"Charles Ingrid - The Sand Wars 06 - Challenge Met" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ingrid Charles)

"We guessed. This confirms it."

"That the Green Shirts have a vested interest in Storm we've known for
some time. Does Storm know a message failed to reach him?"

"I don't think so."

Pepys relaxed in his chair. An abstract expression passed over his
freckled face as he listened to his com net, all the while talking to his
Minister of War. "Send the word out through the usual informers that
continued rioting will diminish Storm's use to me, not increase it. There may
come a time when I choose to quash civil rebellion instead of cater to it."

"Yes, sire. About the girl?"

"She keeps him happy for the moment. We'll discuss her options later."

Vandover nodded. He backed toward the doorway.

"Vandover."

Baadluster stopped. "Yes, sire?"

"We know that Jack's mind-loop was retrieved through Madam Sadie.
That means she was storing it in her private vaults, probably as collateral for
one of her private loans. Any idea for whom?"

"Not yet."

"It's vital."

Vandover answered with only a terse nod. Pepys swiveled in his chair, a
pendulum of nervous energy. Their eyes met briefly.

"The Dominion has contacted me. The president is seeking to renegotiate
the interest on their loan. Financing a war effort has proven to be more
expensive than they anticipated. But he has also asked for a starfleet
increase and for two more battle armor units."

Vandover's dark eyes grew bright. "We can manage to provide both."

"Good." The emperor added, "This is a war I intend to win."

Vandover stood there until the extended silence informed him he had
been dismissed. He tried to leave without undue haste, but he was a busy
man and he had duties to attend.
 Denaro stood in the public lobby of the Walker compound, his tall and
muscled frame filling the open space until Vandover felt as slight and
insubstantial as a shadow. He showed his teeth in a cold smile. "Thank you