15
WELL, THAT WAS . . . embarrassing. Scary, disturbing, exciting all in one.
A timid teacher of young constructs advanced to leading her own mission. No one had ever called her “ma’am” before, at least not when they were being serious.
Melati went back to the table.
The room felt empty without Dolchova or Cocaro or any of the other top brass. Everyone was looking at her. Everyone of that oddball, randomly thrown together team. She liked having Ari, and Hasegawa was probably quite good, if cocky, but seriously, a kitchen hand? And Jas with his jumbled-up emotions?
“Okay,” she said, trying to gather her rattled thoughts. And then again, “Okay. Maybe it would be a good idea if we all said a few introductory words about ourselves so that we all know who we’re dealing with. Anything you w
