“People worthy of respect rarely do. That’s one of the things that makes them worthy of respect. But, tell me, what are you trying to accomplish here?”

She took a deep breath, feeling weary. “Just what you’d expect: I’m supposed to safeguard the family’s interests on Donovan. Ensure that a Taglioni is appointed as interim Supervisor when Soukup replaces Kalico Aguila.”

“Good luck with that,” Kylee snapped irritably.

“So, that’s the Board’s plan? Remove Kalico?”

“They’re worried, Derek. Too much wealth is pouring out of Donovan. Wealth is power. Kalico Aguila is a known factor. People on the Board fear her. Know she was a shoo-in for a seat on the Board and even had a shot at the Chair. And that was before Turalon and Ashanti popped back into orbit bursting at the seams with wealth. They want someone they can control.”

“Which explains why Chad Grunnel and Bart Radcek had to die. That your work?”

Falise stared woodenly at her hands as she told him emphatically, “Cinque. Not that—given the opportunity—I wouldn’t have done the same.”

“Anyone ever tell you that you people are fucked up?” Kylee—eyes still closed—asked.

“Falise,” Derek said, “you people are fucked up.” Over his shoulder, he called, “There, I did it. So, from here on out, the answer is yes.”

Kylee was grinning despite her sham at being asleep. “Too late, Dek. Already told her.”

Falise watched the subtle change in her brother’s alien-looking face. Could tell how much he cared for, cherished, and enjoyed Kylee Simonov. Who was this man?

He said, “You mess with Kalico, you’ll have a real disaster on your hands. She’s Donovanian. One of us.”

“There is no ‘us.’ You’re a Taglioni.”

“You are not listening. There will be blood on the streets before any of us let Soukup take her.” He paused. “Marines, or no, Kalico remains Supervisor on Donovan.”

“Soukup’s a Board Appointed IG.” Falise wished she could rub the back of her neck where the muscles were tight; the sting in her hands was too debilitating.

“And that, along with a siddar, will buy me a glass of IPA at Inga’s.” Derek squinted at the fire as more invertebrates flitted down on gossamer wings to sizzle and pop. “Falise, I mean it. If Soukup, Suharto, or you move against Kalico, the people here will have her back.” A beat. “I will have her back.”

“Why?” Falise asked. “Derek, she’s a Corporate Supervisor, subject to the laws—”

“I mean it. Something has happened here, among these people, that flies beyond the comprehension of the Corporate mind, let alone the cherry-assed Board. If you and Soukup try and play by Corporate rules, there will be a reckoning, and it won’t be pretty.”

“So, what do I do?” Falise asked. “I can’t stop being a Taglioni.”

“Tool,” Kylee muttered, actually sounding half asleep.