“Think,” she told herself. “Be analytical. What you do now will be for high-value stakes.” That old cold and calculating Kalico clicked into place. Laid out from a strategic perspective, was seducing Dek and making him hers worth alienating Talina? Love triangles were always tricky business. And, God knows, she’d used them with ruthless efficiency against adversaries back in Solar System. She knew exactly how to manipulate, exploit, and weaponize a sexual relationship. Unlike back in Solar System, there would be long-term consequences. In the aftermath, the ramifications of dumping Dek would be legion—assuming she tired of him or the loathsome Dek resurfaced. Hell, she might even have to assassinate him if he turned out to be a real pain in the ass.

Additionally, making an enemy out of Talina Perez would be sheer idiocy on so many levels.

Question: Is Dek worth more to me than my relationship with Talina?

Kalico laughed at herself. Cold analytics aside, Talina—for all of her differences with Kalico—had become a trusted friend. Friend? When had that ever mattered? Whatever trouble Kalico might ever get herself into, Talina would be there. Just as she’d been outside of Tyson Station.

“Just like I’d be there for her,” Kalico whispered, seeing the horizon drop away as the shuttle began its bank toward Port Authority.

So much for the cold and analytical Kalico Aguila.

And Dek’s infected with quetzal TriNA. I don’t even know what or who he’s going to be coming out of this.

That left Kalico facing the distinct reality that Dek and Tal might return from Two Falls Gap as an inseparable couple. If not as starry-eyed lovers, at least sharing each other’s bed, their lives inextricably joined.

So, how are you going to deal with that? Jealous as you feel now?

Deceleration pushed Kalico deeper into her seat as the shuttle descended toward Port Authority, the bush seeming to rise to meet her.

“This is nothing you can’t handle,” she told herself, locking that old analytic self into play. She was, after all, Kalico Aguila. The woman who’d made her way up to Board Supervisor by means of her wits, self-control, ultimate pragmatism, and sheer implacable intelligence.

She allowed herself a sigh of relief. The Dek problem taken care of, all she had to do was deal with the Maritime Unit, and then get her mine back on its feet.

Kalico congratulated herself as Makarov settled the big A-7 onto the heat-glazed dirt at Port Authority’s field.

Before she looked up Shig to dicker over the rental of PA’s A-7, she hoped Inga would have something savory for breakfast. Then she could tackle the next problem.

Too bad that not everything had as simple a solution as just denying one’s heart.

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