He ducked and slipped forward so smoothly the front-row spectators didn’t even notice a new wide-eyed person standing among them. Because every day was a struggle just to provide for himself, his mother, and his brothers, he paid little attention to politics. But he liked to watch the shows. Overhead, dirigibles, gliders, and balloons carried aloft those who could afford an expensive bird’s-eye view of the Palace grounds. Gongs were rung, even more deafening than the cheers of the audience.
He watched a flurry of bright court uniforms—royal guards and ministers setting up a speaking stage on the grand balcony of the Whisper Palace. As a Unison deacon read a familiar invocation and prayer, salutiers unfurled the brilliant banner of the Terran Hanseatic League, an icon of Earth at the heart of three concentric circles.
Looking no more impressive than the court functionaries except for his too-extravagant robes, an old man stepped ponderously onto the balcony, as if he had taken the time to rehearse every footstep. When the King raised his hands high, the billowing sleeves of his lush garment drooped to his elbows. Flashes of sunlight glittered from the rings on his fingers and the cut flatgems in his crown.
“Today I speak to you of a great victory for human ingenuity and drive.” King Frederick’s amplified words boomed from speakers all across the plaza. He had the rich baritone voice of a deity, deep and resonating. “In the Oncier system, we have caused the birth of a new star, which will shine its life-giving warmth and light upon four pristine worlds for the settling of humankind.”
The people cheered again after listening in an awed hush. Raymond smiled at their feigned surprise; everyone already knew the announced purpose of the gathering.
“The time has come to light four more torches in the Palace District!” As the echoes of his voice faded, the King made an extravagant gesture, his hand barely visible even to Raymond’s sharp eyesight.
On most of the high points, pillars, and domes, crackling eternal flames already rose to the sky, as they did from the firefly chains of lampposts on the grounds. Each torch supposedly symbolized a Terran colony world that had signed the Hansa charter and therefore swore fealty to the Old King.
“I give you these four new moons, which are named after my illustrious predecessors, the first four Great Kings of the Terran Hanseatic League: Ben!” With a boom, a blazing pillar of fire erupted from the point of a soaring tower on the walking bridge that spanned the Royal Canal. “George! Christopher! And Jack!” As he said each name, a new torch bloomed on the top of an unlit tower on the great bridge span.
The ice hadn’t even melted yet on the four moons, and the first terraforming teams wouldn’t be landed until the tectonic upheavals stabilized. Still, Raymond delighted along with the audience, watching the King claim a quartet of new worlds. What a grand show!
Bands began to play, and mirrorized ribbon chaff twinkled like dandelion fluff through the air, dispersed by drifting zeppelins. King Frederick announced a day of raucous celebration. The population applauded any excuse for reveling. Maybe that was why they all loved their King so much.