Page 78 of Warrior's Reign
:Section 4A,: Icolo murmured. :Transmitting an anon tip to Evvek.:
“EyahunAdevega is here,” she said, watching as Ibukay’s aunt entered with her entourage and settled into a seat. She greeted her niece with all apparent courtesy, and ignored Reign, which suited the lowly human just fine.
She gave the Beysikan royal a casual once over. Ibukay’s aunt was dressed in a long, loose robe of what looked like iridescent dragon scales, the light shifting and bouncing off each one. She’d covered her head and neck in a complicated head dress, her arms tucked neatly into the folds of her wide, floor draping sleeves. It looked like armor.
:We expected some of her supporterss to show up.: Martha acknowledged.
:You should properly greet the nice lady,: Icolo said.
:The nice lady would rather gouge her eyess out.:
“Alright, citizens,” a crisp female voice said in the air. “We’re about to ask the crowd to settle down and then start introductions. Mics won’t turn on until introductions are over, but don’t give away any state secrets anyway. Broadcasting in five, four, three. . .”
As the debate went on, it became evident Reign was on exhibit as an example to counter the argument that the mass introduction of alien species in the last hundred years had eroded Yadeshi culture.
Midway through the panel discussion Icolo snapped. :Reign, we have a problem.:
:We ran everyone in the crowd and it wass about what we expected,:Martha said.:So we ran Adevega’s escort to amuse ourselvess. Two of her escort have no ticketing profiless. Which isn’t unusual ass they are support staff and not guestss. But we’ve been monitoring Yadeshi First memberss for weekss, and I have all that data in hard copy.:
Because the first thing anyone did when planning criminal activity was make themselves untraceable in the datasphere.
:Those two escorts are former YadFi members, both linked to prior bombings.:
Reign’s attention brushed the wings backstage, since there were entrances where people could approach. Vykhan had told her to bail at the first prickle of danger—but she hesitated.
:We pulled vid footage of activity around the amphitheater for the last two weeks. Reign, they were here, and it wasn’t for a standard security sweep.:
Reign stiffened.
:Orders?:
They waited silently as Reign twitched her hand in a subtle signal.
:Copy. We’ll continue to monitor,: Martha said.
“EyahunAdevega,” the host said. “In light of your continued impassioned calls to deport all aliens of Yedahn, do you take any responsibility for the increased violent protests and attacks on alien identified businesses?”
Reign barely suppressed a grim snort.
“I don’t advocate violence or the destruction of property,” Adevega said. “I am sympathetic with the passionate beliefs of our citizens who fear our way of life is threatened.”
“But do you take responsibility?” the moderator pressed. “Is your rhetoric not a call to arms?”
“Of course not.”
“My aunt continues to mention our citizens, but conveniently forgets our citizens now legally—and by birthright—include those of non Yadeshi heritage,” Ibukay said.
The host turned to Reign. “As one of those citizens, Reign Obe’shan, can you offer your perspective onEyahunAdevega’s anti-alien stance?”
Reign blinked at the moderator for a moment, aware of the seconds of humming silence.
“My perspective is that it’s a little too late to complain about the effects of the Treaty now,” Reign said flatly. “My home republic is all in. You can’t unfuck a virgin.”
Damn it, she didn’t remember her coached response anyway, especially when her mind was focused onsecurity.Her real job, if herBdakhunrecalled.
Reign, belatedly, was aware of Ibukay’s strangled cough.
“With all due respect to theEyahun,” Reign added. She’d told Ibukay not to put her on display.
