Free Ghost Ship by Steve Miller, Sharon Lee Page B

efforts in the direction of a functioning kitchen. Jeeves asked that you be assured that he concentrates on . . . security.”
    “Again, our thanks, Mr. pel’Kana,” Val Con said, “and to Ms. ana’Tak, as well. Please, do not stint yourselves of rest.”
    “Of course not, sir.” The other man bowed once more, honor to the captain. An odd choice, but, then—perhaps not. “May I say, it is good that Korval is in residence.”
    He heard Miri’s intention and turned slightly, drawing the butler’s eyes to her smile, and the regal incline of her head.
    “Thank you, Mr. pel’Kana,” she said, speaking properly in the mode of lord-to-servant. “It is good to be home.”

NINE

    Runcible System
    Daglyte Seam

    Reports arrived . . . erratically, painting a picture of a communication system in severe disarray. Agents arrived, and were debriefed. Many more did not arrive, and that was . . . worrisome.
    Worrisome.
    Commander of Agents sat in her office, telling over history and data points.
    Department of Interior Prime Headquarters was gone, destroyed by Korval and the agents of Korval, the names and affiliations of whom had been noted by those who were left to shoulder duty and carry forward the Plan.
    The Plan.
    The Plan encompassed the breaking of Clan Korval. Break Korval and Liad wavered. Indeed, what had they of the Department accomplished, but precisely that? Korval was on its knees, banished from the homeworld, its power base destroyed.
    As a result, the homeworld stumbled, and became more susceptible to manipulation. Agents of the Department who had long trained for this day were even now exploiting these new advantages.
    It would seem then that the Department had realized a victory. However, the victory had cost more—considerably more—than Command had budgeted. The loss of Prime Headquarters, of the Commander’s predecessor, the arsenal—these losses were not by any count trivial.
    But Clan Korval was, for the first time in the Department’s history, disadvantaged.
    Vulnerable.
    Unfortunately, they were not the only piece at risk on the board. Indeed, it was precisely as if the Department and Korval were engaged in a game of Mirror-Me.
    If the Department must mend communications, as it surely did—so, too, must Korval.
    If the Department must attach new allies, and construct a new base of power, so, too, must Korval.
    If the Department must regain its strength . . .
    . . .so, too, must Korval.
    Commander of Agents drew a deliberate breath and closed her eyes.
    Korval must not be allowed to regain even a tithe of its strength. If the Department wished to rid itself of this troublesome impediment to the Plan, then it must strike while Korval was most vulnerable.
    It could be done. Commander of Agents had run the models; she had taken advice from those seniors who remained to her. There were those who believed that the Department must build its strength, that to do otherwise risked the eventual ascendancy of the Plan.
    These arguments were not without merit. The Commander might herself have favored a period of quiet regrouping, had it not been for Korval’s place in the equation.
    No, they must press their advantage, firmly. Immediately. Korval must be removed.
    The Department therefore would move forward, under the Adjusted Plan.
    There were three prongs to this Plan.
    One: Prevent Korval from building a position of strength at its new base, while harrying those of, and those affiliated with, Korval wherever they were encountered.
    Two: Strengthen the Department; mend the disrupted lines of communication, re-establish order, mend those gaps made by the Scouts, who were a-hunt, having tasted blood at Nev’Lorn. Purchase allies.
    Three: Renew and intensify the search for operating Old Technology. Secondary Headquarters must be well defended. Impregnable.
    The Department would prevail.
    That was the Planned outcome.
    - - - - -
    From Denko to Gondola was four Jumps, but, unlike the mad race to Liad, the