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not among the disgraceful collection of demagogic propaganda to which we have
been exposed! An atrocity which has imperiled the independence of Sparta."
One of Armstrong's friends gripped him by the arm as he began a lunge forward.
"If this assembly," Croser went on, "wishes to emu-
late the Senate of the late Roman Republic and court the same fate at the
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hands of ambitious generals
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274 Jerry PoumeUe 6- S.M. Stirling and mercenary armies then at least my
voice will have been heard in warning!"
He sat. Not bad, he thought. Not that it would make any difference, but it
would be there on the record.
Another Senator asked for the floor.
"I recognize Senator Hollings."
"Mr. Speaker. While I agree that a grave emergency confronts the State, I am
disturbed by the reckless haste with which the Ultimate Decree has been pro-
posed; in fact "
Croser glanced at his wrist; a half-hour since the session began. Longer the
better, he thought.
At last the Speakers gavel fell. "Senators, do I hear a second for Senator
Armstrongs motion?"
"I second."
"Senator Makeba seconds. Senators, a motion is before this assembly. The
Ephors acting in their capacity as Protectors of the Citizens have requested
the Ultimate Decree, authorizing the Kings to take all necessary actions to
safeguard the State, and it has been duly moved and seconded. Duration is one
year from this date, subject to renewal by vote. A two-thirds majority is
necessary for the passage of this Decree.
Senators, you have one minute to register your will."
A thick silence descended; despite the ventilators, Croser could smell the
sweat of fear and tension. At last Scaevoli looked up from his desk and smiled
at him.
"For, one hundred seven votes. Against, eight votes.
Eight abstentions. The Decree is in force, as of this day, April seventeenth,
2096, and this hour."
The old man rose, moving with careful dignity. There was a slight gasp as he
lifted the Mace of the Senate from its cushion; the procedure was laid down in
the
Constitution, but Sparta had never seen it done in all the years since the
Founding. Scaevoli turned, bowing as he
PRINCE OF SPARTA 275
laid the symbol of representative power on the empty plinth equidistant
between the two thrones.
"Your Majesties," he said, bowing to the left and right. "Into your hands we
yield the Sword of the
State. May God preserve and guide you."
"Amen," Alexander said.
He stood. After a moment David I stood as well.
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"Our first act shall be to appoint Crown Prince
Lysander as Master of the Forces," Alexander said, "He shall act in the name
of the Kings with the authority of the Kings until such time as we shall
rescind those powers." He bowed toward David.
David said, "So be it," and sat.
Alexander was still on his feet. "Senators," he said.
"One man is the author of our miseries; one man is responsible for the
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unspeakable conspiracy which has caused so much suffering and death among Our
people." He paused, as aU eyes turned to Croser.
"From respect for your august assembly's immunity from executive action, I now
require that you place under arrest Senator Dion Croser, on charges of High
Treason, and take him from this place to be delivered to duly appointed
officers who shall place him in custody and hold him at our pleasure."
Croser stood; something seemed to pass from his face, as if an invisible mask
had been removed.
"Very well." His voice cut through the buzz of excitement that tilled the
chamber, clear and carrying enough not to need amplification; half a dozen
Senators were elbowing their way toward him.
Treason?" he said coldly, then laughed. "I too have an appropriate quotation.
'Why is it that treason never prospers? 'Why, if it prosper, none dare caU it
treason!'"
Suence fell for a moment. "And if this is treason, rest assured I shall make
the most of it. I'll be back"
276
Jerry PoumeUe 6- S.M. Stirling
"Attach the leads here and here, please," Jesus
Alanasaid.
They had selected a small staff office in the Palace for the interrogation;
the chair to which Croser was strapped was already secured to the floor, and
the equipment had been easy to set up.
"As you can see, gentlemen," Alana went on, "this is a completely non
intrusive technique. No pain or drugs. The subject condemns himself."
Alexander and David seated themselves in one cor-
ner, determination and distaste on their faces; the
Senators joined them, and Scaevoli, who watched with bright-eyed interest-
Prince Lysander entered in full uniform.
"About time," he said softly, smiling at Croser.
"About bloody time,"
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"Catherine?"
"Ready to calibrate," she replied, looking up from die desk.
"Senator Croser," Jesus Alana said politely. "You realize this system doesn't
require your collaboration?
Your body and nervous system cannot lie to the machines; even if you don't say
a word, 'yes' and 'no'
will come through as clearly as if you had shouted.
Why don't you cooperate now, and save us all time and trouble, and yourself
some discomfort?"
Croser could not move in the padded clamps, but he managed to spit with fair
accuracy at the Legion-
naire's feet- Jesus Alana sighed.
"Is your name Dion Croser?" he asked.
"Got it, positive," Catherine said.
"Are you a dolphin?"
"Negative, Jesus."
"Are you leader of the conspiracy to overthrow the
Dual Monarchy?"
"Positive, ninety-seven percent. Fear reaction.
PRINCE OF SPARTA 277
aggression. Ambivalence; he's been wondering if he's stiff really in charge."
Tlus time Croser spoke: "Om."
"Do you know the woman known as Field Prime?"
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"Om mane padme hum."
"Does she work for you?"
"Tk T »
No
"Uncertainty," said Catherine.
"With reason," Jesus answered. "You have been engaged in warfare against the
Dual Monarchy. Are you in the employ of anyone off-planet? Are you in the
employ of Grand Senator Bronson?"
Catherine shook her head.
Jesus Alana smiled thinly. "Have you received material and financial
assistance from Grand Senator
Bronson? Thank you. Do you receive much assistance from that source? Was one
item of that assistance a large missile designed to penetrate and destroy
fortresses? Ah, you remember that missile. Were you aware that this missile
was to be employed in the attack
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"Not for that!"
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