AN OFFICER CALLED ELLIS was in charge of the security detail for the meeting with the Parvus. Cherry had chosen him because he was one of the few who seemed to take his position seriously. Major Ellis had posted guards along the route from the spaceport to the government office, but he had ordered them to wear dress uniforms, as if their position were ceremonial rather than military.
The idea behind the decision was to avoid offending the visitors if possible. Meredith had been adamant that she wanted the Parvus to receive a warm welcome and not be treated as a threat. Cherry understood the Leader’s reasoning: Concordia could not afford to jeopardize the potential friendship of a galactic power. On the other hand, it was her responsibility to protect the colony.
Cherry was uncomfortable
