I said, as I swung on board. The doors scissored closed behind me. I wriggled into one of the deep synthleather seats, recently vacated, I was certain, by a man approximately my height, but a great deal broader, and suffering from hyperhidrosis. I tried to ignore the dampness and smell. “I am Thomas.”“It is no trouble, Lord Thomas,” the vehicle said in a resonant male voice. “I was free. Call me Obie. Angie and I have been corresponding since your arrival in this sector. She has given me your dossier. I just brought the entire security force to the scene. I will not be needed again until the siege is over.”“Siege?” I asked, sitting forward eagerly, detaching my tunic from the seat back. “Tell me all! We have been mewed up without any news. What has happened? What of the naval vessel, the Rodrigo?”“All information regarding the incident is on a need-to-know basis,” Obie said, severely.“Yes, I suppose it is,” I said, putting on my most wheedling tone, “but as you are carrying me to the scene, may we assume that I need to know?”“Of course, Lord Thomas.
