The previous Subcommandant, Pinb krinnu ava Hariv, had been a leftover from the conquest—old and absentminded, long past needing a fraghta and often ignoring his responsibilities for days at a time. Pinb’s service, though it numbered more than fifty, had been as slothful as he was.
Aille krinnu ava Pluthrak’s service was tiny in comparison, but Kralik was sure the new Subcommandant already knew more about the jinau forces he commanded than Pinb had learned in fifteen years. It would be interesting to see where this all led.
From one viewpoint, Pinb had been a blessing. He was disdainful of humans, true, but had seemed equally disdainful of the Governor—indeed, all things Narvo. His neglect and indolence had allowed Kralik to pretty much run the Division as he chose. But it had also kept the Division in a sorry state, and Kralik was first and foremost a good professional soldier. If he could get along well enough with the Pluthrak scion—and so far the signs looked promising—he would be much relieved to have a firm and capable hand in overall charge. Even if that hand was covered in golden Jao fuzz.
The Subcommandant had risen early and taken advantage of the base’s pool, which had been built in the human style, back before the Occupation. No humans were permitted to use it now. It was reserved for Jao officers, when they did not have access to more esthetically pleasing facilities.
Kralik found Aille krinnu ava Pluthrak in the borrowed office, going over unit records. The fraghta, Tully, and the raw-boned Jao female who was also in his personal service were lined up behind his back. The air already hung hot and thick and a fly was buzzing around the ceiling. The Subcommandant looked up as Kralik closed the old-fashioned door behind him with a click.
He did not bother to salute, since it meant nothing to Jao and there were no human soldiers around—leaving aside Tully, whose status was unclear. “The transport is ready to leave for the coast at your convenience, sir.”
“I wish to take several of the guests from the Governor’s palace along with us,” Aille said. His nap was still damp from his swim. As far as Kralik knew, Jao never bothered with towels.
“Give me a list, sir,” Kralik said, “and I’ll send a car.”
“The female you were accompanying yesterday. If I remember correctly, her name is Caitlin Stockwell,” the Subcommandant said. “She may have a servant or two she wishes to take along as well. You will have to inquire.”
“The President’s daughter?”
“And inquire if she is available for assignment,” Aille said suddenly. “With her knowledge of Jao and formal-movement, she would be a valuable addition to my service.”
Kralik’s eyes narrowed, but he was able to suppress any other reaction. The Subcommandant did not seem to realize other Jao did not want humans on their personal staff, that the idea would no more occur to them than it would occur to a human to hire a chicken as an accountant. These Pluthrak were indeed horses of a different color. “Yes, sir, I’ll see to it immediately.”
Caitlin Stockwell would probably have to take that overbearing Jao bodyguard along with her, he thought, mentally calculating the number of seats he needed to reserve. And maybe the professor who had appeared to be her traveling companion, perhaps even a chaperone of sorts. He wrote out an official order, then summoned Hawkins to drive over to the palace and fetch the Stockwell woman and her entourage. With any luck, they could lift in less than two hours.
* * *
Aille had just settled into a private compartment aboard the suborbital transport when Kralik looked in.
“Subcommandant?” he said, then fell silent.
Aille read hesitation in the human’s downward gaze, underlain by . . . dread? “What is it?” he asked patiently.
“Miss Stockwell won’t be joining us.”
Tully dropped into an oversized seat meant for Jao, dwarfed by its proportions like a child. Aguilera sat in the one next to him.
Aille let question seep into the lay of his ears. Kralik’s manner hinted he had more information to impart.
“She—” Kralik entered, his steps seeming reluctant. “It seems Miss Stockwell has gone on ahead to Oregon with Governor Oppuk. I imagine we’ll be seeing her when we reach the coast, unless the Governor has other plans.”