“I’m not sure it’s appropriate,” she said slowly. “But it’s standard procedure,” insisted Yehoshua. “Any ship’s captain is always escorted by military personnel, unless you’re an in-system boat. And even then, sometimes—” He shrugged. Lily checked her own pistol, clipped next to her com-screen on her belt. “All right. Jenny. Pinto. Trey. Rainbow. Let’s go. Yehoshua, she’s all yours.” He nodded, grave. Lily led her party out into the link bubble and then into the short tunnel that connected the Hope to Diomede Center. The far door, octagonal in shape, soundlessly rotated open. They came out into the gleaming curve of bright walls and a high, broad, cavernous corridor lined with stark columns. Three people awaited them: a woman, a man, and a Ridani man. They were smiling. The Ridani man had a baby in a sling on his hip. The woman stepped forward, extending one hand. Stopped. Her eyes widened as she took in Jenny’s rig. She seemed at a loss for what to say.
