He knows the rule very well to bring it out so pat,Atvar thought. Had Kirel been loyal to him, or simply more cautious than Straha? Atvar would have to contemplate that… if he remained in any position to act on the results of his contemplation.

Straha said, “Let it be done anonymously, Superior Shiplord. That way, should the question fail”-he did not sound as if he expected it to-“the exalted fleetlord will not be in a position to take vengeance on those who questioned his competence.”

You’ll get more support that way, too, from males who would be ashamed to condemn me openly,Atvar thought. In a way, though, that reassured him: had Straha been certain of his backing, he would have asked for a public record of names.And no matter that the choice is anonymous, Straha: I’ll remember what you’vedone.

Kirel waited for any males who so desired to insist on a public record. When none did, he said, “Very well, assembled shiplords, register your choices. When the tally is complete, I shall announce the result.”

Atvar did his best to look impassive, no matter how he writhed inside. Being subjected to this tribunal of his inferiors was humiliating. It was worse than humiliating, in fact: it reminded him of the way some of the Big Ugly not-empires tried to run their affairs. The Race had expected, had intended, to bring civilization to Tosev 3. Instead, the Tosevites seemed to be barbarizing not only the shiplords but all the males of the conquest fleet.

Time stretched. After what seemed like forever, Kirel said, “Assembled shiplords, I shall now announce your decision.” Atvar stayed outwardly unconcerned, or tried to. Straha leaned forward in eager anticipation. The great hall grew as still as Atvar had ever known it; not a male wished to miss the result.

“Assembled shiplords,” Kirel said, “those favoring the removal of the fleetlord Atvar from his post constitute sixty-nine percent of your number, those favoring his retention constitute thirty-one percent. This fails to be a three-fourths majority.” He turned to Atvar. “Command us, Exalted Fleetlord.”