Meanwhile, the two would be incommunicado from any off-world contacts. They would also be unable to advise or assist any allies they had acquired among the Sakuntala and would be prevented from causing any mischief while they were being treated for the “newly discovered virus.”
She rubbed at her eyes with the tips of her fingers. The interview and the mental strain it had exacted had drained her, and she was still no nearer any answers than she had been before it had begun. Questioning, challenging the AAnn, hadn’t produced the hoped-for breakthrough. Reluctantly she called up and scanned the latest batch of communications demanding her attention. It was more of the same. Deyzara insisting she do something to put down the Sakuntala uprising. Sakuntala demanding the Commonwealth acknowledge their ancestral rights and claims. One department after another pleading for more manpower, more material assistance, further instructions. Jack reminding her that he was spending the night at the lab. Andrea wondering when and if her mother was ever going to be able to help her with her studies again. Everyone wanting, wanting, wanting something from her.
It was a dangerous time for Sethwyn Case to come barging in.
He entered as he always did; ignoring Pandusky’s protestations and advancing with that confident rolling gait that suggested he owned every scrap of territory his big feet came in contact with. Her office was no exception.
Tiredly she waved the anxious, angry Pandusky off. “I’ll handle it, Sanuel. Just go back to your own work.”