"Williamson,.Michael.Z.-.Freehold" - читать интересную книгу автора (Williamson Michael Z)

days for a response, to allow a message to be relayed through the
jump point on the next ship. If it had to be sent physically to reduce
the risk of interception, it would take at least twenty days each way.

The best approach was a firm one, see how the situation
developed, Maartens decided. "I'll have to check all angles of your
story. You may stay in the meantime." Her voice was grudging but
not hostile.

Heaving a huge sigh and slumping from released tension, Kendra
replied, "Thank you, ma'am."

"You're welcome. There are conditions. Number one, if you are a
spy, you'll disappear. Two, whether or not you are guilty, if the
evidence points that way, you'll be handed over to UNPF. I can't
risk an incident without solid substance to back it up. Relationships
are critical and delicate right now; they always are. If you check out
as legitimate, I'll help you arrange travel to the Freehold. It won't be
cheap and you'll have to pay for it. We don't have budgets for such
things."

"I have some cash. Not a lot."

"We can acquire any assets that haven't been seized, and make it
untraceable. Our technicians will expect a share, however."

"Ma'am?" Kendra asked.

Sighing, Maartens explained, "The Freehold is a completely neutral
nation with a tiny government. We don't budget for refugees,
publicity, tourism or any of a hundred other things you take for
granted. We can't do anything officially, so this will have to be done
clandestinely. If our staff are to convert your assets to cash or pull
funds from your accounts, they'll be doing it on their own time and
with their personal gear at some small but real risk. For that, they
expect to be paid."

"I have what I came here with," Kendra said, scared again.

"Then with your permission, we can move your car as parts. This
will make it harder to trace you, and gain you some more funds."

Kendra though for a moment only and agreed.

"Fine. I'm afraid we must keep you under guard for the time being."
Maartens waved and the guard approached. "Corporal Romar,"
she said, "you are to accompany Sergeant Pacelli. She has free
access to unrestricted areas, but only under escort. Find her
secure quarters in the guest wing tonight. Keep me informed of
anything relevant. She is not to leave."