Daniel nodded. “That was my intention, sir,” he said. This is as good a time as any will be. . . . “Admiral Torgis asked me to join you before you entered the Strymon system if it was humanly possible. He’d received some intelligence data just too late to provide it to you directly before liftoff.”
“Torgis?” the commodore said, showing for the first time during this interview the petulance that had been so characteristic a part of his personality during Daniel’s past meetings with him. “What does he have to say?”
“There’s very credible information that the Regent of Strymon is intriguing with Alliance representatives,” Daniel said truthfully, though the statement would be news to the admiral who was its implied source. “There’s a risk of active hostilities directed against the squadron.”
Pettin snorted dismissively. “Torgis still likes to pretend he’s part of the RCN,” he said. “Passing on harbor gossip as if it came from Guarantor Porra’s private chamber is his way of forgetting he’s in a job that a dancing bear could do with clothes and the right barber.”
Daniel sucked his cheeks in. Nothing he could say would have a desirable effect on the commodore.
Pettin saw and understood the expression. “When you’re next having a drink with your good friend the admiral, Leary,” he said with more analysis than rancor, “you can tell him that you delivered his warning, and that the squadron spent its time on Strymon as it would on a recently conquered planet. I don’t need drunken rumors to know that there’s no lack of people on Strymon who hate and resent the Republic.”
Pettin’s face twisted into what Daniel with difficulty identified as a smile. “I might add that I understand Mr. Torgis’ wish to be something more than a wall hanging as well,” he said. “I suppose it would be unreasonable to expect him to be thankful that the Republic found some duties for him after he retired from the RCN. Many of us will not be so fortunate.”
Daniel dipped his head to show that he’d been listening, but he said nothing. He’d had his share of stupid urges in life, but none that would be as insane as encouraging the commodore to open his heart about the way his career had proceeded.
Pettin grimaced and drew himself up straighter. “It won’t surprise you to learn, Lieutenant,” he said briskly, “that in the time since you unexpectedly rejoined my command I’ve been considering what I ought to do with an officer of your varied capacities. I think I’ve found a mutually desirable solution.”
He smiled at Daniel. It hadn’t been a question in so many words, but Daniel knew better than to ignore it. “Yes, sir?” he said.
“The Winckelmann and her original consorts will land on Strymon as planned,” Pettin said, obviously relishing the situation. “Your Princess Cecile, however, will proceed to the naval base on Tanais. You’re familiar with Tanais?”
“I’ve reviewed the Sailing Directions for the entire Strymon system, sir,” Daniel said carefully.
As though Daniel hadn’t spoken, Pettin continued, “It’s the satellite of Getica, the giant planet on the rim of the system. The Princess Cecile will spend the next two weeks in the naval dockyard there, having her fusion bottle removed and refitted by trained staff so that we can be sure it’s no longer a source of problems. And of course the officers and crew will remain with the vessel out of security concerns. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” Daniel said. “I understand perfectly.”
“According to my understanding,” Pettin said, “the night life on Tanais tends to be of the basic sort. It’s an ice ball, after all. Crib girls and industrial alcohol to drink. I sincerely hope this won’t cramp the style of a socialite like yourself, Lieutenant.”
Daniel smiled faintly. “I expect I’m going to be too busy with the power room refit to be concerned about socializing, Commodore,” he said. “Ah—may I ask if the squadron’s astrogation plan has been transmitted to the Princess Cecile?”
“Yes, yes,” Pettin said. He waved toward the hatch. “We’ll enter the Matrix in an hour and a half, so you’d better get moving. I fear that your ship’s company wouldn’t be able to function without you to lead them.”