“Every time I visit the West Coast I always promise myself I’ll take a day and go to look at the sequoias,” the Democratic Republic of New Germany Senator said.
“And have you?” Thompson asked.
“No. Not once in a hundred and fifty years.”
“You should. I went about fifty years ago. They’re quite a sight.”
“Ah, well, maybe next time.”
They reached one of the streams that had cut a deep narrow cleft through the soil, its perfectly clear water now running over a bed of white and gray stones. Thompson started to follow it up the shallow slope, avoiding the big tufts of dark green reed grass sprouting from the sodden banks.
“I congratulate your family on getting a Sheldon as important as Campbell under the same roof as Doi’s chief political advisor. The weight which your father’s name still carries is remarkable.”
“It’s not in anyone’s interest to have warring factions at the heart of government. We do what we can.”
“Of course. I have to admit, I don’t remember a Vice President launching a campaign without the support of at least seven of the Big15 dynasties.”
“Doi’s own caution works against her at this level. You really can’t please all of the people all of the time. She’s been trying to do that for too long. It’s not that she’s gained enemies, she simply hasn’t gathered much in the way of admiration.”
“And if I may ask, how does the Burnelli family view her?”
“No differently to any other presidential candidate, there are many flaws and some strengths. However, our principal interest lies in the events which will play out during her presidential term. We heartily endorse the formation of a starflight agency. Doi did have the foresight to make the initial proposal in the ExoProtectorate Council.”
“Is that the view of the Grand Families as well?”
“The majority, yes, we will be campaigning on her behalf.”
“I see.”
Thompson stopped where the stream opened out into a wider pool. The far end was fed by a small waterfall gushing over an antagonistic cluster of sharp stones, making a loud sloshing sound as the flow was tossed around. “I’d appreciate knowing what it would take to bring you in.”
Gerhard nodded slowly, appreciative they were using straight talk for once. It didn’t happen often between senators. “Everyone is concentrating on the agency and constructing scoutships right now, which is understandable. However, it is the view of the Democratic Republic that the formation of a navy is almost inevitable.”
“We concur with that.”
“If a navy is formed, flying scouting and even attack missions will only be a part of its duty, it must defend the Commonwealth as well. Sheldon has a monopoly on the ships and their FTL technology which we would not dream of challenging; but planets and cities will need heavy fortifications, that is where we envisage our role to lie.”
“You would be happy backing the agency formation on that understanding?”
“Yes, we would.”
“That would mean lining up with Doi.”
“Like you, we acknowledge she has weaknesses, though like her strengths, none of them are particularly remarkable. I suspect history will regard her tenure as simply adequate. The age of great statesmen and women is long behind us, nowadays we just compromise our way through life. The Democratic Republic can live with that.”
“Good call by Gerhard,” Gore acknowledged. The data flow engulfing him began to flash like a thunderstorm as his virtual hands rearranged packages and icons for long-term positioning in the Democratic Republic of New Germany.
“He’s a professional,” Thompson said. “The DRNG realizes the agency will go ahead, they just want a way in. A late opening is better than none at all.”
“I wonder what the Sheldons will make of that.”
“They’ll accommodate it. They know damn well they can’t expect the entire agency budget for Augusta. That’s why they sent Campbell, he’s fourth generation, he probably won’t even have to refer back to Nigel for anything that comes up this weekend.”
“We’ll find out soon enough. It’s the crux meeting next.”
Patricia was invited to the study first. Gore’s retinue had done what they could to make the room more welcoming. A real log fire was burning away in the grate, helping to banish the afternoon’s chilly breeze. The ancient brown leather chesterfield sofas had been arranged in front of the hearth. A table standing in the middle held pots of tea and coffee, as well as plates of muffins and cookies, filling the air with a pleasant aroma.
She accepted a bone china cup of tea and sat opposite Gore. She wasn’t particularly unnerved by him, she’d spent enough time with the superrich to know what they wanted above all else was a show of respect. His gold face, however, was disturbing; most of her life was spent judging and responding to expressions. Gore offered her little clue about his emotions. That’s if he has any, she thought.
“It looks like the Democratic Republic will be backing Elaine,” Gore said.
Patricia kept herself as immobile as she could, though it was difficult. The relief she felt at hearing of Gerhard’s support was enormous. When she thought of all the time spent lobbying him, the team of researchers analyzing what they could do to bring him on board. Now just half a day spent with the Burnellis and another Big15 was supporting Elaine. For over a year, Patricia had been frantic with worry about how few of the Intersolar Dynasties they’d managed to gather in their favor. “That’s excellent news, sir.”
“You haven’t heard their price, yet.” Gore went on to explain what assurances she’d have to give the DRNG senator before the end of the weekend. “But the real key is Sheldon,” he said. “This agency and everything it will lead to is your first way in. I know you’ve been courting that dynasty for over three years now.”
“They have proved somewhat reluctant,” she acknowledged.
“Ha!” Gore’s shiny gold lips parted in a recognizable sneer. “Nigel hates careerist politicians, comes from his right-on youth I expect. That’s why he’s kept you dangling. But he’s learned to be a pragmatist over the centuries. And now you can offer him something. It is possible for him to maneuver his own candidate into the presidency, even at this late date. However, that would cost a lot of time and effort, and create antagonisms. Now with you, that wouldn’t even register, but the Intersolar Dynasties and Grand Families would be pissed with him. That, he does care about. So be what he wants, and you’ll have no opposition. Are you prepared to do that?”
“We can take Augusta’s requirements into account during the campaign.”
Gore stared at her for a moment. “There is only one requirement right now: money. You’ll be embarking on a campaign that will ultimately raise taxes. That’s never going to be popular.”
“I understand.” Patricia hesitated. “Won’t you be hit by taxes?”
“If we paid any serious ones, we probably would be.”
One of Gore’s overlarge, dark-suited bodyguards led Campbell into the study. He smiled pleasantly at Patricia as he sat beside her.
“You two kids play nice now,” Gore said.
The study fire had burned down low when Justine and Thompson came in. Two of the house staff were clearing away the paraphernalia of afternoon tea under the cautious gaze of the bodyguards. Gore took a couple of pine logs from the wicker basket at the side of the hearth and dropped them into the cast-iron grate, which kicked up a small cloud of sparks from the bright pink embers.
“It’s going to work,” he told his two children. “Sheldon will back Doi’s candidacy.”
“What did that cost her?” Justine asked.
“Billions,” Gore said. “In taxpayer money. Even I was surprised by what she offered for the starflight agency’s first budget.”
“She’ll look for a jumper to introduce the bill, someone who’s leaving the Senate,” Thompson said. “If Patricia’s got any sense she’ll try and get the President to introduce the agency formation bill into the Senate himself. That way, Doi won’t get the blame when the budget is announced.”
“She’ll get blamed when the navy starts up,” Justine said.
“If we need a navy, no one is going to question the cost.”
“Christ, she might even make a second term.”