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opposition to slavery in any form. She refused to carry slaves, made no deals with slavers, and whenever the opportunity presented itself for anonymous action, dispatched slave-traders and their vessels without qualm. Those who had taken serious losses as a result of Captain Campbell’s unconditional actions occasionally offered sizable bounties for either her death or her capture; but no tracker had yet accepted the warrant. 5
    When she received EDNA’s page, Star-Captain Campbell swiveled in her chair and faced the viewer against the forward bulkhead. “What?” she demanded.
    No image appeared in the holomorphic field, only EDNA’s ID insignia. “StarPort requests additional security clearances. Six Marauders approach from dayside. I have placed the ship on full alert.”
    â€œRight. Tell StarPort to stand by. Get Zillabar.”
    Almost immediately, EDNA’s badge faded and the Lady Zillabar appeared in its place. “You want something?” she asked disdainfully.
    â€œStarPort wants a security code.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œExcuse me. Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. If we don’t supply the appropriate clearances, they intend to destroy us. I assume you have the proper codes—or failing that, the personal authority to override the necessity?”
    Zillabar’s expression hardened. “Do you remember why I engaged this vessel in particular? I wanted to keep my arrival here covert. If I identify myself to the StarPort authority, or if I supply you with an Imperial Code, I will abnegate my own secrecy.”
    â€œAnd if you do not, you will abnegate your own existence.” Not to mention all of the rest of us, as well . But Neena Linn-Campbell had too much sense to speak the second part of the thought aloud.
    â€œOh, very well,” Zillabar sniffed. “Obviously, I expected more from you than I should have. Thank the goddess this journey ends soon. Never mind. I have several override codes with me, any one of which should work. I’ll make them available to your persona. When do you need them?”
    â€œImmediately,” said Captain Campbell. “—if not sooner.”
    â€œYes. I see.” Zillabar turned to something off-camera. “EDNA—?” Her image winked out.
    EDNA’s ID flashed in its place. “I will relay the Imperial Codes to StarPort. I expect immediate confirmation.”
    â€œDo you need me on the bridge?”
    â€œProbably,” said EDNA. “The situation promises to get stickier.”

Zillabar
    The Lady Zillabar Dane-Sysnikov stood silently in her stateroom, quietly annoyed. She studied her image in the holomorphic field with a growing unease, a discontent reflected in her troubled expression.
    Her business on Burihatin had not gone as she had planned. Despite the assurances of the aspiring aristocrats on the ringed world, failure and confusion had tainted the entire exercise—the late aspiring aristocrats. Had she allowed them to publicize her presence on that world, she would have borne the same stench of ineffectiveness. The secrecy of her mission had protected her reputation among her own—so far. She had intended to cover her absence by explaining she had taken a long dreamtime. If her security had remained uncompromised, no one would have ever suspected that she had journied offworld. Unfortunately, this business with the security codes—
    Abruptly, she noticed a frown on the holomorphic image and irritatedly composed herself; she performed the task deliberately. She spoke the little poem of peace that reminded her of the dreamtime, and allowed her face to settle back into its usual mask-like serenity. One must never allow one’s face to betray one’s thoughts . Now, refreshed, she began rotating the holomorphic view in thoughtful appraisal. Front, back, both sides—from every angle, she appeared elegant and alluring. Tall and pale, like all the Phaestor, she