He laughed as he followed her in.
CHAPTER 43
“I needto discuss something of a delicate nature with you.”
Fee turned to look at Arn Visaffi, the Balcoan government representative on Larga Ways. She had met with him many, many times, and this was the most discomforted she had ever seen him.
“Certainly.” She inclined her head. “After the ceremony today?” She glanced up, beyond the enviro dome that covered Larga Ways like a food warmer, and wondered if he was talking about the ring platform Paxe was building near to Balco’s closest moon.
Although there were markers around it to warn off air traffic that might get too close, for now, it was more or less invisible.
She had already mentioned its construction to him, but he’d waved her off and told her he would have to speak to Baruke about it. She really hoped there weren’t going to be any issues.
Arn followed her gaze and made a sound of approval as high above them, the runner bringing Hi-Lan Baruke up from Distani made its way through the gel wall of the dome and began its descent to the dock where she and Arn stood.
Fee clamped down on her nerves.
Eazi had spent a day listening and recording everything on the way station, and had declared it as safe as it was possible to be, but Baruke’s arrival did give her anxiety. If Baruke were to meet his end now . . .
She glanced back to check that Tean Lee and his team were still spread out behind them, watchful for any sign of danger.
Tean nodded to her, and she nodded back before turning to the dock.
Her security chief had finally conceded there was no assassination plot against her that he could find, and that someone had managed to make him chase his tail, but in usual fashion, he was able to pivot to making sure there was no threat to the Balcoan leader.
Arn glanced over at her. “If you could meet with Leader Baruke and I after the meeting, that would be much appreciated.”
Fee looked up at the ring platform again and then gave a nod. “I’ll make sure I’m available.”
The runner connected to the dock and the doors opened. Baruke stepped out, his daughter, Kivisha da Pirro, at his side.
Two aides followed behind them, carrying boxes in a way that suggested courtiers carrying crown jewels for royalty.
“Leader.” Arn bowed.
“Hi-Lan, welcome back to Larga Ways,” Fiona said with a dip of her head. “I’m very glad to see you looking so well.”
Baruke did look well. It had been over a week since he’d been rescued from the base, and he’d made a full recovery.
He’d spent a full day on theIllium, but the concerns of the Balcoan government about his health, and the diplomatic nightmare of keeping him on a Grihan battleship, had convinced Hal to escort him back to Distani, and once he was back home, the noise level had definitely decreased.
“I’m looking forward to thanking you and the Grihan team who rescued me,” Baruke said and allowed Arn to gently urge him along, off the dock and toward the way station’s version of the town square.
Fee followed behind them, walking shoulder to shoulder with Kivisha. She greeted Baruke’s daughter with a smile and Kivisha clasped her hands together in a symbol of thanks.
“You found my father and got him to safety. I cannot thank you enough.”
“I’m very glad we were able to extract him when we did. We had no idea theUnhilwas going to crash and collapse the base like that.” It was a zombie base, Fee suddenly thought with a spike of humor. But surely it was dead dead now.
They reached the open area, a precious commodity on a way station, and she wasn’t surprised to see how many people had turned up for the ceremony.
The loss of comms, the massive explosion on Balco’s surface, and the appearance of Garmman and Grihan battleships all around the system had everyone jumpy. Hopefully this open display of friendship between the Balcoans, the Grih, and herself would calm the waters.
Hal stood at the center of the square beside Admiral Hoke. They both stood with legs apart, hands behind their backs, and there were numerous aides and junior officers behind them. Trayla, Natta, Hardy and Vunia were grouped to one side, and Trayla looked more nervous than Fee had ever seen her.
Given they were the stars of this show, she couldn’t exactly blame her.
The crowd settled a little when they caught sight of Baruke, and he and Arn took their places at center stage, with Kivisha standing on her father’s other side.
