“I do, indeed, Captain Harrington,” Mayhew said with a smile. “My planet can never adequately thank you for what you did for us, but we are keenly aware of our debt, not simply to you but to your crews and your Kingdom, and we desire to express our gratitude in some tangible fashion. Accordingly, with Queen Elizabeth’s permission through Sir Anthony, I ask you to sign our draft treaty of alliance in her name.”

  Honor inhaled sharply, and his smile turned sad.

  “Had he lived, Admiral Courvosier would have signed. I feel certain there is no one he could have more desired to do so in his place than you, and I ask you to complete his work here for him. Will you do it?”

  “I—” Honor had to stop and clear her throat. “I’d be honored to, Sir. Very honored. I—” She broke off and shook her head, unable to continue.

  “Thank you,” Mayhew said softly, then waved a hand. “There are, however, two other small matters. With the benefits of our new relationship with Manticore, we expect to expand our orbital farms—and population—at a much faster rate, and the Chamber has, at my request, authorized the Grant in Organization of a new steading on our southernmost continent. With your permission, we intend to call it the Steading of Harrington, and I ask you to assume the office of its Steadholder for yourself and your heirs.”

  Shock jerked Honor so suddenly to her feet that Nimitz swayed for balance, digging his claws deep into her padded shoulder.

  “Sir—Protector Benjamin—I can’t—I mean, you can’t—” She floundered, trying desperately to find the words to express her feelings. Her shock and disbelief, and the residual memory of what a freak she’d been treated as when first she arrived here.

  “Please, Captain,” Mayhew interrupted her. “Sit down.” She obeyed numbly, and he smiled at her again. “I’m a pragmatist, Captain. I have more motives than one for asking you to accept this post.”

  “But I’m a Queen’s officer, Sir. I have other duties, other responsibilities.”

  “I realize that. With your permission, I intend to nominate a regent to see to the day-to-day affairs of your steading, but your title will be very real, Captain, and documents will be forwarded to you from time to time which will require your signature and authorization. Moreover, Yeltsin and Manticore aren’t that far apart, and we hope to see you here often, though the Chamber fully realizes it will be impossible for you to personally govern your people. But aside from the income—which will be substantial, in a few years’ time, and which the Chamber earnestly wishes you to have—there is a much more pressing reason for you to accept. You see, we need you.”

  “Need me, Sir?”

  “Yes. Grayson faces tremendous changes over the next few decades, political and social as well as economic. You’ll be the first woman in our history to hold land, but you won’t be the last, and we need you as a model—and a challenge—as we bring our women fully into our society. And, if you’ll forgive my frankness, your . . . determined personality and the fact that you’re a prolong recipient means you’ll be a very strong model for a very long time.”

  “But—" Honor looked at Langtry. “Sir Anthony? Would this even be legal under Manticoran law?”

  “Normally, no.” The ambassador’s eyes gleamed with unmistakable delight. “In this instance, however, Her Majesty has personally authorized it. Moreover, the House of Lords has determined that your dignities as a noblewoman of a sovereign ally of the Kingdom will equate to those of an earl of the realm. Should you accept them—and Her Majesty’s Government asks you to consider doing so most seriously—you will become Countess Harrington as well as Steadholder Harrington.”

  Honor stared at him, unable to believe a word of it yet unable to disbelieve, either, and felt Nimitz’s tail twitch against her spine.

  “I—" She paused once more, then shook her head and smiled crookedly. “Are you sure about this, Protector Benjamin?”

  “I am. All of Grayson is.”

  “Then I suppose I have to accept. I mean,” she blushed hotly, “I would be honored to accept.”

  “I know precisely what you mean, Captain. We’ve jumped out and bagged you without warning, and you’d really rather we did it to someone else, but you’ll accept anyway.” Her blush went wine-dark, and his smile became a grin. “On the other hand, this sort of thing sometimes happens to people who hold pistols to a government’s head, and I think—" his grin grew positively wicked “—that once you get over the shock, the idea will grow on you.”

  She laughed. She had to, and he laughed with her.

  “I don’t deserve it, Sir, but thank you. Really.”

  “You’re welcome—really. And now there’s just one more little thing.” He rose and gestured to her. “Stand please, Captain Harrington.”

  Honor obeyed, and the Protector extended his hand to Admiral Matthews, who drew a blood-red ribbon from a small, velvet case and draped it across his palm. An exquisitely wrought, many-rayed star of gold hung from its end, and the Protector shook the ribbon out almost reverently to display it.

  “Captain Honor Harrington, it gives me more pleasure than I can possibly say, to present to you, in the name of the people of Grayson, the Star of Grayson, for heroism in the service of our world.”

  Honor inhaled and came to attention almost automatically, and Mayhew rose on his toes to loop the ribbon about her neck. He adjusted it with care, and the star’s bright glory shone like a flame against her space-black tunic.

  “This medal is our highest award for valor,” he told her quietly. “Over the years, it has been worn by some truly extraordinary men, but never, I think, by one more extraordinary than the woman who has received it today.”

  A moment of utter silence filled the cabin, and then Langtry cleared his throat.

  “And now, Captain,” he said, “there’s one more formality before you accompany Protector Benjamin and myself back planet-side for the formal treaty signing and your investiture as Steadholder.”

  Honor simply looked at him, too dazed by all that had happened to do anything else, and he smiled at her. Then he stepped back and opened the door to the admiral’s dining cabin, and Alistair McKeon and Alice Truman walked through it, beaming as if to split their faces.

  Honor’s confusion was complete. She’d thought Alistair was still aboard Fearless, waiting with Scotty Tremaine and his other survivors to return to Manticore with her. But here he was in full mess dress—and where he’d gotten it when all his gear had gone up with Troubadour she couldn’t begin to imagine—and carrying a sheathed sword. Alice was just as formally dressed, and she carried a small silk cushion.

  She crossed the cabin and set the cushion on the decksole. Then she held out her hands, and to Honor’s utter surprise Nimitz leapt lightly into them. Alice cradled the ‘cat in her arms and stood back and came to attention as Alistair stopped at Langtry’s elbow.

  “Kneel, please, Captain.” The ambassador gestured to the cushion, and she obeyed as if in a dream. Steel rasped as he drew the shining blade, and McKeon retired a half-pace behind him with the sheath and came to attention.

  “By the authority vested in me as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Grayson and by Her express commission, acting for and in Her stead and as Knight Grand Cross of the Order of King Roger,” Langtry said in his deep voice, “I bestow upon you the rank, title, prerogatives, and duties of Knight Companion of the Order of King Roger.” The glittering steel touched her right shoulder lightly, then her left, then back to her right once more while she stared up at him. Then he smiled and lowered the blade once more.

  “Rise, Dame Honor,” he said softly, “and may your future actions as faithfully uphold the honor of the Queen as your past.”

  Character List

  compiled by Mark Gutis of BuNine.

  Adams: Grayson steadholder and Minister of Agriculture.

  Alexander, Hamish. Earl of White Haven: The 13th Earl of White Haven and RMN admiral of the green.

  Allen: PN officer in Masadan service, the executive officer on MNS Principality.

  Allgood: RMN lieutenant, the senior assistant engineering officer on HMS Fearless.

  Alvarez, Jason: RMN commander, the commanding officer of HMS Madrigal.

  Amberson: RMN lieutenant commander, the tactical officer on HMS Apollo.

  Andrews, Jason: GSN lieutenant, Admiral Yanakov’s aide.

  Androunaskis: RMN lieutenant, the astrogator on HMS Apollo.

  Anthony: RMN lieutenant, the chief engineer on HMS Troubadour.

  Antrim: RMN commander, the maintenance officer on HMSS Vulcan in charge of the repairs on HMS Fearless.

  Ash: Masadan Navy lieutenant, the tactical officer on MNS Thunder of God.

  Babcock, Iris: RMMC sergeant major, the senior marine NCO on HMS Fearless.

  Banner: People's Marine in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Brentworth, Mark: GSN commander assigned as Honor Harrington’s liaison officer. He is the son of Walter Brentworth.

  Brentworth, Walter: GSN commodore, a senior officer in Command Central. He is the father of Mark Brentworth.

  Brigham, Mercedes: RMN lieutenant, the executive officer on HMS Madrigal.

  Bryan, Joseph: People's Marine Corps major in Masadan service, the commander of the marines on MNS Thunder of God.

  Calgary: GSN commander assigned to Command Central.

  Cardones, Rafael: RMN lieutenant, the tactical officer on HMS Fearless.

  Carstairs: RMN lieutenant, the tactical officer on HMS Troubadour.

  Clinkscales, Howard Samson Jonathan: Grayson steadholder and Minister of Security.

  Courvosier, Raoul: RMN admiral, the head the diplomatic mission to Grayson to secure them as an ally of Manticore.

  Cummings: RMN lieutenant, the communications officer on HMS Madrigal.

  Danvers, Lady Lucy: RMN admiral, the Third Space Lord.

  Danville, Isaiah: Masadan Navy commander, the commanding officer of the LAC Bancroft.

  DeGeorge, Sam: PN lieutenant commander in Masadan service, the purser on MNS Thunder of God.

  DuMorne, Stephen: RMN lieutenant commander,the astrogator on HMS Fearless.

  Early: Masadan Navy lieutenant, the weapons officer on the LAC Bancroft.

  Edwards: RMN captain, the commanding officer of HMS Reliant, Admiral White Haven’s flag captain.

  Evans: PN petty officer in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Fox: Grayson Protectorate Security Division captain, Protector Benjamin’s personal armsman.

  Franks, Ernst: Masadan Navy admiral of the Faithful.

  Garret, Leon: GSN admiral who succeeds High Admiral Yanakov as GSN commander.

  Granger: PN rating in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Gwynn, Wendy: RMN surgeon lieutenant, the chief medical officer on HMS Apollo.

  Hackmore, Charlie: RMN lieutenant commander, the chief engineer on HMS Apollo.

  Hadley: PN rating in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Hanks, Julius, Reverend: Head of the Church of Humanity Unchained.

  Hara: PN engineering rating in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Harkness, Horace: RMN chief petty officer on HMS Fearless.

  Harrington, Honor: RMN captain (senior grade), the commanding officer of HMS Fearless.

  Harris: GSN officer commander, High Admiral Yanakov’s operations officer.

  Harris: Masadan Army colonel, the commander of the ground forces at Blackbird Base.

  Harris: RMN lieutenant, the assistant tactical officer on HMS Fearless.

  Hart: Masadan Navy lieutenant, the communications officer on MNS Thunder of God.

  Haskins, Mason: RMN lieutenant, the executive officer on HMS Troubadour.

  Henry: RMMC NCO, a sergeant on HMS Fearless.

  Hibson, Susan: RMMC captain, a company commander on HMS Fearless.

  Higgins, James: RMN lieutenant commander, the chief engineer on HMS Fearless.

  Hill: GSN captain, the commanding officer of Orbit Four.

  Hillyard, Allen: PN lieutenant in Masadan service, the executive officer on MNS Principality.

  Houseman, the Honorable Reginald: Economic expert and second in command of the diplomatic mission to Grayson.

  Howard, Dr.: Bernard Yanakov’s family’s physician.

  Huggins: A Masadan Senior Elder. At his instigation, the Council of Elders decides to take control of MNS Thunder of God.

  Hughes: RMMC lieutenant, a marine officer on HMS Fearless.

  Hunter, Byron: RMN captain, Admiral White Haven’s chief-of-staff.

  Jackson, Mai-Ling: RMN ensign, the assistant tactical officer on HMS Madrigal.

  Jancowitz: PN rating in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Jansen: Masadan flag officer.

  Killian: RMN chief petty officer, the helmsman on HMS Fearless.

  Lacy, the Honorable Jacob: PRH ambassador to Masada.

  Langtry, Sir Anthony: Manticoran ambassador to Grayson.

  Liggit: RMMC corporal on HMS Fearless.

  Long: Grayson steadholder and Secretary of the Navy.

  MacGuiness, James: RMN chief steward’s mate, Honor Harrington's steward on HMS Fearless.

  Macomb: RMN lieutenant, the astrogator on HMS Madrigal.

  Manning, George: PN commander in Masadan service, the executive officer of MNS Thunder of God.

  Marks: PN rating in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Marlin: People's Marine corporal in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.

  Masterman, Leonard: PRH ambassador to Grayson.

  Matthews, Wesley: GSN commodore promoted to admiral and given command of GSN mobile forces to operate in cooperation with Honor Harrington’s squadron.

  Max: Royal Martine on HMS Fearless.

  Mayhew, Elaine Margaret: Second wife of Protector Benjamin.

  Mayhew, Benjamin, IX: Protector of Grayson.

  Mayhew, Jared: A Grayson the son of Oliver Mayhew and cousin of Protector Benjamin.

  Mayhew, Katherine Elizabeth: First wife of Protector Benjamin.

  Mayhew, Michael: Younger brother of Protector Benjamin and heir to the Protectorship.

  Mayhew, Oliver: Grayson Minister of Industry, the father of Jared Mayhew and uncle of Protector Benjamin.

  McFee: RMN medical officer on HMS Troubadour.

  McKeon, Alistair: RMN commander, the commanding officer of HMS Troubadour.

  Metzinger, Joyce: RMN lieutenant, the communications officer on HMS Fearless.

  Michaels: PN captain, the PRH military attaché on Grayson.

  Montgomery: RMMC private on HMS Fearless.

  Montoya, Fritz, Dr.: RMN surgeon commander, the chief medical officer in HMS Fearless.

  Mount, Joe: PN lieutenant in Masadan service, an engineering officer on MNS Thunder of God.

  Nesbit: Masadan Army colonel, commander of the troops loaded aboard MSN Thunder of God.

  Nimitz: Treecat bonded to Honor Harrington.

  O’Donnal: A Masadan, a member of the Council of Elders.

  Phillips: Steadholder and member of the Protector’s Council.

  Prestwick, Henry, Steadholder Prestwick: Chancellor of Grayson.

  Prevost, Lady Ellen: RMN lieutenant commander, the executive officer on HMS Apollo.

  Ramirez, Tomas: RMMC major, commanding officer of the marines on HMS Fearless.

  Sands, Ronald: A Masadan Deacon.

  Sherman: PN petty officer in Masadan service on MNS Thunder of God.