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Such a contrast, Kharem thought, between the journalist and the man from Authority. Where Shae sat upright, alert to every shift in their conversation, Viper lounged. The man had his legs crossed, hands resting on his belly. He enjoyed his food too much, didn’t care for his body as well as he should.
“She’s trouble,” Viper said. “You should never have agreed to that interview.”
“You believe me incapable of dealing with her?”
“She’s shrewd. Her subtle attacks are well known throughout all Domes.”
“That’s precisely why I was careful. I said nothing that would upset our plans.”
“Our plans?”
OurKharem nodded. “I contain the people of this Dome in calm ignorance—your words exactly, yes?—while you prepare whatever is in store for them next.”
“And talking to that woman won’
