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“Surely whoever it was has been dispatched, and very messily,” Lo’San said.

“No. We’re still investigating at this point. I’m not even sure who we can and can’t trust. I cannot even leave my home to hunt those responsible down because most of our security are out searching. As I said, Zahn was gravely injured. He fought many at once. Those he killed were wearing the uniform of the palace guards. He managed to kill two before they took him down, but there are others who got away, and who knows how many others are associated with them, but not yet identified. Li’Don is leading a team of our own people in search of them. There are supposedly other teams that are searching as well, but are they really?”

“Is it a full revolution, Sire?”

“It doesn’t seem to be, though there are minor rumblings here and there that we are advised of. We had no clue until the attempt to harm Alexandrus that it was more than grumbling, which is always present in any society. We assumed it was justthe typical chatterings of a warrior unhappy with their evaluation here and there and venting. We had no idea there was insurrection afoot.”

“I understand. Sire, we can send you trustworthy security for the time being.”

“You need your security.”

“We’re completing our second patrol of Zone 2 at the moment. We’ve got one more round to finish, before we are ready to set off to Sector 7. All we’re doing is being seen to make it clear that we are here and we are ready, just as we always have. No one is foolish enough to challenge a Cruestaci warship that is simply cruising, looking for a reason to give chase. We’re flying in circles, Sire. As we near Cruestace’s air space this time tomorrow evening, we can navigate closer and send you reinforcements on one of our crew transports,” Lo’San said. “Respectfully, I highly recommend you accept the additional support while we are close enough to easily send them planet-side.”

“I hesitate to leave the ship weakened.”

“It will not leave us weakened. We have four full shifts ready to respond at all times. There is no reason we can’t spare one, or even a portion of one. Especially to ensure that you and yours are beyond untouchable. It will not be long until you will know without a doubt who of the palace guard are loyal, and who are not. Our warriors will help you sort through them and then return to their duties here aboard the ship.”

“You are right, Lo’San. I knew you would approach the situation with a calm view. I want to kill everyone and start fresh.”

Lo’San chuckled. “It is why we have always worked well together.”

“See to it, Lo’San.”

“Right away, Sire.”

“Only those who volunteer. And be sure not to send so many that you are short handed in any position.”

“Of course, Sire. Purely a voluntary basis. I’ll present it to them now.”

“Thank you, Lo’San. I am glad I sought your counsel.”

“I am honored.”

“I feel better already.”

“You will feel even better shortly. Our warriors will arrive within thirty-six Earth hours, Sire.”

“We’ll be waiting. Carry on, Lo’San,” Quin said, ending the call and finally taking an easy breath.

Lo’San ended the call and slipped the communicator into his pocket and began mentally determining who it was that would be offered the opportunity to be temporarily assigned planet-side with those already there permanently.

“Well, what is it?!” Rokai demanded.

Lo’San turned and looked at him. “Why are you here?”

“Because Quin called! I thought it was just a call and wanted to know why not me, but now it’s clear there is a problem.”

“Why exactly are you standing behind me, in my personal office, eavesdropping on my official calls?”

“It’s not official. It came on your personal communicator, not on official channels. And I didn’t know there was an issue until I got here,” Rokai said.

“Then how is it you happened to be here at exactly the time the call came in, and are still standing here?” Lo’San asked.

“I wasn’t. I arrived shortly after.”

“Why?” Lo’San pressed.

Rokai smiled at Lo’San. “Missy said there might be a call coming in from Quin, and I thought surely he’d want to speak to me. I haven’t had a minute to contact him since the birth of my nephew. I am Rokai ahl Tel Mo’ Kok, you know! Actually part of the family! What is happening to my family?”

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