Jack of Harts

The survivors of the Hyades had little love their rulers, and less for us when we came. Our military came into the ruins and acted like they were in charge, but every man, woman, and child who grew up in the Chinese system knew that the military took their orders from the businessmen. It was an amazing trap we fell into. I was testing a theory the day I walked out into the streets in the “old money” suit my family favored. I walked without an escort and could feel every eye on me. The two children arguing in the street was my gamble. I demanded to know the reason for their argument as if I had a right to know. They took one look at me and explained everything. I listened, made the best judgment I could on the matter, and they accepted it as if I had every right to make it. That was the day I began to truly understand the Chinese.