“We’re going to get turned back at the door,” Jordan predicted.

But they didn’t. The Alpha Wing keycard got them right through, and the ever‑present Wing One security guards said, “Justin Warrick, ser. We have orders from Alpha Wing. Go on up.”

They rode the lift to their old apartment. Silence aboard, just the thump of the car on its tracks. They got out into a hall as brightly lit as ever, right by their door. “Go ahead,” Justin said to Jordan as they reached the key‑slot. “You’ve got the key.”

Jordan put it in. Opened the door. Their living room, their couch. And a small tray of canapes, and another of vodka and glasses.

“That wasn’t sitting here all day,” Jordan said.

“That’s from the party, pretty clearly,” Justin said. He walked over and turned on the autobar. “Still stocked. Good they brought the glasses.”

“Clearly they’ve got a key to this place.” Jordan said.

“There’s no place they can’t get, actually,” Justin said, and took a look into the bedroom. “Sheets and towels. I imagine your clothes will arrive shortly.”

“Fast service,” Jordan said.

“She approves,” Justin said, fixing Jordan with a level stare. “Or you wouldn’t get the canapes.”

Jordan didn’t say a thing. Just walked back into the hall, had a look at the bedroom, and walked back again. “You’re right. Black and white and grey. A psychotic’s dream.”

“The bed’s not bad,” he said. “Pretty comfortable, actually.”

“What’s the rent?” Jordan said. “Your immortal soul?”

“Call it caretaking. Ari’s moved. We’ve moved. They’re going to be renovating all over the Wing, what I hear; but this place can wait.” He gave a nod toward the adjoining wall. “That was her apartment. Which I suppose you know. We’re across one major wall and a security gate, but not that far away. Assuming you want to stay here.”

“Is there ice?” Jordan asked.

“The bar says there’s ice.”

“Then we’ll stay,” Jordan said, sitting down on the couch. “Paul, all right with you?”

“Fine,” Paul said, and in passing, shot a look of gratitude Justin’s way, just that.

Justin nodded. Looked at Grant, then, and at Mark and Gerry, before glancing back at Jordan. Paul had gone to the bar, was preparing a drink. “Lunch tomorrow, Dad?”

“I can’t afford those fancy places over in Admin.”

“My treat. Just shut up about it. You get those designs done and you’ll have income again.”

“They could fucking pay me while I’m working.”

“Look, there’s a perfectly good office in there. Not like working in your living room. Computer connections probably work.” It was a thought. He didn’t know if they’d gotten that equipment out, and he went back specifically to look. Everything of that sort was stripped. “Your stuff’s coming in,” he reported, coming back into the living room. “Plenty of room for it. I’ll talk to Ari about permanency here.”

“The place is psychotic.”

“You’ve got colored towels. Colored sheets. It’s not psychotic. I’m going to ask for a guard to be put down here. Contact with housekeeping.” He put his hand on the door switch, prepared to leave. “Glad you’re here,” he said. “Don’t let anybody from housekeeping in until you get the guards out there.”

“Oh, thanks,” Jordan said. Paul put the drink into his hand. He lifted it, silent salute.

“And lay off that stuff,” Justin snapped, and hit the door switch and left.

BOOK THREE Section 3 Chapter vii

JULY 4, 2424

0251H

The party ended, late, with all youngers in attendance, those who didn’thave responsibility for the safety of Reseune. Sam made a few calls to check on Fitz and crew, being sure that personnel had gotten out unscathed at Strassenberg–and Ari just keyed into Base One in her office and searched up details Sam couldn’t get.

ReseuneSec had sent a plane up there with senior officers, they’d landed at the airstrip, and they were trying to track whoever had gotten up on the cliffs with that much explosive. Boats were searching the shore for any sign of landings.

About time they got some bots on the site, guarding the area, Ari said to herself, but they cost, and she was going to have to convince Yanni they’d be cheaper than rebuilding that tower.

And the messages came flooding in.

From Yanni: “We’ve had an armed confrontation with your guard in the middle of the Education Wing mall. I have enough on my plate without the Warricks at it.”

From ReseuneSec: “To: Sera Ariane Emory, Director, Alpha Wing

“From: Office of Adam Hicks, Director, Reseune Security.

“Posted by: Kyle AK‑36, duty officer: automated system.

“This is to notify you that staff under your supervision has violated:

“Code 2871‑82, section three: Resisting arrest.

“Code 2281‑91, section one: Interfering with Reseune Security officers in the performance of their duty.

“Code 2281‑91, section two: Inciting others to interfere with Reseune Security officers in the performance of their duty.

“Code 291‑1, section two: Involvement of azi in the commission of a crime…”

It went on for a list of twenty‑one items.

It made Rafael’s note compulsory reading: “To: Sera Ariane Emory, Director, Alpha Wing

“From: Rafael BR‑283, Commanding Officer, Alpha Wing Security

“Officers Mark BM and Gerry BG accompanied Justin Warrick to Abrizio’s Bar and Grill in the Education Wing where, pursuant to the orders of Justin Warrick, they disengaged but observed. Justin Warrick engaged Jordan Warrick in private conversation at another table. Jordan Warrick left the bar and was placed under arrest outside by officers BY‑210 and BO‑8 of Reseune Security. Justin Warrick objected. Reseune Security threatened him with a stunner, while applying restraint to Jordan Warrick. Alpha Wing officer Mark BM then drew a lethal and instructed Reseune Security to stand down…”

Oh, even better. She skipped to Justin’s message.

“Ari, forgive me. I lost my head. It wasn’t Jordan’s fault…”

It went on to say, “On my own discretion, I told Jordan the nature of the upriver construction and the incident there. His reaction was sympathetic, and despite the public locale, the ambient noise was as good as a silencer, so I am relatively confident no one overheard. Conversation kept to a quiet level until Jordan left the bar with Paul, whereupon they were arrested by ReseuneSec personnel outside the bar. Grant and I followed, an argument ensued, and Mark and Gerry intervened to abort the arrest of all of us. I think Mark and Gerry will report more details.

“You know that I put Jordan into our old apartment. I apologize. If you want to talk about this incident I’m available at any hour. I very much regret the inconvenience.”

There was even one from Jordan Warrick: “I don’t know if this will get to you, but it’s a nice place. Thanks for the tray.”

She wrote back. To Yanni: “Sorry about that. There was a communications problem. I’ll communicate with Hicks and straighten it out. Keep me current with what you find out on the other matter. If you need me, call.”

To Adam Hicks: “We had a problem tonight. Jordan Warrick should be subject to observation, not arrest during general curfew, unless, as per any other CIT, he violates the law. Justin Warrick is not to receive any reprimand for his actions of last night. All charges are to be dropped. Jordan Warrick is now resident in Wing One and has received rights of access there.”

To Rafael: “Your personnel acted as they ought. Please stress that they should contact ReseuneSec Command offices and cite my authority to defuse any further such situations, so long as Alpha Wing personnel are safe, and that should remain the priority. Under no circumstances is any Alpha Wing resident to be arrested on any charge without clearance from me.”