactuallygrewatherunderstandingtone,buttherewasgratitude
inhisexpression,aswell.
Verywell,SirAnthony.HonorreturnedherattentiontoLangtry.Werejustgoingtohaveto
changeAdmiralGarrettsmind.Imusthavefullaccessandcooperationtodefendthisplanet,and
Justamoment,Captain!Housemansinterruptingvoicewasstrained,almoststrident,unlikethe
polishedenunciationwhoseedgeofsmugsuperiorityHonorrememberedsowell,andheleaned
forwardovertheconferencetable.
Idontthinkyouunderstandthesituation,CaptainHarrington.Yourprimaryresponsibilityisto
theStarKingdomofManticore,notthisplanet,andasHerMajestysrepresentative,itsmydutyto
pointoutthattheprotectionofhersubjectsmusttakeprecedenceoveranyotherconsideration.
IfullyintendtoprotectHerMajestyssubjects,Mr.Houseman.Honorknewherpersonaldislike
wascoloringhervoice,butshecouldnthelpit.Thebestwaytodothat,however,istoprotectthe
entireplanet,notjustthepartofitManticoranshappentobestandingon!
Dontyoutakethattonewithme,Captain!WithAdmiralCourvosiersdeath,Iamthesenior
memberofthedelegationtoGrayson.Illthankyoutobearthatinmindandattendtomy
instructions!
Isee.Honorseyeswerehard.Andwhatmightthoseinstructionsbe,Mr.Houseman?
Why,toevacuate,ofcourse!Housemanlookedatherasifshewereoneofhisslowerstudents
atMannheimUniversity.Iwantyoutobeginimmediateplanningforanorderlyandexpeditious
evacuationofallManticoransubjectsaboardyourshipsandthefreightersstillinorbit.
AndtherestoftheGraysonpopulation,Mr.Houseman?Honoraskedsoftly.AmItoevacuate
allofthemaswell?
Ofcoursenot!Housemansjowlsreddened.AndIwontremindyouagainaboutyour
impertinence,CaptainHarrington!TheGraysonpopulationisntyourresponsibilityoursubjects
are!
Somyinstructionsaretoabandonthem.Honorsvoicewasflat,withoutanyinflectionatall.
Imverysorryforthesituationtheyface.Housemanseyesfellfromherhardgaze,buthe
plowedonstubbornly.Imverysorry,herepeated,butthissituationisnotofourmaking.Under
thecircumstances,ourfirstconcernmustbethesafetyandprotectionofourownpeople.
Includingyourself.
Housemansheadjerkedbackupatthebottomless,icycontemptinthatsoftsopranovoice.He
recoiledforjustasecond,thenslammedafistontheconferencetableandyankedhimselferect.
Ivewarnedyouforthelasttime,Captain!Youwatchyourtonguewhenyouspeaktome,orIll
haveyoubroken!MyconcernissolelyformyresponsibilitiesresponsibilitiesIrecognize,evenif
youdontascustodianofHerMajestysinterestsinYeltsin!
IwasundertheimpressionwehadanambassadortolookafterHerMajestysinterests,Honor
shotback,andLangtrysteppedclosertoher.
Sowedo,Captain.Hisvoicewascold,andhelookedmuchlesslikeanambassadorandmuch
morelikeacolonelasheglaredatHouseman.Mr.HousemanmayrepresentHerMajestys
GovernmentforpurposesofAdmiralCourvosiersmissionhere,butIrepresentHerMajestys
continuinginterests.
DoyoufeelIshouldusemysquadrontoevacuateManticoransubjectsfromthelineoffire,Sir?
Honorasked,nevertakinghereyesfromHousemans,andtheeconomistsfacecontortedwithrageas
Langtryanswered.
Idonot,Captain.Obviouslyitwouldbewisetoevacuateasmanydependentsand
noncombatantsaspossibleaboardthefreightersstillavailable,butinmyopinionyoursquadronwill
bebestemployedprotectingGrayson.Ifyouwish,Illputthatinwriting.
Damnyou!Housemanshouted.Dontyousplitlegalhairswithme,Langtry!IfIhaveto,Ill
haveyouremovedfromForeignOfficeserviceatthesametimeIhavehercourtmartialed!
Yourewelcometotry.Langtrysnortedcontemptuously.
Housemanswelledwithfury,andthecornerofHonorsmouthtwitchedasherownrageracedto
meethis.Afterallhisculturedcontemptforthemilitary,allhissmugassumptionofhisownsuperior
placeintheschemeofthings,allhecouldthinkofnowwastoorderthatsamedespisedmilitaryto
savehispreciousskin!Thepolished,sophisticatedsurfacehadcracked,andbehinditwasanugly,
personalcowardiceHonorwassupremelyillequippedtounderstand,muchlesssympathizewith.
 HegatheredhimselftolashbackatLangtry,andshefelttheGraysonofficerstandingmutelyto
oneside.Itshamedhertoknowwhathewasseeingandhearing,andunderallhershameandanger
wastheraw,bleedinglossoftheAdmiralsdeathandherownresponsibilityforit.Thismanthis
wormwasnotgoingtothrowawayeverythingtheAdmiralhadworkedand,yes,diedfor!
Sheleanedacrossthetabletowardshim,meetinghiseyesfromlessthanameteraway,andher
voicecutacrossthebeginningofhisnextoutburstlikeascalpel.
Shutyourcowardlymouth,Mr.Houseman.Thecoldwordswereprecisely,almostcalmly,
enunciated,andherecoiledfromthem.Hisfacewentscarlet,thenwhiteandcontortedwithoutrage,
butshecontinuedwiththatsame,icyprecisionthatmadeeachwordaflayingknife.Youdisgustme.
SirAnthonyisentirelycorrect,andyouknowityoujustwontadmititbecauseyoudonthavethe
gutstofaceit.
Illhaveyourcommission!Housemangobbled.Ihavefriendsinhighplaces,andIll
Honorslappedhim.
Sheshouldnthave.Sheknewevenassheswungthatshedsteppedbeyondtheline,butsheput
allthestrengthofherSphinxbredmusclesintothatbackhandblow,andNimitzssnarlwasdarkwith
sharedfury.Theexplosivecrack!waslikeabreakingtreelimb,andHousemancatapultedbackfrom
thetableasbloodburstfromhisnostrilsandpulpedlips.
AredhazecloudedHonorsvision,andsheheardLangtrysayingsomethingurgent,butshedidnt
care.Shegrabbedtheendoftheheavyconferencetableandhurleditoutofherwayassheadvanced
onHouseman,andthebloodymoutheddiplomatshandsscrabbledfranticallyatthefloorashe
propelledhimselfawayfromherontheseatofhistrousers.
Shedidntknowwhatshewouldhavedonenextifhedshownascrapofphysicalcourage.She
neverwouldknow,forassheloomedabovehimsheheardhimactuallysobbinginhisterror,andthe
soundstoppedherdead.
Herrawfuryslunkbackintothecavesofhermind,stillflexingitsclawsandsnarling,butno
longerincontrol,andhervoicewascoldanddistant...andcruel.
YourentirepurposeherewastoconcludeanalliancewithYeltsinsStar,sheheardherselfsay.
ToshowthesepeopleanalliancewithManticorecouldhelpthem.Thatwasacommitmentfromour
Kingdom,andAdmiralCourvosierunderstoodthat.HeknewtheQueenshonorisatstakehere,Mr.
Houseman.ThehonoroftheentireKingdomofManticore.Ifwecutandrun,ifweabandonGrayson
whenweknowHavenishelpingtheMasadansandthatitwasourquarrelwithHaventhatbroughtus
bothhere,itwillbeablotonHerMajestyshonornothingcanevererase.Ifyoucantseeitanyother
way,considertheimpactoneveryotherallianceweevertrytoconclude!Ifyouthinkyoucanget
yourfriendsinhighplacestocashiermefordoingmyduty,yougorightaheadandtry.Inthe
meantime,thoseofuswhoarentcowardswilljusthavetomuddlethroughasbestwecanwithout
you!
Shetrembled,butherragehadturnedcold.Shestareddownattheweepingdiplomat,andhe
shrankfromhereyes.Theywerehardwithpurpose,butallhesawwasthekillerbehindthem,and
terrorchokedhim.
Sheglaredathimamomentlonger,thenturnedtoLangtry.Theambassadorwasabitpale,but
therewasapprovalinhisexpressionandhisshouldersstraightened.
Now,then,SirAnthony,shesaidmorecalmly,CommanderTrumanisalreadyworkingon
planstoevacuateyourstaffsdependents.Inaddition,wellneedthenamesandlocationsofallother
ManticoransubjectsonGrayson.Ibelievewecanfiteveryoneintothefreighters,buttheywerenever
designedastransports.Facilitiesaregoingtobecrampedandprimitive,andCommanderTruman
needsthetotalnumberofevacueesassoonaspossible.
Mystaffalreadyhasthoselists,Captain,Langtrysaid,notevenglancingatthesobbingmanon
thefloorbehindher.IllgetthemtoCommanderTrumanassoonaswerefinishedhere.
Thankyou.HonordrewadeepbreathandturnedtoBrentworth.
Iapologizeforwhatjusthappenedhere,Commander,shesaidquietly.Pleasebelieve
AmbassadorLangtryrepresentsmyQueenstruepolicytowardsGrayson.
Ofcourse,Captain.Thecommanderseyesgleamedashelookedbackather,andsherealized
hewasnolongerseeingawoman.HewasseeingaQueensofficer,perhapsthefirstGraysoneverto
lookbeyondhersextotheuniformshewore.
Allright.Honorglancedattheupendedtableandshrugged,thenturnedoneofthechairstoface
thetwomen.Shesatandcrossedherlegs,feelingtheresidualtremorsofherangerinherlimbsand
thequiverofNimitzsbodyagainstherneck.
Inthatcase,Commander,Ithinkitstimeweturnedourmindstohowbesttosecurethe
cooperationweneedfromyourmilitary.
Yes,SirMaam.Brentworthcorrectedhimselfquickly,buttherewasnomorehesitationin
him.Heactuallygrinnedalittleathisslip.Butthenhisgrinfaded.Withallduerespect,Captain
Harrington,thatsnotgoingtobeeasy.AdmiralGarretis...well,hesextremelyconservative,andI
thinkHegatheredhimself.Ithinkthesituationissobadhesnotthinkingveryclearly,Captain.
Forgiveme,Commander,Langtrysaid,butwhatyoumeanisthatAdmiralGarretisanold
womanifyoullpardontheexpression,CaptainHarringtonwhoshoveringontheedgeofoutright
panic.
Brentworthflushed,buttheambassadorshookhishead.
Imsorryformybluntness,Commander,andImprobablydoingtheadmiralsomethingofa
disservice,butweneedbrutalcandornow,withnomisunderstandings.Imperfectlywellawarethat
noonecouldfillHighAdmiralYanakovsshoes,andGodknowsGarrethaseveryreasontobescared
todeath.Idontmeantoimplythatitsforhisownsafety,either.Heneverexpectedtohavethisjob
dumpedonhim,andheknowsthisisathreathecantdefeat.Thatsenoughtokeepanyonefrom
thinkingveryclearly.Butthefactremainsthatheisntgoingtovoluntarilyrelinquishhiscommand
toaforeignofficerwhosnotonlyamerecaptainbutalsohappenstobeawoman,doesntit?
Ididntsayanythingaboutassumingcommand!Honorprotested.
Thenyourebeingnaive,Captain,Langtrysaid.Ifthisplanetisgoingtobedefended,your
peoplearegoingtodothelionsshareofthefightinggiveGarretcreditforunderstandingthatmuch.
Andasyouyourselfsaid,noGraysonofficerknowshowtouseyourcapabilitiestofullestadvantage.
Theirplansaregoingtohavetoconformtoyours,nottheotherwayaround,andthatmakesyouthe
defactoSO.Garretknowsthat,buthecantadmitit.Notonlywoulditbeanabandonmentofhisown
responsibilitiesinhiseyes,butyoureawoman.TheambassadorglancedatCommanderBrentworth
butcontinuedwithoutflinching.ToAdmiralGarretthatmeans,automatically,thatyoureunfitfor
command.Hecantentrustthedefenseofhishomeworldtosomeoneheknowscanthandlethejob.
Honorbitherlip,butshecouldntrefuteLangtrysassessment.Theoldwarhorsebehindthe
ambassadorialfacadeknewtoowellhowfearcouldshapehumanreactions,andfewphysicalfearscut
asdeeporkilledasmanypeopleasthemoralfearoffailing.Ofadmittingfailure.Thatwasthefear
whichmadeacommanderoutofherdepthclingtoherauthority,unabletosurrenderitevenwhenshe
knewshecouldntdischargeit,andLangtrywasalsorightaboutthewayGarretsprejudiceswould
dovetailwithhisfear.
CommanderBrentworth.Hervoicewassoft,andtheGraysonofficerseyesdartedtoherface.
Irealizewereputtingyouinaninvidiousposition,shewentonquietly,butIhavetoask
youandIneedthemosthonestansweryoucangivemeifAmbassadorLangtrysassessmentof
AdmiralGarretiscorrect.
Yes,Maam,Brentworthsaidpromptly,thoughmanifestlyagainsthiswill.Hepausedand
clearedhisthroat.CaptainHarrington,thereisntamaninGraysonuniformwhosmoredevotedto
thesafetyofthisplanet,but...butheisntthemanforthisjob.
Unfortunately,hesthemanwhosgotit,Langtrysaid,andheisntgoingtocooperatewith
you,Captain.
ThenImafraidwehavenochoicebuttogooverhishead.Honorsquaredhershoulders.Who
dowetalkto,SirAnthony?
Well....Langtryrubbedhislip.TheresCouncilmanLong,theNavyMinister,buthedoesnt
haveanymilitaryservicebackgroundofhisown.Idoubthedoverruleanexperiencedflagofficeron
somethingthiscritical.
Imalmostcertainhewouldnt,SirAnthony,Brentworthputin.TheGraysonofficertooka
chairofhisownwithanapologeticlittlesmile,butthegesturewasastatement,ranginghimfirmlyon
theforeignerssideagainsthisownmilitarycommanderinchief.Asyousay,hedoesnthaveany
Fleetbackground.Exceptinadministrativematters,healwaysdeferredtoAdmiralYanakovs
judgment.Idontseehimchangingthatpolicynow,andifyoullforgiveme,Captain,hesabiton
theconservativeside,too.
Commander,Honorsurprisedherselfwithagenuinelaugh,Ivegotanotionwerenevergoing
togetanythingdoneifyoukeepapologizingforeveryonewhosgoingtohavetroublewiththefact
thatImawoman.Shewavedahandashestartedtospeak.Itsnotyourfault,anditsnotreally
theirs,eitherandevenifitwere,assigningfaultisonethingwedefinitelydonthavetimefor.But
myskinsthickenoughtotakewhatithasto,sojustplowrightaheadandletthechipsfallwherethey
may.
Yes,Maam.Brentworthsmiledather,relaxingevenfurther,thenfurrowedhisbrowinthought.
WhataboutAdmiralStephens,SirAnthony?HeglancedatHonor.Hesor,rather,hewas
untillastyearChiefoftheNavalStaff.
Nogood,Langtrydecided.Asyousay,hesretired.Evenifhewerent,heandLonghateeach
othersguts.Apersonalthing.Hemadeashooinggesturewithonehand.Doesnthaveanythingto
dowithnavalpolicy,butitdgetintheway,andwedonthavetimeforthat.
ThenIdontknowwhosleft.Brentworthsighed.NotshortoftheProtector,anyway.
TheProtector?HonorcockedaneyebrowatLangtry.Thatsathought.Whydontweask
ProtectorBenjamintointervene?
Thatwouldbecompletelywithoutprecedent.Langtryshookhishead.TheProtectornever
intervenesbetweenministersandtheirsubordinates.
 Doesnthehavetheauthorityto?Honoraskedinsurprise.
Well,yes,technically,underthewrittenconstitution.Buttheunwrittenconstitutionsays
otherwise.TheProtectorsCouncilhastherighttoadviseandconsentonministerialappointments.
Overthelastcenturyorso,thatsturnedintodefactocontroloftheministries.Infact,theChancellor,
asFirstCouncilman,reallyrunsthegovernmentthesedays.
Waitaminute,SirAnthony,Brentworthsaid.Iagreewithwhatyoujustsaid,butthe
Constitutiondoesntexactlycoverthissituation,either,andtheNavysmoretraditionalhesmiledat
Honorthanthecivilians.Remember,ouroathsaresworntotheProtector,nottheCouncilor
Chamber.Ithinkifheassertedhiswrittenpowers,theFleetwouldlisten.
Evenifitstoputawomanincommandofit?Langtryaskedskeptically.
Well....ItwasBrentworthsturntohesitate,butHonorsatupcrisplyandputbothfeetonthe
floor.
Allright,gentlemen,werenotgoingtogetthisshipoffthefieldifwedontdecidewhototalk
to,andIdontthinkwehavemuchoption.Fromwhatyourebothsaying,ithastobetheProtectorif
weregoingtocutthroughallthelayersofinsulation.
Icouldputittohim,Langtrymusedaloud,butfirstIllhavetogetChancellorPrestwicks
okay.ThatllmeangoingthroughtheCouncil,andIknowsomeofthemwillstonewall,despitethe
situation.Itsgoingtotaketime,Captain.Adayortwo,atleast.
Wedonthaveadayortwo.
ButLangtrybegan,andHonorshookherhead.
No,SirAnthony,Imsorry,butifwegothatroute,Illendupdefendingthisplanetallby
myself.AssumingtheMasadansintendtocontinueoperationsnowthatmysquadronsreturned,I
cantbelievetheylldelaythatlong.And,frankly,iftheyvemovedalltheirLACstothissystemto
supporttheirremaininghypercapableunitsandtwoPeepcruisers,IllneedallthehelpIcangetto
keepthemoffmybackwhileIdealwiththebigones.
Butwhatelsecanwedo?
WecantakeadvantageofthefactthatImabluff,plainspokenspacedogwithouttheleastnotion
ofdiplomaticniceties.Insteadofputtingawrittenproposalordiplomaticnotethroughchannels,
requestadirectmeetingbetweenProtectorBenjaminandmyself.
MyGod,theydneverdoit!Langtrygasped.ApersonalmeetingbetweentheProtectoranda
woman?Aforeignnavalofficerwhosawoman?!No,thatsoutofthequestion!
Thenmakeitpartofthequestion,SirAnthony,Honorsaidgrimly,andshewasnolonger
seekinghisguidance.Shewasgivinganorder,andheknewit.Hestaredather,mindworkinginan
efforttofindawaytoobeyher,andshesuddenlysmiled.
CommanderBrentworth,youreabouttonothearsomething.Canyoudothat?OrshouldIask
youtoleavetheroomforreal?
Myhearingisprettyerratic,Maam,Brentworthsaid,andhisgrinwasalmostconspiratorial.
Clearlynothingshortofforcecouldhavegottenhimoutofthatconferenceroom.
Allrightthen.Ambassador,youregoingtotelltheGraysongovernmentthatunlessImallowed
adirect,personalmeetingwithProtectorBenjamin,Iwillhavenoalternativebuttoassumethat
Graysondoesntfeelitrequiresmyservices,inwhichcaseIwillhavenooptionbuttoevacuateall
ManticoransubjectsandwithdrawfromYeltsinwithinthenexttwelvehours.
Brentworthgawkedather,hisenjoymentofamomentbeforeturnedsuddenlytohorror,andshe
winkedathim.
Dontpanic,Commander.Iwontreallypullout.Butifweputittotheminthoseterms,they
wonthaveanychoicebuttoatleastlisten,nowwillthey?
Uh,no,Maam,Idontguesstheywill,Brentworthsaidshakenly,andLangtrynoddedin
reluctantapproval.
Theyvealreadygotamilitarycrisis.Isupposewemightaswellgivethemaconstitutionaloneto
gowithit.TheForeignMinisterwillbehorrifiedwhenhehearswevebeenissuingultimatato
friendlyheadsofstate,butIthinkHerMajestywillforgiveus.
Howsooncanyoudeliverthemessage?
AssoonasIgettomyofficecomterminal,butifyoudontmind,Idliketospendatleastafew
minutesworkingonaproperlygrimdelivery.Somethingformalandstiffwiththeproperovertonesof
laboringunderthedemandsofamilitaryhardcasewhodoesntunderstandshesviolatingevery
diplomaticprecedent.Despitethetension,Langtrychuckled.IfIhandlethisright,Imayevenget
awaywithholdingaguntoafriendlygovernmentsheadwithoutchuckingmycareerouttheairlock!
Youcanmakemeasbiganogreasyoulikeaslongassavingyourcareerdoesntslowusdown
toomuch,Honorsaidwithanothersmile.Shestood.Asamatteroffact,whydontyouworkon
yourdeliverywhilewewalktoyouroffice?
Langtrynoddedagain,grinningeventhoughhiseyeswerejustabitdazedfromherruthless
dispatch.HewalkedoutoftheconferenceroomwithHonoronhisheels,andanevenmoredazed
lookingCommanderBrentworthtrailedintheirwake.
Noneofthemevenlookedbackatthediplomatstillsobbingquietlyintheshadowofthe
overturnedtable.

 CHAPTERNINETEEN
Howdarethey?!JaredMayhewglaredaroundthecouncilroomasifhuntingaManticoranto
attackwithhisbarehands.Whodotheythinktheyare?!
Withallduerespect,CouncilmanMayhew,theythinktheyretheonlypeoplewhocankeep
thosefanaticsonMasadafromconqueringthisstarsystem,ChancellorPrestwickrepliedfarmore
calmly.
Godwouldntwantustosaveourselvesatthecostofsuch...suchsacrilege!
Calmly,Jared.Calmly.ProtectorBenjamintouchedhiscousinsshoulder.Rememberthatthey
dontseethisasasacrilegiousdemand.
Perhapsnot,buttheyhavetoknowitsinsulting,degrading,andarrogant,HowardClinkscales,
GraysonsMinisterofSecuritygrowled.HeandJaredMayhewwerethemostconservativeCouncil
members,andhismouthworkedbitterly.Itspitsonallourinstitutionsandbeliefs,Benjamin!
Hear,hear!CouncilmanPhillipsmurmured,andCouncilmanAdams,theMinisterof
Agriculture,lookedlikehewantedtosaysomethingevenstronger.Barelyathirdofthefacespresent
showeddisagreement,andPrestwicklookedaroundthelongtabledespairingly.
HeandMayhewhadbeengenialopponentsforthefiveyearssinceBenjaminhadbecome
Protector,sparringwithelegantgoodmannersovertheauthoritythelastsixprotectorshadlostto
Prestwickspredecessors.YetPrestwickremaineddeeplyandpersonallycommittedtotheMayhew
dynasty,andtheydworkedcloselytosecuretheManticoranalliance.Nowitwascrashingdownin
ruins,andtherewasanguishinhiseyesasheclearedhisthroat.
Atthemoment,ourconcernshebegan,buttheProtectorsraisedfingerstoppedhim.
Iknowitlooksthatwaytoyou,Howard,ProtectorBenjaminsaid,focusingonClinkscalesface
asiftoexcludeeveryoneelse,butwehavetoconsiderthreequestions.Dotheytrulyrealizehow
insultingthisdemandis?Willtheyreallypulltheirwarshipsoutofthissystemifwerejectit?Andcan
weholdGraysonandpreservethoseinstitutionsandbeliefsiftheydo?
Ofcoursetheyrealizehowinsultingitis!JaredMayhewsnapped.Noonecouldhaveputso
manyinsultsintoonepackagebyaccident!
TheProtectorleanedbackinhischairandregardedhiscousinwithamixofweariness,patience,
disagreement,andexasperatedaffection.Unlikehisownfather,hisUncleOliverhadsteadfastly
refusedtohaveanyofhissonscontaminatedbyoffworldeducation,andJaredMayhewwasbright,
talented,andthequintessentialproductofaconservativeGraysonupbringing.Hewasalsonextinline
fortheProtectorshipafterBenjaminsbrotherandtenyearsolderthanBenjaminhimself.
Imnotatallsureinsultistheproperword,Jared.Andevenifitwere,surelywevegiventhem
justasmanyinsultsastheyvegivenus.
Jaredstaredathiminastonishment,andBenjaminsighedmentally.Hiscousinwasagifted
industrialmanager,buthewassoconfidentoftherectitudeofhisownbeliefsthatthenotionanyone
elsemightfindhisattitudesorbehaviorinsultingwasirrelevant.Iftheydidntlikethewayhetreated
them,thentheyshouldstayawayfromhisplanet.Iftheyinsistedoncontaminatinghisworldbytheir
presence,hewouldtreatthempreciselyasGodwantedhimto,andiftheyfeltinsulted,thatwastheir
problem.
Ifyoullforgiveme,Protector,aresonantvoicesaid,Iratherthinkthatwhethertheyrealize
theyreinsultingusornotissomewhatlessimportantthanthelasttwoquestionsyouraised.The
ReverendJuliusHanks,spiritualheadoftheChurchofHumanityUnchained,seldomspokeupin
Councilmeetings,butnowhegavePrestwickaveryhardlookindeed.Doyouthinktheytrulywould
withdrawandleaveustoMasadasmercy,Chancellor?
Idontknow,Reverend,Prestwicksaidfrankly.WereAdmiralCourvosierstillalive,Idsay
no.Asitis...Heshrugged.ThisHarringtonwomanisnowincompletecontroloftheirmilitary
presence,andthatmeansherpoliciesaredrivingtheirdiplomaticposition.IdoubtAmbassador
Langtrywouldsupportanydecisiontowithdraw,butIdontknowifhecouldstopherfromdoingit.
Andhehesitatedamoment,glancingatClinkscalesandJaredMayhewIhavetosaythe
experiencesonGraysonofCaptainHarringtonandtheotherwomeninhercrewsmaywellinclineher
todoexactlythat.
Ofcourseshefeelsinclinedto!Clinkscalessnorted.Whatdyouexpectwhenyouputwomen
inuniform?Damnit,theydonthavetheselfcontrolandstabilityforit!Shegotherfeelingshurt
whenshewasherebefore,didshe?Well,atleastthatexplainswhyshescrackingthewhipoverus
thiswaynow!Itsforrevenge,damnit!
Prestwickclampedhislipsonahastyretort,andtheProtectorhidanothersigh.Actually,thisone
wasmoreofagroan.HiswasthethirdMayhewgenerationClinkscaleshadserved,andnotjustas
MinisterofSecurity.HewasthepersonalcommanderoftheProtectorateSecurityDetachment,the
bodyguardswhoprotectedBenjaminandhisentirefamilyeveryhouroftheirlives.
Hewasalsoalivingfossil.Theoldmanwasanunofficialuncleacurmudgeonly,irascible,often
exasperatinguncle,butanuncleandBenjaminknewhetreatedhisownwiveswithgreattenderness.
YetfondasBenjaminwasoftheoldman,healsoknewClinkscalestreatedthemsobecausetheywere
hiswives.Heknewthemaspeople,separatedfromthegeneralconceptwifeorwoman,buthe
wouldneverdreamoftreatingthemasequals.Thenotionofawomananywomanassertingequality
withamananymanwasmorethanmerelyforeigntohim.Itwastotallyincomprehensible,andas
thepersonificationofthatnotion,CaptainHonorHarringtonwasafundamentalthreattohisentire
wayoflife.
Allright,Howard,Benjaminsaidafteramoment,assumeyourerightthatshesjustlikelyto
pullhershipsoutofhereforrevengebecauseshesawoman.Distastefulasallofusmayfindthe
notionofsubmittingtoherultimatum,doesntherveryinstabilitymakeitevenmoreimperativeforus
tomaintainanopenmindasweconsiderit?
Clinkscalesglaredathim.Forallhisconservatism,theoldmanwasnofool,andhisProtectors
attempttoturnhisownargumentagainsthimwasthesortofthingtheoverlycleveryoungsprouthad
beendoingforyears,eversincehisreturnfromthatfancyuniversity.Hisfacereddened,buthe
clampedhisjawsandrefusedtobedrawntotheobviousconclusion.
Allright,then,CouncilmanTompkinssaid.Iftheresarealpossibilitythiswomanwill
abandonus,dowestandanychanceatallofholdingofftheFaithfulwithouther?
Ofcoursewedo!JaredMayhewsnapped.Myworkersaredrawingweapons,andmyshipyards
areconvertingeveryfreighterwehaveintomissilecarriers!Wedontneedforeignerstodefend
ourselvesagainstscumlikeMasadansjustGodandourselves!
Nooneelsesaidaword,andevenClinkscaleslookedawayindiscomfort.Jaredsfieryhatred
ofandcontemptforMasadahadalwaysbeenverypublic,butnoamountofrhetoriccouldhide
Graysonsnakedness.YeteventhoughtheyallknewJaredsstridentassertionswerenonsense,noone
hadthewillorthecouragetosayso,andBenjaminMayhewsurveyedthecouncilroomwitha
senseofdespair.
PhillipsandAdamshadopposedtheManticoretreatyfromtheoutset,ashadJaredand
Clinkscales,thoughPhillipshadseemedtobecomingaroundunderCourvosiersinfluenceonce
Harringtondisappearedfromtheequation.MostoftherestoftheCouncilhadbeenincautious
agreementwithPrestwick,Tompkins,andtheotherswhobelievedthealliancewascriticalto
Graysonssurvival.ButthathadbeenwhenanattackbyMasadahadmerelyseemedlikely.Nowit
hadbecomeafact,andthedestructionoftheirownnavyhadfilledtoomanycouncilmenwithterror.
Knowingthedespised,backwardMasadanshadsomehowacquiredstateoftheartmilitary
technologyonlymadetheirpaniccomplete,andpanickedmenthoughtwiththeiremotions,nottheir
intellects.
Despitethedesperationoftheirsituation,ifPrestwickpolledtheCouncilatthismoment,a
majoritywouldundoubtedlyvotetorejectCaptainHarringtonsdemand.TheProtectorfelthisheart
sinkasthatcertaintyfilledhim,butthenanunexpectedvoicespokeupinsupportofsanity.
Forgiveme,BrotherJared,ReverendHankssaidgently.Youknowmyownviewofthe
proposedalliance.FatherChurchhaslearnedfromMasadasexamplenottomeddlewillfullyin
politicaldecisions,yetI,asmanyintheFaith,haveentertainedseriousdoubtsofthewisdomofsucha
closerelationshipwithapowerwhosefundamentalvaluesdiffersoradicallyfromourown.Butthat
waswhenwehadnearparitywithMasadasmilitary.
JaredmettheReverendseyeswithanexpressionofbetrayal,butHankscontinuedquietly.
Ihavenodoubtyouandyourworkmenwouldfightvaliantly,thatallofyouwouldwillinglydie
foryourpeopleandyourFaith,butyouwoulddie.Andsowouldourwivesandchildren.Masadahas
alwaysproclaimeditswillingnesstodestroyalllifeonGraysonifthatshouldprovetheonlywayto
cleansethisplanetofourapostasy.Ifearwehavenochoicebuttoassumetheymeanwhattheysay,
andifthatbetrue,BrotherJared,itleavesusonlythreeoptions:securethesupportofthisforeign
womansshipsinanywaywemust,surrenderallweloveandholddeartoMasada,ordie.
SilencetrembledinthecouncilroomasGraysonsspiritualleaderputthedecisionintostarkrelief.
ManyofthecouncilmenseemedmoreshockedbyHanksstatementthantheydlookedwhenthey
learnedoftheFleetsdestruction,andBenjaminMayhewspulsethrobbedashefeltamomentof
balanceshiveringabouthim.
TheCouncilhadchippedawayattheprotectorshipsauthorityforacentury,hemmingsuccessive
protectorsaboutwithmoreandmorerestrictions.Benjaminhimselfwaslittlemorethanafigurehead,
butafigureheadwhodalwaysknowntheProtectorretainedfarmoreauthorityintheeyesof
GraysonscitizensthantheCouncilknew,andnowthemeninthisroomfacedadecisiontheywanted
desperatelytoavoid.Theywerefrozen,theirsupremacyovertheprotectorshipsingingwiththe
crystallinebrittlenessofice,andhesuddenlyrealizedhistoryandCaptainHonorHarringtonhadgiven
himahammer.
Hedrewadeepbreathandbroughtthathammerdown.
Gentlemen.Hestood,assumingadominantstancenoneofthemhadeverseenbefore.This
decisionistoograve,andtimeistooshort,forustodebateitendlessly.IwillmeetwithCaptain
Harrington.
 Breathshissedallaroundthetable,buthecontinuedinthatsame,firmvoice.
Underthecircumstances,IwouldbecriminallyremissasProtectorofGraysonnottoact.Iwill
meetCaptainHarringtonand,unlessherdemandsaretotallyunreasonable,Iwillacceptthemin
Graysonsname.
HowardClinkscalesandhiscousinstaredathiminhorror,andheturnedhisheadtomeetJareds
eyes.
Irealizemanyofyouwilldisagreewithmydecision,anditwasntaneasyonetomake.Bowing
toultimatumsneveriseasy.Nonetheless,mydecisionisfinal.Ibelieve,however,thatwecanarrange
tohavedifferingviewpointsrepresentedbyplacingthismeetinginafamilialsetting.Iwillinvite
CaptainHarringtontojoinmyselfandmyfamilyforsupper,andIwillextendthatsameinvitationto
you,Jared.
No!JaredMayhewsurgedtohisfeet,glaringathiscousin.Iwillneverbreakbreadwitha
womanwhospitsoneverythingIbelieve!
Benjaminlookedathiscousinandhopedhispaindidntshow.Theydalwaysbeenclose,despite
theirphilosophicaldifferences.Thethoughtthatthosedifferencesmightforceabreachbetweenthem
atlasttwistedhisheart,buthehadtomeetwiththeManticorancaptain.Thesurvivalofhisplanet
requiredit,andhecouldfeelthepoliticalstructureofGraysonrealigningitselfabouthim.Ifhe
hesitated,neitherhishomeworldnorhischancetoforgeanew,progressivepowerbasewould
survive.
Imsorryyoufeelthatway,Jared,hesaidquietly.Wellmissyou.
Jaredstaredathim,hisfacetwisted,thenwheeledandstormedoutoftheCouncilRoom.Aripple
ofagitationwashedoverthecouncilmenathisflagrantbreachofprotocol,butBenjaminmadehimself
ignoreit.
Verywell,gentlemen.Ibelievethatconcludesourdebate.
Heturnedonhisheelandwalkedthroughthedoortotheprivatequartersofthepalace.Thefrozen
Councilwatchedhimgo,andasthedoorclosedbehindhim,theyknewithadclosedontheirown
controlofthegovernment,aswell.
***
Therewasnoimageonthecominthesmallshopsbackroom.Thatwasasecuritymeasure,yetit
alsomeantthemanwhodanswereditcouldneverbecertaintheblankscreenwasntatrap,andhe
drewadeepbreath.
Hello?
TheAbominationoftheDesolationwillnotbesufferedtwice,afamiliarvoicesaid.
Norshallwefeardefeat,forthisworldisGods,themanreplied,andhisshouldersrelaxed.
HowmayIserve,Maccabeus?
ThetimehascometoreclaimtheTemple,Brother.TheProtectorwillmeetprivatelywiththe
blasphemerwhocommandstheManticoransquadron.
Withawoman?!theshopkeepergasped.
Indeed.ButthistimesacrilegewillserveGodsWork.Wordofhisdecisionwillbeannounced
withinthehour.Beforethathappens,youmustmobilizeyourteam.Isallinreadiness?
Yes,Maccabeus!Theshopkeepershorrorhadturnedintosomethingelse,andhiseyesgleamed.
 Verywell.Illcombackwithinfortyfiveminuteswithfinalinstructionsandthechallengesand
countersignsyoullneed.Afterthat,GodsWorkwillbeinyourhands,Brother.
Iunderstand,theshopkeeperwhispered.MyteamandIwontfailyou,Maccabeus.Thisworld
isGods.
ThisworldisGods,thefacelessvoiceresponded.Thentherewasaclick,andonlythehumof
thecarrier.


 CHAPTERTWENTY
Shewascertainlyabigwoman.
ThatwasBenjaminMayhewsfirstthoughtasCaptainHarringtonwasusheredintothesitting
room,buthechangeditalmostinstantly.Shewasntsomuchbigastall.Shetoweredoverher
Securityescort,butthoughshewasbroadshoulderedforawoman,withthesolid,wellmuscledlook
ofaheavyworlder,shemovedlikeadancer,andtherewasntagramofexcessweightonher.
HewatchedCaptainFox,theheadofhispersonalSecuritydetachment,bristlelikeaterrier
confrontedbythetalleleganceofaborzoiandfeltanalmostuncontrollabledesiretolaugh.Foxhad
beenMayhewspersonalguardsmansinceboyhood,andlaughingwouldhavebeenanunforgivable
insulttohisutterlyloyalhenchman,butHarringtonwastwentycentimeterstallerthanhe,andFox
wasonlytooobviouslyirkedbythat.
Hewasalsoirkedbythesixlegged,creamandgraycreatureridinghershoulder.Onedidnt
normallybringpetstoformalstateoccasions,butthen,theProtectorhaddecreedthatthiswasnta
stateoccasion.Officially,itwassimplyadinnerinvitationtoaforeignofficer.Thefactthatthis
horriblewomanhadissuedanultimatumtotheentireplanettoextortthatinvitationwasbesidethe
pointofficiallybutitcertainlydidntgiveherarighttobringherhorridaliencreatureandGod
aloneknewwhatoffworldparasitesordiseasesintotheProtectorspresence!
UnfortunatelyforFox,CaptainHarringtonwasalldonedeferringtoGraysonstendersensibilities.
Shehadntevendiscussedbringingthebeastalongshedsimplyappearedwithitonhershoulder.
Mayhewhadusedthepalacesurveillancesystemtoobserveherarrival,andhehadntquitebeenable
tosuppressagrinassheignoredFoxspointedhintsthatitspresencemightbeunwelcome.When
hedtriedtopersist,shedgivenhimthesortoflooknanniesreservedforrambunctiousboychildren
notyetoutofthenursery.
Foxhadsurrendered,butthechemistrybetweenhimandHarringtonshouldaddacertain
somethingtotheeveningsatmosphere.
MayhewrosefromhisarmchairasFoxescortedheracrosstheroomtohim.UnlikehisSecurity
teamscommander,hedspentsixyearsatHarvardUniversitysBogotacampusonOldEarth.That
gavehimadegreeofexperiencewithoffworldwomenvirtuallynootherGraysoncouldmatch,yet
evenhewasstruckbyCaptainHarringtonsassurance.Herheightdidnthurtany,butneitherthat,nor
herstartling,unconventionalattractiveness,noreventheglidinggracewithwhichshemoved,
explainedit.
Shepaused,tallanderectinherblackandgolduniformwiththesnarling,scarletandgold
Manticoreshoulderpatch,andremovedherwhiteberet.Mayhewrecognizedthegestureofrespect,
buthisSecuritymenexchangedgrimacesbehindherasshebaredhershort,curlymopofclose
croppedhair.GraysonwomenweresparedtheveilsoftheirMasadansisters,butnoneofthemwould
havedaredweartrousersinpublic,andtraditionstillforbadeuncoveredfemaleheadsinthepresence
ofmen.Besides,noGraysonwomanwouldevercutherhairsoshort.
ButCaptainHarringtonwasntaGraysonwoman.Onelookintothosedark,coolalmondeyes
madethatperfectlyclear,andMayhewextendedhishandashewouldhaveextendedittoaman.
Goodevening,CaptainHarrington.Heallowedhimselfanironicsmile.Itwassokindofyouto
come.
Thankyou,ProtectorMayhew.Hergripwasfirm,thoughhehadtheimpressionitsstrengthwas
carefullyrestrained,andhersopranovoicewassurprisinglysoftandsweet.Itwasalsoadmirably
grave,buthethoughthesawahintofatwinkleinherdarkeyes.Itwasverygenerousofyouto
inviteme,sheadded,andhefelthislipstwitch.
Yes.Well,itseemedappropriate,underthecircumstances.
Herinclinedheadconcededhimthematch,andhegesturedgraciouslyforhertoaccompanyhim.
Shefellinathisside,herstrideslowandunhurriedtomatchhisshorterlegs,andhelookedupather.
IthoughtIdintroduceyoutomyfamilybeforewedine,Captain,hewenton.Myyounger
brotherMichaelisparticularlyinterestedinmeetingyou.Heholdsabachelorsdegreefrom
AndermanUniversityonNewBerlin,buthehopestopursuegraduateworkonManticoreifour
negotiationsprosper.
Icertainlyhopehellbeableto,Protector.Harringtonstoneacknowledgedtheimplicationthat
Michael,likeMayhewhimself,hadbeenexposedtoindependentmindedwomen.Ofcourse,the
Protectorthoughtwithaninnersmile,thatwasnttheonlyreasonMichaelwantedtomeether.
Theypasseddownthehalltothediningroom,andtwoofFoxsmenpeeledofftostation
themselvesoneithersideofitsdoor.TheotherfouraccompaniedtheircaptainandtheProtector
throughitandmovedtothecornersofthelargeroom.Theywereusedtolookingunobtrusive,and
Harringtonshowednoparticularawarenessoftheirwatchfulpresence.Foxgaveheronelastbaleful
look,thenassumedhisownpositionbesidetheProtectorschairasMayhewsfamilyjoinedhim.
Allowmetopresentmywives,CaptainHarrington,hesaid.Thisismyfirstwife,Katherine.
KatherineMayhewwasasmallwoman,evenbyGraysonstandardsnexttoHarringtonshewas
tiny.ButshecombinedthegraciousnessofatraditionalGraysonwifewithafirstclassmind,andher
deplorablynontraditionalhusbandhadactivelyabettedhervoraciouspursuitofacourseofprivate
studywhichwouldhavequalifiedherforhalfadozendegreesatanyoffworlduniversity.Nowshe
lookedupattheirvisitorandofferedherhandwithouthesitation.
MadamMayhew,Harringtonresponded,shakingitgravely.
AndthisisElaine,Mayhewwenton,presentinghissecondwife.
ElaineMayhewwasobviouslypregnant,andsheshookthecaptainshandmorewarilythan
Katherine,butsherelaxedasHarringtonsmiledather.
MadamMayhew,sherepeated.
Ourdaughtersarealreadyinbed,Imafraid,Mayhewwenton,butpermitmetointroducemy
brotherandheir,Michael,SteadholderMayhew.
CaptainHarrington.MichaelMayhewwastallerthanhisbrother,thoughstillconsiderably
shorterthantheirguest.HewasalsotwelveyearsyoungerandNavymad,andhegrinnedboyishly.I
certainlyhopeyoullbekindenoughtoletmetouryourshipbeforeyoureturntoManticore,
Captain.
Imsuresomethingcanbearranged,LordMayhew,sheresponded,withonlythefaintesthintof
asmile,andMayhewshookhisheadasservantsbegantomaterializeoutofthewoodwork.
Iseeyouvealreadymadeatleastoneconvert,Captain,hesaidlightly,smilingathisbrother,
andMichaelblushed.
 ImsorryifIsoundedpushy,Captain,hebegan,but
Dontapologize,LordMayhew,Harringtonsaidasshetookherseat.Aservantplacedatall,
backlessstoolbesideheratagesturefromtheProtector,thenretreatedwithmorehastethandignityas
shecoaxedhertreecatdownontoit.Idbehonoredtoshowyouaroundherpersonally,if
circumstancespermit.Imquiteproudofher.
Illbetyouare!Michaelsaidenviously.IvereadeverythingIcouldgetmyhandsonabouther
class,butCousinBerniesays
Hebrokeoff,happinesssuddenlyquenched,andHarringtonsmiledsadlyathim.
IregretthatInevergottoknowHighAdmiralYanakovverywell,LordMayhew,but
AmbassadorLangtrytellsmeheandAdmiralCourvosierhadbecomeveryclose.IbelieveAdmiral
Courvosierhadthegreatestrespectforhim,andIhopewellhavethechancetowelcomeyouon
boardsoyoucanjudgeFearlessscapabilitiesforyourself.
TheProtectorsatbacktolettheservantspourwineandnoddedtohimself.Harringtonsvoiceheld
noneofthestridencyorchallengehedbeenhalfafraidofwhenhefirstlearnedofherultimatum.
Hedsuspectedorhoped,perhapsthattheCouncilsfearshemighttrulyabandonthemhadbeen
exaggeratednowhewascertainofit.
Theservantsfinishedplacingtheappetizersbeforeeachdiner,andMayhewbenthisheadtooffer
thanks...andnotforthemeal,alone.
***
ThelastofHonorsinnertensionfadedasthesupperprogressed.Herhostsfamilyappeared
completelyrelaxed,despitetheguardsinthecornersandthesourfacedSecuritycaptainhoveringat
theProtectorsshoulder.SheknewQueenElizabethwasguardedwithequalattentiveness,though
Manticorestechbasemadeitpossibleforherprotectorstobemuchlessevident.Itwasntawayof
lifeHonorwouldhavecaredfor,butshesupposeditwasthesortofthinganyrulerhadtogrowused
to,howeverbelovedsheorhewas.
Yetasidefromtheguards,thesepeopleseemedamazinglyunthreatenedbyherpresence.The
Protectorwasyoungerthanshedexpectedatleasttenyearsyoungerthanshe,shesuspected,
allowingfortheabsenceofprolongonGraysonbuthisdisarmingconversationhidneitherhisself
assurancenorhisauthority.Hisbrother,ontheotherhand,wassomethingHonorunderstood
perfectly.ShedmetscoresofyoungsterslikehimatSaganamiIsland.
ButitwastheProtectorswiveswhotrulysurprisedher.ShedknownBenjaminandMichael
Mayhewhadattendedoffworldschools,butitdidnttakeherlongtorealizeKatherineMayhewwas
farbettereducatedthansheherself,innontechnicalfields,atanyrate.Elainewasyoungerandtended
todefertohertinyfellowwifeshewasclearlythemoretraditionalofthetwoyetshewasjustas
articulate.ThatwashearteningafterHonorsownexperiences,andthoughshehadnoideahow
typicaltheProtectorshouseholdmightbe,shebegantosuspecthowAdmiralCourvosierhadbecome
soclosetoAdmiralYanakovdespitethehighadmiralsstiffnesswithher.
Clearlyherhosthaddecidedbusiness,andanypotentialunpleasantness,couldwaituntilafter
supper.Conversationflowedamiablyastheyworkedtheirwaythroughthesumptuousmeal,butit
wasrestrictedlargelytodiscussionofthedifferencesbetweenGraysonandManticore,andLord
MayhewandElaineMayhewwerefascinatedwhensherequestedaplateforNimitz.TheSecurity
captainlookedreadytoburst,butLordMayhewandhissisterinlawtookturnsslippingNimitz
tidbits...whichheacceptedashisjustdue.Hewasonhisbestbehavior,though.EvenwhenElaine
discoveredhisfondnessforcelery,hemanagedtodevourthecrunchysticksneatlydespitehis
carnivoresteeth,andhisobviouscomfortwiththesepeoplewasthemostreassuringelementyet.
Honorhadbroughthimalongpartlytomakeapoint,butevenmorebecauseofhisempathicsense,for
shedlearnedtorelyonhimasabarometerofothersemotionslongago.
Themealendedatlast.Theservantswithdrew,leavingtheProtectorsfamilyalonewiththeir
guestandtheirguards,andMayhewleanedbackinhischairandregardedherthoughtfully.
WhydoIsuspect,CaptainHarrington,thatthe,um,persuasionyouusedtorequestthismeeting
wasabit...overstated,shallwesay?
Overstated,Sir?Honoraskedinnocently.Well,perhapsitwas.Ontheotherhand,IthoughtI
mightneedanargumenttocatchyourattention.
CaptainFoxworethewoodenexpressionofamanaccustomedtohearingsensitivediscussions
whichwerenoneofhisbusiness,buthismouthtwitched.
Youfoundone,Iassureyou,Mayhewsaiddryly.Nowthatyouhaveit,however,what,
precisely,canIdoforyou?
Itsverysimple,Sir,Honorsaid,graspingthenettlefirmly.Inordertoemploymysquadron
effectivelyindefenseofyourplanet,Ineedthecooperationofyourhighcommand.Howeverableand
determined,yourcommanderssimplyarentsufficientlyfamiliarwithmyshipscapabilitiestomake
bestuseofthemwithouttheclosestcoordination.
Isee.Mayhewregardedherforamoment,thencockedaneyebrow.ShouldIassumefromyour
statementthatyouvebeendeniedthatcooperation?
Yes,Sir,youshould,shesaidflatly.AdmiralGarrethasassignedmeafineliaisonofficerin
CommanderBrentworth,butIhaveonlythemostincompleteknowledgeofyoursurvivingnaval
strength,andhesissuedordersforthedeploymentofmyvesselswhichmakeverypooruseofthem.
Issuedorders?TherewasanominousnoteinMayhewsvoice,andHonordidntthinkitwas
assumed.
Yes,Sir.Infairnesstohim,IbelieveheassumedImeanttoplacemyshipsunderhiscommand
whenIinformedyourgovernmentthroughAmbassadorLangtryofmyintentiontoassistinGraysons
defense.
Anddidyoumeanto?
IsupposeIdid,totheextentoftyingthemintoanintegrateddefenseplan.Theplanheevolved,
however,isfarfromidealinmyopinion,andhedeclinestodiscussitwithme.
AfterallAdmiralCourvosierandMadrigalalreadydidforus?!LordMayhewburstout.He
glaredathisbrother.ItoldyouGarretdidntknowhisassfromhiselbow,Ben!Heknowshowbadly
weneedCaptainHarringtonsshipsifweregoingtostandachance,buthesnotgoingtoadmititifit
meanshehastotakeordersfromawoman.CousinBerniealwayssaid
Yes,Mike,Iknow,Mayhewinterrupted,andlookedsquarelyatHonor.Itakeit,then,Captain
Harrington,thattherealreasonforthismeetingwastoaskmetoorderAdmiralGarrettocooperate
withyou?
Yes,Sir,moreorless,shesaid.
Youmeanmoremorethanless,Isuspect.TheProtectorproppedhisrightelbowcomfortably
onthearmofhischair.IfIdirecthimtocooperate,Iexpecthellaccepttheorderofficially,at
leastbuthesnotgoingtoforgetthatyouwentoverhisheadtogetit,Captain.
ProtectorBenjamin,Honorsaidevenly,whatyoudowithinyourownnavyisnobusinessof
mine.MysoleconcernistoprotectthisplanetinaccordancewithwhatIbelievetobemyQueens
desires.Toaccomplishthat,IneedthecooperationIverequested.IfAdmiralGarretcangiveittome,
Imentirelypreparedtoworkwithhim.
Buthesnotpreparedtoworkwithyou.Myimpetuous,bigmouthedbrothersrightaboutthat,
ImafraidwhichmeansIllhavetorelievehim.
Honorhidaninnerquiverofrelief,butallshesaidquietlywas,YouknowtheAdmiralbetter
thanI,Sir.
Yes,Ido,anditsapityhessosetinhisways.TheProtectorrubbedhischeek,thennodded.
Verywell,Captain.AdmiralGarretwillceasetobeaproblem.Helookedathisbrother.Youre
theonewhossoinformedonnavalaffairs,Mike.Whosthenextmostseniorofficerwevegotleft?
Withcommandexperience,oronthestaff?
Commandexperience.
CommodoreMatthews,unlessyouwanttobringsomeoneoutofretirement,LordMayhewsaid
withouthesitation,andhesagoodone,Ben.TheyoungerMayhewsmiledalmostshylyatHonor.
Youwonthaveanyproblemsworkingwithhim,Maam.
CommodoreMatthewsitis,then,theProtectorsaid,anddespiteherself,Honorsighedwith
relief.Mayhewhearditandsmiledather.
Igatheryourenotreallyaccustomedtohighstakesdiplomacy,CaptainHarrington?
No,Sir,Icertainlyamnot,sherepliedwithfeeling.
Well,youdidratherwell,then,hetoldher.Infact,youmayhavedoneevenbetterthanyou
realize,consideringthedomesticsituation.CaptainFoxmadeasmallsound,andtheProtector
grinnedupathim.Containyourself,Fox,heteased.TherearenospiesfromtheCouncilhere.
FoxabandonedhiswoodenexpressiontogivehisProtectoraveryoldfashionedlook,then
gloweredatHonorandresumedhisparadegroundstancebesideMayhewschair.
Tellme,Captain,Mayhewsaidlightly,areyouastudentofOldEarthhistory,byanychance?
Ibegyourpardon,Sir?Honorblinkedatthequestion,thenshrugged.Idhardlyclaimtobean
authorityonthesubject,Sir.
NeitherwasI,beforemyfathersentmetoHarvard,butyouremindmeratherstronglyof
CommodorePerryatthisparticularmoment.Areyoufamiliarwithhiscareer?
Perry?Honorthoughtforamoment.The...AmericancommanderattheBattleofLake
Champlain?
LakeErie,Ibelieve,Mayhewcorrected,butthatwasOliverPerry.Iwasreferringtohis
brotherMatthew.
Oh.ThenImafraidtheanswerisno,Sir.
Apity.Hewasabitonthepompousside,Imsorrytosay,buthealsodraggedtheEmpireof
JapankickingandscreamingoutofitsisolationintheFourthCenturyAnteDiaspora.Infact,itwas
JapanthatgotmeinterestedinPerry,thoughtheparallelbetweenGraysonandtheJapaneseonlygoes
sofar,ofcourse.Theywantedtobeleftalone,whereaswevebeentryingfortwocenturiestoget
someoneanyone!todragusintothepresent,butImbeginningtosuspectyouregoingtohave
asbiganimpactonusasPerryhadonthem.Hesmiledfaintly.Itrustwellavoidsomeoftheir
worstmistakesandtheymadesomebigonesbutthesocialanddomesticconsequencesofyour
visitmayproveevengreaterthanthemilitaryandtechnologicalones.
Isee.Honorregardedhimcautiously.Itrustyoudontbelievethoseconsequenceswillbe
unhappyones,Sir?
Onthecontrary,MayhewsaidasthediningroomdooropenedandtwouniformedSecuritymen
steppedintotheanteroomlikeentryalcove.Heglancedupcasuallyasthenewcomerswalkedtowards
CaptainFoxandasecondpairfollowedthemintothediningroom.Iexpecttheyllbehighly
beneficial,thoughitmaytakesomeofusawhileto
Foxfrownedasthenewarrivalsapproachedhim,thenrelaxedasoneofthemextendedadispatch
case.Hereachedouttotakeit...andNimitzsuddenlycatapultedfromhisstoolwithasnarllike
tearingcanvas.
HonorsheadwhippedaroundasthetreecatlandedonthebackoftheSecuritymanclosesttoher.
Theguardhowledasthetreecatstruefeetsankcentimeterlongclawsbonedeepintohisshoulders,
andhishowlbecameashriekofraw,terrifiedagonyasNimitzsuppermostlimbsreachedaroundhis
headandscimitarclawedfingersburiedthemselvestotheknucklesinhiseyes.
Bloodandfluidserupteddowntheshriekingguardscheeks,andhishandsrosefranticallyto
clutchathisassailant.Buthissoundsdiedinahorrible,whistlinggurgleastheclawedhandpawsof
thetreecatsmiddlelimbsrippedhisthroatopentothespine.
Thedeadmancrumpledlikeafelledtree,butthecatwasalreadysomersaultingawayfromhim.
Hisripplingsnarlroseevenhigherasheslammedintoasecondnewcomer,allsixsetsofclaws
rippingandtearing,andFoxandhismenstaredathiminhorror.Theydbeensurprisedbythelength
ofhissixtycentimeterbodywhenheuncoiledfromHonorsshoulder,buthewasnarrowandsuppleas
aferret,andtheyhadntrealizedhemassedoverninekilosofboneandhardmuscle.Itwasntreally
theirfaultHonorhadgrownsoaccustomedtohisweightovertheyearsthatitscarcelyeven
inconveniencedher,andtheyhadntmadesufficientallowanceforhoweasilyherownSphinxbred
muscleslethercarryhim.
Yetwhatevertheirreasoning,theyddismissedhimasasimplepet,withoutguessinghow
powerfulandwellarmedheactuallywas.Norhadtheyevensuspectedhisintelligence,andthetotally
unexpectedcarnagestunnedthem.Buttheyweretrainedbodyguards,responsiblefortheirheadof
statessafety,andtheirhandsjerkedtotheirweaponsasthebeastranamok.
CaptainFoxgrabbedtheProtectorwithoutceremony,yankinghimoutofhischairbybruteforce
andthrowinghimbehindhimashewentforhisownsidearm.LordMayhewrecoiledasthedead
mansbloodsplashedthetableclothandspoutedoverhim,buthe,too,reactedwithadmirablespeed.
Hegrabbedbothhissistersinlaw,shovedthemunderthetable,andfellacrossthemtoprotectthem
withhisownbody.
Honorsawitallonlyperipherally.ShedalwaysknownNimitzcouldfeelheremotions,butshed
neverknowinglyfelthis.
ThistimeshedidandasshealsofelttheemotionsofthefreshSecuritydetachmentthrough
him,sheexplodedoutofherchair.Theheelofherhandslammedintothefaceofthenewcomer
closesttotheProtector,andcartilagecrunchedhorriblyasshedrovehisnoseupintohisbrainjustas
hiscompaniondroppedthedispatchcase,raisedhisotherhand,andfiredatpointblankrangeinto
CaptainFoxschest.
Thehandgunmadeawhiningnoiseandasoundlikeanaxesinkingintoalog,andtheSecurity
captainflewbackward,hispistollessthanhalfdrawn.HiscorpseknockedMayhewtothecarpet,and
acornerofHonorsmindcringedassherecognizedthesoundofanoffworldsonicdisrupter.
Shereachedoutandcaughtthekillerbythenapeoftheneckwithonehandandreachedpasthim
toclampherotheroverhisgunbeforehecouldgetaclearshotatMayhew.Shemissedthegunbut
capturedhiswrist,andhedroppedtheweaponwithahowlofanguishasherfingerssqueezedandthe
handonhisneckyankedhimoffthefloor.Hiseyesstartedtorolltowardsherindisbeliefashe
hurtledthroughtheair,andthensheslammedhimbackoverthetable.Dishesflew,crystalshattered,
andhiseyesbulged,shockbecomeagonyasthepointofherelbowsmasheddown.Ithithissolar
plexuslikeahammer,drivenbyallofherweightandstrength,andshewhippedawayfromhim,
leavinghimtodieashislungsandheartforgottofunction.
Nimitzssecondvictimwasdown,screamingonthefloorasheclutchedattheremnantsofhis
face,butthereweremorewhiningdisruptershotsinthehallmixedwiththesingle,explosivecrack
ofaregularfirearm.AhordeoffreshSecuritymenchargedthroughthedoor,allarmedwith
disrupters,andHonorsnatchedaheavymetaltrayfromthetable.Itflewacrosstheroom,asaccurate
asNimitzsfrisbeebutfarmoredeadly,andtheleadingintrudersforeheaderuptedinblood.Hewent
down,trippingthemanbehindhim,tanglingthemallupbriefly,andthenthechaosbecametotalas
theProtectorsbodyguardssuddenlyrealizedwhotheenemytrulywas.
Gunfirethunderedacrossthediningroom,bulletscrisscrossingwiththesolidsoundfistsof
disrupterbolts.Bodieswentdownonbothsides,andasidefromthedisrupters,therewasnoway
Honorcouldtellwhowasfriendandwhowasfoe.
ButNimitzwasunhamperedbyanyconfusion.Thehighpitchedsnarlofhisbattlecrywailedin
herearsashehurledhimselfintothefaceofanotherassassinlikeafurry,sixlimbedbuzzsaw.His
victimwentdownshrieking,andthemanbesidehimswunghisweapontowardsthetreecat,but
Honorflewacrossthecarpettowardshim.Herrightlegsnappedstraight,herbootcrunchedintohis
shoulder,breakingitinstantly,andahammerblowcrushedhislarynxasshecamedownontopof
him.
AlltheMayhewsguardsweredownnow,butsoweremanyoftheassassins,andHonorand
Nimitzwereinamongtheothers.Sheknewthereweretoomanyofthem,yetsheandNimitzwereall
thatwasleft,andtheyhadtokeepthembottledupintheentryalcove,awayfromtheProtectorandhis
family,aslongastheycould.
Thekillershadknownshedbehere,butshewasonlyawoman.Theyweretotallyunprepared
forhersizeandstrengthandtrainingorthemadwhirlofviolencethatwasntabitlikeitwason
HD.Realmartialartsarentlikethat.Thefirstaccuratestriketogetthroughunblockedalmostalways
endsineitherdeathordisablement,andwhenHonorHarringtonhitaman,thatmanwentdown.
MorefeetpoundeddownthehallwayandfreshgunfirecrackledandwhinedasPalaceSecurity
reactedtotheviolence,buttheremainingassassinswerebetweenHonorandthereinforcements.She
tuckedandrolled,takingthelegsoutfromundertwomoremen,thenvaultedtoherfeetanddrovea
backkicksquarelyintoanunguardedface.Adisrupterboltwhizzedpasther,andironhardknuckles
crashedintothefirersthroat.Nimitzhowledbehindherashetookdownanothervictim,andshe
smashedamanskneeintoasplintered,backwardbowwithasidekick.Hefiredwildlyashewent
down,killingoneofhisowncompanions,andherbootpulpedhisgunhandassheturnedonyet
another.Shesnakedanarmaroundhisneck,pivotedaroundherowncenterofbalance,andbent
explosively,andthecrackofsnappingvertebraewaslikeanothergunshotasheflewawayfromher.
Shoutsandscreamsandmoreshotsechoedfromthehallway,andtheassassinsturnedonHonor
withpanickyfurywhiletheirrearmostrankswheeledtoconfrontthereinforcements.Someonethrust
adisrupterfranticallyinherdirection,butshetookouthisgunarmwithonechoppinghand,cupped
theotherbehindhishead,andjerkedhisfacedowntomeetherdrivingkneecap.Bonecrunchedand
splintered,bloodsoakedthekneeofhertrousers,andshetwistedtowardsafreshenemyasthereal
Securitypeoplebrokethroughthedoorwayatlast.
Asledgehammersmashedintoherface.SheheardNimitzsshriekoffuryandanguishasithurled
heraside,twistingherinmidairlikeadoll,butallshecouldfeelwasthepainthepainthepain,and
thenshecrasheddownonthesideofherfaceandbouncedlimplyontoherback.
Thepainwasgone.Onlynumbnessanditsmemoryremained,butherlefteyewasblind,andher
rightstareduphelplesslyasthemanwhodshotherraisedhisdisrupterwithasnarl.Shewatchedthe
weaponriseindreadfulslowmotion,liningupforthepointblankfinalshotandthenherkillers
chestexploded.
Hefellacrossher,drenchingherinsteamingblood,andsheturnedherheadweakly,hoveringon
theedgeoftheblackness.ThelastthingshesawwasBenjaminMayhewandCaptainFoxsautopistol
smokinginhishand.


 CHAPTERTWENTYONE
Captain?Canyouhearme,Maam?
Thevoicetrickledthroughherhead,andsheopenedhereyes.Or,rather,aneye.Sheforceditto
focusandblinkeddizzilyatthefaceaboveher.
Afamiliar,triangularjawpressedintoherrightshoulder,andsheturnedherheadtolookinto
Nimitzsanxiousgreeneyes.Thecatlaybesideher,notcurleduponherinhispreferredposition,
andhewaspurringsohardthebedvibrated.Herhandfeltunnaturallyheavy,butsheraisedittohis
ears,andtheanxiouspowerofhispurreasedslightly.Shestrokedhimagain,thenlookedbackupata
softsound.AndreasVenizelosstoodbesideSurgeonCommanderMontoya,andherdapperexec
lookedalmostasworriedasNimitzhad.
HowamI?shetriedtoask,butthewordscameoutslurredandindistinct,foronlytherightside
ofherlipshadmoved.
Youcouldbealotbetter,Maam.Montoyaseyessparkedwithanger.Thosebastardsdamned
nearkilledyou,Skipper.
Howbadisit?Shetookhertime,laboringtoshapeeachindividualsound,butitdidntseemto
helpagreatdeal.
Notasbadasitmighthavebeen.Youwerelucky,Maam.Youonlycaughtthefringeofhisshot,
butifhedbeenafewcentimeterstotheright,oralittlehigherThedoctorpausedandclearedhis
throat.Yourleftcheektookthebruntofit,Skipper.ThemuscledamageisntasbadasIwasafraid,
butthesofttissuedamageissevere.Italsobrokethezygomaticarchthecheekbonejustbelowyour
eyeandyoubrokeyournosewhenyouwentdown.Moreseriously,theresneartotalnerve
mortalityfromyoureyetoyourchinandreachingaroundtoapointaboutacentimeterinfrontofyour
ear.Itmissedyourearstructureandauralnerves,luckily,andyoushouldstillhaveatleastpartial
controlofyourjawmusclesonthatside.
Montoyaswasadoctorsfaceittoldhispatientspreciselywhathetolditto,butVenizeloswas
easiertoread,andhisdefinitionofluckyclearlydidntmatchMontoyas.Honorswallowed,and
herlefthandrose.Shefeltherskinagainstherfingers,butitwasliketouchingsomeoneelse,forher
facefeltnothingatall,notevennumbnessorasenseofpressure.
Inthelongrun,Ithinkyoullbeokay,Maam,Montoyasaidquickly.Itsgoingtotakesome
extensivenervegrafting,butthedamageislocalizedenoughtherepairsthemselvesshouldbefairly
routine.Itsgoingtotaketime,andIwouldntcaretotryit,butsomeonelikeyourfathercouldhandle
itnosweat.Inthemeantime,Icantakecareofthebrokenbonesandtissuedamagewithquickheal.
Anmeye?
Notgood,Skipper,thesurgeonsaidunflinchingly.Thereareanawfullotofbloodvesselsin
theeye.Mostofthemruptured,andwithmusclecontrolgone,youreyecouldntclosewhenyouhit
thecarpet.Yourcorneaisbadlylacerated,andyouputsomedebrisbrokenglassandchinathrough
itandintotheeyeballitself.Shestaredathimthroughhergoodeye,andhelookedbacklevelly.
Idontthinkitcanberepaired,Maam.Notenoughtoletyoudomuchmorethandistinguish
betweenlightanddark,anyway.Itsgoingtotakeatransplant,regeneration,oraprosthesis.
 Idonregen.Sheclenchedherfists,hatingtheslurredsoundofhervoice.Mmomcheckm
profileyearsgo.
Well,theresstilltransplants,Skipper,Montoyasaid,andshemadeherselfnod.Mostofthe
humanracecouldtakeadvantageoftherelativelynewregenerationtechniquesHonorwasoneofthe
thirtypercentwhocouldnot.
Howsthrestfmfacelook?sheasked.
Awful,Montoyatoldherfrankly.Therightsidesfine,buttheleftonesamess,andyoure
stillgettingsomebloodloss.Ivedrainedthemajoredemas,andthecoagulantsshouldstopthatina
littlewhile,butfrankly,Skipper,youreluckyyoucantfeelanything.
Shenoddedagain,knowinghewasright,thenshovedherselfintoasittingposition.Montoyaand
Venizelosglancedatoneanother,andthesurgeonlookedasifhemightprotestforamoment.Thenhe
shruggedandstoodbacktoletherlookintothemirroronthebulkheadbehindhim.
Whatshesawshockedher,despitehiswarning.Herpalecomplexionandthestartlinglywhite
dressingoverherwoundedeyemadethelividblue,black,andscarletdamageevenmoreappalling.
Shelookedasifshedbeenbeatenwithaclubwhich,inasense,wasexactlywhathad
happenedbutwhatfilledherwithdismaywastheutter,deadimmobilityoftheentireleftsideofher
face.Herbrokennoseachedwithadull,lowkeythrob,andherrightcheekfelttightwitha
sympatheticreactiontotheleft,thepainjuststopped.Itdidnttaperoffitjuststopped,andthe
cornerofhermouthhungslightlyopen.Shetriedtocloseit,triedtoclenchhercheekmuscles,and
nothinghappenedatall.
Shelookedintothemirror,makingherselfacceptit,tellingherselfMontoyawasrightthatit
couldbefixed,whateveritlookedlikebutallofherselfassuranceswereafrailshieldagainsther
revulsionatwhatshesaw.
Vlookbeer,shesaid,andwatchedinnumbhorrorastheuntouchedrightsideofhermouth
andfacemovednormally.Shedrewadeepbreathandtriedagain,veryslowly.Ivelookedbetter,
shegotout,andifitstillsoundedstrangeandhesitant,atleastitsoundedmorelikeher.
Yes,Maam,youhave,Montoyaagreed.
Well.ShewrenchedhereyefromthemirrorandlookedupatVenizelos.Mightaswellgetup,
Iguess.
Thewordscameoutalmostclearly.Perhapsifsherememberedtheneedtoconcentrateon
speakingslowlyanddeliberatelyitwouldntbetoobad.
ImnotsurethatsagoodiMontoyabegan.
Skipper,IcanhandlethingsunVenizelosstartedsimultaneously,buttheybothbrokeoffasshe
swungherlegsoverthesideofthebed.Sheputherfeetonthedeck,andMontoyareachedoutasifto
stopher.
Captain,youmaynotbeabletofeelit,butyouvetakenonehellofabeating!Commander
Venizeloshasthingsundercontrolhere,andCommanderTrumansdoingjustfinewiththesquadron.
Theycanmanageawhilelonger.
Thedocsright,Maam,Venizelosweighedin.Wevegoteverythingcovered.Hisvoice
sharpenedasHonorignoredthembothandheavedherselftoherfeet.Oh,forGodssake,Skipper!
Gobacktobed!
No.Shegrippedthebedforbalanceasthedeckcurtsiedunderher.Asyousay,Doctor,Icant
feelit,shesaidcarefully.Imightaswelltakeadvantageofthat.Wheresmyuniform?
Youdontneedone,becauseyouregettingrightbackintobed!
IhadonewhenIcamein.Hereyelitonalocker.Shestartedtowardsit,andifhercourse
waveredjustabit,sheignoredthat.
Itsnotinthere,Montoyasaidquickly.Shepaused.Yourstewardtookitaway.Hesaidhed
trytogetthebloodoutofit,headdedpointedly.
Thengetmeanotherone.
Captainhebeganinevenstrongertones,andsheswungtofacehim.Therightcornerofher
mouthquirkedinanironicsmilethatonlymadethehideousdeadnessoftheleftsideofherfacemore
grotesque,buttherewassomethingalmostlikeatwinkleinherremainingeye.
Fritz,youcangetmeauniformorwatchmewalkoutofhereinthisridiculousgown,shetold
him.Nowwhichisitgoingtobe?
***
AndreasVenizelosroseasCommanderTrumansteppedthroughthehatch.Honordidnt.Shed
carriedNimitzhereinherarmsinsteadofonhershoulderbecauseshestillfelttoounsteadytooffer
himhisusualperch,andshehadnointentionofdisplayingherkneesirritatingweaknessanymore
thanshecouldhelp.
ShelookedupathersecondincommandandbracedherselfforTrumansreaction.Shedalready
seenMacGuinessshockedangerwhenhebroughtherthedemandeduniformandsawherface,and
Venizeloswasntmakinganyefforttohidehisopinionthatshewaspushingherselftoohard,soshe
wasnttoosurprisedwhenTrumanrockedbackonherheels.
MyGod,Honor!Whatareyoudoingoutofsickbay?!Trumansgreeneyesclungtoher
woundedfaceforjustamoment,thenmoveddeliberatelyaway,focusingonhersingleuncoveredeye.
Ivegotmostofthefiresundercontrol,andIdhavebeenperfectlyhappycomingdowntheretosee
you.
Iknow.Honorwavedtoachairandwatchedhersubordinatesit.ButImnotdeadyet,she
wenton,hatingtheslownessofherownspeech,andImnotgoingtoliearound.
TrumanglaredatVenizelos,andtheExecshrugged.
FritzandItried,Commander.Itdidntseemtodomuchgood.
No,itdidnt.Honoragreed.Sodonttryanymore.Justtellmewhatsgoingon.
Areyousureyoureuptothis?YouImsorry,Honor,butyouhavetoknowyoulooklikehell,
andyoudontsoundtoogood,either.
Iknow.Mostlyitsjustmylips,though,shehalflied.Shetouchedtheleftsideofhermouthand
wishedshecouldfeelit.Youtalk.Illlisten.StartwiththeProtector.Ishealive?
Well,ifyouresure.Trumansoundeddoubtful,butHonornoddedfirmlyandthecommander
shrugged.Allrightand,yes,heandhisfamilyareallunhurt.Itsbeenshecheckedherchrono
abouttwentyminutessincemylastupdate,andonlyaboutfivehourssincetheassassination
attempt,soIcantgiveyouanyhardandfirmdetails.AsfarasIcanmakeout,though,youwoundup
squareinthemiddleofacoupattempt.
Clinkscales?sheasked,butTrumanshookherhead.
No,thatwasmyfirstthought,too,whenwethoughtitwasSecuritypeople,buttheywerentreal
Securitymen,afterall.TheyweremembersofsomethingcalledTheBrotherhoodofMaccabeus,
somekindoffundamentalistundergroundnooneevensuspectedexisted.Trumanpausedand
frowned.ImnottoosureImentirelyreadytoacceptthattheydidntknowanythingaboutit.
Ibelieveit,Maam.VenizelosturnedtoHonor.Ivebeenmonitoringtheplanetarynewsnetsa
bitmorecloselythanCommanderTrumanshadtimefor,Skipper.Asidefromsomeprettygraphic
video,helookedatherabitoddly,itsallconjecturewithaheftydoseofhysteria,butonething
seemsprettyclear.NobodydownthereeverheardoftheMaccabeans,andnoonessurewhatthey
weretryingtoaccomplish,either.
Honornodded.ShewasntsurprisedtheGraysonswereinanuproar.Indeed,itwouldhave
amazedheriftheyhadntbeen.ButifProtectorBenjaminwasunhurttherewasstillagovernment,
andatthemoment,thatwasallshereallyhadtimetoconcernherselfwith.
Theevacuation?sheaskedTruman.
Underway,thecommanderassuredher.Thefreighterspulledoutanhourago,andIsent
Troubadouralongasfarasthehyperlimittobeonthesafeside.Hersensorsshouldgivethemplenty
ofwarningtoevadeanybogeystheymeetbeforetranslating.
Good.Honorrubbedtherightsideofherface.Themusclesonthatsideachedfromhavingtodo
almostthewholejobofmovingherjawbythemselves,andthethoughtoftryingtochewappalledher.
AnymovementoutoftheMasadans?sheaskedafteramoment.
None.Weknowtheyknowwerehere,andIdhaveexpectedthemtotrysomethingbynow,but
theresnotasignofthem.
CommandCentral?
Notapeepoutofthem,Maam,Venizelossaid.YourCommanderBrentworthisstillaboard,
butevenhecantgetmuchoutofthemrightnow.
Iwouldntbetoosurprisedbythat,Honor,Trumancautioned.Ifthesecraziesreallydidblind
sideGraysonSecurity,theyhavetobeworryingaboutmolesinthemilitary,atleastuntiltheyget
somekindoffixonhowextensivetheplotreallywas.Infact,Iwouldntbesurprisedifsomeidiots
alreadycomeupwiththetheorythatwhathappenedtotheirnavywaspartofsomeMachiavellian
betrayalbythehighcommandtosetuptheassassination.
Sowereallthereisfornow,Honorsaidevenmoreslowlythanherdamagedmouthrequired.
WhatsthestatusonTroubadoursalphanode?
TheGraysonyardpeopleconfirmAlistairsoriginalestimate,Trumanreplied.Itscompletely
gone,andtheycantrepairit.TheirWarshawskitechnologysevencruderthanIthought,andtheir
componentssimplywontmatewithours,buttheirstandardimpellersarealotclosertoourlevels,
andLieutenantAnthonygotwiththeirchiefshipwrightbeforeIsentTroubadouroffwiththe
freighters.Bythetimeshegetsback,theGraysonsshouldhaverunupjuryriggedbetanodesto
replacethedamagedbetaandalphanodes.ShestillwonthaveWarshawskicapability,butshellbe
backuptofivetwentygeesformaxacceleration.
Timetochangeover?
AnthonyestimatestwentyhourstheGraysonssayfifteen.Inthiscase,theGraysonsareprobably
closertoright.IthinkAnthonyslessthanimpressedbytheirtechnicalsupportandunderestimatesits
capabilities.
Honornodded,thensnatchedherhandawaybeforeitcouldbeginmassagingherfaceagain.
 Allright.Ifwecanstandherdownlongenough,then
Herterminalbeeped,andshepressedtheanswerkey.Yes?
Captain,IvegotapersonalsignalforyoufromGrayson,LieutenantMetzingersvoicesaid.
FromProtectorBenjamin.
Honorlookedathersubordinates,thenstraightenedinherchair.
Switchhimthrough,shesaid.
Herterminalscreenblinkedinstantlytolife,andadrawnandwearyBenjaminMayhewlookedout
ofit.Hiseyeswidened,thendarkenedwithdistressashesawherfaceandcoveredeye.
CaptainHarrington,IHisvoicewashusky,andhehadtostopandcough,thenblinkedhardand
clearedhisthroatnoisily.
Thankyou,hesaidfinally.Yousavedmyfamilyslives,andmyown.Iameternallyinyour
debt.
ThelivesideofHonorsfaceheated,andsheshookherhead.
Sir,yousavedmylifeintheend.AndIwasonlyprotectingmyself,aswell.
Ofcourse.Mayhewmanagedatiredsmile.ThatswhyyouandyourtreecatHiseyescut
suddenlytoherunoccupiedshoulder.Heisallright,isnthe?Iunderstood
Hesfine,Sir.Shekickedherselfforspeakingtooquicklyinherhastetoreassurehim,forthe
wordshadcomeoutsoslurredtheywerealmostincomprehensible.Ratherthanembarrassherselfby
repeatingthem,shescoopedNimitzupandexhibitedhimtothecompickup,andMayhewrelaxedbit.
ThankGodforthat!Elainewasalmostasworriedoverhimasweveallbeenoveryou,Captain.
Weretough,Sir,shesaidslowlyanddistinctly.Wellbeallright.
Helookeddoubtfullyathercrippledfaceandtriedtohidehisdismay.HeknewManticoran
medicalsciencewasbetterthananythingavailableonGrayson,buthedseenthebloodywreckageof
hereyeastheRMNmedicsandgrimfacedRoyalManticoranMarinesinfullbattledresswhisked
heraway.Therestofthedamagelookedevenworsenow,andherslurredspeechandparalyzed
muscleswereonlytooevident...andhideous.Theswollen,frozendeadnessofafacewhichhad
beensomobileandexpressivewasadesecration,anddespiteanyoffworldsophistication,hewasa
Grayson.Nothingcouldcompletelyeradicatethebeliefthatwomenweresupposedtobeprotected,
andthefactthatshedsufferedherinjuriesprotectinghimonlymadeitworse.
Really,Sir.Wellbefine,shesaid,andhedecidedhehadnochoicebuttotakeheratherword.
Imgladtohearit.Inthemeantime,however,hisvoiceturnedsuddenlyharsher,Ithoughtyou
mightliketohearwhowasbehindthecoup.
Youknow?HonorleanedforwardandfeltVenizelosandTrumanstiffenwithmatchinginterest.
Yes.Mayhewlookedalmostphysicallyill.Wevegothisconfessionontape.Itwasmycousin
Jared.
Yourcousin?Honorgaspedbeforeshecouldstopherself,andhenoddedmiserably.
ApparentlyallhisantiMasadanrhetoricsbeennothingmorethanacover,Captain.Hesbeen
workingforthemforovereightyears.Infact,CouncilmanClinkscalesnowthinkshewasthesecond
Maccabeus,notthefirst.HethinksmyUncleOliverpassedthepositionontohimwhenhedied.
MyGod,Honorwhispered.
 Werejuststartingtoputitalltogether,Mayhewwentoninthatsamewretchedtone,but
Securitygotseveralassassinsalive,mainlythankstoyourtreecat.Asidefromthefirstonehe
attacked,heseemstohavesettledforblindinghisopponents.Imafraidonlyoneoftheonesyouhit
survived.
Honorsaidnothing.Shemerelysatwatchinghisexpressionandfeelinghispain.Shewasanonly
child,buttheHarringtonclanwasanextensiveone.Shedidntneedanyonetotellherhowterriblyit
musthurttoknowhisowncousinhadplottedhisfamilysmurder.
Atanyrate,theProtectorcontinuedafteramoment,Howardandhispeopletooktheminto
custody,patchedthemup,andinterrogatedthem.Howardwonttellmeexactlyhow.Ithinkhes
afraidIwouldntapproveofhismethods,butwhateverhedidtothem,someofthemtalkedfairly
quickly,andhesbeenabletoputtogetheratleastaroughchronology.
ApparentlyMasadasbeenbuildingafifthcolumnoutofourownreactionarieseversincethelast
war.WeneverevenguessedsomethingelseHowardblameshimselfforbutthatwasbecause,
religiousfanaticsornot,theseMaccabeansapparentlyrealizedtheiridealsweretoodivorcedfrom
themainstreamforthemtoachieveanythingbyopenresistanceorguerrillawarfare.Soinsteadof
comingintotheopenandalienatingthepopulationasawholenottomentionwarningSecurityof
theirexistencetheyvebeenwaitinguntiltheythoughttheyhadachancetodecapitatethestatein
oneblow.
Andreplaceyouwithyourcousin,Honorsaidflatly.
Precisely.Mayhewsvoicewasequallyflat.Noneoftheassassinshadeveractuallymethim,
butthesupporttheydbeengivengenuineuniformsandIDs,theexactguardschedule,detailed
maps,PalaceSecurityschallengesandcountersignsallpointedtosomeoneinsidethepalaceitself.
AndtheycouldtellHowardspeoplehowtolocatetheMaccabeancommunicationsnet,whichled
himtoacoupleofplotterswhodidknowwhoMaccabeuswas.
Mayhewlookedawayforamoment.
Howardwasdevastated.HeandJaredhavebeencloseCouncilalliesforyears,andhefelt
personallybetrayed.Butinsteadofarrestinghimimmediately,Howardconfrontedhiminperson,and
JaredwasstupidenoughordesperateenoughtoadmithewasMaccabeus.Apparentlyhehoped
Howardsharedenoughofhisbeliefstojoinhim.Iimaginehethoughtthetwoofthemtogethercould
stillkillmeandputJaredinmyplace.Instead,Howardrecordedtheentireconversation,thencalledin
hispeopletoarresthim.
ProtectorBenjamin,Honorsaidsoftly,youhavemysinceresympathy.Toknowyourcousin
IfJaredcouldbetraymyplanettoMasada,ifhecouldplottokillmyfamilyandsucceedin
killingmenwhoprotectedmefrombirth,Mayhewsaidharshly,heisnocousinofmine!Thelawof
Graysonsetsonlyonepenaltyforwhathesdone,CaptainHarrington.Whenthetimecomes,hell
payit.
Honorbentherheadsilently,andtheProtectorsnostrilsflared.Thenheshookhimself.
Atanyrate,hesclammedupsincehisarrest.Whateverelsehemaybe,heseemstoholdhis
beliefshonestly.Buthemadethemistakeofkeepingrecords.TheyvetoldHowardalot,andhe
believeshecanbreaktheentireorganizationwiththem.
ItseemsJaredspositionasMinisterofIndustrywasthekeytotheentireplot.Hisfather,my
uncle,heldthesamepositionbeforehim,andtheydplacedentirecrewsofMaccabeansonsomeof
theminingandconstructionships.TheMasadanshavebeenslippinginandoutofYeltsinforsome
timeMiketellsmeitprobablywasntdifficultiftheytranslatedintonspacebeyonddetectionrange,
thencameinunderminimalpowerandJaredsMaccabeancrewshavebeenrendezvousingwith
themashiscourierstoMasada.
Howardisntpositive,buthenowbelievesthiswarwaslaunchednotasagenuinebidtoconquer
usmilitarilybuttocreatepanic.AccordingtooneofJaredspeople,theplanwasforhimtohave
Michaelandmyselfkilledatwhathejudgedwastheproperpsychologicalmoment.Thatwouldhave
madehimProtector,andiftheredbeenenoughfearandconfusion,hecouldhavemadehimself
dictator,aswell,onthepretextofdealingwiththecrisisatwhichpointhewouldhavenegotiated
anendtothehostilities.EndingthewarwithoutMasadasactuallyattackingtheplanetitselfwas
supposedtocementhisholdonpower,afterwhichhedhaveappointedlikemindedcroniesto
positionsofpowerinordertoreformusintovoluntarilyacceptingtheMasadanlineand,eventually,
amalgamatingwithEndicott.
Icantbelievehedhavesucceeded,Honormurmured.
Idontthinksoeither,buthedid,andhedmanagedtoconvinceMasada.Andifitcouldhave
beenpulledoff,itwouldhavebeenperfectfromtheFaithfulsviewpoint.Theydhavegottentheir
handsonusandourindustrywithoutallthedamageafighttothefinishwouldinflict,andJared
wouldhaveterminatedournegotiationswithyouashisveryfirststep.WithyourKingdomoutofthe
way,Masadawhich,Howardtellsme,isdefinitelyworkingwithHavenwouldvehadtheonly
outsideally.Ifhisreformapproachfailed,theystillcouldhaveusedthatedgetopickusoffany
time.
ButdothePeepsknowwhatsgoingon,Sir?CommanderTrumanleaneddiffidentlyintothe
compickupsfield,andtheProtectorraisedhiseyebrowsather.CommanderAliceTruman,Sir,she
identifiedherself,andhegesturedforhertocontinue.
ItjustseemsunlikelytomethatHavenwouldwillinglyattackaQueensshipandriskwarwith
Manticoreaspartofanysuchlongterm,iffyoperation,Sir.Evenassumingwedidntwindupatwar
withthemandImnotatallsuretheywouldassumethattheredbetoomanyopportunitiesfor
somethingtogowrongonGraysonthatmightgetusinvitedbackin.
Imafraidwedontknowtheanswertothatyet,Commander,Mayhewsaidafteramoments
thought.IllaskHowardtolookintoit.Onthefaceofit,however,Icantseethatitmattersmuch.
TheFaithfularecommittednow,andtheyvelosttheirMaccabeus.Idontseethattheyvegotany
choicebuttofollowthroughonthemilitaryoption.
Agreed.Honorrealizedshewasrubbingtheleftsideofherfaceagainandloweredherhand.
Ofcourse,iftheydidknowthetruth,andiftheyexpectedMaccabeustomakehistry,thatmay
explainwhytheyveheldoffthislong.Theyrewaitingtoseeifhesucceeded.
Iftheyknewhistimetable,thentheyalsoknowhesfailed,Mayhewsaid,andHonors
eyebrowsrose.Atleastbothofthemstillworked,shethought,buthermordanthumorvanishedas
Mayhewwenton.Ifhisplanhadsucceeded,Captain,yournextincommandCommanderTruman,
isit?Honornodded,andheshrugged.Well,then,CommanderTrumanwouldalreadyhavepulled
yourvesselsoutofhere.
AliceTrumanbristledathisassumptionthatanythingcouldhaveinducedhertoabandonGrayson
toMasada.
Andwhymightthathavebeen,Sir?sheaskedstiffly.
 BecausetheentireideawastoplaceresponsibilityformydeathonCaptainHarrington,hesaid
quietly,andallthreeManticoransstaredathimindisbelief.
Thatwaswhytheywerearmedwithdisrupters,Captain.ThosearentGraysonor,forthat
matter,Masadanweapons.Theplanwastoclaimyourdemandforameetingwasonlyapretextto
getclosetome,atwhichpointyouweresupposedtohaveproducedyouroffworldweapon,murdered
myguardsandfamilyaspartofaManticoranplottoseizeGrayson,andthenbeenshotdownbyother
Securitypeoplewhenyoutriedtoescape.
Heasoufhismind!TherightsideofHonorsfacetightenedastheclarityofherspeech
vanished,butMayhewseemednottonotice,andshewentondoggedly.Noonewouldhavebelieved
that!shesaidmoredistinctly.
Idontknowaboutthat,Captain,Mayhewadmittedwithmanifestreluctance.Iadmititwould
havesoundedinsane,butrememberwhatapressurecookerGraysonisrightnow.Withmedeadand
yourbodyasevidence,heprobablycouldhaveproducedenoughpanicandconfusiontoatleastget
himselfintoofficeandsummarilybreakoffthenegotiations.Ifhemanagedthatandinformed
CommanderTrumanyourshipswerenolongerwelcomeinYeltsinspace,whatcouldshedobut
leave?EspeciallywhenhecouldconstrueanydecisiontoremainasfurtherproofofaManticoran
plottoseizeYeltsinsStar?
Hesgotapoint,Honor,Trumanmuttered,tuggingatalockofgoldenhair.Damn.Ihateto
admitit,buthedoeshaveapoint.
Soiftheyknewhistimetable,andiftheyremonitoringtheinnersystemforoutboundimpeller
signatures,theyknowhefailed,Honorsaid.
Unlesswegetdeadluckyandtheyredumbenoughtothinkthefreightersareallofus,Truman
agreed.
Whichtheyreveryunlikelytodo,Mayhewpointedoutfromthecomscreen.Theyknow
preciselyhowmanyofyourvesselsarepresent.Jaredsawtothat...justashetoldthemexactlywhat
classesofwarshipyouhave.
Oh,shit!Venizelosmutteredaudibly,andableaksmileflittedacrosstheProtectorslips.
Thenwecanexpectthemtoreactmilitarilyshortly.Honorrealizedshewasrubbinghernumb
faceagain,butthistimesheletherselfgoondoingso.ProtectorBenjamin,thatmakesitimperative
thatwewastenomoretime.Imustbeabletoconferwithyournavyimmediately.
Iagree,andyouwonthaveanyfurtherproblemsinthatregard.
ThenAdmiralGarretsbeenrelieved?sheaskedhopefully.
Notprecisely.Hergoodeyenarrowed,butMayhewsmiledalmostnaturallyather.Ive
managedtosavefacealittleforhim,Captainwhichisimportant,giventhestateofnervesdown
hererightnow.Insteadofrelievinghim,IveappointedhimtocommandGraysonsfixedorbital
defenses.CommodoreMatthewshasbeenpromotedtoadmiral,andhellcommandourmobileunits.
Ivemadeitverycleartohimthatthatmeanshestoadapthismovementsandresourcestoyours,and
hehasnoproblemwiththat.
Thatmightwork,Honorsaidwhilehermindraced,butCommandCentralsstillourcentral
comnode,Sir.IfGarretdecidestosulk
Hewont,Captain.Hewontdaretodoanythingthatanyonedownheremightperceiveasan
insulttoyou.Honorseyebrowsroseoncemoreatthetotalassuranceinhisvoice,anditwashisturn
tolooksurprised.
Haventyoubeenmonitoringournewsnets,Captain?
Sir,Ijustgotoutofsickbayfortyminutesago.Honorfrowned,wonderingwhatnewsnetshad
todowithanything,thenrememberedVenizelosoddexpressionwhenhedmentionedthem.She
gavehimasharplook,andheshruggedwithsomethingsuspiciouslylikeagrin.
Isee.Mayhewsvoicedrewhereyebacktothecomscreen.Inthatcase,youwouldntknow.
Justasecond.Hekilledhisaudioforamomentwhileheturnedhisheadtospeaktosomeoneelse,
thenlookedbackather.
Whatyoureabouttoseehasbeenplayingpracticallynonstopoverthevideonetseversincethe
assassinationattempt,courtesyofthepalacesurveillancesystem,Captain.Idestimateitsalready
beenseenmoreoftenandbymoreeyesthananyothernewsreportinourhistory.
Hisfacedisappearedbeforeshecouldaskwhathewastalkingabout.Thescreenwascompletely
blankforasecondthensomethingelseappeared.
Itleftalottobedesiredfromanartisticviewpoint,acornerofherbrainthought,buttheimagery
wasremarkablyclearforsomethingascrudeasvideotape.Itwasthedinnerparty,andshesaw
herselfleaningtowardstheProtectorandlisteningattentivelytohimjustasNimitzeruptedfromhis
stoolandattackedthefirstassassin.
Shestaredatthescreen,appalledbythecarnage,asherownimagelungedupfromitschairand
killedthesecondassassin.CaptainFoxwentdown,andshewatchedherselftakeouthiskiller,then
whirltowardstheotherschargingtowardsher.Thethrownplatterdroppedtheirleader,andthen
peoplefellinalldirectionsasgunfirerippedbackandforthacrosstheroom.
Shefeltastabofterrortheredbeennotimetofeelthenasshewatchedmencrumpleanddieand
wonderedhowsheandNimitzcouldpossiblyhavebeenmissedinthatcrossfire,andthenshesawher
owndesperatechargeasthelastoftheProtectorsguardsdied.
Thetapewenttoslowmotionafterthat,butitstilldidntlastlong.Indeed,ithadseemedmuch
longeratthetime.Bodiesseemedtoflyawayfromher,shesawflashesofaragingNimitztaking
othersdown,andthatsamecornerofhermindwonderedhowherAcademyinstructorswouldhave
ratedherform.
Itseemedimpossiblethatshedsurvived,andasshewatchedNimitzclawdownamanwhod
beenabouttoshootherinthebacksheknewshewouldnthavewithoutherdiminutiveally.She
reachedouttohim,stillstaringatthescreen,andhepurredreassuringlyashepressedhisheadagainst
herpalm.
DeadandcrippledassassinslitteredtheflooraroundherastheSecurityresponseteambroke
throughatlast,andshefeltherentirebodytenseasthemanwhodshotherdiditalloveragain.Her
imagewentdownonthescreen,andsweatbeadedherforeheadasthedisrupterswungtowardsher
oncemore,andthenhewasdownanddeadandthescreenwentblank.
Mayhewsfacereappeared,andhesmiledsoberlyather.
ThatswhatallofGraysonsbeenseeingforthelastseveralhours,CaptainHarringtonatapeof
yousavingthelivesofmyfamily,hesaidsoftly,andthelivingsideofherfaceflamed.
Sir,Ishebeganhesitantly,buthisraisedhandsilencedher.
Dontsayit,Captain.Iwontembarrassyoubysayingitagain,butIdonthaveto,either.That
tapeshouldratherconclusivelydiscreditanyclaimthatyouwerebehindtheassassinationattempt,I
think.Andafterseeingit,nooneonthisplanetincludingAdmiralGarretwilleverdaretoquestion
yourfitnessasanofficeragain,nowwillthey?


 CHAPTERTWENTYTWO
ItwasthefirsttimeshedbeentoCommandCentral.Itssizeimpressedher,butthenoisinessof
thestatusroomwasstartling,andtheshrillringingofprioritycomsignals,therumbleofvoices,and
theclatterofprintersdidmorethanstartleNimitz.Herosehighonhershoulder,earshalfflattened,
andhishighpitchedbleekofprotestcutthroughthebackgroundnoiselikeaknife.
Headsturnedalloverthehugeroom,andHonorfelttheuglinessofherwoundedfacelikeabrand.
CommanderBrentworthbristledathersideandsteppedforward,glaringbackatallcomers,regardless
ofrank,butshestoppedhimwithatinygesture.Therewascuriosityinallthosestares,andshock,
evenrepugnance,insomeofthemastheysawherface,butnotintentionalrudeness,andmostofthem
flushedandlookedawayalmostasquicklyastheydturnedtowardsher.
CommodoreBrentworthhadbeenwaitingforhersmallparty.Nowhematerializedoutofthe
crowdandofferedhishandwithonlytheslightesthesitation.
ImCommodoreWalterBrentworth,Captain,hesaid,andiftheredbeenanyhesitationwhen
heheldouthishand,therewasnoneinhisuseofherrank.WelcometoCommandCentral.
Thankyou,Commodore,shesaidasclearlyasshecould.Shedpracticedhardtomasterherstiff
lips,buthiseyesflickeredattheslurringshecouldntquiteovercome.Sheknewtheywantedtocling
tothecrippledsideofherface,buthekeptthemresolutelyundercontrol.
Thesearemycaptains,shewenton.CommanderTrumanoftheApollo,andCommander
McKeonoftheTroubadour.Ibelievethemobilecornerofhermouthquirkedslightlythatyou
knowCommanderBrentworth.
Yes,IbelieveIdo.Thecommodoresmiledather,thennoddedtohissonandshookhandswith
TrumanandMcKeon.ThenheturnedbacktoHonor.Captain,hebegan,pleaseallowmeto
apologizeforany
Noapologiesarenecessary,Commodore,sheinterruptedhim,butthecommodoreclearlyshared
hissonsstubbornintegrity.Heseemedabouttodisagree,andshewentonintheshortsentencesher
impairedspeechenforced.Wecomefromverydifferentbackgrounds.Therewasboundtobesome
friction.Whatsimportantisseeingtoitthatthereisntanymore.
Helookedupather,lettinghisgazerestfranklyonherswollen,paralyzedfaceatlast,then
noddedslowly.
Youreright,Captain,hesaid,thensmiled.Marksaidyouhadyourheadonstraight,andIve
alwayshadconsiderablefaithinhisjudgment.
Good,becauseIdo,too,Honorsaidfirmly,andthecommanderblushed.Hisfatherchuckled
andwavedfortheManticoranstofollowhim.
LetmeescortyoutoAdmiralGarret,Captain.Therewasahintofamusementinhisvoice.I
believehesbeenawaitingyouwithsomeanticipation.
***
AdmiralLeonGarretwasacraggyfacedmanwhosehoodedeyeswatchedHonorwithasortof
hypnotizedfascinationasshesteppedintotheconferenceroom.Itwasafascinationwhichextended
itselftoNimitz,aswell,andshewonderedwhichofthemhefoundmoreoutrthesixlimbed
animalwhodprovedsounexpectedlydeadly,orthewomanwhoworeacaptainsuniform?
Heroseatherapproach,buthedidntextendhishand.Hadhisinnerconfusionbeenlessevident,
shemighthaveconstruedthatasaninsult.Asitwas,anddespitethegravityofthesituation,his
expressionalmostbetrayedher.Atotallyinappropriategiggleflutteredatthebaseofherthroat,and
shesuppresseditonlywithdifficultyasCommodoreBrentworthintroducedhersmallgrouptoGarret
andhisofficers.
Themanattheadmiralsrighthandhadalreadyattractedherattention.Heworeacommodores
uniformbutanadmiralscollarinsignia,andshewasntsurprisedwhenhewasintroducedasAdmiral
WesleyMatthews.Shesizedhimupcarefully,notrudelybutwithoutmakinganyefforttohideher
oneeyedevaluation,andhesquaredhisshouldersandlookedbackfrankly.
Shelikedwhatshesaw.Matthewswasshort,evenforaGrayson,stockyandsolid,withan
intelligent,mobileface,andtherewerenosexbasedreservationsinhishazeleyes.Sheremembered
whatLordMayhewhadsaidanddecidedhedbeenright.Shewouldnthaveanyproblemsworking
withthisman.
Thankyouforcoming,uh,CaptainHarrington.Garretflushedashestumbledoverherrank,
thenpointedattheemptychairsonhersideoftheconferencetableandwentonmorenaturally.
Please,beseated.
Thankyou,Admiral.Shesat,followedbyhersubordinates.ShefeltNimitzsexpressivetail
twitchagainstherback,buthewasawareoftheneedtomindhismanners.Sheliftedhimdowntosit
besidetheblotterbeforeherandnotedthewaytheGraysonofficerswatchedhimmove.Clearly
theydbeenimpressedbythevideoofhisbloodyhandiwork,andoneortwoofthemlookedabit
uneasy.Well,itwashardtoblamethemfewManticoransrealizedhowlethalacatcouldbewhenhe
orhishumanwasthreatened.
Yes,well.Garretclearedhisthroat.Asyouknow,Captain,hegothertitleoutwithout
hesitationthistime,ComAdmiralMatthewshasbeenplacedincommandofourmobileunits.Its
myunderstandingthatyoubelieveitwouldbemoreadvantageoustoemploythemwithyourvessels
inaforwarddefenseratherthanfromanorbitalposition.
Hehidthechagrinhemustbefeeling(giventhattheorbitalideahadbeenhis)quitewell,Honor
thoughtwithunexpectedsympathy.
Yes,Sir,Ido.Hersympathyhelpedherkeepanyhintofsatisfactionoutofhervoice.Our
currentestimateisthatoneheavyandonelightHavenitecruiseraresupportingMasada.Ifthatstrue,
mysquadronshouldbeabletotakethemonwithouttheassistanceofyourorbitaldefenses.Atthe
sametime,Masadausednuclearweaponsagainstplanetarytargetsthirtyfiveyearsagoandhas
repeatedlystateditswillingnesstodosoagain.NowthatMaccabeushasfailed,wemustassume
theylldojustthat.Underthecircumstances,IbelievewemustkeepthemasfarfromGraysonas
possible.
Butifyoudeployyourselfonthewrongbearing,oneofGarretsstaffofficerssaidquietly,they
mayslippastandgettheattackinanyway.Andwithyourshipsoutofposition,ourowndefensive
systemsareunlikelytostopwarheadswithmodernpenetrationaids,Captain.
ImsuretheCaptainsthoughtofthat,CommanderCalgary,Garretsaiduncomfortably.Itwas
clearProtectorBenjaminhadhadalongtalkwithhim,butHonorsimplynodded,forCommander
Calgaryspointwaswelltaken.
 Yourecorrect,Commander.Butthereareoffsettingconsiderations.Shespokefirmly,
minimizingtheslurringofherwords.TheyknowwhereGraysonis.Iftheirgoalissimplyto
bombard,theycanlaunchfromextremerangeatnearlightvelocity.Oncetheirmissiledrivesgodead,
evenoursensorswillhavetroublelocalizingthemforpointdefense.Myshipscouldinterceptmostof
them,butweretalkingaboutnukes.Wehavetocatchthemall,andourbestchanceforthatiswhile
theyrestillinboostphase.
Calgarynoddedhisunderstanding,andshewenton.
Admittedly,movingawayfromGraysonwillopenthethreatwindow.Wehave,however,certain
technicaladvantageswebelieveareunknowntoHaven.
AstirwentthroughtheGraysons,andshefeltTrumansresidualunhappinessbesideher.What
sheproposedtodescribetotheGraysonswasstillontheOfficialSecretsList,andTrumanhad
opposeditsrevelation.Ontheotherhand,evenAlicehadtoadmittheydidnthaveanychoicebutto
useit,andthatmeanttellingtheiralliesaboutit.
Advantages,Captain?Garretasked.
Yes,Sir.CommanderMcKeonisourexpertonthesystem,soIlllethimexplain.Commander?
Yes,Maam.AlistairMcKeonfacedtheGraysonofficers.WhatCaptainHarringtonrefersto,
gentlemen,isanewlydevelopedreconnaissancedrone.RDshavealwaysplayedaroleinour
defensivedoctrine,butlikeeverysurveillancesystem,lightspeeddatatransmissionhasalways
limitedtherange/responsetimeenvelope.Inessence,theRDcantellussomeonescoming,butif
weretoofaroutofposition,wecantrespondintime.
Hepaused,andseveralheadsnodded.
OurR&Dpeoplehavebeenworkingonanewapproach,however,andforthefirsttime,wenow
havealimitedFTLtransmissioncapability.
AnFTLcapability?Calgaryblurted,andhewasfarfromaloneinhisastonishment,forthe
humanracehadsoughtawaytosendmessagesfasterthanlightforalmosttwothousandyears.
Yes,Sir.Itsrangeistoolimitedforanythingotherthantacticalpurposesourbesttransmission
radiusisonlyaboutfourlighthoursatthistimebutthatsquiteenoughtogiveusamarked
advantage.
Excuseme,CommanderMcKeon,AdmiralMatthewssaid,buthowdoesitwork?If,thatis,
helookedatHonor,youcantelluswithoutcompromisingyourownsecurity.
Wedrathernotgointodetails,Admiral,Honorreplied.Lessbecauseofsecurity,thanbecause
itstootechnicalforaquickexplanation.
And,Matthewsgrinnedwryly,becauseitsprobablytootechnicalforourpeopletoduplicate
evenifweunderstoodtheexplanation.
Honorwasappalledbyhisremark,butthenarumbleofchucklescamefromtheothersideofthe
table.Shedbeenafraidofsteppingonsensitivetoesbyflauntinghershipstechnicalsuperiority,but
itseemedMatthewsunderstoodhispeoplebetterthanshedid.Andperhapsitwashiswayoftelling
hernottoworry.
Iimaginethatstrue,Sir,shesaid,smilingwiththerightsideofhermouth,atleastuntilwe
bringyouuptospeedonmolycircsandsuperdensefusionbottles.Ofcourse,hersmilegrew,once
thetreatyissigned,Iexpectyournavyisgoingtogetmuchnastierallaround.
 TheGraysonchuckleswereevenlouderthistime,tingedwithmorethananedgeofrelief.She
hopedtheydidntexpectaGodweapontocomeoutofhertechnologicalbagoftricks,butanything
thatbolsteredtheirmoraleatthismomentwaswellworthwhile,andshenoddedforAlistairto
continue.
Basically,Admiral,hesaid,itsareversiontooldfashionedMorsecode.Ournewgeneration
RDscarryanextragravitygeneratorwhichtheyusetocreateextremelypowerfuldirectionalpulses.
SincegraviticsensorsareFTL,wehaveeffectiverealtimereceiptacrosstheirmaximumrange.
Thatsbrilliant,acaptainwithOfficeofShipbuildinginsigniamurmured.Thenhefrowned.
Anddifficult,Idimagine.
Itcertainlyis,McKeonsaidfeelingly.Thepowerrequirementisenormousourpeoplehadto
developanentirenewgenerationoffusionplantstopullitoffandthatsonlythefirstproblem.
Designingapulsegravgeneratorandpackingitintothedronebodycamenext.Asyoucanprobably
imagine,itusesupalotmoremassthanadriveunit,anditwasamonstertoengineer.Andthereare
certainfundamentallimitationsonthesystem.Mostimportantly,ittakestimeforthegeneratorto
produceeachpulsewithoutburningitselfout,whichplacesaninsurmountablelimitonthedata
transmissionspeed.Atpresent,wecanonlymanageapulserepetitionrateofaboutninepointfive
seconds.Obviously,itsgoingtotakeusawhiletotransmitanycomplexmessagesatthatrate.
Thatstrue,Honorputin,butwhatweproposetodoisprogramtheonboardcomputersto
respondtothemostlikelythreatparameterswithsimplethreeorfourpulsecodes.Theyllidentifythe
threatsbasicnatureandapproachinlessthanaminute.Thedronescanfollowupwithmoredetailed
messagesoncewevestartedresponding.
Isee.Matthewsnoddedquickly.Andwiththatkindofadvancewarning,wecanposition
ourselvestocutthemoffshortofoptimumlaunchrangeagainsttheplanet.
Yes,Sir.Honornoddedtohim,thenlookedatAdmiralGarret.Morethanthat,Admiral,well
havetimetobuildaninterceptvectorthatletsusstaywiththeminsteadoffindingourselveswitha
basevelocitysolowastogiveusonlyalimitedengagementtimebeforetheybreakpastus.
Iunderstand,Captain.Garretpluckedathislip,thennodded.Iunderstand,herepeated,and
shewasrelievedattheabsenceofacrimonyinhistone.IfIdrealizedyouhadthiscapability,I
wouldhaveapproachedtheentireproblemdifferHestoppedhimselfandsmiledcrookedly.Of
course,ifIdbotheredtoaskyou,Imighthaveknownaboutitsooner,mightntI?
HonorsawamazementonmorethanoneGraysonface,asiftheycouldntquitebelievewhat
theydjustheardhimsay,andshewonderedhowtorespond,butthenheshruggedandsmiledmore
naturally.
Well,Captain,theysaytheresnofoollikeanoldfool.DoManticoransusethatexpression?
Nottoseniorofficers,Sir,Honorsaiddemurely,andGarretstartledherbyburstinginto
laughter.Hisguffawsremindedherofaneighinghorse,butnoonecouldhavedoubtedtheir
genuineness.Hecouldntgetawordoutthroughthem,thoughhepointedafingeratherandtried
hard,andshefeltherselfgrinninglopsidedlybackathim.
Pointtaken,Captain,hegaspedatlast,andthereweresmilesonotherfacesonhissideofthe
table.Pointtaken,indeed.Hesettledhimselfinhischairandnodded.Doyouhaveanyotherideas,
CaptainHarrington?
Well,Sir,asyouknow,weveevacuatedourownnoncombatantsaboardourfreighters.Garret
nodded,andHonorshrugged.CommanderTrumansreportincludedanurgentrequestfor
reinforcements.Imcertainthatrequestwillbegranted,butthoseareslowships,Sir.Idhave
preferredtosendoneofmywarships,butIcantspareApolloifwemaybefacingtwomodern
cruisers,andTroubadoursnodedamagewouldrestricthertoimpellerdrive.More,shecouldntget
muchabovethegammabandwithoutreliableWarshawskisails.Ifoneofyourhypercapableships
couldbesent?
Shepaused,forGarretandMatthewswerebothshakingtheirheads.MatthewsglancedatGarret,
andhissuperiornoddedforhimtoexplain.
Wecandoit,Captain,butourhypertechnologyismuchcruderthanyours.Ourshipsare
restrictedtothemiddlegammabands,andourWarshawskisailswontletuspullanywherenearas
muchaccelfromagivengravwave.Idoubtwecouldcutmorethanadayorsooffyourfreighters
time.Underthecircumstances,IthinkwellbebetteremployedkeepingwhatsleftoftheMasadan
NavyoffyourbackwhileyoudealwiththeHavenites.
HonorglancedatTrumanandMcKeon.Trumangaveherasmallnod,andMcKeonsimply
shrugged.NoneofthemhadrealizedGraysonhypercapabilitywasthatlimited,butMatthewswas
right.Thesmalltimesavingwouldbemuchlessusefulthanthesupportofanotherwarshiphere,
especiallysinceitwasunlikelytheMasadanswoulddelaytheirattackmorethananotherfewhours.
Ithinkyoureright,AdmiralMatthews,sheagreed.Inthatcase,Imafraidallwecandoisget
ourmobileunitsreadyforactionanddeploytheRDs.Unless
Someoneknockedontheconferenceroomdoor,thenopenedittoadmitthechatterofprinters,and
Honorseyebrowsrose.ThenewcomerwasawhitehairedmanintheuniformofaSecuritygeneral,
notanavalofficer.
CouncilmanClinkscales!Garretexclaimed.Heandhisstaffstoodquickly,andtheManticorans
followedthem.WhatcanIdofor,you,Sir?
Sorrytointerruptyou,gentlemen...ladies.Clinkscalespaused,hisfierceoldeyesexamining
HonorandAliceTrumanwithfrankbutwarycuriosity.Headvancedandheldouthishandrather
abruptly.CaptainHarrington.Shetookhishand,andhesqueezedhard,asifheweredeterminedto
rejecttheleastsuggestionthathewasconcernedaboutfemininefrailty.
CouncilmanClinkscales,shemurmured,squeezingbackwithequalstrength,andhismouth
twitchedintoawintrysmile.
Iwantedtothankyou,hesaidabruptly.GraysonowesyouatremendousdebtandsodoI.
Hewasclearlyuncomfortablesayingthat,buthisdeterminationtogetitoutwasobvious.
Ijusthappenedtobethere,Sir.AnditwasactuallyNimitzwhosavedtheday.Ifhehadnt
reactedsoquicklySheshrugged.
True.Clinkscalesgaveaquickbarkoflaughter.WonderifhedbewillingtojoinPalace
Security?
Imafraidnot,Sir.TheundamagedsideofHonorsmouthsmiled,andsherealizedthathe,
aloneofeveryoneshedmetsincetheattack,seemedunembarrassedbytheconditionofherface.
Apparentlyoncehedecidedsomeonewasarealofficer,heexpectedthemtobeartheirbattlescarsthe
samewayhewouldhave,andshediscoveredthatsheactuallylikedthisolddinosaur.
Pity,hesaid,thenlookedatGarret.AsIsay,Imsorrytointerrupt,butmypeoplevegotone
oftheMaccabeanresourceshippilots,andhessinginglikeabird.
 Heis?Garretseyessharpened,andHonorfeltamatchinginterest.
Heis,Clinkscalessaidgrimly.HedoesntknowshiHestoppedandlookedatHonorand
Truman,andHonorforcedherselfnottosmileagain.
HedoesntknowanythingabouttheHaveniteshipsactualclasses,thecouncilmancorrected
himself,buthedoesknowthatMasadasputinanadvancedbaseinthissystem.
InYeltsin?Garretsoundedshocked,andClinkscalesshrugged.
Thatswhathesays.Hesneverseenit,andaccordingtohisfriendswhohave,itwasnteasyto
build.Buthedoesknowwhereitis,andhesaystheirbiggestship,whateveritis,maybeinEndicott
rightnow.
Itmay?Honorleanedtowardshim.Didhesaywhy?
SomethingabouttowingtheirLACsoverhere,Clinkscalessaid,andHonorseyewidenedin
surprise.Shedneverheardofanyonetryingthat!Whichdidntmeanitwasimpossible.Andit
certainlyexplainedhowtheydgottenthemhere.Butiftheyhadmodernships,whywerethey
wastingtimebringingoversomethingascrudeasMasadanLACsinthefirstplace?
Howpositiveishethatshesgone?sheasked,shakingofftheirrelevantquestions.Anddoes
heknowwhenshesdueback?
Heknowsshewasduetoleave,Clinkscalessaid.Hedoesntknowifshesstillgone,butit
occurredtomethatherabsencemightexplainwhytheyhaventalreadyattacked,andifitdoes,their
continuedlackofactivitycouldbeanindicationthatshehasntgottenbackyet.
Itcouldbe,Sir,shemurmured.SheglancedatTrumanandMcKeon.Ontheotherhand,weve
beeninsystemforalmosttwentysixhours.Evenifsheleftjustbeforewearrived,sheshouldhave
hadtimetogetbackbynow.Unless...Sherubbedthenumbsideofherface,thenlookedbackat
Truman.AnyideawhattheirtransittimemightbetowingLACs,Alice?
Idontthinktheresanywaytoknowwithoutactuallytryingitourselves.Nooneelseeverdidit,
asfarasIknow.Infact,Idontthinktheycouldhave,ifYeltsinandEndicottwereanyfurtherapart.
Asforhowfasttheycanmakethepassage,theydprobablyhavetotakeitprettyeasy,butasforhow
easyTrumanshrugged.
Alotwoulddependonwhattheyreusingasatug,Skipper,McKeonoffered.Themassratio
wouldbefairlycritical,Idthink.Andtheydhavetousesomethingwithenoughtractorcapacityto
completelyzoneaLAC,too.
Honornodded,stillrubbingherdeadcheek,thenshrugged.Eitherway,justknowingwhereto
findthemshouldbeamajorplus.Assumingtheinformationisreliable.
ShelookedatClinkscales,andthehardgleamintheSecuritycommanderseyewasalmost
frightening.
Oh,itsreliable,Captain,heassuredherinachillingtone.Theyveputinabaseon
BlackbirdthatsoneofUrielsmoons,headdedforHonorsbenefit,andshenodded.Thatmade
sense.UrielYeltsinVIwasagasgiantlargerthanSolsJupiter,withanorbitalradiusofalmost
fiftyonelightminutes,whichputitwellbeyondsensorrangeofanythingGraysonhad.
Whatsortofbasingfacilitiesdotheyhave?AdmiralMatthewsaskedsharply,andClinkscales
shrugged.
ThatIdontknow,Admiral,andneitherdoeshe.Notinanydetail.Thecouncilmanproducedan
oldfashionedaudiotape.Ibroughtalongeverythinghecouldtellusincaseyourpeoplecouldmake
abetterestimatefromit.AllhecouldtellusforsureisthatMaccabeustheoldmanrefusedtouse
JaredMayhewsnamedivertedsomeofourownconstructionshipswithMaccabeancrewstohelp
thembuildit.Hiswasntamongthem,unfortunately,butheheardoneoftheothercaptains
commentingonthefactthattheyveputinmodernsensors.TheymayhaveafewHaveniteheavy
weapons,aswell,thoughhesnotsureaboutthat.
Damn,someonemutteredfromtheGraysonsideofthetable,andtherightsideofHonorsface
tightened.
IdontthinktheycouldhaveturnedBlackbirdintoanykindofrealfortress,Matthewssaid
quickly.Notunlesstheycangenerateasidewallbubblearoundamooneightthousandkilometersin
diameter.HelookedquestioninglyatHonor,andsheshookherhead.
No,Sir.NotevenManticorecanworkmiraclesyet,shesaiddryly.
Thenwhatevertheyvegotwasprobablydesignedtostopus.Theycertainlyhaventputupany
orbitalplatforms.Theytookariskjustsettingupamoonsidebase,becauseweconductperiodic
exercisesinthearea.MaccabeuslikeClinkscales,MatthewsrefusedtouseMayhewsnamehad
accesstoourschedules,sohecouldhavewarnedthemwhentolielow,buttheycouldnthave
countedonhidingorbitalinstallationsfromus.
Honornoddedagain,followinghislogic.
Andfixeddefenseswouldbefarmorevulnerablethanmyships.Shespokemorerapidly,and
herwordsslurredbadly,butnooneseemedtonotice.
Exactly.AndiftheresachancemostoftheirHavenitefirepoweriselsewhereMatthews
suggested.
Honorlookedathimforamomentandrealizedshewasrubbingherfacemuchharder.Shemade
herselfstopbeforeshefurtherdamagedtheinsensitiveskin,thennoddeddecisively.
Absolutely,Admiral.Howsooncanyourunitsbereadytomoveout?

 CHAPTERTWENTYTHREE
Skipper?
ThomasTheismanjerkedawake,andhisexecutiveofficersteppedbackquicklyashesatupand
swunghislegsovertheedgeofthecouch.
What?heaskedthickly,rubbingatsleepcrustedeyes.IsittheCaptain?
No,Sir,LieutenantHillyardsaidunhappily,butwerepickingupanawfullotofimpeller
signaturesheadedthisway.
Thisway?TowardsUriel?
SlapbangtowardsBlackbird,Skipper.Hillyardmethiseyeswithananxiousgrimace.
Oh,fuck.TheismanshovedhimselferectandwishedhedneverleftthePeoplesRepublic.
Whatkindofsignatures?Harringtons?
No,Sir.
Iminnomoodforbadjokes,Al!
Imnotkidding,Skipper.Wedontseeheranywhere.
Damnit,theresnowaytheGraysonswouldcomeafterusalone!Harringtonhastobeout
there!
Ifsheis,wehaventseenheryet,Sir.
Goddamnit.Theismanmassagedhisface,tryingtokneadsomelifebackintohisbrain.Captain
Yuwasfortyhoursoverdue,thereportscomingupfrommoonsidewereenoughtoturnamans
stomach,andnowthisshit.
Allright.Hestraightenedwithaspinecrackingpopandpickeduphiscap.Letsgettothe
bridgeandseewhatsgoingon,Al.
Yes,Sir.Theexecfollowedhimfromthecabin.Weonlypickedthemupaboutfiveminutes
ago,hewenton.Wevebeengettingsomefunnyreadingsfrominsystem,somekindofdiscrete
gravitypulses.Theismanlookedathim,andHillyardshrugged.Cantmakeanythingoutofthem,
Skipper.Theyrescatteredallovertheplace,andtheydontseemtobedoinganything,buttryingto
runthemdownhadoursensorslookingthewrongway.Theymayhavebeendeceleratingforasmuch
asthirtyminutesbeforewepickedthemup.
Um.Theismanrubbedhischin,andHillyardlookedathisprofile.
Skipper,hesaidhesitantly,tellmeifImoutofline,buthaveyouheardanythingaboutwhats
happeninggroundside?
Youareoutofline!Thelieutenantrecoiled,andTheismangrimaced.Sorry,Al.And,yes,Ive
heard,butHeslammedafistexplosivelyintothebulkheadbesidehim,thenjerkedtoastopand
swungtofacehisexec.
TheresnotagoddamnedthingIcando,Al.Ifitwasuptome,Idshooteveryoneofthesons
ofbitchesbutdontyoubreatheawordofthat,eventoourpeople!HeheldHillyardseyesfiercely
untiltheexecnoddedchoppily,thenrubbedhisfaceagain.
Jesus,Ihatethisstinkingjob!TheCaptainneverfiguredonthis,Al.Iknowhowhedfeelabout
it,andImademyownpositionascleartoFranksasIcan,butIcantqueerthedealfortheCaptain
whenIdontknowhowhedhandleit.Besides,hesmiledcrookedly,wedonthaveanyMarines.
Yes,Sir.Hillyardlookeddownatthedeck,andhismouthworked.Itjustmakesmefeelso...
dirty.
Youandmeboth,Al.Youandmeboth.Theismansighed.Hestartedbackdownthepassage,
andHillyardhadtohalftrottokeepupwithhim.WhenIgethomeifIgethomeTheisman
mutteredsavagely,ImgonnafindwhateverStaffpukethoughtthisoneup.Idontcarewhothe
bastardis,hesdogshitwhenIfindhim.Ididntsignupforthiskindofgarbage,andrankwonthelp
thesonofabitchinadarkalley!HebrokeoffandlookedsidelongatHillyard.Youdidnthear
that,Lieutenant,hesaidcrisply.
Ofcoursenot,Sir.Hillyardtookanotherfewstepsandlookedbackupathiscommander.Want
alittlehelpinthatalley,Skipper?
***
ShemissedNimitz.Thebackofhercommandchairseemedemptyandincompletewithouthim,
butNimitzwastuckedawayinhislifesupportmodule.Hehadntbeenanyhappieratbeingparted
thanshewas,yethedbeentherebefore,andhedsettleddownwithoutdemurwhenshesealedhim
in.Nowsheputthelonelyfeelingoutofhermindandstudiedherplot.
AsolidwedgeofLACsledhership,itscornersanchoredbyGraysonsthreesurvivingstarships,
whileTroubadourandApolloweretuckedintightonFearlesssportandstarboardquarters.Itwas
scarcelyanorthodoxformation,especiallysinceitputthebestsensorsuitesbehindthelesscapable
Graysonunits,butifitworkedthewayitwassupposedto...
SheheardasoftsoundandlookeduptoseeCommanderBrentworthplayingwithhishelmet
besideherchair.Hisbulkyvacgearmarkedhimasastrangeramongherbridgecrewsskinsuits,and,
unlikeeveryoneelse,hehadnothingtodobutstandthereandworry.
Hefelthereyeandlookeddown,andshesmiledherlopsidedsmile.
Feelingoutofplace,Mark?sheaskedquietly,andhegaveherasheepishnod.Dontworry
aboutit.Weregladyoureaboard.
Thanks,Maam.Ijustfeelsortofuselesswithnothingtodo,Iguess.Henoddedatherplot.In
fact,thewholeFleetprobablyfeelsthatwayrightnow.
Well,wecertainlycanthavethat,Commander!acheerfulvoicesaid,andHonorsgoodeye
twinkled,asVenizelosappearedontheothersideofherchair.Tellyouwhat,theexecwenton,
leaveusthePeeps,andwellletyouhavealltheMasadans.Howsthat?
Itsoundsfairtome,Commander.Brentworthgrinned.
Goodenough.Venizeloslookeddownathiscaptain.Stevemakesitanotherhourandfifty
eightminutes,Skipper.Thinktheyknowwerehere?
***
TheyredowntotwosixohfivefourKPS,Sir,Theismansplottingofficerreportedas
Principalityscaptainsteppedontohisbridge.Rangeninertwopointtwomillionklicks.They
shouldcometorestrightontopofusinanotheroneoneeightminutes.
Theismancrossedtothemaintacticaldisplayandgloweredatit.Atightpackedtriangleof
impellersignaturescametowardshimacrossit,deceleratingatthemaximumthreehundredseventy
fivegravitiesofaGraysonLAC.Threebrighter,morepowerfulsignaturesglowedatitscorners,but
theywerentHarrington.Principalityhadgoodmassreadingsonthem,andtheyhadtobewhatwas
leftoftheGraysons.
Anybodyinpositiontoseearoundthatwall?
No,Sir.AsidefromVirtue,everybodysrighthere.
Um.TheismanrubbedaneyebrowandcursedhimselffornotconvincingFrankstosendoneof
theMasadandestroyerstoEndicottassoonasHarringtonreturned.Theadmiralhadrefusedonthe
groundsthatThunderofGodwasalreadytwohoursoverdueandsomustbebackmomentarily,and
themostTheismanhadbeenabletogethimtodowassendVirtueouttoThundersplanned
translationpointtowarntheCaptaintheinstanthedidreturn.
Hethrustthatthoughtasideandconcentratedontheplot.ItcertainlylookedasifGraysonhad
launchedthislittleexpeditionwithoutHarrington,butthatwouldhaverequiredanawfullotof
gutsnottosaystupidityiftheyknewwhattheyweregettinginto.
Butdidthey?Obviouslytheyknewsomething,ortheywouldntbehereatall.Theismandidnt
knowhowtheydtumbledtotheMasadanpresenceonBlackbird,yetitseemedunlikelyHarrington
hadrecoveredanyusabledatafromDanvillesLACs.NootherMasadanshipshadbeeninrangeto
assistDanville(luckilyforthem),butthedestroyerPowerhadbeencloseenoughforlongrangegrav
readings,andHarringtonhadntevensloweddown.Thatsuggestedtherehadntbeenanywreckage
largeenoughtosearch,whichwaspreciselywhatTheismanwouldhaveexpected.
ButifHarringtonhadntlearnedaboutBlackbird,thensomethingmustveslippedontheGrayson
end.TheoriginalbasepredatedHavensinvolvement,andtheMasadanshadalwaysbeenmighty
cageyabouthowtheydputitin.Yettheyalmosthadtohaverecruitedlocalassistancetobuildit,so
whoevertheirassistanthadbeenmighthavespilledthebeans.
Andifthatwerethecase,theGraysonsstillmightnotrealizewhowaswaitingforthemhere.Or,
heamendedsourly,whooughttobewaitingforthemiftheCaptainwerentsolongoverdue.Damn,
damn,damn!Hecouldfeelthewheelscomingoff,andtherewasnowaytofindoutwhattheCaptain
wouldwanthimtodoaboutit!
Hedrewadeepbreath.Assumeaworstcasescenario.TheGraysonshaddiscoveredBlackbird,
learnedaboutPrincipalityandThunderofGod,andtoldHarringtonallaboutit.Whatwouldhedoif
hewereshe?
Well,hedamnedstraightwouldntcomeafterthemnotifheknewaboutThunder!Whathed
probablydowassendhisdestroyerforhelp,holdhiscruisersintheinnersystemtocoverGrayson,
andhopelikehellthecavalryarrivedintime.
Ontheotherhand,Harringtonwasgood.ThePeoplesNavyhadstudiedhercarefullysince
Basilisk,andshemightjustfigureshecouldtakeThunderiftheGraysonskepttheMasadansoffher
asswhileshedidit.Theismancouldntimaginehowsheddoit,buthewasntpreparedtosay
categoricallythatshecouldnt.Only,inthatcase,wherewasshe?
HelookedattheGraysonformationagain.Ifshewasoutthereatall,shewasbehindthattriangle,
followingitcloselyenoughforitsmassedimpellerstoscreenherfromanygravitysensorsinfrontof
it.
Theonlythingwas,herrecordsaidshewassneakyenoughtosendintheGraysonslikethisto
makehimthinkjustthatwhileshewassomeplaceelseentirely...likewaitingforanyHavenbuilt
shipstoabandontheirMasadanalliesandmakearunforit.
HiseyesswitchedtoadirectvisiondisplayfilledwithUrielsbloatedsphere.Theplanetwasso
enormousitcreatedahyperlimitofalmostfivelightminuteshalfasdeepasanM9s.Thatmeant
Principalitywouldhavetoaccelerateatmaxforninetysevenminutesbeforeshecouldtranslatethe
helloutofhere,andHarringtonmighthavehercruiserssmokinginonaballisticcoursetopickoff
anyonewhotriedtorun.Withherdrivesdown,hedneverseehercomingtillshehitradarrange,but
shedseehimtheinstanthelitoffhisimpellers.Thatwouldgivehertimetoadjustherownvector.
Probablynotbyenoughforaclassicbroadsideduel,butcertainlybyenoughfortwocruiserstoreduce
adestroyertoglowinggas.
Assuming,ofcourse,thatshedidntknowaboutThunderandthatsheexpectedhimtorun.
HesworetohimselfagainandrecheckedtheGraysonETA.Ahundredsevenminutes.Ifhewas
goingtorun,hedbetterstartdoingitsoon...andifhehadhisdruthers,runningwasexactlywhat
heddo.ThomasTheismanwasnocoward,butheknewwhatwasgoingtohappenifHarringtonhit
thisforcewithThunderabsent.And,inthelongerrun,ifshedsentforhelp,itwasgoingtoarrive
longbeforeanythinggotherefromHaven.Besides,theideahadbeentopullthisthingoffwithouta
warwithManticore!Everyoneknewthatwascoming,butthiswasntthetimeorplaceforittobegin.
Thenagain,warsoftenstartedsomewhereotherthanwhenandwheretheplancalledfor.He
squaredhisshouldersandturnedfromthedisplay.
GetmealinktoAdmiralFranks,Al.
***
Dontberidiculous,Commander!AdmiralErnstFrankssnorted.
Admiral,ImtellingyouHarringtonandhershipsarerightbehindthosepeople.
EvenifyourecorrectandImnotatallcertainyouareourweaponsonBlackbirdwillmore
thaneventheodds.Wellannihilateherallies,thencloseinandfinishheroff,aswell.
Admiral,Theismanclungtohistemperwithbothhands,theywouldntbehereiftheydidnt
havesomeideawhattheywereheadinginto.Thatmeans
Thatmeansnothing,Commander.Frankseyesnarrowed.Hedheardrumorsaboutthisinfidels
opinionofhisbattlewithMadrigal.Yourownpeoplesuppliedourmissiles.Youknowtheireffective
poweredrangeandthatnothingtheApostatehavecouldpossiblystopthem.
Sir,youwontbeengagingGraysondefenses,Theismansaidalmostdesperately,andifyou
thinkMadrigalspointdefensewasbad,youdontevenwanttothinkaboutwhataStarKnightclass
cruiserswilldotous!
Idontbelieveshesbackthere!Frankssnapped.Unlikeyou,Iknowpreciselywhatdatacould
havefallenintoApostatehands,andImnotrunningfromghosts!Thisisaprobetoexaminelittle
morethanwildtalessomeoneheardfromsomeonewhohearditfromsomeoneelse,andthey
wouldntdarepulltheinfidelbitchsshipsoffGraysontochasedownrumorswhentheycantknow
Thunderwontpounceontheplanetinherabsence.
Andifyourewrong,Sir?Theismanaskedinatightvoice.
Imnot.ButevenifIwere,shedbecomingtousonourownterms.WellshoottheApostateout
ofourway,thenoverwhelmherwithcloserangefire,justaswedidMadrigal.
Theismanlockedhisteethonacurse.IfHarringtonwasoutthere,thiswassuicide.Frankshad
gottenhisasskickedupbetweenhisearsbyafriggingdestroyerwhatdidhethinktwocruiserswere
goingtodotohim?!
Buttherewasnopointarguing.Frankshadheardtoomuchcriticismofhisprevioustactics,
insistedtoodoggedlythatonlythesuperiorrangeofMadrigalsmissilesandthewaytheydreduced
hisforcebeforeheeverengagedhadcausedhisheavylosses.Thistimehehadtherangeadvantage
fromBlackbirdBase,andhewasdeterminedtoprovehedbeenrightthefirsttime.
Whatareyourorders,then,Sir?Theismandemandedinacurtvoice.
ThetaskforcewillformupbehindBlackbirdasplanned.Ourbaselauncherswillengagewhen
theApostateentertheirrange.ShouldanyoftheApostateoryourManticoranssurvivethat,we
willbeabletoengagethemwithequivalentbasevelocitiesatcloserange.
Isee.ThatwasprobablythestupidestbattleplanTheismanhadeverheard,giventhequalityof
thetwoforces,butshortofrunningonhisown,therewasnothinghecoulddoaboutit.And,from
Franksexpression,hesuspectedtheMasadanshadtheirenergyweaponsdialedinonPrincipality.If
theythoughtshewaspullingout,theydblowheroutofspacethemselves.
Verywell,Sir.Hecutthecircuitwithoutfurtheradoandcursedfortwominutesstraight.
***
Comingdownonfortyminutes,Maam,StephenDuMornereported.Rangeisapproximately
tenpointsixmillionkilometers.
Com,askAdmiralMatthewstoopenthewall.Letstakealook,Honorsaid.IfthePeepshad
giventheMasadanswhatshewasafraidtheyhad,sheandMatthewswouldbefindingoutaboutitin
approximatelyonehundredandfortyseconds.
***
Ifriggingwellknewit!CommanderTheismanspat.
Hisownsensorswereblindfrombackhere,butthebasessystemswerenowfeeding
Principalitysdisplays...forwhatitwasworth.ThetightwallofLACshadjustspread,revealingthe
farstrongerandlargerimpellersignaturesbehindit.ItwasHarrington...andshewasjustas
goodasONIsaidshewas,damnit!Evenashewatched,hershipswereslidingforwardthroughthe
Graysonwall,spreadingoutintoaclassicantimissilepatternanddeployingdecoyswhilethe
Graysonsvanishedbehindthem.
***
AdmiralMatthewswatchedhisdisplayandwaited.Covingtonwasstillshortfivemissiletubes,
butherenergyweaponsandsidewallgeneratorshadbeenrepairedinrecordtime.Forallthat,heknew
justhowhelplessshewouldhavebeenbeforetheattackCaptainHarringtonwasdeliberatelyinviting.
Hedbeenhorrifiedwhenshefirsttoldhimabouttheendurancetheirlarger,morerobustdrivesgave
Havensgroundbasedmissiles,butshedseemedconfident.
Nowitwastimetoseeifthatconfidencehadbeenjustified.Ifthosemissileshadtheendurance
sheestimated,theywouldacceleratetoanincredible117,000KPSandreacheightmillionplus
kilometersbeforeburnout.Giventheirshipsclosingvelocity,thatequatedtoaneffectivepowered
engagementrangeofwelloverninemillionkilometers,andthatmeantthebaseshouldbelaunching
right...about...now.
***
 Missilelaunch!RafaelCardonessnapped.BirdsclosingateightthreethreeKPSsquared.
Impactinonethreefivesecondsmark!
ImplementpointdefensePlanAble.
Aye,aye,Maam.InitiatingPlanAble.
***
CommanderTheismanmanagedtostopswearingandraisedhiseyesfromhisplottoglareat
LieutenantTrotterasthefirstManticorancountermissilesscorchedout.ItwasntTrottersfaulthe
wasoneoftheveryfewMasadanofficersaboardPrincipality.Infact,Trotterwasaprettydecentsort,
andheseemedtohavebecomeevenmoresobyasortofprocessofspiritualcontaminationduringhis
timeaboardTheismansship.Unfortunately,hewasMasadanandhewashandy.
Trotterfelthiscaptainseyes,andhisfacereddenedwithacuriousblendofhumiliation,apology,
andansweringresentment.Heopenedhismouth,thenclosedit,andTheismanmadehimselfstop
glaring.HegavetheMasadananapologetichalfshrug,thenlookedbackathisplot.
***
Therewerethirtymissilesinthesalvo,morethanHonorhadexpected,andtheywerebig,nasty,
anddangerous.Eachofthemmassedahundredandsixtytons,morethantwiceasmuchasherown
missiles,andtheyputallthatextramassintotougherdrives,betterseekers,andpenaidsnoshipboard
Havenitemissilecouldmatch.
Butshedsuspectedwhatwascoming,andRafeCardonesandLieutenantCommanderAmberson,
Apollostacofficer,hadthesquadroninaclassicthreetiereddefenseplan.Fearlessscounter
missileswereresponsibleforlongrangeinterceptions,withApollosandTroubadourstakingthe
leakers.Anythatgotthroughbothmissilelayerswouldbeengagedbythemassedlaserclustersofall
threeshipsunderFearlessscontrol.
NowHonorpunchedaplottingoverlayintohertacticaldisplay,trackingthevectorsofthe
incomingfirebacktoBlackbirdtopinpointtheirlaunchers.
Engagethelaunchers,Captain?Cardonesaskedtenselyashiscountermissilesbegantolaunch.
Notyet,Mr.Cardones.
Ifshecouldgetit,Honorwantedthatbaseintact,forshestillhadnopositiveidentificationofwhat
shefacedinthewayofmodernwarships.Shemightfindthatoutthehardwayveryshortlyifshe
didnt,somewhereinthatbaseweretherecordsorthepeoplewhocouldtellher.
Asecondmissilesalvolaunched.Itcontainedexactlythesamenumberofbirds,andshenoddedas
shecheckedthetime.Thirtyfourseconds.ONIestimatedthreeroundreadymagazinesandafiring
cycleofthirtytofortysecondsforthenewestPeepgroundbasedsystems,sothelaunchtimes
suggestedthirtytubeswerealltherewere.Nowthequestionwashowmanymissileseachtubereally
had.
Shelookedbacktothefirstsalvo.TheirECMwasbetterthanONIhadpredicted.Fifteenofits
birdshadbrokenthroughCardonesouterinterceptzone,buthiscomputerswerealreadyupdating
theiroriginalsolutionsandfeedingthemtoApolloandTroubadour.Theattackingmissilespowerful
drivesgavethemanincrediblevelocitytheywerealreadymovingfiftypercentfasterthananything
ofFearlessscouldhavemanagedfromrestbutsimplespeedwasnomagicwand,andtherange
gavelotsoftimetoplotintercepts.
Herplotbeepedasathirdsalvolaunched,andshebittheinsideofherliptoohardonthedead
leftsideshetastedbloodbeforeshecouldeasethepressure.Thatmadeninetymissiles,andthatwas
alreadymorethanshedbelievedHavenwouldhavehandedovertofanaticsliketheMasadans.If
therewasafourthlaunch,shewasgoingtohavetoforgetabouttakingthatbaseintactandblowit
away.
Fourmissilesfromthefirstsalvobrokethroughthemiddleinterceptzone,andlightsblinkedon
Fearlessstacticalpanels.Hercomputerswereworkingovertime,alreadyplottingsolutionsforher
ownmissilesonthethirdsalvoevenastheytargetedApollosandTroubadoursmissilesonthe
secondandbroughtallthreeshipslaserstobearontheremnantsofthefirst,andHonorfeltafierce
stabofprideinhersquadronasthelastmissileofthefirstflightblewapartthirtythousandkilometers
aheadofFearless.
***
AdmiralWesleyMatthewshearthadgoneintohisthroatwhenhesawthesheerdensityand
accelerationofthehostilelaunchesandrememberedwhatfarsmallerandslowermissileshaddoneto
theGraysonNavy.Butthiswasnoambush,andHarringtonsshipshadbeenbuiltbysorcerers,not
technicians!Therewasasmooth,cleanefficiencytothem,alethal,beautifulprecisionthatcutdown
theattackingmissilesinthreesandfoursandfives.
Hisbridgecrewforgotprofessionalism,cheeringandwhistlinglikespectatorsatsomesporting
event,andMatthewswantedtojointhem,buthedidnt.Itwasntprofessionalismthatstoppedhim.It
wasntevendignityoranawarenessoftheexampleheoughttobesetting.Itwasthethoughtthat
somewherebeyondthoseincomingmissileswasatleastoneothershipwhichcouldmatchwhat
Harringtonsweredoing.
***
Theregothelastofthem,Skipper,Hillyardsaidbitterly,andTheismangrunted.JustlikeFranks
tothrowgoodmoneyafterbad,hethoughtsavagely.GoodasHarringtonspointdefensehadproven
itself,hersystemshadtobeworkingatfullstretch.IfFrankshadbeenwillingtoholdhisfollowup
salvostilltherangeclosedandshehadlessresponsetime...But,no!Hewastryingtoswampher
withsheervolume,whenanyonebutanidiotwouldhaverealizedtimingwasmorecriticalthan
numbers.
Hecheckedhisplot.Harringtonwasstillthirtyfiveminutesout.Therewastimeforalittle
judiciousadjustmentofhisposition...assumingFranksdidntthinkhewastryingtorunandburn
himdown.
Itwouldntmakemuchdifferenceintheend,buttheprofessionalinhimrebelledagainstgoing
downwithoutachievinganything.Hisfingersflewashepunchedatrialvectoracrosshisdisplay,and
henoddedtohimself.
Astrogation,downloadfrommypanel!
Aye,Sir.Downloadingnow.
Preparetoexecuteonmycommand,Theismansaid,thenturnedtoLieutenantTrotter.Com,
informtheFlagthatIwillbeadjustingmypositiontomaximizetheeffectivenessofmyfireinhe
glancedathischronofourteenpointsixminutesfromnow.
Aye,Sir,Trottersaid,andthistimeTheismansmiledathim,fortherewasnomorequestionin
hiscomofficersvoicethantherehadbeeninhisastrogators.
***
 Blackbirdssecondsalvofaredevenworsethanitsfirst,andHonorrelaxedslightlywhenthere
wasnofourthlaunch.Eithertheydshottheirwadortheywerebeingsneaky,andtherapidityofthose
firstthreesalvosmadeherdoubtitwasthelatter.ShelookedupatVenizelos.
Idontthinkwellhavetonukethebaseafterall,Andy,shesaidasthelastwaveofmissiles
camein.Thatsgood.Imstillhopingwe
Acrimsonlightglared,andHonorsheadwhippedaroundasanalarmsquealed.
PointDefenseThreesrejectingthemastersolution!Cardoneshandsflewacrosshisconsole.
Negativeresponseoverride.
Honorsfistsclenchedasthreemissileschargedthroughaholethatshouldnthavebeenthere.
BakerTwo!Cardonessnapped,stillfightingthemalfunctionlights.
Aye,aye,Sir!EnsignWolcottscontraltovoicewastight,butherhandsmovedasrapidlyashis.
BakerTwoengaged!
OneofthemissilesdisappearedasApollorespondedtoWolcottscommandsandblewitaway,
buttwomorekeptcoming.FearlessscomputershadcountedthemasalreadydestroyedbeforePoint
DefenseThreeputitselfoutofthecircuitnowtheywerescramblingfranticallytoreprioritizetheir
firingsequences,andHonorbracedherselfuselessly.Itwasgoingtobetight.Iftheydidntstopthem
atleasttwentyfivethousandkilometersout
Anothermissilediedattwentyseventhousandkilometers.Theportdecoysuckedtheotheroff
course,butitdetonatedsixhundredthsofasecondlater,fineofftheportbeam,andHMSFearless
buckedinagony.
Herportsidewallcaughtadozenlasers,bendingmostofthemclearofherhull,buttwostruck
deepthroughtheradiationshieldinginsideherwedge.Thecompositeceramicandalloysofher
heavilyarmoredbattlesteelhullresistedstubbornly,absorbinganddeflectingenergythatwouldhave
blownaGraysonbuiltshipstitaniumhullapart,butnothingcouldstopthementirely,anddamage
alarmsscreamed.
DirecthitsonLaserTwoandMissileFour!Honorslammedafistintoherchairarm.Magazine
Threeopentospace.PointDefenseTwosoutoftheloop,Skipper!DamageControlisonit,but
wevegotheavycasualtiesinLaserTwo.
Understood.Honorsvoicewasharsh,yetevenasshegratedtheresponse,sheknewtheydbeen
lucky.Verylucky.Whichwouldntmakethefamiliesofthepeoplewhodjustdiedfeelanybetter
thanitmadeherfeel.
PointDefenseThreeisbackonline,Captain,EnsignWolcottreportedinasmallvoice,and
Honornoddedcurtly.
PutmethroughtoAdmiralMatthews,Com,shesaid,andtheGraysonappearedonher
commandchaircom.
Howbadisit,Captain?heaskedtautly.
Itcouldhavebeenalotworse,Sir.Wereworkingonit.
Matthewsstartedtosaysomethingelse,thenstoppedattheexpressiononthemobilesideofher
face.Henoddedinstead.
WellclearBlackbirdinHonorglancedatherplottwentysevenminutes.MayIsuggestwe
shifttoourattackformation?
 Youmay,Captain.Matthewsvoicewasgrim,buthiseyesglittered.
***
TheismangruntedinreliefasPrincipalitybegantomoveandnoneofherfriendskilledher.His
shipwasthewrongoneforanactionthisclose,forherheavymissilearmamentleftlittleroomfor
energyweapons,andatthisrangethatwasgoingtobefatal.ButHarringtonhadmadeamistakeat
lastshewasholdingherentireforcetogetherasshesweptaroundBlackbirdaftertheenemysheknew
hadtobehidingbehinditjustashedexpected.
Shecouldntknowexactlywhatshewasupagainst,soshewasnttakinganychancesongetting
herunitscaughtinisolationbysomethingbigandmodern.Itwasthesmartmove,sinceanyonewho
hopedtotakeherwouldhavetoholdhisforcestogetherorrunthesameriskofdefeatindetail.But
therewasnowayinhellFrankswasgoingtobeather.ThatmeantPrincipalitywasntgoingto
surviveanyway,andtheoptionsweredifferentforakamikaze.
TheHavenitedestroyeraccelerated,streakingaroundBlackbirdinthesamedirectionasher
enemies.
***
Engageatwill!Honorsnappedasenemyimpellersourcessuddenlyspeckledtheplot.Therewas
notimeforcareful,preplannedmaneuvers.Itwasashootoutatminimumrange,andshewhoshot
firstwouldlive.
Thenumberswereverynearlyeven,andtheGraysonLACswerebiggerandmorepowerfulthan
theiropponentswhilenothinginMasadasorderofbattleevenapproachedHonorsships.But
BlackbirdBasessensorswerefeedingthemtargetingdatabeforetheirenemiesevensawthem,and
theygotofftheirfirstshotsbeforeevenFearlesscouldlocalizethem.
Thecruisershudderedasashipboardlaserblastedthroughherstarboardsidewallatpointblank
rangeandadirecthitwipedawayLaserNine.AGraysonLACblewupjustasternofher,andApollo
tooktwohitsinrapidsuccession,butfirewasrippingbackattheMasadans,aswell.Twooftheir
LACsfoundthemselvessquarelyinCovingtonspath,andMatthewsflagshiptorethemapartin
returnforasinglehitofherown.ThedestroyerDominionlockedherbatteriesonSaulandreduced
theGraysonshiptoawreck,butTroubadourwasonSaulsflank,andherfireshreddedtheMasadan
shipliketissuepaper.Dominionvanishedinaballofflame,andapairofGraysonLACswentafter
hersistershipPowerinasavage,twistingkniferangedogfight.
ErnstFrankscursedhideouslyasenemyshipstorethroughhisformation.Solomonslaserskilleda
GraysonLAC,thenanother,buttheactionwastoocloseandfuriousforhercomputerstokeeptrack
of.Shefiredagain,atatargetthatwasalreadydead,justasPowerblewapart,andthensomesixth
sensejerkedhiseyestothevisualdisplayasHMSFearlessflashedacrosshisflagshipsbow.
ThecruisersmassedbeamsrippedstraightdowntheopenthroatofSolomonsimpellerwedge,
andthelastcruiserintheMasadanNavyvanishedinaneyetearingflashasherfusionbottlesletgo.
***
Honorstaredintoherdisplay,hersingleeyeachingwithconcentration.TheMasadanshipswere
dyingevenmorerapidlythanshedhoped,butwhereweretheHavenites?Hadtheycomeallthisway
justtomissthem?
ShewincedasanotherGraysonLACblewup,buttherewereonlyahandfulofMasadanLACs
left,withnostarshipstosupportthem,andMatthewsunitswerepickingthemoffwithmethodical
precision.
Cometotwosevenzero,Helm!
Aye,aye,Maam.Comingtotwosevenzero.
HMSFearlesscurvedoutfromBlackbird,clearinghersensorstolookfortheenemyHonorknew
hadtobesomewhere.
***
Standby,CommanderTheismanwhisperedashisshipflashedaroundthecraggymoonwith
evergatheringspeed.Thebasessensorsstillfedhisplot,andhisteethdrewback.Stand...by....
Now!
***
Skipper!Asternofus!
LieutenantCommanderAmbersonsshoutwrenchedCommanderAliceTrumanseyesbacktoher
display,andherfacewhitenedinhorror.
Hardaport!shebarked,andApolloswervedwildlyinresponse.
Itwastoolate.Thedestroyerbehindherhadtimeditperfectly,andherfirstbroadsideexploded
justbehindtheopenrearofApollosimpellerwedge.Xraylasersopenedthelightcruisersportside
likehugetalons,anddamagealarmsscreamedlikedamnedsouls.
Bringheraround!Trumanshouted.Bringheraround,Helm!
Asecondbroadsidewasalreadyroaringin,andacornerofhermindwonderedwhythePeepwas
usingmissilesatbeamranges,butshedidnthavetimetothinkaboutthat.Hercruiserclawedaround,
interposinghersidewall,andtwooftheincomingmissilesranphysicallyintoitandperishedbefore
theirproximityfusescouldtrigger.Fourmoredetonatedjustshortofit,stabbingthroughthesidewall
intoalreadyshatteredplating,andaseventhstreakedallthewaypastheranddetonatedonher
starboardside.SmokeandscreamsandthunderfilledApollosbridge,andTrumansfacewas
bloodlessasherstarboardsidewallwentdownandtheHaveniteclosedinforthekill.
***
Theismansnarledintriumph,yetunderhissnarlwasthebitterknowledgethathistriumphwould
bebrief.Hecouldfinishthecruiserwithanothersalvo,buthedalreadycrippledher.TheCaptain
wouldfinishheroffhisjobwastodamageasmanyManticoransashecouldbeforeThundercame
back.
Takethedestroyer!hebarked.
Aye,Sir!
Principalityslewedtostarboard,presentingherreloadedportbroadsidetoTroubadour,butthe
Manticorandestroyersawhercoming,andherskipperknewhisbusiness.Theismansentirebody
tensedastheManticoranfiredalaserbroadsidethreetimesasheavyashisownintohim,then
snappeduptopresentthebellyofhiswedgebeforethemissilescouldreachhim.Principalityheaved
inagony,andtheplotflickered.Twoofhisbirdspoppedup,fightingforalookdownshotthrough
Troubadoursuppersidewall,butherpointdefensepickedthemoff,andTheismansworeasthe
Manticoranrolledbackdownwithviperishspeedtobringherlaserstobearoncemore.
ButPrincipalitywasrolling,too,andherstarboardbroadsidefiredbeforeTroubadourhad
completedhermaneuver.Hisshipbuckedagainasenergyblasteddeepintoherhull,butthistimeone
ofhislaserheadsgotthrough.Therewasnowaytotellhowmuchdamageithaddonetherewasnt
enoughtimetotellwhathisdamagewas!butheknewhedhurther.
Cometoohninerthreethreefiveniner!
Principalitydivedtowardsthemoon,twistingtopresentthetopofherownwedgetoTroubadour
whilehersurvivingmissilecrewsfoughttoreload.Thesinglelaserinherportbroadsidepickedoffa
GraysonLACthatneverevensawher,andthensheshudderedasaGraysonlightcruiserputalaser
intoherforwardimpellers.Heraccelerationdroppedandherwedgefaltered,butthereadylights
glowedonthefoursurvivingtubesofherportbroadside,andTheismansentherrollingmadlybackto
bringthemtobearontheGrayson.
Henevermadeit.Fearlesscamescreamingbackonareciprocalofheroriginalcourse,anda
hurricaneofenergyfirerippedthroughPrincipalityssidewallasifithadntexisted.
Sidewalldown!Hillyardshouted.Wevelosteverythingintheportbroadside!Theexec
cursed.Emergencyreactorshutdown,Skip!
Principalitywenttoemergencypower,andTheismansfacerelaxed.Hisshipwasdone,butshed
accomplishedmorethanFranksentiretaskforce,andtherewasnopointthrowingawaythoseofher
peoplewhostillsurvived.
Strikethewedge,hesaidquietly.
Hillyardlookedathiminshockforjustoneinstant,thenstabbedhispanel,andPrincipalitys
impellerwedgedied.
Theismanwatchedhisdisplay,wonderingalmostcalmlyifhedbeenintime.Strikingthewedge
wastheuniversalsignalofsurrender,yetifsomeonehadalreadycommittedtofireorwasntinthe
moodtoacceptsurrenders...
Butnoonefired.Troubadourrolledupontohisportside,streamingairfromherownwounds,and
TheismansighedinreliefwhenPrincipalitytrembledasatractorlockedontoherandherealizedhe
andhisremainingpeoplewouldliveafterall.
Sir,LieutenantTrottersaidsoftly,Fearlessishailingus.


 CHAPTERTWENTYFOUR
Honorleanedbackasthehatchsighedopenandaveryordinarylookingbrownhairedmaninthe
scarletandgoldofaMasadancommanderwalkedthroughit,escortedbyMajorRamirez.
RamirezwassixcentimetersshorterthanHonor,butSanMartin,thesinglehabitableplanetof
TrevorsStar,wasoneoftheheaviestgravityworldsmanhadsettled.Itssealevelairpressurewas
highenoughtoproduceneartoxicconcentrationsofcarbondioxideandnitrogen,andthemajor
reflectedthegravitytowhichhehadbeenborn.Hewasbuiltlikeaskimmerturbinewithanattitude
problem,andhehatedthePeoplesRepublicofHavenwithapassionnonativebornManticoran
couldmatch.Atthemoment,hiscompletenonexpressionshowedexactlyhowhefelt,andshesensed
thebattlebetweenemotionandlifelongdisciplinewhichheldthosefeelingsatbay.
Yetitwasthemajorsprisonerwhointerestedher.Helookedfarmorecomposedthanhecould
possiblybe,andshefeltanunwillingrespectforhimashegazedlevellybackather.Heddonean
outstandingjobbetter,shesuspected,thanshecouldhavedoneunderthecircumstancesyetshe
sensedanoddsortofstrainunderhisselfpossessedsurfaceandwonderedifithadanythingtodo
withhisrequestforthisinterviewwithher.
Thecommandertuckedhiscapunderhisarmandbracedtoattention.
CommanderThomasTheisman,NavyoftheFaithful,Maam,hesaidcrisplyinanaccentthat
hadnevercomefromMasada.
Ofcourseyouare,Commander.Honorsironywasimpairedbyherpersistentlyslurredspeech,
andshesawhiseyeswidenashetookinherdead,ravagedfaceandbandagedlefteye.Butthoughshe
waitedexpectantly,herefusedtorisetothebaitofherresponse,andsheshrugged.
Whatwasityouwishedtoseemeabout,Commander?
Maam,I
TheismanglancedatRamirez,thenbackather,hisappealforprivacyaseloquentasitwassilent.
Themajorstiffened,butHonorregardedtheHavenitethoughtfullyasheclosedhismouthtightand
staredbackather.
Thatwillbeallforthemoment,Major,shesaidatlast,andRamirezbristledforaninstant,then
clickedtoattentionandwithdrewinaspeakingsilence.Andnow,Commander?sheinvited.Was
theresomethingyouwantedtotellmeaboutwhythePeoplesRepublicattackedHerMajestys
Navy?
CaptainHarrington,ImaregisteredMasadancitizen,Theismanreplied.Myvessel
iswastheMasadanNavalShipPrincipality.
YourshipwasthedestroyerBreslau,builtbytheGuntherYardforthePeoplesRepublicof
Haven,Honorsaidflatly.Hiseyeswidenedafraction,andthemobilecornerofhermouthsmiled
thinly.Myboardingpartiesfoundherbuildersplaque,aswellashersplendidlyofficialMasadan
registry,CommanderTheisman.Hersmilevanished.Shallwestopplayinggamesnow?
Hewassilentforamoment,thenrepliedinavoiceasflatashers.
MyshipwaspurchasedbytheMasadanNavy,CaptainHarrington.Mypersonnelarealllegally
Masadancitizens.Hemethereyealmostdefiantly,andshenodded.Thismanknewhisdutyaswell
assheknewhers,andhewasunderorderstomaintainhiscoverstory,patentlyfalseornot.
Verywell,Commander,shesighed.Butifyouintendtosticktothat,mayIaskwhyyou
wantedtoseeme?
Yes,Maam,Theismanreplied,yetforthefirsttimeheappearedclearlyuncomfortable.IHe
clenchedhisjaw,thenwentonsteadily.Captain,Idontknowwhatyouintendtodoaboutthebase
onBlackbird,butIthoughtyoushouldknow.ThereareManticoranpersonneldownthere.
What?!Honorhalfstoodbeforeshecouldstopherself.Ifthisissomekindofshebegan
ominously,butheinterruptedher.
No,Maam.CaptainYHeclearedhisthroat.Oneofmysuperiors,hewentoncarefully,
insistedthatthesurvivorsfromHMSMadrigalbepickedup.Theywere.Thereafter,theywere
deliveredtoBlackbirdtobeheldby...theappropriatelocalauthorities.
Honorsankbackintoherchair,andhispainstakingchoiceofwordssoundedawarningdeepin
herbrain.ShehadnodoubtMasadawouldhavehappilyabandonedanyofMadrigalssurvivorsto
theirfateindeed,shedassumedthatwaswhathadhappenedandtriednottothinkofthedeathsthey
musthavedied.Nowsheknewsomeofthemhadlived,instead,butsomethingabouttheway
Theismanhadsaidappropriatelocalauthoritieschilledherinstantsurgeofjoy.Hewasdistancing
himselffromthoseauthorities,atleastasmuchashiscoverstoryallowed.Why?
Shestartedtoaskhim,butthepleainhiseyeswasevenstrongerthanbefore,andshechangedher
question.
Whyareyoutellingmethis,Commander?
BecauseTheismanstartedsharply,thenstoppedandlookedaway.Becausetheydeservebetter
thangettingnukedbytheirownpeople,Captain.
Isee.Honorstudiedhisprofileandknewtherewasmoremuchmoretoitthanthat.Hed
startedtoreplytooangrily,andhisangerfrightenedherwhensheaddedittothedistastewithwhich
hedfirstreferredtolocalauthorities.
Andifwesimplyleavethebaseforthemoment,Commander,doyoufeeltheywouldbe
endangered?sheaskedsoftly.
ITheismanbithislip.Imustrespectfullydeclinetoanswerthatquestion,Captain
Harrington,hesaidveryformally,andshenodded.
Isee,sherepeated.Hisfacereddenedashertoneacceptedthathehadansweredit,buthemet
hergazestubbornly.Thismanhadintegrityaswellasability,shethought,andhopedtherewerent
manymorelikehiminHavensservice.Ordidshe?
Verywell,CommanderTheisman,Iunderstand.ShetouchedastudandlookedpastTheisman
asthehatchbehindhimopenedtoreadmitRamirez.
Major,pleasereturnCommanderTheismantohisquarters.Honorheldthemajorsgaze.You
aretoholdyourselfpersonallyresponsibleforseeingtoitthatheandhispersonnelaretreatedwith
thecourtesyoftheirrank.Ramirezseyesflashed,buthenodded,andshelookedbackatTheisman.
Thankyouforyourinformation,Commander.
Yes,Maam.Theismancamebacktoattention.
WhenyouvereturnedtheCommandertohisquarters,Major,returnstraighthere.Bringyour
companycommanderswithyou.
 ***
CaptainHarringtonandherofficersstartedtoriseasAdmiralMatthewswalkedthroughthehatch,
buthewavedthemback,embarrassedbytheirdeferenceafteralltheyddone.Henoddedto
CommanderBrentworthandnoticedthatHarringtonsMarineofficerswerealsopresent.
Thankyouforcoming,Admiral,Harringtonsaid.Iknowhowbusyyoumusthavebeen.
Notwithanythingmychiefofstaffandflagcaptaincanthandle,Matthewssaid,wavingaway
herthanks.Howbadareyourowndamages,Captain?
Theycouldhavebeenworse,buttheyrebadenough,Sir.Herslurredsopranowasgrim.
Apollosimpellersareundamaged,butshehasalmosttwohundreddeadandwounded,herport
broadsideisdowntoasinglelaser,andherstarboardsidewallisbeyondrepairoutoflocalresources.
Matthewswinced.Hehadfarmorecasualties,andhisentirenavyhadbeenreducedtotwo
cruisersoneofwhich,Glory,wasbadlydamagedandelevenLACs,butitwastheManticoran
vesselswhichtrulymattered.Everyoneinthisroomknewthat.
Fearlessgotoffmorelightly,Harringtonwentonafteramoment.Wevelostourlongrange
gravitics,butourcasualtieswerelow,allthingsconsidered,andourmainarmament,radar,andfire
controlareessentiallyintact.Troubadourhasanothertwentydead,andshesdowntwotubesandher
NumberFiveLaser.Shesalsolostmostofherlongrangecommunications,buthersensorsuiteis
undamaged.ImafraidApolloisoutofit,butbetweenthem,FearlessandTroubadourarestillcombat
effective.
Good.ImverysorryaboutCommanderTrumansshipandherpeoplebutImrelievedto
heartherestofit,Captain.Andgratefulforallyouandyourpeoplehavedoneforus.Willyoutell
themthatforme?
Iwill,Sir.Thankyou,andIknowyourownlosseswereheavy.Pleasetellyourpeoplehowmuch
weadmirethejobtheydidontheMasadans.
Iwill.Matthewsallowedhimselfawearychuckle.Andnowthatwevegotthatoutoftheway,
whydontyoutellmewhatsonyourmind?
TheManticoranofficergavehimoneofherstrange,halffrozensmiles,andhetriedtohidehow
shockingtheexpressivenessofthelivingsideofherfacemadetheothersidesdamagejustashe
triedtohidehisowninstinctivethoughtthatherinjuriesunderscoredexactlywhywomenhadno
businessincombat.Heknewthatperceptionwasparochialofhim,butitwasapartofhiscultural
baggage,andtwodayswasfartoobriefaperiodtodivesthimselfofit.
Ivebeendiscussingtheproblemofthebasewithmyownofficers,shereplied.MayIassume
thesituationremainsunchanged?
Youmay,Matthewssaidgrimly.Thetwoofthemhadagreedhewastheonlychoicetodemand
Blackbirdssurrender,lestseeingawomanontheotherendofthecomlinkpushthefanaticsbelow
intosuicidaldefiancenotthattheyseemedinclinedtowardsreason,anyway.Theycontinueto
refusetosurrender.IthinktheyhopetheycanstalluslongenoughfortheirotherHaveniteshipto
returnandrescuethem.
OratleastlongenoughtoleaveGraysonuncoveredagainsther,Honoragreed.Shelookedat
Venizelos,thenbackatMatthews.Noneofourprisonersareableorwillingtotellusexactly
whattheirothershipis,Admiral.Ontheotherhand,manyofthemseemtohavearatherdisturbing
confidencethat,whateversheis,shesamatchforallofus.
 Iknow.Matthewsmouthpursedindistasteforhisnextsuggestion,butithadtobemade.
Underthecircumstances,Imafraidwehavelittlechoice.Iknowweneedinformation,butwehave
neitherthetimenor,speakingforGrayson,themeansforagroundattack.Iftheywontsurrender,our
onlyoptionsaretoletthebasewitheruntilwecancomebackwithapropergroundforce,orelsetake
itoutfromorbitandhopesomeoftheprisonerswevealreadygotprovemorecommunicativewith
time.
Imafraidwehaveaproblemthere,Honorsaidcarefully.Infact,thatswhyIaskedyouto
comeaboard,Sir.Accordingtooneofourprisoners,therearesurvivorsfromMadrigaldownthere.
Areyouserious?!Matthewsjerkeduprightinhischair,thenwavedahandquickly.No,of
courseyouare.Hebithislip.Thatdoeschangethings,CaptainHarrington.Ofcoursewecantjust
bombardthebasenow!
Thankyou,Sir,Honorsaidquietly.Iappreciatethat.
Captain,Madrigalsavedmyshipatthecostofherownlife,andonlythedamageshedidthe
Masadanspreventedthemfromconqueringorbombardingmyplanetbeforeyourownreturn.Ifany
ofherpeoplearestillalivedownthere,Graysonwilldoeverythinginitspowertogetthemoutalive.
Hepausedandfrowned.AndgiventheMasadansintransigence,wedbettergetthemoutasquickly
aswecan,too.
Honornodded.CommanderBrentworthhadtoldhertheadmiralwouldreactinjustthatway,but
itwasavastrelieftohearit.
Theproblem,Sir,isthattheyhavealotmoremendowntherethanwehaveuphere.
Imsureofthat,Matthewsagreed,pluckingathislowerlip.Unlikeyours,noneofourships
carryMarinecomplements,butwedohavesomesmallarmsaboard.
Yes,Sir.We,however,asyouvejustpointedout,dohaveMarines,andIvebeendiscussingthe
bestwaytoemploythemwithMajorRamirez.Withyourpermission,Illaskhimtoshareour
conclusionswithyou.
Ofcourse.MatthewsturnedtotheManticoranmajor,andRamirezclearedhisthroat.
Basically,Admiral,IhavethreecompaniesaboardFearless.Ramirezsaccentdifferedfrom
mostoftheManticoransMatthewshadheard,withliquidconsonantsthatwereoddlymusicalinsuch
amassiveman.Apollohasanothercompanyembarked,althoughtheysufferedabouttwenty
casualtiesintheengagement.Thatgivesmethebetterpartofabattalion,includingjustovera
companysworthofbattlearmor.OurbestcurrentestimatessuggesttheMasadanbaseismuchlarger
thanwedoriginallythought,withacomplementofaboutseventhousandmen.Howmanyofthose
havethetrainingandequipmenttobeconsideredcombateffectiveisanunknown,butthetotal
numbersgivethemaconsiderableedgeoverourownfivehundredtroopers.
IdoubtanypureMasadangroundforcecouldstanduptoourbattlearmor,butthePeepsmay
havegiventhemmodernweapons,andthreequartersofmypeoplewouldbeinskinsuits.Inthiskind
ofenvironmentHeshrugged,andMatthewsnodded.
Wealsolackanydetailedplansofthebaseitself,Ramirezwenton.Thebestwevebeenable
togetfromprisonerinterrogationissomeideaofhowtheimmediateentryareasarelaidoutand
wheretheblastdoorsarelocated.ButtheCaptaintellsmetyingourselvesdowninmethodical
operationsisntanacceptableoptionthatwecantallowourselvestobedrawnawayfromGrayson
foranylengthoftimeandwealsohavereasontobelieveourpeopledownthereareindangerifwe
leavetheminMasadanhands.Thatrulesoutprobingthedefensestodeveloptacticalinformation.
Bearingallthatinmind,thebestplanIcancomeupwithisonethetacticsinstructorsbackhome
wouldbustmetocivilianforsuggesting.Visualandradarmappingofthebasehaveidentifiedthree
mainentrypoints,includingthehangarsfortheirsmallcraft.Iintendtopickoneofthoseentriesthe
hangarareaandusebruteforcetoblastmywayinside,thenpunchrightthroughanythinginfrontof
usandjustkeepgoinguntilwefindourpeople,thecentralcontrolroom,orthepowerplant.Finding
theprisonerswouldbethebestcaseoptionandallowustopullstraightbackout.Failingthat,the
garrisonwillhavenochoicebuttosurrenderoncewecontroltheirlifesupportsystemsorput
ourselvesinapositiontoshutthemdownbyblowingtheirreactors.Ihope.
Isee.MatthewslookedfromRamireztoHarringtonandbackagain.Howcanweassistyou,
Major?
IrealizeyourpeoplearenttrainedMarines,Admiral,andyourvacsuitsarealotmorefragile
thanMarineskinsuits.MatthewsmouthquirkedatRamirezsdiplomatictone.Becauseofthat,
usingthemtoreinforcemyMarineswouldrepresentanunwarrantablerisktoyourpersonnel,butyou
dohavequitealargenumberofmen,andIdliketousethemforadiversion.
Adiversion?
Yes,Sir.WhatIdliketodoisuseyourpinnacesandshuttlestomountabig,noisymockattack
onbothoftheothermainentrypoints.Ourownpinnacesaredesignedforgroundassaults,among
otherthings,andtwoofthemwilllayinsupportingfiretomakeyourattacksasconvincingas
possibleandpersuadethedefenderstoconcentratetheircombatforcesagainstyou.Ourattackwillgo
infifteenminutesafteryoubeginlandingoperationstogivethemtimetodeployagainstyou.Bythe
timetheystartredeployingagainstus,weoughttobeinsidethebase,wherethecloseconfineswill
makeourbattlearmorevenmoreeffectiveandallowmetodeploymyskinsuitsbehindthem.
Isee.Matthewssuckedhisteethforamoment,thengrinned.Someofmymenaregoingtobe
irked,Major.WedidfairlywellagainsttheFaithfulinseveralboardingactionsinthelastwar,andthe
notionthattheyremoreorlessholdingyourcoatsisgoingtoupsetthem.ButIthinkwecando
itandyourerightaboutthedifferenceinourcombatcapabilities.
Henoddedagain,butthenhefrowned.
Atthesametime,CaptainHarrington,thisisgoingtobetimecritical.Notonlydowehaveto
worryabouttheotherHavenitesreturn,butanyofyourpeoplebeinghelddowntherearentgoingto
havevacsuits.Ifthefightingdepressurizestheirarea,theyllbekilled.Andifitoccurstothe
MasadanstousethemagainstyouashostagesHisexpressionwasgrim.
Agreed,Sir,Honorsaidquietly,butyourfreightershavedeployedourrecondrones,and
TroubadourandApollostillhavethegraviticsensorstoreadtheirtransmissions.Shouldtheother
Peepreturn,weshouldhaveenoughwarningtogetunderwayandintercepthimwithFearlessand
Troubadour,particularlysincehesmostlikelytobeheadedforBlackbird,anyway.Asforthethreat
toMadrigalssurvivors,thelivingsideofherfacehardened,Imverymuchafraiditslowerthan
thedangertothemifwedontgoin.Ourinformationontheirtreatmentislimitedbutdisquieting.
Underthecircumstances,anyreasonablerisktogetthemoutquicklyhastobeconsideredacceptable.
And,despiteMajorRamirezsdeprecationofhisbattleplan,Ihavegreatfaithinhimandinhis
people.ShemetMatthewseyessquarely.Giventheinformationwehave,Ibelievethisisthevery
bestwecando.Idlikeyourpermissiontotryit.
Mypermission?Matthewssmiledalmostsadly.Ofcourseyouhavemypermissionandmy
prayersforyoursuccess.

 CHAPTERTWENTYFIVE
CaptainoftheFaithfulWilliamspacedbackandforthacrossthecommandroomandgnawedhis
lowerlip.Hedbeenpickedforthispostinnosmallpartforhispietynowthatverypietyfannedhis
furyatthedisasterwreakedbyawoman.Andviolentlythoughhetriedtodenyit,therewasfearinhis
fury.FearforhimselfandforGodsWork.TheApostateadmiralwhoringfortheManticoranbitch
hadstoppeddemandinghissurrenderthatcouldonlymeantheywerepreparedtotrysomethingmore
direct.
Butwhat?Williamsdidntknow,andignoranceshudderedinhisbloodlikeanotherlayerofanger.
Thatbitch!Ifshehadntcomebackbacktoastarsystemneithershenorherwhoreofaqueenhad
anybusinessinMasadawouldhavecompletedGodsWork.Butshehadcomeback,sheandher
accursedships,andsmashedtheentireremainingNavyexceptVirtueandThunderintwoshortdays.
ShedsetherselfagainstGodsWorkandWill,justaswomenalwayshad,andWilliamscursedher
withsilentferocityashepaced.
Itwasntsupposedtohappenlikethis.AsBlackbirdBasesCO,hedknownaboutMaccabeus,
knownallthemilitarymaneuverswerebutwindowdressingfortherealoperation,andhed
wondered,deepinside,ifperhapstheElderswerentbeingjustabittooclever.Yettheydspent
decadescreatingtheMaccabeans,andtheApostatessecurityhadneversuspectedathing.Surelythat
hadbeenasignGodapproved!AndthentheheathenHaveniteshadofferedthefinal,crucial
ingredient,themeanstocreatethecrisisMaccabeusneeded.Whatbetterproofoftheworkingsof
GodsWillcouldtherebethantheopportunitytouseinfidelsagainsttheApostate?
YetWilliamshaddoubted,andinthenightmareswhichhadhauntedhimsinceJerichoand
especiallysincethebitchsreturnafreshdoubthadtormentedhim.HadhislackofFaithturned
GodsHeartfromthem?HaditbeenhewhoallowedSatansbitchandhershipstothwarttheWork?
Suchthoughtscouldnotbeallowed,yetneithercouldhestopthem.Evenprayerandpenancehad
failedhim,buthissleeplessnightshadrevealedanothertruth.Satansservantsmustbepunished,and
sohehadpunishedthem,hopingtoturnGodsWrathfromtheFaithfulbyprovinghisownFaith
anew.
Andhedfailed.GodstillturnedHisHeartagainstHisFaithful.WhyelsehadThunderofGodnot
returnedtodestroythebitch?WhyelsehadBlackbirdsmissilesfailedtodestroyevenasingleLAC?
Therecouldbenootheranswer,andashepacedandworriedandfuryknottedhisbelly,heprayed
desperatelyforGodtoturnoncemoretoHisPeopleandsavethem.
***
Covingtonreportsready,Major.
Thankyou.TomasRamirezacknowledgedthereportandlookedup.SergeantMajorBabcock
stoodbesidehiminthecrowdedpinnacetroopbay,hergrayeyescoolandverystillintheopenvisor
ofherbattlearmor,andapulsertribarrelthrustupbehindherrightpauldron.Areweready,
Gunny?
Aye,Sir.Allweaponschecked,andCapnHibsonscompanyandtheHQsectionarearmored
up.Wehadtodowncheckonesetofarmor,butApollohadapreppedspare.TheCaptainsaysshes
readytodrop.
 Good,Gunny,Ramirezmurmured,andsilentlythankedGodthatSusanHibsonslast
assignmenthadbeenwithoneoftheheavyassaultbattalions.Shedspentitpracticingexactlythesort
ofthingherpeoplefacedtoday,whichwaswhyhedmadeherFearlesssdesignatedassault
commanderthedayshecameaboard.
GivemeadirectfeedtoCovington.
Aye,Sir,thecomtechreplied,andatonebeepedasRamirezsarmorcomdroppedintothe
circuit.
Covington,thisisRamrod.Doyoucopy?
Covingtoncopies,Ramrod.Goahead.
Beginyourdrops,Covington.Isayagain,beginyourdrops.
Covingtoncopies,thevoiceinhisearphonessaid.Beginningdropsnow.MayGodgowith
you,Ramrod.
Thankyou,Covington.Ramrodclear.Themajorpunchedachinswitchtoplugintothe
Manticorannet.RamrodtoDecoyFlight.Commenceyourruns.
Aye,Ramrod.DecoyFlightcopies.Beginningourruns.
***
CaptainWilliams!
Williamswhirledattheshout.Hisplottingofficerpointedurgentlyatthemasterdisplay,andthe
captainswallowedinsuddenfear.Dozensofsmallcraftwereplummetingfromtheorbitingwarships,
andleadingthewayweretwopinnaceswithimpossibleenergysignatures.
Theygatheredspeedevenashestaredatthem,slicingdownintoBlackbirdswispyhydrogen
atmosphere,andcrimsonprojectionsshowedtheirtargets.
Theyregoingforthevehicleentrances!Williamssnapped.Alertthereadyteamsandget
ColonelHarrismenmoving!
***
TheManticoranflightcrewsweretensefaced,nervesclenchedagainstthegroundfiretheyall
expected.Buttherewasnone,andthepilotspulledoutoftheirsteepapproaches,kickingthecounter
gravtoahundredtwentypercentandridingtheirthrusterstoconvertmomentumintohowlingdives
straightfortheirtargets.
CominguponIP.Arm,arm,arm,themasterweaponsofficeraboardFearlesschantedintohis
com.Amberstandbylightsblinkedtoredaboardeachpinnace,andthegunnershandscurledabout
thetriggersontheirjoysticks.
Launchyourbirds!Launchyourbirds!theweaponsofficersangout,andtwowaitingfingers
squeezed.
Quadmountedfiftycentimeterrocketsripplefiredlikebrieflived,flametailedmeteors.Twelve
ofthemblastedaheadofeachpinnacetwentyfouronethousandkilowarheadswithayieldman
oncecouldhavegottenonlyfromatomicweaponsandthepinnaceschargedonwarddowntheir
wakes.
***
CaptainWilliamswentwhiteasarumblingfistofthundersmashedthroughBlackbirdBase.The
entirefacilityshuddered,lightingflickered,andeyesjerkedanxiouslyupasoverheadrockgroaned.
Dustsifteddownoverthecommandroomequipment,andthefirstbellowofdestructionwasfollowed
byanother.Andanother.Andanother!
***
Thefinalrocketssmashedhome,andthepinnacesbowmountedpulsersopenedfire.Thirty
thousandthirtymillimetershellspersecondrippedintothesmokeanddustbillowinginBlackbirds
thinatmosphere,andthentheyflasheddirectlyovertheirtargetingpointsandtheplasmabombs
dropped.
Mostofthemenguardingthoseportalswerealreadydeadtherestdiedinstantlyastheheartofa
sunconsumedthem.
***
GodtheMerciful,bewithusnow!Williamswhisperedinhorror.Hedlostallofhispickupsin
theimmediatelockareas,butremotecamerasshowedthesmokeanddustandthethickplumesof
atmospherehowlingupthroughitandhiseyeswhippedtothebaseschematic.Theydblowntheir
wayoverahundredmetersintothebase!Emergencyblastdoorsslammed,andthecaptainlickedhis
lipsinterrorastroopshuttlesgroundedtwokilometersfromthebreachesandbegandisgorging
hundredsofsuitedfigures.
TellHarristohurry!heshoutedhoarsely.
***
Well,Ramirezmurmured,thatwasimpressive,wasntit,Gunny?
AstheMajorsays,SergeantMajorBabcockssmilewaspredatory.Thinktheytookthehint,
Skipper?
Oh,Idsayitwasprobable,Ramirezsaidjudiciously.Atleastweknockedonthedoorhard
enoughtogettheirattention.Heglancedatthechronoandkeyedhismike.FerretLeader,thisis
Ramrod.Standbyforrunininonezerominutes.
***
DecoyFlightscreamedupward,thenpushedoverandcameinagain.TheremainingMasadan
surfacearrayssawthemcoming,butevenasColonelHarrisscreamedawarningtohistroops,the
antiradiationmissilesblastedofftheracks.Sixsecondslater,theyputoutBlackbirdBaseseyes,and
thenthepinnacesrolledbackontotheiroriginalattackheadingsandboredstraightin.
TheMasadandefenderswentflat,rollingoffintosidepassageswhereverpossible,andthenthe
entirebaseleaptandconvulsedagain.Thistimeeachpinnacefiredonlyasinglemissile,butthose
missilesonboardradartookthemstraightintotheairlockstheirpredecessorshadblownopenand
downthepassagesinsidethemateightthousandMPS.Theycarriednoexplosives,buttheirsuper
densewarheadsstruckthefirstsetsofinternalblastdoorswiththeforceoftwentythreeandahalf
tonsofoldstyleTNTapiece,andanothertwohundredoddMasadansdiedasthedoorsdisintegrated
inwhitehotgasandmurderousshrapnel.
Moretroopshuttleslanded,andColonelHarriscursedhissurvivorstotheirfeetandsentthem
stumblingthroughtherockdustandthehowlofescapingatmospheretofindfiringpositionsevenas
thecorebasesmainblastdoorsslammedshutbehindthem.
***
Ramrod,theFerretisrolling.Isayagain,theFerretisrolling.
 Roger,Ferret.Ramrodcopies.Ramirezlookedupathisownpilot.Followthemin,Max.
***
CaptainWilliamstriednottotwitchinimpatiencewhilehisdamagedsensorsstrovetosortout
whatwashappening.MostofHarrismenseemedtohavesurvived,andheheardsnatchesofchatter
astheirofficersharriedthemintosomesortofdefensivepositionsamidtherubble,buthissurface
arraysweregone.Hecouldnttellwheretheattackerswere,howsoontheywouldhitHarris,orwhat
theywerearmedwith.
Norcouldheseethefreshflightofsmallcraftstreakingtowardsthehangarsonthefarsideof
BlackbirdBase.
***
Launchyourbirds!
Freshrocketsstreakeddownward,buttheseweremuchlighterthantheoneswhichhadrippedthe
vehicleentrancesapart.Theirwarheadsmassedbarelythreehundredkiloseach,andhangardoors
blewopenandsurfacedomespeeledbacklikebrokenbone.Ahundredandtwentybattlearmored
menandwomenfellfrompinnacebellyhatcheslikelethalsnow,ridingtheircountergravdowninto
thegapingholes,andfourhundredmoreRoyalManticoranMarinesdebarkedfromcuttersand
shuttlestofollowintheirwake.
***
Freshalarmsscreamed,andCaptainWilliamsheadtwistedaroundasnewswatchesofcrimson
blazedonthebaseschematic.
***
Speedwaseverything,andthehandfulofsuitedMasadanservicetechswhogotinthepointteams
waydiedbeforeanyonefoundoutwhethertheyweretryingtofightorsurrender.ThentheMarines
cameupagainsttheclosedblastdoors,andengineersslappedshapedchargesagainstthemassive
panelsevenasotherengineerssealedintheportableplasticairlocksbehindthem.
Battlearmorwasntbuilttoletsomeonetapanimpatienttoe,soCaptainHibsonwasreducedto
snappingherchewinggumasherpeopleworked.Notthatshecouldfaulttheirspeedandprecision.It
wasjustthatittooktime,howevergoodtheywere.
Sealed!LieutenantHughesvoicecrackledinherearphone.
Doit,shegruntedback.
Fireinthehole!Hughescalled,andarmoredshapesturnedawayfromthelocksjustincase.
Therewasaninstantoftautsilence,andthenBlackbirdsrocktransmittedthesmotheredka
CHUNK!tothem.Onelockfailedasbackblastleakedaroundthefaceofachargeandsplitaplastic
wall,buttheengineerswereonitbeforemorethanafewcubicmetersofairescaped,andevenasthey
worked,adozenmorelockswerepassingMarinesintothebasesixatatime.
***
ColonelHarrislookedaroundwildly.Smokeanddustsettledabouthiskneeswithdreamy
slownessinBlackbirdslowgravityandtenuousatmosphere,buttherewasnosignoftheground
attack.Thereshouldhavebeen.Theattackersshouldbefollowinguptheirinitialbreachingstrikeas
closelyastheydared,notlettinghismengetsettoreceivethem.Sowherewerethey?
Thehangars!avoiceshoutedinhisearphones.Theyrecominginthroughthehangars,too!
 Too?Harrislookedaroundoncemore,thenpunchedthesideofhishelmet.Theywerentcoming
againsthispositionsatall!Ithadallbeenafeintandallhismenwereonthewrongsideofthe
basessealedblastdoors!
***
CaptainHibsonspeoplewentdownthepassagewiththespeedonlybattlearmorallowed.There
wasntroomtousethrusters,andtheirexoskeletalmuscleswererealenergyhogs,butinthisgravity
theyletthemadvanceingliding,thirtymeterjumps,andterrorwentbeforethemlikepestilence.
HereandthereafirearmbarkedandmetalslugswhinedoffaMarinesarmor,butHibsons
trooperscarriedtribarrelsandplasmarifles,andtheymovedwiththesmoothprecisionsheddrilled
intothemformonths.
Shewatchedasquadteammovedownthepassagebeforeher.Theycametoanintersection,anda
plasmagunnerturnedeachway.Whitelightflashedofftheirarmorastheyhosedtheperpendicular
corridors,andthenextsquadleapfroggedpastthemwhiletheirdemolitionnumbersslappedbeehives
ontothesearedtunnelroofs.Theypulledback,thechargesthundered,theintersectingpassages
collapsedforovertenmeters,andthesquadwasmovingagain.
Theentireoperationhadtakensixteensecondsbyherchrono.
***
Harrisstartedhismencyclingthroughthepersonnellocksinthecoreblastdoors,buteachlock
wouldadmitonlythreemenatatime,andtheonlysitrephecouldgetfromCaptainWilliamswasa
halfhystericalbabbleaboutdemonsanddevils.
***
Ramrod,thisisFerretOne,CaptainHibsonsvoicesaidinRamirezsearphone.FerretOnehas
penetratedtwokilometers.Ivegotcorridormarkingsindicatingtheroutetothecontrolroomandto
thepowersection.WhichshouldIfollow?
FerretOne,Ramrod,Ramirezrepliedwithouthesitation.Goforthecontrolroom.Irepeat,go
forthecontrolroom.
Ramrod,FerretOnecopies.Goforthecontrolroom.
***
ColonelHarriscentralreservewassmall,withnoneoftheHaveniteweaponsissuedtohis
primarymaneuverunits,butitwasstationeddeepinsideBlackbirdBasetomovetoanythreatened
sector.Thecolonelhadaveryclearideawhatwouldhappentothosemenifhecommittedthem
againstthejuggernautrollingtowardsthem,yethehadnochoice,andtheywentracingdownthe
tunnelstomeettheintruders.
Someofthemcameupagainstsealedpassageschokedwithfallenrubbleandstalled.Otherswere
lessfortunatetheyfoundtheenemy.
TheMarinesbeltfedtribarrelspumpedoutahundredfourmillimeterexplosivedartspersecond,
withamuzzlevelocityoftwothousandMPS.Thatkindoffirepowercouldchewthrougharmored
bulkheadslikeahypervelocitybandsawwhatitdidtounarmoredvacsuitswasindescribable.
***
Ramrod,FerretOne.Wehavecontactwithorganizedresistancesuchasitis.Noproblemsso
far.
 FerretOne,Ramrodcopies.Keepitmoving,Captain.
Aye,Sir.FerretOnecopies.
***
ColonelHarrisshovedthroughablastdoorairlockandrandownthepassageattheheadof
everyonehedgottenbackinside.CaptainWilliamsvoicehadgonebeyondmerehysteriainhis
headphones.ThebaseCOwasbabblingprayersandpromisestopunishSatanswhores,andthe
colonelsmouthtwistedindistaste.HedneverlikedWilliams,andwhatheandotherslikehimhad
beendoingforthelasttwodayssickenedHarris.Butitwashisjobtodefendthebaseordietrying,
andheexhortedhismentoevergreatereffortsevenwhilethepremonitionoffailuresettledinhis
bones.
***
Ramrod,FerretOne.Mypointisonepassagefromthecontrolroom.Repeat,mypointisone
passagefromthecontrolroom.
FerretOne,Ramrod.Goodwork,Captain.Sendtheminbutremindthemwewanttheplace
intact.
Aye,Sir.Welltakeitinonepieceifwecan.FerretOneclear.
***
CaptainWilliamsheardthethundercomingcloserandslammedhishanddownonthebuttonthat
closedthecontrolroomhatch.Hestaredatitwithwideeyes,thenwhirledandcursedhistechnicians
astheybegantoscrambleforthestillopenhatchonthefarsideofthechamber.Theyignoredhim,
andhesnatchedouthissidearm.
Getbacktoyourposts!hescreamed.
Aterrifiedlieutenantturnedtorun,andWilliamsshothimintheback.Themanwentdown,and
hisshriekofagonygalvanizedtheothers.Theydartedthroughthehatch,andWilliamshowledcurses
afterthem,firinguntilhismagazinewasempty.Thenheturnedbacktothecontrolroom,andhiseyes
weremadashecalmlyreplacedtheemptymagazineandswitchedtheselectortofullauto.The
sobbinglieutenantdraggedhimselftowardsthehatch,hisbloodathick,crimsonsmearonthefloor,
andWilliamssteppedoverbesidehim.
Heemptiedtheentiremagazineintothedyingman.
***
PrivateMontgomeryslappedherbeehiveonthesealedpanel,steppedback,andhitthebutton.The
hatchblewapart,andSergeantHenrywentthroughitinaswoopingleap.
AsingleMasadanofficerspistolspatfireatlessthantenmetersrange,andsteeljacketedslugs
whineduselesslyfromtheSergeantsarmor.Hefeltthembouncingawayandstartedtobringuphis
pulser,thenrememberedhisorderstotaketheplaceintact.Hegrimacedandwadedthroughthefire,
andanarmoraugmentedfistclubbedtheMasadantothefloor.
***
Acorridorblastdoorslammedshutwithnowarningatall,crushingthemaninfrontofColonel
Harrisinanexplosionofgore,andthecolonelslitheredtoahaltinshock.Someonescreamedoverhis
suitcom,andthecolonelwhirledtoseeanothermanshriekingandtwistingasthedooratthefarend
ofthecorridorsegmentgroundhislegtopaste.Butthen,throughthescreams,heheardsomething
evenmoreterrifying.
Attention.Attention,allMasadanpersonnel!Hisfacewentwhite,forthevoiceinhisearphones
spokewithanaccenthedneverheardbefore...anditwasfemale.
ThisisCaptainSusanHibsonoftheRoyalManticoranMarineCorps,thecold,flatvoicesaid.
Wearenowinpossessionofyourcentralcontrolroom.Wenowcontrolyourblastdoors,sensors,
andlifesupport.Laydownyourarmsimmediatelyorfacetheconsequences.
Oh,God,someonewhimpered,andHarrisswallowedhard.
Wwhatdowedo,Sir?Hisexecwastrappedonthefarsideoftheblastdoorbehindthecolonel.
Harriscouldalmostfeelthemansstruggletosuppresshisownterror,andhesighed.
Theresonlyonethingwecando,hesaidheavily.Laydownyourweapons,boys.Itsover.


 CHAPTERTWENTYSIX

ThecuttergroundedamidtheruinsofBlackbirdBaseshangars,andatall,slimfigureinanavy
captainsskinsuitwalkeddowntherampwhileasquadofbattlearmoredMarinesatitsfootsnapped
toattention.
SergeantTalon,SecondSquad,ThirdPlatoon,AbleCompany,Maam,thesquadsergeant
announced.
Sergeant.Honorreturnedthesalute,thenlookedoverhershoulderatherpilot.
NoneofFearlessssmallcrafthadyetreturned,soshedgrabbedTroubadoursnumbertwo
cutter.CommanderMcKeon,stilldealingwithhisownshipsdamages,wouldmuchpreferredtohave
toldhershecouldnthaveit.Unfortunately,shewasseniortohim,andsincehecouldntkeepher
upstairswhereitwassafe,hedassignedLieutenantTremaineasherpilot.Nowthelieutenanttrotted
downtherampinherwake,andHonorsliptwitchedasshesawtheheavyplasmacarbineslungover
hisshoulder.
PocketsofMasadansstillheldoutinsidethebase,andthechanceofwalkingintotroublecouldnt
betotallyruledoutthatwaswhyRamirezhadassignedafullsquadtobabysitherandwhyshe
herselfworeasidearmbutTremainesweaponofchoiceseemedabitextreme.
Ireallydontneedanymorebabysitters,Scotty.
No,Maam.Ofcoursenot,Tremaineagreed,doublecheckingthechargeindicatoronhis
carbine.
Atleastleavethatcannonbehind!Helookedupatherwithapainedexpression.Yourenota
Marine,Lieutenant.Youcouldhurtsomeonewiththatthing.
Thatstheidea,Maam.Dontworry.IknowwhatImdoingwithit,heassuredher,andshe
sighed.
Scottyshebeganagain,buthegaveherasuddengrin.
Maam,theSkipperwillskinmealiveifanythinghappenstoyou.HelookedoverHonors
shoulderatSergeantTalon,andhisgringrewbroaderastheMarinegloweredathim.Nooffense,
Sarge,butCommanderMcKeoncanbeamiteunreasonableattimes.SergeantTalonglaredathis
carbine,sniffedaudiblyoverhercom,andthenlookedpointedlyatHonor.
Areyouready,Maam?
Iam,Sergeant,Honorreplied,abandoningtheattempttodissuadeheroverzealousbodyguard.
TalonnoddedandwavedherfirstsectionouttotakepointwhileCorporalLiggitssectionbrought
uptherear.TalonherselfaccompaniedCaptainHarrington,completelyignoringthelieutenant
trudgingalongbesidehislongleggedsuperior,andCorporalLiggitchuckledtohimselfbehindher.
Whatssofunny,Corp?aprivateaskedoverthesectioncircuit.
Heis,Liggitreplied,gesturingatTremaineandchucklingevenharderashedidahopskiphop
tocatchbackupwiththeCaptain.
Why?Whatabouthim?
 Oh,nothingmuch...exceptforthefactthatIusedtobeasmallarmsinstructoratSaganami
Island,andIhappentoknowhesqualifiedHighExpertwiththeplasmacarbine.Theprivatelooked
atLiggitindisbeliefforamoment,andthenshebegantolaugh.
***
Istillthinkitwouldhavebeenwisertodelayyourlanding.MajorRamirezgreetedHonorinthe
messhallwhichhadbecomeaPOWcage.Theresstillshootinggoingoninhere,Maam,andthese
idiotsarecertifiable.IvehadthreepeoplekilledbygrenadeattacksfromsurrenderedMasadans.
Iknow,Major.Honorheldherhelmetinthecrookofherarmandnotedtheunlimberedtri
barrelsofSergeantTalonssquad.EvenLieutenantTremainehadabandonedhischeerfulpose,and
hisforefingerrestedlightlybesidehiscarbinesfiringstud.ShelookedbackatRamirez,andtheliving
cornerofhermouthtwitchedabrief,halfapologeticsmile.
Unfortunately,wedontknowhowmuchtimewevegot,shewentonquietly.Ineed
information,andIneeditquickly.AndherslurredvoiceturnedgrimIwantMadrigalspeople
found.Iamnotgoingtoleavethembehindifwereforcedtopulloutsuddenly!
Yes,Maam.RamirezinhaledandindicatedaMasadanofficerinacaptainsuniform.Captain
Williams,Maam.ThebaseCO.
HonorstudiedtheMasadancuriously.Therightsideofhisfacewasalmostasbadlybruisedand
swollenastheleftsideofherowntheothersidewastightandsullen,andittightenedfurtherashe
glaredbackather.
CaptainWilliams,shesaidcourteously,Iregret
Hespatinherface.
Theglobofspittlehitthedeadskinofherleftcheek.Shecouldntfeelit,andforjustonemoment
shecouldntquitebelieveithadhappened,butMajorRamirezsleftarmshotout.Armoredfingers
twistedintheneckoftheMasadansonepieceuniform,andexoskeletalmuscleswhinedashe
snatchedWilliamsoffhisfeet.Heslammedhimbackagainstthewalllikeapuppet,andhisrightfist
startedforward.
Major!Honorsvoicecrackedlikeawhip,andRamirezdivertedtheblowinthenickoftime.
HisgauntletsmashedintothestonewallbesideWilliamsheadlikeamace,sohardflyingstonechips
cuttheMasadanscheek,andtheredfaced,stranglingcaptainflinchedasidewithagaspofterror.
Sorry,Maam.ThemajorwaswhitewithfuryashemutteredhisapologytoHonor,not
WilliamsanddroppedtheMasadan.Herubbedhislefthandonhisequipmentharnessasiftoscrub
awaycontamination,andSergeantTalonhandedHonoranapkinfromadispenserononeofthemess
tables.Shewipedhernumbfacecarefully,hereyesstillonthemajor,andwonderedifWilliamstruly
understoodhowclosetodeathhedjustcome.
Iunderstandyourfeelings,Major,shesaidquietly,butthesepeopleareourprisoners.
Yes,Maam.Iunderstand.RamirezdrewadeepbreathandturnedhisbackonWilliamswhile
thecaptainwheezedforbreath.Theyrescum,andoneofthemkilledamedictryingtopatchhimup,
buttheyreourprisoners.Illrememberthat,Maam.
Seethatyoudo,Honorsaid,butshelaidherhandonhisarmoredshoulderasshespoke,andhe
managedabriefsmile.
Yes,Maam,herepliedmorenaturally,thengesturedatalargechartspreadoutononeofthe
tables.Letmeshowyouwhereweare,Maam.
 Honorfollowedhimtothetable,andheranafingeracrossthecapturedgroundplan.
Wenowcontrolthethreeupperlevels,hesaid,andIvegotoneofCaptainHibsonssquads
downontoLevelFivetosecurethepowerplant,buttheMasadansstillholdingoutonFourandparts
ofFivehadtoomuchtimetogetsetbeforewepenetratedthatdeep.Itlookslikethemostfanatical
membersofthegarrisonheadedthatwaywhenwetookoverthecontrolroom,andsomeofthem
knewhowtooverridetheblastdoorslocally,sowecouldntkeepthemfromflowingtogetherinto
somefairlytoughknots.
Honorstudiedtheplanandnoddedinunderstanding.
ThespecialistsAdmiralMatthewsloanedusareinterrogatingthecomputers,Ramirezwenton,
and,insomerespects,Idassoonleavethemdowntherewhilewegotwhatwecameforandpulled
out.Unfortunately,hisvoiceturnedharsh,wevebegunpickingupindicationsMadrigalssurvivors
arebeingheldsomewhereinthisareahisfingertappedonLevelFour.
Indications?Honoraskedsharply.Notconfirmation?
No,Maam.Thatswhatworriesme.NoneofthesepeoplehewavedattheMasadanscrowded
againstthemesshallwallswillsayawordaboutthem,buttheylookawfullyuneasywhenweask.
Wehaventreallyhadtimeforsystematicinterrogation,and,asyousay,theyreourprisoners,so
therearelimitstothewaywecanask,butafterCommanderTheismanshints,Idontlikeit,Maam.I
dontlikeitatall.
NeitherdoI,Honormurmured,staringatthemapwithhergoodeye.Doweknow
ShebrokeoffasaMarinelieutenantmarchedupwithafreshMasadanprisoner.Hecameto
attentionandsalutedhissuperiorstheMasadandidnt,buthelookedlesssullenthanmanyofhis
fellows.
Captain,Major,thelieutenantsaid,thisisColonelHarris,thecommanderoftheground
defenseforce.
Isee.RamirezexaminedtheMasadan.Colonel,ImMajorRamirez,RoyalManticoran
Marines.ThisisCaptainHarringtonofHerMajestysNavy.
HarrisgazesnappedtoHonorasshewasnamed,andhiseyesnarrowed.Shesawaflashof
repugnanceinthem,yetshewasntcertainwhetheritwasbecauseofwhoandwhatshewasthe
womanwhoseforceshaddefeatedtheFaithfulorbecauseoftheruinedsideofherface.Helooked
atherforamoment,thenbobbedastiff,wordlessnod.
Allowmetocommendyouforinstructingyourpeopletosurrender,Ramirezcontinued,and
Honorwascontenttolethislessthreatening,malevoicehandletheconversation.Itundoubtedly
savedtheirlives.
Harrisgaveanothernod,stillwithoutspeaking.
However,Colonel,Ramirezwenton,weseemtohaveaproblemhere.Hetappedtheplanof
thebase.Someofyourmenarestillresistinginthesesectors.Theydonthavethefirepowertostop
us,andanawfullotofthemaregoingtogetkilledifwehavetogoinafterthem.Iwouldappreciateit
ifyouwouldinstructthemtolaydowntheirweaponswhiletheystillcan.
Icantdothat.Harrisspokeforthefirsttime,hisvoicequietbutfirm,despiteanedgeof
bitterness.Anyonewhowasgoingtosurrenderalreadyhas,Major.Mytalkingtothemwontchange
theirminds.
 ThenImafraidweregoingtohavetocalloutthereallyheavyweapons,Ramirezsaid,
watchingthecolonelsfaceclosely.Harriseyesseemedtogoverystill,andthenheinhaleddeeply.
Iwouldntdothat,Major.Heputhisfingeronthemap,fivecentimetersfromRamirezs.
ThereareManticoranprisonersinthisarea.
Harris,youfuckingtraitor!
Honorsheadsnappedaround,andhersingleeyeflashedwithrageasCaptainWilliamswrithed
andtwistedinthehandsofaManticoranMarine.Hewasactuallyfrothingatthemouth,screaming
imprecationsatthecolonel,andthistimeshechosenottointervenewhenhewasslammedback
againstthewall.Historrentofabusediedinahoarse,anguishedcoughastheimpactknockedthe
breathfromhim,andshelookedbackatHarris.
Pleasecontinue,Colonel,shesaidquietly.Heflinchedatthesoundofhervoice,buthetapped
theplanagain.
Thisiswheretheyare,Major,hesaidasifHonorhadntspoken.AndifIwereyou,Idgetin
therequickly,headded.Veryquickly.
***
Captain,willyoupleasegetfurtherback?!SergeantTalongrated.Smokehazedthecorridor,
andgrenadeexplosionsandasavagecrackleofsmallarmsfirethunderedupahead.
No,Iwont,Sergeant,Honordidntquitesnap.Sheknewperfectlywellshehadnobusiness
inagroundbattle.Thatwasntherareaofexpertise.ButherpulserwasinherhandasCaptain
Hibsonsleadingelementssmashedaheaddownthepassageway.
Ifanythinghappenstoyou,theMajorllhavemyass!Talongrowled,thenadded,asan
afterthought,BeggingtheCaptainspardon.
Nothingsgoingtohappentome,Honorsaid,andScottyTremainerolledhiseyesheavenward
behindher.
Maam,IThefireaheadrosetoacrescendo,thendied,andTalonlistenedtohercommandnet.
Thatsit.TheyrecleartoCorridorSevenSeventeen.ShegaveHonoranotherglare.Thistime,
staybehindme,Captain!
Yes,Sergeant,Honorsaidmeekly,andTalonsnortedagain.
Theywadedforwardthroughthesmokeanddebris,pastbodiesandbitsofbodiesandblood
splashedcorridorwalls.AfewMarinesweredown,forifnoneoftheMasadaninfantryweaponswere
remotelyequaltotheirs,thesedefendershadhadalittlemoretimetoprepare,andthemostfanatic
amongthemhadchargedfromconcealmentwithsuicidechargesofblastingcompound.Fewhad
reachedtheirtargets,andmostofthosetheydhitwereonlylightlyinjured,thankstotheirarmor,but
suchrabidfanaticismwasfrightening.
HonorwasjuststeppingoveratangledheapofdeadMasadanswhenanarmoredMarine
lieutenantswoopedupthepassageandslammedtoahalt.
CaptainHarrington,MajorRamirezsrespects,andcouldyoupleasecomestraightahead.Weve
...foundtheprisoners,Maam.
Hisvoicewasflatandharsh,andHonorsstomachclenched.Shestartedtoaskaquestion,then
stoppedherselfatthelookinhiseyes.Instead,shesimplynoddedandstartedforwardatahalfrun.
ThistimeSergeantTalonraisednodemurshejustsentherleadsectionleapingaheadtoclearthe
way.WhenHonorstumbledoveracorpse,thesergeantcaughtherwithoutaword,thenswungherup
inarmoredarmsandwentboundingaheadatapaceshecouldneverhavematchedonherownfeet.
CorporalLiggitdidthesameforTremaine,andthecorridorwallsblurredwiththespeedoftheir
passage.
Theyemergedintoawiderarea,cloggedbyMarineswhoseemedstruckbyastrangestillness,and
Talonsetherdown.Shesquirmedforwardbetweenthebulky,toweringsuitsofbattlearmor,hearing
Scottywigglingthroughthembehindher,thencametoanabrupthaltasRamirezloomedsuddenly
beforeher.
Themajorseyeswerehard,hisnostrilsflared,andheradiatedpure,murderousfury.Abarred
doorstoodopenbehindhim,andapairofmedicskneltinapoolofbloodastheyworkedfrantically
overamaninthefilthyuniformofaManticoranpettyofficer.AMasadanofficerscorpsesprawled
againstthewalloppositethecell,andhehadntbeenkilledbypulserfire.Hisheadhadbeentwisted
offlikeabottlecap,andtherightarmofthebattlearmoredMarineprivatebesidehisbodywas
bloodytotheelbow.
Wevefoundsixdeadsofar,Maam,Ramirezgratedwithoutpreamble.Apparentlythis
bastardhejerkedasavagegestureattheheadlessMasadanjuststartedwalkingdownthe
corridorshootingprisonerswhenourpointbrokeintothecellblock.I
Hebrokeoffastheseniormedicrosefrombesidethepettyofficer.Hemettheajorsgazeand
shookhisheadslightly,andRamirezswallowedasavagecurse.
Honorssingleeyeburnedasshestaredatthebody,andthememoryofhowshedkeptRamirez
fromsmashingWilliamswasgallonhertonguewhilethemajorgothimselfbackunderasemblance
ofcontrol.
Imafraidthisisntallofit,Maam,hesaidinaharsh,clippedvoice.Ifyoullcomewithme?
Shenoddedandstartedforward,buthewavedTremainebackashebegantofollow.Notyou,
Lieutenant.
TremainelookedaquestionatHonor,butsomethinginRamirezsvoicewarnedher,andshe
shookherheadquickly.Hisexpressionturnedmutinousforjustamoment,thensmoothed,andhe
steppedbackbesideSergeantTalon.
RamirezledHonoranotherfortymeters,toabendinthepassage,thenstoppedandswallowed.
Captain,Idbetterstayhere.
Shestartedtoaskhimaquestion,buthisfacestoppedher.Instead,shenoddedonceandstepped
aroundthecorner.
ThedozenMarinesinevidencelookedodd.Foramoment,shecouldntunderstandwhy,thenshe
realized:theydallremovedtheirhelmets,andeveryoneofthemwasawoman.Therealizationstruck
aterribleiciclethroughher,andshequickenedherpace,thenslidtoahaltintheopendoorofacell.
Honey,youvegottoletushaveher,someonewassayingsoftly,gently.Please.Wevegotto
takecareofher.
ItwasCaptainHibson,andherstrong,confidentvoicewasfoggedwithtearsasshebentoverthe
naked,batteredyoungwomanonthefilthybunk.Theprisonersfacewasalmostunrecognizable
underitscutsandbruises,butHonorknewher.Justassheknewtheequallynaked,evenmoreterribly
batteredwomaninherarms.
Theyoungwomanclungtohercompaniondesperately,tryingtoshieldherwithherownbody,
andHonorsteppedforwardnumbly.Shekneltbesidethebunk,andtheyoungwomanthegirlonit
staredatherwithbroken,animaleyesandwhimperedinterror.
EnsignJackson,Honorsaid,andasparkofsomethinglikehumanityflickeredfarbackinthose
brutalizedeyes.DoyouknowwhoIam,Ensign?
MailingJacksonstaredatheranendlessmomentlonger,thenjerkedherheadinaspastic,
uncoordinatednod.
Wereheretohelpyou,Ensign.Honorwouldneverknowhowshekepthervoicesoftandeven,
butshedid.Shetouchedthestiff,mattedhairgently,andthenakedensignflinchedasiffromablow.
Wereheretohelpyou,Honorrepeatedwhiletearssliddownherface,butyouhavetoletushave
CommanderBrigham.Themedicswillhelpher,butyouhavetolethergo.
EnsignJacksonwhimpered,clingingevenmoretightlytothelimpbodyinherarms,andHonor
strokedherhairagain.
Please,Mailing.Letushelpher.
TheensignlookeddownatMercedesBrighamsbloodcakedface,andherwhimperscollapsed
intoaterriblesob.Foramoment,Honorthoughtshewouldrefuse,thattheydhavetotakeBrigham
fromherbyforce,butthenherdesperategriploosened.Hibsonsteppedinquickly,liftingthebarely
breathingCommanderinarmoredarms,andMailingJacksonscreamedlikeasoulinhellasHonor
gatheredherinaprotectiveembrace.
***
IttooktenminutesandallthemedicscoulddotobreakEnsignJacksonshysteria,andeventhen
Honorknewitwasonlyacalminthestorm.Therewastoomuchhellinthosebroken,almondeyes
foranythingmore,butatlastshelaystillonthestretcher,tornbygreat,heavingshuddersunderthe
blanket.SheclungtoherCOshandlikeachild,eyesbegginghertomakeitallanightmare,notreal,
andHonorkneltbesideher.
Canyoutelluswhathappened?sheaskedgently,andtheensignjerkedasifshedbeenstruck.
Butthistimeshelickedherscabcrustedlipsandgaveatiny,frightenednod.
Yes,Maam,shewhispered,butthenhermouthworkedsoundlesslyandfreshtearsspangledher
eyes.
Takeyourtime,Honormurmuredinthatsame,gentlevoice,andJacksonseemedtodrawasort
offragilestrengthfromitsencouragement.
Ttheypickedusup,shewhisperedinatinythreadofavoice.TheCaptain,andExec,andIw
weretheonlyoofficersalive,Maam.IIthinkthereweretwentyor...orthirtyothers.Imnot
sure.
Sheswallowedagain,andoneofthemedicspressedacupofwaterintoHonorsfreehand.She
heldittotheensignslips,andJacksonsippedshallowly.Thenshelaybackonthestretcher,eyes
closed.Whenshespokeagain,hervoicewasflat,mechanical,withoutanyhumanfeeling.
Theybroughtusbackhere.Forawhileacoupleofdays,maybeitwasnttoobad,butthey
putalltheofficersinthesamecell.Theysaidherbrief,frozencalmbegantocrackoncemore
theysaidsincewedletwomeninuniform,theCaptaincouldkeephiswwhoreswithhim.
ThelivingsideofHonorsfacewasasmasklikeasthedeadside,butshesqueezedtheensigns
hand.
 Then...thentheyjustwentcrazy,Jacksonwhispered.Theycameandtook...meandthe
Commander.Wwethoughtitwasjustforinterrogation,butthentheythrewusinto...intothisbig
room,andtherewereallthesemen,andthey...they
Hervoicebroke,andHonorstrokedherfaceasshesobbed.
Theysaiditwasbecausewewerewomen,shegasped.They...theylaughedatus,andthey
hurtus,andtheysaid...theysaiditwwasGGGodswillto...topunishSatanswwwhores!
Sheopenedhereyesanddraggedherselfup,staringintoHonorsfacewhileherhandtightened
likeaclaw.
Wefoughtthem,Maam.Wedid!Bbutwewerehandcuffed,andtthereweresomanyofthem!
Please,Maamwetried!Wetried!
Iknow,Mailing.Iknowyoudid,Honorsaidthroughherowntears,huggingthebrutalized
youngbody,andtheensignrelaxedconvulsively.HerheadrestedonHonorsshoulder,andhervoice
wasbrokenanddead.
Wwhentheywere...done,they...threwusback.TheCaptainCaptainAlvarezdidwhat
hecould,bbuthehadntknown,Captain.Hehadntknownwhattheyweregoingtodo.
Iknow,Honorwhisperedagain,andtheensignsteethclenched.
Tthentheycameback,aandIcouldntfightanymore,Maam.IIjustcouldnt.Itried,but
Shedraggedinaraggedbreath.CommanderBrighamcould.IIthinkshehurtsomeofthemreally
badbbeforetheygotherdown,andthentheybeatherandbeatherandbeather!Thebrokenvoice
climbed,andamedicsteppedinwithahypoasshetrembledviolentlyinHonorsarms.
TheCaptaintriedtostopthem,Maam.Hhetried,and...andtheyknockedhimdownwith
theirriflebutts,andthenthey...theyShetwistedinagony,andHonorcoveredhermouthwithher
hand,stillinghervoicewhilethehypotookeffect.Shedalreadyseenthehuge,driedbloodstainon
thecellfloorandtheraggedstreakswheresomeonesheelshadbeendraggedthroughittothedoor.
Andthentheyrapedusagain,theensignsaidatlast,hereyeshazy.Againandagain,and...
andtheysaidhowniceitwasoftheirCOto...togivethemtheirownwhores.
Herthreadyvoicefadedtosilence,andHonoreasedherbackdownandbenttokissthefilthy,
bruisedforehead,thentuckedtheensignslimphandundertheblanketandrose.
Takecareofher,shetoldtheseniorMarinemedic,andthewomannodded,herownfacewet
withtears.
Honornoddedback,thenturnedtowardsthedoorofthecell.Asshesteppedthroughit,shedrew
hersidearmandcheckedthemagazine.
***
MajorRamirezlookedupasCaptainHarringtoncameupthecorridor.
Captain,whatshallI?
Shebrushedbyhimasifhehadntspoken.Therewasnoexpressionatallonherface,butthe
rightsideofhermouthtwitchedviolently,andhergunwasinherhand.
Captain?CaptainHarrington!
Hereachedouttograspherarm,andshelookedathimatlast.
Getoutofmyway,Major.Eachwordwasprecisely,perfectlyformeddespitehercrippled
mouth.Cleanupthissection.Findeveryoneofourpeople.Getthemoutofhere.
 But
Youhaveyourorders,Major,shesaidinthatsame,chilledsteeltone,andtwitchedoutofhis
grasp.Shestartedupthecorridoroncemore,andhestaredafterherhelplessly.
ShedidntlookupwhenshereachedtheMarinesinthepassageway.Shejuststrodestraight
ahead,andtheyscatteredlikefrightenedchildren.SergeantTalonssquadstartedtofallinaroundher,
butshewavedthembackwithasavagechopofherhandandkeptwalking.
LieutenantTremainestaredafterher,bitinghislip.HedheardaboutthediscoveriestheMarines
hadmade.Hehadntbelieveditatfirsthadntwantedtobelieveitbutthenthemedicshadcarried
CommanderBrighamsstretcherpasthim.Hedbelieveditthen,andtheMarinesfuryhadbeen
dwarfedbyhisown,forheknewMercedesBrighamwell.Verywell,indeed.
TheCaptainsaidshewantedtobealone.Shedorderedeveryonetoleaveheralone.ButScotty
Tremainehadseenherface.
Sheturnedabendinthecorridor,andhisownfacetightenedwithdecision.Helaidasidehis
plasmacarbineandwenthurryingafterher.
***
Honorclimbedtherubblestrewnstairs,ignoringthelaboredbreathingofwhoeverwastryingto
catchupwithher.Itdidntmatter.Nothingmattered.Shevaultedupthestairs,usingherlonglegsand
thelightgravity,brushingpastanoccasionalMarine,steppingthroughanoccasionalpuddleof
Masadanblood,andhersingleeyeglowedlikemoltensteel.
Shewalkeddownthefinalcorridor,gazefixedontheopenmesshalldoor,andavoicewascalling
herfrombehind.Itwasdistantandunreal,immaterial,andsheignoreditasshesteppedintothe
crowdedroom.
AMarineofficersaluted,thenflinchedbackfromherinshock,andshewentpasthimasifhe
didntexist.Hereyesweptthelinesofprisoners,searchingforthefaceshesought,andfoundit.
CaptainWilliamslookedupasifhefeltherhatred,andhisfacepaled.Shewalkedtowardshim,
shovingpeopleoutofherway,andthevoicecallinghernamewasevenlouderasitsownerpushed
andshovedthroughthecrowdbehindher.
Williamstriedtotwistaway,butherlefthandtangledinhishair,andhecriedoutinagonyasshe
slammedhisheadbackagainstthewall.Hismouthworked,gobblingwordsshedidntbothertohear,
andherrighthandpressedthemuzzleagainsthisforeheadandbegantosqueeze.
Someoneelseshandslockedonherforearm,shovingfrantically,andthesharp,spitefulexplosion
ofapulserdartpockedthemesshallroofasherpistolwhined.Shewrenchedatthehandsonherarm,
tryingtothrowwhoeveritwasoff,buttheyclungdesperately,andsomeonewasshoutinginherear.
Morevoicesshouted,morehandsjoinedtheonesonherarm,draggingherbackfromWilliams
whilethemansaggedtohisknees,retchingandweepinginterror,andshefoughtmadlyagainstthem
all.Butshecouldntwrenchfree,andshewenttoherownkneesassomeonesnatchedthepistolfrom
hergripandsomeoneelsegrippedherheadandforceditaround.
Skipper!Skipper,youcant!ScottyTremainehalfsobbed,holdingherfacebetweenhishands
whiletearsrandownhischeeks.Please,Skipper!Youcantdothisnotwithoutatrial!
Shestaredathim,herdetachedmindwonderingwhatatrialhadtodowithanything,andheshook
hergently.
 Please,Skipper.IfyoushootaprisonerwithoutatrialtheNavyHedrewadeepbreath.You
cant,Maam,howevermuchhedeservesit.
No,shecant,avoicelikefrozenheliumsaid,andatraceofsanitycamebackintoHonors
expressionasshesawAdmiralMatthews.IcameassoonasIheard,Captain,hespokeslowlyand
distinctly,asifhesensedtheneedtobreakthroughtoher,butyourlieutenantsright.Youcantkill
him.Shestareddeepintohiseyes,andsomethinginsidehereasedasshesawtheagonyand
shameandfuryinhissoul.
But?shedidntrecognizeherownvoice,andMatthewsmouthtwistedincontemptuoushateas
heglareddownatthesobbingMasadancaptain.
ButIcan.Notwithoutatrial.Hellhaveone,Iassureyou,andsowillalltheanimalsheturned
looseonyourpeople.Theyllbescrupulously,completelyfairandassoonastheyreover,thissick,
sadisticpieceofgarbageandalltheothersresponsiblewillbehangedlikethescumtheyare.Hemet
hereyelevelly,andhisicyvoicewassoft.
Iswearthattoyou,Captain,onthehonoroftheGraysonNavy.

 CHAPTERTWENTYSEVEN
HonorHarringtonsatstaringouttheviewport,hersoulcoldasthespacebeyondthearmorplast,
andAdmiralMatthews,AliceTruman,andAlistairMcKeonsatsilentlybehindher.
Nineteen.NineteenofMadrigalspeoplewerealive,andthatfigurehadbeenenoughtocrack
CommanderTheismansreserveatlast.TherewasnorecordofanysurvivorsintheBlackbirddata
base.ApparentlyWilliamshaderasedit,butitwasTheismanwhodpickedupMadrigalssurvivors,
andtherehadbeenfiftythreeofthem.Twentysixhadbeenwomen.Ofthatnumber,onlyEnsign
JacksonandMercedesBrighamwerestillalive,andFritzMontoyasfacehadbeenterribleashe
describedBrighamsinternalinjuriesandbrokenbones.
HonorhadmadecertainTheismanwaspresenttohearMontoyasreport,andtheCommanderhad
goneabsolutelywhiteasheturnedtoherinhorror.
CaptainHarrington,IswearIdidntknowhowbaditreallywas.Hedswallowedharshly.
Please,youhavetobelieveme.IIknewitwasbad,buttherewasntanythingIcoulddo,and...and
Ididntknowhowbad.
Hisagonyhadbeengenuineashadhisshame.Madrigalsbosunhadconfirmedthatitwas
TheismansmissileswhichhadkilledtheAdmiral.Honorhadwantedtohatehimforthat,wantedto
hatehimsobadlyshecouldtasteit,andhisanguishhadtakeneventhatawayfromher.
Ibelieveyou,Commander,shedsaidwearily,theninhaleddeeply.Areyoupreparedtotestify
beforeaGraysoncourtonthemattersofwhichyoudohavepersonalknowledge?Noonewillaskyou
whyyouimmigratedtoMasada.IhaveAdmiralMatthewspromiseonthat.Butveryfewofthereal
MasadansaregoingtovoluntarilytestifyagainstWilliamsandhisanimals.
Yes,Maam.Theismansvoicehadbeencold.Yes,Maam,Illtestify.AndImsorry,
Captain.MoresorrythanIlleverbeabletotellyou.
Nowshesatgazingatthestars,andherheartwasicewithinher,forifBlackbirdsdatabase
hadntmentionedtheprisoners,ithadheldotherinformation.Sheknew,atlast,whatshetrulyfaced,
anditwasntaheavycruiser.Notaheavycruiseratall.
Well,shesaidatlast,atleastweknow.
Yes,Maam,AliceTrumansaidquietly.Shepausedforamoment,andthensheaskedthe
questioninalltheirminds.Whatdowedonow,Maam?
TherightsideofHonorsmouthquirkedwithouthumor,fordeepinsideshewasafraidsheknew
theanswer.Shehadonedamagedheavycruiser,onedamageddestroyer,andonecompletelycrippled
lightcruiser,andshefacedaneighthundredandfiftythousandtonbattlecruiser.Whatwasleftof
GraysonsNavydidntevencount.Shemightaswellshoottheircrewsherselfascommitthemagainst
aSultanclassbattlecruiser...andherownshipwasnomatchforone,either.ASultancarriedalmost
twiceherarmament,fivetimesherammunition,andsidewallsfarheavierthanherown.Despite
Fearlessssuperiorelectronics,therewouldbeveryfewsurvivorsifsheandTroubadourwenttoeto
toeagainstThunderofGod.
Wedothebestwecan,Alice,shesaidsoftly.Shestraightenedhershouldersandturnedfrom
theviewport,andhervoicewascrisper.Itsalwayspossibletheylldecidenottopushit.Theyve
lostvirtuallyalltheirMasadanunits.ThatleavesHavenwithoutanysortofcover.ThisThunderof
Godsskipperwillbeaswellawareofthatasweare,andhecantknowhowsoonweexpect
reinforcements.
Butweknow,Maam.McKeonsvoicewasquiet.ThefreighterswontevenmakeManticore
foranotherninedays.AddfourdaysfortheFleettorespond,andHeshrugged.
Iknow.HonorlookedatTruman.ApollosnodesandWarshawskisailsareingoodshape,
Alice.Youcancutfivedaysoffthatresponsetime.
Yes,Maam.Trumansfacewasdesperatelyunhappy,buttherewasabsolutelynothingshe
coulddotohelphere.
Alistair,youandIwillhavetogetourheadstogetheronthewaybacktoGrayson.Weregoing
tohavetofightsmart,ifitcomestoit.
Yes,Maam,McKeonsaidasquietlyasTruman,andHonorlookedatAdmiralMatthewsashe
clearedhisthroat.
Captain,noneofussuspectedjusthowheavytheoddsagainstyoureallyare,butyourpeople
havealreadydoneandsufferedfarmoreforusthanwehadanyrighttoexpect.Ihopethat
whoeverThunderofGodscaptainmaybe,hellhavethesense,thesanity,torealizethegameislost
andpullherout.Ifhedoesnt,however,surelyGraysoncansurvivewhatevertheFaithfulmaydo
untilyourreliefforcegetshere.
Hefellsilent,andHonorknewwhathewastryingtosayandwhyhecouldntquitesayitinso
manywords.HeknewhowunlikelyhershipsweretosurviveagainstaSultan,andthemaninhim
wantedtogiveherawayout,tofindareasonforhertobackoffandsurvive.Buttheadmiralinhim
knewhowdesperatetheMasadanswouldbecomewhentheyheardwhathadhappenedtoBlackbird,
theirnavy,andPrincipality.Desperatepeopledidirrationalthings...andMasadahadstatedits
willingnesstonukeGraysonwhenitwasntdesperate.
PoorasherownchancesagainstaSultanmightbe,FearlessandTroubadourwereallGrayson
had,andifshepulledthemout...
Perhaps,Admiral,shesaidquietly.Butiftheyreinsaneenoughtocontinueatallatthispoint,
theresnowaytopredictwhattheymaydo.Andeveniftherewere,itsmyjobtoprotecttheplanet.
ButyourenotGraysons,Captain.Matthewsvoicewasasquietasherown,andsheshrugged.
No,werenot.Butwevebeenthroughalotwithyoupeople,andweoweMasada.Shehearda
softgrowlofagreementinMcKeonsthroat.AdmiralCourvosierwouldhaveexpectedmetostand
byyoujustashedid,Sir,shewentonpastafreshstabofsorrowandguilt.Moreimportantly,its
whatmyQueenwouldexpectofmeandwhatIwouldexpectofmyself.Sheshookherhead.
Werenotgoinganywhere,AdmiralMatthews.IfMasadastillwantsGrayson,theyllhavetocome
throughustogetit.
***
Yes,Sir.Imafraiditisconfirmed.CaptainYusatintheHonorableJacobLacysoffice,and
HavensambassadortoMasadalookedjustasgrimashedid.Unlikemostofhisdiplomatic
colleagues,Lacywasaretirednavalofficer,afactforwhichYuwasprofoundlygrateful.
Shit,theambassadormutterednow.Principality,too?
Allofthem,Mr.Ambassador,Yusaidharshly.TomTheismansquealedadownloadtoVirtue
justbeforeHarringtonbeganherfinalrun,andBlackbirdBaseconfirmedthecompletedestructionof
theMasadanfleetbeforeitwentofftheair.Forallpracticalpurposes,Thunderisallthatsleft,Sir.
Ragecloggedhisvoiceandsmolderedlikelavainthebackofhisthroatasheadmittedit.Ifonly
TractorFivehadntgonedown.Ifonlyithadntturnedouteventhefluxcoilwasshot.Twelvehours
ofrepairshadturnedintotwenty,thentwentyfive,andthenthatfatheaded,stupid,incompetent
fuckerSimondshadcostthemanotherfulldayandahalfwithhisfitsandstarts!Ifithadntbeenso
insane,YuwouldhavesworntheidiotwastryingtodelaytheirreturntoYeltsinsStar!
Andtheresulthadbeencatastrophe.
WhatareMasadaschancesnow,Captain?Lacyaskedafteramoment.
TheydhavebetterluckputtingoutYeltsinsStarbypissingonit,Sir.Oh,Icouldtake
Harrington.IdgethurtStarKnightsarenastycustomersbutIcouldtakeherout.Onlyitwouldnt
doanydamnedgood.Shemusthavesentforhelp.AllherwarshipswerepresentatBlackbird,butif
shesentherfreightersawayfirst,shecouldstillhaveareliefforceouthereintenortwelvedays.And
therewillbeareliefforceonethatllcomeinreadytokickassandtakenames,Sir.Wevedestroyed
atleastoneManticoranshipfromBlackbirdsfinalreport,wekilledsomemoreManticoransthere,
andHarringtonundoubtedlyhasproofPrincipalitywasHavenbuilt.WhatevertheStaffandCabinet
maythink,theRMNwonttakethatlyingdown.
AndifMasadawereinpossessionofGraysonwhentheyarrived?ItwasclearfromLacystone
thathealreadyknewtheanswer,andYusnorted.
Itwouldntmatteragoodgoddamn,Mr.Ambassador.Besides,IdoubtGraysonwillsurrenderif
theyknowhelpiscoming,andthatidiotSimondsisjustlikelytoorderdemonstrationnuclearstrikes.
Heclenchedhisjaw.Ifhedoes,Sir,Illrefusetocarrythemout.
Ofcourseyouwill!Yurelaxedjustabitattheambassadorsresponse.Theresnopossible
moraljustificationforslaughteringciviliansorviolatingtheEridaniEdict,andthediplomatic
repercussionswouldbecatastrophic.
Thenwhatdoyouwantmetodo,Sir?theCaptainaskedquietly.
Idontknow.Lacyscrubbedhishandsoverhisfaceandfrownedupattheceilingforalong,
silentmoment,thensighed.
Thisoperationisshottohell,Captain,anditsnotyourfault.Yunoddedandhopedwithout
muchconvictionthattheStaffwouldendorseLacysopinion.
Graysonwillfallalloveritselftosignthetreatynow.Notonlyhasallthisunderlinedthe
Masadanthreat,butweveliterallythrownthemintoManticoresarms.Gratitude,aswellasself
interest,isgoingtopushthemtogether,andIdontseeanywaytoavertthat.IftheMasadanshad
pushedoperationsmorevigorously,orallowedustostationasquadronortwoinEndicotttobackyou
up,thatmightnotbethecase,butnow
Theambassadorpinchedthebridgeofhisnose,thenwentonslowly.
Inalotofways,Idliketosimplywashourhandsoftheentiresituation,butonceGraysonsigns
upwithManticore,wellneedapresenceinEndicottworsethanever.AndmuchasImrapidly
comingtodespisetheFaithful,theyllneedusworsethaneverwithManticoreandGraysonboth
itchingtochopthemup.Thetrickisgoingtobekeepingthemalivelongenoughtorealizethat.
Agreed,Sir.Buthowdowegoaboutdoingthat?
Westall.Itsallwecando.Illsendmycourierboatofftorequestavisitbyabattlesquadron
ortwo,butitsgoingtotakeatleastaTmonthforanythingtocomeofthat.Somehow,weregoingto
havetokeepMasadafromdoinganythingstupidanythingelsestupid,thatiswhilewe
simultaneouslyfendoffanyManticorancounterattackagainstEndicott.
Ifyoullforgivemysayingso,Mr.Ambassador,thatwouldbeaneattrickifyoucoulddoit.
IdontknowthatIcan,Lacyadmitted,butitsthebestwecanhopefornow.Heswunghis
chairslowlybackandforth,thennodded.IfyoucankeeptheMasadansfromlaunchinganymore
adventuresagainstYeltsin,thenyourshipwillstillbeintactandinEndicottwhentheManticorans
turnup,right?Yunodded,andtheambassadorleanedoverhisdesk.ThenIneedyoutobe
completelyhonestwithme,Captain.IknowhowcloseyouaretoCommanderTheisman,butIhaveto
askthis.Assumingheandhispeoplesurvived,willtheyhavestucktotheircoverstory?
Yes,Sir.Yusresponsewasdefinite.Noonellbelieveit,buttheyllfolloworders,andtheyall
haveofficialMasadandocumentation.
Allright.Thenwhatwelldoisthis.YoullstallSwordSimondswhileIworkonhisbrotherand
theCouncilofElders.IfwecanpreventanyfurtheroffensiveagainstGraysonandkeepThunder
intact,IlltrytorunabluffifManticoremovestopunishMasada.Whentheyturnup,Thunderwill
reverttobeingPNSSaladin,anofficialRepublicanunitdefendingtheterritoryofaRepublicanally.
MyGod,SirManticorewillneverbuyit!
Probablynot,Lacyagreedgrimly,butifIcangetthemtohesitate,evenbriefly,over
committinganopenactofwaragainstus,Illhaveatoeinthedoor.AndifItalkfastenough,andif
Masadaagreestomakemassiveenoughreparations,wemayjustbeabletopreventoutrightinvasion
ofEndicottuntilourreinforcementsgethere.
Mr.Ambassador,Masadadoesnthaveanythingtopayreparationswith.Theyvebankrupted
themselveswiththeirmilitarybudgets.
Iknow.Wellhavetobankrollthem...whichwillbeonemorehookinourfavor,ifitworks.
Yushookhishead.Irealizeyoudonthavemuchtoworkwith,Sir,butthissoundsawfullythin.
AndIguaranteetheMasadanswontgoforit.Notwillingly,anyway.Imbeginningtothinktheyre
evencrazierthanwethought,andonethingIdoknowisthatSimondsboththeSimondsesare
determinedtoavoidbecomingaRepublicanclientstate.
Evenwhentheonlyotheroptionistheirdestruction?
Iwouldntbetagainstit,andthatsassumingtheyrereadytoadmittheironlyotheroptionis
destruction.Youknowwhatafruitcakereligiontheyvegot.
Yes,Ido.Lacysighed.Thatswhywerenotgoingtotellthemwhatweredoinguntilitstoo
lateforthemtoscrewitup.Weregoingtohavetokeeptheminthedarkaboutwhatwerereallyup
toandhopetheyrealizelaterthatwewereright.
Jesus,Yumurmured,saggingbackinhischair.Youdontwantmuch,doyou,Mr.
Ambassador?
Captain,Lacysmiledwryly,nooneknowsbetterthanIdowhatasackofsnakesImhanding
you.Unfortunately,itstheonlysackIvegot.Doyouthinkyoucanbringitoff?
No,Sir,Idont,Yusaidfrankly.ButIdontseeanychoicebuttotry,either.
***
...buttotry,either,CaptainYusvoicesaid,andtheclickasDeaconSandsswitchedoffthe
taperecorderechoedinthecouncilchamber.HelookedatChiefElderSimonds,buttheChiefElders
fieryeyeswerelockeduponhisbrothersexpressionlessface.
Somuchforyourpreciousallies,Matthew.Andyourownmendontseemtohavedonemuch
better!
SwordSimondsbithislip.TheCouncilsterrifiedhostilitywaspalpableanythinghesaidwould
befutile,andheclosedhismouth,feelingsweatonhisforehead,thenlookedupinastonishmentas
someoneelsespoke.
Withallrespect,ChiefElder,IdontthinkthiscanallbelaidonSwordSimondsshoulders,
ElderHugginssaidflatly.Weinstructedhimtodelayoperations.
TheChiefEldergapedatHuggins,forhishatredforandjealousyofMatthewSimondswere
legendary,butHugginswentoninaprecisevoice.
OurinstructionstotheSwordwerethebestweknewtogive,butwemadeinsufficientallowance
fortheforcesofSatan,Brothers.Helookedaroundthecounciltable.OurshipsinYeltsinwere
destroyedbythiswoman,thishandmaidenofSatan,Harrington.Hiscalm,almostdetachedtonegave
hishatredanevenmoreterriblepower.Itisshewhohasprofanedallweholdmostholy.Shehasset
herselfagainstGodsWork,andtheSwordcanscarcelybeblamedbecauseweexposedhimtothe
Devilsvenom.
Aquietrustleranaroundthetable,andHugginssmiledthinly.
Thenagain,thereareourallies.They,too,areinfidel.Havewenotknownfromthebeginning
thattheirendsandoursdiffered?Wasitnotourfearofbeingengulfedbythemwhichledustoprefer
Maccabeustooutrightinvasion?Heshrugged.Wewerewrongthere,too.Maccabeushasfailedus,
if,indeed,hewasevertrulyours.Eitherhemadehisattemptandfailed,orelsehewillnevermakeit
atall,andaftertheirjointbattles,theApostateandtheharlotwhorulesManticorewillbecomecloser
thanbrothers.ItisinevitableifweallowtheDeviltotriumph.
Hepaused,andThomasSimondsmoistenedhislipsinthedeadsilence.
Mayweassumefromthatlastremark,BrotherHuggins,thatyouhaveaproposal?Huggins
nodded,andtheChiefElderseyesnarrowed.Maywehearit?
TheHaveniteinfidelsclearlydontrealizewevebeenabletolistentotheirplanstobetrayus,
Hugginssaidconversationally.SwordSimondsshiftedinhischair,swallowinganytemptationto
differwithHugginsinterpretationofHavenspurpose,andtheElderwentoninthesameeveryday
tone.TheythinktoplaymenwhohavesettheirhandstoGodsWorkforfools,Brothers.Theycare
nothingfortheWorktheirsoleconcernistoensnareusinanallianceagainsttheirenemies.
Anythingtheysaytousfromthistimeforwardwillbeshapedbythatconcern,andassuch,theywill
beaswordsfromSatansownmouth.Isthisnottrue?
Helookedaroundoncemore,andheadsnodded.TheassembledEldersfaceswerethoseofmen
whohaveseendisasterstaringbackatthemfromtheirownmirrors.Thecatastrophewhichhad
overwhelmedtheirplans,thetrapintowhichtheyhadthrustthemselvesandtheirplanet,terrified
them,andtheonlycertitudeinauniversewhichhadturnedtoshiftingsandwastheirFaith.
Verywell.Ifwecannottrustthem,thenwemustmakeourownplansandbringthemtofruition
inGodsNameevenwhilewedissembleagainstthedissemblers.Theybelieveourcauseishopeless,
butwe,Brothers,weknowGodiswithus.ItisHisWorktowhichwearecalled,andwemustnot
allowourselvestofalterandfailoncemore.TheremustbenoThirdFall.
Amen,someonemurmured,andSwordSimondsfeltastirdeepwithinhim.Hewasamilitary
man,whateverCaptainYuthought.MostofthedecisionswhichinfuriatedtheHavenitehadsprung
notfromstupiditybutfromanagendaHavenknewnothingabout,andhewasonlytoowellawareof
thedisastrousmilitaryposition.YethewasalsoamanoftheFaith.Hebelieved,despiteallambition,
despiteanyveneerofsophistication,andashelistenedtoHugginsquietwords,heheardhisown
faithcallingtohim.
Sataniscunning,Hugginswenton.TwicebeforehehassunderedManfromGod,eachtime
usingwomanashistool.Nowheseekstodosoyetagain,usingtheHarlotofManticoreandher
handmaidenHarrington,andifweviewoursituationonlythroughtheeyesoftheflesh,itis,indeed,
hopeless.Butthereareothereyes,Brothers.HowoftenmustwesuccumbtotheDevilswilesbefore
werecognizeGodsTruth?WemustputourtrustinHimandfollowHimevenasMeshach,Shadrach,
andAbednigofollowedintothefurnaceandDanielfollowedintothelionsden.Isaytoyouour
positionisnothopeless.IsayitcanneverbehopelesssolongasGodisourCaptain.
Nodoubtthatstrue,BrotherHuggins.EventheChiefEldersvoicewastouchedwithrespect.
Yetweallofusarebutmortal.WhatrecoursehavewewithournavygoneiftheHavenites
depriveusevenofThunderofGod?HowcanwestandofftheentirepowerofManticoreifitcomes
againstus?
Wemustonlydoourpart,ChiefElder,Hugginssaidwithabsolutecertainty.Themeansto
completetheApostatesdownfallbeforetheHarlotsnavycaninterveneareinourhands.Wemust
onlygraspGodsSwordandthrustIthometoproveourconstancyasHisFaithful,andHewill
confoundtheHarlotyes,andtheinfidelsofHaven,aswell.
Whatdoyoumean,BrotherHuggins?SwordSimondsaskedsoftly.
HavewenotknownfromthebeginningthatManticoreisweakanddecadent?Ifourforcesarein
possessionofGrayson,andifnoneoftheHarlotsshipssurvivetodisputeourversionofhowthat
cametopass,thenwhatcanshedo?ShewillrecoilfromtheLightofGod,andHisHandwilluphold
usasHehaspromisedItwillalwaysupholdtheFaithful.AndcanyounotseethatHehasgivenusthe
meanstothatend?
Hugginseyesburnedwithmessianicfire,andhishandshotouttostabalong,bonyfingerat
DeaconSandstaperecorder.
Weknowtheinfidelsplans,Brothers!Weknowtheyintendtodivertanddesertus,toenmeshus
intheirnetbuttheydontknowthatweknow!Heturnedhisblazingeyesonthesword.Sword
Simonds!IfyouheldundisputedcommandofThunderofGod,howlongwouldittakeyoutosecure
YeltsinsStaragainsttheManticoranshipsthere?
Aday,Simondssaid.Perhapsless,perhapsalittlemore.But
Butyoudontholdundisputedcommandofit.Theinfidelshaveseentothat.Butifwepretendto
bedupedbytheirlies,ifwelullthembyseemingtoaccepttheirdelays,wecanchangethat.He
stabbedtheswordwithanotherfierystare.HowmuchofThunderofGodscrewisoftheFaith?
Alittlemorethantwothirds,BrotherHuggins,butmanyofthekeyofficersarestillinfidels.
Withoutthem,ourmenwouldbeunabletogetfullefficiencyoutoftheship.
Buttheyreinfidels,Hugginssaidvery,verysoftly.StrangerstotheFaithwhofeardeath,even
inGodsName,becausetheybelieveitisanend,notabeginning.Iftheywereforcedintocombat,
wheretheymustfightordie,wouldtheynotchoosetofight?
Yes,theswordalmostwhispered,andHugginssmiled.
 And,ChiefElder,iftheinfidelsofHavenweresaddledwithresponsibilityforaninvasionof
Yeltsinbeforetheeyesofthegalaxy,wouldtheynotbeforcedtoatleastpretendtohavesupportedus
knowingly?Endicottisbutone,poorstarsystemwouldtheircreditsurviveifthegalaxylearnedthat
suchaswehaddupedthemintoservingourends,nottheirown?
Thetemptationtoavoidembarrassmentatanycostwouldcertainlybegreat,theelderSimonds
saidslowly.
And,Brothers,Hugginseyessweptthetableoncemore,iftheHarlotbelievedHavenstood
behindus,withitsfleetpoisedtogrindherkingdomintodust,wouldshedareconfrontthatthreat?Or
wouldsheshowhertrueweaknessbeforetheLightofGodandabandontheApostatetotheirfate?
Alow,harshgrowlansweredhim,andhesmiled.
AndsoGodshowsusourway,hesaidsimply.WewillletHavendelayus,butwewilluse
thedelaytoslipmoreofourownaboardThunderofGod,untilwebecomestrongenoughto
overpowertheinfidelsinhercrew.WewillseizetheirshipandmakeherthetrueThunderofGodby
givingtheinfidelsthechoiceofcertaindeathorthepossibilityoflifeiftheApostateandtheirallies
aredefeated.WewillsmashtheshipsofSatanshandmaidenandretakeGraysonfromtheApostate,
andtheHarlotofManticorewillbelieveHavenstandsbehindus.And,Brothers,Havenwillstand
behindus.Theinfidelswillhavenostomachforadmittingwemadefoolsofthemand,bestofall,
wewillhaveachievedtheirgreatestdesirebydeprivingManticoreofanallyinYeltsin!ThePeoples
Republiciscorruptandambitious.Ifweattaintheirenddespitetheirowncowardice,theywill
embraceourtriumphastheirown!
Therewasastunnedsilence,andthensomeonebegantoclap.Itwasonlyonepairofhandsat
first,butasecondjoinedthem,thenathird.Afourth.Withinsecondstheapplauseechoedfromthe
ceiling,andSwordSimondsfoundhimselfclappingashardasany.
Hestood,stillclapping,andnoteventheknowledgethatHugginshaddisplacedhimforeverashis
brotherssuccessorcouldsmotherthehopeflaminginhisheart.Hehadenteredthisroomknowing
Masadawasdoomednowheknewhedbeenwrong.Hehadallowedhisfaithtofalter,forgottenthat
theywereGodsFaithful,notsolelydependentontheirownmortalpowers.Thegreattestofhis
peoplesFaithhadcomeuponthem,andonlyHugginshadrecognizeditforwhatitwasthechance
toredeemthemselvesfromtheSecondFallatlast!
HemettheElderseyesandbowed,acknowledgingthepassingofpower,andifacornerofhis
mindknewHugginsentireplanwasarecklessgamble,alastdeathorglorychallengewhichmust
endinvictoryordoomthemtoutterdestruction,heignoredit.Desperationhadoverwhelmedreason,
forhehadnootheroption.ThethoughtthattheiractionsthathisactionshadfailedGodand
doomedtheFaithwasunacceptable.
Itwasassimpleasthat.


 CHAPTERTWENTYEIGHT
Youregoinghome,Ensign,Honorsaidquietly.
ShesqueezedtheshoulderoftheyoungwomaninthesickbaybunkwhileNimitzcroonedonher
ownshoulder,andMailingJacksonmanagedatiny,fragilesmile.Itwasntmuchofasmile,but
Honorforcedhercrippledmouthtosmilebackintothedrugcloudedeyesevenassheprayedthe
therapistscouldsomehowputtheensignbacktogether.Thenshesteppedbackandlookedatthelife
supportequipmentenshroudingthebunkbesideher.MercedesBrighamwasstillunconscious,but
FritzMontoyadidgoodwork,andherbreathinglookedstronger.Honormadeherselfbelievethat.
SheturnedawayandalmostcollidedwithSurgeonLieutenantWendyGwynn.Apollossickbay
wassmallandcrampedcomparedtoFearlesss,andthesquadronswoundedspilledoutofittofill
thewardroom,theofficersmess,andeveryotherunoccupiedandpressuretightcompartmentof
thesavagelymauledlightcruiser.Gwynnwasgoingtohaveherhandsfullonthevoyageto
Manticore,Honorknew,butatleastthewoundedwouldbeoutofit.Atleastshecouldgetthemhome
alive.
Takecareofthem,Doctor,shesaid,knowingevenasshespokethatitwasunnecessary.
Wewill,Maam.Ipromise.
Thankyou,Honorsaidsoftly,andsteppedintothepassagebeforeGwynncouldseethetearsin
hereye.
Shedrewadeepbreathandstraightenedherachingspine,andNimitzscoldedgently.Shehadnt
sleptsincewakingupinsickbayherself,andhedidntlikeherexhausted,depressedemotions.Honor
didntmuchcareforthemherself,butotherpeoplewerejustastiredasshewas.Besides,the
nightmareswerewaiting.Shefeltthemwhisperinginthedepthsofhermind,andwonderedwhetherit
trulywasdutyalonewhichhadkeptheronherfeetsolong.Nimitzscoldedagain,harder,andshe
caressedhissoftfurinmuteapology,thenheadedforthelifttothebridge.
LieutenantCommanderPrevosthadoneplasticastsheathedarminaslingandmovedwitha
painfullimp,butherquietvoicewascrispasshespoketothehelmsman.Apollosexecutiveofficer
wasfarfromtheonlywalkingwoundedmemberofthecruiserscrew.OverhalfTrumanspeople
weredeadorwoundedofherseniorofficers,onlyPrevostandLieutenantCommanderHackmore,
Apolloschiefengineer,werestillontheirfeetatall.
Readytopullout,Alice?
Yes,Maam.IwishTrumancutherselfoffwithalittleshrugandlookedattheshatteredruinof
Apollostacticalandastrogationstationsandthepatchesonthebridgesafterbulkhead.Thathadnt
beenadirecthit,HonorknewjustasecondaryexplosionthathadkilledLieutenantCommander
Amberson,LieutenantAndrounaskis,andtheastrogatorsentireplottingparty.
Sheheldoutherhand.
Iknow.Iwishyoucouldstay,too.Butyoucant.IwishIcouldgiveyoumoremedicalstaff,
GodknowsLieutenantGwynncouldusethem,but
ItwasHonorsturntoshrug,andTrumannoddedasshegrippedtheprofferedhandfirmly.If
FearlessandTroubadourwerecalledupontofightThunderofGod,theywouldneedeverydoctorand
SBAtheyhad.
Goodluck,Skipper,shesaidquietly.
Andtoyou,Alice.Honorgaveherhandonelastsqueeze,steppedback,andadjustedherwhite
beret.Youhavemyreport.JustShepaused,thenshookherhead.Justtellthemwetried,Alice.
Iwill.
Iknow,Honorrepeated,andgaveheranodandasmallhalfwave,thenturnedawaywithout
anotherword.
Tenminuteslater,shestoodonherownbridge,watchingthedirectvisiondisplayasApollobroke
Blackbirdorbit.Thelightcruisersdamagewashideouslyapparentinhermangledflanks,butshe
droveaheadatfivehundredandtwogravities,andHonormadeherselflookaway.Sheddoneallshe
couldtosummonhelp,yetsheknew,deepatthecoreofher,thatifhelpweretrulyneeded,itwould
arrivetoolate.
ShefelthertiredmuscleslistingunderNimitzsweightandmadeherselfstraightenasshe
switchedtheopticalpickupstothesurfaceofBlackbird.Atimedisplayclickeddownwardwith
metronomeprecision,andthevisualdimmedsuddenlyasithitzero.Ahuge,silentboilofwhitehot
lighteruptedfromthefrigidsurface,swellingandexpandingintheblinkofaneye,andsheheardher
bridgecrewsbarelyaudiblegrowlasitwipedawayeverytraceoftheMasadanbase.Honorwatched
foramomentlonger,thenreacheduptorubNimitzsearsandspokewithoutlookingawayfromthe
dyingexplosion.
Allright,Steve.Takeusoutofhere.
Themoonfellawayfromher,andsheturnedfromthedisplayatlastasTroubadourformedupon
hership.Theyweretogetheragainherentireremainingsquadron,shethought,andtriedtoshakethe
bitternessofthereflection.Shewastired.Thatwasall.
HowsourcomlinktoTroubadour,Joyce?sheasked.
Itssolid,Maam,aslongaswedontgettoofarawayfromher.
Good.Honorglancedathercomofficer,wonderingifherquestionmadehersoundapreyto
anxiety.Andthenshewonderedifperhapsshesoundedthatwaybecauseshewas.Metzingerwasa
goodofficer.Shedtellheriftherewereanyproblems.Butwithherowngraviticsensorsdown,
FearlesscouldnolongerreceiveFTLtransmissionsfromtherecondronesmountingguardagainst
ThunderofGodsreturn.Hershipwasasoneeyedasshewas,andwithoutTroubadoursgraviticsto
doherseeingforher...
Shecheckedthechronoagainandmadeadecision.Nightmaresorno,shecouldntdoherjobwith
fatiguepoisonscloggingherbrain,andshefoldedherhandsbehindherandwalkedacrossthebridge
towardsthelift.
AndreasVenizeloshadthewatch,butherosefromthecommandchairandfollowedhertothelift
door.Shefelthimbehindherandlookedoverhershoulderathim.
Youokay,Skipper?heaskedinasoftvoice.Youlookprettyshot,Maam.Hiseyesclungto
herface,andshefelthisconcernforher.
Forsomeonewhoslosthalfherveryfirstsquadron,Imfine,shereplied,equallysoftly,andthe
rightsideofhermouthquirked.
Iguessthatsonewaytolookatit,Maam,butwekickedsomeassalongtheway.Ifwehaveto,
Ifigurewecankickalittlemore.
Honorsurprisedherselfwithawearychuckleandpunchedhimlightlyontheshoulder.
Ofcoursewecan,Andy.Hesmiled,andshepunchedhimagain,thendrewadeep,tiredbreath.
Imgoingtogocatchsomesleep.Callmeifanythingbreaks.
Yes,Maam.
Shesteppedintothelift.Thedoorclosedbehindher.
***
AliceTrumanwatchedherowndisplayasFearlessandTroubadourheadedtowardsGraysonand
bitherlipatthethoughtofwhattheymightfaceinthenextfewdays.Shehatedherselfforleaving
them,butCommanderTheismanhaddonetoogoodajobonApollo,andthatwasalltherewastoit.
Shetouchedacomstud.
Engineering,CommanderHackmore,anexhaustedvoicesaid.
Charlie,thisistheCaptain.Youpeoplereadyfortranslation?
Yes,Maam.AbouttheonlypartsofthisshipIcanvouchforareherpropulsivesystems,Skip.
Good.TrumannevertookhereyesfromthedepartingdotsofHonorsotherships.Imgladto
hearthat,Charlie,becauseIwantyoutotakethehypergeneratorsafetyinterlocksoffline.
Therewasamomentofsilence,thenHackmoreclearedhisthroat.
Areyousureaboutthat,Captain?
Neversurer.
Skipper,IknowIsaidpropulsionsingoodshape,butwetookalotofhits.Icantguarantee
theresnotdamageIhaventfoundyet.
Iknow,Charlie.
Butifyoutakeusthathighandweloseit,orpickupaharmonic
Iknow,Charlie,Trumansaidevenmorefirmly.AndIalsoknowwevegotallthesquadrons
woundedwithus.Butifyoukilltheinterlocks,wecancuttwentyfive,thirtyhoursmaybeevena
littlemoreoffourtime.
Figureallthatoutonyourown,didyou?
Iusedtobeaprettyfairastrogator,andIcanstillcrunchnumberswhenIhaveto.Soopenup
yourlittletoolboxandgotowork.
Yes,Maam.Ifthatswhatyouwant.Hackmorepausedamoment,thenaskedquietly,Does
CaptainHarringtonknowaboutthis,Maam?
IguessIsortofforgottomentionittoher.
Isee.Trumancouldfeelthetiredsmilebehindthewords.Itjust,um,slippedyourmind,I
suppose.
Somethinglikethat.Canyoudoit?
Hell,yes,Icandoit.ArentIthemostmagnificentengineerintheFleet?Hackmorelaughed
again,morenaturally.
Good.Iknewyoudliketheidea.Letmeknowwhenyoureready.
Yes,Maam.AndIjustwanttosay,Captain,thatknowingyoufiguredIdgoalongwiththis
makesmefeelallwarmandtinglyinside.ItmustmeanyouthinkImalmostascrazyasyouare.
Flatterer.Goplaywithyourspanners.
Trumancutthecircuitandleanedback,rubbingherhandsupanddownthearmsofherchair
whileshewonderedwhatHonorwouldhavesaidifshedtoldher.Therewasonlyonethingshecould
havesaid,byTheBook,becauseTrumanwasabouttobreakeverysafetyregtherewas.ButHonor
hadenoughonherplatejustnow.IfApollocouldntbeheretohelptakethatbigbastardon,theleast
shecoulddowasbringbackreinforcementsasquicklyaspossible,andtherewasnopointgiving
Honorsomethingelsetoworryabout.
Thecommanderclosedhereyes,tryingtoforgettheexhaustedpainshedseeninHonorsone
goodeye.ThepainhadbeentherefromthemomentshelearnedofAdmiralCourvosiersdeath,butit
cutdeepernow,weigheddownbyeverydeathhersquadronhadpaidandmightstillbecalleduponto
pay.Justasherexhaustion,anguishwasthepriceacaptainpaidfortheprivilegeofcommand.
Civiliansandtoomanyjuniorofficerssawonlythecourtesiesanddeference,thegodlikepower
bestoweduponthecaptainofaQueensship.Theyneversawtheothersideofthecoin,the
responsibilitytokeepgoingbecauseyourpeopleneededyoutoandtheagonyofknowing
misjudgmentorcarelessnesscouldkillfarmorethanjustyourself.Ortheinfinitelyworseagonyof
sentencingyourownpeopletodiebecauseyouhadnochoice.Becauseitwastheirdutytorisktheir
lives,anditwasyourstotakethemintodeathsteethwithyou...orsendthemonahead.
CommanderTrumancouldimaginenohighercallingthantocommandaQueensship,yetthere
weretimesshehatedthefacelessmassesshewassworntoprotectbecauseofwhatprotectingthem
costpeoplelikehercrew.PeoplelikeHonorHarrington.Itwasntpatriotismornobilityordedication
thatkeptmenandwomenontheirfeetwhentheywantedtodie.Thosethingsmighthavesentthem
intouniform,mightevenkeepthemthereinthetimesbetween,whentheyknewwhatcouldhappen
butithadnthappenedyet.Butwhatkeptthemontheirfeetwhentherewasnosanereasonforhope
werethebondsbetweenthem,loyaltytooneanother,theknowledgeothersdependedonthemevenas
theydependedonthoseothers.Andsometimes,alltoorarely,itcamedowntoasinglepersonitwas
simplyunthinkabletofail.Someonetheyknewwouldneverquitonthem,neverleavetheminthe
lurch.AliceTrumanhadalwaysknowntherewerepeoplelikethat,butshedneveractuallymetone.
Nowshehad,andshefeltlikeatraitorforhavingnochoicebuttoleavewhenHonorneededher.
Sheopenedhereyesagain.IftheLordsofAdmiraltychosetogobyTheBook,shewouldfacea
Board,certainly,possiblyevenafullCourt,forrecklesslyhazardinghercommand.Andevenifshe
didnt,thereweregoingtobecaptainswhofelttheriskwasunjustifiable,forifshelostApollo,noone
inManticorewouldevenknowthatHonorneededhelp.
ButhoursmightmakethedifferenceinYeltsin,andthatmeantshewouldneverbeabletolive
withherselfifshedidnttakethechance.
Herintercombeeped,andshepressedthestud.
Bridge,Captain.
Safetyinterlocksdisengaged,Skipper,Hackmoresvoicesaid.Thisbeatupbitchisreadyto
roll.
Thankyou,Charlie,CommanderAliceTrumansaidfirmly.Shecheckedthemaneuvering
display.Standbytotranslateineightminutes.

 CHAPTERTWENTYNINE
AlfredoYuknewheoughttobestudyingEngineeringsreportonThunderofGodsoverhauled
tractors,buthefrownedsightlesslyatthedata,unabletoconcentrateonit.Somethingaboutthe
Masadanreactionwasoutofkilter.Itwaswrong,andthefactthathecouldntputhisfingeronjust
whatthatwrongnesswasonlymadehimevenmoreuneasy.
Hepushedbackfromtheterminaltopacefretfullyandtriedtotellhimselfhewasbeingsilly.Of
coursesomethingwaswrongwithMasada!Hedfailed.Throughnofaultofhisown,perhaps,but
hedfailed,andtherepercussionsofthatfailure,anditsconsequencesforthem,hadtobeechoing
througheveryMasadanmindandheart.
Andyet...
Hecametoastop,eyesunfocusedbutintentashetriedtochasedownthatyet.Wasitthe
CouncilofElderssilence?ThehalfheartedwaySwordSimondshadprotestedhisexcusesforkeeping
ThunderinEndicott?Orsimplythesenseofdoomloomingoverthemall?
Hebaredhisteethinahumorlesssmileathisowncontrariness.Hedexpectedhysteriaanda
welterofconflictingordersfromtheCouncil,andthefactthathehadntgottenthosethingsshould
havebeenavastrelief.Thisstunned,silentlackofreactionwasfarbettersuitedtohisand
AmbassadorLacyspurposeswasthatwhyitworriedhim?Becauseitwastooconvenient?
AndwhyshouldSimondspliancypuzzlehim?TheSwordmustbeastoundedhewasstillalive.
Surelyhehadtobewonderingwhenhisstrangeimmunitywouldvanish,andamanwhofeltDeath
breathingquietlydownhisneck,neverknowingwhenitmightstrike,wasntverylikelytobehisold,
prickly,meddlesomeself,nowwashe?
Asforsensesofdoom,whatelsecouldheexpect?Despitethefronthemaintainedforhisinner
circleofHaveniteofficers,hehimselfhadnohopeatallthatManticorewouldbackoffbecausea
singleHavenitebattlecruiserespeciallytheonewhodstartedtheshootinginthefirstplacegotin
theway.Andifhedidntbelieveit,howcouldheexpecthiscrewto?Therewasanairofcaged
lightningaboardThunderofGod,andmendidtheirdutywithoutchatterandtriedtobelievethey
wouldsomehowbeamongthesurvivorswhenitwasfinished.
Allofthoseexplanationsforhisuneaseweretrue.Unfortunately,noneofthemgotattherootof
whateverwasworryinghim.
Heturnedautomatically,almostagainsthiswill,tothebulkheadcalendardisplay.Threedays
sinceBlackbirdsdestruction.HedidntknowexactlywhenHarringtonsfreightershadpulledout,but
iftheyhadntgonesooner,theymusthavegoneassoonasshediscoveredThunderstrueweightof
metal,andthatgavehimaroughtimewindow.Hemighthaveasmanyastendaysorasfewaseight
beforetheManticoranreliefarrived,andeveryslowtickingsecondofanticipationstretchedhis
nervestighter.
AtleasttheFaithfulseemedtorealizetheydlost.TheEldersrelativelyspeedyacceptanceofhis
argumentthatfurtherattackswouldbeinvainhadbeenawelcomesurprise,andifSimondsdecision
toreinforcethefortificationsscatteredabouttheEndicottSystemwaspointless,italsobeathelloutof
adoordieassaultonGrayson.
TheyweredoingexactlywhatheandAmbassadorLacywantedthemto,sowhycouldnthefeel
anysatisfaction?
Itwasthefutility,hedecided.Thesensethateventswereinmotion,proceedingdowna
foreordainedpathnoonecouldalter.Hisawarenessthatitsimplydidntmatteranymorethattheend
wouldbethesame,whateverhedid,orcoaxedthemintodoingmadeinactivitypoisonously
seductive.
PerhapsthatwaswhyhehadntobjectedtotheSwordslatestorders.ThunderofGodhadnever
beenintendedasatransport,butshewasfasterevensublightthananythingMasadahad,andifthe
thoughtofclutteringhisshipwithstillmoreMasadanswasunappealing,atleastaslongassheplayed
passengerlinershewasntbeingorderedbacktoYeltsin.Anditwouldatleastgivehimtheillusionof
doingsomething.
Hesnorted.PerhapsheandSimondsweremorealikethanhecaredtoadmit,foritseemedthat
wasanillusionwhosepreservationtheybothcraved.
Heglancedatthecalendaragain.Thefirstshuttleswouldbearrivinginanotherninehours,andhe
twitchedhisshouldersstraightandheadedforthecabinhatch.HeandManningweregoingtohavea
hellofatimefiguringoutwheretoputthem,andthatwasgood.Itwouldgivehimsomething
constructivetoworryaboutforawhile.
***
AdmiraloftheGreenHamishAlexander,ThirteenthEarlofWhiteHaven,waitedbytheaccess
tubeasthepinnacedockedinHMSReliantsboatbay.Hisflagshipwasalreadydrivingtowardsthe
hyperlimitundermaximummilitarypower,andifhisruggedfacewascalm,theskinaroundhisice
blueeyeswastight.
Hefoldedhishandsbehindhimandknewthefullshockhadntyethit.Prolongmadeforlong
friendshipsandassociations,andhedknownRaoulCourvosierallhislife.HewastwelveTyears
youngerthanRaoulhadbeenandhedclimbedtherankladderfaster,innosmallpartbecauseofhis
birth,buttheredalwaysbeenaclosenesspersonal,notjustprofessionalbetweenthem.Lieutenant
Courvosierhadtaughthimastrogationonhismidshipmanscruise,andhedfollowedinCaptain
CourvosiersfootstepsasseniortacticalinstructoratSaganamiIsland,andarguedandplanned
strategyanddeploymentpolicieswithAdmiralCourvosierforyears.Now,justlikethat,hewasgone.
Itwaslikewakinguponemorningtofindhedlostanarmoraleginhissleep,butHamish
Alexanderwasfamiliarwithpain.Andterribleasthispainwas,itwasnotwhatfilledhimwithsuch
fear.Beyondpersonalgrief,beyondevenhisawarenessoftheoutstandingleadershipresourcethe
NavyhadlostwithRaoul,wastheknowledgethatfourhundredotherNavypersonnelhaddiedwith
him,andthatathousandmorewerealltooprobablywaitingfordeathinYeltsinevennowif,
indeed,theyhadntalreadydied.ThatwaswhatmadeHamishAlexanderafraid.
Thetubepressureequalized,andashortish,sturdycommander,herbraidedblondhairtucked
underthewhiteberetofastarshipscommander,steppedoutofit.Bosunspipesshrilled,theside
partycametoattention,andshesalutedcrisply.
Welcomeaboard,CommanderTruman,hesaid,returninghersalute.
Thankyou,Sir.Trumansfacewasdrawnandetchedwithweariness.Itcouldnthavebeenan
easyvoyageforher,Alexanderthought,yettherewasafresh,peculiarlypoignantsorrowhe
understoodtoowellinherexhaustedgreeneyes.
ImverysorrytohavepulledyououtofApollo,Commander,hesaidquietlyastheymoved
towardsReliantslift,butIneededtogetunderwayimmediatelyandIneedtoknoweverything
someonewhowastherecantellme.UnderthecircumstancesHeshruggedslightly,andshenodded.
Iunderstand,Sir.Ihatedleavingher,butsheneedsadockyard,notme,andCommanderPrevost
canhandleanythingthatcomesup.
Imgladyouunderstand.Thedoorclosedbehindthem,andAlexanderexaminedhisvisitoras
theliftstartedforthebridge.HisshipshadpulledoutofManticoreorbitwithinfifteenminutesof
receivingApollossquealedtransmission,andhedseenthecruisersdamageassherendezvoused
withRelianttosendTrumanacross.HestillhadonlythesketchiestknowledgeofeventsinYeltsin,
butonelookatthatmangledhullhadtoldhimitwasbad.ItwasamiracleApollohadremainedhyper
capable,andhedwonderedthenwhatTrumanwouldlooklikewhenshecameaboard.Nowheknew.
Inoticed,hechosehiswordswithcare,thatyoumadeexcellenttimefromYeltsinsStar,
Commander.
Yes,Sir.Trumansvoicewasuninflected,andAlexandersmiled.
Thatwasntatrap,Commander.Ontheotherhand,Iknowperfectlywellyoudidntcutthirty
hoursofftheoldpassagerecordwithoutplayinggameswithyourhypergenerator.
AliceTrumanlookedathimforseveralsilentseconds.LordAlexanderno,hewastheEarlof
WhiteHaven,sincehisfathersdeathwasknownforacertainwillingnesstoignoreTheBookwhen
itgotinhisway,andtherewasanalmostconspiratorialgleamundertheworryinhiseyes.
Well,yes,MyLord,sheadmitted.
Howhighdidyoutakeher,Commander?
Toohigh.WebouncedofftheiotawalladayoutofYeltsin.
Despitehimself,Alexanderflinched.DearGod,shemusthavetakenoutalltheinterlocks.Noship
hadevercrossedintotheiotabandsandsurvivednooneevenknewifashipcouldsurvivethere.
Isee.Heclearedhisthroat.Youwereextremelylucky,CommanderTruman.Itrustyourealize
that?
Yes,Sir.Icertainlydo.
Youmustalsobeextremelygood,hewentoninexactlythesametone,consideringthatyou
heldhertogethersomehow.
Asyousay,MyLord,Iwaslucky.Ialsohaveanextremelygoodengineer,whomayevenspeak
tomeagainsomeday.
Alexandersfaceblossomedwithasudden,almostboyishgrin,andTrumangrinnedbackathim.
Butitwasafragile,fleetingexpressionthatdiedquickly,andshetwitchedhershoulders.
IrealizeIviolatedeverysafetyprocedure,Sir,butknowingwhatCaptainHarringtonfacedin
Yeltsin,Ifelttheriskwasjustified.
IagreecompletelyandIvesoadvisedFirstSpaceLordWebster.
Thankyou,Sir,Trumansaidquietly,andhenodded.
Asamatteroffact,Commander,weregoingtobefindingoutjusthowgoodmyengineersare.
ImafraidIcantjustifytakingtwofullsquadronsofbattlecruisersquiteashighasyouwent,butI
thinkwecanshaveafewhoursoffourreturnpassage,andtimeisclearlytheonethingwedont
have.
ItwasTrumansturntonod,buttheworrywasbackinhereyes,becausetimewasntsomething
wedidnthaveitwassomethingGraysonandCaptainHarringtonmightalreadyhaverunoutof.
Theliftslidtoahaltandthedooropenedontotheflagbridgeshustleandbustle.Alexanderstask
forcewasstillshakingitselfintoorderthreeofhisbattlecruisershadbeentransferredabruptlyto
himtoreplaceshipsunreadyforinstantdeparturebutCaptainHunter,hischiefofstaff,notedhis
presence.Huntersaidsomethingtotheadmiralsopsofficerandcrossedquicklytothelift,holding
outhishandtoTruman.
Alice.IheardApollosdamagewaswicked,butitsgoodtoseeyouagain.Ionlywishitwere
underothercircumstances.
Thankyou,Sir.Ido,too.
Comeintothebriefingroom,Byron,Alexandersaid.Ithinkbothofusneedtogoover
CommanderTrumansstorywithherinsomedetail.
Ofcourse,Sir.
Alexanderledthewayintothebriefingroomandwavedhisjuniorsintochairs.
ImafraidIhaventmetCaptainHarrington,Commander,hesaid.Iknowherrecord,butI
dontknowherorherpresentsituation,soIwantyoutobeginfromthebeginningandtellus
everythingthathappenedfromthemomentyoufirstenteredYeltsinspace.
Yes,Sir.Trumandrewadeepbreathandstraightenedinherchair.Wearrivedonschedule,My
Lord,and
Alexanderlethervoicerolloverhim,listeningasmuchtohowshespokeastowhatshesaid.His
mindworkedclearlyandcoldly,isolatingbitsofdata,notingquestionstoberaised,filingother
answersaway,andunderhisconcentrationwasthaticy,personalcoreoffear.
FordespitealltherisksTrumanhadtaken,theoddswereveryhighthatHonorHarringtonandall
ofherpeoplewerealreadydead,andiftheywere,HamishAlexanderwasabouttobeginthewar
Manticorehadfearedforalmostfortyyears.
***
Skipper?
HonorlookedupfromherpaperworkasVenizelosstuckhisheadinthroughtheopenhatch.
Yes,Andy?
IthoughtyoudliketoknowwevegotLaserFourbackupsortof.Theresstillaglitchinthe
firecontrolrunssomewhere,andthecrewsgoingtohavetoupdatetheonmountcomputers
manually,butthebaysvacuumtightagainandallthetestcircuitsaregreen.
Welldone,Andy!Honorsmiledwiththerightsideofhermouth.NowifyouandJamescould
justgetthegraviticsbackup...?
Shelethervoicetrailoffonateasingnote,andhegrimaced.
Skipper,thedifficultwedoimmediatelytheimpossibletakesashipyard.
ThatswhatIwasafraidof.Honorwavedatachair,andtheexeceyedhercovertlyasheparked
himselfinit.
Shelookedbetter,nowthatquickhealwasfadingthehorriblecontusionwhichhaddisfiguredher
face.Theleftsidewasstillfrozenanddead,butVenizeloswasgettingusedtothat.Andthoughher
lefteyesvisionwasasimpairedasMontoyahadfeared,theneatblackeyepatchwithwhichshed
replaceditsbulkydressinggaveherasortofraffishtoughness.
 Yetitwasntherappearancethatmattered,hethought.Shedbeenmadderthanhellwhenshe
wokefromherfirstsleepinfiftythreehourstodiscoverMontoyaandMacGuinesshadslippeda
mickeyintohercocoa.Forawhile,Venizeloshadthoughtnoteventhedoctorsswornoaththathe
couldhavehadherbackonherfeetinlessthanfifteenminuteshadThunderofGodturnedupwould
keepherfrombriggingbothofthem.Butithadalsoputhertosleepforoverfifteenhours,anddeep
insideshemusthaverealizedhowdesperatelyshedneededthatrest.
VenizeloshadntknownwhatMontoyaintended,butifhehadknown,hewouldhavedruggedher
cocoahimself.Shedbeentearingapartbeforehiseyes,andhedbeenterrifiedbothforherandfor
allthepeoplewhoneededhersobadly.IthadbeendreadfulenoughwhenshelearnedofAdmiral
CourvosiersdeathafterwhathappenedtoMadrigalspeople,ithadbecometerribletowatch.He
couldntblameherforherhatred,andhedunderstoodherguilt,evenifhedidntsharehercruelself
convictionthatshedfailedtheAdmiral,buthedalsoknowntheyneededherback.Ifithitthefan,
theyneededHonorHarringtononFearlesssbridge,workinghermagicforthemalloncemore,notan
exhaustedautomatonwhodwornherselfintoastupor.
Wellsheleanedback,andhervoicepulledtheexecoutofhisthoughtsIsupposewereas
readyasweregoingtogetbeforesheturnsup.
Youreallythinkshescoming,Skipper?Itsbeenoverfourdays.Wouldnttheyvebeenhereby
nowiftheyweregoingtocome?
Youdthinkso,yes.
Butyoudont,doyou?Venizelosasked,andhiseyesnarrowedassheshookherhead.Why
not,Skipper?
Icouldntgiveyoualogicalreason.Shefoldedherarmsbeneathherbreasts,hersingleeyedark
anddeep.AnythingtheydoinYeltsinatthispointwillonlymaketheirownsituationworse.Ifthey
destroyusornukeGrayson,theFleetwillturnthemintoamemory.EveniftheMasadansdontknow
that,thePeepsdo.Andiftheyweregoingtodoanything,theyshouldalreadyhavedoneitwithout
givingustimetomakerepairsandgetset,muchlessgivingarelieffromManticoretimetogethere.
Andyet...
Herslurredvoicetrailedoff,andVenizelosshivereddeepinside.Thequietstretchedoutuntilhe
clearedhisthroat.
Andyet,Maam?heaskedquietly.
Shesoutthere,Honorsaid.Shesoutthere,andshescoming.Hereyefocusedonhisface,
andtherightsideofhermouthquirkedathisexpression.Dontworry,AndyImnotturning
mysticinmyoldage!Butthinkaboutit.Iftheyweregoingtoberational,theyshouldhavepulledout
theinstantthesquadrongotback.Theydidnt.Certainlytheyshouldhaveruninsteadofstandingto
fightwhenwecameafterthematBlackbird!Andthenhervoiceturneddarkandgrimtheresthe
waytheytreatedMadrigalspeople.
Shefellsilentforamoment,broodingdownatthetableoncemore,thenshookherself.
Thepointis,thesearentrationalpeople.Theydontevenliveinthesamegalaxyastherestof
us.Icantbuildanice,neatenemyintentionsanalysis,butfromwhatweveseenofthemsofar,I
thinkno,Iknowtheywontchangenow.
NotevenifthePeepspullThunderofGodoutonthem?
Nowthat,Honoradmitted,istheonethingthatmightstopthem.Butthequestioniswhetheror
notthePRHcanpullherout,andafterwhathappenedatBlackbird,Imnottoooptimisticonthat
point.Sheshookherheadagain.No,Ithinkshescoming.Andifsheis,weshouldbeseeingher
soon.Verysoon.

 CHAPTERTHIRTY
CrammingtheminhadbeenevenharderthanYuhadexpected.Everysparecompartmentwas
packedtothedeckheadwithMasadansoldiersandtheirpersonalweapons.Amancouldntturn
aroundwithoutsteppingononeofthem,andYuwouldbevastlyrelievedwhenheoffloadedthefirst
consignment.
TheirnumbersputastrainonThundersenvironmentalplant,aswell,whichwaswhathad
promptedthecurrentmeeting.Yu,CommanderValentine,andLieutenantCommanderDeGeorge,
Thunderspurser,satinthecaptainsdaycabin,goingoverthefigures,andDeGeorgewasan
unhappyman.
Theworstthing,Skipper,isthatmostofthemdontevenhavevacsuits.Ifwesufferanenviro
failure,itsgoingtobeugly.Veryugly.
Stupidbastards,Valentinegrunted.Yugavehimareprovingglance,buthecouldntgetmuch
voltageintoit,andtheengineershrugged.Alltheyhadtodowasputthemintovacsuitsforthetrip,
Skipper.Theirequipmentsucks,andthepoorprickswouldvebeenmiserable,butatleasttheydhave
itwiththem!Hescowled.Andanotherthing.Weretakingallthesegroundpukesouttotheir
asteroidbases,right?Yunodded,andValentineshruggedagain.Well,donttellmetheyvegotthis
manysparesuitsinstoresoutthere!
Yufrownedatthat,fortheengineerwasright.Theywerehaulingallthesemenouttohostile
environmentbases,andtherewasntasinglevacsuitamongthem.Thatwasunusuallystupidevenfor
Masadans,andhewonderedwhythatfacthadntoccurredtohimsooner.
Well,anyway,DeGeorgesaid,Imkeepingacloseeyeontheenviromonitors,andwereokay
sofar.Ijusthopewestaythere!
***
GeorgeManningsatatthecenterofthebridgeandconcentratedonduplicatingtheconfidencethe
Captainprojected.Notthathefeltparticularlyconfident,buthedhadplentyoftimetoadjusttohis
owninnersenseofdoom,anditwasntasifhehadalotofoptions.
Hecheckedthetime.Theywererunningoverahalfhourbehindschedulefortheirfirstdelivery,
andheturnedhishead.
Com,contactBaseThreeandupdateourETA.
Aye,Sir,LieutenantHart,hisMasadancomofficerreplied,andsomethingaboutthemans
responsenudgedatManning.Therewasanoddnoteinhisvoice,onethatwentdeeperthanthe
backgroundanxietyallofthemwerefeeling,andtheexecgavehimasharperglance.
Hartseemedunawareofhisscrutiny.Heleanedtohislefttobringuphiscomlasersoftware,and
Manningseyessuddenlywentverystill.TherewasanangularshapeundertheMasadanstunic,and
thereshouldnthavebeenespeciallynotonetheshapeofanautomaticpistol.
Theexecmadehimselflookaway.Hemightbewrongaboutwhatthatshapewas,buthedidnt
thinkso.Ofcourse,evenifhewasnt,therecouldbeanotherexplanationforitspresence.Hartmight
beovercompensatingforhisownanxieties,oritmightbeasimplecaseofaberration,asingleman
abouttosnapunderthestrain.Thatwouldhavebeenterrifyingenoughinthecloseconfinesofthe
bridge,butManningwouldhaveinfinitelypreferredittowhatheknewhadtobethetruth.
Hepressedastudonhisintercompanel.
Captainspeaking,avoicesaid,andManningmadehimselfsoundvery,verynatural.
CommanderManning,Sir.IjustthoughtyoudliketoknowImhavingBaseThreeupdatedon
thearrivaloftheirbountyoftroops.
***
AlfredoYusfacefrozeatthewordbounty.Hiseyessnappeduptohiscompanionsfaces,and
hesawexactlythesameshocklookingbackathim.Hecouldntthinkforamoment,onlyfeelthepit
ofhisstomachfallingawayintoinfinitedistance,butthenhisbrainbegantoworkagain.
Understood,Mr.Manning.CommanderValentineandIhavejustbeendiscussingthe
environmentalrequirements.Doyouthinkyoucoulddropbymycabintogooverthemwithus?
ImafraidIcantgetawayjustnow,Sir.Manningsvoicewassteady,andYusjawclenchedin
pain.
Verywell,George,hesaid.Thankyouforinformingme.
Yourewelcome,Sir,Manningsaidquietly,andthecircuitclicked.
Jesus,Skipper!Valentinebeganinanurgentvoice,wecantleaveGeorgeuptherebyhim
Shutup,Jim.TheverylackofemotioninYusvoiceonlymadeitmoreterrible,andValentine
closedhismouthwithaclick.Thecaptainshuthiseyesinthought,andhissubordinatessatintight
facedsilence.
Yufelttheirfearandcursedhisowncomplacency.Hedbeensodamnedpleasedwhenall
Simondswantedtodowasreinforcehisasteroidgarrisons!Whyinhellhadnthethoughtaboutwhat
puttingthatmanymorearmedMasadansaboardThundercouldmean?!
Panicthreatened,buthefoughtitback.AtleastGeorgehadbeenmorealertthanhehad,yethis
contingencyplanshadnevercontemplatedhavingthismanyarmedhostilesaboard.Barelyathirdof
ThundersregularcrewwerestillHavenitewithalltheMasadansoldierspackedaboard,theywere
outnumberedbyoverfivetoone.
Hestoodandcrossedquicklytothehatch,openedit,anddrewadeepbreathofreliefashesawthe
Marinesentryinthecorridor.Thecorporallookedupasthehatchslidopen,thenstiffenedasYu
beckonedtohim.Hesteppedcloser,andthecaptainpitchedhisvoiceverylow.
GettoMajorBryan,Marlin.TellhimitsConditionBounty.
Yuhatedtosendthecorporalinperson,buthehadnochoice.Hedmanagedtohangontohis
originalMarineofficersandmostofhisnoncoms,andeveryoneofthemhadbeenbriefedonBounty,
butalmosthalfThundersenlistedMarineswereMasadans,andtheyhadthesamepersonalcomunits
asYusloyalists.Iftheywereinonthis(andtheyhadtobe)andoneofthemheardMarlinpassing
codedmessages...
CorporalMarlinsfacewentwhite,butthenhenodded,bracedtoattention,andmarchedbriskly
downthepassage.Yuwatchedhimgo,hopingtheyhadenoughtimeforhimtoreachBryan,andthen
withdrewintohiscabin.
Hethumbedawalllockersecurityplate,andthedoorswungopenasthescannerrecognizedhis
print.Therackedsidearmswereinpolicestyleshoulderholsters,notstandardmilitaryones,andhe
tossedoneofthemtoeachofhisofficers,thenunsealedhistunic.Hejerkedontheshoulderrigand
lookedatValentineastheengineershruggedoutofhisowntunic.
Wereindeepshithere,Jim.IdontseeanywaywecanholdtheshipafterIletthefuckersfillus
rightup.Theengineersnodwasjerkybutnotpanicked,andYuwentongrimly.Thatmeanswe
havetocrippleher.
Aye,Sir.Valentineslidhistunicbackonoverhisownshoulderharnessandstartedshoveling
magazinesintohispockets.
WhosgottheEngineeringwatch?
Workman,Valentinerepliedindisgust,andYusfacetightened.
Allright.Youregoingtohavetogetintheresomehowandthrowthefusionplantsinto
emergencyshutdown.Canyoudoit?
Icantry,Sir.MostofhiswatchisMasadan,butJoeMountsharesittokeepthemfromfucking
up.
Ihatetoaskitofyou,JimYubegan,butValentinecuthimoff.
Youdonthavealotofchoice,Skipper.Illgiveitmybestshot.
Thankyou.Yulookedintohiseyesforamoment,thenturnedtoDeGeorge.
Sam,youandIwilltryforthebridge.MajorBryanwillknowwhattodowhenMarlingetsto
him,and
Thecabinhatchopenedbehindhim,andYufrozeforaninstant,thenturnedhisheadsharply.A
Masadancolonelstoodintheopening,fourarmedmenbehindhim,andhishandheldadrawn
autopistol.
Dontyoubothertoknockonasuperiorofficersdoor,Colonel?Yusnappedoverhisshoulder,
slidinghisownhandintohisstillopentunic.
CaptainYu,thecolonelsaidasifhehadntspoken,itismydutytoinformyouthatthisshipis
nowund
Yuturned,andhispulserwhined.Itsdartswerenonexplosive,butitwasalsosetonfullauto,and
thecolonelsbackeruptedinahideouscrimsonspray.Hewentdownwithoutevenascream,andthe
samehurricaneofdestructionsweptthroughhistroops.Thebulkheadoppositethehatchvanished
underaglisteningcoatofblood,someoneinthepassageshoutedinhorror,andYuchargedforthe
hatch.
SixMasadansstoodinthepassage,gapingatthecarnage.Fiveofthemgrabbedfranticallyattheir
rifleslingsasthecaptainappearedbeforethem,pulserinhandthesixththoughtmorequickly.He
turnedandranevenasYusqueezedthetriggeragain,andhisquicknesssavedhislife.His
companionssoakedupYusfirejustlongenoughforhimtomakeitaroundabendinthepassage,and
thecaptainsworesavagely.
Hejerkedbackintothecabin,lungingforthecompanelbesidehisdeskterminal,andslammedhis
thumbdownontheallhandsbutton.
BountyFourOne!hisvoiceblaredfromeveryspeakerintheship.Isayagain,BountyFour
One!
***
MajorJosephBryandrewhissidearm,turned,andopenedfirewithoutaword.TheeightMasadan
soldiersinthearmorywithhimwerestillstaringattheintercominpuzzlementwhentheydied,and
onlythendidBryanallowhimselftocurse.HedwonderedwhytheMasadanlieutenanthadwantedto
tourthearmorynowheknew,butthirtyyearsofprofessionalsoldieringasoneofthePeoples
Republicsconquistadorsmadehimdoublecheck.HebentovertheLieutenantspulsermangledbody
andrippedthebloodsoakedtunicopen,andhisfacehardenedwithbleaksatisfactionashefoundthe
pistolinsideit.
Thearmoryhatchslidopen,andhewhirledinahalfcrouch,butitwasCorporalMarlin.
Whatthefuckareyoudoinghere?!Bryansnarled.Youresupposedtobewatchingthe
Captainsback!
Hesentmetofindyoubeforehecameupovertheintercom,Sir.Marlinlookeddownatthe
bodiesandblood,andhiseyeswerebitter.Iguesshehadlesstimethanhethoughthedid.
Bryanonlygrunted.Hewasalreadyyankingunpoweredbodyarmoroverhisuniform,andthe
corporalshookhimselfandfollowedhisexample.Bothofthemwouldvastlyhavepreferredpowered
armor,oratleastcombatskinsuits,buttherewasnotime.
Themajorsealedhisclamshellbreastandbackplateandsnatchedashort,heavybarreled
flechettegunfromoneoftheracks.Hedjustslappedinamagazinewhenheheardtheearsplitting
crackofaMasadanfirearm.Hewhirledtowardsthehatchoncemore,thenloweredhismuzzleas
pulserswhinedinreplyandCaptainYoungappearedintheopening.
Ivegotninemen,Sir,thecaptainsaidwithoutpreamble.
Good.Bryansmindracedasheslidammobandoleersoverhisshoulders.BountyFourOne
meantCaptainYudidntbelievehispeoplecouldholdtheship,andgiventhenumbersofMasadan
gruntsonboard,Bryanhadnochoicebuttoagree.HisownmissionunderFourOnewasclearand
simple,buthedexpectedtohavemoremenavailablebeforehesetofftoaccomplishit.
HelatchedthebandoleersandgruntedapprovalasYoungbeckonedfivemeninsideandallsixof
thembeganarmoringup.Thecaptainsotherfourmencrouchedoutsidethehatch,armednowwith
theflechettegunsMarlinhadtossedthem,coveringtheircompanionswhiletheygrabbedtheirgear,
andBryanreachedhisdecision.
ImtakingMarlinandfourofyourpeople,Captain.HangonhereforthirtyminutesoruntilItell
youdifferent,butdontrideitdowninflames.Ifyoureforcedout,informmebeforeyouleaveand
makedamnedsurenothingfallsintoMasadanhands.
Yes,Sir.Youngsaid.Hadley,Marks,Banner,JancowitzyourewiththeMajor.Thedetailed
mennodded,notevenslowingastheycontinuedtofestoonthemselveswithweapons.Bryanwaited
untiltheydloadedthemselvesliberallywithammunition,thenwavedthemout.
***
...again,BountyFourOne!
LieutenantMountjerkedinshockasthewordscrackledfromthespeaker.Forjustonemoment,he
staredatitindisbelief,feelingtheconfusionoftheMasadansabouthim,thenreachedforhiscontrol
panel.
LieutenantCommanderWorkmanhadneverheardofBountyFourOne,butheknewwhat
SwordSimondsintendedtohappen,andthesudden,apparentlymeaninglessmessagecouldmeanonly
onething.HispistolbulletshatteredthelieutenantsheadbeforeMountreachedtheemergency
shutdownswitch.
***
 CommanderManningdidnteventwitchasCaptainYusvoicerolledfromthecom.Hedknown
itwascoming,andhedalreadyacceptedthathewastrappedonthebridge.AssoonastheCaptain
confirmedaFourOnecondition,hisrighthandtouchedtheundersideofthecommandchairsarm
rest.Asmallpanelthatdidntshowonanyengineeringschematicslidopen,andhisindexfinger
hookedupinsideitevenasLieutenantHartproducedhispistol.
Getoutofthecommandchair,CommanderManning!theMasadansnapped.Andkeepyour
handswhereIcanseethem!
TheHavenitehelmsmanlungedforthecomofficersgun,butapistolcrackedtwicesomewhere
behindManning,andthepettyofficerslammedtothedeck.HisMasadanassistantsteppedacrosshis
dyingcontortionstotakeoverthecontrols,andManningsfacetightenedinhatred.HesnarledatHart,
butthecomofficeronlyjerkedhisgunhand.
Outofthechairnow!hebarked,andManningshovedhimselfupwithacontemptuousglare.
Thehiddenpanelslidshutoncemoreashestood,andtheMasadanmethisglarewithasneerofhis
own.Thatsbetter,andnow
LieutenantHart!ItwastheMasadanwhodtakenoverManeuvering.Shewontanswerthe
helm,Sir!
Hartturnedtowardshim,andManningtensedtospring.Butthenhemadehimselfrelax,forthere
wasatleastoneotherarmedmanbehindhim.
Thecomofficerleanedoverthehelmsmansshoulderandpunchedcontrols.Nothinghappened,
andhestraightenedtosnarlatManning.
Whatdidyoudo?hedemanded.
Me?Nothingatall.MaybePOShermandidsomethingbeforeyoumurderedhim,Manning
grated.
Dontlietome,youfuckingheretic!Harthissed.Idont
Analarmshrilled,thenanother,andanother,andhisheadtwistedaroundindisbeliefasTactical,
Astrogation,andCommunicationsallwentdownatonce.Warninglightsandcrimsonmalfunction
codesglaredoneverypanel,andManningsmiledthinly.
Youseemtohaveaproblem,Lieutenant,hesaid.Maybeyoupeo
HeneverheardthecrackofHartspistol.
***
CaptainYutookachanceonthelift.Hedidnthavetimetoplaysafe,andValentineand
DeGeorgecoveredthepassagewaywithdrawnpulserswhilehefedinhispersonalIDoverrideand
punchedtheirdestination.
In!hebarked,butsomeoneshoutedevenastheyobeyed,andbulletsspangedofftheclosinglift
door.
Shit!
Valentinespunawayfromthedoor,clutchinghisleftthigh,andYusworeashesawthewet,red
stain.DeGeorgeshovedtheengineerdownandrippedhistrouserlegwide,andValentinegroaned
throughclenchedteethasheprobedthewoundwithroughhaste.
Ithinkitmissedthemajorarteries,Captain,hereportedquickly,thenlookeddownatValentine.
Itsgoingtohurtlikeasonofabitch,Jim,butyoullbeokayifwecangetyououtofherealive.
 Thanksforthequalifier,Valentinegasped.DeGeorgelaughedahard,sharpsoundandmore
clothrippedashefashionedacrudebandage.
Yulistenedwithonlyhalfhisattention,forhiseyeswerelockedontheliftpositiondisplay.It
blinkedandchangedsteadily,andhestartedtofeelabitofhope,thenpunchedthewallasthedisplay
suddenlyfrozeandtheliftstoppedmoving.DeGeorgelookedupatthesoundofhisblowandraised
aneyebrowevenasheknottedValentinesbandage.
Bastardscutthepower,Yusnapped.
Justtothelifts,though.Valentinesvoicewashoarse,butheraisedabloodyhandtopointatthe
statuspanel.Theredlightwhichshouldhaveindicatedemergencypowerwasdark,andhisface
twistedwithmorethanpain.Reactorsrestillup,hepanted.MeansJoedidntmakeshutdown.
Iknow.YuhopedMountwasstillalive,buthehadtimetosparethelieutenantonlyasingle,
fleetingthought.Hewasalreadywrenchingupthedecksoletogetattheemergencyhatch.
***
MajorBryanpausedjustinsidetheclosedservicecrawlwayhatchtocatchhisbreathandwished
ferventlythathehadsomewaytoseethroughit.Buthedidnt.Heandhismenjusthadtogoinblind
andhope,andthatwasntthewayBryanhadsurvivedtobecomeamajor.
Allright,hesaidquietly.Illgoright.Marlin,yougoleft.HadleyandMarksarewithme
BannerandJancowitzareonMarlin.Understood?
Asoftchorusofgruntsansweredhim,andhegrippedhisflechettegunandrammedhisshoulder
intothereleaselever.
Thehatchslammedopen,andBryanwentthroughitinadive.Hehitonhisbelly,brainalready
notingpeopleandpositions,andfiredhisfirstshotevenbeforehestoppedsliding.
Hisweaponburped,anditsbundleofflechettesscreameddowntheboatbaygallery.AMasadan
officerexplodedacrossthearmorplastbulkheadinbloodandscrapsoftissue,andhisthreerifle
armedmenwhirledtowardstheMajorinterrifiedsurprise.
Theflechettegunburpedagain,andagain,soquicklyonlyoneoftheMasadansevenhadtimeto
screambeforetherazoredgeddisksrippedhimapart,andtheHavenitepersonneltheydbeenholding
atgunpointhurledthemselvestothedeck.AnotherflechetteguncoughedtoBryansleft,thistimeon
fullauto,andMasadanfirearmscrackledinreply.Heheardthewailingkeenofricochetingbullets,
buthewasalreadywalkinghisownfireintotheMasadanreinforcementstryingtoforcetheirway
throughtheboatbayhatch.
Hisflechetteschewedthemintoscreaming,writhinghamburger,andthenHadleytosseda
boardinggrenadefrombehindhim.ThefragmentationweaponwentofflikethehammerofGodinthe
confinesofthepassagebeyond,andsuddenlynooneelsewastryingtocomethroughthehatch.
Bryanclimbedtohisfeet.Marlinwasdown,bleedingheavilywherearifleslughadshatteredhis
leftarm,butitcouldhavebeenfarworse.HecountedatleasteighteendeadMasadans,andthe
bastardshadfoundtimetoherdovertwentyHavenitesintotheboatbayforsafekeeping.
Youmenfindyourselvesweapons,theMajorsnapped,gesturingatthebloodandtissuedaubed
Masadanriflesandpistolsclutteringthedeck.Shakenpersonnelscrambleduptoobeyhim,andhe
punchedhiscom.Young,Bryan.Wereonourposition.Whatsyourstatus?
Ivegotthirtytwomen,includingLieutenantWarden,Major.Thecoughofflechettegunsand
rattleofriflescameoverthelinkwithYoungsvoice.WeretakingheavyfirefromOneFifteenand
OneSeventeen,andtheyvecutOneSixteenatthelift,butIblewtheMorguebeforetheygotin.
Bryansmouthtightened.Thearmorywascutofffromtherestoftheship.Thatmeantnomoreof
hismenweregoingtobeabletojoinYoungthere,andthefactthatYounghadbeenforcedtodestroy
theMorgue,thepoweredarmorstorageandmaintenanceareaoffPassageOneOneFive,meantthe
peoplehedidhaveweregoingtohavetofightintheirownskins.
Loadupwithalltheammoandweaponsyoucancarry,thenpullout,hesaidharshly.Meetus
hereanddontforgetyourgoingawaypresent.
Yes,Sir.Illremember.
***
AlfredoYuglidedheadfirstdowntheinspectionladder,graspinganoccasionalrungtopull
himselfalongwhilethecountergravcollarhookedtohisbeltsupportedhim.DeGeorgespeoplehad
cachedadozencollarsundereachliftatYusordersbeforeThundereverarrivedinEndicott,andthe
captainblessedhisforesightevenashecursedhimselfforlettingSimondssuckerhimthisway.
Heglancedbackuptheliftshaft.DeGeorgehadrearguard,withValentinesandwichedbetween
them.Theengineerwasstillgame,buthiswhitefacewassweatstreakedandhistrouserlegwasdark
burgundy,andheneededbothhandstoclingtotheladder.
Yureachedacrossshaftandcheckedthemarkings,thenpulledhimselfintoit.Theshaftswere
onlydimlylit,andhiseyesachedfromstaringintothegloom,butthelastthingheneededwasahand
lamptogivehimselfawayifanyofthe
Somethingrattledaheadofhim.Hishandflewup,stoppingtheothers,andheswamsilently
forward,lefthandpoisedtosnatchahandholdwhilehecradledhispulserinhisright.Something
movedinthedimness,andhisfreehandlockedonarungtoanchorhimagainsttherecoilasheraised
hispulser.Hisfingersqueezedthenrelaxedasherealizedthethreemeninfrontofhimwere
unarmed.
Heswamslowlycloser,andoneofthemsawhimandgaspedastrangledwarning.Headssnapped
up,facesturned,andthenhesawthemtwitchinrelief.
Captain!Arewegladtoseeyou,Sir!apettyofficercalled,andhislowpitchedvoicewarnedYu
tokeephisownvoicedownasheswamrightuptothem.
Wewereheadedfortheboatbay,Sir,thenoncomcontinued,whenwealmostranrightintoan
ambush.TheyvegottheliftdoorsopenatThreeNinerOne.
Havethey,now?Yumurmured.DeGeorgearrivedbehindhim,towingValentine.Anyidea
howmanymentheyvegotwiththem,Evans?
Maybehalfadozen,Sir,buttheywereallarmed,andnoneofusThepettyofficergesturedto
histwocompanions,andYunodded.Jim,giveEvansyourpulserandcollar.Thewoundedengineer
handedhisguntothepettyofficer,thenstarteddiggingmagazinesoutofhispocketswhileEvans
unbuckledhisgravcollar.YulookedatDeGeorge.
Weregoingtohavetoclearthebastardsoutoftheway,Sam,andnotjustforus.DeGeorge
nodded,andYuthumpedthebulkheadthatformedtherearwalloftheshaft.Youcomeupthis
bulkhead.Illtaketheoverhead,andEvanswillbeoppositeme.Helookeduptobesurethepetty
officerwaslisteningaswell,andEvansnodded.
Thishastobefast.Keepyoureyesonme.WhenInod,golikehell.Withalittleluck,wellbe
intotheopeningbeforetheyknowit.Gotit?
 Yes,Sir,Evanssaidsoftly,andDeGeorgenodded.
Okay,letsdoit,Yusaidgrimly.
***
MajorBryanlookedaroundtheboatbayasYoungclimbedoutoftheservicepassage.Hewasthe
lastofthepartyfromthearmory,butanotherfifteenmenhadarrivedviaotherunlikelyavenuesof
approach.Mosthadbeenunarmed,thoughafewhadturnedupcarryingweaponsMasadansoldiersno
longerrequired,butYoungandhismenhadbroughtenoughflechettegunsforeveryone.Infact,
Bryanstillhadasmallreserveofthemheapedonthedeck,andthedemolitionchargeYounghadleft
inthearmorymeanttheMasadanswouldntgettheirhandsonmatchingweapons.
Unfortunately,thatonlygavehimaboutseventymen.Hewasconfidenthecouldholdthe
bayfornow,atleastbuthisoptionswerelimited,andnoneofthenavalofficershadgotten
throughtohim.
Breathersdistributed,Sir,SergeantTowersreported,andBryangrunted.Onethingaboutthe
boatbayitsemergencyandservicelockersheldanenormousnumberofbreathmasks.Their
distributionmeanttheMasadanscouldntusetheventilatorstoasphyxiateorgashismen,andtwo
engineeringpettyofficershaddisabledtheemergencyhatches,sotheycouldntdepressurizethe
galleryonthem,either.Themajorhadmenholdingtheaccesscorridorallthewaytotheblastdoors,
whichgavehimcontroloftheliftshaft,butwithpowertotheliftscut,thatwasalimitedadvantage.
Orders,Sir?Youngaskedquietly,andBryanscowled.Whathewantedtodowaslauncha
counterattack,buthewouldntgetfarwithseventymen.
Forrightnow,weholdinposition,herepliedinasoftvoice,buthavethepinnacespre
flighted.
Pinnaceswerefasterthanmostsmallcraft,andtheywerearmed,thoughnoneofthemcarried
externalordnanceatthemoment.ButtheywerefarslowerthanThunderofGod,theirinternal
weaponsweretoolighttosignificantlydamageawarshiplikeThunder,andherweaponscouldswat
themlikeflies.YoungknewthataswellasBryandid,butheonlynodded.
Yes,Sir,hesaid.
***
TheladderrungfeltslickunderYussweatyhand,andhispulseraced.Thiswasnthiskindofa
fight,butitwasthefighthehad,andhelookedbacktocheckonDeGeorgeandEvans.Bothofthem
wereinposition,watchinghimtensely,andhedrewadeepbreaththennodded.
Thethreeofthemhurledthemselvesforward,andYurolledonhissideinmidair,holdinghis
pulserinatwohandedgripasheflashedacrosstheopenliftdoors.AMasadansoldiersawhimand
openedhismouthtoshoutawarning,butthecaptainsqueezedhistrigger,andtwootherpulsers
whinedasthethreeofthemsentatornadoofdartsdownthepassage.
Therewasnotimetopicktargets,butthosedartswerenolessdeadlyforbeingunaimed.They
claweddowntheMasadanswhodlurkedinambush,andYustuckoutafoot.Histoeshookedunder
oneoftheladderrungsbeforetherecoilofhispulsercouldpushhimawayfromit,andhisleg
musclesdraggedhimincloseagainstthewall.Hegotanelbowthroughtheopening,holdinghimself
motionless,andhispulserwhinedagainassomeonetriedtocomearoundabendinthepassage.A
shrillscreamtoldhimhedscored,andheheldhisposition,breathinghard,asEvansandDeGeorge
crawledupbesidehim.
 Seeifyoucangettheirweapons,Evans.CommanderDeGeorgeandIwillcoveryou.
Aye,Sir.
Thepettyofficerlookedbothwaysalongthecrosscorridor,theneasedhimselfoverthelipofthe
openingandstarteddraggingMasadanautoriflestowardshim.Therestoftheirsmallpartycame
pantinguptotaketheriflesashepassedthemdown,andDeGeorgesentastreamofdartsupthe
passageasanotherMasadantriedtointerfere.
Oneofthebodieshadagrenadepouch,andEvanssmiledwickedlyashesentagrenadebouncing
aroundthebend.Screamsandshoutsannounceditsarrival,andthenathunderousexplosionwiped
themaway.
Goodman!Yusaid,andEvansgrinnedathimasheslidbackintotheshaftwithhispouch.
Twomoreofourpeoplejustturnedup,Sir,someonesaid,andYunodded.Asidefromthe
servicepassagesfromMarineCountry,thiswastheonlywayintotheboatbayanyofhispeoplefrom
upshipwhomanagedtoeludecaptureweregoingtohavetogetpastthisopening.
Sam,youandEvanspickthreemoremenandholdthisposition,hesaid.Ivegottogetonto
theboatbayandseewhatoursituationthereis.
Yes,Sir,DeGeorgesaid.
Whosgotacom?Twoofthemenintheshaftwavedtheirarms.You,Granger,giveyoursto
thePurser.Theratinghandeditover,andDeGeorgestrappeditontohisleftwrist.
WerenotgoingtoretakeherunlessBryansmanagedtogetmoremenintotheboatbaythanI
thinkhehas,Sam.IfIcan,IllsendsomeMarinesbacktohelpout.IfIcant,holdonhereuntilIcall
youforward,thencomeaheadasfastasyoucan.Clear?
Clear,Sir.
Good.Yusqueezedthepursersshoulder,thenlaunchedhimselfondowntheshaft.
***
Sir!MajorBryan!TheCaptainshere!
BryanlookedupinprofoundreliefasCaptainYucrawledoutoftheliftdoors.TheCaptainloped
downthehall,followedbyasmallgroupofnavytypes,twoofwhomcarriedahalfconscious
CommanderValentine.
Bryansnappedtoattentionandstartedtoreport,butYusraisedhandstoppedhim.TheCaptains
darkeyesflittedovertheassembledmen,andhismouthtightened.
Thisisit?heaskedinalowvoice,andBryannodded.Yulookedasifhewantedtospit,but
thenhestraightenedandcrossedtoacontrolpanel.Hepunchedasecuritycodeintoitandgruntedin
satisfaction.
Bryanfollowedhimacrossandlookedoverhisshoulder.Thedataonthesmallscreenmeant
nothingtohim,andhewouldnthaveknownhowtoaccessit,anyway,butitseemedtopleasethe
Captain.
Well,thatsonethingthatworked,hemuttered.
Sir?Bryanasked,andYugavehimagrimsmile.
CommanderManningtookouttheirbridgecomputers.Untiltheyfigureouthow,theycant
maneuverandtheentiretacticalsystemislocked.
 Bryanseyesglowed,andYunodded.
Haveyoupreflightedthepinnaces?
Yes,Sir.
Good.Yuchewedhislowerlipforamoment,andthenhisshouldersslumped.Good,he
repeatedmoresoftly,butImafraidweregoingtohavetoleaveanawfullotofpeoplebehind,
Major.
Yes,Sir,Bryansaidgrimly,thenclearedhisthroat.Sir,whatdoyouthinkthesebastardsfigure
theycandowithher?
Imafraidtoguess,Major,Yusighed.Whateveritis,wecantstopthem.Allwecandoatthis
pointistrytogetourpeopleoutofit.
***
Whatdoyoumean,youcantgetintotheboatbay?!SwordSimondsshouted,andthearmy
brigadierjuststoppedhimselffromlickinghislips.
Wevetried,Sir,buttheygottoomanymeninthereColonelNesbitestimatesatleastthreeor
fourhundred.
Bullshit!Thatsbullshit!Therearentsixhundredofthemaboard,andweveaccountedfor
almosttwothirdsofthem!YoutellNesbittogethisassinthere!ThatidiotHartblewManningaway,
andifYugetsawayfromme,too
Theswordssentencefadedoffominously,andthebrigadierswallowed.
***
Howmany?Yuasked.
Imakeitahundredsixty,Sir,Bryansaidheavily.Yusfacewasstone,buthiseyesshowedhis
pain.ThatwaslessthantwentysevenpercentofhisHavenitecrew,buttheredbeennonewarrivals
inalmostfifteenminutes,andtheMasadanswerebringingupflamethrowersaswellasgrenadesand
rifles.Heraisedhiswristcomtohismouth.
Sam?
Yes,Sir?
Getyourassinhere.Itstimetogo.
***
Theyvewhat?!
Theyvelaunchedpinnaces,Sir,thehaplessofficerrepeated.And...andtherewasan
explosionintheboatbayrightaftertheydid,headded.
SwordSimondssworesavagelyandrestrainedhimselfsomehowfromphysicallyattackingthe
man,thenwheeledonLieutenantHart.
Whatsthestatusofthecomputers?
Wwerestilltryingtofigureoutwhatswrong,Sir.Hartmettheswordseyesfearfully.It
lookslikesomesortofsecuritylockout,and
Ofcourseitis!Simondssnarled.
Wecangetarounditeventually,thewhitefacedHartpromised.Itsonlyamatterofworking
throughthecommandtrees,unless...
 Unlesswhat?SimondsdemandedastheLieutenantpaused.
Unlessitsahardwiredlock,Sir,Hartsaidinatinyvoice.Inthatcase,wellhavetotracethe
mastercircuitstillwefindit,andwithoutCommanderValentine
Dontmakeexcuses!Simondsscreamed.IfyouhadntbeensofasttoshootManningdown,we
couldhavemadehimtelluswhathedid!
But,Sir,wedontknowitwashim!Imean
Idiot!Theswordbackhandedthelieutenantviciously,thenwhirledtothebrigadier.Putthis
manunderarrestfortreasonagainsttheFaith!
***
CaptainYusatinthecopilotsflightcouch,watchinghisbeautifulshipfallawayastern,andthe
bittersilencefromthepinnacespassengerbaymirroredhisown.Likehim,themenbacktherefelt
enormousreliefattheirownsurvival,butitwastemperedbyshame.Theydlefttoomanyoftheir
ownbehind,andknowingtheydhadnochoicemadethemfeelnobetteratall.
ApartofAlfredoYuwishedhehadntmadeitout,forhisshamecutfardeeperthantheirs.That
washisshipbackthere,andthemenaboarditwerehismen,andhedfailedthem.Hedfailedhis
government,too,butthePeoplesRepublicwasntthesortofgovernmentthatengenderedpersonal
loyalty,andnoteventheknowledgethattheNavywouldtakevengeanceuponhimforhisfailure
matteredbesidehisabandonmentofhismen.Yethedhadnochoicebuttosaveasmanyashecould,
andheknewit.
Hesighedandpunchedupachartofthesystem.Somewhereouttherewasahidingplacewherehe
andhismencouldconcealthemselvesuntilthebattlesquadronsAmbassadorLacyhadsummoned
arrived.Allhehadtodowasfindit.


 CHAPTERTHIRTYONE
Honorcutanothermorselofsteakandsliditintohermouth.Eating,shedfound,wasa
monumentalpainwhenonlyonesideofyourfaceworked.Theleftsideofhermouthwasuselessfor
chewing,andshehadahumiliatingtendencytodiscoverfoodwasdribblingdownherdeadcheekand
chinonlywhenitdrippedontohertunic.Shedmadeprogressoverthepastfewdays,butnotenough
tobewillingtoeatwithanaudience.
Butatleastworryingabouteatingwasfairlymundane,almostcomforting,comparedtoother
things.FivedayshadpassedsinceApollosdeparture.IftheMasadansweregoingtotrysomething
moreanddespiteallshedsaidtoVenizelosabouttheinsanityoftheirdoingso,sheremained
convincedtheyweresheknewitwouldbesoon.Yet,toherownsurprise,shecouldthinkaboutit
almostcalmly.Shedreachedastateofbalance,ofacceptance.Shewascommitted.Sheddoneallshe
couldtoprepareherselfandherpeople.Allthatremainedwastomeetwhatevercame,andoncethat
wasaccepted,griefandguiltandhatred,liketerror,hadfadedintoastrangesortofserenity.Sheknew
itwouldntlast.Itwassimplythewaysheadjustedtothewaiting,butshewasgratefulforit.
Shechewedverycarefully,keepinghernumbinnercheekoutfrombetweenherteethandgladher
tonguehadescapeddamage,thenswallowedandreachedforherbeer.Shesippedwithequalcare,
cockingherheadtominimizethechancesofaspill.Shewasjustsettinghersteinbackdownwhenthe
musicaltoneofacomterminalfloatedthroughthediningcabinhatch.
Bleek?Nimitzsaidfromhisendofthetable.
Beatsme,shetoldhim,andwaited.Afteramoment,MacGuinesspokedhisheadthroughthe
hatchwiththeexpressionofseveredisapprovalhereservedforoccasionswhenhiscaptainsmeals
wereinterrupted.
Excuseme,Maam,butCommanderVenizelosisonthecom.Thestewardsniffed.Itoldhim
youreeating,buthesaysitsimportant.
Honorsgoodeyetwinkled,andsheusedhernapkintohidethesmilethattwitchedtheright
cornerofhermouth.MacGuinesshadguardedherraremomentsofprivacy,especiallyduringmeals,
likeanirritablemastiffeversinceshedbeenwounded,andhewouldneverforgiveherifshegiggled.
Imsureitreallyis,Mac,shesoothed,andthestewardsteppedbackwithanothersnifftolether
pass,thencrossedtothetableandplacedthewarmingcoveroverherplate.Nimitzlookedupathim
and,whenMacGuinessshruggedhisignorance,hoppeddownandpatteredafterhisperson.
HonorhittheacceptancekeytocleartheWAITprompt,andaworriedlookingVenizelos
appearedonthescreen.
Whatisit,Andy?
RDNinerThreejustpickedupahyperfootprintatextremerange,Maam,rightonthefiftylight
minutemark.
Honorfelttherightsideofherfaceturnasmasklikeastheleft.Acrackyawnedinherserenity,
butsheschooledherselfintocalm.Atthatrange,therewastime.
Details?
Allwevegotsofaristhealertsequence.Troubadoursstandingbytorelaytherestofthe
transmissionasitcomesin,butHepausedassomeonesaidsomethingHonorcouldntquitecatch,
thenlookedbackathiscaptain.Scratchthat,Skipper.CommanderMcKeonsaysNinerTwois
cominginnow,reportingalowpoweredwedgemovingacrossitsrange.NinerThreehasthesame
bogeyandmakesitrightontheecliptic.Looksliketheyreheadingaroundtheprimarytosneakupon
Graysonfrombehind.
Honornoddedwhilehermindraced.ThatkindofcoursemeantitcouldonlybetheMasadans,but
theyknewMasadastillhadatleastoneotherhypercapableship,soitwasntnecessarilythe
battlecruisereither.AndwithFearlesssgraviticsdown,shecouldntreadthedronesFTLpulses
direct,whichmeantshecouldntsendTroubadourouttocheckwithoutlosingherrealtimelinktoher
maintacticalsensors.
Allright,Andy.AlertAdmiralMatthewsandbringourownwedgeup.HaveRafeandStephen
startaplot.Untilwegetmassreadingsfromoneofthedrones,thatsallwecando.
Aye,aye,Maam.
Illberightup,andHonorpausedasshefeltapresencebehindher.Sheturnedtolookoverher
shoulder,andJamesMacGuinessfoldedhisarms.Shemethiseyesforamoment,thenturnedbackto
Venizelos.IllberightupassoonasIfinishlunch,shecorrectedherselfmeekly,anddespitehis
tension,theexecgrinned.
Yes,Maam.Iunderstand.
Thankyou.Honorcutthecircuit,stood,andmarchedstraightbacktothetableunderher
stewardssterngaze.
***
EnsignWolcottfeltherownapprehensionreflectedfromthepeopleaboutherassheupdatedthe
roughplot.CommanderVenizeloscirculatedbetweenthecontrolstations,yetWolcottwasmore
consciousoftheCaptainsabsencethanoftheExecspresence.Shesuspectedshewasntalonein
that,either,forshedseenmorethanoneotherglancebeingcastattheemptychairatthecenterofthe
bridge.
Shefinishedandsatback,andaquietvoicespokeinherleftear.
Dontsweatit,Ensign.Iftheshitwereabouttohitthefan,theSkipperwouldnthavetakentime
tofinishlunch.
SheturnedherheadandblushedasshemetLieutenantCardonesknowingeyes.
Wasitthatobvious,Sir?
Well,yes.Cardonessmiledgrinned,reallyather.Ofcourse,thatcouldbebecauseIwish
shewereuphere,too.Ontheotherhand,thishegesturedattheirplottellsmenothingmuchis
goingtohappenforawhile,andIdalotratherhavetheOldLadyrestedwhenitdoeshappenthan
haveherwasteenergyholdingmyhandinthemeantime.
Yes,Sir.Wolcottlookedbackdownattheplot.Theyhadtentativemassreadingsfromthree
dronesnow,andCICcalleditninetypluspercentthatthebogeywasthePeepbattlecruiser.Itwasnta
comfortingthought.
Shestaredattheinnocent,unthreateninglinesoflightandfeltherpulserace.Herchestnuthairfelt
dampwithsweat,andtherewasahollow,singingvoidwhereherstomachshouldhavebeen.Shed
beenterrifiedasFearlesschargedintothemissilesatBlackbird,butthiswasworse.Muchworse.This
timesheknewwhatcouldhappen,forshedseenshipsblownapart,seentheconsequencesofthe
crueltyvisiteduponherclassmateMailingJackson,andlosttwoclosefriendsaboardApollo,andshe
wasafraidtoherverybones.Anawarenessofherownmortalityfilledher,andtheenemysslow,
draggingapproachgavehertoomuchtimetothinkaboutit.
Sir,shesaidsoftly,withoutlookingup,youveseenmoreactionthanme,andyouknowthe
Captainbetter.CanweShebitherlip,thenmethisgazealmostimploringly.Howmuchchancedo
wereallyhave,Sir?
Well...Cardonesdrewthewordoutandtuggedonanearlobe.Letmejustputitthisway,
Carol.ThefirsttimetheSkippertookmeintoaction,Iknewshewasgoingtogetmekilled.Ididnt
thinkshewas,Iknewit,andIjustaboutpissedmyself,letmetellyou.
Hegrinnedagain,anddespiteherfear,Wolcottslipssketchedatremuloussmileoftheirown.
Asitturnedout,Iwaswrong,Cardoneswenton,anditsafunnything.Yousortofforgetto
bescaredwiththeOldLadysittingbehindyou.Itslikeyouknowtheyllnevergether,andthat
meanstheywontgetyou.Ormaybeitsjustthatyouretooembarrassedtobescaredwhensheisnt.
Orsomething.Heshruggedalmostsheepishly.
Anyway,shenailedasevenandahalfmilliontonQshipwithalightcruiser.Ifigurethatmeans
shecantakeabattlecruiserwithaheavycruiser.Andifshewereworried,Iimagineshedbesittingup
herefrettingwiththerestofusinsteadoffinishinglunch.
Yes,Sir.Wolcottsmiledmorenaturallyandturnedbacktoherpanelasherbeepingearbug
warnedoffreshdatafromTroubadour.Sheupdatedtheplotagain,andRafaelCardoneslookedat
CommanderVenizelosoverherloweredhead.TheireyesmetwithacertainsadempathyforEnsign
Wolcott.Theyunderstoodherneedforreassuranceperfectly...andtheyalsoknewtherewasa
universeofdifferencebetweenengagingaQshipwhileittriedtorunandabattlecruiserwhichhad
cometokillyou.
***
Honoropenedthelifesupportmodule,andNimitzhoppedintoitwithanairofresignation.At
leastthistimeitwasntanemergency,andhetooktimetocheckthewaterandfooddispenserand
arrangehisnesttohissatisfaction.Thenhecurleddownandlookedupatherwithanadmonishing
littlesound.
Yeah,andyoubecareful,too,shetoldhimsoftly,caressinghisears.Heclosedhiseyestosavor
hertouch,andthenshesteppedbackandsealedthedoor.
***
CICconfirmsthedronemassreadings,Maam,Venizelosreportedashemetheratthelift.
Shescomingroundthebacksideoftheprimary.
ETA?
Shesstillclosetotwobillionklicksout,Maam,andshesholdingheracceldowntoaboutfifty
gees,probablytoavoiddetection.HerbasevelocitysuptofiveninerpointfivethousandKPS.
Assumingsheholdscurrentacceleration,shellhitGraysoninabouteighthoursatavelocityof
approximatelysevenfourthousand.
Honornodded,thenturnedherheadassomeoneelsesteppedoutofthelift.Storeshadfound
CommanderBrentworthaManticoranskinsuit,andonlytheGraysoninsigniastenciledonits
shoulderspickedhimoutfromtherestofhercrewashegaveheratensesmile.
Stilltimetoputyouplanetside,Mark,shesaid,hervoicelowenoughnooneelsecouldhear.
 Thisismyassigneddutypost,Maam.Hissmilemightbetense,buthisvoicewasremarkably
level.Honorsgoodeyewarmedwithapproval,yetthatdidntstopherfrompressingthepoint.
Itmaybeyourassignedpost,butwerenotgoingtobedoingmuchliaisingoverthenextfew
hours.
Captain,ifyouwantmeoffyourship,youcanordermeoff.Otherwise,Imstaying.Thereought
tobeatleastoneGraysonofficeraboardifyouregoingupagainstthosefanaticsforus.
Honorstartedtospeakagain,thenclosedhermouthandgaveatinyheadshake.Shetouchedhim
lightlyontheshoulder,thencrossedtoDuMornesastrogationstationtolookdownathisdisplay.
ThunderofGodorSaladin,orwhatevershewantedtocallthebattlecruiserwasholdingher
accelerationdown,butthatwasprobablyjustageneralprecaution.Shewasoverahundredlight
minutesfromGraysononherpresentcourse,andshewasstilloverfortylightminutesoutfrom
Yeltsin,whichputherwellbeyondanyrangeatwhichanyGraysonsensorarraycouldpossiblypick
upherimpellers.
Ofcourse,hercaptainknewhewasupagainstmodernwarships,buthecertainlydidntsee
FearlessorTroubadouronhisownsensors,norwouldtheheavilystealtheddronesbevisibletohim.
Soassuminghedidntknowtheydbeendeployed(whichhecouldnt)andabouttheirdetectionrange
andFTLtransmissioncapability,hehadtobelievehewasundetectedsofar.
Sherubbedthetipofhernose.Itwasntthewayshewouldhaveproceeded,giventhedisparityin
weightofmetal,buthedclearlyoptedforacautiousapproach.Bythetimehecrossedtheouteredge
oftheGraysonsensorenvelope,hedbeonthefarsideofYeltsin,andhedalmostcertainlycuthis
drivebeforehedid.Thatwouldextendhisflighttimebutbringhimaroundtheprimaryonaballistic
course,andwithoutthebetrayinggravsignatureofhisimpellers,itmeanthedbeintomissilerangeof
Graysonandfiringbeforeactivesensorssawhimcoming.
Butshedalreadyseenhim.Thequestionwaswhatshedidwithherinformation,andshebent
overDuMornespanelandlaidinaroughlineforashorter,tightercoursethatoriginatedatGrayson
andcurvedaroundtheprimaryinsideSaladinsprojectedparabola.
Punchthisupandrefineitforme,Steve.Assumewegotomaximumaccelerationonthiscourse.
Wherewouldwecomeintohissensorrange?
DuMornestartedcrunchingnumbers,andshewatchedahypotheticalvectorbuildaroundYeltsin
asheturnedherroughcourseintoafinishedone.
Hedpickusuprightabouthere,Maam,onethreefivemillionklicksoutfromYeltsin,inabout
oneninerzerominutes.OurbasevelocitywouldbefivesixsixsixsevenKPS.Hedberight
hereaboutfourninerfivemillionklicksfromYeltsinandonepointthreebillionklicksshortof
Graysononhispresenttrack.Ourvectorswouldmergetwopointthreemillionklicksshortof
Graysonfivepointtwofivehoursafterthat.Ofcourse,thatassumesaccelerationsremain
unchanged.
Honornoddedatthequalification.Ifanythinginthisuniversewascertain,itwasthatSaladins
accelerationwouldntremainunchangedonceshesawFearlessandTroubadour.
AndifwegoaroundYeltsinonastraightreciprocalofhiscourse?
Justasecond,Maam.DuMornecrunchedmorenumbers,andasecondpossiblevectorappeared
onhisdisplay.Goingathimthatway,hedpickusupapproximatelyonepointfivebillionklicksout
ofGraysonorbitintwofivezerominutes.Closingvelocitywouldbeonefouronefourninerseven
KPS,andvectorswouldinterceptfoureightminutesafterdetection.
Thankyou.Honorfoldedherhandsandwalkedacrosstohercommandchairwhileshe
contemplatedheroptions.
Theonethingsheabsolutelycouldntdowassithereandlettheenemycomeather.Withthat
muchtimetobuildhervelocityadvantage,Saladinwouldhaveeveryedgetherewasfortheopening
missileengagement,andshecouldoverflyGraysonandHonorsshipswithrelativeimpunity.
Topreventthat,Honorcouldmeetherheadonbysimplyreversingthebattlecruiserscourse.
Saladincouldntevadeherifshedid,buttheirclosingvelocitywouldbehigh,severelylimiting
engagementtime.Theywouldcrossthepoweredmissileenvelopeinlittlemorethanfourminutes,
andenergyrangeinbarelysevenseconds.Saladinwouldhavetoacceptaction,buthercaptaincould
countonitsbeingaveryshortone.
Alternatively,Honorcouldshapeherown,tighterparabolainsideSaladins.Thebattlecruiser
wouldstillhavethehigherbasevelocitywhenshedetectedFearlessandTroubadour,buttheydbe
onconvergentcourses,andHonorsshipswouldbeinsideher.Hershipswouldhavelessdistanceto
travel,andthebattlecruiserwouldbeunabletocutinsidethemevenifshestoppedstoogingalongand
wenttomaximumpoweronherwedge.
Thedrawbackwasthatitwouldbeaconvergingengagement,abroadsideduelinwhichthe
battlecruisersheaviermissilebatteries,biggermagazines,andtoughersidewallscouldbeusedtobest
advantage.TheverylengthoftheengagementwouldgivehermoretimetopoundFearlessand
Troubadourapart...butitwouldalsogivethemmoretimetohurther.
Inessence,herchoicesweretogoforashort,sharpclosingengagementandhopeshegotlucky
andSaladindidnt,orelsegoforabatteringmatch.
Ofcourse,shedidhaveonemajoradvantage,andshesmiledhungrilyatthethought,foritwasthe
sameoneSaladinhadenjoyedwhenMasadakilledtheAdmiralsheknewwheretheenemywasand
whathewasdoing,andhedidntknowwhatshewasupto.
Sheplayedwithherprojectedcoursebriefly,varyingDuMornesnumbersonhercommandchair
maneuveringrepeater,thensighed.IfSaladinhadcomeinabitmoreslowlyoronacoursewitha
broaderchord,shemighthavehadenoughtimetoaccelerateontoaconvergingcourse,thengo
ballistictosneakintorangewithherowndrivesdown.ButSaladinhadnt,andshedidnt.
Andwhenshecamerightdowntoit,shecouldntrisktheheadoninterception,either.Ifthatship
wasirrationalenoughtopressanattacknow,thenshehadtoassumeitscaptaintrulywascrazy
enoughtonukeGrayson.Thatmeantshecouldntengagehopingforaluckyhitwhenherfailureto
getitwouldletSaladinpasther.Ithadtobetheconvergentapproach.
Sheleanedback,rubbingthenumbsideofherfaceforamoment,andconsideredthewaySaladin
hadchosentocomein.Thatwasacautiouscaptainoutthere.Indeed,shewassurprisedtoseesuch
timidity,especiallygiventhatanyattackonGraysonhadtobeanactofdesperation.IfthePeoples
NavyhadamassedonethingoverfiftyTyearsofconquest,itwasexperience,butthisfellowshowed
nosignofit.HecertainlywasntabitlikeTheismannotthatsheintendedtocomplainaboutthat!
Butthepointwasthatifshepresentedacautiouscaptainwithasituationinwhichhisonlyoptions
wereafighttothedeathshortoftheplanetortobreakoff,especiallyifshediditinawaywhich
provedshedbeenwatchinghimwhenhedbelieveditwasimpossible,hemightjustflinch.Andif
shegothimtobreakawaytorethink,itwoulduseuphoursoftime...andeveryhourhespent
ditheringwouldbringtherelieffromManticoreonehourcloser.
Ofcourse,itwasalsopossiblehemightdecidehedgivensneakinesshisbestshotanddowhat
shewouldhavedonefromthebeginninggostraightforFearlessanddarehertodoherworstbefore
heblewheroutofspace.
Sheclosedhergoodeye,thelivingsideofherfacecalmandstill,andmadeherdecision.
Com,getmeAdmiralMatthews.
Aye,aye,Maam.
MatthewslookedanxiousonHonorsscreen,forTroubadoursgraviticsensorshadbeenfeeding
thedronedatatohisownplotaboardCovington,aswell,buthemethergazelevelly.
Goodafternoon,Sir.Honorformedherwordswithcare,makingherselfsoundcooland
confident,astherulesofthegamerequired.
Captain,Matthewsreplied.
ImtakingFearlessandTroubadourouttomeetSaladinonaconvergentcourse,Honortold
himwithoutfurtherpreamble.Thecautiouswayshescominginmaymeanthisismainlyaprobe.If
so,shemaybreakoffwhensherealizeswecanintercepther.
Shepaused,andMatthewsnodded,butshecouldseehismindworkingbehindhiseyesandknew
hedidntbelieveitwasonlyaprobe,either.
Inthemeantime,shewentonafteramoment,theresalwaysthechanceMasadahasmoreofits
ownhypercapableshipsleftthanwethink,soCovington,Glory,andyourLACsaregoingtohaveto
watchthebackdoor.
Understood,Captain,Matthewssaidquietly,andHonorheardtheunspokenaddition.IfSaladin
didgetpastFearlessandTroubadour,theymightatleasttakeabigenoughpieceoutofherforthe
Graysonshipstohaveachanceagainsther.
Might.
Wellbeonourway,then,Sir.Goodluck.
Andtoyou,CaptainHarrington.GowithGodandourprayers.
Honornoddedandcutthecircuit,thenlookedatDuMorne.
Updateyourfirstcourseforthehelmandgetusunderway,Steve,shesaidquietly.


 CHAPTERTHIRTYTWO
Sir,werepickingupanotherofthosegravitypulses.
Where?SwordoftheFaithfulSimondsleanedoverhistacticalofficersshoulder,and
LieutenantAshpointedatabluronhisdisplay.
There,Sir.Ashmadepainstakingadjustments,thenshrugged.Itwasonlyasinglepulsethis
time.Idontknow...itcouldbeaghost,Sir.Iveneveractuallyoperatedtherecondronessolo.
Um.Simondsgruntedacknowledgmentandresumedhisrestlessprowl.Heknewheshouldbe
sittinginThunderofGodscommandchair,radiatingconfidenceashisshipslunkdeeperintothe
YeltsinSystem,buthecouldnt.EvenknowingYuwouldhavebeendoingjustthatandmakingit
lookeffortlessonlymadehimmoreangryandrestless,andfatiguewasnthelping.Hehadntslept
inthirtyhours,andhisbodycriedoutforrest,buthebanishedthetemptationsternly.Sleepwasoutof
thequestion.
Ithadtakenovertwelvehourstorundownthecircuitsandfindthelockoutinthecommand
chairsarmrest.Theswordwashumiliatinglycertaintheinfidelengineerscouldhavedoneitmuch
morequickly,butMountandHaraweredead,Valentine,Timmons,andLindemannhadescapedthe
ship,andthatassHarthadshotdowntheoneseniorbridgeofficertheydactuallytaken!
Yuhadgottencleanawaybythetimetheydregainedcontroloftheshipssystems,yetthered
beennopossibilityofabortingtheattack.SeizingThunderhadbeenadeclarationofwaronHaven
onlyGodandsuccessinYeltsincouldsavetheFaithfulfromtheconsequencesofthat.
Simondspacedmorerapidly,unwillingtoadmit,eventohimself,howmuchhedcountedon
havingYu,oratleastManning,available.LieutenantCommanderWorkmanwasdoinganadequate
jobinEngineering,butAshwasthebesttacticalofficeravailable,andhisobsessionwithgravity
anomaliesatatimelikethisprovedhowpoorasubstituteforManninghewas.
JustashehimselfwasapoorsubstituteforYu,atiny,frightenedvoicewhispereddeepatthe
swordswearycore.
***
RDOneSevenreportsanotherdronelaunch,Captain.
Projectedcourse?
Liketheothers,Maam.TheyresweepingasixtydegreeconeinfrontofSaladin.Theresno
signofanythingontheirflanks.
Thankyou,Carol.Honorwasalreadyturningtowardshercomlinkandmissedtheensigns
smileofpleasureattheuseofherfirstname.
Youreourresidentexpert,shetoldthefaceonhersmallscreen.Howlikelyaretheytopickup
thegravpulses?
Almostcertainto,nowthattheyreinsideourdroneshell,McKeonrepliedpromptly,butI
doubttheyllfigurethemout.UntilAdmiralHemphillgotinvolved,nooneonoursidethoughtitwas
possible,afterall.
Honorsmiledsourly,andMcKeongrinnedather.BothofthemhadreasontorememberLady
SonjaHemphillwithlessthanjoy,butHonorhadtoadmitthat,thistime,HorribleHemphillhad
gottensomethingright.
Besides,McKeonwenton,thepulsesaredirectional,andtherepetitionrateissoslowits
unlikelytheyllgetmorethanafewpulsesoffanyoneRDbeforetheyreoutofthetransmissionpath.
Withoutmorethanthat,eventhebestanalysiswontrecognizewhattheyreactuallyhearing.
Um.Honorrubbedthetipofhernose.NodoubtAlistairwasright,butifshedbeenpickingup
gravpulsesthatshouldntbethere,shedbewrackingherbraintofigureoutwhattheymightbe.
Well,theresnothingwecandoaboutit.Excepthopenooneovertherewasfeelingclever.
McKeonnoddedasifhedheardhermentalqualifier,andshecheckedthetime.
TheyweretwoandahalfhoursoutofGraysonorbittheyshouldenterSaladinssensorrangein
anotherfortyminutes.
***
Sir!SwordSimonds!SimondswhippedaroundatLieutenantAshsexcitedcry.Twoimpeller
sources,Sir!Theyjustpoppedupoutofnowhere!
Simondscrossedthebridgeinafew,quickstridesandpeeredatAshsdisplay.Thecrimsondots
ofhostilegravitysignaturesburnedsteadily,justundertwentyfourlightminutesoffThundersport
quarter.
EnemysbasevelocityfivesixsixseventwoKPS,Sir.Ashsvoicewasflatterashetook
refugeinthemechanicsofhisreport.
Ourvelocity?
SixfourfivetwoeightKPS,Sir,buttheyreinsideus.Theyremakinguponusbecausetheir
radiusissomuchsmaller.
Simondsclenchedhisjawandscrubbedathisbloodshoteyes.How?Howhadthebitchdone
this?!Thatcoursecouldntbeacoincidence.Harringtonhadknownexactlywherehewas,exactly
whathewasdoing,andtherewasnowayshecouldhave!
Heloweredhishandfromhiseyesandglaredatthedisplaywhilehetriedtothink.Howshed
doneitdidntmatter.Hetoldhimselfthatfirmly,evenwhileasuperstitiousvoicewhisperedthatit
did.Whatmatteredwasthatshewasinsidehim...andhervectorwascurvingouttowardshim.The
closureratewastwelvethousandKPSandgrowingthatmeantshedbeintomissilerangeinthree
hours,longbeforehewouldbeabletofireonGrayson.
Hehadplentyofaccelerationstillinreserve,butnotenough.Allshehadtodowastightenher
coursebackdownandshecouldturninsidehimforever.Hecouldntgetcloseenoughtoattackthe
planetwithoutenteringherrange,andThunderwasthelasthopeoftheFaithful.
Comeeightydegreestostarboardandincreaseaccelerationtofourhundredeightygravities!
Aye,aye,Sir,thehelmsmanreplied.Comingeightohdegreestostarboard.Increasing
accelerationtofoureightohgravities.
Ashlookedathiscommanderinsurprise,andtheswordswallowedanurgetosnarlathim.
Instead,heturnedhisbackandslidhisachingbodyintothecommandchair.Itsdisplaysdeployed
smoothly,andhepeeredatthetacticalrepeater,waitingtoseeHarringtonsresponse.
***
Idontbelieveit!ThesorrysonofaAndreasVenizeloscaughthimself.Imean,hesbreaking
off,Maam.
 No,heisnt.Notyet,anyway.Honorsteepledherfingersunderhertriangularchin.Thisisan
instinctreaction,Andy.Wesurprisedhim,andhedoesntwanttogetanycloserthanhehastowhile
hethinksitover.
ShesacceleratingdirectlyawayatfourpointsevenzeroKPSsquared,Maam,Cardones
reported,andHonornodded.Shedidntexpectittolast,butfornowSaladinwasheadedintheright
direction.
Punchusupapursuitcourse,Steve.Iwanthisrelativeaccelheldtotwofiftygeesorso.
Aye,aye,Maam,DuMornereplied,andsheleanedbackandwatchedSaladinslightbeadtrack
downitsnewvectorprojection.
***
Simondscaughthimselfdrywashinghishandsinhislapandmadehimselfstop.Thunderhadheld
hisnewheadingandaccelerationforoverseventyminuteswhiletheHarlotshandmaidenfollowed
alonginhiswake,butHarringtonwasmakingnobidtoovertake.ShewaslettingThundermakeup
velocityonher,despitethefactthathersmallershipshadhighermaximumaccelerationrates,andthat
wasmorethanmerelyominous.
Therangehadopenedtoovertwentyfourandahalflightminutes,yetHarringtonknewexactly
wheretheywere.ThunderwasabletoseeFearlessonlythroughthedronesAshhaddeployedastern,
buttherewasnosignofManticorandrones.UnlessHarringtonssensorswereevenbetterthanYuhad
believed,sheshouldntbeabletoseethematall,yetshedadjustedtoeverycoursealterationhe
made!Theimpliedtechnicalsuperioritywasasfrighteningasitwasmaddening,butthecriticalpoint
wasthathecouldntloseherandcomeinundetectedonanewvector...andshedalreadypushed
himclearbeyondtheasteroidbelt,faroutsideGraysonsorbit.
Nowondershewascontenttolethimrun!Hedwastedprecioustimetryingtoevadesomeone
whocouldseeeverymovehemade,andbythetimehekilledhispresentvelocityandcamebackinto
missilerangeassumingshelethimoversixhourswouldhavepassedsincehedfirstdetectedher.
Hegrowledunderhisbreathandkneadedhischeeks.WhatManticoranshipshadalreadydoneto
theFaithfulmadehimnervousaboutcrossingswordswithher,especiallysinceYuandManninghad
beencarefultopreservetheirownimportancebyseeingtoitthattheirMasadanjuniorofficerslacked
theirexpertise.Ashandhispeoplewerewillingenough,buttheysimplycouldntgetthemostoutof
theirsystems,andhecouldalreadyfeeltheirjaggedtensionasthey,too,realizedtheenemywas
somehowwatchingthematthispreposterousrange.
ButthatdidntchangethefactthatThunderofGodoutmassedbothhisopponentsmorethan
twiceover.Ifhehadtofighthiswaythroughthem,hecould.Yethealsohadtobeabletocarry
throughagainstGrayson....
Computeanewcourse,hesaidharshly.Iwanttoclosetotheveryedgeofthepoweredmissile
envelopeandholdtherangeconstant.
***
Coursechange!Cardonessangout.Shescomingbacktowardsusatmaxacceleration,
Maam.
Honornodded.Shedknownthiswouldcomeindeed,shedexpecteditfarsooner,and
puzzlementstirredagain,forcruisersandbattlecruiserswerebuilttocloseanddestroy,notforthis
timidsortoflongrangegroping.
 Buthewascominginnowwithavengeance.
Takeustomeether,Astro,shesaidquietly,butletsseeifwecanttempthimintoamissile
duel.HoldourclosingacceldowntoShethoughtforamoment.MakeitsixKPSsquared.
Aye,aye,Maam.
Honornodded,thenpressedastudonherarmrest.
Captainsquarters,StewardMacGuiness.
Mac,couldyouchasemeupsomesandwichesandapotofcocoa?
Ofcourse,Maam.
Thankyou.SheclosedthecircuitandlookedatVenizelos.TheManticoranNavytraditionwas
thatcrewswentintobattlewellfedandasrestedaspossible,andherpeoplehadbeenatgeneral
quartersforalmostfivehours.StandusdowntoConditionTwo,Andy,andtellthecooksIwanta
hotmealforallhands.Shegavehimoneofherlopsidedgrins.Thewaythisjackassismaneuvering,
thereshouldbeplentyoftimeforit!
Acrossthebridgefromher,EnsignCarolynWolcottsmileddownatherconsoleattheconfidence
intheCaptainsvoice.
***
Thecommandchairfeltbigger,somehow,thanithadlookedwhenYusatinit,andSimondstired
eyesburnedashewatchedhisplot.HarringtonhadchosentoletThunderclose,butshewas
maintainingherpositionbetweenhimandYeltsin.Andwhenhedreversedaccelerationtoslowhis
rateofapproach,shedmatchedhim,almostasifshewerehopingforamissileduel.
ThatworriedSimonds,forThunderwasabattlecruiser.Hismissileswerebiggerandheavier,with
asignificantlygreaterpenaidandECMpayload.TheFaithfulhadalreadyseenbitterproofthat
ManticorestechnologywasbetterthanHavens,butdidshebelievehermarginofsuperioritywas
enoughtoeventheodds?And,farmorefrightening,couldshebecorrect?
Hemadehimselfsitback,feelingtheacheoffatigueinhisbones,andheldhiscourse.They
shouldreachextrememissilerangeintwelveminutes.
***
Allright,AndytakeusbackuptoGQ,Honorsaid,andthehowlofthealarmresummonedher
peopletotheirbattlestationsassheslidherhandsintohersuitglovesandsettledherhelmetinthe
rackonthesideofherchair.ShesupposedsheoughttoputitonthoughFearlessswellarmored
bridgewasdeepattheshipsheart,thatdidntmakeitinvulnerabletoexplosivedepressurizationbut
shedalwaysthoughtcaptainswhohelmeteduptoosoonmadetheircrewsnervous.
Atleastshedmanagedathreehourcatnapinthebriefingroom,andthequietvoicesabouther
soundedfreshandalert,aswell.
Whatdoyouthinkhelldo,Maam?
Thequietquestioncamefromherblindside,andsheturnedherhead.
Thatshardtosay,Mark.Whatheshouldhavedonetheminutehesawuswascomestraightfor
us.Theresnowayhesgoingtosneakpastusthewayweinterceptedhimshouldhaveproventhat.
Allhesdonesofariswasteaboutsixhoursbytryingtoshakeus.
Iknow,Maam.Buthescominginnow.
Heis,butnotlikehereallymeansit.Lookhowhesdecelerating.Hesgoingtocomejustabout
torestrelativetousatsixandthreequartersmillionklicks.Thatsextremerangeforlowpowered
missiledrives,whichisntexactlythemarkofanaggressivecaptain.Sheshookherhead.Hesstill
testingthewaters,andIdontunderstandit.
Couldhebeafraidofyourtechnology?
Honorsnorted,andtherightsideofhermouthmadeawrysmile.
Iwish!No,ifTheismanwasgood,themantheypickedtoskipperSaladinoughttobebetterthan
this.ShesawthepuzzlementinBrentworthseyesandwavedahand.Oh,ourEWandpenaidsare
betterthantheirs,andsoisourpointdefense,butthatsabattlecruiser.Hersidewallsarehalfagainas
toughasFearlesss,muchlessTroubadours,andherenergyweaponsarebiggerandmorepowerful.
Wecouldhurthiminclose,butnotasbadlyashecouldhurtus,andeveninamissileduel,thesheer
toughnessofhispassivedefensesshouldmakehimconfident.ItsShepaused,seekinga
comparison.Whatitcomesdowntoisthatinamissileduelourswordssharper,buthisarmorsalot
thicker,andoncehegetsinclose,itsourswordagainsthisbattleaxe.Heoughttobechargingtoget
insideourmissileenvelope,notsittingouttherewherewevegotthebestchanceofgivingasgoodas
weget.
Brentworthnodded,andsheshrugged.
IdontsupposeIshouldcomplain,butIwishIknewwhathisproblemis.
***
Missilerange!Ashsaid,andSimondsstraightenedinhischair.
Engageasordered,herepliedflatly.
***
Missilelaunch!BirdsclosingatfouronesevenKPSsquared.Impactinonesevenzero
secondsmark!
FirePlanAble.Honorsaidcalmly.Helm,initiateFoxtrotTwo.
Aye,aye,Maam.FirePlanAble,Cardonesreplied,andChiefKilliansacknowledgmentwas
rightbehindhim.
Troubadourrolled,invertingherselfrelativetoFearlesstobringherundamagedportbroadsideto
bear,andbothshipsbeganasnakelikeweavealongtheirbasecourseastheirownmissilesslashed
awayandthedecoysandjammersdeployedonFearlesssflankswoketoelectroniclife.
***
Theenemyhasreturnedfire.LieutenantAshsvoicewastaut.Flighttimeonesevenniner
seconds.Trackingreportssixteenincoming,Sir.
Simondsnoddedacknowledgment.Thunderhadanadvantageoftwotubes,aswellashisheavier
missiles.Hehopeditwouldbeenough.
Enemyjammingprimarytrackingsystems,Ashannounced,listeningtohismissilestelemetry
links.Seekersshiftingtosecondarytrack.
***
RafaelCardonesfiredhissecondbroadsidethirtysecondsafterthefirst,andTroubadours
launchersfollowedsuit,slavedtohisbetterfirecontrol.Athirdbroadsidefollowed,thenafourth,and
henoddedtoWolcottasSaladinlaunchedherfourthsalvo.
Countermissilesnow,hetoldhisassistant.
 ***
SwordSimondswatchedhisplotandswallowedbileashalfhisfirstsalvolostlockandwandered
away.Theotherschargedonward,alreadyuptomorethanfiftythousandKPSandstillaccelerating,
buttheManticoransbelchedcountermissilestomeetthematmorethanninehundredKPS2.
***
HonorfrownedasEnsignWolcottpickedoffSaladinsfirstmissiles.Thebattlecruiserwas
splittingherfirebetweenTroubadourandFearless,andthatwasthestupidestthinghercaptainhad
doneyet.Heoughttobeconcentratinghisfire,notdispersingit!Hisopponentswerelighterandfar
morefragilebytargetingbothofthem,hewasrobbinghimselfofhisbestchancetooverwhelmthem
indetail.
***
Simondscursedunderhisbreathasthelastmissileofhisfirstlaunchvanishedfarshortoftarget.
LieutenantAshwasupdatingthesecondsalvosjammers,butthebitchhadalreadykilledsixofthem,
aswell...andThunderhadstoppedonlynineofherfirstbroadside.
HishandstightenedlikeclawsonthecommandchairsarmsasthesurvivingManticoranmissiles
streakedin.Twomoreperished,thenathird,butthreegotthrough,andThunderofGodshudderedas
Xraylasersclawedathissidewall.Damagealarmswailed,andaredlightflashedonthedamage
controlschematic.
Onehit,portsideaft,Workmanannounced.TractorSevenisgone.CompartmentsEightNiner
TwoandNinerThreeopentospace.Nocasualties.
***
IthinkwegotoneYes!Shesstreamingair,Maam!
Good,Guns.Nowdoitagain.
Aye,aye,Maam!RafaelCardonesgrinwasfierce,andhissixthbroadsidebelchedfrom
Fearlessslaunchers.EnsignWolcottsfacewasalmostblankathisside,andherfingersflewacross
herconsoleashersensorsnotedchangesintheincomingmissilesECMandsheadjustedto
compensate.
***
ThunderofGodssecondsalvofaredalmostasbadlyasthefirst,andSimondswrenchedaroundto
glareathistacticalsection,thenbitbackhisscathingrebuke.Ashandhisassistantswerecrouched
overtheirpanels,buttheirsystemswerefeedingthemtoomuchdatatoabsorb,andtheirreactions
werealmostspastic,flurriesofactionasthecomputerspulledittogetherandsuggestedalternatives
interspersedbyboutsofwhitefacedimpotenceastheytriedtoanticipatethosesuggestions.
HeneededYuandManning,andhedidnthavethem.Ashandhispeoplesimplydidnthavethe
exper
ThunderofGodheavedastwomorelasersrippedthroughhissidewallandgougedintohishull.
***
LordGod,buthesfightingdumb,Venizelosmurmured,andHonornodded.Saladins
responseswereslowandheavyhanded,almostmechanical,andshefeltatingleofhope.Ifthiskept
up,theymightactuallybe
EnsignWolcottmissedanincomingmissile.Theheavywarheaddetonatedfifteenthousand
kilometersoffFearlesssstarboardbow,andhalfadozensavagerodsofenergyslammedather
sidewall.Twobrokethrough,andthecruiserleaptinagonyasplatingshattered.
Twohitsforward!LaserThreeandFivedestroyed.RadarFiveisgone,Maam.Heavycasualties
inLaserThree!
TherightsideofHonorHarringtonsmouthtightened,andhergoodeyenarrowed.
***
Ahit,Sir!Atleastone,and
AthunderingconcussionrippedacrossLieutenantAshsvoice.Thecommanddecklurched,the
lightingflickered,anddamagealarmshowled.
MissileTwoOneandGraserOnegone!HeavydamageintheboatbayandBerthing
CompartmentSevenfive!
Simondsblanched.Thatwassixhitssix!andtheydscoredonlyoneinreturn!Powerfulas
Thunderwas,hecouldnttakethatkindofexchangerateforlong,and
Thebattlecruiserbuckedyetagain,morecrimsonlightsglared,andtheSwordmadeuphismind.
Starboardninetydegreesmaximumacceleration!
***
Shesbreakingoff,Maam!Cardonescrowed,andHonorwatchedindisbeliefasSaladinturned
throughafullninetydegrees.ShewasjustfarenoughabaftFearlesssbeamtodenythemanupthe
kiltshotthroughthewideopenafterendofherwedge,butHonorcouldntbelievehowclosethe
battlecruiserscaptainhadcometogivingherthatdeadlyopening.Andnowhewasgoingto
maximumpower!Preposterousasitwas,Rafewasrightshewasbreakingofftheaction!
Shallwepursue,Maam?Cardonestoneleftnodoubtastohisownpreference,andHonor
couldntblamehim.Hismissilearmamentwasuntouched,andhedoutscoredhisopponentatleast
sixtoone.ButHonorrefusedtoletherownenthusiasmsuckheroutofherguardposition.
No,Guns.Lethergo.
Cardoneslookedrebelliousforamoment,thennodded.Hesatback,callinguphismagazinelists
andshiftingammunitiontoequalizehisloads,andEnsignWolcottlookedoverhershoulderather
captain.
ImsorryImissedthatone,Maam.Shesoundedmiserable.Ittookajogonmeatthelast
minute,and
Carol,youdidfine,justfine,Honortoldher,andCardoneslookeduptonodfirmly.Theensign
lookedbackandforthbetweenthemforamoment,thensmiledbrieflyandturnedbacktoherown
panel,andHonorbeckonedtoVenizelos.Theexecunlockedhisshockframeandcrossedtoherchair.
Yes,Maam?
Youwererightaboutthewayhewasfighting.Thatwaspitiful.
Yes,Maam.Venizelosscratchedhischin.Itwasalmostlikeasimulation.Likewewereup
againstjusthiscomputers.
Ithinkwewere,Honorsaidsoftly,andtheexecblinkedather.Sheunlockedherownshock
frame,andhefollowedherovertothetacticalstation.ShekeyedacommandintoCardonespanel,
andtheywatchedthemastertacticaldisplayreplaythebriefbattle.Theentireengagementhadlasted
lessthantenminutes,andHonorshookherheadwhenitended.
 IdontthinkthatsaHavenitecrewoverthereatall.
What?!Venizelosblushedatthevolumeofhisresponseandlookedquicklyaroundthebridge,
thenbackather.YoudontreallythinkthePeepsturnedashiplikethatovertolunaticslikethe
Masadans,doyou,Skipper?
Itsoundscrazy,Honoradmitted,pullinggentlyatthetipofhernoseasshebroodeddownonthe
display,especiallywhentheykepttheirownmanincommandofBreslau,butnoPeepskipper
wouldvefoughthisshipthatway.Hegaveuseveryadvantagetherewas,Andy.Addthattotheham
handedwayhecameininthefirstplace,and
Sheshrugged,andVenizelosnoddedslowly.
Havenhastoknowitsputitshandintoasausageslicer,Maam,hesaidafteramoment.
MaybetheyjustpulledoutandleftMasadatoitsowndevices?
Idontknow.Honorturnedtowalkbacktoherownchair.Iftheydid,whydidnttheytake
Saladinwiththem?UnlessHereyenarrowed.Unlesstheycouldnt,forsomereason,she
murmured,thenshookherhead.
Eitherway,itdoesntchangeourmission,shesaidmorecrisply.
No,butitmaymakeourjobawholeloteasier,Skipper.
Itmay,butIwouldntcountonit.IfthatsapurelyMasadancrewoverthere,Godonlyknows
whattheylldo.Foronething,theyreprobablyalotmorelikelytonukeGraysoniftheygetthe
chance.Andinexperiencedornot,theyvegotamodernbattlecruisertodoitwith.Thatsalotofship,
Andy,andtheymadesomanymistakesthistimetheyhavetohavelearnedatleastsomethingfrom
them.
Sheleanedbackinherchair,andhergoodeyemethisgaze.
Iftheycomebackatall,theyllcomeinsmarter,shesaid.


 CHAPTERTHIRTYTHREE
ThunderofGodarcedherwaythroughahugeoutsideloopinanefforttocutinbehindher
opponents,anddamagecontrolteamslaboredfuriously.Ittooktimetocompletetheirsurveys,but
MatthewSimondslistenedinwearywonderastheirreportsflowedintothebridge.
Itdidntseempossible.ThosehitswouldhavedestroyedanyMasadanship,yetforallthegaping
woundsinThundersflanks,hisbroadsidehadlostonlyonemissiletubeandasinglegraser.
Simondschewedhishateashisenemyexecutedherownloopinsidehis,matchinghimmovefor
move,yetunderhishatewasadawningcomprehensionofwhyYuhadbeensoconfidenthecould
destroyFearless,forThunderwastougherthantheswordhaddreamed.Asenseofhisownpower,his
ownponderousabilitytodestroy,suffusedhistiredbrain...andwithitcameasourappreciationfor
howclumsilyhedmisusedthatpower.
Hecheckedtheplotagain.Twohourshadpassedsincehedbrokenoffaction,andtherangewas
backuptosixteenandahalflightminutes.WorkmanassuredhimMissileTwentyOnewouldbeback
onlineinanotherthirtyminutes,buttimewastickingaway,andhewasonlytoowellawareofhow
hedallowedHarringtontodictatetheconditionsofengagement.Hehadatleasttwodaysbefore
anyonefromManticorearrivedtohelpher,butshehoveredstubbornlybetweenhimandGrayson,and
hedletherburnupprecioushoursinwhichheshouldalreadyhavebeenaboutGodsWork.
Nomore.Hestoodandcrossedtothetacticalstation,andAshlookedupfromhisconferencewith
hisassistants.
Well,Lieutenant?
Sir,wevecompletedouranalysis.Imsorrywetooksolong,but
Nevermindthat,Lieutenant.Itcameoutmorebrusquelythanhedintended,andSimondstried
tosoftenitwithasmile.HeknewAshandhispeoplewerealmostastiredashewas,andtheydhad
toruntheiranalyseswithreferencemanualsalmostliterallyintheirlaps.Thatwasonereasonhed
beenwillingtowastetimetryingtooutmaneuverHarrington.Hedbeenfairlycertaintheattempt
wouldfail,buthedhadnointentionofreengaginguntilAshhadtimetodigestwhathedlearned
fromthefirstclash.
Iunderstandyourdifficulties,Simondssaidmoregently.Justtellmewhatyouvelearned.
Yes,Sir.Ashdrewadeepbreathandconsultedanelectronicmemopad.Sir,despitetheir
missilessmallersize,theirpenaids,andespeciallytheirpenetrationECM,arebetterthanours.Weve
programmedourfirecontroltocompensateforalloftheirEWtechniqueswevebeenabletoidentify.
Imsuretheyhavetrickswehaventseenyet,butweveeliminatedmostoftheonestheyvealready
used.
Defensively,theirdecoysandjammersareverygood,buttheircountermissilesandpointdefense
lasersareonlyalittlebetterthanourown,andwevegottengoodreadsontheirdecoyemissionsand
updatedourmissilesexclusionfiles.Ithinkwellbeabletocompensateforthemtoamuchlarger
extentinthenextengagement.
Good,Lieutenant.Butwhataboutourowndefenses?
Sword,werejustnotexperiencedenoughwithoursystemstooperatethemincommandmode.
Imsorry,Sir,butthatsthetruth.Ashsassistantslookeddownattheirhandsorpanels,butSimonds
simplynoddedagain,slowly,andthelieutenantwenton.
AsIsay,weveupdatedthethreatfilesandreworkedthesoftwaretoextrapolatefromour
analysisofwhattheyvealreadydone.Inaddition,Ivesetuppackagedjamminganddecoyprograms
torunonacomputercommandbasis.Itwontbeasflexibleasafullyexperiencedtacticalstaffcould
giveyou,Sir,buttakingthehumanelementoutofthedecisionloopshouldincreaseouroverall
effectiveness.
Thelieutenantdidntlikeadmittingthat,buthemetSimondseyeswithoutflinching.
Isee.Theswordstraightenedandmassagedhisachingspine,thenlookedoverhisshoulder.Is
yourcourseupdated,Astrogation?
Yes,Sir.
Thenbringusaround.SimondsgaveAshhismostfatherlysmile.Wellgiveyouachanceto
showusthefruitsofyourlabor,Lieutenant.
***
Theyrecomingbackin,Skipper.
Honorsethercocoainthebeverageholderonherarmrest,cockedaneyebrowatCardones,then
lookeddownatherownrepeater.Saladinhadreopenedtherangetoalmostthreehundredmillion
kilometers,butnowshewasdeceleratingtowardsFearlessatfourpointsixKPS2.
Whatdoyouthinkhesuptothistime,Maam?
Iimaginehesspentthelastcoupleofhoursthinkingoverwhatwedidtohim,Andy.Ifhes
comingbackformore,hemustthinkhesfiguredoutwhathedidwronglasttime.
Youthinkhelltrytoclosetoenergyrange,then?
Iwouldinhisplace,butrememberthesayingabouttheworldsbestswordsman.Venizelos
lookedpuzzled,andshesmiledcrookedly.Theworldsbestswordsmandoesntfearthesecondbest
hefearstheworstswordsman,becausehecantpredictwhattheidiotwilldo.
Theexecnoddedhisunderstanding,andHonorturnedtohercomlinktoTroubadour.Sheopened
hermouth,butMcKeongrinnedandshookhishead.
IheardyoutalkingtoAndy,Maam,andIwishyouwerewrong.Toobadyourenot.
Evenso,heprobablylearnedalotthelasttime,Alistair.Ifhehas,hellconcentratehisfireashe
closes.
Yes,Maam.McKeondidntsayanymore,buttheybothknewSaladinslogicaltarget.
TroubadourcouldtakefarlessdamagethanFearless,andherdestructionwouldeliminateaquarterof
Honorslaunchers.
Stickclose.Whateverhesupto,itsgoingtoopenwithamissileexchange,andIwantyou
insideFearlesssinnerpointdefenseperimeter.
Aye,aye,Skipper.
Rafe,sheturnedbacktoCardones,callLieutenantHarristorelieveyou,thenyouandCarolget
somerest.You,too,ChiefKillian,sheaddedwithaglanceatthehelmsman.Wevegotfourorfive
hoursbeforemissilerange,andIwantallthreeofyousharpwhenithappens.
***
 SwordSimondsshovedhimselffirmlyagainstthecommandchairscushionedback.
Partofhimwantedtowaderightin,gettoclosegripswithhisenemies,anddestroythemonceand
forall,yethedarednot.HarringtonhadhandledThundertooroughlyinthefirstengagement.
PrudencewasindicateduntilhewascertainAshhadmadesufficientadjustmentstotheirown
defenses,sohedorderedaturnovertokilltheirclosingvelocityandhugtheedgeofthemissile
envelopeoncemoreratherthangetintoodeeptooquickly.
Harringtonhadturnedawayenoughtoextendhisclosuretime,andhegrittedhisteethasthelong,
exquisitetensiontoreathisnerves.Shedplayedhergameswithhimforfourteenhoursnow,andhed
beenonThundersbridgecontinuouslyforfortyfive,brokenonlybybrief,fitfulnaps.Nowhis
stomachwasawashwithacidandtoomuchcoffee,andhewantedittoend.
***
Heisgoingforanothermissileengagement.
RafaelCardoneshadjustcomebackonwatch,relievingLieutenantHarris,anddespiteherown
tensionorperhapsbecauseofitHonorfeltanalmostoverpoweringurgetogiggleatthedisgustin
hisvoice.
Countyourblessings,Guns,shesaidinstead.Ifheswillingtostayoutofenergyrange,I
certainlyam.
Iknow,Skipper.ItsjustCardonesbentoverhisconsole,updatinghimself,andHonorshook
herheadfondlyathisback.Hellenterrangeinanothertenminutes,Cardonesannouncedaftera
moment.ClosingvelocitywillbedowntofourhundredKPSatthatpoint.
Closeupyourmissilecrews,Lieutenant,Honorsaidformally.
***
Therangefelltosixpointeightmillionkilometers,andThunderofGodspatmissilestowardsher
foes,theircomputerscrammedwitheverytacticalimprovementAshhadbeenabletothinkof.This
timeshewenttorapidfirewiththefirstsalvoasecondbroadsidefollowedfifteensecondslater,then
athird,andafourth.Twohundredandsixteenmissileswereinspacebeforethefirstreachedattack
range,andManticoranbroadsidesracedtomeetthem.
***
TheyreconcentratingonTroubadour,Cardonessaidtautly,andHonorgrippedherchairarms.
YankeeThree,Alistair.
Aye,aye,Maam.ExecutingYankeeThree.McKeonsvoicewasflatandmetallic.
Chief,takeustoYankeeTwo,Honorwenton,andFearlessslowedandrolleduptowards
Saladin.Troubadourslidpasther,tuckingintohideasmuchofheremissionsignaturebehindthe
morepowerfulshipasshecouldwithoutblockingherownfire.Itwasacoldbloodedmaneuverto
placethecruiserstoughersidewallsbetweenherandtheenemy,butSaladinhaddetailedscanson
themboth.ItwasunlikelyhermissileswouldbefooledintogoingforFearless,andtheystillhad
plentyofmaneuvertimeontheirdrives.
MissileDefenseDelta.
Aye,aye,Maam.InitiatingPlanDelta.Wolcottsoundedcalmandcoolthistime,andHonorfelt
abriefglowofprideintheyoungwoman.
TheglowfadedassheturnedbacktoherplotandthesheerdensityoftheMasadanfire.Saladin
carriedfarmoreammunition,andshewasusingitruthlessly.Honorlongedtoreplyinkind,for
FearlessmountedthenewMod7blauncher,withacycletimeofonlyelevenseconds.Shecouldhave
pumpedouttwentypercentmorefirethanSaladinbutonlywhileherammolasted,andtherange
wastoolongforhertoburnthroughitthatway.
***
SwordSimondslipdrewbackinacaninegrinashewatchedAshseffortspayoff.Harringtons
decoyswerelessthanhalfaseffectivethistime,andfreedfromtheefforttocoordinateThunders
defenses,Ashandhisstaffwereadjustingfarmorerapidlytoherotherdefensivemeasures,aswell.
MissilestoredownontheManticoranships,andevenatthisrangehesensedthepressurethey
placedonHarringtonsdefenses.Sevenofthefirstbroadsidebrokepasthercountermissiles,andif
herlasersstoppedallofthemshortoflethalrange,therapidityofAshsfiregaveherfarless
engagementtimeoneachsalvo.
Hetorehiseyesfromthatdisplaytocheckmissiledefense,andhisheartrosestillhigher.Ashs
prerecordedECMprogramswereperformingmuchbetterthanhedhoped.Tenoftheincoming
missileslostlockandveeredaway,seekingThundersowndecoys,andcountermissilesandlasers
easilyburneddownthesixthatheldtheircourse.
***
Fiveminutespassed.Thensix.Eight.Ten.Somehow,CarolynWolcottstoppedeverysingle
missileSaladinthrewather,buttheenemywasadaptingtoFearlesssdefensiveECMfarmore
quickly.Hisfirewasmoreaccurateandheavier,andthistimehewasntflinchingaway.Cardoneshit
thebattlecruiseronce,thenagain,andathirdtime,andstillsheboredin,poundingback,shrugging
asideherinjuries.
***
MatthewSimondsmouthedanoathasyetanotherhitslammedintohisship,butthenhis
bloodshoteyesglowedasashoutoftriumphwentupfromhistacticalcrew.
***
HMSTroubadourvomiteddebrisandatmosphereastheXraylasercheweddeepintoher
unarmoredhull.Platingbuckledandtore,anentiremissiletubeanditscrewvanishedinaneyeblink,
andpressurelossalarmsscreamed.Thedestroyerracedonward,trailingwreckageandair,andher
survivingmissiletubesbelchedbackathermassivefoe.
***
HonorwincedasthelaserrippedintoTroubadour.Saladinhadlearnedevenmorethanshed
fearedfromthatfirstengagement.HerECMwasfarmoreefficient,herheavier,morenumerouspoint
defensestationsburneddownincomingfirewithdismayingefficiency,andeachhitshescoredhurt
farworsethanthemissilesthatgotthroughthemhurther.
SheshouldhavegivenRafehisheadearlier.SheshouldhavepursuedSaladinbeforethebig
shipsinexperiencedcrewhadtimetoadjusttotheirweapons,butshehadntquitebeenableto
believeherownsuspicionsthen.And,shetoldherselfpitilessly,shedletherselfbedissuadednotjust
bytheneedtostaybetweenSaladinandGrayson,butbyherowndesiretolive.
ShebitherlipasanotherMasadanmissilewaspickedofflessthanasecondshortofTroubadour.
ShedlostherbestchancetokillSaladinwhileshewasstillclumsynowtoomanyofherownpeople
weregoingtodiebecauseofherfailure.
 ***
Look!Look!someoneshoutedfromthebackofThundersbridge.
SwordSimondswrenchedaroundinhischairtoscowlattheculpritforbreakingdiscipline,buthis
heartwasntinit.He,too,hadseentwomoremissilesbreakthrougheverythingthebitchcouldthrow
againstthem.
***
DirecthitsonMissileNineandLaserSix,Captain!LieutenantCummingsreportedharshly.No
survivorsfromeithermount,andwevegotheavycasualtiesinTrackingandCIC.
AlistairMcKeonshookhisheadlikeapunchdrunkfighter.Dustmoteshoveredinmidair,the
stinkofburninginsulationandfleshhadleakedintothebridgebeforetheventilatortrunktoCIC
slammedshut,andheheardsomeoneretching.
BetaFifteensdown,Skipper!Cummingstoldhim,andheclosedhiseyesinpain.Therewasa
pause,andthenhisengineersvoicewentflat.Captain,ImlosingtheportsidewallaftofFrame
FortyTwo.
Rollher,Helm!McKeonbarked,andTroubadourspunmadly,whippingherrentsidewallaway
fromSaladin.Engagewiththestarboardbroadside!
***
ThunderofGodheavedasanothermissilegotthrough,butasenseofindestructiblepowerfilled
MatthewSimonds.Hisshiphadlosttwolasers,aradararray,twomoretractors,andanothermissile
tubethatwasall,andhissensorscouldseetheshatteredplatingandwreckagetrailingfromthe
bitchsdestroyer.Anotherbroadsidebelchedoutashewatched,theexultationofhisbridgecrew
flamedabouthimlikeafire,andhefelthimselfpoundingthearmofhischairasheurgedthose
missileson.
***
SweatdrippedfromRafaelCardonesfaceontohispanel.Saladinselectronicwarfarepatterns
flowedandchangedwithincrediblespeedcomparedtotheiroriginal,arthriticslowness,andthe
battlecruiserspointdefenseseemedtobeseeingstraightpasthisownbirdsECM.Hecouldfeel
Wolcottsanguishbesidehimasmoremissilesstabbedthroughheroverstraineddefensestomaim
andmangleTroubadour,buthehadnotimetospareforthat.HehadtofindachinkinSaladins
armor.Hehadto!
***
JesusC!
LieutenantCummingsvoicediedwithsickeningsuddenness.FusionOnewentintoemergency
shutdownafractionofasecondlater,andthedestroyerfalteredasFusionTwotookthefullload.
TherewerenomorereportsfromDamageControlCentral.Therewasnoonelefttomakethem.
***
Gotorapidfireonalltubes!
HonorseyewaslockedonthecomlinktoTroubadour,andthelivesideofherfacewassickas
sheheardthetidalwaveofdamagereportswashingoverAlistairsbridge.Ammunitionorno,shehad
todrawSaladinsfirefromTroubadourbeforeitwastoo
Thecomlinksuddenlywentdead,andhereyewhippedtothevisualdisplayinhorroras
Troubadoursbackbrokelikeastickandthedestroyersentireafterthirdexplodedlikeasun.
***
CheersfilledThundersbridge,andMatthewSimondspoundedthearmsofhischairandbellowed
hisownthickvoicedtriumph.
HeglaredathisplotandthesinglegodlessshipwhichstillstoodbetweenhimandtheApostate,
hisfaceuglywiththeneedtokillandrend.Buteventhroughhisbloodlust,hesawthesudden
quickeningofFearlesssfire.Thunderlurched,alarmsscreaming,asanotherlaserheadgotthrough,
andthistimehesnarledinfury,forthehithadcosthimtwoofhisowntubes.
Killthatbitch,Ash!
***
ItwasFearlesssturnnow.
DamagealarmsscreamedliketorturedwomenasthefirstMasadanbroadsidelashedher,and
HonortorehermindawayfromthehorrorandpainofTroubadoursdeath.Shecouldntthinkabout
that,couldntletherselfbeparalyzedbythefriendswhodjustdied.
HotelEight,Helm!sheordered,andhersopranovoicewasastrangers,untouchedbyanguish
orselfhate.
Wevelostthecontrolrunstotheafterring,Skipper!CommanderHigginsreportedfrom
DamageCentral.Weredowntotwosixtygees!
Getthoseimpellersbackforme,James.
Illtry,butwereshotcleanthroughatFrameThreeTwelve,Skipper.Itsgoingtotakeatleast
anhourjusttorunreplacementcable.
Fearlesstwistedagainasafreshlasergougeddeep.
Directhitonthecomsection!LieutenantMetzingersvoicewasuglywithloss.Noneofmy
peoplegotout,Skipper.Noneofthem!
***
Thunderheavedastwomorelasersrippedathim,andSimondsswore.Missileswerecominginso
fastandheavyevencomputerdrivenlaserclusterscouldntcatchthemall,buthewaspounding
Harringtonwithequalfury,andhisshipwasfar,fartougher.Areadoutflickeredontheedgeofhis
plotasFearlesssimpellerwedgesuddenlyfaltered,andhiseyesflamed.
Increaseaccelerationtomax!hebarked.Closetherange.Wellfinishthebitchwithenergy
fire!
***
FearlessstaggeredyetagainasanotherlaserheadevadedEnsignWolcott.ThefreshblastofX
rayswipedawaytwomoremissiletubes,andRafaelCardonestasteddespair.Hewashittingthe
bastardsatleastasoftenastheywerehittingFearless,butSaladinwassodamnedtoughshedidnt
evenseemtonotice,andhewasdowntoninetubes.
Andthenhefroze,staringathisreadouts.Thatcouldntbetrue!OnlyanidiotwouldrunhisEW
thatwaybutiftheCaptainwasrightaboutwhowasincommandoverthere....
Theanalysisflashedbeforehim,andhislipsthinned.SaladinsECMwasundercomputercontrol.
Ithadtobe,andtheengagementhadlastedlongenoughforhisownsensorstospotthepattern.The
battlecruiserwascyclingthroughacomplexdeceptionplanthatshiftedsequenceeveryfourhundred
secondsbuteverytimeitdid,itresettoexactlythesameoriginpoint!
TherewasnotimetoclearitwiththeCaptain.Hisflashinghandschangedhisloadingqueues,
updatedhisbirdspenetrationprofiles...andslammedalockonalloffensivefire.Heignoredthe
consternationaroundhimashisfireceased.Hiseyesweregluedtohischrono,watchingitturnover,
andthenhepressedthefiringkeyflat.
***
SimondsfrownedastheFearlesssfiresuddenlydied.Fifteensecondspassedwithoutasingle
answeringshot,thentwenty.Twentyfive.Hefelthislungsfillwithairashepreparedtoshouthisjoy,
thensworeinsavagedisappointmentasherbroadsidefiredagain.
***
Ninemissileschargedthroughspace,andThunderofGodscomputersblinkedincybernetic
surpriseattheirunorthodoxapproach.Theycameinmassedinatightphalanx,suicidallytightagainst
modernpointdefense...exceptthatthethreeleadmissilescarriednothingbutECM.Theirjammers
howled,blindingeveryactiveandpassivesensorsystem,buildingasolidwallofinterference.Neither
Thundernortheirfellowscouldpossiblyseethroughit,andahumanoperatormighthaverealized
therehadtobeareasonFearlesshadvoluntarilyblindedherownmissilesseekers.Butthecomputers
sawonlyasinglejammingsourceandtargeteditwithonlytwocountermissiles.
Onejammerdied,buttheothertwosurvived,spreadingout,varyingthestrengthandpowerand
shapeofthetransmissionsthatbaffledThundersfollowupcountermissiles.Theychargedonward,
andthen,suddenly,theyarcedupandaparttoexposethesixmissilesbehindthem.
Lastditchpointdefenselasersswiveledandstrucklikesnakes,spittingrodsofcoherentlightas
thecomputersfinallyrecognizedthethreat,butthejammershadcoveredthemtothelastpossible
moment,andtheattackmissilesknewexactlywhattheywerelookingfor.Oneofthesixdied,then
another,butthefinalquartetcameon,andanalarmscreamedonLieutenantAshspanel.
Thelieutenantsheadwhippedaroundinhorror.Hehadlessthanasinglesecondtorealizethat
somehowthesemissileshadbeenprogrammedtousehisEWsystems,asifhisdecoyswerehoming
beacons,notdefenses,andthentheyrammedheadlongintotheirtarget.
TwoofthemvanishedinsunbrightfireballsthatshookThundertoherkeelastwin,78ton
hammersstruckhersidewallat.25C.Foralltheirfury,thosetwowereharmless,buttheirsisters
sidewallpenetratorsfunctionedasdesigned.
***
Fearlesswrithedasafreshhitkilledtwomoremissiletubes,butthensomeoneemittedabanshee
shriekoftriumph,andHonorstaredatherrepeater.Itwasntpossible!Noonecouldgetoldfashioned
nukesthroughtheveryteethofamodernwarshipsdefenses!YetRafeCardoneshaddoneit.
Somehow,heddoneit!
Buthehadntscoreddirecthits.Saladinsimpellerwedgeflickeredasshestaggeredoutofthe
fireballs,cloudsofatmosphereandvaporizedalloystreamedbackfromwhereherportsidewallhad
died,butshewasstillthere,andevenasHonorwatched,themaimedbattlecruiserwasrolling
desperatelytointerposetheroofofherimpellerwedgeagainstthefollowupmissileschargingdown
uponher.Herwedgerestabilized,andherdrivewenttomaximumpowerashervectorswungsharply
awayfromFearless.
Sheacceleratedmadly,breakingoff,fleeinghermangledopponent,andHMSFearlesswastoo
badlydamagedtopursue.

 CHAPTERTHIRTYFOUR
TwobrutallywoundedstarshipssweptonwardaroundYeltsinsStarwhiletheircrewsfoughttheir
damage.Medicalstaffsfoughttheirownwarsagainstthehorrorofmaimedandbrokenbodies,and
everymindaboardthemknewtheirnextclashmustbethelast.
HonorHarringtonlistenedtothereportsandforcedthelivingsideofherfacetohideher
desperation.Fearlessscommunicationssectionhadbeenblottedaway,renderingherdeafanddumb,
buttherewasmorethanenoughinternalbadnews.
Aquarterofhercrewwasdeadorwounded,andCommanderBrentworthhadfoundajobatlast.
TheGraysonofficermannedthedamagecontrolnetfromthebridge,releasingLieutenantAllgood,
LieutenantCommanderHigginsseniorassistant,forotherwork,andHigginsneededhimbadly.
Fearlesssentireafterimpellerringwasdown,andherstarboardbroadsidewasreducedtoasingle
graserandeightmissiletubes.Almostworse,thecombinationofdamagedmagazinesandseven
minutesofmaximumratefirehadreducedhertolessthanahundredmissiles,andhersensorshad
beensavagelymauled.Halfhermainradar,bothsecondaryfirecontrolarrays,andtwothirdsofher
passivesensorsweregone.Shecouldstillseeherenemy,butherbestaccelerationwasbarelyathird
ofSaladinsuntilHigginsvacsuitedengineersrestoredherafterimpellerring(iftheycould),and
eventhen,shedlostsomanynodesshedbedowntobarelytwopointeightKPS2.Ifthe
battlecruiserscaptainguessedthetruth,hecouldeasilypulloutandloseher.Hedalreadyreopened
therangetoalmostninetyfourmillionkilometersifheopeneditanothertwolightminutes,Honor
wouldntevenbeabletofindhim,muchlessfighthim,withoutTroubadourtorelayfromtherecon
drones.
Agonystruckagainatthatthought,andshethrustitaway.Therewasnotimeforit,yettryasshe
might,shecouldntforgetthattheredbeenthreehundredmenandwomenaboardAlistairMcKeons
shipfewofthemcouldhavesurvived.
ButRafehadhurtSaladinbadly,too,shetoldherself.Maybeevenbadlyenough.Ifherdamage
wassevereenough,evenfanaticsmightwithdrawiftheydidnt,itwasveryunlikelyFearlesscould
stopher.
***
SwordSimondsheldhimselfrigidlystillasthemedicalorderlyputthelaststitchintothegashin
hisforehead,thenwavedasidetheofferofapainkiller.Theorderlyretreatedquickly,forhehadmore
thanenoughtodoelsewheretherewereovertwelvehundreddeadmeninThunderofGodshull,
twothirdsofthemsoldierswhodbroughtnovacsuitsaboard.
Simondstouchedhisownugly,suturedwound,andknewhewasluckyhedonlybeenknocked
senseless,buthedidntfeelthatway.Hisheadhurtlikehell,andifhecouldntfaulthisexecs
decisiontobreakoff,thatdidntmeanhelikedthesituationhedfoundwhenheregained
consciousness.
Heclenchedhisjawasthelatestdamagereportsscrolleduphisscreen.Thundersarmorandthe
radiationshieldinginsidehiswedgehadlethimlive,buthisportbroadsidehadbeenreducedtofive
lasersandsixtubes,andhalfofthemwereinlocalcontrol.Hismaximumaccelerationhadbeen
reducedtwentyonepercent,hisgraviticsandhalfhisothersensorsincludingallofthemto
portweregone,andWorkmansreportonhissidewallgeneratorswasgrim.Thunder
wasntquitenakedtoport,butspreadinghisremaininggeneratorswouldweakenhissidewallto
lessthanathirdofdesignstrength,andhisradiationshieldswerecompletelygone.Simondsdarednot
evencontemplateexposingthatsideofhisshiptoHarringtonsfire...buthisstarboardarmament
andfirecontrolwereuntouched.
Hetouchedthestitchesagain,andhismindwascoldandcleardespitehisexhaustion.Thebitch
wasstillthere,stillstubbornlydefyingGodsWill,andshedhurthim.Buthedhurther,too,and
hedcheckedtheHavenitedataprofileontheStarKnightclassagainsthermissileexpenditures.Even
ifshehadntlostasinglemagazine,shehadtobealmostdry.
Heglancedoncemoreathisplot,hishatelikeiceathiscoreashenotedthewayshecontinuedto
loafalongbetweenhimandGrayson.Hedidntknowhowshewasmonitoringhiseverymove,andhe
nolongercared.HewasGodswarrior.Hisdutywasclear,anditwasavastrelieftothrowasideall
distractionsandembraceitatlast.
Howmuchlongertorestoretheportsidewall?
Illhaveitupinfortyminutes,Sir.Workmansoundedwearybutconfident,andtheSword
nodded.
Astrogation,IwantastraightlinecourseforGrayson.
***
Heschangingcourse,Skipper.
HonorlookedupquicklyatCardonesreport,andherbloodrancold.Saladinscaptainhadmade
uphismind.HewasnolongermaneuveringagainstFearlessinstead,hedshapedhiscoursedirectly
forGrayson,andhischallengewasobvious.
Shesatverystillforamoment,mindracingasshetriedtofindananswer,buttherewasnone,and
sheclearedherthroat.
PutmethroughtoCommanderHiggins,Mark,shesaidquietly.
Yes,Maam,Brentworthreplied.Therewasabriefpause,thenastrainedvoicespokeoverher
intercom.
Higgins,itsaid.
James,thisistheCaptain.Howmuchlongeronthosecontrolruns?
Anothertenminutes,Maam.Maybeabitless.
Ineedthemnow,Honortoldhimflatly.Saladiniscomingback.
Therewasamomentofsilence,andthechiefengineersvoicewasequallyflatwhenhereplied.
Understood,Maam.IlldowhatIcan.
HonorturnedherchairtofaceStephenDuMorne.
Assumewegetourremainingafterimpellersbackintenminutes.Wherecanweintercept
Saladin?
Shefeltherbridgecrewflinchatthewordintercept,butDuMorneonlybentoverhisconsole,
thenlookedbackupather.
Onthatbasis,wecanmakeazerorangeinterceptonefivetwomillionklicksshortoftheplanet
injustoveronefivesevenminutes,Maam.VelocityatinterceptwillbetwosixzerosixeightKPS.
Heclearedhisthroat.Wellentermissilerangeelevenminutesbeforeintercept.
 Understood.Honorpinchedthebridgeofhernose,andherheartachedforwhatshewasabout
todotoherpeople.Theydeservedfarbetter,butshecouldntgiveittothem.
Bringusaroundtoyournewcourse,Steve,shesaid.ChiefKillian,Iwantthebellyofour
wedgeheldtowardsSaladin.
Aye,aye,Maam.
Fearlessbeganherturn,andHonorturnedtoCardones.
WeshouldbeabletorunafairplotonSaladinwithourbellyradar,Rafe,buttrackingmissiles
throughthegravbandwillbedifficult.
Cardonesnodded,andhisfacewasverystill.Honorsawtheunderstandinginhiseyes,butshehad
tosayit.
Iintendtoholdthebellyofourwedgetowardsherallthewayin.Wedonthavetheammunition
tostopherwithmissiles,soweregoingtoclosetopointblankrangeunlesssheshearsoff.Setupyour
fireplanontheassumptionthatIwillrolltobringourportenergybroadsidetobearattwenty
thousandkilometers.
Cardonessimplynoddedoncemore,butsomeonehissed.Thatwasntenergyweaponrangeitwas
suiciderange.
Shewontknowexactlywhenweintendtoroll,Honorwentoninthatsame,calmvoice.That
shouldgiveusthefirstshot,andatthatrange,itwontmatterhowtoughhersidewallsare.Sheheld
Cardonesgazewithhersingleeyeandspokeverysoftly.Imdependingonyou,Rafe.Getthatfirst
broadsideontarget,thenkeepfiring,whateverhappens.
***
MatthewSimondsgrinwasuglyashisshipacceleratedtowardsGrayson.Therewerenofancy
maneuversforthebitchnow.Harringtonwasstillinsidehim,stillabletointercept,butthistimeit
wouldbeonhisterms,nothers,andhewatchedherprojectedvectorstretchouttocrosshisown.
Theymet152millionkilometersshortoftheplanet,butFearlesswouldneversurvivetoreachthat
point.
***
Andy.
Yes,Maam?
GoafttoAuxiliaryFireControl.TakeHarriswithyou,andmakesurehescompletelyupdated
onRafesfireplan.
Venizelosmouthtightened,buthenodded.
Understood,Skipper.Hehesitatedamoment,thenheldouthishand.Honorsqueezeditfirmly,
andhenoddedoncemoreandsteppedintothelift.
***
Thewarshipsslantedtowardsoneanother,andtherewasafinalityintheirmovements.The
challengehadbeenissuedandacceptedtheywouldmeetataninvisiblepointinspace,andoneof
themwoulddiethere.Therecouldbenootheroutcome,andeverysoulaboardthemknewit.
***
Onehundredminutestointercept,Sir,theastrogatorreported,andSimondsglancedathis
tacticalofficer.
Ifshekeepscominginbehindherwedge,wewonthaveverygoodshotsuntilsherollsdownto
engage,Sir,Ashsaidquietly.
Justdoyourbest,Lieutenant.
Simondsturnedbacktohisownplotandthecrimsondotoftheenemyshipwithaninnersenseof
totalcertainty.Harringtonwasntgoingtorollforamissileduel.Shewasgoingtocarrystraight
throughandengagehimbeamtobeam,andhefeltagrudging,hatefilledrespectforher.Hership
wouldneversurviveatthatrange,butifshereacheditalive,thedamagetoThunderwouldbeterrible.
Heknewit,andheacceptedit,forterribleornot,ThunderwouldlivetoattackGrayson.Heknew
that,too.
Godwouldnotpermitanyotherresult.
***
Neitherofthemaimed,halfblindshipsanylongerhadthecapabilitytolookbeyondtheother
eveniftheydwantedto.Andbecausetheydidnt,neitherofthemnotedthewidespacedhyper
footprintsassixteenbattlecruisersandtheirescortssuddenlyemergedfromhyper23.76lightminutes
fromYeltsinsStar.
***
Thatsit,MyLord,CaptainEdwardssaid.Trackingsgotgoodreadsonbothimpeller
signatures.ThatsthebattlecruiseratthreeonefourtheoneatthreetwofourhastobeFearless.
TheresnosignofTroubadour.
Understood.HamishAlexandertriedtokeephisownemotionsoutofhisvoiceashe
acknowledgedhisflagcaptainsreport.IfReliantcouldntseeTroubadour,thatmeantTroubadour
wasdead,yetallthewayhere,hedknowntheywerealmostcertaintoarrivetoolate,despitetherisks
hedrunwithhishypergeneratorsettings.Nowheknewtheyhadnt,andasenseofelationwarred
withtheblowofthedestroyersloss.
Hedspreadhisbattlecruisersbydivisions,spacingfourseparateformationsaboutGraysonsside
oftheprimaryastheytranslatedfromhypertogivehimselfthebestpossiblecoverage,andbrought
themintonspaceinacrashtranslation.Hecouldhearsomeonestillvomitingbehindhim,buthed
carriedthehighestpossiblevelocityacrossthealphawallwithhim,anditwasaswellhehad.
ReliantsowndivisionhadcomeinwithGraysondirectlybetweenthemandYeltsin,coveringthe
mostimportantarcofthehalfcircle,andthevectorsprojectingthemselvesacrosshisplottoldtheir
owntale.Alexandersshipswerenotonlyaheadofthetwowarshipsonhisplotbutcuttingtheirangle
towardsGrayson.ThatgavehimaneffectiveclosingvelocityofalmosttwentythousandKPS,andthe
rangetoSaladinwasbarelytwelvelightminutes,whichmeantReliantwouldcrosshercoursefive
pointsixlightminutesshortofGrayson...andenterextrememissilerangethreeminutesbeforethat.
Theywereintime.Despitealltheodds,despiteTroubadoursloss,theywereintimeforGrayson
andHMSFearless.
IdontunderstandwhySaladinisnttryingtorun,Edwardsmuttered.Surelyshedoesntthink
shecanfightallofus,MyLord!
Whoknowswhatreligiousfanaticsthink,Captain?AlexandersmiledthinlyatReliants
commander,thenlookedbackathisplotandhidawince.
FearlessscoursemadeHarringtonsintentionsbrutallyclear.Itwasnolessthanhewouldhave
expectedofanofficerwithherrecordwhichmadehimrespecthercouragenolessandhethanked
Godshewouldntbecalledupontomakegoodherdeterminationafterall.
HeraisedhiseyestoAliceTruman,andforthefirsttimesinceshedcomeaboardReliant,some
ofthestrainhadfadedfromherface.ShedbroughtthereliefforcetoYeltsintwofulldaysbeforeit
shouldhavebeenpossible...andthatmeantFearlesswouldlive.
ButheknewfromTrumansreportthatthecruisersgraviticsweregone,andwithoutTroubadour,
shehadnoonetorelayfromtherecondronesforher.ThatmeantHarringtoncouldntknowhisships
hadarrivedunlesshetoldher,andheturnedtohiscomofficer.
RecordfortransmissiontoFearless,Harry.CaptainHarrington,thisisAdmiralWhiteHaven
aboardHMSReliant,closingfromzerothreeonewithBatCruDivOneEight,rangetwelvepointfive
lightminutes.IestimateeighttwominutesbeforeIcanrangeonSaladin.Breakoffandleaveherto
us,Captain.Youvedoneyourjob.WhiteHavenclear.
Onthechip,Admiral!thelieutenantsaidwithahugegrin.
Thensendit,Harrysendit!Alexandersaid,andleanedbackwithamatchinggrin.
***
Therangecontinuedtofall,andHonorknewtherecouldbeonlyoneoutcome.Shedmadeherself
acceptthatfromthemomentSaladinstartedbackin.Sheunderstoodthefearshefeltabouther,for
she,too,wantedtolive,andshe,too,wasafraid.ButthiswaswhyshedputontheQueensuniform,
acceptedtheresponsibilityandprivilegeofservinghermonarchandherpeople,anditdidntmatter
thatGraysonwassomeoneelsesplanet.
Joyce.
Yes,Maam?
IthinkIdlikealittlemusic,Joyce.Metzingerblinkedather,andHonorsmiled.Punchup
HammerwellsSeventhontheintercom,please.
HammerwellsSeventh?Metzingershookherself.Yes,Maam.
HonorhadalwayslovedHammerwell.He,too,hadcomefromSphinx,andthecold,majestic
beautyofherhomeworldwasattheheartofeverythinghedeverwritten.Nowsheleanedbackinher
chairastheswirlingstrainsofManticoresgreatestcomposersmasterworkspilledfromthecom,and
peoplelookedatoneanother,firstinsurpriseandtheninpleasure,asthevoicesofstringsand
woodwindsflowedoverthem.
HMSFearlessspedtowardsherfoe,andthehauntinglovelinessofHammerwellsSaluteto
Springwentwithher.
***
Fearlessisntbreakingoff,MyLord,CaptainHuntersaid,andAlexanderfrowned.Hismessage
musthavereachedHarringtonoverfiveminutesago,buthercoursehadneverwavered.
Hecheckedthetime.Atthisrange,itwouldtakeanotherfiveorsixminutesforherreplytoreach
him,andhemadehimselfsitback.
ShemaybeafraidSaladinwilllaunchagainsttheplanetunlessshekeepsthepressureon,he
saidtoHunter,buthisvoicesoundedselfconvincingeventohimself.
***
Interceptinsevenfiveminutes,Simondsastrogatorreported,andtheSwordnodded.
 ***
HamishAlexandersfrowndeepened.RelianthadbeeninYeltsinspaceforoverthirtyminutes,
andstillHarringtonscourseheldsteady.Shewasstillboringinforherhopelessfight,andthatdidnt
makeanysenseatall.
Hehadfourbattlecruisers,supportedbytwelvelighterships,andtherewasnowaySaladincould
outrunthemwiththeirinitialvelocityadvantage.Withthatmuchfirepowerbearingdownonher
enemy,therewasnosanereasonforHarringtontokeepcomingthisway.Theseparationwasstilltoo
greatforSaladintorangeonher,butunlessshebrokeoffinthenexttenminutes,thatwasgoingto
change.
DearGod.ThehushedwhispercamefromAliceTruman,andAlexanderlookedather.The
Commanderhadgonebonewhite,andherlipswerebloodless.
Whatisit,Commander?
Shedoesntknowwerehere.Trumanturnedtohim,herfacetight.Shenevergotyour
message,MyLord.Hercommunicationsareout.
Alexanderseyeswentverystill,andthenhenodded.Ofcourse.Harringtonhadalreadylost
Troubadour,andherownaccelerationwasbarely2.5KPS2.Thatspelledbattledamage,andifher
comsectionhadbeendestroyedaswellashergravitics
Heturnedtohischiefofstaff.
Timetomissilerange,Byron?
Threeninerpointsixminutes,Sir.
Timeuntiltheirvectorsmerge?
Nineteenminutes,Huntersaidflatly,andAlexandersjawclenchedinpainalltheworseforhis
earlierelation.Twentyminutes.Lessthananeyeblinkbythestandardsoftheuniverse,yetthose
twentyminutesmadeallthedifferencetherewas,fortheyhadntbeenintimeafterall.
Graysonwouldbesafe,buttheyweregoingtoseeHMSFearlessdiebeforetheireyes.
***
ThesoaringfinaleofSalutetoSpringswepttoitsclimaxandfadedaway,andHonorinhaled
deeply.ShestraightenedandlookedatCardones.
Timetointercept,Guns?sheaskedcalmly.
Eighteenminutes,Skippermissilerangeinsixpointfive.
Verywell.Shelaidherforearmsverypreciselyalonghercommandchairsarms.Standby
pointdefense.
***
CaptainEdwards!
Yes,MyLord?Reliantscaptainsvoicewashushed,ashe,too,watchedtragedyunfoldbefore
him.
Bringthedivisionninetydegreestostarboard.IwantbroadsidefireonSaladinrightnow.
ButEdwardsbeganinshock,andAlexandercuthimoffharshly.
Doit,Captain!
Atonce,MyLord!
 ByronHunterlookedsidelongathisadmiralandclearedhisthroat.
Sir,therangeisoverahundredmillionklicks.Theresnowaywecanscoreat
Iknowtherange,Byron,Alexanderneverturnedawayfromhisowndisplay,butitsallweve
got.MaybeHarringtonwillpickthemuponradarifshestillhasradarastheyclose.Ormaybe
Saladinssufferedsensordamageofherown.Ifsheisnttryingtobreakoffbecauseshedoesntknow
werehere,either,maybeshewillifweletherknowweare.Hell,maybewellactuallyscoreonherif
sheholdshercourse!
Helookedupatlast,andhischiefofstaffsawthedespairinhiseyes.
Itsallwevegot,herepeatedvery,verysoftlyasBattlecruiserDivision17turnedtoopenits
broadsidesandwenttorapidfire.
***
ThefirstmissilesspewedoutfromThunderofGod,andFearlessscrippledsensorscouldntsee
themaboveahalfmillionkilometers.ThatgaveRafeCardonesandCarolynWolcottbarelyseven
secondstoengagethem,fartoobriefawindowtousecountermissiles.
Theirdamagedjammersanddecoysfoughttoblindandbeguiletheincomingfire,andtheyd
learnedevenmoreaboutThundersoffensivefirecontrolthanLieutenantAshhadlearnedabout
theirs.Threequartersofthefirstbroadsidelostlockandveeredaway,andcomputercommandedlaser
clustersquiveredlikequestinghounds,pittingtheirminimalpredictiontimeagainstthesurvivinglaser
headsacquisitiontime.
Rodsofcoherentlightpickedofftargetswithdesperatespeed,butFearlesscouldntpossiblystop
themall,andshedidnt.Mostofthosewhichgotthroughwastedtheirfuryagainstherimpenetrable
bellyband,butafewracedacrossaboveandbelowhertoattackhersidewalls.Damagealarms
wailedagain,menandwomendied,weaponswerewipedaway,butthecruisershookoffthedamage
andkeptclosing,andtherewasonlysilenceonherbridge.HonorHarringtonsatimmovableinher
commandchair,shoulderssquared,likeaneyeofcalmattheheartofthatsilence,andwatchedher
plot.
Sevenmoreminutestointercept.
***
MatthewSimondssnarledasFearlesskeptcomingthroughthewhirlwindofhisfire.Seventytwo
missilesperminuteslashedoutatthecruiser,hismagazinelevelsfelllikeasandcastlemeltinginthe
rain,butshehadntfiredasingleshotbackathim,andherunflinchingapproachsentachilloffear
throughtheheartofhisexhaustionfoggedrage.Hewashittingherheknewhewashittingher!but
shecameonlikesomenervelessjuggernautonlydeathitselfcouldstop.
Hestaredatthelightbeadinhisdisplay,watchingatmospherespillfromitlikeblood,andtriedto
understand.Shewasaninfidel,awoman.Whatkepthercomingforhimthisway?
***
Interceptinfiveminutes,Skipper.
Understood.
Honorscoolsopranowasunshadowedbyherownfear.TheydalreadyenduredSaladinsfirefor
sixminutesandtakenninemorehits,twoserious,andthebattlecruisersfirewouldonlygrowmore
accurateastheyclosed.
 ***
Amassivesalvohurtledthroughspace,eightyfourmissilesspawnedbyfourbattlecruisersfroma
baseclosingvelocityofthirtythousandKPS.Anothercamebehindit,andanother,buttherangewas
impossiblylong.
Theirdriveshadburnedoutthreeminutesandtwelvepointthreemillionkilometersafterlaunch,
ataterminalvelocityofalmostahundredandsixthousandKPS.Nowtheytoreonward,ridinga
purelyballisticcourse,invisibleonHamishAlexandersplot,andhisstomachwasalumpofiron.
Thirteenminutessincelaunch.Evenattheirvelocity,theywouldtakeanotherfourminutestoenter
attackrange,andthechanceoftheirscoringahitraceddownwardwitheverysecondofflighttime.
***
Fearlessrockedasapairoflasersslashedintoherportside.
MissileSixandLaserEightgone,Captain,CommanderBrentworthreported.Dr.Montoya
reportsCompartmentTwoFortyopentospace.
Acknowledged.Honorclosedhereyeinpain,forTwoFortyhadbeenconvertedintoan
emergencywardwhenthecasualtiesspilledoutofsickbay.Sheprayedthewoundedsemergency
environmentalslipshadsavedsomeofthem,butdeepinsidesheknewmostofthosepeoplehadjust
died.
Hershipbuckedagain,andfreshtidingsofdeathandinjurywashedoverher,butthetimedisplay
onherplottickedsteadilydownward.Onlyfourmoreminutes.Fearlessonlyhadtolastanotherfour
minutes.
***
Interceptinthreepointfiveminutes,LieutenantAshsaidhoarsely,andSimondsnoddedand
sliddowninhischair,bracinghimselffortheholocaustabouttobegin.
***
Missilesenteringattackrange...now!CaptainHunterrasped.
***
AproximityalarmflashedonLieutenantAshspanel,awarningbuzzerwailed,andashoalof
crimsondotsappearedonhisradardisplay.
Thelieutenantgapedatthem.Theywerecominginatincrediblespeed,andtheycouldntbethere.
Theycouldntbethere!
Buttheywere.TheydcomeoverahundredmillionkilometerswhileThunderofGodmovedto
meetthem,andtheirverylackofdrivepowerhadhelpedthemevadeallofThundersremaining
passivesensors.Ashsradarhadamaximumrangeagainstsuchsmalltargetsofjustoverahalf
millionkilometers,andthatwaslessthanfivesecondsattheirvelocity.
Missilesatthreefivetwo!hecried,andSimondsheadjerkedtowardshissecondaryplot.
OnlyfiveofthemwerecloseenoughtoattackThunder,andtheynolongerhadanypowerto
adjusttheirtrajectoriesbutThunderhadheldherundeviatingcourseforovertwohours.Theyraced
acrossherbowandrolledonattitudethrusters,bringingtheirlaserclusterstobeardownthe
unprotectedthroatofherwedge,andallfiveofthemdetonatedasone.
ThunderofGodbuckedlikeamadthingashalfadozenlasersrippedintoherportbeam,and
MatthewSimondswentwhitewithhorrorashesawthesecondincomingbroadsideracingdownupon
him.
Hardastarboard!heshouted.
Thecoxswainthrewthehelmhardover,wrenchingThundersvulnerablebowawayfromthenew
menace,andSimondsfeltarushofrelief.
Thenherealizedwhatheddone.
Belaythathelmorder!hescreamed.
***
Hesturning!RafeCardonesshouted,andHonorjerkeduprightinherchair.Itcouldntbe!
Therewasno
Rollport!Allbatteries,engage!
***
Engagewithforwardbatteries!Simondsyelleddesperately.
Hehadnochoice.Thunderwastooslowonthehelm,andhedcompoundedhisoriginalmistake.
Heshouldhavecompletedtheturn,gottenaroundasquicklyashecouldtointerposehiswounded
portsidewallwhileherolledtoblockwiththetoporbellyofhiswedgeinstead,hishelmsmanobeyed
theordershedbeengiven,checkingtheturntocomebacktoportinthesameplane,andThunder
hungforafew,shortsecondsbowontoFearless.
Thebattlecruisersforwardarmamentspatfire,twopowerfulspinallasersblazingfranticallyatthe
targetsuddenlysquareacrossherbow.ThefirstsalvowasteditselfagainstthebellyofFearlesss
wedge,butthecruiserwasrollinglikeasnake.Thunderfiredagain,pointblankenergyfireripped
throughhersidewall,andarmorwasnoprotectionatthatrange.Airanddebrisvomitedintospace,but
thenhersurvivingbroadsidecametobear.
Fourlasersandthreefarmorepowerfulgraserswenttocontinuousrapidfire,andtherewasno
sidewalltostopthem.
MatthewSimondshadoneflaminginstanttoknowhedfailedhisGod,andthenHMSFearless
blewhisshipapartaroundhim.

 CHAPTERTHIRTYFIVE
HonorHarringtonsteppedintoatrillofbosunspipes,andNimitzstiffenedonhershouldereven
ashergoodeyewidenedinsurprise.AdmiralWhiteHavenhadsummonedherforafinal,routine
meetingbeforeshetookFearlesshome,butAmbassadorLangtrywaitedbesidehiminReliantsboat
bay.Thatwasoddenough,yetnolesserpersonagesthanAdmiralWesleyMatthewsandBenjamin
Mayhewhimselfstoodwiththem,andspeculationfrothedthroughherevenasherhandrosein
automaticsalute.
***
HamishAlexanderwaitedforProtectorMayhewandSirAnthonyLangtrytofindchairs,thensat
behindhisdeskandconsideredthewomanbeforehim.
Hertreecatwasobviouslyrestive,butshelookedcalm,despitethesurpriseshemustbefeeling,
andherememberedthefirsttimehedseenher.Shedbeencalmthen,too,whenshedcomeaboard
toreportherdamagesandcasualtieswithanindifferencewhichhadrepelledhim.Shehadnteven
seemedtocare,asifpeopleweresimplypartofashipsfittings,onlyweaponstobeexpendedand
forgotten.
Heremotionlessdetachmenthadappalledhim...butthenthereportcameinthatCommander
McKeonhadsomehowgottenalmostahundredofhiscrewawayinhissinglesurvivingpinnace,and
themaskhadslipped.Hedseenherturnaway,tryingtohidethetearsinhergoodeye,thewayher
shouldersshook,andhedsteppedbetweenherandhisstafftoblocktheirviewandguardhersecretas
herealizedthisonewasspecial.Thatherarmorofdetachmentwassothickbecausethepainandgrief
behinditweresoterrible.
Hismemoryflickeredaheadtoanotherdaythedayshedwatchedinstonefacedsilenceasthe
menwhodrapedandmurderedMadrigalscrewfacedaGraysonhangman.Shehadntenjoyedit,but
shedwatchedasunflinchinglyasshedheadedintoSaladinsbroadside.Notforherself,butforthe
peoplewhowouldneverseeit,andthatunyieldingdeterminationtoseejusticedoneforthemhad
completedhisunderstandingofher.
Heenviedher.Hewastwiceherage,withacareertomakeanymanproud,includingthefreshly
accomplishedconquestoftheEndicottSystem,yetheenviedher.Hersquadronhadbeenharrowed
andriven,itstwosurvivingunitsbatteredintowrecks.Ninehundredofhercrewmenhaddied,another
threehundredwerewounded,andshewouldnever,everbelieveashewouldneverhavebelievedin
herplacethatthedeathtollcouldnthavebeenlowerifshedbeenbetter.Butshewaswrong,ashe
wouldhavebeenwrong,andnothingcouldeverdiminishwhatsheandherpeoplehaddone.Whather
peoplehaddoneforherbecauseofwhoandwhatshewas.
Heclearedhisthroat,andassheturnedtolookathim,hewasstruckoncemorebytheclean,
sharpedgedattractivenessofher.Hefeltitevenwithhalfherfaceparalyzedandheranachronistic
eyepatch,andhewonderedwhatherimpactmusthavebeenlikebeforeshewaswounded.
Obviously,CaptainHarrington,hesaidquietly,Iaskedyouaboardforsomethingbesidesthe
traditionalpredeparturemeeting.
Indeed,Sir?Herslurredsopranowasnomorethanpolitelyinquiring,andhesmiledslightlyand
tippedhischairback.
 Indeed.Yousee,Captain,therevebeenalotofdispatchesflowingbackandforthbetween
GraysonandManticore.Including,helethissmilefade,arathersharpprotestfromtheHonorable
ReginaldHouseman.
Hersteadyregardneverflickered.
Iregrettoinformyou,Captain,thattheLordsofAdmiraltyhaveplacedaletterofreprimandin
yourpersonnelfile.Whatevertheprovocation,andIgranttherewasprovocation,thereisnoexcuse
foraQueensofficersphysicallyattackingacivilianrepresentativeoftheCrown.Itrustitwillnever
benecessaryformetoremindyouofthatagain?
SodoI,MyLord,shesaid,andhertonemeantsomethingverydifferentfromhis.Therewasno
arroganceinit,nodefiance,butneitherwasthereanyapology,andheleanedacrossthedesk.
Understandme,Captain,hesaidquietly.Noonecandisputeyouraccomplishmentshere,noris
anyofficeroftheQueeninclinedtowastemuchsympathyonMr.Houseman.Myconcernisnotfor
him.Itsforyou.
Somethinghappenedinthatcool,browneye.Herheadcockedabittooneside,andhertreecat
mimickedthemovement,fixingtheadmiralwithhisunblinkinggreengaze.
Youreanoutstandingofficer.Hersharplycarvedfaceblushed,butshedidntlookaway.But
youhavethevicesofyourvirtues,CaptainHarrington.Directactionisntalwaysthebestpolicy,and
therearelimits.Overstepthemtoooften,whatevertheprovocation,andyourcareerwillend.Iwould
considerthatatragedy,bothforyouandfortheQueensservice.Dontletithappen.
Heheldhergazeforamoment,andthenshebobbedasmallnod.
Iunderstand,MyLord,shesaidinanentirelydifferentvoice.
Good.Alexanderleanedbackagain.Now,however,attheriskofundoingmyefforttoputthe
fearofGodintoyou,Imustinformyouthat,asidefromyourtendencytopummelherdiplomats,Her
Majestyisquitepleasedwithyou,Captain.Infact,Iunderstandsheintendstoexpressherthanksto
youinpersonuponyourreturntoManticore.Iimaginethatshould,um,offsetanypotential
consequencesofyourreprimand.
Herblushturneddarkandhot,andforthefirsttimesincehedmether,shelookedalmost
flustered.
IalsohavetoinformyouthatacertainCaptainAlfredoYu,latelyintheserviceofthePeoples
RepublicofHaven,waspickedupinEndicott.HesrequestedasylumfromtheCrown.Harrington
straightenedinherchair,hereyeveryintent,andhenodded.Illbesendinghimhomeaboardyour
ship,Captain,andIexpectyoutoshowhimthecourtesyduehisrank.
Shenodded,andhenoddedback.
ThatcompleteswhatIneededtosaytoyou,butIbelieveProtectorBenjaminhassomethingto
say.AlexanderturnedpolitelytoGraysonsruler,andshefollowedsuit.
Ido,indeed,CaptainHarrington,Mayhewsaidwithasmile.Myplanetcanneveradequately
thankyouforwhatyoudidforus,butwearekeenlyawareofourdebt,notsimplytoyoubuttoyour
crewsandyourKingdom,andwedesiretoexpressourgratitudeinsometangiblefashion.
Accordingly,withQueenElizabethspermissionthroughSirAnthony,Iaskyoutosignourdraft
treatyofallianceinhername.
Honorinhaledsharply,andhissmileturnedsad.
 Hadhelived,AdmiralCourvosierwouldhavesigned.Ifeelcertainthereisnoonehecouldhave
moredesiredtodosoinhisplacethanyou,andIaskyoutocompletehisworkhereforhim.Willyou
doit?
IHonorhadtostopandclearherthroat.Idbehonoredto,Sir.Veryhonored.IShebroke
offandshookherhead,unabletocontinue.
Thankyou,Mayhewsaidsoftly,thenwavedahand.Thereare,however,twoothersmall
matters.WiththebenefitsofournewrelationshipwithManticore,weexpecttoexpandourorbital
farmsandpopulationatamuchfasterrate,andtheChamberhas,atmyrequest,authorizedthe
GrantinOrganizationofanewsteadingonoursouthernmostcontinent.Withyourpermission,we
intendtocallittheSteadingofHarrington,andIaskyoutoassumetheofficeofitsSteadholderfor
yourselfandyourheirs.
ShockjerkedHonorsosuddenlytoherfeetthatNimitzswayedforbalance,digginghisclaws
deepintoherpaddedshoulder.
SirProtectorBenjaminIcantImean,youcantShefloundered,tryingdesperatelytofind
thewordstoexpressherfeelings.Hershockanddisbelief,andtheresidualmemoryofwhatafreak
shedbeentreatedaswhenfirstshearrivedhere.
Please,Captain,Mayhewinterruptedher.Sitdown.Sheobeyednumbly,andhesmiledather
again.Imapragmatist,Captain.Ihavemoremotivesthanoneforaskingyoutoacceptthispost.
ButImaQueensofficer,Sir.Ihaveotherduties,otherresponsibilities.
Irealizethat.Withyourpermission,Iintendtonominatearegenttoseetothedaytodayaffairs
ofyoursteading,butyourtitlewillbeveryreal,Captain,anddocumentswillbeforwardedtoyou
fromtimetotimewhichwillrequireyoursignatureandauthorization.Moreover,Yeltsinand
Manticorearentthatfarapart,andwehopetoseeyouhereoften,thoughtheChamberfullyrealizesit
willbeimpossibleforyoutopersonallygovernyourpeople.Butasidefromtheincomewhichwill
besubstantial,inafewyearstime,andwhichtheChamberearnestlywishesyoutohavethereisa
muchmorepressingreasonforyoutoaccept.Yousee,weneedyou.
Needme,Sir?
Yes.Graysonfacestremendouschangesoverthenextfewdecades,politicalandsocialaswellas
economic.Youllbethefirstwomaninourhistorytoholdland,butyouwontbethelast,andwe
needyouasamodelandachallengeaswebringourwomenfullyintooursociety.And,ifyoull
forgivemyfrankness,your...determinedpersonalityandthefactthatyoureaprolongrecipient
meansyoullbeaverystrongmodelforaverylongtime.
ButHonorlookedatLangtry.SirAnthony?WouldthisevenbelegalunderManticoranlaw?
Normally,no.Theambassadorseyesgleamedwithunmistakabledelight.Inthisinstance,
however,HerMajestyhaspersonallyauthorizedit.Moreover,theHouseofLordshasdeterminedthat
yourdignitiesasanoblewomanofasovereignallyoftheKingdomwillequatetothoseofanearlof
therealm.ShouldyouacceptthemandHerMajestysGovernmentasksyoutoconsiderdoingso
mostseriouslyyouwillbecomeCountessHarringtonaswellasSteadholderHarrington.
Honorstaredathim,unabletobelieveawordofityetunabletodisbelieve,either,andfelt
Nimitzstailtwitchagainstherspine.
IShepausedoncemore,thenshookherheadandsmiledcrookedly.Areyousureaboutthis,
ProtectorBenjamin?
 Iam.AllofGraysonis.
ThenIsupposeIhavetoaccept.Imean,sheblushedhotly,Iwouldbehonoredtoaccept.
Iknowpreciselywhatyoumean,Captain.Wevejumpedoutandbaggedyouwithoutwarning,
andyoudreallyratherwedidittosomeoneelse,butyoullacceptanyway.Herblushwentwine
dark,andhissmilebecameagrin.Ontheotherhand,thissortofthingsometimeshappenstopeople
whoholdpistolstoagovernmentshead,andIthinkhisgringrewpositivelywickedthatonce
yougetovertheshock,theideawillgrowonyou.
Shelaughed.Shehadto,andhelaughedwithher.
Idontdeserveit,Sir,butthankyou.Really.
Yourewelcomereally.Andnowtheresjustonemorelittlething.Heroseandgesturedto
her.Standplease,CaptainHarrington.
Honorobeyed,andtheProtectorextendedhishandtoAdmiralMatthews,whodrewabloodred
ribbonfromasmall,velvetcaseanddrapeditacrosshispalm.Anexquisitelywrought,manyrayed
starofgoldhungfromitsend,andtheProtectorshooktheribbonoutalmostreverentlytodisplayit.
CaptainHonorHarrington,itgivesmemorepleasurethanIcanpossiblysay,topresenttoyou,in
thenameofthepeopleofGrayson,theStarofGrayson,forheroismintheserviceofourworld.
Honorinhaledandcametoattentionalmostautomatically,andMayhewroseonhistoestoloop
theribbonaboutherneck.Headjusteditwithcare,andthestarsbrightgloryshonelikeaflame
againstherspaceblacktunic.
Thismedalisourhighestawardforvalor,hetoldherquietly.Overtheyears,ithasbeenworn
bysometrulyextraordinarymen,butnever,Ithink,byonemoreextraordinarythanthewomanwho
hasreceivedittoday.
Amomentofuttersilencefilledthecabin,andthenLangtryclearedhisthroat.
Andnow,Captain,hesaid,theresonemoreformalitybeforeyouaccompanyProtector
Benjaminandmyselfbackplanetsidefortheformaltreatysigningandyourinvestitureas
Steadholder.
Honorsimplylookedathim,toodazedbyallthathadhappenedtodoanythingelse,andhesmiled
ather.Thenhesteppedbackandopenedthedoortotheadmiralsdiningcabin,andAlistairMcKeon
andAliceTrumanwalkedthroughit,beamingasiftosplittheirfaces.
Honorsconfusionwascomplete.ShedthoughtAlistairwasstillaboardFearless,waitingwith
ScottyTremaineandhisothersurvivorstoreturntoManticorewithher.Butherehewasinfullmess
dressandwherehedgottenitwhenallhisgearhadgoneupwithTroubadourshecouldntbeginto
imagineandcarryingasheathedsword.Alicewasjustasformallydressed,andshecarriedasmall
silkcushion.
Shecrossedthecabinandsetthecushiononthedecksole.Thensheheldoutherhands,andto
HonorsuttersurpriseNimitzleaptlightlyintothem.Alicecradledthecatinherarmsandstoodback
andcametoattentionasAlistairstoppedatLangtryselbow.
Kneel,please,Captain.Theambassadorgesturedtothecushion,andsheobeyedasifina
dream.Steelraspedashedrewtheshiningblade,andMcKeonretiredahalfpacebehindhimwiththe
sheathandcametoattention.
BytheauthorityvestedinmeasHerMajestysAmbassadortoGraysonandbyHerexpress
commission,actingforandinHersteadandasKnightGrandCrossoftheOrderofKingRoger,
Langtrysaidinhisdeepvoice,Ibestowuponyoutherank,title,prerogatives,anddutiesofKnight
CompanionoftheOrderofKingRoger.Theglitteringsteeltouchedherrightshoulderlightly,then
herleft,thenbacktoherrightoncemorewhileshestaredupathim.Thenhesmiledandloweredthe
bladeoncemore.
Rise,DameHonor,hesaidsoftly,andmayyourfutureactionsasfaithfullyupholdthehonorof
theQueenasyourpast.