Shadow of Freedom

Appearances have to be maintained, she told herself instead. Besides, if I really want to jerk his leash, I need to take it up with Guernicke. Not that she’s any prize.

The “attaché” suppressed a headshake of pure disgust at the thought. Georgina Guernicke was the Trifecta Corporation’s chief executive in Mobius. As such, she, ought to have at least some vague notion about conserving her captive labor and customer base. But Trifecta was perfectly comfortable with the slash-and-burn style of exploitation Frontier Security’s sweetheart deals made practical out here in the Verge. She didn’t give a damn what Lombroso or his cronies did as long as they didn’t get any uppity ideas about who actually owned their star system.

“I realize the troublemakers are likely to be even more exercised than they already were, Mister President,” Xydis said out loud, once she was sure she had control of her tone and expression again. “And I assure you, I’ve forwarded all your security people’s warnings to Commissioner Verrochio’s office. I’m sure his people have reviewed them carefully.”

Or not, she thought. After all, you’ve been whining about the threats to your régime for the next best thing to four T-decades. Ever hear the story about the little boy and the wolf? Whatever the hell a “wolf” is.

“And how much good is that going to do?” Lombroso demanded. “Meyers is over twelve days from here even for a dispatch boat! And it’s not like they’ve paid any attention before this!”

“Mister President,” Xydis allowed a cold edge to creep into her voice, “you’re perfectly well aware of how the Manty provocations in Talbott and Monica have threatened not just this entire region but especially the Madras sector for the last T-year. Obviously, the Commissioner’s attention has been focused on that threat. I realize it may feel as if he’s been ignoring your situation or the severity of the threat. I assure you that has not been the case, however.”

“That’s easy enough to say,” Lombroso muttered. But he also sat back down, Xydis noted with satisfaction. She’d thought reminding him who really ran the Verge might recall him to semi-rationality.

“I understand your concerns, Sir,” she said in a milder tone. “And I assure you I’ll send an immediate report to Commissioner Verrochio, and request an OFS intervention battalion or two. I’m sure Brigadier Yucel will send her very best troops and advisers to assist the Guard. It’s hardly a situation the Gendarmerie hasn’t faced before, I’m afraid.”

“Good,” Lombroso said. “But I hope you’ve also passed on my reports of Manticoran provocateurs. There’s no telling what kind of assistance they’re prepared to offer their proxies here in Mobius! For that matter, that’s probably where those antitank weapons came from this afternoon!”

“I’ll be certain to remind Commissioner Verrochio—and Brigadier Yucel—of those reports, Mister President,” she assured him.

Even if I don’t think there’s a chance in hell the Manties are actually trying to provoke trouble here in the armpit of the galaxy, she thought bitingly. Not that I wouldn’t be doing my best to kick Frontier Security in the most sensitive spot I could reach if I were them. But this little tempest started brewing well before jackass Byng sailed off to New Tuscany, and whatever anyone else thinks, I don’t see them deliberately courting a confrontation with the League. Even if they were, why in Mobius, of all places?! I’m sure they could find a better, more effective spot to make trouble. I’ll admit we’rea little behind the news out here, but still…

“Good,” Lombroso repeated. “Good.”

* * *

“Well, Xydis has promised him intervention battalions,” Michael Breitbach said bitterly.