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didn’t, I’d ask John to check your vitals.”
    Jani looked toward the settlement, the newest homes that stood on what a month ago had been open land. “There are those here who have no place else to go. Their families disowned them when they hybridized, and their governments don’t trust them because they don’t know whose side they’re on. If Chicago decides that there’s some sort of militant hotbed developing here, what action do you think they’ll take? Hell, Niall, you get the memos. You have the list of who to pick up first.” And I bet I know whose name is at the top.
    Niall looked everywhere but at her. “I take from this that we have another theological essay to look forward to.” Heglanced at her sidelong, then turned his attention to his nicstick, working his thumbnail between the filter and the body and prying them apart. “I’ve read the previous offerings, in translation, of course. He does tend toward the carpet bomb approach when it comes to stating his case.”
    â€œHe’s idomeni. Carpet bombing is standard operating procedure.” Jani tapped a beat atop the rail. “He will make his point, regardless of the cost to himself. Or anyone else.”
    â€œAnd you won’t?” Niall stared at the dismembered ’stick as though he’d never seen it before, then tossed it into the trash bin. “Parts of Chicago still bear the scorch marks, Jan. You’re as radical as he is.”
    â€œWould you believe I’m learning circumspection?”
    â€œNot without witnesses.”
    Jani grinned, but the expression soon faded. “We’re here on sufferance, we Thalassans. Beggars, being allowed a place to squat because we’re quiet and don’t bother anyone.” She motioned to Niall, then started walking across the terrace back to the house-lined street. “That can change so quickly, and then what?”
    â€œYou’re worried that Stash Markos will kick you off Elyas. You? ” Niall rose and fell in beside her. “He never struck me as the type to harbor a death wish. You’re talking nonsense, gel.” He glanced overhead and sighed. “I blame this damned sun.” He fell silent, fixed on the uphill climb. Then he drew a deep breath. “So, I expect that Markos and the others are coming here to consult with Tsecha about that bombing at the Haárin docks on Amsun.”
    Not up to your usual standard, Colonel. Jani struggled to keep her face blank. You’re usually so much more subtle when you pry. “Yes. They want to make sure the word gets out that they support the Amsun Haárin, and that they’ll not rest until they apprehend the parties responsible.” And there was her reply, just as stilted. But as good a tale as any, and even more so for being partly true.
    Niall studied her, the brim of his lid shading his eyes, hiding them from her gaze. Then he gripped her elbow andpulled her to a stop. “Whatever happens, whatever—” He looked up the street, now filled with hybrids working, talking, and lowered his voice to a rough whisper. “You’ll get some warning. I know people. I’ll get you out.”
    â€œWhat about John and the others?” Jani nodded toward the bustle. “I wouldn’t leave without them.” She watched Niall look up the street again. Saw his shoulders sag, and knew his thoughts as though he spoke them aloud. It’s a town now, Niall, with schools and shops, a Net station and a shuttleport. How do you evacuate it without anyone knowing? She resumed walking, then paused until Niall caught her up. “Mako still give you a hard time about hanging around with me?”
    Niall shook his head. “Not as much as he used to.”
    Meaning he’s happy to have a spy in the midst of this brew. Jani pressed a hand to the back of her neck and tried to massage away the growing tightness. “Did you want to