Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen arrived in time to witness the unexpected coronation of Emperor Roderick Corrino I. Her timing was accidental, but impeccable.
In transit from Wallach IX, she was accompanied by Sister Olivia and six others, including four of the orthodox Sisters who had come with Dorotea. In her new role as Mother Superior, Valya wore a robe more ornamented than her previous garments, but her most important trapping was her confidence; her personality was both armor and sword. She was the leader of the unified Sisterhood and not yet twenty-five years old — although she carried thousands of years of experience from the Other Memories inside her head.
When the eight Sisters tried to make their way to the Imperial Palace, though, the celebratory throng made passage impossible. All around the city, Imperial soldiers wore formal cloaks and armor, protected by body shields.
The Mother Superior drank in details, asked questions, and quickly discovered that Roderick was about to assume the throne. Emperor Salvador had vanished in a space-travel mishap and was presumed dead — coincidentally close to the time when Raquella and Dorotea died.
Sister Olivia had parallel thoughts. “It seems to be a time for new leaders, Mother Superior.”
Valya responded with a thin smile and noticed the orthodox Sisters nodding. Keeping her voice pitched low, she projected her words so that only her companions could hear. “Emperor Salvador was no friend to the Sisterhood. Let us not forget what he ordered on Rossak — even Dorotea was burdened with guilt for her part in that. Let us hope that Roderick will be a different sort of Emperor.”
In the crowded streets, Valya sent two of the orthodox Sisters ahead to find other members of Dorotea’s faction, to inform them that the Mother Superior had arrived. When she and her companions finally drew in sight of the plaza that fronted the palace, Valya heard someone shout to them.
Among the gathered celebrants, she recognized a stocky woman who had once served beside her as an assistant proctor on Rossak, Sister Ninke. She was one of the women who had adamantly opposed the use of computers and had gone with Dorotea to the Imperial Court. Nevertheless, Ninke had seemed like a sensible person, not prone to hysteria.
As their Mother Superior, Valya would have to stop thinking of these other Sisters as traitors. She needed their talents, especially the Truthsayers, to add to the Sisters on Wallach IX. Trust, though, would be a long time coming, and loyalty could only be earned over time, through actions.
Ninke had more gray hair than before, though only a year had passed since they’d seen each other. Despite her size, she moved deftly through the crowds. She gestured. “This way!”
She led Valya, Olivia, and their companions around one side to a more open space. They flowed through clusters of people who were pushing their way forward for a better view of the coronation ceremony. When Valya’s path became blocked, she raised her voice and said in an authoritative tone, “Move aside! Imperial business!”
It wasn’t the forceful, commanding Voice she had used as a weapon against Master Placido or Sister Dorotea, but the people responded nevertheless. Spectators scurried out of the way, blundering into others as they did so. With surprised or angry glares, they looked at the troupe of women as they marched through.
Ninke said, “We received the transmission when your ship arrived, and the Sisters are prepared for your arrival.” Her gaze locked on Valya. “Crown Prince Roderick was expecting Dorotea.”
“Roderick needn’t worry,” Valya said. “He will have his replacement Truthsayer, and your own Sisters will explain the agreement that Dorotea and Mother Superior Raquella reached. The Sisterhood must be strong and unified again.”
Still unsure, Ninke continued to lead them forward. “We have a private box from which to observe the coronation ceremony. Zimia was not prepared for the influx of travelers from across the Imperium. Security is extremely tight, to prevent another backlash and frenzy. Leader Torondo was not invited, and neither was Directeur Venport. Prince Roderick was afraid their presence might cause unnecessary agitation.”
And indeed they might, Valya thought.
When the Sisters reached the central square, a new path opened for them. Ninke spoke to one of the uniformed soldiers waiting at a stairway to the observation pavilions, and an Imperial guard escorted the women to a private box. From that vantage they could see the coronation stage and the green-crystal throne that had been placed there. A large group of Dorotea’s followers awaited their arrival. Valya knew most of them.
Sister Esther-Cano and other Sisters rose to their feet and gave curt bows when Valya approached; then all resumed their seats. Valya sensed hesitation and uneasiness, questions and buried challenges. She hoped that with four orthodox Sisters vouching for her claims, Dorotea’s followers would honor the agreement with Mother Superior. If not, Valya was prepared to fight them in personal combat and kill any dissenters.
Nearby boxes were crowded with gaudily uniformed functionaries, including the Court Chamberlain, the Imperial Protocol Minister, and a variety of invited guests. In front of the stage sat rows of elegantly dressed delegates from various Landsraad houses and leading commercial conglomerates. Valya did not see any VenHold business representatives.
Roderick Corrino emerged on one side of the flag-draped ceremonial stage, wearing a scarlet-and-gold uniform decked with silver epaulets, and gleaming medals and bright ribbons on the chest; a galaxy of small gold stars ran down the arms and encircled the wrists. A golden-lion pin sparkled at his collar. He waited while an additional security perimeter was set up in front of the coronation stage, a cordon of honor guards brandishing projectile rifles.
The orthodox Sisters pressed closer to Valya and her companions from Wallach IX. Esther-Cano leaned forward. “We have many questions for you, Sister Valya.”
Remembering this woman’s personality, her moods and weaknesses, Valya put an edge on the tone of her response, driving it deep. “Mother Superior Valya.”
Esther-Cano recoiled as if she’d been lashed, then struggled to recover. “Yes. That is one of our questions.”
“You have been informed that I am the new Mother Superior, per the wishes of Mother Superior Raquella, cemented by the suicide of Reverend Mother Dorotea.”
“A convenient suicide…” Esther-Cano’s voice dripped with suspicion.
“You are a Truthsayer — so hear the truth. In her last days of life, Mother Superior Raquella forced Dorotea and me to make peace, for the good of the Sisterhood. We both agreed. Your Sisters witnessed it.”
She saw the Salusan Sisters listening, knew she had to select her words carefully. “After Mother Superior Raquella passed away, Dorotea plunged a knife into her own throat. The ashes of both women are now scattered across the grounds of the new school on Wallach IX.” She narrowed her gaze, hardened her voice. “I am your new Mother Superior.”
Olivia said, wide-eyed, “She speaks the truth.”
Ninke, Esther-Cano, and several of their companions looked troubled, glanced at one another. Ninke finally said, “She speaks the truth, whether we like it or not.”
Valya used her most compelling, throaty Voice to reinforce her words. “We are no longer foes or rivals. You and the others here will accept me as your Mother Superior. Today, we have a new Emperor, and a new Sisterhood. Help me make us all stronger.”
Ninke was the first to bow in acquiescence. Then the other Salusan Sisters did the same, some with greater reluctance than others.
The crowd noises diminished when a green-robed High Priest marched out on the stage carrying the priceless Imperial crown on a golden pillow. Another priest walked beside him holding an overlarge tome, a special volume of the Orange Catholic Bible. Salvador had been the first Emperor to use the new publication in his coronation, and Roderick intended to maintain the tradition.