FLETCHER

Serengeti’s Fortuna Headquarters are in the Fifth Hill area near the docks. The building follows cartel standards, with the lobby given over to shops and restaurants, and the second-through-fourth levels common areas for militia central, training, archives, and facilities management. Iron Hammer occupies levels five and six. Grey Spear eight through eleven, and Blooded Dagger twelve through fourteen.

The Bright Star Commerce Center is a separate facility located at the edge of the Ninth Hill section of the commerce district. Through Bright Star, Serengeti provides specialized mercium and vistrite technologistics, and controller engineering for the Nightingale and its flyers. ~ excerpt from Serengeti Fortuna Operations, Serengeti archives

Clarice was grateful for Seigneur Trevelyan’s insistence that protégés with a Bright Star affiliation used only the Serengeti fleet. The local militia guard demonstrated an impressive command of the roadways, circumventing several clogs to deposit her at the Serengeti building in time for commerce start.

Navigating the commerce suites on the sixth level, Clarice located the section given to legalistics. A pleasant woman identified herself as the legalistics master’s executive servitor. Clarice would be in Master Associate Koralia’s office as there was no other available. Even with Bright Star having its own commerce building at the edge of the Eighth Hill, the Serengeti offices were overcrowded. Clarice wondered how long it would be before the cartel expanded or relocated its Fortuna headquarters.

The office was not as large as the one she occupied in Crevasse City, but the view out the window was similar—a crowded commerce district street and the building across the way. The techno array was the finest available and equal to the one she used at headquarters.

A half period later, she was frowning at the techno array. There was only one senior associate in legalistics, and of the other four, three did not exceed three years’ experience. The fourth was a man of middle years with a record of diligence and loyalty, but limited ability. It seemed that as soon as an associate qualified for elevation to senior associate, they sought a transfer.

Before Bright Star, a regular exodus from what was considered a backwater planet was expected. But in the past three years, as Bright Star gained prominence, the exodus had increased although none of the transfers were to Bright Star. A few remained on Fortuna, but none in Fort Rimon. One rather lackluster warrior abandoned cartel commerce to open a retail establishment.

Clarice had been so focused on the contract issues, she had not thought to review the personnel profiles, erroneously assuming the department would be as well-ordered as those of Serengeti Headquarters and Bright Star. There was almost a period before her conference with the legalistics staff and no purpose in assigning tasks until after she took their measure.

Meanwhile, she would attempt to discover more about Mistress Koralia. As much as she disliked the notion, her predecessor could well be the source of the staff issues. Picking up her slate, she sent an alert to Pippa. Pippa would have little insight into Serengeti intrigue, but she would know a great deal about a local warrior who abandoned a cartel position.

Fletcher found the view from the LAT as riveting as he had when he first made the low-altitude transit from Fort Rimon to the stellar transport construction fields. Skimming over the hills, the LAT turned east over the flatlands. Within a quarter period, the lush blue grass of the fertile hills gave way to gray sand dotted with purple and red scrub and succulents. In the distance, the northern mountains were a streak of black at the horizon, stark against the lavender sky.

Another quarter period and the LAT reached the edge of the construction fields. From above, they could see a variety of transports nestled among the buildings, some shining in the bright sun, others dull from collected dirt and debris. The deeper they flew into the mechanical city, the more sophisticated the construction sites became, the transports growing larger the closer they flew to the far edge.

The largest stellar transport construction enterprise on the planet, Leonardo’s construction fields extended well into the desert in a complex pattern of hangars, warehouses, silos, and cranes. The LAT made a wide turn and set them down by a hangar at the far end of the fields. Inside the cool interior, a flyer waited for the new pairing devices. Fletcher’s fingers began to tingle as he imagined them dancing over the controls.

Twenty minutes into the conference with the legalistics staff, Clarice had reached three conclusions. First, none of the associates would volunteer information about the operation. They answered direct questions, but no more. Second, they were guided by the senior associate, Zora. Before and after answering Clarice, their gazes always went to Zora. Third, if she were to learn anything of use, she would need to speak privately with associate Milo. The man of middle years was as careful of his responses as the others, but unlike his three fellows, he was not intimidated by Zora.

With little else to learn, she parceled out assignments, giving Zora the task of explaining the anomalous contract provisions. An explanation that Clarice would validate through her own investigation.

Fletcher danced his fingers over the pilot’s console. Gravitational forces pressed him into the chair as the flyer accelerated toward the thermosphere. The sky deepened from lavender to violet, and the stars began to shine through the veil of the planet’s outer atmosphere. For a breath, the pressure was intense, and then it was gone. He was flying free. Adjusting course, he skirted the observatory and set the flyer to maximum velocity on course to one of the two outer beacons.

With the sixth bell chimes, Clarice added the last document to her security-privileged archive. Other than Clarice, only Seigneur Herman or one of the Serengeti governors could access it. Whatever was in play with those anomalous contract provisions, she found no evidence of a unique Fortuna precedent. Without that, there was no explanation for the extreme penalty provisions—provisions well outside Serengeti commerce protocols. If invoked, the penalties would have significant financial repercussions, but not to a degree to risk a cartel fraud charge.

She also discovered an unusual provision in the Fortuna commerce protocols. In the context of the contracts in question, combined with anomalous ones, that provision could result in abrupt contract termination. More financial loss, but again, not so significant as to be worth the risk of a fraud charge.

Two of the four associates had completed their assignments, but her review would need to wait until tomorrow. Clarice was due to meet Pippa at Serengeti House for a light meal and whatever Pippa could tell her about the cartel-associate-turned-retailer.

Fletcher dropped the flyer through the layers of atmosphere, the sun a bronze globe on the horizon. The initial tests were a success—the pairing devices tracked the Ayres’ beacons. Tomorrow, they would test the connections with the Bright Star markers. The two test markers were in position near the Ayres’ beacons. If aught went awry with the navigational devices, Fletcher could use the Ayres’ beacons to navigate.

Exhilarated by the flight, Fletcher was in desperate need of a physical outlet. Verity and Chrys had spent the day monitoring his flight and documenting the results. They were as excited as he was and restless from the day behind a techno array. When they suggested he join them in the Serengeti House training chambers, he leapt at the chance. The facilities at Mercio House were excellent, but Serengeti House was closer to the LAT facility. And Clarice would be there.

He activated his slate, eager to know her plans.

Verity’s nose crinkled. “Clarice trained at the cartel. She is meeting Pippa.”

Disappointment tempered his exhilaration. “Mayhap I will continue on to Mercio House.”

With an air of faux innocence, she said. “I believe they are sharing a light meal at the Serengeti House.”

She had played him. “Was that necessary?”

Chrys replied, his expression stern. “Yes.”

Fletcher suspected he himself had worn a similar expression when meeting Brianne’s scholar. He should not forget that Clarice’s Thornscore allies were more than commerce kin to her and she to them. “What is it you wish?”

The couple exchanged a glance, but it was Verity who replied, “You depart for the Thirteenth System in a few days. Do not claim Clarice’s affections only to abandon them like a toy that has lost your interest.”

“A toy?” Affronted, Fletcher abandoned commerce restraint. “Do you think so little of me? Do you believe that I would fail to recognize Clarice is a treasure of incalculable value? Yes, my duty and my inclination take me back to the Thirteenth System, but what passes between Clarice and me before then is ours to navigate.”

“And after? When you return?”

Fletcher clenched his teeth. “Do you know what next month holds? I do not. I could return and find her affections bestowed on another.”

Simply voicing the possibility made him eager to pummel a heavy bag.

Verity’s expression eased. “You should send the alert.”

Chrys sent her a questioning look, and then shrugged. “What sizes do you require? I will alert the concierge to have training garb waiting on our arrival.”

The bistro had a more limited menu than the Serengeti House formal restaurant, but it was perfect for a quiet meal where no one would pay two associates any particular attention. Sipping wine, Clarice scanned the alert from Rebecca detailing the challenges of shepherding an energetic five-year-old through a carnival. From her account, Chrys’ cousin Drake could qualify as a competitive sprinter, so fast had he moved to fend off one disaster after another.

Douglas’ version was less dramatic but did lament the trials of keeping Roland from consuming every sweet on offering, when Rebecca had no such restraint. Unlike Rebecca, who would nibble a bite or two and discard the rest, Roland would try to bolt an entire pastry in two bites. She was smiling over the image of Douglas trying to pry a half-eaten tart from the boy with the promise of ‘saving it for later,’ when Pippa flitted to the table.

Even in staid commerce garb, Pippa was colorful with a brilliant emerald-green top paired with slate-blue suit, and shiny heels in cobalt. Waving a hand in greeting, she revealed flashing brilliants on the jacket’s cuff. “This is marvelous. I am so glad you are staying awhile. We will try every amenity the Serengeti House offers. It is said that the spa is beyond decadent, and the rejuvenation treatments will make us feel twenty again.”

“I do not think I wish to revisit twenty,” Clarice replied with a smile. “It was all academics and physical training.”

“Oh well, I would not wish to be twenty again,” she said checking the beverage choices. “Only that I would enjoy having the energy of twenty. Oh, the Vodka Dawn looks delicious. With such an early rising on Sixth Day, I did not dare to try one of the craft cocktails at dinner the other night, but if I limit myself to one, I will be fine in the morning. You are having the purple wine? Let me see—that is an excellent vintage. Mayhap I will join you. Wait—no, it must be the Vodka Dawn.” She tapped the kiosk to place the order. “I am feeling bold.”

“When are you not bold?” Clarice laughed. “I took the liberty of ordering the artichokes as a starter. They should arrive in a moment. What did you learn about the legalistics-associate-turned-boutique-owner?”

Eyes sparkling, Pippa leaned in. “Well—”

The arrival of the artichokes and Pippa’s cocktail halted her. Clarice was amused to notice that the green layer in the green-and-violet drink was almost an exact match for Pippa’s top. The other woman took a deep sip and sighed with pleasure. “Yes, indeed. Wondrous.”

“The boutique owner?”

“Not a boutique, but a device retailer. All the highest-end slates, entertainment consoles, and techno arrays. He has done so well that he has a dozen establishments scattered about Fortuna and opens one in Destinytown next month.”

“That is disappointing. No one would find aught questionable in departing the cartel to start a commerce venture.”

If matters proceeded with Thornscore as they hoped, there would come a time when some of the principals would be compelled to depart Serengeti to manage Thornscore.

“Not necessarily.” Pippa’s smile held a hint of slyness. “Although he is a warrior, his branch is much diminished. It is not clear where he acquired the funds for investment.”

“Are you suggesting gray commerce?”

Pippa tilted her head. “That is the rumor.”

“Odd, but I do see how it could tie in with the overall problem of legalistics associates abandoning Fortuna Headquarters. What do you know of Koralia Smithen?”

“Not a great deal. Second-level elite from the healer enclaves. Not wedlocked. Although there were rumors of a potential alliance with an Eclipse associate, but it came to naught.

“Eclipse?” The agra-cohort was largest in the Thirteen Systems and poised to achieve cartel status. “I did not realize they had a significant presence on Fortuna.”

“They supply half the processed meals in Fort Rimon, close to twenty-percent planetwide.”

Cheap, easy to store, and usable for years, processed meals supplied all the basic nutrients for survival. That they had the texture of chalk and tasted like cardboard was immaterial to the poorer inhabitants of the Thirteen Systems. It was better than starvation. Clarice had consumed more processed meals than she cared to recall. “Interesting. Although it does not address my concern.”

Pippa took another hefty sip. “The question is whether Koralia is a predator, and if yes, what type?” One enameled nail tapped the rim of her glass. “I doubt she is forcing attentions on her subordinates. She does not have the rank or family connections to get away with it. Commerce bully?”

“Mayhap. The four associates were unusually deferential to her second. But if so, does she steal their work, or is it a matter of making them miserable?”

“Does it matter? If her behavior is hindering Serengeti’s legalistics, that is indictable.”

“By itself, mayhap not, but there are other issues. Nonetheless, I need evidence. It would be helpful to know what type of evidence I seek.”

“Well, that is all I have for the moment, but I will keep her in mind. Now, what shall we order? This cocktail is delightful, but if I am to have another, I must have food. The parrotfish is not on the menu, but they have the mountain deer. How did you find it? Maybe . . .”

Clarice half listened while she considered her options with the Fortuna legalistics department. Her middle-aged associate was her next best source.

She would know that voice anywhere, it stroked her senses like a caress. “Fletcher.”

“You were not expecting me? I sent an alert.”

“I have been engaged with Pippa.” She noticed his damp hair. “What have you been doing?”

“Chrys and Verity invited me to use the training chambers.” He turned to Pippa. “How fare you this eve? Would it be acceptable if I joined you?”

“Of course. We were about to order. There are two artichokes left. You should have those. What did you think of the media management plays?”

His eyes sparkling, Fletcher took the place between the two of them. Clarice was eager to know about the flyer tests, but Pippa was not within Bright Star security-privilege. She would content herself with his company until they could be alone.