Future Prospect by Lynn Rae Page A

since she’d lost out on her first choice assignment. Maybe her headache would lessen if she was out in the fresh air.
    Colan sighed with an aggrieved air. “When do you fellows want to do this?”
    “How about tomorrow? Could you get away for the morning?”
    Lia agreed immediately. Once this party was over, she was due for some free time. She’d caught up on all the changes she needed to coordinate between all the divisions, and it was unlikely much was going to change overnight, when everyone was theoretically sleeping. Tomorrow morning would be ideal, because Cordon was due to arrive that afternoon and could take over these liaison duties after she briefed him.
    “We did have a favor to ask you.” Wayde ventured with a glance at Rob who took a long drink of his juice.
    “What can I do for you?” Lia reverted to a more formal tone and posture, ready to not commit to anything if it might cause problems for anyone on the admin team.
    “We were hoping you’d give us permission to do a little prospecting in the areas you clear for construction. We’d just do some digging in your excavated fill. Completely not in anyone’s way.” Wayde widened his eyes as he waited for her reply.
    “That sounds reasonable. Let me check on Welti’s schedule and find out when they aren’t going to be excavating so it will be safe.”
    “That’s wonderful. We’ll stop by for you in the morning.” Rob grinned as if he’d won a prize, and Wayde shook her hand again. Both men smiled at each other and shuffled away toward another column of food.
    “Do you know what you’re getting into?” Colan’s scowled with apparent disapproval again.
    “Hopefully, a fascinating morning spent outside and away from my datpad.”
    “Wet, mud, sharp fronds in your face, sucking flivvers, holes to break an ankle in. You have no idea.”
    “You just told me. Besides, I’ll never learn my lesson if I stay at my desk and look out the window.” Lia watched Colan as he took a breath, apparently ready to argue with her.
    They were distracted from more tart conversation by a rumble of raised voices behind them. Lia turned to see a pretty, dark-haired woman standing in front of Moca, talking animatedly and jerking her hands in the air as the magistrate put on a calm expression. Lia wanted to make her way over but was impeded by the people in the cafeteria who drew around the confrontation. Colan was at her side and made a path toward the two women, his hand hovering near her back as he maneuvered them along. Lia couldn’t imagine what might have happened. Moca was the consummate diplomat. She could soothe nearly anyone with her respectful attention and genuine willingness to listen.
    “I’m warning you, if you facilitate the arrival of any persons with intent to exploit these organisms, there will be terrible consequences.” The pretty woman took a step toward Moca, her eyes glittering with fury, and Lia found herself moving to Moca’s side instinctively. She reached out, put her hand on Moca’s arm, and could feel the tension radiating from her body. Colan appeared at the other woman’s side, his face a tight mask.
    “Riva, let’s go and get you a drink.”
    “I don’t need a drink, Tor. I need to make her—make them all—understand what’s going to happen here.” The woman, Riva, didn’t tear her gaze away from Moca as Colan tried to lead her away. People Lia didn’t know gathered around them, and she desperately wished Zashi was there to help. The safety chief could make a crowd melt away with one glance from his black eyes.
    “Riva, I understand your concerns. I’d be happy to see you tomorrow so that we can have an in-depth discussion.” Moca smiled as she made the offer, and the other woman narrowed her eyes and edged even closer. Lia shot a concerned look at Colan, and he took a breath and tightened his mouth into a resigned line. Without a word, he circled an arm around Riva’s shoulders and drew her back into the crowd