“Not at all, Margaret. I have done my best to explain to them how compies function and how our design is different from their own. But I have learned nothing about the original Klikiss race.”

“He tried, dear,” Louis said. DD’s mood changed, becoming sad, almost distraught. “It is distressing that all of their lives, all of their stored experiences, have vanished. One can only imagine what amazing wonders the Klikiss robots must have experienced. Such a shame.”

Margaret picked up her cards and studied the hand, though she hadn’t yet figured out which game they were playing. “We’re doing our best to uncover it all, DD.”

96: BASIL WENCESLAS

96BASIL WENCESLAS

The Mage-Imperator of the Ildiran Empire and Chairman Basil Wenceslas of the Terran Hanseatic League were the two most powerful men in the Spiral Arm, but they had never met in person. It was about time.

Basil boarded a diplomatic ship and headed toward Ildira to take matters into his own hands. This was not a time for ambassadors or diplomacy: The circumstances demanded an immediate and frank discussion of the alien crisis.

The devastating attacks on Roamer facilities had drastically curtailed ekti production. Many skymines had been shut down and abandoned. And who could blame the Roamers? Now, after the destruction of the Ildiran cloud-harvesting complex on Qronha 3, Basil was sure the Mage-Imperator would be willing to join forces with the EDF against the common enemy. He hoped the Ildiran leader understood that he, as Hansa Chairman, could make whatever decisions might be required on behalf of humanity.

Early in his career, he had listened to his father’s insight: “Learn from mistakes, Basil—preferably someone else’s.” Using the Ildiran stardrive to spread colonies and increase the Hansa’s economic power, human civilization had finally reached a point at which it could achieve its true potential.

Now, as his ship descended toward Mijistra and his staff broadcast a request for an immediate audience with the Mage-Imperator, Basil steepled his fingers and drew a deep breath, considering possible ways to handle the discussion. There were many alternatives, and a multitude of unknown factors.

Before his departure to Ildira, Basil had met again with General Lanyan to receive a final briefing on the readiness of the revamped Earth Defense Forces and how best they could make use of the Solar Navy. Frowning, the General had called up surveillance images on his display screens. In a precise voice, he said, “I have my doubts, Mr. Chairman, about the military efficacy of the Ildiran Solar Navy. In my assessment, I question their ability to perform adequately in a genuine conflict.”

Basil had looked at images of the immense warliners without arguing. “According to reports from Qronha 3, Ildiran warliners successfully destroyed at least one and possibly several enemy spheres.”

Lanyan pursed his lips. “Sir, that was a fluke. A suicide mission that cost an entire Ildiran battleship. It is not standard practice for the Solar Navy.”

“Explain yourself, General.”