The Chameleon (An Outer Rim Novel: Book 2)

By Diane Burton

Legally Blond meets Mata Hari

Socialite Jileena Winslott has perfected the image of the spoiled, rich, bubble-headed daughter of an industrial magnate. In reality, she’s a smart, savvy aide to her father in social situations where she is his eyes and ears. She yearns to be her true self and run the family business. When her father sends her on a covert mission to the Outer Rim, she has the chance to prove herself. Big problem. He insists she take along a fake fiancé—the man she’s secretly loved for years.

Security Officer Laning Servary has better things to do than babysit a spoiled rich girl on a tour of the Frontier. If he refuses, he can kiss his career good-by. Then Jileena’s father sweetens the pot. If Laning keeps her safe, his family will receive the land they share-crop. He can’t refuse.

In the close quarters of her ship, Laning and Jileena discover they aren’t who they seem. Pirates, weather, and her recklessness threaten to derail the mission. As Laning and Jileena revise their impressions of each other, they’ll have to make hard choices about their goals. Can their budding love survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.M. Burton
• Release date: May 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311120687

Diane Burton

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides writing science fiction romance, she writes romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries. Diane and her husband live in West Michigan. They have two children and five grandchildren.For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Book preview

Dedication

To my children for their continued love and support

To my grandchildren whose smiles make my day

And especially to Bob, my best friend and hero

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the Outer Rim, the frontier of space. As wild and crazy as the American West in the 1800's, the Rim is the home of stout-hearted individuals. Pioneers eager to make their fortunes. Nonconformists who want to be left alone. Escapees from the establishment or from the law. People who reinvent themselves with new names and life histories. From uninhabited planets to primitive settlements to established colonies, the Rim is the place of fantasies and dreams.

I hope you enjoy the adventure.

Diane

CHAPTER 1

Accounting. This is Leeva, Jileena Winslott answered the comm with the nasal tone of her alter ego. How may I—

Your father wants to see you. Immediately. He's in his office there. I told him you were playing shintung. Without waiting for her response, her bodyguard, Maxil, severed the connection.

Thank the Divine One, her boss had left early. Jileena raced out of the office. Before seeing her father, she had to get to the private sanitary facility on the first floor of Winslott Industries where she'd hidden different changes of clothing for any occasion. If her father thought she was playing shintung, what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Of course, he'd never believe—or approve of—her working in his company.

When the elevator opened, a large man stood squarely in the middle of the spacious lift. Pilad Sindaro, his arms folded behind his back. So pretentious. With barely a glance, he dismissed her—the frump who worked in accounting.

Are you getting in? he said without moving. I am late for a meeting.

Jerk. Jileena thought of several more colorful expletives to call him. Sorry, sir, she mumbled, head and eyes down as she scooted around him.

During her covert internship in various departments she'd managed to avoid close encounters with the Chief Operating Officer of her family's business. Temporary COO. By the stars, she would oust him or die trying.

How overly dramatic. Just what everyone expected from Daddy's Little Girl.

The descent took an eternity. The silence palpable. His presence in the confined space felt more overwhelming than his physical size. He wore his position like a royal robe, too full of his own self-importance to speak to an underling.

Huddled in the corner, she saw in the reflective wall surface what he saw. A smallish worker with dull brown hair and brown eyes dressed in an overlong brown skirt, tan blouse and sensible shoes. A nobody.

He got off on the second level without a backward glance at her, without the customary courtesy of gesturing to a fem to exit first. When the doors closed behind him, she called out first floor then breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't recognized her.

She made good time in the sanitary, stripping down to her underwear and ripping off the wig. After finger-combing her flattened hair, she threw on the white shintung outfit and straightened its short shirt. Before picking up her racquet, she glanced in the mirror.

Crazik. Hastily, she washed off the heavy makeup that disguised her fair complexion. One more look. Crazik, crazik, crazik. She popped out the brown lenses then blinked her baby greens several times.

Racing out a back door then around to the front of the building made her sweaty enough to look like she really had been racing around a shintung court. Using her racquet, she waved to the guard on duty who grinned and waved back. Instead of taking the elevator, she ran up the back stairs. Before opening the door to the second level, she paused to catch her breath. She strolled down two corridors, smiling broadly at employees passing by and greeting them as she always did with a wave and cheery 'Hi there.' Normally, she would stop and chat. Not today, considering her father's order via Maxil.

At the entry to the executive suite, a guard she'd never seen before stopped her. Where are you going?

To see my father. She made to go around him.

Blocking her way, the guard demanded. Who is that?

She was standing outside her father's office. The only person to use that office was her father. Who did he think she was going to see? Swallowing a sarcastic response, she said, Adamus Winslott.

Identification.

I don't believe this. She'd never been stopped from entering her father's suite. As she'd been coming to the company headquarters since she could walk, every employee knew her on sight. Except this guy.

Don't you recognize me? she said in the cutesy voice Father insisted she use. I'm Jileena Winslott.

You are not wearing a Visitor's Pass. Identification.

Crazik. Her shintung outfit had no pockets. Besides, who carried ID while playing?

Miss Winslott. A guard who'd known her since she was a toddler came toward her. It is good to see you.

She clasped his hand with both of hers. Hi there, Faren. It's good to see you, too. How's your wife and little Tanus?

Faren smiled broadly that she remember his family. Little Tanus is sixteen and taller than me. Are you here to see your father?

I am. And I'm not carrying identification. She gave a helpless look at the other guard.

Faren shook his head. This is Miss Winslott. She can—

The door to the executive suite burst open, and Pilad Sindaro plowed through. His fierce expression promptly changed when he saw her. He stopped so suddenly the closing door missed his backside by mere centimeters. When he nodded to the guards, they backed down the hall out of earshot. Then he turned to her. Jileena, dear girl.

At least he recognized her this time. On second thought, it was good he hadn't in the elevator. Hi there, Pilad.

Dear girl, it is always a pleasure to see you.

What a condescending fool. If he called her dear girl one more time, she would kick him. Every time he saw her he spoke to her as if she were a child.

Is something wrong? You appear to be . . . flushed.

She twirled the racquet. I was playing shintung.

Oh. Yes. Of course. He looked like he wanted to say more. In fact, he was practically shuffling his feet. Why are you here? Is there something I can help you with?

She almost rolled her eyes. Why would I come to my father's executive suite? I came to see Daddy.

Of course. He didn't move out of her way.

Is he still in?

What? Yes. I just left him. He stared at her.

If she didn't know him better, she'd think he was trying to get up the courage to ask her something. That couldn't be right. This man was in charge of her family's company.

You must be very busy, Pilad. I don't want to keep you. She nodded to the door behind him.

What? Oh. Of course. My apologies. Sindaro started to step aside then stopped. "I have tickets to The Pioneers."

That was one of the hottest plays in Eleganza's theater district. Even her father hadn't been able to get tickets. Jileena wanted to see it so badly she might even give in and go with Sindaro.

For tomorrow night, he added.

When he didn't say anymore, she smiled prettily, just the way Baby Winslott always did. Are you asking if I want the tickets, or if I want to go with you?

In the subdued light of the corridor, she thought she saw red on the tips of his ears.

Go with me, he said gruffly.

I've wanted to see that play ever since it came out. Immediately, she regretted her outburst. She needed to make a tactical retreat. I—

All right then. Sindaro appeared very pleased with himself. My assistant will call you with the arrangements. He walked past her.

His assistant would call me? What kind of a deal was that?

Pilad? she called him back. When he turned around, she said, I'm sorry. I've done it again, not being clear. She fluttered her hand—something she often did to give herself time to come up with an excuse. "I do want to see The Pioneers, but I'm not sure I can go tomorrow. I, uh, I'll check my calendar and have Reggie call your assistant."

Sindaro gave her a brusque nod before spinning on his heel and striding away. She'd done it now. Wishing she'd thought first before mentioning how much she wanted to see the play, she opened the door to her father's outer office.

Miss Winslott, his long-time executive assistant greeted her. Your father is on a vid call, but he said to tell you to go right in.

Thank you, Madame Garoo. How are you? Did you enjoy your vacation?

I had a marvelous time. Thank you for asking. You are always so thoughtful.

Giving her a broad smile, Jileena quietly entered her father's inner sanctum. While she waited for him to finish, she hitched her hip onto the corner of his desk, out of sight of the vid camera. She tapped her racquet against her bare leg until he severed communication then leaned over and kissed his cheek.

Hi, Daddy. What's so important you had to drag me away from my shintung game? I was winning. She pouted. I never beat Marilia, and I had to forfeit.

Sorry, Baby. His smile meant something was up. Not that his calling her away from the shintung court wasn't her first clue. When Bricaldia's Chief Representative to the Coalition of Planets called, everyone—including his daughter—obeyed.

Who's the guard out there with Faren? I didn't recognize him. She laughed. And he didn't recognize me, either. He asked me for ID.

You're joking. When she shook her head, he said, A new hire. Morvan retired.

I wished I'd known. Wait. Was there a party for him?

He wrinkled his brow. Sindaro takes care of the day-to-day, as you well know.

She made a rude noise.

I wish you wouldn't do that every time I mention him.

He nearly ran over me out in the hall. I don't know what you said to him, but he did not look happy.

Father brushed that aside. Business. Was he rude to you?

"Not any more so than usual. In fact, he almost sounded like a schoolboy asking a girl out for the first time. He invited me to see The Pioneers."

And you refused again, I imagine.

"Actually, I didn't. Well, not exactly. You won't believe what he said. His assistant will call me. As if he's too busy to call me himself to make the arrangements. So I said I'd have my assistant call his." Mentally, she cringed at how mean-spirited that sounded.

Baby, Baby, would it hurt you to be nice to him? An oft-repeated refrain.

She didn't know why she disliked the man Daddy thought walked on water. Something about Sindaro just didn't sit well with her.

Is that what you want? At the slight flush on her father's face, she groaned. Oh, puh-leeze.

I've never interfered in your life, Baby—

Oh, right, never interfered? You've been running my life since Mother died, turning me into a fluff-brained idiot.

—I just want to see you happy. Now enough about that. I have important news. Lambidium has been discovered on Galeria 7. If Daddy's glittering green eyes weren't a clue to his excitement, the deep creases along his mouth confirmed it.

Holy crazik. What a discovery. Lambidium was such a rare mineral that its worth was measured in micro-grams.

Jileena whistled. Very interesting. I haven't heard anything about it on the newswaves.

Even if the distant Galeria System was part of the lawless Outer Rim, surely a discovery as significant as that warranted headlines.

It hasn't reached the 'waves, and I don't intend it to until Winslott Industries secures exclusive mining rights. I won't let Rusteran win again.

She blew out a breath. Daddy and his feud with his former partner. Then she realized what else he said. Her heart sank. She knew what was coming. To conceal her feelings, she hopped off the desk and tossed the shintung racquet on the visitor's chair. Standing behind him, her hands clenched in front of her, she looked out at Mount Graven in the distance. She didn't really see the city sprawl or the bustle of layered vehicular traffic in the skies. All she could think about was her father's announcement.

How do you plan to secure those rights? she asked, her throat tight. As if she didn't know.

I'm sending a negotiator.

I knew it. Wonder Boy.

He tsked. Must you call Sindaro that? He's doing a fine job as my replacement.

Better than the last two, she conceded.

To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, when her father became Chief Rep he'd stepped down from the day-to-day procedures of the company he'd built from a two-man operation to a multi-billion credit industry.

I don't understand why you don't like him, Baby. He's very well thought of in the industry, top-notch reputation. He's not such a bad sort if you give him a chance.

He's rude. He barks at people if they're in his way and walks right past clerks and office assistants as if they don't exist.

He's got a lot on his mind, Father said. "He's making many acquisitions for the company, and he's involved in several negotiations. Don't let the fact that he is distracted concern you. He is a good COO.

She turned around. "Temporary COO. I hope he understands that."

His expression sobered. Konner is gone, Baby. The ache in her heart mirrored the sadness in her father's eyes. I have to think about the future of the company. Sindaro—

Sindaro doesn't care about the company or about the people. Morvan's retirement is a perfect example. You always made a production out of the employees' service. Once a month you celebrated anniversaries. Sindaro hasn't had one all the time he's been here.

Her father cocked his head at her. How do you know all that about him?

Oh, crazik. She'd slipped up. I, uh, I heard. I see some of the old-timers when I come to see you. They talk to me. Sindaro doesn't care about anything except power. The company belongs in the family.

You have to accept that your brother is dead.

Despite her heartache, she stood in front of him, hands on her hips, determined to bring this to a head. She'd danced around the subject long enough, dropping hints that he ignored. He may have groomed her older brother to take over, but she wasn't going down without a fight. I am family.

With his trademark stare—one that made competitors back off and employees quake—he pinned her in place. You don't have what it takes to replace me.

His remark sent such an arrow of hurt through her she snapped, Neither did Konner. The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to retract them.

Father slumped back in his chair. The desolation in his expression broke her heart.

Immediately, she dropped to her knees in front of him. I'm so sorry, Daddy. I shouldn't have—

In a gesture she remembered from childhood, he smoothed her hair away from her forehead then tipped up her chin. What you say is true. He had no stomach for this cutthroat business. And neither do you, thank the Divine One. He patted her head twice. You don't have to worry about that. Now get up. We have work to do. Plans to make.

As she stood, she straightened the short skirt and sleeveless top of her shintung outfit. Plans?

His satisfied grin surprised her. Your mission, if you choose to accept it . . .

She chuckled. Have you been watching Max's vids from Terra again?

"They are entertaining. He cleared his throat, a sure sign that he wanted to return to business. Baby, I'm sending you to Galeria 7 to check out this discovery."

To the Outer Rim? Jileena's jaw dropped. While her father had sent her on discreet missions before, he'd never sent her that far from the Central Planets—especially since Konner had died out on the Frontier.

You will check the site and do your own analysis. Put that geology degree of yours into practice.

Uh, geology degree?

She'd gone to university and majored in all the frou-frou courses her father had decreed she should. As her alter ego, Leeva Warren, she'd earned degrees in geology, archeology, and business administration.

Come now, child. You can't do anything I don't know about.

Hah. He didn't know about her working in his company. But how in Lexol's Fire had he found out about her education? Better yet, why had he never said anything before?

If, indeed, it is high-grade lambidium, he said as if he hadn't knocked her for a loop, you will negotiate mining rights with the local tribe.

M-Me?

He'd done it again and seemed to enjoy surprising her. She stumbled to the visitor's chair, almost sitting on her racquet. He couldn't mean it. He wasn't sending her. He had to be teasing. Yet he'd never been intentionally cruel. At least, not to her.

I certainly can't send Sindaro. As soon as reporters learn he left for the Rim, rumors would fly and negotiations would fail.

He was right about that. If secrecy was paramount, Father had to send someone whose presence was innocuous. Someone like his fluff-brained daughter.

"By the way, you'll need to call him and decline the invitation to the play. Better yet, have your assistant call his and say you have another engagement." The corner of his mouth curved, and a secret twinkle appeared in his eyes.

What?

Father shook his head. Discretion is imperative. No one will suspect you are going out to the Rim for anything other than a vacation. He paused.

Hope began to trickle through her. He'd never had her negotiate anything as important as mining rights. He was giving her a chance. A chance to prove herself.

With your fiancé, he added.

She chuckled. Max's spouse might have something to say about that.

Maxil is not going with you.

Why not? He always goes with me. Max wasn't just her bodyguard, he was her friend.

I decided you will travel with someone . . . younger. By the way, be sure to bring back some new Terran vids for Max while you're out on the Rim. You know how much he enjoys them.

"Younger? What do you mean younger? Hold on. Is that what you meant about another engagement? She groaned. About this fiancé? Tell me it's someone I know."

Commander Servary, your assignment is to escort Baby Winslott on a sightseeing tour of the Outer Rim.

Security Officer Laning Servary clenched his teeth so hard his jaw ached. By the Matriarch's left tit, that was why he'd been recalled from the Rim to Coalition HQ? To be a glorified tour guide? A babysitter? He thanked the Exalted One that he was standing, his feet wide apart with his hands clasped behind his back. Otherwise, he might have wrapped them around Chief Vanutial's neck and throttled him.

Baby, sir? Laning knew full well who Baby was. He'd met her Royal Pain-in-the-Ass at a social function last year.

Chief Representative Winslott's daughter wants to visit the Frontier. Her father insists you protect her. The man's eyes narrowed. She has some damn fool notion about having an adventure. Apparently, those damn fool pioneers have been filling her head with damn fool ideas.

But, sir, I have an assignment—

"Your assignment is what I say it is," Vanutial boomed, shattering the air in the office much the same as his Volpian Cruiser did when shooting through the atmosphere.

Laning cleared his throat and snapped to attention. Yes, sir.

At ease, Commander, at ease. By Lexol's Fire, I need you out there patrolling Malcor Sector for smugglers and other miscreants. And keeping that gangster Hallart out of your sector. Not escorting some spoiled rich girl who wants a damn fool adventure. Chief Vanutia's voice rose.

Although he agreed, Laning knew enough to keep his mouth shut.

Winslott insisted on you specifically. Although I don't know why after that fiasco with President—ex-President—Filana's son. I still can't believe she was in Hallart's pocket. The Divine One only knows how far his influence extends. Chief Vanutial blew out a breath. Never mind that. Screw this up, Servary, and your next assignment won't be a cushy sightseeing tour. You'll be swabbing decks on a garbage scow.

I believe you know Commander Servary. You met him at Filana's inaugural ball.

Jileena couldn't believe her father's pronouncement. Servary? Laning Servary?

Ah. Her father smiled. You do remember him.

Oh, she remembered him all right. For over seventeen years, he'd appeared in her dreams. Hopes raised at one ball, squashed at another.

Father smiled. He is coming for Last Meal tonight.

Being in close contact with the man of her dreams who didn't recognize her would be excruciating. Isn't there anyone else?

If there were, don't you think I would get someone else? I trust Servary. His eyes narrowed. If you are not up to the assignment . . .

Of course I am. She knew when to give in and when to hold her ground. Listen, Father, I want to—

Baby, keep up appearances at all times. How many times had he told her that? She even knew what came next. It would never do to slip at an inappropriate moment.

"Nevertheless, Daddy, I want to talk to you about the company."

Sindaro is taking care of the business.

Crazik. Father thought she was smart enough to handle subterfuge in the political arena, yet not smart enough to run the family business.

Now was the time to stiffen her backbone. This is the last mission, she declared. For fifteen years I've played the role of the pampered daughter who doesn't have a brain in her head. I'm tired of it. And she was damn tired of using the little girl voice Daddy insisted was essential to maintain the illusion, even in private.

You are providing a valuable service—to me and to the Coalition.

Public service was as important to her father as the business. She was his eyes and ears in situations where his presence would have inhibited others. After her mother died and she assumed hostess duties at fifteen, Jileena realized nobody took Adamus Winslott's daughter seriously and talked freely in her presence. When she shared that with her father, he encouraged her to act the fluff-brained twit. Even knowing she performed a valuable service for the Coalition and Winslott Industries, she was tired of pretending, tired of everyone thinking she was stupid. She wanted to be herself.

We need to talk about the terms of the mining contract. He handed her a plexi-sheet. I'll be damned if that blackguard Rusteran steals another find from me.

Daddy, isn't it time you and Uncle Boras buried the—

No. His voice echoed in the large office. Stay out of what you don't understand.

Properly chastened, she turned her attention to her mission. For the next two hours, her father explained the extensive contract, repeatedly questioning her to make certain she understood every phrase and sentence, how much negotiating leeway she had, and the bottom line. Finally, he glanced at the ornate clock on the corner of his desk. "That's enough for now. We will talk more tonight. Go home and change before your fiancé arrives for dinner."

Head stuffed to bursting with information, she had one more question. How did you find out about the discovery?

I have my ways.

You and your secrets. She laughed as she got up to give him a quick kiss before heading to the door.

She had her hand on the knob when he said, You should inform Nellis that you have a family emergency and will be unable to finish your internship in accounting.

For five secs, she stood rooted to the floor. Her heart tripped madly and her lungs struggled for air. Surprise Number Three. He knew.

As she turned to face him, she fluttered her hand and affected smiling confusion. Why, Daddy, whatever are you talking about?

His deep rumble of laughter rolled around the room. "Very good. That wide-eyed look almost convinced me. Then his expression changed. Did you imagine I would not know what goes on in my own company? A strange intern manages to work in almost every department, and you think I don't know about it?"

She clasped the door handle with both hands behind her back. How did he know? Where did I slip up? Who told him?

Now, Daddy—

Don't you 'now, Daddy' me. I told you I know everything you do. Those so-called vacations you've taken? Did you think I wouldn't find out you were working in our satellite plants?

She clenched her teeth. She had no secrets left. He knew everything. Crazik. Well, almost everything.

If you wanted to work in the company, all you had to do was ask. You didn't have to disguise yourself. I saw you earlier. Wherever did you get those horrible clothes?

She returned to the visitor's chair. All bluff and bravado gone. If I'd asked to work in the business, you might have said no.

I might have agreed.

"I couldn't take that chance. Besides, I can just imagine the newswave headlines. Baby Winslott Plays Working Girl. Supervisors would pat me on the head and give me meaningless busy work. I wanted to learn the business from the ground floor."

You have done that. His look of admiration warmed her heart. When I saw you heading for a sanitary with a bucket and mop, I wanted to stop you.

I'm glad you didn't. It's surprising what one learns as a janitor. She grinned. Who blabbed?

Actually, no one. As convincing as you are at parties as a vacuous twit, you were even better in the role of temporary worker. You managed to deceive every supervisor you worked for. When they sang praises about the industrious intern, they gave no indication they knew Leeva Warren was you.

Jileena allowed herself a moment of satisfaction before standing. Good.

Baby? I'm depending on you to get those mining rights. This is your chance to show me what you're made of. Do not fail.

CHAPTER 2

Jileena left her father's office practically walking on air. He was trusting her with a mission. Sweet Divinity, she couldn't believe it. She was going out to the Frontier. By the stars, what an opportunity.

Miss Winslott? The strange guard called before she got half-way down the hall. Mr. Sindaro said to wait for him.

An order from on high? She had too much to do to wait around for the bumbling jerk. She reined in her temper. In Baby's voice, she said, I'm sorry. I have an urgent appointment. With a shower before Laning Servary showed up.

She scooted around the guard and hurried down the hall.

Miss Winslott. This time, he not only followed her, he blocked her way. Mr. Sindaro insists that you wait. I cannot let you leave.

The nerve of the man. Sindaro, not the guard. She knew he was only following orders. In a wide-eyed manner, she said, I'm sure Mr. Sindaro didn't mean that. Really, I must get to my next appointment.

As she walked around the guard, she heard him use his comm link. I'm sorry, sir, I know you said to detain her, but she wouldn't wait.

That took some of the giddiness out of her feelings about her assignment. Crazik. What's with that man? Doesn't Sindaro know that no means no?

Miss Winslott, the receptionist at the main desk called as Jileena strode across the wide lobby. Mr. Sindaro wants you to wait.

She waved to the young man who doubled as a guard, a new hire she'd met once before. Sorry. I'm late for an appointment.

As she approached the outer door, it whooshed open. That's when Sindaro caught up with her.

Miss Winslott. I must speak to you. His voice boomed across the wide lobby.

He appeared to have run all the way from his tenth floor office. Too bad she hadn't run. She might have escaped. Plastering on Baby's sweet, empty-headed expression, she turned, her hand on her chest. "My goodness, Mister Sindaro, you frightened me."

Didn't you tell her to wait? he said to the receptionist/guard. His tone brooked no disagreement. While working as Leeva Warren, she'd often heard him speak like that.

Y-Yes, sir. I did.

I will deal with you later. As Sindaro strode up to her, his expression softened.

Though bristling with indignation that he would speak so threateningly to an employee, she forced herself to keep calm and maintain Baby's persona. She gave him a puzzled look. Silly me. I'm sure I told the guard upstairs I'm late for an appointment, just as I told this young man. Even though she didn't know either the guard or the receptionist, she didn't want to get them in trouble. I'm afraid I can't stay, Pilad.

Please wait. It's imperative I speak with you before you leave.

Without being rude, she would have to stay. Yes?

He took her arm and guided her outside. I wanted to apologize for my earlier behavior.

Jileena blinked. He was apologizing?

I phrased things badly when I asked you to go to the play with me.

About that—

I realize you must have found it rude of me to say my assistant would make the arrangements for our date and inform you.

Yes, about that, I—

Jileena, dear girl. He reached for her hand. I will pick you up tomorrow evening at six. We have reservations at The Veridion Portal for dinner.

With as little fuss as possible, she pulled her hand away from him. I'm sorry, Pilad. I'm afraid I have plans for tomorrow evening, after all. Like on my way to Galeria 7. At his dark look, she added, My father is sending me out of town.

Once again, Laning stood at attention in front of a superior who could make or break his career. In the study of his elegantly-appointed home, Bricaldia's Chief Rep eyed him with the steely stare that quelled opposition in both the private sector and the Coalition Hall of Representatives.

Baby wants a leisurely tour of the Outer Rim.

With all due respect, sir, the Frontier is not a safe place.

Chief Rep Winslott folded his hands on top of the highly-polished desk made of naurem from Bricaldia's rainforest. That one piece of furniture cost more than Laning's father made