"Elizabeth Moon - Serrano 3 - Winning Colors" - читать интересную книгу автора (Moon Elizabeth)

"Oh, I think we're capable of that. When do you want him back?"
"Not until things settle down. I'll get word to you, shall I?" Then, before she could say anything, he added,
"Well, that's all taken care of . . . would you like to dance?" The orchestra had just launched into another
waltz. Heris thought about it. Arash had been a good dancing partner in the old days, but in the meantime
she'd danced with Petris at the Hunt Ball.
"No, thank you," she said, smiling at the memory. "I had better get back to work. When shall I expect . . . er
. . . your package?"
Arash winced. "Efficient as ever. Or have I lost the touch?"
"I don't think so," Heris said. "You just put the touch on me, if you think about it that way, and I do. But my
owner isn't thrilled with the number of ex-military crew we have now, and she's going to have kittensтАФor, in
her case, coltsтАФwhen she finds out about this. I have some preliminary groundwork to do."
"Ah. Well, then, allow me to escort you at least to the concourse."
"Better not." Heris had been thinking. "This was a very public meeting, and I can understand your reasoning.
But why let whomever is interested think you might have convinced me of whatever it is you were after?"
"I thought an open quarrel would be too obvious," Livadhi said. "If we were simply courteousтАФ"
Heris grinned at him. "I am always courteous, Commander, as you well know. Even in a quarrel."
"Ouch. Well, then, since I can't persuade youтАФ" He rose politely, with a certain stiffness, and she nodded.
An observant waiter came to her chair, and although they walked out together, they were clearly not a
couple.
In the anteroom, she said, "I'm sorry, Commander, but things have changed. It's not just being a civilian . . . I
have other . . . commitments. I'm sure you'll understand. It's not wise, at times like these . . ."
"ButтАФ"
"I can find my way, Commander. Best wishes, of course." Watching eyes could not have missed that cool,
formal, and very unfriendly parting.

The newly refurbished yacht Sweet Delight lay one final shift cycle in the Spacenhance docks, as Heris
Serrano inspected every millimeter of its interior. Forest green carpet soft underfoot . . . she tried not to think
of its origin, nor that of the crisp green/blue/white paisley-patterned wall covering in the dining salon. At least
the ship didn't smell like cockroaches anymore. The galley and pantries, left in gleaming white and steel by
Lady Cecelia's command, had no odd odors. In the recreation section, everything looked perfect: the
swimming pool with its new screen programs . . . Heris flicked through them to be sure the night sky had
been removed. Lady Cecelia didn't want any sudden darkness to remind her of the months of blindness she'd
endured. The massage lounger had its new upholstery; the riding simulator had a new saddle and a whole set
of new training cubes, including the two most recent Wherrin Trials recordings.
The crew quarters, while not quite as luxurious as the owner's section, had more amenities than crews could
expect anywhere else. Heris's own suite reflected a new comfort with her civilian status; she had installed a
larger bed, a comfortable upholstered chair, and chosen more colorful appointments. Down in the holds, she
checked for any leftover debris from the renovation. She had already found a narrow triangle of wall covering
and two odd-shaped bits of carpet.
"Heris!" That had to be Lady Cecelia herself. Heris grinned and backed out of the number three hold. Cecelia
would want to see for herself that every single cockroach cage had been removed.
"Coming," she called. But the quick footsteps didn't wait for her to get back to the owner's territory. Cecelia's
rejuvenation had left her with more energy than she could contain; here she was, striding down the corridor at
top speed.
"Did you know about this?" Cecelia waved a hardcopy at her; she had bright patches of color on her cheeks
and her short red hair seemed to be standing on end.
"What?" Heris couldn't tell what it was, although the blue cover suggested a legal document. Whatever it was
had made the owner furious, and Lady Cecelia furious made most people move quickly out of her way. Heris,
secure in her status as captain and friend, stood her ground.
"This court decision." The blue-gray eyes bored into hers.