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“Give me a few moments to get there, Sire. I don’t move quite as quickly as some do,” Vennie said.

Vennie spoke to Missy again. “Please take me to the residence deck, Missy.”

“Of course,” Missy responded at once.

“You weren’t supposed to be listening,” Vennie grumbled.

“I always listen. I simply don’t record, unless it’s necessary,” Missy said.

Quin managed to refrain from laughing at Missy’s response.

A few moments later he heard Missy’s voice again. “Communications Officer Vennie, you’ve arrived on the residence deck.”

“Thank you, Missy.”

“You are welcome, Communications Officer Vennie. And please convey my congratulations and well wishes to our Sirena, Sire.”

Quin did laugh then. “Thank you, Missy. I will convey your wishes to her.”

“May I also add that I’ve been working on a way to move me into the palace?”

“Really?” Quin asked. “And how could we do that without rewiring the entire place? You do realize that we could fit several warships inside it. It would be a great undertaking since the walls of the palace are stone.”

“I’ve almost got it all worked out, Sire. It can be done.”

“Then forward me your proposal. I would be remiss if I didn’t state how very much, my Vivi misses you and your ability to anticipate her needs.”

“Happily,” Missy said. “And I will erase all traces of you contacting this ship this night from my memory banks.”

“Thank you, Missy,” both Quin and Vennie said.

Vennie squelched his way down the corridor until he reached a particular door, then reached out and ran his hand over the sensor. He repeated the action two or three times before the door finally slid open and Gaishon stood there. “What’s wrong, Vennie?”

Vennie looked down one side of the corridor, then the other. “May I enter?”

Gaishon’s brows bunched up over his eyes as he considered Vennie. “I suppose. If it’s important.”

“It is of the utmost importance.”

Gaishon looked over his shoulder. “Be sure that you are covered, my love. We have a visitor.”

The rustling of bed covers could be heard, and Gaishon remained focused on whoever he was watching until he was satisfied she was covered. Then he turned back to Vennie. “Please,” he said, stepping back and gesturing for Vennie to enter.

Vennie made his way inside Gaishon’s quarters, but just far enough for the door to close behind him. Then he held out his communicator to him.

Gaishon hesitated for only a moment before he took it from Vennie, then looked down at it as he held it in his hand. His eyes rounded when he saw Quin’s face watching him. “Sire!”

“Can you reach Rokai?”

“I, I mean, he’s got his communicator.”

“Gaishon, listen to me carefully.”

“Of course, Sire.”

“Can you contact Rokai through his ship without anyone else becoming aware of it?”

Gaishon nodded hesitantly. “I can.”

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