“Correct, sir. It’s a procedural maneuver to end-run a silly clause that never should have been inserted into the Constitution.”
He didn’t want to believe it or say it. Perhaps it was no more than a coordinated strong-arm tactic to use against the next IC session. These planets were fed up with inaction. They figured out a way to force the IC’s collective hands.
Or ...
No, I’m not going there. Not until I know for sure.
“Grete, have you reviewed the rotation turnover outside the political class? Seen any similar trends?”
“I haven’t studied the numbers. Rotation residents always end their lease. They have no option.”
A few ideas came to mind.
“Do me a huge favor. See if there’s a pattern of departures favoring these eight planets. And don’t share your concerns with anyone else for the time being. Rumors can be bad for business.”
Brauman squashed the holos into her tablet and uncrossed her legs. She looked queasy.
“You’re not telling me everything, Governor. What do you really think is going on?”
“I’m not sure. Let’s meet again tomorrow. Andreas, add her to my calendar.”
“On it, sir.”
Brauman stuffed the tablet in her suit.
“Until tomorrow.”
Trevor showed her out.
“I’m sure we’ll discover a logical explanation. Thank you for trusting me with the information, Grete.”
He returned to his desk and continued with Andreas.
“You have friends over there. Make some discreet inquiries.”
“I’ll give it a go, although I’m not optimistic.”
“Why?”
“A rep typically leaves one or two staffers behind to act as liaisons for residents. They’re not high up the chain and likely not allowed to speak on these matters. The clerks are back home. If any remained on station, I’ll run them down. I have a second concern.”
“Oh?”
“The Director said these leases were vacated in the past six days. Congress ended its session three standard weeks ago. If the representatives sent these requests from their home worlds, it’s likely no one outside the Housing Authority knows.”
Trevor considered that troublesome angle.
“Say they did. Why now? If this is connected to the worst-case scenario, why show their hand? Brauman’s team doesn’t work in a vacuum. Someone was bound to notice and ask questions.”
“Unless.” Andreas hesitated.
“Unless what?”
“They don’t care if they’re exposed.”
Trevor wanted a drink. He squashed the temptation.
“This feels wrong, Andreas. It’s more than a political stunt.”
“I tend to agree, sir. How do we proceed?”
On the day of my daughter’s birthday. Great!
“Quietly. Contact the President’s office. Confirm her schedule and next availability to deepstream.”
“Should I attach a level of urgency?”
“Call it an ‘internal matter in need of timely resolution.’ Vague enough, don’t you think?”
Andreas smiled. “I do. What else?”
“Contact the Harmony Portmaster. I want a list of all scheduled inbounds for the next sixty standard days. If she asks why, say I’m examining where the ports might need additional staff.”
“Good idea. She’s always clamoring for a larger budget. What else?”
Trevor figured anything more today might violate a quiet strategy.
“Attend Ana’s birthday.”
