Page 42 of The Red Woman on Mars

Xavier scowled. “Democracy devolves into violent populist demagoguery. There is no place for such a dangerous, unstable system of government on the domes of Mars.”

Constance waived a hand. “It isn’t River’s fault they were born into a democracy. Chancellor, I am most pleased you have opted to resume diplomacy between our domes after so long without relations.”

“And I would be more pleased if you would agree to share your technology.” River tilted their wineglass toward Vivian and then toward Luz. “And your resources.”

Vivian glanced down to see Xavier’s nails digging into his palm underneath the table.

“The Intelligence has advised against the sharing of technology with Catena when you insist on devoting so much of your limited resources to terraforming,” Wim put in, leaning past Luz to glare at River.

“I have no interest in the derivative ideas generated by a machine.”

Vivian covered her face with her napkin to hide her grin.

“My lady!” Wim exclaimed. “I fear I must protest this blasphemy.”

“Don’t provoke him,” Constance told River. “Remember you’re a guest in my home.”

“Not to mention the Council agreed today to send you fifty thousand gallons of water at considerable expense,” Xavier murmured.

“My people are so grateful.” River pressed a hand to their heart.

“Your people despise us,” Xavier retorted.

“I am sure their feelings would change if you shared your reproductive technology.”

Xavier took a sip of his wine and said mildly, “The decision is not mine to make.”

Vivian had intended to stay out of the contentious conversation, but she couldn’t help asking, “You need water? Are your treatment plants not enough?”

River shrugged. “We had a temporary shortage.”

“I trust, Chancellor, you will use our generosity as an opportunity to rethink the ratio of resources Catena pours into terraforming. You must invest in the fundamentals first.” Xavier’s serious expression made Vivian think of her textbook. If Catena had been neglecting water treatment, it would be a breach of Martian Fundamental Rights. Not to mention incredibly dangerous on a desert planet.

“Thank you for your concern, but I assure you that I have the matter under control.” River turned to Luz and Vivian. “My parents named me River because they believed I would see rivers on Mars in my lifetime.”

All the other Martians at the table wore varying expressions of exasperation at the statement.

“How lovely,” Vivian exclaimed. “Isn’t that a lovely idea, Mr. Dorsey?” She bit her lip to keep from grinning at Xavier’s stuffed expression.

“Terraforming Mars is a fool’s errand,” Xavier said stiffly.

“The Intelligence quite agrees,” Wim announced.

“How nice it must be, Mr. Dorsey, to have the Intelligence on your side,” Vivian said.

As August made another attempt to steer the conversation onto neutral ground, Xavier turned to her and murmured in a voice pitched below the conversation, “I know what you’re doing.”

“And what’s that?”

“You’re trying to provoke me.”

“Is it working?”

Xavier made a sound low in his throat. “You have no idea.”

“Good.”

As their next course arrived, Vivian found herself aware of Xavier’s body seated beside her. The deep rumble of his voice. The way his long, elegant fingers held his wine glass.