His mother and father were important executives in a large commercial corporation, merchants who distributed much-needed wares among the human-settled planets. His father had worked to make huge amounts of money so he could buy villas and vacation spas and beautiful things for himself, his friends, and his wife. Basil’s mother, on the other hand, was a more intense person than her husband. She never enjoyed her wealth or power, but instead seemed afraid she might lose her status at any moment. She had never allowed herself to relax, while Basil’s father squandered much of what he had achieved.

Observing the two of them, Basil had combined the best of both traits. As Hansa Chairman, he had supreme self-confidence and knew how to achieve grand things. But he did not waste his fortunes on mansions and jewelry; he devoted his energies to other things.

Now, Basil paced his quarters high up in the Hansa pyramid, looking through glass walls to the filtered sunlight that reflected from the torch-capped domes and cupolas of the Whisper Palace. On the display screens, King Frederick clasped General Lanyan’s shoulders and turned the uniformed man around to present him to the cheering audience. The loud applause prevented many from hearing the King’s words, but Basil spotted the repeated mistake right away.

“I give you General Kurt Lanson! The greatest of my generals and a man whom I consider to be a personal friend.” The people cheered, and Basil seethed, embarrassed. The General bowed his head and pretended not to notice, taking the Old King’s error with good grace.

“Enough is enough,” Basil muttered. “Things must change.” He sent a signal, calling for his expediter, Franz Pellidor, and his group of hand-picked operatives.

When the men arrived in the upper headquarters level, blond Pellidor squared his shoulders and stood in front of his team, looking expectantly at the Chairman.

Basil ran a well-manicured finger over his lower lip, pondering the best way to implement his ideas. Finally, he issued quiet orders for the operatives to begin their work. “You will take whatever action is necessary. We must get the newly chosen Prince in training immediately. I hope we haven’t waited too long already.”

“We understand, sir,” said Mr. Pellidor. The expediter didn’t flinch or flush. Basil would not have expected otherwise.

He thought of the previous heir-candidate, Prince Adam, who had proven too unruly and disrespectful of the careful house of political cards built by the Hansa. Basil had been forced to eliminate young Adam before ever letting the public know of his existence.

He lowered his voice, speaking mostly to himself as the operatives turned to depart. “Let’s pray that this new candidate proves more tractable, or we will be in deep trouble indeed.”

25: RAYMOND AGUERRA

25RAYMOND AGUERRA

Raymond made his way back toward the apartment complex with a jaunty step, pleased at how much he had accomplished during the dark and quiet hours.