Page 43 of Reaper Said Mine

"Combine fleet movements continue near Veyr’s Anvil," Orkan says. "Two additional logistics vessels have appeared under civilian masks. We traced encrypted packet traffic through League channels to a broker network associated with Zune’s commercial offices."

"Associated how closely?"

"Close enough that denial will require expensive lying."

"That is their native language."

Skahar steps nearer. "Do they move toward us?"

"Not yet," Orkan says. "Their pattern suggests positioning, supply, and contingency planning rather than immediate engagement. They want options."

"Everyone wants options," I say.

Orkan nods. "Alliance scouts have also adjusted their patrol routes again. Coalition couriers are running more frequently between Theryki’s delegation and their nearest relay. We have no evidence of a coordinated strike, but the air around us is filling with knives."

I look across the Blood Hall, at the workers securing banners and the cooks preparing courses that will make ambassadors sweat through their expensive clothes. The feast suddenly feels less like theater and more like a fire built in a dry room. I enjoy danger when it comes alone. I distrust danger when it arrives wearing multiple uniforms and carrying paperwork.

"Increase watch rotation on the outer pickets," I say. "Double passive listening around Veyr’s Anvil and the Trask Fold. No visible mobilization. I do not want Gobold puffing up because a patrol ship sneezed."

"Understood."

"Where is the reporter?"

Skahar’s cane stops tapping.

Orkan does not react, which proves his training has improved. "Ursa Ramone is in her assigned lodging, cross-indexing station tariff records with merchant interviews. Earlier she visited the refugee clinic again, then the school annex, then the shipyard observation deck under Vesk’s escort. She has filed one limited package to IHC-Now, but not the larger investigative packet she appears to be building."

I turn from the feast preparations. "Appears?"

"Her private archive has grown substantially. She keeps redundant backups. She has also requested access to historical corridor violence statistics from three independent merchants."

"Did anyone provide them?"

"Two did. One attempted to sell falsified data until she challenged the timestamp structure and threatened to ask his competitors for comment."

Despite myself, I smile.

Skahar notices. "You look pleased."

"I appreciate competence."

"You appreciate trouble when it is not yet aimed at you."

"Most trouble eventually aims at me. I still appreciate the early artistry."

Orkan continues. "Theryki invited her to the Blood Feast. Ramone accepted."

"I know."

"Security predicts a high probability she will attempt direct approach."

"Security predicts the obvious with great pride."

Skahar shifts beside me. "Do you intend to allow it?"

"I intend to eat dinner."

"That is not an answer."