Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 86
“I’m not surprised. That was some fine ship handling. What about the Emperor’s secretary, and the pilot?”
“They’re stunned and restrained. We’ll see what they have to say when they wake up.”
“I know I don’t want to know, but it’s a job requirement. How did they come to be stunned and restrained?”
“Meeting us at the door with weapons. As suddenly as the ship started to vent, I would have to assume that anyone still moving around afterwards had prior knowledge of the event.”
“You’re saying that you think they were in on the attempt on the Emperor’s life?”
“I’m saying I think that’s the way to bet. I don’t have anything approaching proof, yet.”
“What would you do in my situation?”
“Catch the Emperor’s crew chief before someone silences him, and then send some medics you trust over to help take care of the Emperor and your uncle.”
“That sounds like a good plan, Commodore. I’ll call again when we launch the ship with the medics.”
“Talk to you then.” The line went dead. I said, “Excellent work, Ruth. Just magnificent!”
“Thanks, Boss. I thought I was being paranoid, keeping a rescue scenario updated all the time.”
“Apparently not. I think we need to make that company policy, from here on out.”
“You bet, Boss.”
Nikki said, “I think you’ve overtaken me, as the best pilot.”
Ruth replied, “You’re still better with matching tumbles than I am, Ma’am. I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m doing wrong, with simulations, but I can’t seem to get the hang of how you do it.”
“We could work together on it, if you’d like.”
“I would enjoy that, Ma’am.”
Saucy spoke up. “Sorry to interrupt. Dixie for you, Commodore.”
“On speaker.”
“Boss, the Emperor looks like he’ll be waking up soon. Do you mind coming down to be here when he does?”
“Probably better. His people just aren’t used to mechanical folks.”
“Thanks.” The line went dead.
I said, “Topper, call me if anything happens. Your ship.”
“My ship, Boss.” I turned to leave, and Nikki turned to come with me. It really showed off her dress.
I said, “Dangit, Space Cadet, I’ve got to find time to peel you out of that. You look nice!”
“Well, I always have had a weakness for a man in uniform.”
We got to the transit, and Gene gave us priority. The Emperor was just beginning to toss and groan when we arrived. He woke, and asked, “What happened, Commodore?”
I replied, “It would appear your secretary and your pilot tried to assassinate you and the Ambassador.”
“You say ‘It would appear’. What is your evidence?”
“Your ship began venting atmosphere unexpectedly. When we recovered it, they were both conscious and ready to fight. That leads me to believe they had advance knowledge of the venting.”
“You haven’t looked for more proof aboard the ship?”
“No. My people retrieved you and the Ambassador, and we haven’t been aboard since.”
“Why is that?”
“Mostly, there hasn’t been time to do anything like that. You weren’t out that long.”
Natti began to wake up. “What happened, Majesty?”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to find out. The Commodore and his crew were nice enough to pluck us out of space when our craft vented its atmosphere. I would say we owe our lives to the quick action of the Commodore and his crew.”
Natti looked at me. “Bob, what happened?”
“Well, Natti, it looks like the pilot and the Emperor’s secretary were in on a plot to vent the air out of the shuttle, and claim it was a terrible accident. I’m sure that somehow, in the aftermath, all the agreements we worked so hard on would have been thrown out.”
“What makes you think the secretary was in on it?”
“She was awake, with a weapon, when we opened the door. She and the pilot appeared to be ready to keep us from giving you two assistance.”
“They would have let us die?”
“I doubt you would have died. My helm got you aboard before your ship even finished venting. Dixie here says you came through your ordeal with very little damage.”
“Where are those two?”
“I would expect they were taken to the brig, until such time as you are ready to take them into custody.”
“You don’t know?”
“I got here just before His Majesty woke up. I haven’t had time to ask any questions.”
Andre walked up. “Boss, we searched them thoroughly, and put them in the brig. Separate cells, of course.”
“Thanks for the update, Andre. Were they carrying anything we hadn’t seen before?”
“If they were, we failed to find it. The female had a good supply of those cheek knives these people favor, though. Two on each side. Dixie says they were poisoned, just like the one they got you with.”
I looked at the Emperor. “Sounds like she was your retirement plan. Your heir must be getting impatient.”
Natti spoke up. “The Emperor isn’t a hereditary position. The Council of Ministers elects the new Emperor, something like your people do to choose a new Pope.”
“Either way, somebody wants him on down the road, and a new guy on the throne.”
The Emperor said, “I fear you are right, Commodore. I had no idea that so many people were unhappy with my rule.”
“Could it be that the nut cartel is stirring up unrest, just because you’ve become aware of how much influence they have?”
“It is possible, I suppose. They do seem to have a good supply of Naval officers and bureaucrats bought and paid for.”
“It would seem to me that your goal should be to hold on to the throne until we can bring the price of walnuts down, and break their power. Once they no longer have