Free Empire & Ecolitan by L. E. Modesitt Jr.

inane.
    â€œVery good drink. What is it?”
    â€œLerrit. Native.”
    She waited.
    He waited.
    â€œThe Carson is approaching jump point. Approaching jump point.”
    The announcement from the hidden speaker was the first indication Jimjoy had of actual operation since the delocking maneuver. The crew was smooth…very smooth. And that brought up the question of why a ship’s officer was spending so very much time with an apparent down-and-almost-out spacer—even one thought to be an Imperial operative.
    Jimjoy had a momentary feeling of being into something over his head, very far over his head. He ignored it.
    â€œSo you fear the Empire—and my safe return, with whatever information I pick up, allows the Empire no pretexts, whereas my demise would allow them to blast two orbs with one bolt?”
    â€œThat’s half of what the—what we had determined.”
    â€œAnd the other half?”
    â€œIf you’re such a headache to your own Service, we’re certainly not out to do them any favors.” This time the smile was nearly malicious.
    Jimjoy took a deep swallow of the lerrit, and waited again. “What about all that noise about the bond requirement?”
    â€œForget it. That was for public consumption. Besides, the Empire might not clear any credit line or voucher you wrote, and that would be just another problem for us.”
    Jimjoy looked over at Cerla dubiously.
    â€œWe will, of course,” Cerla continued, as she shifted her weight in the swivel and placed her nearly empty goblet on the console, “claim that you did post bond, and customs records will show that it was posted and returned to you when you left.”
    Jimjoy could see Hersnik causing problems over that transaction, but since it would be a while before he had to break that particular orbit, he said nothing about it. Instead he took another gulp of the lerrit, nearly finishing it.
    â€œWould you like some more?”
    â€œNot now.” He looked for some place to put the goblet down, but finding nowhere within arm’s reach, retained it. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll find something?”
    â€œWe’re certain you will. We just don’t think it will do the Empire much good.”
    â€œYou obviously know it won’t,” concluded Jimjoy. “That means you either intend—” He broke off his statement, not sure where his words might carry him.
    â€œWe think it won’t. We don’t know. What were you going to say?”
    Her last question had been idly asked, but Jimjoy did not miss the sharpening of attention.
    â€œNot sure. Except that when something is this clear, there’s more than meets the eye.”
    Cling!
    â€œStanding by for jump.”
    The announcement was delivered in a bored tone from the same unseen speaker.
    Cling! Cling!
    The ship’s interior was flooded with the pitch blackness that accompanied every jump, a blackness that seemed instantaneous and eternal all at once.
    Normal lighting returned just as instantaneously.
    â€œThe next jump shift will occur in approximately one half standard hour.”
    Cerla picked up her goblet to drain the last half sip. Then she set it back on the console.
    Thud .
    The sound echoed through the quietness of the cabin.
    Jimjoy avoided looking at the woman and tilted the goblet back to drain the last drops out.
    â€œAre you sure you wouldn’t like some more?”
    â€œNo, thanks.” He extended the empty goblet with his left hand. His right arm was beginning to throb once more.
    She took it and set it next to hers.
    Thud .
    â€œSo where do all of these orbits within orbits leave me?”
    â€œYou’re cleared into Accord. Your papers are here.” She gestured vaguely at her console. “Once we arrive, the shuttle from orbit control will deposit you at the port outside Harmony. You’re free to pursue your observations and inquiries. If you need special