Delhi glanced at Connor.
“Among the most pressing is the operation our outstanding Lt. Stallion executed. We understand there may be complications in regard to your on-site personnel. I have a simple solution. So, at Director Balance’s earliest convenience.”
What else to do but comply? Another coverup, no doubt. In fairness, Trevor already swept many things under the rug.
“Next,” Capt. Felt said, “I would like to introduce Col. Mila Sukareva. She is our engineering specialist. She is involved in special responsibilities now that war has broken out.”
Sukareva, a beautifully sculpted woman who wore her hair in a tight bun, shook hands without a word. Felt finished the tale.
“The Colonel will be based in Episteme for some time. She will be signing contracts with Halifax and Atumwa. Their output will be vital for the war effort.”
Trevor wanted to jump all over that with an objection, but Haas beat him to the punch. She kept her cool.
“I certainly hope we’re not talking about weapons manufacture. Amity is a neutral site.”
Felt and Sukareva shook their heads in unison.
“Weapons? Not in the least.”
Trevor couldn’t help but wonder: Why here?
The question disappeared when Felt made the final introduction.
“Everyone here knows Mid-Star Lt. Hoshi Oda. But I should caution: Not all of us know the real Hoshi.” He motioned her forward. She maintained a stiff upper lip. “Last year’s misunderstanding is behind us. Few in the UNF have sacrificed and suffered like Hoshi. She is as fine an officer and a warrior as anyone I know. She now takes on the job of UNF Liaison to Amity Station. Lieutenant?”
Hoshi stood tall and glared into the President’s eyes. Up close, it was clear: The woman added bulk in the past ten months.
“It’s an honor, Madam President.”
Haas played it well.
“The time for recrimination is in the past, as Capt. Felt wisely said. I look forward to our discussions.”
“Yes, mam.”
To Trevor’s surprise, Hoshi softened as she gazed up at him.
“Governor. Good to see you again.”
“Lieutenant. We’ve both come a long way in the past year.”
She widened her grin. A hint of the old Hoshi escaped.
“My road was a little longer, but I take your point. It’s good to be back, Trevor.”
“Hoshi.”
Just like that, the moment ended with none of the angst or fanfare Trevor imagined. Yeah, right. One phrase dominated his thoughts:
Too good to be true.
The President took the next bit.
“The Governor and I would love to show you our station. We know you’re eager to learn your way around. So, if you’d follow me ...”
Felt raised a hand as if to make a point of order.
“Madam President, we’d prefer not to pose an inconvenience. We realize you’re used to this sort of thing with dignitaries. But the truth is, we already have the perfect tour guides. Lt. Oda and Lt. Stallion know the ins and outs. And I’m sure with today’s events, both you and the Governor have a hefty agenda.”
Felt wasn’t wrong. Trevor had scheduled a confab with his Chiefs in half an hour. He was also damned hungry. Would a quick, quiet meal with Shireena be too much to ask?
“I rarely say no to a man in uniform,” Haas quipped. “If you prefer Connor and Hoshi to do the honors, we’ll happily step aside.”
“Thank you, Madam President.”
“Gov. Stallion and I have an open-door policy with the Amity guardians.” Trevor wasn’t aware of said policy. “Feel free to contact us at any time.”
Connor came around and squeezed Trevor’s shoulders.
“Not to worry, bruv. Hoshi and I got this. See you soon.”
Trevor would’ve preferred to know the definition of soon.
The officers of the Hampton Wave moved toward Customs, where they would be gene-stamped and given temporary LinkPass identifiers. Hoshi told Connor to show the team through Customs.
“Madam President, if you don’t mind, I’d like to have a few words with the Governor.”
Haas slid away but not without a daring side-eye. Trevor understood: Keep it under your collar.
