. And the
assassination today was part of his plan. So was your capture of that
Firster. He couldn't tell you in advance, since he wanted your
reactions to be spontaneous, and he asked me to say he regrets not
being able to tell you, and hopes you understand."

"I am not surprised," Hovan said, "though I do not truly understand. I
would not have disgraced him."

"He didn't think you would, Hovan. But you're no actor, you don't hide
what you feel. It was obvious to everyone that you didn't know what
was going to happen, and that you were angry at the Firster." Davis
leaned back, looking satisfied. "You knew Steve well enough to know
how he hated waste."

"Yes, Sire."

"Well, this time he outdid himself. Humanity Firsters have been
trouble for years, and they've been getting more active lately, so
Steve decided to let them incriminate themselves, by stopping the
security scanners for long enough to let that one through with his
weapon. He said his future-sense was still unreliable, but he
predicted what would happen today, in outline. And so far the events
have had the effects he intended.

"After you left, the Throne Room turned into chaos. Shooting a Ranger
in the back, especially here in the Palace, lost the Firsters any
popular support they had. Your immediate defense of the Empire, and
the way you took that man without killing him--people didn't expect
that from a Traiti--have started gaining sympathy for you." Davis
shook his head. "There've been some results already. The newsies are
demanding interviews with any Traiti they can get hold of, especially
you, the First Speaker, and the Supreme--in that order. I can have you
protected from them, if you want."

"Steve did not like reporters," Hovan said, "and from what I have seen,
I do not either. But that must be part of his plan, so I will meet
with them."

"Good, because you're right. It is part of what he hoped for. Public
relations can make people realize you're part of the Empire now, not
enemies. The newsies are good for some things, no matter how
aggravating they are at times."

"Steve brought peace, with all honor; that is the important thing. He
has truly earned our title for him."

"He has a title beyond 'Lord'?"

"We call him 'Peacelord.'"

"Peacelord." Davis nodded. "A good epitaph for anyone. 'Esteban
Tarlac, Ranger and Peacelord.'"

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Fearful Symmetry, by Ann