Miri already knows what he’s going to say: her actions strain their cooperation while they should concentrate on bringing back spoils to Ovall, that it isn’t good form to come between a man and a contract, how a partnership should be based on trust and transparency. So, her mind wanders to the meeting with Charlotte and Finch’s other companions.
She hates to admit that all of them are formidable ladies in their own rights. From the shrewd and classy Charlotte to the fierce Shonali, from the Alder fembot, Tady-Lic, to the warriors Elizaveta and Takeko, from the friendly ship’s engineer and captain, Adelheid, to the quiet Director of Intelligence, Constantia. Even fake crown princess Lydia brings her own smarts to the group. Finch chose them well, although by the way they speak about him, it appears they chose him. So, how does Miri fit into all this? Surely, Finch was only a delightful tryst for her?

Then why did the ‘Na’ in her name suddenly sting?

When she explained that it means she’s not married, she noticed their surprise. What was it? Did they think she was too old for Finch? Or did they wonder how a good catch like her never got married?

If she’d answered that she hadn’t met the right man, they would exchange meaningful glances about Finch and her. Answering she didn’t have time for men would sound like a poor excuse. In truth, she’s had her fair share of proposals. However, most of the men would benefit more from the match than she. With men from good clans, she’d be the prize before her husband returned to the arms of the mistress he really wanted, just like Tuyev.

“Well! Are you going to return what’s rightfully mine!” For Tuyev this isn’t a question.

“Finch offered to help us take back the nuclear power plant the Simmx seized. If you’d stripped him of all his assets, instead of making a business alliance, you would have lost this opportunity.”

The Nanken mission leader blinks. ‘How can Finch and Miri know about that!’ How will he explain its loss when they return home? ‘Can Finch help?’ There are too many reports that say that he could. Tuyev licks his lip thinking this through.

“Oh, and before I forget, Tuyev. I brought back one of the wines I sampled from Finch’s vineyard.” She hands him the bottle with the label facing him:
“Aegean Legacy
Anne’s Vineyard | Napa Valley, California | 1861
A tribute to the ancient roots of the Papazkarası grape, deeply rooted in Greek and Ottoman heritage, Aegean Legacy celebrates its marriage with Anne’s Vineyard’s original Pinot Noir. This wine reflects the best of both worlds, uniting the elegance of Napa Valley with the rich traditions of the Aegean.
Crafted from a blend of the finest grapes, each vine has matured together in perfect harmony, creating a delicate balance of fruit and earth. With notes of ripe red berries, subtle spice, and a whisper of floral sweetness, Aegean Legacy offers a wine that is both refined and complex—much like the legacy it honors.”

Miri casually waves as she leaves. “Let me know what you decide about the plant.”

Tuyev watches the door slide shut behind her.