Redburn nodded. "I assume, then, from the way the conversation is going, that I am to return to the Federated Suns in the company of someone who just happens to be Melissa Steiner?" Redburn narrowed his eyes. "Wouldn't transshipping her amid a mercenary unit, say Richard's Panzer Brigade, be safer?"
Ardan shook his head. "You, Andrew, being a hero and something of a media figure, will attract the attention of everyone watching. During the long voyage on a commercial liner, your contact with Melissa-in-disguise will not be noticed. That is because you, in essence, will have a large target painted on your chest. Melissa will pass unnoticed on the same ship."
Redburn nodded and Johnson smiled. "Very good, Leftenant. I feel better now. As soon as Melissa selects her traveling name and we have assembled an identity around it, you will be briefed further."
Ardan and Redburn rose to leave, but Johnson added one more remark before they could escape the room. "Oh, and Leftenant— be careful. Though Misha Auburn is Melissa's best friend, she does not know any of this. In fact, she has spent much time in Jeana's company without guessing at the exchange. Still, she has trained well to take over for her father as court historian when he retires. The Auburns have an instinctive nose for conspiracy. Watch yourself."
* * *
Melissa looked up from the computer screen and over at Jeana. "I think I have it."
"Have what?" echoed her own voice from Jeana's throat.
"I have the name I'll travel under. I will become Joana Barker."
Jeana frowned. Melissa wondered for a moment if she really looked like that when angry or puzzled. "That sounds familiar, Melissa, but I can't place it."
Melissa smiled triumphantly. "I've cobbled it together from one of the books I read. Do you remember 'Sweeney Todd'?"
Melissa's twin shivered. "That ghastly tale about the demon barber of Fleet Street?"
Melissa nodded. "Sweeney Todd's real name was Benjamin Barker, and his daughter's name was Joana. No one ever called her Joana Barker, but that was her true name. That's what I'll use."
Jeana yawned. "If you want to select a name from this ancient literature you seem to devour, why not pick something more romantic? Why not become Irene Adler?"
Melissa wrinkled her nose with distaste. "A Lestrade might select a name from Sherlock Holmes, but not me. No. Joana Barker married a tall, handsome man, and lived happily ever after, I'm sure. That's the sort of omen I want watching over me as I travel to meet..."—Melissa blushed at the thought—"... my betrothed ... my Hanse Davion, my future husband."
28
Nashira
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
15 April 3027
Hands folded serenely behind his back, Yorinaga Kurita watched through the large window as the first of the Genyoshaengaged in calisthenics. Broken down into groups of five, including the Chu-ileading each, the twenty-five men performed in perfect unison. Utterly faithful synchronization made each man a finger on one hand, and the training would make all five into a fist.
"Sumimasen,Kurita Yorinaga-sama." Sho-saTarukito Niiro stood respectfully back and away from his master. The Major, one of the first staff officers Yorinaga had honored with acceptance into the Genyosha,bowed deeply. He straightened up again when Yorinaga graced him with a nod. "Forgive me, Tai-sa,"Tarukito begged, honoring Yorinaga with the Japanese form of his title, "but the Taishirequests your presence." Taishimeant "Ambassador," and was the name the staff officers had given to the local liaison officer for the Draconis Combine's Internal Security Forces.
Yorinaga bowed his head. Though no sign, no flicker of emotion, passed over Yorinaga's face, Tarukito Niiro knew that he comprehended all that had been said and all that had been left unspoken. Yorinaga understands, from the way I worded my message, that theTaishi actuallydemanded theTai-sa's presence. He must know that I would sooner commitseppuku than deliver such a harsh message.Tarukito allowed himself to hope that Yorinaga would realize that the ISF man, Shinzei Abe, was forcing his officers to act as a buffer, thereby reminding them that he, the Taishi,controlled their fates.
Yorinaga nodded slightly as Tarukito moved from his path. Yorinaga passed his right hand through the gray hair that had grown out in his months away from the monastery. Tarukito Ni-iro, already stationed on Nashira when the call for volunteers had gone out, had applied immediately for a staff position. He gladly took a reduction in grade from Chu-sato Sho-sato serve in the Genyoshawith Yorinaga.
Yorinaga strode through the corridors with strong, sure strides. Only the gray hair and the crest staring at Tarukito from Yorinaga's back reminded him of the Mech Warrior's age and long history. Only his silence reminds me that he was disgraced.Tarukito paused at the door to Yorinaga's office to remove his boots, as Yorinaga had done. Then they both entered to face Shinzei Abe.
"Konnichi-wa,Kurita Yorinaga-san," Shinzei intoned respectfully. He executed his bow with the correct sincerity, but its depth and swiftness mocked the gesture. The ISF liaison officer straightened up before Yorinaga had a chance to return the bow. His anger and contempt showed plainly on his broad moon-face.
Yorinaga ignored Abe and knelt behind his low desk. When he looked up, Tarukito noted Yorinaga's frown at seeing that Shinzei Abe had not removed his boots before entering the room. Yorinaga's shock increased as he saw the source of Shinzei's insult. He stiffened, then bowed.
The prisoner—for a man in such rough shape and bonds could be nothing less—knelt opposite the Tai-sa.The welts on his body must have caused him pain, but he bowed deeply. Though he nearly fell over as he tried to straighten up, the man ground his teeth and controlled his body with an iron will. Bringing his bruised and battered body erect, the prisoner said smoothly, "Kon-nichi wa,Kurita Yorinaga-sama."
Shinzei Abe lashed out with his left hand and smashed the man in the face. The blow snapped the prisoner's head back, but even Tarukito saw that the man had moved with the blow, aborting its full effect. Tarukito half-rose from his knees, but Shinzei Abe dropped a hand to the neural whip at his belt. Tarukito glanced at Yorinaga, but the Tai-sasignaled him back to his place by the door.
Yorinaga looked at Shinzei Abe and mutely invited him to kneel. Tarukito watched the simple motion of Yorinaga's right hand. It floated like a leaf falling from a tree, but it brought Shinzei to his knees like an avalanche. Yorinaga nodded slightly, then narrowed his eyes and wordlessly demanded an explanation from the ISF officer.
Shinzei smiled coldly. "You have doubtless recognized this traitor, Yorinaga-san. Narimasa Asano, as you will recall, served with you eleven years ago in the 2nd Sword of Light Regiment. He traveled here to join the Genyoshawithout orders or permission. He traveled here even though the invitation to join the Genyoshawas specifically notextended to officers who had served with you in the past."
Yorinaga nodded slowly, but the intensity never left his expression. He stared at Shinzei Abe, and after a moment, the ISF officer felt compelled to offer further explanation.