fortuneswheel by Lisanne Norman Read Free Book Online Page A

threat."

"I don't agree with that," said Ngalu. "If they let them live, there has to be a reason. I think Chyad's right. They could be laying low, ready to signal the Valtegans when they think we're at our most vulnerable."

"There's got to be something we can do," said Maikoe. "There's an official get-together for those of us who lost family in the seventh level mess in an hour's time. Maybe if enough of us protest about this treaty, they'll listen to us."

"Don't hold your breath," said Chyad. "In fact, don't say anything about how we feel if you go to the meeting. If we want to do something about this treaty, then we'll have to do it ourselves, and we can't do anything with the military protectorate looking over our shoulders. Believe me, if they get the faintest notion about how we feel, the protectorate will have us in the brig so fast our feet won't touch the ground."

Naisha looked uncomfortably at the others. "Look, I think we might be overreacting," she said. "We've no proof that these Terrans are in league with the Valtegans. They'd been here for years before our colonies were destroyed. The Terrans could be victims just as our families were."

Chyad took a swig of his drink and put the mug back on the table. "You could be right, Naisha," he conceded. "What we need more than anything else is reliable information. Most of us work in different departments. Let's see what we can find out. Does anyone know any of the Sirroki's crew?" He looked at the other five people in Maikoe's crowded room.

"I've flown with Mito Rralgu before," said Maikoe, "but I wouldn't say I really know her. Khay has, too."

Khay looked over at her in surprise. "I don't remember her," he said.

"Just take my word for it," Maikoe said.

"Well, see if you can get the chance to talk to her. The rest of you, see what gossip you can substantiate. Jakule," he said, turning to the only trooper in the room. "You see what you can find out from any of your cronies running ground patrol duties."

Jakule nodded. "I'll see if I can get down planetside to talk to some of the Terrans," he said.

"Just do as you're asked, Jakule," said Chyad, his tone sharp. "I don't want you drawing attention to yourself. Ask your friends in the smoke den, see what they know. They must have managed to set up some black market deals in new narcotics by now." His tone was full of contempt. "You'd better get on your way if you plan to make that meeting," he said, looking round the rest of them. "I'll be in touch. Remember, say nothing to anyone else at this moment, and let me know if you hear anyone else talking out against the treaty or the Terrans."

He waited till they'd gone before getting up to fetch another mug of c'shar.

"What are you planning?" asked Maikoe, following him with her eyes. "You agreed far too readily with Naisha."

"One or two of the others believe we're right, but they're all easily led," he said. "I meant what I said. If we want to stop this treaty, we'll have to do it ourselves."

"You haven't answered my question. What do you plan to do?" she repeated.

"I'm thinking that the quickest way to stop the talks is for there to be a Terran death on the Khalossa."

Maikoe's mouth fell open in shock. "You plan to kill one of them?" Her voice came out almost as a squeak.

Chyad frowned. "These talks aren't going to take long. Can you think of a better or quicker way?"

"Aah, um. I haven't actually been thinking along those lines," she admitted.

"Then start thinking that way now, because I can't see any act more guaranteed to make the Terrans back out of the talks."

"It sounds like a suicide mission, Chyad," she said. "I don't feel like departing this life yet, thank you."

He drained his mug. "I've no intention of getting us caught. That's why I told them to say nothing of how they feel at this meeting. I'll get in touch with you tomorrow. There're one or two people I need to speak to. Try to find out where your friend Mito is and have a word with her. See