DeceptionWhen Mazu returned, he took one look at us and his smile faded. “Is something wrong?”
Vigil shook his head. “We just received news from our allies. It is nothing to be concerned about and I promise it will not interfere with our negotiations.” He tossed me a hard look and I got the hint: Don't say a word.
Mazu's smile returned and he bowed his head in acknowledgement. “I completely understand. I bring news as well. We will be arriving at the Temple Station shortly.”
The train slowed as he spoke. A voice spoke from the overhead speaker: “Now approaching Temple Station. All passengers please prepare for final vertical shift.”
I assumed the “vertical shift” was the train rotation that I witnessed back at the ship. Outside, the countryside passed by more slowly. Rolling green hill
