Colemenoport Shipyard
“Tekelia not with you?” Dil Nem asked as Padi entered the office that had been assigned to his use.
“Tekelia sends abject apologies, and hopes that you will be able to provide a tour to amend their ignorance at some future date. Today, with the lift to the Passage coming so soon, it is important for Blays to be fetched from Visalee Village, so that she may be formally introduced to the Warden of Civilization as Speaker for the Haosa in Tekelia’s absence.”
Dil Nem tipped his head, eyes narrowed. “Takes it that seriously?”
Padi frowned.
“Tekelia is not always playing,” she said.
“I had noticed that,” Dil Nem assured her, rising from behind his desk. “Though I receive the impression that the rest may be—playing, that is.”
“The rest are—mistrustful,” Padi said. “Which is easy to understand once you know that most are born Civilized and cast out—of Civilization, and often from their families—when it is discovered that they are Haosa.”
“Which means what, exactly?”
Padi produced an owlish look. “Have you not been paying attention, Cousin? Haosa are not Civilized.”
Dil Nem actually laughed. “Well. That’s for them to sort out. Speaking of raising the Passage—I’ll be going with you.” He held up a hand. “I have no need of flight time, Pilot; the lift is yours.”
“Everything that is gracious. You did say your work here at the yard is done—but that will mean you won’t be able to give Tekelia a tour, after all.”
“It means nothing of the kind,” Dil Nem said. “I’m under contract to Colemeno Yard to supervise the upgrades.”
Padi fairly stared.
“You won’t be going on with the Passage?”
“Not at this time. Truth told, the contract presents a welcome change.”
“Who will be third mate?”
“Captain Mendoza wants to see what Toria Valdez can do.” He moved his shoulders. “I think she’ll show well—she has the basics; and I’ve never seen her at a stand.”
“She may put you out of a job,” Padi said, watching his face. Dil Nem threw her a quick glance, as if he had felt the weight of her speculation.
“I might not regret that,” he said, and produced a glare. “Do not meddle, Trader.”
Padi showed him two empty palms. “Meddle?”
“No, that won’t fadge. I know you—your father’s daughter, and all too willing to do something. In this case, you need do nothing.”
“I understand,” Padi assured him earnestly. “Only tell me when I am to wish you happy.”
Dil Nem looked sour. “Do you want a tour of the facility or don’t you?”
“I absolutely want a tour, and I hope that you will be unstinting in lightening the burden of my ignorance. Please, lead on.”