Commodore Read Free

everyone hoped would be remembered merely as a momentary downtick in inter-House relations. "This is Captain David Birkenhead, in command of HMS Javelin and Task Force Nineteen, the rest of which will be following me into the system shortly." I nodded at my communications officer; this was a prearranged signal for him to zoom out and take in a wider field of view. While I normally preferred to communicate by text so as not to remind others of my Rabbithood or reveal more than I desired, this particular message was a special exception. "I bring both sad and joyous news," I continued as whoever was on the receiving end took in the presence of a fully-robed Herald standing on one side of me, and an equally regally-attired Royal Governor on the other. The Herald was my old friend Martijn, who'd agreed to stay on for one last special mission, while the Governor was one of Jean's cousins and therefore a stalwart of the House of Vorsage. The implication would be clear to anyone receiving the message—I had all the legal and institutional force I'd ever need at my back should I choose to exercise it, in addition to plenty of physical firepower. The rest of the kingdom, in other words, was already marching along in perfect time under its new monarch, which happened not to be either of the Hashimoto/Wilkes candidates . You've lost already , I was trying to say without insulting them outright. We're in firm control of everything of importance. Give up while you can still do so gracefully, and accept the genuinely excellent offer we're about to make you . "The sad news is that our good and gracious King Albert has died, while the joyous news is that His Majesty King James of the House of Marcus has risen to the throne in his place, as was his grandfather's most sincere desire. Long may he reign!" Then I looked directly into the camera. "His Majesty has instructed me to personally reassure his subjects of the House of Hashimoto that he loves and values them as much as any other, and that he's absolutely certain of your trust and loyalty." I gestured at the Herald and Governor. "These are His Majesty's ears. They've come to listen to any grievances you might have and convey them back to the palace, where they'll receive top priority." I smiled, carefully not mentioning that I was also empowered to place the Royal Governor in custodial charge of the entire House by force if I felt it necessary. They'd figure that part out on their own just fine, if they possessed half a brain between them. A governor didn't normally act as a King's agent when dealing with the Houses. Instead, his function was to govern territory in the name of his sovereign. There could be one reason, and one reason only, why I just happened to have a spare one along with me. "In the meantime, I'm requesting formal permission to take up standard orbit. Our ships' pursers will soon be indenting for the usual stores and supplies. Perhaps some of us might be interested in a spot of shore leave, as well." I smiled again. Things can go right on as before, I was saying. We can still be friends just like always. Or not, if you so choose. It's up to you. But if not then I'm the one you'll have to deal with, so think long and hard first. "Captain Birkenhead out."  
     

3
    Little took place for several hours once I was finished sending my little message. As everyone had anticipated, we at first received only the barest of official acknowledgements. After all, what minor functionary would risk anything more? The local revenue cutters acknowledged our presence as well. This even bordered on the encouraging, since although the quick little vessels were technically ships of His Majesty's fleet they'd long since effectively become part of the Hashimoto's private navy. This was understandable enough, as like everyone else naval officers preferred to be based on their homeworlds and so the officers of these vessels were practically all Hashimotos. I was particularly concerned about the