The woman had never been forthcoming, but always aloof and the epitome of a professional officer. “You’d have to ask the captain or Colonel Creamer.” A forced smile. “If you will excuse me.”

Falise glanced skeptically at Ednund, who kept his expression featureless. Then she led the way to the Crew’s Mess for a cup of tea. The room—not counting the kitchen off to the side—barely measured ten by eight meters, but for Turalon standards, it was the equivalent of a ballroom. True, the Transportees’ Mess two decks down was larger, but who wanted to rub elbows with them? It was bad enough to share space with the crew, but at least that carried a hint of status.

She had barely seated herself, Ednund standing a half-pace behind her, when Chad Grunnel came stomping in with his valet, Charlotte, a customary half-step behind. He fixed on Falise, his amber eyes lighting as he turned her way, demanding, “What is the meaning of this?”

“From what I gather, the marines are conducting a surprise drill. The good second officer told me to ask the captain or Colonel Creamer, but then you’d know better than I when it comes to him.”

“We discussed no drill.” Chad had a bitter twist to his lips as he seated himself across from her. Charlotte took up position behind him, her eyes locked with Ednund’s.

During the long transit from Solar System, Falise had made a study of Charlotte. She was an exquisite thing, perfectly designed, with fine features and an Olympian wrestler’s body, as deadly as she was beautiful, and having been trained by the guilds. Falise wondered if Charlotte might not have been an even better conquest than Kramer. Wondered what Chad would do to the woman if he discovered that Cinque had been slipping his cock into Chad’s prized valet.

That was a risk Falise was just going to have to take.

From behind her cup of tea, Falise gave Chad a challenging smile. “Then perhaps the colonel is keeping some of his cards to himself. Thought you two were past secrets?”

Chad’s expression quickened as he considered. “He’s not that clever. I’d have to say that this is the captain’s work. But then, what purpose would it serve for her to call up the marines? We’re only day and a half from orbit. All this does is create confusion.”

“Unless it’s an actual emergency.” Falise juggled the pieces. “Trouble with the transportees?” She discarded the thought. “No, Arapava would have been more concerned, preoccupied. She passed the whole thing off as within the scope of routine.”

“Then, what was Abibi’s purpose?”

Charlotte spoke, her voice that perfect pitch of musical and eloquent. “First in authority is Board Supervisor Aguila. Then Captain Abibi, but only within certain situations or conditions. Third would be the colonel himself.”