Sebastian Ahiti, administrator of Tolograd was not known for his empathy, generosity, or concern for the citizens of his city. Even before arrival on Iuama, Ahiti had become a pariah. On the World Seeker, he lost his commission for cheating in exams and abusive behavior toward subordinates, especially women. But time passed. Memories faded. Ahiti was tall, and handsome in a ruddy way.  Broad-shouldered, with a square chin, and carried himself with a military bearing. Women flirted. Men cow-toed. 

     His city, Tolograd was the second major construction site for new arrivals on Iuama. Strangely, it was the first to suffer the wrath of feris bugs. After the insects discovered and devoured the stacks of wrought iron beams, trusses, girders, galvanized screws and nails, and everything else metal they traveled down the Nuaka river to Lakal and made short work of anything metal in the growing metropolis. Iuama's two shuttles and cast-iron landing pad disappeared in spittle and excrement in less than three turns. Water, fire, and a hastily concocted insecticide didn't stop the feris bugs. They were insatiable. And when all the metal was gone, so were the bugs. No one on Iuama had seen one of the minute creatures in seventy years. 

     Tolograd was located at the confluence of two rivers. The Lutz and Maura flowed out of the Pulat Mountains; a range of snow-capped mountains, and two active volcanoes to the west. 

     Sebastian Ahiti stood at the east end of the Lutz River bridge. A favorite place to muse overlooking the tropical rainforest and the cascading waters of the Lutz and Maura rivers as they joined to become the Nuaka River. 

     Ahiti looked at the gazbag message for the third time and handed it to his half-sister Loba Stro who shared most of his attitudes and views. She was tall, with dark eyes and hair. Though her square jawline looked better on her brother. Stro was methodical, poised, and opportunistic. Though never convicted of the murder of her fourth pairing, suspicions were reignited when she assumed his position as Third Council for the city of Barker Hallow, with obvious designs on the administrator's position.  

      Stro returned the message to her brother.  “So, Sagra wants everyone on the lookout for the shuttle and its pilot. We were already doing that. . . If can get our hands on the shuttle.”

     “Something happened,” Ahiti said.  “The shuttle landed in Lakal. Sagra had the shuttle and pilot in his hands. In front of the Council!” Ahiti spit over the railing of the bridge. “As soon as he knew there was a starship coming, he asked all the larger cities to keep everyone off our streets for a few turns.  I don't know how it played in Barker Hallow, but I had a lot of disgruntled constituents and I'm still hearing complaints about the quarantine.”

     “Lots of angry folks in Barker Hallow too.” Stro laughed. “And I directed it all toward Sagra and Administrator Gink. Our pending elections look more and more in my favor.”  

     “Sagra's not going to like that. You and I. Same family in charge of the second and third largest cities on Iuama.”

     “Shenzi Sagra! He's grooming both his children to take over Lakal. And if he gets hold of that shuttle before anyone else, he'll have no trouble doing it.”  

     “Hungry?” Ahiti asked.

     Stro gave her brother a puzzled look at the sudden shift in conversation. “Yes.  But I heard you're a little on the short side after Rechat's visit. Word is he depleted most of your stores.”

     “There's always enough food for the Administrator and his allies. Come along.” Ahiti took his sister's hand and walked across the bridge into Tolograd. “Rechat is another factor.  Now he’s mobile. He’s got pump trolleys, and he is on a mission. The question is what mission?  We gave him supplies

to supposedly help in his search for the shuttle. But it’s more than that.  He’s training his Blues.”

     “For what?”

     “A coup.  I hope he and Sagra kill each other I wouldn't mind a new view – this time down the Nuaka River.” 

     Stro rubbed her hands together. “Then we plan to keep Sagra happy.”

     Ahiti nodded and crunched the paper in his hand.  “Since this missive suggests there is trouble brewing – especially if the Magnon, Joeng, or Labs get hold of the shuttle.  It’s time we stockpile weapons and train our youth. . .Sagra’s already got the Yellow Guard. If he gets wind— And he will,

unless. . . ” Ahiti's face beamed. “We'll make it a contest.”

     Stro turned and in an excited burst, “A contest between Barker Hallow and Tolograd.”  Stro took a deep breath; we could invite Adi Uluu and Efid Crossing.”

     “Let's keep Adi Uluu out of it. Father Fidi and the rest of his religious freaks annoy me. I'm okay with involving Efid Crossing.  Of course, they contribute little but, meat.”

     On Tolograd's main thoroughfare, Stro stopped halfway up a steep incline. “And when the time comes to act?”

     “Let’s see how the wind blows. The Delta folks are sailors, I doubt they would be much of a threat. The Joeng are placid with a small population, what could they possibly bring to a conflict? The intangibles are Valkyrie and the Magnon, and Cill and the Lab. No one knows how their populations have grown or what measures they’ve taken to defend themselves from Sagra and his years of napping.”

    Ahiti turned down a small, cobblestone street.  Green and white striped awnings were attached to several buildings. Men and women were playing the board game Hot Seat at several round tables as children looked on. Greetings from Ahiti's constituents were curt and casual; and returned the same way. 

     Stro looked back over her shoulder. The people playing Hot Seat looked away. Their scowls vanished. “Might want to work on your charisma, dear brother.”

     Ahiti quickened his pace. “Rechat's demands for food and supplies have put a dent in my celebrity status. He must return this way. He won't embarrass me twice.”

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