Page 76 of Alien Burn

“I'll need authority for some of these requests.”

“You'll have it.”

After he left, Dhomhes contacted his father. Ruthak answered from his own office, still dressed, a crease between his heavy brows.

Dhomhes sent him the civil-record match and told him what he was doing about the residence watch.

“Off-world help,” Ruthak said.

“Someone has to be arranging it. We're looking for the payments and the people who can get instructions into the residence.”

“And Vandrel's daughter?”

“We are watching the situation.”

His father's eyes held his.

“Keep that distinction when you speak to the Coalition.”

“I intend to.”

“And don't wait for a finding to protect the females.”

“I've increased the residence watch. Stron and Khalzin get an updated threat notice: we may be dealing with off-world resources as well as local opposition. The security commander gets these records and the details still to be verified.”

“Good.” Ruthak shifted a document out of view. “Any report from the inspection unit?”

“No contact with Fiviel or Graecey.”

His father's face changed very slightly. He had known Fiviel since he was young enough to be scolded for running through this same office.

Dhomhes looked down at his cup.

“I'll tell you the moment there's something.”

Ruthak nodded. For a few seconds, neither said anything.

After the call, Dhomhes sent the threat notices and supporting records to the security commander. Then he brought the plate back to the table and ate.

Sereya's message arrived when he was reviewing the new watch assignments.

Are you still awake?

He answered before he thought about whether he should.

Yes.

May I call?

He shut the case displays down.

Her face appeared a moment later, close to the screen. She was propped against pillows, her hair loose around her shoulders. The room behind her was dim.

“I thought you might be,” she said.

“I'm becoming predictable.”

“Only about this.”