The shuttle's hatch opened, and a woman in an elegant civilian suit descended the ramp, her hair perfectly coiffed, her smile perfectly calibrated, her eyes perfectly cold. "Corporal Vasher, Sergeant Corvin," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Ambassador Lira Solenne, the Pact's liaison to the military command. I'll be escorting you to the capital and facilitating your meetings with the high command and the civilian leadership.
