FLETCHER

To meet anticipated Fourth System demand, Serengeti will redirect critical resources. Specifically, Blooded Dagger Cartouche will alter Desperation’s vistrite production to prioritize shipments to Fortuna. To support this shift, Grey Spear Cartouche will redeploy the supply fleet to increase the traffic between the Desperation in the Sixth System and Fortuna in the Fourth System.

Blooded Dagger will accelerate the development of the Fourth System mercium facility with the expectation of being operational in the new year, and at fifty-percent capacity six months later. To support the new facility, Iron Hammer will complete its companion controller facility within the same period. ~ excerpt from Serengeti Bright Star Strategic Plan, Serengeti archives

Fletcher reached out a hand and silenced the sharp chirp from his slate. Next to him, Clarice imitated the motion. It lacked a half period until sixth bell, but they both wanted to be fully awake when the land grants were released. He had given up all pretense of staying at Mercio House, moving his things to Serengeti House and Clyde into the servitor’s chamber. He was not squandering a moment that could be spent with the woman he loved.

He watched in appreciation as Clarice rose from the bed, the sheet dropping away to reveal the golden expanse of her back, unmarked by bruise or abrasion. The damage done by Milo had healed, the last of the sealant washing away Sixth Day gone.

Milo had not fared so well. In the end, Fletcher had settled for fracturing both wrists, using his left hand as manacle and then squeezing until bone snapped. Seigneur Marco had left the breaks untreated overnight, but after that, sent for the healers. Vistrite crevasse conduit technicians needed both hands.

Not that Milo would see the bottom of a crevasse any time soon. Although they continued to search, Seigneur Trevelyan’s operatives were unable to locate Koralia’s missing slate or discover any links to Ayres. A new inquisitor would arrive by Third Day to replace Mr. Clyde who would join Fletcher on the freighter come the morrow.

Wrapped in her robe, Clarice settled on the sofa with her slate. “I ordered the morning meal. You might want to put on your robe.”

Needing the closet, and wanting to be ready when the announcement came, Fletcher rose and stretched, preening under Clarice’s open admiration. When he returned to the bedchamber a few minutes later, dutifully covered in his robe, he found Clarice frowning at her slate.

“Seigneur Herman wills that I remain on Fortuna for at least three months. Now that we know Koralia was driving out anyone competent enough to discover her plot, the seigneur wishes to review the senior associates who transferred to other provinces and systems. There may be one suitable to take over as Fortuna legalistics master.”

Fletcher’s heart lifted. “You will be here when I return.” He settled next to her on the sofa. “Why does that not please you?”

“That pleases me greatly,” she replied. “It is that I will yet remain while you return to Crevasse City.”

She would miss him. “Fear not. With the new controller plant, I should be able to remain while you are on Fortuna. Before this journey, I lacked sufficient knowledge of mercium controllers. Now, I expect Seigneur Kemeha will be pleased to have me on Fortuna.”

Her expression brightened and she started to speak when both their slates chimed. As one, they accessed the land grants posting. Excitement raced through Fletcher’s veins. Farstar had been granted two of their three first-choice tracts and the most desirable of their second choice. Fingers flying, he sent a brief coded alert to Nickolas. He had no sooner finished than Clarice jumped up. “We need to dress, Chrys and Verity are coming.”

“The best we could hope for, all three of Thornscore’s first-choice tracts.”

“Did you doubt that the vistrite conservator’s consortium would have a different result?”

“It is never wise to be overconfident.” She pulled a suit from the closet. “Now that all is public, Thornscore and Farstar can review the proximity of our holdings and begin to craft a strategy for our contract.”

“Should we order more food?”

“Chrys already has.”

Two and a half bells later, Clarice pushed aside her empty teacup. “This is an excellent start.”

Two of Farstar’s three tracts were naught but a few bells of LAT transit from Thornscore’s. Although, they would rely on the more versatile DOP-Cs developed by Captain Raleigh’s Phoenix Enterprises. Farstar’s cooperative membership would give them access at a reasonable cost. Farstar’s third tract was on Bright Star Prime, but for that holding, Fletcher and Nickolas could use cooperative labor.

Chrys stowed his slate and rose. “We need to go. The final checks on the freighter need to be completed by the end of the day if it is to launch on the morrow.”

Clarice’s expression fell. “And you depart the day after.”

Chrys and Verity were to return to the Third System while Marco and Rigel boarded a militia transport for the Thirteenth System. They would arrive a full sevenday before Fletcher. The purpose of their journey was to prepare for the freighter’s arrival and cargo of components for the stellar launch platform.

Verity clasped Clarice’s shoulders. “We will have tomorrow night with Pippa. And with her circle, you will not lack for company when we are gone.”

“As you voice.” Clarice’s return smile was a bit forced. “And there is the legalistics disaster left by Koralia to address. Even if you were remaining, I doubt I would have many bells at liberty.”

Chrys handed Verity her satchel in a clear message that they should not linger.

Fletcher nodded. “I will join you in the lobby.”

As soon as the door closed, he reached for her, catching her by the shoulders. “We are landowners in the Thirteenth System.”

She placed her hands over his, her smile gaining strength. “Will you be able to visit Thornscore’s tracts as well as Farstar’s?”

“If Raleigh will allow me a flyer, for certain. The DOP-Cs are much slower and there may not be sufficient bells.”

She leaned into him. “I trust you to charm the captain.”

Clarice added citrus-scented oil to the tub and increased the water flow. The freshening closet’s light was set to a soft glow, and quiet music filled the air. Iced sparkling wine waited in a bucket. In the main chamber, an elegant meal of Fletcher’s favorites from the guesthouse menu was being kept warm and cold as needed. It was Fletcher’s last night on Fortuna, and she was determined to be romantic. Fortunately, between the romances Rebecca enjoyed, and Pippa’s advice, she was confident that Fletcher would find the arrangements romantic.

Satisfied with the water level, she halted the flow and returned to the main chamber as Fletcher entered with glowing eyes and a brilliant smile. Catching her in his arms he spun her around. “It has been the most fantastic day!”

Laughing, she gripped his shoulders. “The final checks went well?”

“Yes, but that is not what is fantastic.” He dropped on the sofa, holding her in his lap. “Raleigh is giving me a flyer!”

“How did you charm him so quickly?”

He shook his head. “I had the alert at midday. The Nightingale is short of pilots. He convinced Seigneur Thorvald that it was foolish to waste one trained for the Nightingale crew. I suspect Lilian had a hand in it.” He touched the phoenix ornament. “Or mayhap Katleen.”

“She did promise you would fly again.” As soon as she spoke, Clarice realized that Fletcher was not talking about a few flights. “Needs pilots? You are staying in the Thirteenth System?”

“Only until the new year.” He dropped a kiss on her lips. “Long enough to complete the surveys for the commerce bidding.”

She knew what flying meant to him. “I am pleased for you.”

“You are troubled?”

“Not troubled, so much as . . .” she gazed out at the setting sun. “You are meant for the freedom of flight, but I am very much a creature of gravity.”

He caught her chin and turned her face to his. “First, all flyers must land. Second, you are a creature of fire and light, and I am moth to your flame. I will always return to you.”

Looking into his eyes, she found only truth and determination. “What of your family? What will they think of you paired with the daughter of a guesthouse pleasure companion and an unknown father?”

“They will be delighted that Seigneur Herman’s protégé and Thornscore’s legalistics master is willing to have me.” He grinned. “My parents consider me flighty. A little gravity will be welcome.”

She doubted it would be quite that simple, but she had fought for everything she had, and she would fight for Fletcher. She twined her arms around his neck. “There is a bath waiting. Sparkling wine.”

“Why Mistress Clarice, are you being romantic?”

“I hope so. It is my first time.”

He stood with her in his arms. “I am certain you will excel at it.”

They were halfway to the freshening closet when he halted, eyes widening in horror. “Five Warriors protect me. I will need the approval of your family.”

“My family? My mother died when I was thirteen.”

Laughing, she kissed his chin. “They all admire you. Except maybe Malcon. You should probably fear Malcon.”