The Galaxy Game Read Free Page B

independent to pay him much attention. It is no wonder he clings to any semblance of authority.’
    ‘Like ordering you back to the Science Council,’ Grace said.
    Nasiha clasped her hands again and shook her head slightly. ‘Well, my leave is coming to an end. We knew this would happen – but,’ she continued, her eyes narrowing with something like anger, ‘the galaxy was a different place then.’
    ‘What does Tarik say?’ Grace asked, still with that gentle voice.
    ‘He is concerned. I know he does not want me to go, but he is leaving the decision to me.’ Nasiha smiled suddenly. ‘He tries his best to assure me in every way that he will be an exceptional parent. That was never in doubt.’
    They fell silent for a while, then Grace spoke. ‘Do you know, when we first started hearing the rumours, I was convinced it was something the Zhinuvian cartels were doing. I imagined them sweeping up every lost and undocumented Sadiri female they could find and selling them on to the highest bidders.’
    Nasiha laughed bitterly. ‘The cartels have too many other opportunities now that galactic security is so lax, but I am sure there are some enterprising small groups and individuals who are filling the void. Sadiri women are now the galaxy’s rarest and most valuable commodity. Ironically, this fact has put severe limitations on their safety and security.’
    Grace sighed. ‘I almost wish that Ain wasn’t cut off from the rest of the galaxy. If the government of New Sadira had more genetic options, they might not be so desperate.’
    ‘Taking Ainya genetic material as reparations for attempted genocide? Would that mean taking Ainya women as wives, or breeding stock? Unimaginable. Perhaps Ain is better off in isolation. It removes the temptation to other atrocities.’
    ‘Go to the Academes,’ Grace pleaded. ‘If they’ve taken over the Interplanetary Science Council, why should you go to New Sadira? It’s too far. We’ll never see you again.’
    ‘A seven-year posting is not for ever, Grace,’ Nasiha chided absently.
    ‘They will make it for ever. You know that,’ Grace muttered. ‘And you . . . you’re keeping secrets from me.’
    Unexpectedly, Nasiha laughed. There was so much fondness and joy in her laughter that Grace responded with a huge grin, immediately disarmed. ‘Of course I am keeping secrets from you,’ she said, ‘but I thought you knew why.’
    Grace shrugged. ‘I know you love me, but I also know you don’t take me seriously where some matters are concerned.’
    Nasiha dipped her head and gave Grace a stern and censuring look from under frowning brows. ‘Nonsense. I am doing you a favour. I do not think that you would not keep my secrets, but it may be that you could not. And I do not wish to put your husband in an awkward position. He must maintain a good relationship with New Sadira in general and the Consul in particular. If I must plot disobedience, I will not involve you two.’
    ‘You should give us the choice,’ Grace grumbled.
    ‘We are all of us caught between duty and choice. They tell me that my children are the future of my people and I have a duty. But how can I ransom the freedoms of the unborn to an unknowable future?’
    ‘You say that now because of Cygnian influence. When you first arrived, all of you, your sole duty was to the survival of Sadira. Now you allow Terran and Ntshune riff-raff like me into your community and you don’t even flinch at the prospect of a diluted bloodline. That’s quite a change.’
    ‘New Sadira has changed, too, but in the opposite direction. There lies my dilemma.’
    ‘I wish you would let us do more.’
    ‘I do want you to do more. Would you save only me when so many others are in danger? Do your research, collaborate with the Academes, and as for your husband . . .’ Nasiha looked down, drew a breath and exhaled. ‘I know that Dllenahkh will strive to keep the name of Sadira from dishonour. I believe he has some challenges