Page 213 of Reaper Said Mine

“Bellamy,” I say, “send the custody notes to Vale, IHR, and the legal analysts under embargo. Let them verify independently. We publish nothing ourselves for the next hour except the source-protection statement and the methodology index.”

Bellamy’s anger falters into professional admiration. “You devious little nightmare.”

“I learned from terrible people.”

Milton smiles faintly. “A useful education, if survived.”

My compad rings again.

Unknown secure caller.

Bellamy sees it and shakes his head. “Probably a trap.”

“Everything is probably a trap.”

I answer.

A woman’s face appears above the compad, older, elegant, with close-cropped gray hair and the careful stillness of someone used to being watched. I recognize her immediately.

Minister Halden of the Earth Colonial Oversight Committee.

My spine straightens.

“Ms. Ramone,” she says. “You are difficult to reach through official channels.”

“That may be because my official channels are currently trying to bury me.”

Her mouth tightens in what might almost be approval. “Your packet has created considerable movement.”

“That’s one way to phrase it.”

“You understand that accusing Combine-linked actors of manufacturing public distress claims, implying Alliance escalation on manipulated premises, and criticizing Coalition emergency structures will create enemies in every direction.”

“I already had enemies. Now they have reading material.”

Bellamy makes a strangled sound and turns away, shoulders shaking.

Halden’s eyes narrow, but not with displeasure. “Senator Vale intends to request a closed session. My committee may support that request if you provide the unredacted refinery-call analysis and shell-freighter registry connections.”

“No.”

Her brows lift.

I lean closer to the projection. “You can have the refinery analysis unredacted under committee seal after source protection terms are signed by your office, Vale’s office, and independent counsel. You can have the shell-freighter links with identifying information removed until the shipping houses confirm legal cover.”

“You are in no position to dictate conditions.”

“With respect, Minister, I am in exactly that position because everybody wants the fire I’m carrying and nobody wants to admit who dropped the match.”

Bellamy whispers, “Jesus, Ursa.”

Halden’s expression is inscrutable.

“You have become more formidable than your reputation suggested.”

“My reputation was built by people who preferred me small.”

The minister’s expression shifts. Something human appears beneath the official mask, gone almost as soon as it arrives. “Send your terms.”