V.
“Tell me…” Etta pulled Veronica’s sleeve impatiently. “Why are you wearing a bernit uniform? What’s up with this assistant thing?”
“Slow down!” Veronica ordered coffee and a pastry for each of them, and then she sat down. “I understand that you are surprised, but it must be like this for now. As far as everybody knows, I am an assistant and security guard for the chief coordinator. Nobody can know more than that, so don’t betray me.”
“Oh, you can be sure about that, we have known each other long enough… but what is it about?”
Veronica took a sip of coffee and looked around discreetly. The cafe was quite empty, and no one was looking at them.
“There is a faction opposing the expedition,” she finally said quietly. “We are afraid of sabotage. Keep your eyes and ears open and if you no
