Free Infinite Day by Chris Walley Page B

it.” She frowned. “And this Betafor . . .”
    â€œI know. I’ve met with Elaxal.”
    â€œI got his report. It’s capable of sinking this mission, you know. You need Betafor, but he thinks she is a liability. We still haven’t even seen this ship. And I have concerns, too, about this Sarudar Azeras.”
    â€œI have my own unease there,” Merral ceded. “But Azeras has proved himself trustworthy. You know how he has helped us.”
    â€œAs you say, he has been trustworthy. So far. But he is far from transparent. Will he stay trustworthy?”
    â€œThat is a good question.”
    â€œHe’s not one of us.”
    â€œIndeed, but even if he were, that would be no guarantee. Not anymore. Those who stole the Dove of Dawn were our own people.”
    â€œAlas.”
    â€œAnyway, my aide, Sergeant Enomoto, is going to watch over him.”
    â€œIt is not encouraging.” Ludovica seemed to ponder something for a moment. “Merral, on the assumption that I do give the go-ahead—which is far from certain—I feel it would be very wise if you, and perhaps a few others, were to stay armed throughout the trip. If there is any threat from either Azeras or Betafor, then you may need—” here she hesitated—“to take extreme action.”
    Another warning.

    Somehow, Merral survived the press conference and the presentation of a medal. The meeting with the war artist was simplicity itself; she simply took lots of images “to work from.”
    There was one final duty. The interviews had reduced the volunteers to a short list of about a hundred. They were summoned into a semicircle on the shaded side of the hangar.
    As they gathered, Vero came over, his eyes hidden by his dark glasses.
    â€œMy friend,” he said, “the interview went well. Very well. The viewing figures were phenomenal. Eighty percent of the planet’s adult population watched you.”
    â€œIs that significant?”
    â€œYou are big .”
    â€œOh, dear. Anyway, I was very glad for that question about whether I took credit for these victories. It allowed me to say that God, and other people, should get the glory.”
    Vero nodded. “Yes, it was a good question, wasn’t it?” he said in a low, conversational murmur. “It’s so nice when things turn out as planned.”
    â€œMeaning?”
    â€œNever mind.”
    Merral gazed at the arc of people in front of him and found himself wondering if he’d ever seen such an impressive group. Some stood there, arms folded, next to backpacks in the semblance of military correctness, while others did their best to look at ease. Every single one of them was looking at him.
    Ludovica gestured for him to start. He stepped up on a box.
    â€œThank you all for volunteering,” he began. “I am privileged to be in your company. Let me repeat what you probably know. Four members of the assault team that took the Dove are traveling with me tonight to help find and seize this ship. The remaining twenty soldiers we need will be drawn from you by tomorrow midday and, all being well, will follow us up tomorrow evening.”
    In the utter silence, he paused for breath.
    â€œWithout fear of contradiction, I can say this is a most dangerous mission. Even if we succeed, it will be at least ten weeks before we return. We will face perils beyond our worst dreams. That much I can promise. But there is one other thing I can safely say: this is not just a difficult path; it is also the right path. A world in the Assembly that failed to seek to rescue its citizens would no longer be part of the Assembly except in name.”
    He saw nods of assent.
    â€œTonight, I want you all to pray about whether to remain on the short list. There is no shame in withdrawing your name. And if you do not come, I personally thank you for your willingness, and all I ask of you is that you pray for us daily. That’s all.