This had been an accident . . . a dangerous accident. Hesitantly, she started the Oakes bio printing once more. Words again flowed across the screen and the printer rattled with its text.

Legata heaved a deep sigh of relief. Perilous ground. But she had escaped.

This time.

She felt that something strange was happening, some new program awakening in Ship. It was a feeling in her shoulder blades. Something even more awesome might happen and she was right in the middle of it.

Her attention returned to the Oakes bio. That had been a time of great scurrying about Earthside, great secrets. Salvation and survival—whatever the label—the arrival of Ship and the desperation of doomed people.

Desperation breeds extremes if nothing else.

“Legata.”

It was Oakes calling her name and she felt her heart skip a beat. But it was the console override. He was calling her from groundside.

“Yes?”

“What are you doing?”

“My job.”

She glanced at the com-console telltales to see if he could find out what she was reading. It was still blocked by the Ox gate.

He recognized the sound of the printer, though.

“What are you printing out?”

“Some data you’ll find interesting.”

“Ahhhh, yes.”

She could almost see his mind working on this. Legata had something she would not trust to the open channels between Ship and ground. She would show it to him, though. It must be interesting.

I’ll have to find something juicy, she thought. Something about Ferry. That’s why I’m here.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“I’ve been expecting you groundside.”

“I’m not feeling well. Didn’t you get my signal?”

“Yes, my dear, but we have urgent matters demanding our attention.”

“But it’s not full dayside yet, Morgan. I couldn’t sleep and I still have work here.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Just busy,” she said.

“This cannot wait. We need you.,;

“Very well. I’m coming down.”

“Wait for me at the Redoubt.”

At the Redoubt!

He broke the connection and it was only then that she realized he had spoken of needing her. Was that possible? Alliance or love? She did not think there was much room for love in the convoluted patterns of Morgan Oakes.

Sooner expect Lewis to start raising a pet Runner.

Either way, Oakes wanted her presence. That gave her a wedge into the power she needed. Something still nagged at her, though—the one fear above all other: What if he does love me?

Once, she had thought she wanted him to love her. There was no question that he was the most interesting man she had ever met. Unpredictably terrifying, but interesting. There was much to be said for that.

Will I destroy him?