Michael’s face bobs in the sea of heads. He trains his eyes on the tree next to Mercator Hall and looks down only to avoid stepping on the heels of the person in front of him. When he reaches us, we leave the crowd and cross the intersection. People bustle in and out of every building, talking earpieces or running to catch a coworker. I even see one man who’s carrying a tray of data orbs.

The inscription above the door Orcher opens reads: Ambassadorial Center. We wait inside a multi-level room. Holograms flicker in the center of the room, displaying meeting schedules, future expeditions, and flights to cities around Belvun. Honorary plaques decorate the walls, awards for achievements such as Most Treatises Signed and Largest Profit through Negotiation. There’s even an award for Farthest Distance Traveled in One Standard.

Who keeps track of that stuff?

Glacia points at one of the plaques. “Ambassador Purnell has one.”

I follow her finger: Most Visits to a Single Planet: 7, Undil. Jemal Purnell, Ambassador. The last recorded date is June 20, Undilaen Time, Standard 4315.

The day I met Ladia.

A door opens on Level 2 and several men walk out. One splits off from the rest and leans on the rail, eyes searching the room. His face points our way and he sticks up a hand.

“Ah-ha! There they are!”

He rides an elevator down, then struts over with one hand stuffed in his pocket. J. Purnell is inscribed on the metal plate near his left shoulder.

Ladia’s father is taller than me, but built about the same. He’s balding, with patches of buzzed black hair, and shallow wrinkles emerge from his cheeks. He holds his chin up too high as he slaps Orcher’s shoulder rather than shaking his hand, laughs through his teeth.

“You know, it seems like you were here just yesterday, David.”

“It does seem that way, doesn’t it?” Orcher agrees. “Jem, you’ll remember Arman.”

“But of course! Who could forget this boy? Life’s treating you well?”

“Yeah, it’s great,” I say politely, pretending not to care that he didn’t mention Father or make any indication of sympathy.

“Good to hear. And I just know Ladia will be surprised when you show up.” He elbows my shoulder and talks behind his hand. “Kept this a secret from her. Nice surprise, eh?”

He winks as if he did me some huge favor. His grin doesn’t falter, even as his eyes fix on Glacia, who presses her shoulder into mine. Without saying a word to her, he turns to Michael and laughs like it’s all good sport.

“So you’re Conner’s successor? Feeling up to the challenge?”