Barnes smiled sardonically. "Well, there's an honest admission," he said. "What's the last you picked up?" Don shrugged resignedly. "The appointment of Daniel Stern as Minister of Finance," he said. "That would be in eight twelve." "You didn't miss too much." Barnes nodded. "You just got a little ahead. Take it from there." "After a few months, the financial affairs of the kingdom began to improve," Don commenced. "By the middle of eight thirteen, the tax reforms were in full effect. There was strong opposition to the elimination of the old system--both from the old nobility, who had profited by it, and from some of the colonists. But an Enforcement Corps was formed to see that the new taxes were properly administered and promptly paid. And the kingdom became financially stable." He paused. Actually, he realized with a start, it had been Stern who had founded and trained the Enforcement Corps--first to enforce the revenue taxes, and later as a sort of national police force. And it had always been Stern who had controlled the Enforcement Corps. It was almost a private army, in fact. Maybe Pete---- He continued his recitation. "Then Prime Minister Delon died rather ... rather suddenly, and the king appointed Mr. Stern to the vacancy. And when King Weronar himself died a little more than four years ago, Prime Minister Stern was acclaimed as prince regent." Don paused thoughtfully. * * * * * Delon's death had been sudden--and a little suspicious. But no one had questioned Stern or any of his people about it. And the death of the king and queen themselves--now there was.... Again, he got back to his recitation. "There was opposition to Mr. Stern's confirmation as Regent, of course, since he was a galactic and not native to the planet. But he was the prime minister, and therefore the logical person to take the reins." He frowned. "The claims to the throne were--and still are--pretty muddled. No one of the claimants supported by the major tribes is clearly first in line for the throne, and no compromise has been reached." The frown deepened. "Traditionally," he went on, "the Star Throne should never be vacant for more than five years. So we can expect to see a full conclave of the tribes within a few months, to choose among the claimants and select one to be either head of the clan Onar, or the founder of a new royal line." Barnes nodded. "Yes, that's fairly clear. But we must remember, of course, that the tradition you mention is no truly binding law or custom. It's merely a superstitious belief, held to by some of the older people, and based on ... well----" He smiled faintly. "Actually, under the present circumstances, with no claimant clearly in line, and with the heraldic branch still sifting records, it is far more practical and sensible to recognize the need for a continued regency." He took a step back and propped himself against his desk.