Horizon Storms - Kevin J. Anderson [96]
“Did they attack you?”
“No, I shut everything down and played possum. Either they didn’t spot the Curiosity, or they didn’t care.”
“I’ve read current reports from the colony,” Davlin said. “There was no mention of any recent hydrogue sightings.”
“Good thing, then. BeBob liked the place as well.” She raised her eyebrows. “You recall Branson Roberts?”
“Yes, I remember Captain Roberts.”
“He’s flying with me now, taking the Blind Faith on cargo-hauling missions. But it’s all unofficial. He’s still technically absent without leave from the EDF. It was a waste to make him a blundering scout.”
“I’m sure General Lanyan doesn’t see it that way.”
“The General has perfect vision, but in only the narrowest portion of the spectrum. We’re not worried about him.”
These days, she and BeBob kept busy delivering construction supplies and heavy machinery. Upon arriving at Crenna, Rlinda was due to pick up a dozen or so volunteers for the colonization initiative, though she couldn’t fathom why anyone would want to leave a peaceful world and go off into the unknown. Some people always looked for better circumstances elsewhere. Others preferred the challenge of setting up their own society, wrenching a living from an untamed world. She didn’t know how a man like Davlin fit into the equation.
“I bet you’ll be bored down there in a year.”
“Boredom would be an…unusual condition for me. I look forward to it.” He let out what might have been a contented sigh.
Preserving as much velocity as possible, Rlinda came in on a shallow trajectory following the planet on its orbit around the sun. The colony world soon sparkled before them, a jewel hanging in space. “There you are, Davlin. Now comes the hard part for you. Before you disappeared, all those people down there thought you were just a run-of-the-mill colonist with a handful of engineering skills. They’ll have plenty of questions. Are you going to confess to being a spy?”
“A specialist in obscure details,” he repeated.
“Whatever.”
He looked at Rlinda, and his expression was stoic. “I’m perfectly capable of handling difficult assignments. The colonists down there are good-hearted people. They’ll accept me.”
She adjusted course and engine output, banking as the Voracious Curiosity entered Crenna’s outer atmosphere. She reached over to give him a comradely pat on the knee. “It’s been a pleasure having you aboard again, Davlin. Just remember, if there’s ever anything you need, I’m happy to help out.”
It was an offhand comment, one she had made many times. The man beside her seemed surprised. “That is a dangerous offer.”
“And you’ve tried to make yourself out to be a dangerous man.” With a shrug, she turned back to the controls and focused her concentration on landing at the colony. “But I think I’ll risk it.”
Chapter 49—PRIME DESIGNATE THOR’H
Though still scarred from the hydrogue attack, Hyrillka was recovering well. Prime Designate Thor’h was glad to be on this world where he had been happy, where he’d enjoyed the privileges of his noble rank without the unpleasant responsibilities. Hyrillka was his home, much more so than the PrismPalace in Mijistra.
The bright primary sun had already set, and the secondary rode low in the sky so that the air was a burnt orange, dimmer than Thor’h liked. The tiara of bright stars from the nearby Horizon Cluster rose, spangling the twilight. Back on the citadel palace’s hill, blazers shone through the streets and rooms, comforting the Ildirans. Diligent Pery’h remained inside, studying records and reports about Hyrillka’s history and productivity. The young Designate-in-waiting was a good administrator, dedicated to his work.
But Thor’h relished each moment alone with his uncle. He would have to go home soon.