Basil did not know what such measures would actually accomplish, but he would never let it appear that the Hansa did not know what to do. The people must continue to have hope. The EDF had already confiscated most stockpiles of ekti for military use, though some colonists on the more distant Hansa planets were hoarding the fuel themselves, saving it for what they knew would be terrible times ahead.

The citizens had accepted King Peter. His coronation had been embraced with the full enthusiasm of a family sharing grief. Peter had done well enough so far. He was a likable young man, charismatic and strong, very attractive, with a good, sonorous voice. But in spite of being surrounded with all the opulence of the Whisper Palace, the fine foods, the pleasures and trappings of power, Peter would not enjoy his rule for a moment.

A lesser man might have felt a pang of guilt and sadness for what Basil had done to bright-eyed young Raymond Aguerra. But some people could not choose their responsibilities—neither he, nor the young orphan. However, he did not envy King Peter the difficulties he would face in his new reign.

At least Sarein had been appointed the new ambassador from Theroc, a kindred spirit, someone who would listen to rational debate about the uses of green priests in the growing war effort. That might be an advantage—though a minimal one. She had used him to gain her position. He wondered if Sarein would choose to be his lover again, now that she had Otema’s coveted position, now that she’d found her prestigious place on Earth.

With the ready supply of ekti cut off for the foreseeable future, all space travel must henceforth be severely restricted. The Terran Hanseatic League and the ancient Ildiran Empire were effectively shut down.

The nightmare was only beginning.

115: LOUIS COLICOS

115LOUIS COLICOS

Margaret grabbed his wrist. With DD hurrying to follow, they ran down the stone corridors, deeper into the abandoned cliff city. From outside, they heard the hum of mechanical wings, like a swarm of giant locusts, as the Klikiss robots rose into the air and flew toward them. Louis could think of no way to block off the black machines.

Louis recalled the configuration of the empty city, trying to figure out the best place to hide, a chamber in which they could seal themselves. His mind raced over the layout of tunnels and passages, remembered where they narrowed.

Louis’s face lit with forced hope. He pretended to be optimistic for Margaret’s sake. “Back to the stone-window chamber! The corridor outside is fairly small. Maybe we can find enough material to make a barricade.” He doubted the Klikiss robots would be deterred by any barrier they could construct.

Following the lights that DD had strung, they ran through twists and turns, finally arriving at the large stone room where Louis had spent so much time.