2 The Honor of the Queen by David Weber

Author:David Weber [Weber, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Science Fiction, Adventure, High Tech, Harrington; Honor (Fictitious character), Space warfare, Women soldiers
ISBN: 9780743408233
Publisher: Earthlight
Published: 2000-07-13T23:00:00+00:00

“The Protector?” Honor cocked an eyebrow at Langtry. “That’s a thought. Why don’t we ask Protector Benjamin to intervene?”

“That would be completely without precedent.” Langtry shook his head. “The Protector never intervenes between ministers and their subordinates.”

“Doesn’t he have the authority to?” Honor asked in surprise.

“Well, yes, technically, under the written constitution. But the un written constitution says otherwise. The Protector’s Council has the right to advise and consent on ministerial appointments. Over the last century or so, that’s turned into de facto control of the ministries. In fact, the Chancellor, as First Councilman, really runs the government these days.”

“Wait a minute, Sir Anthony,” Brentworth said. “I agree with what you just said, but the Constitution doesn’t exactly cover this situation, either, and the Navy’s more traditional-” he smiled at Honor “—than the civilians. Remember, our oaths are sworn to the Protector, not the Council or Chamber. I think if he asserted his written powers, the Fleet would listen.”

“Even if it’s to put a woman in command of it?” Langtry asked skeptically.

“Well. . . .” It was Brentworth’s turn to hesitate, but Honor sat up crisply and put both feet on the floor.

“All right, gentlemen, we’re not going to get this ship off the field if we don’t decide who to talk to, and I don’t think we have much option. From what you’re both saying, it has to be the Protector if we’re going to cut through all the layers of insulation.”

“I could put it to him,” Langtry mused aloud, “but first I’ll have to get Chancellor Prestwick’s okay. That’ll mean going through the Council, and I know some of them will stonewall, despite the situation. It’s going to take time, Captain. A day or two, at least.”

“We don’t have a day or two.”

“But-” Langtry began, and Honor shook her head.

“No, Sir Anthony, I’m sorry, but if we go that route, I’ll end up defending this planet all by myself. Assuming the Masadans intend to continue operations now that my squadron’s returned, I can’t believe they’ll delay that long. And, frankly, if they’ve moved all their LACs to this system to support their remaining hyper-capable units and two Peep cruisers, I’ll need all the help I can get to keep them off my back while I deal with the big ones.”

“But what else can we do?”

“We can take advantage of the fact that I’m a bluff, plain-spoken spacedog without the least notion of diplomatic niceties. Instead of putting a written proposal or diplomatic note through channels, request a direct meeting between Protector Benjamin and myself.”

“My God, they’d never do it!” Langtry gasped. “A personal meeting between the Protector and a woman? A foreign naval officer who’s a woman?! No, that’s out of the question!”

“Then make it part of the question, Sir Anthony,” Honor said grimly, and she was no longer seeking his guidance. She was giving an order, and he knew it. He stared at her, mind working in an effort to find a way to obey her, and she suddenly smiled.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.