“It’s piecemeal, though,” Aden continued, thinking about his and their allies’ efforts to foster calm. “Things will fall through the cracks.” Creating conflict that caused bitter divisions. “We need a better system to communicate data between all three races, as well as mediate disputes.”
“Silver Mercant’s network?”
“A good start, but it’s targeted at first responders rather than the leadership.” And the agreed-upon operating protocols applied only to emergency situations. “We need a system in place that equals day-to-day communication so even an organized enemy can’t pit us against one another with a little fancy maneuvering.”
Vasic bent down to pick up a pinecone, rising with it in his hand. “Set it up.”
It was exactly what Zaira had said when he’d mentioned the topic a while back, but Aden wasn’t ready to change his focus from the squad to the world. But even as he thought that, part of him knew that if the squad was to become an integrated piece of the fabric of the world, it couldn’t remain separate.
* * *
POLITICS reared its head two hours later, Nikita Duncan adamant that the members of the Ruling Coalition have a very public meeting. She’d discharged herself from the hospital against medical advice because it was her belief that people—and not just Psy alone—needed to see them alive and well and handling their responsibilities. It would put paid to the surge of rumors that called the Coalition’s unity and strength into question and nip any others in the bud.
Rather than making a formal appearance, Nikita had suggested they do a walk-through of one of the New York neighborhoods that had suffered the worst casualties when the infection in the Net went viral. She was certain that she could maintain the facade of health for that long.
“You’ll be asking us to kiss babies next.”
Aden agreed with Krychek’s cool comment. “Such a walk-through will appear false when it comes to those of us who aren’t politicians,” he pointed out. “Better if we advise the residents we’re coming in and will be available to answer questions in a central location.”
Krychek’s eyes met his, the two of them standing side by side in the valley because Krychek had come to help teleport in materials for more homes. “Are you actually planning to allow the populace to question you?”
“No. And neither should you.” The Ruling Coalition didn’t need to become a regular political body, not yet. The PsyNet was too fragile at present; people needed to believe that its leadership was unassailable. “Our simple presence will be enough.” A sign of the power that backed the Coalition. “Ivy, Nikita, and Anthony are seen as more approachable—Ivy, in particular—and can be the ones who speak, unless they have objections.”
“Yes, fine, but your option leaves us wide open to threats,” Nikita said via the mobile comm in Aden’s hand, her face thinner than it should be and dark shadows under her eyes.
“Hiding allows the enemy to win.” Anthony Kyriakus’s tone was resolute, and though he was disagreeing with Nikita, he was also currently standing right by her chair, in what appeared to be a study in her private apartments. “We must show our enemies—and our people—that we aren’t afraid and can’t be intimidated.”
“I agree with Anthony,” Ivy said from one side of the split screen. “My Es tell me people are edgy, scared. I can feel it, too.” She rubbed a fist over her heart. “Seeing us all out in force, unafraid, will go a long way toward easing the fears fostered by the spate of rumors and speculation.”
Kaleb glanced at Aden, the sunlight making the white sparks in his cardinal eyes appear golden. “Can you set up security measures? This could be our chance to catch the people targeting members of the Coalition.”
“I’ll take care of it.” Aden had already discussed such a move with the cardinal Tk and knew Krychek was right; this would be the perfect opportunity to put it in play. “If you second a small squad of your people to me, I can make sure our security strategy is fully integrated.”
PSYNET BEACON
Rumors continue to swirl in the Net about the efficacy of the Ruling Coalition. Nikita Duncan is no longer in the hospital, but she has not been seen in public since the shooting.
Aden Kai, too, has disappeared from public view, perhaps as a result of questions about his capabilities—or lack of them—to lead the squad. However, it is possible that he is simply involved in covert work, as per the Arrow mandate. Regardless of his location, he must understand that the squad is under fire and he has to respond.