“It took the last of my political capital,” Jace admitted.
“What are you going to do now?”Jin asked.
“Regroup.Reassess.Strange as it might seem, this posting gives me an opportunity.A lot of people are unhappy with Centcom and the Consortium’s First World planets.This situation has highlighted the extent of rot that has infected their ranks.It’s time something is done.”
From the way he talked, it sounded like Jace had a plan.
His ability to turn a disadvantageous situation into something advantageous had always been one of the things that separated him from other officers.This far from the center of power Jace could grow his influence without interference.By the time he made his move, there would be no stopping him.
“I’ll get you the information you requested,” Jace said, rising.“In return, see what you can do to control your people.I don’t want any more incidents taking place in the station’s green spaces.”
What incident?
A quick glance around the table showed Raider and Jin with expressions as baffled as Kira’s.Graydon shook his head slightly to say he didn’t know either.
“Stay away from my trees, Phoenix.”
“Is that an order?”Kira asked, pretending she knew what he was talking about.
“It’s a request.We both know my days of ordering you around are over.”
“I’ll take it under advisement.”
“You do that.Just be aware that Titan’s station master is said to have made an example of the last person who damaged their gardens.”
“You’ve met Titan’s controller?”Jin asked.
They’d only heard rumors about the person.No one they knew had ever met them.Most considered them an urban legend.
Jace shook his head.“Their orders are always relayed through their lieutenants.Some of whom are a little less than savory, if you catch my meaning.I’m not entirely certain they aren’t working hand-in-hand with the clans.”
“They probably are.”Jin glanced at Kira.“Not much happens on Titan without the clans say so.”
It was an inescapable fact of life that you either accepted or died fighting against.
“This place is a mess,” Jace complained.
That was one of the reasons this posting was such a punishment.Kira didn’t see any way of removing their strings from this place.The best and easiest way would be to burn it down, along with everyone inside, and start entirely anew.
Jace wouldn’t do that, of course.
Kira liked him better for that fact.
He knocked on the table as he turned to leave.“I’ll have my aide forward the information you requested.”
“Thanks, Knight,” Kira said.
“Don’t thank me, Phoenix.I’m not doing this for free.You’re racking up debts at an astronomical pace.”
He said that, but so far, he’d never once tried to collect on any of these so-called debts.
Jace swept out of the room.The open door offered a brief glimpse of the aide waiting outside to speak with him.
Kira didn’t recognize her but guessed from her frazzled expression that she was new.
Next to her, Lieutenant Mei Himoto was a steadying, calm presence.She stood at attention, her appearance immaculate.Every strand of hair.Every pressed crease of her uniform.Every stray thread of fabric.All perfectly in place.
Graydon waited until the door was fully shut before confronting Kira.“Are you certain that image belonged to the people who took these children?”
