The Tower and the Hive Read Free Page B

leaned back again, pleased with his summation of the events leading up to recent developments: denying the Hivers a new base from which to continue their unique form of colonization.
    â€œI wonder how many of the bleeding hearts and conservatives have bothered to see the Hiver queen at Heinlein Base,” Rojer said. “The sight of her would be instructive.”
    â€œWe could ask Cousin Roddie Eagles.” Thian gave his brother another sly look.
    Rojer’s anxiety to get to the Columbia had much to do with his courtship of Roddie’s youngest sister, Asia; an engineer as well as a T-4. Initially the Columbia, flagship of Squadron B’s five ships, had been sent to examine four M-type planets that had been used, and abused, by the Hivers, one—named Marengo—being on the verge of total ecological disaster. The massive effort initiated to save the world was well under way and some encouraging succession of hardy grassoids had already been triumphantly broadcast. Ruins of Hiver occupations were evident on two of the other planets, Waterloo and Talavera, while the fourth, Ciudad Rodrigo, seemed to have an active Hiver colony.
    â€œI should be aboard the Columbia. Now. Not still stuck here.”
    â€œDon’t fret so, Roj,” Thian said, broadcasting soothing thoughts to his pacing brother. “Our orders were approved by both High Councillors, Admiral Mekturian and Gktmglnt. They’ll handle any interference to the rest of our mission.”
    â€œNot to mention Earth Prime Jeff Raven and Callisto Prime Rowan,” Clancy added. “I see no reason for anxiety, Roj.” Clancy at least forbore to tease his cousin about the real reason for his fretfulness—missíng Asia.
    â€œAll we have to do on our way home,” Thian said, “is find all the Hiver-occupied planets ... and constrain attempts by any of them to dispatch another colonial venture.”
    â€œThat’s all!” Rojer’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
    â€œWhich will probably take the best part of our lives,” Clancy said, not particularly depressed by the prospect. “I might even make commander by the time we’re done.”
    â€œI doubt we’ll devote our lives to the project,” Thian said, gesturing to include his brother.
    â€œNo, you’re Primes,” Clancy agreed without rancor.
    There was a pause.
    â€œThink I can talk the Admiral into letting me get down on the Hiver world we’re heading for?” Thian asked wistfully. He clasped and unclasped his hands in frustration.
    â€œYou’re a Prime, Thi,” Clancy said. “Too valuable to be risked.”
    â€œAnd far more capable of defending myself than anyone else on the ship,” Thian said, then bowed quickly to his brother. “And you too, Roj. I’m sure I’d find something no one else could.”
    â€œYou’re a Lyon, aren’t you,” Clancy said, “as well as a Prime? You will,” he added with a reassuring grin, and stretched his legs out, yawning. “The Admiral won’t deny you anything.”
    â€œWell, then again, Ashiant may be under orders not to risk you on anything, Thian.” said Rojer in a knowing drawl.
    â€œOh?” Thian’s raised eyebrows encouraged Rojer to elaborate on that statement.
    â€œYou can’t be risked, bro,” Rojer said with a snort. “They need you to take over from either Grandmother or possibly Grandfather.”
    Thian gawked at his brother. “How do you come to that remarkable conclusion?”
    â€œYou’ve been the focus for all our Mind Merges. I’m surprised you didn’t guess. It’s obvious to me”—Rojer looked over to Clancy, who nodded in agreement—“that you’re the logical successor.”
    Thian sat for a moment, mouth agape; then he “glanced” into the minds of his younger brother and cousin and realized that both were certain of that.