Lieutenant Rhodri Eagles was only too happy to conspire to `loan’ his prisoner to the scheme.
I’ve kilos of recordings I can set in place. But you are sure she can’t just scuttle out of the queens’ quarters and get loose in the ship?
That possibility’s being handled, Thian assured his cousin. There had been so many minor injuries of personnel falling into tubes, tunnels and crawl spaces that grilles had been placed over apertures not in use.
The ones leading from the queens’ quarters could be telekinetically `locked’ down.
Sort of mean of us, though, isn’t it? Giving her false hope?
Roddie added, showing an unexpected sympathy for the Hiver queen.
Hey, man, you need a change of duty if you’re starting to think like that, Thian replied.
Well, you know, maybe I ought to apply for a transfer.
This duty was exciting – for a while. But the glamour has long since worn off Any chance of you guys speaking up for me? Roddie asked.
Sure thing. who to? Earth Prime or your CO? what sort of duty did you have in mind?
ANYTHING. I’ve even learned enough `Dini to get along with them!
We’ll tell you when to switch tapes. Get one picked out and ready to substitute because we’ll have to move fast when we do.
Getting a chance to speak privately with LieutenantCommander Semirame Kloo might have presented some problems but she solved that by appearing at their table, tray in hand, during the next meal break.
They had chosen this end of the officers’ mess-room because the next table was empty.
`Can I join you? Or are you off naval types?’ `Why would we be?’ Thian said, surprised at her query.
`Baldwin!’ she said succinctly, sliding her tray onto the surface and seating herself. `I heard how strong he came on today, the xenophobic pea-brain. He hates having to work with mixed crews, and that means you as well as the `Dinis. He also wants to take all the credit for any progress made on his watch as he’s a little overdue for promotion, you see.
Thian grinned at her. This mess-hall bug free?
Rome Kioo rolled her eyes and grinned at Thian.
`Sure is. Whatcha got to say?’ While her eyes began to sparkle with curiosity and her body tensed ever so slightly with anticipation, she started on her meal, acting in a perfectly normal manner. But remember to say something out loud so no-one’ll wonder why this corner of the room’s gone silent.’ So Thian began one of the double-talking conversations he was becoming adept at. `Chow’s good today and we sure need the break.’ We have an idea that we could get the queen to show us how to power up the Refugee.
`Hmmm, so it is.’ And Rome chewed with evident relish. Tell me more, you delightfully dembus man!
All three Talents took turns explaining the plan, sprinkling innocuous comments now and then. When all was made clear, Rome looked wisffully down at her empty plate.
`I know that was a good meal but I’ve absolutely no recollection of what I ate `You nearly choked once his face straight with an effort.
`And had two coughing fits helpfully `But we can do it,’ Rome said. `Only it will have to be on the next watch. I’m on, so is Glmtml `It’d go along with this?’ Thian was surprised.
Rojer said, keeping Flavia added `Oh, you’d be surprised,’ and she switched to covert speech, at what old Glmtml’d do it’s ofrd up with some of the brass on this project. She blotted her lips with the napkin, rose and picked up her tray. `Thanks for the company. Like to do it more often while you’re here. I may need your discreet help in rearranging the duty roster? Like having the less cooperative types sent to check out ordnance? She grinned with sheer malevolence. The Refugee had racks of missiles but no launchers set in installations clearly awaiting them: yet another sign of how rushed the Hivers had been to leave their system and its decaying primary.
`Any time,’ Thian said. `See you around?’ `Yup!’ and Semirame Kloo strode confidently towards the disposal slot, slipped in her tray and left the wardroom.