The Vote - Part 5

Oliver stared at the man in wonder. Of all the surprises, to think, he'd see Lombard here, dressed as he was when Oliver had first met him. Even the loss of Lombard's arm didn't seem to do anything to cut into his authoritative appearance.

The Ministers of Logic and Information glowered at him, but Lombard thoroughly ignored them as he drew up to the bottom of the steps, and bowed to Hod with his helmet grasped under his arm. Hod nodded his appreciation. For General Tavar, Lombard gave a crisp salute. Tavar acknowledged it in the same way that Lombard had acknowledged the salute from the guardsmen.

"As I said," Hod went on, a smile on his lips, "we have proper leeway."

"Leeway for what, might I ask, Minister?" Tavar said, a frown on his lips. He didn't seem to have caught onto whatever Jolamire and Lazarus had.