Read Online Code of Conduct by Kristine Smith - Free Book Online

reflection. “The coalition pushing for these talks is led by a group being advised by Ulanova. They may know how to run businesses, but they don’t know how to run governments. They’d need her help, and she’d give them justenough to keep their heads above water until they needed her again. That’s not true independence.”
    â€œMaybe it’s enough to get them started.”
    â€œYou don’t know Anais, Jan. Once she’d sunk her claws into that power base, she’d never let go. She wouldn’t rest until she was PM of her own little Commonwealth.”
    â€œFunny she doesn’t believe she can get what she wants with an Earthbound government,” Jani said. “But then, you’re fairly isolated with respect to GateWays. You’ve turned into a planet-sized office building over the years—you’ve got no substantial manufacturing or shipping anymore. The colonies are where the money is. By comparison, you’re stagnant.”
    Evan scowled. “I wish you’d stop saying ‘you.’” He sagged against the cushions and clasped his hands behind his head. “Are you angry with me? For holding out on you?”
    Jani twitched a shoulder. It twitched back. “A little.”
    â€œI’ll be waiting for you in Chicago. You will show up, won’t you?”
    â€œYes.”
    He looked up at the ceiling and exhaled slowly. “Thank you. I’ll sleep more easily tonight.” He stifled a yawn. “It won’t be horrible.”
    â€œIt could be.”
    â€œI’ll be there. I’ll help you.” He fell silent for a time. Then his eyes came to life again, and he laughed. “Before you arrived, Durian was filling my ear about Tsecha. Your old teacher’s causing quite a stir, apparently. He took one of the embassy triple-lengths out for a spin a few weeks ago. Problem was, nobody knew he could drive. He got as far as Minneapolis before a Service-idomeni pursuit team caught up to him and herded him back to Chicago. They had a hell of a time hushing it up. That’s all the anti-idomeni faction needs to hear is that the ambassador flits unguarded through the provinces.”
    Jani chuckled as well. “You’re in for it now! Sounds like he hasn’t changed. He used to like making himself up as a human in Rauta Shèràa. He even pulled down a job as a Consulate tour guide for a few days. Nobody could tell—his customers kept asking him what colony he was from.”
    â€œOh shit, I’d forgotten about that. One more thing to worry about—what joy.” Evan’s expression grew wistful. “Seems odd, calling him Tsecha . We knew him as Nema . I still think of him by that name.” He looked at Jani, his eyes narrowing. “He liked you.”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œHe thought you were special.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    â€œHe had plans for you.”
    â€œEvan, if you have a point to make, please do so.”
    â€œNo. No. Just rambling. Exhausted.”
    â€œToo much to drink.”
    â€œHmm.” Worry clouded his features for a moment. “How do you feel?”
    â€œFine.”
    â€œAre you sure? You look ill.”
    â€œThanks.” Jani rubbed her stomach. It had started to ache. “I just ate too much.”
    â€œWe’ve had a few nasty new bugs crop up in the Outer Circle over the past few years. Maybe you should see a doctor.”
    â€œ No .”
    Evan held up his hands in surrender. “Ok, ok. Sorry I mentioned it.” He struggled to his feet, then helped her gather her bag and case. “Cabin’s to your liking, I hope? Your clothes?”
    â€œNothing fits, Evan.”
    â€œReally?” He circled her, studying her in a way not entirely objective. “I did my best. Took your measurements from your old ID and turned it over to my tailor. She seldom errs.”
    â€œShe made up for lost time.”
    â€œI disagree.