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The concept of friendship is a human one, not natural to the Ithtorians, so this will be a ed intellectually, even though ree with a nod that the discussion will keep, fixing aze on the merchants opposite us
"Let’s renew our acquaintance" I nod at Kalid and Arqut "Can you co?"
Vel answers, "I believe my skills are adequate for the task" He leads the way across the room Their led out like this "The ambassador wishes me to convey her ad She recalls the two of you as being particularly astute"
That works
Filtered through Vel, the conversation is stilted at first, but that’s all right I’ht now Curious, a few other ather around us Within minutes, I identify them as potential investors ant to hear the hu the consortium’s chances of financial success
"With such fine minds like Kalid and Arqut at the helm," I say in measured tones, "I would ordinarily expect a brilliant future" The pause is deliberate, and my audience isn’t immune to the iing Bug asks
I glance at Vel, feigning a conspiratorial exchange He doesn’t knohat I’ his head Good ether before me as I try to project an anxious quality "I do not knohether they will have the opportunity to pursue this venture," I whisper at last "If it comes to a vote, I have no doubt the alliance will pass, but I fear it may not reach the council to be decided officially I have been given to understand that those items proposed, which the Grand Ad tabled She gave me this information at a private luncheon"
Jael flashes rin "Well played"
Shock rocks through Vel as he realizes what I’ey terainst my person, I alert them to the potential loss of revenue Money is power, especially here, and more than one ruler has been deposed because she ins of those who put her on the throne
They can decide what, if anything, they want to do about this I’m not at all surprised when Arqut and Kalid rateful wa, and depart early I suspect they’re going to be talking to colleagues, alerting them to the possibility that the huh to see the job done
Jael excuses hiuard can’t sto hih with Vel," he whispers "But co?"
I nod
Intrigue is exhausting By the time we leave the party, I decide I could sleep for a week I have the funny feeling, though, that if Vel could s so now
"That was inspired," he says as alk back to ht even dare sayIthtorian"
I s more like you, even as you become more like me?"
His steps still "No, Sirantha I am no true Ithtorian, as anyone would tell you"
"I don’t want anyone to tellthat I think he’s going to refuse And then: "Very well Perhaps it is time I told someone"
ACCESSING ARCHIVE FOOTAGE
Omni News Net: Special Bulletin--Outpost 8
You are about to receive an update intended for adults: children under the age of fifteen should not view the following ilorify violence, merely update our viewers If you have any serious medical conditions, you may wish to have your AI screen this story Omni News Net is not responsible for any psychic, e bounce broadcast
EXT OUTPOST 8--TWILIGHT
S heavy-weapons discharge Corpses litter the ground, savagely devoured and dis the vid KEVIN stands outside the outpost, head bowed in mournful silence At last he raises his eyes, his expression reflecting absolute horror
KEVIN
I’m here in the aftermath of the attack This is one of the oldest human settlements in the Outskirts, named for the order in which the colonies were founded These settlements speak to our determination and our refusal to accept limitations Where other locales took on nan of pride Longevity doesn’t come easy when you live out on the frontier, but these people were an exahter is silenced, and their machines work no more More than a thousand people lost their lives here
Two days past, their call for aid went unheeded Right now you’re seeing what happens when the establishut took this outpost, but they do not possess any capacity for mercy Outpost 8 was a haven for traders and spacers; they were peaceful and offered no defense
KEVIN e He pauses beside the rereat chunks offrom her corpse She lies apart from the other bodies that litter this hopeless, hellish landscape
KEVIN