Quarrels and Quills

The Diplomat and Two Constructs

The peace talks had ended. A treaty was signed. The warring factions had laid aside their weapons. For now, a fragile peace had been secured.

After weeks of tense negotiations, everyone was in the mood to celebrate. Most of them chose to do so with intoxicating ...

The Diplomat, The Construct, and The Company

As soon as Anke was released from the hospital, a flurry of activity began. Anke alternated between participating in the peace talks - which had now taken on an additional sense of urgency - and holocalls to every level of the company that owed Rills ...

Jameson Bryant, Aidan Millican, and Marshal Knox

As Aidan walked into the house, his small duffel bag of possessions slung over his shoulder, he asked Jameson, "You remember that you said I could stay here, right?"

Jameson gave him a puzzled look. "Yes, of course I remember."

"You... remember ...

Eve Travers and Cambria Morehouse

"I'm here!" Eve tried to call out, but the fall had knocked the wind out of her, and her bruised ribs prevented enough intake of air to make her voice heard. "I'm here!"

If only she had her wand. If only she could... shoot up a flare, or something. It was very ...

Anke Umber and Rills

Anke's smile pleasant smile wavered for a moment.

How fast can we get back to the spaceport if they start shooting? she asked Rills via her cybernetics.

> Fast enough, if I pick you up and run...

Great.

> But it's not going to matter. The ship left.

Double great ...

Tempest and Cullen Rutherford, Ulga gra-Shatul, and Githia Acarra

Another whispered conversation followed.

"Well, we have an answer," Cullen said. "But does anyone know the question? Twenty-four prisoners? Or guards? Or paces from our location?"

There was a moment of silence as the group ...

Anakita Snakecharm

"You're welcome," Anakita replied cheerfully. "It's not dumb. Sometimes things are hard for one person but not another. I bet there are a lot of scholars who would say it's easy to read but hard to swing around that big sword like you do - but that part is easy for you. It's ...

Lars and Linc Valli

"The G.I.N.A.s do have some self-repair ability, but not to anywhere near the extent of the combat-purposed units," Valli Senior replied. "That is by design. We have to consider the nature of their likely functions. Please imagine this scenario: An enemy operative has been ...

Marshal Knox

"Yeah. It's okay." Marshal held Cait, gently rubbing her back, letting her lean on him. Letting her just breathe, his own breath coming in time with hers.

He was lucky. He knew that. Marshal was lucky to have Jameson - and he understood why it was different. They had found each ...

Anke Umber and Rills

"Yes," Siralai replied. "Your Senate testimony. It was quite... enlightening."

And still, no one was quite ready to break the ice. No one was quite willing to make the first move - the first admission. Because the stakes were too high. If someone had guessed wrong about ...