The Grand Alliance by Jay Allan

Author:Jay Allan [Allan, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: System 7 Publishing
Published: 2019-01-22T22:00:00+00:00

That’s what makes us different from the Union…

But Kerevsky was uncomfortable at how long his thoughts had paused on the idea of surrendering Denisov. The Confederation’s survival, the whole Rim’s, depended on defeating the Hegemony.

How different would it be? Denisov could die in combat with far less gain…

He clamped down on the thoughts, extinguishing them like a fire, with waves of self-loathing in the place of water.

“That, of course, would be one of many subjects to discuss.” Kerevsky might not be a diplomat at his core, but he’d picked up a few skills of the trade in his journey. Vagueness and procrastination included.

“I’m afraid it will have to be the first topic of discussion, Ambassador. I couldn’t even begin to discuss a possible treaty with a power harboring the vilest traitor in Union history.”

Kerevsky was scrambling, trying to come up with something to say, some way to dance around the issue…but Villieneuve saved him, for the moment, at least.

“But where are my manners, Ambassador. You have had a long journey, and you must be tired.” He looked toward Ciara. “The Minister here will see that you and your staff are assigned appropriate quarters. We will begin serious discussions after you have enjoyed some of our hospitality.”

Kerevsky almost said he wasn’t tired, that time was of the essence, but he stopped himself. It was pointless. Villieneuve was not ready to conduct talks. Whether he wanted time to confer with his advisors, or to spy on Kerevsky and his people, the ambassador didn’t know. He even gave about a fifteen percent chance that the ‘hospitality’ he was headed for was a subterranean Sector Nine cell somewhere. But that was the chance he took when he’d accepted the mission.

They were better odds than the spacers at the front faced.

“Come with me, Ambassador. We will see to your lodgings…and I will order food prepared for you and your aides.” Ciara’s voice was stone cold, not a hint of anything but obedience to Villieneuve’s orders.

But the look was still there in her eye…barely detectable, but there. He was sure of it.

“Thank you, First Citizen, for your kind hospitality. I look forward to our first session of talks.”

But he was looking forward even more to what Ciara had to say once they were alone.

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