Estarra wasn’t entirely certain they could trust OX, though the Teacher compy had been very useful in gathering reliable information. “He’s a Hansa machine, programmed to follow a certain set of orders.”
Her dark eyes shone in the bright light from the royal suite’s balcony, and Peter felt a giddy rush just looking at his beautiful Queen. In spite of all his crises and ordeals, the machinations and responsibilities, Peter knew he was loved and safe when he was with her.
She glanced uncomfortably at OX, who stood attentive, as if participating in the discussion. He reported the results of his quiet investigations daily to the King. “How do we know he’s helping us instead of the Chairman?”
Peter turned to the compy. “Because he also has moral programming. OX was designed centuries ago, before the Hansa existed in anything like its present form. He was put aboard a generation ship and sent away, never expecting to come back. His entire reason for existence was to teach the descendants of humanity and instill in them the beliefs, traditions, and morals we hold dear as a civilization. That moral programming is still active, isn’t it, OX?”
The little compy looked like a child-sized loyal soldier. “My programming gives me latitude for making assessments and choices. Though I am ostensibly retained by the Terran Hanseatic League, my core programming instructs me to serve the interests of the human race as a whole.” His optical sensors brightened, but his voice remained moderate and sincere. “Since I myself discovered the explosive device hidden aboard your royal yacht, I am aware of the Chairman’s plot to assassinate you. According to my moral programming, murdering any human being is wrong, especially to achieve political ends. Therefore, the man who orders it is misguided, even if he believes he is acting for the good of humanity.
“Furthermore, when I expressed my doubts about relying on untested Klikiss robot designs to create the Soldier compies, Chairman Wenceslas refused to consider the question. That is illogical. In summary, I have determined that his judgment is faulty. From my interactions with you and Queen Estarra, I have concluded that you will serve the interests of the entire human race without regard to political affiliation. Your moral foundation is strong. Thus, I am obliged to assist you in working against him. I cannot continue to follow contradictory orders from the Terran Hanseatic League.”
Peter chuckled. “Best of all, Basil won’t ever suspect it. He hasn’t looked twice at any compy, except as a resource. That’s one of his greatest weaknesses: He is blind to the obvious.” He put his arm around Estarra’s waist, and she seemed to relax slightly. They sat down together on a bench, and OX turned to face them. “So, what’s your report on Prince Daniel today?”
“My instructions have not been rescinded. Chairman Wenceslas still hopes Prince Daniel can be brought into line. Therefore, he has urged me to be more rigorous and draconian in my training to prepare him.”
Estarra remained concerned. “He’s got to see that Daniel would never be a competent ruler.”
“Daniel doesn’t have to be competent. He simply has to make a good show and follow orders.” But then Peter smiled to himself. Perhaps he could convince OX to actively sabotage the Prince’s training, so that he would never become a workable alternative. . . .
That evening after all the cupola torches had been lit, the King and Queen found themselves without political or social obligations. Longing for quiet and happy times, Peter made a suggestion that he knew would delight her.
Royal guards led them into the too-rarely-used swimming cove. The misty grotto was filled with ferns and flowers, and low illumination gave the romantic appearance of a moonlight swim.
The warm water surrounded Peter and Estarra like a bath as they splashed together. Estarra wore the same turquoise-and-purple bathing suit she wore during their first swim on their wedding night, and she still looked dazzling in it. Peter stroked after her. “For our own mental health, we should make a point to swim here more often.”
When he opened the gates and sent a pulsing tone through the water, dolphins came swimming in from their tanks. They chattered and splashed, happy to have human company in their play area.
Estarra answered him with a wan smile, and he was determined to cheer her up. Peter didn’t think her mood was fear or anger, but a sense of deep sorrow. “What’s wrong, Estarra? I thought you liked the dolphins.”
“I love them. I just wish . . . I remember back on Theroc when I swam in the Looking Glass Lakes.” She let out a breath in a long, low sigh. “I miss Reynald and Beneto. In fact, the night Reynald became the Theron Father was when Chairman Wenceslas and Sarein convinced him that I should marry you.”
“Sometimes political schemes aren’t so terrible,” Peter said, kissing her. “Are they?”
They clung together in the warm water. “No, I’ll never regret that. I love you so much, Peter. I could never have hoped for such a wonderful man. But not even you can fill the place that my brothers had in my heart.” She smiled sadly. “They were wonderful, too. Beneto never wanted anything to do with leadership. He hurt nobody—and yet the hydrogues wiped out Corvus Landing. Then they attacked Theroc and killed Reynald.” Tears welled in her eyes. “What did Beneto and Reynald ever do to the hydrogues? Why did so many victims have to pay the price because the drogues are upset over . . . Oncier?”
“It’s much more than Oncier,” Peter said, wishing he could say more to comfort her.
When Estarra shook her head, droplets of water streamed down her long, twisted hair. “The hydrogues attacked Theroc intentionally, and Beneto died because of his love for the worldtrees.”
He held her tighter. “We may never know the drogues’ precise reasons. All we can hope is that we defeat them one way or another.”
“Right now I’m not concerned with grand political implications, Peter. I was just grieving for my brothers, and my home.”
One of the dolphins swam beside them, to play, but Estarra kept her arms around Peter’s neck. He knew there was nothing he could say, so he just swam alongside her, being there and sharing her sadness.