Freedom's Ransom Read Online Free PDF Page A

Excellent Lady Emassi,” he said, giving her a polite but stiff nod of his head. Plainly he was surprised that a woman would enter into a conversation with a male, especially one of Zainal’s status. But, evenon Catteni, certain mates did have special privileges, and doubtless he knew her reputation since he had addressed her with her honorary Catteni title.
    â€œThen we shall collect the members of our delegation,” Zainal said, straightening up and looking Paxel in the eye, “and inform Kamiton that we shall presently arrive on Barevi and settle this onerous problem once and for all. I need the security codes presently in effect at Barevi.”
    If Paxel’s eyes widened at Zainal’s demand, he placed one hand on his chest and bowed again.
    â€œI return with all speed, Emassi.”
    Retrieving the message he had delivered, Paxel jotted down a few words and figures and passed the notation to Zainal. “That code will continue for the next five weeks.”
    Kris thought that Zainal had impressed his young nephew and hoped there would be no repercussions when Paxel delivered the response. Zainal shot her an amused glance as if he suspected her thoughts before he turned back to the other Botany colonists.
    â€œWe must first recall those Catteni-speakers who have gone to Terra. Does someone have the list?”
    As there was no such list and Zainal must have known it, Kris made a move to the file cabinet and started flipping through documents. Peter urgently tapped a command on the nearest keyboard, and Dorothy was industriously writing notes.
    â€œA safe journey, Paxel, and again, my regards to your mother and your father,” Zainal said as Paxel made his way out of the hangar. A backward wave from Paxel acknowledged the civility even as Zainal turned to ask Kris, “Who is most drastically needed to return from Terra?”
    â€œWithout prejudice, I’d say Chuck would be invaluable,” and Dorothy nodded from where she sat, grinning broadly.
    â€œMaybe he even thought to make a list of the most urgently needed items. Won’t we need to know whichcartons to ransom?” Peter asked. “Wouldn’t want to buy a pig’s ear for a purse.”
    â€œWould it be quicker to take Baby and go to Terra and collect the people we need?” Kris asked.
    â€œMight be in the long run,” Zainal agreed. “We do have destinations for most of them. Like the Doyle brothers. I’ll need Ninety, Gino, and Mack Dargle, and you, please, Kris. Can you leave your daughter?” He knew how she doted on six-month-old Amy but she nodded a quick reassurance. This mission had a priority she couldn’t ignore to play Mommy. Besides, in her absence both Amy and Zane would be well taken care of at the crèche.
    â€œWhat about our military?” Peter asked, referring to various admirals and generals who had been dropped on Botany and were now busy with the reconstruction of Earth’s facilities.
    â€œHmmm.” Zainal considered this. “I’d certainly like their thinking on this ransom business. Especially Ray Scott and John Beverly.”
    â€œYes, Scott has a reputation as a strategist but he has no Catteni.”
    â€œNo, but I’d value his opinion. I’ll take any help I can get on this one.”
    â€œGood idea,” Dorothy and Peter said simultaneously. Peter was plucking at his lower lip, a trait that most recognized as “Peter thinking.”
    â€œIt’s also a problem in public relations,” Peter said. “We can get there with ransomables, but how do we know the merchants will then be willing to trade?”
    â€œKamiton said they would.”
    â€œHa!” Peter sat forward with his hands clasped in front of him. “He didn’t read the signs right when he thought he could get them to make restitution. I think we need a little more to make sure they’ll exchange.”
    â€œHow would you suggest we