Intrepid

Come suppertime, Kris was grabbed by Bobby Joe Fronour and Gramma Polska and steered to a long table set up a bit away from the cook fires. ''We need to talk,'' was all they said.

''What are we supposed to do with that mound of rifles and armor?'' Gramma Polska asked. ''We own it now, but there's not one living soul on this planet that knows what to do with it.''

''You've got the right to recruit anyone you want, except Colonel Cortez,'' Kris said, noticing that he'd also been ''invited'' to the senior table.

''You could do a lot worse than hiring Major Zhukov,'' he said. ''Ivanovich knows the gear and how to train soldiers in its use. Him, a few junior officers, and senior NCOs, and you'll have the start of an army.''

''If we can trust this major of yours,'' Red said. Clearly, anything Cortez said was the last thing he'd ever do.

''It's your call,'' Kris said. ''But you can't count on me being around the next time two ships show up.''

That got the entire table talking. Most of the folks at their dinner couldn't agree on anything. That they'd better do something was a solid consensus.

When the table talk was down to a dull roar, Bobby Joe turned to Kris. ''What's this United Sentients confederation your great-grampa Ray is setting up?''

Kris gave a quick explanation, careful to point out that exactly what it was—an alliance, a confederation, or a federal authority—was yet to be determined. ''The planets with reps on Pitts Hope right now are the ones who will decide it all.''

''Like we ought to be there right now,'' Red said, and spat.

''Yes, like we ought to,'' Gramma Polska said. ''We certainly should be.''

''You'll need a planetary government,'' Kris pointed out.

''We'll need a planetary government to control our own defenses,'' Bobby Joe said. ''All that armor and rifles won't be worth nothing if we don't set up some sort of militia.''

''I'm willing to command it,'' Red offered, and ducked as all at the table, except Kris and Cortez, tossed food his way.

''How long you going to be here?'' Bobby Joe asked.

''I have cargo your son bought that needs to get down here. As soon as I can do that, I've got to get back to Xanadu.''

''You opening up that can of snakes?'' Gramma Polska asked.

''Have to. Human space is expanding. They're sitting on a major set of jump points. They can't stay a Hermit Kingdom.''

Bobby Joe raised his mug of beer. ''Good luck on that one.''

The table joined in the sentiment.

* * *

The Wasp was under way five days later at one gee. The Feathered Serpent had a prize crew on board, was fueled and in need of a new name. Because of its weaker engines, it boosted for the same jump point at only half a gee. Kris intended to declare the empty troop transport forfeit as soon as they got back to Cuzco; the money would go to Panda.

Aboard the Wasp was only a single prisoner—Cortez. All his survivors, including Major Zhukov, had been offered jobs on Panda. Many had three to choose from. None turned them down.

And yes, Zhukov and several other officers and NCOs were training a National Guard for Panda … under the close watch of Gramma Polska and Red. They'd be reporting to the federal government on Panda … just as soon as Panda agreed what that government would look like and be allowed to do.

Aboard the Serpent were representatives of most of the major clans on Panda, empowered to look into membership in United Sentients. The sale of the Serpent would buy them tickets to Pitts Hope. They had no other source of funds; Thorpe had taken off with everything of value they had that wasn't too heavy to lift.

But first Kris had to see how the hornet's nest she'd knocked over on Xanadu was coming along.

Not eager to think about that, and knowing she had some serious fence-mending to do with the boffins, Kris spent most of her breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with them for the first two days. ''Yes,'' she promised, ''just as soon as we drop off everything at Cuzco, we'll head out, and I do mean way out beyond the Rim.''

Which wasn't believed at all by the scientists, who took turns telling Kris just how important their bit of research was. Kris did a lot of listening. She didn't understand a lot … but she listened.

So it was just before the jump to Xanadu that she had her first meal in the wardroom.

And found Cortez at the head of the table.

''Why aren't you in the brig?'' Kris demanded.

Cortez looked to Jack, and the Marine captain stood up. ''Ah, Kris, we'd just be serving him the same food. And—'' Now Jack glanced around the room, and Kris did, too.

The mess was full. Captain Drago was at the main table; most of his bridge staff was scattered around the room. The young Marine lieutenant who'd done such a good job in decoy duty on Panda was at the foot of the table, along with Gunny and most of the Marine NCOs. Penny and Abby were sitting close to the colonel. And Cara was next to his elbow!