Still, Theodore had now served in the staff position longer than anywhere else since the Wisdom of the Dragon school. Maybe he is growing up,Constance thought. Perhaps the son Tomoe gave him has made him a man.
Constance looked up at Takashi. His face was sour, his eyes downcast. Perhaps he, too, was reflecting on his son's career, for he seemed not to have noticed her silence. She wondered what he thought of her suggestion about a new assignment for Theodore.
"Theodore was always restless as a youth. A change of scenery might make him more amenable to your wishes."
"It has not so far," Takashi began. He clearly had more to say, but stopped suddenly, head cocked in listening. In a moment, Constance, too, heard the approaching footsteps.
16
Unity Palace, Imperial City, Luthien
Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine
22 December 3024
The shojidoor shrilled as it was forced violently through its tracks.
Theodore Kurita stepped into the room, the white of his dress uniform jacket strangely bright in the shadowy room. As he slid the door shut behind him, Constance noted the changes almost unconsciously. His shoulders had broadened with the strong muscles of a grown man. He was still lean, a karatekarather than a sumotori,and as handsome as ever. She swiftly suppressed a flash of envy for Tomoe.
Theodore's blue eyes were icy as he advanced to where he towered over the Coordinator. "I have heard that you have done the unthinkable."
Takashi simply stared through his son's belt buckle and calmly moved his tea cup to one side.
"I cannot believe it," Theodore exclaimed. "Tell me that it is only a rumor."
Takashi settled back on his heels, a look of long-suffering forbearance on his face. "Be seated, my son, and we will talk."
Constance started to stand, but Takashi shook his head, "Please stay, Constance. Your presence may keep this more civilized."
Theodore spared Constance a glance as she resettled herself. She read no distress at her presence, but she detected a definite look of apology in his expression. He settled to his knees, back stiff.
"Do you think her presence will keep me from saying what is on my mind?"
"Hardly," Takashi answered. "But my hope of keeping this discussion calm is not unreasonable."
Theodore bristled at Takashi's choice of words, and Constance knew why he reacted with such anger. Takashi had long complained that his son's stubbornness was unreasonable; Theodore's strong will had been a point of argument many times. She saw from Theodore's reaction that he, too, had heard the rumor that his father believed him ambitious, too eager for the throne.
Theodore turned to her. "Do you know what he has done? He has named your father as head of the Otomo. Marcus Kurita, the man who wants his throne, as his bodyguard."
Constance had heard that Takashi might make the appointment, but this was the first confirmation. She did not doubt that the Coordinator's intent was to increase the scrutiny on his cousin. She knew that her father coveted the Coordinator's office. Filial loyalty prevented her from revealing that, just as clan loyalty kept her from aiding him in any way.
"You have come here to speak to me, boy. Do so," Takashi said harshly. "Do not distress Constance with your ravings."
"It's true, then."
"I have named Marcus Kurita as head of the Otomo."
Theodore slammed his black officer's cap onto the tatami."How can you be such a fool?"
Constance lowered her head, unwilling to watch as Theodore insulted his father. She could do nothing to divert him. If she acted now, she would not be in a position to help him later. Openly coming to his defense would be too revealing an act. She hoped he would not enrage Takashi too much.
"Marcus was the best choice for the post at this time," Takashi stated calmly.
"What about me?"
"What about you? You warn me of ambitious men, then ask for an important post. You still have much to learn."
"You were head of the Otomo at twenty-seven. I'm twenty-eight."
"You are not settled. When I headed the Otomo, I was married. I had an heir."
"So we come to that again. Haven't you had enough failures? Let me alone. I'll give you an heir when I'm good and ready."
"Your attitude validates my decision," Takashi announced, the harshness returning to his voice. "You are still too callow, too flighty, too unconcerned with the needs of the state. You have had it too easy."
"It's not been easy with you as a father."
Takashi reached under his tea tray and pulled out a Compdisk. "Look over this file. The girl is an excellent match. Her connections will benefit the realm."
Theodore took the disk, his knuckles white as he held it before his face. He stared unseeing at the iridescent object. Suddenly he threw the disk to the side, where it shattered against the fine oiled wood of a support beam, scarring the finish. Theodore glared at his father.
"Reconsider your decision," Takashi said. His face was expressionless, but his voice betrayed the leashed violence of his emotions.
"No."
Constance wished she were elsewhere, anywhere. She could feel the two powerful wills in contest before her. Neither would retreat. Neither would lower his guard enough to discuss the real issues.
"Very well." Takashi reached under his tray again and brought out a sealed envelope. Constance recognized the form and colors of a document from the Bureau of Substitution, the military office that handled transfers. Takashi had been prepared for his son's response.
"Tai-saKurita, you have a new assignment. You are to report to the Eleventh Legion of Vega on Marfik. They are misfits and malcontents; you should feel at home."
Theodore said nothing as he reached out to take the envelope, but Takashi did not release it at once. "When you understand your place, you may return," he said, opening his fingers.
Theodore stuffed the envelope into his tunic, eyes locked with Takashi's. Constance well remembered a similar moment six years ago on Kagoshima, but this time there was no pride on Theodore's face. Instead of a smile of pleasure, clenched muscles twitched in his jaw and his eyes were slitted with rage.
Theodore heaved himself to his feet and stomped toward the door. He shoved the door open with such violence that it jumped from its track and clattered to the floor, tearing the delicate rice paper. Theodore walked on.
Constance picked up the cap Theodore had left lying on the mats, the action recalling her to Takashi's attention.
"I apologize for my son's behavior, JokanConstance," he said gravely. "It seems our talk is no longer necessary. I am sorry to have taken your time."
"Your apologies are unnecessary, Tono,"she said. Unnecessary to me,she added to herself, but long overdue to Theodore.
"Excuse my curiosity, Tono,but you called your son Tai-saas you handed him the orders. How could you promote him at the same time that you banished him to the Legion of Vega?"