moved a circular wheel of samples between equipment as she spoke, her tall thin body moving gracefully.
Matt’s eyebrows jumped. Once again, the lack of privacy aboard a generational ship didn’t bring back fond memories. The level of privacy Autonomists insisted upon was considered unhealthy, inconsiderate, and self-serving by the generational lines. However, he’d gotten used to the sense of freedom he felt from the “self-serving” privacy. He was saved from commenting by a call on his ear bug.
“Matt, are you okay? How’s Aether’s Touch ?” It was Ari. “We saw your report.”
“Where are you?”
“Leaving the Bright Crescent . I’m released from uniformed active duty, so David Ray can negotiate with the Minoans. I’ll have to stay in-system, until I testify to the Tribunal.”
Uniformed active duty. She’d used those careful words for a reason. He paused, laying his hand on the edge of the cold smooth lab counter and softly drumming his fingers. Did it matter, for the Minoan contract, that she was doing some skullduggery for Edones? “Good. Considering that your employment was nonnegotiable, we’ve probably got the contract.”
Matt terminated the call to find David Ray nodding. Sure, it was great to have the work, but being employed by aliens? This would be new territory for all of them.
“We’re not the only ones going to Beta Priamos Station. They’re moving three artificial wombs out there,” David Ray added. Crèches in use were rarely moved, even when occupants were in the embryonic period.
“Abram’s children.” Matt easily guessed which crèches were being moved. He couldn’t forget the isolationist aiming his weapon at one of the wombs, nor what the man’s body looked like after the Minoan beam weapon hit him. Matt closed his eyes and shook his head hard, hoping to dislodge the image.
“Command staff thinks Dr. Rouxe was targeted and killed for revenge. They’re worried the three embryos will be next; in particular, Charlotte Anne. Abram considered himself childless and the isolationists call first-born females abominations. They’re aborted when they have the technology to detect them, or if born, they’re murdered or abandoned.”
“Moving them will risk their health. Should they really be sent off-ship in such a rush?” Matt was used to speaking of those in crèches as if they were present. He already considered Nigel, Peter, and Charlotte Anne crew members.
David Ray shrugged. “The decision’s made.”
“But they listen to you, and to Dr. Lee.” He gestured toward the tall woman with his chin.
“I’m not on staff anymore; I’m on hiatus. Besides, Lee thinks it’s feasible and she’ll accompany them to Beta Priamos. She’ll make sure they’re safe.” David Ray grinned. “I’m not too upset about how things shook out.”
Indeed. David Ray and Lee had been almost inseparable since they’d recovered from the isolationist takeover. Matt suddenly remembered whom he was leaving docked at the Pilgrimage while he waltzed out to the gas giant Laomedon, its moon Priamos, and the Beta Priamos Station.
“I should tell Diana we’re leaving,” he said.
“Yes, you should,” Lee said.
CHAPTER 7
Net-think is so fickle. Notice how the Interstellar Criminal Tribunal in G- 145 eclipsed the Ura-Guinn news? Of course, we’re comparing absolute gibbering drama to dry data! I’m glued to my Feeds. . . .
— Cicely Janda , 2106.053.21.28 UT, indexed by Heraclitus 10 under Flux Imperative
B efore she could leave for Priamos, Ariane had to finish giving her statement to Pilgrimage security. Captain Floros, performing as AFCAW recorder and representative, accompanied her to the new security offices. Unfortunately, once the very important members of the ICT learned about Ariane’s interview, it was impossible to keep them away. This made it quite a jaw-clenching episode for her.
“Why didn’t you immediately call after looking into Sergeant
Matt’s eyebrows jumped. Once again, the lack of privacy aboard a generational ship didn’t bring back fond memories. The level of privacy Autonomists insisted upon was considered unhealthy, inconsiderate, and self-serving by the generational lines. However, he’d gotten used to the sense of freedom he felt from the “self-serving” privacy. He was saved from commenting by a call on his ear bug.
“Matt, are you okay? How’s Aether’s Touch ?” It was Ari. “We saw your report.”
“Where are you?”
“Leaving the Bright Crescent . I’m released from uniformed active duty, so David Ray can negotiate with the Minoans. I’ll have to stay in-system, until I testify to the Tribunal.”
Uniformed active duty. She’d used those careful words for a reason. He paused, laying his hand on the edge of the cold smooth lab counter and softly drumming his fingers. Did it matter, for the Minoan contract, that she was doing some skullduggery for Edones? “Good. Considering that your employment was nonnegotiable, we’ve probably got the contract.”
Matt terminated the call to find David Ray nodding. Sure, it was great to have the work, but being employed by aliens? This would be new territory for all of them.
“We’re not the only ones going to Beta Priamos Station. They’re moving three artificial wombs out there,” David Ray added. Crèches in use were rarely moved, even when occupants were in the embryonic period.
“Abram’s children.” Matt easily guessed which crèches were being moved. He couldn’t forget the isolationist aiming his weapon at one of the wombs, nor what the man’s body looked like after the Minoan beam weapon hit him. Matt closed his eyes and shook his head hard, hoping to dislodge the image.
“Command staff thinks Dr. Rouxe was targeted and killed for revenge. They’re worried the three embryos will be next; in particular, Charlotte Anne. Abram considered himself childless and the isolationists call first-born females abominations. They’re aborted when they have the technology to detect them, or if born, they’re murdered or abandoned.”
“Moving them will risk their health. Should they really be sent off-ship in such a rush?” Matt was used to speaking of those in crèches as if they were present. He already considered Nigel, Peter, and Charlotte Anne crew members.
David Ray shrugged. “The decision’s made.”
“But they listen to you, and to Dr. Lee.” He gestured toward the tall woman with his chin.
“I’m not on staff anymore; I’m on hiatus. Besides, Lee thinks it’s feasible and she’ll accompany them to Beta Priamos. She’ll make sure they’re safe.” David Ray grinned. “I’m not too upset about how things shook out.”
Indeed. David Ray and Lee had been almost inseparable since they’d recovered from the isolationist takeover. Matt suddenly remembered whom he was leaving docked at the Pilgrimage while he waltzed out to the gas giant Laomedon, its moon Priamos, and the Beta Priamos Station.
“I should tell Diana we’re leaving,” he said.
“Yes, you should,” Lee said.
CHAPTER 7
Net-think is so fickle. Notice how the Interstellar Criminal Tribunal in G- 145 eclipsed the Ura-Guinn news? Of course, we’re comparing absolute gibbering drama to dry data! I’m glued to my Feeds. . . .
— Cicely Janda , 2106.053.21.28 UT, indexed by Heraclitus 10 under Flux Imperative
B efore she could leave for Priamos, Ariane had to finish giving her statement to Pilgrimage security. Captain Floros, performing as AFCAW recorder and representative, accompanied her to the new security offices. Unfortunately, once the very important members of the ICT learned about Ariane’s interview, it was impossible to keep them away. This made it quite a jaw-clenching episode for her.
“Why didn’t you immediately call after looking into Sergeant
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