Back | Next
Contents

Administrative Tower


“Tolly Jones, Mentor.”

A bow accompanied this statement—a Terran bow, indicating respect.

Ren Zel inclined his head.

“Ren Zel dea’Judan, Acting First Light Keeper. How may I assist you, Mentor?”

The grin was charming: rueful and self-deprecating.

“Glad you asked. Happens there’s a dead man in the center main core lift. He’s my fault. It was self-defense, though I’m bound to own I’d say that even if it wasn’t, being as he’s in no position to argue.”

“Have we an identification of the deceased?”

“Yessir. Ambroze Ling, a Director of the Lyre Institute for Exceptional Children.”

“Ah. And what did Director Ling do to put you in fear of your life?”

“Just in plain words, he blew a whistle, believing that would put me under his authority. I know that sounds—”

Ren Zel held up his hand.

“Anthora yos’Galan is my lifemate,” he said. “She had much to say on the subject of whistles and compulsion.” He inclined his head. “I believe that you acted in self-defense. Anthora will be pleased to learn that her therapy was successful.

“Are there kin or colleagues on-station who may receive Director Ling’s remains?”

“His ship’s docked—Invictus.”

“Will you deliver him yourself?”

Tolly Jones drew a deep breath.

“Tempting, but prolly not best. His pilot might recognize me, and I’m over-limit on kills.”

“I will ask Captain Waitley to lend her security team to the task.”

“Thank you.”

Another bow, the twin of the first.

“Is there anything I can do for you on behalf of the station?” he asked. “Turns out I’m at loose ends. Haz, too, since she don’t have to keep Jen Sin from killing himself until he’s outta the ’doc.”

Ren Zel raised his eyebrows.

“Do you speak for Hazenthull?”

“Not in the way you mean. We’re partners. Worked Surebleak port security as a team.” Tolly Jones paused, and added, “Best team Commander Liz had.”

“In that case, you and Hazenthull are now Tinsori Light’s First Security Response Team. Put it together. Let me know if you need assistance from this office.”

Tolly Jones grinned.

“Yessir.”


Back | Next
Framed