To Falise’s surprise, it was Cinque who stood, raising his voice. “Officer Perez, I am Cinque Suharto, duly appointed representative of my family.” He gestured at Chad and then—to her disquiet—at Falise. “I realize that some of my companions, well, let’s say they were inadequately prepared for the realities of Port Authority. Please do not judge them too harshly. They will most assuredly realize the short-sightedness of their folly. In the meantime, understand that there are those of us who are anxious to learn of Port Authority’s opportunities. For myself, and on behalf of my family, I will be grateful for any advice or instruction that you can give me.”

“Artfully done,” Clarice noted.

Falise closed her eyes, a churning of embarrassment, anger, and frustration in her gut. “How did this all go so badly! We look like fools.”

“Welcome to Donovan,” Ednund whispered under his breath.

As Talina Perez launched into her “orientation,” Falise wondered if she wouldn’t be better served taking the next shuttle up to Turalon.

Chapter 25

  25  

By the time Dek made his way into the cafeteria, Talina had finished her lambasting—as he called her introduction to Donovan for soft meat and Skulls. As had long been the custom, Millicent Graves had prepared a feast for the new arrivals. Yvette and Shig were both up on the stage, taking questions from the various valets and staff. Shig, still smiling amiably, and Yvette, glaring stiffly, were pretty much down to answering the same questions over and over.

“Yes, Corporate Mine will be covering your meals and lodging for the time being.” “No, we do not have universal com here like you were used to in Solar System and on Turalon. So, your implants can’t access anything.” “No, you cannot go outside the fence at night. It is too dangerous.” “Yes, you must pay for everything with SDRs. Nothing will just be given to you.” “Yes, you will have your own domes.” “No, there is no hotel.” “Yes. The quetzal alert is real. This morning six of them attacked a party of marines on a training exercise.” “Yes, your personal luggage will be delivered to your place of lodging.”

Kylee led the way to the food line, Dek close behind. The part of him that was quetzal felt warily on edge. Filling their plates, they seated themselves at a table in the rear. The dish was a mixture of black, Anasazi, and pinto beans mixed with poblano peppers, chili spices, and chunks of chamois meat. Cherry pie was the dessert.

“You going to go say hello to your sister?” Kylee asked.

“You going to go say hello to any of yours?” Dek shot back, referring to the Mundo family Kylee had adamantly refused to see.