The Shrike sat in front of a space line screen in his private sanctum, a gloved finger tracing the edge of his mask. The room’s tranquil ambience came from its subdued décor of grey-blue walls and cream and glass furniture, recessed lighting and grey moss carpet. The plump, jovial face that filled the screen wore a worried expression, and Vidan’s tone was unhappy.
“I agree, it all seems legitimate, but it’s awfully risky. Is it really worth it to get Jamdar? You’ll be out of your territory, with only one ship. You can’t bring more without them being spotted, and if Urquat decides to rat you out Jamdar will have you.”
“I want Jamdar,” the Shrike said. “He’s taken the bait. This is the closest I’ve ever come to cornering that slimy bastard. No one will suspect anything; it’s a legitimate takeover. The only risk is in the kill itself.”
“Because you insist on doing it yourself.”
“It’s my decision. I don’t have the right to risk someone else’s life.”
“What if you’re killed?” Vidan asked. “You’re the most important person around here, you know. Others would give their lives for you. I’d do it myself!”
“I know you would. When is the meeting set for? We might have to rush this; certain other factors have come to light.”
“Two days from now. Why? What other factors?”
The Shrike shook his head. “Nothing to be concerned about.”
“When you say things like that, it only makes me more suspicious. I need to know all the circumstances surrounding this deal, or I’ll pull the plug, I swear. If it’s more dangerous than it seems, I need to know about it.”
“You can’t pull the plug.”
“I could warn Jamdar.”
“You’d do that?”
Vidan puffed out his cheeks. “If I thought it would save your life, yes.”
“I should fire you.” The Shrike sighed. “All right, it’s the bait. It seems she’s important to Atlan. They’re looking for her, so I need to do this tomorrow, then they can have her back.”
“Are you nuts? You’re going to meet Jamdar with the damned Atlanteans on your tail?”
“They’re not on my tail. It’ll take them a few more days to find out I’ve got her, even if they grab Drevina. Then they have to try to find out which of my bases she’s on. I just want this over and her off my hands before they start making a nuisance of themselves. Set up the meeting for tomorrow. Tell Jamdar it’s a one-day deal.”
“You are nuts,” Vidan said. “All right, but personally, I hope Jamdar tells you to go stick it.”
“Thanks. Get back to me as soon as it’s set.”
Vidan snorted, and the space line went blank. The Shrike stared at it for a few minutes, then rose and left the sealed room in which he conducted his most secret communications.