Leaving the battered colony world behind, the Grid 7 battlefleet roared back toward their primary bases near Earth.

Though relieved that the mission was over, Tasia felt very unsettled. General Lanyan had once protected these same colonists against the pirate Rand Sorengaard, claiming to follow Hansa principles by defending open commerce and punishing violent men who took what they did not own.

Looking back on the siege at Yreka, Tasia could not see how the EDF's recent actions were any more admirable than a pirate's plundering.

25

RLINDA KETT

The direct summons from the Hansa Chairman came as a complete surprise. With her ship still languishing in a public dock on the Moon, Rlinda Kett had maintained a low profile, hoping no one would notice her unpaid bill. She had no idea why Basil Wenceslas would want to speak with her.

Either she'd done something grievously wrong, or the Chairman wanted something. Did he know about BeBob's desertion from the EDF? Even if he did, why would such an important man care about one missing pilot? And why would he go through so much trouble to findher ?

When theVoracious Curiosity vectored toward the VIP zone in the Palace District, Rlinda received immediate landing clearance. Her ship looked out of place among the government craft and royal escort ships.

When she emerged from theCuriosity, two people greeted her. She didn't recognize the clean-cut blond man with Germanic features, but the slender woman beside him was a surprising and welcome sight. "Sarein! I forgot you'd been assigned as Theron's ambassador to Earth."

The woman was dressed in immaculate Earth clothes adorned with traditional Theron scarves. Her eyes were hard, but Sarein's smile seemed genuine as she said, "We've helped each other resolve some trade difficulties, Rlinda. We're both creative and determined businesswomen. How could I forget you?"

Though the younger woman remained formal, Rlinda gave her a quick, motherly hug. "Now is definitely the right time for some creativity. This damned war has sure put a crimp in everybody's commercial prospects. I've got a cargo hold of luxury items that nobody wants to pay for, and I can't even fly around the Spiral Arm in search of new customers." She snorted. "If I see one of those drogue warglobes, I'll moon it out the porthole-I swear I will."

The blond man led them to a private transport craft. In a wistful voice, Sarein said, "Maybe we can talk Basil into acquiring some of your shipment. It's been a long time since I've had a decent Theron meal. I never thought I'd miss the things I ate every day, but I do."

Once they were aboard the transport, Rlinda could not contain her curiosity. "So, I'm ready for answers anytime, Sarein. Why exactly am I here?"

Sarein smiled secretively. "I overheard Chairman Wenceslas mention that he needed someone to fly a small ship on a fast but discreet mission. Naturally, I offered to contact you."