Free Liaden Universe [19] - Alliance of Equals - eARC by Steve Miller, Sharon Lee Page B

of their personhood and either enslaved or killed. Jeeves, the head of Security in the House of Korval, was one such, and she subordinate to him in rank.
    It would not, of course, be wise to mention Jeeves to Pilot Tocohl. She might, however, say something of the truth.
    “I have met your like, Pilot, and I am no friend of the laws which oppress you.”
    The shadow face might have smiled.
    “That is well said, thank you. I will tell you that I am well acquainted with Jeeves, and it was he whom I called when you fell into my care. He queried Captain Robertson regarding her orders, given the urgency our mission, and naturally recorded her response. I will make that recording available to you.
    “Regarding the status of this ship and pilots—our mission is most urgent. We are bound into a situation that is not…necessarily stable. It may, in fact, be quite dangerous. Your presence on our team would mean that Tolly and I would be able to more fully concentrate on our primary mission, knowing that you will ensure our safety while we do so.”
    “What is this mission?” Hazenthull asked.
    Pilot Tocohl bowed slightly.
    “The mission is very complex and quite…secret. You will appreciate that, for the safety of the pilots and of the mission, I cannot divulge more until I have your agreement to be a part of our team.”
    “The captain has given me to you,” Hazenthull pointed out.
    Pilot Tocohl tipped her screen to one side.
    “And yet, if you do not like the assignment, or feel that you cannot support us, it would be best for all concerned if you were to leave at the first opportunity. We will be coming out of Jump at Bieradine. You may leave us there, if you so decide. I will transfer funds sufficient to a safe and comfortable layover, until a Korval ship arrives to take you home.”
    Staying safely by herself held…less appeal than it might. Hazenthull drew a deep breath.
    “I would hear the tape and review the file on Bieradine,” she said, adding courteously, “if the pilot pleases. Also, it may assist the pilot in her own deliberations to know that I, too, am a pilot.”
    “I have your résumé from Jeeves,” Pilot Tocohl said. “Based on it, and on what Pilot Tolly has told me of your partnership, I believe that we could do no better than to have you with us on our mission. My only hesitation lies with you. If you cannot give your full support, then it is best for all that we part.”
    “I understand,” Hazenthull said, and then, though her mind was already made up, “My decision will be clearer, once I have heard my captain’s instructions.”
    “Of course. There is a study room beyond the galley. You may be private there. I will give you full access to everything save the particulars of the mission.”
    “Thank you,” Hazenthull said, “Pilot.”
    “Thank you,” the pilot said. “For your patience in the face of this…irregular circumstance. Please, follow the orange line on the floor. It will lead you to the study room.”
    Hazenthull glanced down, espying the thin, bright line running along the decking.
    She bowed slightly from the waist, and turned to follow the path to the study room.
    —•—
    Shan knew that the details were horrifyingly similar to the attack upon Bechimo at Ynsolt’i, and let it be known that Pale Wing was nothing like an independent sentient ship with the gods only knew what Old Tech capabilities built into his systems. A tradeship, built— well built —in Korval’s own yards, she was a fine vessel, was Pale Wing , with a fine crew aboard her. But, as one must phrase it, in the case, only a tradeship, and no more able to maneuver sprightly in tight traffic than an average rock.
    There it was, on his screen— Pale Wing on the approach to Liltander, an extremely busy trade hub, very much like Ynsolt’i. The ship was well known to Traffic; indeed, Pale Wing ’s pilot and Liltander’s Traffic Guide greeted each other as old friends might, and fell easily into a