"Until we meet again," she said.
"Thank you," he said and turned away, reluctant to leave her. A lane opened through the hostile faces surrounding them. They walked out quickly and found their car waiting.
"Now you've done it," Loong said as they entered the car. "Satish is deadly with the needle gun. If you lose, the High Commissioner will have my head for being your second."
"And if I should win?" Savage asked.
"I don't know. We may be able to salvage something if I can get to the Commissioner first. But we're not ready yet. The 'Agreet' is just beginning her trials in the morning, and I've had word that you are to be her captain. We must have her if we are to do anything at all."
"And as her captain, you must have me," Savage said.
"Not exactly, but it would be a help."
"We'll have to see what happens," Savage said and relaxed against the cushions.
IV