Altai stepped through one of the hatches and entered the control center.
“Are you busy?” she asked.
“Not terribly. Have your people found adequate quarters?”
She nodded as she made her way through the compact maze of desks and consoles and sat down beside the Watchman. “Yes, there’s an old monastery nearby. Once the monks learned that Sittas is my uncle, they allowed us to stay. The boys sleep in the cellar, the girls in the barn.”
Vorgens grinned. “Sounds charming. But, you know, we won’t be in this area much longer. Do you intend to follow us, or stay here?”
“I think we’ll stay here for the time being—until we decide on what to do.”
“We’ve all got some decisions to make, and not much more time to waste before we make them. The Komani are beginning to run wild all over the planet.”
“I know,” she said. “Have you received any further word from Star Watch Headquarters about reinforcements?”
“Nothing definite,” Vorgens admitted. “Reinforcements are being prepared, but I can’t get firm word on how much and how soon.”
The desktop viewscreen at his elbow chimed softly. Vorgens touched the control stud.
“Message for you, sir. From Capital City.”
“Is it the garrison commander?”
“Relayed through his office, sir. But the message is from a native. Clanthas …”
“Put him through!”
Vorgens glanced at Altai as the viewscreen began to glow with color. She looked as excited as he felt.
Clanthas’ broad, slightly jowly face filled the screen. “A good day to you. Watchman. And to you, Altai.”
“And the same to you,” Vorgens replied. “I’ve been waiting for your call.”