The Moon's Shadow (The Saga of the Skolian Empire # 8)

The Moon's Shadow (The eighth book in the Skolian Empire series)

Catherine Asaro Tor Science Fiction ISBN: 076534324X Tor Books by Catherine Asaro THESAGA OF THESKOLIANEMPIRE Primary Inversion Catch the Lightning The Last Hawk The Radiant Seas Ascendant Sun The Quantum Rose Spherical Harmonic T h e Moo n’ s Sh a d o w Skyfall(forthcoming)

www.ebookyes.com This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. THE MOON’S SHADOW

Co pyri g ht © 2 0 0 3 b y Cath e rin e As ar o All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. Edited by James Minz A Tor Book Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC 175 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010 www.tor.com Tor ® is a r e gi st er e d tr a d e m a r k o f To m Do h erty Ass o ci at e s , LLC. ISBN: 0-312-70965-X First Edition: March 2003 To my aunt and uncle, Marie and Jack Scudder, with love

Contents Part One: Penumbra 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

Throne Advent The Gilded Cage Carnelian Throne Sunrise Heredity Fugitive Lo c k’ s End The Promise Silver Loss Betrayal Tribunal Verdict Part Two: Umbra

15. 16. 17.

Betrothal Lost Dreams Beginnings

18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

Ascending Sun Ceremony Merger The Stone Table Power Base Discrepancies Secrets Nanomeds Part Three: Penumbra

26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38.

Hall of Ancestors Accusations Psions Ardoise Valley The Blue Room Siren Call The Price of Loyalty The Balcony Summit The Starlight Chamber River of Ciphers The Garden Auth o r’ s Not e: T h e Moo n s o f Glory Family Tree: Ruby Dynasty Family Tree: Qox Dynasty Characters and Family History Time Line About the Author

Acknowledgments I would like to express my gratitude to the readers who gave me input on T h e Moo n’ s Sh a d o w . Their comments greatly helped the book. Any errors that remain are mine alone. To Aly Par s o n s , Jeri S mith-Re a dy, Mich a el La Viol ett e, a n d Tris h a Sc h w a a b for th eir th or o u g h r e a di n g s ; a n d t o Aly’s Writin g Gr o u p, for c riti quin g s p e cific s c e n e s : Aly Par s o n s , Si m c h a Kuritzky, Co n ni e Warn er, Al Carr oll, Mich a el La Viol ett e, G e o r g e Willia m s , a n d J. G. Huc k e n p öl er. A s p e ci al th a n k s t o m y e dit or, Ji m Minz, for hi s in si g ht s a n d s u g g e s ti o n s ; t o m y p u bli s h er, To m Do h e rty, a n d t o all th e fin e p e o pl e at Tor a n d St. Martin’s Pr e s s w h o m a d e thi s b o o k p o s si bl e; t o m y e x c ell e nt a g e nt, El e a n o r Wo o d, of Sp e ctrum Literary Agency; to Binnie Braustein for her enthusiasm and hard work on my behalf; and to Nancy Amis and her son Peter for their wonderful hospitality.

A most heartfelt thanks to the shining lights of my life, my husband, John Kendall Cannizzo, and my daughter, Cathy, whose constant love and support make it all worthwhile.

Part one Penumbra 1 Throne In his seventeenth year of life, Jai gained an empire and lost everything he valued. Stately buildings faced a plaza tiled in white and gray stone. Clouds hung low in the sky, their drizzle saturating the air. Evening had come, a time when the heat of the sixty-two-hour day on the world Delos cooled enough to make the temperature tolerable for its human colonists. Two young men walked across the plaza, coming from the embassy of the Allied Worlds of Earth. One wore simple clothes, a sweater and trousers. The other had on elegant garb with a severe cut, the cloth as black as shadows. Even in the misty air, his black hair glittered. On the other side of the plaza, the embassy of the Eubian Concord stood in grandeur, large and solid, with many columns. Six men descended its stairs. Four were strongly built and moved like machines, their uniforms black and their eyes the color of rust. They were guarding the other two men. The larger of the two, taller even than the looming guards, had a shock of glittering white hair and a commanding presence. His patrician features and red eyes identified him as a Highton Aristo, a member of the most powerful, the wealthiest, and possibly the most hated ruling caste ever known to humanity. The other man had his wrists locked behind his back in slave restraints. The prisoner moved stiffly, his chin thrust out but his eyes glazed. A gust stirred his wine-red hair around his handsome face. A diamond collar circled his neck and diamond guards glinted on his wrists and ankles. His white shirt, costly and impractical, was tucked into his dark pants. He walked barefoot. The groups approached each other. The two youths from the Allied Embassy stopped in the center of the plaza. The one in black clothes was tall, with broad shoulders and an athletic build. His features very much resembled those of the Highton man with the glittering white hair and were subtly echoed in the faces of the four guards. T h e pri s o n e r b o r e n o r e s e m b l a n c e t o hi m … At least not at first glance. Jai Rockworth waited with his friend, Mik Fresnel, as the group of Eubians crossed the plaza to them. A deep-seated fear within Jai urged him to run, but he forced himself to remain still. He now wished he had brought more people. Had he been naive, assuming the Eubians would treat this exchange with honor? Given the number of armed guards in their group, he would have little recourse if they decided to take him without relinquis hi n g th eir pri s o n er. But it w a s t o o lat e for s e c o n d th o u g ht s. If h e di d n’t g o thr o u g h wit h thi s n o w , h e m i g ht n e v e r fin d th e c o ur a g e t o try a g ai n. He recognized the white-haired man in the center of the Eubian group: Corbal Xir. Jai had seen him on countl e s s n e w s b r o a d c a s t s . As a c o u si n of th e lat e e m p e r or, Xir st o o d cl o s e t o

th e Car n eli a n T hr o n e of Eu b e . T h e e m p e r or, Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d , h a d di e d wit h o ut a k n o w n h eir, a n d m a n y e x p e ct e d Xir t o cl ai m th e titl e. T h e ru b y c ol or of Cor b al Xir’s e y e s di stur b e d Jai —f or it e x a ctly m a t c h e d hi s o w n . Durin g th e la st t w o y e a r s , Jai h a d hi d d e n hi s wit h b r o w n l e n s e s . Xir s h o w e d n o s u c h c o m p u n cti o n a b o ut r e v e alin g hi s Arist o g e n e ti c s . Jai felt as if a band were constricting around his chest. He had no idea how to deal with a man like Xir. The Eubian group halted a few paces in front of him. The man in slave restraints stood with a numb expression, watching Jai with no hint of recognition. But Jai knew his face. Eldrin Valdoria. Prince Eldrin. His uncle. If I could free you from your pain by taking it into myself,Jai thought,I would. Nothing he could do would change what his uncle had already suffered, but he could see to it that Eldrin endured no more. He tried not to think that it would take so little, so terrifyingly little, for him to end up exactly like his uncle. Xir s p o k e t o Jai in th e la n g u a g e of th e Hig ht o n Arist o s , hi s v oi c e a ru m bl e of a ut h o rity. “I pr o p o s e a si m ult a n e o u s e x c h a n g e . You a n d Prin c e Eldrin w al k for w ar d at th e s a m e ti m e .” “Very w e ll,” Jai a n s w e r e d in fla wl e s s Hig ht o n. But w h e n h e turn e d t o Mik, h e s wit c h e d t o En gli s h. “T h a n k y o u for c o m i n g .” He w a nt e d t o s a y s o m u c h m o r e , b ut h e c o ul d n’t ta k e th e ris k. Mik glanced uneasily at the Eubians. When he gave Jai a questioning look, Jai shook his head, fearing Mik w o ul d a s k for a n e x pl a n ati o n Jai c o ul d n e v e r pr o vi d e . But Mik ju st off er e d hi s h a n d . Jai s h o o k it wit h a g r atitu d e h e di d n’t d ar e s h o w , a n d al s o wit h s o rr o w , k n o wi n g h e w a s s a yi n g g o o d - b y e t o hi s fri e n d for e v er. “I’ m n ot s ur e w h at y o u’r e d oi n g ,” Mik s ai d q ui etly. “But I will r e m e m b e r w h at y o u s ai d.” Jai wished he could say more:Never forget. No matter what you hear of me from this day on, remember the Jai you knew. But Mik c o ul d n’t h e a r hi s th o u g ht s, a n d Jai c o ul d s a y n ot hi n g in fr o nt o f th e Eu bi a n s . He n o d d e d t o Mik, hi s thr o at tig ht. T h e n h e c o m p o s e d hi s fa c e int o a m a s k of Hig ht o n a rr o g a n c e a n d fa c e d Cor b al Xir. Jai h a d b a rri c a d e d hi s t el e p at h’ s m i n d, turnin g it int o a m e n t al fortr e s s , a n d s o h e r e c ei v e d n ot hin g fr o m th e Eu bi a n s , n o s e n s e of th eir e motions or thoughts. Prin c e Eldrin w a s st arin g at hi m — a n d s u d d e nly Jaifelt hi s u n cl e’ s m i n d. Re c o g niti o n w e n t thr o u g h hi m lik e a jolt o f e l e c tri city: Eldrin w a s al s o a t el e p at h. Ev e n h a vi n g k n o w n it a h e a d o f ti m e , Jai w a s still st artl e d b y th e str e n gt h of hi s u n cl e’ s m i n d. Eith er Jai w a s m o r e attu n e d t o hi m th a n t o th e Arist o s , w h o h a d n o a bility a s p si o n s , o r e l s e hi s u n cl e’ s m e n t al b a rri er s h a d slipp e d . Wh at e v e r th e r e a s o n , th e i m p a ct of Eldrin’ s e m o ti o n s st a g g e r e d Jai. He k n e w th e o t h e r m a n’ s c o nfu si o n a n d a n g ui s h a s if it w e r e hi s o w n . An ot h e r r e aliz ati o n hit hi m : u ntil thi s m o m e n t, Eldrin h a d k n o w n n ot hin g a b o ut th e e x c h a n g e . T h e s h o c k of r e alizin g hi s c a pt or s int e n d e d t o tr a d e hi m h a d c a u s e d Eldrin’s b a rri er s t o slip. When Jai spoke to Eldrin, he made hi m s elf s h o w a c al m h e di d n’t c o m e cl o s e t o f e elin g. “Sh all w e b e gi n?” “Ye s.” T h e prin c e’ s v oi c e r a s p e d wit h laryn giti s s o s e v e r e h e h a d tr o u bl e s p e a ki n g . T h e r a w s o u n d o f hi s u n cl e’ s v oi c e s h o o k Jai. He f e ar e d t o l e ar n w h at h a d injur e d Eldrin’s v o c al c o r d s. Screams left scars that could haunt a man. He and Eldrin walked forward. When they reached each other, Jai wanted to stop, to ask Eldrin the questions surging within him, to offer reassurance, to beg forgiveness for the life Jai was embarking on. But he could do nothing, show no hint of his roiling emotions. They passed in silence, Eldrin going to the Allieds and Jai to the Eubians. Jai st o p p e d w h e n h e r e a c h e d Cor b al Xir. T h e o l d e r m a n n o d d e d in a c k n o wl e d g m e n t, th o u g h of w h at, Jai di d n’t k n o w . A c hill w e n t thr o u g h hi m at th e s o ull e s s int e n sity of Xir’s g a z e . Jai r eturn e d hi s n o d , th e n turn e d t o s e e Eldrin r e a c h Mik. As th e prin c e h alt e d , h e l o o k e d b a c k .

F or a n in st a nt h e a n d Jai st ar e d at e a c h o t h er. In th at m o m e n t, e v e n th e m i st s e e m e d t o w ait. Would Eldrin askwhy ? Would he curse his captors? T h e m o m e n t p a s s e d , a n d Jai n o l o n g e r f elt hi s u n cl e’ s e m o ti o n s . Eldrin’s m e n t al b a rri er s h a d c o m e u p a g ai n. Jai di d n’t think hi s u n cl e e v e n r e aliz e d th e y h a d slipp e d . The Eubians closed around Jai in a tight formation and swept him away, headed for their embassy. Jai set his shoulders and faced his future, though dread haunted him. So it w a s th at Jai Ro c k w o rt h — al s o k n o w n a s Jai bri ol th e T hird — cl ai m e d hi s pl a c e a s e m p e r o r o f Eub e , th e lar g e st e m pir e in th e hi st ory o f humanity.

2 Advent Aportico with a high arch formed the entrance of the Eubian Embassy. As Jai entered the building, a muscle in his cheek twitched. The four guards loomed around him, bulky and silent, arms swinging precisely at their sides, their faces hard. He found it difficult to absorb the enormity of it, that he walked with Lord Corbal Xir, one of the most feared men in settled space. When the great doors of the embassy thundered shut behind them, Jai felt as if he were trapped in a mausoleum. Jai Rockworth had died; from this day on he was Jaibriol III. He protected his mind, strenghtening his mental shields until no trace of his telepathic ability could leak to the Traders with him. No, theEubians. He had to remember; Eubians never referred to themselves as Traders. That name came from the people of the Skolian Imperialate, who abhorred the Eubians for basing their economy on a slave trade. For the rest of his life, Jai would have to maintain his defenses; he could never weaken, neither in his behavior nor his mental protections, lest it reveal that he who dared claim the Carnelian Throne was a slave. A provider. Nausea surged in Jai and he nearly lost his composure. More than any other reason, Aristos were hated because they used providers to transcend. Providers were empaths and telepaths; Aristos were anti-empaths. An Aristo could pick up the physical or emotional anguish of a psion, but instead of registering it as pain, the Aristo felt pleasure. The stronger a psion, the more transcendence he or she “pr o vi d e d” th e Arist o. Cra vin g th e e x p e ri e n c e wit h a n e e d th at v e r g e d o n o b s e s si o n , Arist o s m a d e p si o n s int o th e sl a v e s th e y c all e d “pr o vi d e r s .” T h eir pitil e s s c ultur e all o w e d n o e x c e pti o n s ; all e m p at h s a n d t el e p at h s w e r e pr o vi d e r s . Jai knew he would have to protect his mind every day for the rest of his life. The immensity of it was more than he could absorb. If he slipped even once, revealing he was a psion, his life would become hell. And y et — hi s cl ai m t o th e thr o n e w a s g e n ui n e . To gain his title he had sent Corbal Xir a lock of his hair. Its DNA would show him as the true son of Jaibriol II, the previous emperor of Eube, who had died less than two months ago. The Eubians would undoubtedly check and double-check his DNA, but Jai knew they would find the pr o of th e y n e e d e d . His g r e at-g r e at-g r a n df at h er, Eu b e Qox, h a d fo u n d e d th e Eubi a n Co n c o r d a n d b e e n its first e m p e r or. Eu b e h a d b e e n a n Arist o of c o ur s e , a Hig ht o n in fa ct, p art of th e hi g h e st Arist o c a s t e . Only a Hig ht o n c o ul d b e e m p e r or. Jai’s g r e at-g r a n df at h er, Jai bri ol I, h a d al s o b e e n a Hig ht o n Arist o, a s h a d b e e n Jai’s g r a n df at h er, Ur Qox. Or so everyone believed. Only Jai knew the truth: his great-grandfather had bred psi traits into the imperial line. A powerful enough psion could use ancient technolo g y th at s ur viv e d fr o m th e l o n g -d e a d Ruby Em pir e, t e c h n ol o g y th e m o d e r n a g e c o ul d n’t r e pr o d u c e — o r d ef e n d a g ai n st. But n o Arist o c o ul d b e a p si o n; th e tr aits, c o n si d e r e d a d e bilitatin g w e a k n e s s , w e r e n’t p art of th e Arist o

g e n e p o ol. T h e g e n e s th at c r e at e d a psion were recessive, which meantboth parents had to contribute them to their child for the abilities to manifest. Jaibriol I had sired a son with one of his providers and forced his empress to acknowledge the child as her own, making the boy heir to the throne. It was an unspeakable abomination by Highton standards, but the emperor had been fanatically hungry for the power of the ancient Ruby machines. T h e b o y, Ur Qox, h a d b e e n Jai’s g r a n df at h er. Ur h a d th e p si g e n e s o nly fr o m hi s m o t h er, s o h e w a s n’t a p si o n. But h e t o o fat h e r e d a c hild o n o n e of hi s pr o vi d e r s — a n d th at s o n , Jai bri ol II, h a d b e e n a Ruby t el e p at h, th e m o s t p o w e rful of all p si o n s . He p o s s e s s e d th e m e n t al p o w e r t o u s e th e a n ci e nt m a c hi n e s , w hi c h w o ul d h a v e m a d e it p o s si bl e for hi m t o c o n q u e r humansettled space. Through him, the Aristos could have subjugated all humanity. Jai bri ol II h a d o t h e r id e a s . He h a d fl e d hi s h e rit a g e , a p p all e d b y its b r ut ality, a n d s e c r etly m a rri e d a n o t h e r Ruby p si o n, a w a rri or q u e e n of th e Sk oli a n Imp eri al at e, Eu b e’ s greatest enemy. Her name had been Soz Valdoria. Jai’s m o t h er. So Jai had been born a Ruby telepath, the first child of Jaibriol II and Soz Valdoria. No one knew his mother and father had hidden in exile for fifteen years. But ESComm, the Eubian military, ha d fin ally fo u n d Jai’s fat h e r a n d t or n hi m a w a y fr o m hi s idyllic lif e, n e v e r r e alizin g h e h a d a fa mily. In s e c r et, Jai’s m o t h e r h a d l eft h e r c hildr e n o n Earth, t o pr ot e ct th e m . T h e n s h e h a d lau n c h e d th e Radi a n c e War — a s h att erin g c o nflict th at b r o u g ht t w o st ar-s p a n ni n g e m pir e s t o th eir k n e e s — all t o r e s c u e h e r h u s b a n d fr o m hi s o w n p e o pl e . Jai’s p ar e nt s h a d di e d in th at w ar. One consolation remained to Jai, the knowledge that his mother and father had been reunited in an escape shuttle before a missile exploded it. They had died together. He struggled against the hotness in his eyes. The grief was too great; he had never been able to weep for their loss. He feared if he started, he would never stop. His parents had dreamed of a time when Eube and Skolia would kn o w p e a c e . So m e h o w , s o m e w ay, h e w o ul d turn th at dr e a m int o r e ality. He w o ul d fin d a w a y t o e n s ur e th at th e t w o p e o pl e w h o h a d gift e d hi m wit h th eir u n c o n diti o n al l o v e h a d n’t di e d in v ai n. Drizzle misted over Eldrin, dampening his clothes and hair. His bo d y a c h e d fr o m hi s la st “c h at” wit h hi s int err o g at or s. He st ar e d d ully aft er th e Tr a d e r s a s th e y w al k e d t o w a r d th eir e m b a s sy, t w o Hig ht o n Arist o s s urr o u n d e d b y fo ur g u ar d s . He w o n d e r e d w h at g a m e of c r u elty th e y w e r e pl ayin g wit h hi m thi s ti m e . The unfamilia r y o ut h w h o h a d st a y e d h e r e in th e pl a z a s p o k e t o Eldrin in stilt e d Hig ht o n, hi s a c c e nt al m o s t t o o thi c k t o u n d e r st a n d. “Col d y o u a r e ? We g o b a c k .” Eldrin narrowed his gaze. The youth looked about eighteen, average in height, a bit shorter than Eldrin, with b r o w n h air a n d e y e s , a n d a fri e n dly fa c e . If Eldrin h a d n’t k n o w n b e tt er, h e w o ul d h a v e m i st a k e n hi s n e w t or m e nt or for a s c h o o l b o y fr o m Earth. T h e y o ut h gl a n c e d at Eldrin’ s b o u n d a r m s , th e n r ai s e d hi s g a z e q ui c kly, a s if h e di d n’t w a nt t o l o o k . “Lik e y o u t o m a k e y o ur a r m s fr e e ?” h e a s k e d . Eldrin stepped back, his head jerking. What new tricks had they devised? His jaw clenched so hard, he felt tendons stand out in his neck. “Ok ay, w e d o n’t h a v e t o d o th at,” th e b o y s ai d in En gli s h, m o r e t o hi m s elf th a n Eldrin. In hi s t erri bl e Hig ht o n, h e a d d e d , “G o w e t o Alli e d E m b a s sy.” He in di c at e d a b uildin g . “E m b a s sy. Alli e d World s. Earth. You c o m e wit h m e , y e s ?” They picked a good actor.Eldrin readied himself to fight or run. Realistically, he knew he would lose either w a y; h e c o ul d d o littl e wit h hi s h a n d s l o c k e d b e hi n d hi s b a c k . But h e h a d t o try. He c o ul d n’t l et th e m b r e a k hi m .

“C o m e , y e s ?” th e b o y r e p e at e d . “W e r e m o v e r e str aint s.” Eldrin h a d int e n d e d t o st a y sil e nt, b ut h e c o ul d n’t k e e p hi s h atr e d in si d e . “G o r ot in a Taz orli w h o r e h o u s e .” He s p o k e in Sk oli a n Fla g , a la n g u a g e of hi s o w n p e o pl e . He w o ul d n e v e r willin gly u s e Hig ht o n , n ot if th e y t ortur e d hi m for a h u n dr e d y e a r s. T h e y o ut h’ s e y e s wi d e n e d . He s wit c h e d int o Fl a g . “I’ m n ot a Eubi a n, I s w e a r it.” He s p o k e th e Sk oli a n m u c h b e tt er th a n Hig ht o n . “You a r e fr e e n o w , in th e t errit ory o f th e Alli e d World s of Earth. We off er y o u pr ot e cti o n .” Eldrin said nothing. T h e b o y tri e d a g ai n. “My n a m e is Mik Fr e s n el. I’m a v olu nt e e r wit h th e Da w n Corp s. We’r e a g r o u p fr o m Earth h el pin g wit h r e s c u e a n d r el o c ati o n o p e r ati o n s n o w th at th e w a r is o v er.” “Mik” l o o k e d s o e a r n e st, h e c o ul d h a v e fu el e d a s p a c e s hip o n hi s si n c e rity. Eldrin s a w th eir g a m e n o w : c o n vi n c e hi m th at h e w a s fr e e , th at th e fig htin g h a d e n d e d , l et hi m ta st e it, b eli e v e it, r e v el in it— a n d th e n s e n d hi m b a c k t o int err o g ati o n. Aft er a n o t h e r sil e n c e , Mik s ai d, “It’s w a r m e r in th e e m b a s sy.” His l o p si d e d s m il e w o ul d h a v e b e e n c h a r mi n g h a d it b e e n g e n ui n e . “T h e di nin g r o o m h a s s o m e pr etty g o o d s o u p.” Eldrin tried not to imagine the soup. Cold was seeping into his body, weakening the emotional numbness he held around himself like a shield. His arms and wrists throbbed. He had been shackled during the trip he and Corbal had taken through space, or wherever, to reach this pl a c e . At l e a st Cor b al h a d n’t o r d e r e d a n y o t h e r r e str ai nt s b e y o n d w h at b a si c s e c urity r e q uir e d . Str a n g e th at o nly Eldrin’s int err o g at or s inflict e d p ai n, n e v e r Cor b al. Eldrin struggled to suppress his memories of what he had endured from the intelligence officers in ESComm, Eubian Space Command. He hoped the bastards rotted in hell. They could have questioned him without savagery. Humane methods existed, but they had chosen otherwise. He had expected even worse from Corbal Xir, a Highton lord high in the Aristo caste system. Corbal could have done whatever he wanted to Eldrin, yet he had held back. Had Eldrin been more gullible, he might have believed Corbal was showing compassion. But it was impossible. Rain continued to soak his clothes. His feet had become so cold he could barely feel his toes. Muscle tremors shook his body. “Pl e a s e ,” Mik c o a x e d . “W e c a n h el p y o u.” F or s o m e r e a s o n h e l o o k e d u p s et. “L et u s h el p.” “Liar.” Eldrin’ s v oi c e r a s p e d . So c ol d. He w a s s o c ol d. “No o n e will t o u c h y o u wit h o ut y o ur c o n s e nt.” Mik st e p p e d a w ay, t o w a r d th e p urp ort e d Alli e d Em b a s sy. “You h a v e m y w o r d.” Eldrin di d n’t w a nt t o g o wit h hi m . He h a d t o r e si st. But h e c o ul d n’t k e e p th e i m a g e of st e a m i n g s o u p o ut of hi s m i n d. Al m o st a g ai n st hi s will, h e m o v e d t o w a r d th e e m b a s sy. Mik gave him an encouraging smile. He continued to walk, looking back at Eldrin, his expression offering unspoken assurances. So Eldrin limped after him. A drop of rain coalesced in his eye and ran down his face. It had to be rain, not a tear. He refused to weep. Mik led him around the side of the supposed Allied Embassy. But when they reached a recessed entrance, Eldrin froze. A soldier in fatigues guarded the door, a burly man standing ramrod straight with a laser carbine gripped in both hands. “No.” Eldrin despised the edge of panic in his voice. He jerked back and stumbled on the slick flagstones. Unable to regain his balance, he dropped to one knee. Agony flared through his leg, and he bit the inside of his mouth to keep from groaning. Mik was blathering, some gibberish in that damnable soothing voice of his. Eldrin bent his head and shut out the words. He willed his body to be impervious, trying to believe it would work today, unlike all the other days. Even knowing they would soon pull him to his feet and tak e hi m a w ay, h e c o ul d n’t gi v e in, c o ul d n’t l et th e m s e e hi m w e a k e n . After a time, his mind began to clear. Focusing outward, he saw Mik a few feet away, also

kneeling, his forehead creased with concern. Behind Mik, the soldier was still by the column, but he had lowered his gun and taken a less threatening stance. He looked troubled rather than implacable. “Ar e y o u all ri g ht?” Mik a s k e d . Eldrin said nothing. He rose slowly, his battered muscles protesting the effort. Mik also stood, looking solicitous. The kid could have won an acting award. If he was a kid. For all Eldrin knew, the Traders had biosculpted one of their special operations officers to pass as an Earth boy. Mik in di c at e d th e s ol di er. “Li eut e n a nt Parkin s w o n’t h urt y o u. No o n e will.” He s p o k e c a r efully. “W e u n d e r st a n d w h at y o u a r e .” “And w h at is th at?” Eldrin c o ul d b a r ely s p e a k , hi s thr o at h urt s o m u c h . “Sc u m , a c c o r di n g t o y o ur Arist o o w n e r s ?” “I’ m n ot a Tr a d er. I s w e a r it t o y o u. I’m a n Earth citiz e n . You’r e o n Alli e d t errit ory.” Awk w ar d n o w , Mik a d d e d , “You’r e n o l o n g e r a pr o vi d er.” Eldrin s n e e r e d at hi m . “A pr o vi d er? Ho w c o ul d y o u k n o w ? I n e v e r t ol d y o u.” “Your c oll ar.” An u n st at e d h o rr or lurk e d in Mik’s g a z e . “Only a pr o vi d er w o ul d h a v e o n e m a d e fr o m di a m o n d s .” Eldrin would have touched the c oll ar a r o u n d hi s n e c k if hi s h a n d s h a d b e e n fr e e . An Alli e d citiz e n m i g ht h a v e g u e s s e d th at h e w a s a pr o vi d er fr o m hi s ric h g a r b a n d r e str ai nt s. Mor e lik ely, “Mik” alr e a d y k n e w . Alth o u g h Eldrin c o ul d n’t pi c k u p a n yt hin g fr o m th e y o ut h’ s th o u g ht s, th at m e a nt n ot hin g . Eldrin’s m i n d w a s b r ui s e d . Whil e int err o g atin g hi m , hi s t or m e nt or s h a d tr a n s c e n d e d , a n d th e a nti-e m p at hi c link th e y h a d for c e d o n hi m , u si n g hi s p ai n for th eir pl e a s ur e , h a d w o u n d e d hi s m i n d. Yet h e c o ul d n’t q u ell th e tr ait or o u s h o p e stirrin g within him. Watching Mik and the soldier, he limped across the flagstones. The ground felt like a furnace; the soles of his feet could no longer distinguish hot and cold. Mik ushered him through the doorway, placing himself between Eldrin and the taciturn lieutenant, who persisted in looking worried. Inside the embassy, they followed corridors of rose-hued marble veined in gold, with ceilings that arched high above their heads. Every now and then they passed a statue in a wall niche. When Mik stopped at a door bordered by friezes, Eldrin stayed back. He could feel his feet a little now, perhaps enough to run. But to where? Mik h el d o p e n th e d o or. “Wo ul d y o u lik e t o c o m e in? You c a n r e st.” Eldrin m e a n t t o r efu s e ; in st e a d h e fo u n d hi m s elf s a yi n g , “T h e s o u p…?” Images came to him, hot and savory. “I’ll h a v e s o m e o n e b rin g di n n er.” An ot h er e m o ti o n s h o w e d n o w in Mik. Dis m a y? It m a d e n o s e n s e t o Eldrin. Wary, full of mistrust, Eldrin entered the foyer inside. White walls surrounded him, with abstract holo-art in swirls of soft color. As he walked into a hallway beyond the foyer, his toes sunk into a bone-white carpet. Just that slight relief was too much to bear. This was an excruciatingly effective torture; even knowing what they intended, he would weep when they took this away. The hall ended in a living room with white walls and more of the soothing holo-art. The opposite wall consisted of a floor-to-ceiling window; beyond it, outside, paths circled gardens planted with purple blossoms. In the central flowerbed, bushes sculpted like ships sailed a sea of blue-green foliage, their bases foamed with white flowers. The beauty of the scene lied, promising peace instead of misery. A click came from the right. Eldrin spun around, tensing to defend himself. Mik was bending o v e r a c o n s ol e b y th e w all, b ut w h e n Eldrin m o v e d , Mik gl a n c e d at hi m . Eldrin di d n’t k n o w

h o w hi s e x pr e s si o n a p p e a r e d , b ut w h at e v e r it w a s , it c a u s e d Mik t o st o p w h at h e w a s d oi n g a n d str ai g ht e n u p. “I’ m ju st c o nt a ctin g th e di nin g h all,” Mik s ai d. “T h at’ s all.” Eldrin wi s h e d h e c o ul d fold hi s a r m s a c r o s s hi s c h e s t for pr ot e cti o n a g ai n st th e c ol d. It di d n’t m a tt er th at th e air w a s w a r m ; th e c hill c a m e fr o m in si d e hi m . He fo u g ht d o w n hi s n a u s e a . When Eldrin said nothing, Mik went to work on the console again, but slowly, letting Eldrin see his every move. The boy appeared to do what he claimed, ordering food, but Eldrin had no doubt the ever-so-trusty Mik also notified his superiors that their prisoner had arrived. Their security would be monitoring this room. Mik turn e d t o Eldrin, th e n h e sit at e d , s e e m i n g u n c e rt ai n. He m o ti o n e d at a s of a a c r o s s th e r o o m . “Wo ul d y o u lik e t o sit?” Gods, yes.But Eldrin stayed put. “Sir?” Mik g e s tur e d , off erin g th e c o u c h . Eldrin wanted to refuse, but he knew they would play this ga m e h o w e v e r th e y wi s h e d r e g a r dl e s s of w h at h e c h o s e . He w al k e d t o th e c o u c h , m o r e in d efi a n c e o f hi s f e ar th a n in a c c e pt a n c e of Mik’s invit ati o n. He e x p e c t e d a n att a c k fr o m b e hi n d, b ut h e r e a c h e d th e s of a u n h ar m e d . He s at o n o n e e n d , l o w e rin g hi s b o d y wit h care, ready to jump up if he had to defend himself. Eldrin wondered when Corbal would arrive. The Xir lord often joined him for dinner, lavishing feasts on his exotic new provider. He treated Eldrin well, but as if Eldrin were a treasured art object rather th a n a h u m a n b e i n g . Exc e pt a c oll e ct or w o ul d n’t t o u c h a w o r k of a rt for f e ar o f c a u si n g d a m a g e . Cor b al h a d n o s u c h c o m p u n cti o n s . Eldrin shut away that thought. Safer to wonder who owned Mik. Although the youth wore no restraints, he had to have an Aristo o w n er. Of all th e billi o n s o f Eu bi a n s s pr e a d a c r o s s th e Eu bi a n e m pir e, n o n e w a s fr e e e x c e pt th o s e in th e thr e e Arist o c a st e s —Hig ht o n s , Dia m o n d s , a n d Silic at e s — a n d th e y n u m b e r e d n o m o r e th a n a f e w th o u s a n d . Most Eubi a n sl a v e s w e r e ta s k m a k e r s a n d liv e d c o m f ortable lives, some even rising to a certain amount of authority and wealth. Over a trillion taskmakers existed; with so many owned by so few Aristos, they had to have enough autonomy to run their own lives and maintain the riches and power of their owners. Pr o vi d er s w e r e diff er e nt. As p si o n s , th e y w e r e r ar e al m o s t t o e xtin cti o n a n d difficult t o c r e at e in g e n e ti c s la b s . As a r e s ult, o nly a f e w th o u s a n d e xi st e d, m o s t of th e m c o n c ei v e d n atur ally. Eldrin g ri m a c e d . He di d n’t w a nt hi s “ elit e” st a n di n g . Pr o vi d er s had no status, no possessions, and no autonomy. He thought of the Aristo who had switched places with him in the plaza. The exchange baffled Eldrin. Apparently they expected him to believe they had traded him to the Allieds for some Highton youth. Did Corbal really think he was that stupid? No trade in the universe was worth giving up Eldrin Valdoria, their captive Skolian prince. The Traders knew it. The Allieds knew it. Eldrin knew it. Even if Corbal had agreed to such a trade for some bizarre reason, the Alli e d s w o ul d n’t h a v e s e nt t w o t e e n a g e b o y s t o d o it. Wh at di d Cor b al h o p e t o a c hi e v e wit h thi s c h ar a d e ? It w a s al m o s t str a n g e e n o u g h t o b e li e v e it w a s r e al. No.He c o ul d n’t w e a k e n . T h e y w a nt e d hi m t o b e li e v e , b ut h e w o ul d n’t b e fo ol e d . He c o ul d n’t b e a r the pain of having his hope crushed. Eldrin dr e w hi s f e et u p o n th e c o u c h , p ullin g hi s k n e e s t o hi s c h e s t, hi s li m b s s h a ki n g fr o m hi s in n er c hill, a c ol d n e s s th at h a d b e g u n th e ni g ht o f hi s c a ptur e. He w a s n’t s ur e h o w l o n g h e h a d b e e n a pri s o n e r — a m o n t h, m a ybe even two. A ru stl e dr e w hi s att e nti o n. Mik w a s st a n di n g in fr o nt of hi m , h ol di n g a th er m al q uilt. Eldrin th o u g ht th e b o y h a d s p o k e n , b ut h e w a s n’t s ur e . “Wh at?” Eldrin a s k e d h o a r s ely.

Mik off er e d th e q uilt. “You w e r e s hi v e rin g .” “C ol d.” Mik tucked the blanket around him. Unexpected warmth spread over Eldrin like a benediction. “Do y o u m i n d if I a s k y o ur n a m e ?” Mik a s k e d . “Wh o is h e ?” Eldrin w hi s p e r e d . “He?” The Aristo in the exchange,Eldrin w a nt e d t o s ay. But h e di d n’t s p e a k . His thr o at h urt t o o m u c h. Mik p u s h e d hi s h a n d thr o u g h hi s h air. “Ca n y o u t ell m e a b o ut y o ur s elf? I n e e d t o n otify m y s u p e ri or s.” “You alr e a d y di d.” Eldrin c o ul d b a r ely m a n a g e th e w o r d s . “T h e y d o k n o w y o u’r e h e r e ,” Mik a d m itt e d. “But n o o n e will a p pr o a c h y o u wit h o ut y o ur p er mi s si o n.” Eldrin s h o o k hi s h e a d . He k n e w h e s h o ul d st a y al ert, b ut h e w a s s o tir e d… So tir e d… Voices made Eldrin stir. Had he slept? He was lying with his head on the armrest, his body pulled into a ball, his hands clenching the quilt in front of his body. Across th e r o o m , Mik st o o d talkin g t o a w o m a n wit h w hit e h air a n d a d ar k-h air e d m a n . T w o g u ar d s w e r e p o st e d w h e r e th e h all w a y m e t th e livin g r o o m . Sw e at b r o k e o ut o n Eldrin’s for e h e a d . T h e s e n e w c o m e r s w o r e ci vili a n cl ot h e s , b ut h e k n e w m ilit ary offic er s w h e n h e s a w them. Mik w a s s p e a ki n g in a l o w v oi c e . He s e e m e d flu st er e d n o w , c o nfu s e d , w o rri e d. “I a s s u m e d Jay w a s c a rryin g o ut o r d e r s . It n e v e r o c c urr e d t o m e h e w o ul d a rr a n g e a tr a d e o n hi s o w n , wit h o ut t ellin g a n y o n e .” “You’r e s ur e th e tr a d e w a s c o n s e n s u al?” th e w oman asked. T h e d ar k-h air e d m a n s p o k e . “W e’v e c o nt a ct e d th e Eubi a n Em b a s sy. T h e y d o n’t s a y m u c h , b ut it’s cl e ar Jay is n’t c o m i n g b a c k .” “You li e d,” Eldrin w hi s p e r e d . No o n e in Mik’s g r o u p h e a r d, b ut o n e o f th e g u ar d s b y th e h all gl a n c e d at Eldrin. T h e n th e m a n turn e d t o Mik’s g r o u p. “Maj or Ar m st e a d , I think o ur g u e s t is a w a k e .” As they all turned to look, Eldrin sat up, slow and stiff, pulling the quilt around himself, though his shirt offered plenty of warmth. Then it hit him: his arms were free. Mik had sai d n o o n e w o ul d t o u c h hi m wit h o ut hi s c o n s e nt, y et s o m e o n e h a d r e m o v e d th e r e str ai nt s. T h e y h a d al s o tr e at e d hi s injuri e s ; hi s la c e r ati o n s n o l o n g e r bl e d , a n d hi s w e lt s h a d fa d e d . F or all th at Mik’s cl ai m h a d b e e n fal s e , Eldrin w a s g r at eful th e y h a d e a s e d his discomfort. Grateful?His anger sparked. They extorted his emotions so easily, offering freedom from the pain if he would just talk. But he could tell them nothing. Even if the agony became unbearable and he screamed with the effort to speak, he could reveal nothing they would find useful. The Skolian military had put traps in his brain. If he weakened, those traps would disrupt his neural connections, erasing memories. Even knowing it was necessary, he hated that he would forget his family, his wife, his s o n… “Sir?” Eldrin fo c u s e d o ut w ar d. Mik w a s sittin g o n th e ta bl e in fr o nt of th e c o u c h . A h e a rty a r o m a tic kl e d Eldrin’s n o s e ; b e hi n d Mik, a tr ay w ait e d wit h a st e a m i n g b o wl o f s o u p . Eldrin’s m o ut h w at er e d. “Wo ul d y o u lik e t o e a t?” Mik a s k e d . Eldrin nodded, letting the quilt fall to his waist. He wanted to clench it around himself like a shield, but he refused to let his fear show. He regarded Mik with cool reserve. The youth offered the tray. Eldrin balanced it on his lap, aware of everyone watching him.

Then he ate. The soup warmed his throat, a balm to his ravaged vocal cords. His hope flared. Perhaps someday he could sing again. He might never regain his full voice, but he would have his music. Sing for whom? Corbal? He would die first. After he finished the soup, he drank the wine, grateful for its numbing effect. Then he slid the tray back on the table. T h e t w o p e o pl e wit h Mik h a d , s ur pri sin gly, st a y e d a c r o s s th e r o o m . A r e aliz ati o n c a m e t o Eldrin: th e g u ar d h a d c all e d th e w o m a n “Maj or Ar m st e a d .” Only an Aristo, or a taskmaker with significant Aristo heritage, could become such a highly ranked military officer. This major, however, had blue eyes with no hint of red, and her face showed no sign of Aristo blood. He steeled himself against hope. They had d o n e thi s t o hi m b ef or e , w h e n th e y cl ai m e d th e y h a d hi s s o n a n d w o ul d l et Eldrin s e e hi m . He h a d r ej oi c e d t o k n o w hi s s o n liv e d — u ntil th e y r e v e al e d it w a s a li e. He h a d di e d in si d e th e n . He c o ul d n’t l et th e m d o th at t o hi m a g ai n. Nev er a g ai n. Mik was waitin g . Wh e n Eldrin fo c u s e d o n hi m , th e y o ut h s ai d, “Col o n el Ya m a d a w o ul d lik e t o s p e a k wit h y o u.” “Wh o is Col o n el Ya m a d a ?” Alth o u g h Eldrin’ s v oi c e w a s r a g g e d , it di d n’t h urt a s m u c h n o w . Mik indicated the officer next to Major Armstead, a man with dark eyes, a s m o o t h, g ol d e n c o m pl e xi o n , a n d a n a ur a of a ut h o rity. He di d n’t r e s e m b l e a n Arist o, a n d hi s m i n d la c k e d th e h a r d e d g e of a n ESCo m m offic er. In fa ct, Eldrin s e n s e d n o d e c e pti o n in a n y of th e s e p e o pl e . He s h o o k hi s h e a d . T hi s c o ul d n’t b e tru e. T h e Eu bi a n s w ould never trade him, not even for another Highton. Aft er a m o m e n t, Mik s ai d, “Wo ul d y o u pr ef er if w e c a m e b a c k lat er?” “Wh at d o e s Col o n el Ya m a d a w a nt wit h m e ?” Eldrin a s k e d . “Your n a m e , for a st art.” Mik s o u n d e d fri e n dly. Eldrin just looked at him. And then? Information about his family? Not only was Eldrin the consort of the Ruby Pharaoh, he was also, through his mother, in line for the Ruby Throne itself. Mik tri e d a g ai n. “Ca n w e d o a n yt hi n g for y o u?” The question confused Eldrin. They never asked what he w a nt e d . It h a d t o b e a tric k. He c o ul d c all th eir bluff. “I w o ul d lik e t o sl e e p .” Mik in di c at e d a d o o r in th e h all w ay. “T h e b e d r o o m is in th er e . If y o u n e e d a n yt hin g , y o u c a n u s e th e c o n s ol e .” Eldrin inclined his head, his gesture contained and guarded. “All rig ht.” Unexp e ct e dly, e v e r y o n e l eft, tru e t o Mik’s w o r d. Aft er a m o m e n t, Eldrin w e n t t o th e d o o r in th e h all w ay. It o p e n e d o nt o a c o m f o rt a bl e r o o m wit h a h ol o b o o k r a c k o n o n e w all a n d a b e d wit h a bl u e q uilt a g ai n st a n o t h er. Puzzl e d, Eldrin w e nt b a c k out to the foyer and tried the front door. To his surprise, it opened. The two guards were outside, and one nodded to him. It was too strange. At a loss, Eldrin stepped outside and waited. Incredibly, neither guard objected. He walked down the hall and they came with him; when he stopped, so did they. “Ca n w e e s c o rt y o u a n y w h e r e ?” o n e a s k e d . T h eir b e h a vi or b e w il d er e d hi m , s o m u c h th at h e c o ul d n’t a n s w er. T h e Tr a d e r s h a d n e v e r l et hi m l e a v e hi s r o o m . In truth, h e h a d littl e wi s h t o g o a n y w h e r e ; w h at h e r e ally wanted was the sleep his tormentors had denied him for days. Probing their behavior now, Eldrin returned to his suite. The guards came, too, and took up their posts outside. Finally convinced they intended nothing dire, he went back into the suite to the bedroom, where he collapsed on the bed. Eldrin’ s la st th o u g ht s, a s h e f ell a sl e e p , w e r e o f De hy a, h e r d ar k h air fl o wi n g . De hy a. Dyhi a n n a S el ei. T h e Ruby Ph ar a o h .

His wife. They had told him she died.

3 The Gilded Cage Corbal Xir poured the wine. It flowed into the crystal goblets, sparkling like rubies. He off er e d Jai a drink. “It is fr o m m y vi n e y ar d s , Your Hig h n e s s .” He s ai d th e titl e e a sily, a s if h e h a d a d dr e s s e d Jai th at w a y for y e ar s . At a loss, Jai took the goblet. His inclination was to thank Corbal, but he had no idea how an Aristo would respond. So he said nothing. He had been in the embassy for only a few minutes and already he felt as if he were treading water in an ocean where he could all too easily drown. The room disoriented him. It was circular rather than square. Plush red upholstery covered its walls, and gold shone everywhere, from the moldings that bordered the ceiling to the onionshaped arches above the doorways. Crystal sparkled on the chandelier, and the black lacquered tables gleamed. It all made him feel suffocated. He and Corbal were nominally alone; their guards had stayed outside. But Corbal surely had security watching the room. Jai was clenching the stem of his goblet so hard, his hand ached. He felt so far out of his league, he had no idea where to begin. Cor b al r ai s e d hi s drin k, hi s s m il e a s s m o o t h a s gl a s s . “T o y o ur h e alt h.” Jai ju st n o d d e d , afr ai d t o drin k. Cor b al t o o k a l o n g s w all o w, th e n l o w e r e d hi s g o bl et. He gl a n c e d at Jai’s gl a s s wit h c o n c e r n. “Do e s th e wi n e n ot pl e a s e y o u?” “Ye s, c e rt ainly.” Jai w ait e d l o n g er, b ut Cor b al s h o w e d n o di str e s s . Reli e v e d , Jai lift e d hi s o w n g o bl et. Cor b al c a u g ht th e gl a s s ju st b ef or e th e wi n e t o u c h e d Jai’s lip s. With o ut a w o r d, h e p ull e d a w a y th e g o bl et. Jai stiff e n e d . “Wh at a r e y o u d oi n g ?” Dis a p p oi nt m e nt s h o w e d o n th e o l d e r m a n’ s fa c e , th o u g h w h e t h e r it w a s r e al o r pl a n n e d , Jai c o ul d n’t t ell. “C o m e ,” Cor b al s ai d. He took Jai to an antique stand by the wall. A gold cage hung from a hook at its top, and inside a bird fluffed red feathers. Corbal o p e n e d th e c a g e a n d s e t Jai’s g o bl et in si d e . The bird chirped. It dipped its translucent beak into the goblet, sipping the wine, and gave an appreciative trill. Just as Jai smiled, the bird went silent. Swaying on the perch, it tilted its head. With a harsh cry, it toppled off the perch and hit the bottom of the cage with a thud. Jai stared at the bird, then at the wine in his goblet next to it. Without a word, he reached into the cage and picked up the bird. It lay inert in his palm. Dead. “G o d s ,” Jai w h ispered. Cor b al t o o k Jai’s gl a s s a n d w e n t t o a p e a rly o v al s e t int o th e w all, w h at Jai h a d th o u g ht w a s p art of th e d e c or. Wh e n Cor b al o p e n e d th e p a n el, Jai r e aliz e d it w a s a di s p o s al u nit. Cor b al dr o p p e d in th e g o bl et, a n d th e h u m of its di si nt e g r ati o n filled the room. Jai f elt ill. “You p oi s o n e d th e wi n e .” Cor b al sl o wly turn e d , hi s fa c e a n d m a n n e r c o o l. “It’s p o s si bl e . Or p er h a p s I p ut p oi s o n in y o ur gl a s s o r a n a ntid ot e in m i n e . Mayb e I h a v e int er n al s y st e m s th at n e utr aliz e u n w a nt e d c h e m i c al s. Or th e bir d m i g ht b e s e n sitiv e in w a y s w e a r e n’t.” He l e a n e d a g ai n st a d ar k w o o d d e s k th at r efl e ct e d th e c h a n d eli er in its p oli s h e d s urf a c e . T h e n h e t o o k a l o n g s w all o w o f hi s o w n wi n e .

Jai set the bird in the cage. His heart was racing, but he made himself speak witho ut l o si n g hi s c o o l. “You w o n’t kill m e . ” “No?” Cor b al s m il e d pl e a s a ntly. “An d w h y is th at?” “You g a v e a w a y Prin c e Eldrin. T h e g r e at e st priz e Eu b e e v e r att ain e d , a n d y o u l et hi m g o .” So m e h o w h e k e pt hi s f e ar o ut of hi s v oi c e . “No tr a d e in th e u niv er s e is w o rt h th at c ri m e — e x c e pt o n e . T h e Em p e r or o f Eub e .” He pr ay e d h e w a s ri g ht. “F ail t o pr o d u c e m e , a n d th e o t h e r Hig ht o n s will o blit er at e y o u.” Xir si g h e d . “You a r e s o p ai nfully in n o c e nt.” Jai g a v e a s h o rt lau g h , h o pi n g Cor b al c o ul d n’t s e e th e f e ar it hi d. “S o I turn t o th e wi s d o m o f m y m e n t or, th e m i g hty Lor d Xir? I d o n’t thin k s o , Uncl e.” “Actu ally, w e a r e c o u si n s .” Cor b al p a u s e d m u c h th e w a y Jai’s m o t h e r h a d o ft e n d o n e w h e n s h e a c c e s s e d h e r int er n al c o m p ut er. “Your first c o u si n, t wi c e r e m o v e d . I w a s y o ur g r a n df at h e r’ s first c o u si n.” Like a sharp pain, Jai suddenly longed for the family he would never see again. He could never admit that the girl and two boys who had been foster children with him on Earth were actually his younger sister and brothers. He had no friends here, no one he could trust, nowhere he could turn. He fought the foolish, lonely part of him that wanted Corbal to fill the gap left by the loss of his family, friends, and the life he had known. Xir finished his wine. Then he smiled, his face as c ol d a s hi s ru b y g a z e . “W el c o m e t o Eu b e , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai swallowed. The words sounded like a curse. Lady Tarquine Iquar, the Finance Minister of Eube, appreciated the hospitality offered to her and the other bidders invited to the auction. Admiral Taratus, the seller, had provided a sumptuous dinner for the bidders. The dining chamber had the octagonal shape he seemed to favor, with gold walls and a domed ceiling tiled by platinum mosaics. An air-bed stood discreetly in one corner. Three other Hightons sat at the low dinner table with Tarquine. They reclined in loungers, two other women and a man in the uniform of an ESComm general. Tarquine sipped wine from her goblet. As the Highton Minister of Finance, she advised the emperor on the economy. Although she kept her appearance at a healthy and vibrant forty years old, she had lived 104 years. The chamber contained one other person, the provider on auction. At the moment, he was sitting on the floor by another of the Highton women. Tarquine studied the man. He was an unparalleled item, no doubt. Tall and well built, with long legs, a muscular physique, and an athletic grace, he compelled attention. The age lines around his eyes and the maturity of his features added to his allure; this was no untried youth or body-sculpted mannequin. But this provider had more to him than his beauty. Although his hair and eyes appeared light brown, Tarquine knew otherwise. He had bought some cheap genetic tattoo job that changed his coloring; reverse the tattoo, and he would shimmer gold, his hair, his skin, even his eyes. Yes, she knew. Only she had recognized him. He was supposedly a Skolian psion Admiral Taratus had captured, but that barely touched the truth. Tarquine believed him to be Kelricson Valdoria Skolia, a Ruby prince killed in battle eighteen years ago. He looked remarkably fetching for a dead man. Here he was, a long lost heir of Imperial Skolia, kidnapped by pirates barely two months after the end of the war and put up for auction. Fascinating. Tarquine took a sip of wine, listening as the others questioned Kelric. He answered in oneword sentences, with no attempt to hide how much he hated the auction. His resistance attracted her.

It di d n’t s ur pri s e Tar q uin e th at n o o n e e l s e r e c o g niz e d Kelric. He h a d b e e n in the news only briefly, thirty-five years ago, when he had wed a Skolian noblewoman, and then again when she had died two years later. But Tarquine had never forgotten the gold prince of those newscasts, because she had so greatly coveted him. He looked diff er e nt n o w , o l d er, e x p e ri e n c e d , hi s p h y si q u e m o r e h e a vily m u s cl e d th a n th e l e g g y y o u n g m a n fr o m o v e r thr e e d e c a d e s a g o . Wh e n Tar atu s h a d s e nt h ol o s o f th e pr o vi d er h e h a d t o a u cti o n, s h e h a d n’t b e e n c e rt ai n it w a s Kelric. But n o w , s e e i n g hi m in p e r s o n , she had no doubt. Of c o ur s e s h e w o ul d n’t r e v e al hi s id e ntity. If ESCo m m l e ar n e d th at Eu b e h a d a n o t h e r Ruby prin c e , th e y w o ul d ta k e hi m for int err o g ati o n. Sh e c o ul d n’t all o w th at — b e c a u s e n o m a tt er h o w m u c h it c o s t, s h e int e n d e d t o o w n Kelric Vald ori a. Corb al Xir w a s t e d n o ti m e ta kin g Jai t o th e c a pit al pl a n et of Eu b e . T h e y a rriv e d o nly a f e w d a y s aft er th e y m e t o n Del o s . Jai’s g r e at-g r e at-g r a n df at h er, Eub e Qox, h a d n a m e d thi s w o rl d Eu b e’ s Glory. Eub e h a d r e d e si g n e d its s ol ar s y st e m t o pl e a s e hi m s elf: h e t err af or m e d Glory t o fit hi s ta st e , d e s tr o y e d s e v e r al pl a n et s h e di d n’t lik e, a n d r e m o v e d a n a s t er oi d b elt th at a n n o y e d hi m . It g a v e Jai a wi n d o w int o hi s pr o g e nit or’ s m i n d, off erin g w h o l e n e w in si g ht s int o th e w o r d “ m e g al o m a ni a.” Over a century and a half ag o , Eub e h a d c o m i s si o n e d th e c o n stru cti o n of a m a n si o n for hi s si st er Ilin a o n h e r m a rri a g e t o a Lord Xir. Cor b al w a s Ilin a’ s s o n . Jai fo u n d it h ar d t o a b s o r b th at hi s c o u si n h a d b e e n b o r n 1 3 2 y e ar s a g o . It m a d e Jai a c ut ely a w a r e h e w a s o nly s e v e nt e e n , t erminally young and inexperienced. Cor b al h a d b r o u g ht hi m h e r e t o th e Xir m a n si o n aft er th eir a rriv al o n Glory. It r eli e v e d Jai; h e di d n’t w a nt t o s e e th e Qox p al a c e y et. His p al a c e . His m o t h e r’ s for c e s h a d l eft it in ruin s. Sh e h a d c o m e for hi s fat h er, b ut b o t h o f th e m h a d di e d tryin g t o e s c a p e . Jai w a s n’t r e a d y t o fa c e s o m a n y r e m i n d e r s of w h at h e h a d l o st. He went out onto a balcony and rested his hands on the rail, a bar of platinum engraved with abstract tessellations. This rail alone was worth more than everything his family had owned in their exile. He would have traded a thousand such bars to have back that simple life. A spectacular landscape spread out below this high mountainside that served as home for the Xir mansion. In the distance, across a valley, the Jaizire Mountains sheered into the sky, shrouded in mist. Primordial forest tangled on their slopes and carpeted the lowlands. Jai inhaled the cold, thin air, adjusting to its strange scent. “A strikin g vi e w ,” a v oi c e s ai d. Startled, Jai looked around. Corbal had joined him, elegant and imposing in his dark clothes. “Ind e e d ,” Jai s ai d. Cor b al o ft e n u s e d th e w o r d, th o u g h it m e a n t n ot hi n g a s far a s Jai c o ul d t ell. Rig ht n o w , it w a s c o n v e ni e ntly v a g u e . His c o u si n m o ti o n e d at th e v all ey. “T hi s is m y la n d. You o w n th e Jaizir e Mount ai n s a n d e v e r yt hin g b e y o n d th e m .” Jai stared at him. Heowned that landscape? Surely he had misheard. “You will n e e d t o vi sit th e p al a c e n o w a n d th e n ,” Cor b al c o ntinu e d a s if hi s n e w s e nt e n c e w a s a p erf e ctly l o gi c al c o ntin u ati o n of th e la st. “Mak e a p p e a r a n c e s t o y o ur st aff.” Cor b al’s c o n v e r s ati o n di s o ri e nt e d Jai; hi s c o u si n talk e d in cir cl e s , t wi st s, a n d turn s . Nor c o ul d h e s e n s e Cor b al’ s m i n d th at w e ll. Arist o s di d n’t pr oj e ct th eir e m o ti o n s a s str o n gly a s p si o n s , a n d Jai h a d fortified his mental barriers so much that he had trouble now picking up more than bits and pieces from anyone. He s p o k e wit h c a uti o n. “I will n e e d m o r e th a n b ri ef a p p e a r a n c e s t o d o m y jo b .” “P er h a p s .” Jai waited, hoping for clarification, but Corbal said no m o r e . Jai h a d w e a ri e d of tryin g t o u nt a n gl e Cor b al’s s p e e c h . So h e l o o k e d o ut at hi s m o u nt ai n s .

“You h a v e n’t a s k e d a b o ut y o ur pr o vi d er s ,” Cor b al s ai d. Jai f elt a s if Cor b al h a d ki c k e d hi m in th e g ut. “I h a v e n o pr o vi d e r s .” T h e id e a m a d e hi m si c k. “Of c o ur s e y o u d o . You in h erit e d e v e r yt hin g y o ur fath er o w n e d , billi o n s of ta s k m a k e r s a n d d o z e n s o f pr o vi d e r s .” Jai swung around to him, staring.Billions? He c o ul d n’t i m a gi n e it. Nor w o ul d h e e v e r b eli e v e hi s fath er h a d k e pt pr o vi d e r s . It w a s i m p o s si bl e . Corbal was stu dyin g hi s fa c e . “You o w n s e v e r al h u n dr e d w o rl d s , in clu di n g e v e r yt hin g a n d e v e r y o n e o n th e m .” The idea revolted Jai. Knowing any remark he made would come out inadvisably hostile, he said nothing. “P er h a p s y o u w o ul d lik e a pr o vi d e r thi s e v e ni n g ?” Cor b al a s k e d pl e a s a ntly. “I w o ul d b e h a p p y t o off er y o u y o ur c h oi c e o f m i n e .” Jai was aghast, or so he told himself. Appalled. Ah, hell. Corbal had just offered him his pick of among the most desirable pleasure slaves in an empire. It would take a saint not to respond, and Jai was no saint. His c o u si n s m il e d. “Tak e a n y girl. As m a n y a s y o u lik e, a s oft e n a s y o u lik e, for a s l o n g a s y o u lik e.” Jai’s fa c e w a s b ur nin g . “T h at’s, u h, g e n e r o u s o f y o u.” Cor b al in di c at e d th e gl a s s d o o r s l e a di n g int o th e livin g r o o m . “C o m e . Lo o k at m y st o c k . S e e if a n y pl e a s e s y o u.” Stock?T h e w o r d hit Jai lik e ic e w a t er. His a nti cip ati o n turn e d t o di s g u st. “May b e lat er.” His b o d y h a d o t h e r id e a s , b ut h e p u s h e d a w a y th e th o u g ht, a n g ry at hi m s elf. If Cor b al th o u g ht h e c o ul d c o ntr ol hi s y o u n g cousin with pleasure girls, he was mistaken. It was hard to stop thinking about them, though. Cor b al lau g h e d . “Saint s, b ut y o u’r e y o u n g .” Wa s h e th at e a s y t o r e a d? “I’v e n o id e a w h at y o u m e a n .” His c o u si n l e a n e d a g ai n st th e r ail. “You liv e d in s e cl u si o n all y o ur lif e, wit h y o ur m o t h er, y e s ?” “T h at’ s rig ht.” “Your Arist o m o t h er.” “Ye s.” Jai’s p ul s e ju m p e d at th e li e. “And th er e ?” “P ar d o n m e ?” “Alw a y s , Your Hig h n e s s .” Go d s . Co n v e r si n g wit h Cor b al w a s m a d d e ni n g . “Wh at di d y o u m e a n , ‘And th er e’?” “Wh er e di d y o u liv e?” Sw e at b r o k e o ut o n Jai’s for e h e a d . “I d o n’t k n o w .” “Int er e stin g ,” Cor b al m u r m ur e d , “th at y o u liv e d th er e b ut di d n’t k n o w w h e r e it w a s .” “Only m y m o t h e r n e e d e d t o k n o w th e pl a n et’ s l o c ati o n.” Cor b al stu di e d hi s fin g e r n ail s. “Od d th at w e h a v e n o r e c o r d of thi s w o m a n .” Jai r e str ain e d hi m s elf fr o m wi pin g hi s s w e a tin g p al m s o n hi s s hirt. “My fath er w a nt e d t o pr ot e ct m e fr o m a s s a s si n s . So h e hi d b o t h m y m o t h e r a n d m e a n d t ol d n o o n e a b o ut u s . Ev e n I di d n’t k n o w all th e d e t ail s.” Cor b al e x h al e d . “T h e h ell o f it is, th at m a k e s s e n s e .” Personally Jai thought it made his father sound like a paranoid lunatic. But maybe Aristos found such behavior logical. “Of c o ur s e ,” Cor b al a d d e d , “it m a k e s ju st a s m u c h s e n s e th at y o u a r e a n i m p o st or.” “You’v e a n alyz e d m y DNA.” Jai h a d n o d o u bt Cor b al w a s h a vi n g th at a n aly si s v e rifi e d. His c o u si n c o ul d h a v e e a s ily st ol e n a s a m pl e of Jai’s tis s u e s d urin g th e p a st f e w d a y s . Jai w a s n’t w o rri e d. His g e n e s off er e d th e n e c e s s a ry pr o of. Bef or e c o nt a ctin g Cor b al, h e h a d al s o b o u g ht

a n expensive genetic tattoo that made him appear more Highton. Cor b al w a v e d hi s h a n d . “Oh, I’v e n o d o u bt y o u’r e th e s o n of Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d. But y o u h a v e n o pr o of h e m a rri e d y o ur m o t h er.” Jai s c o wl e d . “My birth is l e giti m at e .” “Ca n y o u pr o v e it?” He could, in fa ct; th eir m a rri a g e w a s r e c o r d e d o n Earth. But h e d o u bt e d it w o ul d d o hi m a n y g o o d t o pr o v e hi s fath er h a d m a rri e d th e Sk oli a n Imp er at or. So h e s u m m o n e d u p th e m o s t a rr o g a nt b e a rin g h e c o ul d m a n a g e . “I fin d y o ur i m pli c ati o n off e n si v e .” Corbal looked a m u s e d . “T h at m a y b e . But n e v e rt h el e s s , y o u h a v e n o pr o of of y o ur l e giti m a cy.” Jai shrugged. They both knew Corbal had to produce an emperor after giving up Prince Eldrin. Cor b al si g h e d . “I s u p p o s e pr o of c a n b e s u p pli e d. An i m p e c c a bl e Hig ht o n w o m a n , y o u n g a n d b e a utiful, th o u g h of c o ur s e w e Hig ht o n s a r e all u n c o m m o nly pl e a si n g t o th e e y e .” Modest, too,Jai thought. “It s h o ul d of c o ur s e b e p o s si bl e t o fin d y o ur fat h e r’ s r e c o r d s o f th e m a rri a g e ,” Cor b al a d d e d . “Of c o ur s e .” Go o d g o d s . It s o u n d e d lik e Cor b al h a d off er e d t o fal sify r e c o r d s pr o vi n g Jai’s m o t h e r h a d b e e n a n e m p r e s s . It w a s a c ri m e p u ni s h a bl e b y e x e c uti o n. T h e n a g ai n, if Cor b al di d n’t pr o d u c e a n e m p e r o r h e c o ul d al s o e n d u p d e a d . T h e m o r e i m p o rt a nt q u e s ti o n w a s w h y h e h a d a c c e pt e d Jai a s th e e m p e r o r in th e first pl a c e . Ev e n aft er o nly a f e w d a y s wit h th e Xir l or d, Jai h a d n o d o u bt a b o ut o n e thin g; if h e ju st c a m e o ut a n d a s k e d w hy, Cor b al w o ul d n’t gi v e hi m a str ai g ht a n s w er. “You l o o k lik e hi m , y o u k n o w ,” Cor b al s ai d. “My fat h e r?” Cor b al n o d d e d . “You h a v e hi s fa c e . His b uild. You e v e n s o u n d lik e hi m . Exc e pt —” He l et th e w ord h a n g. “Ye s?” Jai a s k e d . His cousin tilted his head as if searching for words, though Jai suspected he knew exactly which ones he wanted. “You’r e more, ” Cor b al s ai d. “Tall er, str o n g er, b r o a d e r in th e s h o ul d er s , m o r e h al e . You h a v e a n int e n sity h e la c k e d .” Jai s p o k e q ui etly. “He w a s m o r e th a n I will e v e r b e . I c a n o nly h o p e I a m w o rt hy of hi s e x a m pl e .” Cor b al s n o rt e d . “I h o p e n ot. He is d e a d .” “Ev ery o n e di e s .” “F oll o w y o ur fath e r’ s e x a m pl e ,” Cor b al s ai d, “ a n d s o will y o u —l o n g b ef or e y o ur ti m e .”

4 Carnelian Throne Jai waited with his bodyguards in a lobby of the Qox palace, outside the Hall of Circles. It was too much to absorb; he felt like a desiccated sponge submerged in water, at first too dry to take in liquid, then gradually soaking in the full import of this place. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had been born in this palace. His mother had come for his father here and destroyed half the palace in the process. The weight of its history pressed on him as if it could mold him into an Aristo by its sheer gravity. The half-ruined palace had once been a spectacular work of architecture. This wing remained intact, though cracks showed on one wall. Black and gold diamonds tiled the floor, and

columns graced the airy space. The walls were made from a blend of gold and snow-marble created atom-by-atom by specialized nanobots. Four men waited with Jai, all in the midnight uniforms of Razers, the secret police that served the empe r or. Jai di d n’t u n d e r st a n d th eir st atu s; g u n m e t al c oll ar s cir cl e d th eir n e c k s , in di c atin g h e o w n e d th e m , y et th e y s e e m e d m o r e hi s jail er s th a n hi s b o d y g u ar d s . T h e c a pt ai n o f th e fo ur st o o d sil e nt, hi s p o stur e al ert, hi s fa c e n e utr al. T h e r e d tint o f hi s c oppery eyes gave witness to his heritage; either his mother or father had been an Aristo, the only Eubians with red eyes. His other parent would have been a slave, possibly a taskmaker but more likely a provider. The Razers disturbed Jai. Their minds exerte d a m e n t al pr e s s ur e h e th o u g ht w o ul d c r u s h hi m if hi s d ef e n s e s w e a k e n e d . He w o ul d h a v e s w e a t e d , b ut thi s m o r ni n g hi s pr ot o c ol ai d e s h a d inj e ct e d hi m wit h t e m p o r ary n a n o b o t s th at c o ntr oll e d hi s p e r s pir ati o n. It k e pt hi m dry, b ut it di d n’t c al m hi m d o w n . He w a s n’t r e a dy. T h e s e p a st fiv e d a y s th at h e h a d s p e nt at Cor b al’s m a n si o n , l e ar nin g a b o ut Eu b e , w e r e n o w h e r e n e a r e n o u g h t o pr e p ar e hi m for w h at lay a h e a d . Lig ht s blin k e d o n th e c a pt ai n’ s g a u ntl et. He s p o k e int o its c o m m , a n d a l o w h u m c a m e fr o m th e d o o r s . As they swung inward, opening into the Hall of Circles, Jai felt as if he were on a wild ride, unable to stop as he plunged toward disaster. Determined to hide his fear, he set his shoulders and entered the Hall. Impressions hit him like an avalanche. Rank upon rank of Aristos filled the Hall, sitting on high-backed benches, hundreds of them, all in glittering black: Hightons, who controlled the government and military; Diamonds, who managed commerce and production; and Silicates, who produced the means of pleasure, including providers. Every one of them had ruby eyes, shimmering black hair, and perfect, cold faces. Show no hesitation.Jai repeated the words in his mind like a mantra. He strode down an aisle toward the dais in the center of the Hall. Corbal waited there, his expression triumphant. He stood with one hand resting on an arm of the Carnelian Throne, a large snow-diamond chair inlaid with red gems. Jai knew the script; just before he had entered, Corbal had dropped his bombshell:I present to you, His Honor, Jaibriol Qox the Third, Emperor of Eube. Every Aristo in the Hall was staring at Jai. Their shock vibrated against his mind, so great it penetrated his barriers. It was a nightmare. They exerted a pressure far worse than what he experienced with the Razers; this many Aristos in one place were like a black hole ready to suck him in and crush him into nothing. Somehow he kept walking. As he climbed the dais, Corbal watched him, his gaze like a ruby laser. When Jai reached the throne, he turned to face the assembled Aristos. And he spoke. His v oi c e r oll e d o ut, a m plifi e d b y th e e xtr a o r din ary a c o u sti c s of th e Hall. “In h o n o r o f m y fath e r’ s m e m o ry, I a c c e pt th e Car n eli a n T hr o n e .” His audience murmured. The suspicion and hostility he expected were there, b ut a n o t h e r e m o ti o n al s o c a m e thr o u g h , str o n g a n d s h ar p — a n d u n e x p e ct e d . Hope? They seemed to lean forward, though no one actually moved. Jai m a d e hi m s elf st art th e s p e e c h Cor b al’s st aff h a d pr e p ar e d . “Eu b e in h e r m a g nific e n c e will att ai n e v e r m o r e l ofty h ei g ht s, a gl ory g r e at er th a n e v e r b ef or e k n o w n in o ur illu stri o u s e m pir e.” It s o u n d e d a s p o m p o u s n o w a s it h a d th e first ti m e h e h a d r e a d it. But hi s v oi c e r oll e d o ut e x a ctly a s th e pr ot o c ol ai d e s h a d pr e di ct e d w h e n th e y rh a p s o diz e d o v e r hi s “in c o m p ar a bl e r e s o n a n c e .” It st artl e d hi m ; h e h a d n’t r e aliz e d h o w d e e p hi s v oi c e h a d b e c o m e thi s la st y e ar. “W e will triu m p h!” h e c o ntin u e d , f e elin g lik e a n idi ot. “W e will b rin g e v e r g r e at er s pl e n d o r t o th e e x alt e d m e m o r y o f o ur a n c e s t or s.” Pah.He c o ul d n’t b eli e v e a n y o n e thought this would inspire people. Aristo logic was more alien

to him than the chlorophyll-based animal life on Prism, the exile world where he had grown up with his family. Right now Eube needed vitality and energy, not overblown platitudes. With sudden r e s ol v e , Jai dr o p p e d th e s p e e c h a n d s p o k e hi s o w n w o r d s . “T h e w o u n d s o f thi s w a r will h e al. We h a v e s ur viv e d . Our str e n gt h will r etur n.” The mood of his audience shifted: he had startled them. He went on, using his own words, terrified of these people and their crushing minds. Incredibly, he seemed to mesmerize them. Even through his barriers, he felt their confidence building. Three times during his speech, they chimed the small cymbals they wore on their fingers, showing approval. And he despised himself for giving hope to a people who inflicted such atrocities on humanity. Tarquine Iquar, the Highton Finance Minister, reclined in the banquet hall on her space habitat. Most of the Diamond Aristos who had attended her feast were also sprawled nearby, watchi n g a n e w s - h ol o pr oj e ct e d o n th e w all. T h e r e c o r di n g c a m e fr o m Eu b e’ s Glory, m a n y lig ht-y e a r s a w a y. After th e c oll a p s e of th e int er st ell ar w e b s d urin g th e w ar, th e o nly w a y t o c a rry n e w s w a s b y st ar s hip, w hi c h m e a nt it c o ul d tak e w e e k s , e v e n m o n t h s t o c r o s s int er st ell ar s p a c e . T hi s b r o a d c a st h a d b e e n m a d e t w o d a y s a g o , y et s h e w a s s e e i n g it o nly a f e w d a y s aft er r e c ei vin g th e n e w s of Prin c e Eldrin’s c a ptur e , w hi c h h a d h a p p e n e d n e a rly t w o m o n t h s a g o . But s h e u n d e r st o o d w h y thi s n e w s h a d tr a v el e d s o m u c h fa s ter. Eube, it seemed, had an emperor. Jaibriol III. How terribly convenient. Tarquine had to admit, his charisma filled the screen. Even by the exacting standards of Aristos, he was uncommonly handsome. His voice resonated, full timbred and deep. Sensual. His self-possession was remarkable in one so young, and he chose his words far better than the inane propaganda produced by government speech hacks, which suggested he had intelligence. For all his impressive qualities, though, she doubted this man-child would rule. Corbal Xir would control him: the power would be Xir rather than Qox. Tar q uin e fr o w n e d . As Fin a n c e Minist er, s h e s at wit hin th e e m p e r o r’ s hi g h e st cir cl e o f a d vi s e r s . Sh e h a d s p e nt d e c a d e s b uildin g h e r p olitic al p o siti o n. A n e w e m p e r o r w o ul d b rin g change. Her family, the Iquar bloodline, had no current feud with the Xir bloodline, but neither did they have strong ties. Corbal might seek to replace her with someone the crafty old lord thought he could control. She studied Corbal, who remained on the dais as the boy spoke. As the oldest living Eubian, Corbal had dealt in Aristo politics longer than anyone else alive. But Tarquine had spent over eight decades breathing the rarified atmosphere of Highton intrigue herself. If Corbal thought he could trifle with her, he would soon discover otherwise. Sh e w o n d e r e d at hi s w hit e h air. Many Arist o s w o ul d d o a w a y wit h th at si g n o f a g e , b eli e vi n g it m a rr e d th eir Hig ht o n p e rf e cti o n. But o t h e r s th o u g ht th e w hit e a c c e nt e d Cor b al’ s a ut h o rit ativ e pr e s e n c e . Tar q uin e took a tendril of her own hair and wound it around her finger. White threaded the black. Although she had considered having it treated, she had decided to leave it for now, to augment her aura of experience, a reminder that she was no untried youth but a fo r c e t o d e al wit h. Or s o s h e l et o t h e r s b e li e v e . And it w a s tru e . But h e r h air h a d n’t turn e d w hit e b e c a u s e o f a g e . Had Cor b al’ s w hit e n e d for th e s a m e r e a s o n a s h e r s ? Sh e w o ul d pr o b a bly n e v e r k n o w ; if h e w a s hi di n g a s e c r et a s dir e a s h e r o w n , h e w o ul d c e rtainly never reveal it to her. Tarquine looked around at her guests. Most were watching the broadcast, but a few had remained in alcoves or shadowed corners, enjoying themselves with the providers she had made available tonight. An atmosphere of sensuality overlaid the dimly lit banquet hall as the night receded into its latest hours. If not for the broadcast, most everyone would have been asleep by now.

She was the only Highton present; her guests were all Diamonds. As the caste involved with commerce, they w e r e inti m at ely ti e d t o th e e c o n o m y; a s Fin a n c e Minist er, it b e h o o v e d h e r t o m a i nt ain pr ofit a bl e r el ati o n s wit h th e m — a n d t o k e e p a b r e a st of w h at e v e r s c h e m e s th e y h at c h e d . Tar q uin e w a s sittin g n e xt t o Kiv Jan q. Sl e e k bl a c k h air s w e pt b a c k fr o m Kiv’s for e h e ad, accenting the icy severity of her features. The Janq Line owned one of the largest Eubian banks and had great influence over the flow of credit throughout Eube. Wh e n s h e n oti c e d Tar q uin e w a t c hi n g h er, th e b a n k e r c ur v e d h e r lip s in a c o ol s m il e . “S o. T h e e m p e r o r h a d a n h eir aft er all.” “App ar e ntly s o ,” Tar q uin e s ai d. “A d el e ct a bl e y o u n g pi e c e , e h ?” Tar q uin e h el d b a c k h e r lau g h . “I w o ul d h ar dly pr e s u m e t o c all o ur e s t e e m e d e m p e r o r a ‘d el e ct a bl e y o u n g pi e c e .’” In truth, th o u g h , Kiv h a d it rig ht. Eligi bl e young Highton women would soon be throwing themselves at this scrumptious boy, seeking to become empress. It promised to be immensely entertaining. Corbal Xir would undoubtedly sidetrack the young emperor with the flower of Eubian femininity. The more time Jai bri ol III s p e nt di str a ct e d b y th eir c h ar m s , th e m o r e fr e e d o m Cor b al w o ul d h a v e t o s c h e m e . Tar q ui n e c o n si d e r e d th e id e a . Am or o u s p ur s uit s m i g ht k e e p Jai bri ol III’s att e nti o n a w a y fr o m fin a n c e s a s w e ll. T h e la st thin g s h e n e e d e d w a s a n e m p e r o r w h o p ai d attention to what she was doing. She could think of a few charming young Iquar women with political acumen. Perhaps she would send them his way and see what they could learn while they kept him diverted. Tarquine knew the game well. In her youth, she had fended off many ambitious Highton men bent on becoming consort to the heir of the Iquar bloodline. After she had come into her title as the head of her line, she had done her duty and accepted an arranged marriage. It had been worse than prickle-heat in the summer. She had soon sent her esteemed husband away, much to their mutual relief, and they had divorced several years later. So it was that she had no legitimate offspring. No heirs. She did have several children whose fathers had been her pleasure slaves. Although she had given her progeny wealth, status, and education, none could inherit her title. Long ago, she had frozen some of her eggs but she had no interest in conceiving any more children. Nor did she desire to let a cold Highton man share her title and her bed. Pah. Never again would she tie herself down that way. When she died, her title would go to her younger brother, Barthol Iquar. Tarquine looked down the length of her banquet hall. On the raised area at the far end, Kelric was sitting on the top st e p , w a t c hi n g th e b r o a d c a s t. He h a d p ut hi s cl ot h e s b a c k o n , hi s g ol d s hirt a n d l e g gi n g s , b ut h e w a s b a r ef o ot. Sh e h a d n’t gi v e n hi m s h o e s . Walkin g w a s n’t w h at s h e h a d in m i n d for hi m . A sl o w s m il e c ur v e d h e r lip s. Why w a s t e h e r lif e in a c hilly Hig ht o n marriage? Far better to enjoy the charms of her incomparable provider, a pleasure slave worth every one of the unprecedented fourteen million she had paid for him. Her Ruby prin c e — a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t e d . No one. Even his own people believed him dead. Who would have thought he would show up after eighteen years? In the few days she had owned him, he had kept his past to himself, but she would learn where he had been all those years. She had plenty of time. He would be hers for the rest of his life. Ironically, Kelric thr e at e n e d e v e r yt hin g s h e v alu e d . He w a s t o o str o n g a t el e p at h; h e h a d l e ar n e d h e r s e c r et. But h e w o ul d n e v e r r e v e al it. He di d n’t d ar e , for it m e a nt s h e w o ul d n o l o n g e r o w n hi m . He w o ul d g o t o a n o t h e r Arist o, w h o w o ul d for c e hi m t o pr o vi d e b y t orturin g hi m . Ye s, Kelric k n e w h e r s e c r et — a n d s o h e k n e w th at a s l o n g a s h e r e m ai n e d sil e nt, h e w o ul d n e v e r h a v e t o e n d ur e tr a n s c e n d e n c e .

Fifteen years ago, Tarquine had used telepresence to operate on her own brain, in secret. It had taken years of planning, b ut w h e n s h e fin ally tri e d th e o p e r ati o n, it h a d s u c c e e d e d . T h e o nly o ut w ar d c h a n g e w a s th e w hit e ni n g o f h e r h air. T h e r e al alt er ati o n r e m ai n e d u n s e e n — s h e c o ul d n o l o n g e r tr a n s c e n d . By Aristo standards, that made her abnormal, sick, a pariah. If the truth b e c a m e k n o w n , s h e w o ul d l o s e h e r titl e, la n d s , w e alt h, p o s si bly e v e n h e r lif e. Sh e h a d d o n e it a n y w ay. Sh e c o ul d n’t h a v e liv e d wit h h e r s elf o t h e r wi s e , for s h e di d n’t think s h e c o ul d h a v e r e si st e d th e t e m pt ati o n t o tr a n s c e n d a s l o n g a s it r e m ai n e d p o s si bl e . T h e e x p e ri e n c e w a s t o o int e n s e . So s h e h a d e n s ur e d s h e c o ul d n e v e r d o it a g ai n —f or s h e h a d g r a d u ally, in h e r lat er y e a r s , d e v el o p e d a n e w , u n e x p e ct e d tr ait. Compassion. However, Tarquine remained a Highton in all other ways. The exhilaration of ambition, th e c h all e n g e of g ai nin g p o w er, th e g r atific ati o n o f u si n g it— s h e r eli s h e d it all. Sh e thriv e d o n th e e x cit e m e nt o f a c c r uin g w e alt h in e v e r m o r e c r e ativ e w a y s . Sh e h a d n o int e nti o n of l ettin g thi s in c o n v e ni e nt n e w e m p e r o r int erf er e wit h h e r pl a n s t o d o m i n a te the political structure of Eube. If he tried, Jaibriol III would discover he had a formidable enemy.

5 Sunrise Corbal Xir was an impostor. Lying in his opulent bed with its ornate posts and tasseled canopy, Jai brooded. The minds of Aristos were like an immense weight pressing on his mind. It exhausted him to maintain his barriers every moment, never relaxing except at times like this, when he was alone. Corbal caused no pressure. Jai di d n’t u n d e r st a n d h o w hi s c o u si n c o ul d b e s o u nlik e o t h e r Arist o s . Didn’t th e y n oti c e h e w a s diff er e nt? Mayb e o nly a p si o n c o ul d s e n s e th e la c k o f thr e at. Cor b al a ct e d lik e a n Arist o, o w n e d w o rl d s , h a d pr o vi d er s , a n d l o o k e d Hig ht o n , e x c e pt for hi s w hit e h air. Strange, that. White hair. Aristos were fanatics about their suppos e d “p erf e cti o n.” Tak e n alt o g e t h er, th e y w e r e lik e a h u g e m a c hi n e wit h id e nti c al p art s, e a c h Arist o icily d e si g n e d in th eir u nf or gi vin g id e al o f b e a uty. It h a d n o a p p e al t o Jai, b ut th e y c o n si d er e d th eir h o m o g e n eity in vi ol at e . He u n d e r st o o d w h y Cor b al h a d c h o s e n t o int errupt it; hi s c o u si n’ s w hit e h air a c c e ntu at e d hi s a ut h o rity. But Jai f elt w h at th e Arist o s w o ul d n e v e r k n o w : Cor b al w a s n’t lik e th e m . It m a d e Jai w o n d er. A rustle came out of the darkness. Jai s at b olt u pri g ht in b e d . “Wh o is th at?” Another ru stl e. He s e n s e d th e m i n d o f a p si o n . Alar m e d , h e str e n gt h e n e d hi s m e n t al b a rri er s. “Lu m o s o n ,” h e s ai d. The lights came up, revealing his bedchamber. It made him dizzy. The gold and sapphire furnishings sparkled. Gold hangings adorned the walls, and ivory fri ez e s b o r d e r e d th e h o r s e s h o e a r c h e s . T h e r o o m ’ s a nti q u e q u ality s p o k e of m o r e th a n hi s w e alt h, it w a s al s o a t e st a m e nt t o hi s p o w e r th at n o h ol o-a d s a d o r n e d th e furnitur e o r tri m . He h a d th e a ut h o rity t o pr e v e nt th e pl a n et ary n et w o r k fr o m m a rrin g th e priv a c y of hi s r o o m s . But th e d e c o r w a s n’t w h at riv et e d hi s att e nti o n. No, a far m o r e n atur al b e a uty c a u g ht hi m . A girl. She stood across the room, an impossible vision. Jai flushed, suddenly remembering he wore nothing except a dark nightshirt he had found in th e b ur e a u. T h e girl’s n e gli g e e drift e d a r o u n d h e r thi g h s , b a r ely v eilin g h e r s p e c t a c ul ar c ur v e s . Her b r e a st s str ai n e d a g ai n st th e g a u z e , th e e nl ar g e d nip pl e s e r e c t. Her h air gli m m e r e d lik e th e pr o v e r bi al s p u n g o l d, b ut s oft a n d pli a nt,

p o urin g a r o u n d h er body. And hereyes. They were huge, bluer than the sky on Earth and framed by gold lashes. A rosy blush touched her cheeks, and she averted her gaze with virginal shyness. “Wh o a r e y o u?” Jai stutt er e d . “My h o n o r at y o ur pr e s e n c e , Your Glori o u s Hig h n e s s .” Her voice was a blend of innocence and sultry promise. Sw e at b r o k e o ut o n Jai’s b r o w . “Why a r e y o u h e r e ?” “Lor d Xir s e nt m e .” Sh e l o o k e d u p. “As a pr e s e nt, t o w e l c o m e y o u t o th e p al a c e .” “You’r e hi s pl e a s ur e girl.” “T o ni g ht, I a m y o ur s.” Oh, Lord. “Wo ul d y o u lik e m e t o c o m e o v e r?” s h e a s k e d . “Ye s,” h e m a n a g e d , for g ettin g a n y r e a s o n s h e m i g ht h a v e h a d a b o ut r efu si n g pr o vi d er s . Sh e w al k e d for w ar d, h e r n e gli g e e m o l di n g t o h e r b r e a st s, h e r sli m w ai st, h e r hip s , a n d thi g h s . Jai c o ul d n’t st o p st arin g . Sh e cli m b e d onto his air-bed and knelt next to him, her hair brushing his arms. He could barely think. “You’r e s o pr etty.” Jai wi n c e d a s s o o n a s h e s p o k e th e w o r d s . He s o u n d e d a s n e r v o u s a s h e f elt. Her s m il e w a r m e d h e r fa c e . “You a r e kin d t o s a y s o , e s p e ci ally w h e n y o u a r e a m a n of s u c h m a g nific e nt for m .” Even knowing she was supposed to compliment him, Jai wanted to believe every word. Mesmerized, he ran his finger along her lower lip, tracing its curve. She shyly laid her hand on his shoulder, then slid it down his c h e s t. He k n e w h e s h o ul d h ol d b a c k , fin d th e hi d d e n th or n s o n thi s gift, b ut h e di d n’t w a nt t o b e s e n si bl e n o w . “S o str o n g ,” s h e m u r m ur e d , m o vi n g cl o s er. “Hold m e .” With a sigh, he pulled her into his arms. Her mouth was so close when she turned up her pr etty fa c e th at h e c o ul d n’t h el p b ut b rin g hi s lip s t o h e r s . It w a s n’t hi s first ki s s ; th er e h a d b e e n a f e w ti m e s d urin g hi s t w o y e ar s o n Earth, th o u g h h e h a d n e v e r g o n e a n y furth er. But it h a d n e v e r b e e n lik e thi s. T h e pr o vi d er m e lt e d a g ai n st hi m , w a r m a n d pliant, her mouth opening under his. With care, Jai laid her on her back, pulling down the covers so she sank into the downy sheets. Then he stretched out on top of her, and filled his hands with her breasts. Being emperor of Eube suddenly seemed less daunting. It had a lot more going for it than he had thought. Then he saw the images in her mind. Her t el e p at h’ s m i n d m a g nifi e d th eir vi ol e nt i m p a ct. Sh e h a d lain thi s w a y wit h a s el e ct f e w o f Cor b al’s g u e s t s, a n d h a d s uff er e d at th eir h a n d s . T h eir b r ut ality w e nt b e y o n d Jai’s a bility t o c o m p r e h e n d . Sh e pr et e n d e d t o w a nt hi m , b ut f e ar s atur at e d h e r th o u g ht s. Sh e e x p e ct e d th e s a m e a g o n y fr o m hi m — n o , w o r s e , b e c a u s e h e w a s th e e m p e r or. “G o d s , n o .” Jai s at u p, hi s d e sir e tr a n sf or m e d int o h o rr or. “I c o ul d n e v e r —” Too late, he stopped, realizing his words would give him away. If s h e u n d e r st o o d w h at h e h a d ju st r e v e al e d , s h e g a v e n o hi nt. “Hav e I di s pl e a s e d y o u?” Sh e s at u p q ui c kly a n d lai d h e r h a n d s a g ai n st hi s c h e s t, t oyin g wit h th e fa st e ni n g s o n hi s ni g ht s hirt. Her delicate fragrance drew him. Jai caught her hands. Her fear intensified, and he longed to sayI w o n’t h urt y o u. Her fear made him want to hit someone. Even having known what it meant to be an Aristo, he had never really understood. It was beyond his ability to comprehend how they could consider themselves exalted when they committed such violence against people they were supposed to love.

She had no mental defenses. None. No one had taught her to protect herself. It sickened him to realize why; it made her more vulnerable to the link that formed between an Aristo and a provider. Aristos had a cavity where their capacity for compassion should have been, a void in their souls. Alar m s p ar k e d in th e girl’s m i n d. “Pl e a s e for giv e m e if I h a v e di s a p p oi nt e d y o u.” “No! You h a v e n’t. You’r e p e rf e ct.” He t o o k h e r h a n d s in hi s. “I ju st — u h —t o o k a v o w .” “A v o w ?” He tried to think of an intelligent follow-up to that panicked remark. Given Aristo culture, she was hardly going to believe a vow of celibacy. Then her mind prodded his. Ah, hell.She was trying to probe his thoughts. Corbal had sent her tospy on him. Pah. Maybe Corbal was the one he should sock. “A v o w ?” s h e r e p e at e d . “T h at’ s rig ht. To pr ot e ct m y s elf.” Jai r ai s e d hi s v oi c e . “You h e ar, Cor b al?” He h a d n o d o u bt hi s c o u si n c o ul d m o nit or thi s r o o m . “S e n di n g pr etty s pi e s w o n’t w o r k. I’m n ot th at stu pi d.” He h o p e d Cor b al r e ally w a s list e ni n g ; o t h e r wi s e h e w o ul d l o o k lik e a n idi ot, t ellin g th e r o o m h e w a s n’t stu pi d. The girl tensed, gripping his fingers. He spoke to her in a g e ntl er v oi c e . “Do n’t b e afr ai d of m e . Lor d Xir m a d e a m i st a k e , th at’s all.” Dou bt l e a k e d fr o m h e r m i n d. T h e n h e f elt a n o t h e r of h e r e m o ti o n s — a n d it s c a r e d th e h ell o ut of hi m . Re c o g niti o n. Just a s h e c o ul d f e el h e r p si o n’ s m i n d, s o s h e c o ul d d o th e s a m e wit h hi m . Sh e di d n’t u n d e r st a n d y et, b ut s h e m i g ht s o o n . His p ar e nt s h a d gi v e n hi m e xt e n si v e tr ainin g in u si n g hi s a biliti e s , a n d h e h a d a g r e at er m e n t al str e n gt h th a n th e pr o vi d er, s o it w a s e a si er for hi m t o d e t e ct h e r th a n th e r e v e r s e . But a faint s u s p icion glimmered in her thoughts. Jai e x h al e d . “T h e h o ur is lat e .” “Do y o u wi s h m e t o g o ?” “I thin k s o .” He h a d t o for c e o ut th e w o r d s . She slid off the bed and padded across the room, her shift clinging to her body. He so wished she could stay. What a bizarre life this was, that he had to worry about being discovered as a kindhearted man. Aft er s h e l eft, h e lay d o w n , e v e n m o r e a w a r e of hi s l o n elin e s s . It w a s n’t o nly s e n s u al; h e m i s s e d hi s fa mily, t o o . F or th e first fo urt e e n y e a r s of hi s lif e, th e y h a d b e e n the only people he knew. Now they were gone. He had lost a part of himself. Lisi, hi s si st er, w a s al m o st fift e e n , b ri g ht a n d q ui c k, wit h h e r t e a si n g h u m or. T e n-y e a r-o l d Vitar h a d al w a y s s h o ut e d wit h d eli g ht w h e n Jai s w u n g hi m a r o u n d. Del-Kelric w a s n’t e v e n five. Their mother had left them in the care of Admiral Seth Rockworth on Earth, trusting him because he had once been married to her aunt. Jai had searched the nets for news about his siblings, but found nothing. He knew they would go into hiding when they learned he had become emperor. He dared investigate no further, lest he draw attention to them, risking their freedom and raising questions about his own parentage. Jai grieved, knowing he could never see them again. Corbal sat in his dimly lit study, relaxed in his smartchair, his hands folded around a crystal tumbler. He took a swallow of brandy and let it warm his throat. A door opened across the room. His bodyguards had let him know who was coming, but he said nothing, just stared into space, sipping his drink. Bar e f e et p a d d e d o n th e fl o or. T h e n s h e c a m e int o vi e w , Sunri s e , hi s fa v o rit e pr o vi d er. Sh e dr o p p e d t o h e r k n e e s in fr o nt of hi s c h air, b e t w e e n hi s thi g h s , a n d b o w e d h e r h e a d . “I a m

s o rry,” s h e w hi s p e r e d . “Pl e a s e for giv e m e .” Corbal took anoth e r s w all o w. “All ri g ht.” He w a s n’t di s pl e a s e d ; s h e h a d d o n e h e r b e s t. He c o ul d n e v e r b e a n g ry wit h h e r a n y w ay. Her relief at his response showed in the relaxing of her shoulders. He set his tumbler on the arm of his chair, which adjusted to secure the glas s . He ruffl e d Sunri s e’ s h air, e nj o yin g its gl o s s y t extur e . Pr e s si n g hi s l e g s a g ai n st h e r b o dy, h e s a v o r e d th e fl ex of hi s m u s cl e s a g ai n st h e r c ur v e s . On e-h u n dr e d-thirty-t w o y e ar s o l d a n d h e h a d a b e tt er p h y si q u e th a n m e n in th eir thirti e s . “S o.” He r e clin e d in hi s c h air. “Our pru di s h e m p e r o r talk s t o th e air.” “He is int ellig e nt.” “Is h e n o w ?” “Not a s int ellig e nt a s y o u,” s h e a d d e d q ui c kly. “Your wi s d o m is m a t c hl e s s .” “Har dly,” Cor b al s ai d. Sh e w o ul d t ell hi m h e w a s th e g r e at e st g e niu s aliv e if s h e th o u g ht he wanted to hear it. She might even believe what she said. Such traits had been bred into her; she came from a line of providers designed for devotion, submission, and affection. It was why he liked her so much. Jaibriol was a fool to send her away. Not th at Cor b al m i n d e d . It m e a n t h e h a d Sunri s e t o ni g ht. And h e di d lik e h er. Alth o u g h s h e w a s hi s b e s t s py, it h a d b e c o m e h a r d e r a n d h a r d e r t o off er h e r t o o t h e r Hig ht o n s . He w a nt e d h e r for hi m s elf, o nly for hi m s elf — a n d h e h at e d th at th e y h urt h er. Careful.Lov e m a d e a p er s o n v ul n er a bl e , w hi c h w a s , of c o ur s e , u n a c c e pt a bl e . He h a d e n o u g h t o w o rry a b o ut, lik e th e n e w e m p e r or. He h a d s u s p e ct e d th e b o y’ s int elli g e n c e fr o m th e st art. Jai bri ol h a d c o nt a ct e d hi m wit h w h at l o o k e d , at first gl a n c e , lik e a c r u d e cl ai m o f Xir heredity. His true message had been cleverly hidden within the message. Aft er w at c hi n g th e b o y th e s e p a st d a y s , Cor b al th o u g ht Jai bri ol w o ul d c o m p o rt hi m s elf a s e m p e r o r b e tt er th a n hi s fat h er. T h at w a s n’t s a yi n g m u c h ; th e fat h e r h a d liv e d in s e cl u si o n during the two years of his reign. The previous emperor would have been better suited to domestic life than to ruling Eube. The son clearly had more to work with. Maybe too much; the boy was proving unpredictable. Corbal knew he had to watch himself with Jaibriol, lest the boy discover his Xir cousin no longer transcended. Corbal had no intention of changing any other aspect of his life; being one of the most powerful and wealthy men alive suited him just fine. But he had no wish to hurt Sunrise. Providers w e r e pl e a s ur e sl a v e s in e v e r y s e n s e of th e w o r d; th at h e h a d st o p p e d tr a n s c e n di n g di d n’t alt er hi s e nj o y m e nt o f h e r s e n s u al c h ar m s . To change his brain, Corbal had needed to learn why he transcended, including how his genetics related to those of psions. It g a v e hi m k n o wl e d g e p o s s e s s e d b y f e w o t h e r s — a n d s o h e h a d r e c o g niz e d th e a n o m ali e s in Jai bri ol’s DNA. The emperor was a psion. Jai bri ol h a d hi d d e n th e e vi d e n c e w e ll; Cor b al w o ul d n e v e r h a v e n oti c e d if h e h a d n’t alr e a d y c o n d u ct e d for bi d d e n r e s e a r c h w h e n h e investigated his own genetics. Jaibriol III was without doubt the son of Jaibriol II, yet he was also a telepath and empath. It was impossible. Co m p ell e d t o u n d e r st a n d, Cor b al h a d tri e d e v e r m o r e o b s c ur e t e st s o n Jai’s DNA, g oi n g far b e y o n d th o s e n e c e s s a ry t o v e rify th e b o y’ s p at er nity. T h e n h e h a d c r a c k e d o p e n th e r e c o r d s of p a st e m p e r o r s . It h a d tak e n a n i m m e n s e a m o u nt o f w o r k, a n d h e c o ul d n’t h a v e m a n a g e d wit h o ut th e int ellig e n c e n et w o r k s h e h a d b e e n d e v el o pi n g for o v e r a c e ntury, b ut h e h a d fin ally u n covered the truth. Eube Qox had been full Highton. Jaibriol I had been full Highton. Ur Qox had been half Highton.

Jaibriol II had been one-fourth. Jaibriol III was one-eighth. The Qox dynasty had bred itself a Ruby psion. Corbal even understood why. Centuri e s a g o th e Sk oli a n s h a d fo u n d thr e e Lo c k s , a n ci e nt m a c hi n e s th at h a d s ur viv e d for fiv e m ill e n ni a aft er th e fall o f th e Ruby E m pir e. Mod er n s ci e n c e c o ul d n’t r e pli c at e th e Lo c k s . Ho w e v er, Ruby p si o n s c o ul d u s e th e m t o c r e at e a c o m p ut er w e b in Kyle s p a c e , a u niv er s e o ut si d e of s p a c e ti m e . T h e p h y si c al la w s of s p a c e ti m e h a d n o m e a ni n g in Kyle s p a c e , m a ki n g it p o s si bl e t o b y p a s s th e li mit ati o n s of lig ht s p e e d — w hi c h all o w e d in st a nt a n e o u s c o m m u ni c ati o n a c r o s s int er st ell ar di st a n c e s . Skolians often called the netwo r k th e “p si b e r w e b .” T h e n a m e a n n o y e d Cor b al. Psi o n s w e r e pr o vi d e r s . It w a s lik e s a yin g “pr o vi d e r w e b .” He pr ef err e d th e d e si g n ati o n “Kyl e w e b .” Re g ar dl e s s o f w h at th e y c all e d it, th e w e b g a v e Sk oli a n s a g r e at a d v a nt a g e o v e r Eu b e . T h eir c o m m u ni c ati o n s s ail e d; Eub e’ s tru d g e d . To o p e r at e , a Lo c k n e e d e d a Key— a Ruby p si o n . Durin g th e Radi a n c e War, ESCo m m h a d st ol e n a Lo c k a n d c a ptur e d Eldrin Vald ori a, a Ruby prin c e . With b o t h a Lo c k a n d Key, th e y c o ul d h a v e b uilt th eir o w n Kyle w e b . Cor b al k n e w m a n y Hig ht o n s c o ndemned him for giving up Eldrin, even though they gained an emperor in return. Only Corbal knew that Jaibriol offered an even better solution. The pieces fit together, like a jigsaw puzzle. The Kyle webs protected the Skolians. A Triad of Ruby Keys powered the webs. The Radiance War had decimated the Ruby Dynasty. Soz Valdoria, the Imperator, had died. A Key. Dyhianna Selei, the Ruby Pharaoh, had died. A Key. Two vacancies now existed in the Triad. A new Ruby Key could join the Triad using a Lock. Eube had a Lock. The emperor of Eube was a Ruby Key. The beauty of it gratified Corbal. Jaibriol could join the Triad. Although they could have used Eldrin to power a Kyle web, Corbal doubted they could have forced him into the Triad. Jaibriol was another story. As the emperor of Eube, he had motivation to do what Eldrin would have resisted with all his might. If Corbal had unlimited access to a Kyle web and the Triad, he might even collapse the power structure of Skolia without going to war. He doubted the restless young emperor could resist the allure of conquest on an interstellar scale. Closing his eyes, Corbal waved to Sunrise, a gesture she knew well. She unfastened his trousers and took him into her mouth exactly as he liked. He exhaled, his tension easing. He enjoyed his retirement. He enjoyed Sunrise. He had enjoyed Eldrin. He had hated giving up the Ruby Prince, but he hated it even more when ESComm interrogated Eldrin. Damn inconvenient, this business of remorse. Corbal was tired of wars. He wanted Skolia conquered, yes, but without fighting. Perhaps he was a fool, to let a provider sit on the Carnelian Throne. He could have been emperor himself. But his age had given him plenty of time to contemplate the job. It was an imperial pain. Let Jaibriol have the high profile; Corbal would rule from behind the throne. Through Jaibriol, he would control the Triad; through the Triad, he would control the webs; through the webs, he could manipulate interstellar civilization. Eventually he would dominate all humanity. To achieve his ends, he needed only to control an inexperienced boy.

6 Heredity

Prince Eldrin stood at the glass wall of his room. Outside, the garden drowsed in the sun, unaffected by the heat of the long day. This view had never changed in the four days he had been here at the so-called Allied Embassy on the planet Delos, where the Traders had purportedly exchanged him for an Aristo. His routine never changed; in the morning, they brought him breakfast, later they came with lunch, and in the evening they brought dinner. Always they were solicitous. Always they plied him for information. Eldrin revealed nothing. He waited for the game to end, but it continued, and the seeds of hope had grown despite his struggle to stop them. Could this be an Allied embassy? It was still a prison, but far preferable to Eube. He rather liked the Allieds, or he had before today, when they had brought The Message:You have a visitor. Was it Corbal? ESComm? Other Aristos? He clenched his fist and stared at the garden. He would rather die than return to the interrogation room. Wh e n th e d o o r o f hi s s uit e o p e n e d , h e di d n’t m o v e . St e p s s o u n d e d in th e h all w ay, m uffl e d o n th e c a r p et. Ev e n w h e n hi s vi sit or s e n t er e d th e livin g r o o m , h e r e m ai n e d at th e wi n d o w . T h e g a r d e n s b e c k o n e d wit h th e ir unattainable freedom. A w o m a n’ s v oi c e c a m e t o hi m in a stu n n e d w hi s p er. “Eldrin.” No.No. Of all the torments they could have inflicted, this was the cruelest. He turned slowly, unwilling to see her but unable to stop himself. She stood across the room, surrounded by officers, both Allied and Skolian. Small and slender, she resembled a waif more than an interstellar potentate. Her glossy black hair hung down her back, thick and healthy, streaked with gray. Her eyes, a clear green, seemed too big for her fa c e . T h e y h a d m o r e lin e s at th e c o r n e r s th a n b ef or e , a n d h e di d n’t r e m e m b e r th o s e d ar k cir cl e s u n d e r th e m . T hi s i m p o st or is n’t a tru e m a t c h .S h e h a d t o b e a n i m p o st or. He c o ul d n’t b e li e v e o t h e r wi s e . Sh e c o ul d n’t b e a pri s o n er, t o o . It c o ul d n’t b e h er. It coul d n’t b e hi s wif e. “Eldrin?” Her h u s k y v oi c e w a s p ai nfully fa mili ar. “Do n’t y o u r e c o g niz e m e ?” Unable to bear her presence, Eldrin turned back to the window, knowing if he looked at her any longer, he would shatter. The Traders had captured him when their commandos broke through to the habitat where he lived with Dehya. Eldrin and Dehya had fled with their son while their bodyguards fought the intruders. In the end, Eldrin had sacrificed himself, blocking the commandos so Dehya and their son could escape. But he had never known if those two people he loved most had made it away. The Traders had claimed his family died. As m u c h a s Eldrin h a d d e ni e d th eir w o r d s , p ai n h a d s hr e d d e d hi s h e a rt. He c o ul d n’t b e a r thi s h o p e . It w a s killin g hi m . She came to stand with him. Together, they gazed out the window. Blue-tinged light slanted across the gardens outside. His m i n d r efu s e d t o a b s o r b h e r pr e s e n c e . Sh e s p o k e a n d h e a n s w e r e d , th eir w o r d s c o n str ai n e d , b ut h e c o ul d n’t h e ar. Hop e w a s ja g g e d gl a s s th at g o u g e d hi s h e a rt. Gradually he became aware of a change. It spread over his mind. Warmth. No. An i m p o st or c o ul d fal sify a g r e at d e al —f a c e , b uild, v oi c e , m a n n e ri s m s — b ut n ot hin g c o ul d c o u nt erf eit w h at h e f elt n o w fr o m th e w o m a n at hi s si d e . He h a d s h a r e d hi s m i n d wit h h e r for most of his life, through decades of marriage. She was dropping her defenses, leaving her mind vulnerable. His thoughts blended with hers, responding by instinct before he could stop himself. He c o ul d tak e it n o l o n g er. He turn e d a n d s p o k e h o a r s ely. “D e hy a?”

Her v oi c e c a u g ht. “W el c o m e h o m e , Dryni.” Moistur e g at h e r e d in hi s e y e s . “It w a s for n ot hin g.” “Wh at d o y o u m e a n ?” “I th o u g ht —I th o u g ht y o u a n d Ta q uinil e s c a p e d .” “W e di d.” Sh e s ai d m o r e , b ut h e c o ul d n’t h e ar. Her m i n d o v e r w h el m e d e v e r yt hin g e l s e . T h e Traders had raised falsehood to a fine art, but he could feel the lies in their minds. Dehya had none: she spoke the truth. It filled his thoughts and flowed into his heart. Eldrin embraced her then, holding her as if she would break. She slid her arms around him, her cheek against his chest. As he bent his head over hers, a tear slid down his face and dropped onto her hair. Finally he let himself hope. Seated behind hi s d e s k , Cor b al p e e r e d at Jai o v e r hi s s p e c t a cl e s . “Nor m ally y o u w o ul d n’t b e a s k e d t o d e al wit h s u c h a m a tt er. But thi s c a s e is u n u s u al.” Jai di d n’t b eli e v e for o n e in st a nt th at Cor b al n e e d e d r e a di n g gl a s s e s . His c o u si n u n d o u bt e dly h a d p e rf e ct vi si o n. By e a si n g hi s m e n t al b a rri er s, Jai pi c k e d u p e n o u g h fr o m Cor b al t o k n o w th e s p e c t a cl e s w e r e s u p p o s e d t o c r e at e a s c h ol arly a s p e c t th at w o ul d in s pir e Jai t o tru st hi s c o u si n. It di d n’t w o r k. Ev erythin g a b o ut Cor b al m a d e Jai t e n s e , in clu di n g thi s offic e , wit h its steel-diamond desk, silver walls, and steel-hued carpet. Jai c r o s s e d th e r o o m a n d s at in a c h air n e a r th e d e s k . “T ell m e m o r e a b o ut th e c a s e .” Corbal paused at the blunt question. Jai was beginning to realize that in many situations, direct speech betwe e n Arist o s w a s c o n si d e r e d a n in s ult. He w o n d e r e d h o w hi s a d vi s e r s e x p e c t e d hi m t o b e n efit fr o m th eir a d vi c e w h e n h e c o ul d n’t fig ur e o ut w h at th e bl a z e s th e y w e r e s a yin g . Corbal, however, could use more direct speech without giving offense because he and Jai w e r e kin. “T h e pr o bl e m ,” Cor b al s ai d, “c o n c e r n s t w o o f y o ur m o r e vit al p e o pl e . T h e m a n is Azar Tar atu s, a n a d m ir al a n d al s o th e y o u n g e r b r ot h e r of Kryx Tar atu s , o n e o f th e Joint Co m m a n d e r s of ESCo m m . T h e w o m a n is Tar q uin e Iqu ar, th e Fin a n c e Minist er. Her ni e c e w a s y o ur g r a n d m o t h er.” Jai st ar e d at hi m . “Vital” h a r dly b e g a n t o d e s c ri b e th e m . Tar q uin e Iqu ar h a d for mi d a bl e a ut h o rity a m o n g hi s a d vi s e r s , a n d s h e u s e d h e r p o w e r lik e a h o n e d k nif e. F e w d ar e d c r o s s h er. Azar Tar atu s w a s o n e of ESCo m m ’ s r e n o w n e d w ar leaders, or perhaps notorious was a better word. He had survived the Radiance War by breaking just about every law in the Halstaad Code, which was meant to define civilized behavior during wartime. With for e b o di n g , Jai s ai d, “G o o n .” Corbal removed his gl a s s e s . “Minist er Iqu ar cl ai m s Ad mir al Tar atu s c h e at e d h er.” “T h at’ s it?” “T h at’ s it.” Sur ely th e y di d n’t e x p e ct th e e m p e r o r t o s e ttl e priv at e a r g u m e nt s . “Why b rin g it t o m e ?” “An a pt q u e s ti o n , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai w ait e d. T h e n , e x a s p e r at e d , h e s ai d, “P er h a p s y o u h a v e a n a pt a n s w er.” Cor b al c o ul d h a v e tak e n off e n s e , b ut h e c h o s e o t h e r wi s e . “Ad mir al Tar atu s s ol d Minist er Iqu ar a pr o vi d er. Sh e p ai d fo urt e e n m illi o n for th e m a n .” Jai barely kept from choking.Fourteen million? That could feed the entire population of some planets. Watc hi n g hi m , Cor b al a d d e d , “A lar g e a m o u nt in d e e d .” Jai flu s h e d . He h a d t o l e ar n b e tt er c o ntr ol o v e r hi s fa c e . “It s o u n d s lik e a m a tt er for th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s .” He c o ul d n’t b eli e v e th e Arist o s h a d a n e n tir e in d u stry d e v o t e d t o in s u ring providers.

“Minist er Iqu ar h a s c o nt a ct e d th e m ,” Cor b al s ai d. “And?” Cor b al’s e y e s glint e d . “App ar e ntly Tar atu s n e gl e ct e d t o t ell h e r thi s pr o vi d er w a s d yi n g.” “Wh at, h e di d n’t think s h e w o ul d notice ?” Corbal rested his elbows on the arms of his chair a n d st e e pl e d hi s fin g e r s . “He pr o b a bly e x p e c t e d h e r t o m a k e a d e al wit h hi m . If s h e li e d t o th e b ur e a u s a b o ut h o w m u c h s h e p ai d for th e pr o vi d er, r e p o rtin g a m u c h l o w e r pri c e , s h e w o ul d n’t h a v e t o p a y m u c h for th e in s ur a n c e .” Jai had seen the criminally exo r bit a nt f e e s c al e u s e d b y th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s . “I u n d e r st a n d th e a d v a nt a g e t o h e r if s h e li e s . But w h y w o ul d Tar atu s?” “T h e n h e w o ul d n’t h a v e t o p a y m u c h tax o n th e s al e .” Jai c o ul d s e e w h e r e thi s w a s g oi n g . “S o w h e n s h e fo u n d o ut Tar atu s c h e a t e d h er, s h e w o ul d h a v e n o r e c o ur s e , b e c a u s e s h e h a d cl ai m e d s h e p ai d al m o s t n ot hin g for th e pr o vi d er. If s h e a d m itt e d s h e li e d, s h e c o ul d b e c o n vi ct e d o f fr au d.” “Ex a ctly.” “But it di d n’t w o r k?” Amu s e m e n t s h o w e d o n Cor b al’ s fa c e . “Minist er Iqu ar r e p o rt e d th e full fo urt e e n m illi o n t o th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u. T h e n s h e s u e d th e h oly h ell o ut o f Tar atu s .” Jai fr o w n e d . “And ju st w h e n , in all thi s, di d s o m e o n e s e n d th e f ell o w t o th e d o c t or?” “I’ m afr ai d th at w a s n’t p o s si bl e.” Ben e at h hi s r e s e r v e , Cor b al w a s p o sitiv ely gl e efu l. “Why n ot? Do e s n’t Minist er Iqu ar h a v e d o c t or s?” “C ert ainly.” “But?” “W ell, y o u s e e , it s e e m s th e pr o vi d er e s c a p e d .” Good for him.Jai di d n’t s e e h o w th e bl a z e s th e m a n h a d m a n a g e d it, th o u g h . “Did Minist er Iqu ar l et hi m g o ?” “Of c o ur s e n ot. He m a n a g e d o n hi s o w n .” “Ho w?” “App ar e ntly h e w a s a Ja g er n a ut.” ThatJai understood; his mother had been a Jagernaut, a Skolian military officer in the elite corps of psions whose ability to link their minds to their ships gave them an immense advantage in battle. They also lived with the danger of what had befallen this man, that they might be captured and sold as providers. The thought made him ill. Jai str o v e t o hi d e hi s di s q ui et. “Did ESCo m m q u e s ti o n th e Ja g er n a ut b ef or e h e e s c a p e d ?” Cor b al s hr u g g e d . “T h e f ell o w h a d b e e n m i s si n g for n e a rly t w o d e c a d e s . His k n o wl e d g e a n d int er n al s y st e m s w e r e t o o far o ut o f d at e t o pr o vi d e u s eful d at a.” His a m u s e m e n t fa d e d . “Still, it w a s sl o p p y o f Ad mir al Tar atu s n ot t o q u e s ti o n hi m m o r e th or o u g hly.” “Why di d n’t h e ?” Alth o u g h Jai w a s gl a d th e Ja g e r n a ut h a d b e n efit e d fr o m Tar atu s’ s n e gli g e n c e , it s ur pri s e d hi m th e a d m ir al h a d o v e rl o o k e d s u c h a d et ail. “Tar atu s cl ai m s it w a s n’t w o rt h th e tr o u bl e . He w a nt e d th e m a n in g o o d s h a p e for th e a u cti o n .” “Do y o u b e li e v e hi m ?” “It is n’t u nr e a s o n a bl e .” “But d o y o u b eli e v e hi m ?” Irritati o n fla s h e d o n Cor b al’s fa c e . “I thin k o ur d e a r a d m ir al w a nt e d t o u nl o a d th e m a n fa st, b ef or e hi s a p p allin gly b a d h e alth b e c a m e o b vi o u s .” “It s o u n d s lik e a m e s s .” Jai c o ul d h ar dly a d m it h e s u p p o rt e d th e Sk oli a n e s c a pi n g . “But I d o n’t s e e w h y th e c o urt s c a n’t tak e c a r e of it.” “W ell, y o u s e e , w e h a v e a bit m o r e of a pr o bl e m .” Jai r e g ar d e d hi m u n e a sily. “Mor e?” Cor b al l e a n e d for w ar d. “T o e s c a p e , thi s d yin g pr o vi d e r ju st w al k e d t o a lau n c h b a y of Minist er

Iqu ar’ s s p a c e h a bit at a n d st ol e a s h uttl e.” “Wa s n’t a n y o n e w at c hi n g hi m ?” “T h e y w e r e w a t c hi n g th e n e w s - h ol o o f y o ur s p e e c h w h e n y o u b e c a m e e m p e r or.” Cor b al s m irk e d . “Minist er Iqu ar s a y s thi s pr o vi d er o f h e r s w a s al s o w at c hi n g th e s p e e c h . T h e n e xt ti m e s h e c h e c k e d , h e w a s g o n e .” It still m a d e n o s e n s e t o Jai. “H er h a bit at m u s t h a v e s e c urity s y st e m s th at c o ul d h a v e st o p p e d hi m .” “Ind e e d it d o e s . Stat e-of-th e- a rt, d e si g n e d b y ESCo m m .” “T h e m ilitary? I th o u g ht h e r h a bit at w a s ci vilia n.” “It is.” “But th e n w h y —” “App ar e ntly,” Cor b al s ai d, “y o ur m ilitary a n d fin a n c e a d vi s e r s h a v e , s h all w e s ay, ti e s th at a r e a bit t o o cl o s e .” Jai h a d n o clu e h o w t o u nr a v el th e c o nflictin g intri g u e s h e r e . He stu c k t o th e o b vi o u s . “Ho w di d th e pr o vi d e r e s c a p e ?” “It s e e m s th at h e s o m e h o w s h o v e d hi s m i n d int o th e c o m p ut er n et w o r k s a n d s hr e d d e d th e s e c urity thr o u g h o ut th e h a bit at.” Jai h a d l e ar n e d e n o u g h a b o ut ESCo m m t o k n o w w h at Cor b al d e s c ri b e d c o ul d n’t h a p p e n . “T h at’ s i m p o s si bl e.” “Ind e e d .” Cor b al c o ul d n’t c o nt ai n hi s gl e e a n y l o n g er. “Ast o ni s hi n g , is n’t it? T hi s m a n p ulv eriz e d Minist er Iqu ar’ s s y st e m a n d pfifft — h e w a s g o n e . It is o n e of th e w o r st s e c urity b r e a c h e s in hi st ory. Andone pr o vi d e r m a n a g e d it, wit h o ut a si n gl e w e a p o n .” “It’s in cr e di bl e .” Jai c o ul d s e e w h y thi s h a d r e a c h e d th e hi g h e s t l e v el s of th e g o v e r n m e n t a n d m ilitary. Unfortun at ely, h e h a d n o clu e w h at t o d o . “Is ESCo m m w o r kin g o n it?” “Ye s. Als o th e Ministry o f Int ellig e n c e .” Jai s q ui nt e d at hi m . T h e Int elli g e n c e Minist er, Azil e Xir, w a s Cor b al’ s s o n . T h e c hr o ni cl e s o f Azil e’ s ris e t o p o w e r s h o w e d a n i m p e c c a bl e r e c o r d. To o p erf e ct, in fa ct. Jai h a d fo u n d tr a c e s of l e s s - th a n-i m p e c c a bl e d el eti o n s in th e fil e s . Havin g o n e’ s fat h e r n e xt in lin e for th e thr o n e h a d its a d v a nt a g e s . What to do? Jai felt as ifI’m l o st! was emblazoned on his forehead. Trying to project confidence, he leaned one elbow on the arm of his chair, copying his posture from portraits he had seen of his great-grandfather. The pose felt more natural than he wanted to admit. “Wh at Minist er Iqu ar a n d Ad mir al Tar atu s n e e d is a jud g e a n d c o urt,” h e s ai d. “Not m e .” Cor b al stu di e d Jai a s if sizin g hi m u p. “Your Fin a n c e Minist er is s e t a g ai n st o n e o f y o ur t o p a d m ir al s in a m a tt er th at inv ol v e s a s e v e r e b r e a c h o f s e c urity, a n d a p h e n o m e n ally e x p e n si v e pr o vi d e r wit h t o o m u c h m ilit ary k n o wl e d g e is g o n e . T hi s is n’t th e ti m e t o di st a n c e y o ur s elf, p arti c ul arly n ot fr o m Tar q uin e Iqu ar. Sh e h a s t o o d a m n m u c h p o w er, a n d s h e is n’t lik ely t o ally h e r s elf wit h u s .” Int er e stin g . App ar e ntly Cor b al di d n’t m u c h lik e th e Fin a n c e Minist er. “Why w o ul d n’t s h e ?” “Sh e c o v e t s th e influ e n c e of th e Xir Lin e.” Hah! So Cor b al di d n’t lik e th e c o m p e titi o n. T h at c o ul d b e u s eful. “Wh at d o y o u s u g g e s t I d o ?” A gl e a m c a m e int o Cor b al’s e y e s . “I think it is ti m e Minist er Iqu ar a n d Ad mir al Tar atu s p ai d th eir r e s p e ct s t o o ur n e w e m p e r or.” T h e fo ur o f th e m m e t in th e iv ory a n d g ol d sittin g r o o m o f th e p al a c e : Jai, Cor b al, Minist er Iqu ar, a n d Ad mir al Tar atu s. T h e y s at in wi n g c h air s a r o u n d a n o c t a g o n al ta bl e , a n d Jai’s b o d y g u ar d s t o o k u p p o st s a r o u n d th e w all s. Jai was surprised to find that even with three Aristos at close range, he could bear their minds enough to control his anxiety, at least for a short time. Actually, they were two Aristo minds; he

had given up trying to detect Corbal. Iquar and Taratus affected him a s a si n gl e for c e h e c o ul d n’t s e p a r at e . He listened as Corbal went through the formalities required before the minister and admiral could address their emperor. Jai wondered how Hightons ever got anything done when they spent so much time giving honorifics. As he waited, he thought back to the files on Iquar and Taratus. Both were wealthy and powerful even by Highton standards, and well on in years, Taratus in his eighties and Iquar over a century. The sheer length of their lives intimidated him. How could he, at seventeen, hope to deal with these people? He distrusted Taratus immediately. The admiral looked the perfect aristocrat, but he had the mind of a master thief. His hair was pure glittering black, unbroken by a single strand of gray. He had a narrow fa c e a n d h o o k e d n o s e , a n d hi s e y e s w e r e a d ar k e r r e d th a n Jai’s. He s e e m e d t o a s s e s s e v e r yt hin g a r o u n d hi m , m i s si n g n o d e t ail s. Tar q uin e Iqu ar w a s a n o t h e r m a tt er. Jai c o ul d n’t st o p l o o ki n g at h er. To s a y s h e w a s a strikin g w o m a n w a s a ki n t o s a yi n g th e Eu bian empire was sort of impressive. Her high cheekbones and aquiline nose gave her an austere beauty that had matured into honed elegance. Her snow-marble skin had no flaw. Long and lean, she was almost his height. She was mesmerizing, and she intimidated the hell out of him. T e c h ni c ally, h e a n d Tar q uin e w e r e kin; s h e w a s th e a u nt of hi s g r a n d m o t h er, th e lat e e m p r e s s d o w a g er, w hi c h m a d e Tar q uin e hi s g r e at-g r e at-a u nt. But th e e m p r e s s h a d n’t r e ally b e e n th e m o t h e r of Jai’s fat h er, s o Jai h a d n o bl o o d r el ati o n t o Tar q uin e , th o u g h o nly h e k n e w . T h e r e d of h e r e y e s m a t c h e d hi s, s u g g e s tin g th e y di d h a v e m ut u al a n c e s t or s; it w a s n’t a c o m m o n s h a d e , e x c e pt in th e Qox Lin e. Tarquine had the usual Aristo hair, with one difference: white threaded the glossy mane that brushed her shoulders. It added to her aura of authority. She distracted Jai, disrupting his concentration. Cor b al turn e d t o hi m . “Minist er Iqu ar a n d Ad mir al Tar atu s r e q u e s t th e h o n o r o f y o ur a c k n o wl e d g m e nt.” Jai w o n d e r e d w h at th e y w o ul d d o if h e s ai d “n o” aft er th at int er mi n a bl e intr o d u cti o n. “It is gi v e n .” Tar q uin e s p o k e . “You h o n o r th e Lin e o f Iqu ar, Your Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s .” Jai in clin e d hi s h e a d a s hi s pr ot o c ol p e o pl e h a d ta u g ht hi m . He wi s h e d e v e r y o n e w o ul d n’t a d dr e s s hi m wit h s o m a n y titl e s . He al s o h o p e d Tar q uin e c o ul d n’t t ell h o w m u c h s h e flu st er e d hi m . Tar atu s s p o k e . “You h o n o r th e Lin e o f Tar atu s, Your Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s .” Jai n o d d e d a g ai n. He c o ul d n’t i m a gi n e h a vi n g t o g o thr o u g h thi s e v e r y ti m e h e m e t a Hig ht o n for th e first ti m e . T h e s e cl u si o n Cor b al wanted to impose on him looked more inviting all the time. Fin ally th e y g o t d o w n t o b u si n e s s . Jai w a nt e d t o a s k a b o ut th e situ ati o n, b ut of c o ur s e h e c o ul d n’t b e dir e ct. Unfortun at ely, h e h a d a b o ut a s m u c h pr ofi ci e n c y in th e intric a ci e s o f Hig ht o n s p e e c h a s a b ri c k. He m a d e a st a b at it a n y w ay. “I’v e n oti c e d a r e m a r k a bl e a m o u nt o f c r e dit flo wi n g lat ely.” Tar atu s n o d d e d a s if a c c e ptin g a c o m pli m e nt. “Mor e t o th e gl ory o f tr a d e .” “Ind e e d .” Tar q ui n e s p o k e dryly, h e r v oi c e d e e p a n d h u s ky. “On e w o ul d c e rt ai nly pr ef er s u c h a gl ori o u s tr a d e t o, s ay, fr au d.” The admiral sat in a relaxed posture, surveying her as if he were a sage and she a callow youth. Given that she was twenty years his senior, it had less effect than it would have had on someone less imposing. “P er h a p s ‘gl ory’ is a n in a d e q u at e w o r d,” Tar atu s s ai d. “‘Ast o ni s hi n g .’ T h e r e is a w o r d for y o u. It d e s c ri b e s m a n y thin g s , e v e n , s ay, e s c a p e s b y a s u p p o s e dly d yi n g m a n .”

Sh e l o o k e d u ni m pr e s s e d . “Many w o r d s c o m e t o m i n d, Ad mir al. Lik e ‘s wi n dl e .’” “‘S e c urity.’” Tar atu s s m irk e d . “Or a la c k th er e of.” Jai c o ul d n’t s e e w h at th e y h o p e d t o a c c o m pli s h wit h thi s di s s e m b lin g . But if h e c a m e str ai g ht t o th e p oi nt, it w o ul d di mi ni s h hi m in th eir vi e w . So h e tri e d a n o b li q u e a n gl e . “You m u st b e a m u c h- b e l o v e d p atr o n of th e a rt s, Minist er Iqu ar.” Tar q uin e tilt e d h e r h e a d , a s ultry c uri o sity l e a ki n g fr o m h e r m i n d. “I’v e al w a y s a p pr e ci at e d a e s t h eti c c o m p o siti o n s , Your Hig h n e s s .” A bl u s h h e a t e d Jai’s fa c e . Sh e w a s l o o ki n g at hi m a s if h e w e r e th e a e s t h eti c c o m p o siti o n. He stu m bl e d o v e r hi s w o r d s . “F o urt e e n m illi o n w o rt h of a rt.” Her s m il e s o ur e d . “F o urt e e n m illi o n of d yin g a rt.” “An u n u s u al a c q ui siti o n,” Jai m a n a g e d . “P er h a p s th at is th e c urr e nt fa d ri g ht n o w ,” Tar atu s s ai d, t o o s m o o t hly, lik e a ci d e r o di n g a s urf a c e . “D e at h. Ch a n g e . Es c a p e .” Sh e g a v e hi m a b o r e d l o o k. “Hav e y o u e v e r n oti c e d , m y d e a r a d m ir al, h o w oft e n a u cti o n e e r s a r e th e m s e l v e s s o m e t hi n g o f a fa d? P o p ul ar o n e d ay, v a ni s h e d th e n e xt.” Jai winced. What did she imply, that someone would assassinate Taratus? He wished Corbal would jump in and give him some guidance. His cousin, however, was sitting back, listening with interest. T h e a d m ir al r e g a r d e d Tar q ui n e bl a n dly. “I d o r e aliz e th e vi g o r a n d e n e r g y o f y o ut h c a n b e w e a ri n g o n o ur m o r e e l d e rly citiz e n s .” “Yout h is oft e n a e u p h e m i s m for in e x p e ri e n c e ,” Tar q uin e m u r m ur e d . Sh e gl a n c e d at Jai. Good grief. Had she just insinuated he was immature? This meeting was going nowhere; so far all they had done was insult one another. Lik e a n o pti c al illu si o n, Jai’s p e r c e pti o n s hifted. The conversation had no point; how they spoke was what mattered. This was his chance to take the measure of the minister and admiral, and for them to assess him. He wondered if it even mattered whether or not their discussion made sense. “Wor d s a r e lik e th e p ol e s o n a pl a n et,” h e s ai d. “North a n d So ut h. Im m atur e a n d m a t ur e . Vig or a n d s e r e nity.” Let th e m fig ur e o ut hi s m e a ni n g . He di d n’t k n o w hi m s elf, b ut w h at th e h ell. “Ind e e d ,” Tar q ui n e s ai d. Tar atu s s c r at c h e d hi s c hi n. “S o th e y a r e .” “Tr a n s c e n d e n c e a n d c o m p a s si o n ,” Jai s ai d. As s o o n a s Cor b al stiff e n e d , Jai k n e w h e h a d m a d e a m i st a k e . He w a s n’t s ur e w h at, th o u g h . “An Arist o,” Tar atu s s ai d, “ c a n s h o w n o g r e at er c o m p a s si o n th a n t o e l e v at e a pr o vi d e r thr o u g h tr a n s c e n d e n c e .” Bil e r o s e in Jai’s thr o at. He w o n d e r e d h o w Tar atu s w o ul d lik e it if s o m e o n e “ el e v at e d” hi m th at w ay. Alth o u g h Cor b al s p o k e c a s u ally, hi s la s e r-lik e fo c u s n e v e r l eft Jai. “An int er e stin g juxt a p o siti o n of w o r d s . It in s pir e s pr o v o c ativ e p airin g s .” He p a u s e d . “Eu b e a n d Imp eri al at e. Qox a n d Ruby.” Jai fr o z e . Was it c oi n ci d e n c e Cor b al p air e d Qox a n d Ruby? He a n s w e r e d wit h a n o n c h al a n c e h e h o p e d hi d hi s al ar m . “I h a d n’t r e aliz e d y o u h a d s u c h a likin g for o p p o siti o n.” “Qox a n d Ruby?” Minist er Iqu ar s n o rt e d. “Har dly th e m o s t in n o v ativ e o p p o siti o n.” Jai tri e d t o r el ax. Sh e h a d ta k e n Cor b al’ s c o m p a ri s o n at fa c e v alu e . Qox a n d Ruby: th e y w e r e th e ulti m at e o p p o s e d p air, b ut s h e w a s rig ht, th at m a d e th e m a cli c h é . He w a nt e d t o b eli e v e Cor b al h a d si m ply tir e d of th e v e r b al p arryin g, b ut h e c o ul d n’t st o p worrying. Did his cousin suspect the truth, that Jai was both Qox and Ruby? Perhaps he ought to send Taratus and Iquar away before Corbal said too much. Shifting his weight, Jai tried to communicate dismissal. To his surprise, it worked; Corbal began the process of letting the minister and admiral leave. On the surface, the Xir lord

seemed no different, smooth in action and word. Jai ju st h o p e d h e h a d n’t r e v e al e d hi m s elf. Standing in his office, Corbal poured red wine into two goblets and gave one to Jai. “T o y o ur h e alt h.” Jai di d n’t drin k. “T o m y h e alt h.” Cor b al si p p e d hi s wi n e . “And t o y o ur fat h e r’ s h o n o r e d m e m o ry.” “Of c o ur s e .” “And y o ur m o t h e r’ s, m a y s h e r e st in p e a c e .” Sw e at b r o k e o ut o n Jai’s for e h e a d . Stay calm. He s h o ul d n’t h a v e l et Cor b al s e n d a w a y th e Raz er s . T h e y w e r e s u p p o s e d t o g u ar d b o t h Jai a n d Cor b al, b ut Jai w o n d e r e d w h o w o ul d pr ot e ct hi m fr o m Cor b al. Co ul d hi s c o u si n s hi el d thi s r o o m e v e n a g ai n st th e e m p e r o r’ s s e c urity? Cor b al h a d a for mi d a bl e s e c urity n et w o r k, in clu din g hi s s o n , Azil e Xir, the Intelligence Minister. Cor b al lift e d hi s gl a s s t o th e lig ht. “Lo v ely, is n’t it? Lik e liquid ru bi e s .” Pa ni c c o n stri ct e d Jai’s c h e s t. T h e w o r d “ru b y” c o ul d b e c oi n ci d e n c e . Let it be coincidence. “Or bl o o d .” Cor b al t o o k a n o t h e r si p. “Ru bi e s a n d bl o o d .” Jai r el ax e d hi s b a rri er s e n o u g h t o pr o b e th e s urf a c e o f Cor b al’s m i n d, b ut if hi s c o u si n k n e w th e truth, h e hi d it w e ll. Jai wi s h e d h e c o ul d fin d o ut h o w m u c h Cor b al h a d g u e s s e d a b o ut hi s p ar e nt a g e . He f e ar e d t o p u s h t o o h a r d, l e st h e m a k e Cor b al s u s pi ci o u s . He al s o h e sit at e d t o l o w e r hi s d ef e n s e s a n y furth er. Hig ht o n s c o ul d s e n s e th e link th e y m a d e wit h a pr o vi d er. He di d n’t k n o w if Cor b al h a d th at a bility, gi v e n hi s diff er e n c e s fr o m o t h e r Arist o s , b ut if h e di d, Jai m i g ht r e v e al hi m s elf in th e pr o c e s s of trying to discover what Corbal knew. Jai s p o k e c a s u ally, th o u g h in si d e h e w a s a s tig ht a s a c oil. “Ru bi e s a n d bl o o d ? T h at s o u n d s u n pl e a s a nt.” “Ru bi e s . Tr a n s c e n d e n c e . Co m p a s si o n .” Cor b al t o o k a n o t h e r s w all o w o f wi n e . “Or s h o ul d I s a y a n a b n o r m ality o f c o m p a s si o n . And o n e of p ar e nt a g e . Dist a st eful t o pi c s , d o n’t y o u think? Unpl e a s a nt e n o u g h th at I s h o ul d h o p e n ot t o s p e a k of th e m a g ai n.” Jai h e sit at e d . He w a s o nly ju st l e ar nin g t o int er pr et Hig ht o n s p e e c h , s o h e c o ul d n’t b e s ur e , b ut it s o u n d e d lik e Cor b al w a s off erin g a b a r g ai n; h e w o ul d r e m ai n sil e nt a b o ut Jai’s q u e sti o n a bl e p ar e nt a g e if Jai w o ul d r e m ai n sil e nt a b o ut Cor b al’ s la c k o f tr a n s c e n d e n c e . Jai s p o k e wit h c a r e . “Ye s . I a g r e e .” “G o o d .” Cor b al ta p p e d hi s fin g e r a g ai n st th e ri m o f hi s g o bl et. T h e h u e of its wi n e m a t c h e d th e cl e ar, c ry st allin e r e d of hi s e y e s . “T hin k of it a s in s ur a n c e .” “Ag ai n st w h at?” “P er diti o n, p e r h a p s .” Cor b al s oftly a d d e d , “Sh all w e s p e n d e t e r nity in a h ell o f o ur a n c e s t o r s’ m a ki n g? At th e l e a st, w e s h o ul d m a k e o ur o w n h ell s.” Jai shiv e r e d . “I pr ef er n o n e at all.” “S o w o ul d w e all,” Cor al m u r m ur e d . Jai feared his had only begun.

7 Fugitive Jai recognized the man in the holo. He viewed the recording by himself, or as alone as he could be given that Security monitored him all the time. He th o u g ht h e a n d Cor b al h a d c o m e t o a n a g r e e m e n t t o g u ar d e a c h o t h e r’ s s e c r et s, b ut th eir v e r b al s kir mi s h m a d e hi m u n e a s y. He d e ci d e d t o k e e p hi s Raz er s in th e

r o o m fr o m n o w o n . T h e y st o o d b y th e w all s a n d Jai s at in a wi n g c h air, far e n o u g h fr o m th e m t o e ase the pressure of their minds. He had the holostage replay the report about the provider who had caused such an uproar. Jai knew the man. At first it surprised him that no one had identified the provider. But then Jai realized he had seen images of this m a n a v ail a bl e t o n o o t h e r Eubi a n. Jai’s m o t h e r h a d k e pt th o s e h ol o s in a fa mily al b u m , o n e of th e f e w p e r s o n al it e m s s h e h a d tak e n int o e xil e. T h e m a n w a s h e r b r ot h er, Kelric Vald ori a. Jai’s y o u n g e s t b r ot h e r h a d b e e n n a m e d for hi m : Del-Kelric, w hi c h m e a n t, “in h o n o r o f Kelric” — b e c a u s e Kelric h a d di e d o v e r e i g ht e e n y e a r s a g o . Jai ru b b e d hi s e y e s . T hi s situ ati o n g r e w e v e r m o r e biz arr e. He c o ul d n’t b e c e rt ain thi s w a s hi s u n cl e Kelric. T h e pr o vi d e r c e rt ai nly l o o k e d o l d e r th a n th e m a n in hi s m o t h e r’ s al b u m . Kelric had also had gold skin, hair, and eyes, whereas this man had brown hair and eyes, and tan skin. Gold highlights showed in his hair, though, and his irises had a metallic glint. Could it be his uncle, or was that only wishful thinking on his part? Anothe r p uzzl e tu g g e d at Jai; h e w a s n’t s ur e , b ut h e th o u g ht h e h a d m e t thi s m a n r e c e ntly. Wh e n Jai h a d b e e n a Da w n Corp s v olu nt e e r o n th e pl a n et Ed g e w hirl, a m a n h a d c o m e int o hi s offic e , a r efu g e e s e a r c hi n g for hi s fa mily. Jai c o ul d h a v e s w o r n thi s w a s th e s a me person. Jai t o u c h e d a p a n el o n th e a r m o f th e c h air. “Att e n d.” “T o mj olt h e r e ,” a v oi c e a n s w e r e d . Jai j erk e d , th e n s c h o ol e d hi s fa c e t o i m p a s si vity; h e c o ul d n’t aff or d b e h a vi or th at m i g ht m a k e p e o pl e n oti c e hi m . He c o ul d g e t a w a y wit h s o m e “ e c c e ntri city” because everyone knew he had grown up in isolation, but he kept as low a profile as possible. It h a d s h a k e n Jai d e e ply t o di s c o v e r th at th e e m p e r o r’ s p e r s o n al EI, o r Ev olvin g Int ellig e n c e , a n s w e r e d t o “T o mj olt.” His fat h e r h a d n a m e d it. Jai s u s p e c t e d h e w a s th e o nly o n e w h o u n d e r st o o d its si g nific a n c e . To mj olt s w e r e a ni m al s o n th e w o rl d Pris m , w h e r e Jai’s fa mily h a d liv e d in e xil e. T h e s y m b oli s m g a v e Jai a g ri m s ati sf a cti o n; a t o mj olt w a s th e t o p pr e d at or in th e fo o d c h ai n th er e . His fath er m u st h a v e c hri s tened this EI in defiance, after he had been ripped away from his family and forced to become a puppet emperor. “May I h el p y o u?” To mj olt a s k e d . Jai s h o o k hi m s elf o ut of hi s r e v e ri e . “Ye s. Wh at is th e lat e st n e w s o n th e pr o vi d er w h o e s c a p e d fr o m Minist er Iqu ar?” “ESCo m m is in cr e a si n g th e s e a r c h v olu m e in th e r e gi o n w h e r e h e is b eli e v e d lik ely t o c r o s s int o Sk oli a n s p a c e .” Jai fr o w n e d . Nothin g a b o ut thi s h a d b e e n in th e r e p o rt s e nt t o hi m a f e w h o ur s a g o b y Azil e Xir, th e Int ellig e n c e Minist er. “And w h at r e gi o n m i g ht th at b e ?” To mj olt d e s c ri b e d th e Sk oli a n b o r d e r t errit ory th at h a d b e e n cl o s e s t t o Minist er Iqu ar’ s h a bit at at th e ti m e Kelric e s c a p e d . It s e e m e d u nlik ely h e c o ul d e v a d e c a ptur e; th e s e a r c h e r s w o ul d d e t e ct hi s s hip a s s o o n a s it dr o p p e d int o n o r m a l space. Had the fugitive been anyone else, Jai would have assumed, like ESComm, that he would run for home. But Kelric was a Jagernaut; he probably knew how ESComm would search. Even if he had the foresight not to head for the border, though, he had very few choices, given how little fuel his stolen ship carried. “Hav e th e y fo u n d a n y tr a c e o f hi m y et?” Jai a s k e d . “No n e .” T h e EI’s bl u nt r e s p o n s e w a s a w e l c o m e c h a n g e . Jai w o n d e r e d if o t h e r Hig ht o n s pr o gr a m m e d th eir c o m p ut er s t o s p e a k pl ai nly. “Sh o w m e th e v olu m e of s p a c e w h e r e Minist er Iqu ar’ s h a bit at w a s w h e n h e r pr o vi d er e s c a p e d ,” Jai s ai d. “Do n e .” A holomap appeared, rotating to display different views of space. According to the glyphs

scrolling below the image, a few Eubian settlements were within range of Kelric’s s hi p, b ut n o n e h e c o ul d s af ely a p pr o a c h . Re m o vi n g sl a v e r e str ai nt s w a s n’t e a s y, gi v e n h o w th e y link e d t o th e n e r v o u s s y st e m . Any o n e Kelric c o nt a ct e d w o ul d r e c o g niz e hi m a s a pr o vi d er a n d tak e hi m int o c u st o dy. He m i g ht fin d a n e m p ty a st er oi d o r r o g u e w o rl d, b ut hi s fo o d a n d air w o ul d n’t la st l o n g . Jai studied the maps. Kelric could also reach several military bases, including the one where ESComm was keeping the stolen Lock. That would do him no good, either, though. As a Jagernaut, he might possibly escape from such a base, but entering one would be crazy, especially the one with the Lock, given how ESComm could use his mind if they caught him. Jai pushed his hand through his hair. He wished he knew if the fugitive really was Kelric. Would he act a s ESCo m m e x p e ct e d ? T h e y di d n’t k n o w Kelric w a s a Ruby Key. In th at, Jai h a d a n a d v a nt a g e , b e i n g a Key hi m s elf. He tri e d t o i m a gi n e h o w h e w o ul d a c t if h e w e r e a pri s o n e r of ESCo m m . T h o u g ht s of Cor b al c a m e t o m i n d; if hi s c o u si n s u s p e ct e d Jai w a s a Key, h is willingness to trade Eldrin made a lot of sense. But if he believed Jai would use the Lock to conquer Skolia and enslave his own family, the Ruby Dynasty, Corbal was out of his allegedly esteemed mind. Jai would do anything to avoid such a fate, even take his own life. And Kelric? Suddenly Jai knew what his uncle had done. Some called Admiral Xirad Kaliga a shadow. His black uniform had no ornamentation, medals, sash, or piping, nothing except the red braid on his cuffs that denoted his rank. Gaunt of f e atur e a n d n arr o w in th e fa c e , h e a p p e a r e d — at first gl a n c e — o r di n ary. But th at fo ol e d n o o n e w h o k n e w hi m . F e w c o ul d m a t c h hi s r az or-s h a r p int ell e ct; n o n e c o ul d cl ai m hi s c o m b i n ati o n o f e x alt e d bl o o dlin e s , fa mily influ e n c e , e d u c ati o n, a n d c ol d-bl o o d e d m ilitary brilliance. Kaliga spoke little and listened well. He had infinite patience for his own intrigues and none for those of people he considered fools. As one of the two Joint Commanders of ESComm, he had earned the gratitude of the Aristos, who wished to conquer human-settled space, and the dread of the Skolians, who sought to staunch the near-fatal wound his armies had dealt their civilization. Kaliga considered himself an efficient man, punctual, and generous, too, perhaps to a fault. On his home world, he donated to local schools. He brought his spoiled young bride gifts when appropriate and resisted the impulse to gag her when she prattled. He prided himself on his dedication to his job and his integrity in performing it to the best of his ability, inde e d , t o th e b e s t o f a n y o n e’ s a bility. T h at hi s jo b h a d , o v e r th e d e c a d e s , inv ol v e d o r d e rin g th e d e at h s of billi o n s o f p e o pl e di d n’t fa ct or int o hi s a s s e s s m e n t of hi s c h ar a ct er. Kaliga walked through the gardens in the space station where he lived. The habitat was one within a collection of mutually orbiting stations that made up the Sphinx Sector Rim Base. Bodyguards accompanied him, forming a bulwark; any taskmakers who saw them quickly withdrew. Today, Kaliga had company: Lord Jaibriol Raziquon, a lanky ma n wit h a s a r d o ni c lift t o hi s m o ut h. His g r a y tr o u s e r s a n d silv er-blu e s hirt w e r e i m p e c c a bly c ut. Lik e m a n y Hig ht o n m e n , h e h a d b e e n n a m e d for a Qox e m p e r or, e it h er Jai bri ol I o r Jai bri ol II, Kalig a di d n’t k n o w w hi c h. No w th at a Jai bri ol III h a d turn e d u p , Eube would probably be inundated with Jaibriols. Xirad Kaliga had never cared for the name. He preferred sharp words that hit with a solid sound. Like Xirad. Raziquon had no formal position in either the military or civilian command on the station. He was simply a private citizen. It made his intelligence work for Kaliga all the more useful, because he operated outside established hierarchies. However, it also made him harder to

control. No chain of command checked Raziquon; he did as he pleased. Although Kalig a fo u n d hi m u s eful, h e di d n’t tru st hi m . T h e y str oll e d d o w n a p at h b e t w e e n t w o m a ni c ur e d la w n s . T hi s r e si d e nti al a r e a w a s in th e w h e e l of th e st ati o n; in th e di st a n c e , a s p o k e r o s e lik e a h u g e pill ar fr o m th e g r o u n d t o th e “s ky” far o v e r h e a d . “My Lin e h o n o r s th e n e w e m p e r or,” Razi q u o n s ai d. “W e e s t e e m hi s h o n o r e d pr e s e n c e .” Kalig a al m o s t s n o rt e d. Razi q u o n e s t e e m e d n o o n e b ut hi m s elf. “T h e Lin e o f Razi q u o n h a s al w a y s b e e n l oy al t o th e Qox Dyn a sty.” Razi q u o n in clin e d hi s h e a d . “W e v alu e o ur ti e s wit h th e i m p e ri al h o u s e .” “As d o w e all.” Rig ht n o w Kalig a v alu e d Razi q u o n’ s ti e s m o r e th a n hi s o w n . Kalig a int er a ct e d wit h th e i m p e ri al c o urt a s a m ilit ary offic er, b ut Razi q u o n m o v e d in th o s e cir cl e s s o ci ally. He w a s w e ll pl a c e d t o g at h e r int ellig e n c e o n thi s n ew boy-emperor. Kaliga wanted to know what Corbal was plotting. The Xir lord could have kept both Eldrin and the throne for himself. Not that Kaliga believed Corbal would let Jaibriol rule; the cagey lord would control the emperor from the shadows, much as Kaliga cloaked his influence by appearing nondescript. Kalig a s p o k e dryly. “I i m a gi n e th e Lin e o f Xir al s o v alu e s its ti e s t o th e i m p e ri al Lin e.” Amu s e m e n t glint e d in Razi q u o n’ s e y e s . “On e w o ul d thin k d e a r Cor b al h a d a p e n c h a nt for p olitic s.” He lau g h e d . “And for pr o vi d er s , e h ? Pr etty girl s wit h y ell o w h air a n d bi g bl u e e y e s .” T h at c a u g ht Kalig a’ s att e nti o n. “P e n c h a nt s h a v e u s e s .” “L et’s ju st s ay, h e m i g ht d o a n yt hin g t o pr ot e ct th e d a w n .” Razi q u o n flic k e d hi s h a n d t o in di c at e hi s la st w o r d r ef err e d t o hi s previous sentence. So. Corbal had a weakness, a provider named for the dawn. Although Kaliga had never seen Corbal show one mote of sentimentality, he had heard rumors of doting behavior. Could the powerhouse of the Xir bloodline be losing his edge? Kaliga doubted it. Corbal was as sharp as a man in the vigor of youth. But if he cared for this provider, it offered possibilities; a Highton who let improper affection enter into his life became vulnerable. “It w o ul d b e int er e stin g ,” Kalig a r e m a r k e d , “t o s e e h o w Lord Xir w o ul d r e a ct if th e s u n c e a s e d t o ris e .” Cru elty e d g e d Razi q u o n’ s s m il e. “Sh e m i g ht ris e for a n o t h er, e h ? Sw e e t t e ar s .” Kaliga thought of his own providers. Through them, he attained heights of transcendence that lesser beings could never know. Pr o vi d e r s , d e s pit e th eir b e a uty, o r p e r h a p s b e c a u s e o f it, w e r e at th e b o tt o m o f th e h u m a n hi er ar c hy. He h a d h e a r d it a r g u e d th at th e y di d n’t e v e n d e s e r v e th e n oti c e of Arist o s . Kalig a h o n o r e d hi s wit h att e nti o n, l ettin g th e m e a r n e l e v ati o n b y pr o vi din g fo r him. Razi q u o n’ s i m pli c ati o n tr o u bl e d hi m . It w a s tru e th at if Razi q u o n st ol e th e girl, s h e c o ul d m a k e a u s eful l e v e r a g ai n st Cor b al. But s u c h a th eft w a s a tric ky pr o p o siti o n. Pr o vi d er s w e r e c o s tly. St e alin g o n e w a s s e ri o u s b u si n e s s , b o t h b e c a u s e of th e wealth involved and because of the insult it did to another Aristo. Taskmakers cost nothing, of course; everyone who lived on the worlds an Aristo owned belonged to that Aristo. Yet even with taskmakers, the fines were steep for tampering with their populati o n s . It h a d t o b e th at w a y; th e e c o n o m y w o ul d falt er if tr a d e pr ot o c ol s b r o k e d o w n . Pr o vi d e r s c o ul d c o s t m illi o n s . If Razi q u o n t o o k thi s girl a n d w a s c a u g ht, Kalig a’ s a s s o ci ati o n wit h hi m c o ul d pr o v e d a m a gi n g . “T e ar s m a y b e s w e e t w h e n th e y c o m e fr o m a pr o vi d er,” Kalig a s ai d. “But th e y a r e l e s s s o fr o m a c o n vi ct e d thi ef.” Dark n e s s lurk e d b e hi n d Razi q u o n’ s m o c ki n g g a z e . “T h at a s s u m e s th e thi ef is c a u g ht.” “Su c h a b a n dit m u st b e cir c u m s p e c t.” “Of c o ur s e .”

Kalig a n o d d e d , u n d e r st a n di n g Razi q u o n’ s u n s p o k e n a s s u rances. He would use the necessary caution. They continued their walk, discussing other matters, avoiding any more mention of the dawn. Eventually they parted and Kaliga continued on with his bodyguards. Gardens bloomed on either side of the path, part of a park that extended the width of the wheel rim, several hundred meters. After that, the land sloped into terraced hills, where droop-willows shaded houses that resembled small pagodas but were far stronger than their delicate appearance suggested. Although he could have ridden a magrail home, he walked for the exercise. He was at his prime, only seventy, and he intended to stay healthy for a long time. He had two goals in life: to make ESComm invincible and to conquer the Skolian Imperialate. He gave his lo y alty t o th e Qox Dyn a sty, b ut th at a s s u m e d th e e m p e r o r a ct e d in th e b e s t int er e st o f th e e m pir e. Or p er h a p s h e s h o ul d s a y th e Xir Dyn a sty; Cor b al w o ul d s o o n h a v e th e y o u n g e m p e r o r s o di str a ct e d wit h pr o vi d er s , dr u g s , a n d d e b a u c h e ry, th e b o y w o ul d n’t n oti c e h e w a s n’t ru n ni n g a n yt hin g . Kaliga walked through the droop-willows that sheltered his house. On the station, no one worried about weather; it was always perfect. With neither rain nor wind to bother it, the house had many open doorways and windows, even walls that slid aside. The parchment-wood used to construct the house had cost ESComm a great deal; tree growth was controlled on the habitat to avoid draining resources. After leaving a package for his wife in the living room, Kaliga paced down the central h all w ay, l o st in th o u g ht. He di slik e d th e w a y Razi q u o n’ s m i n d w o r k e d . Alth o u g h st e alin g Cor b al Xir’s fa v or e d pr o vi d e r h a d a p p e al, it w a s a s u b v e r si v e pr o p o siti o n. It w o ul d h a v e b e e n m o r e p al at a bl e if Razi q u o n h a d a jo b o r fa mily h e v alu e d , s o m e t hi n g Kaliga could use to control him. But the man lived off his wealth and did nothing useful. In that sense, he was like Corbal. At least Xir presided over the shipping empire he had built, some of it legal, but most of it based on the spoils of his pirate fleets, w hi c h of c o ur s e h e cl ai m e d di d n’t e xi st. A s hrill v oi c e intru d e d o n hi s th o u g ht s. “Hig ht o n s always b u y th eir s p o u s e s sl a v e s . Why s h o ul d h e b e diff er e nt? It is n’t lik e y o u’r e a p er s o n o r a n yt hin g . If h e e v e r c a u g ht m e wit h a n o t h e r Arist o,well, that would be diff er e nt. He w o ul d h a v e m e e x e c ut e d .” Kalig a wi n c e d . Arra n g e d m a rri a g e s h a d th eir dr a w b a c k s . If hi s alli a n c e wit h hi s wif e’ s fa mily h a d n’t b e e n s o u s eful, h e w o ul d h a v e s e nt h e r b a c k t o th e m . He st o p p e d at a d o o r w a y o n th e h all. Insid e , a c r o s s th e r o o m , his wife was kneeling in a clutter of pillows. Her filmy robe revealed tantalizing glimpses of her curvaceous body, and rubies studded the hair piled on her head, reminding him why he enjoyed seeing her when she kept her mouth shut. But today her lovely face was set in a pout and she was facing a stranger, a gold-skinned man sitting on the floor in front of her. Kalig a fr o w n e d . “Xir e n e , w h at a r e y o u talkin g a b o ut?” His wif e s c r a m b l e d t o h e r f e et. Sh e r a n t o hi m a n d thr e w h e r h a n d o v e r h e r h e a rt. “Why, Xiri? Why?Do I m a k e y o u s o u n h a p p y?” Kalig a w e a rily ru b b e d th e b ri d g e of hi s n o s e wit h hi s thu m b a n d for efin g er. “Wh at is it n o w , Xir e n e ?” “I w o n’t g o a w a y. You c a n’t d o thi s t o m e .” Sk oli a b e d a m n e d . “Do w h at?” Sh e w a v e d at th e g ol d m a n . “Isn’t th at w h y y o u b o u g ht m e thi s pr o vi d er? So I w o ul d n’t c o m pl ai n a s m u c h w h e n y o u s e nt m e a w a y?” “I’ m n ot s e n di n g y o u a n y w h e r e .” He t o o k h e r h a n d s , p oi nt e dly ig n orin g th e str a n g er. “Why w o ul d I d o s u c h a thin g?” Why in d e e d . T h e pr o s p e ct h a d a p p e al. Wh e n e v e r h e l o o k e d at h e r body and face, though, he tended to forget that he wanted to send her away.

Xir e n e p o ut e d. “You’r e al w a y s u p s et wit h m e , l o v e .” “I’ m n ot u p s et wit h y o u.” “Youignore m e . ” With a fl o uri s h, s h e w hi p p e d h e r h a n d s o ut o f hi s. I d o n’t h a v e ti m e for thi s.“Xir e n e , I d o n’t e v e n r e m e m b e r o r d e rin g thi s pr o vi d er. I will c h e c k wit h m y st e w a r d t o m o rr o w . But I’v e n o int e nti o n o f s e n di n g y o u a n y w h e r e .” Her s m il e tr a n sf or m e d h e r fa c e fr o m p etul a nt t o r a di a nt. “I’ m s o gl a d t o h e a r th at. I d o n’t w a nt t o g o a w ay. I r e ally d o lik e y o u, y o u k n o w .” Kaliga sighed. Almost against his will, he drew her into his arms and tilted her face to his. Ignoring the overmuscled provider, he kissed his wife. She needed no steroid-packed provider. He might have less bulk and greater age than the y o u n g b u c k s s h e c o ul d h a v e m a rri e d , h a d s h e b e e n gi v e n a c h oi c e , b ut h e w a s h e r h u s b a n d. So m e o n e h a d s e nt th e pr o vi d e r a s a n in s ult, i m plyin g Kalig a c o ul d n’t k e e p hi s y o u n g wif e s ati sfi e d. Wh e n h e fo u n d o ut w h o h a d d o n e it, hi s r et ali ati o n w o ul d b e s wift and subtle. Kaliga sent his wife off to the living room, where he had left her a gift. Mollified, she gave him a bright smile and swept out of the room. Kalig a turn e d t o th e pr o vi d er. “G et u p.” As th e m a n st o o d , Kalig a’ s a n g e r h ar d e n e d . T h e sl a v e t o w e r e d o v e r hi m . He w o r e g ol d tr o u s e r s a n d s hirt, n ot hi n g bl at a nt, b ut fitt e d t o s h o w c a s e hi s m a g nific e nt p h y si q u e . Ev e n m o r e g allin g, a g e lin e s s h o w e d a r o u n d hi s e y e s a n d g r a y str e a k e d hi s h air. He o b vi o u sly h a d n’t b e e n s c ulpt e d; h e c a m e b y hi s l o o k s n atur ally, a n appearance Kaliga could never match even with modification. Strangely enough, the provider had been subjected to some cheap genetic tattoo that was either wearing off or had been reversed. His brown hair was turning a metallic gold, and his eyes and skin h a d a g ol d s hi m m e r. It di d n’t s ur pri s e Kalig a; m a n y pr o vi d er s r e s e m b l e d pr e ci o u s m e t al s o r g e m s . But th e s h o d d y tatt o o jo b w a s a n o t h e r in s ult. He w o ul d fin d o ut w h o h a d d o n e thi s, a n d w h e n h e di d, th e y w o ul d p ay. “Wh o s e nt y o u?” h e a s k e d . The provider look e d at hi m bl a n kly. “Do n’t k n o w , sir. I’m s o rry.” He h a d a n u n u s u ally d e e p v oi c e . “You’r e s o rry.” Kalig a w o ul d s e e t o it th at w h o e v e r h a d s e nt hi m w a s m o r e th a n s o rry. “Wh er e a r e y o u fr o m ?” “I d o n’t k n o w th at e it h er, sir.” “Why n ot?” “I d o n’t u n d e r st a n d th o s e thin g s .” T h e m a n’ s r e s p o n s e s w e r e off in s o m e w a y, b ut Kalig a w a s n’t s ur e h o w . He w o n d e r e d if th e f ell o w w a s fakin g a v a c u o u s p er s o n ality t o pr ot e ct hi m s elf fr o m q u e s ti o n s . But a pr o vi d er c o ul d n e v e r h a v e th e c u n ni n g for s u c h a d e c e pti o n. Far m o r e lik ely, th e m a n h a d b e e n d eli b e r at ely c h o s e n for hi s li mit e d int ell e ct. Kalig a di d n’t m i s s th e i m pli e d tau nt:he needs no mind to satisfy your neglected wife. He m a d e a c o n s ci o u s eff ort n ot t o g rit hi s t e et h. “Wh at di d th e y d o , ta k e y o ur b r ai n o ut?” “No sir. I d o n’t k n o w .” Kalig a h a d n o int e nti o n o f l ettin g thi s in s ult r e m ai n in hi s h o m e . He s n a p p e d o ut a n o r d er. “You will w o r k o n th e ri m c r e w .” T h e n h e l eft. As Kaliga walked to his office, he contacted his aide about the rim-walk crew. Like the robots that maintained the station, rim-walkers did upkeep. Robots had higher status, though, because they were more durable and less emotional. Then Kaliga told his intelligence people to find out who had mailed this provider to his wife. After he had the man killed, he would send the body back to the true owner, cheap tattoo job and all.

8 Lock’s E nd Jai t ol d n o o n e hi s pl a n s . He s u m m o n e d hi s ai d e , Ro b e rt Muz e s o n , b ef or e th e s u n r o s e o n Glory’s sixt e e n - h o ur d ay. He c h o s e Ro b e rt for t w o r e a s o n s : th e ai d e h a d n o dir e ct r el ati o n t o Cor b al Xir, a n d hi s m i n d di d n’t c r e at e a n y m e n t al pr e s s ur e o n Jai. Ro b e rt, h o w e v er, in si st e d o n s u m m o ni n g Jai’s Raz er s . Jai b al k e d at first, b ut h e fin ally g a v e in, k n o wi n g th at if h e di d n’t c h o o s e hi s b attl e s wi s ely, h e w o ul d e x h a u st hi m s elf fig h ting everything. So it was that two hours before the sun rose, Jai left Glory and headed to the Sphinx Sector military base where ESComm kept the Lock they had stolen from the Skolians. The stations of Sphinx Sector Rim Base orbited one another in complex tr aj e ct ori e s th at c o v e r e d a n i m m e n s e r e gi o n o f e m pty s p a c e . “E m pty,” of c o ur s e , w a s r el ativ e ; int er st ell ar d u st, hi g h e n e r g y p arti cl e s , r a di ati o n, a n d a s t er oi d s r e g ul arly vi sit e d th e n ei g h b o r h o o d . The Lock orbited near the center of the SSRB. Only a select f e w o f ESCo m m ’ s hi g h e s t offic er s h a d cl e a r a n c e t o e n t er th e s p a c e st ati o n. Jai w a s irk e d t o di s c o v e r th at e v e n h e h a d tr o u bl e s e c urin g p e r mi s si o n o n s u c h s h o rt n oti c e . He di d n’t try thr e at s; in st e a d , h e b e s t o w e d gifts o n th o s e w h o c o o p e r at e d wit h hi m , e verything from expensive baubles to implied promises of imperial favors. Jai di d n’t k n o w w h at t o e x p e ct. He h a d n o e x p e ri e n c e wit h s p a c e st ati o n s . He h a d r e a d a b o ut th e m d urin g th e jo ur n e y t o th e SSRB, b e t w e e n hi s b o ut s of s p a c e si c k n e s s , s o h e u n d e r st o o d that larger stations supported biospheres with plants and animals, and crews that numbered in the millions. The Lock was apparently much smaller, purely utilitarian, with no biosphere, only machinery and metal. Colonel Vatrix Muze, the ranking officer on th e Lo c k, t o o k Jai o n a t o ur. As it turn e d o ut, Muz e h a d kin s hip ti e s t o b o t h Jai a n d Ro b e rt. T h e c ol o n el w a s th e g r a n d s o n o f Hig h Jud g e Cal o p e Muz e, w h o w a s a ni e c e of Eu b e Qox, a n d Cal o p e’ s s o n h a d sir e d Ro b e rt’s m o t h e r o n a pr o vi d er. Jai r e aliz e d e v e n h e and Robert were related, through Calope. It was no wonder Aristo introductions included a recitation of ancestors, given their labyrinthine kinship bonds. Jai c o ul d n’t fath o m w h y Hig ht o n s s o a d a m a ntly b eli e v e d in br e e di n g str e n gt h e n e d th e m . Tru e , m o s t o f th e d el et eri o u s r e c e s si v e s h a d b e e n p ur g e d fr o m th eir DNA, b ut th at di d n’t st o p th e m fr o m st a g n atin g . T h e y n e e d e d n e w g e n e s , w hi c h th e y w o ul d n e v e r g e t if th e y in si st e d o n m a rryin g e a c h o t h e r all th e ti m e . T h er e w e r e n’t e v e n th at m a n y Hig ht o n bl o o dlin e s . So far he knew of only eleven: Qox, Xir, Muze, Iquar, Kaliga, Taratus, Vitrex, Raziquon, Haquail, Kayzar, and Quaelen. Colonel Muze escorted them through command centers which all looked the same to Jai, just chambers with dormant consoles that would sleep until a Key a c tiv at e d th e Lo c k. But for all th at ESCo m m b e li e v e d th e Lo c k slu m b e r e d , Jai f elt its m i n d e v e n thr o u g h hi s b a rri er s a n d th e pr e s s ur e o f Col o n el Muz e’ s Arist o m i n d. T h e Lo c k w a s aliv e . Its s e nti e n c e tu g g e d at hi m , ju st b a r ely a w a k e . It w a s n’t life he understood; its intelligence felt alien. But it recognized its Key. =T h e y’v e s h o w n u s n ot hi n g , = Jai w r ot e t o Ro b e rt o n hi s p al mt o p . =Ju st in o p e r ativ e c o n s ol e s . = Robert had swept the office for monitors, and dismantled several, but Jai doubted they h a d fo u n d e v e r yt hin g . Inst e a d of s p e a ki n g , h e p a s s e d hi s p al mt o p t o Ro b e rt. T h at di d n’t g u ar a nt e e priv a c y e it h er, b ut it w o ul d h el p. Jai w o n d e r e d ju st h o w p ar a n oi d h e w o ul d b e c o m e ,

livin g a m o n g th e Arist o s . T h e y w e r e sittin g at a ta bl e in Jai’s s uit e o n th e s p a c e st ati o n. Ro b e rt w r ot e o n th e p al mt o p, =S o m e c o m m a n d st ati o n s m u st w o r k; o t h e r wi s e thi s st ati o n w o ul d n’t o p e r at e at all.= =I want to see the Lock, = Jai wrote. Ro b e rt’s for e h e a d c r e a s e d . =T hi s is it.= =W e h a v e n’t s e e n th e a ctu al Lo c k.= =You mean the singularity in spacetime?= =Yes.= Robert blanched. =It will suck us away. Take our souls.= It w a s n’t th e first ti m e Jai h a d h e a r d a Eu bi a n e x pr e s s s u p e r stiti o n a b o ut th e Lo c k. He di d n’t m i s s th e ir o ny, th at Arist o s f elt s o ull e s s t o p si o n s , y et Eubi a n s f e ared the Lock that protected Skolians would suck away their souls. =It c a n’t aff e ct y o u u nl e s s y o u w al k int o it, = Jai w r ot e . =Ev e n th e n , o nly a p si o n w o ul d f e el a n yt hin g .= Robert stiffened. =I am a taskmaker.= Damn. Jai knew he had blundered. He had lived m o s t o f hi s lif e s urr o u n d e d b y p si o n s . It w a s n’t u ntil h e h a d g o n e t o liv e wit h S et h Ro c k w o rt h o n Earth th at h e r e aliz e d m o s t p e o pl e w e r e n’t e m p at h s o r t el e p at h s . Alth o u g h h e h a d k e pt hi s a biliti e s t o hi m s elf, h e c o n si d e r e d th e m a b e n efit, tr ait s h e g r e atly valued. Eu bi a n s di d n’t s h a r e th at o pi ni o n. T h e y s a w p si o n s a s inf eri or. We a k. Alth o u g h m o s t pr o vi d er s liv e d in a luxury f e w ta s k m a k e r s c o ul d e v e r att ain, th e y w e r e at th e b o tt o m o f Eubi a n s o ci al hi er ar c hi e s . In c o ntr a st, Ro b ert w a s cl o s e t o th e t o p. If Jai implied he was a provider, it would be a grave insult. =You are a lord among taskmakers, = Jai wrote. =You are my respected aide.= Robert lifted his head. =It is my honor.= =I will g o int o th e Lo c k al o n e . As a Hig ht o n , I’m i m m u n e t o its eff e ct s.= Jai h a d w a nt e d a n e x c u s e t o d u m p hi s g u ar d s , a n d Ro b ert’s s u p e r stiti o n g a v e hi m a n o p e ni n g . =You a n d th e g u ar d s will w ait o ut si d e . = Robert took the palmtop from Jai. =I would give my life rather than let you risk entering the Lock alone.= =I w o n’t e n t er. Just v iew it.= Although he could use the Lock to join the Triad, it would be about as smart as shooting himself with a laser carbine. Command centers all over the station would come to life. Not only would it give him away as a Ruby psion, but he would also be handing the Hightons a Key who was already in the Triad. Jai had come here only to find Kelric. His uncle was the one who should join the Triad; Kelric had the experience, maturity, and background to rule as Imperator, the military commander of the Skolian Imp eri al at e . Jai’s m o t h e r h a d b e e n Imp er at or b ef or e s h e di e d , b ut n o o n e h el d th e p o siti o n n o w . T h e o t h e r t w o Tri a d m e m b e r s w e r e Jai’s g r a n df at h er a n d Jai’s g r e at-a u nt, th e Ruby Ph ar a o h . His g r a n df at h er w a s in c u st o d y o n Earth; th eir m ilit ary r efu s e d t o r el e a s e hi m for f e ar th e Ruby Dyn a sty w o ul d b uild a n o t h e r p si b e r w e b a n d g o b a c k t o w a r wit h Eu b e , thr o wi n g w o rl dsl a g gi n g a r mi e s at e a c h o t h e r u ntil th e y d e s tr o y e d ci viliz ati o n. In hi s d ar k er m o m e n t s , Jai w o n d e r e d if th e p e o pl e of Earth w e r e n’t rig ht. ESComm claimed that Dyhianna Selei, the Ruby Pharaoh, had died when they captured her husband, Prince Eldrin, but Jai had his doubts. If they had killed her, they would have trumpeted it across interstellar space. That they were so quiet made Jai suspect they did n’t k n o w w h at h a d h a p p e n e d t o h er. But if s h e h a d e s c a p e d , w h y di d n’t s h e r e v e al h e r s elf? T h e sil e n c e u n n e r v e d hi m . T h e Sk oli a n s w e r e d e m o r aliz e d; h e r a p p e a r a n c e n o w c o ul d r ee n e r giz e h e r p e o pl e m u c h a s Cor b al cl ai m e d Jai h a d d o n e for th e Eu bi a n s . So w h e r e was

she? Jai exhaled. Perhaps the Ruby Dynasty truly was broken, with only his grandfather in the Triad. Jai had found no hint of his uncle Kelric here. It disheartened him: he had been so certain. The escaped provider was probably someone else, a man who just happened to resemble the uncle Jai had seen only in holos. It was stupid to hope. Kelric Valdoria had been dead for eighteen years. Regardless, Jai wanted to visit the Lock. He felt compelled, an impulse that had grown as the day passed. Robert wrote on his palmtop. =You must take an active comm into the Lock. And we will monitor you. If anything goes wrong, we will be ready.= Jai di d n’t w a nt th e m m o nit orin g hi m ; it w o ul d li mit hi s a c ti o n s . But it w a s pr o b a bly th e b e s t h e c o ul d d o . If h e k e pt in si sting on privacy, it would arouse suspicion. Relaxing his barriers, he concentrated on Robert. His aide genuinely believed only a Highton could enter the Lock without being destroyed. But if Robert thought Jai was in danger, he would go in anyway, even believing he risked his soul. =You honor me with your fealty, = Jai wrote. Robert looked pleased. =We should go now, during the night shift.= Smart man. =Yes. We are less likely to encounter obstacles.= Ro b e rt u n d e r st o o d e x a ctly w h at “ o b st a cl e s ” Jai m e a nt. =I c a n hide us from ESComm Security.= Jai grinned. =Good.= The only entrance to the Lock was through an ancient airlock. Unlike modern airlocks, which were permeable membranes that clung to a person as they stepped through, this one consisted of two solid hatches. Jai waited with Robert next to it while two of his Razers used their palmtops to check the monitors inside his body. His other two bodyguards opened the outer hatch of the airlock. Jai wondered why the Lock chamber needed it. An extra safeguard, perhaps, in case this section of the station ever became cut off from the rest. Psions strong enough to use the Lock had always been rare and well protected. After he stepped through the hatchway, his guards shut the hatch, closing him into a metal antechamber. He tried the inner hatch, straining to turn its circular handle, but nothing happened. He tried pulling it the other way. Nothing. Jai frowned. Could he even enter? Come. Jai froze. He felt the thought as a sense of meaning rather than an actual word. I know you,Jai answered. It was true. The sentience had been trying to contact him since he boarded the station. No answer. Jai tried again.How do I enter? I will veil you. Veil?I d o n’t u n d e r st a n d. An impression formed in his mind, neither words nor images, but he understood. The Lock would disguise his actions within its chamber so the guards monitoring him would know nothing of what transpired. How do I open the hatch?Jai asked. When no response came, he tried again.May I enter? The handle turned and the hatch swung open. Taking a deep breath, Jai stepped through the hatchway into an octagonal chamber about twenty paces wide. The dark shapes of consoles hulked in the gloom, but across from him, a

corridor sparkled, shedding the only light. Its path arrowed str ai g ht b a c k u ntil it b e c a m e a p oi nt in th e infinit e di st a n c e . T h at h a d t o b e a n illu si o n; it c o ul d n’t g o o n for e v e r wit hin a finit e s p a c e st ati o n. T h e c o rrid or h a d n o w all s; tr a n s p ar e nt c ol u m n s d elin e at e d it, e a c h fill e d wit h cl o c k w o r k m e c h a ni s m s th at l o o ked as if they were made from precious metals and ebony. Lights spiraled within the columns, racing around and around, hypnotic. Jai di d n’t k n o w h o w l o n g h e st o o d e n t hr all e d. Gra d u ally h e b e c a m e a w a r e o f th e c h a m b e r a r o u n d hi m . He c o ul d ju st m a k e o ut th e d ormant consoles against its walls. A dais rose to his left, and a great chair stood there. Its armrests were rectangular blocks threaded with conduits, glistening with trapped light. Equipment embedded the backrest, a slab of metal several meters high and half a meter thick. Blocky and solid, the shadowed chair stood like an empty throne. He walked to the dais, inexorably drawn. The pulse of the chamber rumbled through him like a heartbeat. Jai went to the chair. It adjusted to his weight as he sat down. Looking out, he saw a console on the opposite wall, indistinct in the shadows. A man was working there. Jai froze. He knew that man. Few had such great height or massive build. Even in the dim light, his skin and hair glinted. Kelric?Jai formed the word in his mind. The man remained absorbed in his work. Even knowing he was there, Jai could barely see him. Jai di d n’t k n o w h o w l o n g h e s at wit h o ut m o vi n g . T h e n a m a n’ s th o u g ht r e v e r b e r at e d in hi s m i n d, r a g g e d a n d h ar s h, r a w wit h p o w er.Suspend. The Lock answered:Done. And it died. The heartbeat vanished; the luminous corridor went dark; the sentience ceased. Jai suddenly felt bereft. T h e m a n l eft th e c o n s ol e th e n a n d w al k e d t o th e d ar k e n e d c o rrid or. He p a u s e d at its e n tr a n c e , gl a n ci n g b a c k — And looked straight at Jai.

9 The Promise Th e m a n’ s a ur a o f p o w e r w a s ta n gi bl e, e v o ki n g th e m yt h s o f Ruby g o d s fr o m fiv e m ill e n ni a a g o . Jai w a s s o st artl e d, h e n e a rly for g ot hi s r ol e a s e m p e r or. He h a d t o c at c h hi m s elf fr o m r e s p o n di n g lik e a n a s t o ni s h e d b o y. When he recovered, Jai s u m m o n e d u p hi s m o s t al o of Hig ht o n t o n e . “Ar e y o u d o n e st arin g at m e ?” T h e m a n st o o d m o ti o nl e s s , hi s fa c e u nr e a d a bl e . “Ho w di d y o u g e t in h e r e ?” “I s h o ul d a s k th at q u e s ti o n o f y o u.” Jai l e a n e d hi s e l b o w o n th e a r m of hi s c h air, c o p yin g hi s g r a n df at h e r’ s r e g al p o s e . “You w e r e int e nt o n y o ur w o r k. Killin g th e Lo c k, I g at h er.” Re c o g niti o n flar e d in th e m a n’ s g a z e . “You’r e th e o n e w h o s p o k e in th e b r o a d c a st fr o m th e e m p e r o r’ s p al a c e .” “You s a w th e b r o a d c a st?” “Fr o m a di st a n c e .” With a q ui et c e rt ai nty, h e s ai d “I k n o w y o u.” Jai wi s h e d h e h a d s o m e of th o s e n a n o m e d s th at c o ntr oll e d hi s s w e a t n o w . Did thi s m a n r e m e m b e r hi m fr o m Ed g e w hirl — o r di d h e r e c o g niz e a d e e p e r kin s hip? Ev e n if thi s w a s hi s u n cl e , Jai c o ul d n’t r e v e al hi m s elf. T h e Ruby Dyn a sty w a s a b o ut a s likely to welcome a Highton into their midst as they were to eat machine parts. Nor did Jai have any reason to

believe they would protect his secret. He s c h o o l e d hi s fa c e int o w h at h e h o p e d w a s a c o n vi n ci n g Hig ht o n a rr o g a n c e . “I s h o ul d think all s e ttl e d s p a c e k n o w s m e b y n o w .” Kelric s p o k e in a l o w v oi c e . “You’r e a Qox.” Alth o u g h Jai lau g h e d , it f elt h oll o w. “Nota Qox.The Qox.” It w a s a l o n g m o m e n t b ef or e Kelric a n s w e r e d . “T h e e m p e r o r’ s h eir.” He h a d r e m a r k a bl e c o m p o s ur e gi v e n hi s situ ati o n. Jai thought of Cor b al’s int e nt t o m a k e hi m a p u p p et e m p e r o r a n d hi s a n g e r s p ar k e d . “I a m n o h eir. I rul e Eu b e . As Jai bri ol th e T hird.” “Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d h a d n o h eir.” “Of c o ur s e h e di d. Me.” Kelric stu di e d hi m wit h a n u n s e ttlin g c o n c e ntr ati o n. “I k n o w y o u fr o m s o m e w h e r e .” Worri e d n o w , Jai tri e d t o r e dir e ct hi m . “P er h a p s y o u w e r e d a z zl e d b y y o ur ti m e in th e Lo c k, Lor d Sk oli a.” To o lat e, h e r e aliz e d w h at h e h a d s ai d.Lord Skolia. His subconscious had recognized the truth; Kelric had already joined the Triad, becoming Imperator. Kelric’s r e aliz ati o n w a s s o s h ar p, it pi er c e d Jai’s m e n t al b a rri er s. “You’r e Jay Ro c k w o rt h. T h e Da w n Corp s v olu nt e e r o n Ed g e w hirl.” Jai w a v e d hi s h a n d , h o pi n g it l o o k e d lik e a c o n vi n ci n g di s m i s s al. “T hi s w a s all in th e b r o a d c a st.” “T h at y o u w e r e wit h th e Alli e d s ?” “T h at m y p ar e nt s hi d m e o n Earth. T h e Alli e d s di s c o v e r e d it a n d tr a d e d m e t o Eub e .” F a c e d wit h thi s m a n w h o m i g ht b e hi s u n cl e a n d th e Sk oli a n Imp er at or, Jai c o ul d n’t m a i nt ain hi s c ol d v e n e er. With w o n d er, h e a d d e d , “I h a d n o id e a w h o y o u w e r e , th at d a y o n Ed g e w hirl.” Kelric e x h al e d . “Nor I, for y o u.” Jai h e sit at e d , afr ai d t o di s c o v e r hi s h o p e s w e r e w r o n g . But h e m a d e hi m s elf a s k . “Whi c h o n e a r e y o u?” “Whi c h o n e ?” “In th e Ruby Dyn a sty.” Jai h el d hi s b r e at h. T h e n th e m a n s ai d, “Kelric s o n Vald ori a.” T e ar s stu n g Jai’s e y e s . Me m o ri e s o f hi s littl e b r ot h e r fl o o d e d hi s m i n d, stirrin g hi s l o n elin e s s . “D el-Kelric.” Wh e n Kelric’s r e c o g niti o n o f th e n a m e ju m p e d in hi s m i n d, Jai w a nt e d t o ki c k hi m s elf. Hehad to be more careful. He strove to recover his Hig ht o n t o n e . “Wh er e di d y o u c o m e fr o m ? You’v e b e e n d e a d for y e a r s .” Kelric e v a d e d th e q u e s ti o n. “Why w e r e y o u wit h th e Da w n Corp s? It m a k e s n o s e n s e . You e x pr e s s e d s y m p at hy for th e Ruby Dyn a sty.” Jai s hr u g g e d . “P er h a p s y o u r e m e m b e r w h at y o u wi s h .” “No. And y o u l o o k fa mili ar. I d o n’t k n o w w hy. But Iknow y o u.” Jai l o n g e d t o r e v e al hi m s elf, t o s e e k th e s ol a c e o f hi s kin s hip wit h thi s m a n . He di d n’t d ar e . But h e c o ul d h el p hi s u n cl e e s c a p e . He st e p p e d d o w n fr o m th e thr o n e a n d w al k e d t o Kelric. Layin g hi s h a n d s o n th e r ail s e p ar atin g th e m , h e r e g ar d e d hi s u n cl e st e a dily. “G o. No w. Whil e y o u c a n .” “You w o ul d l et m e g o ?” “Ye s.” “Why?” Sorr o w tu g g e d at Jai. If a n y o n e c o ul d h el p hi m e n s ur e hi s p ar e nt s h a d n’t di e d in v ai n, it w a s Kelric. His h o p e s , f e ar s , a n d l o n gi n g all m i x e d int o hi s v oi c e . “Me et m e at th e p e a c e ta bl e.” “You w a nt m e t o b eli e v e y o u wi s h p e a c e , w h e n y o u h a v e a Lo c k a n d t w o Keys?” Jai tilt e d hi s h e a d . “Wh at Lo c k? It n o l o n g e r w o r k s . We h a d o n e Key. We g a v e hi m b a c k .”

Kelric w ait e d . T h e n h e s ai d, “Ga v e w h o b a c k ?” “Your b r ot h er. Eldrin Vald ori a.” Kelric stiff e n e d . “Do n’t li e t o m e , Hig ht o n.” “Why w o ul d I li e?” “It’s w h at y o u Hig ht o n s d o . Lie, m a ni p ul at e, c h e a t.” He h e a r d th e p ai n th at u n d e rl ay hi s u n cl e’ s a n g e r a n d k n e w Kelric h a d s uff er e d hi s o w n tri al s.Would that I could tell you the truth. Jai h urt s o m u c h , s urr o u n d e d b y Arist o s , c ut off fr o m hi s for m e r lif e, u n a bl e t o c o nfid e in a n y o n e . He stru g gl e d t o m a i nt ain hi s c r u m blin g Arist o fa c a d e . “I’v e littl e int er e st in y o ur i m a gi n e d list of Hig ht o n ills.” Kelric s p o k e sl o wly. “Eu b e w o ul d n e v e r gi v e its Key t o th e Alli e d s . Not w h e n y o u fin ally h a d a Lo c k. Nothin g is w o rt h it.” “Not e v e n m e ?” Kelric w e n t v e ry still. “You, for Eldrin?” “Ye s.” Jai c o ul d s e n s e hi s u n cl e’ s m i n d e v e n m o r e n o w ; Kelric w a nt e d t o b e li e v e his brother was in the custody of the Allied Worlds, but his hope fought with his conviction that the Aristos would never trade their Ruby psion. “You a r e rig ht,” Jai a d d e d dryly, thinkin g of hi s di s m al s h o wi n g a s e m p e r or. “It w a s n’t a u niv er s ally p o p ul ar d e ci si o n . But it is d o n e . I a m e m p e r o r a n d y o ur b r ot h e r is a n Alli e d pri s o n er.” Alth o u g h Kelric c o ntr oll e d hi s e x pr e s si o n s , Jai w a s pi c kin g u p m o r e fr o m hi s u n cl e, in clu din g Kelric’s in n at e d e c e n c y a n d st oi ci s m . T h e o l d e r m a n’ s s o rr o w for th e fa mily h e h a d l o st al s o fill e d hi s m i n d. He di d n’t b eli e v e Eldrin w a s fr e e ; h e th o u g ht Jai w a s tau ntin g hi m w hil e Raz er s w ait e d t o ta k e hi m pri s o n er. Tr o u bl e d, Jai s ai d, “I a m al o n e .” Kelric fr oz e . “Why di d y o u s a y th at?” Jai silently swore. He had become so caught up in th eir e x c h a n g e , h e h a d n’t r e aliz e d h e w a s r e s p o n di n g t o hi s u n cl e’ s th o u g ht s. “You di d n’t w o n d e r if I h a d g u ar d s ? I fin d th at h a r d t o b eli e v e .” Kelric di d n’t hi d e hi s di s b eli ef. “And y o u ju st h a p p e n e d t o c o m e in — al o n e — w h e n I w a s h e r e .” “Ah, w e ll.” Jai r e aliz e d h e c o ul d o nly str et c h th e truth s o far. “It w o ul d b e a g r e at c oi n ci d e n c e , y e s ? But I k n e w y o u w e r e h e r e .” “Ho w?” “P er h a p s y o u c o ul d s a y I f elt it.” “P er h a p s . I d o n’t b eli e v e it.” “I s u p p o s e n ot.” Jai ru b b e d hi s c hi n, tryin g t o think of a n o t h e r e x c u s e . “I d e t e ct e d y o ur e n tr a n c e in th e st ati o n w e b .” He f elt a s if ti m e w e r e ru s hi n g p a st th e m . T h e l o n g e r th e y s p e nt h e r e , th e g r e at er th e c h a n c e hi s g u ar d s w o ul d c o m e for hi m a n d fin d Kelric. “I m p e r at or Sk oli a, m e e t m e w h e n w e c a n di s c u s s p e a c e .” “Why s h o ul d I b eli e v e y o u w a nt thi s?” “Ask for s o m e t hi n g I c a n g r a nt a s pr o of o f m y int e nt.” Kelric p a u s e d , thinkin g . T h e n h e s ai d, “T h e r e is a m a n . A Sk oli a n. Jaf e Mac c ar, c a pt ai n o f th e Corona. ” Ang er s p ar k e d in Kelric’s m i n d. “Aft er a b attl e at th e s p a c e st ati o n Chry s ali s, Mac c ar w a s s e nt e n c e d t o t e n y e ar s in a n ESCo m m pri s o n . Unju stly.” His forthri g ht g a z e b e c a m e a c h all e n g e . “Par d o n hi m .” Jai knew nothing about Maccar or why ESComm had sent him to prison. Nor did he know if he wielded enough authority to make a p ar d o n sti c k. It w o ul d c e rt ai nly ali e n at e ESCo m m . But h e c o ul d a d m it n o n e o f th at t o Kelric, s o h e s ai d o nly, “I will c o n si d e r it.” Kelric’s e x pr e s si o n cl e a rly s ai d h e e x p e c t e d Jai t o d o n ot hin g. It b o t h e r e d Jai th at hi s u n cl e th o u g ht hi s off er w a s fal s e . He m o ti o n e d u p w a r d, a w e ll-k n o w n g e s t ur e m e a nt t o in clu d e all

Eu b e . “It’s lik e a g r e at thu n d e rin g m a c hi n e I h ol d b y th e b a r e st thr e a d . If I a m t o fin d a r o a d t o p e a c e , I n e e d y o ur h el p.” Kelric stared at him for a long moment. Gradually his wariness chan g e d , b e c o m i n g a q ui et in cr e d ulity. T h e n h e s p o k e in a l o w v oi c e . “You’r e a t el e p at h.” Jai fr o z e , h o rrifi e d. “No. I a m w h at y o u s e e . Qox.” “At w h at pri c e ?” Kelric a s k e d . “Wh at m u s t y o u s uff er t o hi d e th e truth?” Jai c o ul d n’t a n s w er. It h urt t o o m u c h . Inst e a d h e s ai d, “Wa s a n y o n e h e r e w h e n I c a m e int o th e Lo c k? I n e v e r s a w hi m .” His u n cl e a n s w e r e d wit h a n u n b e a r a bl e c o m p a s si o n . “G o d s h el p y o u, s o n .” “G o.” Jai f elt a s if h e w e r e b r e a ki n g in si d e . “No w. Whil e y o u c a n .” Kelric stepped into the darkened corridor. He started to walk, his back to Jai, his steps measured, as if he expected an attack. “Lor d Sk oli a,” Jai s ai d. Kelric turn e d b a c k , p oi s e d a n d t e n s e . “Ye s?” “If y o u m a k e it t o Earth —” Jai lift e d hi s h a n d a s if t o r e a c h o ut t o Kelric. T h e n h e c a u g ht hi m s elf a n d l o w e r e d hi s a r m . “G o s e e Ad mir al S et h Ro c k w o rt h.” T h e o l d e r m a n p a u s e d . “I will g o .” Then the Imperator continued down the corridor. As he strode along that avenue of the ages, Jai thought: Go d s’ s p e e d , m y u n cl e. On Jai’s s e c o n d d a y at th e Lo c k, Colonel Muze took him to visit its operational command center. Officers crewed the consoles and lights flickered everywhere. Jai stood flanked by Muze and Robert, his hands clasped behind his back, watching a holoscreen that curved around the forward bulkhead showing the panorama of space. Stars glittered in a multitude of colors, and spumes of interstellar dust glowed, moving out of view as the station rotated. In the distance, another space station came into view. “Su c h b e a uty,” Jai m u r m ur e d . “Be a uty w o rt h s e c urin g .” Muz e p a u s e d . “I h o p e y o u fo u n d th e s e c urity in th e Lo c k t o y o ur a p pr o v al la st ni g ht.” Jai in w ar dly s w o r e . So. T h e y k n e w a b o ut hi s vi sit. “It a p p e a r e d a d e q u at e .” “Ad e q u at e off er s th e o p p o rtu nity for i m pr o v e m e n t.” Jai c o ul d n’t t ell w h e t h e r th e c ol o n el s u s p e ct e d hi m of tr e a s o n o r f e ar e d Jai h a d fo u n d hi s c o m m a n d la c kin g . In Muz e’ s pr e s e n c e , h e h a d t o fortify hi s b a rri er s s o m u c h , hi s th o u g ht s f elt m uffl e d. Rath er th a n ris k i m pli c atin g hi m s elf, h e s ai d n ot hi n g . Star s w h e e l e d p a st o n th e h ol o s c r e e n s . A young lieutenant approached them and went down on one knee to Jai. Em b arr a s s e d , Jai s ai d, “Pl e a s e ris e .” T h e li e ut e n a nt st o o d , hi s g a z e a v e rt e d. “You gi v e m e g r e at h o n o r b y y o ur pr e s e n c e , Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s .” Jai r e d d e n e d . He c o ul d n’t b e li e v e it w h e n th e y s ai d s u c h thin g s . F ortu n at ely Muz e s a v e d hi m fr o m h a vi n g t o think o f a r e s p o n s e . “You h a v e a r e p o rt?” th e c ol o n el a s k e d . T h e li e ut e n a nt s alut e d . “Ye s, sir. A frig at e is a p pr o a c hi n g th e Lo c k.” Muz e fr o w n e d . “Do e s it h a v e cl e ar a n c e ?” “Ye s, sir.” “Wh o is it?” Jai asked. T h e li e ut e n a nt a v e rt e d hi s g a z e a g ai n. Jai wi s h e d th e y w o ul d n’t d o th at. Ta s k m a k e r s w e r e n’t r e q uir e d t o l o o k d o w n , b ut th e y o ft e n di d a n y w ay. Many b eli e v e d th e n o n s e n s e pr o m ul g at e d b y Hig ht o n pr o p a g a n d a , th at th e e m p e r o r w a s , if n ot a n a c tu al d eity, then close to one.

From his parents, Jai had learned about the pantheon of gods and saints worshipped by the ancient peoples of the Ruby Empire, and by some Skolians and Eubians even in this modern age. His mother had also told him about the mythology o f h e r fat h e r’ s p e o pl e . On Earth, S et h h a d intr o d u c e d hi m t o Christi a nity. After all th at, it e m b a rr a s s e d hi m t o h a v e th e Eu bi a n s tr e at hi m thi s w ay. He di d n’t k n o w h o w t o r e s p o n d, s o h e “s ol v e d” th e pr o bl e m b y n ot r e a ctin g . Not o nly di d it m a k e n o diff e rence, his remote behavior seemed expected. “W e h a v e a vi sit or, Your Hig h n e s s ,” th e li e ut e n a nt s ai d. “Cor b al Xir, Hig h Lord o f th e Xir Lin e.” Ah, hell.His escape from his cousin had just ended.

10 Silver Too many Aristos came to dinner. Admiral Xirad Kaliga, Joint Commander of ESComm, hosted the affair in his home to welcome Jai and Corbal to Sphinx Sector Rim Base. He invited the local Aristo aristocracy. His child-bride, Xirene, presided over the festivities, unceasing in her chatter. Reclining at the high ta bl e, Jai f elt s o far o ut of hi s d e pt h, h e w o n d e r e d th at h e di d n’t dr o w n . Xir e n e w a s th e o nly p e r s o n e v e n cl o s e t o hi s a g e , a n d s h e h a d y e a r s of e x p e ri e n c e in Eubi a n s o ci ety. Ev e n wit h hi s b a rri er s at t o p str e n gt h, hi s m i n d r e el e d u n d e r th e o n sl a u g ht o f so many Aristos. Their minds weighed on him until he thought his head would burst from the pressure. T h e e x c r u ci atin g d a y n e v e r s e e m e d t o e n d . At l e a st n o o n e e l s e m e n ti o n e d hi s vi sit t o th e Lo c k. Jai pr ay e d th e y h a d n’t c a ptur e d Kelric. If th e y h a d , th e y s h o ul d h a v e t ol d hi m , b ut h e di d n’t k n o w if th e y w o ul d. Mayb e th e y w e r e t oyin g wit h th e e m p e r o r th e y w o ul d s o o n a c c u s e of tr e a s o n . Or m a y b e th e y h a d n o id e a Kelric h a d b e e n th er e . With hi s b a rri er s u p, Jai c o ul d n’t di s c e r n if th e Arist o s e v e n k n e w th e Lo c k had died. It seemed impossible they could be oblivious to such a dramatic change, yet either no one had noticed or else they were more adept at pretense than he realized. For all he knew, they had been grilling him all day, in their convoluted discourse, a n d h e ju st h a d n’t k n o w n . T w el v e p e o pl e s at at th e hi g h ta bl e : Cor b al Xir; Xira d Kalig a a n d hi s wif e Xire n e ; Jai bri ol Razi q u o n , hi g h l or d o f th e Razi q u o n Lin e; a n d o t h e r Arist o s Jai c o ul d n’t r e m e m b e r. It o v e r w h el m e d hi m . He di d n’t s e e h o w h e c o ul d s ur viv e a s th e e m p e r o r if h e c o ul d n’t e v e n m a k e it thr o u g h o n e di n n er. Pr o vi d er s s e r v e d th e fo o d a n d p o ur e d wi n e . A pl e a s ur e girl l e a n e d o v e r t o fill hi s g o bl et. Jai tri e d n ot t o st ar e , b ut h e c o ul d n’t st o p. Silv er h air fl o at e d a r o u n d h e r fa c e in gl o s s y c url s. Sh e h a d silv er e y e s t o o . Her s ki n w a s fla wl e s s , al m o st tr a n slu c e nt, wit h a r o s y bl u s h. Sh e w o r e n ot hi n g b ut a silv er G-strin g, silv er c oll ar, silv er w ri st a n d a n kl e c uffs, a silv er c h ai n l o w o n h e r hip s, a n d silv er rin g s cir clin g h e r nip pl e s . He c o ul d n’t fig u re out how her incredible breasts stayed up that way with no support. The girl straightened gracefully, holding the carafe. As she turned to a table behind her, Jai had an agreeable view of her backside. When she bent over the table, he had to struggle to keep his hands to himself. “You,” a h ar s h v oi c e s ai d. “Silv er h air.” The provider froze. Then she turned to the table. Irked, Jai looked to see who had disturbed his appreciation of the girl. It was the man with his own name, Jaibriol Raziquon, who, as far as Jai could tell, did nothing but live as hedonistic a life as possible, soaking in his own riches and that of his similarly wealthy companions. Razi q u o n w a s w a t c hi n g th e silv er girl wit h m a li c e . “Wh at, d o y o u pl ot a g ai n st His Mag nific e nt Hig h n e s s ?”

Spots o f r e d flu s h e d h e r c h e e k s . “I—I d o n’t k n o w w h at y o u m e a n .” Neither do I,Jai thought. What was Raziquon about? Unexp e ct e dly, Cor b al a n s w e r e d . Re clinin g in a l o u n g e r o n Jai’s l eft, h e s p o k e c ol dly t o th e girl. “P er h a p s y o u p ut a n e xtr a dr a u g ht in hi s Hig h n e s s’ s drin k, e h ?” Her fa c e p al e d . “N e v er, m o s t e s t e e m e d sir. Nev er, I s w e a r it. I s w e ar.” Sh e dr o p p e d t o h e r k n e e s n e xt t o Jai a n d b o w e d h e r h e a d . “Pl e a s e ,” s h e w hi s p e r e d . What the hell?It mortified Jai to have her kneel that way. She was a strong enough psion that he caught hints of her mind even through his defenses. She had no intention of causing harm; she had been distracted by how pleasing she found his appearance and had forgotten to give his drink to his food testers. He was one of the few Hightons who had no internal systems to protect him against poison; he had resisted them, disquieted by the idea of more implants in his body, but now he had second thoughts. As the girl trembled, Jai started to offer his hand to help her stand. He would have enjoye d k n o wi n g s h e th o u g ht hi m h a n d s o m e if Razi q u o n h a d n’t ruin e d it b y b ullyin g h e r o v e r th e wi n e . He k n e w Cor b al w a s st arin g at hi m , tryin g t o attr a ct hi s att e nti o n, a n d Jai w a s s ur e hi s c o u si n w a nt e d hi m t o ig n or e th e pr o vi d er, b ut h e di d n’t c a r e . He w a s n’t going to leave her shaking on the floor. “W e will gi v e y o u a c h a n c e at r e d e m pti o n, pr o vi d er.” Razi q u o n’ s e a g e r n e s s dr e w e v e r y o n e’ s att e nti o n b ef or e th e y n oti c e d Jai’s u n u s u al b e h a vi or. Cru elty e d g e d th e l or d’ s v oi c e . “You m a y drin k th e wi n e y o ur s elf.” Jai fr o w n e d . He h a d n’t lik e d Razi q u o n fr o m th e st art a n d h e h a d n o int e nti o n o f l ettin g a n y Hig ht o n gi v e o r d e r s for hi m , l et al o n e thi s o n e . He r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “You w o ul d s p e a k for m e , Lord Razi q u o n ?” He l e a n e d b a c k in hi s l o u n g er. “P er h a p s you should drink it.” The other Aristos, who had been watching with amusement, suddenly stopped smiling. A woman at the end of the table abruptly set down her goblet, and the man next to Raziquon, an elder lord of the Blue-Point Diamond Line, moved discreetly, putting more space between Raziquon and himself. Co n c e ntr atin g, Jai tri e d t o pr o b e Razi q u o n’ s m i n d. His h e a d thr o b b e d , a n d h e c o ul d n’t l o w e r hi s b a rri er s a m o n g s o m a n y Hig ht o n s , s o hi s i m pr e s si o n s w e r e m uffl e d. But h e di d pi c k u p a bit, e n o u g h t o s e n s e th at th e o t h e r m a n g e n ui n ely f e ar e d th e wi n e di d c a rry a p oi s o n , o n e th at e v e n th e pr ot e cti o n s in hi s b o d y m i g ht n ot n e utr aliz e. Stun n e d , Jai r e aliz e d h e m i g ht h a v e ju st c o n d e m n e d Razi q u o n t o d e at h. He c o ul d n’t b a c k d o w n ; it c o ul d b e a p ot e nti ally d e a dly a d m i s si o n o f w e akness. Razi q u o n r e a c h e d sl o wly a c r o s s th e ta bl e a n d pi c k e d u p Jai’s g o bl et. T h e n h e t o o k a s w all o w. Watc hi n g hi m , Jai f elt ill, r e m e m b e ri n g th e bir d in Cor b al’s offi c e . After a moment, Raziquon set the goblet on the table. His expression had a hard edge no w , o n e dir e ct e d t o w a r d Eub e’ s e m p e r or. Jai wi s h e d h e c o ul d e n d thi s di n n er. But h e h a d n o c h oi c e . He s p o k e lazily t o Razi q u o n . “You l o o k w e ll.” It r eli e v e d hi m m o r e th a n h e w o ul d e v e r a d m it. T h e l o n g e r Razi q u o n c o ntinu e d t o l o o k th at w ay, th e l e s s lik ely it was that the wine had been poisoned. Razi q u o n a n s w e r e d wit h c ol d for m ality. “T h a n k y o u, Your Hig h n e s s .” The other Aristos at the table remained silent, their faces guarded. Jai sensed they were waiting to see what he would do about the provider. He had n o id e a . As m u c h a s h e r e s e nt e d hi s d e p e n d e n c e o n Cor b al, h e n e e d e d hi s c o u si n’ s c r afty e x p e ri e n c e . Jai turn e d t o hi m . “P er h a p s y o u h a v e a s u g g e s ti o n for thi s l o v ely silv er girl, Co u si n.” Cor b al w a s i m p a s si v e . “I w o ul d n e v e r pr e s u m e t o s p e a k for Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai w a v e d hi s h a n d . “I gi v e y o u l e a v e . Ent ert ai n m e .” Cor b al s p o k e q ui etly. “P er h a p s s h e n e e d s t o pr o vi d e for th e e m p e r o r s h e w o ul d b e tr ay.” Damn.He should have seen that coming. They expected him to appease their merciless

conception of right and wro n g , t o m a k e h e r s uff er for th eir e n t ert ain m e nt. Ev e n thr o u g h hi s b a rri er s, h e f elt th e girl’s t err or. Sh e w o n d e r e d if s h e w o ul d s ur viv e th e ni g ht. It h o rrifi e d hi m . Jai felt drained, unable to keep this up. Good and evil were backward here. He had been a fool to think he could bring peace to Eube and Skolia; he would be lucky to stay alive. Someday he could end up kneeling as the provider did now, his life made into hell. Cor b al s p o k e t o a s e r v er. “Cl e ar th e ta bl e .” At first Jai di d n’t u n d e r st a n d. T h e n h e r e aliz e d Cor b al w a nt e d th e ta bl e cl e ar e d for w h at e v e r th e y int e n d e d t o d o t o th e pr o vi d er. As s e r v e r s r e m o v e d th e r e m n a nt s o f th e m e a l, Jai cl e n c h e d hi s ja w. He h a d r e q u e st e d a n o pi ni o n , n ot hi n g m o r e . He di d n’t k n o w h o w t o a v oi d ali e n atin g hi s s o - c all e d p e ers, but he had no intention of letting them torture the silver girl. In a l o u n g e r o n Jai’s o t h e r si d e , Xire n e Kalig a si g h e d . Distr a ct e d , h e turn e d t o h er, a n d s h e g a v e hi m a s y m p at h eti c l o o k. “T h e s e pr o vi d e r s ,” s h e s ai d. “T h e y a r e s o in e pt. I m e a n , r e ally, not testing your wine, Inever h e a r d o f s u c h fo oli s h n e s s . Hav e y o u? I n e v e r h a v e . Not e v e n w h e n m y fri e n d Zarla — w ell, y o u d o n’t k n o w Zarla, s h e w a s n’t in vit e d t o ni g ht — b ut I t ell y o u, n e v e r h a v e I s e e n s u c h a silly m i st a k e .” Sh e flipp e d h e r h a n d at t o w ar d th e silv er girl. “I m e a n , really. Inever. ” Jai st ar e d at h er, a w e d b y h e r a bility t o pr o d u c e s o m a n y w o r d s a n d s a y s o littl e. He h a d n o id e a h o w t o a n s w er, b ut it di d n’t m a tt er. Xire n e c o ntinu e d o n , o b livi o u s t o th e a g h a st st ar e of h e r h u s b a n d, th e a d m ir al. “Wh e n I h a v e pr o bl e m s wit h m y pr o vi d er s ,” s h e c o nfid e d t o Jai, “I s e n d th e m t o b e d wit h o ut th eir di n n er.” Sh e lau g h e d a s if s h e h a d m a d e a hil ari o u s jo k e . Ad mir al Kalig a ru b b e d hi s e y e s . “Xir e n e .” Jai had had enough. He motioned to one of his Razers, who st o o d b y th e w all, l o o m i n g a n d sil e nt. T h e m a n c a m e t o th e ta bl e a n d b o w e d . T e c h ni c ally, Raz er s w e r e s u p p o s e d t o k n e e l lik e e v e r y o n e e l s e w h o w a s n’t a n Arist o, b ut Jai h a d o n e tr ait in c o m m o n wit h hi s Qox pr e d e c e s s o r s ; h e pr ef err e d hi s b o d y g u ar d s at th eir most alert, not on their knees. Jai in di c at e d th e silv er girl. “Tak e h e r t o m y r o o m s .” The Razer nodded. When he touched the girl, she rose, her gaze averted, and went with the guard, walking so softly, she made no sound. Jai turned back to the table to see Kaliga watching his wife with a sour look. “Wh at?” Xire n e p o ut e d at h e r h u s b a n d . “It’s n ot m y fault s h e’ s g o n e . You s p e n d t o o m u c h ti m e wit h h e r a n y w ay.” Sh e di d n’t s e e m th e l e a st e m b a rr a s s e d t o h a v e r e v e al e d a n inti m at e d e t ail of h e r h u s b a n d’ s lif e t o half the Aristo population of the SSRB. Jai s u p pr e s s e d hi s s m il e. Wh o w o ul d h a v e th o u g ht it, th at th e n ot ori o u s Xira d Kalig a, Joint Co m m a n d e r of th e g r e at e st m ilitary e v e r k n o w n , c o ul d n’t h a n dl e hi s t e e n a g e b ri d e ? So thi s w a s o n e o f th e Hig ht o n m a rri a g e s a rr a n g e d t o m a i nt ai n th e “ e v e rl a stin g gl ory” o f Eu b e . No w o n d e r th e Arist o s h a d s o m a n y pr o bl e m s . He b e c a m e a w a r e o f Razi q u o n w a t c hi n g hi m , hi s g a z e lik e ic e . Ev e n thr o u g h hi s m e n t al d ef e n s e s , Jai c a u g ht th e l or d’ s vivid th o u g ht: hi s int er n al s y st e m s h a d d et er mi n e d th at th e wi n e w a s n’t p oi s o n e d . Jai lift e d hi s c o ntr o v e r si al g o bl et a n d t o o k a l o n g s w all o w o f th e wi n e . F or all its s u p e r b q u ality, it m i g ht a s w e ll h a v e b e e n e n gi n e fu el for all th at h e e nj o y e d th e ta st e . The other Aristos followed his lead and dr a n k, th eir d e ci d e d la c k of e n t h u si a s m e vi d e nt o nly in th eir m i n d s , b ut int e n s e e n o u g h fr o m s o m a n y o f th e m th at it c a m e thr o u g h hi s fortifi e d s hi el d s . Wh e n Kalig a s ai d, “T o th e c o ntinu e d h e alt h o f His Est e e m e d Mag nific e n c e ,” Jai f elt hi s s a r c a s m . I’m in trouble,Jai thought. “I c a n’t d e ci d e w h e t h e r y o u a r e p h e n o m e n ally cl e v er,” Cor b al s ai d, “ or p h e n o m e n ally stu pi d.”

Jai lay back in a pile of pillows on the floor of the study, an unfurnished room with sliding screens for walls, an ivory carpet, and an antiq u e la m p in th e c o r n er. He a n d Cor b al h a d r etir e d h e r e aft er di n n er, th o u g h t o Jai it f elt m o r e lik e a n e s c a p e . Cor b al’ s p e o pl e d e cl ar e d th e r o o m cl e a n o f m o nit or s. Alth o u g h Jai h a d r e a s o n a bl e faith in th eir a bility t o cl e a n th e m o ut, h e c o ul d n e v e r b e s ure. Spr a wl e d a m o n g th e pill o w s , h e str et c h e d hi s l e g s a c r o s s th e c a r p et. “T h at di n n e r w a s int er mi n a bl e .” Cor b al slid o p e n a s c r e e n a n d st o o d g a zi n g o ut at th e g a r d e n o ut si d e , w h e r e a b ri d g e a r c h e d o v e r a b ur blin g c r e e k . Ev e n th e m u r m ur o f w at e r di d n’t s o o t h e Jai. “You a nt a g o niz e d Kalig a’ s g u e s t s,” Cor b al s ai d. “T h o s e p e o pl e h a v e pr o bl e m s .” Cor b al gl a n c e d at hi m . “By th eir st a n d ar d s , y o u a r e th e o n e wit h pr o bl e m s .” Jai cl o s e d hi s e y e s . “I d o n’t c a r e .” “You s h o ul d.” “I’ m t o o tir e d t o c a r e .” “You m a d e a n e n e m y of Razi q u o n .” “T h at st at e m e nt i m pli e s p e o pl e e xi st w h o a r e n’t hi s e n e m y.” Jai o p e n e d hi s e y e s . “T h at vip er a ctu ally h a s fri e n d s ?” Cor b al fr o w n e d . “It w o ul d b e h o o v e a n e m p e r o r t o a c t wit h l e s s s a r c a s m .” Jai th o u g ht o f w h at Kalig a’ s g u e s t s h a d w a nt e d t o d o t o th e silv er girl. “It w o ul d b e h o o v e y o ur p e e r s t o a ct m o r e lik e h u m a n b ei n g s .” “Jai bri ol.” Cor b al e x h al e d . “You m u s t a d a pt b e tt er th a n thi s.” “W ell, y o u’r e c e rt ai nly dir e ct t o ni g ht.” It w a s a r eli ef; th e cir c uit o u s di s c o ur s e th at Hig ht o n s fa v or e d g a v e hi m a headache. “If it ta k e s ru d e n e s s o n m y p art t o m a k e y o u c o nf or m ,” Cor b al s ai d, “s o b e it.” “May b e I s h o ul d n’t c o nf or m .” Cor b al s c o wl e d at hi m . “You s ulk lik e a t e e n a g e b o y.” “Wh at a c oi n ci d e n c e . I a m a t e e n a g e b o y.” “You d o n’t h a v e th at luxury.” Jai cross e d hi s a r m s . “T h e n l et m e m a k e m y o w n d e ci si o n s .” “Su c h a s s n e a ki n g off t o th e Lo c k?” So. T h e y fin ally c a m e d o w n t o th e r e al r e a s o n for Cor b al’ s vi sit. Mayb e h e s h o ul d n’t wi s h for dir e ct n e s s aft er all. As l o n g a s Cor b al k e pt hi s in q uiri e s o bli q u e , Jai c o ul d o b li q u ely e v a d e th e m . Dryly h e s ai d, “It w o ul d b e h o o v e th e e m p e r o r’ s r el ativ e s n ot t o s p y o n th e e m p e r or.” “Do n’t b e c r a s s , Jai bri ol.” “Wh at, n o w I’m ju st Jai bri ol? No ‘Your Ev erl a stin gly Marv el o si o Mag nific e n c e’?” Corbal walked over to him. Although he k n elt o n o n e k n e e , hi s p o s e h a d n o tr a c e o f h u m ility. “You a r e g oi n g t o g e t y o ur s elf kill e d.” Jai m e t hi s g a z e . “By w h o m ? Razi q u o n ? Or y o u?” “With o ut m e , y o u w o ul d n’t s ur viv e t w o d a y s .” “And wit h y o u?” Jai tri e d t o m a i nt ai n hi s v e n e e r o f u n c o n c e r n, b ut hi s fa c a d e w a s c r a c ki n g . “If I’m lu c ky, I’ll m a k e it thr e e d a y s .” He d e s pi s e d hi m s elf for th e f e ar a n d l o n elin e s s h e h e a r d in hi s v oi c e . Cor b al s at d o w n , o n e l e g b e nt, hi s e l b o w r e stin g o n hi s k n e e . “Did y o u r e ally thin k c o m i n g t o th e Lo c k w o ul d h el p?” Jai sat u p, u n e a s y wit h Cor b al’s g r e at er h ei g ht. He h at e d n ot k n o wi n g h o w m u c h th e o l d e r m a n h a d g u e s s e d a b o ut hi m . He c a u g ht o nly v a g u e i m pr e s si o n s fr o m Cor b al’s g u ar d e d m i n d, a n d h e c o ul d n’t d el v e a n y d e e p e r wit h o ut c oll a p si n g hi s o w n m e n t al d ef e n s e s . Nor di d it work when he tried to draw Corbal into a conversation that might make the Xir lord let slip

information. His cousin was too crafty and too adept at deciphering nuances of gesture, word, and expression. Jai could end up revealing himself to Corbal instead of the reverse. “T h e Lo c k di d n’t l o o k lik e m u c h ,” Jai s ai d. “Ac c o r di n g t o Col o n el Muz e, y o u di d n’t l o o k at m u c h .” “T h er e w a s n’t m u c h t o s e e .” Cor b al stu di e d hi s fa c e . “On e m i g ht fin d it h ar d t o o b s e r v e a n yt hin g if o n e sit s in a c h air th e w h ol e ti m e .” That gave Jai pause. It sounded like the monitors had registered nothing except him sitting. He wondered why the Lock would hide his conversation with Kelric. Easy answer: it wanted to protect its Keys. But its sentience was too alien to fathom; it might find no significance in human motivations. Even more eerie, the Lock had died while he was in the chamber, but its protection had apparently extended beyond its demise. The people here seemed oblivious to the change in the space station. Perhaps only an empath or telepath could detect that sense ofending. T h e str o n g e r p si o n s a m o n g th eir pr o vi d e r s m i g ht h a v e s e n s e d th e Lo c k’ s s e nti e n c e , a n d its e n d , b ut th e y s e e m e d t o o tr a u m atiz e d t o r e s p o n d b e y o n d th e li mit e d s p h e r e o f th eir e xi st e n c e . Cor b al’s l o v er, Sunri s e , was unique as far as Jai had seen; much less withdrawn than other providers, she could operate beyond the strictures of her constrained life. No wonder Corbal used her as a spy. Other Hightons could learn a lesson from him, though Jai doubted they would acknowledge it, and not only because they were too arrogant to admit they might be wrong about the inability of providers to think. For them, letting a provider develop self-worth was dangerous. Cor b al w a s w aitin g for Jai t o a n s w e r hi s i m pli cit q u e s ti o n — w h y Jai h a d ju st s at in th e c h air. Jai s ai d n ot hin g ; h e h a d di s c o v e r e d sil e n c e c o ul d pr o d Arist o s t o s p e a k , a s if th e y c o ul d n’t b e a r a h ol e in th e w e b s o f di s c o ur s e th e y w o v e a r o u n d th e m s e l v e s . “I’v e h e a r d it s ai d th at s o n s a r e th eir fat h er s r e b o r n,” Cor b al fin ally s ai d. “I’ m n ot s o s ur e th at is tru e .” Jai k n e w Cor b al m e a n t th e pr e vi o u s e m p e r or, Jai’s fat h er. He e v a d e d th e i m pli c ati o n b y turnin g it a r o u n d. “You d o u bt y o ur r e birth in y o ur s o n s ?” Cor b al a c tu ally s m il e d . “G o d s h el p Eu b e , s h o ul d th at e v e r h a p p e n . On e o f m e is e n o u g h .” “You think s o ?” “Ind e e d .” Pa h. Jai w a s h e a rtily si c k of th at w o r d. “Do y o u k n o w , Co u si n, if o n e c o ul d p ut a pri c e o n a w o r d — s ay, ‘in d e e d’ — w e Hig ht o n s w o ul d b e u n b e a r a bly w e alt hy.” To hi s u n miti g at e d s ur pri s e , Cor b al lau g h e d . “S o m e m i g ht s a y w e alr e a d y a r e .” Jai blink e d . Cor b al h a d a s e n s e of h u m or. Alth o u g h it w a s n’t e x a ctly th e st ar-e x pl o di n g di s c o v e r y o f all ti m e , it di d s ur pri s e hi m . With hi s e l b o w o n hi s k n e e , Cor b al pr o p p e d hi s c hi n o n hi s fist. “You fo u n d th e Lo c k d ull, e h ?” Jai s u s p e c t e d Cor b al’ s fri e n dly di s pl ay w a s m e a n t t o r el ax hi m , s o h e w o ul d c o nfid e m o r e a b o ut hi s e x p e ri e n c e . He d e ci d e d t o pl ay al o n g , pr o bi n g for inf or m ati o n . “It b o r e d m e , ” Jai s ai d. “Not hin g w o r k s .” “Wh at di d y o u e x p e ct it t o d o ?” Go o d q u e s ti o n. “You’v e o ft e n b e e n o n th e b ri d g e of a s hi p. Lig ht s gl o w. Voic e s h u m . Lev er s m o v e .” Cor b al s hr u g g e d . “Only w h e n th e s hi p is in o p e r ati o n. Le a v e it in a ctiv e , a n d it h a s n o u s e for gl o w s , h u m s , o r m o ti o n.” Jai thought of how ESComm had wrested the Lock from the Skolian s . “Unl e s s thi e v e s st e al it for th eir o w n u s e .” “Ind e e d .” Cor b al’s m o ut h q uirk e d u p. “If y o u will all o w th e w o r d.”

Go o d Lord — a n o t h e r jo k e . Jai s m il e d sli g htly. “I will in d e e d .” A str a n g e l o o k p a s s e d o v e r Cor b al’s fa c e , th e n v a ni s h e d . Lon gi n g ? Jai c a u g ht a surge of emotion from Corbal, one the Xir lord smothered as soon as it emerged: longing and loneliness. For all his children, peers, lovers, and heirs, Corbal was lonely for a family. His moment of humor with Jai gave him just a glimpse of what he lacked. No hi nt o f Cor b al’s th o u g ht s s h o w e d in hi s m a n n er. He c o ntin u e d t o stu dy Jai. “P er h a p s th e thi e v e s n e e d s o m e o n e t o w a k e u p th e s hip.” T h at s o u n d e d lik e ESCo m m di d n’t k n o w th e Lo c k h a d b e e n a ctiv e e a rli er t o d ay. P er h a p s Kelric h a d a w o k e n it w h e n h e join e d th e Tri a d. Jai w a s c e rt ain, th o u g h , th at Kelric h a d lat er kill e d o r o t h e r wi s e e n d e d th e Lo c k, e n s urin g th e Arist o s c o ul d n’t u s e it. And th e Lo c k h a d l et hi m . Wh at e v e r its wi s h e s , th e y a p p ar e ntly di d n’t in clu d e s e r vi n g Eu b e . “P er h a p s th e s hi p will n e v e r w a k e a g ai n,” Jai s ai d. Cor b al’s g a z e n arr o w e d . “T h at w o ul d b e a g r e at s o rr o w.” Jai di d n’t a n s w er. It w a s n’t a p o w e r pl ay thi s ti m e ; h e di d n’t k n o w w h at t o s ay. Fati g u e w o r e o n hi m . He h a d l eft th e p al a c e m a n y h o ur s a g o a n d h a d n’t sl e pt si n c e . Str et c hi n g o ut in the cushions, he closed his eyes. Cor b al s p o k e , b ut Jai c o ul d n’t c o n c e ntr at e . His m i n d drift e d in th e h a z y st at e ju st b ef or e sl e e p . So m e o n e lai d a bl a n k et o v e r hi m , b ut it w a s a f e w m o m e n t s b ef or e Jai dr o w sily o p e n e d hi s e y e s . Cor b al w a s sittin g in a c o r ner of the room, beneath the lamp, reading a holobook. Jai’s la s h e s dr o o p e d… Slowly waking, Jai lay among the cushions, warm beneath the blanket. Darkness had fallen outside, beyond the parchment-like screens. He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling, his contentment fading as he remembered dinner. Groggy, he climbed to his feet, letting the blanket fall to the floor. He was alone now. Out in the hall, he found two of his bodyguards. They escorted him to his guest suite and accompanied him inside, but when they tried to follow him into the bedroom, Jai balked. Neither guard seemed surprised. They took up posts outside the room. Relieved, Jai entered his bedroom and closed the screen quietly, caught by the hushed sense of the late hour. The night wa s s y nt h eti c; it c a m e w h e n th e lig ht p a n el s in th e “ s ky” d ar k e n e d a n d slid b a c k , l ettin g st arli g ht fl o o d th e r e si d e nti al a r e a s of th e h a bit at. A dim lamp glowed in one corner, an orb on an antique stand. Jai stripped down to the stylized loincloth Highton men wore under their clothes and crawled into his bed, a far less ostentatious affair than the one in his room at the palace. He appreciated the elegance of this simple, airy house. Jai str et c h e d — a n d n e a rly ju m p e d o ut o f b e d . He w a s n’t al o n e . T h e silv er provider lay sleeping near him, on top of the covers. He froze, his hand clutched on the thermal blanket he had been pulling over himself. With a sigh, the girl rolled toward him, onto her side. Good gods. He had a full view of her now, with no one to intrude on his appreciation. A spectacular view. She had a tiny waist and well-rounded hips, and her thighs were full and smooth. He imagined how they would feel with his hips between them, and sweat broke out on his forehead. And herbreasts. He c o ul d n’t figur e o ut h o w h e r nip pl e s st a y e d e r e c t. T h e silv er rin g s a r o u n d th e m a c c e ntu at e d th eir siz e . He w a nt e d t o s a y s w e e t w o r d s t o h er, b ut h e c o ul d n’t think of a n yt hi n g th at w o ul d n’t s o u n d cl u m s y, b e si d e s w hi c h, s h e w a s a sl e e p . No w o n d e r th e Raz er s h a d n’t a r g u e d w h e n h e t ol d th e m t o st a y o ut si d e . Jai h a d t ol d th e m t o b rin g h e r h e r e s o n o o n e w o ul d h urt h er, b ut h e k n e w w h at e v e r y o n e th o u g ht. Alth o u g h Kalig a c o ul d h a v e o bj e ct e d , Jai d o u bt e d th e a d m ir al w o ul d d e n y th e e m p e r o r s u c h “h o s pit ality” for th e ni g ht. Jai knew he s h o ul d n’t w a k e h er. Kalig a w o ul d s ur ely q u e s ti o n h e r t o m o rr o w ; w h at e v e r s h e

di s c o v e r e d t o ni g ht, th e a d m ir al w o ul d s o o n l e ar n. Sh e c o ul d n’t d e t e ct a n o m ali e s a b o ut Jai if s h e sl e pt th e w h ol e ni g ht. Kalig a m i g ht w o n d e r a b o ut th e i m p e ri al libid o , o r la c k th er e of, b ut h e w a s n’t lik ely t o s u s p e ct Jai w a s a p si o n. But he so wanted to touch her. He struggled to distract himself. He had barely even held a girl, let alone slept with one. During his years in exile, he had naively assumed he would leave Prism, find a wif e, b rin g h e r b a c k , a n d l o v e h e r th e w a y hi s p ar e nt s h a d l o v e d e a c h o t h er. T h e n ESCo m m h a d ripp e d hi s fath er a w ay, a n d Jai’s m o t h e r h a d hi d d e n h e r c hildr e n o n Earth. Jai h a d n e v e r r e ally r e c o v e r e d fr o m th e s h o c k of hi s i m m e r si o n int o h u m a n c ultur e. Shy and reserved, he had kept to himself, unable to forget that entire civilizations considered his father a despot and his mother a dictator. They had taught him everything he knew about honor and decency, yet the rest of humanity reviled them. Jai knew the truth n o w : h e w o ul d n e v e r h a v e w h at th e y h a d s h a r e d . His m a rri a g e w o ul d b e a c hilly u ni o n wit h w h at e v e r Hig ht o n w o m a n b e c a m e hi s e m p r e s s . It w o ul d h a v e t o b e a vi sit ati o n m a rri a g e ; h e c o ul d n’t s h a r e hi s lif e wit h a l o v er w h o s e v e ry pr e s e n c e c r u s h e d hi s m i n d . Refusing to live with her would make him look even more eccentric, but it was better than her discovering that his purportedly Esteemed Highness was a psion. Who else could he love but a provider? Yet that way courted disaster, for she could sense his differences. Nor would he ever know if she really loved him or was only acting as she had been bred and trained to behave. For all that he wanted her, she made him feel vulnerable, as if she could hurt him, not through any wish of hers, but because he felt raw in her presence, uncertain. But Jai craved affection, and here was the silver girl, warm and sensual in her sleep. Unable to resist, Jai slid over to the girl. Then he stopped, afraid she would scream if she awoke to find a man she barely knew leaning over her. He had to remind himself this was his bed. After a moment, he cupped his hand around her breast and slid his thumb over her nipple. When she flinched in her sleep, he froze, afraid he had hurt her. He suddenly hated Kaliga, knowing the Aristo could d o w h at e v e r h e w a nt e d t o thi s girl. Str o n gly e m p at hi c, Jai c o ul d n’t s e p a r at e hi s d e sir e for th e silv er girl fr o m hi s e m o ti o n s ; h e w a nt e d t o pr ot e ct h er, t o w r e st h e r a w a y fr o m Kalig a. As he caressed her breasts, she rolled onto her back and sighed. Her fr a gr a n c e m a d e hi m lig ht h e a d e d . Arist o s h ei g ht e n e d th e p h e r o m o n e s a pr o vi d e r e x u d e d t o int e n sify th e s e x u al e x p e ri e n c e , b ut h e h a d n’t e x p e c t e d th e eff e ct t o b e s o int e n s e . As a p si o n, s h e w o ul d al s o pr o d u c e c h e m i c al s tar g et e d for o t h e r p si o n s . F or hi m . It w a s n atur e’ s c o m p e n s ati o n for th e fat al r e c e s si v e s a s s o ci at e d wit h th e m ut ati o n s th at c r e at e d p si o n s ; th eir l o w birth r at e w a s offs et b y h o w dili g e ntly th eir p h e r o m o n e s pr o d d e d th e m t o r e pr o d u c e . Jai bit his lip, fighting his need for her. He ought to roll a w a y. An ot h e r s o b e ri n g th o u g ht c a m e t o hi m : h e h a d n o wi s h t o i m pr e g n at e thi s girl. If s h e b o r e hi m c hildr e n , th e y w o ul d b e p o w e rful p si o n s , a d e a d gi v e a w a y h e w a s n’t p ur e Hig ht o n . And it h o rrifi e d hi m t o thin k hi s c hildr e n w o ul d b e sl a v e s . Wh at if h e c o ul d n’t pr ot e ct th e m ? He w o ul d h a v e t o sir e a n h eir o n hi s e m p r e s s , b ut th at c hild w o ul d b e m o r e th a n h alf Hig ht o n . His h eir w o ul d tr a n s c e n d . He c o ul d n’t b e a r k n o wi n g hi s l e giti m at e c hildr e n w o ul d thr e at e n hi m ju st b y e xi stin g , e v e n if th e y n e v e r k n e w th e truth about him, and no matter how much he loved them. T h e n it o c c urr e d t o hi m th at Kalig a pr o b a bly t o o k st e p s t o e n s ur e s h e di d n’t b e c o m e pr e g n a nt. Cor b al c e rt ai nly di d wit h Sunri s e . Jai w a s st ar v e d for aff e cti o n, m o u r ni n g th e l o s s o f hi s fa mily, a n d h e r e lay th e silv er girl, t o u sl e d a n d invitin g. He c o ul d n’t gi v e h e r u p for t o ni g ht. Stretching out on the bed, Jai pulled her into his arms. She stirred, her eyelashes fluttering, her breath warm against his chest. Not wanting to alarm her, he only pressed his lips against her forehead, restraining himself. Sh e n e s tl e d a g ai n st hi m . “My h o n o r at y o ur c o m p a ny, Your Hig h n e s s .”

En c o ur a g e d , h e slid hi s h a n d d o w n t o th e silv er tri a n gl e o f h e r G-strin g. It c rin kl e d u n d e r hi s t o u c h — a n d di si nt e g r at e d . Startl e d, h e l o o k e d down; it had turned into glitter that dusted her thighs, sparkling in the dim light. “T h at’ s pr etty.” He tr a c e d hi s fin g e r thr o u g h th e glitt er. Her s ki n f elt s m o o t h, lik e s atin. The girl laughed softly. She moved her hips against him with a curious mixture of innocence and temptation, as if she had no idea of the effect it had on him. But when she kissed his dark-haired chest, he stopped stroking her, mortified. He had read on a web site selling hairremoval tech that such body hair disgusted women. The holos had shown impossibly wellmuscled men with perfectly smooth chests. The vendor had apparently done a good business. The girl was watching his face, her head tilted as if she were listening to a distant conversation. Then she ran her hand through the hair o n hi s c h e s t. “Su c h a m a n ,” s h e m u r m ur e d . “S o str o n g . So s e xy.” Sl e e p y d e sir e fl o w e d fr o m h e r m i n d a n d r oll e d o v e r hi m . Knowing she wanted him so much was even more arousing than the manufactured pheromones or her vanishing clothes. He held her tight against his body and kissed her hungrily. She felt incredible in his arms, and she seemed to sense how he wanted to be touched before he knew himself. He tried to hold back, afraid he would lose control and hurt her. Finally he could take no more. Groaning, he rolled the girl on her back and covered her with his body. He reached to remove his loincloth, only to find it was already gone. The girl felt right. He wanted to whisper endearments, but he feared to sound foolish. Her mind was a sensual haze of arousal, so much so that he wondered if she had been drugged with aphrodisiacs. He pushed away the thought, needing her too much to believe synthetics produced her loving response. So Jai held her and kissed her and moved with her in a rhythm more dream like than r e al. In th e h e a d y ru s h o f hi s h u n g er, h e w hi s p e r e d , “I l o v e y o u, b e a utiful silv er girl.” “And I y o u,” s h e m u r m ur e d . Jai took her with tears on his face, knowing this charade was the closest he would ever come to love. Then he could no longer think at all. His body turned into a nova and he lost control in a burst of sensation. So m e ti m e lat er Jai b e c a m e a w a r e h e w a s lyin g wit h th e girl. Wh e n h e lift e d hi s h e a d , s h e di m pl e d. “Su c h s w e e t n e s s , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai r e d d e n e d . “S w e e t” w a s n’t h o w h e w a nt e d hi s first l o v e r t o think of hi m . Oth er w o r d s c a m e t o m i n d: p o w e rful, m a s c ulin e , viril e. So m e h o w , th o u g h , “ s w e e t” w a s all ri g ht fr o m thi s silv er girl. Shifting his weight off her, he pulled up the quilt, cocooning them in its downy nest. It was like submerging into cl o u d s . T h e girl cl o s e d h e r e y e s , h e r la s h e s l o n g a n d gli m m e ri n g . He f elt h e r s ati sf a cti o n, a n d w a s g r atifi e d th at h e h a d gi v e n h e r e nj o y m e n t. He g at h e r e d h e r cl o s e . “I wi s h y o u c o ul d st a y wit h m e . ” She fitted her body against his side and laid her head o n hi s s h o ul d er. “You a r e kin d.” Kind. He winced, remembering how he had so passionately sworn his love. What an idiot. Yet even now, he could say it again. He wondered how he would respond when her pheromones were no longer influencing him. Well, what did it matter? She felt good and he liked her. That was enough. “May b e y o u c o ul d c o m e h o m e wit h m e ,” h e s ai d. “Your Hig h n e s s h o n o r s m e .” He c o ul d t ell s h e di d n’t b eli e v e h e w o ul d ta k e h e r a n y w h e r e . Su c h d e cl ar ati o n s fr o m Hig ht o n s w e r e e a sily m a d e a n d e a sily for g ott e n . Her m i n d g a v e n o hi nt th at s h e s u s p e c t e d th e truth; u nlik e Sunri s e , Cor b al’ s l o v er, thi s girl c o ul d n’t i m a gi n e a n o m ali e s . T h e id e a th at th e e m p e r o r

m i g ht b e a p si o n w a s t o o str a n g e for h e r t o c o n c ei v e . But she did think him handsome. He grinned. T h e n h e s ai d, “Jai.” Her lip s c ur v e d . “Jai? Wh at is th at?” “My n a m e .” “It is a v e ry fin e n a m e . Str o n g a n d vi g o r o u s .” He lau g h e d at th e id e a of hi s ni c k n a m e b e i n g vi g o r o u s . “You c a n c all m e Jai.” “Ye s, Your Est e e m e d Glory.” Ah, well. Give it time. He could think of worse things than being called Your Esteemed Glory by his first lover. Jai w a s al m o s t a sl e e p w h e n s h e s p o k e a g ai n. “T h a n k y o u for s p arin g m e at di n n e r t o ni g ht. I s w e a r I w o ul d n e v e r try t o h a r m y o u.” “I k n o w .” He y a w n e d . “You s e e m e d di str a ct e d .” “I w a s a w e d b y y o ur s pl e n di d pr e s e n c e .” Jai si g h e d . “You d o n’t h a v e t o s a y th at.” “It is m y g r e at h o n o r t o t ell y o u th e truth.” He k n e w all t o o w e ll th at it w a s n’t th e truth. “Wh at is y o ur n a m e ?” Sh e slid h e r p al m a c r o s s hi s c h e s t. “Silv er.” Well, that was n o s ur pri s e . “Do y o u lik e it?” Her h a n d p a u s e d . “Lik e it?” “Your n a m e .” Aft er a m o m e n t, s h e s ai d, “Ye s. I lik e it.” “T h e n I will c all y o u Silv er.” “T h a n k y o u, Your Hig h n e s s .” “Jai.” Misc hi ef s h a d e d h e r v oi c e . “Ye s , Your Jain e s s .” “Silv er!” She laughed again st hi s c h e s t. “Jai.” Smiling, he pulled her close. So the emperor slept, and for the first time since coming to Eube, he had no nightmares.

11 Loss ESComm had become a threat. Corbal sat in his chair, brooding. He had left Jaibriol asleep in the study down th e h all, b ut hi s m o nit or s in di c at e d th e b o y h a d r etir e d t o hi s o w n s uit e. Jai bri ol’s jau nt h e r e t o th e Sphinx S e ct or Ri m Bas e di stur b e d Cor b al; th e n e w e m p e r o r w a s pr o vi n g h a r d e r t o k e e p a n e y e o n th a n Cor b al h a d e x p e c t e d . Wh at h a d Jai bri ol th o u g ht t o g ain from sneaking off to the Lock and sitting in its chair? Cor b al h a d s e e n th e di s h e a rt e ni n g r e c o r d s ; n ot hi n g in th e Lo c k h a d o p e r at e d si n c e ESCo m m h a d ta k e n it fr o m th e Sk oli a n s . T h e a n ci e nt st ati o n w a s e it h e r d o r m a nt o r d e a d . Jai bri ol cl ai m e d it c o ul d n’t a w a k e , b ut Cor b al w a s n’t r e a d y t o b e li e v e hi m . Jai bri ol. A c o n u n dr u m . As m u c h a s hi s b e h a vi or at di n n e r t o ni g ht h a d a g g r a v at e d Cor b al, h e h a d t o a d m it h e r at h er e nj o y e d th e b o y’ s a u d a city. But wit h o ut ESCo m m s u p p o rt, Jai bri ol c o ul d a c c o m pli s h n ot hi n g — a n d Xirad Kaliga was ESComm. Only General Kryx Taratus, the other Joint Commander, had as much power within the military. General Taratus was the older brother of Azar Taratus, the idiot who had cheated Finance Minister Tarquine by selling her a dying provider for fourteen million credits.

Corbal grimaced. The current political landscape was a disaster. Taratus and Iquar were embroiled in a morass of lawsuits. Not only did Iquar want her fourteen million back, she had sued Taratus for punitive damages, both for hi s a cti o n s a n d b e c a u s e th e pr o vi d er h a d e s c a p e d . Tar atu s h a d c o u nt er s u e d , cl ai mi n g h ar a s s m e nt, s a yin g it w a s h e r pr o bl e m if s h e c o ul d n’t k e e p h e r pr o vi d er, a n d th at s h e h a d alr e a d y fil e d a n in s ur a n c e cl ai m for th e m o n e y. The insurance bureaus had taken a c ti o n a g ai n st b o t h o f th e m , Iqu ar b e c a u s e th e s e c urity o n h e r h a bit at s u p p o s e dly h a d n’t fulfill e d th e r e q uir e m e n t s s p e cifi e d o n h e r p oli cy, a n d Tar atu s for fr au d. In r e s p o n s e , Iqu ar h a d fil e d a g ai n st th e b ur e a u s for w h at s h e cl ai m e d w a s a r etr o a ctiv e c h a n g e in th eir p oli cy. Furth er, s h e w a nt e d th e m t o p a y for th e o t h e r s y st e m s o n h e r h a bit at th at h a d b e e n d a m a g e d d urin g th e pr o vi d e r’ s e s c a p e , a n d for th e s h uttl e h e h a d st ol e n . As if th at w a s n’t e n o u g h , Tar atu s h a d tak e n a d diti o n al a cti o n, cl ai mi n g Iqu ar’ s intelligence systems had spied on him during the auction, compromising ESComm security. ESComm responded with an investigation of Taratus, wanting to know why he was using ESComm resources in a private auction. They were also pursuing action against Iquar for th e failur e of h e r s e c urity. And s h e h a d c o u nt erfil e d a g ai n st ESCo m m , for g o d s’ s a k e , cl ai mi n g th e failur e w a s th eir fault b e c a u s e th e y d e si g n e d th e s y st e m s o n h e r p urp ort e dly ci vili a n h a bit at. The whole business reeked. General Taratus would almost certainly align with his brother Azar. If Xirad Kaliga, the other Joint Commander, also sided with them, it would set ESComm against the Finance Ministry, putting the military in opposition to the people who controlled the flow of wealth through Eube. It could destabilize the stumbling economy, which had suffered during the war, particularly the Platinum Sectors. On the other hand, if Kaliga opposed Taratus, it would create a schism within ESComm, weakening the military, which the war had also decimated. It was a hellacious mess. Azar Tar atu s a n d Minist er Iqu ar w e r e b o t h b rin gi n g th eir for mi d a bl e r e s o ur c e s a n d p olitic al cl o ut t o b e a r in th e c h a o s c r e at e d b y Tar atu s’ s h o a x. T h e h ell o f it w a s , hi s a cti o n s m a d e s e n s e . Had Iqu ar b e e n a n y o n e e l s e , s h e pr o b a bly w o u ld have done what he expected, paying the fourteen million off the record and reporting a negligible price to the bureaus. Taratus would have paid taxes only on that amount, the two of them cheating both the tax and insurance collectors. Then when Iquar discovered Taratus had sold her a dying provider, what could she have done? Had she reported only a minimal price to the insurance bureaus, it would have appeared as if she received exactly what she paid for. Why Tarquine Iquar had reported the full price, Corbal had no idea. Perhaps she knew the provider was sick but wanted him anyway. Or maybe she was too savvy to trust Taratus. Whatever the reason, she had incontrovertible proof that Taratus had committed a mammoth fraud. The bureaus had charged her an obsc e n e a m o u nt t o in s ur e th e pr o vi d er — a n d n o w th e y h a d t o p a y u p for hi s l o s s . Tar atu s h a d a m o n str o u s tax bill. Giv e n th e i m m e n s e w e alt h a n d far-r e a c hi n g s e c urity c o n si d e r ati o n s in v ol v e d , it w a s n o w o n d e r e v e r y o n e w a s s ui n g e v e r y o n e e l s e u p, d o w n , b a c k w a r d, and around the sun. Corbal blew out a gust of air. He saw no good solution. No matter what the courts ruled, it would create schisms in the structures of Highton power. He felt as if he were watching a magrail train hurtle down a mountain, out of control, and nothing he could do would stop the crash. Because he knew what was going to happen. Yes, he knew exactly what. T h e y w e r e g oi n g t o dr o p th e w h ol e m e s s int o Jai bri ol’s lap. T h e w hi s p e r of a slidin g s c r e e n a w o k e Sunri s e . “Co m e t o b e d , l o v e ,” s h e m u r m ur e d . “Do y o ur w o rryin g t o m o rr o w .” Cor b al di d n’t a n s w er. He c r o s s e d th e r o o m q ui etly, wit h c o n si d er ati o n for th e lat e h o ur. In h e r

y o u n g e r d a y s , Sunri s e h a d n’t b eli e v e d Arist o s lik e hi m e xi st e d. But it w a s tru e. He w a s g e ntl e. Sh e h a d h e a r d, thr o u g h p al a c e g o s si p, of o n e o t h e r: Hig h Jud g e Cal o p e Muz e, Cor b al’s first c o u si n a n d s e c o n d in lin e for th e Carn eli a n T hr o n e . Sunri s e h a d e v e n w o n d e r e d a b o ut th e e m p e r or. Sh e h a d o nly been with him a few moments that night, and he had guarded his mind, but she had felt an odd sense of recognition. Perhaps something in the Qox line made them different from other Aristos. Another rustle came from across the room. She rolled over in the bill o w y c o v e r s . “C ori? Are y o u —” A hand clamped over her mouth. It happened so fast, she had no time to breathe. No!Who was this?An air-s yrin g e hi s s e d a g ai n st h e r n e c k , b rin gi n g d ar k n e s s … Corbal gave a long stretch as he stood up, working out kinks in his m u s cl e s . He f elt stiff m o r e a n d m o r e o ft e n n o w . F or all th at th e n a n o m e d s in hi s b o d y d el a y e d hi s a gi n g , th e y c o ul d n’t st o p it. T h e y e a r s w e r e b e gi n ni n g t o ta k e a t oll. He h e a d e d for b e d , s e e ki n g th e c o m f ort o f Sunri s e’ s a r m s . A c e ntury a g o , Cor b al h a d d one his duty, married a Highton woman and sired heirs. He and his wife had lived together for twenty-five chilly years. When she had passed away, he had given her a magnificent burial. He never again had to marry, never again had to live in the vacuum of a cold Highton union. Now he wanted Sunrise. It w a s d ar k in th e b e d r o o m , b ut a b r e e z e w aft e d a c r o s s hi s fa c e . A w all s c r e e n w a s o p e n , l ettin g st arli g ht int o th e r o o m . Od d th at Sunri s e w o ul d l e a v e it th at w a y. Sh e di d n’t lik e t o sl e e p in o p e n a r e a s . It m a d e her feel vulnerable. “Suni?” Sittin g o n th e b e d , Cor b al r e a c h e d for h er. But n o o n e lay th er e ; th e c o v e r s w e r e pil e d in a h e a p . Puzzl e d, h e s ai d, “Lu m o s o n .” T h e lig ht s a c tiv at e d —r e v e alin g a n e m p ty r o o m . Cor b al fr o w n e d . Sunri s e w o ul d n’t ju st l e a v e . He w e nt t o th e o p e n s c r e e n a n d p e e r e d int o th e ni g ht. “Lu m o s o ut si d e .” Lights came up in the garden, bathing the flowerbeds in soft colors. It was very lovely and very empty. He made a thorough search of the slumbering house and gardens, aided by several Razers. By th e ti m e th e y h a d v e rifi e d s h e w a s n eith er in si d e n o r o ut, hi s b e w il d er m e nt h a d turn e d t o a n g er. Sunri s e w o ul d n’t di s a p p e ar. So m e o n e h a d tak e n h er. But h o w ? Acc or din g t o th e m o nit or s, n o o n e h a d c o m e in th e r o o m . Sh e h a d g o n e t o b e d a n d st a y e d th er e . Corbal expected Xirad Kaliga to be asleep, but he found the admiral in a console room, with two bodyguards and a slew of aides. A guard searched Corbal before letting him enter. Kaliga was leaning over a console, talking in staccato bursts to someone on the c o m m . Cor b al di d n’t lik e it; ESCo m m ’ s Joint Co m m a n d e r l o o k e d a s if h e h a d n’t sl e pt at all. As th e g u ar d e s c o rt e d Cor b al t o th e c o n s ol e , Kalig a gl a n c e d u p a n d n o d d e d for m ally. “T h e h o s pit ality of m y h o u s e h ol d is at y o ur s e r vi c e , Lor d Xir.” Corbal understood the unstated question: Why was he wandering around the house late at night instead of enjoying the charms of his concubine? “W e a p pr e ci at e y o ur h o s pit ality,” Cor b al a n s w e r e d . He d o u bt e d Kalig a m i s s e d hi s i m pli c ati o n; a s ati sfi e d g u e s t w o ul d off er m o r e pr ai s e th a n “ a p pr e ci at e .” Kalig a m o ti o n e d a n ai d e o v e r t o th e c o n s ol e . “Lor d Xir, p er h a p s y o u w o ul d join m e for a lat eni g ht r efr e s h m e n t? On e o f m y s hip s b r o u g ht in a n u n u s u ally fin e liqu e ur.” Cor b al n o d d e d , r eli e v e d . “It w o ul d b e m y pl e a s ur e .” As they left th e c o n s ol e r o o m , Cor b al s ai d, “Your h o u s e h o l d is a d m ir a bl e in its w o r k e t hi c.” In o t h e r w o r d s , w h y th e bl a z e s w a s e v e r y o n e w o r kin g at thi s h o ur? “Ru m o r s , m y fri e n d.” Kalig a r oll e d hi s l eft s h o ul d e r sli g htly, in di c atin g c o n c e r n. “T h e y s pr o ut e v e r y w h e r e .”

“Tal e s a n d truth a r e n ot n e c e s s a rily th e s a m e .” “No, n ot n e c e s s a rily.” Kalig a s ai d n o m o r e . Corbal fell silent. He wanted to press the matter of Sunrise, but whatever troubled the admiral clearly had greater import, at least to ESComm and the empire. He disco v e r e d th at ri g ht n o w h e di d n’t c a r e a w hit a b o ut th e w e lf ar e of Eu b e . It w a s n’t u ntil th e y w e r e in si d e Kalig a’ s stu dy, wit h th eir g u ar d s o ut si d e , th at th e a d m ir al s p o k e a g ai n. “It a p p e a r s th e Ruby Dyn a sty al s o w o r k s l o n g h o ur s.” Corbal inwardly swore. Eube h a d e n o u g h pr o bl e m s wit h o ut th e Sk oli a n s c r e atin g y et a n o t h e r of th e n e v e r-e n di n g c ri s e s th e y pr e cipit at e d si m ply b y th eir o n e r o u s e xi st e n c e . “T h e Ruby Dyn a sty w o ul d d o w e ll t o r e st. It m i g ht i m pr o v e th eir a bility t o thin k.” Kaliga laughed dryly, with fatigue. He went to a table and poured goblets of a turquoise-hued liquid, then handed one to his guest. As Corbal swallowed, nanomeds in his lips and saliva checked the liqueur; then bioconduits in his body shunted it to a holding area, where other meds analyzed the liquid. After his security systems finished their checks, they released the liqueur. He barely noticed the pause before it continued down his throat. He r ai s e d th e g o bl et t o Kalig a. “A fin e c h oi c e .” The admiral nodded, obviously preoccupied, and motioned Corbal to a sofa, then sunk into a wing chair himself. Corbal settled in his chair. He was tired enough to wish he could just come out and say,What happened with the Ruby Dynasty? Kalig a t o o k a s w all o w o f liqu e ur. “It h a s a p u n c h , e h ?” “Is it fr o m E m er al d S e ct or?” In truth, Em er al d w a s n’t k n o w n for its liqu e ur s . Ho w e v er, “pu n c h” c o ul d r ef er t o w h at e v e r Kalig a h a d l e ar n e d a b o ut th e Ruby Dyn a sty, a n d ESCo m m h a d m a j or c o m m a n d c e nt er s in Em er al d S e ct or. Kalig a c o n si d er e d hi m . “S o it d o e s . It ju st c a m e in t o ni g ht.” He s e t hi s g o bl et o n a ta bl e a n d l e a n e d b a c k , cl o si n g hi s e y e s . “A l o n g ni g ht.” Cor b al w a nt e d t o g r o a n wit h th e d el ay. “Lo n g e r y et, if o n e h a s t o d e al wit h Ruby Dyn a sty m a c hi n ati o n s .” “Or ru m o r s o f s u c h .” “Ru m o r s o ft e n fall a p art u n d e r s c r utiny.” T h e a d m ir al lift e d hi s h e a d . “Unf ortu n at ely, s o m e b e c o m e e v e n m o r e o di o u s .” Cor b al tri e d n ot t o g rit hi s t e et h. Sunri s e c o ul d b e d yi n g w hil e th e y s at c h attin g a b o ut th e inf er n al Sk oli a n s . “Wh at is n’t o di o u s a b o ut th e Ruby Dyn a sty?” Kaliga regarded him st e a dily. “T h eir d e at h s .” Cor b al p a u s e d in r ai sin g hi s g o bl et. T h e n h e l o w e r e d it. “I ta k e it n o m o r e of th e m h a v e di e d , th e n ?” “Ev e n w o r s e .” Kalig a’ s e x pr e s si o n s o ur e d . “T h e y h a v e a n u n c a n n y a bility t o s h o w u p aliv e aft er w e e li mi n at e th e m .” Skolia be damn e d . “On e m o r e is al w a y s t o o m a ny.” “On e i m pli e s a si n gl e o c c urr e n c e . It s e e m s w e a r e inf e st e d wit h th e m .” Cor b al’s g rip o n hi s g o bl et tig ht e n e d . Did th e y s u s p e ct Jai bri ol? Sur ely n ot. Cor b al h a d d e s tr o y e d th e e vi d e n c e . It w o ul d n’t s ur pri s e hi m if ESCo m m h a d st ol e n g e n e ti c m a t e ri al fr o m Jai bri ol for m o r e a n aly s e s , b ut th e y w o ul d fin d o nly th at th e b o y’ s DNA c a m e fr o m hi s fath er. Cor b al h a d a rr a n g e d pr o of o f a Hig ht o n m o t h e r w h o h a d p a s s e d a w a y. He k e pt hi s s u s pi ci o n s a b o ut Jai bri ol’s r e al m o t h e r t o hi m s elf; Soz Valdoria, the Skolian Imperator, was dead now, blown to plasma, along with her inconvenient DNA. Cor b al s u d d e nly t e n s e d . Co ul d Kalig a’ s r e m a r k s r ef er t o th e lat e Imp er at or? Had s h e a ri s e n fr o m th e d e a d ? Good gods.“Inf e st e d b y w h o m ?” h e a s k e d . At the blu nt q u e s ti o n, Kalig a r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “I a p ol o giz e if th e n o ctur n al a ctivity in m y

h o m e h a s di stur b e d y o ur sl e e p , Lord Xir.” Cor b al h el d b a c k hi s g ri m a c e . Kalig a h a d g o o d c a u s e for th e r e b u k e , a n d h e w a s c o urt e o u s e n o u g h t o i m ply Cor b al’s bl u ntn e s s c a m e from fatigue rather than an intended insult. “Your h o s pit ality is u n s ur p a s s e d ,” Cor b al s ai d. “Ev e n th e d a w n a v ail s h e r s elf o f its fr e e d o m .” He h a d n o d o u bt th at Kalig a k n e w p erf e ctly w e ll pr o vi d e r s di d n’t u p a n d a v ail th e m s e l v e s of fr e e d o m . “An intrig uin g c o n c e pt,” Kalig a m u s e d , “th at th e s u n w o ul d ris e o n a s p a c e st ati o n.” “It h o n o r s y o ur h o m e th at s u c h a r e m a r k a bl e o c c urr e n c e s h o ul d h a p p e n h e r e .” Kalig a l e a n e d for w ar d. “I will r el a y y o ur c o m pli m e nt s t o m y s e c urity p e o pl e i m m e di at ely.” Kalig a’ s i m pli cit pr o m i s e t o tak e i m m e di at e a cti o n in fin din g Sunri s e r eli e v e d Cor b al. Whil e Kalig a c o nt a ct e d hi s s e c urity, Cor b al c h e c k e d wit h hi s o w n p e o pl e . No si g n o f Sunri s e h a d s urf a c e d . His u n e a s e d e e p e n e d ; a pr o vi d er c o ul d n’t v a ni s h fr o m th e h o m e of Xira d Kalig a. So m e one must have taken her, which meant they had penetrated security and slipped away without a trace. That implied a betrayal at high levels. Kalig a m e t Cor b al’ s q u e s ti o ni n g l o o k . “It s e e m s it will b e l o n g e r th a n w e th o u g ht u ntil th e d a w n a rriv e s .” So the adm ir al’s p e o pl e cl ai m e d th e y k n e w n ot hin g . Cor b al di d n’t lik e it. “T h e d a w n al w a y s a rriv e s . Nothin g c a n st o p it.” “Re st a s s ur e d , Lord Xir, w e will d o e v e r yt hin g p o s si bl e t o m a k e th at tru e.” Cor b al n o d d e d . It w o ul d n’t h el p Sunri s e for hi m t o d a s h a b o ut lik e an untried youth, but he loathed just sitting here. Where was she? If someone harmed her, he would see that the perpetrator suffered, long and hard. He narrowed his gaze at Kaliga. The admiral had the means and opportunity to arrange a kidnapping. He would b e a fo ol t o d o it in hi s o w n h o m e , a n d Xira d Kalig a w a s n o fo ol. Ev e n s o . If Kalig a di d n’t pr o d u c e h e r s o o n , h e c o ul d fin d hi m s elf e m b r oil e d in a l e g al ta n gl e wit h th e e m p e r o r’ s c o u si n. Kalig a p u s h e d hi s h a n d a c r o s s hi s b u z z-c ut h air. “It h a s b e e n a l o n g ni g ht.” “A ni g ht o f Rubi e s ,” Cor b al s ai d. “Ru bi e s ,” Kalig a m utt er e d . “T hr o n e s . Ph ar a o h s .” Hell and damnation. Dyhianna Selei, the Ruby Pharaoh, had died during the war. That was how ESComm had captured Eldrin, her consort; he had sacrificed himself so she and their son could escape. The ESComm commandos who made the capture reported that she committed suicide by jumping into one of the Locks, but no one really knew what would happen if a human being fell into an operational Lock, which was a singularity in spacetime. “I w o ul d n’t h a v e th o u g ht th e Ph ar a o h h a d s u c h r e sili e n c e ,” Cor b al s ai d. “Sh e l o o k e d w e a k .” “P er h a p s .” Kalig a s o u n d e d tir e d. “T h e l o s s o f th e Kyle w e b s m a k e s it diffic ult t o g at h e r inf or m ati o n. My s hi p s b rin g m e s s a g e s , b ut th at tak e s ti m e . On e ru m o r s a y s th e Ph ar a o h is d e a d , a n o t h e r s a y s s h e is m i s si n g , y et a n o t h e r s a y s s h e liv e s .” “Su c h st ori e s s h o w c r e ativity.” Or s o Cor b al h o p e d . Kalig a’ s g a z e h a r d e n e d . “An ot h er s a y s Eldrin Vald ori a, h e r c o n s o rt, h a s b e e n r e u nit e d wit h hi s Ph ar a o h wif e.” At the pr o s p e ct of th e Ruby Dyn a sty r etr e n c hi n g , Cor b al sil e ntly w e nt thr o u g h hi s a r s e n al of pr of a nity. Ev e n w o r s e , h e w a s th e o n e w h o h a d r el e a s e d Eldrin. “Xira d, y o ur liqu e ur s a r e u n s urp a s s e d . P er h a p s y o u h a v e o n e th at is e v e n str o n g er.” “Ind e e d .” Kalig a g ri m a c e d . “F or b o t h o f u s .” This time, the admiral poured whiskey. As they drank, Corbal brooded. If Eldrin was reunited with his wife, it would lift morale among their people. The awe that the Skolians held for the Ruby Dynasty baffled Corbal. Weak and uncontrolled, the Ruby psions created havoc. They wereproviders, for s ai nt s’ s a k e . As l o n g a s th e y pr o m ul g at e d th eir n oti o n s of fr e e d o m for

ta s k m a k e r s a n d pr o vi d er s , th e y c o rrupt e d h u m a n lif e. And Jaibriol?T h e b o y’ s n ai v et é a n d in h er e nt w e a k n e s s a s a p si o n s h o ul d h a v e m a d e hi m m a ll e a bl e ; in st e a d , h e c a u s e d n o e n d o f tr o u bl e . Cor b al al s o h a d o t h e r c o n c e r n s . Hig ht o n s r e a ct e d t o pr o vi d er s . So far Jai bri ol h a d hi d d e n hi s t el e p at h’ s m i n d, b ut it w o ul d o nly ta k e o n e m i st a k e t o r e v e al hi m . An u n w el c o m e r e aliz ati o n c a m e t o Cor b al: Jai bri ol’s w e ll-b e i n g m a tt er e d t o hi m . He di d n’t w a nt t o c a r e ; it m a d e hi m v uln er a bl e . Nev e rt h el e s s , a p p ar e ntly h e di d. Then he had an even more disturbing thought, scandalous, preposterous. Yet there it was: given time and guidance, Jaibriol might make a better emperor than a true Highton. Razi q u o n l e a n e d o v e r th e girl m a n a cl e d t o hi s int err o g ati o n b e n c h . “T h e pr o c e d ur e is si m pl e . I a s k q u e sti o n s . You a n s w er. If y o u r efu s e , I will, s h all w e s ay, e n c o ur a g e y o u t o s p e a k .” Sunrise shook her head, her eyes wide with fear. “Oh, I u n d e r st a n d,” Razi q u o n s ai d. “You a r e l oy al t o Lor d Xir. You h a v e n e ur al i m pl a nt s th at pr e v e nt y o u fr o m t ellin g m e a b o ut hi m , th at m a y e v e n e r a s e y o ur m e m o ri e s if I p u s h t o o h ar d, h m m m ?” A s m il e s pr e a d a c r o s s hi s fa c e . “But y o u s e e , n o m e t h o d is o n e h u n dr e d p er c e nt eff e ctiv e . You will t ell m e w h at I w a nt t o k n o w . Ev e ntu ally.” He t o u c h e d h e r b r e a st. Sh e truly w a s a b e a uty; s h e m u s t h a v e c o s t Cor b al m illi o n s . He h o p e d th e o l d m a n h a d g o o d in s ur a n c e for h er. “Ye s, e v e ntu ally y o u will r e v e al all hi s s e c r et s .” Razi q u o n h a d n o p er s o n al a ni m o sity for Cor b al, at l e a st n o m o r e th a n h e h a d for a n y o n e e l s e . His a ntip at hy c a m e fr o m th e d a n g e r Cor b al p o s e d t o th e Arist o w a y o f lif e. Most c o n si d e r e d th e Xir l or d’ s b e h a vi or t o w a r d thi s pr o vider no more than eccentricity, but Raziquon knew better. If Xir took a moderate hand with Sunrise, other providers might come to expect the same. What then? Providers agitating for change? It was absurd. Dangerous. Xir would probably argue that they were incapable of agitation, but he was a fool to take risks. Eu b e w a s th e lar g e st e m pir e c r e at e d b y h u m a nity, its p o p ul ati o n al m o s t t w o trilli o n str o n g , ta s k m a k e r s m a i nly, g o v e r n e d b y a f e w th o u s a n d Arist o s . It di d n’t tak e a g e niu s t o s e e th at e a c h Arist o h el d s w a y o v e r far m o r e p e o pl e th a n h e o r s h e c o ul d in dividu ally c o ntr ol. F e ar a n d p u ni s h m e n t w e r e n’t s uffici e nt m o ti v at or s t o m a n a g e g r o u p s th at lar g e . Ho w e v er, a c o nt e nt e d p o p ul a c e r ar ely a git at e d for c h a n g e . Those taskmakers who lived acceptable lives were rewarded; those who disobeyed were punished. If their defiance became serious, they were eliminated, on a planetwide scale if necessary. The slagged remains of several worlds served testament to that fact. But no sane Aristo wanted genocide. Taskmakers formed the backbone of civilization; keeping them happy was far preferable to killing them. Providers were another story. Only a few thousand existed. Their sole purpose in life was to please their owners. Their happiness made no difference; in fact, it benefited Aristos for them to be unhappy. Besides, their suffering elevated them. If providers began to demand contentment and self-determination, it would create chaos. From there, how far to the decadence of the Skolian Imperialate, where providers roamed uncontrolled, and even worse, presumed to positions of authority? An upsurge of immorality among Eubian providers could destabilize the social structure of Eube. And if providers aspired to freedom, would taskmakers be far behind? A specter lurked in every Arist o’ s m i n d, th e r e m o t e b ut n ot i m p o s si bl e c h a n c e th at o n e d a y th e ta s k m a k e r s w o ul d ris e a g ai n st th e m , n ot a w o rl d, n ot a st ar s y st e m , b ut all of th e m , billi o n s , trilli o n s . Nothin g c o ul d st o p th e fall of Eu b e th e n . Civiliz ati o n w o ul d c oll a p s e . Cor b al Xir’s “ e c c e ntri city” thr e at e n e d th e v e ry fa bri c of Eu bi a n s o ci ety. And Xir st o o d cl o s e s t t o th e thr o n e , far m o r e a s tut e in th e w a y s of p o w e r th a n th e e m p e r o r hi m s elf. Raziquon leaned over the bench, his gaze hard on the girl.Mines, he thought.Platinum mines.

Then h e w e nt t o w o r k, “ e n c o ur a gi n g” Sunri s e t o di vul g e th e s e c r et s of Lord Cor b al Xir, a r g u a bly th e m o s t p o w e rful m a n aliv e .

12 Betrayal Yo u’r e ta kin g Lord Xir int o c u st o d y?” Be wild er e d , Jai st o o d in th e e n tr a n c e t o th e c o n s ol e r o o m a n d l o o k e d fr o m Kalig a t o Cor b al. No n e o f Kalig a’ s b u s y st aff in th e r o o m h a d r e aliz e d Jai h a d a rriv e d . “Why?” Jai a s k e d Kalig a, hi s v oi c e l o w. It w a s e a rly m o r ni n g , b ut n eit h er th e a d m ir al n o r Cor b al l o o k e d a s if th e y h a d sl e pt. “A g o o d q u e sti o n.” Cor b al’ s a n g e r w a s s h ar p e n o u g h t o pi er c e Jai’s m e n t al b a rri er s. Gu ar d s s urr o u n d e d th e m . F o ur w e r e Jai’s Raz er s , w h o h a d a c c o m p a ni e d hi m a s h e w a n d e r e d thr o u g h th e h o u s e , l o o ki n g for b r e a kf a st, hi s h e a rt c o nt e nt a n d hi s th o u g ht s full o f Silv er, w h o w a s sl e e pi n g in hi s b e d rig ht n o w . Inst e ad of food, he had stumbled into the console room and what felt like a surreal play, where he found himself on stage with no script. Kalig a s p o k e c ol dly t o Cor b al. “I’v e ju st r etur n e d fr o m m e e tin g wit h m y s e c urity c hi ef. App ar e ntly th e d a w n c o m e s a n d g o e s o f its o w n a c c o r d.” Jai stared at the admiral. What the blazes did the dawn have to do with anything? Cor b al, h o w e v er, o b vi o u sly k n e w w h at Kalig a m e a n t. His v oi c e h ar d e n e d . “And a p p ar e ntly pr e p o st er o u s id e a s c o m e a n d g o o f th eir o w n a c c o r d wit hin ESCo m m n o w .” At a n e a r b y c o n s ol e , a m a j o r s p o k e , a m a n int e nt o n hi s h ol o s c r e e n s . “Ad mir al Kalig a, w e ’ v e a n o t h e r s c o ut s hi p c o m i n g in. I’m g e ttin g a tr a n s m i s si o n .” Kalig a w e nt o v e r t o th e c o n s ol e . “Any v e rific ati o n?” T h e m a n s c a n n e d hi s s c r e e n s . “It’s ESCo m m — b e e n o n r e c o n n ai s s a n c e — g o t it, sir!” He l o o k e d u p, hi s fa c e flu s h e d . “W e h a v e v e rific ati o n. T h e Ruby Ph ar a o h w a s s e e n aliv e o n Del o s .” Jai felt as if the ground dropped beneath him. Alive? His aunt wasalive ? Good Lord, how long had they suspected? That no one had bothered to notify the emperor gave him an all too clear idea of how they viewed his role. “Hell a n d d a m n ati o n ,” Kalig a s ai d. Cor b al st e p p e d o v e r t o th e c o n s ol e . “Wh er e is s h e n o w ?” Kalig a s p o k e s h a r ply. “Maj or, d o n ot a n s w e r th at. Until furth er n oti c e , Lor d Xir is in c u st o dy.” Sw e at b r o k e o ut o n Jai’s for e h e a d . Why w e r e th e y a rr e stin g Cor b al? “Wh at a r e — ” Cor b al s h o o k hi s h e a d at Jai, c a uti o nin g sil e n c e . T h e m a j or gl a n c e d c o olly in Jai’s dir e cti o n — a n d fr oz e , hi s e y e s wi d e ni n g . Im m e di at ely, h e w e nt d o w n o n one knee. People around him looked up, saw Jai, and followed suit, their reaction spreading like a wave. As Jai watched, dumbfounded, every taskmaker in the crowded room knelt to him. As Hightons, Corbal and Kaliga remained standing, as did the guards, bo t h Jai’s fo ur Raz er s a n d Kalig a’ s fo ur m e n . T h e a d m ir al m o ti o n e d t o hi s g u ar d s , a n d th e y f ell int o for m ati o n a r o u n d Cor b al. “Wait.” Jai stru g gl e d t o c o nt ai n hi s al ar m . T h e y c o ul d n’t ta k e Cor b al. With o ut hi s c o u si n, Jai w o ul d b e l o st. Kaliga bowed to Jai. “Our g o o d m o r n t o Your Hig h n e s s .” “Ad mir al.” Co nfu s e d b y th e o ut-o f-pl a c e g r e e tin g , Jai b a r ely m a n a g e d a n o d . T h e c o m m o ti o n in th e r o o m di s o ri e nt e d hi m , a s c o n s ol e s c o ntinu e d t o s pill o ut d at a a n d v oi c e s . Whil e e v e r y o n e k n elt a n d Kalig a p ai d hi m c o urt e si e s , v alu a bl e fa ct s, figur e s , a n d i m a g e s s c r oll e d b y o n c o n s ol e s . But Jai h a d n o clu e h o w t o t ell e v e r y o n e — wit h o ut b e i n g dir e ct —t h at th e y c o ul d

r eturn t o w o r k. Alth o u g h t e c h ni c ally h e c o ul d s p e a k pl ai nly t o ESCo m m offic er s w h o w e r e n’t Arist o s , th e o n e s h e r e h ad high enough rank to make it an insult. But if he spoke to someone of a lower rank instead of the top officers, that would also be an insult. Jai f ell b a c k o n Hig ht o n cli c h é s . “A fin e m o r n,” h e t ol d Kalig a. “Your st aff d o e s it g r e at h o n or.” Kaliga bowed. “T h a n k y o u, Your Hig h n e s s .” T h at h a d n’t h el p e d a ny. T h e y all c o ntinu e d t o k n e el. Cor b al w a s fr o w ni n g , tryin g t o c o m m u ni c at e s o m e t hi n g . Jai c o n c e ntr at e d o n hi s m i n d. So m e t hi n g a b o ut m o vi n g hi s h a n d . Gu e s si n g , Jai w a v e d hi s h a n d at th e m a j o r w h o h a d first k nelt. Although the man had his eyes downcast, he apparently saw, because he immediately stood and bowed to Jai. Then he returned to work, followed by everyone else. Jai m a d e a c o n s ci o u s e ff ort t o r e str ai n hi s e x h al e of r eli ef. His r e pri e v e di d n’t la st l o n g . Kalig a’ s g u ar d s w e r e e s c o rtin g Cor b al int o th e h all. Just a s Jai o p e n e d hi s m o ut h t o pr ot e st, Kalig a s ai d, “Pl e a s e a c c e pt m y a p ol o gi e s , Your Hig h n e s s , for th e di s o r d er.” At th e s a m e in st a nt, a n ai d e s ai d, “Ad mir al Kalig a, w e h a v e a n e m e r g —” Sh e b r o k e off when she realized he was addressing Jai. Jai wanted to callStop! Ev erythin g w a s h a p p e ni n g t o o fa st. He s p o k e t o th e g u ar d s takin g Cor b al o ut of th e r o o m . “Le a v e hi m h e r e .” The man froze, his gaze shifting from Jai to Kaliga. Admiral Kaliga addressed Jai with a d ef er e n c e th at h a d a n e d g e d e s pit e th e o ut w ar d c o urt e sy. “Would y o u c a r e t o tak e b r e a kf a st in m y priv at e di nin g r o o m , Your Hig h n e s s ? We h a v e d eli c a ci e s i m p o rt e d fr o m Tai m ar si a. It w o ul d b e m y h o n o r t o e n t ert ai n y o ur gl ori o u s pr e s e n c e .” Jai barely held b a c k hi s ir at e r et ort. Ho w c o ul d Kalig a talk a b o ut b r e a kf a st w hil e h e w a s a rr e stin g Cor b al a n d th e c o n s ol e r o o m h u m m e d wit h a c tivity th at d e m a n d e d att e nti o n? Jai w a s a b o ut t o r efu s e w h e n h e c a u g ht Cor b al’ s gl ar e . T h e o l d e r m a n s h o o k hi s h e a d . Pa h. Cor b alwanted him to go eat. Highton customs would never make sense to Jai. Fu mi n g , b ut hi din g it, Jai n o d d e d t o Kalig a. “It w o ul d b e m y pl e a s ur e t o join y o u for th e m o r n’ s r e p a st.” Kaliga bowed, formal and restrained. As he ushered Jai out of the room, guards took Corbal the other way, down the hall, out of sight. The delicacies from Taimarsia were spiky sea creatures Jai could barely look at, let alone eat. They had tentacles. He sipped his wine, so Kaliga did the same, leaving his food untouched. Jai would hav e r at h e r h a d juic e for b r e a kf a st, b ut h e u n d e r st o o d Hig ht o n c u st o m s e n o u g h n o w t o k n o w h e w o ul d l o o k c hildi s h if h e r e q u e s t e d it. He h a d a s e n s e th at Kalig a a c tu ally lik e d th e m o n str o siti e s o n hi s pl at e . Jai k n e w th e a d m ir al w o ul d n’t e a t u nl e s s th e e m p e r o r di d, b ut h e ju st c o ul d n’t b rin g hi m s elf t o for c e d o w n th e c r e atur e s . T h e y talk e d in l o o p s . Kalig a’ s e lliptic al c o n v e r s ati o n g a v e Jai a h e a d a c h e . Nor di d it h el p hi m fin d o ut w h y ESCo m m h a d i m pri s o n e d Cor b al. Fru str at e d , h e e v e n tri e d t o di s c o v e r o ut w h at Kaliga knew about Jafe Maccar, the Skolian captain ESComm had imprisoned, the man Kelric wanted him to pardon. With a prodigious skill at misdirection, Kaliga avoided telling him anything at all, let alone something useful. Fin ally Jai s ai d, “Ad mir al Kalig a, I h a v e a p pr e ci at e d y o ur h o s pit ality, b ut I fin d m y s elf p uzzl e d.” Kalig a r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “Ind e e d .” Jai thought he would strangle the next person who saidIndeed. “Ye s. Als o tr o u bl e d .” “It w o ul d h o n o r th e Lin e o f Kalig a if Your Imp eri al Mag nific e n c e w o ul d all o w u s t o e a s e a n y tr o u bl e s y o u h a v e e n c o u nt er e d .” Jai c o ul d n’t t ell if Kalig a w a s s e ri o u s o r m o c ki n g hi m wit h th e “I m p e ri al Mag nific e n c e ” bit. “I h a v e n oti c e d th at th e Lin e of Kalig a h a s tak e n a s e c urity int er e st in th e Lin e of Xir.”

Kaliga relaxed in hi s c h air, a p p e a rin g s o ci a bl e . Fr o m hi s m i n d, th o u g h , Jai c o ul d t ell h e w a s irritat e d . “On e m i g ht think th e Lin e of Xir h a s ta k e n lib erti e s .” Jai m a d e a c o n s ci o u s e ff ort n ot t o g rit hi s t e et h. “On e m i g ht al s o thin k I h a v e n o id e a w h at th at m e a n s .” A muscl e in Kalig a’ s c h e e k j erk e d . “It m e a n s h e c o m m itt e d tr e a s o n .” Jai fr o z e . Tr e a s o n ? Imp o s si bl e . Ev e n thr o u g h hi s b a rri er s, h e f elt th e a d m ir al’s a n n o y a n c e . Ang er e d b y Jai’s clu m s y Hig ht o n di s c o ur s e , Kalig a h a d d eli b e r at ely gi v e n a dir e ct a n s w er, a g r e at in s ult among Aristos, but he assumed Jai had neither the savvy nor intelligence to know. Jai di d n’t m i s s th e ir o n y; h a d h e truly b e e n a n ai v e Hig ht o n b o y fr o m a s h elt er e d b a c k g r o u n d, h e pr o b a bly w o ul d h a v e m i s s e d th e g r a vity o f Kalig a’ s off e n s e . But b e c a u s e h e w a s e x a ctly w h at Kalig a s u g g e s t e d wit h hi s dir e ct s p e e c h — a p si o n — h e r e c o g niz e d th e a d m ir al’s int e nt. “Tr e a s o n a g ai n st Eub e ?” Jai a s k e d c o olly. “Or a g ai n st th e c o urt e s y a Hig ht o n m i g ht e x p e ct at, s ay, b r e a kf a st?” Sh o c k ju m p e d in Kalig a’ s m i n d th at Jai u n d e r st o o d th e in s ult. He s p o k e fa st. “Your r e v e r e d pr e s e n c e d e s e r v e s th e g r e at e st c o urt e sy, Your Gl ori o u s Hig h n e s s .” Jai p u s h e d b a c k hi s c h air. “W e a p pr e ci at e y o ur e s t e e m . We a r e e s p e ci ally pl e a s e d at th e o p p o rtu nity t o vi sit Lord Xir.” Kaliga obviously wante d t o d e n y hi m th e vi sit. But h e r o s e t o hi s f e et, a p p ar e ntly c h o o si n g t o a v oi d th e ris k o f c o m p o u n di n g th e off e n s e h e h a d gi v e n . “C ert ainly, Your Hig h n e s s .” It t o o k a n o r d e r fr o m Jai t o cl e ar Kalig a’ s g u ar d s o ut o f Cor b al’s stu dy, w h e r e s e c urity h a d c o nfin e d th e Xir l or d. Not th at a n y o n e b eli e v e d s e n di n g th e m a w a y w o ul d gi v e Jai a n d Cor b al priv a c y; wit h Cor b al u n d e r a rr e st, Jai’s p e o pl e c o ul d n o l o n g e r s c a n th e r o o m s for m o nit or s. “You m e a n Sunri s e ?” Jai st ar e d at Cor b al, c e rt ai n h e h a d m i s u n d e r st o o d . Sunrise would never steal security files from Kaliga. “Sh e is n’t c a p a bl e o f b e tr ayin g y o ur tru st.” Cor b al p a c e d th e r o o m . “ESCo m m a g r e e s wit h y o u.” Ah, hell.No w o n d e r th e y h a d a rr e st e d Cor b al; th e y b eli e v e d h e h a d p ut Sunri s e u p t o th e th eft. “I th o u g ht th e m o nit or s s h o w e d h e r in y o ur r o o m th e w h o l e ni g ht.” His c o u si n st o p p e d p a ci n g a n d s c o wl e d at hi m . “Our m o s t h o n o r e d a d m ir al b eli e v e s m y o w n p e o pl e b e s t o w e d th eir s kills o n th o s e m o nit or s t o ‘i m pr o v e’ th e r e c o r di n g .” It sounded like they had accused Corbal of alt erin g r e c o r d s t o pr ot e ct Sunri s e w hil e s h e st ol e fr o m Kalig a. Jai w a nt e d t o q u e s ti o n hi m , b ut h e w a s n’t c e rt ai n h o w t o pr o c e e d . Alth o u g h Cor b al oft e n s p o k e m o r e pl ainly wit h hi m wit h o ut m e a ni n g in s ult, Jai di d n’t h a v e a g o o d f e el for w h e n dir e ct s p e e c h w a s o r w a s n’t a p pr o pri at e a m o n g kin. “Ad mir al Kalig a is a m a n of int elli g e n c e ,” Jai s ai d. “H e c a n w o r k w o n d e r s in m a n y m e di a.” It w a s n’t th e m o s t s u btl e p oi nt, gi v e n h o w cl o s e it c a m e t o a n a c c u s ati o n th at Kalig a h a d for g e d th e r e c o r d, b ut it w o ul d d o . Co r b al b e g a n t o p a c e a g ai n. “I h a v e b e e n i m pr e s s e d b y th e e l e g a nt di n n e r s s e t b y th e Kalig a Lin e. Many o t h e r Hig ht o n s s h a r e m y a d m ir ati o n. Just l o o k at th e c ali b er of th e g u e s t s w h o di n e d h e r e la st ni g ht.” “A fin e c o m p a ny.” In truth, Jai h a d th o u g ht th e m d e t e st a bl e . But Cor b al w a s ri g ht. Kalig a w a s n’t th e o nly s u s p e c t. Cor b al st o p p e d in fr o nt o f Jai, th o u g htful. “Our e s t e e m e d h o s t h a s hi g h c o n n e c ti o n s . F e w o t h e r s h a v e th e int ell e ct t o a c hi e v e hi s a c c o m pli s h m e nt s .” Jai nodded. In other words, few of the dinner guests had the access and ability for such an audacious theft. Unfortunately, that helped implicate Corbal, whodid h a v e b o t h. Ad mir al Kalig a h a d th e b e s t a c c e s s , b ut h e w a s t o o s m a rt t o pl a n s u c h a n o utr a g e in hi s o w n h o m e — u nl e s s h e e x p e ct e d e v e r y o n e t o make exactly that assumption.

Jai di d n’t think Cor b al h a d d o n e it; h e s e n s e d n o d e c e pti o n in hi s c o u si n’ s m i n d, a n d h e k n e w Cor b al w o ul d n e v e r e n d a n g e r Sunri s e . But if n ot hi m , th e n w h o ? And w h y fr a m e Cor b al? Giv e n hi s p o w e r a n d w e alt h, a n d hi s o w n s o n’ s p o siti o n a s Int ellig e n c e Minist er, it w a s n’t lik ely ESCo m m c o ul d m a k e a s u c c e s sful c a s e a g ai n st hi m . Although Jai had heard of no conflict between the Kaliga and Xir Lines, that said little, given the incomprehensible tangle of Highton interactions. For all he knew, Corbal and Kaliga were mortal enemies. Perhaps Kaliga wanted to discredit Xir. But Jai found it hard to believe Kaliga would arrange such a crime; it was too extreme, especially given the current disaster with Minister Iquar and Admiral Taratus ov e r Kelric’s di s a p p e a r a n c e . Jai l eft Cor b al’ s r o o m s m o r e u n c e rt ai n th a n b ef or e . Surr o u n d e d b y Raz er s , h e w e nt o ut t o th e g a r d e n s a n d p a c e d d o w n th e p at h s . He w o ul d h a v e t o r etur n t o Gl ory wit h o ut Cor b al. As m u c h a s h e h a d c h af e d at Cor b al’ s s c r utiny, h e h a d more independence now than he could handle. Heneeded his cousin; without him, he was lost. As e m p e r or, s ur ely h e c o ul d o b t ai n Cor b al’ s r el e a s e . T h e pr o bl e m w a s , h e di d n’t k n o w h o w , a n d if h e stu m bl e d in thi s, h e c o ul d a nt a g o niz e ESCo m m . He di d n’t tru st a n y o n e e n o u g h t o a s k . Cor b al h a d b r o u g ht u p hi s c o u si n, Hig h Jud g e Cal o p e Muz e, s e v e r al ti m e s , b ut Jai di d n’t s e e w h y h e s h o ul d h a v e c o nfid e n c e in h e r o v e r a n y o t h e r Hig ht o n . He f elt m o r e in clin e d t o s e e k o ut Cor b al’s s o n , Azil e. Dispirited, he sat on a bench by a lake and stared into the water. Life glimmered in its depths, ribbons flickering here and there. Jai l o o k e d u p at o n e o f hi s Raz er s , w h o st o o d u n d e r th e o v e r h a n g o f a n e a r b y dr o o p-will o w. T h e m a n b o w e d . “May I s e r v e Your Hig h n e s s ?” Jai motioned him o v er. As th e Raz er a p pr o a c h e d , Jai st o o d u p, f e elin g v ul n er a bl e n e xt t o hi s t o w e rin g b o d y g u ar d. “Is th e silv er girl still in m y s uit e?” “I will c h e c k , sir.” Usin g hi s g a u ntl et c o m m , th e Raz er c o nf err e d wit h g u ar d s in th e h o u s e . T h e n h e s ai d, “Sh e is in h e r o w n s uit e, Your Hig h n e s s . Hou s e k e e pi n g t o o k h e r b a c k thi s m o r ni n g .” Housekeeping.Jai hated it when they spoke that way, as if Silver were furniture to be dusted. She had been his first lover, sweet and sensual; in her arms, he had felt like a real emperor in st e a d o f a b u m b lin g y o ut h. He st art e d t o t ell th e Raz er t o s h o w hi m t o h e r s uit e, th e n r e aliz e d it w o ul d b e a w k w a r d, e v e n s c a n d al o u s , if th e e m p e r o r att e n d e d a pr o vi d er. So h e s ai d, “Pl e a s e b rin g h e r h e r e .” His g u ar d b o w e d . “Ye s , Your Hig h n e s s .” He h e a ded to the house, leaving Jai with the other Razers. Sitting on the bench again, Jai gazed across the lake to the far shore, where droop-willows were reflected in the water. He wished the tranquil scene could settle his troubled heart. Silver soon appeared, walking along the lake with his Razer, her blue drapes fluttering around her body. When she saw him, her face suffused with pleasure. Jai rose to his feet and she came to him, her cheeks touched by a rosy blush. T h e n , t o Jai’s di s m ay, s h e k n elt. He di d n’t know which was worse; having them treat him this way or fearing he would someday come to expect it. He t o u c h e d h e r s h o ul d er. “Pl e a s e st a n d, Silv er.” Sh e r o s e a n d s m il e d , h e r fa c e a gl o w . “My pl e a s ur e at y o ur pr e s e n c e , Most Hon or e d Hig h n e s s .” “Jai,” h e m u r mured. “Jai.” Sh e s p o k e s o o nly h e c o ul d h e ar. He t o o k h e r h a n d s . “T h a n k y o u.” Co nfu si o n w a s h e d a c r o s s h e r fa c e . “You a r e m o s t w e l c o m e .” Jai wanted to explain his gratitude, but what could he say?Thank you for making my first time

with a woman such a gift. Thank you for being an island of serenity in a turbulent ocean. Silv e r’ s g a z e s oft e n e d a s if h e h a d s p o k e n al o u d. Sh e r ai s e d hi s h a n d s a n d pr e s s e d h e r lip s a g ai n st hi s k n u c kl e s . With a si g h, Jai p ull e d h e r cl o s e , fillin g hi s a r m s wit h h e r s oft c ur v e s . “C o m e h o m e wit h m e ,” h e s ai d a g ai n st h e r h air. “T o m y p al a c e o n Glory, in th e Jaizir e Mount ain s.” Sh e dr e w b a c k e n o u g h t o l o o k u p at hi m , r e gr et di m m i n g h e r lu mi n o u s g a z e . “It w o ul d b e a n in cr e di bl e h o n or.” “Why a r e y o u s o s a d ?” He s p o k e in a l o w v oi c e , a w a r e o f hi s Raz er s u n d e r th e tr e e s . “Wo ul d l e a vi n g h e r e gi v e y o u s o rr o w ? I w o n’t tak e y o u a w a y if y o u w a nt t o st ay.” “I h a v e o nly joy at th e th o u g ht of pl e a si n g y o u.” Her s m il e w a s tr e m ul o u s . S e n sitiz e d t o h e r e m p at h’ s m i n d, Jai pi c k e d u p h e r m o o d thr o u g h hi s defenses; Kaliga would never let her leave. If Jai pushed enough, he could force the admiral to let her go; few Hightons would deny the emperor. But Silver would come to him at the price of what little goodwill he had left with the Line of Kaliga. “F ar e y o u w e ll, d e a r Jai.” Silv er t o u c h e d hi s c h e e k . “You d e s e r v e th e b e s t of lif e’ s int a n gi bl e s , th o s e gifts th at w e alt h a n d p o w e r c a n n e v e r m e a s ur e .” Jai swallowed, wondering if Kaliga had any clue his provider was so articulate. In revealing herself to him, Silver had given him one of those intangible gifts. He kissed her for the last time, holding her as if she were a fading light within an encroaching darkness.

13 Tribunal No o r n a m e n t ati o n a d o r n e d th e m a r bl e w all s o f th e Hig h Jud g e’ s c o urtr o o m . Its a u st erity s ur pri s e d Jai, gi v e n th e ric h d e c o r e v e r y w h e r e e l s e in hi s p al a c e . He di d s e e o n e si mil arity: thi s r o o m h a d a n o c t a g o n al s h a p e . He c o ul d n’t r e c all s e e i n g a s q u ar e r o o m a n y w h e r e in th e p al a c e . T h e y w e r e all r o u n d o r o c t a g o n al. Her e, th e jud g e’ s b e n c h st o o d a long one wall, and octagonal tables were arrayed before it. The courtroom was too small to hold an audience. Tarquine Iquar sat with her counsel at one table. Tall and composed, she fascinated Jai, with her aquiline beauty and aura of power. Azar Taratus and his people had another table. Sprawled in his chair, the lanky Taratus watched the room with a sardonic gaze. Legal aces from ESComm occupied two tables, and agents from the insurance bureaus took up two others. Razers stood posted around the walls. Jai s at at a n ta bl e o n a d ai s t o th e l eft o f th e jud g e’ s b e n c h . S e v er al m e m b e r s of hi s st aff s at wit h hi m , in clu di n g o n e Hig ht o n —Azil e Xir, hi s Minist er o f Int ellig e n c e . Jai b a r ely k n e w a n y of th e m , e x c e pt for hi s ai d e , Ro b ert Muz e s o n . The hum of voices filled th e c o urtr o o m a s th e v ari o u s p arti e s c o nf err e d. Jai ju st w a t c h e d , hi s h e a d thr o b bi n g fr o m th e pr e s e n c e of s o m a n y Arist o s . It w a s e x c r u ci atin g; th e pr o c e e di n g s h a d n’t e v e n st art e d a n d alr e a d y h e l o n g e d for th e m t o b e d o n e . A door opened behind the bench, and High Judge Calope Muze entered, wearing the gray robes of her office. Everyone except Jai rose to their feet. Tall and imposing, Calope stood behind her high bench, surveying the court. She bowed deeply to Jai, her white head inclined. It made him acutely self-conscious to receive such deference from someone so many decades his elder. Aft er Jai n o d d e d t o h er, Cal o p e s at in h e r hi g h-b a c k e d jud g e’ s c h air, a n d e v e r y o n e e l s e in th e r o o m r e s u m e d th eir s e a t s . Cal o p e w a s th e o nly o t h e r Arist o th at Jai h a d s e e n b e si d e s Cor b al w h o h a d w hit e h air. As Hig h Jud g e , s h e o v e r s a w th e Eubi a n c o urt s a n d s e r v e d a s c hi ef ju sti c e in th e Qox p al a c e , gi vin g h e r a st atu s e q ui v al e nt t o th at of Jai’s m i ni st er s.

An obsidian mallet lay on the bench next to a small gong with a gold octagonal disk. Judge Muze tapped the gong, sending a clear note throughout the chamber. So the proceedings began. And went on. And on. And o n … If Jai h a d n’t s at thr o u g h e v e r y e x c r u ci atin g m i n ut e , h e w o ul d n’t h a v e b e li e v e d a h e a rin g c o ul d b e s o int er mi n a bl e . He list e n e d t o e a c h si d e pr e s e nt its p urp ort e dly n o bl e c a u s e a n d a c c u s e e v e r y o n e e l s e o f p erfidy. Alth o u g h th e cir c uit o u s a r g u m e nt s w e r e n’t q uit e a s a b stru s e a s Hig ht o n s o ci al di s c o ur s e , it t o o k for e v e r for a n y o n e t o m a k e a p oi nt. Jai’s h e a d a c h e d . Ev e n with his table set apart from the others, their minds pressed on him, crushing. Having Azile Xir at his side multiplied the effect; Corbal might not transcend, but his son did. Jai was exhausted before the hearing even started. He would go catatonic with this much exposure to Aristos. Much as he wanted to be here in person, to pick up mental undercurrents, he was beginning to think he would have no choice but to retreat to his private rooms and set up a virtual link to this hall. It would let him attend the rest of the sessions as a VR simulacrum. List e ni n g t o a n o t h e r e n dl e s s s p e e c h , Jai g ri m a c e d . He w o ul d g o c at at o ni c all rig ht —fr o m b o r e d o m . If Hig ht o n s a p pr o a c h e d all offici al m a tt er s thi s w ay, h e di d n’t s e e h o w th e g o v e r n m e nt m a n a g e d t o fun cti o n. T h e y o u ght to throw Taratus in prison and be done with it. ESComm should concentrate on fixing the hole in their security that this mess had revealed. And the bureaus owed Tarquine Iquar. She had met their exorbitant fees; now it was time for them to pay up. He wo n d e r e d h o w th e y w o ul d all f e el w h e n th e y di s c o v e r e d h e r e s c a p e d “pr o p e rty” w a s a Ruby prin c e w h o h a d a s c e n d e d t o th e Sk oli a n Tri a d. As far a s h e k n e w , ESCo m m h a d fo u n d n o tr a c e of Kelric y et. It g a v e Jai h o p e th at hi s u n cl e h a d e s c a p e d . Jai wished he could h a v e t ol d Kelric w h y h e v alu e d th eir m e e ti n g . But hi s dr e a m o f p e a c e b e t w e e n Eu b e a n d Sk oli a s e e m e d m o r e di st a nt e v e r y c e a s el e s s m i n ut e h e s p e nt a m o n g th e Hig ht o n s . T h e m o r e h e l e ar n e d d urin g th e s e pr o c e e di n g s a b o ut Kelric’ s failin g h e alt h, th e m o r e it a stounded him that his uncle had even reached the Lock. It was harder and harder to believe Kelric would live long enough to assume his place as Imperator. When Judge Muze finally called a recess, Jai could have wept with relief. He stood, and everyone else in the chamber followed suit. With a nod to the High Judge, he gave his sanction to end the session. As Jai’s r etinu e pr e p ar e d t o l e a v e , hi s g a z e w e n t t o Minist er Iqu ar. Sh e m o v e d wit h a f elin e g r a c e , h e r sl e e k c ur v e s di s cr e e t b ut vi si bl e in th e st arkly c o n s e r v ativ e bl a c k ju m p s uit s h e w o r e . Wh e n s h e c a u g ht hi m st arin g , s h e di d n’t l o o k th e l e a st inti mi d at e d . Her lip s c ur v e d a n d s h e q uirk e d a n e y e b r o w . Mortifi e d, Jai in clin e d hi s h e a d , stru g glin g for th at c hilly Hig ht o n in diff er e n c e . T h e n hi s r etinu e s w e pt him out of the chamber, using the door behind the bench, giving him the privacy available to only one other person, the High Judge. Cal o p e w a s alr e a d y in th e s m all a nt e c h a m b e r. Sh e b o w e d t o Jai. “My h o n o r at y o ur pr e s e n c e , Your Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s .” Relieved t o e s c a p e th e pr e s s ur e o f th e Hig ht o n s in th e c o urtr o o m , h e g a v e a fri e n dli er n o d th a n u s u al. “It pl e a s e s m e t o m e e t y o u, Co u si n.” Her smile was reserved, but he sensed no hostility. He spoke briefly with her, and was surprised to enjoy the moment. It wasn’t u ntil h e h a d ta k e n hi s l e a v e th at h e r e aliz e d w h y h e r pr e s e n c e h a d n’t b o t h e r e d hi m . Her mind exerted no mental pressure against his.

Jai stood in his darkened study watching the holostage, where a recording of the hearings was playing. It was hard to b e li e v e th e y h a d b e g u n o nly thi s m o r ni n g ; h e f elt a s dr ai n e d a s if th e y h a d b e e n g o i n g for w e e k s . He c o ul d n’t st o p st arin g at Tar q uin e Iqu ar. All th at p o w e r a n d m e n a c e . Sh e w a s lik e a bl a c k p u m a , s m o o t h a n d m u s cl e d , sl e e k a n d d e a dly. He r a n hi s fin g e r a r o und the collar of his high-necked tunic, wiping the sweat from his neck. Pah. Jai tried to clear his mind. He jumped ahead to another section of the recording where Tarquine was only in the background. During the hearing, the speeches had seemed tangled in s n a rl s, b ut n o w th at h e c o ul d c o n c e ntr at e , h e r e aliz e d th e y h a d a s ur pri sin g c o h e r e n c e . T h e Iqu ar l e g al t e a m w a s in e x o r a bl e ; Tar atu s’ s p e o pl e w e r e b r a z e nly c o nfid e nt; ESCo m m p ut o n a virtu o s o di s pl ay o f m i s dir e cti o n; a n d th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s w e r e g e niu s e s at obfuscation. Jai was beginning to understand their speech. He had thought he was fluent in Highton, but he realized now that his knowledge only skimmed its surface. Hightons spoke in more than one dimension; the structure, cadence, and tangents conveye d a s m u c h a s th e w o r d s th e m s e l v e s . G e stur e s a n d p o stur e w e r e int e g r al t o th e la n g u a g e , a n d Hig ht o n s al s o s ai d a g r e at d e al wit h w h at th e y l eft u n s p o k e n . Iro ni c ally, th e v e ry thin g th at m a d e it h a r d for hi m t o b e a r th e pr e s e n c e of Arist o s — hi s t el e p at h’ s m i n d — al s o g a v e hi m s o m e fa cility in Hig ht o n, l ettin g hi m di s c e r n hi d d e n m e a ni n g s h e w o ul d n’t h a v e pi c k e d u p o t h e r wi s e . Cal o p e Muz e s ur pri s e d hi m . Bey o n d h e r c o o l r e s e r v e , h e s a w wi s d o m . P er h a p s th at s h o ul d n’t s ur pri s e hi m ; Eu b e w o ul d n e v e r h a v e thriv e d s o w e ll if Arist o s w e r e n’t s o th or o u g hly a d e pt at run ni n g th eir e m pir e . He h a d s e e n b r ut ality a n d vi ci o u s prid e a m o n g th e m , b ut al s o int ellig e n c e , a rti sti c g e niu s, a n d in si g ht. Yet th at o nly m a d e hi m f e el w o r s e . He h a d a s s u m e d th eir c r u elty w a s in stin ctu al, a g enetic trait they could no more change than they could stop breathing. If they could choose otherwise, it made their brutality that much harder to bear. T h e w all c o m m n e xt t o hi m b u z z e d . Jai flick e d hi s fin g e r thr o u g h th e r e c ei v e h ol o . “Ye s?” Tomjolt, his p e r s o n al EI, a n s w e r e d . “Your Hig h n e s s , Azil e Xir r e q u e st s p e r mi s si o n t o s p e a k wit h y o u.” “Put hi m o n a u di o .” Jai k n e w hi s fa ci al e x pr e s si o n s a n d b o d y la n g u a g e g a v e a w a y clu e s a b o ut hi s th o u g ht s. He tri e d t o m a s k hi s r e a cti o n s , b ut h e h a d littl e e x p e ri e n c e guarding himself that way, whereas Hightons had raised the process to an art form, both in hiding the hints their own behavior gave about their thoughts and in reading those clues in others. Azil e’ s d e e p v oi c e c a m e o ut of th e c o m m . “I m o s t h u m bly th a n k Your Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s for g r a ntin g thi s a u di e n c e t o th e Ministry of Int elli g e n c e .” When Jai had first come to Glory, a few weeks ago, he would have assumed the greeting was meant only to stroke his ego. He still thought it had a measure of that, but he realiz e d n o w th e p hr a si n g w a s its elf a m e s s a g e . Wh at it m e a n t, h e w a s n’t s ur e , b ut th e r ef er e n c e t o th e Int ellig e n c e Ministry i m pli e d a pr o bl e m h a d c o m e u p wit h s e c urity. “T h e Lin e o f Qox a p pr e ci at e s y o ur m i ni stry,” Jai s ai d. “I th a n k y o u,” Azil e s ai d. “Your offic e is k n o w n for its g e n e r o sity.” Generosity?Hardly. Mayb e h e o u g ht t o s p e a k t o Azil e o n a c o m m c h a n n el th at c o ul d n’t b e m o nit or e d . Unfortu n at ely, th at e li mi n at e d e v e r y c h a n n el in th e Eu bi a n Co n c o r d. But Jai th o u g ht hi s priv at e stu dy, in hi s o w n p al a c e , w as probably more secure than a comm line. “Hav e y o u e v e r ta st e d Tai m a r si a n wi n e , Minist er Xir?” h e a s k e d . “I’v e a fin e vi nt a g e h e r e . P er h a p s y o u m i g ht att e n d m e thi s aft er n o o n , at sixth h o ur.” T h e h e a rin g s w o ul d n’t r e s u m e a g ai n u ntil t o m o rr o w. In thi s s e a s on, nights in the Jaizire Mountains lasted six hours, which meant daylight lasted ten. The people on Glory counted hours from sunrise; today, sixth hour came in early afternoon. Jai thought it made timekeeping absurdly confused, given that they had to recalculate the time every day. Then again, maybe that was why Aristos liked it. “Your Hig h n e s s is m o s t g r a ci o u s ,” Azil e s ai d. “It w o ul d b e m y g r e at h o n o r t o att e n d y o u.” “Very w e ll.” Jai th o u g ht Azil e s o u n d e d w a ry, b ut h e c o ul d n’t b e s ur e . As m u c h a s it r eli e v e d

hi m t o b e is ol at e d fr o m o t h e r Arist o s , it li mit e d hi s a bility t o di s c e r n th eir th o u g ht s — a n d hi s w e ll-b ei n g , fr e e d o m , e v e n hi s lif e, d e p e n d e d o n h o w w e ll h e c o ul d g a u g e th eir int e nt. Azil e b a r ely t o u c h e d hi s wi n e . T h e m i ni st e r’ s a git ati o n w a s str o n g e n o u g h for Jai t o s e n s e e v e n thr o u g h hi s b a rri er s. “ESCo m m is a d m ir a bl e in th eir att e nti o n t o d e t ail,” Azil e s ai d. He w a s st a n di n g b y a wi n d o w , fa cin g Jai, hi s gl a s s in hi s h a n d . Bey o n d hi m , in th e bl e a c h e d e v e ni n g s ky, th e c r e s c e nt s o f s e v e r al m o o n s gl o w e d . “My fath er h a s al w a y s c o m m e n t e d o n th eir st e a df a st d e di c ati o n t o th eir w o r k.” To our misfortune,Jai th o u g ht. Rig ht n o w Azil e’ s fat h e r w a s th e o bj e ct th at d e di c ati o n. “Your fath er h a s al w a y s b e e n a m a n o f g r e at int ellig e n c e .” He h o p e d Azil e u n d e r st o o d hi s q u e s ti o n: Had ESCo m m ’ s int ellig e n c e p e o pl e fo u n d a n y e vi d e n c e linkin g Cor b al t o th e s e c urity b r e a k at Kalig a’ s h o m e ? “He h a s l o n g v alu e d p er si st e n c e ,” Azil e s ai d. “It w a s a tr ait witn e s s e d b y e v e r y d a w n .” T h e d a w n . Azil e h a d t o m e a n Sunri s e . His u s e o f th e p a st t e n s e m a d e Jai thin k th e y h a d n’t fo u n d a n y l e a d s in h e r di s a p p e a r a n c e . Mercifully, h e fo u n d n o in di c ati o n of h e r d e at h in Azil e’ s m i n d. He c o ul d n’t l o w e r hi s b a rri er s a r o u n d Azil e, b ut s ur ely if s h e h a d di e d, th e m i ni st er w o ul d b e g ri e vi n g d e e ply e n o u g h th at Jai w o ul d f e el it thr o u g h hi s d ef e n s e s . Azil e lik e d Sunri s e , m a y b e e v e n m o r e th a n h e lik e d hi s o w n Hig ht o n m o t h er. Jai di d n’t k n o w if Arist o s c o ul d l o v e , b ut if they did, he thought Corbal and Azile both loved Sunrise, each in his own way. It h a d t o b e m a d d e ni n g for Cor b al, u n a bl e t o h el p in th e s e a r c h . T e c h ni c ally, ESCo m m h a d n’t i m pri s o n e d hi m ; in c ar c e r atin g a Hig ht o n w a s al m o s t n e v e r d o n e . T h e y d e t ai n e d hi m in an opulent mansion owned by the military while they investigated the situation. Corbal could neither leave nor have visitors, except ESComm officers, but he otherwise lived in luxury. Jai could have seen him if he wanted, but it was impractical to the point of impossibility; ESComm had taken him to another planet and Jai had far more duties here on Glory than he could handle. Jai di d n’t u n d e r st a n d w h at Azil e m e a nt b y e v e r y d a w n h a vi n g witn e s s e d Cor b al’s p er si st e n c e . P er h a p s Sunri s e h a d m e n ti o n e d hi s t e n a city, o r m a y b e s h e h a d s e e n s o m e t hi n g s h e s h o ul d n’t h a v e . Ho w th at c o n n e c t e d t o h e r a b d u cti o n, h e h a d n o id e a , b ut h e c o ul d t ell Azil e f e ar e d for h e r lif e. Jai c o ul d n’t b e a r t o think o f h e r b ei n g h urt, a n d h e w a nt e d Azil e t o k n o w th e inv e sti g ati o n w o ul d r e main a top priority. “Minist er Xir,” h e s ai d. “Pl e a s e b e a s s ur e d w e will d o o ur b e s t t o e n s ur e th at th e joy of th e n e w d a y is n’t l o st. I will s e e t o it m y s elf.” Azile studied him, so closely that Jai wondered if he had said more than he intended. Then the m i ni st er b o w e d . “You a r e m o s t wi s e a n d g e n e r o u s , Your Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s .” Most wi s e ? If th er e w a s a n y a dj e ctiv e Arist o s di d n’t a s s o ci at e wit h hi m , it w a s wi s d o m . Jai h o p e d h e h a d n’t ju st pr o m i s e d m o r e th a n h e c o ul d d eliv er. P er h a p s h e o u g ht t o q uit tryin g t o talk lik e a Hig ht o n , b ef or e h e la n d e d hi m s elf in tr o u bl e . He wi s h e d h e c o ul d c o n s ult Cor b al, th e o nly Arist o w h o w o ul d s p e a k wit h hi m in a c o m p r e h e n si bl e m a n n er. Not th at h e tru st e d Cor b al e it h er, b ut at l e a st th e y h a d th e s a m e g o al: Jai’s s ur viv al. Corbal, however, could no longer help him. The pressure felt as if it were driving broken glass into his temples. It was the only way Jai could describe the minds of the Aristos in the courtroom. They felt even worse than yesterday, when the hearings had begun. His mental defenses were weakening under the strain. He vehemently wished he had followed through on his idea to attend the hearings using a VR set up in his private rooms. He had returned here because the insights he gained as a psion

could prove invaluable, and he only sensed the moods or thoughts of people when he was near them, unblocked by walls or other barriers. But now his decision seemed crazy. Nothing was worth this misery. Jai struggled to concentrate. The insurance bureaus were arguing that they owed Tarquine Iquar nothing. To an extent, they had a point; if she won against Taratus, he would owe her the balance between the true worth of the provider and the fourteen million. Given that Kelric had been dying, his price should have been a small fraction of what Tarquine paid. However, the bureaus also claimed Tarquine had lost her provider due to negligence, besides which, she had sued Taratus for punitive damages. If she won, she would end up with far more than the fourteen million renormalized c r e dit s s h e p ai d in th e first pl a c e , s o th e y in si st e d th e y s h o ul d n’t e v e n h a v e t o r efu n d h e r in s ur a n c e f e e s . T h eir blith e r efu s al t o a c k n o wl e d g e a n y r e s p o n si bility a m a z e d Jai. He al s o w a nt e d t o lau g h e v e r y ti m e h e h e a r d “r e n o r m aliz e d.” T h e w o r d c a m e fr o m q u a ntu m fi el d th e o ry. Basi c ally it m e a n t turnin g a n infinit e q u a ntity int o a finit e o n e . It s ai d a g r e at d e al a b o ut e c o n o m i c infl ati o n in th e Eubi a n Co n c o r d, th at th e y h a d t o “r e n o r m aliz e” th eir m o n e y. Tar q uin e’ s l e g al t e a m cl ai m e d th e b ur e a u s h a d vi ol at e d her rights by forcing her to pay their fees before she could verify the health of her provider. Even worse, they said, she had lost an immense amount of interest while the bureaus kept her credits, and continued to do so as long as they refused to honor their contract. For good measure, they even accused the bureaus of setting criminally high fees and exhorted the High Judge to investigate them. Obj e cti o n s m ultipli e d. Tar atu s’ s p e o pl e w e i g h e d in, d e cl arin g h e h a d b e e n c o n vi ct e d of n o c ri m e . ESCo m m o bj e ct e d to the demand made by the bureaus that Tarquine turn over details of her security system, which had been designed by the military. Calope Muze reminded everyone that the fee schedule of the bureaus was not on trial. The debate dragged on. ESComm made veiled threats at every turn. The bureaus threw every metaphorical wrench imaginable into proceedings. If it was this bad now, Jai dreaded the chaos that would explode when they discovered the truth about Kelric. The main players, Tarquine Iquar and Azar Taratu s, r ar ely s p o k e . T h e f e w ti m e s Tar q uin e a d dr e s s e d th e c o urt, s h e w a s t errifyin gly a rti c ul at e. Jai h o p e d h e n e v e r fa c e d h e r in a n y pr o c e e di n g . Sh e w o ul d s hr e d hi m . He tri e d t o st o p n oti cin g h e r: h e di d n’t s e e h e r h a w k -lik e b e a uty; h e w a s n’t a w a r e o f h e r l e a n b o d y; h e di d n’t fin d h e r m e s m e rizin g . He n oti c e d n o n e of it, n o n e at all. His head hurt so damn much. The onslaught of their Aristo minds came with so much force, he caught valuable impressions even without lowering his barriers. Taratus expected to lose on the fraud charge. Despite his outward nonchalance, he feared ESComm would strip him of his rank. ESComm was irate, at the bureaus for trying to compromise military security and at Taratus for getting caught. The bureaus were determined to do whatever necessary, no matter how sleazy, to avoid paying Tarquine. Jai’s m i n d r e el e d . Pr e s si n g th e h e e l s of hi s h a n d s a g ai n st hi s t e m pl e s , h e g r o a n e d . He c o ul d n o l o n g e r h e a r th e s p e a k e r s in th e c o urtr o o m . “Your Hig h n e s s ?” Azil e’ s v oi c e pi er c e d th e r o ar in hi s e a r s — n o , in hi s m i n d — s o m u c h p ai n — Jai st o o d u p, k n o c ki n g o v e r hi s c h air. T h e c ol o n el gi vin g t e sti m o n y st o p p e d a n d turn e d wit h a st art. Ev ery o n e e l s e in th e r o o m r o s e , in clu din g th e Hig h Jud g e . Jai st ar e d at th e m . He c a u g ht a n i m a g e of hi m s elf in Tar q ui n e’ s mind, a tall youth with his eyes wild, his body tensed and partially bent over. He looked half-crazed. Jai c o ul d e n d ur e n o m o r e . With e x c r u ci atin g c a r e , h e w al k e d off th e d ai s a n d w e nt t o th e priv at e e xit b e hi n d Cal o p e’ s b e n c h . Then he escaped the courtroom.

T h e st o n e b e n c h w h e r e Jai s at c ur v e d a r o u n d th e s e cl u d e d a nt e c h a m b e r b e hi n d th e c o urtr o o m . With hi s f e et pl a nt e d wi d e , h e r e st e d hi s e l b o w s o n hi s k n e e s a n d p ut hi s for e h e a d o n th e h e e l s o f hi s h a n d s . He di d n’t s e e w h o e v e r o p e n e d a n d th e n cl o s e d th e d o or, b ut h e h e a r d b r e at hi n g . It c o ul d n’t b e Azil e; Jai w o ul d h a v e r e c o g niz e d hi s m i n d. His Raz er s aff e ct e d hi m , t o o , th o u g h th e y w e r e o nly h alf Arist o, s o th e eff e ct w a s n’t a s pr o n o u n c e d . He f elt n ot hi n g n o w . Jai raised his head and saw Calope Muze standing b y th e d o or. Sh e b o w e d t o hi m . “Pl e a s e a c c e pt m y a p ol o gi e s for di stur bin g y o ur c o nt e m pl ati o n, Your Hig h n e s s .” Co nt e m pl ati o n. T h at w a s c e rt ai nly a p olit e w a y t o p ut it. He in di c at e d th e b e n c h a g ai n st th e o p p o sit e w all, a f e w p a c e s a w ay. “Join m e , pl e a s e .” He wanted to send her away, but isolating himself now would only worsen his reputation for bizarre behavior. Cal o p e s e ttl e d o n th e b e n c h . “I a m a m a z e d at th e v ari ety of at m o s p h e ri c c o n diti o n s h u m a n s c a n t ol er at e o n diff er e nt w o rl d s .” Jai knew she was tryin g t o off er hi m a n e x c u s e for hi s “ att a c k.” T h e at m o s p h e r e o n Glory w a s n’t u n u s u al, gi v e n th at th e w o rl d h a d b e e n t err af or m e d for h u m a n s , b ut a difficulty in b r e at hi n g w a s th e b e s t e x c u s e for hi s b e h a vi or h e c o ul d thin k o f rig ht n o w . “Your Hig h n e s s i m pr e s s e s wit h hi s a bility t o a d a pt t o o ur w o rl d,” s h e a d d e d . “T h a n k y o u.” Jai’s h e a d w a s cl e a rin g n o w th at th e pr e s s ur e fr o m th e Hig ht o n s h a d r e c e d e d , m ut e d b y di st a n c e a n d th e m a r bl e w all s. He fo c u s e d o n Cal o p e a n d e v e n r el ax e d hi s b a rri er s, b ut h e still f elt n o pr e s s ur e . Just lik e Cor b al. Jai wi s h e d h e k n e w w h y th e y di d n’t aff e ct hi m . Cal o p e a n d Cor b al h a d thr e e attri b ut e s in c o m m o n : w hit e h air, a d v a n c e d a g e , a n d Qox h e r e dity. “Your h a n dlin g of th e h e a ri n g s in vit e s r e s p e ct,” h e s ai d. Cal o p e in clin e d h e r h e a d . “You h o n o r m e .” Jai h e sit at e d t o s a y m o r e . He s u s p e ct e d h e h a d stu m bl e d in hi s talk wit h Azil e a b o ut Sunri s e . T h e Int ellig e n c e Minist er r e m ai n e d m a d d e ni n gly v a g u e o n th e s u bj e ct. Jai di d n’t e v e n w a nt t o i m a gi n e w h at h e c o ul d e n d u p s a yi n g if h e c o n v e r s e d wi th the judge. With hi s b a rri er s r el ax e d , h e f elt Cal o p e’ s c uri o sity: h e intri g u e d h er. Sh e th o u g ht o f hi m a s a b e a utiful e ni g m a b e g gi n g t o b e s ol v e d . Jai wi n c e d . T h e o nly p er s o n w h o truly s a w hi m a s a n e m p e r o r w a s Silv er. He wi s h e d h e c o ul d g o h o m e t o h e r at ni g ht, b ut Kalig a h a d turn e d d o w n hi s off er s for th e girl. Alth o u g h th e a d m ir al u s e d g r e at c o urt e sy, h e s h o w e d n o si g n of r el e ntin g. Jai di d n’t bl a m e hi m . Silv er w a s a m ir a cl e . As m u c h a s Kalig a di d n’t d e s e r v e h er, Jai c o ul d n’t i m a gi n e a n y o n e in hi s ri g ht mind giving her up. More impressions came to him from Calope; she liked him despite his oddities, but she expected him to retreat into seclusion, as his father had before him. She wondered if inbreeding had made the Qox Line mentally fragile. Inbreeding. He wanted to laugh.If only you knew. Alou d h e s ai d, “You b rin g a m a r k o f di stin cti o n t o th e s e diffic ult pr o c e e di n g s .” It w a s th e cl o s e s t h e c o ul d c o m e t o s a yi n g w h at h e r e ally m e a n t:It’s a w r et c h e d m u d dl e in th er e . Cal o p e s m il e d dryly. “I’ m afr ai d a n y m a r k w o ul d b e di stin ct wit hin s u c h c o nfu si o n.” Gods. Was that a Highton joke? Startled, Jai smiled. Calope blinked, her emotions clear; she found his smile guileless, a quality she had never expected to associate with a Qox emperor. Jai inwardly groaned. No one took him seriously. He stood up slowly. His headache had receded enough that he thought he could return to the hearings. Calope rose as well and opened the door, then followed him into the courtroom. The legal teams were all conferring, each group using sound-shrouds to keep their adversaries from eavesdropping. Everyone stopped and stood when Jai entered. As he sat at the table on the dais, Calope took her chair behind her bench. Jai offered no explanation for his departure and

no one dared ask. After th e u s u al for m aliti e s , Cal o p e r e s u m e d th e h e a rin g . As Tar atu s’ s p e o pl e w o u n d u p t o th eir pr e vi o u s a r g u m e nt ativ e pit c h, Azil e s p o k e t o Jai in a l o w v oi c e . “It is g r atifyin g t o s e e Your Hig h n e s s in g o o d h e alth.” Jai wanted to say,I feel like someone hit me in the head with a stardock crane. But he nodded and kept his mouth shut. Perhaps he could make Imperial Silence a new fad. T h e l e g al c o u n s el s c o ntinu e d t o p e rf or m r e m a r k a bl e f e at s o f in d e ci p h e r a bl e v e r b o sity. At o n e p oi nt, s o m e o n e a ctu ally s ai d, “It is o ur contention that the contrary prediction of safeguards as established by the forward-leaning claims in document four-seven-three-nine-two, presented by my most honored colleagues in EFC, pursuant to the final decision of the back stripes did in fact alter.” Jai h a d n’t a clu e w h at th e f ell o w m e a n t. Why a n y o n e w o ul d a s pir e t o i m p e ri al s o v e r ei g nty, Jai c o ul d n’t i m a gi n e . If thi s w a s typi c al of a d a y o n th e jo b , hi s r el ativ e s c o ul d h a v e it. Pl e a s ur e girl s e x c e pt e d , it w a s a si n g ul arly u n pl e a s a nt o c c u p ati o n. He could see why Kaliga and his cronies assumed it would be easy to distract him with providers, drugs, and other numbing pursuits, while his elders ran his empire. He longed for Silver. He could have any of the providers he had inherited, and he had no doubt th e y w e r e ju st a s b e a utiful. But h e di d n’t w a nt s o m e o t h e r w o m a n . He w a nt e d h er. Unlik e th e Arist o s , h e c o ul d n’t s wit c h hi s aff e cti o n s a s c a s u ally a s h e c h a n g e d cl ot h e s . “S o it is wit h g r e at e x p e c t ati o n,” Tar atu s’ s c o u n s el c o ntin u e d , “th at w e c o m e b ef or e y o u, m o s t e s t e e m e d Hig h Jud g e Muz e, t o p art a k e of y o ur wi s d o m in thi s m a tt er of s p uri o u s a c c u s ati o n s .” Jai blinked. Were they finally going to stop talking and partake of some wisdom? It was about time. Calope nodded. Her hair glittered like white crystals in th e diffu s e lig ht. “Co u n s el s pl e a s e st a n d.” Relief swept over Jai. Not only had they quit pontificating, but Calope had spoken a sentence he could understand. Curious, he waited to see what came next. Everyone at the tables below rose to their feet. Calo p e s p o k e t o th e Hig ht o n s a rr a y e d b ef or e h er. “T h e Court o f Qox a c c e pt s y o ur w o r d s . T h e r e c o r d is c o m pl et e .” No w s h e r o s e , t o o , a n d turn e d t o Jai. “It is wit h th e ut m o st r e v e r e n c e th at w e h o n o r y o ur d e ci si o n , Most Sa g a ci o u s Maje sty.” Jai froze.What decision? And si n c e w h e n h a d h e b e c o m e a “Sa g a ci o u s Maj e sty”? Cor b al h a d g o n e o v e r in d e t ail w h at w a s e x p e ct e d fr o m hi m at th e h e a rin g s . T h e s e o p e ni n g a r g u m e n t s w e r e o nly th e st art. Re b utt al s a n d e x a m i n ati o n s c o ul d g o o n for m o n t h s , e v e n y e a r s. Non e o f it h a d in c luded Calope Muze asking his sagacious self for a decision. Jai gl a n c e d at Azil e Xir. T h e Int elli g e n c e Minist er n o d d e d wit h r e s p e c t — a n d g r atitu d e . Gratitude. Ah, hell.Jai made himself drop his barriers, so he could verify what he feared, reading the truth fr o m Azil e. Co m pr e h e n si o n hit hi m e v e n w o r s e th a n th e i m p a ct o f th e Arist o m i n d s . He h a d n’t ju st blu n d e r e d w h e n h e s p o k e wit h Azil e a b o ut Sunri s e , s a yi n g h e w o ul d s e e t o th e m a tt er hi m s elf. He had promised that he, Jaibriol III, would render the verdict in these hearings. I’m d e a d , Jai thought.

14 Verdict

Panic surged in Jai and his mind reeled. They were all waiting for him to speak. What did he do now? With the perfect vision of hindsight, he realized Azile had been waiting for exactly the opening Jai had gi v e n hi m . T h e m i ni st er h a d d eli b e r at ely c h o s e n t o int er pr et Jai’s c o m m e n t in a b r o a d e r c o nt e xt th a n Jai h a d int e n d e d , a n d Jai h a d b e e n t o o n ai v e t o st o p it fr o m h a p p e ni n g . He tri e d t o int e n sify hi s b a rri er s, b ut h e c o ul d n’t d o it ri g ht wit h s o m a n y e m o ti o ns pouring in on him and so much pressure from the Hightons. He had to get out of here, talk to someone, find out how to respond. But he had no one to confide in.No one. If h e s h o w e d a n y w e a k n e s s , th e Arist o s w o ul d d e v o ur hi m lik e Earth’ s l e g e n d ary pir a n h a s. T h e sil e n c e str et c h e d o ut lik e a b a n d p ull e d t o o tig ht. He f elt e v e r y o n e’ s di s q ui et, all w o n d e rin g w h y th eir u ntri e d a n d p e r h a p s u n st a bl e e m p e r o r di d n’t r e s p o n d. Jai took a shaky breath. Then he rose, followed by the others at his table. He had trouble s o rtin g o ut th e e m o ti o n s b o m b a r di n g hi m , b ut Cal o p e’ s c a m e thr o u g h str o n gly; if h e l eft th e c h a m b e r n o w , it w o ul d b e ta nt a m o u nt t o di s mi s si n g th e c a s e . T h e r e s ult w o ul d b e u n miti g at e d di s a st er: Tar atu s w o ul d g o fr e e , th e b ur e a u s w o ul d e s c a p e p a yi n g, ESCo m m would be left hanging, and Tarquine Iquar would recoup none of her losses. After the emperor, the three most powerful civilians in Eube were the Ministers of Finance, Trade, and Intelligence. With her influence, Tarquine could cause a major economic crisis if she chose to do so. Jai had no doubt she was fully capable of doing it. If he walked away from this, he would set appalling precedents in the criminal, military, and economic sectors, and possibly precipitate an interstellar catastrophe. Jai fought down his panic. He had to say something. Although he had an idea what to do in some of the cases, he was lost for how to phrase his decisions. He had nothing resembling the fluency in Highton he needed, but if he answered plainly, it would be an insult so deep, gods only knew what would happen. Maybe someone would assassinate him and put him out of his misery. Until now, his lack of experience had been a shield. No one had taken him seriously enough to consider him a danger. But no matter what he did now, he w o ul d m a k e p ot e nt e n e m i e s . And w h at e v e r h e d e ci d e d w o ul d dir e ctly i m p a ct Cor b al. Sunri s e’ s situ ati o n h a d t o o m a n y si mil ariti e s t o w h at h a d h a p p e n e d wit h Kelric. No w o n d e r Azil e h a d b e e n s o g r at eful; Jai h a d pr a cti c ally pr o m i s e d t o r e n d e r a v e r di ct th at b e n efit e d Cor b al. If h e di d n’t foll o w thr o u g h wit h w h at Azil e e x p e ct e d , h e w o ul d ali e n at e th e Int ellig e n c e Ministry. At th e ta bl e b e l o w , Tar atu s s hift e d hi s w e i g ht. Jai f elt e v e r y o n e’ s c o n c e r n g r o wi n g a s th eir e m p e r o r’ s sil e n c e c o ntinu e d . T h e y h a d t o r e aliz e hi s q u a n d ary. Most o f th e m k n e w h e di d n’t s p e a k Hig ht o n w e ll. His str a n g e b e h a vi or h ei g ht e n e d th eir c o n c e r n. Co nf or mity m e a nt e v e r yt hin g t o Arist o s ; th e y f e ar e d h e w o ul d c a u s e a c ri si s, b e c o m e u n hi n g e d , e v e n d e s t a biliz e th e g o v e r n m e nt wit h hi s e rr ati c b e h a vior. Desperate, Jai turned to his aide, Robert Muzeson, who stood at the end of the table. Beyond him, Jai could see the waiting Hightons. Jai s p o k e c a r efully. “It is w e ll k n o w n th at a s th e e m p e r o r’ s h eir, I w a s in s e cl u si o n for m o s t o f m y lif e.” Robert stared at him with undisguised shock. That Jai addressed him now, instead of the Hightons, was so anomalous, it verged on deadly. He looked petrified. Ang er c a m e fr o m th e Arist o s — a n d c uri o sity. Jai h a d st artl e d th e m . Still talkin g t o Ro b ert, Jai s ai d, “As s u c h , I h a v e l e s s fa cility wit h th e p erf e ct e d di s c o ur s e of th e Hig ht o n la n g u a g e th a n n e e d e d for a pr o c e e di n g thi s s e n sitiv e .” Ro b e rt’s ri gi d p o stur e s u d d e nly e a s e d , a s h e u n d e r st o o d . He m e t Jai’s g a z e s q u ar ely s o it w o ul d b e o b vi o u s th e e m p e r o r w a s s p e a ki n g t o hi m , a ta s k m a k er. Jai c o ul d th e n u s e pl ain la n g u a g e wit h o ut — h e h o p e d — gi vin g in s ult.

Here goes,Jai th o u g ht. “I will l e a v e m y m o s t e s t e e m e d Hig h Jud g e t o i m pl e m e nt m y d e ci si o n s .” Giv e n th e b a r e b o n e s of hi s d e ci si o n s , s h e w o ul d k n o w far b e tt er th a n h e h o w t o i m pl e m e n t th e m . Jai h a d n o ti m e t o w e i g h c o n s e q u e n c e s ; th e b e s t h e c o ul d d o w a s st art wit h th e e a s i e st c a s e , gi vin g hi m s p a c e t o thin k. “In th e m a tt er of s e c urity, Eubi a n Sp a c e Co m m a n d s h all n ot b e r e q uir e d t o r el e a s e a n y c o nfid e nti al d o c u m e n t s t o a n y b ur e a u th at d o e s n’t h a v e a dir e ct n e e d t o k n o w . I al s o c h ar g e ESCo m m wit h d e t e r mi ni n g w h at c a u s e d th e s e c urity lap s e o n Minist er Iqu ar’ s h a bit at a n d e n s urin g th at n o s u c h lap s e o c c ur s a g ai n.” That created no stir, except for relief from the ESComm officers. No one expected that the military would give out classified information. Had Jai commanded them to, he would have no doubt found himself mired in bureaucratic resistance. As for the investigation, they were already doing one. Jai c o ntin u e d . “In th e c a s e b r o u g ht b y Minist er Iqu ar a g ai n st Ad mir al Tar atu s, I rul e thu s: Ad mir al Tar atu s will r e p a y Minist er Iqu ar h e r p ur c h a s e pri c e o f th e pr o vi d e r m i n u s w h at e v e r th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s e s ti m at e a s hi s tru e v alu e .” Triumph came from Tarquine, anger from Taratus, a n d c a uti o u s a p pr o v al fr o m Cal o p e Muz e. Jai di d n’t think h e h a d m a d e a n y dr a sti c m i st a k e s s o far, b ut th e p u nitiv e d a m a g e s Tar q uin e w a nt e d w o ul d b e m o r e difficult. Alth o u g h hi g h, th e a m o u nt w a s n’t u nr e a s o n a bl e gi v e n th e m a g nitu d e of Tar atu s’ s fra u d. Re a s o n a bl e , y e s — u ntil it b e c a m e k n o w n th at th e “ o v e r pri c e d” pr o vi d e r w a s a Ruby prin c e , th e Imperator, for s ai nt s’ s a k e . Jai h at e d th at Hig ht o n s s o c a v ali erly p ut a pri c e o n h u m a n b e i n g s , b ut r e g a r dl e s s of w h at h e th o u g ht, th e m ilitary rul er of Sk oli a w o ul d b e w e ll worth fourteen million to them. Jai k n e w h e w a s a b o ut t o m a k e a n e n e m y of s o m e o n e h e r e ally, r e ally di d n’t w a nt t o a nt a g o niz e . But if h e di d n’t d o thi s, th e e v e ntu al c o n s e q u e n c e s c o ul d b e e v e n w o r s e . St e elin g hi m s elf, h e s ai d, “I a w a r d n o p u nitiv e d a m a g e s t o Minist er Iqu ar.” An e x pl o si o n o f b r e at h c a m e fr o m s o m e o n e . Surpri s e w a s h e d o v e r Jai fr o m th e a s s e m b l e d Hig ht o n s , a n d Jud g e Muz e fr o w n e d . Wick e d gl e e fla s h e d in Tar atu s’ s e y e s . Tar q uin e m e t Jai’s g a z e wit h a h ar d st ar e , lik e ic e , u nf or givin g a n d pr o m i sing vengeance. Damn. Jai di d n’t try t o e x pl ain, afr ai d t o ta n gl e hi m s elf int o m o r e tr o u bl e . If Kelric’ s id e ntity b e c a m e k n o w n , Minist er Iqu ar’ s c a s e a g ai n st Tar atu s w o ul d di si nt e g r at e . Alth o u g h it w o ul d infuri at e Tar atu s th at h e h a d b e e n for c e d t o r e p a y h e r th e fo urt e e n m illi o n, th at rulin g w o ul d pr o b a bly h ol d, gi v e n th e w a y h e h a d c h e a t e d h er. But if Jai a w a r d e d h e r a d diti o n al d a m a g e s , it w o ul d b e t o o m u c h w h e n th e a d m ir al di s c o v e r e d th e truth a b o ut th e “ w o rt hl e s s ” pr o vi d er. T h e situ ati o n c o ul d e x pl o d e . Jai for c e d hi m s elf t o g o o n , s p e a ki n g t o Ro b ert, th o u g h h e c o ul d s e e e v e r y o n e in th e c h a m b e r. “In r e g ar d s t o th e in s ur a n c e cl ai m s : si n c e Minist er Iqu ar will r e c ei v e r e p a y m e nt fr o m Ad mir al Tar atu s, th e b ur e a u s a r e r e s p o n si bl e o nly for th e v alu e of th e pr o vi d er d et er mi n e d b y a r e e v alu ati o n b a s e d o n th e r e c o r d s o f hi s h e alt h m a d e a v ail a bl e t o thi s c o urt.” So m e o n e g a s p e d , a n ai d e m a y b e , Jai w a s n’t c e rt ai n. If Tar q uin e c o ul d h a v e kill e d wit h h e r la s e r-lik e st ar e , Jai k n e w h e w o ul d b e d e a d . Sw e at b r o k e o ut o n hi s brow. She, more than the others, was the one he feared. And she might as well have come out and said,You’r e a s h e s n o w. Not unexpectedly, the insurance people looked pleased, self-satisfied even. Taratus was smug, more from knowing that Tarquine, his foe, had been outmaneuvered than because he cared what the bureaus paid her. Jai’s a n g e r s m o l d e r e d . T h e y w e r e t o o full of th e m s e l v e s . He s p o k e q ui etly. “I m a k e t w o stipul ati o n s . T h e first: th e in s ur a n c e c a rri er will r e c al c ul at e th e f e e it c h ar g e d t o c o v e r th e pr o vi d er, s e ttin g a n e w f e e b a s e d o n th e u p d at e d a p pr ai s al o f hi s w o rt h. T h e y will r ei m b ur s e Minist er Iqu ar for th e diff er e n c e b e t w e e n th at f e e a n d th e hi g h e r o n e s h e h a s alr e a d y p ai d.”

He p a u s e d . “In a d diti o n, I m a y, at a n y ti m e , o r d e r a n in d e p e n d e nt e v al u ati o n o f th e pr o vi d er. If it pr o v e s hi m w o rt h m o r e th a n th e l o w e r v alu e s e t b y th e b ur e a u s , th e y will p a y Minist er Iqu ar d o u bl e th e diff er e n c e b e t w e e n th eir a s s e s s m e n t a n d th e in d e p e n d e nt a p pr ai s al.” That elicited little reaction. The fee the bureaus would have to repay Tarquine, although large, was nothing compared to the fourteen million they would have had to pay if Jai had ruled in her favor. And no one could evaluate a missing provider. Even if they found him, it was unlikely any reevaluation would place the worth of a dying man higher than that determined from his health records. Just wait,Jai thought.Just wait. Tar q uin e’ s h o stility w a s p alp a bl e . Jai wi s h e d h e c o ul d b r u s h th e b a c k o f hi s h a n d a c r o s s hi s for e h e a d , wi pin g a w a y th e s w e a t. To Ro b e rt, h e s ai d, “In th e m a tt er o f Ad mir al Azar Tar atu s —” T h e n h e st o p p e d , fl o o d e d wit h a ni m o sity fr o m th e a d m ir al. It di d n’t s h o w o n Tar atu s’ s fa c e ; h e hi d hi s e m o ti o n s b e hi n d a n icy Hig ht o n v e n e er. Just o n c e Jai wi s h e d h e c o ul d t ell th e m ,Yo u c a n’t fo ol m e . I k n o w th e deceptions in your minds. Jai t o o k a b r e at h. “I fin d Ad mir al Azar Tar atu s g uilty of frau d a n d th e m i s u s e o f ESCo m m r e s o ur c e s . His s e nt e n c e will b e — ” He p ull e d str ai g ht fr o m Tar atu s’ s m i n d th e s e nt e n c e th at th e a d m ir al h a d f e ar e d t o r e c ei v e . “A fin e of o n e m illi o n c r e dit s a n d a s u s p e n si o n fr o m ESCo m m for a p e ri o d o f ti m e d e t e r mi n e d b y Jud g e Muz e.” A harsh chiming filled the chamber. Struggling to handle the avalanche of emotions in the courtroom, Jai was too distracted at first to register the source of the s o u n d . T h e n h e r e m e m b e r e d : Arist o s m a d e th eir o pi ni o n s k n o w n , n ot wit h w o r d s , b ut wit h fin g e r c y m b al s th e y w o r e o n th eir thu m b a n d in d e x fin g e r d urin g for m al a s s e m b li e s . He w a s n’t s ur e w h at th e y w e r e e x pr e s si n g n o w , b ut it w a s n’t h a p py. Tar atu s h a d cl e n c h e d his fist at his side. Jai f elt a s if a m o u nt ai n w e r e c oll a p si n g o n hi m . Jud g e Muz e h a d a str a n g e e x pr e s si o n , a s if s h e s a w it thu n d e rin g d o w n b ut di d n’t k n o w h o w t o st o p it. Her th o u g ht s c a m e t o hi m : alth o u g h s h e r e s p e ct e d m a n y of hi s d e ci si o n s , s h e al s o believed he had just undermined his reign, probably beyond repair. He had no idea how many unwritten rules of custom and favor he had broken. Worse, he had made an enemy of his Finance Minister, who wielded far more influence than he, regardless of his title. Tarquine had spent decades building her power base, and now she would turn it against him. Jai felt sick.Corbal, I need you. But he had no ally. He had to keep going, sinking into the hole he had dug for himself while the world buried him. He looked out over the courtroom, and Tarquine met his gaze with undisguised enmity. He stared back, taking in her terrifying and glorious fury. Again he saw the white at her temples. White hair, advanced age, and Qox heredity: after Corbal and Calope, Tarquine was the only other Aristo he knew with those three traits. She terrified him. She mesmerized him. Jai turn e d b a c k t o Ro b ert. “I h a v e o n e m o r e v e r di ct.” Everyone froze. He had ruled on all the cases; what further damage could he do now? Ev e n Jai di d n’t k n o w w h at h e int e n d e d u ntil th e w o r d s c a m e o ut of hi s m o ut h: “Tar q uin e Iqu ar s h all b e c o m e m y c o n s o rt —t h e e m p r e s s of Eub e .”

Part Two Umbra 15

Betrothal Th e c a c o p h o n y of fin g e r c y m b al s in th e c o urtr o o m h urt Jai’s e a r s . Only Tar q ui n e h a d n’t m o v e d . Sh e st ar e d at hi m , finally losing her cool, her icy expression turning into incredulity. Cal o p e Muz e g r a b b e d h e r m a ll et a n d b a n g e d th e g o n g . “En o u g h!” The cymbals silenced, but shock from the Aristos filled the room like smoke, so thick that Jai found it astounding none of the others felt it. He was suffocating. Maybe it would asphyxiate him right here, saving him from his lunacy, for surely he must have gone insane. And y et — e v e n if h e c o ul d h a v e r etr a ct e d hi s w o r d s , h e w o ul d h a v e l et th e m st a n d. If h e w a s w r o n g a b o ut Tar q ui n e , he had just condemned himself to one hell of a marriage, but he had expected that anyway. If he was right, he had chosen one of the only Highton women whose presence he could endure without pain. And she brought with her an incredible power base. Not that marrying him meant she would turn that formidable political machine to his advantage, but at least it might motivate her not to pulverize him. The sunset flamed, visi bl e thr o u g h a wi n d o w in Jai’s offic e . Silh o u ett e d a g ai n st th e fir e, Azil e st o o d fa ci n g hi m . T h e la st p e r s o n Jai w a nt e d t o talk t o n o w w a s Azil e, w h o m h e b a r ely k n e w , b e si d e s w hi c h, hi s h e a d alr e a d y thr o b b e d fr o m t o o m a n y Hig ht o n s . But Azil e r efu s e d t o b e put off. “Eu b e h a s v e n e r a bl e , w e ll-e s t a bli s h e d tr a diti o n s ,” Azil e s ai d. “Tr a diti o n s d o n’t for m wit h o ut r e a s o n .” Jai p a c e d hi s offic e , b a c k a n d forth p a st Ro b e rt, w h o w a s st a n di n g b y th e d o or. He k n e w Azil e’ s p oi nt: e m p e r o r s di d n’t m a rry m i ni st er s . He w a s supposed to choose his wife from among the most beautiful of Highton maidenhood, name one of the fourteen moons for her, and bring her out to look aesthetic at balls and galas. The hell with it.No law forbade him from marrying his Finance Minister. Jai did n’t w a nt a l o v ely y o u n g thin g for hi s e m p r e s s . His m o t h e r h a d b e e n a Ja g e r n a ut, a c y b e r n eti c w a rri or, a s d e a dly a s a p u m a pr ot e ctin g h e r b r o o d , a n d lat er s h e h a d b e c o m e th e Imp er at or of Sk oli a, m ilitary rul er of a n e m pir e. F or th e first fo urt e e n y e a r s o f hi s lif e, s h e h a d b e e n hi s s ol e m o d e l for a n a d ult w o m a n . He c o ul d n’t i m a gi n e hi s e m p r e s s a s a m a r gi n aliz e d Hig ht o n girl w h o s e pri m ary p urp o s e w a s t o l o o k d e c o r ativ e . Jai st o p p e d in fr o nt o f Azil e. “Tr a diti o n s a r e c r e at e d s o n e w g e n e r ati o n s c a n r e b el a g ai n st th e m .” T h e m i ni st er s n o rt e d. “N e w g e n e r ati o n s e xi st b e c a u s e th e pr e vi o u s g e n e r ati o n s g a v e birth t o th e m .” Jai understoodthat i m pli c ati o n. Tar q uin e , w h o w a s o v e r a c e ntury o l d, w o ul d h a v e t o gi v e hi m a n h eir. “It is a st o ni s hi n g w h at m o d e r n m e di ci n e c a n a c c o m pli s h. Stor e e n o u g h e g g s , a n d w o m a n c a n h a v e a c hild at m o s t a n y a g e .” Azil e s c o wl e d , pr o b a bly a s m u c h for th e bl u ntn e s s of Jai’s r e s p o n s e a s for its c o nt e nt, b ut b ef or e h e c o ul d a n s w er, th e d o o r c o m m b u z z e d . Ro b e rt t o u c h e d th e p a n el. “Muz e s o n h e r e .” Th e v oi c e a g u ar d c a m e o ut o f th e c o m m . “Minist er Iqu ar h a s a rriv e d , sir, a s s u m m o n e d .” Jai s w o r e u n d e r hi s b r e at h. Had th e y t ol d h e r th at h e “s u m m o n e d ” h e r? He h a d m a d e a p oi nt of s a yin g, “r e q u e st th at s h e att e n d hi m .” Just w h at h e n e e d e d , t o furth er a g g r a vate Tarquine by having her think he was ordering her around. Ro b e rt gl a n c e d at Jai. “Your Hig h n e s s ?” Sw e at b r o k e o ut o n Jai’s for e h e a d . “Ye s . Brin g h e r in.” Robert bowed, his face neutral, though his thoughts were anything but. He believed his emperor had either gone mad or had a death wish.

As Ro b e rt l eft, Jai di s m i s s e d hi s b o d y g u ar d s . T h e n h e turn e d t o Azil e. “I fin d m y s elf a nti cip atin g w h at m y b e tr ot h e d will s a y t o m e in priv at e .” Azil e g a v e hi m a dry s m il e. “You a r e a b r a v e m a n .” Right.He was practically hyperventilating. As Azil e t o o k hi s l e a v e , Ro b ert r etur n e d . He b o w e d t o th e d e p a rtin g Int ellig e n c e Minist er, th e n t o Jai. “Your b e tr ot h e d a w ait s, Your Hig h n e s s .” “You m a y e s c o rt h e r in.” After Robert withdrew, Jai went to the window and stared at the darkening sunset. Night came fast. When he heard a rustle behind him, his stomach clenched. He half expected to feel a laser slice into his back. Slowly he turned around. Tarquine was standing by the closed door, watching him. He was suddenly aware of her heig ht, a s tall a s hi m . Dan g e r a n d s e n s u ality fill e d th e r o o m , a n d h e di d n’t k n o w w hi c h u n s e ttl e d hi m m o r e . Tar q uin e b o w e d a n d la n g ui dly str ai g ht e n e d . T h e n s h e s p o k e in a v oi c e lik e w hi s k ey, d ar k a n d p ot e nt. “My h o n o r at Your Most Unpr e di ct a bl e Pr e s e n c e .” A jo k e ? Go o d g o d s , s h e h a d a s e n s e of h u m o r. “My g r e e tin g s , Minist er Iqu ar.” She emanated a blend of emotions: puzzlement, anger, curiosity, conjecture. When he realized her speculations included his clothes, or their potential absence, his face heated. More than what he sensed, though, he responded to what hedi d n’t pi c k u p fr o m h er. He h a d b e e n ri g ht. Her m i n d e x e rt e d n o pr e s s ur e . He c o ul d b e a r h e r pr e s e n c e . T h e r eli ef hit hi m s o h a r d, h e st art e d t o cl o s e hi s e y e s . He c a u g ht hi m s elf, b ut h e c o ul d n’t st o p hi s audible exhale. Sh e c o n si d er e d hi m . “I m u st a d m it, I’v e n e v e r b e e n b e tr ot h e d a s p art o f a n in s ur a n c e s e ttl e m e n t.” Her r e m a r k s o u n d e d o d d , th o u g h Jai w a s n’t s ur e w hy. “I’v e n e v e r b e e n b e tr ot h e d at all.” Dryly s h e s ai d, “Usu ally o n e in q uir e s a b o ut th e b ri d e’ s willin g n e s s b ef or e a n n o u n ci n g th e h all o w e d e v e nt.” Jai finally realized what sounded strange. She was speaking directly, yet he detected no intent to insult him, neither in her body language nor her mind. He s m il e d. “I h a v e n’t p arti cip at e d in t o o m a n y h all o w e d e v e nt s .” “T hi s m a k e s a r at h e r in a u s pi ci o u s st art, th e n .” A flutter tickled his throat, as it often did when he was nervous. He crossed the room, never taking his gaze off her face, and stopped in front of her, his eyes level with hers. He could smell h e r n o w , a n a s trin g e nt s o a p fra gr a n c e m i x e d wit h h e r o w n n atur al s c e nt. He s p o k e in a l o w v oi c e . “I w o ul d diff er o n th at e s ti m ati o n , Minist er Iqu ar. I d o n’t fin d it in a u s pi ci o u s at all.” Her e y e s cl o s e d h alf w ay, lik e a c at c o nt e m pl atin g a bir d. “Ind e e d .” He di d n’t k n o w w h e t h e r t o run o r hi d e . Inst e a d h e c h o s e a n e v e n m o r e lun ati c c o ur s e . Clo si n g hi s h a n d a r o u n d h e r u p p e r a r m , h e p ull e d h e r for w ar d — a n d ki s s e d h er. Jai expected her to resist. Instead she slid her hand around his neck, and a jolt went through him, like electricity. It astonished him to feel her muscled curves against his body, giving him that reeling sensation of finding the impossible within reach. He had wanted to do this since the first time he had met her, though he only now admitted it t o hi m s elf. Vertig o s h o o k hi m . Sh e r e pr e s e nt e d e v e r yt hin g h e h at e d , b ut a s int e n s e a s th e r e s p o n s e s w e r e th at s h e e v o k e d in hi m , th e y d efinit ely w e r e n’t h at e . An unwelcome thought cooled his heat.Kelric. Jealousy surged through him as he imagined Tarquine with his uncle. The matured Imperator of an empire had far more to offer than an untried youth. Angry at himself, Jai suppressed the images of Tarquine and Kelric that intruded on his thoughts. Without warning, she stepped away. Jai reached for her, but then he froze. She was watching him with a look that, had he been prey and she a hunter, would have petrified him. “S o,” s h e m u r m ur e d . “You w a nt a n e m p r e s s .”

He l o w e r e d hi s a r m . “I alr e a d y h a v e o n e .” “Do y o u n o w ?” Her g a z e di d n’t s oft e n. “You m a d e m a n y e n e m i e s t o d ay. En e m i e s y o u d o n’t w a nt.” “In clu din g y o u?” “P er h a p s .” He q uirk e d hi s e y e b r o w . “You d o n’t k n o w ?” “T hi s e m p r e s s is n’t y o ur typ e .” “Wh o s e typ e a r e y o u?” Her g a z e turn e d s ultry. “On e o ut of y o ur l e a g u e .” “I’ m th e e m p e r or. No o n e is o ut of m y l e a g u e .” Amu s e m e n t flic k er e d o n h e r fa c e . “Your b o u n dl e s s h u mility c e rt ai nly k n o w s n o l e a g u e .” T h e c o n v e r s ati o n m a d e Jai f e el a s if h e w e r e in a b o a t h urtlin g o v e r a w a t erf all, o ut o f c o ntr ol, b o t h e x hil ar at e d a n d t errifi e d. “Su c h r e v e r e n c e for y o ur e m p e r or.” Her ga z e d ar k e n e d . “Your g r a n df at h er m a d e m y ni e c e hi s c hild-b ri d e , a n d s h e s p e nt h e r lif e s u b o r di n at e d t o hi s w hi m s . No w y o u a s pir e t o b e m y c hild-g r o o m . F or w h at? An e a s y r o a d t o p o w e r? T hin k a g ai n. You n e e d a m o t h e r figur e? Do n’t m a k e m e lau g h . A c o m pli a nt s h a d o w ? T h e n y o u a r e d el u d e d .” Her w o r d s sli c e d th e air, b ut th e y o nly m a d e hi m w a nt h e r m o r e . “I’v e n o int er e st in e a s e , m o t h e r s , o r c o m pli a n c e . I w a nt Tar q uin e Iqu ar.” “Pl ainly p ut, Your Hig h n e s s .” In other words, an insult. Yet he sensed no offense from her. Far from it. Her mood was clear: he fascinated her. “You b e g a n th e pl ai n la n g u a g e ,” h e s ai d. “Not I.” “T h e n w h o ?” “I off er e d n o b e tr ot h al.” “A b e tr ot h al is a n in s ult?” Sh e lau g h e d . “W ell, th at d e p e n d s .” “On w h at?” Her s e n s u al v oi c e d e e p e n e d . “A b e tr ot h al, m y in n o c e nt, is a n invit ati o n t o inti m a cy.” Jai would have winced at her evocation of his innocence, except her other words caught his attention. Was she saying that in sexual intimacy, Hightons spoke plainly? She had used direct language since she ent er e d hi s offic e . Sh e invit e d hi s t o u c h e v e n a s s h e c h all e n g e d hi m , s p ur n e d hi s a d v a n c e s e v e n a s s h e s e d u c e d hi m . Jai h a d n e v e r m e t a n y o n e lik e h er, w hi c h w a s n’t u n u s u al gi v e n hi s lif e, b ut h e h a d n o d o u bt s h e w a s u ni q u e . His thoughts were knotting into sna rl s, hi s c o n vi cti o n s of ri g ht a n d w r o n g turn e d b a c k w a r d a n d u p si d e d o w n u ntil n ot hin g m a d e s e n s e . Non e of it st o p p e d hi m fr o m dr a wi n g Tar q uin e t o w a r d hi m a n d pr e s si n g h e r b o d y a g ai n st hi s. He s o u g ht h e r m o ut h h u n grily. Em br a ci n g h e r p o w er, h e r m e n a c e —it e xcited him more than he would have thought possible. So he fell hard, into a darkness of his own making. Roca Skolia, sister and heir to the Ruby Pharaoh, served as the Foreign Affairs Councilor for the Skolian Assembly. It made her a top adviser to the Fir st Co u n cil or, w h o s e r v e d a s th e e l e c t e d l e a d e r o f th e Sk oli a n Imp eri al at e a n d s h a r e d p o w e r wit h th e Ruby Ph ar a o h . As a m e m b e r o f th e Ass e m b ly’s in n er cir cl e , Ro c a wi el d e d a g r e at d e al o f a ut h o rity h e r s elf. F or th e p a st t w o y e ar s , h o w e v er, s h e h a d b e e n d enied access to her power. Now she lay in bed, staring at the canopy overhead. Her husband Eldrinson slept fitfully next to her. Age wore on him, like weather eroding granite that had been solid for ages. Fate had been cruel.

From the moment of her concepti o n, Ro c a h a d b e e n infu s e d wit h n a n o m e d s fr o m h e r m o t h e r’ s b o dy, in clu din g s p e ci e s d e si g n e d t o r e p air h e r c ell s a n d d el a y a gi n g . Ro c a w o ul d e nj o y a y o ut h th at f e w p e o pl e c o ul d cl ai m in o n e lif eti m e , l et al o n e th e c e nturi e s s h e w o ul d liv e. Not so for her husband. He had been eighteen when she met him, his growth finished, his body formed. He had started the age-delaying treatments then, and it had helped give him a long life, close to a century, but his body was failing now. Silver streaked his hair. His walk had slowed, hobbled with a limp. Arthritis plagued him, despite the best efforts of his doctors. The lower gravity on Earth helped, as compared to his native world, but nothing could stop the decline of his years. So Roca grieved, her tears gathering. She b r u s h e d h e r h a n d a c r o s s h e r e y e s , a n g ry at h e r s elf. Her h u s b a n d still liv e d, w a r m at h e r si d e . Dw ellin g o n hi s d e at h w a s m o r bi d. Sh e di d n’t k n o w h o w m u c h ti m e h e h a d l eft, w h e t h e r it w a s m o n t h s o r w e e k s , b ut for n o w th e y h a d e a c h o t h er. Sh e w a nt e d t o gi v e him happiness in these last days, not tears. Ro c a ki s s e d hi s c h e e k , s a v o rin g hi s w a r m t h. But wit h all th e tr o u bl e h e h a d sl e e pi n g lat ely, s h e di d n’t w a nt t o w a k e hi m . So s h e r o s e fr o m b e d a n d p ull e d o n a r o b e o v e r h e r fl o or-l e n gt h ni g ht g o w n . Pa d di n g in h er bare feet, she crossed to a bureau against the wall. Her holoalbum stood there, a cube glimmering with rainbow shimmers. She rubbed an edge of the cube. It came alive, bringing up memories she treasured. The image formed of a golden-haired youth in the black leathers of a Jagernaut. He stood by a Jag starfighter, grinning. It was hard to believe this young officer had later become Imperator, a rock-hard leader who had commanded Imperial Space Command for decades. Feared and admired by his supporters and enemies alike, Kurj Skolia, her son from her previous marriage, had built the military into the mighty force that made Skolia an interstellar power. Many had called him a military dictator, the true ruler of Skolia rather than the Assembly. Roca disagreed. Yes, he had been hard. But he had also been fair, and dedicated to the Skolian people. Three years ago, at the age of 105, he had died in an ESComm ambush. Roca swallowed, fighting the hotness in her eyes.Kurj, my son. To her, he would always be the shining young man in this holo, full of hope and dreams. Ro c a’ s vi si o n bl urr e d. Sh e flipp e d th e c u b e a r o u n d a n d a n e w h ol o for m e d , a h a n d s o m e c hild wit h b r o n z e h air a n d vi ol et e y e s . Alth or. Her third c hild. He h a d al s o b e c o m e a Ja g er n a ut — a n d h e t o o h a d di e d , a c a s u alty o f w ar. Her e y e s b ur nin g, Ro c a fu m bl e d th e c u b e a r o u n d. A girl a p p e a r e d , h e r h e a d thr o w n b a c k in lau g ht er, h e r e y e s full of m i s c hi ef. Sau s c o ny. Soz. Sh e h a d b e e n Ro c a’ s s e v e nt h c hild, a st or m , a for c e of n atur e w h o h a d g r o w n int o a for mi d a bl e w o m a n . At Kurj’s d e a t h, s h e h a d b e c o m e Imp er at or. It w a s Soz w h o l e d Sk oli a int o th e Radi a n c e War, Soz w h o b r o u g ht t w o e m pir e s t o th eir k n e e s — a n d Soz w h o di e d in c o m b at. Ro c a c o ul d n’t b e a r t o l o o k at th at y o u n g fa c e , th e h a p p y c hild wit h n o id e a o f th e h ell s s h e w o ul d fa c e a s a n a d ult. Her h a n d s h o o k a s s h e turn e d th e c u b e — a n d a g ai n h e r h e a rt b r o k e . A six-y e ar-o l d b o y s m il e d in thi s h ol o , hi s fa c e lu mi n o u s . Her g ol d e n c hild. Her y o u n g e s t. Kelric. He had been the sweetest natured of her children, loving and affectionate. He had grown into the largest, towering over his siblings, a taciturn giant, muscled and powerful. And one day he too had gone off to war, wearing the uniform of a Jagernaut. She had lost him first, eighteen years ago, his ship attacked in the cold, lonely reaches of space. T e ar s r a n d o w n Ro c a’ s fa c e . Sh e tri e d t o ru b th e e d g e of th e c u b e , t o st o p th e m e m o ri e s , b ut s h e c o ul d n’t fin d th e s wit c h. Kelric s m il e d at h e r a c r o s s th e y e a r s, th e littl e b o y w h o lau g h e d s o e a s ily a n d l o v e d s o d e e ply. “My c hildr e n ,” s h e w hi s p e r e d . To h a v e o utliv e d th e m w a s m o r e th a n s h e c o ul d b e ar. So o n th eir fath er w o ul d join th e m . Ro c a c ri e d o ut s o u n dl e s sly. With s h a ki n g h a n d s , s h e p ut th e

cu b e d o w n. Unable to remain still with her memories, Roca walked into the living room, where gusts of wind stirred the curtains on the glass doors across from her. She went to pull them open, letting in the wind. It whipped back her hair, throwing it around her shoulders, arms, and hips. Her floor-length robe blew open and billowed out behind her, and the layers of her nightgown fluttered. Even with heat threads weaving through her clothes, she felt the chill of the Scandinavian night. Roca walked onto the balcony of the house where she and Eldrinson had lived these past two years. The Allie d Unit e d Ce ntr e s pr e a d o ut b e l o w , o n e of m a n y Ce ntr e s e s t a bli s h e d o n Earth t o stu dy th e eff e ct s o f u nitin g Earth’ s m a n y n ati o n s u n d e r o n e w o rl d g o v e r n m e nt. Lo c at e d in Sw e d e n , thi s o n e w a s hi d d e n in a r e m o t e wil d er n e s s , s urr o u n d e d in e v e r y dir e cti o n b y s n o w and trees. It was here the Allied military held their Ruby Dynasty prisoners. Ro c a c o ul d n’t d e n y th e Alli e d s tr e at e d th e m w e ll, wit h a n e l e g a nt h o m e a n d e v e r y a m e nity. But it di d n’t c h a n g e th e fa ct th at s h e a n d Eldrin s o n w e r e pri s o n e r s . Wh at e v e r h a p p e n e d to them affected the interstellar balance of power. Three civilizations reigned: the Eubian Concord, the Skolian Imperialate, and the Allied Worlds of Earth. Eube and Skolia were giants, more militaristic than the Allieds. In a treaty with Skolia, the Alli e d s h a d a g r e e d t o pr o vi d e s a n ctu ary t o th e Ruby Dyn a sty d urin g w a rti m e . But aft er thi s la st w a r h a d e n d e d wit h n o wi n n er, c rip plin g b o t h Eu b e a n d Sk oli a, th e Alli e d s r efu s e d t o fr e e th eir “ g u e st s.” T h e y f e ar e d , p e r h a p s ri g htly s o , th at if th e Ruby Dyn a sty regained power, the star-spanning devastation would resume. Ro c a g a z e d at th e for e st, wi s hi n g its wil d b e a uty c o ul d e a s e h e r p ai n. A f e w la m p p o st s gl o w e d a m o n g th e tr e e s . Sh e di d n’t k n o w w h y s h e f elt s o r e stl e s s . Sh e k e pt thin kin g o f Kelric, h e r y o u n g e s t — her first child to die. A tear ran down her face. She walked along the balcony to a staircase. Going down the stairs, she picked up her pace. Her heart beat fast, in time with the slap of her bare feet on the stone steps. An AUC lieutenant was waiting at th e b o tt o m , c ri s p in hi s k h a ki u nif or m , a c a r bi n e in hi s h a n d s . Sh e h a d n o d o u bt a m o nit or h a d d e t e ct e d h e r a ctivity a n d t ol d s e c urity t o fin d o ut w h y s h e w a s stirrin g at thi s lat e h o ur. His pr e s e n c e di d n’t inti mi d at e Ro c a. Sh e s e t o ut o n a p at h thr o u g h th e ru sti c b uildin g s a n d th e s ol di er foll o w e d . He s p o k e int o hi s c o m m , hi s v oi c e l o w. Wh at e v e r o r d e r s h e r e c ei v e d a p p ar e ntly di d n’t in clu d e takin g h e r b a c k t o th e h o u s e . He si m ply k e pt p a c e wit h h er, a di s cr e e t di st a n c e a w ay. An ot h er s ol di er join e d hi m , b o t h of th e m a c c o m p a n yin g h e r o n h e r w al k t o — To where? Ro c a w a s n’t s ur e , b ut s h e h a d t o k e e p g oi n g . A drum beat within her. A drum. Stronger now. Recognition. Re c o g niti o n of — w h at? She began to run. Three soldiers were jogging with her now, but no one tried to stop her. A strange urgency drove her, undeniable. Lengthening her stride, she ran up a long hill. At the top, she crossed a wooden bridge high above a river that roared in a cataract. She kept running. Feet pounding. Pounding to a drum. The beat of a drum. Bey o n d th e b ri d g e , Ro c a r a n d o w n a sl o p e , b a r ely f e elin g th e icy g r a s s b e n e at h h e r f e et. Sh e k e pt g o i n g , driv e n t o w a r d th e vi sit o r’ s c e nt er. Why? T h e l o n g b uildin g str et c h e d b ef or e h er,

s urr o u n d e d b y s n o w y tr e e s . A r ai s e d w al k w a y wit h a n a r c h e d r o of l e d to its nearest entrance, like a pier. Roca ran toward it, her heart pounding, her breath condensing in the air. In her mind, she called to her husband, reaching to Eldrinson through a link so strong, it defied the distance limitations nature put on telepaths. Eldri, wake. Eldri, come. She felt his mind stir, felt his answering awareness. He would come, striding in the forgiving gravity of Earth. Roca took the stairs to the raised walkway two at a time. She ran down the pier, the soldiers jogging with her. As s h e a p pr o a c h e d th e e n tr a n c e of th e vi sit or’ s c e nt er, s h e sl o w e d t o a w al k, th e n st o p p e d b ef or e th e d o u bl e d o o r s . The drum beat within her. No. Not a drumbeat. A heart. The heart of the sun. Roca grasped wooden handles and heaved the doors open. The wind whipped back her robe and her hair. Holding the doors wide, bracing herself against them, she stared into the lobby beyond. A man stood in its center, his golden gaze heartbreakingly familiar, though in that moment she knew he had gone blind, that his eyes could no longer see her. But his mind knew. His mind saw. He had changed. Gray streaked his metallic gold hair, and lines added years to his face. He had aged decades since she had last seen him. She could only guess what hells he had gone through to reach Earth. He stood now only through the strength of his indomitable will. But he was alive. Roca ran across the lobby and flung her arms around him. With infinite care, he took her into the powerful arms that could crush a man twice her size. Her head barely reached his shoulder. As tears poured down her face, she repeated his name over and over, sobs catching in her throat. He was crying as well, in silence. Hoshma,he thought.Ho s h m a , I’v e c o m e h o m e . Ro c a’ s stu n n e d , a s t o ni s h e d joy fill e d h e r h e a rt.Welcome home, my son. Welcome home, Kelric.

16 Lost Dreams It was one hell of a job. Jai’s d aily r o utin e alt er n at ely riv et e d hi m a n d b o r e d hi m stiff. Wh e n h e h a d liv e d in e xil e, hi s p ar e nt s h a d e d u c at e d hi m wit h th e h el p o f c o m p ut er s; o n Earth, h e h a d s p e nt t w o y e ar s in an American high school. He had mostly enjoyed those studies, but learning to run an empire was nowhere near as easy. He sat at his desk, inundated with data. Star holomaps rotated to his right. He had rolled out the film of a computer screen, and holographic glyphs scrolled above its surface as the computer taught him about trade revenues. On his left, an aide was stacking memory cubes for him to review. Another aide was speaking into a comm across the room, while two others worked at a table. Jai had c h o s e n th e s e ai d e s for th eir la c k o f Arist o tr ait s; th eir m i n d s di d n’t b o t h e r hi m . Jai ru b b e d hi s e y e s . He c o ul d n’t a b s o r b all thi s. As m u c h a s h e h at e d th e th o u g ht, h e n e e d e d a bi o c o m p ut er in hi s b r ai n. It w a s th e o nly w a y h e c o ul d l e ar n e v e r yt hin g h e h a d to know and

keep up with the information he had to process every day. Dark n e s s lurk e d at th e e d g e s o f hi s m i n d. ESCo m m h a d Cor b al in c u st o dy, a n d Cor b al k n e w Jai w a s n’t a full Hig ht o n. Ev ery ti m e Jai r e c ei v e d a m ilit ary c o m m u ni c ati o n, hi s h e a rt r a c e d , u n til it became clear no one had discovered his secret. His c o m m b u z z e d . He j erk e d , th e n st a b b e d th e r e c ei v e b utt o n . “Ye s?” Ro b e rt a n s w e r e d . “Your Hig h n e s s , w e a r e r e c ei vin g a tr a n s m i s si o n fr o m th e E m b a s s y o f th e Alli e d World s o n Del o s .” “D el o s ? You m e a n th e Alli e d pl a n et?” He h a d tr a d e d hi m s elf for Eldrin th er e . “Ye s, Your Hig h n e s s ,” Ro b e rt s ai d. “Very w e ll. Rel ay th e c o m m u ni c ati o n.” A starship had carried the message to Glory. It was short and direct, which would have been unpardonable, except that it came fr o m a n Alli e d citiz e n , w hi c h in th e u n c o m p r o m i si n g Arist o vi e w o f th e u niv er s e m e a n t a sl a v e . Dir e ct s p e e c h fr o m ta s k m a k e r s o r pr o vi d er s di d n’t b o t h e r Arist o s in th e l e a st: it w a s e x p e c t e d . Wh at d el a y e d Jai’s r e s p o n s e h a d n ot hi n g t o d o wit h th e b r e vity of the Allied message. Many protocols had to be observed before he could answer. He had to do this right; it was too important to fumble. His Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Protocol, and Intelligence joined him, along with a protocol officer from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and a foreign affairs officer from the Protocol Ministry. Jai sometimes thought he would need a doctorate just to keep track of who did what on his staff. His advisers helped him compose a reply. He kept it simple, though he obfuscated enough to make it authentic as a Highton message. Night had fallen by the time he transmitted it to the ship in orbit, which would carry it to Delos. From there, the Allied authorities would send it on to Earth. It could be weeks before it reached its final destination, but when it did, a new era in interstellar relations would begin. So Jai acknowledged the agreement made by the Allieds to mediate the peace talks between Eube and Skolia. Jai walked to his rooms, lost in thought, accompanied by his bodyguards and Robert. He had been up for two days now, thirty-two hours. His fatigue made it hard to concentrate, and his thoughts wandered. “Sh all I h a v e y o ur di n n e r s e nt u p?” Ro b e rt a s k e d . “No, th a n k y o u.” Jai ru b b e d hi s e y e s . “A p ot of k a v a w o ul d b e g o o d , th o u g h .” Ro b e rt b o w e d a s th e y st o p p e d o ut si d e th e a nt er o o m t o Jai’s s uit e. “I will s e e t o it, sir.” “I a p pr e ci at e it.” After Robert left, Jai went through the antechamber into his bedroom. The part of the suite where he entered was four times the size of the room he had shared with his brothers on Prism, and this was only the sitting area. Far across the suite, his canopied bed stood on a dais. The nook to its left had recessed window alcoves, elegant wing chairs, and a love seat. To the right of the dais, an arch led into the bathing room, with its pool and fountains. The suite gleamed, from its gilt and ivory decor to the tiered chandeliers. Jai sank gratefully into a smartchair, and it adjusted to make him comfortable. His Razers took up posts at the walls with no need for orders. Jai wondered if they would even take his orders if he went beyond simple requests, like that time he had had them wait outside his office while he spoke with Tarquine. He exhaled. Tarquine. Although it had been two days since he announced his decision to wed her, he had barely even had time to ponder his bride-to-be, let alone speak to her. He had the proverbial tiger by the tail and feared to let go, lest she turn on him and metaphorically rip out his throat.

A v oi c e s ai d, “Your k a v a , sir.” Jai l o o k e d u p t o s e e o n e o f hi s Raz er s in th e e n tr a n c e o f th e s uit e. With a tir e d n o d , Jai s ai d, “Hav e Ro b e rt b rin g it in.” The Razer bowed and departed, taking the pressure of his half-Aristo mind with him. Jai sent the other three guards out, too, th o u g h h e k n e w th e y w o ul d n’t r e ally l e a v e . On e w o ul d st a y in th e a nt e c h a m b e r a n d th e o t h e r s w o ul d ta k e u p p o st s a r o u n d hi s s uit e. At l e a st th eir di st a n c e e a s e d th e pr e s s ur e o n hi s m i n d. He stretched out his legs and leaned his head against the back of the chair, closing his eyes. The blissful heaviness of sleep settled over him. A rustle brought him awake. Lifting his head, he saw Robert in the entrance. His aide held a tray with a white pot and several sparkling diamond-china cups, each gilded in gold. “C o m e in.” Jai s at for w ar d. Ro b e rt e n t er e d a n d s e t th e tr ay o n th e ta bl e b y Jai’s c h air. “Wo ul d y o ur Hig h n e s s lik e hi s b e d pr e p ar e d ?” Jai r e d d e n e d . “T h at w o n’t b e n e c e s s a ry.” Havin g hi s h o u s e h ol d st aff “pr e p ar e” hi s b e d h a d turn e d o ut t o m e a n b rin gi n g hi m a provider. They seemed to find his celibacy strange. With so much emphasis on heredity and inheritance, the penalty for adultery among Hightons was death, in law if not always in practice. Supposedly, no one cared if Aristos played with their providers, but Jai di d n’t s e e it th at w ay. Be si d e s , h e h a d n o int e nti o n of ris kin g hi s b e tr ot h e d’ s w r at h. He w o ul d r at h er fa c e a n u cl e ar r e a ct or g o n e c ritic al th a n a n a n g ry Tar q uin e . T h e o nly pr o vi d e r h e w a nt e d a n y w a y w a s Silv er, a n d h e c o ul d n’t h a v e h er. Jai picked up a c u p of st e a m i n g k a v a a n d t o o k a s w all o w, th e n si g h e d a s th e ric h b e v e r a g e w a r m e d hi s thr o at. He m o ti o n e d Ro b e rt t o a n e a r b y c h air. “Any n e w s o n th e ESCo m m inv e sti g ati o n int o Minist er Iqu ar’ s h a bit at?” Robert took his seat, then slid a computer rod out of a s h e a t h in hi s sl e e v e a n d u nr oll e d it in hi s lap. Holic o n s for m e d o v e r th e s c r e e n , th e h ol o g r a p hi c c o m p ut er ic o n s th at s p e cifi e d fun cti o n s o f th e c o m p . Ro b e rt flic k e d hi s fin g e r thr o u g h o n e , th e n r e a d fr o m hi s s c r e e n . “T h e y’v e fil e d a r e p o rt wit h th e Int ellig e n c e Ministry.” “Hav e s o m e o n e s e n d m e a s u m m a ry.” Ro b e rt m a d e a n ot ati o n o n hi s c o m p . “You will h a v e it t o m o rr o w m o r ni n g , sir.” “G o o d .” Jai t o o k a n o t h e r s w all o w of k a v a . “Wh at is h a p p e ni n g wit h Cor b al Xir?” Ro b e rt c h e c k e d hi s c o m p , th e n fr o w n e d . “Not hin g, it s e e m s . Both o ur p e o pl e a n d ESCo m m a r e still e x a m i ni n g th e r e c o r d s o f th e pr o vi d er st e alin g fil e s fr o m Ad mir al Kalig a.” It di d n’t s o u n d pr o m i si n g . “Any in di c ati o n th e r e c o r d s w e r e fal sifi e d?” “Not y et.” Ro b e rt g a v e hi m a n a p ol o g e ti c l o o k. Damn. Azile w a s pr e s s urin g hi m t o fr e e Cor b al, b ut Jai k n e w if h e si m ply o r d e r e d ESCo m m t o d o it, th e y w o ul d r e si st. He h a d n eith e r th e a ut h o rity n o r th e s a v v y t o b e n d th e m t o hi s will. Saint s k n e w , h e c o ul d u s e Cor b al’s a d vi c e n o w . “Any pr o gr e s s in fin din g Sunri s e ?” h e a s k e d . “No n e , Your Hig h n e s s .” Ro b e rt di d n’t hi d e hi s r e g r et. “I’ m s o rry.” Jai nodded, feeling heavy. If Sunrise really had stolen the files, he could hope she traded them to an Allied or Skolian agent in return for her freedom. If she had done it for a n o t h e r Arist o — n o , h e c o ul d n’t b eli e v e s h e w o ul d b e tr a y Cor b al th at w a y. Be si d e s , it m a d e n o s e n s e ; a n o t h e r Arist o w o ul d tr e at h e r wit h a b r ut ality Cor b al h a d for e s w o r n. Of c o ur s e , s h e m i g ht h a v e b e e n w o r kin g for Cor b al e x a ctly a s ESCo m m s u s p e ct e d . If s o , Jai f er v e ntly h o p e d hi s c o u si n h a d m a d e s ur e s h e di d n’t c o m e t o h ar m . Unfortunately, the worst scenario he could imagine was also the most likely, that someone had kidnapped her. It would have to be someone high in ESComm. The thought of what they would do to her haunted Jai.

He s e t d o w n hi s k a v a . “I w o ul d lik e u p d at e s e v e r y m o r ni n g o n th e s e a r c h. If a n y b r e a kt hr o u g h o c c ur s, l et m e k n o w i m m e di at ely.” Ro b e rt m a d e a n ot e o n hi s s c r e e n . “I’ll s e e t o it m y s elf, Your Hig h n e s s .” “T h a n k y o u, Ro b e rt.” Pleased surprise came from his aide, though outwardly Robert showed only his usual calm efficiency. It puzzled Jai. He saw no reason why his comments should surprise or gratify his aide. Ro b e rt s c a n n e d hi s s c h e d ul e . “You h a v e a m e e ti n g t o m o rr o w wit h r e pr e s e nt ativ e s fr o m th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s .” Jai di d n’t r eli s h fa cin g th e m . “Ar e th e y a rr a n gi n g th e r e p a y m e n t t o Minist er Iqu ar?” “It a p p e a r s s o .” Ro b e rt stu di e d hi s s c r e e n . “H er st atu s c r e at e s c o m pli c ati o n s .” “Why?” Jai wi s h e d h e di d n’t al w a y s f e el a s if h e la g g e d t e n st e p s behind everyone else. “Sh e will b e e m p r e s s .” Ro b ert s hift e d hi s w e i g ht. “It is n e c e s s a ry t o, u h, a v oi d th e i m pli c ati o n —t h at is, y o u m i g ht s a y…” Jai r e g ar d e d hi m w e a rily. “Ye s?” “Your Most Gra ci o u s Hig h n e s s , I w o ul d n e v e r i m ply —” “I k n o w , Ro b e rt.” Jai ru b b e d hi s e y e s . “Just t ell m e .” Ro b e rt cl e a r e d hi s thr o at. “It is n e c e s s a ry t o a v oi d th e a p p e a r a n c e o f c o e r ci o n b y th e Qox Dyn a sty t o m a k e th e b ur e a u s p a y m o ni e s a b o v e th o s e s p e cifi e d in th e h e a ri n g.” “Of c o ur s e I’m n ot tryin g t o m a k e th e m gi v e m y futur e wif e m o r e m o n e y.” Lik e Tar q uin e n e e d e d it. In pr e p ar ati o n for joinin g th e Qox a n d Iqu ar Lin e s , o n e o f hi s ai d e s h a d s h o w n hi m h e r fin a n ci al r e c o r d s . Sh e w a s e v e n w e alt hi er th a n h e w o ul d h a v e g u e s s e d in hi s m o s t g e n e r o u s e s ti m at e s . “No, c e rt ai nly, of c o ur s e n ot, Your Glori o u s Hig h n e s s .” Ro b e rt’s fa c e h a d g o n e r e d. “T hi s c a n b e m a d e cl e a r in y o ur m e e ti n g wit h th e b ur e a u c hi ef s.” Jai c o n si d er e d hi m . He h a d c h o s e n Ro b e rt a s hi s p e r s o n al ai d e o v e r s e v e r al o t h e r s wit h m o r e e x p e ri e n c e , in p art b e c a u s e Ro b e rt’s m i n d e x e rt e d n o m e n t al pr e s s ur e , b ut al s o b e c a u s e th e ai d e k n e w all s o rt s o f u s eful p al a c e s c uttl e b utt. He h a d b e e n at th e p al a c e for t e n y e a r s a n d h a d s e r v e d Jai’s g r a n df at h er, Ur Qox, u ntil Ur’s d e at h thr e e y e a r s a g o . “Ro b e rt,” h e s ai d. “Pr e p ar e a st at e m e n t for m e t o gi v e in t o m o rr o w’ s m e e ti n g .” “C ert ainly, sir.” Ro b e rt e n t e r e d c o m m a n d s int o hi s c o m p . “Wh at w o ul d y o u lik e t o s a y?” “You w rit e a first dr aft. Hav e it for m e t o r e a d in th e m o r ni n g .” Ag ain s ur pri s e c a m e fr o m Ro b ert’s m i n d; Ur Qox w o ul d n e v e r h a v e all o w e d hi m s u c h a r e s p o n si bility. Fr o m w h at Jai h a d s e e n in th e r e c o r d s , Ur Qox h a d w a s t e d hi s ai d e’ s tal e nt s. Ro b e rt s at u p str ai g ht er. “I will h a v e it r e a d y for y o u at b r e a kf a st.” “G o o d .” Jai l e a n e d b a c k , t o o tir e d t o st a y u pri g ht. “Anythin g e l s e I n e e d t o k n o w t o ni g ht?” Ro b e rt c h e c k e d hi s c o m p . “T h e d el e g ati o n fr o m th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n c a n c el e d th eir r e q u e s t for a n a u di e n c e .” Jai inwardly swore. Corbal had worked for years on that project, a new banking system in Sapphire Sector that he was establishing with th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n. With th e ri g ht ti e s b e t w e e n th e p al a c e a n d th e Co aliti o n, th e y c o ul d all pr ofit fr o m th e p artn er s hip. But th e Dia m o n d s h a d b e e n s kittis h lat ely. “Why di d th e y c a n c el th eir r e q u e s t t o m e e t wit h m e ?” Ro b e rt s c a n n e d hi s s c r e e n . “T h e y s e nt a l e n gt hy a n d e xtr e m e ly c o m pli m e nt ary d o c u m e nt t o y o u.” Jai g ri m a c e d . “Ca n y o u s u m m a riz e ?” “T h e y w a nt m o r e ti m e t o w o r k o n th eir pl a n s .” Jai di d n’t b eli e v e it. “Wh at d o y o u thin k r e ally h a p p e n e d ?” Ro b e rt l o o k e d u p at hi m . “T h e Blu e-P oint Dia m o n d Lin e c h a n g e d th eir m i n d s a b o ut w a ntin g t o w o r k wit h th e p al a c e o n thi s pr oj e ct.”

A m e m o r y ju m p e d int o Jai’s m i n d: th e di n n e r at Kalig a’ s h o m e . Damn. On e of th e g u e s t s h a d b e e n a n e l d e r Blu e-P oint l or d. Jai di d n’t d o u bt hi s o w n b e h a vi or th at ni g ht h a d p ut off the lord. And Corbal, who set up the deal with the Diamond Coalition, was in ESComm custody. Corbal probably could have dealt with the situation, but Jai had no idea what to do. Pr o p pin g hi s e l b o w o n th e a r m o f hi s c h air, Jai r e st e d hi s h e a d o n hi s h a n d. “Le a v e th e r e p o rt for m e . If y o u h a v e r e c o m m e n d ati o n s , l e a v e th o s e , t o o .” “C ert ainly, sir.” “Anythin g e l s e ?” He h o p e d n ot; h e d e s p e r at ely n e e d e d sl e e p . “I h a v e a n a n s w e r t o y o ur in q uiry a b o ut Jaf e Mac c ar.” Jai lifted his head. Ever since Kelric had asked him t o p ar d o n Mac c ar, th e Sk oli a n m e r c h a nt c a pt ai n, Jai h a d w o n d e r e d w hy. ESCo m m w o ul d n’t t ell hi m a n yt hin g. Alth o u g h th e m ilit ary w a s s u p p o s e d t o b e u n d e r hi s c o m m a n d , th e y w e r e i m pr e s si v ely a d e pt at b y p a s si n g hi m . He h a d t o fig ht for e v e r y s c r a p o f inf or m at ion he wrested from them. “Wh at di d y o u fin d o ut?” Jai a s k e d . Ro b e rt r e a d fr o m hi s s c r e e n . “Jaf e Mac c ar c o m m a n d e d a Sk oli a n m e r c h a nt s hi p, th e Corona. In the chaos after the Radiance War, trade restrictions between Eube and Skolia eased for a while. Maccar arranged a lucrative deal with Lady Zarine Raziquon, who owns the habitatChrysalis Station. Sh e off er e d hi m a lar g e p a y m e n t for a s hip m e nt o f Tar g ali silk s, j e w elry, s pi c e s , c hi n a , silv er, a n d a nti q u e b o x e s .” “L et m e g u e s s ,” Jai s ai d dryly. “La dy Zarin e tri e d t o c h e a t hi m , h e pr ot e st e d , a n d ESCo m m thr e w hi m in jail.” “I’ m n ot s ur e .” Ro b ert’s for e h e a d furr o w e d . “Sh e p ai d for th e s hip m e nt. As h e w a s r etur nin g t o hi s s hi p, s h e s e nt hi m a n e s c o rt o f v e s s el s .” “An e s c o rt? Why?” “T o g u ar a nt e e hi m s af e p a s s a g e o ut of Eubi a n s p a c e .” “T h e n w h y di d ESCo m m i m pri s o n hi m ?” Ro b e rt c o ntin u e d r e a di n g . “F or s o m e r e a s o n , Mac c a r’ s fl otilla att a c k e d h e r s . T h e s hi p s di d b attl e, a n d m o s t o f th e Sk oli a n v e s s el s e s c a p e d . But ESCo m m c a u g ht Mac c a r’ s s hip. T h e y d e p o rt e d th e c r e w b a c k t o Sk oli a a n d s e nt e n c e d Mac c ar t o t e n y e ar s in pri s o n .” Jai st ar e d at hi m . “Why th e bl a z e s w o ul d Mac c ar att a c k hi s e s c o rt?” Ro b e rt s c r oll e d thr o u g h m o r e fil e s . “T h e att a c k a p p e a r s u n pr o v o k e d .” “App e ar s ?” Ro b e rt r e g ar d e d hi m u n e a sily. “Mac c ar w a s u n d e r th e pr ot e cti o n of a Hig ht o n n o bl e w o m a n . Sh e w o ul d h a v e d o n e e v e r yt hin g in h e r p o w e r t o e n s ur e hi s s af e r etur n h o m e .” Sure.It w a s al s o p o s si bl e th at Lady Zarin e h a d tri e d t o st e al Mac c a r’ s s hip s, for cin g th e c r e w s t o d ef e n d th e m s e l v e s . But h e n e e d e d t o k n o w Mac c ar h a d n’t c o m m itt e d a c ri m e b ef or e h e c o ul d a ct o n Kelric’ s r e q u e s t. “Lo o k int o th e m a tt er, Ro b e rt. I n e e d m o r e d e t ail s.” “Rig ht a w ay.” Ro b e rt m a d e a n o t h e r e n try o n hi s c o m p . “Anythin g e l s e ?” His ai d e h e sit at e d. “Your Most Gra ci o u s Hig h n e s s — ” Ah, no. He be c a m e a “Gr a ci o u s Hig h n e s s ” w h e n e v e r hi s st aff f e ar e d th e y w e r e a b o ut t o s a y s o m e t hi n g h e w o ul d n’t lik e. “G o a h e a d .” “It is th e m a tt er o f y o ur b e tr ot h al.” “My b e tr ot h al.” He w a s afr ai d t o a s k . Robert crinkled the screen of his comp, then realized what he wa s d oi n g a n d s m o o t h e d it o ut. “It m u st b e a n n o u n c e d .” Jai tri e d t o fo c u s hi s w e a r y m i n d. “I di d th at at th e h e a rin g .” “W ell, y e s , y o u di d.” Ro b e rt q ui c kly a d d e d , “And a wi s e d e ci si o n y o u m a d e .” He di d hi s b e s t n ot t o l o o k d o u btful. “Ho w e v er, it w o ul d b e m o s t gl ori o u s , Your Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s , if y o u

w e r e t o a n n o u n c e it t o th e p u bli c.” Jai wi n c e d . “Oh. Ye s, of c o ur s e .” An in s ur a n c e h e a ri n g w a s h a r dly th e v e n u e for th e a n n o u n c e m e n t o f a n i m p e ri al b e tr ot h al. “Ca n y o u p ut th e Pr ot o c ol Offic e o n it?” “C ert ainly.” Ro b e rt l o o k e d r eli e v e d . “You a n d Minist er Tar q ui n e will b e e x p e c t e d t o a p p e a r o n th e b r o a d c a s t.” “Hav e Pr ot o c ol l et u s k n o w w h at th e y w a nt.” “I will d o th at.” “Anythin g e l s e ?”Please say no. “No, sir.” Ro b e rt a v e rt e d hi s g a z e a n d c a r efully r oll e d u p hi s s c reen. He slipped the rod into the sheath inside his sleeve. Jai c o ul d t ell Ro b ert w a s tr o u bl e d . He e a s e d hi s m e n t al b a rri er s — a n d di s c o v e r e d hi s ai d e w a s in p ai n. “Ar e y o u all ri g ht?” Jai a s k e d . “Ye s, Your Hig h n e s s .” Ro b e rt w o ul d n’t m e e t hi s g a z e . “Ca n I h el p wit h a n yt hin g ?” Ro b e rt h e sit at e d , th e n r a n hi s fin g e r u n d e r th e m e t allic rin g th at cir cl e d hi s n e c k . It r e s e m b l e d b r o n z e , b ut w a s m o r e fl exi bl e th a n m e t al. “Your Most Gra ci o u s Hig h n e s s , pl e a s e k n o w I w o ul d n e v e r pr e s u m e — b ut I—” Baffl e d, Jai s ai d, “But y o u…?” “It n o l o n g e r fits.” “T h e c oll ar?” Ro b e rt p al e d. “Ye s. Pl e a s e for giv e m y d e pl or a bl e pr e s u m pti o n .” Jai st ar e d at hi m bl a n kly. “Wh at d e pl or a bl e pr e s u m pti o n?” “T o r efit th e c oll ar will r e q uir e r e m o vi n g it.” “And?” As far a s Jai w a s c o n c e r n e d , Ro b e rt c o u ld throw the blasted thing away. “You m u s t a ut h o riz e th e r e m o v al.” “All rig ht.” Jai ru b b e d hi s e y e s . “I a ut h o riz e w h at e v e r y o u n e e d . Let w h o e v e r fix e s th o s e thin g s k n o w .” “Your Hig h n e s s .” Ro b e rt cl e a r e d hi s thr o at. “Ye s?” “I c a n n ot r e q u e s t thi s w o r k.” He w a s stu m blin g o v e r hi s w o r d s . “You m u s t d o it.” Lik e th e s hift of a n o pti c al illu si o n, Jai’s p e r c e pti o n c h a n g e d . He k e pt thin kin g o f hi s st aff a s p e o pl e hir e d at th e p al a c e , b ut th e y w e r e n’t e m pl o y e e s . Heowned them. He had let himself believe, subconsciously, th at th e y c o ul d ta k e off th eir sl a v e r e str aint s w h e n th e y w e n t h o m e . Of c o ur s e th e y c o ul d n’t. Jud g e d fr o m Ro b ert’s b e h a vi or, e v e n s u g g e s tin g t e m p o r ary r e m o v al of a c oll ar c o ul d b e a p u ni s h a bl e off e n s e . Jaihad to think about it, whether he liked it or not; he was responsible for their lives and health. Jai r e aliz e d h e w a s cl e n c hi n g hi s fist o n hi s k n e e , hi s fin g e r n ail s g o u gi n g hi s p al m . He o p e n e d hi s h a n d a n d str et c h e d hi s fin g e r s . “Be a s s ur e d I will h a v e th e m a tt er ta k e n c a r e o f s o y o u n o l o n g e r e x p e ri e n c e di s c o m f ort.” “You a r e m o s t kin d, Your Gra ci o u s Hig h n e s s .” Jai di d n’t f e el kin d. He f elt lik e a m o n st er. “Pl e a s e m a k e it k n o w n a m o n g m y st aff th at if a n y o n e e l s e h a s s u c h a pr o bl e m , th e y c a n t ell m e . ” “I will ta k e c a r e o f it, sir.” “G o o d .” After Robert left, Jai walked to the bed and collapsed across it, fully dressed. He lay there longing for home, for the people he loved, for a sane universe. Just a few months ago he had been spending his free time at the arcade with his friends, playing hologames. He ha d n e v e r h a d t o w o rry a b o ut m ilit ary intri g u e s , in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s , c o aliti o n s , i m p e ri al pr ot o c ol, d e a dly

b ri d e s , o r ki d n a p p e d pr o vi d e r s . He h a d n’t b e e n r e s p o n si bl e for th o u s a n d s o f p e o pl e w h o c o ul d n’t e v e n g o t o a m e t al w o r k e r wit h o ut hi s p e r mi s si o n . Hell, it w a s n’t ju st hi s st aff; h e o w n e d e n tir e worlds. In hologames, ruling an empire had been fun. In reality, it terrified him. Moisture gathered in his eyes. He wiped it away, angry with himself. Then he tried to fall asleep, where dreams would let him escape the impossible demands of reality.

17 Beginnings Th e m e e tin g will ta k e pl a c e o n Earth,” th e Minist er of Pr ot o c ol s ai d. Sh e w a s s p e a ki n g t o o n e of h e r ai d e s , s o s h e c o ul d b e dir e ct, b ut h e r w o r d s w e r e m e a n t for Jai. Sh e st o o d n e xt t o hi m o n a h ol o st a g e . A gaunt Highton woman from the Haquail Line, she had a mind that grated like sandpaper. Jai was too tense to speak at all, let alone cope with the labyrinth of Highton speech. Mercifully, the aides with them had too little Aristo heritage to exacerbate his headache. T h e h ol o st a g e t o o k u p o n e e n d of th e m e di a stu di o . A s c r e e n c ur v e d a r o u n d h alf of th e e llipti c al st a g e , a n d c o n s ol e s fill e d th e r o o m , a s o p e r at or s pr e p ar e d t o tr a n s m it Jai’s w o r d s . Medi a t e c h s w e r e s e ttin g u p a w hit e c h air in o n e fo c al p oi nt o f the stage. Protocol aides bustled around Jai, dusting off his clothes, making sure he presented an impeccable appearance. His rich garb was solid black and severely cut, both the trousers and highnecked shirt. A tech came over and knelt with his head bowed. E m b arr a s s e d , Jai m o ti o n e d for hi m t o st a n d. Wh e n th e t e c h h a d ris e n , Jai s ai d, “You h a v e a m e s s a g e ?” He tri e d t o ig n o r e th e pr ot o c ol p e o pl e c o m b i n g hi s h air. T h e t e c h m o ti o n e d at th e c h air o n th e st a g e . “Ju st t o w a r n y o u; it m a y l o o k o d d d urin g th e tr a n s m i s si o n . We’ll b e o v e rl ayin g it wit h a n i m a g e fr o m th e Hall o f Circl e s .” An i m a g e ? “Of w h at?” “T h e Car n eli a n T hr o n e , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai nodded, disrupting the efforts of an aide to blot nonexistent sweat from his forehead. No matter how imperial they made hi m l o o k, it w o ul d n’t gi v e hi m m o r e c o nfid e n c e in hi s a bility t o p ull thi s off. To d a y w a s t o o i m p o rt a nt t o m u d dl e , b ut h e f elt p ai nfully u n pr e p ar e d . Pr ot o c ol s p o k e t o th e t e c h . “Any w o r d o n w h e t h e r th e tr a n s m i s si o n will b e in r e al ti m e ?” He b o w e d t o h er. “No n e y et, m a ’ a m .” Sh e fr o w n e d . “I d o n’t s e e h o w th e Alli e d s e x p e ct u s t o b eli e v e th e y c a n d o thi s tr a n s m i s si o n . Neith er th e y n o r w e h a v e a c c e s s t o a Kyle w e b .” T h e t e c h s p o k e c a r efully. “T h e y h a v e Ruby p si o n s in c u st o d y o n Earth. P er h a p s th e y c a n c r e at e a t e m p o r ary b u b bl e o f Kyle s p a c e .” Jai wondered at that. The Kyle web, what Skolians called the psiberweb, was a network of computers in Kyle space, outside of spacetime, making instant communication possible among the stars. But the web had collapsed during the war. He had his doubts that the Ruby psions in custody on Earth could re-create even a temporary webnode without a Lock. Pr ot o c ol di d n’t l o o k c o n vi n c e d e it h er. Sh e gl a n c e d at Jai. “Your Hig h n e s s ?” Jai lifted his hand in the gesture that allowed the tec h t o l e a v e . He w a nt e d t o r a k e hi s fin g e r s thr o u g h hi s h air, b ut h e h el d b a c k , k n o wi n g it w o ul d h o rrify th e ai d e s w o r kin g s o dili g e ntly o n hi s a p p e a r a n c e . It w a s h a r d t o st a y still; Pr ot o c ol’s m i n d m a d e hi m w a nt t o t witc h. A console operator came over to them and knelt to Jai, her long hair curtaining her face. “Pl e a s e ris e ,” Jai s ai d.

As s h e st o o d , s h e s p o k e wit h d ef er e n c e . “W e’r e r e a d y t o st art, Your Hig h n e s s . We’v e r e c ei v e d a si g n al fr o m Earth.” Jai t e n s e d . “You m e a n a r e al-ti m e si g n al?” “Ye s, sir. No d el a y s .” Pr ot o c ol e x h al e d . “S o. T h e y di d it.” Sh e di d n’t s o u n d pl e a s e d th at th e Alli e d s h a d m a n a g e d t o c r e at e a Kyle n o d e . Jai u n d e r st o o d h e r r e a cti o n, th o u g h h e di d n’t s h a r e it. If th e Alli e d s c o ul d m a k e o n e n o d e , th e y m i g ht s o o n m a k e m o r e . Co ul d th e y c r e at e a Kyle w e b fr o m Earth? P er s o n ally, h e h o p e d s o ; it w o ul d h el p k e e p a b al a n c e o f p o w e r a m o n g Sk oli a, Eub e , a n d th e Alli e d s . Hig ht o n s di d n’t w a nt a b al a n c e ; th e y w a nt e d a s c e n d a n c y o v e r th e r e st of h u m a nity. The aides finally quit fussing over him. With Prot o c ol at hi s si d e , Jai c r o s s e d th e h ol o st a g e a n d s at in th e w hit e c h air. A t e c h p ut a c o m m b utt o n in hi s e ar, a n d Ro b e rt’s v oi c e c a m e o v e r it. “W e’r e r e a dy, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai wi s h e d hi s h a n d s w e r e n’t s o cl a m m y. He t o o k a d e e p b r e at h. “Be gi n.” Everyone withdrew from the stage, leaving him alone. A console operator started the sequence to receive the signal from Earth. No one spoke. Jai realized he was holding his breath. Sud d e nly a w o m a n’ s v oi c e c a m e o ut of th e c o n s ol e , s p e a ki n g a n u nf a mili ar la n g u a g e . An ot h e r v oi c e tr a n sl at e d it int o Hig ht o n: “His Roy al Hig h n e s s , Eldrin s o n Alth or Vald ori a, We b Key t o th e Tri a d a n d th e King of Skyf all.” Ast o ni s h m e nt s p ar k e d in Jai; th at first v oi c e , th e w o m a n h e h a d n’t u n d e r st o o d , h a d c o m e fr o m Earth, m a n y lig ht-y e a r s a w ay. He was about to speak to his grandfather. Jai w o n d e r e d at th e titl e, “Kin g of Skyfall.” His m o t h e r h a d d e s c ri b e d h e r fath er a s a jud g e , wit h th e titl e “Dalv a d o r Bard.” His p e o pl e h a d n o kin g, th o u g h s o m e of hi s d uti e s w e r e si mil ar t o th o s e o f kin g s fr o m c ultur e s o n Earth. Jai s u p p o s e d th e Alli e d s th o u g ht “Kin g” s o u n d e d m o r e i m p o si n g th a n “Bar d.” T h e o p e r at or at th e c o n s ol e n e a r Jai s p o k e , h e r w o r d s g oi n g t o Earth: “His Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s , Jai bri ol th e T hird, d e s c e n d e d fr o m th e Lin e of Qox, s o n of Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d, g r a n d s o n of Ur, g r e at-g r a n d s o n o f Jai bri ol th e First, a n d g r e at-g r e at-g r a n d s o n of Eub e , Su bli m e F o u n d e r o f th e Co n c o r d.” List e ni n g t o a m a n wit h a d e e p v oi c e tr a n sl at e th e w o r d s , Jai fo u n d hi m s elf wi s hi n g th e y di d n’t h a v e t o r e cit e hi s pr e d e c e s s ors every time they introduced him. He felt sorry for his descendants; in a few generations, the lineage would become truly unwieldy. A blurry image formed on the holostage about five paces away from Jai. It sharpened into a man who was sitting in an elegant c h air e n c r u st e d wit h g o l d a n d ru bi e s — a n d Jai’s p ul s e ju m p e d . T h e m a n h a d vi ol et e y e s , a n d wi n e - r e d h air str e a k e d wit h silv er b r u s h e d hi s s h o ul d er s . His grandfather. Do you recognize me?Jai th o u g ht. His g r a n df at h er k n e w a b o ut Jai’s p ar e nt s; it w a s Eldrin s o n w h o h a d a rr a n g e d for th e t w o l o v e r s t o g o int o e xil e. Jai s a w th e r e s e m b l a n c e b e t w e e n Eldrin s o n a n d hi s s o n , Eldrin, th e u n cl e Jai h a d tr a d e d hi m s elf for o n Del o s . It h a d a m u s e d Jai’s m o t h e r th at h e r p ar e nt s h a d gi v e n th e n a m e Eldrin t o h e r b r ot h er, w h o was theson of Eldrinson. Jai suspected they thought Eldrinsonson was overdoing it. No doubt existed about who was the father, though; the man facing him now looked much older. He watched Jai from across the stage, and across the immensity of interstellar space. The silence grew strained as everyone waited to see who would speak. They had decided in advance to use English, a neutral language. Skolian and Eubian protocols both derived from the ancient Ruby Empire. They required the person who had requested the communication to

speak first. In cases such as this, where both sides had orchestrated the meeting, the lesser power spoke first. If powers were matched or disputed, the newest leader went first. If the experience was matched, the youngest spoke. Of cour s e n eit h er si d e w o ul d a c k n o wl e d g e b e i n g a l e s s e r p o w er. T h at m e a nt Jai s h o ul d g o first, in d ef er e n c e t o Eldrin s o n’ s a g e a n d e x p e ri e n c e . But s u c h w o ul d i m ply th at Eldrin s o n — a m a n th at th e Hig ht o n s c o n si d e r e d a pr o vi d er — h a d hi g h e r st atu s th a n th e e m p e r o r o f Eube. It violated the very basis of Aristo beliefs. As far a s Jai w a s c o n c e r n e d , n o q u e s ti o n e xi st e d th at Eldrin s o n h a d hi g h e r st atu s . But Jai h a d b u n gl e d t o o m a n y of hi s d e alin g s wit h th e Arist o s ; h e di d n’t d ar e m i s pl ay thi s. Arist o s t ol er at e d th e p e a c e negotiations because the Radiance War had exhausted Eube. No one wanted more conflict. But if Jai stumbled here, his uneasy support would collapse. So he and Eldrinson sat in silence. Do you see my mother in me?Jai so wished he could talk to his grandfathe r a b o ut hi s p ar e nt s. He c o ul d s a y n ot hi n g , b ut th e y c o ul d n’t sit h e r e for e v er, e it h er. So m e o n e h a d t o b r e a k th e d e a dl o c k . An id e a c a m e t o Jai. He s p o k e —i n Hig ht o n in st e a d of En gli s h. “T h e Lin e of Qox a c k n o wl e d g e s th e Ruby Dyn a sty.” An audible sigh came fro m th e ai d e s , t e c h s , a n d o p e r at or s . Reli ef w a s h e d o ut fr o m Pr ot o c ol, w h o w a s st a n di n g n e a r th e st a g e . By u si n g Hig ht o n in st e a d o f En glis h, Jai a s s e rt e d th e Arist o cl ai m o f a ut h o rity, b ut h e r e c o g niz e d Eldrin s o n’ s g r e at er e x p e ri e n c e b y s p e a ki n g first. In a v oi c e r e s o n a nt wit h p o w er, Eldrin s o n a n s w e r e d in Hig ht o n. “T h e Imp eri al Dyn a sty a c k n o wl e d g e s th e a s c e n si o n of Jai bri ol th e T hird t o th e Car n eli a n T hr o n e .” A chill ran through Jai. His own grandfather had just accepted him as the leader of a despotic interstellar empire. So he and Eldrinson began their discussions. This meeting was a symbol: their diplomats and staffs would set up the actual peace talks. Now they discussed who would attend. The Skolians representatives would come from their Assembly, the Ruby Dyn a sty, a n d Imp eri al Sp a c e c o m m a n d ; th e Eu bi a n p arti cip a nt s dr e w fr o m th e Qox Dyn a sty, Jai’s m i ni st er s , a n d ESCo m m . Ev ery o n e w o ul d b e pr e s e nt a s VR si m ul a cr a o nly; th e ris k of p uttin g s o m a n y int er st ell ar l e a d e r s in o n e pl a c e w a s t o o g r e at. T h e y c h o s e Earth for the virtual conference site. Not only was it neutral territory, it was also the birthplace of humanity, a potent symbol. Then Eldrinson dropped his bombshell. “T h e Imp er at or,” h e s ai d, “ will r e pr e s e nt Imp eri al Sp a c e Co m m a n d .” Jai barely stopped his s h a r p in h al e . “W e h a d n ot k n o w n a s u c c e s s o r t o th e lat e Imp er at or h a d a s s u m e d th e titl e.” T h e w o r d s h urt: th e “l at e Imp er at or” h a d b e e n hi s m o t h er. “T h e Tri a d is c o m pl et e .” Eldrin s o n l o o k e d b e y o n d th e r a n g e o f th e h ol o c a m s a n d m o ti o n e d . T h e n h e w ait e d. A man appeared. To w e rin g a n d m a s si v e , wit h g ol d h air, s ki n, a n d e y e s , th e m a n w al k e d int o vi e w , hi s i m a g e s h ar p e ni n g a s h e e n t er e d th e c e nt er o f th e h ol o c a m ’ s fo c u s . He m o v e d wit h a s s ur a n c e , a n d hi s li m p di d n ot hin g t o d e tr a ct fr o m hi s i m p o si n g pr e s e n c e . He a vy g a u ntl et s c o v e r e d hi s a r m s fr o m h a n d t o e l b o w , e m b e d d e d wit h c o n d uit s a n d c o ntr ol s. He st o p p e d b e hi n d Eldrin s o n’ s c h air a n d st o o d fa cin g Jai lik e a fortr e s s , hi s fa c e i m p a s si v e , hi s g a z e u n w a v e ri n g. And h e c h all e n g e d th e Arist o s wit h th e m o s t s h o c ki n g d efi a n c e th e y c o ul d i m a gi n e — h e w o r e a pr o vi d e r’ s c oll ar. So m e o n e w hi s p e r e d , “Sk oli a b e d a m n e d .” Pr ot o c ol st ar e d at th e m a n , h e r fa c e a livid r e d. Mur m ur s b r o k e th e sil e n c e , r a pi dly g r o wi n g in pit c h. Ro b e rt’s e x cit e d v oi c e c a m e o v e r th e c o m m in Jai’s e ar. “Your Hig h n e s s , I’m g e ttin g a n ID o n

th at m a n . He’s th e pr o vi d er th at e s c a p e d fr o m Minist er Iqu ar!” Fierce gratification swept through Jai. Let Eube choke on that. He could guess why Kelric still wore the collar: it would have extended neural threads into his n e r v o u s s y st e m . To r e m o v e it, hi s d o ct or s w o ul d h a v e t o m a p th e e n tir e s y st e m a n d s ur gi c ally r e m o v e e a c h thr e a d . T h e y c o ul d n’t ru s h th e jo b , l e st th e y c a u s e n e ur al d a m a g e . But Jai s u s p e c t e d Kelric h a d a n o t h e r r e a s o n for l ettin g th e c oll ar s h o w . It s e nt a bold message to the Hightons:I am your worst nightmare. Nothin g c o ul d b e a g r e at er o utr a g e — e x c e pt a pr o vi d er o n th e Car n eli a n T hr o n e . My greetings, Uncle,Jai thought. “Saint s al mi g hty.” Ro b e rt s p o k e o v e r th e c o m m a g ai n. “W e h a v e m o r e . Your Hig h n e s s , th at m a n is Kelric s o n Garlin Vald ori a, th e y o u n g e s t s o n of th e F or ei g n Affair s Co u n cil or, Ro c a Sk oli a, a n d We b Key Eldrin s o n .” Wh e n Jai di d n’t a n s w er, Ro b e rt a d d e d , “Sir—y o u m u st d e ci d e w h e t h e r o r n ot t o a c k n o wl e d g e hi m a s Imp er at or.” Jai glanced at Protocol. Sh e l o o k e d furi o u s , b ut s h e di d n’t int er c e d e . T h at n o o n e tri e d a d vi sin g hi m g a v e Jai a g o o d id e a h o w n o n plu s s e d th e y all w e r e . His u n cl e’ s triu m p h h a d c o m e at a pri c e . In th e Lo c k, Kelric’ s li m p h a d b e e n far l e s s pr o n o u n c e d th a n it w a s n o w . And hi s e y e s tracked Jai now. It was a subtle effect, one Jai noticed only because a friend of his on Earth had lost his sight in an accident. After the doctors implanted an optical system that let him see, his eyes had tracked in the same way. Jai could only wonder what Kelric had endured, struggling to reach Earth while his body failed him. It seemed impossible he could have done it alone. If anyone had helped him, they had a great deal of courage, risking the wrath of Eube. Jai s p o k e q ui etly. “T h e Lin e o f Qox a c k n o wl e d g e s th e a s c e n si o n of Kelric s o n Garlin Vald ori a t o th e Imp eri al Tri a d.” Kelric nodded, restrained, but with recognition. Jai felt a bittersweet joy; he could never return to his family, but his uncle had, and in doing so, he might help pave a road to peace. Eldrin s o n a n d Jai r e s u m e d th eir di s c u s si o n s , a n d Kelric list e n e d , st a n di n g b e hi n d Eldrin s o n . Wh e n th e a p pr o pri at e ti m e c a m e , Jai s ai d, “As pr o of o f o ur g o o d int e nt in thi s e n d e a v or, I h a v e p ar d o n e d Jaf e Mac c ar, th e Sk oli a n m e r c h a nt a rr e st e d a n d i m pri s o n e d b y ESCo m m .” Pr ot o c ol’ s m o ut h f ell o p e n . T h e ai d e s a n d t e c h s a r o u n d th e stu di o st ar e d a s if Jai h a d g o n e in s a n e . Ang er s p ar k e d fr o m s o m e o n e , h e w a s n’t s ur e w h o m . He k n e w hi s d e ci si o n w o ul d e n g e n d e r h o stility, b ut Mac c ar d e s e r v e d th e p ar d o n . No w th at Jai h a d th e d et ail s of th e in ci d e nt, it w a s o b vi o u s th e Hig ht o n n o bl e w o m a n h a d s e nt o ut h e r pir at e fl e et t o st e al Mac c a r’ s s hi p s a n d c r e w s aft er s h e p ai d for hi s g o o d s . Robert had dug up several other telling facts: Kelric had been the weapons officer on Maccar’s s hip. And th e Hig ht o n w h o h a d c a ptur e d Mac c a r’ s s hi p w a s n o n e o t h e r th a n Ad mir al Azar Tar atu s, w h o h a d s ol d Kelric t o Tar q uin e . Acc or di n g t o th e Halst a a d Co d e of War, POWs c o ul d n’t b e a u cti o n e d a s sl a v e s . But Tar atu s h a d list e d Mac c a r’ s w e a p o n s offi c er as lost and presumed dead. The admiral truly did astonish Jai in his brazen disregard for the law. Jai d o u bt e d ESCo m m w o ul d m a k e tr o u bl e o v e r th e p ar d o n , at l e a st n ot o p e nly. T h e y w o ul d n’t w a nt Tar atu s’ s m i s d e e d s t o b e c o m e p u bli c. T h at h e w a s th e b r ot h e r o f a Joint Commander would make the scandal even worse. Eldrin s o n l o o k e d p uzzl e d. “A m a g n a ni m o u s g e s t ur e, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai in clin e d hi s h e a d . T h e n h e gl a n c e d at Kelric. Alth o u g h hi s u n cl e’ s fa c e r e m ai n e d i m p a s si v e , Kelric n o d d e d sli g htly, wit h u n d e r st a n d ing in his gaze. So it w a s d o n e . Eub e a n d Sk oli a w o ul d m e e t at th e p e a c e ta bl e . Wh at th e y w o ul d a c hi e v e , if a n yt hin g , Jai di d n’t k n o w . But they would try. Jai had never seen the Hall of Circles without an audience of Hightons. Now media techs

filled it, along with the infernal protocol aides from this morning, when he had spoken to Eldrinson. They were at it again, fixing invisible flaws in his appearance. He wished they would go away. The great doors of the Hall swung open, admitting a large retinue. Tarq ui n e Iqu ar str o d e in its c e nt er, list e ni n g w hil e h e r st aff b ri ef e d h er. Her r etinu e in clu d e d th e fo ur Raz er s Jai’s p e o pl e h a d s e nt h e r a s b o d y g u ar d s . It w a s th e first ti m e Jai h a d s e e n h e r si n c e fiv e d a y s a g o , w h e n h e h a d a n n o u n c e d hi s d e ci si o n t o m a k e h e r empress. Wh e n s h e l o o k e d u p, Jai in clin e d hi s h e a d . Sh e p a u s e d a n d b o w e d , th e n r e s u m e d h e r w al k t o th e d ai s w h e r e h e st o o d . He c o ul d n’t p ull hi s g a z e a w a y; s h e m e s m e riz e d hi m e v e n m o r e n o w th a n b ef or e . He di d n’t u n d e r st a n d h o w s h e w o r k e d thi s m a d n e s s . Part of him responded to her as aHighton. She was the ultimate product of their caste, which was supremely ironic given that both she and Jai lacked the main attribute that defined Hightons, an ability to transcend. Her retinue slowed as they climbed the dais . Wh e n th e y r e a c h e d Jai, h e r ai d e s k n elt t o hi m a n d th e Raz er s b o w e d . Tar q uin e al s o b o w e d , b ut th e n s h e st o o d a p pr ai si n g hi m lik e a h a w k w a t c hi n g a p u p in th e fi el d s . Sh e s p o k e h u s kily. “My h o n o r at y o ur pr e s e n c e , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai flu s h e d . “It pl e a s e s u s t o s e e y o u, Minist er Iqu ar.” “G o o d ,” s h e m u r m ur e d . Remembering himself, Jai moved his hand, palm down, permitting her aides to stand. Pr ot o c ol join e d th e m a n d b o w e d t o Tar q uin e . “An a u s pi ci o u s d ay, Minist er Iqu ar. So o n all will k n o w its s pl e n di d fa v or.” Jai s u p p o s e d th at w a s Hig ht o n e s e for, “W e’r e r e a d y t o st art.” His ai d e s w e n t t o w o r k o n Tar q uin e , str ai g ht e ni n g h e r bl a c k tuni c a n d tr o u s e r s , a n d fixin g h e r h air, w hi c h s h e w o r e in a n e l e g a nt r oll o n h e r h e a d . The Protocol Minister surveyed the Finance Mini st er. T h e n Pr ot o c ol s p o k e t o o n e o f h e r ai d e s . “Minist er Iqu ar n e e d s g a r b m o r e b efittin g a n e m p r e s s , e h ? Brin g m e a for m al dr e s s , bl a c k di a m o n d cl ot h.” Tar q uin e turn e d a n icy g a z e o n th e ai d e . “On th e o t h e r h a n d , p e r h a p s y o u v alu e y o ur w e llb ei n g .” The aid e flu s h e d . “Ma’a m ?” “If y o u d o v alu e it,” Tar q uin e c o ntinu e d , “I s u g g e s t y o u d e si st wit h th e dr e s s .” Protocol scowled. When Tarquine raised an eyebrow at her, Protocol started to speak, then apparently thought better of it. To her alarmed aide, she said, “P er h a p s Minist er Iqu ar’ s g a r b will b e fin e aft er all.” Jai blinked. He wished he knew how Tarquine did that. He had ended up wearing exactly what Protocol wanted, conservative trousers and high-necked shirt, all black, even their fastenings. But as cool as Tarquine was on the outside, he picked up unexpected emotions from her mind. She had never expected the title of empress; now, faced with its reality, she alternated among misgiving, satisfaction, ire, and incredulity. Aides clustered around them, conferrin g a n d c h e c ki n g p al mt o p s . Amid th e b u stl e, Jai w at c h e d Tar q uin e a n d s h e w a t c h e d hi m b a c k , in s crut a bl e . He c o ul d n’t a b s o r b th at thi s w o m a n w o ul d b e hi s wif e. It b r o u g ht h o m e th e e xt e nt of hi s influ e n c e , th at h e c o ul d si m ply a n n o u n c e hi s int e nt t o m a rry o ne of the most powerful human beings alive, and have it come to pass. Right,h e th o u g ht dryly. Had Tar q ui n e w a nt e d t o r efu s e hi m , thi s b e tr ot h al w o ul d n’t b e takin g pl a c e . Incr e di bl e a s it s e e m e d , s h e w a s willin g t o ta k e hi m . Or, m o r e r e ali sti c ally, s h e w o uld take the title he offered. His m o o d d ar k e n e d . He w a s n’t th e o n e s h e h a d gi v e n u p fo urt e e n m illi o n c r e dit s for. Wh at w o ul d s h e think w h e n s h e l e ar n e d h e r e s c a p e d pr o vi d er w a s n o w th e Imp er at or of Sk oli a? Would s h e c r a v e Kelric e v e n m o r e ?

It d o e s n’t m a tt er,Jai told himself, trying to believe it. He had her now. The aides finally withdrew, leaving Jai and Tarquine side-by-side, facing the holocams. He knew how they looked: the same height, black hair shimmering, eyes ruby red, their faces snow-marble smooth, their clothes severe and black. A brace of perfect Hightons. The Eubian anthem played, its haunting strains filling the Hall with a beauty so heartbreaking, it hurt to hear. Jai so wished he could see that beauty among the Hightons, instead of the cold formality that defined them. He felt as if he were facing a lifetime of starvation, but of the soul rather than the body. T h e lig ht s o f h ol o c a m s blin k e d , b ut h e k n e w th at ri g ht n o w th e b r o a d c a st w a s s h o wi n g vi e w s of th e p al a c e . After a n e t e r nity, Pr ot o c ol’ s v oi c e c a m e o v e r th e c o m m in hi s e ar. “W e’r e r e a d y for y o ur p art, Your Hig h n e s s . T hr e e , t w o , o n e — g o .” Jai t o o k a d e e p b r e at h. “P e o pl e o f Eub e , I b rin g y o u joy o u s n e w s .” So Jai announced the betrothal, his speech peppered with the requisite lavish praise for th e Lin e o f Iqu ar, in clu di n g th e pr e vi o u s e m p r e s s , hi s g r a n d m o t h er, Tar q ui n e’ s ni e c e . If a n y o n e o bj e ct e d t o hi s kin s hip wit h Tar q ui n e , th e y h a d th e s e n s e t o k e e p th eir m o ut h s h ut. Giv e n th at Jai bri ol I h a d m a rri e d hi s si st er b e c a u s e h e c o n si d er e d n o o n e e lse elevated enough for his bloodline, Jai doubted his relation to Tarquine would cause much shock. That she was his Finance Minister and so much older was far more likely to stir controversy. After Jai finished his speech, High Judge Calope Muze officiated at the betrothal, sanctifying it for their wedding, which would take place in three months. Then it was done. Qox and Iquar were once again united. Standing with Tarquine, Jai thought darkly of a phrase he had learned on Earth. Until death do us part.

18 Ascending Sun Lord Raziquon hit the wall with his fist, causing a nearby table to shake. The vase on the table toppled off and shattered on the floor. A w r y v oi c e s p o k e b e hi n d hi m . “D e str o yin g p ott ery r ar ely a c c o m pli s h e s a n yt hin g .” Raziquon swung around. Xira d Kalig a, Joint Co m m a n d e r o f ESCo m m , st o o d in th e h o r s e s h o e a r c h of Razi q u o n’ s offic e , l e a ni n g a g ai n st its si d e , hi s a r m s c r o s s e d . Razi q u o n g a v e hi m th e m i ni m ali st g r e e tin g fa v o r e d in th eir cir cl e . “Ad mir al.” Then Raziquon saw who else had entered his office, and sweat beaded on his forehead. Both Joint Commanders had come to visit. General Kryx Taratus was half-sitting on the desk across the room, facing him. A large man in both height and physique, Taratus had thick eyebrows and a blocky chin. He had al s o b r o u g ht hi s y o u n g e r b r ot h er, Azar Tar atu s, a tall er, thin n e r m a n wit h s h ar ply h a n d s o m e f e atur e s . Azar st o o d b y a wi n d o w , st arin g o ut at th e g a r d e n s of Razi q u o n’ s e s t at e . Kalig a s m il e d sli g htly. “It m u s t b e g r atifyin g t o h a v e s o m a n y a nti q u e s th at y o u n e e d t o b e rid of th e m .” Razi q u o n s c o wl e d . “Wh at I n e e d t o b e rid of is th e d a w n .” It e n r a g e d hi m th at hi s int err o g ati o n of Sunri s e h a d s o far c o m e t o n a u g ht; h e h a d ris k e d hi s g o o d n a m e w h e n h e a rr a n g e d h e r a b d u cti o n. G e n e r al Tar atu s w a s w at c hi n g hi m . “T h e Lin e o f Xir c o ntin u e s t o in q uir e int o c o nfid e nti al ESCo m m c a s e s .” T h at w a s n o s ur pri s e ; Razi q u o n h a d n o d o u bt Cor b al’ s kin w e r e “in q uirin g” wit h g r e at v e h e m e n c e a b o ut Sunri s e . At l e a st h e h a d s u c c e e d e d in h a vi n g Cor b al bl a m e d for h e r

di s a p p e a r a n c e . “P er h a p s th e Lin e of Xir for g et s it is, its elf, o n e of th o s e c o nfid e nti al c a s e s .” “On e c a n n o t h ol d a Hig ht o n in d efinit ely,” Kalig a s ai d. “Pr o of m a k e s th e diff er e n c e .” “Hol or e c o r d s off er pr o of,” Razi q u o n s ai d. Alth o u g h th e h ol o s th at s h o w e d Sunri s e st e alin g fil e s di d n’t dir e ctly i m pli c at e Xir, s h e c o ul d n’t h a v e a c t e d wit h o ut hi s p er mi s si o n . “Re c o r d s c a n b e d o ct or e d ,” G e n e r al Tar atu s s ai d. His p o stur e in di c at e d s a r c a s m . “Or s o S e c urity t ell s m e .” Razi q u o n di d n’t lik e th e s o u n d o f it. If Xir’s p e o pl e c o ul d pr o v e the records implicating Sunrise were false, the case against Corbal would fall apart. “S e c urity c o ul d b e w r o n g ,” Razi q u o n s ai d. “P er h a p s .” Kalig a’ s st a n c e in di c at e d s k e pti ci s m . “But I s u s p e ct it will pl e a s e Cor b al Xir t o att e n d hi s c o u si n’ s n u pti al s.” Raziquo n’ s r a g e d e e p e n e d . If Xir’s p e o pl e d e m o n str at e d th at th e r e c o r d s h a d b e e n d o ct or e d , th eir l or d c o ul d in d e e d b e fr e e b ef or e th e w e d di n g . T h e n s u s pi ci o n c o ul d ric o c h e t b a c k t o th e o t h e r g u e s t s w h o h a d di n e d th at ni g ht wit h th e e m p e r or, m a y th e g o d s s c o r c h hi s Est e e m e d Imp eri al S elf. And Sunri s e h a d r e v e al e d n ot hin g th e y c o ul d u s e a g ai n st Xir. No pr o vi d e r s h o ul d h a v e s u c h str o n g m e n t al pr ot e cti o n s . It w a s n’t l e g al. It w a s n’tdecent. Kalig a s p o k e . “T h e Lin e o f Xir g at h e r s str e n gt h. It pl e a s e s m e t o s e e it s o bl e s s e d in fa v or wit h th e p al a c e .” He w a s h ol din g hi s thu m b a n d for efin g e r t o g et h e r at hi s si d e , i m plyin g h e int e n d e d th e o p p o sit e s e nti m e nt t o w h at hi s w o r d s e x pr e s s e d . Azar Taratus had been staring out the window, but now he turned. His usually sardonic mie n h a d d ar k e n e d . “T h e Lin e of Iqu ar is lik e wi s e bl e s s e d .” G e n e r al Tar atu s gl a n c e d d o urly at hi s y o u n g e r b r ot h er. “With h el p fr o m th e Lin e of Tar atu s , e h ?” Wh e n Azar s c o wl e d , th e g e n e r al r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . Razi q u o n s u p p o s e d th at th e g e n e r al m e a n t Jai bri ol III might not have betrothed himself so precipitously to Tarquine Iquar if not for the court case that had brought them together. Kalig a s p o k e t o Razi q u o n . “It is fortu n at e y o u h a v e a n o m e g a cl e a r a n c e , m y e s t e e m e d fri e n d.” Raziquon blinked. What did his security cl e ar a n c e h a v e t o d o wit h thi s? He l et hi s p o stur e in di c at e w a rin e s s . “It is a n h o n o r t o h a v e th e tru st o f ESCo m m .” “S o it is,” G e n e r al Tar atu s ru m bl e d . “Tru st e d e n o u g h ,” Kalig a c o ntin u e d , “t o k n o w th at Minist er Iqu ar g ai n e d a c e rt ai n pr o vi d er c h e a p .” Razi q u o n di d n’t s e e w h at th e y w e r e a b o ut. “You a r e w e alt hy in d e e d , t o c o n si d e r fo urt e e n m illi o n c h e a p .” “Ch e a p ,” Kalig a r e p e at e d . “Ju st a s k Imp er at or Sk oli a.” “I m p er at or Sk oli a is d e a d .” Razi q u o n h a d w at c h e d th e h ol o o f h e r s h uttl e e x pl o di n g m a n y ti m e s . Kalig a’ s t o n e s u g g e s t e d a r e v e al e d c o nfid e n c e , b ut Razi q u o n s a w n o s e c r et s. “T h o s e w h o di e oft e n l e a v e h eir s.” T h e y o u n g e r Tar atu s s p o k e in a d e c e ptiv ely s oft v oi c e . “It s e e m s o ur n e w Imp er at or e nj o y s r e m a r k a bly g o o d h e alt h, e s p e ci ally c o n si d erin g hi s s u p p o s e dly dr e a dful st at e w h e n Tar q uin e Iqu ar’ s d o ct or s e x a m i n e d hi m .” It took a moment for his meaning to register on Raziquon. No.Impossible. Had Tar q uin e Iqu ar o w n e d a m e m b e r o f th e Ruby Dyn a sty — a n d l et hi m escape ? Go d s , w h at a d e b a cl e . “T h e n m a y o ur d e a r Fin a n c e Minist er r e st in p e a c e .” “But a w e ll-p ai d p e a c e , e h ?” G e n e r al Tar atu s s ai d. Razi q u o n n arr o w e d hi s g a z e . Well-p ai d? “Your wi s h e s for th e Fin a n c e Minist er a r e b e ni g n.” Bizarr e, t o o , gi v e n Tar q uin e Iqu ar’ s a g g r a v atin g e xi st e n c e . “Be ni g n, h ell.” Tar atu s crossed his beefy arms, left over right. “I m p eri al d e c r e e s , n o w , th e y g o b e y o n d b e ni g n.” His p o stur e, in th e c o nt e xt of hi s w o r d s , i m pli e d h e m e a nt th e d e c r e e s m a d e b y Jai bri ol III at th e in s ur a n c e h e a ri n g.

“Ind e e d .” Razi q u o n still di d n’t s e e th eir p oi nt. “Hell of a thin g, th e s e i m p e ri al d e c r e e s ,” Tar atu s c o ntinu e d . “Just think; if a n in d e p e n d e nt e v al u ati o n o f th e e s c a p e d pr o vi d er s e t s hi s w o rt h hi g h e r th a n th at d et er mi n e d b y th e b ur e a u s , th e y m u st p a y d o u bl e th e diff er e n c e b e t w e e n th eir m o s t r e c e nt a s s e s s m e n t a n d th e in d e p e n d e nt a p pr ai s al.” Razi q u o n st ar e d at hi m . “Sk oli a b e d a m n e d .” “Da m n e d in d e e d ,” Kalig a s ai d. “Wh at is a n Imp er at or w o rt h, e h ? Mor e th a n fo urt e e n m illi o n, I’d w a g er.” Hell and damnation. Raziquon wanted to punch the wall again. Tarquine Iqu ar w a s a b o ut t o r e c ei v e a n o b s c e n e in s ur a n c e s e ttl e m e n t, a n d s h e w o ul d s o o n c o m b i n e h e r o di o u sly v a st p o w e r b a s e wit h th e Qox Dyn a sty. If th at w a s n’t e n o u g h , Cor b al Xir w o ul d g o fr e e , a n d s u s pi ci o n w o ul d taint Kalig a’ s g u e s t s fr o m th at m i s e r a bl e di n n er. It all added up to the wrong people gaining power and the right people suffering for it, namely himself, Jaibriol Raziquon. Something had to be done. Sunrise ran. The for e st a r o u n d Razi q u o n’ s e s t at e s e e m e d e n dl e s s . Sh e r e c o g niz e d n ot hi n g . Sh e di d n’t think s h e w a s e v e n still o n Gl ory; th e air s m e ll e d w r o n g a n d h e r b o d y f elt t o o h e a vy. T h e s k y h a d n o m o o n s . Her silk p aj a m a s off er e d littl e w a r m t h fr o m th e ni g ht, a n d t wi g s a n d r o c k s ja b b e d h e r f e et, b ut s h e di d n’t c a r e . After w h at s h e h a d e n d ur e d fr o m Razi q u o n , a f e w s c r a p e s w e r e n ot hi n g . T err or s p urr e d h e r a s s h e r a n a m o n g th e tr e e s , stu m blin g in th e u nf a m ili ar g r a vity. Day s h a d p a s s e d si n c e th e ki d n a p pin g , s h e di d n’t k n o w how many. Her life had narrowed to Raziquon and the interrogation room. During every reprieve she had rationed her sanity, praying he would grow bored with his futile attempts to make her talk, and every day he had crushed her hope. But everyone erred soon e r o r lat er. To d a y h e h a d slipp e d , a s m all m i st a k e , o n e th at di d n’t m a tt er a c c o r di n g t o hi s vi e w of r e ality. He h a d n’t p ut o n h e r a n kl e r e str ai nt s, th o u g h h e h a d l eft h e r l o c k e d in h e r s uit e. Sh e w a s a pr o vi d e r; s h e c o ul d n o m o r e think h e r w a y o ut o f a l o cked room than could an animal. Or so he thought. Sunrise had let the Hightons misread her intelligence. Their arrogance made them careless. By closely watching her jailers, she had figured out the passwords that locked her suite, and tonight she used those codes to escape. Then she had stolen a palmtop. Such a small thing, a palmtop, but she had been forbidden to use the technology Aristos took for granted. Supposedly she was incapable of understanding it. Perhaps that was true for some providers; she didn’t k n o w . But s h e h a d m a d e th e p al mt o p d o w h at s h e w a nt e d , di s g ui sin g th e si g n atur e e m itt e d b y h e r c oll ar s o s h e c o ul d fl e e th e e s t at e . Sh e h a d t o l e a v e thi s pl a c e fa st, b ef or e h e r di s g ui s e fail e d. A pr o vi d er c o ul d n’t tr a v el al o n e ; if s h e tri e d, th e a ut h o rities would contact her owner. That would be good, but only if their records listed Corbal. The starport was her best hope, if she could find her way without alerting Raziquon. So she ran, desperate, fleeing from one unknown to another. After preparing Tar q uin e Iqu ar’ s fin a n ci al r e p o rt, th e Iqu ar Acc o u ntin g Offic e s e nt th e r e p o rt t o th e Co m m itt e e o n Ethi c s a n d Moral s for th e Ministry of Fin a n c e , w hi c h w e n t o v e r it in d e t ail, m a ki n g c h a n g e s , a n d th e n s e nt it t o th e Pr ot o c ol Offic e at th e Qox p al a c e , w hi c h w ent over it in detail, making changes, then released it to the palace Ethics and Morals Committee, which made changes and released it to the Accounting Office, which had numerous questions for the Ethics and Morals Committee, which contacted the Protocol Office, which contacted the

Ethics and Morals Committee at the Finance Ministry, which contacted the Iquar accountants. Eventually, after the palace accountants investigated, reinstated, recovered, and otherwise put back what everyone else had deleted, added, and changed, they sent the report to the emperor. When Jai opened the huge file at the console in his office, he had a complete record of where it had been and who had done what to it before the file reached him. “G o o d g o d s ,” h e m utt er e d t o Ro b e rt. “T hi s is c r a zy.” “T h e y h a v e y o ur b e s t int er e st s in m i n d.” Ro b e rt a s s ur e d hi m . He w a s sittin g n e xt t o Jai wit h hi s c o m p s c r e e n u nr oll e d in hi s la p. “Your st aff wi s h e s t o e n s ur e y o u r e c ei v e a full a c c o u ntin g of y o ur b e tr ot h e d’ s a s s e t s , a n d th at n o a w k w a r d q u e s ti o n s a ri s e w h e n y o u a n d Minist er Iqu ar c o m b i n e a s s e t s .” “T h at th e y f e el th e n e e d t o d o s o m a n y c h e c k s d o e s n’t e x a ctly e a s e m y m i n d.” Jai m o ti o n e d at th e d o c u m e n t o n hi s s c r e e n . “Tar q uin e’ s a c c o u nt a nt s hi d h e r in v e st m e nt s in th e Sap p hir e S e ct or pl atinu m m i n e s . Ethi c s a n d Moral s at th e Fin a n c e Ministry p ut it b a c k in, Pr ot o c ol h e r e t o o k it o ut, a n d o ur Ethi c s a n d Moral s p e o pl e p ut it b a c k in.” He s c o wl e d at Ro b e rt. “Why th e bl a z e s w o ul d a n y o n e c a r e if m y futur e wif e inv e st s in pl atinu m ?” “P er h a p s b e c a u s e o f th e s h o rt a g e ?” Jai ju st b a r ely r e str ain e d hi s g r o a n . App ar e ntly h e w a s a b o ut t o l e ar n y et a n o t h e r fa ct h e s h o ul d h a v e alr e a d y k n o w n . “Wh at s h o rt a g e ?” When Robert hesitated, Jai understood: Aristos took exception to having a taskmaker lecture them. But they we r e n’t stu pi d; th e y k n e w th e y n e e d e d th e e x p e rti s e o f th eir st affs. Ta s k m a k e r s w al k e d a pr e c a ri o u s lin e b e t w e e n b e i n g in v alu a bl e a n d b e c o m i n g a thr e at b y k n o wi n g t o o m u c h . “G o a h e a d ,” Jai s ai d. “Mo st pl atinu m c o m e s fr o m a s t er oi d s in th e Platinu m S e ct or s ,” Ro b ert s ai d. “T h e m i ni n g o p e r ati o n s w e r e hit h ar d d urin g th e w ar. No w w e h a v e a s h o rt a g e .” “I ta k e it Sap p hir e S e ct or d o e s n’t h a v e a s h o rt a g e .” “You a r e p e r c e ptiv e .” Jai a n s w e r e d dryly. “And y o u’r e a dipl o m a t.” It di d n’t s ur pri s e hi m t o fin d Tar q uin e in th e m i d dl e of thi s. Platinu m h a d g r e at e c o n o m i c v alu e ; m a n y t e c h n ol o gi e s u s e d th e m e t al. A s h o rt a g e c o ul d pr o vi d e a wi n df all for a fin a n ci ally s a v v y p e r s o n —i n clu din g o n e w h o s h o ul d n’t b e e x pl oitin g h e r k n o wl e d g e t o h e r o w n fin a n ci al g ai n. “L et m e g u e s s ,” Jai s ai d. “Tar q ui n e u s e d h e r c o n n e c ti o n s a s Fin a n c e Minist er t o b u y u p h u g e q u a ntiti e s of Sap p hir e S e ct or pl atinu m at a pri c e th at u n d e r c ut th e m a r k et. Her a c c o u nt a nt s d o n’t w a nt u s t o k n o w , th e e t hi c s c o m m itt e e s d o w a nt u s t o k n o w , a n d m y pr ot o c ol p e o pl e d o n’t w a nt it t o a p p e a r I’m in v ol v e d in thi s q u e sti o n a bl e ‘littl e’ b u si n e s s .” Ro b e rt g a v e a str ai n e d s m il e. “T h at a b o ut s u m s it u p.” Jai s w o r e u n d e r hi s b r e at h. “T hi s c o ul d b a c kfir e o n u s .” “T h e Pr ot o c ol Offic e c a n off er g ui d a n c e for d e alin g wit h p olitic al s hr a p n el.” “I’d r at h e r n ot b e hit.” Dis h e a rt e n e d , Jai s c r oll e d thr o u g h th e i m m e n s ely a n n ot at e d r e p o rt. If th e r e st o f hi s b e tr ot h e d’ s fin a n c e s w e r e a s b a d a s th e bit wit h pl atinu m , h e w a s in d e e p , d e e p tr o u bl e . He turned to Robert, and a difference registered o n hi m . “You’v e a n e w c oll ar.” “Ye s. T h a n k y o u.” “Do e s thi s o n e fit b e tt er?” “Muc h b e tt er, Your Hig h n e s s .” “G o o d .” It w a s n’t g o o d , it w a s a p p allin g, b ut at l e a st Ro b e rt w o ul d b e m o r e c o m f ort a bl e . “L et m e k n o w if y o u h a v e a n y m o r e tr o u bl e .” “I will, sir.” Alth o u g h o ut w ar dly Ro b e rt s h o w e d littl e e m o ti o n , s ur pri s e c a m e fr o m hi s m i n d. Jai’s g r a n df at h er, th e la st e m p e r o r Ro b e rt h a d k n o w n , w o ul d h a v e n e v e r b o t h e r e d t o a s k s u c h

a q u e sti o n. Jai g ritt e d hi s t e et h. He w o n d e r e d h o w hi s p urp ort e dly e s t e e m e d pr e d e c e s s or would have felt if he had had to wear one of the wretched things. A lig ht blin k e d o n hi s c o n s ol e . Jai ta p p e d it wit h hi s fin g er. “Ye s?” “Your Hig h n e s s , thi s is Vitar Barth ol s o n in S e c urity.” Jai froze.Vitar. It w a s hi s y o u n g e r b r ot h e r’ s n a m e . Me m o ri e s fl o o d e d hi m : Vitar lau g hi n g , run ni n g aft er hi m , o r e n tr e atin g hi s bi g b r ot h e r for a rid e . It w a s s e v e r al m o m e n t s b ef or e h e c o ul d a n s w er. “Is th er e a pr o bl e m ?” “Not e x a ctly,” Barth ol s o n s ai d. “T h e Do m e s ti c Affair s Offic e c o nt a ct e d u s . T h e y int er c e pt e d a m e s s a g e s e nt t o th e Xir e s t at e o n Glory.” Jai sighed. Gods forbid someone should say,Your Highness, we received a message through proper channels without spying on anyone. “Wh at di d it s a y?” Excit e m e n t l e a k e d int o Barth ol s o n’ s v oi c e . “T h e a ut h o riti e s o n Haliz o n T w o h a v e Xir’s pr o vi d er. Sunri s e .” Jai s at u p str ai g ht er. “Ar e th e y c e rt ai n?” “T h e y s a y s o .” Alth o u g h Jail w o ul d n e e d m o r e v e rific ati o n, it s o u n d e d far m o r e pr o m i si n g th a n th eir o t h e r l e a d s . “Ho w is s h e ?” A p a u s e . “Sh e will b e all ri g ht.” “T h at is n’t w h at I a s k e d .” Vitar a u di bly e x h al e d . “Sh e h a s h a d a difficult ti m e , Your Hig h n e s s . But s h e will r e c o v er.” “I h o p e s o .” Jai turn e d t o Ro b e rt. “Wh at d o w e k n o w a b o ut Haliz o n T w o ?” Ro b e rt h a d alr e a d y b r o u g ht u p th e inf or m ati o n. He stu di e d hi s s c r e e n . “It’s th e s e c o n d pl a n et in th e Haliz o n s y st e m of E m er al d S e ct or. Lord Jai bri ol Razi q u o n o w n s it.” Pa h. Jai h a d n’t lik e d Razi q u o n w h e n th e y h a d m e t in Kalig a’ s h o m e , a n d h e lik e d hi m e v e n l e s s n o w . On th e c o m m , h e s ai d, “Maj or Barth ol s o n , h a v e Sunri s e b r o u g ht t o th e p al a c e .” Gri mly h e a d d e d , “And a rr e st Jai bri ol Razi q u o n .” It w o ul d e n r a g e th e Hig ht o n s , e s p e ci ally Razi q u o n’ s kin, gi v e n th e la c k of e vi d e n c e , b ut Jai c o ul d n’t d el ay. T h e l o n g e r Razi q u o n h a d t o pr e p ar e hi m s elf, th e l e s s c h a n c e th e y h a d of b rin gi n g hi m t o justice. Jai had no intention of letting him escape.

19 Ceremony The palace media people spent most of the three months after Jai became emperor building up his wedding. By the time the day came, estimates placed the number of news services that would carry the broadcast in the billions. Jai tried not to think about it. He was in a daze, moving by rote, going where his aides sent him, wearing what his valets put on his body, and saying what protocol wrote. They outfitted him in startling clothes. The black cloth felt soft but glittered like gems, an effect enhanced by holographic fibers. Elegantly cut trousers accented the length of his legs. A tunic set off the breadth of his shoulders and tapered to his hips, tailored to display his physique. They said the cl ot h al o n e c o s t th o u s a n d s . Jai w o ul d h a v e tak e n it all off ri g ht th e n if hi s v al et s h a d n’t st o p p e d hi m . T h e y a d d e d a bl a c k b e lt in s et wit h c a r n eli a n st o n e s . Re d g e m s e n c r u st e d hi s s hirt c uffs, a n d a cl a s p of c a r n eli a n s s e t in a g ol d cl a w cl o s e d th e hi g h n eck of his tunic. Black shoes and gloves completed the picture. When Jai looked in the mirror, a stranger in immaculate formal attire gazed back, his eyes like rubies. Vertigo swept him; he had lost Jai and found Jaibriol III. The suite where his valets dre s s e d hi m w a s furni s h e d in iv ory, wit h g ol d a c c e nt s . In hi s d ar k

cl ot h e s , h e f elt lik e a s h a d o w o n th e d e c or. At l e a st h e w a s n’t th e o nly o n e ; hi s b o d y g u ar d s al s o w o r e bl a c k . O m nipr e s e nt a n d u n a v oi d a bl e , th e y h a d b e c o m e s o m u c h a p art of hi s lif e th at h e felt odd when they left the room, as if he had misplaced something he had no wish to find. His refusal to let his bodyguards approach him too closely had added to his reputation for eccentricity. He was slowly replacing them with Razers who had too little Arist o h e rit a g e t o e x e rt pr e s s ur e o n hi s m i n d. He c o ul d n’t d o it all at o n c e , l e st h e dr a w att e nti o n t o hi m s elf, b ut e a c h r e pl a c e m e n t h el p e d . Now he stood restlessly while his valets straightened his tunic. He wished they would stop fussing. Surely the Eubia n Co n c o r d w o ul d s ur viv e if a h air o n its e m p e r o r’ s h e a d w a s o ut of pl a c e . He s o m e ti m e s th o u g ht hi s m i ni st er s ju st w a nt e d hi m t o st a n d a r o u n d l o o ki n g h ol o g e ni c, t o b e n efit th eir pr o p a g a n d a m a c hi n e , w hil e th e y r a n hi s e m pir e. The door across the room opened, a n d a tall m a n str o d e int o th e r o o m . T h e v al et s st o p p e d th eir m i ni str ati o n s s o th e y c o ul d b o w t o th e n e w c o m e r. Jai di d n’t f e el u p t o fa ci n g Cor b al n o w , b ut h e r e w a s hi s c o u si n, r e s pl e n d e nt in e l e g a nt cl ot h e s , d ar k bl u e wit h g ol d h ol ori b bi n g o n th e c uffs and high neck. To o a git at e d for a n y m o r e pr e p ar ati o n s , Jai di s mi s s e d hi s v al et s, st a n di n g hi s g r o u n d w h e n th e y r e si st e d . Fin ally th e y d e p a rt e d , l e a vi n g hi m t o Cor b al’s n u a n c e d a rr o g a n c e . It w a s h a r d t o b eli e v e n e a rly thr e e m o n t h s h a d p a s s e d si n c e Cor b al’s r el e a s e . Ab o ut th e s a m e ti m e th at Sunri s e h a d e s c a p e d , Cor b al’s s e c urity p e o pl e h a d pr o v e d th e r e c o r d s o f h e r s u p p o s e d c ri m e w e r e fal s e . T h e c a s e a g ai n st Cor b al h a d alr e a d y b e e n w e a k ; th e n e w e vi d e n c e l eft ESCo m m n o c h oi c e b ut t o r el e a s e hi m . He h a d n’t e x a ctly been the worse for wear, given the luxury of the mansion where he had lived, the many taskmakers who had waited on his every whim, and the providers ESComm had lavished on him in the hopes of spying on his mind. He returned looking as if he had been to a resort. Only Jai had felt the anger underlying his facade of nonchalance; the high lord of the Xir Line would not soon forget what had happened. Cor b al g a v e hi m a n a p pr ai sin g l o o k. “Your b ri d e will b e pl e a s e d .” Pleased indeed. More likely, she would feed him to venomeels. Jai had seen nothing of Tarquine since their betrothal. She had gone off-planet soon after, to attend to her various estates in preparation for her upcoming change in status. Today, when he stood in the Hall of Octagons to wed his bride, he would speak vows with a stranger. “If s h e r e c o g niz e s m e ,” Jai s ai d. Cor b al s p o k e dryly. “Sh e r e c o g niz e s y o ur titl e.” Jai wi s h e d Cor b al w o ul d q uit h ar pin g a b o ut Tar q ui n e w a ntin g hi s p o w e r r at h e r th a n hi m . Kno wi n g it w a s tru e di d n’t m a k e it a n y e a s i er to hear. “ESCo m m s e e m s b u s y th e s e d a y s ,” Jai s ai d. “S o d o e s th e Ministry o f Fin a n c e .” Da m n . Cor b al w o ul d n’t l et it g o e v e n n o w . Well, t o u g h . He c o ul d e x pr e s s hi s di s a p pr o v al fr o m t o d a y u ntil for e v e r; Jai h a d n o int e nti o n of c h a n gi n g hi s m i n d. He k n e w w h y Corbal hated the idea of his marriage; it would increase the influence held by the Line of Iquar, rivaling the Line of Xir. That was just fine with Jai; Tarquine and Corbal could wear themselves out sparring with each other for power and leave him alone. A k n o c k c a m e at a s m all d o o r b e hi n d Jai. Reli e v e d t o e s c a p e Cor b al’s s c r utiny, Jai turn e d t o o n e o f hi s Raz er s . T h e g u ar d b o w e d , a c k n o wl e d gi n g th e u n s p o k e n c o m m a n d . He o p e n e d th e d o o r t o r e v e al Ro b e rt. The aide hurried inside, beaming, dressed in his elegant best, dark blue trousers and tunic with the Qox insignia on the chest. When he knelt to Jai, his body seemed to vibrate with energy.

“Pl e a s e ris e ,” Jai s ai d. Ro b e rt al m o s t ju m p e d t o hi s f e et. He g rin n e d . “You will d a z zl e y o ur b ri d e , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai coul d n’t h el p b ut s m il e. At l e a st Ro b e rt, w h o l o v e d p o m p a n d cir c u m s t a n c e , w a s e nj o yi n g thi s w e d di n g , m o r e e v e n th a n h e h a d ta k e n pl e a s ur e in th e r e c e nt c el e b r ati o n s for Jai’s e i g ht e e nt h birth d ay. It h a d n’t r e ally b e e n Jai’s birth d ay, b ut Cor b al h a d in si st e d o n th at d at e a n d Jai h a d n’t a r g u e d . F or Jai’s st ory a b o ut hi s Hig ht o n m o t h e r t o b e c o n vi n ci n g , h e n e e d e d a birth d at e fr o m before his father disappeared rather than after. Jai rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the kinks. He wished he could relax, b ut n ot hi n g h el p e d . F or all h e k n e w , Tar q uin e w o ul d n’t e v e n s h o w u p. “Ha s Minist er Iqu ar a rriv e d y et?” h e a s k e d , for th e fifth ti m e . “Ah, y e s , Your Hig h n e s s .” Ro b e rt g a v e hi m a r e a s s urin g l o o k. “Sh e a n d h e r r etin u e a r e s e cl u d e d in th e Ob si di a n Win g o f th e p al a c e .” “I h o p e s h e s ur viv e s h e r v al et s b e tt er th a n I h a v e m i n e .” Cor b al w a s w a t c hi n g hi m wit h a m u s e m e n t. “Do n’t w o m e n c all th eir h el p e r s s o m e t hi n g o t h e r th a n v al et s?” It startled Jai now when Corbal used a more direct style of speech with him. Although Hig ht o n s s p o k e m o r e o p e nly a m o n g th eir n e a r e st kin, Cor b al di d n’t r e ally q u alify a s a cl o s e r el ativ e . But it w a s th e b e s t Jai w o ul d e v e r d o , gi v e n th at h e c o ul d b a r ely e n d ur e th e pr e s e n c e of hi s o t h e r Hig ht o n kin. “I d o n’t h a v e m u c h e x p e ri e n c e wit h w h at w o r d s w o m e n u s e ,” Jai a d m itt e d. Cor b al’s lip s q uirk e d u p. “On e’ s l e v el of e x p e ri e n c e oft e n in cr e a s e s .” Jai r e d d e n e d , pi c kin g u p w h at h e m e a n t b y “ ex p e ri e n c e .” T h e r e w e r e ti m e s w h e n h e c o ul d h a v e d o n e wit h o ut t el e p at hy. T h e s p e c ul ati o n s of hi s kin a n d st aff a bout his upcoming wedding night were more than he wanted to deal with right now. App ar e ntly o blivi o u s , Ro b ert p ull e d hi s p al mt o p off hi s b e lt, all effici e n cy. Jai c o ul d t ell, fr o m Ro b e rt’s m i n d, th at th e ai d e k n e w e x a ctly w h at Cor b al h a d i m pli e d, b ut h e t o ok mercy on the frazzled groom and pretended otherwise. Ro b e rt w a v e d hi s fin g e r thr o u g h a blinkin g h ol o a b o v e hi s p al mt o p. T h e n h e l o o k e d at Jai, c o m p o s e d , b ut wit h u n d e rlyin g e x cit e m e n t. “T h e y a r e r e a dy, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai was glad at least one of them wa s e nj o yi n g thi s. “Very w e ll.” He fortifi e d hi s r e s ol v e . “Le a d o n .” So they headed for the wedding chamber. They followed a secluded route through the palace that few people knew and even fewer had clearance to use. The floors were laid with hexagonal tiles in snow-marble and black diamond. Tessellated mosaics tiled the walls and sparkled in the groined ceilings far overhead. Jai heard the pounding of booted feet just before a formation of Razers burst out of a side corridor. No one spoke, but he could tell th e n e w c o m e r s w e r e c o m m u ni c atin g wit h hi s g u ar d s u si n g wir el e s s i m pl a nt s in th eir b r ai n s , a s o rt of c r u d e , t e c h n ol o g y in d u c e d t el e p at hy. Jai’s g u ar d s r e s p o n d e d fa st; t w o t o o k hi s a r m s , o n e o n e it h e r si d e , a n d t w o m o r e g r a s p e d Cor b al. T h e y s e t off run ni n g , pulling Jai and Corbal with them. “Wh at’s g oi n g o n ?” Jai a s k e d , for c e d int o a run. His Raz er s s u d d e nly f elt m o r e lik e ki d n a p p e r s th a n b o d y g u ar d s . T h e c a pt ai n o n hi s l eft a n s w e r e d . “P al a c e s e c urity h a s b e e n vi ol at e d , Your Hig h n e s s . We a r e takin g y o u a n d Lor d Xir t o s af ety.” Ah, hell.“Saf ety w h e r e ?” Cor b al r a k e d hi s g a z e o v e r th e n e w g u ar d s run nin g wit h th e m . “You’r e p art of th e Sp e ci al Op er ati o n s Cor dit e T e a m .” On e of th e n e w Raz er s s ai d, “T h at is c o rr e ct, Lord Xir.” Jai di d n’t k n o w w hi c h irk e d hi m m o r e , th at Cor b al h a d int errupt e d hi m o r th at Jai h a d n o id e a

w h at “C or dit e T e a m ” m e a n t. T h e y all r a c e d d o w n th e h all: Jai, Cor b al, b o t h t e a m s o f Raz er s , a n d Ro b ert, w h o w a s g u ar d e d b y t w o Cor dit e s . A boom thundered deeper within the palace. The floor shook and Jai stumbled, lurching into the captain of his Razers. “My a p ol o gi e s .” T h e c a pt ai n st e a di e d Jai a s th e y r a n, h el pin g hi m r e g ai n hi s b al a n c e . Cor b al a n d hi s g u ar d s w e r e a h e a d n o w . De s pit e hi s a g e , Cor b al w a s b a r ely o ut o f b r e at h, hi s b o d y o b vi o u sly bi o-e n h a n c ed for speed and strength. As Jai p ull e d u p al o n g si d e th e Xir l or d, Cor b al gl a n c e d at hi m . “T h at bl a st c a m e fr o m th e Hall of Oct a g o n s .” Jai felt ill. His wedding was supposed to be in the Hall of Octagons. He spoke to the captain, spacing his words between b r e at h s . “Any c o nt a ct — wit h Minist er Iqu ar?” “T h e la st w e k n e w ,” th e c a pt ai n s ai d, “h er r etin u e w a s h e a d e d for th e Hall. We c a n n o l o n g e r c o nt a ct th e m .” “Why th e h ell n ot?” Cor b al w a s st artin g t o s o u n d wi n d e d . “T hi s pl a c e is p a c k e d wit h s e c urity.” “Wh o e v e r infiltr at e d th e p al a c e h a s s o p hi sti c at e d e n o u g h ja m m e r s t o bl o c k o ur s y st e m s ,” th e c a pt ai n s ai d. Jai felt the blood drain from his face. Security here was the best ESComm had to offer. Either someone had developed better, which meant his safety was severely c o m p r o m i s e d , o r e l s e thi s att a c k c a m e fr o m wit hin ESCo m m , w hi c h w o ul d b e e v e n w o r s e . Sp e a ki n g s h ar ply t o th e c a pt ai n, h e r e p e at e d hi s e a rli er q u e s ti o n . “Wh er e a r e y o u ta kin g u s?” “T o a s af e r o o m , Your Hig h n e s s .” He s o u n d e d m o r e lik e a m a c hi n e th a n a m a n , wit h n o tr o u bl e b r e at hi n g d e s pit e th eir g r u elin g p a c e . Jai di d n’t thin k h e w a nt e d t o k n o w h o w m u c h a u g m e n t ati o n th e c a pt ai n h a d in hi s b o dy. He pr ef err e d t o b eli e v e hi s b o d y g u ar d s w e r e hu m a n. T h e fl o or s u d d e nly b u c k e d u n d e r Jai’s f e et, thr o wi n g hi m for w ar d. As h e hit th e g r o u n d, Raz er s dr o p p e d all a r o u n d hi m , c o v e rin g hi m wit h th eir a r m o r e d b o di e s , b r a ci n g th e m s e l v e s o n th eir a r m s s o th e y di d n’t c r u s h hi m . F or int er mi n a bl e s e c o n d s , th e g r o u n d h e a v e d a n d d e b ri s s h o w e r e d o v e r th e m . Then they were scrambling t o th eir f e et, wit h d u st a n d p o w d e r s wirlin g in th e air. As th e t w o Raz er s g r a b b e d Jai’s a r m s a g ai n, a m e di c r a n a s c a n n e r o v e r hi s b o dy. “Brui s e s , s c r a p e s , a n d a b r o k e n ri b. He c a n run.” Jai di d n’t e v e n f e el th e injur e d ri b. His a dr e n alin e dr o v e hi m for w ar d a s th e y s c r a m bl e d o v e r d e b ri s th at s e c o n d s a g o h a d b e e n a c o rrid or. Cor b al h a d b e e n farth er fr o m th e bl a st a n d w a s n’t h urt, b ut Jai di d n’t s e e Ro b e rt. Lo o ki n g a r o u n d, h e c a u g ht si g ht o f hi s ai d e foll o wi n g th e m , b r a c k et e d b y t w o Raz er s. So h e t o o k off, running hard with his guards. Within m o m e n t s th e y cl e ar e d th e w o r st of th e w r e c k a g e . T h e Raz er s p ull e d th e m int o a c o rrid or th at sl o p e d d o w n w a r d. Jai w a s g a s pi n g n o w , c h o k e d b y all th e d u st. He c o ul d h e a r Cor b al’s b r e at h r attlin g a s w e ll. They rounded a corn er —i nt o a d e a d e n d . Jai s w o r e a n d st art e d t o turn b a c k , b ut hi s g u ar d s st o p p e d hi m . S e v e r al Raz er s w e r e c r o u c hi n g o n th e fl o or, p u s hi n g til e s in q ui c k s u c c e s si o n , lik e b a n k e r s e n t erin g a c o d e int o a v a ult. T h e pr e s s ur e of th eir m i n d s c o m b i n e d wit h th e s w irling dust made Jai feel suffocated. He struggled to breathe, holding one hand over his ribs, which had begun to ache. One of the Razers looked around, his forehead furrowed. The captain grunted, then shook his head as if to clear it. Dismayed, Jai realize d h e w a s n’t d a m pi n g hi s e m p at hi c r e s p o n s e s e n o u g h . His di s c o m f ort w a s c a u si n g th e Raz er s t o tr a n s c e n d , pr o b a bly at t o o l o w a l e v el for th e m t o r e aliz e it, b ut e n o u g h t o di str a ct th e m . Jai’s f e ar s ur g e d , a n d thi s ti m e it h a d n ot hi n g t o d o wit h e x pl o si o n s o r dead ends. His fear of discovery outweighed it all. He intensified his mental barriers, buttressing his mind until he felt

walled into a mental vault. The world became muffled, distant, not fully perceived. His mind was sluggish. Heavy. “T h at’ s it!” As the Razer spoke, a circular section of the floor began to descend. Jai’s g u ar d s p ull e d hi m for w ar d, fa st a n d effici e nt. T h e cir c ul ar plu g w a s bi g e n o u g h for n e a rly e v e r y o n e t o fit o nt o it, th o u g h th e y h a d t o l e a v e t w o Raz er s b e hi n d. As th e y all c r o w d e d t o g e ther, the plug sank into a chute of diamond-steel composite. Watching the walls slide past, Jai battled his shortness of breath. Razers hulked around him, shielding his body. Even through his deadened thoughts, their minds pressed on him, relentless. The light faded. With growing apprehension, Jai looked up and saw a cover closing over the chute. Claustrophobia hit him like a jolt. When the chute became completely dark, he wanted to scream and pound the walls. He could almost feel the palace exploding above them, collapsing this chute, burying them in tons of rubble. He di d n’t s c r e a m . It t o o k e v e r y s hr e d of hi s c o ntr ol, b ut h e k e pt hi s v oi c e c al m . “Ho w far d o w n d o e s thi s g o ?” “It is n’t far, Your Hig h n e s s .” T h at c a m e fr o m a Raz er, th e c a pt ai n m a y b e , th o u g h Jai c o ul d n’t s e e in th e d ar k. So they descended. The chute suddenly ended, and the plug continued to descend, lowering into a cavern lit in the center by harsh lights. Machines hulked in the shadows beyond, rank upon rank of robots, from small cleaning droids to military strikers that stood at twice the height of a man on their segmented legs. Rails had risen around the circumference of the plug while it descended, protecting them from falling off as it came down to the cavern floor. When it reached the ground, Jai cl o s e d hi s e y e s in g r atitu d e . He o p e n e d th e m i m m e di at ely, a s Raz er s g ui d e d hi m off th e plu g . Wh e n h e tri e d t o p ull a w ay, th e y w o ul d n’t l et g o . He l o o k e d a r o u n d for Ro b ert; hi s ai d e w a s b e hi n d hi m , b e t w e e n t w o Raz er s. Jai di d n’t k n o w w h at Ro b e rt s a w in his face, but as soon as their gazes met, the aide strode forward. With deft confidence, he insinuated himself between Jai and the Razers and maneuvered Jai away from his guards. Robert even evaded Corbal, who had been closing in on Jai from the left. As th e y dr e w a h e a d of th e o t h e r s , th e pr e s s ur e o n Jai’s m i n d b e c a m e m o r e m a n a g e a bl e . He s p o k e in a l o w v oi c e . “T h a n k y o u.” “It is m y h o n or.” They were crossing a floor made from a steel-diamond composite. Robert stopped at a platform piled with crates and pulled out a chair with nervoplex padding. Jai hated nervoplex; it responded to his every move as if it were alive. He shook his head and sat on the edge of the platform instead, planting his well-shod feet on the floor. Resting his elbows on his knees, he lowered his head and drew in a shaky breath. “Ar e y o u all ri g ht?” Ro b e rt a s k e d . Jai looked up. Robert had sat down on the platform, but not too close. Several hundred meters away, Corbal was speaking with the captain. The other Razers had dispersed throughout the cavern, some guarding Jai, others at consoles. One was running checks on a suit of power-armor, what ESComm commandos sometimes wore, becoming the walking fortresses known as waroids. The group of Razers closest to Jai, including the medic, were speaking among themselves and checking palmtops, but Jai knew they were also keeping watch on him. The medic would want to treat his injuries. Had Jai been in any more serious trouble, he doubted they would have waited for his permission to approach. “Your Hig h n e s s ?” Ro b e rt s o u n d e d w o rri e d.

Jai gl a n c e d at hi m . “I a m fin e .” “Sh all I b rin g th e m e di c?” “Not y et. Cat c h y o ur b r e at h.” Re stin g hi s e l b o w s o n hi s k n e e s , Ro b e rt cl a s p e d hi s h a n d s . “It is m y h o n o r t o s e r v e Your Hig h n e s s .” “You al w a y s s a y th at.” Jai s p o k e tir e dly. “Ev ery o n e d o e s . It l o s e s its m e a ni n g .” “I r e gr et if it s o u n d s fal s e .” Ro b ert s e e m e d g e n ui n ely tr o u bl e d . “Pl e a s e b e a s s ur e d o f m y si n c e rity.” Guilt tu g g e d at Jai. Wh e n h e e a s e d hi s b a rri er s, h e c o ul d r e a d Ro b e rt’s m o o d s lik e h ol o s in a n o p e n b o o k . He knew his aide had never been anything but loyal. Jai s p o k e q ui etly. “I g r e atly v alu e y o ur fid elity.” Ro b e rt’s tr o u bl e d e x pr e s si o n c al m e d , b ut hi s w o rry for Jai di d n’t fa d e . He gl a n c e d at th e m e di c a n d b e y o n d t o w h e r e Cor b al w a s c o nf errin g wit h th e c a pt ai n. Jai k n e w h e s h o ul d b e o v e r th er e , takin g c h a r g e . But e v e n if h e c o ul d h a v e e n d ur e d s o m a n y Arist o s u p cl o s e , h e w a s n’t a s w e ll q u alifi e d a s Cor b al t o d e al wit h th e situ ati o n. If h e s ur viv e d l o n g e n o u g h , h e w o ul d g ai n e x p e ri e n c e wit h Arist o c ultur e , b ut h e di d n’t s e e h o w h e w o ul d e v e r a d a pt t o th eir c utthr o at p olitic s . He h a d b e g u n t o q u e s ti o n w h e t h e r h e c o ul d truly fun cti o n a s e m p e r or. He h a d n o wi s h t o a d o pt Hig ht o n m o r e s o r m o ti v ati o n s . No d o u bt th e Arist o s w o ul d c o n si d e r hi m h o p el e s sly u n s o p hi sti c ated, but he had liked himself better before he became one of them in name, if not in his heart. Jai inhaled deeply, trying to calm his agitation, then winced as pain shot through his torso. “Your Hig h n e s s .” Ro b e rt w a t c h e d hi m wit h c o n c e r n. “May I all o w th e m e di c t o a p pr o a c h ?” “All rig ht.” He c o ul d n’t p ut it off for e v er. “S e n d th e c a pt ai n o v e r t o o . I w o ul d lik e a r e p o rt o n th e situ ati o n.” “Ye s, sir.” With o b vi o u s r eli ef, Ro b e rt ju m p e d u p a n d b o w e d , th e n str o d e o v e r t o th e m e di c. T h e y c o nf err e d , a n d th e m e di c headed toward Jai while Robert went on to where Corbal stood with the captain. Jai st e el e d hi m s elf a s th e m e di c a p pr o a c h e d . After th e r e q ui sit e k n e e lin g , th e d o ct or st o o d a n d u n h o o k e d a h ol ot a p e fr o m hi s b e lt. “May I d o a s c a n , Your Hig h n e s s ?” “Ye s. C ert ai nly.” Jai w o n d e r e d if it s e e m e d a s s urr e al t o th e m e di c a s it di d t o hi m th at th e y n e e d e d hi s p e r mi s si o n t o h e al hi m . T h at w a s o nly tru e u p t o a p oi nt, th o u g h ; if hi s lif e w e r e in d a n g er, th e y w o ul d s a v e hi m first a n d a p ol o giz e for t o u c hi n g hi s i m p e ri al p e rsonage later. T h e m e di c s at o n th e pl atf or m a n d u nr oll e d th e ta p e . But w h e n h e tri e d t o lay it a g ai n st Jai’s n e c k , Jai j erk e d b a c k , hi s r efl ex e s ki c kin g in b ef or e h e c o ul d c o ntr ol th e m . T h e d o ct or t o o k hi s e m p e r o r’ s p e c uli ar b e h a vi or in strid e . Inst e a d o f s e ttin g th e ta p e a g ai n st Jai’s n e c k , h e p u s h e d u p th e sl e e v e o f Jai’s tuni c a n d lai d th e ta p e o n hi s for e ar m . Hol o s for m e d a b o v e it, vi e w s o f Jai’s u p p e r b o d y: b o n e s , o r g a n s , cir c ul ati o n, a n d m o r e . T h e b r o k e n ri b s h o w e d in hi s s k el et o n . Str a n g e , th at. He felt relatively little pain. Perhaps he had too much adrenaline pumping through his body to register how much he hurt. The medic took an air-syringe off his belt and dialed in some drug Jai hoped would make him numb, not for the rib but because of how the Aristos and Razers affected his mind. As th e m e di c tr e at e d hi m , Jai st ar e d o ut at th e c a v e r n. S e ei n g hi m , Cor b al lift e d hi s h a n d. T h e n th e Xir l or d a p pr o a c h e d , wit h th e Raz er c a pt ai n at hi s si d e . Jai di d n’t k n o w m u c h a b o ut th e c a pt ai n e x c e pt th at h e w a s the son of a Red-Point Diamond Aristo and one of her providers. Razers rarely if ever used names; it had taken Jai weeks to find out that some people called this one Redson. T h e c a pt ai n b o w e d t o hi m . “I a m g r atifi e d t o s e e y o u l o o ki n g s o w e ll, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai was tempted to say,I look like hell. Inst e a d , h e s p o k e in hi s c a r efully c ultur e d Hig ht o n v oi c e . “T h a n k y o u. Do y o u h a v e inf or m ati o n for m e o n thi s di sru pti o n?”

The captain glanced at Corbal, who inclined his head. Jai gritted his teeth. His Razers ought to ask his permission to speak to Corbal, not the reverse. Re d s o n di d a d dr e s s Jai wit h d ef er e n c e , th o u g h . “It a p p e a r s a tr ait or wit hin th e p al a c e h a s gi v e n Qox s e c urity c o d e s t o a n o t h e r Hig ht o n Lin e. We a r e tr a c ki n g th e l e a k.” Jai relaxed his barriers e n o u g h t o a b s o r b a s e n s e o f Re d s o n’ s m i n d. T h e c a pt ai n h a d n o id e a w h at h a d h a p p e n e d , b ut h e dr e a d e d t ellin g Jai, w h o s e g r a n df at h e r h a d thr o w n p e o pl e in pri s o n for h a vi n g th e w r o n g a n s w e r s . Jai w a nt e d t o h e a v e hi s p urp ort e dly r e v e r e d a n c e s t or s int o th e o c e an for making it near to impossible to do this job. How did they expect their staff to operate when everyone was afraid of being drawn and quartered for failing to achieve the impossible? “L et m e k n o w a s s o o n a s y o u fin d o ut m o r e .” Jai f e ar e d th e a n s w e r t o hi s n e xt q u e s ti o n. “Ha s a n y o n e b e e n h urt?”Like Tarquine. “W e h a v e r e p o rt s th at fo ur ta s k m a k e r s w e r e kill e d in th e e x pl o si o n s ,” th e c a pt ai n s ai d. “Sixt e e n injur e d .” He a vin e s s s e ttl e d o v e r Jai. “W e m u s t tak e c a r e of th e fa mili e s of th o s e w h o w e r e l o st.” Reds o n blink e d . “Ye s, sir.” He s e e m e d s ur pri s e d t o h a v e th e e m p e r o r c o n c e r n hi m s elf wit h th e l o s s . T h e c a pt ai n still h a d n’t t ol d hi m w h at h e w a nt e d t o k n o w . Jai g a v e u p tryin g t o b e o bli q u e . “And Minist er Iqu ar?” “W e b eli e v e s h e is s af e ,” Re d s o n a s s ur e d hi m . We h a v e n’t a d a m n e d clu e , he thought, with so much apprehension that Jai picked up the actual words. Jai di d n’t think h e c o ul d liv e wit h hi m s elf if hi s att e m pt t o m a rry Tar q ui n e h a d c a u s e d h e r d e at h. “Ha s a n y o n e b e e n a p pr e h e n d e d ? Any m o r e e x pl o si o n s ?” “No m o r e e x pl o si o n s ,” Red s o n s ai d. Jai n oti c e d w h at h e di d n’t s ay. “Do y o u h a v e a n y id e a w h o s e t th e bl a st s?” Sw e at s h e e n e d th e c a pt ai n’ s for e h e a d . “W e h a v e m a n y pr o m i si n g l e a d s .” In other words, they had no clue. Jai suspected that no matter what he asked, the g u ar d s w o ul d n’t a d m it th eir u n c e rt ai nty. T h eir a p pr e h e n si o n w a s t o o in gr ai n e d . “Very w e ll. Let m e k n o w h o w th e l e a d s turn o ut.” Re d s o n b o w e d . “Mo st a s s ur e dly, Your Glori o u s Hig h n e s s .” Jai lifted his hand, dismissing the captain. Corbal was standing back, w a t c hi n g , b ut h e di d n’t int erf er e . As Re d s o n r etur n e d t o c o nf er wit h hi s t e a m , Jai r ai s e d hi s m e n t al b a rri er s a g ai n, wit h r eli ef. Wh at e v e r p ai n kill er th e m e di c h a d gi v e n hi m , it w a s n’t e n o u g h t o m ut e th e h e a d a c h e c a u s e d b y hi s e x p o s ur e t o Arist o m i n d s . Jai c o ul d n’t fath o m h o w Arist o s c o ul d b e a r t o liv e thi s w ay, stiff a n d for m al, wit h a s s a s si n ati o n ju st a r o u n d th e c o r n er. T h e y s e e m e d t o h a v e n o r e al fri e n d s hip s, th e kin d w h e r e y o u ju st e nj o y e d e a c h o t h e r’ s c o m p a ny, lau g h e d a b o ut n ot hi n g , a n d tru st e d e a c h o t her. He felt sorry for the Highton children growing up in this chill, deadly atmosphere. No wonder they turned out so strange as adults. And y et… Jai k n e w hi s fath er h a d tr e a s ur e d hi s m e m o ri e s o f Ur Qox, Jai’s g r a n df at h er. Ur Qox h a d s e cl u d e d hi s s o n in c h ildhood, determined to protect his heir. Incredible as it seemed, he had loved his Ruby telepath son. Jai laid his palm against his ribs. He felt no pain at all. His head hurt more from the presence of the half-Aristo medic. He inclined his head to the doct or. “You h a v e d o n e a fin e jo b . You m a y g o n o w .” “But I s h o ul d —” He st o p p e d w h e n Jai s c o wl e d at hi m . “Of c o ur s e , Your Hig h n e s s .” T h e d o ct or wit h dr e w , l e a vi n g Jai wit h Cor b al, w hi c h Jai d o u bt e d w a s lik ely t o h el p hi s bl o o d pr e s s ur e . At l e a st hi s b o d y g u ar d s were standing far enough back to respect his reputed idiosyncratic need

to surround himself with empty space. Cor b al fr o w n e d . “G o o d h e alth b e n efits a s o v e r ei g n.” “I w a s tir e d o f b e i n g p o k e d .” Jai s p o k e bl u ntly, e v e n for kin s p e e c h . “T h e y h a v e n o id e a w h o tri e d t o bl o w m e u p, d o th e y?” Cor b al si g h e d . “Do y o u k n o w , Cou si n, y o u m i g ht b e m o r e s u c c e s sful if y o u l e ar n e d t o m a s t e r th e intric a ci e s of pr o p e r s p e e c h .” “T h e h ell wit h pr o p e r s p e e c h . I w a nt t o k n o w w h o tri e d t o kill u s.” “Ant a g o nizin g p e o pl e is n’t th e w a y t o fin d o ut.” “Wh o d o y o u think di d it?” Cor b al fin ally r el e nt e d . “Pr o b a bly Razi q u o n’ s kin.” “I s h o ul d thin k th e y w o ul d b e r eli e v e d h e is a w ay.” He h a d o r d e r e d Razi q u o n p ut int o a r e al pri s o n , wit h n o luxuri e s , s e r v a nt s, pr o vi d e r s, o r a n y o t h e r privil e g e s s u c h a s Cor b al h a d e nj o y e d d urin g hi s ESCo m m c u st o dy, th e pl e a s ur e s a n Arist o t o o k for g r a nt e d . “No w th e y d o n’t h a v e t o p ut u p wit h hi m .” “Jai bri ol.” “Jai bri ol, w h at? T h e m a n is in s a n e .” “He is p erf e ctly s a n e .” Cor b al’s m a n n e r c o ol e d . “Qu e sti o n s o f s a nity a r e far m o r e lik ely t o a ri s e o v e r y o ur b e h a vi or.” “He d e s e r v e s t o b e in pri s o n .” “You di d n’t h a v e e n o u g h e vi d e n c e .” “I h a d Sunri s e’ s t e sti m o ny.” “Sh e is a provider. ” “S o?” Cor b al m a d e a n in cr e d ul o u s n oi s e . “You a r e h o p el e s s .” Jai c r o s s e d hi s a r m s . “If hi s kin kill e d Tar q ui n e , I will e x e c ut e Razi q u o n .” “Do n’t b e a fo ol.” “Da m n it, Cor b al, s h e is m y wife. ” “Not y et.” Jai cl e n c h e d hi s fist s. “F or all I k n o w , y o u s e t thi s u p t o st o p th e m a rri a g e .” Cor b al r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “S ettin g u p m y o w n d e at h w o ul d b e r at h er ill c o n si d er e d o n m y p art.” “You d o n’t l o o k d e a d t o m e .” “W e w e r e lu c ky.” “May b e .” Jai bri ol st o o d u p, wi n ci n g a s p ai n st a b b e d hi s t or s o . “But thi s a s s a s si n ati o n is m o r e Xira d Kalig a’ s styl e. He fr a m e d y o u in hi s o w n h o m e .” “You h a v e n o pr o of of th at, e it h er.” “He di d it, Cor b al. You k n o w it. T h e o nly r e a s o n h e is n’t in pri s o n , t o o , is b e c a u s e y o u int erf er e d w h e n I tri e d t o p ut hi m th er e .” His c o u si n s h o o k hi s h e a d . “Do n’t b e fo oli s h. Kalig a c o ntr ol s ESCo m m . Pu s h hi m , a n d y o u’r e p u s hi n g th e e n tir e m ilit ary. Tak e o n y o ur Joint Co m m a n d e r s a n d y o u w o n’t s ur viv e a d ay.” Before Jai could respond, a rumble vibrated through the floor. Jai froze, his pulse surging as he imagined the cavern collapsing. Then he realized the rumble came from the plug that had brought them here. Slowly and smoothly, it rose from the floor, ascending until it disappeared into the chute in the ceiling. “Why di d it d o th at?” Jai a s k e d . His b o d y g u ar d s w e r e m o vi n g int o for m ati o n a r o u n d hi m a n d Cor b al. Corbal pressed the cuff of his tunic a n d th e g ol d d e si g n s o n it flic k er e d int o a n a c tiv e c o m m m e s h . “Ca pt ai n, w h at’ s g oi n g o n ?” Re d s o n’ s v oi c e c a m e o ut of th e c o m m . “A pr e c a uti o n, Lord Xir. We’r e cl o si n g th e c h ut e .”

Jai stiffened, his claustrophobia returning. He could almost feel the weight o f th e p al a c e a b o v e th e m . “Ho w d o th e y k n o w thi s pl a c e w o n’t c a v e in?” “T h e w all s a r e h el d b y a q u a si s g ri d.” Cor b al m o ti o n e d t o w ar d a lin e o f s h a d o w e d m a c hi n e s a g ai n st th e c ur vin g w all of th e c a v e r n. “T h o s e a r e th e g e n e r at or s .” Jai took time to absorb that. ESCo m m k e pt a tig ht r ei n o n its q u a si s g e n e r at or s, y et h e c o u nt e d fiv e h e r e . Aqu a si s fi el d fix e d th e q u a ntu m w a v e fun cti o n of a n yt hin g it t o u c h e d . T h e aff e ct e d s y st e m di d n’t fr e e z e ; its at o m s c o ntin u e d t o m o v e a s th e y h a d w h e n th e y w e nt int o q u a si s. But th eir b e h a vi or c o ul d n’t c h a n g e , n ot e v e n o n e p arti cl e. On a m a c r o s c o pi c s c al e , e v e r yt hin g in th e fi el d b e c a m e rigid. In th e o ry, e v e n e x pl o si o n s c o ul d n’t d ef or m it, th o u g h if y o u hit it e n o u g h ti m e s , th e q u a si s w o ul d fail. He s u s p e ct e d th at th e fi el d s h e r e formed a grid that reinforced the cavern, rather than a solid surface, so communications and the plug could pass through. The floor shuddered. Jai fr o z e . Had h e b e e n w r o n g a b o ut th e str e n gt h of th e q u a si s fi el d s — b ut n o , th e vi br ati o n w a s n’t fr o m a n e x pl o sion or structural collapse. The elevator reappeared, coming down from the ceiling. People crammed it: Razers, aides, soldiers, even waroids. A tall figure stood in their midst. The woman wore a dark red dress, ankle-length and gleaming like carnelians. Her hair fell in a shimmering black waterfall over her shoulders. She stood tall and proud, a fiery goddess in the midst of dark warriors. His bride had arrived.

20 Merger As th e lift s e ttl e d o nt o th e flo or, Jai’s m o ut h w e nt dry. Tar q ui n e st o o d r e g ally, d e v a stating in her red dress, which clung to her long curves from neck to ankle. “It w o ul d s e e m s h e s ur viv e d ,” Cor b al s ai d dryly. Jai k n e w Cor b al w a s stu dyin g hi m . Ign orin g hi s c o u si n’ s s c r utiny, h e h e a d e d for hi s b ri d e . Cor b al c a m e wit h hi m . “You c a n w ait for m e b a c k at th e pl atf or m ,” Jai s ai d. “S o I c o ul d.” Cor b al c o ntinu e d o n at hi s si d e . He di d n’t w a nt t o a r g u e wit h Cor b al w h e n Tar q uin e c o ul d s e e . Sh e w a s st e p pi n g off th e lift, w a t c hi n g th eir a p pr o a c h . Jai w a s h a vi n g tr o u bl e b r e at hin g. He m i g ht a s w e ll h a v e h e a rt failur e n o w a n d g e t it o v e r wit h, b e c a u s e h e w a s n’t g oi n g t o s ur viv e th e w e d di n g ni g ht if s h e k e pt l o o ki n g at hi m lik e th at. Sh e l et h e r g a z e tr a v el u p w ar d, m o vi n g u p hi s l e g s lik e a c a r e s s , takin g in hi s hi p s , glidin g o v e r hi s t or s o a n d c h e s t. By th e ti m e s h e r e a c h e d hi s fa c e , hi s c h e e k s w e r e s o h o t, h e w o n d e r e d th at h e di d n’t in cin er at e . He m a d e hi m s elf w al k sl o wly. As h e r e a c h e d Tar q uin e , s h e m u r m ur e d , “My g r e e tin g s , Your Hig h n e s s .” At l e a st I’ll di e h a p py,Jai th o u g ht. “You l o o k l o v ely, Minist er Iqu ar.” She inclined her head. Jai in di c at e d th e c a v e r n. “I h a d int e n d e d t o off er y o u a b e tt er w e d di n g h all, b ut I’m afr ai d thi s will h a v e t o d o .” In hi s si d e vi si o n, h e s a w Cor b al stiff e n, a fa mili ar s c o wl o n hi s fa c e . Ev e n th e Raz er s l o o k e d flu st er e d thi s ti m e . No o n e e x p e c t e d th e i m p e ri al m a rri a g e t o h a p p e n h e r e in a b u n k er, o r s af e r o o m , o r w h at e v e r th e y c all e d thi s pl a c e . Jai di d n’t c a r e . He h a d n o int e nti o n of l ettin g w h o e v e r h a d tri e d t o a s s a s si n at e hi m wi n. He w o ul d m a rry Tar q uin e n o w .

Robert performed the ceremony. Jai asked him to officiate because Robert had so savored the preparations. It only seemed right that at least one person should enjoy the wedding. Jai was too agitated. He and Tarquine stood side by side, surrounded by guards, many armed with laser carbines now in addition to the miniature arsenals they carried on their hips, boots, and belts. Waroids in full armor patrolled the perimeter of the area. Ro b e rt r e a d th e v o w s , a n d Jai a n d Tar q uin e g a v e th eir a g r e e m e n t. Tar q ui n e’ s p er s o n al ai d e had brought the Iquar documents and Robert had the Qox documents. So Jai and Tarquine signed the contracts, and gave their retinal scans and voice imprints, fulfilling the legal requirements. Then it was done. Eube once again had an empress. It remained only to name a moon after her. Jai turned to Tarquine, running through phrases in his mind, searching for the right words to greet his new wife. She regarded him with her dark gaze, her lips parted. Before Jai could decide what to say to her, Robert motioned to him. The aide and Captain Redson were talking urgently, in low voices. Jai held back his sigh. Perhaps, in another century, he might actually hold a conversation with Tarquine. “Is th er e a pr o bl e m ?” h e a s k e d Ro b e rt. “W e h a v e n e w s o f th e Sk oli a n s ,” Ro b e rt s ai d. “T h e Ruby Ph ar a o h .” Sw e at b e a d e d Jai’s t e m pl e s . T h e Ph ar a o h w a s hi s a u nt. “Wh at n e w s ?” Capt ai n Re d s o n s p o k e , a git ati o n m a r kin g hi s u s u ally i m pl a c a bl e d e m e a n or. “ESCo m m int er c e pt e d a b r o a d c a s t fr o m Earth. Ship s a r e c a rryin g it thr o u g h o ut Alli e d, Sk oli a n, a n d Eu bi a n s p a c e .” “It’s th at i m p o rt a nt?” Jai a s k e d . With o ut th e Kyle w e b , it w a s h a r d t o s pr e a d n e w s in a ti m ely fa s hi o n t o th e st ar-flun g s e ttl e m e nt s o f h u m a nity. It w o ul d tr a v el fa st o nly if its i m p o rt a n c e ju stifi e d th e i m m e n s e e ff ort o f s o m a n y ships carrying it quickly among the various worlds and habitats. Jai c a u g ht a th o u g ht fr o m Re d s o n’ s m i n d: th e c a pt ai n w o ul d h a v e r at h e r b e e n a n y w h e r e b ut h e r e rig ht n o w , gi vin g thi s n e w s t o th e e m p e r or. But h e s p o k e wit h lau d a bl e c o m p o s ur e . “T h e Sk oli a n s s e nt a c o m m a n d o t e a m t o Earth. It r e s c u e d th e m e m b e r s o f th e Ruby Dyn a sty i m pri s o n e d th er e .” Jai blink e d . “T h e Ruby Ph ar a o h w a s o n Earth?”That fit none of the rumors he had heard. “No, Your Hig h n e s s .” Re d s o n w a s al m o s t stutt erin g . “Sh e h a s ta k e n c o m m a n d o f th e m ilitary.” “Sh e c a n’t,” Jai s ai d. “Her titl e is titul ar.” Ro b e rt w a s r e a di n g fr o m hi s p al mt o p. “It is n’t cl e a r —r e p o rt s a r e c o nflictin g — b ut it l o o k s lik e s h e in sti g at e d a c o u p o v e r th e Sk oli a n g o v e r n m e n t, b a c k e d b y th e m o s t p o w e rful b r a n c h o f ISC, th e Imp eri al Fl e et.” Jai st ar e d at hi m . Wh at th e bl a z e s w e r e th e Sk oli a n s d oi n g ? ISC m e a nt Imp eri al Sp a c e Co m m a n d , th e c o m b i n e d m ilitary for c e s of th e Sk oli a n Imp eri al at e . T h e n a m e “Im p eri al at e” w a s hi st ori c al, gi v e n th at a n Ass e m b ly o f e l e c t e d c o u n cil or s g o v erned the Skolians. The reign of the Ruby Dynasty had ended long ago. But if the military had supported his aunt in a coup, it meant the Ruby Pharaoh once again ruled. Such a political upheaval could shatter the fragile balance among Skolia, Eube, and the Allieds. Another thought hit Jai: his uncle Kelric had been on Earth. If ISC had freed the Ruby Dynasty, that included Kelric. He truly was Imperator now. Jai was painfully aware of Tarquine at his side. Better than anyone else here, she could predict what Kelric w o ul d d o n o w . But e v e n if Jai h a d b e e n in priv at e wit h h er, w h e r e h e c o ul d h a v e a s k e d a dir e ct q u e sti o n wit h o ut in s ult, h e di d n’t thin k h e c o ul d b e a r t o h e a r h e r s p e a k o f

Kelric, th e m a n s h e truly w a nt e d , th e o n e w h o w a s far m o r e h e r m a t c h th a n Jai would ever be. So m e h o w h e k e pt hi s fa c e c o m p o s e d a s h e turn e d t o hi s wif e. “T h e Ministry of Fin a n c e m u s t h a v e int er e st s th at will b e aff e ct e d b y c h a n g e s in th e st atu s o f th e Ruby Dyn a sty.” T h e r e : in dir e ct a n d u n d e r st at e d . Muc h m o r e a p pr o pri at e th a n What do you think about your former pleasure slave becoming Imperator? Her fa c e w a s u nr e a d a bl e . “Many o b s e r v e r s m i g ht a s s u m e it m a k e s n o diff er e n c e t o th e Fin a n c e Ministry w h e r e p e a c e talk s b e t w e e n o ur p e o pl e a n d th e Sk oli a n s tak e pl a c e . But o ur offic e s h a v e a g r e at d e al inv e st e d in th e o ut c o m e .” T h e talk s. With a st art, Jai r e aliz e d e v e r yt hin g h a d c h a n g e d . T h e Sk oli a n s h a d a g r e e d t o talk s w h e n th e y w e r e pri s o n e r s o n Earth. T h e y h a d m o r e o pti o n s n o w . And th e Ruby Ph ar a o h h a d n’t a g r e e d t o a n yt hin g . With th e m i g ht o f ISC behind her, she would be a formidable foe if she chose war over peace. Jai k n e w h e n e e d e d t o d e al wit h th e s e n e w d e v el o p m e nt s, b ut h e c o ul d n’t d o m u c h , tr a p p e d h e r e w hil e hi s p e o pl e tri e d t o figur e o ut w h o w a nt e d t o kill hi m . He turn e d t o Red s o n . “Ho w l o n g u ntil w e c a n r etur n t o th e p al a c e ?” T h e c a pt ai n s c a n n e d hi s p al mt o p. “S e c urity is d oi n g a fin al c h e c k . T h e n w e c a n g o b a c k u p.” “G o o d .” It w o ul d b e a r eli ef t o e s c a p e thi s c a v e r n a n d its o p pr e s si v e s e n s e o f b uri al. So o n h e w o ul d b e fr e e . Until the next assassination attempt. Kelricson Valdoria, Imperator of Skolia, stood on the dais. Light bathed him, slanting through windows in the cathedral-like Hall of Chambers on Parthonia, the capital world of Skolia. Media teams surrounded the dais. Soon they w o ul d b r o a d c a st th e s p e e c h o f Dyhi a n n a S el ei, th e Ruby Ph ar a o h , th e w o m a n h e k n e w a s De hy a, hi s a u nt, hi s m o t h e r’ s o l d e r si st er. De hy a h a d r e-c r e at e d a fl e d glin g p si b e r w e b . T el o p s w o ul d u s e th e n e wly birth e d w e b t o s e n d h e r w o r d s thr o u g h o ut s p a c e fa st er than any ship could carry them. Only a few days had passed since ISC had freed the Ruby Dynasty from Earth. But in the months prior to that, Kelric had been healing. He would never have made it to Earth if not for Jeejon. She had lived on an asteroid near the border of Skolian and Eubian territory, an outpost that the Allieds had liberated from Eube during the war. It was the only place his ship had enough fuel to reach after he escaped the Sphinx Sector Rim Base. By that time he had no more than days to live. Jeejon thought him crazy when he told her he was the Imperator, but she helped him anyway. She was his age, fifty-seven, a Eubian taskmaker.Former taskmaker. Now she was the consort of the Imperator. He had married her on Earth. Kelric stood waiting on the dais with Dehya, his aunt, a slender woman with her dark hair swept up on her head. The streaks of gray in it hinted at her age, but she otherwise appeared young. Only the timeless quality of her gaze revealed the truth: she was over one and a half centuries old. Although she was the Pharaoh and he the Imperator, they both dressed simply, Dehya in a blue jumpsuit and Kelric in gold trousers and tunic. Neither of them wore medals or ornamentation. Their Jagernaut bodyguards paced the hall, cyberwarriors in black. Less visible, but just as deadly, Evolving Intelligence defense computers monitored the great hall. Trilli o n s o f p e o pl e w o ul d r e c ei v e thi s b r o a d c a st thr o u g h th e p si b e r w e b , a n d in m o n t h s t o c o m e s hip s w o ul d c a rry it t o pl a c e s th e n e w b o r n w e b di d n’t y et r e a c h . Wh e n th e m e di a t e c h g a v e th e si g n al, De hy a b e g a n . Sh e h a d a str o n g v oi c e , m e l o di c a n d cl e ar. “My p e o pl e , I g r e e t y o u. I c o m e b ef or e y o u t o d a y wit h g r e at h o p e .” De hy a’ s a d vi s e r s h a d w ritt e n th e s p e e c h . T h e y h a d w a nt e d Kelric t o s p e a k a s w e ll, b ut h e r efu s e d . Ta citurn e v e n in p er s o n al c o n v e r s ati o n , h e dr e a d e d p u bli c s p e a ki n g . He pr ef err e d t o st a n d in sil e n c e , a b ul w ar k t o pr ot e ct De hy a, Eldrin s o n , a n d hi m s elf —P h ar a o h , Ass e m b ly

Key, a n d Imp er at or. T h e Mind, th e He art, a n d th e Fist o f Sk oli a. T h e Triad. “It h a s b e e n fiv e th o u s a n d y e ar s si n c e th e h ei g ht o f th e Ruby E m pir e,” De hy a c o ntinu e d . “Al m o st six th o u s a n d si n c e th e Ruby Dyn a sty first r o s e t o p o w er. T hr o u g h o ut o ur hi st ory, Sk oli a h a s b e e n o ur h e a rt. No w t o d a y w e h o n o r th at h e a rt wit h th e a d v e nt of a n e w a n d g r e at er e r a .” Kelric waited for her next words:With a smooth transition to the new government, the Ruby Dynasty again assumes full sovereignty of the Skolian Imperialate. That one phrase had caused relentless debate among her speechwriters. It w a s th e cl o s e s t th e y w a nt e d De hy a t o c o m e in a c k n o wl e d gi n g th e pri c e o f th e c o u p th at h a d m a d e h e r a tru e Ph ar a o h — s h e w o ul d h a v e t o o r d e r th e e x e c uti o n of th e First Cou n cil or, th e h e a d o f th e g o v e r n m e nt s h e h a d d e p o s e d , a di stin g ui s h e d l e a d e r w h o h a d b e e n her friend and colleague for decades. De hy a s p o k e stiffly. “With a s m o o t h tr a n siti o n t o th e n e w g o v e r n m e n t —” T h e n s h e st o p p e d . Kelric tensed, as did many of the people watching the techs record this broadcast. His older brother, Eldrin, was leaning against a column, his arms crossed. It gratified Kelric to see his brother free from the Traders; he would wonder for the rest of his life why Jaibriol Qox had shown Eldrin mercy, trading himself so Eldrin could go free. Dehya was watching Eldrin, too, her husband of over fifty years, a marriage between kin, one forced by the Assembly to produce more Ruby psions. The match, however unwillingly made, had become a union of love. But the Assembly had again and again shattered the Ruby Dynasty in its desperation to control them, an irony given that destabilizing the Rubies destabilized Skolia. So Dehya had overthrown the government. But that coup could destroy the fragile bubble of peace that protected humanity in the aftermath of the Radiance War. Executing the First Councilor, the elected leader of Skolia, would create havoc. De hy a s u d d e nly fini s h e d h e r s e nt e n c e in a rin gin g v oi c e . “W e will m e l d a n alli a n c e u nlik e a n y Sk oli a h a s k n o w n b ef or e .” Kelric blinked.That w a s n’t p art o f th e s c ript. “S e v e r al t e n d a y s a g o ,” De hy a s ai d, “th e g o v e r n m e n t o f Sk oli a s hift e d fr o m th e Ass e m b ly t o th e Ruby Dyn a sty. I st a n d b ef or e y o u n o w a s full s o v e r ei g n. Durin g th e Ruby Em pir e, th e rul e of th e Dyn a sty w a s a b s ol ut e.” The media techs were scrambling to make sure they caught every detail of this unexpected change from the planned speech. Some spoke hurriedly into comms, their attention split between Dehya and whatever protests they were hearing. “Sk oli a h a s id e ntifi e d its elf for six m ill e n ni a thr o u g h th e Ruby E m pir e,” De hy a s ai d. “Yet in thi s m o d e r n a g e , w e c h o s e a r e pr e s e nt ativ e g o v e r n m e n t in st e a d .” Sh e p a u s e d . “And s o it s h o ul d b e .” The techs froze. Kelric wondered what the blazes Dehya was doing. She had just gone to great lengths to overthrow that representative government. Her mind was g u ar d e d ; h e c o ul d n’t f e el h e r th o u g ht s, o nly h e r t e n si o n . De hy a s p o k e sl o wly, a s if e v e n s h e w a s n’t s ur e w h at s h e w o ul d s a y n e xt. “T h e u n e a s y m e l d of m o d e r n p olitic s wit h a n ci e nt tr a diti o n h a s oft e n r e nt o ur ci viliz ati o n. We think of o ur s el v e s a s a n a n cient race from Raylicon, yet compared to humanity on Earth we are incredibly young. We have no history prior to six thousand years ago, only distant memories of our birth world. We are new. Raw. At this crucial time in our growth, we dare not destabilize Skolia. We needboth th e Ruby Dyn a sty a n d Ass e m bly.” Kelric began to see her intent. She spoke the essence of their dilemma: six thousand years ago, some unknown race had moved humans from Earth to the planet Raylicon and then vanished, stranding the displaced h u m a n s wit h n o e x pl a n ati o n. Sin c e th at ti m e , th eir p e o pl e h a d e v ol v e d in d e p e n d e nt o f Earth. T h e y th o u g ht o f th e m s e l v e s a s Sk oli a n s , c hildr e n of th e Ruby E m pir e, w hi c h h a d a ri s e n fiv e th o u s a n d y e ar s a g o . T h e y w e r e n’t r e a d y t o c ut th o s e ti e s ,

b ut m o d e r n civilization had outgrown that method of governance. “F or th at r e a s o n ,” De hy a c o ntin u e d , “ o ur g o v e r n m e nt will join o l d a n d n e w . T h e Ruby Dyn a sty a n d Ass e m b ly will s h a r e th e g o v e r n a n c e of Sk oli a. So b e gi n s o ur futur e.” Sh e turn e d t o a n o t h e r h ol o c a m , a s th e t e c h s h a d pr e vi o u sly in stru ct e d . But in st e a d of fini s hi n g wit h th e pl a n n e d tri b ut e t o th e Ruby Dyn a sty, s h e s ai d, “I a c c e pt th e off er o f Jai bri ol th e T hird, Em p e r o r o f Eu b e , t o m e e t at th e p e a c e ta bl e . Let u s w o r k t o g e t h e r —Sk oli a n, Tr a d er, a n d Alli e d —t o h e al th e rifts th at h a v e di vi d e d o ur c o m m o n h u m a nity.” The Hall became a tumult, as people shouted questions. Kelric and Dehya stood together, surrounded by their bodyguards. Kelric wondered at this decision Dehya had so precipitously announced. He could see its promise; a joined government would return to the Skolian people the heritage that defined them, but retain the stability of the Assembly. Nor would they have to execute the First Councilor; he would be a part of this melded government. De hy a’ s id e a w a s a good one. It was also going to be one holy hell of a mess.

21 The Stone Table Jai’ s c a n o pi e d b e d w ait e d , g ol d a n d iv ory. He st o o d n e xt t o it, c o n si d erin g th e la c q u e r e d ta bl e in fr o nt o f hi m . It h a d n’t b e e n th er e thi s m o r ni n g . A d e c a nt er o f g ol d liqui d a n d two crystal tumblers sat on it. Jai picked up the decanter and took a deep swallow. He had no idea what he was drinking, but it went down like summer heat and kicked like a blizzard. He had triple-checked the room earlier to make sure no monitors spied on him tonight. Scanners would warn the staff if he had a heart attack or other crisis, but no one could see him swigging alcohol like a drunk on the star docks. At l e a st hi s ri b di d n’t b o t h e r hi m . He h a d e x p e c t e d it t o a c h e , b ut h e f elt n ot hi n g . On Pris m , injuries had been a great danger. They had no hospitals there, only a medical computer and a few medicines. It told him a lot about the care available to an emperor, that just a few hours ago his rib had broken and now it was nearly healed. The only light c a m e fr o m a n a nti q u e st ai n e d- gl a s s la m p at th e o t h e r e n d o f th e s uit e. T h e b r e a kf a st n o o k c ur v e d o ut o n Jai’s l eft, s h a d o w e d , its c urt ai n s dr a w n . He gl a n c e d a c r o s s th e b e d t o th e a r c h w a y th at l e d t o th e b at hi n g c h a m b e r, wit h its til e d p o ol, s a u n a , w hirlp o o l, and underwater VR center. Right now he could think only of its most prosaic function, as a changing room. Restless, Jai went down into the breakfast nook. He sat on a wing chair with ivory and gold pinstripes, then rose and paced to a wardrobe against one curving wall. A black velvet robe hung inside. He removed his clothes and slipped on the robe. It fit perfectly, covering him from shoulder to knees, but it was open halfway down his chest. He fought the urge to pull it closed. He had to stop acting like a boy who had never touched a woman. Well, all right, he pretty much never had, except Silver. But he had to handle this. His bride had little in common with Silver. Jai pushed his hand through his hair. Unable to hold still, he went back to the dais and sat on the bed. A tickling in his throat made it hard to swallow.Get a grip. Sur ely th e e m p e r o r of th e m o s t p o w e rful e m pir e in h u m a n hi st ory c o ul d s h o w m o r e c o ol th a n thi s. He wi s h e d th e EI h a d n’t turn e d th e lig ht s s o l o w. It s e e m e d … bl at a nt. He c o ul d h a v e it brighten them, but that would be tantamount to confessing his embarrassment. The door to the bathing room opened. Jai fr o z e . Tar q uin e e n t er e d th e b e d r o o m , a tall s h a d o w wit h lith e g r a c e . Jai s u d d e nly di d n’t

gi v e a d a m n w h at th e EI th o u g ht; h e w a nt e d t o s e e h er. “Lu m o s u p,” h e s ai d in a l o w v oi c e . The light increased enough to show Tarquine clearly. She wore a robe similar to his, but red. The velvet rippled along her angular curves as she moved, and her hair shimmered around her shoulders. Her face was perfect, unmarred by any flaw, making her seem more like a statue than a human being. T h e e m p r e s s m e t hi s g a z e . Sh e st o p p e d at th e o t h e r si d e of th e b e d a n d st o o d , h e r e y e s d ar k in th e m ut e d lig ht. Her thr o aty v oi c e e v o k e d th o u g ht s o f w hi s k ey. “G o o d e v e ni n g , Your Hig h n e s s .” War mt h ru s h e d t o hi s fa c e . “G o o d e v e ni n g , Wife.” If s h e k e pt l o o ki n g at hi m lik e th at, h e w a s g oi n g t o dr a g h e r o v e r h e r e ri g ht n o w . Flu st er e d , h e lift e d th e d e c a nt er. “Would y o u c a r e for a drin k?” Sh e s at o n h e r si d e o f th e b e d . “You m a y gi v e m e o n e .” He s m il e d. “T h a n k y o u for th e p e r mi s si o n .” Her lip s sl o wly c ur v e d u p w ar d. He di d n’t k n o w h o w s h e c o ul d b e s o icily al o of a n d y et l o o k s o s e d u ctiv e , a s if s h e w o ul d in ci n er at e hi m wit h h e r s e n s u ality. Distracted, he filled two glasses. On Earth he had never seen anyone drink liqueur from tumblers, but then, few other Highton customs were familiar to him, either. Sliding into the middle of the bed, he sat against the headboard. In the smoky moment, with a slow burn of alcohol warming him, he let his mental barriers ease. An image of what Tarquine saw jumped from her mind to his: he was sitting sprawled against the headboard, his long legs stretched across the covers, pillows tumbled around him. The robe accented the breadth of his shoulders and his narrow waist and hips. On the outside, she was ice; on the inside, he excited her more than she would ever admit. The eroticism of knowing she found him that desirable was more inebriating than any liqueur. Jai offered her a drink. Her gaze became heated, as if he had propositioned her. He caught another image from her mind: himself, extending the glass, his hair tousled, his gaze half lidded, nothing at all like a properly remote emperor. It aroused her in a way Highton reserve could never have done. She moved closer and took the glass. As she sipped her drink, he gulped his, then realized what he was doing and stopped. At this rate, he would get himself drunk before she felt anything. “An int er e stin g d ay,” s h e m u r m ur e d . Her ru b y e y e s , lar g e a n d sl a nt e d upward, were half veiled by the black fringe of her lashes. Jai w o n d e r e d if s h e h a d a n y id e a w h at s h e w a s d oi n g t o hi m . He tri e d t o think of a s u a v e r e s p o n s e , b ut all h e c a m e u p wit h w a s , “I di d n’t e x p e c t o ur w e d di n g t o c a u s e s o m u c h c o m m o ti o n.” She laugh e d , a s c o ol a s th e s n o w m e lt of a riv er. “Ind e e d , Your Hig h n e s s .” “Jai.” Sh e tilt e d h e r h e a d . “Jai?” “T h at’ s m y n a m e .” “Jai.” Her v oi c e c a r e s s e d th e w o r d. He finished his drink in one gulp. Then he took her tumbler, prying it out of her hand, and reached across the bed to set both their glasses on the table. He felt her surge of desire as she watched him stretch out, his robe shifting to reveal more of his legs. Sittin g u p, Jai g r a s p e d h e r a r m a n d s p o k e in a d u s k y v oi c e . “C o m e h e r e .” Tarquine gave him an appr ai sin g st ar e , a s if s h e k n e w e x a ctly h o w flu st er e d h e f elt. Nud gi n g hi m b a c k a g ai n st th e h e a d b o a r d, s h e l e a n e d for w ar d a n d b r u s h e d h e r lip s o v e r hi s. So c o ntr oll e d. If Jai h a d n’t b e e n a n e m p at h, h e w o ul d h a v e n e v e r k n o w n h o w m u c h s h e w a nt e d hi m . He p ull e d her across his body as she kissed him, her tongue teasing apart his lips. He

tried to match her control, but what he really wanted was to throw her down on the bed. When she tugged his robe off his shoulder and began to stroke his chest, he gave up. The hell with control: he rolled her over and stretched out on top of her, pulling open her robe. Like him, she wore nothing under it. Gods, she was solong. Her legs went on forever. As he moved his hands on her body, hungry for her, a thought in the back of his mind warned against losing himself this way. He pushed it away, too ravenous to listen. “S o e a g er,” Tar q uin e m u r m ur e d , h e r v oi c e lik e m o l a s s e s . Then she flipped him over. Jai barely had time to grunt before she had pinned him on his back. Straddling his hips, she bent over him, holding down his wrists, one on either side of his head. Then she gave him a long, slow smile. Jai tri e d t o y a n k hi s h a n d s a w ay, b ut h e c o ul d n’t. He stru g gl e d h a r d er, b ut h e still c o ul d n’t fr e e hi m s elf. Sh e h a d t o h a v e e n h a n c e d s k el et al a n d m u s c ul ar s y st e m s ; e v e n a w e i g ht lift er c o ul d n’t h a v e h el d hi m d o w n thi s w a y wit h o ut th e h el p o f bi o a u g m e nt ati o n. Jai s c o wl e d . “L et m e u p.” “No w, w h y w o ul d I d o th at?” Sh e ki s s e d hi m a g ai n. He meant to resist, to pull away, but the warmth of her lips made it hard to remember that. He kissed her back, still straining to free his wrists. Sh e r ai s e d h e r h e a d . “S o s w e e t.” Ai! Not “ s w e e t” a g ai n. He tri e d t o s o u n d ru g g e d . “L et g o o f m y a r m s .” She gave him a drowsy look, her hair falling around her face. “Why w o ul d I w a nt t o, Your Del e ct a bl e Hig h n e s s ?” “I’ m n ot y o ur d e s s e rt.” Jai fin ally s u c c e e d e d in fr e ei n g hi s w ri st s. Gra s pi n g h e r a r o u n d th e w ai st, h e r oll e d h e r o v e r a n d pr e s s e d h e r int o th e b e d , hi s p ul s e s ur gi n g a s hi s d e sir e for h e r b uilt. So they tan gl e d t o g e t h er, w r e stlin g, t o u c hi n g , b ur ni n g wit hin, Tar q ui n e’ s ic e tr a n sf or m e d int o a d e v o urin g fla m e . Sh e intr o d u c e d hi m int o h e r d ar klin g u niv er s e o f s e n s u ality, a n d h e l o st hi m s elf in h e r fir e u ntil it c o n s u m e d hi m . A long time later, Jai stirred. Tarquin e w a s d o zi n g n e xt t o hi m , b ut w h e n h e m o v e d , h e r la s h e s lift e d. Her s m il e for m e d lik e th e e m b e r s o f a c o nfl a gr ati o n, b a r ely p er c e pti bl e n o w , b ut r e a d y t o ig nit e. Sh e tr ail e d h e r l o n g , e l e g a nt fin g e r d o w n hi s c h e e k . “No w y o u a r e m i n e .” “You c a n’t o w n m e . ” He h a d m e a n t t o s o u n d fir m , b ut th e w o r d s c a m e o ut d u s k y a n d pr o v o c ativ e in st e a d . She just smiled and closed her eyes. T h at ni g ht, a s Tar q uin e sl e pt, Jai w a t c h e d h e r — a n d w o n d e r e d w h at for c e of n atur e h e h a d u nl e a s h e d b y m a ki n g h e r th e e m p r e s s . Mist curled around a circular table made from stone. It stood alone, incongruously, on a shelf of rock high in the mountains. On one side of the shelf, a cliff sheered down in a vertical wall; on the other three sides, cliffs rose up into the fog. Admiral Xirad Kaliga waited by the cliff behind the table. His bodyguards had faded into the mist, but he knew they remained nearby. An e n gi n e ru m bl e d . A fli er w a s c o m i n g d o w n , v eil e d b y fo g , la n di n g o n a fi el d Kalig a’ s p er s o n al s e c urity p e o pl e h a d c a r v e d o ut o f th e m o u ntains nearby. Laser-based defense systems protected these pockets and shrouded them from monitors. Even ESComm had no record of this place. Three figures coalesced out of the mist: two bodyguards and the hefty form of General Kryx Taratus, the other Joint Commander of ESComm. Kalig a n o d d e d t o hi s c o u nt er p art. “Tar atu s.” “Hell of a ti m e t o m e e t,” th e g e n e r al g r u m bl e d . “Da m n a bl e fo g .”

“Veils h a v e th eir u s e s ,” Kalig a s ai d. Tar atu s w a v e d hi s h a n d . “Ev eryt hin g h a s its u s e . If n ot, th e n I s a y di s p o s e o f it.” Kaliga s u p pr e s s e d hi s fr o w n . Tar atu s o ft e n b al a n c e d o n th e e d g e o f in s ult b y dir e ct s p e e c h . But Kalig a w a s u s e d t o it. He s at at th e ta bl e , fa ci n g th e g e n e r al a c r o s s th e st o n e di s k. “Ev e n if s o m e t hi n g h a s a u s e , o n e m a y w a nt t o di s p e n s e wit h it.” Lik e th eir tiresome emperor. Tar atu s l o w e r e d hi m s elf o nt o th e c ur v e d b e n c h . “T h e pl a n s for p e a c e talk s wit h Sk oli a c o ntinu e t o pr o g r e s s .” “A s h a m e .” T hi s ti m e Kalig a di d fr o w n . “On e c o ul d i m a gi n e in st e a d th e g r e at h ei g ht s Eu b e c o ul d a c hi e v e if w e c h o s e t o s eiz e th e initi ativ e o v e r th e Sk oli a n s .” Tar atu s s n o rt e d . “It tak e s a g r e at l e a d e r t o s eiz e s u c h initi ativ e .” “S o it d o e s .” Kalig a p a u s e d . “I u n d e r st a n d th at a n a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt w a s m a d e a g ai n st th e e m p e r o r o n hi s w e d di n g d ay. I a m a g h a st.” It truly h a d a p p all e d hi m ; h e w o ul d h a v e th o u g ht Tar atu s’ s p e o pl e c o ul d h a v e d o n e a b e tt er jo b . “May th e e m p e r o r liv e a l o n g a n d gl ori o u s lif e.” “Gl ori o u s , in d e e d ,” Tar atu s m utt er e d . “It is fortu n at e th e Lin e o f Qox h a s s u p p o rt fr o m th e Lin e of Xir.” He dr u m m e d hi s fin g e r s o n th e ta bl e , r e v e alin g hi s s a r c a s m . “F ailur e s c o m e in m a n y for m s , in clu din g u n c o o p e r ativ e d a w n s .” T hin kin g of Sunri s e , Kalig a s c o wl e d . “T h e d a w n s e e m s t o s h e d its lig ht o n th e Lin e o f Razi q u o n .” It di s g u st e d hi m . T h e e m p e r o r h a d tr e at e d Razi q u o n w o r s e th a n Kalig a w o ul d h a v e e x p e ct e d e v e n if th e p al a c e h a d fo u n d e vi d e n c e a g ai n st hi m — w hi c h th e y h a d n’t. Co n vi ctin g Razi q u o n o n th e t e sti m o n y of a pr o vi d er w a s a n u n s p e a k a bl e o utr a g e . Jai bri ol’s d e ci si o n t o thr o w Razi q u o n in pri s o n w a s m a d e e v e n w o r s e b y th e c o ntr a st w ith how well ESComm had treated Corbal Xir while he was in custody. “App e al s c a n c hill th e d a w n .” Alth o u g h Tar atu s s o u n d e d d e t a c h e d , th e rhyth m o f hi s w o r d s in di c at e d hi s a n g er. Kalig a n o d d e d . Of c o ur s e Razi q u o n’ s kin h a d a p p e al e d th e pri s o n s e nt e n c e . T h e in c ar c e r ati o n o f th eir l or d w a s th e tru e c ri m e . Qu e sti o n s of l e g ality in Sunri s e’ s a b d u cti o n w e r e u ni m p o rt a nt; if ESCo m m n e e d e d s u c h a n a cti o n, it b e c a m e a c c e pt a bl e . T h e girl’s r e sili e n c e h a d s ur pri s e d hi m , b ut h e r sil e n c e al s o r e v e al e d Cor b al’ s s e c r et s . Too many defenses protected her mind. True, an Aristo could train or adapt his providers to resist interrogation, but the law allowed only limited protection, precisely for this reason, in case ESComm needed to question the provider. Sunrise obviously had pr ot e cti o n s b e y o n d th e l e g al li mit. T h at Kalig a’ s a g e nt s h a d fo u n d n o e vi d e n c e of a n ESCo m m o p e r ativ e w o r kin g for Cor b al Xir s u g g e s t e d Xir h a d tr ain e d h e r hi m s elf, w hi c h m a d e it e v e n w o r s e . He w a s a Hig ht o n . F or hi m t o t e a c h hi s pr o vi d er h o w t o r e si st o t h e r Hightons was treason. Kaliga understood what motivated Xir; he had been tempted to give Silver similar safeguards. But he resisted the weakness that drove him to betray his Highton lineage by giving his favored provider illicit protections. Corbal Xir should have done the same. Aft er Kalig a h a d p o n d e r e d in sil e n c e for s e v e r al m o m e n t s , Tar atu s g r u nt e d, a m o s t u nHig ht o n s o u n d . “I’v e h e a r d it s ai d sil e n c e is w o rt h m o r e th a n pl atinu m . App ar e ntly w e o nly h a v e a s h o rt a g e of th e m e t al.” Kaliga raised his eyebrow. F or Tar atu s, th at w a s a n u n e x p e c t e dly cl e v e r jo k e , wit h Sunri s e a s th e “sil e n c e ,” a n d Kalig a, t o o . T h e d o u bl e m e a ni n g s ur pri s e d hi m ; Tar atu s g e n e r ally h a d a m u c h c r u d e r wit. “On e w o n d e r s h o w Hig h Jud g e Muz e will h e a r th e Razi q u o n a p p e al,” Kalig a s ai d. Her rulin g c o ul d g o e it h er w a y. Co m m o n s e n s e a n d Hig ht o n d e c e n c y s ai d s h e s h o ul d p ar d o n Razi q u o n , b ut h e r kin s hip wit h th e e m p e r o r c o ul d m o tiv at e h e r t o s u p p o rt Jai bri ol. “T h e p olitic al la n d s c a p e c h a n g e s .”

“F or th e w o r s e ,” Tar atu s g r u m bl e d . “Ev oluti o n is a n o n g oi n g pr o c e s s .” “P er h a p s w e o u g ht t o e v o l v e it m o r e t o o ur likin g.” Kalig a l e a n e d for w ar d. “You h a v e a s u g g e s ti o n?” “C o n si d er th e Sk oli a n s .” Kalig a m o v e d hi s h a n d in di s m i s s al. “If e v e r I w o n d e r e d a b o ut th e m e n t al st a bility o f th e Ruby Dyn a sty, I n o l o n g er doubt their insanity. The only intelligent thing they have done in the past five hundred years is to overthrow that Assembly of theirs. Only a government run by providers would come up with the idiotic notion of giving the Assemblyback half its power. Wh at th e h ell kin d o f c o u p is th at?” Tar atu s lau g h e d . “On e c o ul d c o m pli m e nt th e Ruby Ph ar a o h o n h e r o ri gin ality.” “Your ta ct is lau d a bl e .” Kalig a w o ul d h a v e lik e d t o d o m a n y thin g s wit h th e Ruby Ph ar a o h , b ut c o m pli m e ntin g h e r o ri gi n ality w a s n’t o n e o f th e m . “Eu bi a n ta ct al w a y s is. We a r e n’t Sk oli a n s .” “W er e Eub e e v e r t o e n g a g e in a ctiviti e s si mil ar t o th o s e o f th e Sk oli a n s , w e w o ul d foll o w a m o r e e l e v at e d c o ur s e .” If ESCo m m o v e rt hr e w th e Qox Dyn a sty, Kalig a d a m n w e ll w o ul d n’t h e sit at e t o e x e c ut e Jai bri ol III and install his own emperor. Tar atu s dr u m m e d hi s fin g e r s o n th e ta bl e . “F ortu n at ely, o ur g o v e r n m e n t is m o r e st a bl e th a n th at o f th e Sk oli a n s .” There was that, unfortunately. The people of Eube practically worshipped their emperor. Even most Aristos maintained a certain awe, though that was more because the Qox Dynasty had extended its political and economic hooks into the affairs of every Aristo Line, manipulating fates and finances. And the populace favored Jaibriol III, the handsome, charismatic youth who h a d a p p e a r e d at Eu b e’ s g r e at e st h o ur of n e e d . It w o ul d b e virtu ally i m p o s si bl e t o g a r n e r s u p p o rt in ESCo m m for a n o v e rt hr o w of th e Qox Dyn a sty. “You a r e rig ht, of c o ur s e ,” Kalig a s ai d. “W e a r e fortu n at e t o h a v e a s u p e ri or g o v e r n m e nt.” He g a v e Tar atu s a th o u g htful l o o k . “T h e o nly w a y I c a n i m a gi n e s u c h a n u p h e a v al w o ul d b e in th e u nlik ely e v e nt th at o ur e m p e r o r turn e d o ut t o b e a fak e . We a r e lu c ky s u c h c o ul d n e v e r h a p p e n .” Tar atu s l o o k e d a s if h e h a d e a t e n a s o ur fruit. “I a m s o pl e a s e d w e all a c c e pt e d hi s i m p e ri al DNA.” Ind e e d . T h e y h a d all s e e n th e pr o of o f Jai bri ol III’s cl ai m t o th e thr o n e . His g e n e ti c s h a d b e e n v e rifi e d a n d r e v e rifi e d. T h e y h a d littl e h o p e of c o n vi n ci n g a n y o n e th e e m p e r o r w a s a fr au d. Jai bri ol II h a d sir e d Jai bri ol III, ju st a s Jai briol III would probably soon produce his own heir. Kalig a’ s m o ut h q uirk e d u p w a r d. “May b e th e i m p e ri al h o r m o n e s will d o th e tric k. Distr a ct hi m fr o m hi s jo b .” Tar atu s s m irk e d . “Of c o ur s e w e all wi s h th e e m p e r o r w e ll in hi s m a rri a g e .” “A truly m a t c hl e s s p airin g.” Kalig a c o ul d n’t b e li e v e Jai bri ol h a d th e e ffr o nt ery t o m a rry o n e o f hi s m i ni st er s. T h e jo b of a n e m p r e s s w a s t o l o o k a e s t h eti c, n ot h ol d th e m o s t influ e nti al fin a n ci al p o siti o n in th e e m pir e . Hell, Jai bri ol w o ul d d o b e tt er wit h th e a e s t h eti c d uti e s th a n hi s h a r d-e d g e d wif e. Kalig a di d n’t k n o w w hi c h g a v e hi m w o r s e h e a rt b ur n, th e id e a of Cor b al Xir a s th e p o w e r b e hi n d th e Carn eli a n T hr o n e o r Tar q uin e Iqu ar pr a cti c ally in th e thr o n e . Maybe Jaibriol could be discredited. His reign so far had been anything but gl ori o u s . With all hi s m i st a k e s a n d biz arr e d e ci si o n s , h e c o nfu s e d p e o pl e a s m u c h a s h e a n n o y e d th e m . Is ol atin g hi m fr o m Cor b al h a d b e e n a str o k e o f g e niu s; wit h o ut th e Xir Lor d’ s a d vi c e , Jai bri ol h a d ali e n at e d a n i m pr e s si v e n u m b e r of p e o pl e . In fa ct, it w a s n’t th e e m p e r o r th e y h a d t o di s cr e dit; gi v e n th e c h a n c e , h e w o ul d d o it hi m s elf. Cor b al a n d Tar q ui n e w e r e th e o n e s t o fo c u s o n . With o ut th e m , Jai bri ol w o ul d b e e a s y pr ey. “Sil e n c e a n d pl atinu m ,” Kalig a m u s e d . “It a p p e a r s o ur e m p r e s s h a s e x p e ri e n c e d a s h o rt a g e of

n eit h er.” Tar atu s’ s p o stur e in di c at e d int er e st. “Not th at th e Lin e of Qox w o ul d u s e its p o w e r t o d e s t a biliz e th e e c o n o m y b y all o wi n g th e e m p r e s s t o c o r n e r th e m a r k et o n pl atinu m .” “Of c o ur s e n ot,” Kalig a s ai d. “Any ru m o r s t o th e c o ntr ary m u st b e fal s e .” He r e st e d hi s e l b o w o n th e ta bl e a n d hi s c hi n in hi s h a n d . “S o, t o o , m u s t b e ru m o r s s u g g e s tin g Cor b al Xir h a s vi ol at e d b o t h i m p e ri al la w a n d Hig ht o n d e c e n c y b y tr ainin g hi s pr o vi d e r t o pr ot e ct h e r m i n d.” Tar atu s g rin n e d . “T erri bl e, is n’t it, th e w a y ru m o r s st art?” “T erri bl e in d e e d .” “It is fortu n at e for u s th at Razi q u o n h a s n o pl atinu m m i n e s .” Kalig a blin k e d . Ho w h a d Razi q u o n c o m e int o thi s? Not k n o wi n g w h at Tar atu s w a s a b o ut, h e g a v e a g e n e ri c r e ply. “Many p o s si biliti e s e xi st.” “C o n si d er a s c e n a ri o, p ur ely h y p ot h eti c al of c o ur s e .” “Of c o ur s e .” Tar atu s l e a n e d for w ar d. “Sup p o s e a Hig ht o n wit h n o link t o ESCo m m h a s r e a s o n t o int err o g at e th e pr o vi d er o f a n o t h e r p o w e rful Hig ht o n. Tr ain e d a s a s py, s h e ‘list e n s’ t o hi s m i n d e v e n a s h e q u e s ti o n s h er. Su s p e ctin g a s m u c h , h e p ut s fal s e inf or m ati o n in hi s th o u g ht s.” T h at intri g u e d Kalig a. It w o ul d b e lik e Razi q u o n t o l et Sunri s e “ o v e r h e a r” a fal s e st ory. He w o ul d h a v e h a d t o ta k e c a r e , th o u g h , l e st s h e al s o pi c k u p hi s int e nt t o li e. It w o ul d b e a difficult undertaking, but Raziquon could probably pull it off. It was why Kaliga paid him so well; irritating though he was, he was also thorough. “He c o ul d pl a nt di sinf or m ati o n in th e c a m p of hi s a d v e r s ary,” Kalig a s ai d. Tar atu s lau g h e d . “He m i g ht e v e n m a k e h e r thin k h e o w n s ill e g al pl atinu m m i n e s .” Kalig a fr o w n e d . “S o w h at?” Tar atu s c o ul d h a v e tak e n off e n s e at th e bl u nt q u e s ti o n, b ut h e c h o s e t o o v e rl o o k it. “F al s e a c c u s ati o n s , Ad mir al. Su c h a s s h a m e for th e a c c u s er. If h e’ s c a u g ht.” Kaliga mulled it over. False accusations were the blight of an Aristo. They could be valuable currency, but if the accusers were caught, they suffered severe repercussions: shunning, civil suits, even criminal charges. If Corbal accused Raziquon of owning illegal mines and was proved wrong, it would weaken his standing among Hightons and could cause him legal problems. For one thing, Raziquon could sue him for defamation of character. In a culture where appearance and reputation were everything, no Aristo would tolerate such an offense. Of c o ur s e Cor b al w o ul d n’t ris k a n o p e n st at e m e nt — u nl e s s h e h a d r e a s o n t o b eli e v e it p o s e d hi m n o ris k. Kaliga weighed the possibilities. Minister Iquardid have questionable investments in platinum. With her marriage, she and Corbal became kin. If Corbal falsely accused Raziquon, and then his own kin were proven guilty of the same misdeeds, it would stain the Qox name as well as the Line of Xir. An ot h e r id e a c a m e t o Kalig a, a w a y t o d e al wit h th e e m p e r o r’ s di s gr a c eful p ar d o n of Jaf e Mac c ar, th e c a pt ai n of th e Sk oli a n m e r c h a nt v e s s el. ESCo m m c o ul d n’t o p e nly c e n s ur e th e p ar d o n ; th e e m p e r o r c o ul d r et ali at e b y r e v e alin g h o w Tar atu s’ s fo ol b r ot h e r h a d ig n o r e d th e Halst a a d Co d e o f War a n d a u cti o n e d Kelric Vald ori a, th e w e a p o n s offi c er o n th at v e s s el. Nor di d th e y w a nt t o dr a w att e nti o n t o th e fa ct th at Vald ori a — n o w th e Imp er at or — h a d w al k e d off rig ht u n d e r th eir n o s e s . But s u p p o s e th e e m p e r o r’ s kin c o m m itt e d a n e v e n w o r s e vi ol ati o n of th e Co d e th a n th at p er p etr at e d b y Azar Tar atu s? It w o ul d gi v e ESCo m m a m m u niti o n a g ainst the palace. Kalig a ru b b e d hi s c hi n. “I a m g r atifi e d t o k n o w th at n o s hip s o w n e d b y o ur illu stri o u s e m p e r o r pr e y o n Sk oli a n v e s s el s .” In truth, h e h a d n o d o u bt th e Lin e of Qox o w n e d n u m e r o u s pir at e s hip s th at r ai d e d th e Sk oli a n s , th o u g h th e e m p e r o r w a s probably too naive to realize it. Tar atu s w a v e d a w a y th e c o m m e n t. “You’ll n e v e r tr a c e a n y pir at e s t o th e e m p e r or. His

pr e d e c e s s o r s w e r e t o o c a r eful.” Kalig a stiff e n e d at th e dir e ct r e s p o n s e . “Your d e pt h of p e r c e pti o n a st o u n d s m e .” Tar atu s g uff a w e d . “No, it d o e s n’t.” “Ru m o r s , G e n e r al. Ru m o r s .” “Ru m o r s a r e o ft e n m i sl e a di n g .” “A s h a m e th e y c a n’t b e pr e v e nt e d .” Tar atu s lau g h e d a n d sl a p p e d th e ta bl e . “A s h a m e in d e e d .” Kaliga smiled. If properly played, rumors might topple a dynasty.

22 Power Base Kelric walked through the stone mansion. It had been built high up on the slope of the valley where his family lived on the space habitat known as the Orbiter. Almost two decades had passed since he had seen this secluded valley, even longer since he had entered this house. He came alone, seeking solitude. This was the home of the Imperator. His half-brother Kurjhad lived here for decades. When his sister Soz had become Imperator, she had chosen another home. Kelric thought he knew why; it would have been like living with Kurj’s g h o s t. It w r e n c h e d hi m t o c o m e h e r e aft er h a vi n g b e e n g o n e s o l o n g a n d c h a n g e d s o m u c h . The main entrance to the house was big enough for three men to walk through abreast. It needed no door; in a space habitat, they could have perfect weather every day, if they chose. So Kurj had left the house open to the air. Airy and spacious, the building was all stone. Its dimensions were huge, as if designed for a giant. Kelric walked down the steps into the sunken living room. When he entered, the dormant walls showed just the barest line of gold at waist-level. As his presence awoke the mansion, the line of gold brightened into the silhouette of a desert, sand below the horizon, amber sky above. The room had scant furniture. Its large size and simplicity ap p e al e d t o Kelric. Lik e Kurj, h e w a s tall er a n d m o r e h e a vily m u s cl e d th a n a n o r m al m a n . On a w o rl d wit h st a n d ar d g r a vity, h u m a n s w o ul d n’t e v ol v e s u c h a h e a v y b uild. His a n c e s t or s h a d alt er e d th e m s el v e s , th eir siz e a d a pt e d t o a l o w e r g r a vity w o rl d w h e r e it was an advantage rather than a liability. Kelric had never lived in a place with such gravity; for his entire life, he had needed to adapt to the how other humans lived. But the pseudo-gravity in this region of the rotating Orbiter was only 70 percent human standard, and his brother Kurjhad tailored this mansion for his unusual size. Kelric made his decision. He w e nt t o a c o n s ol e b y o n e w all. Wh e n h e t o u c h e d th e c o m m p a n el, hi s ai d e a n s w e r e d . “Li e ut e n a nt Qah ot h e r e .” “Li e ut e n a nt, thi s is Imp er at or Sk oli a.” “Sir! Ye s, sir.” Sh e al m o st stutt er e d . “Hav e th e Imp er at o r’ s h o u s e pr e p ar e d for m e t o m o v e in.” “Ye s, sir. Rig ht a w ay. Ca n w e d o a n yt hin g e l s e ?” “I’ m g oi n g t o th e War Ro o m .” Kelric h a d d o u bt s a b o ut h o w w e ll h e w o ul d u n d e r st a n d its o p e r ati o n. He h a d n’t s e e n a n ISC c o m m a n d c e nt er for d e c a d e s . “Hav e its r a n kin g offic er m e e t m e th er e in a n h o ur.” “I’ll n otify h e r i m m e di at ely.” “T h a n k y o u, Lieut e n a nt.” He p a u s e d . “Als o — pl e a s e s e n d m y wif e d o w n h e r e .” “Rig ht a w ay, sir.” After signing off with the lieutenant, Kelric w al k e d thr o u g h m o r e o f th e s p ar e r o o m s in hi s

st o n e h o u s e , wit h d e s e rt sil h o u ett e s b o r d e rin g th e s q u ar e d o o r w a y s a n d wi n d o w s . At hi s a g e , n e a r sixty n o w , h e m o v e d m o r e sl o wly. T h e n a n o m e d s th at d el a y e d hi s a gi n g h a d n’t o p e r at e d w e ll for t w o d e c a d e s ; although he had the physique of a young man, his age showed in the lines around his eyes, the gray in his hair, and the severity of his limp. His quest to join the Triad and deactivate the Lock had nearly destroyed him; by the time he had reached Earth, he had been blind, deaf, and almost dead. The doctors in Sweden had rebuilt him. Parts of his skeleton and internal organs were synthetic now. He had state-of-the-art nanomeds, those molecule-size laboratories that monitored health and repaired cell damage. Synthetic optics allowed him to see, and implants in his ears let him hear. He would never have the strapping health he had enjoyed in his youth, but he was as healed as modern medicine could make him. So Kelric limped through his home. Eventually he found a long gallery. Breezes gusted through its many windows and ruffled his hair. Outside, a green hill rolled to the bottom of the valley. A v oi c e c a m e fr o m far d o w n th e g all ery. “My g r e e tin g s .” Kelric turned. Jeejon, his wife, was standing in the entrance. It seemed only days had passed since he had met her, but it had been much longer. He marked his recent life in the events that had so dramatically shaped it: his escape from Tarquine three months ago; his infiltration of the Lock a few days later; his escape from the Lock; his arrival four days after at the asteroid where Jeejon had lived; their desperate flight to Earth; and his recovery these past months. Je ej o n’ s pr e s e n c e w a r m e d hi m . Lo gi c ally, h e k n e w th at th e c o m p ati bility h e f elt wit h h er, w h at s e e m e d lik e “ w ar m t h,” c a m e a b o ut b e c a u s e th e fi el d s pr o d u c e d b y h e r b r ai n c ell s h a d a n u n u s u ally g o o d r e s o n a n c e wit h hi s. He di d n’t c a r e a b o ut th e s ci e n c e . He ju st lik e d b e i n g wit h h er. She had strong features, with a softening around the edges. Although she had kept herself in excellent shape, as required of a taskmaker, she had never had aging treatments. Her white hair curled around her lined cheeks. Years ago she had suffered a broken nose, and the Aristo that had owned her then had never bothered to have it fixed. Kelric found her beautiful. He g rin n e d . “Gr e etin g s .” Je ej o n s m il e d, c o m i n g t o w a r d hi m , a n d th e y m e t in th e c e nt er o f th e g all ery. Takin g h e r int o hi s a r m s , h e lai d hi s c h e e k o n h e r h e a d . “Your h air s m e ll s g o o d .” Her a n s w e r s o u n d e d lik e , “H m m p h .” Kelric lau g h e d . “Wh at, I c a n’t c o m pli m e nt m y wif e?” Liftin g h e r h e a d , s h e fr o w n e d , th o u g h its e ff e ct w a s dilut e d b y th e m i s c hi ef in h e r g a z e . “Wh at a m I s u p p o s e d t o think, w h e n y o u g o a n d turn int o kin g of th e u niv er s e ?” “I ju st c o m m a n d th e m ilitary. I’m n ot kin g of a n yt hin g.” “P a h. I w a s alr e a d y inti mi d at e d e n o u g h w h e n I th o u g ht y o u w e r e ju st a pr o vi d er.” He s m il e d. “You c all thi s b e i n g inti mi d at e d ?” “H m m p h .” Sh e p ut h e r a r m s a r o u n d hi s w ai st a n d l et hi m p ull h e r cl o s e . With h e r h e a d a g ai n st hi s c h e s t, s h e s p o k e in a q ui et er v oi c e . “Do y o u thin k th e Hig ht o n s will d e al wit h y o u a s Imp er at or?” “T h e y h a v e n o c h oi c e .” It w o ul d b e g r atifyin g t o s e e th e m for c e d t o tr e at hi m a s a n e q u al. He h a d o nly o n e h e sit ati o n: Tar q uin e Iqu ar. His r e s p o n s e s t o h e r h a d al w a y s b e e n c o nflicted. He doubted he would ever truly know whether he craved or hated her. Tarquine stood before a door tiled in gold and black mosaics. Obsidian columns flanked the entrance, rising to a height of three meters. At their top, an arch curved out in a graceful onion

shape filled with stained glass. When she touched a gold tile, the door swung inward, revealing an octagonal room with black walls. Gold mosaics bordered the ceiling and framed the arched windows. Within the gold floor, points of lights glowed in star patterns. A glossy holoscreen covered the desk, and a VR system stood to one side. All in all, an impressive room. With a satisfied nod, Tarquine entered her new office. As she settled behind the desk, her Razers took up posts around the walls. Sh e w a s n’t u s e d t o th e m y et. Alth o u g h in th e p a st s h e h a d tr a v el e d wit h g u ar d s fr o m h e r s e c urity for c e , s h e h a d n’t f elt th e n e e d for th e m in h e r o w n h o m e . No w fo ur w e n t e v e r y w h e r e wit h h er. It h a d t o b e a b o rin g o c c u p ati o n; th e y s p e nt h o ur s ju st st a n di n g a r ound. They apparently had extensive computer augmentation to their bodies, and at times she thought they were running calculations. The captain of this foursome had cybernetic arms that glittered with lights. Tarquine went to work. During first hour, just aft er d a w n , s h e o r g a niz e d th e tr a n sf er of fil e s fr o m h e r m i ni stry offic e t o th e p al a c e . Sh e h a d s p e nt th e la st f e w m o n t h s pr e p arin g , s o th e tr a n sf er di d n’t ta k e l o n g . Shiftin g h e r a ct u al d uti e s w o ul d r e q uir e m o r e ti m e . No pr e c e d e nt e xi st e d for a n e m p e r o r m arrying one of his ministers, so she had to start from scratch in deciding how to blend her dual offices. To s a y th e o t h e r m i ni stri e s w e r e n’t h a p p y wit h h e r n e w st atu s w a s a n i m p e ri al u n d e r st at e m e n t. Int ellig e n c e a n d Tr a d e h a d b e e n th e m o s t p o w e rful m i ni stries, followed by Finance, Science and Technology, Foreign Affairs, Domestic Affairs, and Protocol. That had changed now. She smiled. Finance had leapt over the others. It w o ul d b e a r o u g h rid e a s th e o t h e r m i ni st er s a dju st e d t o — a n d s c h e m e d a g ai n st —t h e n e w order. She had no doubt about her ability to thrive in such an environment, but her husband was another story. He was too damned innocent. Given the chance, his enemies would pulverize him. Except now, they had to go through her. Smart boy, to make her empr e s s . He h a d gi v e n h e r th e b e s t p o s si bl e r e a s o n t o s e e th at h e thriv e d — h e r o w n v e st e d int er e st. During second and third hour, Tarquine interviewed her new staff. The late empress, Viquara Iquar, had put together a reasonably good team, but they seemed more competent at throwing parties than doing useful work. Viquara always had liked the social aspects of her position. Tarquine had little interest in gaudy celebrations of Aristo extravagance, aside from their value as a place for making political connections. Truth be told, she had been relieved to have her wedding in an underground bunker. Whoever had tried to assassinate them had done her and Jaibriol an unintentional favor, rescuing them from the pageantry. Aft er lun c h, Tar q uin e o p e n e d Viqu ar a’ s p er s o n al fil e s a n d inv e sti g at e d w h at h e r ni e c e h a d b e e n u p t o a s e m p r e s s . Viqu ar a h a d a c c e s s t o a n i m pr e s si v e r a n g e o f fil e s r el atin g t o th e w o r k of h e r h u s b a n d , Ur Qox, g r a n df at h e r of th e pr e s e nt e m p e r or. Aft er Ur’s d e at h, w h e n Jai bri ol II h a d b e c o m e e m p e r or, Viqu ar a h a d g ai n e d e v e n g r e at er a c c e s s . In fa ct, cl o s e e x a m i n ati o n s u g g e s t e d Viqu ar a h a d k n o w n far m o r e a b o ut th e e m p e r o r’ s w o r k th a n h a d h e r s o n , th e e m p e r or. Tarquine smiled slightly.Naughty niece. Viquara had ruled Eube after the death of Ur Qox. Actually, Viqu ar a’ s s e c o n d h u s b a n d , Kryx Qua el e n , th e pr e vi o u s Tr a d e Minist er, h a d a p p ar e ntly al s o h el d g r e at p o w er. Tar q uin e h a d n e v e r figur e d o ut w h y h e r ni e c e m a rri e d hi m . Alth o u g h hi s hi g h st atu s b efitt e d th e wi d o w o f a n e m p e r or, h e c a m e fr o m a q u e sti o n a bl e Line. His great-grandfather had married a Silicate Aristo rather than a woman of the Highton Aristo caste. The scandal had reverberated for decades. Although the Quaelen Line had since maintained an impeccable bloodline, many considered it tainted. Tarquine didn’t c a r e ; Qua el e n h a d b e e n b rillia nt, far m o r e a c c o m pli s h e d th a n th e c urr e nt Tr a d e Minist er. But s h e w o ul d n e v e r h a v e m a rri e d hi m .

As th e m a tri ar c h of th e Iqu ar Lin e, Tar q uin e h a d b e e n th e o n e w h o s u p e r vi s e d th e inv e sti g ati o n int o Viqu ar a’ s s e c o n d m a rri a ge. She had found nothing untoward beyond the obvious offense of a Quaelen marrying an Iquar. But this new information bore a closer look. Tar q uin e b r o u g ht u p h e r s p y pr o g r a m s . Sh e h a d b e e n tryin g for d e c a d e s t o c r a c k th e e m p e r o r’ s far-flun g n et w o r k s . His security had always been a step ahead of hers. She could see now that the palace web wizards were even craftier than she had known. They had an amazing system here. She was thoroughly impressed. Of course, she had a better one. As empress, she finally had a c c e s s t o e n o u g h of th e p al a c e s y st e m t o utiliz e th e full e xt e nt of h e r s p y s y st e m s . T h e p al a c e d ef e n s e s w e r e s o o n fallin g t o h e r EI c r a c k e r s . So s h e t o o k st o c k of h e r h u s b a n d’ s influ e n c e . And so her astonishment grew. Tarquine had known the emperor had gre a t p o w er, b ut g o d s , e v e n s h e h a d n’t a p pr e ci at e d hi s r e a c h . His influ e n c e h a d b e c o m e s o v a st, it c o ul d o p e r at e of its o w n v oliti o n r e g a r dl e s s of w h o s at o n th e thr o n e . It e xt e n d e d int o e v e r y a s p e c t of Eubi a n lif e. He h a d b ur e a u s s h e h a d n e v e r e v e n h e a r d of, with links to every Aristo Line that existed. Even expecting to find his Line intertwined with hers, she was stunned by the depth of his infiltration into Iquar affairs. Nor did his influence extend only to Eube; his merchant empire, anonymous investments, pirate fleets, and private contacts spread among the Skolians and Allieds. No empire in human history had ever been so vast or strong. “G o d s ,” Tar q uin e m utt er e d . All th at gl ori o u s p o w e r c o n c e ntr at e d in th e h a n d s o f a n in e x p eri e n c e d b o y. Sh e d o u bt e d Jai b riol even came close to comprehending what he had inherited. No matter. She did. Late that afternoon, Tarquine sat sprawled in her chair, her long legs stretched out. She was glaring at a holomap, which rotated serenely above her desk. According to her research, this map of the palace was missing entire rooms and corridors. She would bet anything someone had altered it to hide secret chambers and corridors. “I’ll a d m it, it is n’t th e m o s t a e s t h eti c fl o or pl a n,” a d e e p v oi c e s ai d. “But it c a n’t b e th at b a d .” Tarquine looked up. Her husband stood in the doorway, leaning his aesthetically pleasing self against one column of the horseshoe arch. “Gr e etin g s , Hus b a n d .” It f elt o d d t o s ay. Sh e h a d n’t w a nt e d a h u s b a n d . Sh e still di d n’t. Giv e n th at thi s o n e c a m e wit h m ore power than anyone else in the history of the human race, though, she could live with it. Besides, Jaibriol had his own charm. For all that he acted the emperor in the presence of other Hightons, his behavior was too perfect. Alone with her, he let hisnewness show. Warmth was not a word one associated with Hightons, yet he seemed to have it, even if he did pretend an arctic front in public. Jaibriol crossed her office, dismissing her guards with an imperial wave of his hand. Tarquine almost laughed. She w o n d e r e d if s h e w a s th e o nly o n e w h o r e aliz e d h e w a s fakin g hi s m a n n e ri s m s . Cl e arly hi s m o t h e r h a d n’t st e e p e d hi m in Hig ht o n pr ot o c ol. Tar q ui n e di d n’t bl a m e h er. Pr ot o c ol r a n k e d a b o ut a s hi g h o n h e r list of d e sir a bl e a ctiviti e s a s e a tin g h o s pit al fo o d . The la st Raz er cl o s e d th e d o o r b e hi n d hi m a s h e l eft. S m art g u ar d. Tar q uin e la n g ui dly r o s e t o h e r f e et. Sh e di d n’t k n o w h o w s h e a p p e a r e d , b ut Jai bri ol’s fa c e turn e d th at c h ar mi n g s h a d e o f r e d it oft e n di d w h e n th e y w e r e in priv at e . He came around her desk and, wit h n o pr e a m b l e , p ull e d h e r int o hi s a r m s . “C o m e h e r e .” His v oi c e w a s h u s ky. “I’v e w o r k t o d o .” Re m e m b e rin g h e r s elf, s h e a d d e d , “Your Hig h n e s s .” “Why d o y o u k e e p c allin g m e th at?” He str o k e d h e r h air b a c k fr o m h e r fa c e . “It’s t o o for m al.” Sh e si g h e d . “You m u st l e ar n y o ur r ol e b e tt er.”

His l o o k of w e l c o m e v a ni s h e d . “Wh at th e h ell d o e s th at m e a n ?” So touchy. Sometimes he acted more like a provider than a Highton. Technically her job as empress consisted of catering to his whims and making him feel good. Well, helping him survive ought to make him feel better. “If I c all y o u Jai,” s h e s ai d, “it will h urt y o ur e s t e e m a m o n g y o ur st aff.” A wi c k e d gl e a m c a m e int o hi s e y e s . “T h e n I m i g ht h a v e t o c all y o u Tar q ui ett e.” “G o o d g o d s , I s h o ul d h o p e n ot.” He kissed her n e c k . “It’s lat e . We s h o ul d g o sl e e p .” “Saint s a b o v e . It’s o nly s e v e nt h h o ur.” Sh e p u s h e d o n hi s s h o ul d er s . “I w o n’t sl e e p u ntil t o m o rr o w ni g ht.” His s m il e turn e d dr o w sy. “T h e n I m u st m a k e y o u tir e d.” “Ah, Jai bri ol.” Sh e wi s h e d h e w o ul d st o p l o o ki n g s o a p p e alin g . Sh e c o ul d n’t dr o p h e r w o r k. Be si d e s , sl e e pi n g wit h o n e’ s h u s b a n d in th e m i d dl e o f th e d a y w a s a n o m al o u s , a n d Hig ht o n s n e v e r in d ul g e d in a n o m al o u s b e h a vi or. Of c o ur s e , m o s t Hig ht o n s di d n’t c a r e for th eir s p o u s e s e it h er. Marri a g e s w e r e h e r e dit ary, p olitic al, a n d fin a n ci al c o ntr a ct s. If y o u w a nt e d w a r m t h, y o u w e nt t o y o ur pr o vi d e r s . Lik e Kelric. Exc e pt s h e w o ul d n’t thin k a b o ut Kelric, d a m n it. He h a d e s c a p e d a n d h a d th e b a d m a n n e r s t o m a k e hi m s elf Imp er at or. Jaibriol confused her. He acted like an Aristo in public and a provider in private. He was the perfect fantasy, a Highton of impeccable pedigree, the most elevated of all, yet when they were alone, his passion blazed. No Highton man with normal socialization would show such ardor. Aristos made an art o ut of th e o x y m o r o n “ al o of inti m a cy.” Goin g wit h hi m n o w w o ul d b e irr e g ul ar — b ut pl e a s a nt, s h e h a d t o a d m it. Od d, t o think o f o n e’ s h u s b a n d a s pl e a s a nt. As Tarquine put her arms around him, she reminded herself that they had married to strengthen their pow e r b a s e s . T h eir m o tiv e s w e r e pr a g m a ti c. Co n c e pt s lik e “ aff e cti o n” h a d n o pl a c e in thi s. None. She would not fall in love with her husband.

23 Discrepancies Jai strode along a shaded path with Robert. His Razers accompanied them even in these secluded woods that separated the private wing of his palace from his offices. Today he had a meeting with his advisers to discuss protests lodged by Azar Taratus about the insurance rulings against him. It amazed him that the admiral could have committed such obvious fraud, yet remain so unrepentantly convinced he should suffer no consequences. Even more fantastic, most Hightons agreed with him. Jai wished he could throw them all in reform school. Rig ht n o w , th o u g h , it w a s Ro b ert w h o h a d hi m w o rri e d. “Platinu m S e ct or?” Jai a s k e d . “I d o n’t u n d e r st a n d. I n e v e r m a d e a n y d e c r e e a b o ut th eir a s t er oi d m i n e s .” Ro b e rt l o o k e d a s if h e w e r e a b o ut t o ju m p off a cliff. “You di d m a k e a — a s o rt o f d e c r e e , Most Glori o u s Hig h n e s s ?” He turn e d hi s st at e m e n t s int o q u e sti o n s w h e n h e w a s n e r v o u s . “Actu ally, it w a s o r g a niz e d b y y o ur Offic e of Pr ot o c ol? After s o m e o n e l e a k e d Minist er Iqu ar’ s fin a n ci al st at e m e n t t o th e m e di a?” “Do y o u m e a n th e pr e s s c o nf er e n c e I g a v e ?” “Ye s, Your Hig h n e s s .” “But I di d n’t m a k e a n y d e c r e e s .” Jai bri ol r e g a r d e d hi m u n e a sily. “I ju st e x pl ai n e d Tar q ui n e’ s pl atinu m inv e st m e nt.” He h a d n’t a ctu ally e x pl ain e d it all; h e h a d “n e gl e ct e d” t o m e n ti o n th at

s h e u s e d h e r p o siti o n a s Fin a n c e Minist er t o m a ni p ul at e th e c o s t o f pl atinu m , l ettin g h e r b u y u p lar g e a m o u nt s at a n a rtifici ally l o w pri c e . Alth o u g h Jai bri ol r e s e nt e d h a vi n g t o c o v e r u p h e r m i s d e e d s , hi s a d vi s e r s s ai d h e h a d n o c h oi c e . T h eir g r o wi n g al ar m di d n’t s ur pri s e hi m ; hi s c h ar mi n g wif e w a s turnin g o ut t o b e e v e n m o r e c r o o k e d th a n Azar Tar atu s. Sh e w a s ju st b e tt er at n ot getting caught. “You g a v e a s u p e r b s p e e c h , Most Gra ci o u s Hig h n e s s .” Jai r e ally, r e ally di d n’t lik e it w h e n th e y c all e d hi m “ gr a ci o u s .” It al w a y s m e a n t h e w a s in tr o u bl e . “But?” “Sup er b ,” Ro b ert r e p e at e d . “In clu di n g — u h — y o ur st at e m e nt, ‘Th e Pal a c e Co m m itt e e o n Ethi c s a n d Moral s will s e e k o ut a n d r e m e d y irr e g ul ariti e s .’” “Wh at’s w r o n g wit h th at?” “It is r at h e r v a g u e .” “Mo st Hig ht o n st at e m e nt s a r e .” “Ye s, c e rt ainly, y o u a r e rig ht.” Ro b e rt cl e a r e d hi s thr o at. “But, u h, it s e e m s th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n h a s l e s s u n d e r st a n di n g of s u c h n u a n c e s th a n y o ur s elf.” Jai s q ui nt e d at hi m . “Wh at ‘l e s s u n d e r st a n di n g’?” “It s e e m s th e y h a v e m i si nt er pr et e d y o ur st at e m e nt t o m e a n y o u will pr o s e c ut e a n y o n e fo u n d ta m p e rin g wit h th e pri c e o f pl atinu m .” “Ah, h ell.” Jai dr e w hi m t o a st o p. His Raz er s al s o h alt e d, far e n o u g h a w a y t o m a i nt ai n th e di st a n c e h e in si st e d th e y k e e p . “Let m e g u e s s . T h e y w a nt a n in v e sti g ati o n int o m y wif e’ s pl atinu m d e al s .” Ro b e rt l o o k e d a p ol o g e ti c. “I’ m afr ai d s o .” “Da m n .” “An a pt e v al u ati o n, sir.” “No w w h at d o I d o ?” His q u e s ti o n h a d b e e n r h et ori c al, b ut Ro b e rt a n s w e r e d . “Her Most Be a ut e o u s Hig h n e s s , th e e m p r e s s , m i g ht h a v e th o u g ht s o n th e m a tt er.” Jai n e a rly c h o k e d . “‘Her Most Be a ut e o u s Hig h n e s s’? Ro b ert, h a v e y o u e v e r s ai d th at t o h e r fa c e ?” He c o ul d ju st i m a gi n e h e r r e a cti o n. It w o ul d b e o n p ar wit h c allin g h e r “pr etty” o r “d ai nty.” “No, sir,” Ro b e rt a d m itt e d. “N e v er.” “I w o ul d s u g g e s t y o u d o n’t. Sh e m i g ht ta k e it w r o n g .” “I w o ul d g r e atly r e g r et if a n y o n e m i st o o k m y a d m ir ati o n.” He bl a n c h e d . “Esp e ci ally th e e m p r e s s .” Jai th or o u g hly u n d e r st o o d hi s r e a cti o n. “Es p e ci ally h er.” “Sh e is q uit e a w o m a n .” “T h at’ s o n e w a y t o p ut it.” Jai h e a d e d b a c k t o th e priv at e wi n g o f th e p al a c e th e y h a d ju st l eft. His m e e ti n g w o ul d h a v e t o w ait. “Co m e o n .” Robert hurried after him. “Wh er e a r e w e g oi n g ?” Jai dryly s ai d, “T o s e e m y b e a ut e o u s wif e.” High Judge Calope Muze paced in her private chamber, her robes rustling as she walked back and forth. Azile Xir, the Minister of Intelligence, sat sprawled in a smartchair, watching her. “T h e Hig h Co urt c a n n o t in d efinit ely a v oi d a n a p p e al,” Cal o p e s ai d. Sh e w o ul d h a v e t o l et Razi q u o n’ s kin h a v e a h e a rin g . Sh e c o ul d n’t p ut th e m off a n y l o n g er. Azil e c r o s s e d hi s a r m s . “S o m e a p p e al s d e s e r v e n ot hi n g .” Exasperation threatened to make Calope direct. Azile was as fond of Sunrise as his father, and it compromised his judgment. He was also angry that ESComm had kept his father in

custody. But he knew perfectly well the situation with his father was different from what Jaibriol had done with Raziquon. Puttin g th e Hig ht o n l or d in a n a ctu al pri s o n w a s ta nt a m o u nt t o tr e atin g hi m lik e a ta s k m a k er. A sl a v e . T h e y n e e d e d pr o of of Razi q u o n’ s inv ol v e m e n t in Sunri s e’ s a b d u cti o n a n d th e y di d n’t h a v e it. P eri o d. Ev e n if th e y h a d u n c o v e r e d e vi d e n c e , it w o ul d b e folly to incarcerate a Highton. Jaibriol seemed bent on making enemies. Calope knew she had to pardon Raziquon. But then what? If Jaibriol rescinded the pardon, it would further antagonize his enemies. If this kept up, ESComm might take drastic action, seeking to put their own emperor on the throne. Such an upheaval now, after the war, would be a disaster. Sh e st o p p e d p a ci n g . “T h e p erf e cti o n of th e Hig ht o n s is in th eir u ni o n o f m i n d a n d p urp o s e .” T h e pr o bl e m wit h Jai bri ol III w a s n’t r e ally hi s in e x p e ri e n c e . He w a s n’t in e pt, h e w a s unpredictable. Azil e u nf ol d e d hi m s elf fr o m hi s c h air a n d w al k e d o v e r t o h er. “It d e p e n d s o n w h o s e m i n d a n d p urp o s e .” “ESCo m m h a s th e p o w e r t o a s s e rt b o t h, if it f e el s thr e at e n e d .” Alth o u g h Azil e fr o w n e d , h e di d n’t r efut e th e st at e m e nt. “As Hig h Jud g e , y o u s e r v e th e e m p e r or.” Sh e di d n’t m i s s h o w h e p hr a s e d it:serve the emperor, notserve Eube orserve justice. But w h at Jai bri ol w a nt e d w o ul d o nly h urt hi m . If h e h a d a n y s e n s e , h e w o ul d n’t u n d e r mi n e h e r e ff ort s t o a v e rt a c ri si s b e t w e e n th e palace and ESComm. Unfortunately, she feared he had a very different view of the matter. Sunrise served Corbal dinner in a dining room of the Xir mansion. While he reclined on plush rugs among scattered pillows, she placed a small table in front of him, black with gold edges, and set it with pastries filled with nuts and covered by sweet sauces. Corbal watched her pour the wine. Tonight, she matched her name. The chains on her ankles were dark blue, like the sky before dawn. Their bells chimed. Her skirt, which fit low on her hips, was a translucent blue, as when dawn washed out the night. Under it, her G-string shimmered gold. The chains of her halter were the deep pink of dawn, and she had braided topazes into her gold hair. Her blue eyes matched her skirt and her eyelashes sparkled with glitter. The overall effect took his breath away. Ev e n n o w , m o n t h s aft er h e r r etur n, h e c o ul d n’t m a k e p e a c e wit h th e s h e e r int e n sity o f hi s r eli ef. Wh e n s h e h a d v a ni s h e d , th e b o tt o m h a d dr o p p e d o ut of hi s lif e. He di d n’t u n d e r st a n d th e f er o city o f th e e m o ti o n s th at g ripp e d hi m . Hig ht o n s di d n’t e x p e ri e n c e s u c h p a s si o n s . Havin g h e r h e r e n o w , wit h hi m , s o o t h e d th e u n n atur al fury th at h a d g ripp e d hi m si n c e Razi q u o n h a d ki d n a p p e d h e r a n d fr a m e d hi m for tr e a s o n . Jai bri ol h a d c h o sen well when he threw Raziquon in prison. Corbal hoped the lord rotted there. When he smiled, Sunrise blushed and averted her gaze. Corbal sighed. Why after almost three years, did that simple gesture still have the power to make him want her so much? “Sh all I d a n c e for y o u?” s h e a s k e d . “Ye s.” His v oi c e w a s l o w. “Do th at.” She rose gracefully and walked to a console, where she chose one of his favorites, a mesmerizing work of music, its beat steady under a haunting melody played by pipes. She seemed to know he wanted to hear it. Perhaps she took it from his mind in that mysterious way of empaths. She swayed with the beat, undulating. Her skirt fluttered around her thighs. Watching, Corbal wanted her with a depth that disturbed him. It went beyond desire. She aff e ct e d hi m o n s o m e l e v el h e di d n’t u n d e r st a n d. He s p o k e h o a r s ely. “Co m e h e r e .”

Sh e p a d d e d a c r o s s th e c a r p et s a n d k n elt n e xt t o hi m . Pullin g h e r d o w n o n th e ru g, h e ki s s e d h e r h a r d. He w a s n’t a g e ntl e m a n ; a c e ntury o f tr a n s c e n di n g h a d s e a r e d a w a y a n y c a p a city h e h a d for t e n d e r n e s s . But h e tri e d n ot t o h urt h e r a s h e str et c h e d h e r o ut in th e pill o w s . Ev e n k n o wi n g s h e pr o d u c e d s y nt h eti c p h e r o m o n e s , h e w a s n’t i m m u n e t o th o s e c h e m i c al c o c kt ail s. It h a d t o b e c h e m i c al s. T h at w a s th e o nly w a y h e c o ul d e x pl ai n her effect on him. He wanted to take her the way he had taken providers all his life. But he could never hurt her. He gritted his teeth. He hated feeling guilty. He had a life of privilege. He liked it. He deserved it. He was, after all, a Highton, overlord of th e Xir Lin e a n d kin t o th e Lin e of Qox. He di d n’t a s pir e t o b e a n u p st a n di n g m e m b e r o f hi s c o m m u nity. He h a d n o int er e st in b uildin g hi s c h ar a ct er o r d e v el o pi n g int e g rity. He lik e d b e i n g a h e d o ni st, wit h hi s r el ati o n s hip s n o m o r e d e m a n di n g th a n thi s pleasure girl who catered to his every whim. Guilt had no place in his life. But damn it all, he felt it. Reluctant, he eased his hold on Sunrise. He wondered if he even knew how to be gentle. Not really. But for her sake, he would try in their lovemaking. At l e a st, h e th o u g ht “l o v e ” w a s th e c o rr e ct t er m . He h a d n e v e r e x p e ri e n c e d it b ef or e , c e rt ainly n ot wit h hi s wif e, m a y h e r gl a ci al h e a rt r e st in p e a c e a n d n e v e r fr e e z e hi m a g ai n. P er h a p s h e w a s w r o n g in thin kin g h e f elt it wit h Sunri s e . Mayb e h e ju st h a d indigestion. He lift e d hi s h e a d . “Do y o u k n o w m y th o u g ht s ri g ht n o w ?” “A littl e.” Sh e tr a c e d h e r fin g e r a c r o s s hi s lip s. “You’r e thin kin g o f m a ki n g l o v e , y e s ?” T h e n s h e dr e w hi m int o a n o t h e r ki s s . Corbal put aside his thoughts and submerged himself in the h e a d y o c e a n o f pl e a s ur e s h e c r e at e d for hi m . Lat er, a s th e y lay in th e pill o w s , h e tri e d t o sl e e p . But h e c o ul d n’t for g et h o w Razi q u o n h a d h urt Sunri s e . Cor b al s c o wl e d . He s h o ul d m a i nt ai n th e pr o p e r s e p a r ati o n of hi s e m o ti o n s fr o m hi s pl e a s ur e . Separation, hell. He wanted to shove Raziquon inside the thrusters of a starship and fire up the engines. Someone in the prison ought to make the universe a better place and assassinate him. Corbal doubted it would happen, though; Raziquon would soon go free, now that his appeal had reached the High Judge. He h a d th o u g ht Sunri s e w a s a sl e e p , c url e d a g ai n st hi m , b ut n o w s h e s p o k e sl e e pily. “His m i n d o p e n e d .” He slid hi s h a n d a c r o s s h e r st o m a c h . “H e?” “Lor d Razi q u o n .” Corbal tensed, knowing how much pain the memories cau s e d h er. “You n e e d n e v e r w o rry a b o ut hi m a g ai n.” Sh e si g h e d , h alf a sl e e p . “I f elt hi s m i n d.” “I k n o w .” After s h e h a d c o m e h o m e , h e h a d di s c o v e r e d h e c o ul d n’t a s k if s h e h a d s pi e d o n Razi q u o n’ s m i n d, n ot w h e n it m e a nt s h e w o ul d h a v e t o r eliv e th at e x p e ri e n c e . And y et, o n h e r o w n , s h e h a d s p o k e n . He h a d h el d h e r cl o s e , off erin g c o m f o rt w h e n s h e c ri e d. It w a s a str a n g e e x p e ri e n c e . He w a s n’t u s e d t o c o m f o rtin g a n y o n e . Sh e h a d n’t t ol d hi m a n yt hin g h e di d n’t alr e a d y k n o w , b ut it di d n’t m a tt er. T h at s h e tri e d for him of her own choice, despite what it cost her, meant more than he knew how to say. Sunri s e y a w n e d a g ai n st hi s c h e s t. “His pl atinu m m i n e .” He blinked, realizing she had meanthis mine opened. Her mind must have relaxed as she drowsed, letting her remember m o r e . “Razi q u o n h a s a m i n e ?” “H m m m … pl atin u m .” “I di d n’t k n o w h e h a d m i ni n g int er e st s.” “Ch e at e m p e r o r…” Sh e b urr o w e d int o th e pill o w s . “N e v er r e p o rt e d in c o m e …” Razi q u o n o w n e d ill e g al m i n e s ? He ki s s e d h e r t e m pl e . “Sunri s e , y o u a r e a g e m .” Asleep now, she didn’t r e s p o n d.

Her news might mean nothing. If Raziquon had failed to include the revenues from just one mine in his financial reports to the government, it would cause little trouble. But then, he had never known Raziquon to do anything small. Corbal grinned. This could prove useful. The War Room was located in the hull of the Orbiter. Its amphitheatre contained many consoles, VR rigs, and holomaps, as well as robot arms that carried telops throughout the area. High above the amphitheatre, a massive arm s u s p e n d e d a c o m m a n d c h air in a d o m e lit wit h h ol o g r a p hi c st ar s. Co n d uit s fr o m all o v e r th e War Ro o m f e d int o th e bl o c k y c h air — a n d int o th e b r ai n o f w h o e v e r s at in th at g r e at m e c h a ni c al thr o n e . Kelric entered the War Room in the holodome and summoned the chair. The amphitheatre below hummed with activity: officers monitoring ISC forces, telops in the newly birthed psiberweb, aides running errands, cranes moving through the air. When the chair swung over to Kelric, many people looked up. He felt their surprise. It was as if a ghost had entered the War Room. No one had sat in this chair since the death of the last Imperator, his sister, Soz, and before her, his half-brother, Kurj. Kelric knew he looked like Kurj. A living ghost. Kelric settled into the throne. As it returned to the center of the dome, its exoskeleton clicked prongs into his ankles, wrists, spine, and neck, linking to the biomech web inside his body. Impersonal puzzlement came from the chair as it registered its new user. The hood lowered and exte n d e d a s pi d e r w e b of thr e a d s int o hi s s c al p. Dat a p o ur e d int o Bolt, th e o l d e st n o d e in Kelric’s s pi n e , a n d Bolt o r g a niz e d a n d s h u nt e d it t o th e clu st er o f n e w n o d e s , l e a vi n g Kelric fr e e t o thin k. As hi s m i n d b e c a m e s e n sitiz e d t o th e c h air, a n d thr o u g h it, to the webs networking the War Room, he could actually trace lines of thought in the amphitheatre. This felt right. He belonged here. The chair resembled the one in the Lock. He would never forget. He had met an emperor there who claimed to want peace talks. Kelric found it hard to believe Qox genuinely wished to negotiate peace. The emperor had to have other motivations. “Bolt?” h e s ai d. A v oi c e c a m e o ut o f a c o m m m e s h o n th e a r m of hi s c h air. “My g r e e tin g s , Kelric.” “Ho w d o y o u lik e th e c h air?” “It is e x hil ar atin g.” Kelric s m il e d. Alth o u g h Bolt w a s p art o f hi s b r ai n, it h a d a rr a n g e d t o u s e th e c h air’ s c o m m w h e n Kelric link e d th e thr o n e t o th e bi o m e c h w e b in hi s b o dy. Bolt h a d n’t al w a y s b e e n a bl e t o p erf or m s u c h f e at s; o v e r th e d e c a d e s it h a d r e c o nfi g ur e d its elf for n e w ta s k s a n d e v e n e m o ti o n s , th o u g h h o w it m a n a g e d th at, Kelric di d n’t k n o w . His biomech web also linked to the gauntlets he had found in the Lock and wore all the time now. He had little idea how the gauntlets worked, but he suspected they involv e d s o m e typ e of m a c hi n e int elli g e n c e in Kyle s p a c e . He c o ul d n’t b e s ur e ; hi s int er a cti o n s wit h it c a m e o nly a s u n d efin e d i m pr e s si o n s . But thi s m u c h h e k n e w : th e g a u ntl et s w e r e at l e a st fiv e th o u s a n d y e a r s o l d. “Wh at c a n I d o for y o u?” Bolt a s k e d . “I w a s w o n d e ri n g h o w th e p e a c e talk s w e r e s h a pi n g u p.” “Our p e o pl e a r e v e rifyin g wit h th e Alli e d s th at th e talk s will g o for w ar d e v e n th o u g h th e Ruby Dyn a sty is n o l o n g e r o n Earth.” T h at di d n’t s ur pri s e Kelric. No w th at hi s fa mily w a s l o o s e a g ai n, th e Alli e d s w e r e m o r e d e t e r mi n e d th a n e v e r t o h a v e Sk oli a a n d Eu b e talk p e a c e . “Hav e y o u fo u n d a n y m o r e inf or m ati o n o n Jai bri ol Qox?” “A bit. App ar e ntly h e is e i g ht e e n , n ot s e v e nt e e n .”

“Why di d th e n e w s s e r vi c e s s a y h e w a s s e v e nt e e n ?” “T h e e rr or w a s intr o d u c e d o n Earth, aft er th e w ar. His hi g h s c h o ol list e d hi m a s fiv e m o n t h s y o u n g e r th a n th e a g e h e gi v e s n o w .” “Fiv e m o n t h s ?” Kelric r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “T h at w o ul d b e q uit e a f e at. It w o ul d m e a n h e w a s n’t b o r n u ntil e l e v e n m o n t h s aft er hi s fat h er di s a p p e a r e d .” “Whi c h is i m p o s si bl e .” “Not if hi s m o t h e r c o n c ei v e d a rtifici ally.” “Su c h a pr o c e d ur e w o ul d b e c o ntr ary t o Hig ht o n m o r e s .” “T h e y st or e th eir g e n e ti c m a t e ri al, s o it c a n’t b e u n h e a r d of.” T h e e m p r e s s w o ul d h a v e b e e n d e s p e r at e if h e r h u s b a n d di s a p p e a r e d wit h o ut a n h eir. It c o ul d e x pl ain th e s e c r e c y s urr o u n di n g Jai bri ol III’s c hild h o o d . Hell, m a y b e th e Hig ht o n s h a d b e e n pl ayin g wit h g e n e s , tryin g t o m a k e a t el e p at h. Kelric c o ul d n’t s h a k e hi s f e elin g th at th e y o ut h h e h a d m e t in th e Lo c k h a d b e e n a p si o n . He c o ul d n’t i m a gi n e the Hightons accepting a provider as their emperor, though. “It is i m pr o b a bl e b ut n ot i m p o s si bl e th at s h e c o n c ei v e d a rtifici ally,” Bolt a c k n o wl e d g e d . “In a n y e v e nt, hi s offici al a g e is e i g ht e e n .” Kelric ru b b e d hi s c hi n. “L et m e s e e if I h a v e thi s str ai g ht. Nin et e e n y e a r s a g o Ur Qox w a s e m p e r o r o f Eub e . His s o n a n d h eir, Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d , s e c r etly m a rri e d a n d sir e d a s o n , Jai bri ol th e T hird. Bef or e th e b o y’ s birth, Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d w a s s u p p o s e dly kill e d tryin g t o e s c a p e o ur m ilitary. Fift e e n y e ar s lat er, Ur Qox di e s . Not l o n g aft er th at, Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d m ir a c ul o u sly r e a p p e a r s . Ab o ut t w o y e a r s lat er Jai bri ol th e S e c o n d di e s in th e w ar. A f e w m o n t h s lat er, hi s s o n , Jai bri ol th e T hir d, s h o w s u p t o cl ai m th e thr o n e .” “T h at a b o ut s u m s it u p,” Bolt s ai d. “It’s a biz arr e st ory.” “But v alid, a p p ar e ntly.” “You k n o w , if th e Tr a d e r s w e r e n’t s u c h fa n ati c s a b o ut v e rifyin g th eir bl o o dlin e s , I w o ul d n’t b eli e v e all th e s e Jai bri ol s w e r e th e r e al thin g .” He p u s h e d hi s h a n d thr o u g h hi s h air. “W e k n o w t o o littl e a b o ut Jai bri ol th e T hir d. If w e m i sju d g e hi s m o ti v ati o n s , th e talk s c o ul d fail.” T h e y w o ul d pr o b a bly fail a n y w ay, b ut h e w a nt e d at l e a st t o try. “I h a d th e i m pr e s si o n h e w a s si n c e r e w h e n y o u m e t hi m in th e Lo c k,” Bolt s ai d. “Why w o ul d h e l et y o u e s c a p e , o t h e r wi s e ?” “I d o n’t k n o w .” Kelric th o u g ht b a c k t o hi s m e e ti n g wit h th e y o ut h. “H e di d n’t talk t o m e th e w a y Hig ht o n s talk wit h o n e a n o t h er. He w a s t o o dir e ct.” “He w o ul d c o n si d e r y o u a pr o vi d er. Not a n e q u al.” “T h at’ s w h y it w a s s o str a n g e . He tr e at e d m e lik e a n e q u al.” Kelric th o u g ht o f th e o t h e r Hig ht o n s h e k n e w . “H e’ s h ar d t o fat h o m . Hig ht o n b r ai n s w o r k diff er e ntly th a n o ur s. T h eir th o u g ht pr o c e s s e s a r e lik e fra ct al s.” “He m i g ht n ot think lik e o t h e r Hig ht o n s ,” Bolt p oi nt e d o ut. “He g r e w u p in is ol ati o n.” “T h at a s s u m e s th eir th o u g ht p att er n s a r e c ultur al r at h er th a n g e n e ti c. My g u e s s is th at it’s b o t h.” Kelric ta p p e d hi s fin g e r o n th e c o m m . “Bolt, wi d e n y o ur s e a r c h . Ch e c k e v e r y w e b y o u c a n r e a c h n o m a tt er h o w s m all. Do a ru n ni n g c o m p a ri s o n o f hi m wit h o ur fil e s o n o t h e r Arist o s . Lo o k for p att er n s I c a n u s e t o pr e di ct hi s b e h a vi or a n d m o ti v ati o n s .” “I will n e e d t o a c c e s s int er st ell ar w e b s , trilli o n s of th e m , m a n y still off th e p si b e r w e b . It will tak e ti m e .” “You h a v e u ntil th e p e a c e talk s. Ab o ut a m o n t h.” “I c a n w o r k wit h th at.” “G o o d .” Bolt’s m e n ti o n of th e p si b e r w e b g a v e Kelric p a u s e . Only t w o p e o pl e n o w p o w e r e d th e for m e r Tri a d th at c r e at e d th e w e b : hi m s elf a n d De hy a. Alth o u g h it h a d b e e n m a n y t e n d a y s si n c e th e

d e at h o f hi s fath er, a n d th o u g h th e y h a d all k n o w n the span of his life was coming to an end, Kelric still found it hard to accept that he was gone. Eldrinson Althor Valdoria had passed away quietly, from old age, surrounded by the people who loved him, his wife and children. It meant more to Kelric than he knew how to express that he had been able to see his father before Eldrinson died. Now Kelric would carry on for him, protecting the family, their people, and the Skolian Imperialate. So Kelric went to work, integrating his mind with the War Room. If Skolia a n d Eu b e fo u n d th eir w a y t o p e a c e , h e m i g ht n e v e r n e e d thi s r o o m in its full c a p a bility. Yet a s m u c h a s h e h o p e d th e y c o ul d e s t a bli s h a tr e aty, h e d o u bt e d it w o ul d h a p p e n . If th e y h a d t o g o t o w a r a g ai n, h e w o ul d m o u r n th e l o st p e a c e — b ut h e w o ul d b e r e a d y.

24 Secrets Lake Mirellazile stretched like a silver sheet in a forested valley of the Jaizire Mountains. The sun burned in the stonewashed blue of the sky. Centuries ago, this rocky planet had supported no life, but Eube Qox had seen its promise. Biosculpting had produced a fresh, crisp world well suited to humans. A b e a c h of glitt erin g bl a c k s a n d c ur v e d al o n g th e lak e . Jai s at o n a m e t allic bl a n k et th er e , w a t c hi n g b r e a k e r s r oll int o th e s h o r e . On a w o rl d lik e Eub e’ s Glory, wit h its fo urt e e n m o o n s , e v e n the lakes had wild tides. The body of water took its name from Mirella, the largest moon as seen from Glory. Right now Mirella hung near the horizon, bloodred. Eube Qox had named the moon for his wife, the first empress, and surfaced the satellite with synth eti c c a r n eli a n. It w a s n’t a ct u ally th e lar g e st m o o n ; th at di stin cti o n w e n t t o Zara, n a m e d for th e s e c o n d e m p r e s s , th e wif e o f Jai bri ol I. In h e r h o n or, h e h a d s urf a c e d it in g o l d. Alth o u g h Zar a w a s fo ur ti m e s farth er a w a y th a n Mirell a, it a p p e a r e d h alf the size in the sky. Right now it hung above Mirella, almost full. They made a startling pair, gold and red against the blue sky. Viqu ar a, th e third lar g e s t m o o n , w a s n’t vi si bl e. Na m e d for th e third e m p r e s s , it h a d a di a m o n d s urf a c e . T h e fo urth lar g e st m o o n , G4, w a s r e s e r v e d for th e wif e of Jai bri ol II. With hi s fat h e r’ s d e at h, it f ell t o Jai t o n a m e it for th e Hig ht o n m o t h e r w h o h a d s u p p o s e dly birth e d hi m . Alth o u g h h e c o ul d n e v e r a c k n o wl e d g e hi s tru e m o t h er, h e w o ul d fin d a n a m e th at h o n o r e d h er. Jai couldn’t s e e th e fifth lar g e st m o o n , G5, b ut h e h a d n o d o u bt a b o ut its n e w n a m e : Tar q uin e . Ho w t o r e s urf a c e it w a s a n o t h e r q u e sti o n. Zar a w a s alr e a d y di a m o n d , b ut m a n y o t h e r h ar d, b rillia nt m a t e ri al s e xi st e d. Mayb e h e w o ul d u s e a st e el-di a m o n d c o m p o sit e. P er h a p s he should ask Tarquine. Traditionally an emperor made the decision and then told his wife, but Jai valued his survival over Qox tradition. He wondered what his descendants would do when they ran out of moons, or how the last few empresses would feel about having the small ones. It might behoove future emperors to create some bigger moons. The sky of Glory could end up as crowded as a starport concourse. Leaning back on his hands, he gazed down the beach. A woman was coming toward him, accompanied by four Ra z e r s . A b r e e z e ruffl e d h e r h air. T h e s e n s u al q u ality of h e r w al k c a m e n atur ally, s o m u c h s o th at s h e h a d n o s e n s e of its e ff e ct. It w a s n’t th at n o o n e h a d e v e r t ol d h er, b ut r at h er th at s h e si m ply di d n’t c a r e . His wif e w a s th e a ntith e si s o f a n in g é n u e , g o ing so far in the other direction that she came full circle. Her complete disinterest in her own sensuality aroused him far more than any deliberate seduction.

When Tarquine reached him, she bowed. “Join m e ,” Jai in vit e d. Tarquine sat near him while her Razers faded into the scenery. She said nothing, just gazed at the lake. It stretched for several kilometers, with fern trees swaying on its shores. Vines hung in loops from their branches, blooming with delicate gold and red balls. On every side, blue-gray mountains cut sharply against the sky. “A b e a utiful d ay,” Jai s ai d. Sh e sl a nt e d hi m a gl a n c e . “A g o o d d a y for m e t o furth er th e gl ory of y o ur e m pir e , Hus b a n d , b y d oi n g m y jo b . As o p p o s e d t o sittin g a r o u n d s u n b at hin g.” Jai imagined her sleek and dripping with w a t er, l ollin g in th e s u n . “Ev ery o n e n e e d s r e st.” To hi s s ur pri s e , Tar q uin e s m il e d. “T h e w a y y o u l o o k at m e s o m e ti m e s , I w o n d e r if y o u r e aliz e I’m n ot fo o d.” “I w o ul d n e v e r d ar e c all y o u a s w e e t. You m i g ht p ulv eriz e m e . ” He w a s o nly h alf jo kin g . She actu ally lau g h e d . “Ah, w e ll. It is tru e , f e w w o ul d p ut Eub e’ s Fin a n c e Minist er a n d s u g a r in th e s a m e th o u g ht.” “T o o m u c h s w e e t n e s s c a n b e cl o yin g.” Tar q uin e c o n si d er e d hi m a s if h e w e r e a n i m p u d e nt y o u n g m a n s h e h a d ju st m e t. “You pr ef er tart?” He moved closer. “I d o in d e e d .” “You h a v e a o n e - tr a c k m i n d, Hus b a n d .” “I c a n’t h el p it, wit h y o u a s m y wif e.” Sh e si g h e d . “Jai bri ol, y o u a r e i m p o s si bl e . I s h o ul d think y o u w o ul d h a v e m o r e r e a s o n t o s e n d a n i m p e ri al s u m m o n s for m e th a n for u s t o b e g i n th e ni g ht e a rly.” Jai was tempted to tell her he could think of no better reason, but he held back. He could only push her so far before her annoyance at having her work interrupted would overcome whatever contributed to her good nature at the moment. And right now he needed that good nature. “It w o ul d s e e m ,” h e s ai d, “th at o n e o t h e r m a tt er w o ul d h a v e t o b e att e n d e d first, b ef or e w e e nj o y th e ni g ht.” “On e o t h e r m a tt er?” “A fin a n ci al m a tt er.” “I d e al wit h m a n y fin a n ci al m a tt er s .” “A pl atin u m m a tt er.” Tar q uin e fr o w n e d . “P er h a p s y o u s h o ul d b e h ol di n g thi s di s c u s si o n wit h th e m e r c h a nt s fr o m Platinu m S e ct or. T h e y a r e th e o n e s w h o c a n’t m i n e e n o u g h m e t al fr o m th eir a s t er oi d s .” “Actu ally, I w a s thin kin g o f Sap p hir e s .” Her g o o d h u m o r h a d v a ni s h e d . “Ch e a p r o c k s .” “Ch e a p pl atinu m .” “P er h a p s th e m e r c h a nt s in Sap p hir e S e ct or s h o ul d l e ar n h o w t o b a r g ai n b e tt er.” Jai bri ol s c o wl e d at h er. “No m e r c h a nt s, Sap p hir e o r o t h e r wi s e , c o ul d h ol d th eir o w n a g ai n st a m i ni stry th at u s e s its fin a n ci al influ e n c e t o driv e d o w n th e pri c e a n d th e n b u y s u p th e a v ail a bl e pr o d u ct.” Tar q uin e di d n’t l o o k th e l e a st bit r e m o r s eful. “Su c h a m i ni stry w o ul d b e for mi d a bl e in d e e d . If it e xi st e d.” “Su c h a m i ni stry c o ul d c a u s e m e a l ot of g ri ef.” “Or b rin g y o u g r e at w e alt h.” “I alr e a d y h a v e g r e at w e alt h.” Jai wi s h e d h e c o ul d m a k e h e r u n d e r st a n d. “Wh at I d o n’t h a v e , Tar q uin e , is Arist o s u p p o rt. No w th e Dia m o n d Arist o s in Sap p hir e S e ct or w a nt m e t o inv e sti g at e th e fin a n ci al a c tiviti e s o f a c e rt ai n m i ni stry.”

Her l o o k turn e d in cr e d ul o u s . “T h e y d ar e s u g g e s t y o u in v e sti g at e y o ur o w n wif e? P er h a p s th e y w o ul d lik e t o di n e wit h o ur d e a r fri e n d Razi q u o n .” “F or s ai nt s’ s a k e , Tar q uin e . I c a n’t k e e p thr o wi n g Arist o s in pri s o n .” “Why n ot? A l ot o f th e m b el o n g th er e .” Ho w c o ul d h e g e t thr o u g h t o h e r? “Many w o ul d s a y th e s a m e a b o ut a m i ni st er w h o u s e d — o r s h o ul d I s a y a b u s e d — h e r p o w e r t o c h e a t a n e n tir e s e c t or.” “T h e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n w a nt s s o m e t hi n g fr o m y o u, Jai.” Sh e ru b b e d th e b a c k o f h e r n e c k . “You h a v e t o fig ur e o ut w h at it is a n d gi v e th e b a n k e r s e n o u g h t o m a k e th e m thin k th e y w o r k e d a g o o d b a r g ai n.” T h at c a u g ht Jai b y s ur pri s e . Cor b al h a d t ol d f e w p e o pl e h e w a s for mi n g a p artn er s hip wit h th e Dia m o n d s , a n d Tar q uin e c e rt ai nly w a s n’t o n e o f th e m . “You k n o w a b o ut th e Co aliti o n?” “Of c o ur s e . Cor b al is m a ki n g a b a n k wit h th e m .” Jai c o ul d n’t h ol d b a c k hi s fru str ati o n. “He’ s w o r k e d o n thi s for y e a r s. I’v e m a n a g e d t o ruin it in a f e w m o n t h s .” “You h a v e n’t ruin e d it.” Sh e w a t c h e d hi m u n d e r h alf-cl o s e d lid s. “He is r e p airin g th e b r e a c h e v e n a s w e s p e a k .” “He is?” Cor b al h a d gi v e n hi m n o hi nt. She ta p p e d h e r l o n g fin g e r o n hi s c h e e k . “T h e Co aliti o n is t e stin g y o u. S e ei n g h o w far th e y c a n p u s h.” “It’s g o n e b e y o n d th at. T h e y w a nt a n in v e sti g ati o n.” “You gi v e in t o o e a sily.” He w a nt e d t o g r o a n . “You d o n’t h a v e th e l e a st bit o f r e gr et for w h at y o u di d, d o y o u?” “I’v e d o n e n ot hin g , d e a r h u s b a n d .” “Ye s, w e ll, th e n ot hi n g y o u’v e d o n e is g oi n g t o bl o w u p in o ur fa c e s .” “T h at d e p e n d s o n h o w y o u d e al wit h it.” “And n o w y o u’r e g oi n g t o s a y I s h o ul d r efu s e th eir d e m a n d s , rig ht? I c a n’t. It will o nly a nt a g o niz e th e m m o r e .” “I w o ul d n e v e r s u g g e s t s u c h a thin g .” Jai blink e d . “You w o ul d n’t?” “Of c o ur s e n ot.” Sh e s m il e d, r e s e m b lin g a c at th at h a d c a u g ht a bir d. “You m u s t, o f c o ur s e , h a v e a n in v e sti g ati o n.” Jai s hift e d u n e a sily. “Why m u st I, o f c o ur s e , d o th at?” “Wh e n y o ur in v e sti g ati o n turn s u p n o w r o n g d oi n g b y y o ur b el o v e d a n d l oy al wif e, th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n will h a v e m a d e a n in e x c u s a bl e m i st a k e .” “And w h at, pr a y t ell, is th at?” “T h e y w o ul d h a v e w r o n gly a c c u s e d m e .” “S o?” Sh e lau g h e d s oftly. “You a r e s o g r e e n .” “Fin e .” Jai gl ar e d at h er. “S e e if y o u c a n d y e m e a diff er e nt c ol or. Enlig ht e n m e .” “Re p ut ati o n is e v e r yt hin g . App e ar a n c e m e a n s m o r e th a n fa ct. A fal s e a c c u s ati o n is a s e v e r e off e n s e . A Lin e m a ki n g s u c h a n a c c u s ati o n a g ai n st th e e m p r e s s w o ul d s uff er e n o r m o u s s h a m e .” F or all its biz arr e l o gi c, it a ctu ally m a d e s e n s e wit h w h at h e h a d s e e n o f Arist o s o ci ety. “T h at’s all fin e, Tar q uin e , b ut y o u m i s s e d o n e s m all p oi nt.” “And w h at m i g ht th at b e ?” “T h e a c c u s ati o n is n’t fal s e .” “Oh, th at.” Sh e w a v e d h e r h a n d . “It o nly n e e d s t o l o o k fal s e .” Jai c o ul d n’t b eli e v e thi s c o n v e r s ati o n . “T h e bi g g e r th e c o v e r-u p, th e h a r d e r w e will fall w h e n it is di s c o v e r e d .”

“You a r e Qox. I a m Iqu ar. We d o n ot fall.” Jai di d n’t k n o w w h e t h e r t o b e a p p all e d o r a w e d b y h e r attitu d e . “G o d s h el p m e , th e d a y I m a rri e d y o u.” Sh e s m il e d blith ely. “T h e y di d in d e e d .” The conference center in the countryside outside Paris startled Kelric. He had never associated beautiful architecture with the home world of humanity. He had thought her people too pragmatic for such art, but apparently he had been wrong. The building soared on its hillside, an ethereal framework of gold with so many windows that it was more glass than metal. It sparkled in the streaming sunlight from Sol. The sky arched above, a heartrending shade of blue that he recognized at an instinctual level, though neither he nor his ancestors had lived on Earth for six thousand years. He was visiting the center as a virtual simulacrum; his body remained in his chair in the War Room, linked through the psiberweb to a command center on Earth, which relayed the signal to the Allied United Centre in Paris where the peace talks would take place. The air in front of Kelric shimmered. The light formed into his aunt Dehya, the Ruby Pharaoh. She walked to him , h e r h air s wi n gi n g a r o u n d h e r b o dy. “My g r e e tin g , Kelric.” He a n s w e r e d in En gli s h. “H ell o.” Sh e s m il e d. “I di d n’t k n o w y o u s p o k e Earth la n g u a g e s .” “Only a f e w w o r d s ,” h e a d m itt e d, s wit c hi n g int o Iotic. He m o ti o n e d a r o u n d th e m . “Wh at d o y o u think?” Dehya s p o k e wi stfully. “It’s s o in cr e di bly b e a utiful.” Sh e in di c at e d th e b uildin g. “It is h ar d t o i m a gi n e w e will m e e t wit h Hig ht o n s h e r e .” “I s u p p o s e th e s y m b o li s m is g o o d . I d o u bt th e l o c ati o n r e ally m a tt er s , th o u g h .” “You d o n’t b e li e v e th e y’r e c o m i n g t o talk p e a c e .” Sh e di d n’t m a k e it a q u e s ti o n . “I d o n’t k n o w w h at t o think.” He b e g a n w al kin g u p th e hill wit h h er. “T h e m o r e I l e ar n a b o ut Jai bri ol th e T hird, th e l e s s s e n s e h e m a k e s t o m e . ” “Why?” “He d o e s n’t a ct lik e a Hig ht o n .” Sh e c o n si d er e d hi m . “You a r e th e o nly o n e o f u s w h o c a n m a k e th at jud g m e nt wit h a n y r e a s o n a bl e a c c ur a cy.” “T h at is n’t s a yi n g m u c h .” De hy a f ell sil e nt. Wh e n s h e fin ally s p o k e , h e r w o r d s jolt e d. “Sh e is e m p r e s s n o w . Will th at m a tt er t o y o u?” “No.” Tar q uin e Iqu ar w a s th e la st p e r s o n h e w a nt ed to discuss. “You’r e s ur e ?” No, h e w a s n’t s ur e . He h a d n o int e nti o n of a d m ittin g it. Inst e a d h e s ai d, “In th e p a st, th e Tr a d e r s h a v e b e e n fal s e wit h u s . T h e y w a nt t o w o o Earth a s a n ally, s o th e y pr et e n d t o n e g o ti at e p e a c e , th e n bl a m e o ur b ellic o s e n atur e w h e n th e talk s fail.” Sh e s p o k e dryly. “Hig ht o n s thriv e o n m i s dir e cti o n.” “S o m e t hi n g a b o ut thi s e m p e r o r ju st d o e s n’t s e e m ri g ht.” Kelric s m il e d w r yly. “Actu ally itdoes s e e m rig ht. T h at’ s th e pr o bl e m . He c o m e s a c r o s s a s h o n e s t.” Sh e g a v e a s oft lau g h. “You’r e rig ht, th at d o e s n’t s o u n d Hig ht o n.” Her h air s wirl e d in th e b r e e z e a s th e y w al k e d . Had th e y b e e n o n a r e al hill, th e y w o ul d h a v e alr e a d y r e a c h e d th e t o p, b ut Kelric h a d s e t th e si m ul ati o n t o l et hi m w a n d er, s o it k e pt e xt e n di n g th e hill. “He liv e d o n Earth for o v e r t w o y e ar s ,” De hy a s ai d. “H e pr o b a bly l e ar n e d th eir c u st o m s .” “I s u p p o s e .” Her g u ar d e d r e s p o n s e s p uzzl e d hi m . T h e n a g ai n, it w a s n o w o n d e r if s h e h a d c o nflict e d f e elin g s , k n o wi n g th at Eldrin, h e r c o n s o rt, w a s fr e e o nly b e c a u s e th e Tr a d e r s e x c hanged him for Jaibriol III.

“Ho w is Eldrin?” h e a s k e d . Sh e st ar e d off in th e di st a n c e . “He is fin e.” Kelric w o n d e r e d if h e c o ul d e v e r fully e x pr e s s hi s joy at h a vi n g hi s b r ot h e r s af e . “I a m gl a d h e is h o m e .” “Ye s.” Sh e l et a w e alt h o f e m o ti o n s h o w in th at one word: gratitude, relief, love, and an underlying wish for vengeance against the Traders who had hurt the man she loved. Her manner was exactly what he would have expected. And yet it seemed off somehow. Her simulacrum could show whatever she wanted; she could easily hide her true mood. De hy a gl a n c e d at hi m . “You st ar e at m e m o s t int e ntly.” “You k n o w m o r e th a n y o u s ay.” Sh e m a d e a n e x a s p e r at e d n oi s e . “P e o pl e al w a y s s a y thi s. ‘You k n o w m o r e .’ You w o ul d thin k m y lif e w a s full o f s e c r et s. I’m afr ai d th e r e ality is far m o r e b o ri n g.” Kelric h a d n o d o u bt th at hi s a u nt, w h o m m a n y c all e d th e “Sh a d o w Ph ar a o h ,” h a d m o r e th a n h e r s h ar e o f s e c r et s . “I n e e d t o k n o w . It c o ul d m a k e a diff er e n c e in h o w I d e al wit h Qox.” “I d o n’t k n o w a n yt hin g .” Sh e dr e w hi m t o a st o p. “But I’v e w o n d e r e d if a pr o vi d e r r ai s e d Jai bri ol th e T hird r at h er th a n a Hig ht o n. It w o ul d e x pl ai n hi s b e h a vi or.” Alth o u g h si mil ar th o u g ht s h a d o c c urr e d t o Kelric, h e fo u n d it h a r d t o c r e dit. “S o w h e r e w a s th e e m p r e s s ?” “D e a d, m a y b e .” He fr o w n e d . “T h at b o y h a s a n o d d hi st ory.” Too odd. It made Kelric uneasy. Sh e r a n thr o u g h th e ni g ht. Tr e e f er n s bl o c k e d h e r w ay, a n d s h e plu n g e d thr o u g h th e m , s c r a pi n g h e r s ki n. Her b r e at h c a m e in g a s p s . Still s h e r a n. Razi q u o n w a s s o cl o s e — Sunrise sat up with a gasp, straini n g t o s c r e a m , b ut s h e c o ul d n’t m a k e a s o u n d. Gra d u ally h e r p ul s e c al m e d . Sh e w a s h o m e . Home. Corbal lay next to her, sleeping. It was only a nightmare. As s h e lay d o w n , Cor b al stirr e d. “Wh at is it?” “Nothin g .” He p ull e d h e r cl o s e . “I will m a k e hi m p a y for w h at h e di d t o y o u.” “C ori —” “Sh h h.” He lai d hi s fin g e r o n h e r lip s. “I h a v e a pl a n. Do n’t w o rry.” Sunri s e tri e d t o sl e e p , b ut l o n g aft er Cor b al’s b r e at hi n g h a d d e e p e n e d int o a st e a d y rhyt h m , s h e r e m ai n e d a w a k e . F or s o m e r e a s o n , s h e f elt c o n vi n c e d Cor b al’s plan for vengeance would end up hurting him far more than Raziquon. Why?Why?She had to delve into her memories of Raziquon, hated as they were, and understand what disturbed her. Sh e c o ul d n’t l et Razi q u o n wi n.

25 Nanomeds Four pirate frigates ambushed the Skolian yacht when the ship dropped out of inversion into normal space. Everyone knew the Eubian military denied such pirates existed, but the weapons on the frigates clearly came straight from ESComm. Willex Seabreak owned the yacht. Born to a prosperous Sk oli a n fa mily, h e h a d a c c r u e d e v e n m o r e w e alt h b y d e si g ni n g virtu al r e ality v a c ati o n s for b o r e d s o ci alit e s . He h a d a g o o d lif e — u ntil th e r ai d er s s h o w e d u p. T h e y s urr o u n d e d hi s y a c ht, m a t c hi n g s p e e d a s th e s hip s h urtl e d thr o u g h s p a c e . T h e y a c ht’s d ef e n s e s were nothing compared to the firepower on the frigates. Seabreak took stock of his situation and made the only possible decision. He surrendered.

As Seabreak decelerated his ship, he told his passengers what was happening and asked them to gather in the lounge of the yacht. He tried to sound assured, but fear made him terse. He had more people onboard than usual: his girlfriend Saria, three other couples, and several entertainers, as well as his crew. The computer system on one of the frigates infiltrated th e y a c ht’ s s y st e m a n d t o o k o v e r n a vi g ati o n, l e a vi n g S e a b r e a k u n a bl e t o pil ot hi s c r aft. His pr e s e n c e o n th e b ri d g e di d n’t r e ally m a tt er th e n ; h e w a s n e e d e d m o r e t o pr o vi d e m o r al s u p p o rt for hi s p a s s e n g e r s . He join e d th e m in th e l o u n g e , a n d e v e r y o n e w ait e d, their faces pale, all with the same question: Would the raiders take any of them to sell? Sta n di n g n e xt t o Sari a, S e a b r e a k h el d h e r h a n d . T h e pir at e s h a d sl o w e d th e y a c ht’ s r ot ati o n s o th e y c o ul d d o c k wit h it, b ut th e y h a d l eft e n o u g h m o ti o n t o c r e at e a lig ht p s e u d o - g r a vity. Sw e at b e a d e d S e a b r e a k’ s for e h e a d a n d dripp e d d o w n hi s si d e s , u n d e r hi s s hirt. T h e Tr a d e r s di d n’t n e e d ta s k m a k e r s: th e y h a d pl e nty. T h e y w a nt e d pr o vi d e r s . T h e c o m b i n ati o n of m ut at e d g e n e s th at pr o d u c e d e m p at h s a n d t el e p at h s w a s b o t h rare and difficult to replicate in a lab. So the Traders abducted Skolian psions. Sari a w a t c h e d hi m wit h a t errifi e d g a z e , a n d S e a b r e a k s w all o w e d a g ai n st th e lu m p in hi s thr o at. Her ta w n y h air, lar g e g r e e n e y e s , a n d a n g el’ s fa c e turn e d h e a d s e v e n in thi s a g e w h e n a n y o n e wit h a g o o d in c o m e c o ul d fin e-tun e th e m s el v e s t o w h at e v e r id e al th e y a d m ir e d. But h e l o v e d h e r b e c a u s e s h e r e s p o n d e d wit h s u c h s e n sitivity t o o t h e r p e o pl e . It w o ul d n’t s ur pri s e hi m if s h e w a s a n e m p at h. Sh e m i g ht b e e x a ctly w h at th e Tr a d e r s s ought. After the ships docked, Seabreak left the lounge and went to meet his unwanted guests at the airlock. A large group boarded: three men with shimmering black hair and rust-red eyes, and ten mercenaries, hardened men and women in body armor. The tallest of th e r e d-e y e d tri o a p p e a r e d t o b e in c h a r g e . With a m o c ki n g s m il e , h e s p o k e t o S e a b r e a k in Sk oli a n Fl a g. “My g r e e tin g s , Capt ain.” “You’r e in Sk oli a n t errit ory.” S e a b r e a k d o u bt e d th e y c a r e d a b o ut th e l e g ality o f th eir a c ti o n s , b ut h e h a d t o try. “You’r e vi ol atin g th e Halst a a d Co d e a n d Sk oli a n la w.” “But w e a r e n’t at w ar, m y fri e n d. As for y o ur la w s —” T h e m a n s hr u g g e d . “I’ m s ur e w e ’r e in Eu bi a n t errit ory. By o ur la w s , th at m a k e s y o u all e s c a p e d sl a v e s .” S e a b r e a k stiff e n e d . “W e’r e n o w h e r e n e a r y o ur t errit ory.” T h e pir at e w a v e d hi s h a n d . “Would y o u c a r e t o t ell m y frig at e s ? I’m s ur e th eir c r e w s w o ul d b e h a p p y t o d e b at e wit h y o u.” Malic e lurk e d in hi s s m il e. “Your c h oi c e of w e a p o n s .” S e a b r e a k k n e w hi s y a c ht c o ul d n’t s ur viv e a b attl e wit h th e frig at e s . “W e’v e n o wi s h for vi ol e n c e .” “W ell, th e n .” T h e Tr a d e r lift e d hi s h a n d a s if invitin g hi m t o di n n er. “Sh all w e m e e t y o ur p a s s e n g e r s ?” Clenching his jaw, Seabreak led them to the passenger areas, aware of the raiders assessing him. They could have his ship and all th e w e alt h o n b o a r d. Hell, th e y c o ul d h a v e th e c o d e s t o hi s a c c o u nt s. He ju st pr ay e d th e y di d n’t ta k e Sari a o r a n y o n e e l s e . The pirates strode into the lounge as if they owned the ship, which for all practical purposes they did. They were well trained and di d n’t s e e m at all b o t h e r e d b y th e l o w g r a vity. T h e y lin e d e v e r y o n e al o n g th e b ulk h e a d s , m e n o n o n e si d e , w o m e n o n th e o t h er. Wh e n s e v e r al p a s s e n g e r s b al k e d , th e m e r c e n ari e s dr e w th eir s pik er s , g u n s th at c o ul d s e t a p er s o n’ s n e r v e s o n fir e wit h p ai n. No o ne protested further. T h e r ai d er c a pt ai n w al k e d al o n g th e lin e of w o m e n . Wh e n h e st o p p e d at Sari a, S e a b r e a k’ s p ul s e s ur g e d . He st e p p e d for w ar d, a n d o n e of th e m e r c e n a ri e s r ai s e d hi s s pik er. S e a b r e a k l o o k e d at th e g u n , th e n at Sari a. If th e y tri e d t o tak e h er, he would do whatever it took to stop them, spikers or no spikers. The captain appraised Saria as if she were a rare vase he was considering for purchase. She

met his gaze, her face red. Putting his finger under her chin, he turned her head from side to si d e , th e n st e p p e d b a c k a n d l o o k e d h e r o v e r — a w o m a n in a silv er ju m p s uit th at di d n ot hi n g t o hi d e h e r s p e c t a c ul ar figur e . In th e p a st, S e a b r e a k h a d l o v e d th at o utfit, b ut n o m o r e . He w a nt e d t o kill th e c a pt ai n for th e w a y h e w a s s ur v e yin g h er. “Pr etty,” the captain said. Seabreak tensed, preparing to lunge. But the captain continued down the line, looking over the other women. Then he moved on to the men against the other bulkhead. When he stopped in front of Tandy Marzin, Seabreak began to worry again. Tandy was an athlete, obviously strong enough for hard labor, possibly a lucrative find for the Traders. But the captain went on. He paused at Seabreak, and Seabreak met his gaze, defiant. He barely hid his exhale of relief when the raider continued down the lin e. T h e c a pt ai n al s o st o p p e d in fr o nt o f Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e , w h o st ar e d b a c k , u n a bl e t o di s g ui s e hi s f e ar. Lith e a n d bl o n d, wit h bl u e e y e s , Ja c q u e s w a s a m u si ci a n. Alth o u g h w o m e n fo u n d hi m attr a ctiv e , S e a b r e a k c o ul d n’t fath o m it. T h e y o u n g f ell o w l o o k e d fra gil e. At l e a st th at b e n efit e d hi m h e r e ; th e r ai d er s pr o b a bly c o ul d n’t a u cti o n hi m for m u c h . The captain apparently had the same thought. He turned away and went back to the other raiders. They conferred quietly, and one of the men indicated Saria. The captain s h o o k hi s h e a d . S e a b r e a k w a s n’t s ur e w h at h e s ai d, b ut it s o u n d e d lik e, “I’v e s e e n b e tt er.” Seabreak had never been so glad to have someone find his girlfriend less desirable than he did. They could think whatever they wanted as long as they left her alone. Fin ally th e c a pt ai n turn e d t o th e m all. “W e will tak e th e y a c ht. You m a y h a v e th e lif e b o at s. Go w h e r e y o u w a nt.” S e a b r e a k’ s r eli ef w a s s o int e n s e it thr e at e n e d t o m a k e hi m dizzy. He c a u g ht Sari a’ s g a z e a c r o s s th e c a bi n a n d s h e m a n a g e d a s h a k y s m il e, her eyes luminous with tears. T h e n th e r ai d er s ai d, “Exc e pt for o n e o f y o u.” Seabreak froze. No.Gods, no. T h e c a pt ai n m o ti o n e d at Ja c q u e s . “You c o m e wit h u s .” “Wh at?”T h e c ol or dr ai n e d fr o m Ja c q u e s’ s fa c e . “No!” Seabreak blinked. Jacques? Belatedly, he saw the flaw in his reasoning. Why would the Traders need slaves for hard labor? Robots were cheaper and stronger. His own interest in beautiful women had made him overlook the obvious; the raiders could get just as much for a beautiful man, especially if he was an empath. The artistic gifts that made Jacques such a dramatic performer might well arise from empathic ability. The traits would have to come from both parents, given the recessive nature of the genes. Jacques had listed them in his employment application: his father was a stardocker on the Skolian world Jalliope, and his mother had been a musician and Earth citizen in a place called France before she married his father and became a Skolian. The few times Seabreak had met them, he had noticed their sen sitivity t o e a c h o t h er. It w o ul d n’t s ur pri s e hi m if th e y a n d th eir s o n w e r e e m p at h s . When the mercenaries closed on Jacques, Seabreak and the others attacked. It was stupid and desperate, but he had no intention of standing by while Traders kidnapped one of his employees. A female mercenary easily held the struggling musician while the raiders spiked the prisoners. Seabreak screamed as the serum attacked his nerves. Dimly, as he convulsed on the deck, he saw the raiders drag Jacques out of the lounge. Then someone shot him a second time and the excruciating pain became his entire universe. Gra d u ally h e b e c a m e a w a r e a g ai n, th e a g o n y e b bi n g e n o u g h for hi m t o thin k. Merc e n ari e s w e r e c a rryin g hi m int o a lif e b o at. T h e y l o a d e d hi m int o th e pil ot’s c h air a n d str a p p e d th e o t h e r s int o s e at s b e hi n d hi m , in clu din g Sari a. As th e o t h e r r ai d er s s e t th e a ut o pil ot, th e c a pt ai n s wi v el e d S e a b r e a k a r o u n d t o fa c e hi m . “Le a v e n o w , a n d w e ’ll l et y o u liv e . Fig ht u s,

a n d w e will kill y o u. Und er st a n d?” The spiker had induced a partial p ar aly si s, b ut S e a b r e a k m a n a g e d t o c r o a k , “Ye s .” “G o o d .” T h e c a pt ai n ja b b e d th e c o ntr ol s a n d th e e n gi n e r o ar e d . But b ef or e h e w e n t o ut th e airl o c k, h e turn e d b a c k t o S e a b r e a k . “You c a n t ell th e b o y’ s fa mily h e w a s tak e n b y th e Lin e o f Xir.” En mity glitt er e d in hi s e y e s . “You r e m e m b e r. Cor b al Xir.” Tarquine almost missed the bombshell. Sh e fo u n d it in a r e p o rt o n Jai bri ol’s h e alth. Cra c kin g o p e n hi s s e c ur e d m e di c al fil e s h a d tak e n a g o o d d e al o f w o r k, b ut w h e n s h e fin ally h a d th e m , th e y r e v e al e d n ot hin g s h e di d n’t alr e a d y k n o w . Sh e c o ul d h a v e t ol d th e d o ct or s h e r h u s b a n d w a s a str o n g , h e althy y o u n g m a n . But s h e c o pi e d th e m a n y w ay. So m e t hi n g b o t h e r e d h e r a b o ut th e fil e o n hi s n a n o m e d s , th o u g h s h e c o ul d n’t s a y w h at w a s w r o n g . Ev eryt hin g s e e m e d in o r d er. He had the best meds available. Their chemistry looked odd, but nothing too unusual. All Hightons had customized meds designed to optimize their own personal health. Of course an emperor would have many unique species, the best available. He had probably inherited some of them from his mother while he was in the womb. But the differences seemed familiar. Tarquine frowned, trying to remember where she had seen similar meds. She was sure it had been within the last year. She had the computer compare his file with the records of every Highton that she had encountered or investigated in the past two years, but no match came up. So she checked every Aristo, including Diamonds and Silicates. Still no match. She widened the search to Razers and high-level taskmakers. Still nothing. She rubbed her chin. Could it have been a lower status taskmaker? It seemed unlikely, given the elite quality of the meds. Providers had top-of-the-line species, especially to delay aging, but theirs were also designed to suppress aggression , h ei g ht e n th eir d e sir e t o pl e a s e , m a k e th eir m i n d s m o r e s u s c e pti bl e t o Arist o s , a n d a c t a s a p hr o di si a c s . Of c o ur s e Jai bri ol’s h a d n o n e o f th o s e m o dific ati o n s . Well, so. She might as well look. She had the computer check every taskmaker and provider she owned whose file she had looked at in the past two years. Still nothing. Tar q uin e s hr u g g e d . Sh e m u s t h a v e b e e n m i st a k e n . Sh e s p o k e t o h e r EI. “I g u e s s th at’s it.” “You h a v e n’t l o o k e d at o n e fil e.” “Why di d n’t y o u b rin g it u p?” “You a s k e d a b o ut sl a v e s y o u o w n e d o r s ol d.” “T h at c o v e r s e v e r y —” Tar q uin e st o p p e d . Ah, y e s . On e of h e r pr o vi d er s fit n eit h er c at e g o ry. He h a d h a d th e u n miti g at e d a u d a city t o e s c a p e . “You m e a n Kelric Vald ori a?” “T h at is c o rr e ct. Sh all I m a k e th e c o m p a ri s o n ?” “No, d o n’t b o t h er.” Tar q uin e st art e d t o st a n d u p. T h e n s h e p a u s e d . “Oh, w h y n ot. Go a h e a d .” Aft er a m o m e n t, th e EI s ai d, “Co m p ari s o n c o m pl et e .” She looked over the results. The general meds Jaibriol and Kelric carried had nothing in common. Of course. Exc e pt — “G o d s al mi g hty,” Tar q ui n e whispered. Of the nanomeds that Kelric and Jaibriol had inherited from their mothers, most were an exact match.

Part Three

Penumbra 26 Hall of Ancestors Th e y will e x c o ri at e u s ,” Jai s ai d. With Robert at his side, Jai paced through an ancient wing of the p al a c e , o n e th at h a d s ur viv e d b o t h th e w a r a n d th e a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt o n hi s w e d di n g d ay, m a i nly b e c a u s e it h o u s e d n ot hi n g u s eful e n o u g h t o d e s tr oy, u nl e s s o n e c o u nt e d th e d o ur h ol o p o rtr ait s of Jai’s a n c e s t o r s . His d e a d r el ativ e s st ar e d d o w n at hi m wit h icy faces. The hall seemed to brood, from the bronze and black tiles on the floor to the black marble pillars. It fit his mood. “Exc ori at e,” Jai r e p e at e d . “I c a n’t c o v e r u p w h at Tar q uin e di d t o Sap p hir e S e ct or.” “I d o n’t s e e th at y o u h a v e m u c h c h oi c e ,” Ro b e rt s ai d. “You m u s t n e v e r a d m it it.” Jai wanted to kick himself. He had married Tarquine fully aware of her financial shenanigans. The platinum business was the worst offense, but she had plenty of other transgressions. He had wanted her anyway, and now he had to deal with the consequences. He stopped under a portrait of his great-grandfather and scowled at the long-dead founder of the Eubian Concord.What possessed you to create Eube? He would never know the full story, anymore than he would ever fully know w h y hi s Sk oli a n g r a n df at h er, Eldrin s o n , h a d h el p e d Jai’s p ar e nt s g o int o e xil e. Eldrin s o n h a d ta k e n th at s e c r et t o hi s g r a v e . Ev e n h a vi n g n e v e r m e t hi s g r a n df at h e r in p er s o n , Jai m o ur n e d hi s d e at h. Ro b e rt w a s w aitin g . “Your Hig h n e s s ?” Jai turned to him. “Xira d Kalig a is n’t h el pin g e it h er. I c a n’t g e t str ai g ht a n s w e r s fr o m hi m a b o ut a n yt hin g .” “I c a n r e q ui siti o n a d diti o n al ESCo m m r e p o rt s.” “I d o u bt it will h el p.” Jai g ri m a c e d . “And I h a v e t o r e s p o n d t o Azar Tar atu s. Do y o u r e m e m b e r th e c r e dit s h e h a d t o r e p a y m y wif e for Kelric Vald ori a? Well, n o w h e w a nt s hi s m o n e y b a c k . He s a y s Vald ori a w a s w o rt h e v e n m o r e , a s a Ruby prin c e , th a n w h at Tar q ui n e p ai d.” “Tar atu s fully int e n d e d t o c h e at h er,” Ro b e rt s ai d. “T h at th e pr o vi d er turn e d o ut t o b e w o rt h m o r e th a n a n y o n e k n e w d o e s n’t c h a n g e th e fa ct th at th e a d m ir al c o m m itt e d fr au d.” Jai ru b b e d hi s e y e s . “Do y o u r e m e m b e r w h at I s ai d th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s h a d t o d o if a n in d e p e n d e nt a s s e s s m e n t d e t e r mi n e d Kelric w a s w o rt h m o r e th a n th e l o w v alu e th e y s e t?” Robert paused. “I b eli e v e , Your Hig h n e s s , y o u r e q uir e d th e m t o p a y th e e m p r e s s d o u bl e th e diff er e n c e .” “Ye s, w e ll, Tar q ui n e m a d e th e m d o it. It c a m e t o al m o s t thirty m illi o n.” Jai st art e d w al kin g a g ai n. “And s h e still h a s th e s e ttl e m e n t fr o m Tar atu s. I c a n’t l et h e r k e e p b o t h, Ro b e rt. Ev ery o n e is furi o u s . I h a v e t o d o s o m e t hi n g .” His ai d e bl a n c h e d . “Sh e m a y n ot a p pr e ci at e y o ur t ellin g h e r t o r etur n o n e .” “Sh e’llpulverize m e . ” It w o ul d m a k e n o diff er e n c e th at s h e w o ul d still b e b e tt er off e v e n if s h e g a v e b a c k o n e of th e settlements. She would never willingly part with her wealth. He stared up at his allegedly estimable ancestors on the walls and wondered what they would do. Whatever it was, it would probably appall him. Nor w a s Tar q uin e hi s o nly pr o bl e m . “Hig h Jud g e Muz e s a y s w e m u s t l et Razi q u o n o ut of pri s o n .” “You c a n r efu s e ,” Ro b e rt s ai d. “He b el o n g s in pri s o n .” “Of c o ur s e .”

“Ah, h ell.” Jai hit hi s fist o n hi s thi g h. “I’v e m a d e t o o m a n y e n e m i e s . If I r efu s e th e Hig h Jud g e , s o m e o n e will try t o a s s a s si n at e m e a g ai n.” His ai d e l o o k e d al ar m e d . “Bein g aliv e is d efinit ely m o r e d e sir a bl e .” “S o m e ti m e s I w o n d er,” Jai m utt er e d . Ro b e rt p ull e d hi m t o a h alt, for g ettin g n o o n e c o ul d t o u c h th e e m p e r o r wit h o ut hi s p er mi s si o n . “You m u s t n’t s a y th at! All Eu b e w o ul d m o ur n if a n yt hi n g h a p p e n e d t o y o u.” “Sur e th e y w o ul d. T h e y h a v e t o. I o w n m o s t of th e m .” “It ismore th a n th at. Much m o r e .” Ro b e rt s p o k e e a r n e s tly. “You a r e a ju st m a n . Go o d . De c e nt.” He p a u s e d , a n d Jai c o ul d al m o s t f e el hi m s e a r c hi n g for th e ri g ht w o r d s . “T h e s e u ni q u e tr aits m a k e y o u a Hig ht o n a m o n g Hig ht o n s .” That was tactful. Robert could have just come out and said the Hightons were greedy, selfcentered sadists. They would make anyone look good and decent. Maybe that was why Aristos talked in such convoluted forms. It made the truth less stark. “Eu b e n e e d s y o u,” Ro b e rt a d d e d . “T h a n k y o u.” Jai d o u bt e d hi s a d vi s e r s s h ar e d th at o pi ni o n , b ut h e a p pr e ci at e d hi s ai d e’ s l oy alty. He r e g ar d e d Ro b e rt c uri o u sly. “I w a s w o n d e rin g .” “Ye s, sir?” “Your n a m e . It s o u n d s Alli e d.” “It is m y fat h e r’ s n a m e . He c a m e fr o m Earth.” “Pir at e s att a c k e d hi s s hi p?” “Ye s.” His e x pr e s si o n cl o s e d . “My m o t h e r b o u g ht hi m . Sh e is a ta s k m a k er, b ut h e r fath er w a s a Hig ht o n l or d. Sh e ru n s a fa ct ory th at m a k e s r o b o t s.” A m u s cl e t wit c h e d u n d e r hi s e y e . “My fath er w a s h e r pr o vi d er.” Jai s p o k e q ui etly. “I’ m s o rry.” He e x p e ct e d Ro b e rt t o gi v e th e c a n o ni c al pl atitu d e a b o ut hi s m o t h e r h o n o rin g hi s fath er. Inst e a d , th e ai d e’ s fa c e w o r k e d a s if h e w e r e fig htin g t o hi d e hi s a n g er. His m e m o ri e s of hi s fath er c a m e thr o u g h d e s pit e Jai’s b a rri er s, i m a g e s of a m a n w h o h a d g ri e v e d for hi s l o st fr e e d o m b ut l o v e d hi s s o n . “At l e a st m y fath er is n o l o n g e r h e r fa v o rit e. He h a s a q ui et lif e n o w .” “Wo ul d y o u lik e hi m t o c o m e h e r e ? To th e p al a c e ?” Joyful s ur pri s e l e a pt in Ro b e rt’s m o o d , b ut h e g u ar d e d hi s r e s p o n s e . “If it w o ul d pl e a s e Your Hig h n e s s .” “I h a d th e i m pr e s si o n y o u m i s s e d hi m .” Ro b e rt st ar e d at hi m . T h e n , r e m e m b e ri n g hi m s elf, h e s ai d, “I a p pr e ci at e y o ur g e n e r o sity. I’v e h a r dly s e e n m y fath er in y e a r s . And I thin k h e w o ul d lik e t o c o m e . But I d o n’t k n o w if m y m o t h e r w o ul d l et hi m g o .” Jai th o u g ht o f Silv er, Kalig a’ s pr o vi d er, th e girl w h o h a d intr o d u c e d hi m t o l o v e . He k n e w n o w h e w o ul d n e v e r s e e h e r a g ai n. But Ro b ert h a d s ai d hi s fath er w a s n o l o n g e r hi s m o t h e r’ s fa v orit e. “I c a n m a k e a n off er. Wh at d o y o u thin k w o ul d w o r k?” Hop e c a m e fr o m Ro b e rt’s m i n d. “My m o t h e r lik e s j e w el s . Re al o n e s , n ot s y nt h eti c g e m s .” “I h a v e pl e nty of th o s e .” Jai g ri m a c e d . “Mor e th a n I’ll e v e r n e e d .” Ro b e rt h e sit at e d . “I d o n’t k n o w w h at m y fat h er c o ul d d o for y o u. He h a s n o tr ainin g for y o ur st aff.” “Wh at di d h e d o o n Earth?” “Art. He still p ai nt s. Moth er g a v e hi m a stu di o.” Jai b e a m e d at hi m . “W ell, th er e y o u h a v e it. He c a n h a v e a stu di o in th e p al a c e . You m a k e a rr a n g e m e n t s .” Ro b e rt’s c a uti o u s e x pr e s si o n g a v e w a y t o a s m il e. “Ye s, c e rt ai nly, I will ta k e c a r e o f it. T h a n k y o u, Your Hig h n e s s .” His g r atitu d e o v e rfl o w e d hi s th o u g ht s. “You a r e m o s t kin d. T h a n k y o u.”

Jai wanted to say,How can you thank me when you wear that collar around your neck? “I wi s h I c o ul d —” The scream of a siren drowned out his words. Jai clapped his hands over his ears, but that only made the agonizing noise echo inside his head. “Aa ai!” He stu m bl e d for w ar d, a w a r e of hi s Raz er s b ur stin g o ut o f s h a d o w s a r o u n d th e m a r bl e c ol u m n s . Ro b ert w a s s p e a ki n g ur g e ntly, b ut Jai c o ul d n’t h e ar. Oth er s g r a s p e d Jai, tryin g t o p ull hi s h a n d s off hi s e a r s . “G et a w a y!” Jai s h o ut e d . He lur c h e d a w a y fr o m th e m a n d p u s h e d th e h e el s of hi s h a n d s a g ai n st hi s e a r s , b ut th e u n b e a r a bl e s o u n d k e pt g o i n g o n a n d o n , inside of him. Backing up, Jai thudded into a pillar. He slid down to the ground, and bent over, folding his hands over his head. Someone was kneeling next to him and someone else was yelling orders. His head felt as if it would burst. The painful sound came at several frequencies, some so low he felt rather than heard them. Dark spots danced before his eyes and nausea surged in him. “Help m e . ” Jai l o o k e d u p int o Ro b e rt’s t errifi e d e y e s . On e Raz er h a d a m e d t a p e o n Jai’s a r m a n d a n o t h e r w a s s c a n ni n g hi m wit h s o m e d e vi c e , h e di d n’t k n o w w h at. Had th e y b e tr ay e d hi m ? It h a d t o b e s o m e o n e w h o c o ul d g e t cl o s e e n o u g h t o trig g e r w h at e v e r w a s s h att erin g hi s h e a d n o w. Jai groaned and doubled over. Clenching his fists, he hit them against his head. A rumble penetrated the unbearable noise, boots thudding on stone. Then more people were kneeling around him, doctors, officers, soldiers. Jai rocked back and forth, ready to add his own scream to the one killing him. “G o d s , m a k e it st o p,” h e c ri e d . Yet n o o n e e l s e s h o w e d a n y si g n o f di s c o m f ort, o r e v e n th at th e y h e a r d th e n oi s e . “It m u st b e th e m e di c al ar m in m y b o dy. It’s g o n e c r a zy.” So m e o n e s ai d, “Ca n y o u v e rify th at?” a n d s o m e o n e e l s e s ai d, “Ye s, w e ’ v e c o nfir m e d it.” A medic shot Jai with an air-syringe. He suddenly felt a s if a bl a n k et f ell o v e r hi m , ta kin g hi s si g ht, hi s s p e e c h , a n d th e n — m e r cifully — hi s h e a rin g . Gradually Jai became aware of the hall. His retinue had moved him to a black marble bench behind the columns. He closed his eyes and sat slumped, never so glad for silence. He wiped his palm against his cheek, smearing tears. “Your Hig h n e s s ?” a w o m a n a s k e d . He opened his eyes. A doctor was sitting with him on the bench. She wore the uniform of a lieutenant colonel in the ESComm medical corps, and the name patch o n h e r s h o ul d e r r e a d Lyra Qoxd a u g ht er. Sh e w a s o n e o f hi s r el ativ e s , p e r h a p s e v e n a d a u g ht er o f hi s g r a n df at h er. Jai’s Raz er s t o w e r e d a r o u n d th e b e n c h . He r e g ar d e d e v e r y o n e in st o n y sil e n c e , w o n d e rin g ju st w h at, if a ny, c o n n e c ti o n th e y e a c h h a d t o w h at h a d just happened. “Ho w d o y o u f e el?” th e d o ct or a s k e d . “Fin e .” He c o ul d n’t b e a r th e m i n d s of hi s b o d y g u ar d s . Raisin g hi s h e a d , h e s a w Ro b e rt st a n di n g n e a r by. He m o ti o n e d tir e dly, h o pi n g hi s ai d e u n d e r st o o d . Somehow Robert managed, with efficiency and discreti o n, t o n u d g e , c o a x, ur g e , a n d o t h e r wi s e p er s u a d e th e Raz er s t o m o v e b a c k . Alth o u g h th e y di d n’t wit h dr a w far e n o u g h t o e li mi n at e th e pr e s s ur e o n Jai’s m i n d, th e i m pr o v e m e n t m a d e hi m b r e at h e o ut in r eli ef. T h e d o ct or c o ntinu e d t o w a t c h hi m . “Why d o y o ur b o d y g u ar d s b o t h e r y o u?” “I lik e priv a cy.” T h e s h o rt er hi s a n s w e r s , th e b e tt er. “T h e y c a n d o th eir jo b b e tt er if th e y d o n’t h a v e t o st a y s o far a w ay.” “T h e y’r e still wit h m e .” Jai k n e w if h e di d n’t gi v e h e r a pl a u si bl e e x pl a n ati o n, s h e w o ul d k e e p pr o bi n g . “I’ m n ot u s e d t o p e o pl e . I liv e d al o n e for m o s t o f m y lif e.” He ru b b e d hi s h e a d . “Do y o u k n o w w h at h a p p e n e d t o th e al ar m in m y b o d y?” His v oi c e turn e d c ol d. “I w a nt th e n a m e s

of e v e r y o n e w h o h a s w o r k e d o n it.” Her fa c e p al e d . “I pr o g r a m m e d it, Your Hig h n e s s . Pl e a s e b e a s s ur e d I w o ul d n e v e r d o a n yt hin g t o h ar m y o ur p er s o n . I n e v e r s e t it u p t o h urt y o u.” Jai c o ul d t ell, fr o m h e r m i n d, th at s h e t ol d th e truth. “T h e n w h at h a p p e n e d ?” “S o m e o n e alt er e d it t o aff e ct y o ur n e r v o u s s y st e m a n d b r ai n a s if y o u w e r e a ctu ally e x p e ri e n ci n g th e s o u n d s y o u h e a r d. It w a s tri g g e r e d fr o m a di st a n c e . Had it c o ntin u e d l o n g e n o u g h , it w o ul d h a v e kill e d y o u.” An ot h e r a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt. He w a s n’t g oi n g t o l et th e m wi n, d a m n it. “Wh o c o ul d h a v e d o n e it?” She pushed back tendrils of ye ll o w a n d g r a y h air th at h a d e s c a p e d th e r oll o n h e r h e a d . “I c a n’t s a y for c e rt ain.” “T h e n g u e s s .” “I’v e s e e n thi s t e c h ni q u e b ef or e . Dia m o n d Arist o s in Sap p hir e S e ct or u s e it t o c o ntr ol th eir ta s k m a k e r s .” T h e d o ct or h e sit at e d. “I s u p p o s e th at d o e s n’t m a k e m u c h s e n s e .” “Unfortun at ely it d o e s .” Tar q uin e w a s si p h o ni n g m illi o n s o ut o f Sap p hir e S e ct or. Jai r o s e t o hi s f e et, th e n g r a b b e d th e d o ct o r’ s s h o ul d er a s dizzin e s s s w e pt o v e r hi m . After hi s h e a d st e a di e d , h e t o o k a l o n g b r e at h a n d l et g o o f h e r s h o ul d er. Qoxd a u g ht er st ar e d at hi m in u n di s g ui s e d s h o c k . Ev e n thr o u g h hi s fortifi e d b a rri er s, h e c a u g ht h e r th o u g ht; s h e w o ul d n’t h a v e e x p e c t e d hi m e v e n t o t o u c h a ta s k m a k er, l et al o n e l e a n o n h e r for s u p p o rt. Jai inclined his head to her. Then, motioning to Robert, h e s e t off d o w n th e h all. Ro b e rt h urri e d aft er wit h hi m . “Your Hig h n e s s , y o u m u st n’t p u s h y o ur s elf s o h ar d aft er s u c h a n att a c k.” Jai s c o wl e d . “I h a v e b u si n e s s t o ta k e c a r e o f.” Robert continued to protest, but Jai refused to slow down. His bodyguards and Dr. Qoxdaughter caught up and kept pace with them, but no one attempted to stop him, which was a good thing, because in the mood he was in right now, Jai thought he might have punched anyone who tried. Jai w o ul d h a v e sl a m m e d o p e n th e d o o r t o Tar q uin e’ s office if it had been slammable, rather than a molecular airlock that remained solid until he approached, at which time it shimmered and vanished. Actually, it underwent a change in molecular configuration that made it transparent and permeable to humans. It was impressively effective in ensuring no unwanted gases seeped into the office, but a dud when it came to door-banging. Insid e , Tar q ui n e w a s st a n di n g b e hi n d h e r d e s k , stu dyin g a h ol o m a p . As Jai str o d e in, s h e l o o k e d at hi m o v e r th e m a p . “Did w e h a v e a n a p p oi nt m e nt?” “Wh at?” Jai d e m a n d e d . “I n e e d a n a p p oi nt m e nt t o s e e m y wif e? I d o n’t think s o .” He st alk e d t o h e r d e s k a n d s m a c k e d a p a n el o n its s urf a c e , m a ki n g th e m a p v a ni s h. “S o m e o n e ju st tri e d t o a s s a s si n at e m e . It m i g ht b e th e Dia m o n d Arist o s in Sap p hir e S e ct or. Sur ely y o u r e m e m b e r th e m .” Tar q uin e l o o k e d a r o u n d th e offic e , at th e m a n y Raz er s , th e m e di c, a n d a v e ry a git at e d Ro b ert. “Is th at w h y y o u’v e a c q uir e d all th e s e al ar m e d l o o ki n g p e o pl e ?” “I’ m n ot th e o nly o n e w h o h a s a c q uir e d th e m .” Jai s w u n g a r o u n d t o th e Raz er c a pt ai n. “S e e th at m y wif e is pr ot e ct e d .” T h e Raz er n o d d e d . “W e a r e o n al ert st atu s fo ur ri g ht n o w , Your Hig h n e s s . T h e p al a c e is s e c ur e d . No o n e c a n e n t er o r l e a v e , a n d w e ’ v e st e p p e d u p pr ot e cti o n for b o t h y o u a n d Em pr e s s Tar q ui n e .” “Do it for Lord Xir, t o o ,” Jai s ai d. Cor b al w a s st a yin g at th e p al a c e , s u p p o s e dly t o g e t t o k n o w Jai b e tt er, th o u g h Jai k n e w p e rf e ctly w e ll hi s c o u si n w a s k e e pi n g a n e y e o n Tar q uin e . As th e c a pt ai n s p o k e int o hi s g a u ntl et c o m m , Jai turn e d b a c k t o Tar q uin e . “F or s o m e r e a s o n

th e Arist o s in Sap p hir e S e ct or a r e n’t h a p py. I c a n’t i m a gi n e w hy.” Her g a z e turn e d icy. “I’ m n ot th at e a s y t o kill.” “N eith er a m I. T h at h a s n’t st o p p e d p e o pl e fr o m tryin g.” He w a nt e d t o s h a k e h er. “G o d s , Tar q uin e , w e c a n’t k e e p turnin g th e p al a c e int o a n a r m e d c a m p .” Sh e r e g ar d e d hi m wit h a s c r utiny th at w o ul d h a v e b o r e d a h ol e thr o u g h hi m if it h a d b e e n a la s er. “W e?” “Ye s, w e .” “I’v e n o id e a w h at y o u m e a n .” Jai thr e w hi s h a n d s u p int o th e air. “Of c o ur s e n ot! Wh at w a s I thinkin g ? You’r e ju st in h e r e pl a n ni n g b all s a n d g al a s lik e a ni c e e m p r e s s .” Unexp e ct e dly, s h e s m il e d. “No, I s u p p o s e n ot.” “W e h a v e t o d o s o m e t hi n g a b o ut Sap p hir e S e ct or.” “I a g r e e .” T h at w a s a s ur pri s e . “Any id e a s ?” Her v oi c e h ar d e n e d . “I r at h er lik e d y o ur s ol uti o n wit h Razi q u o n .” Jai st ar e d at h er, a l o c k o f hi s h air fallin g o v e r hi s for e h e a d . “You w a nt m e t o thr o w th e e n tir e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n in pri s o n ? On w h at th e h ell g r o u n d s ?” “T h e y tri e d t o kill y o u. I s h o ul d thin k th at is g r o u n d s e n o u g h .” “And I c o n vi ct th e m o n w h at e vi d e n c e ?” “A la c k o f e vi d e n c e di d n’t st o p y o u wit h Razi q u o n .” “Ihad e vi d e n c e th er e . Sunri s e’ s t e sti m o ny. I d o n’t h a v e any n o w .” Her c al m d e m e a n o r di d n’t s h o w th e sli g ht e st c r a c k. “I’ m s ur e y o u c a n fin d s o m e .” “You’r e o ut o f y o ur m i n d.” “You h a v e a b e tt er id e a ?” “Ye s. Giv e Sap p hir e S e ct or b a c k its pl atin u m .” Her lau g h h el d n o hi nt o f h u m or. “You’v e a s h ar p wit.” He b r a c e d hi s fist s o n h e r d e s k , r e stin g hi s w e i g ht o n th e m a s h e l e a n e d t o w ar d h er. “Ho w m a n y m o r e o f y o ur d e al s a r e g oi n g t o bl o w u p in o ur fa c e s ?” “You w o ul d l et th e s e c o w a r dly att a c k e r s s e n d y o u run nin g ?” Sh e c r o s s e d h e r a r m s . “You s h a m e y o ur a n c e s t or s.” “Bulls hit.” Jai m e t h e r g a z e . “If it w a s n’t for m y e s t e e m e d a n c e s t or s a n d th eir w o n k o id e a s a b o ut h o w t o run thin g s , w e w o ul d n’t h a v e t o liv e thi s w a y, al w a y s afr ai d of a s s a s si n s , c r o o k s , a n d t ortur er s.” “Bulls hit? Won k o ?” Sh e p ut o n e h a n d o n h e r hip. “Wh at d o th e s e w o r d s m e a n ?” “It’s r etr o-sl a n g fr o m — o h , n e v e r m i n d.” Re mi n di n g h e r th at o nly a f e w m o n t h s a g o h e h a d b e e n in hi g h s c h o ol w a s h ar dly g oi n g to increase his influence now. He pushed away from the desk and paced across the office. The Razers were checking the room, and Robert stood by the door, waiting. Dr. Qoxdaughter kept a discreet distance, but Jai could tell she was monitoring both him and Tarquine. Jai st o p p e d in fr o nt o f th e Raz er c a pt ai n. “Any n e w s o n m y c o u si n, Lord Xir?” T h e c a pt ai n s o m e h o w str ai g ht e n e d e v e n m o r e , th o u g h th at s e e m e d i m p o s si bl e gi v e n hi s alr e a d y rigi d p o stur e . “Your Most Glori o u s Hig h n e s s — ” T h e n h e cl e ar e d hi s thr o at. Ah, hell.“Wh at’s w r o n g ?” “Lor d Xir l eft th e p al a c e ju st b ef or e y o u w e r e att a c k e d .” “W ell, w e ll,” Tar q uin e m u r m ur e d . Ign orin g h er, Jai p u s h e d th e l o c k o f h air off hi s for e h e a d . “Wh er e is h e ?” “W e’r e s e a r c hi n g for hi m .” T h e c a pt ai n’ s m i n d l e a k e d fat ali s m ; h e fully e x p e ct e d Jai t o p u ni s h hi m for d eliv erin g s u c h u n pl e a s a nt n e w s . “Lor d Xir r e c ei v e d a tr a n s m i s si o n thr o u g h th e Kyle w e b b ef or e h e l eft.”

Jai stiffened. Although the web was slowly coming back up, it was still rare for Eubians to receive messages throug h it. T h e y h a d a c c e s s t o th e w e b s o nly o n th e s uff er a n c e of th e Sk oli a n s . No Arist o w o ul d p ut u p wit h th e h u mili ati o n o f r e q u e stin g Sk oli a n h el p u nl e s s th e m e s s a g e w a s i m p o rt a nt a n d w o rt h th at h u m blin g pri c e . “Do y o u h a v e a r e c o r d of it?” The captain shook hi s h e a d . “T h e m e s s a g e w a s t o o w e ll s e c ur e d . Ho w e v er, S e c urity di d tr a c e th e tr a n s m i s si o n . It o ri gin at e d in Sap p hir e S e ct or.” “Ho w in c o n v e ni e nt for Cor b al,” Tar q uin e s ai d. Jai s w u n g a r o u n d a n d s c o wl e d at h er. “St o p it.” “Your l oy alty is c h a r mi n g , Hus b a n d. Fat al, t o o .” He w e nt o v e r t o h e r d e s k . “Cor b al w o ul d n’t b e thi s o b vi o u s .” To hi s s ur pri s e , s h e n o d d e d in th e Hig ht o n styl e th at in di c at e d s h e a g r e e d wit h hi m . “H e m a y b e m a n y thin g s , m o s t of th e m a g g r a v atin g, b ut ‘ o b vi o u s’ is n’t o n e of th e m .” Jai blinked at h er. T h e n h e gl a n c e d at th e c a pt ai n. “Fin d Lord Xir.” “Rig ht a w ay, Your Hig h n e s s .” “I d o u bt h e’ s still o n th e pl a n et,” Tar q uin e s ai d. “Do y o u n o w ?” Jai c o n si d e r e d h er. “Ho w int er e stin g.” Sh e r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “Int er e stin g?” “T h at th e Dia m o n d s att a c k e d m e in st e a d of y o u.” “P er h a p s m y s e c urity is b e tt er th a n y o ur s.” “W e h a v e th e s a m e s e c urity.” He h a d n o d o u bt s h e c o m m a n d e d r e s o ur c e s n eit h er h e n o r hi s st aff k n e w a b o ut, b ut th at di d n’t m a tt er. He h a d pi c k e d u p w h at h e n e e d e d fr o m h e r m i n d: s h e h a d n’t tri e d t o m u r d e r hi m . If h e h a d n’t b e e n a p si o n , h e k n e w n ot hi n g c o ul d h a v e a p p e a s e d hi s d o u bt s . T h e Raz er c a pt ai n s p o k e . “Wo ul d y o u lik e u s t o tak e th e e m p r e s s int o c u st o dy, Your Hig h n e s s ?” Tar q uin e g a v e th e c a pt ai n a for bi d di n g st ar e . “You o v e r st e p y o ur s elf.” Jai di d n’t w a nt h e r in c u st o d y; h e n e e d e d h e r s a v v y if h e int e n d e d t o c o ntin u e b r e at hin g. Of c o ur s e hi s e n e m i e s w a nt e d hi m t o m i stru st h er. T h e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n h a d pr o b a bly s e t h e r u p, if th e y a c tu ally w e r e th e a s s a s si n s a n d h a d n’t b e e n fr a m e d b y s o m e o ne else. Given all the schemes Aristos inflicted on one another, gods only knew who had done what. To th e c a pt ai n h e s ai d o nly, “No, d o n’t ta k e h e r int o c u st o dy.” He g a v e Tar q uin e a m e a s urin g g a z e . “You m a y b e m a n y thin g s , m y l o v e , b ut ‘o b vi o u s’ is n’t o n e of th e m .” A s m il e c ur v e d h e r lip s. “You h a v e wi s d o m .” “Your Hig h n e s s .” T h e c a pt ai n s o u n d e d ur g e nt. Jai turn e d a r o u n d. “Ye s?” “S e c urity h a s l o c at e d Lor d Xir.” T h e m u s cl e s in Jai’s b a c k s p a s m e d . T h e y h a d b e c o m e s o tig ht, h e w o n d e r e d if th e y w o ul d e v e r r el ax a g ai n. “G o o n .” T h e c a pt ai n k e pt hi s fa c e n e utr al, a s if h e w e r e d e alin g wit h e x pl o si v e s . “H e w e nt t o th e st ar p ort.” “S o.” Tar q uin e s ai d m o r e wit h th at o n e w o r d th a n a n e n tir e s p e e c h o n b e tr a y al. Jai r efu s e d t o b eli e v e Cor b al w a s tryin g t o e s c a p e . “Why di d h e g o th er e ?” “W e a r e c h e c ki n g ,” th e c a pt ai n s ai d. “Ye s, y o u d o th at,” Tar q ui n e m u r m ur e d , w a t c hi n g th e Raz er a s if s h e w e r e a h a w k a n d h e a r o d e nt. “Tak e hi m int o c u st o dy, Capt ain, ju st lik e y o u w a nt e d t o d o wit h m e .” Jai gritted his teeth. He wanted to te ll h e r t o st o p, b ut h e c o ul d n’t ris k m a ki n g h e r f e el a s if s h e h a d l o st fa c e in fr o nt of hi s st aff. In th e s uff o c atin g at m o s p h e r e , th e m i n d s of th e Raz er s pr e s s e d o n hi m . Re stin g hi s p al m s o n Tar q uin e’ s d e s k , h e l e a n e d hi s w e i g ht for w ar d a n d dr o p p e d hi s h e a d . “G o,” h e s ai d thr o u g h cl e n c h e d t e et h. “All of y o u. Fin d Cor b al a n d d et ai n

hi m .” Robert cleared everyone away. Only half the guards left the room, but the rest doubled their distance from Jai. No one was imprudent enough to ask Tarquine to move. Jai coul d s e e h e r h a n d r e stin g o n th e d e s k n e a r hi s. He di d n’t r ai s e hi s h e a d , th o u g h h e k n e w s h e w a s s e e i n g hi m fig ht a n int er n al b attl e s h e c o ul d n e v e r u n d e r st a n d. He t ol d hi m s elf h e di d n’t c a r e w h at s h e th o u g ht. His h e a d thr o b b e d a n d n a u s e a r oll e d o v e r hi m . Sh e s p o k e q ui etly. “Jai bri ol?” Lifting his head, he looked into her eyes. He expected to see scorn but found concern instead. It disconcerted him. He sensed how much she wanted to ask,What is it? But she held back, giving him the same face-saving respect he h a d gi v e n h er. Go d s willin g, n o n e o f th e m w o ul d e v e r g u e s s h e c o ul d n’t b e a r th e Hig ht o n m i n d s o f hi s Raz er s. Tar q uin e w a s th e o nly o n e h e l et st a y wit h hi m , a n d s h e h a d m o r e Hig ht o n lin e a g e th a n a n y of hi s g u ar d s . As Jai straightened up, the medic stepped toward him. He shook his head, stopping her advance. Nothing she could do would help. He felt trapped, with no escape. None.

27 Accusations Corbal waited in the arrivals lounge. In the distance, the spires of ships in dock gleamed against the sky. A magrail car was crossing the port. Most such cars followed a set route, picking up arrivals and delivering passengers, but Corbal had arranged for this one privately, to honor his guests. As the car pulled up to the platform outside, Corbal went to the window with his bodyguards. Normally he would have sent an aide to the port to meet his business associates, but given the difficulties in this deal, he had come in person. The message from the Diamond Coalition had subtly indicated they would appreciate the implied honor. A woman stepped out of the magcar, a taskmaker rather than the expected Diamond Aristo. Puzzled, Corbal went to the entrance. The wall there shimmered and vanished. T h e ta s k m a k e r a p pr o a c h e d hi m a n d b o w e d d e e ply. “My h o n o r at y o ur pr e s e n c e , Lord Xir.” “My Lin e gi v e s y o u w e l c o m e .” Cor b al c o n si d e r e d h er. “You r e pr e s e nt th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n?” “Ye s, sir. My l or d s a n d la di e s o f th e Co aliti o n in vit e y o u t o th eir y a c ht a s a n h o n o r e d g u e s t. T h e y wi s h t o e x pr e s s th eir a p pr e ci ati o n for y o ur dipl o m a c y a n d e x p e rti s e in r e st orin g th eir c o nfid e n c e .” Sh e in di c at e d th e c ar. “Pl e a s e all o w m e t o off er y o u tr a n s p o rt ati o n t o th eir s hip.” Corbal hesitated. The invitation was well made, and he would enjoy a night hosted by Diamond Aristos in the fashionable hospitality o f th eir y a c ht. It al s o b o d e d w e ll for th e r e e s t a bli s h m e nt o f r el ati o n s wit h th e Co aliti o n. But h e di d n’t lik e it. He c o ul d n’t s a y w hy, b ut h e di d n’t tru st th e invit ati o n. “Your h o s t s a r e g r a ci o u s ,” h e s ai d. “Pl e a s e e xt e n d m y a p pr e ci ati o n t o th e m . It is wit h r e g r et th at I m u st d e clin e ; I h a v e d uti e s t o th e e m p e r o r I c a n n o t m i s s .” He a c tu ally h a d n ot hin g s c h e d ul e d, b ut h e n e e d e d o nly st o p b y Jai’s offic e t o m a k e hi s e x c u s e r e al. T h e w o m a n flu s h e d . Ob vi o u sly s h e h a d n’t e x p e ct e d a r efu s al. “Ye s, o f c o ur s e , sir.” Aft er a f e w m o r e e x c h a n g e s , th e ai d e b o a r d e d th e m a g c a r a n d d e p art e d . De e p in th o u g ht, Cor b al c r o s s e d th e l o u n g e , fla n k e d b y hi s Raz er s . He c o ul d n’t is ol at e w h y th e in vit ati o n tr o u bl e d hi m . It w a s s o m e t hi n g a b o ut th e ai d e’ s attitu d e , p er h a p s u ni nt e nti o n al clues she gave with her tense posture. But clues to what? Kelric felt the mind of the Ruby Pharaoh. Standing at a window of his home, contemplating

the hills outside, he knew when she entered the gallery. He turned to see her walk out of the shadows. Wind gusted through the open windows, carrying the fresh smell of the hills and stirring her hair, which hung dark against her pale jumpsuit. She seemed ethereal, intangible. Decades before she ascended to the throne, she had been a renowned mathematician. Then she had focused her luminous intellect on the Kyle web. She might share authority with the Assembly now, but it was she who ruled the webs. Sh e join e d hi m at th e wi n d o w . “My g r e e tin g s , Kelric.” Her v oi c e h a d a lyric ally r e s o n a nt q u ality. “My g r e e tin g s , De hy a.” They stood together, gazing at the hills that rolled from the mansion down into the valley. Kelric felt at ease with the silence. When she was ready, she would speak. “T h e Tr a d e r s h a v e m o v e d a g ai n st u s ,” s h e fin ally s ai d. He gl a n c e d at h er. “Ho w?” “T h eir pir at e s b o a r d e d a Sk oli a n y a c ht.” Sh e turn e d t o hi m . “T h e y st ol e th e s hip, t err oriz e d th e p a s s e n g e r s , a n d ki d n a p p e d a Sk oli a n m a n n a m e d Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e .” Kelric swore under his breath. With the peace talks set to begin in a few tendays, they and the Traders had kept an unspoken truce, neither side upsetting the precarious cease-fire that allowed the talks to proceed. This could collapse that fragile accord. “Is Ard oi s e a p si o n?” Kelric a s k e d . Ang er s p ar k e d in De hy a’ s m i n d. “Ye s .” Damn.They would se ll hi m a s a pr o vi d er, m a ki n g thi s e v e n w o r s e . “Did th e o t h e r p a s s e n g e r s s ur viv e ?” “Ye s, b ut th e y all s uff er e d s pik er injuri e s .” He cl e n c h e d hi s fist at hi s si d e . “W e c a n’t all o w thi s t o p a s s .” She pushed back tendrils of hair that had blown across her face . “T h e p a s s e n g e r s s ai d th e pir at e s cl ai m e d t o w o r k for th e Lin e o f Xir. Cor b al Xir.” “T h e s a m e Cor b al Xir w h o w o ul d h a v e b e c o m e e m p e r o r if Jai bri ol th e T hird h a d n’t s h o w n u p?” “Ye s.” Sh e s o u n d e d tir e d. “T h at Xir.” Kelric leaned his arm against the top of th e wi n d o w a n d r e st e d hi s for e h e a d o n hi s for e ar m , g a zi n g at th e p a st or al v all e y o ut si d e , th o u g h its b e a uty n o l o n g e r c al m e d hi m . T h e y c o ul d n’t talk p e a c e wit h th e Tr a d e r s w hil e Tr a d e r pir at e s t err oriz e d Sk oli a n citiz e n s . Security fliers apprehended Corbal when his hovercar was five kilometers from the port. Corbal sat, stiff and uneasy, while the captain of his bodyguards spoke with a Razer in one of the oncoming fliers. Corbal had never been so glad to have proof, in the log of his hovercar, that he was returning to the palace. The fliers escorted them back. At the palace, aircraft and soldiers were on patrol everywhere. Laser systems blinked on the roof, and Corbal had no doubt many other defenses were activated. Vitar Bartholson, the head of palace Security, m e t th e m at th e la n di n g fi el d. He tr e at e d Cor b al wit h r e s p e ct — a n d m a d e hi m a pri s o n er. Cor b al w a s h e a rtily tir e d of b ei n g tak e n int o c u st o dy. Security officers surrounded them as they walked through the palace. At least they headed for the suite where he and Sunrise were staying; if he had to be a prisoner, he preferred the familiarity of his own rooms and provider. He covertly studied Bartholson. According to the files compiled by Xir security, this Qox security chief was the half-Aristo son of Barthol Iquar, brother of the current empress and father of the previous empress. Alth o u g h Cor b al di d n’t w a nt t o s p e a k first, hi s n e e d t o k n o w w h at h a d h a p p e n e d o ut w ei g h e d hi s r eti c e n c e . He c o ul d ju st a s k Barth ol s o n w h y th e p al a c e w a s u n d e r a l o c k d o w n , b ut th e

commander had enough status to merit a less direct approach, particularly given his control over the present situation. “I w o ul d r e gr et,” Cor b al s ai d, “t o s e e a n y m i sf ortu n e b ef all His Imp eri al Hig h n e s s .” “It w o ul d b e u nf ortu n at e ,” Barth ol s o n s ai d, m e ti c u lously neutral. “Is His Hig h n e s s w e ll?” Barth ol s o n gl a n c e d at hi m . “Ye s , sir. T h e a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt fail e d.” Hell and damnation. Corbal knew then that his decision to decline a visit to the Diamond yacht may have saved his life. If he had been discovere d l e a vi n g th e pl a n et d urin g a n a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt, th e i m pli c ati o n c o ul d h a v e b e e n d e a dly —f or hi m . With careful prodding, he convinced Bartholson to give him the details. They puzzled Corbal. Although it looked like the Diamonds had set him up, he didn’t b eli e v e it. T h e e x pl a n ati o n w a s t o o c o n v e ni e nt. Ho w h e w a s g oi n g t o c o n vi n c e a n y o n e e l s e o f th at, a n d hi s in n o c e n c e , r e m ai n e d t o b e s e e n . Jai str o d e int o Cor b al’ s s uit e, a g ai n wi s hi n g h e c o ul d sl a m a d o or. Acr o s s th e livin g r o o m , Cor b al w a s stu dyin g a wall-size holomap of the local starport. “Wh at th e flaming hell w e r e y o u thinkin g?” Jai d e m a n d e d . “Why d o n’t y o u ju st s h o o t m e , Cor b al, a n d g e t it o v e r wit h?” His c o u si n turn e d , hi s b o d y sil h o u ett e d a g ai n st th e h ol o m a p . “I w o ul d n e v e r b rin g h a r m t o y o ur p er s o n .” He e v e n s o u n d e d si n c e r e . “I’ m n ot talkin g a b o ut th e fu c kin g a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt.” Cor b al’s m o ut h tig ht e n e d . “On e m i g ht s u g g e s t, Your Hig h n e s s , th at o b s e r vin g pr o p e r c o urt pr ot o c ol will yi el d m o r e pr o d u ctiv e r e s ult s th a n pr of a nity.” “S o w a s h m y m o ut h o ut wit h s o a p .” “Wh at w o ul d p o s s e s s m e t o d o s u c h a biz arr e thin g?” Jai st alk e d o v e r t o hi m . “Did y o u r e ally n e e d a Sk oli a n y a c ht? Your billi o n s o f sl a v e s a n d trilli o n s of c r e dit s a r e n’t e n o u g h ? Nev er m i n d th at thi s m a y h a v e tr a s h e d o ur talk s wit h th e Sk oli a n s . Wh at d o e s int er st ell ar p e a c e m a tt er c o m p a r e d t o y o ur att ainin g a littl e m o r e w e alt h?” “Ar e y o u d o n e ?” Jai stru g gl e d wit h hi s a n g er. “Why?Why di d y o u d o it?” “Do w h at?” “Oh, e x c u s e m e , I for g ot th at pr o p e r Hig ht o n di s c o ur s e in clu d e s d e n yi n g c ulp a bility for e v e r yt hin g a n d a n yt hin g .” A m u s cl e t wit c h e d u n d e r Cor b al’ s e y e . “I w e n t t o th e st ar p ort t o m e e t r e pr e s e nt ativ e s o f th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n. I di d n’t tru st th eir invit ati o n, s o I c a m e b a c k h e r e .” “I’ m n ot talkin g a b o ut th at.” Cor b al blin k e d . “T h e n w h at?” “Your pir at e s .” His c o u si n’ s g a z e u nf o c u s e d sli g htly, th e w a y it al w a y s di d w h e n h e li e d. “I k n o w o f n o pir at e s .” “Rig ht. You for g et th o s e frig at e s th at w o r k for y o u?” Cor b al c r o s s e d hi s m u s c ul ar a r m s . “Wh e n m a ki n g a c c u s ati o n s , it b e h o o v e s th e a c c u s e r t o h a v e pr o of.” “T h at’ s all y o u h a v e t o s a y?” Jai w a nt e d t o b ur st. “Da m n it all, Cor b al, c o ul d n’t y o u at l e a st h a v e c all e d th e m off u ntil aft er th e p e a c e talk s?” His c o u si n l o w e r e d hi s a r m s , hi s for e h e a d furr o wi n g . “It is difficult t o c all off w h at is n’t o n .” “A th o u s a n d d e ni al s w o n’t u n d o th e truth.” “A ‘truth’ m a y b e fal s e .”

Jai p a u s e d . As h e h a d c o m e t o k n o w Cor b al b e tt er, h e h a d g r o w n attu n e d t o hi s c o u si n’ s m i n d a n d t e n d e d t o e a s e hi s d ef e n s e s in Cor b al’s pr e s e n c e , at l e a st a s m u c h a s h e c o ul d b e a r wit h hi s Raz er s a r o u n d. Co nfu si o n c a m e fr o m th e o l d e r m a n n o w , n ot d e c e pti o n. Jai pi c k e d u p o t h e r d e t ail s, t o o ; if h e h a d e v e r d o u bt e d Cor b al fin a n c e d a fl e et of pir at e s , h e n o l o n g e r di d. But Cor b al h a d n’t s e nt th e m o ut r e c e ntly; if a n yt hi n g, h e h a d s h o w n u nusual restraint. “Ah, h ell,” Jai s ai d. “I w o ul d h e a r thi s a c c u s ati o n a g ai n st m e .” “T h e Sk oli a n Ass e m bly s e nt a pr ot e st t o o ur F or ei g n Affair s Ministry.” Jai s p o k e tir e dly. “Pir at e s b o a r d e d a Sk oli a n y a c ht, s pik e d th e p a s s e n g e r s , st ol e th e y a c ht, a n d ki d n a p p e d a Sk oli a n citiz e n .” Cor b al st ar e d at hi m . “I h a d n ot hin g t o d o wit h it.” Jai had no doubt Corbal could look him straight in the eye and deny any link to the pirates. Had Jai not been a psion, he would never have believed him. The trail led straight to his cousin, and palace security had found no evidence of anyone else involved. If Jai had accused Corbal in public, he could never have retracted it, even if he later found proof that someone set up the Xir lord. Taking back the accusation would have meant admitting the emperor himself had leveled a false accusation of major proportions, a crisis that would undermine his reign. But Jai was a psion. He knew Corbal was telling the truth. He felt as if he had just dodged another attack, this one on his charact er r at h er th a n hi s lif e. He s p o k e in a s u b d u e d v oi c e . “I h a v e h e a r d th at th o s e wit h o ut wi s d o m s o m e ti m e s fo oli s hly a c c e pt a c c u s ati o n s w h e n th e truth is a n yt hin g b ut o b vi o u s .” Until Cor b al’ s s h o ul d er s r el ax e d , Jai h a d n’t r e aliz e d h o w m u c h th e o l d e r m a n h a d t e n s e d . “Your Hig h n e s s s h o w s in si g ht.” It w a s pr o b a bly th e cl o s e s t Cor b al c o ul d c o m e t o s a yi n g , apology accepted. Jai walked to the couch and sank down onto it. His Razers remained at their posts, discreet as always, but he felt their disapproval. They thought him foolish, to back down so easily. Cor b al s p o k e wit h c a r e . “T h e Lin e of Xir s u p p o rt s th e p e a c e talk s.” Jai ru b b e d hi s e y e s . “T h e e vi d e n c e s a y s o t h e r wi s e .” “Su c h e vi d e n c e c a n b e c o n v e ni e nt t o th o s e w h o wi s h t o di s cr e dit s o m e o n e .” Jai rested his elbows o n hi s k n e e s , cl a s pi n g hi s h a n d s b e t w e e n th e m . “T h at l e a v e s th e q u e sti o n of w h o c r e at e d th e e vi d e n c e .” Bitt erly h e a d d e d , “P er h a p s th o s e p e o pl e s p ar kl e, ju st lik e m y w o ul d-b e a s s a s si n s .” “It w o ul d b e stupi d for th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n t o s e t m e u p o r att e m pt a n a s s a s si n ati o n.” “T h e n w h o ?” “I d o n’t k n o w .” It di d n’t s ur pri s e hi m th at Cor b al s ai d n o m o r e . Jai w a s a c ut ely a w a r e o f th e Raz er s list e ni n g . Neith er h e n o r Cor b al d ar e d m a k e a c c u s ati o n s . He h a d a n o d d s e n s e , a s if Cor b al w e r e trying to create pressure against his mind. Jai took a deep breath. Then he did what he had dreaded since coming to Eube; he completely lowered his barriers. Jai silently gasped at the onslaught from the Razers. He felt as if an avalanche was burying him in suffocating darkness. Stru g glin g a g ai n st th e s e n s ati o n, h e fo c u s e d o n Cor b al. His c o u si n’ s th o u g ht c a m e thr o u g h lik e a faint v oi c e in a r o ar o f n oi s e : Check ESComm. Jai could take no more. Pressing the heels of his hands against his temples, he rebuilt his barriers. He hated that th e Raz er s w e r e tr a n s c e n di n g at a l o w l e v el b e c a u s e o f hi s di s c o m f ort. T h e y w e r e n’t c o n s ci o u s o f it; th e y ju st k n e w th e y f elt b e tt er w h e n th e y w e r e a r o u n d th eir e m p e r or. Jai di d n’t m i s s th e ir o ny, th at th e di str e s s th e y c a u s e d hi m al s o in cr e a s e d th eir l oy alty to him. He l o w e r e d hi s h a n d s . “I s h o ul d c h e c k o n Tar q uin e .”

Cor b al’s v oi c e c o o l e d . “On e m i g ht w o n d e r w h y th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n s p ar e d y o ur wif e.” Jai stiff e n e d . “Do n ot pr e s u m e t o o far o n o ur kin s hip.” “My a p ol o gi e s , Your Hig h n e s s .” He recognized Corbal’s c h all e n g e fr o m hi s c o u si n’ s stiff p o stur e r at h er th a n hi s a p p ar e ntly c o n cili at ory w o r d s . Cor b al w a nt e d t o k n o w h o w Jai c o ul d b e s o s ur e in hi s b e li ef th at th e e m p r e s s h a d n’t tri e d t o kill hi m . Qui etly Jai s ai d, “T h e s a m e w a y I a m s ur e a b o ut y o u.” The Xir l or d st ar e d at hi m , st artl e d int o sil e n c e , hi s r e s p o n s e s o str o n g it p e n e tr at e d e v e n Jai’s r e b uilt b a rri er s: Cor b al u n d e r st o o d e x a ctly w h at h e m e a n t. Jai h a d a n a n s w e r th e n t o a q u e sti o n th at h a d tr o u bl e d hi m si n c e h e first m e t hi s c o u si n. Corbal knew he was a telepath.

28 Psions The false leads went nowhere. The Intelligence Ministry conducted an investigation, thorough and detailed, aided by palace Security. Jai and Robert also searched every database they could find. No Diamond yacht had been in orbit the day Corbal went to the port. The Coalition denied sending him a message, yet he had a verified record of their conversation. Despite the circumstantial evidence against the Coalition, no proof surfaced to justify an accusation of assassination, just as none had ever been found against the Line of Raziquon in the first attempt. Innu e n d o s wirl e d e v e r y w h e r e . Ru m o r s a b o ut Jai’s e c c e ntri citi e s pr olif er at e d . Sp e c ul ati o n a b o ut Cor b al r a n g e d fr o m in s ultin g b ut h a r ml e s s s u g g e s ti o n s of a b n o r m al b e h a vi or wit h hi s providers to deadly whispers of treason. Hightons shunned the Diamond Coalition. The economy of Sapphire Sector sagged and antagonism deepened against the Line of Iquar, though the recession had little to do with the platinum trade. Lies spread that Jai had p ar d o n e d Jaf e Mac c ar b e c a u s e Mac c ar w a s s m u g glin g pl atin u m for th e Lin e o f Xir, ta kin g it t o th e Sk oli a n s , w h o p ai d infl at e d pri c e s . Pr ot e st s a g ai n st Razi q u o n’ s i m pri s o n m e nt g r e w l o u d er. Within the rank and file of ESComm, cracks appeared in the bedrock of support for the emperor. Jai turned over in bed, groggy, unsure what had awoken him. His mind formed one thought:assassin. He knew he should wake up, but he was too tired. A rustle came from across the bedroom. Deciding that living was better than getting enough sleep, he opened his eyes. His new optical enhancements let him see infrared light; the hotter an object, the brighter it glowed. A red blaze with human shape was approaching. Ah yes, definitely a shapely human shape. Jai s m il e d dr o w sily. “Wh e n di d y o u g e t u p?” “A f e w h o ur s a g o .” Tar q uin e s o u n d e d tir e d. As Jai sat up, rubbing his eyes, Tarquine climbed the dais. She sat on the bed and started to pull off her boots. Jai slid o v e r a n d p ut hi s a r m s a r o u n d h e r w ai st, hi s fr o nt t o h e r b a c k . “Why di d y o u g e t u p?” Sh e l e a n e d a g ai n st hi m . “I a m gl a d, m y h u s b a n d , th at w e h a v e priv a c y fr o m m o nit or s in h e r e .” Jai w o n d e r e d w h at s h e w a s u p t o. “Wh at h a p p e n e d t o th e m o nit or s?” Sh e p ull e d off h e r o t h e r b o o t a n d dr o p p e d it o n th e fl o or. “I r e dir e ct e d th e m .” “Ho w?” He w a s n’t s ur e h e h a d e v e r m a n a g e d th at f e at, th o u g h h e h a d tri e d. Sh e turn e d in hi s a r m s , fa ci n g hi m . “With di s cr eti o n . T h e s a m e w a y I tr a c e d th e Dia m o n d

Co aliti o n tr a n s m i s si o n th at Cor b al r e c ei v e d fr o m Sap p hir e S e ct or.” Jai w e nt v e ry still. “W e’v e all tr a c e d it.” “Not w e ll e n o u g h .” Her v oi c e h ar d e n e d . “I c a n’t pr o v e it, b ut I k n o w w h at I fo u n d. Xira d Kalig a fr a m e d th e Dia m o n d s .” “Ad mir al Kalig a? T h e Joint Co m m a n d e r o f ESCo m m ?” “Ye s.” Her v oi c e s o u n d e d m ut e d in th e lar g e s uit e. “You c a n b e t G e n e r al Tar atu s is in it, t o o .” “W e h a v e n o e vi d e n c e o f th eir in v ol v e m e n t.” Jai di d n’t w a nt t o b eli e v e hi s Joint Co m m a n d e r s w e r e pl ottin g a g ai n st hi m . “No n e .” “T h e y hi d e w e ll.” “You m u s t b e m i st a k e n .” “And w h y is th at?” He s w all o w e d . “Be c a u s e I c a n’t tak e o n ESCo m m .” “You n e e d o nly ta k e o n Tar atu s a n d Kalig a.” “T h e y’r e t o o str o n g .” Sh e s h o o k h e r h e a d . “No o n e is in vin ci bl e.” “Ca n y o u pr o v e y o ur a c c u s ati o n s ?” “No.” “Ineed e vi d e n c e .” Tar q uin e s p o k e in h e r s h a d o w e d v oi c e . “Do y o u?” “Why s h o ul d I tru st y o ur w o r d?” He c o ul d n’t r e a d h e r e x pr e s si o n in th e di m lig ht, a n d s h e h a d g u ar d e d h e r th o u g ht s w e ll. “May b e y o u h a v e m o ti v e s for a c c u si n g th e m .” “You k n o w m y m o ti v e s .” Sh e h a d b e c o m e d e a dly q ui et. “You k n o w th e m wit h o ut d o u bt.” “Do u bt al w a y s e xi st s.” Ea si n g hi s b a rri er s, h e tri e d t o pr o b e h e r th o u g ht s m o r e d e e ply. “No,” s h e s ai d. “Youknow. ” Jai f elt h e r s ur ety: s h e b e li e v e d wit h c e rt ai nty th at h e c o ul d t ell if s h e li e d. It c hill e d hi m — b e c a u s e s h e w a s rig ht: a s a t el e p at h, h e w o ul d k n o w . But s h e c o ul d n’t k n o w h e w a s a p si o n. Sh e c o ul d n’t. “T ell m e s o m e t hi n g ,” s h e a s k e d . “Hav e y o u tri e d, lat ely, t o fin d a n i m a g e o f y o ur s elf o n th e w e b s ?” “Wh at?” Jai r el e a s e d h er, di s o ri e nt e d b y h e r c h a n g e of subject. Even now, with his barriers relaxed, he had trouble picking up more than a sense of her mood: tension, sexual desire, anticipation. It disquieted him that she shielded her mind so well. Sh e m o ti o n e d at th e c o n s ol e b y th e w all. “S e e w h at y o u c a n fin d.” Puzzled, Jai pulled on his black sleep trousers and went to the console. After accessing the planetary web, he began a search. An hour later he gave up. He had checked every database on Glory; he had tried every offworld network he could reach; and he had even managed to access some of the Skolian and Allied webs. He knew public images of him existed, but he had found absolutely none from before he became emperor, and despite his more recent appearances on news broadcasts, very few of him existed even from the past few months. He l o o k e d u p at Tar q uin e , w h o w a s st a n di n g n e xt t o hi s c h air. “Wh at h a p p e n e d t o th e m ?” “I thin k Cor b al d el et e d m o s t. I di s p o s e d o f s o m e h e m i s s e d .” “But w h y?” She pulled over a chair and sat by him. Then she spoke into the comm on th e c o n s ol e . “T o mj olt, a c c e s s m y priv at e dir e ct ori e s a n d b rin g u p th e fil e la b el e d ‘Jai bri ol On e .’” “Verific ati o n r e q uir e d,” th e EI a n s w e r e d . Tarquine gave her passwords and submitted to retinal and voice scans. A moment later, a holo appeared above a flat screen on the console, a laughing youth in a blue sweater and jeans, with blond highlights streaking his dark hair. He was standing in a meadow, under a

blue sky with a yellow sun. Jai blink e d . “T h at’ s m e .” T h e h ol o h a d b e e n ta k e n o n Earth a f e w m o n t h s a go, just after his seventeenth birthday, his real birthday, not the false one he used now. Tar q uin e stu di e d th e i m a g e . “Did y o u k n o w , Jai bri ol, th at m y pr o vi d er, Kelric, h a d m e t allic h air?” Jai f elt a s if th e air s u d d e nly l eft th e r o o m . “He is n’t y o ur pr o vi d er. He is th e Imp er at or of Sk oli a.” “S o h e is.” Sh e s p o k e t o To mj olt a g ai n. “Co m p ut er, gi v e m e th e e i g ht h Jai bri ol fil e.” Jai s hift e d in hi s c h air. “Wh at a r e y o u d oi n g ?” “Wat c h.” The image of him vanished, then reappeared, larger, with only his head and shoulders. A holo of Kelric formed next to it, an older man with metallic hair graying at the temples. Jai tri e d n ot t o g rit hi s t e et h. “Wh at m a k e s y o u thin k I w a nt t o s e e thi s?” “Lo o k.” Sh e t o u c h e d a p a n el a n d th e i m a g e o f Jai c h a n g e d , th e b ri g ht str e a k s in his hair spreading until all of the locks turned yellow. No, not yellow. Gold. Sw e at b e a d e d Jai’s for e h e a d . He h a d n e v e r r e aliz e d th e str e a k s h a d s u c h a m e t allic q u ality. “Tar q uin e , thi s is si c k, c o m p a rin g m e t o y o ur pr o vi d er.” Sh e s p o k e p e n si v ely. “Do y o u k n o w , for d e c a d e s I h a d fa nt a siz e d a b o ut o w ni n g Kelric Vald ori a.” Sh e turn e d t o Jai. “But th e n h e di e d, all th o s e y e a r s a g o .” T h e bl o o d dr ai n e d fr o m hi s fa c e . “You k n e w ,” h e w hi s p e r e d . “You k n e w hi s id e ntity th e w h ol e ti m e .” “W ell, I c a n’t a d m it th at, n o w c a n I?” Her g a z e h a r d e n e d . “But I c a n t ell y o u o t h e r thin g s .” He di d n’t w a nt t o a s k . He di d n’t w a nt t o h e ar. But h e h a d t o k n o w . “Wh at thin g s ?” “Na n o m e d s .” Sw e at b e a d e d o n hi s t e m pl e s . Sh e c o ul d n’t b e g oi n g w h e r e h e th o u g ht. Sh e c o ul d n’t k n o w . His m o t h er and Kelric Valdoria had been sister and brother. They would have received the same nanomeds from their mother, in the womb. Jai had inherited those same meds from his mother. Some of the species had undoubtedly been altered, but not all of them. And of all the people alive, only Tarquine was in a position to compare his meds to those Kelric carried. Sh e s p o k e t o th e EI. “T o mj olt, a g e th e h ol o of Jai bri ol Qox t w e nty y e ar s a n d m a k e hi s h air d ar k a g ai n.” Jai clenched his hands on his knees, watching his holo age. He obviously resembled his father, Jaibriol II, the previous emperor, but he began to see more similarity to someone else as well. His mother. Jai c o ul d n’t b r e at h e . It t o o k a c o n s ci o u s eff ort t o m a k e hi m s elf st a y in hi s c h air. Layin g hi s h a n d o v e r th e h ol o s c r e e n , h e m a d e th e i m a g e fa d e t o n ot hin g . “St o p thi s. It’s si c k.” “Is it?” Sh e n u d g e d a w a y hi s h a n d , b rin gi n g b a c k th e h ol o s of Jai a n d Kelric. “T o mj olt, c o m p a r e th e t w o h ol o s . T ell m e if th o s e t w o m e n m i g ht b e r el at e d.” “Tar q uin e , st o p ,” Jai w hi s p ered. “C o m p ari s o n c o m pl et e ,” th e EI s ai d. “I c al c ul at e a six t o e l e v e n p er c e nt pr o b a bility th at th e s u bj e ct s a r e b r ot h e r s , ni n e t o t w e nty-s e v e n p e r c e nt th at th e y a r e fat h e r a n d s o n , a n d fiv e t o forty-t w o p e r c e nt th at th e y h a v e a kin s hip r el ati o n o n e l e v el r e m o v e d fr o m i m m e di at e fa mily.” Reli ef s ur g e d o v e r Jai, s o int e n s e it f elt vi s c e r al. Co m pl et e str a n g e r s c o ul d c o m e u p wit h th o s e st ati sti c s . He fr o w n e d at Tar q uin e . “Sh all I c o m p a r e y o u t o th e Ruby Ph ar a o h ? You b o t h h a v e bl a c k h air, aft er all.” He w a v e d hi s h a n d. “I h a v e b e tt er thin g s t o d o th a n pl ay thi s g a m e .” “Indul g e m e ju st a bit l o n g er.” Sh e ta p p e d a p a n el. “Co m p ut er, c o m p a r e th e i m a g e o f Jai bri ol Qox a n d th e h ol o in fil e 8 7 T 5 . Just c o n si d e r cl o s e kin s hip.”

Jai t e n s e d . “Wh at is fil e 8 7 T 5?” “Wat c h.” “C o m p ari s o n c o m pl et e ,” To mj olt s ai d. “I c al c ul at e a fifty-thr e e t o e i g hty-e i g ht p er c e nt pr o b a bility th at th e s u bj e ct s a r e b r ot h e r a n d si st er, a n d e i g hty-fo ur t o ni n ety-t w o p e r c e nt th at th e y a r e m o t h e r a n d s o n .” Only through a great effort of will did Jai spea k wit h o ut r e v e alin g hi s a git ati o n. “Wh o s e i m a g e is in fil e 8 7 T 5 ?” To mj olt a n s w e r e d . “T h e lat e Sk oli a n Imp er at or, Sau s c o n y Vald ori a.” Adr e n alin e s ur g e d thr o u g h Jai. “I d o n’t k n o w w h at y o u’r e tryin g t o pr o v e , Tar q uin e , b ut y o u’v e g o n e b e y o n d in s ult. You w al k th e e d g e of tr e a s o n .” No d o u bt s h o w e d in h e r e x pr e s si o n . “If I c o ul d fin d th e r e s e m b l a n c e , s o c a n o t h e r s . Cor b al s u s p e c t s , I’m c e rt ai n. You m u st c h a n g e y o ur fa c e , s u btl e alt er ati o n s , b ut e n o u g h t o d e s tr o y th e r e s e m b l a n c e .” “T hi s is a b s ur d.” He c o ul d n e v e r a c k n o wl e d g e th e truth. Nev er. Bla c k m ail, g o v e r n m e n t c o u p s , b e tr a y al — g o d s o nly k n e w w h at s h e w o ul d try. “It m e a n s n ot hi n g th at I h a v e si mil ar f e atur e s t o a Sk oli a n. We all c o m e fr o m th e s a m e st o c k , a n d o ur a n c e s t or s h a d a s m all g e n e p o ol.” “You c a n’t ta k e c h a n c e s .” “You g o t o o far.” “Jai bri ol, list e n t o m e .” Her q ui et t o n e di d n ot hi n g t o di s g ui s e h e r ur g e n cy. “Arist o s b o d y s c ulpt th e m s e l v e s all th e ti m e . It w o ul d s ur pri s e n o o n e if y o u fin e-tun e d y o ur f e atur e s t o r e s e m b l e y o ur a n c e s t or s m o r e , b e tt er t o e s t a bli s h y o ur s elf a s e m p e r o r in a ti m e o f c ri si s.” Sh e tr a c e d h e r fin g e rtip o v e r hi s n o s e , c h e e k , a n d lip s. “You a r e s o v e ry, v e ry b e a utiful. I w o ul d h o p e for o nly m i n o r c h a n g e s . But it m u st b e e n o u g h t o e n s ur e y o u n o l o n g e r r e s e m b l e a d y n a sty o f pr o vi d e r s .” Jai c a u g ht h e r h a n d. He t o o k a m o m e n t, l ettin g hi s p ul s e c al m . “I will gi v e it s o m e th o u g ht.” Tar q uin e turn e d t o th e c o n s ol e . “T o mj olt, d e s tr o y all th e fil e s in th e c urr e nt dir e ct ory. Cl e a n y o ur m e m o r y o f a n y fr a g m e n t s . T h e n e r a s e all e vi d e n c e of th e d el eti o n s .” “T o mj olt h a s pr ot o c ol s t o pr e v e nt s u c h e r a s ur e s ,” Jai s ai d. “Ev e n I c a n’t o v e rrid e th e m .” “Er a s ur e s c o m pl et e ,” To mj olt s ai d. “G o d s al mi g hty,” Jai m utt er e d . Tar q uin e gl a n c e d at hi m . “On e s h o ul d tak e c a r e n ot t o u n d e r e sti m at e o n e’ s wif e.” He took a dee p b r e at h. “Wh at is it y o u w a nt?” “F or m y h u s b a n d t o st a y aliv e .” “Why?” Her e y e s glint e d. “Be c a u s e th e n I r e m ai n e m p r e s s .” It m a d e s e n s e . And y et… s h e w a s lyin g, o r m o r e a c c ur at ely, s h e w a s n’t t ellin g th e full truth. Mor e th a n a d e sir e for p o w e r m o ti v at e d h er, h e ju st w a s n’t s ur e w h at. Sh e r o s e t o h e r f e et. “Co m e , l et u s r etur n t o b e d .” Jai st o o d u p sl o wly. “You c o m p a r e m e t o a pr o vi d er, th e n a s k m e t o b e d ? Su c h in s ults h ar dly in s pir e aff e cti o n.” “Affe cti o n?” Sh e t o o k hi s h a n d s . Her s m il e h a d a n e d g e . “Ar e y o u fo n d o f m e , s w e e t Jai bri ol?” He p ull e d a w a y hi s h a n d s . “Do n’t p atr o niz e m e .” “You e v a d e m y q u e s ti o n.” Jai cl e n c h e d h e r u p p er a r m s . “You m a d d e n , e x a s p e r at e , a n d irritat e th e h ell o ut of m e . And y e s , y o u a r o u s e m e .” T h at h a d t o b e th e u n d e r st at e m e nt o f th e c e ntury. “But th at is all I f e el, Tar q uin e . Nothin g m o r e .” “I d o n’t thin k s o ,” s h e m u r m ur e d . “Su c h m i g ht b e tru e for m e , b ut n ot y o u. Ad mit it, Jai bri ol.” “Ad mit it y o ur s elf.” He j erk e d h e r cl o s er. “I c a n t ell y o u’r e lyin g a b o ut w h at y o u cl ai m y o u d o n’t f e el for m e . ”

“You think s o ?” Her l o o k turn e d s p e c ul ativ e . “And c a n y o u jud g e s o w e ll w h e n y o ur Joint Co m m a n d e r s a r e lyin g?” Jai stiffened. If she meant what he thought, she was right; he could spy on their minds. It was more evidence that she believed him a t el e p at h. As h e h a d d o n e wit h Cor b al, a n d e v e n Tar q uin e h e r s elf, h e m i g ht di s c o v e r in th eir th o u g ht s w h at th e y k n e w a b o ut th e a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt s. But it w o ul d w o r k o nly if h e l o w e r e d hi s b a rri er s in th eir pr e s e n c e . Jai di d n’t thin k h e c o ul d e n d ur e making himself that vulnerable. Re g ar dl e s s , h e h a d n o int e nti o n of a d m ittin g a n yt hin g t o Tar q uin e . “I wi s h I h a d s o m e w a y t o u n c o v e r th eir s e c r et s. But of c o ur s e I d o n’t.” “Of c o ur s e .” Sh e p ut h e r a r m s a r o u n d hi s n e c k , h ol din g h e r thu m b a n d for efin g e r t o g et h e r a g ai n st hi s s ki n. “But y o u c o ul d in vit e th e m h e r e t o, o h l et’s s ay, r e p air d e t e ri or atin g r el ati o n s b e t w e e n th e p al a c e a n d ESCo m m .” Jai slid hi s a r m s a r o u n d h e r w ai st. “Ev e n if th eir vi sit l e d m e t o b eli e v e , for s o m e r e a s o n , th at th e y w e r e in v ol v e d in th e a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt s , m y b a si s for th o s e c o n clu si o n s w o ul d b e cir c u m s t a nti al.” “In a c o urt o f la w, y e s .” Jai lai d hi s fin g e r o v e r h e r lip s. “I w a nt o nly t o i m pr o v e r el ati o n s wit h ESCo m m .” “Of c o ur s e . As d o I.” Sh e li e d s o s m o o t hly. Jai knew he had to consider her idea no matter how much he dreaded it. If she was right, that his Joint Commanders were trying to kill him, he had to know. Jacques Ardoise huddled in the corner, ignoring the plush divans and luxurious bed of his room. The ivory walls, the ta p e stri e s , a n d p ar q u et fl o or s — n o t hi n g in thi s m a n si o n r e a s s ur e d hi m . He p ull e d hi s l e g s cl o s e r t o hi s c h e s t, w r a p p e d hi s a r m s a r o u n d th e m , a n d p ut hi s h e a d o n hi s k n e e s . Tears ran down his face. He had always questioned whether his ability to empathize so well was a gift or a curse, but he had never realized he was a true empath. The Traders had tested him; he was even a marginal telepath, able to discern the rare thought from a more generalized mood, if it came strongly enough. It delighted his captors. T h e y e x p e ct e d t o m a k e a l ot of w e alt h fr o m hi m . But th e y h a d n’t y et h el d th e a u cti o n; th e y h a d w a nt e d t o tr a n s c e n d th e m s e l v e s first. So they had. Jacques sat shivering against the wall, wondering how soldiers learned to resist interrogation. He would have t ol d hi s t or m e nt or s a n yt hin g t o m a k e th e m st o p. But th e y w e r e n’t int er e st e d in inf or m ati o n, o nly tr a n s c e n d e n c e . T h e f e m al e m e r c e n ari e s al s o “lik e d” hi m . T h e y t o o k hi m t o b e d r e g ar dl e s s o f h o w m u c h h e fo u g ht, a n d th e y di d w h at th e y pl e a s e d . He had no idea wh e r e h e w a s . T h e pir at e s h a d b r o u g ht hi m t o thi s m a n si o n aft er th e y la n d e d o n s o m e pl a n et. It w a s n’t Earth; th e air w a s t o o thin a n d th e l o w g r a vity di s o ri e nt e d hi m . T h e r ai d er s h a d c uff e d a n d c oll ar e d hi m , a n d gi v e n hi m e x p e n si v e n e w cl ot h e s , s hirt s a n d trousers, but no shoes or socks. The garments covered his body, but fit snugly, obviously designed to display his build. A chime sounded. As Jacques lifted his head, the wall across the room faded into an open archway. A man of average height and build stood there, a stranger with brown eyes and black hair,dull black. Jacques choked with relief. No glittering Aristo hair, no red Aristo eyes. Nor did this visitor create the mental pressure Jacques dreaded. Whenever the pirates with rust-red eyes had approached, their minds threatened to crush him. They were like mental voids swallowing his mind. They used his empathic abilities to fill a hollow where their capacity for compassion should have existed. As the stranger approached, Jacques stiffened. Four of the mercenaries came behind him,

two women and two men, all in body armor, with carbines. Four unfamiliar Razers followed, their minds reaching toward Jacques, bringing horror. He pressed against the wall, prepared to fight, knowing it was useless. The man with b r o w n e y e s k n elt in fr o nt of hi m . “Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e ?” “Wh at d o y o u w a nt?” His v oi c e r a s p e d . He s p o k e in Fr e n c h , hi s n ativ e la n g u a g e . He al s o k n e w Allo p e , hi s fath e r’ s t o n g u e , b ut h e d o u bt e d a n y o n e h e r e h a d h e a r d o f it. He th o u g ht s o m e of th e m e r c e n ari e s h a d la n g u a g e m o d ul e s in th eir b r ai n s , a n d e v e r y n o w a n d th e n th e y s p o k e r a g g e d Fr e n c h t o hi m . He h a d l e ar n e d a f e w Hig ht o n w o r d s , b ut hi s c a pt or s di d n’t r e ally s e e m t o c a r e if h e u n d e r st o o d th e m . T h e m a n s p o k e in h e a vily a c c e nt e d Fr e n c h . “I a m Ro b ert. I ta k e y o u t o p al a c e .” “Ro b e rt?” Ja c q u e s w a s n’t s ur e h e h a d h e a r d c o rr e ctly. “Ar e y o u fr o m Earth?” “Not m e . My fath er.” He h e sit at e d . “Lik e y o u.” Jacques went cold.Like you. Would he have children born into slavery? Images of his family flooded his mind: his wife , th e t w o girl s, th e b a b y. It h a d a n g e r e d hi m w h e n Will ex S e a b r e a k d e ci d e d at th e la st m i n ut e th at Ja c q u e s c o ul d n’t b rin g th e m o n th e y a c ht. Ja c q u e s h a d w a nt e d t o c a n c el hi s jo b wit h S e a b r e a k , b ut hi s fa mily n e e d e d hi s in c o m e . As m u c h a s h e wi s h e d n o w th at h e h a d b r o k e n th e c o ntr a ct t o pl ay th e s y nt h e siz er a n d si n g for S e a b r e a k’ s fri e n d s d urin g th e c r ui s e , h e w a s m o r e g r at eful th a n h e c o ul d e v e r s a y th at hi s wif e a n d c hildr e n h a d st a y e d o n Earth. Based on what he had learned from the Traders about his mind, he suspected his wife was also an empath, which meant their children probably were as well. The Traders would have taken his family. A tear ran down his cheek, this time from relief that the people he loved were safe from this nightmare. Robert spoke quie tly. “I a m s o rry.” He st o o d u p. “C o m e , pl e a s e .” Pl e a s e . It w a s th e first ti m e h e h a d h e a r d th e w o r d si n c e hi s c a ptur e . But h e di d n’t ris e . Inst e a d , h e laid hi s h e a d o n hi s k n e e s a n d cl o s e d hi s e y e s . Wh at di d it m a tt er? He h a d l o st t o o m u c h : hi s lif e, h o m e , family, everything, ripped away. Damn Corbal Xir, whoever he was. So m e o n e t o u c h e d hi s a r m . Ja c q u e s lift e d hi s h e a d t o s e e o n e of th e m e r c e n ari e s b e n di n g o v e r hi m . Sh e s m il e d, h e r m e t al t e et h glintin g. T h e n s h e h a ul e d hi m t o hi s f e et. “C o m e o n , pr etty b o y.” Sh e p ull e d hi m cl o s er, s p e a ki n g in s plint er e d Fr e n c h . “W e m i s s y o u, e h ?” Ja c q u e s j erk e d b a c k fr o m h er. “G o t o h ell.” “L et hi m b e ,” Ro b e rt s ai d. Sh e i m m e di at ely dr o p p e d Ja c q u e s’ s a r m , w hi c h s ur pri s e d hi m , gi v e n th e la c k of r e s p e c t s h e s h o w e d m o s t p e o pl e . Sh e s p o k e t o Ro b e rt in Hig ht o n . “Ye s, sir.” Ja c q u e s u n d e r st o o d th o s e w o r d s ; it w a s th e first p hr a s e hi s c a pt or s h a d tau g ht hi m . So they left the room, Jacques following Robert, accompanied by the mercenaries and Razers. And the world exploded.

29 Ardoise Th e bl a st thr e w Ja c q u e s t o th e flo or. T h e m e r c e n ary dr o p p e d o v e r hi m , pr ot e ctin g hi m wit h h e r a r m o r e d b o dy, h ol di n g h e r s elf u p o n h e r h a n d s s o s h e di d n’t c r u s h hi m . As th e w all s c oll a p s e d o v e r th e m , s h e l et l o o s e wit h a riv er o f u ni nt elli gi bl e b ut v e h e m e n t words that Jacques suspected were oaths. After what felt like eons, the world grew quiet. The mercenary shifted, making debris clatter. Then she stood up, her booted feet planted on either side of his hips. The hall was in

shambles. Razers and mercenaries picked themselves off the floor, brushing away dust, but no one seemed hurt. From the pattern of the collapse and the powdery debris, Jacques suspected the building had been designed simply to crumble if it were bombed, to minimize damage and injury. That precaution told him more than he wanted to know about the lifestyle of his captors. Le a ni n g d o w n , th e m e r c e n ary g r a b b e d hi s bi c e p a n d p ull e d hi m t o hi s f e et. “You o k a y?” Ja c q u e s w o n d e r e d w h at la n g u a g e fil e g a v e h e r “ o k ay.” He m o v e d stiffly, s h a ki n g p o w d e r off hi s cl ot h e s . “I’ m all ri g ht.” His v oi c e w a s e v e n m o r e h o a r s e th a n b ef or e , hi s r a w thr o at irritat e d b y th e d u st. “G o o d .” T h e m e r c e n ary g rin n e d . “Co m e h e r e .” Sh e w a s tall er a n d h e a vi er th a n hi m , a n d th e b o o t s of h e r a r m o r a d d e d six in c h e s . Ja c q u e s tri e d t o p ull a w ay, b ut s h e l o c k e d h e r g a u ntl et e d h a n d a r o u n d hi s a r m . It di d n’t h urt, at l e a st n ot c o m p a r e d t o w h at th e y h a d alr e a d y d o n e t o hi m , b ut bil e r o s e in hi s thr o at a n y w ay. Wh e n s h e p ull e d hi m a g ai n st h e r si d e , h e th o u g ht s h e h a d g o n e n ut s, p a wi n g hi m after a bomb had blown up the place. Then he realized she was keeping him close in case she had to protect him again. While the mercenaries and Razers checked the area, the man called Robert spoke into his palmtop. The collapse had trapped them in the hall, b ut Ja c q u e s c o ul d h e a r r o b o t s o r p e o pl e di g gi n g , pr e s u m a bly t o r e s c u e th e m . As m u c h a s h e h o p e d n o m o r e bl a st s w e n t off, a p art of hi m w o n d e r e d if it w o ul d n’t b e b e tt er t o di e n o w th a n t o s uff er a n y m o r e . Why someone would want to blow them up, he had no idea. Ro b e rt st o o d in Jai’s sittin g r o o m , hi s fa c e dr a w n , hi s u s u ally i m p e c c a bl e cl ot h e s ru m pl e d. He c o ntinu e d hi s r e p o rt, hi s v oi c e w e a ry. “If a n y e vi d e n c e e xi st e d in th e m a n si o n of w h o hir e d th e m e r c e n a ri e s , th e bl a st d e s tr o y e d th e r e c o r d s . We fo u n d n ot hin g .” Jai m o ti o n e d hi m t o a n o t h e r wi n g c h air at th e o c t a g o n al ta bl e w h e r e h e s at. As Ro b ert s at d o w n , Jai s ai d, “T h e frig at e s th at att a c k e d th e Sk oli a n y a c ht m u st h a v e r e c o r d s .” Ro b e rt p u s h e d b a c k hi s t o u sl e d h air. “W e h a v e n’t b e e n a bl e t o tr a c k d o w n th e s hip s .” “Wh at h a p p e n e d t o th eir c r e w s ?” Supp o s e dly, th e y h a d w o r k e d for Cor b al, th o u g h th e Xir l or d cl ai m e d o t h e r wi s e . T h e ir o n y w a s th at Jai th o u g ht Cor b al w a s t ellin g th e truth. Of c o ur s e n o o n e b e li e v e d it; Hig ht o n s al w a y s d e ni e d k n o wl e d g e of th e pir a tes that worked for them. “T h e y di s a p p e a r e d aft er th e bl a st,” Ro b e rt s ai d. “T h e m e r c e n ari e s c a n’t t ell u s w h o hir e d th e m . T h e y t e st o ut wit h li e d et e ct or s .” Da m n . After Azil e Xir’s int ellig e n c e p e o pl e h a d p ut s o m u c h eff ort int o tr a c ki n g d o w n th e pir at e s , it w a s fru str atin g t o h a v e th e m e s c a p e . “Wh o s e t th e bl a st?” “Sup p o s e dly a n e n e m y of Lord Xir.” “Do e s th at m a n si o n r e ally b el o n g t o Cor b al?” “App ar e ntly s o .” Ro b e rt c h e c k e d hi s p al mt o p . “On e of hi s ta s k m a k e r d e s c e n d a nt s liv e s th er e for p art o f th e y e ar. Sh e cl ai m s it w a s s u p p o s e d t o b e e m p ty ri g ht n o w .” A s e n s e o f d ef e at r oll e d o v e r Jai. He h a d h el d o ut t o o m u c h h o p e th at th e y c o ul d c o nfi s c at e r e c o r d s o f th e att a c k o n S e a b r e a k’ s s hip, s n at c hi n g th e m fr o m th e m e r c e n a ri e s w h o h a d h el p e d in th e r ai d. If a n y o t her records existed, he had no idea where to find them. “Wh at a b o ut th e m a n th e y ki d n a p p e d ?” Jai a s k e d . “Wh at w a s hi s n a m e ? Ard oi s e ?” “Ye s. Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e . He is s h a k e n , b ut s af e . We b r o u g ht hi m t o Gl ory.” Jai thought of the Intelligence reports he had ski m m e d . “Is h e a Sk oli a n o r Alli e d citiz e n?” It c o ul d m a k e a diff er e n c e in h o w th e y d e alt wit h th e situ ati o n. Ro b e rt flic k e d s e v e r al h oli c o n s fl o atin g a b o v e hi s p al mt o p, th e n r e a d fr o m th e s c r e e n . “H e liv e s o n Earth, b ut h e is a Sk oli a n citiz e n . His wif e is a n Alli e d citiz e n , a p h y si ci st at a pl a c e c all e d CERN. Sh e a n d th eir c hildr e n h a v e d u al citiz e n s hip.” Jai n o d d e d , a p pr e ci atin g h o w Ro b ert jud g e d s o w e ll w h at h e n e e d e d t o k n o w a n d h a d th e

inf or m ati o n r e a dy. “G o o d w o r k.” Ro b e rt h a d a n o d d l o o k. “T h a n k y o u, Your Hig h n e s s .” Puzzl e d b y Ro b e rt’s e x pr e s si o n , Jai e a s e d hi s b a rri er s. He pi c k e d u p a n i m a g e fr o m hi s ai d e of Ur Qox a n d Viqu ar a Iqu ar, Jai’s g r a n d p ar e nt s. Ro b e rt h a d s e r v e d b o t h. Jai di d n’t c at c h d e t ail s, b ut h e c o ul d fill th e m in wit h w h at h e alr e a d y k n e w ; h a d Ro b e rt b r o u g ht s u c h di s a p p oi ntin g n e w s t o Jai’s pr e d e c e s s o r s , th e y w o ul d h a v e p ut hi m in is ol ati o n, d e priv e d hi m of sl e e p , inflict e d p ai n, o r d e m o t e d hi m . Supp o s e dly th e f e ar o f s u c h p u ni s h m e nt dr o v e ai d e s t o m a k e s ur e th e y di d n’t fail. Jai th o u g h t it was a stupid philosophy. It just led to cover-ups worse than the original problem, as demoralized aides scrambled to save their own backsides at the expense of anyone else they could blame. Ro b e rt’s p al mt o p c hi m e d . He flic k e d th e c o m m h oli c o n . “Ye s?” A v oi c e c a m e o ut o f th e c o m m . “T h e pr o vi d er is h e r e , sir.” Ro b e rt gl a n c e d at Jai. Wh e n Jai n o d d e d , Ro b ert s ai d, “Brin g hi m in.” An archway across the room shimmered open. Two Razers escorted in a young man with blond hair and vivid blue eyes. He wore a white shirt and blue pants made from gilter-velvet. A sapphire collar circled his neck, and sapphire cuffs flashed on his wrists and below the hem of his pants. Jai had never been a good judge of what women found attractive, but even he could tell Jacques Ardoise was unusually good-looking. The musician also looked terrified. The Razers bowed to Jai, and Ardoise went down on one knee, lowering his head. He may have lived on Earth, where people no longer knelt to leaders, but he had learned Highton customs well, probably as a survival mechanism. “Pl e a s e ris e .” Alth o u g h Jai w a s b e c o m i n g m o r e u s e d t o th e k n e elin g, it still di s c o n c e rt e d hi m . Ardoise stood slowly. He kept his expression guarded, but nothing could hide the hatred in his mind. After being so long among Eubi a n s wit h n o e m p at hi c a bility, Jai w a s st artl e d b y h o w str o n gly Ard oi s e’ s e m o ti o n s hit hi m . Jai indicated a chair across the table. One of the Razers pulled out the chair for Ardoise, and the musician sat down. Although Ardoise tried to act calm, his a git ati o n b e a t a g ai n st Jai’s m i n d. Jai w ait e d, a s Hig ht o n s u s u ally di d w h e n m e e ti n g a str a n g er. He di d n’t d o it for l o n g , th o u g h ; th e int e nt, a s far a s h e c o ul d t ell, w a s t o m a k e th e o t h e r p e r s o n u n c o m f ort a bl e , w hi c h w a s n’t hi s g o al. After a f e w m o m e n t s, h e s p o k e in th e Fr e n c h h e h a d stu di e d o n Earth. “Ar e y o u r e c o v e r e d w e ll fr o m th e e x pl o si o n ?” Ard oi s e j erk e d , th e n s at u p str ai g ht er. He a n s w e r e d in Fr e n c h . “Ye s, Your Hig h n e s s .” “W e r e g r et y o u w e r e c a u g ht in th at pr o bl e m .” “T h a n k y o u.” T h e l o at hi n g in Ard oi s e’ s m i n d b e li e d hi s c o urt e o u s w o r d s . Jai w a s at a l o s s . He di d n’t k n o w w h at t o d o wit h Ard oi s e . T h e m u si ci a n h a d n o p olitic al c o n n e c ti o n s Jai c o ul d u s e t o ju stify s e n di n g hi m h o m e . Had h e b e e n a n Alli e d citiz e n , it m i g ht h a v e w o r k e d , b ut fr e ei n g a Sk oli a n w a s a t o u c hi er pr o p o siti o n. Jai w o ul d h a v e d o n e it a n y w a y if h e c o ul d h a v e m a n a g e d it wit h o ut furth er e r o di n g hi s s u p p o rt a m o n g th e Hig ht o n s . But h e c o ul d ta k e n o ris k s th at m i g ht s c uttl e th e p e a c e talk s. Unfortun at ely, if h e di d n’t r el e a s e Ard oi s e , th at could also wreck the talks. Eube had violated the unspoken truce; now Jai had to appease the Skolians. No matter what choice he made, it would anger someone. He gl a n c e d at th e c a pt ai n o f hi s Raz er s. “You a n d y o ur m e n m a y l e a v e . I will talk t o o ur g u e s t in priv at e .” It w a s , in fa ct, th e truth, th o u g h Jai k n e w n o o n e b e li e v e d it. T h e Raz er s w e r e di s a p p oi nt e d; th e y w a nt e d t o st a y a n d tr a n s c e n d w hil e Jai int err o g at e d hi s n e w pr o vi d er. It m a d e Jai si c k. Ard oi s e l o o k e d a s if h e w a nt e d t o di e — o r e l s e kill Eu b e’ s e mperor. Jai gl a n c e d at Ro b e rt. “You m a y r etur n t o y o ur offic e . Pl e a s e t ell m y wif e I w o ul d lik e h e r t o att e n d m e .” “Ye s, Your Hig h n e s s .”

Ro b e rt w o ul d n’t l o o k at hi m . At first Jai th o u g ht hi s ai d e h a d m a d e th e s a m e a s s u m pti o n a s th e Raz er s. Wh e n Jai c o n c e ntr at e d , th o u g h , h e r e aliz e d Ro b e rt di d n’t b e li e v e h e w o ul d t ortur e a pr o vi d er, w hi c h b y Hig ht o n st a n d ar d s m a d e Jai a b e rr a nt. Yet d e s pit e hi s m a n y y e a r s a m o n g Arist o s , Ro b e rt a p pr o v e d of Jai’s b e h a vi or. His l oy alty w e n t b e y o n d th e e x p e c t e d f e alty; h e g e n ui n e ly believed Jai had the makings of a great leader. Ev e n aft er e v e r y o n e h a d g o n e , l e a vi n g Jai al o n e wit h Ard oi s e , Jai w a s n’t c e rt ai n th e y w e r e s af e fr o m m o nit or s. His p e o pl e h a d s c a n n e d thi s r o o m , b ut h e w a s n’t r e a d y t o tru st th e r e s ult s. So h e s e ttl e d in hi s wi n g c h air a n d m o ti o n e d t o Ard oi s e . “Pl e a s e . Be c o m f o rt a bl e .” He h at e d k n o wi n g w h at Ard oi s e th o u g ht a b o ut hi m . The musician inched back in his chair, but stayed stiff with tension, his fist clenched on his knees. “S o.” Jai di d n’t k n o w w h at t o s ay. “You liv e in Fr a n c e ?” Ard oi s e a n s w e r e d in a l o w v oi c e . “Ye s.” Aft er a n o t h e r sil e n c e , Jai tri e d a g ai n. “Ar e y o u thir sty?” He in di c at e d th e d e c a nt er a n d g o bl et s o n th e ta bl e. “Wo ul d y o u c a r e for s o m e wi n e ?” “Win e…? Y-y e s .” T h e n , r e m e m b e ri n g hi m s elf, Ard oi s e s ai d, “T h a n k y o u, Your Hig h n e s s .” “It is m y pl e a s ur e .” Jai p o ur e d t w o gl a s s e s o f wi n e a n d g a v e hi m o n e . Ard oi s e h e sit at e d. “Do y o u w a nt m e t o drin k first?” His fa c e h a d p al e d . Re m e m b e ri n g Cor b al’ s “l e s s o n” wit h th e bir d, Jai s ai d, “No. It h a s b e e n t e st e d .” He tri e d hi s drin k. T h e bi o g u ar d s in hi s b o d y v e rifi e d it w a s a n e x c ell e nt vi nt a g e —fr e e of p oi s o n — a n d l et hi m s w all o w th e wi n e . Ardoise sipped his drink, paused, then closed his eyes and downed the rest in one swallow. Opening his eyes, he regarded Jai with a despair he had quit trying to hide. As much as Jai wanted to offer reassurances, he could say nothing until he was certain of privacy. He set his goblet on the table, having lost his taste for the wine. A chime broke the silence, and the entrance to the room shimmered open. Tarquine stood within the archway like a sleek, svelte weapon. Jai sat up as straight as Ardoise. “Gr e etin g s , Hus b a n d .” Sh e w al k e d int o th e r o o m , l o n g a n d s e n s u o u s , a n d th e e n tr a n c e s oli difi e d b e hi n d h er, l e a vi n g th e Raz er s o ut si d e . Jai r o s e t o hi s f e et, a n d Ard oi s e ju m p e d u p a s w e ll s o h e w o ul d n’t b e sittin g w hil e th e e m p e r o r st o o d . Tar q uin e st o p p e d at th e ta bl e a n d l o o k e d o v e r th e m u si ci a n, h e r g a z e a p pr ai si n g . Jai s p o k e in Hig ht o n. “T hi s is Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e .” “He is a b e a uty, Hus b a n d . But a n u n u s u al gift.” Jai s c o wl e d . “He is n’t for y o u.” “F or y o u, th e n ? I di d n’t k n o w y o u lik e d —” “No!” Jai r e d d e n e d . “I d o n’t.” Sh e g a v e Jai a s ultry s m il e. “Pity. It m i g ht b e fun, th e thr e e of u s.” “Tar q uin e , c ut it o ut.” His fa c e fla m e d . Ardoise was watching them with a horrified fascination. Jai could tell he understood none of their Highton words. Tar q uin e turn e d b a c k t o Ard oi s e a n d s p o k e in Sk oli a n Fl a g . “You w o ul d tr e at y o ur e m p r e s s wit h s u c h di sr e s p e ct?” Ardoise froze. At first Jai wondered at his lack of r e s p o n s e . Ea sin g hi s m e n t al b a rri er s, h e fo u n d th e a n s w e r; Ard oi s e di d n’t s p e a k Fl a g . Livin g o n Earth wit h hi s wif e, h e h a d n e e d e d Fr e n c h m o r e . No w, fa c e d wit h Tar q ui n e , w h at littl e Fla g h e k n e w h a d d e s e rt e d hi m . “My, m y,” Tar q uin e m u r m ur e d . “Ar e w e a st atu e t o d a y?” Jai gl ar e d at h er. T h e n h e s p o k e t o Ard oi s e in Fr e n c h . “My wif e bi d s y o u w e l c o m e .” T h e Sk oli a n o b vi o u sly k n e w Tar q uin e w a s n’t gi vin g hi m w e l c o m e , at l e a st n ot th e w a r m a n d fuzzy v ari ety. Av ertin g hi s g a z e , h e k n elt t o h e r wit h hi s h e a d b o w e d.

“Our m a n n e r s a r e i m pr o vi n g ,” Tar q uin e s ai d in Sk oli a n, l o o ki n g d o w n at hi m . “Not ‘o ur s,’” Jai m utt er e d in Hig ht o n. “Only hi s.” In Fr e n c h , h e s ai d, “My wif e th a n k s y o u for y o ur g r a ci o u s g e s tur e a n d bi d s y o u pl e a s e t o ris e .” As Ardoise stood, watching them b o t h, Tar q uin e fr o w n e d at Jai. “S o y o u b o u g ht y o ur s elf a pr o vi d er. I di d n’t thin k y o u e v e n k n e w w h at t o d o wit h o n e .” Jai w a nt e d t o r et ort, b ut n ot in fr o nt of Ard oi s e . He n e v e r w o n a r g u m e n t s wit h Tar q uin e a n y w ay. Inst e a d h e s p o k e q ui etly, in Hig ht o n. “It w o ul d b e pr ef er a bl e if w e h a d m o r e ti m e .” It w a s a c o d e th e y u s e d t o m e a n “ m o r e priv a cy.” If a n y o n e c o ul d o ut wit th e m o nit or s, it w a s Tar q uin e . Her fa c e r e m ai n e d in s cr ut a bl e , b ut h e c o ul d t ell hi s b e h a vi or b affl e d h er. Sh e di d n’t b e li e v e for o n e m o m e n t h e w a nt e d t o tr a n s c e n d . Cor b al, Ro b e rt, a n d Tar q uin e h a d all n oti c e d hi s b e h a vi or a s u n u s u al in th at r e g ar d, w hi c h m e a nt o t h e r s pr o b a bly w o ul d a s w e ll, if th e y h a d n’t alr e a dy. He h a d t o l e ar n t o pl ay hi s r ol e b e tt er if h e w a nt e d t o s ur viv e . She went to a con s ol e a g ai n st o n e w all. “It w o ul d b e m y pl e a s ur e t o fr e e u p m o r e ti m e .” As Tarquine worked, Jai sat back down and gestured for Ardoise to do the same. The Skolian sat on the edge of his chair. Sweat sheened his forehead. Jai s p o k e in Fr e n c h . “Ar e y o u all rig ht?” Ard oi s e a n s w e r e d in a l o w v oi c e . “Your Hig h n e s s , pl e a s e . No m o r e .” Jai wanted to crawl under the table. How could Hightons live with themselves, reducing people to this state, thinking it was their exalted right? Jai gl a n c e d at th e c o n s ol e . “Tar q uin e ?” Sh e h el d u p h e r h a n d , int e nt o n w h at e v e r s h e w a s d oi n g . Aft er e n t erin g m o r e c o m m a n d s , s h e flic k e d h e r fin g e r thr o u g h a h oli c o n . “T h at s h o ul d d o it.” Sta n di n g u p, s h e turn e d t o hi m . “W e h a d pl e nty of ti m e alr e a dy, b ut I’v e a rr a n g e d for e xtr a, t o b e c e rt ain.” Jai e x h al e d . “G o o d .” Sh e c a m e o v e r a n d dr o p p e d int o a wi n g c h air at th e ta bl e. In Hig ht o n, s h e s ai d, “On e m i g ht w o n d e r w h at w e pl a n t o d o wit h all thi s ti m e o f o ur s .” He s m il e d at h er. “I h a v e t o k e e p y o u g u e s si n g . Oth er wi s e y o u w o ul d b e c o m e b o r e d .” “Bor e d o m is n e v e r a w o r d I’v e a s s o ci at e d wit h y o ur r ei g n.” Dryly s h e a d d e d , “T hin g s k e e p bl o wi n g u p.” Jai wi n c e d . “T h at th e y d o .” Switc hin g int o Fr e n c h , h e turn e d t o Ard oi s e . “T h e e m p r e s s h a s s e c ur e d th e r o o m .” Ardoise remained silent, watching them. Jai fin ally s ai d w h at h e h a d w a nt e d t o t ell Ard oi s e si n c e th e y m e t. “No o n e will h ar m y o u. You h a v e m y w o r d.” A m u s cl e in Ard oi s e’ s c h e e k t witc h e d . “Wh at e v e r y o u t ol d hi m , I d o n’t think h e b e li e v e s y o u,” Tar q uin e s ai d in Hig ht o n. “May b e h e d o e s n’t u n d e r st a n d. Wh at la n g u a g e is th at?” Jai gl a n c e d at h er. “Fr e n c h . Fr o m Earth.” “You s p e a k Earth la n g u a g e s ?” “I l e ar n e d it in hi g h s c h o o l.” Sh e r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “Thisw e ll?” “I pi c k u p la n g u a g e s fa st.” His p ar e nt s h a d b r o u g ht hi m u p s p e a ki n g Hig ht o n, Iotic, Sk oli a n Fl a g , a n d Eubi c. Shiftin g fr o m o n e t o a n o t h e r h a d b e e n s e c o n d n atur e t o hi m si n c e h e b e g a n t o talk. He al s o h a d a n e m p at h’ s n atur al a d v a nt a g e ; k n o wi n g a p er s o n’ s m o o d h el p e d hi m u n d e r st a n d th eir w o r d s . As a r e s ult, la n g u a g e s h a d al w a y s c o m e e a sily t o hi m . He h ad studied many, including a few from Earth. “I m pr e s si v e ,” s h e s ai d. “Ca n y o u tr a n sl at e for m e ?” “C ert ainly.”

“G o o d .” Sh e c o nt e m pl at e d Ard oi s e . T h e m u si ci a n w at c h e d h e r lik e a d e e r c a u g ht in th e la m p s of a h o v e r c ar. Jai s wit c h e d int o Fr e n c h . “Mon si e ur Ard oi s e , it is n ot o ur d e sir e t o k e e p y o u h e r e a g ai n st y o ur will.” Ard oi s e’ s for e h e a d furr o w e d . He st art e d t o a n s w er, th e n h e sit at e d. “Pl e a s e s p e a k ,” Jai s ai d. Ard oi s e t o o k a n u n st e a d y b r e at h. “You p ai d a l ot for m e . Why w o ul d y o u l et m e g o ?” Jai wanted to say,Because buying people is appalling. But h e c o ul d n’t g o th at far. “My p e o pl e a n d y o ur s a r e tryin g t o s e t u p p e a c e talk s. Your a b d u cti o n st all e d th e pr o c e s s .” He n o d d e d t o w a r d Tar q uin e . “I’ m g oi n g t o tr a n sl at e o ur di s c u s si o n s o m y wif e c a n u n d e r st a n d.” Aft e r Ardoise nodded, Jai repeated his words in Highton for Tarquine. “You w a nt th e talk s t o pr o c e e d ?” Ard oi s e a s k e d Jai. “Ye s. I d o .” Jai s p o k e c a r efully, first in Fr e n c h , th e n in Hig ht o n . “T h e situ ati o n is diffic ult. If I s e n d y o u h o m e , I l o s e influ e n c e a m o n g th e Hig ht o n s . I n e e d th eir s u p p o rt for th e talk s t o s u c c e e d . But if I d o n’t s e n d y o u b a c k , y o ur g o v e r n m e nt m a y c ut off n e g o ti ati o n s . T h e y c o n si d er th e r ai d w h e r e y o u w e r e ta k e n a h o stil e a c ti o n, p ot e nti ally a pr elu d e t o w ar.” Ard oi s e’ s for e h e a d furr o w e d . “Why w o ul d y o u w a nt p e a c e ?” For my parents,Jai th o u g ht. “T h e w a r d e bilitat e d o ur p e o pl e . It is ti m e t o h e al.” “A n o bl e g o al.” Ard oi s e o b vi o u sly di d n’t b eli e v e hi m . “W e h o p e t o a c hi e v e it.” “Ho w, if y o u c a n’t s e n d m e b a c k ?” As Jai translated for Tarquine, she tilted her head toward Ardoise with an expression Jai recognized. She wanted to question the Skolian. When Jai nodded, she spoke to Ardoise, and Jai repeated her words in French. “W e n e e d e vi d e n c e o f w h o pl a n n e d th e r ai d w h e r e y o u w e r e c a ptur e d,” Tar q u ine said. Ard oi s e a n s w e r e d wit h o ut d o u bt. “Cor b al Xir.” Jai s c o wl e d . “T h at’ s a li e.” Ardoise chose silence over disagreeing with the emperor. “Ca n y o u d e s c ri b e w h at h a p p e n e d in th e r ai d?” Tar q uin e a s k e d . “Any d et ail, n o m a tt er h o w s m all, m i g ht h el p.” Ardois e stiff e n e d , b e c o m i n g s o t e n s e th e t e n d o n s in hi s n e c k st o o d o ut. “I a n s w e r e d e v e r yt hin g th e m e r c e n ari e s a s k e d . Everything. It’s in th eir r e c o r d s .” Jai g e ntl e d hi s v oi c e . “W e a r e n’t g o i n g t o int err o g at e y o u. We n e e d y o ur h el p t o b rin g th e p er p etr at or s o f thi s c ri m e t o ju sti c e . We h a v e n o a c c e s s t o r e c o r d s m a d e b y th e r ai d er s .” Ard oi s e p u s h e d b a c k hi s h air. His a r m w a s s h a ki n g . “Wh at d o y o u w a nt t o k n o w ?” Jai nodded to Tarquine, whom he suspected could see implications he might miss. She questioned Ardoise skillfully, wit h Jai tr a n sl atin g . At ti m e s Jai c o ul d b a r ely list e n t o Ard oi s e’ s a c c o u nt o f hi s c a ptivity. Mor e th a n e v er, Jai d e s pi s e d w h at Arist o s st o o d for a n d h at e d th at all h u m a nity c o n si d e r e d hi m o n e of th e m . Tarquine surprised him. Jai had thought Corb al w a s th e o nly Arist o w h o f elt r e m o r s e for th e b e h a vi or of hi s c a st e , b ut n o w h e f elt th e a n g e r th at s m o l d e r e d in Tar q uin e’ s m i n d a s s h e list e n e d t o Ard oi s e . It s e e m e d hi s wif e h a d a c o n s ci e n c e aft er all. Sh e m i g ht b e a s c r o o k e d a s th e p at h o f a p arti cl e in Brownian motion, but transcendence sickened her. Aft er th e y fini s h e d talkin g wit h Ard oi s e , Jai st o o d u p. Tar q ui n e a n d Ard oi s e i m m e di at ely r o s e t o th eir f e et, th o u g h Tar q uin e di d it wit h th at q uirk o f h e r e y e b r o w s th at s o flu st er e d hi m . He di d n’t k n o w h ow she managed it, observing all the toadying behavior expected toward the emperor, yet making him seem subservient to her. Wh e n Jai c all e d hi s Raz er s int o th e r o o m , h e f elt Ard oi s e’ s a p pr e h e n si o n . Jai s p o k e in

Hig ht o n t o th e Raz er c a pt ai n, takin g th e ti m e t o tr a n sl at e hi s w o r d s int o Fr e n c h . “Pl e a s e e s c o rt Mon si e ur Ard oi s e t o th e E m er al d Suit e. Hav e m y st aff pr o vi d e hi m wit h a n yt hin g h e n e e d s for hi s c o m f o rt. He is o ur h o n o r e d g u e s t.” Until h e figur e d o ut w h at t o d o wit h th e Sk oli a n, h e w o ul d tr e at hi m a s a dignitary. Having his staff take care of Ardoise instead of the guards would also free the musician from the mental pressure exerted by the Razers. After the proper formalities, the Razers escorted Ardoise from the room. When Jai was alone with Tarquine, h e s e ttl e d b a c k int o hi s c h air. “Wh at d o y o u think?” Sh e l o u n g e d in h e r c h air, h e r l e g s str et c h e d o ut u n d e r th e ta bl e . “T h at r ai d d o e s n’t fit Cor b al’s styl e.” Jai s c o wl e d . “I di d n’t k n o w a b d u cti o n h a d a styl e.” “C or b al’s pir at e s t e st th eir pri s o n e r s for p si tr aits b ef or e th e y ki d n a p th e m . Not aft er.” “You c a n’t d et e r mi n e a r atin g fr o m o n e t e st.” “But y o u c a n g e t a n id e a .” Sh e s hr u g g e d . “T h e y h a v e t o b e c a r eful. Why st e al s o m e t hi n g wit h n o w o rt h?” “It’s c all e d ki d n a p pin g , Tar q uin e . T h e y a r e n’t f e n ci n g st ol e n g o o d s , th e y’r e s ellin g people. It’s r e pr e h e n si bl e.” She went very still, regarding him with a scrutiny that made the hairs on his neck lift. Too late, he realized he had gone too far, condemning the very basis of their economy to one of the highest placed m e m b e r s of hi s g o v e r n m e nt. He c o ul d q u alify hi s st at e m e n t, try p uttin g it in a b e tt er lig ht, b ut it w o ul d n’t fo ol h er. Tar q uin e s p o k e q ui etly. “Tak e c a r e , Hus b a n d .” Jai gripped the armrests of his chair. He remembered how she had looked at Ardoise in that instant when she thought Jai was giving her the Skolian.Hungry. Tarquine had stopped transcending, but the impulse lived within her, locked and suppressed. He glimpsed its edges every night and skirted it every second in his life with her, never certain how much she knew about him and what she would do with the knowledge, unable to confront her and afraid to delve too deeply into her thoughts, yet just as afraid of what would happen if he left it unspoken. Jai shook his head. What could he say?I c a n’t k e e p on this way.He h a d n o c h oi c e ; h e c o ul d n’t gi v e u p a n d g o h o m e . Tar q uin e e x h al e d , h e r fa c e dr a w n . “W e h a v e a pr o bl e m .” “Only o n e ?” He m a n a g e d a w e a r y s m il e. “T h e la st ti m e I c h e c k e d , w e h a d t o o m a n y t o c o u nt.” “Jai bri ol — gi v e u p thi s id e a of p e a c e talk s.” “I c a n’t.” “T h e s e ‘pr o bl e m s’ a r e n’t g oi n g t o st o p.” Sh e s h o o k h e r h e a d . “T h e a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt s , th e pr o p a g a n d a w a r s , th e li e s a n d d e c e pti o n s , th e u n d e r mi nin g o f y o ur a ut h o rity —it will o nly b e c o m e w o r s e if y o u c o ntinu e t o p u s h th e talk s.” “I h a v e t o try.” He fo u g ht t o k e e p hi s fa c e i m p a s si v e , b ut h e w a s l o si n g th e b attl e. So h e tri e d t o m a k e a jo k e . “It is n’t a s if I h a v e a n yt hin g t o liv e for b e si d e s y o u.” It di d n’t s o u n d fun ny. His v oi c e c a u g ht o n th e w o r d s . She started to reach across the space separatin g th e m , th e n h el d h e r s elf b a c k . “No Hig ht o n e m p e r o r s h o ul d e v e r m a k e s u c h a n a d m i s si o n .” Her intensity stunned him. She tried to shield her thoughts, but they were too strong to hide; his life, well-being, and happiness mattered to her in a way no Highton empress should ever admit. Jai t o o k h e r h a n d s a n d pr e s s e d hi s lip s a g ai n st h e r k n u c kl e s . Sh e l et hi m for a m o m e n t, th e n p ull e d a w ay. If h e h a d n’t b e e n a n e m p at h, th e r ej e cti o n w o ul d h a v e h urt. Sh e r e s p o n d e d t o hi m in th e o nly w a y s h e k n e w h o w , r e si stin g h er affection for him because she believed it would weaken them both. Yet the reason she wanted him to be strong, to survive, was

because she cared what happened to him. Tar q uin e s at b a c k , r etr e atin g int o h e r r e s e r v e . “W e m u s t di s c o v e r w h o is b e hi n d thi s w a r o f ru m o r s a g ai n st y o u.” Jai l et th e m o m e n t g o . “Razi q u o n , pr o b a bly. Or th e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n.” “Or ESCo m m .” “W e n e e d pr o of.” Sh e m e t hi s g a z e . “I d o u bt w e will fin d it. Wh o e v e r is d oi n g thi s is t o o a d e pt at hi din g .” “I c a n’t gi v e u p th e p e a c e talk s.” “T h e n b rin g Kalig a a n d Tar atu s h e r e .” He cl e n c h e d hi s fist o n hi s k n e e . “I c a n h a r dly st a n d t o b e in th e s a m e r o o m wit h th e m .” “You m u s t try.” “It w o n’t d o a n y g o o d .” If h e u s e d t el e p at hy t o fin d th e e vi d e n c e h e s o u g ht, h e c o ul d n’t r e v e al h o w h e k n e w . In th e o ry, he had the authority to replace Kaliga and Taratus without giving a reason, but it could backfire spectacularly. Although his support in ESComm was eroding, he still had the military behind him. If he challenged his powerful Joint Commanders, his support could disintegrate. Jai l e a n e d hi s h e a d a g ai n st th e b a c k of hi s c h air a n d cl o s e d hi s e y e s . He h a d n o w h e r e t o turn. He c o ul d n’t e v e n c o n vi n c e hi s o w n p e o pl e t o tru st hi m , l et al o n e th e Sk oli a n s . Tar q uin e s p o k e s oftly. “Ju st fin d o ut w h at y o u c a n fr o m th e m .” Jai di d n’t w a nt t o d o it, b ut h e k n e w s h e w a s rig ht. “Very w e ll.” He lift e d hi s h e a d t o l o o k at h er. “T h e Qox Dyn a sty will e xt e n d a n invit ati o n t o th e Joint Co m m a n d e r s of ESCo m m t o vi sit th e Qoxir e p al a c e .” Her e y e s glitt er e d . “G o o d .”

30 Valley The Ruby Pharaoh played the Kyle web like music. Kelric stood among the girders that crisscrossed the Triad Chair Chamber. Far above him, supported on massive robot arms, the Chair hung under a dome. Dehya was sitting in the Chair, surrounded by cables and conduits, s h e a t h e d in a m e s h th at link e d t o h e r int er n al bi o m e c h w e b . Sh e l o o k e d s m all a n d o t h e r w o rl dly, l o st in th e i m m e n sity of th e thr o n e a n d its s y st e m s , b ut it di d n’t fo ol Kelric. Ment al str e n gt h r a n thr o u g h h e r lik e a di a m o n d-all o y r o d, b rillia nt a n d u nf athomable. The Chair slowly lowered from its dome. When it reached the floor, the techs went to work, unfastening Dehya from its tenacious grip. Only a few Triad Chairs survived from the Ruby Empire, including this one and the one in the Lock where Kelric had become Imperator. In this modern age, no one understood how the ancient thrones worked. This much Kelric did know; Triad Chairs were sentient, a form of intelligence so alien, it had little intersection with human thought. He had no idea why the Chairs allowed Triad members to use them to power and develop the Kyle webs. As th e t e c h s w o r k e d o n De hy a, s h e o p e n e d h e r e y e s a n d l o o k e d str ai g ht at Kelric. He h a d a n e e ri e s e n s e , a s if s h e w a s n’t c o m pl et ely s oli d, th at p art of h e r r e m ai n e d in th e g h o stly w e b s s p anning Kyle space, where her mind had been for the last two days. Intravenous feeds had provided nutrients and kept her hydrated. A medic spoke to her, and she shook her head. Kelric knew she was refusing to go to the cool-down facility, a small hospital with the sole purpose of aiding Triad members who had been in the web. The doctor finally gave in, probably because Dehya was standing on her own, glowering as

she adamantly refused help. Four Jagernaut bodyguards accompanied her across the chamber to Kelric. Surrounded by the towering cyberwarriors, she looked like a waif in a white jumpsuit. “My g r e e tin g s ,” Kelric s ai d a s s h e c a m e u p t o hi m . “And m i n e t o y o u.” Her v oi c e s o u n d e d lik e l e a v e s bl o wi n g o v e r a di st a nt pl a n e . “It is s o r a w.” “T h e w e b ?” “Ye s. So n e w .” “Did y o u fin d a n yt hin g ?” Sh e n o d d e d , pr e o c c u pi e d a s th e y w al k e d t o g e t h e r thr o u g h th e strut s a n d gir d er s , a c c o m p a ni e d b y th eir b o d y g u ar d s . It w a s n’t u ntil th e y l eft th e c h a m b e r th at s h e s p o k e . “I’ m n ot s ur e w h at I fo u n d, th o u g h . Gli m m e r s thr o u g h o ut Eu b e , b ut n ot hin g d efinit e.” Glimmers of light: it was how she perceived the minds of other telops in the web. Kelric rarely had impressions that distinct; for him, the web was more of a sparkling fog. “On e lig ht w a s r a di a nt,” De hy a s ai d. “It c o ul d h a v e b e e n a n u n u s u ally str o n g p si o n , b ut I’m n ot s ur e .” Kelric considered the thought. The psions who lived among the Eubians were providers, their minds traumatized and constrained. It dimmed their light. If Jaibriol III was a psion, his mind could be hurt now, too, like the providers, clenched into itself as a defense against the Aristos. “Ra di a n c e s u g g e s t s a h e alt hy m i n d,” h e s ai d. “I d o n’t s e e h o w th at c o ul d b e .” “I k n o w .” Fati g u e s atur at e d h e r m o o d . “It h urt s e v e n t o thin k of.” Softly h e s ai d, “Ye s.” “I fo u n d n ot hin g c o n c r et e o n Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e .” Kelric h a d di s c o v e r e d n ot hi n g a b o ut Ard oi s e , e it h er, b ut h e di d n’t h a v e De hy a’ s fin e s s e . Alth o u g h s h e la c k e d hi s s h e e r m e n t al p o w er, h e h a d h o p e d s h e c o ul d fin d d et ail s h e h a d m i s s e d . T h e n a g ai n, s h e h a d s ai d nothing concrete. With De hy a, th at w o r d c h oi c e c o ul d b e si g nific a nt. “Anythin g l e s s d efinit e?” “P er h a p s .” T h e y w e r e w al kin g d o w n a b r o n z e c o rrid or n o w wit h th eir b o d y g u ar d s . “ESCo m m m i g ht b e in v ol v e d in th e r ai d w h e r e Ard oi s e w a s ki d n a p p e d .” Kelric s n o rt e d. “No s ur pri s e th er e .” Sh e s m il e d sli g htly. “I c h e c k e d for c o n n e c ti o n s b e t w e e n th e Lin e o f Xir a n d ESCo m m . So m e a p p e a r o n th e s urf a c e , b ut w h e n I d el v e d e e p er, th e thr e a d s di sint e g r at e .” Int er e stin g . T h at s u g g e s t e d Xir’s link s t o th e pir at e s m i g ht b e illu s ory. Had th e Eubi a n m ilit ary s e t hi m u p? “ESCo m m h a s a v e st e d int er e st in st o p pin g th e p e a c e talk s.” “But d o e s Xir?” “I wi s h I k n e w .” Sh e e x h al e d . “I al s o .” Had Kelric n e v e r m e t Jai bri ol, h e w o ul d n’t h a v e b eli e v e d th e e m p e r o r g e n ui n ely wi s h e d t o n e g o ti at e . No w h e w a s less certain. The peace process had to be making Jaibriol enemies among the Hightons. If he lost his throne, Coral Xir would probably become emperor. But Xir was no fool; he knew that whoever sat on the Carnelian Throne became a target. He might prefer wieldin g p o w e r fr o m th e s h a d o w s , a s h e u n d o u bt e dly di d n o w . If ESCo m m s o u g ht t o w e a k e n Xir’s p o w er, th e y m i g ht fr a m e hi m for a ct s th at w o ul d a n g e r th e e m p e r or. T h e n a g ai n, m a y b e Xir di d n’t gi v e a d a m n a n d ju st w a nt e d pr o vi d er s t o a u cti o n. It w o ul d n’t s ur pri s e Kelric after what he had seen of Azar Taratus, the Highton who had auctioned him and seemed to care for nothing but his own gain. Lost in thought, Kelric continued on with Dehya, headed to a private magrail station. The Jagernauts kept pace, two in front, two in back. They rode the magrail out to the valley where the Ruby Dynasty lived on the Orbiter. The bodyguards came no farther than the station just outside the valley; within the secluded vale, the Ruby Dynasty homes were protected with the

best defenses known to the Imperialate. De hy a’ s g r a c efully t err a c e d h o u s e w a s b uilt a g ai n st a hill a n d s h a d e d b y tr e e s , d a p pl e d in lig ht a n d s h a d o w . On th e n e xt hill o v er, far u p th e sl o p e , th e Imp er at o r’ s h o m e st o o d , b a r e st o n e , strikin g in its si m pli city. Kelric thought of his wife up there, Jeejon, and smiled. As th e y n e a r e d De hy a’ s h o u s e , s h e a s k e d , “Wo ul d y o u lik e t o c o m e in?” “Ye s, th a n k y o u.” Kelric e nj o y e d vi sitin g hi s kin. The door within the scrolled entrance arch shimmered and vanished as they approached. It looked lovely, but Kelric knew many deadly systems had monitored their approach before letting that door open. Inside, sunlight slanted through the windows, gilding the empty living room. A glorious singing greeted them, coming from some other room. Kelric r e c o g niz e d th e v oi c e ; it w a s hi s b r ot h er, Eldrin, De hy a’ s c o n s o rt, th e m a n th e Tr a d e r s h a d gi v e n u p for Jai bri ol Qox. Eldrin’ s s p e c t a c ul ar b a rit o n e fill e d th e h o u s e . De hy a st o p p e d a n d si g h e d . “He h a s n’t s u n g m u c h si n c e h e c a m e b a c k fr o m th e Tr a d e r s .” Her s m all fist cl e n c h e d at h e r si d e . “He c o ul d b a r ely talk at first, hi s v oi c e w a s s o h o a r s e .” Ang er s ur g e d in Kelric. “I’ m s o rry.” Sh e m a d e a vi si bl e e ff ort t o r el ax. “It is o v e r n o w . T h at is w h at m a tt er s .” Kelric k n e w h e r a n g e r w o ul d n’t r el e a s e a n y m o r e e a sily than his. Yet incredibly, she was right: itwas over. Against all the odds, Eldrin had come home. The singing eased into silence. Dehya headed toward an archway across the room that opened into a hallway. She had only gone a few steps when Eldrin steppe d int o th e h all. It di d n’t s ur pri s e Kelric; hi s b r ot h e r h a d pr o b a bly pi c k e d u p th eir m e n t al si g n atur e s w h e n th e y e n t er e d th e h o u s e , ju st a s Kelric pi c k e d u p hi s n o w . Kelric di d n’t thin k hi s b r ot h e r r e ally u n d e r st o o d th e p o sitiv e e ff e ct h e h a d o n p e o pl e . Eldrin’ s m i n d w a s lik e th e s w e ll s of a n o c e a n , b ut w a r m , wit h w a v e s th at r o c k e d in d e e p , s o o t hin g m o ti o n. If Kelric w a s str e n gt h a n d De hy a fin e s s e , Eldrin w a s w a r m t h. Eldrin m e t De hy a in th e a r c h w ay, a n d h e t o o k h e r h a n d s . “My g r e e tin g s .” “And t o y o u,” s h e murmured. It g r atifi e d Kelric t o s e e h o w m u c h b e tt er hi s b r ot h e r l o o k e d n o w c o m p a r e d t o w h e n h e h a d first c o m e h o m e . T hin kin g o f Eldrin’s c a ptivity a n d hi s o w n e x p e ri e n c e s a s a pr o vi d er, h e fo u n d it h a r d t o i m a gi n e talkin g p e a c e wit h th e Tr a d e r s . And y et —C or b al Xir h a d fr e e d Eldrin. Kelric c o ul d n’t r e c o n cil e th at wit h th e Hig ht o n w h o h a d s o c a v ali erly c rippl e d th e p e a c e pr o c e s s b y a b d u ctin g a Sk oli a n. T h e Alli e d s c o ul d cl ai m fr o m n o w u ntil for e v e r th at th e y h a d o r c h e str at e d th e tr a d e o f Eldrin for Jai bri ol III, b ut th at w o ul d n’t c h a n g e th e truth; w h e n De hy a h a d tr a c k e d Eldrin t o Del o s a n d c o m e for hi m , th e Alli e d s h a d n’t e v e n k n o w n hi s id e ntity. Jai bri ol Qox h a d o r c h e s tr at e d th at tr a d e hi m s elf. Did Qox truly want peace? It seemed impossible to believe. The ho u s e EI s ai d, “C o u n cil or Ro c a is h e r e .” In th at in st a nt, th e d o o r c hi m e d . De hy a st art e d , turnin g a r o u n d. “Let h e r in.” The front door shimmered open, revealing a woman. Her eyes were gold and her hair fell over her arms in gold and bronze waves. Seeing her in the entrance, Kelric relived the moment on Earth when she had thrown open the doors at Allied United Centre and run to him, the son she had believed dead for eighteen years. He had been blind then, but she had created such a vivid impression that he had seen her in the minds of everyone else in the lobby. He remembered his tears. Joyful tears. Eldrin w al k e d int o th e livin g r o o m wit h De hy a. “Gr e etin g s , Moth er.” Ro c a join e d th e m . “G or g e o u s d a y o ut si d e .” Her di s gr u ntl e d t o n e c o ntr a st e d wit h h e r c h e e r y w o r d s. “Is e v e r yt hin g all ri g ht?” De hy a a s k e d . Ro c a s c o wl e d at Kelric. “Lig ht of m y lif e, m y y o u n g e s t, s w e e t e st c hild, it pl e a s e s m e m o r e

th a n I c a n s a y t o s e e y o u t o d ay.” Kelric blin k e d . He w a s a b o ut a s s w e e t a s ir o n s h a vi n g s . “Wh at’s w r o n g ?” She glared at him . “F ar b e it fr o m m e t o s u g g e s t th at m y i m pr e s si v e Imp er at or s o n is ig n o rin g hi s wif e.” Wh at? Je ej o n w a s al w a y s in hi s m i n d. “Is s h e all ri g ht?” “S o y o u r e m e m b e r y o u h a v e a c o n s o rt.” Ro c a c r o s s e d h e r a r m s . “G o o d . It’s a st art.” Exasperated, he touched a pa n el o n hi s g a u ntl et, k e yin g in th e c o d e for Je ej o n’ s p al mt o p. Aft er w aitin g, h e gl a n c e d at hi s m o t h er. “Sh e’ s n ot a n s w e rin g .” “Sh e d o e s n’t w a nt t o di stur b y o ur w o r k.” “I’ m n ot w o r ki n g.” “Did y o u t ell h e r th at?” “Sur ely s h e k n o w s s h e c a n talk t o m e .” His fa c e r el ax e d int o a s m il e. “I lik e t o talk t o h er.” Ro c a r el e nt e d a fr a cti o n. “Kelric, all s h e k n e w b ef or e s h e m e t y o u w a s lif e a s a l o w-l e v el ta s k m a k er. Sh e w a s a sl a v e , a n d n o w s h e is m a rri e d t o o n e o f th e m o s t p o w e rful m e n aliv e . Of c o ur s e s h e’ s h a vi n g tr o u bl e wit h it. Sh e di d n’t e v e n k n o w , at first, th at w h e n y o u di s a p p e a r e d for d a y s at a ti m e , y o u w e r e w o r ki n g in th e w e b .” Go d s . Wh at kin d o f e m p at h w a s h e , if h e h a d n’t pi c k e d u p o n hi s wif e’ s di str e s s ? He u n d e r st o o d w h y hi s m o t h e r n oti c e d , th o u g h ; si n c e the death of his father, she had mourned deeply, her grief sensitizing her even more to the loneliness of others. He strode toward the door. “Kelric, w ait,” hi s m o t h e r s ai d. He turn e d b a c k . “Ye s?” Ro c a si g h e d . “You a r e a b rillia nt m a n , m y s o n , w h e n it c o m e s t o m ilit ary str at e g y o r m a t h e m a ti c s , b ut wit h w o m e n y o u c o ul d u s e a bit m o r e s u btl ety.” “Wh at d o y o u s u g g e s t?” “Help h e r a dju st.” Sh e s p o k e q ui etly. “S o far y o u’v e pr ot e ct e d h e r fr o m p u bli city. But y o u c a n’t m u c h l o n g er. It will s o o n b e c o m e k n o w n th at y o u m a rri e d a Eu bi a n ta s k m a k er.” Kelric fr o w n e d . If a n y o n e h a d a pr o bl e m wit h hi s wif e’ s c o m m o n birth, th e y c o ul d g o t o th e d e vil. “I st a n d b y h er.” Her v oi c e s oft e n e d . “I k n o w . She is the one having trouble dealing with it. For her entire life, since before h e r birth, s h e w a s m o l d e d , tr ain e d , a n d d e si g n e d t o thin k o f Arist o s a s g o dlik e a n d o f h e r s elf a s n ot hin g . No w s h e h a s t o fa c e th e m a s y o ur c o n s o rt, p o s si bly s o o n , if th e talk s g o for w ar d.” “Why di d n’t s h e s a y a n yt hin g t o m e ?” “You k n o w Je ej o n. Sh e n e v e r c o m pl ai n s . Sh e think s it w o ul d b e u n gr at eful of h e r t o di stur b y o u.” “Un gr at eful?” He g a v e h e r a n in cr e d ul o u s l o o k . “G o d s , s h e s a v e d m y lif e. I w o ul d n e v e r h a v e m a d e it b a c k t o Earth wit h o ut h e r h el p. I w a s dying. I’m th e o n e w h o o w e s h er.” “F or s ai nt s’ s a k e ,” hi s m o t h e r s ai d. “I h o p e y o u di d n’t t ell h e r y o u m a rri e d h e r b e c a u s e y o u w e r e g r at eful.” “Of c o ur s e n ot.” He th o u g ht b a c k t o hi s pr o p o s al, w h e n h e w a s lyin g in a h o s pit al b e d o n Earth. “I t ol d h e r w e h a d a g o o d n e ur al r e s o n a n c e .” Dehya, who had been sta n di n g wit h th e m , lau g h e d . “No w that w a s r o m a nti c.” Kelric s c o wl e d . Je ej o n, if h e r e c all e d, h a d m a d e a si mil ar c o m m e n t, a n d in a b o ut th at s a m e t o n e of v oi c e . “Wh at’s w r o n g wit h th at?” “Kelric.” Eldrin t o o k hi s a r m a n d l e d hi m a w a y fr o m th e w o m e n . Wh e n Ro c a started to follow, Dehya intercepted and herded her over to a recessed window across the room. Kelric picked up enough from their minds to know Dehya was distracting her with talk of politics. Perhaps they would solve the Eube-Skolia conflict while he and Eldrin grappled with the more difficult

question of wives. De s pit e Kelric’ s s e v e r al p a st m a rri a g e s , h e h a d a r e m a r k a bl e la c k of e x p e ri e n c e in c e rt ai n w a y s . Most o f hi s m a rri a g e s h a d b e e n a g ai n st hi s will o r a rr a n g e d , w h e r e h e h a r dly k n e w hi s wif e o n hi s w e dding day. Even when he had been offered a choice, the woman had been the one to court him. He had been pursued, seduced, coveted, kidnapped, bought, and sold, but only once in his life hadhe s o u g ht th e r el ati o n s hip — wit h Je ej o n . And th at h a d n’t inv ol v e d c o urtship. He had no experience with wooing a woman, either before or after they said their vows. Eldrin s p o k e wit h o ut pr e a m b l e . “Do s o m e t hi n g t o s h o w Je ej o n th at y o u thin k s h e is s p e ci al.” “I d o th at all th e ti m e .” “Ho w?” Kelric s q ui nt e d at hi m . “I thin k a b o ut h e r a l ot.” T h e c o r n e r s of Eldrin’ s m o ut h q uirk e d u p, th o u g h h e tri e d t o hi d e hi s s m il e. “Oh, w e ll, th at o u g ht t o d o it.” “It’s tru e.” “You k n o w th at s a yi n g w o m e n h a v e , ‘I c a n’t r e a d y o ur m i n d’? Well, m y wif e can r e a d m y m i n d, a n d it d o e s n’t m a k e a w hit of diff er e n c e . You h a v e t o s h o w th e m .” Eldrin was too tactful to add,y o u’v e n e v e r h a d t o w o r k at thi s, b ut Kelric c a u g ht th e th o u g ht fr o m Eldrin’s m i n d. “Wh at d o y o u s u g g e s t?” Kelric a s k e d . “Wh at d o e s s h e lik e?” “Me.” Eldrin looked like he was trying not t o lau g h . “If y o u w a nt t o m a k e y o ur wif e f e el d e sir e d, I s u g g e s t y o u c o ul d c o m e u p wit h s o m e t hi n g m o r e th a n , ‘Her e I a m . Are n’t y o u lu c ky?’” Kelric wi n c e d . “I di d n’t m e a n th at.” He s c r at c h e d hi s c hi n. “I c o ul d gi v e h e r fl o w e r s .” “T o o g e n e ri c. Wh at c a n th e t w o o f y o u d o t o g et h e r?” “Sh e lik e s t o pl ay th o s e VR g a m e s .” Eldrin g rin n e d . “S o ta k e h e r t o a n a r c a d e .” Kelric r e g a r d e d hi m d u bi o u sly. “As Imp er at or, it w o ul d b e a n o m al o u s for m e t o g o t o a n a r c a d e .” “You c o ul d h a v e o n e in st all e d at th e h o u s e .” Kelric consi d e r e d th e th o u g ht. “Ye s , I d o think s h e w o ul d lik e th at.” “W ell, th er e , y o u h a v e a n a n s w er.” It s e e m e d a n o d d a n s w e r t o Kelric, t o b uild hi s wif e a VR a r c a d e , b ut p er h a p s s h e w o ul d lik e it. “Very w e ll.” He gl a n c e d at Ro c a a n d De hy a, w h o w e r e st a n di n g b y a window, bathed in light. They looked serene, but he doubted their argument was anywhere near as peaceful. Their tension emanated through the room. Eldrin foll o w e d hi s g a z e . “P er h a p s w e s h o ul d fin d o ut w h at th e y’r e talkin g a b o ut b ef or e th e y d o s o m e t hi n g dr a sti c, lik e d e cl arin g w a r o n s o m e o n e .” Kelric s m il e d. “Only I c a n d o th at.” Eldrin g a v e hi m a d o ur l o o k. “Do n’t b e s o s ur e .” T h e n h e h e a d e d a c r o s s th e r o o m . As Kelric a n d Eldrin dr e w n e a r er, Ro c a turn e d t o th e m a n d m o ti o n e d ir at ely at De hy a. “P er h a p s y o u c a n talk s e n s e int o h er.” “Ab o ut w h at?” Eldrin a s k e d . “I thin k w e s h o ul d g o a h e a d wit h th e p e a c e talk s,” De hy a s ai d. Kelric s p o k e . “No.” “W e m u st,” De hy a s ai d. “Not w hil e th e y h ol d Ard oi s e pri s o n er.” De hy a fr o w n e d at hi m . “T h at is e x a ctly w h at ESCo m m w a nt s, for u s t o p ull o ut.” “Jai bri ol Qox c o ntr ol s ESCo m m ,” Kelric s ai d.

Eldrin s p o k e dryly. “He is e i g ht e e n . He’s pr o b a bly lu c ky if h e c a n c o ntr ol hi m s elf, l et al o n e ESCo m m .” “His a d vi s e r s will b e th e o n e s wit h p o w er,” Ro c a s ai d. Gri mly, s h e a d d e d , “And Cor b al Xir.” De hy a l o o k e d a r o u n d at th e m . “I c a n’t gi v e y o u pr o of Jai bri ol Qox is si n c e r e . It’s m o r e m y s e n s e o f w h at I fo u n d in th e w e b . But I think h e w a nt s p e a c e . If w e l et ESCo m m d e str o y th e talk s, w e pl ay rig ht int o th eir h a n d s .” “T h at m a y b e ,” Kelric s ai d. “But if w e g o t o th o s e talk s n o w , w e ’r e t ellin g th e m th e y c a n b r ut aliz e o ur citiz e n s a n d w e ’ll still n e g o ti at e. We c a n’t u n d e r mi n e o ur p o siti o n th at w a y, e s p e ci ally n ot wit h Arist o s .” De hy a turn e d a w a y a n d st ar e d at th e wi n d o w . “W e n e e d th o s e talk s.” Kelric w a nt e d th e m , t o o . But h e k n e w th e Hig ht o n s . “W e c a n’t gi v e in o n thi s.” “Ha s Qox r e s p o n d e d t o o ur pr ot e st o v e r th e Ard oi s e in ci d e nt?” Eldrin a s k e d . Ro c a a n s w e r e d . “Nothin g .” Sh e gl a n c e d at De hy a, w h o w a s still st arin g o ut th e wi n d o w . “Not a w o r d.” “Wh at s h o ul d h e d o ?” De hy a s ai d, m o r e t o h e r s elf th a n t o th e m . “If h e s e n d s Ard oi s e b a c k , ESCo m m will s hr e d hi m .” “If h e c a n’t h a n dl e ESCo m m ,” Kelric s ai d, “th e n a n y a g r e e m e n t s h e m a k e s wit h u s m e a n n ot hi n g .” “I k n o w .” De hy a turn e d t o th e m . “I h a d ju st h o p e d thi s ti m e m i g ht b e diff er e nt.” Kelric u n d e r st o o d . F or c e nturi e s , th eir p e o pl e h a d h o p e d th at s o m e d ay, s o m e h o w , it m i g ht b e diff er e nt wit h th e Tr a d e r s . But it h a d n e v e r h a p p e n e d in th e p a st, a n d it l o o k e d lik e it w o ul d n’t h a p p e n n o w e it h er. The silence in th e h o u s e s e e m e d t o e c h o , th o u g h l o gi c ally Kelric k n e w th at m a d e n o s e n s e . He w al k e d thr o u g h th e s p a ci o u s r o o m s s e a r c hi n g for Je ej o n . Wh e n h e fo u n d o nly e m p ty s p a c e a n d p oli s h e d st o n e , h e g r e w c o n c e r n e d . Sur ely s h e w o ul d n’t l e a v e . Not Je ej o n . Sensing what he w a nt e d , hi s g a u ntl et a ctiv at e d its c o m m a n d p a g e d hi s ai d e . A v oi c e c a m e o ut of th e m e s h . “Li e ut e n a nt Qah ot h e r e , sir.” “Qa h ot —” Kelric p a u s e d , s elf-c o n s ci o u s . He p u s h e d th e w o r d s o ut all at o n c e , b ef or e h e c o ul d b a c k o ut. “I n e e d y o u t o fin d o ut w h at it w o ul d r e q uir e t o in st all a VR a r c a d e in m y h o u s e .” “Ye s, sir. C ert ainly.” Qah ot s o u n d e d a m u s e d . “T h a n k y o u, Lieut e n a nt. Out.” “Out, sir.” Kelric winced. Saints only knew what his officers would think if the rumor spread that he wanted an arcade. Well, never mind. An Imperator and his wife had a right to relax once in a while. He t o u c h e d a n o t h e r p a n el o n hi s g a u ntl et, a n d th e h o u s e EI s ai d, “Att e n di n g .” “C o m p , c a n y o u l o c at e m y wif e?” “Sh e is o ut si d e , b e hi n d th e h o u s e .” Kelric went out the back of the house and crossed a slope covered by green grass. As he came over a swell of the land, he saw Jeejon seated on the hill, facing away from him, staring out over the ravine and the silver ribbon of a stream that wound along it far below. A breeze stirred her hair, fluffing the silvery curls. As h e r e a c h e d h er, s h e turn e d wit h a st art. “Kelric.” He smiled, warmed by her presence. Maybe no one else approved of his telling her that they had a good neural resonance, but it was true. Her mind affected his, making him feel good whenever he came near her. Sittin g n e xt t o h er, h e t o o k h e r h a n d in hi s. T h e hill w a s st e e p e n o u g h th at th e y di d n’t n e e d t o

l e a n b a c k m u c h t o h a v e its s u p p o rt. T h e sl o p e r oll e d a w a y m o r e g e ntly at th eir f e et, al m o s t flat, th e n plu n g e d d o w n t o th e river. Kelric th o u g ht of hi s b r ot h e r’ s a d vi c e t o e x pr e s s hi s e m o ti o n s . “You l o o k b e a utiful t o d ay.” Sh e s n o rt e d. “Hav e y o u b e e n drinkin g?” Lau g hi n g , h e s ai d, “No.” Jeejon made ahmmmph noise, but she settled against him, her mood pleased even if she pretended otherwise. She said no more, in keeping with the terse dialect used by taskmakers where she had lived, a minimalist speech style that rationed words. It was one reason he liked her; she could be as taciturn as him. Kelric put his arm around her shoulder a n d th e y s at e nj o yin g th e vi e w . It t o o k a w hil e t o d e ci d e h o w t o p hr a s e hi s q u e sti o n. Fin ally h e s ai d, “T h e p e a c e talk s m a y fall thr o u g h .” Je ej o n si g h e d . “I a m s o rry. I k n o w y o u h a d h o p e s .” “Ye s.” Wh e n s h e s ai d n ot hin g m o r e , h e tri e d a g ai n. “But w e h a v e n’t l o st h o p e .” “G o o d .” “If th e y d o pr o c e e d , w e will m e e t o n Earth. As VR si m ul a cr a, n ot in p e r s o n .” “S m art id e a .” “Je ej o n?” “Eh?” “T h e talk s w o n’t ju st b e di s c u s si o n s . T h er e will al s o b e dipl o m a ti c-typ e e v e nt s.” “‘Dipl o m a ti c-typ e’?” Sh e lau g h e d . “Wh at d o e s th at m e a n ?” “You k n o w . Dinn er s . Re c e pti o n s .” “P e o pl e n e e d t o e a t in VR?” Kelric s m il e d. “No. But th e s o ci al a s p e c t is p art of th e pr o c e s s .” “It s e e m s a w a s t e of ti m e .” “I s u p p o s e .” He p a u s e d . “As m y c o n s o rt, y o u will b e e x p e ct e d t o att e n d.” She went very still. “With y o u?” “Ye s. With m e .” “Wo ul d n’t k n o w w h at t o d o .” “Wh o w o ul d n’t? You o r m e ?” “Ha. Fun ny.” Sh e di d n’t s o u n d a m u s e d . “W e h a v e p e o pl e w h o c a n h el p y o u a d a pt.” “I f e el lik e I w o ul d n e e d a n e w b r ai n.” He b r u s h e d hi s lip s o v e r h e r h air. “T h e o n e y o u h a v e is p erf e ct.” “He h.” Sh e st art e d t o s p e a k , th e n st o p p e d . “Ye s?” Kelric a s k e d . “Wh at Arist o s w o ul d c o m e t o th e talk s?” “E m p e r o r Qox. On e o f ESCo m m ’ s Joint Co m m a n d e r s . Qox’s a d vi s e r s .” “Minist er s?” “S o m e of th e m .” “Lik e Fin a n c e .” Kelric t e n s e d . “Ye s , Fin a n c e .” Sh e p ull e d h e r h a n d o ut of hi s. “T h e e m p e r o r n e e d s fin a n ci al a d vi c e t o m a k e p e a c e ?” He t o o k h e r h a n d a g ai n. “Je ej o n , s h e is th e e m p r e s s . Sh e h a s t o b e th er e .” His wif e di d n’t a n s w er. “It m a k e s n o diff er e n c e t o m e , ” h e s ai d. “You still l o v e h e r?” He le t o ut a n e x pl o si v e b r e at h. “G o d s a b o v e , w h e r e di d y o u g e t th e id e a I l o v e d th at b a rr a c u d a ?” “You think a b o ut h e r all th e ti m e .”

“Ye s, I d o . Ev ery d a y I th a n k th e s ai nt s I’m fr e e .” She said nothing, but he felt her disbelief. “Ho w d o I m a k e y o u b e li e v e m e ?” h e a s k e d . “With th e truth.” Kelric k n e w s h e w o ul d s e e thr o u g h a n y pl atitu d e s h e tri e d. So h e s ai d, “Ye s, I sl e pt wit h h er. I di d n’t h a v e m u c h c h oi c e in th e m a tt er. T h e y g a v e m e dr u g s .” “Dru g s , p a h .” “I di d n’t l o v e h er, Je ej o n . I h at e d h er.” “You lik e d th e s e x.” Sh e di d n’t m a k e it a q u e s ti o n. “It m e a n t n ot hi n g .” Sh e turn e d in hi s a r m s , fa ci n g hi m , h e r fa c e flu s h e d wit h u n c h ar a ct eri sti c a n g er. “Sh e’ s a Highton. I c a n’t c o m p e t e wit h th at.” Kelric t o o k h ol d of h e r s h o ul d e r s . “Sh e’ s n o o n e . And y o u d o n’t h a v e t o c o m p e t e wit h h er.” Sh e p ut h e r p al m s a g ai n st hi s s h o ul d e r s . “I’ m afr ai d.” “Do n’t b e .” He p ull e d h e r cl o s e . “I n e e d y o u.” “I d o n’t k n o w h o w t o h el p y o u.” “Ju st b e y o ur s elf.” He s e a r c h e d for th e w o r d s t o e x pl ai n. “You s e ttl e m e .” She rested her head against hi s s h o ul d er. “May b e .” “Je ej o n —” No answer. Kelric laid his head on hers, knowing she would say no more. But he had felt a slight shift in her mood, less uncertainty and more optimism. He would continue this way, each day, until she believed him. So they sat, two players in the twilight of a truce between Skolia and Eube that was dimming despite the best efforts of many people to make it work.

31 The Blue Room Agonizing. It was the only way Jai could describe the visit of his Joint Commanders to the palace. Being in the same room with Admiral Kaliga and General Taratus was agonizing, but he could show no sign of it, lest they perceive weakness in him. T h e Gr a n d Ballr o o m — c eilin g, fl o or, w all s, a n d c ol u m n s — w a s m a d e fr o m glitt erin g w hit e st o n e v ei n e d wit h bl a ck. Jai stood with Tarquine while Highton after Highton filed into the reception. Everything glittered: their black clothes, their black hair, and their diamond finger cymbals, one on the thumb and one on the index finger. The only color in the room came from their red eyes. Ea c h Hig ht o n w al k e d al o n g a lin e of Raz er s t o th e e m p e r o r a n d e m p r e s s . T h e Raz er s n e v e r m o v e d . Jai w a s n’t e v e n s ur e th e y w e r e b r e at hi n g . Wer e th e y m o r e m a c hi n e th a n h u m a n ? T h e y n e v e r g a v e th eir n a m e s . He di d n’t e v e n k n o w if th e y w e nt h o me at night or just turned themselves off. They could stand this way for hours, always vigilant. When the Hightons reached the end of the Razers, they bowed to Jai, then to Tarquine. They tapped their cymbals twice, sending chimes through the hall. Then the y w al k e d al o n g a n o t h e r lin e of Raz er s a w a y fr o m th e e m p e r o r a n d e m p r e s s . No o n e s p o k e . T h e pr o c e s s m a d e Jai’s h e a d h urt. T hi s r e c e pti o n w a s m e a nt t o b e a p arty, b ut a s far a s h e c o ul d s e e , n o o n e w a s h a vi n g fun. T h e Hig ht o n s di d n’t d a n c e ; th e y di d n’t e a t; th e y di d n’t drin k. Aft er th e y w e nt thr o u g h th e lin e , th e y st o o d in g r o u p s a n d w at c h e d Jai g r e e t o t h e r Hig ht o n s .

Finally the procession ended, and the Razers dispersed throughout the ballroom. Scanning the room, Jai saw Corbal standing by a column. When the Xir lord nodded, Jai raised his arm and, for the first time that night, tapped his finger cymbals. A melodic note vibrated in the air. Providers filed into the hall, carrying trays with crystal goblets and decanters of a clear liquid. Jai froze. Although h e k n e w hi s st aff h a d a rr a n g e d r efr e s h m e n t, h e h a d n’t r e aliz e d pr o vi d er s w o ul d s e r v e it. T h e y flu st er e d hi m . T h e y w o r e n o c ol or s. In fa ct, th e y w o r e al m o s t n ot hin g at all, n eit h er th e w o m e n n o r th e m e n . T h eir G-strin g s w e r e c h ai n s o f di a m o n d s , a n d di a m o n d s studded their slave restraints. The women had diamond chains slung low on their hips and diamond rings in their nipples. All of them had the same pale platinum hair. The only color came from their eyes, a vivid blue. He di d n’t k n o w w hi c h a p p all e d hi m m o r e , th e di s pl ay of pr o vi d er s o r th at h e e nj o y e d w a t c hi n g th e w o m e n s o m u c h . He t or e hi s g a z e a w a y fr o m o n e girl, pr a yin g Tar q uin e h a d n’t n oti c e d hi m l o o ki n g . As th e pr o vi d e r s cir c ul at e d, Jai a n d Tar q uin e s plit u p a n d m o v e d a m o n g th eir g u e st s . T h e Hig ht o n s finally began to converse, though their discussions were more like duels than small talk. Jai took refuge in silence. It worked surprisingly well; Aristos used silence as a form of manipulation, so his lack of response made him seem in control rather than at a loss for words. Corbal maneuvered people around the room like chess pieces, gradually bringing together Jai, Admiral Kaliga, and General Taratus. A pleasure girl served them drinks. As Kaliga stared at her, she flushed, her mood a hazy blend of fear and u n willin g d e sir e . Her g a z e h a d a gl o s s y s h e e n . With a st art, Jai r e aliz e d s h e w a s dr u g g e d wit h a p hr o di si a c s . Lo o ki n g a r o u n d th e h all, h e r e aliz e d th e o t h e r pr o vi d er s h a d th e s a m e l o o k . Well, s ur pri s e . App ar e ntly th e e m p e r o r’ s h o s pit ality e xt e n d e d b e y o n d food and drink, regardless of whether or not the emperor knew. As Kalig a t o o k a g o bl et fr o m th e tr ay, h e b r u s h e d hi s thu m b a c r o s s th e girl’s nip pl e. Sh e a v e rt e d h e r g a z e , h e r fa c e turnin g r e d. Kalig a n o d d e d t o Jai. “You a r e a m o s t g r a ci o u s h o st, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai g ritt e d hi s t e et h. He k n e w w h y Cor b al h a d s e nt o v e r th e pr etti e st pl e a s ur e girl; it w a s a n a p ol o gy, s u p p o s e dly fr o m Jai, for h a vi n g ta k e n Kalig a’ s fa v or e d pr o vi d e r th at ni g ht in Kalig a’ s h o m e . Alth o u g h Jai u n d e r st o o d b e tt er n o w h o w h e h a d off e n d e d th e a d m ir al, h e c o ul d n’t r e g r et hi s a c ti o n s , n ot w h e n h e k n e w w h at Kalig a w o ul d h a v e d o n e t o Silv er th at ni g ht. Taratus surveyed the hall, less circumspect than Kaliga about leering at the servers. He raised his goblet, his florid face ruddy from the liqu e ur. “T h e Lin e o f Qox e n t ert ain s w e ll.” Jai inclined his head. It both mortified and aroused him to realize why the ballroom had so many alcoves hidden behind those stately columns; tonight, the providers would also be dessert. If Jai really intended to win b a c k th e s u p p o rt o f ESCo m m , h e h a d m a d e a g o o d st art, jud gi n g fr o m Tar atu s’ s a n d Kalig a’ s m o o d s , b ut plyin g hi s Joint Co m m a n d e r s wit h e x p e n si v e liq u e ur a n d b e a utiful pl e a s ur e sl a v e s h a d h a r dly b e e n hi s int e nt. As m u c h a s h e k n e w h e h a d t o c o n c e ntr at e o n th eir m i n d s a n d di s c o v e r th eir s e c r et s , h e c o ul d n’t m a k e hi m s elf d o it. Ev e n wit h hi s d ef e n s e s fortifi e d, h e c o ul d b a r ely k e e p fr o m l e a vi n g th e h all. “A s e r e n e g at h e rin g ,” Kalig a c o m m e n t e d . Jai blinked.Serene? Hardly. He tried to focus on Kaliga, easing his m e n t al d ef e n s e s , b ut hi s h e a d a c h e a n d a n xi ety in cr e a s e d i m m e di at ely. As s o o n a s h e pi c k e d u p w h at Kalig a m e a nt b y “s er e n e ” —t h e p e a c e talk s — h e s n a p p e d o n hi s b a rri er s. If a n y Hig ht o n s f elt th e e ff e ct s of hi s di s c o m f o rt, Jai h o p e d th e y w o ul d attri b ut e it to the presence of so many providers. “S er e nity h a s its ti m e a n d pl a c e ,” Cor b al s ai d, n e utr al. “And its li mit ati o n s ,” Tar atu s m utt er e d . “S o it d o e s ,” Jai s ai d. He h a d n’t int e n d e d a n y hi d d e n m e a ni n g wit h th e r e m a r k, b ut h e s e n s e d w a ry a p pr o v al fr o m Kalig a. Da m n . T h e a d m ir al th o u g ht Jai w a s e x pl orin g th e id e a of li mitin g

th e p e a c e talk s. If h e w a s n’t c a r eful, h e m i g ht e n d u p pr o m i si n g t o gi v e u p th e n e g o ti ati o n s . Unfortun at ely, Jai c o ul d n’t di s c e r n m u c h e l s e fr o m Kalig a. To fin d th e a n s w e r s h e s o u g ht, h e w o ul d h a v e t o l o w e r hi s d ef e n s e s a g ai n, e v e n m o r e th a n b ef or e , a n d for l o n g er. He c o ul d n’t d o it h e r e ; h e w o ul d g o c at at o ni c fr o m th e pr e s s ur e o f s o m a n y Hig ht o n m i n d s . Cor b al si p p e d hi s drin k. “Li mit ati o n s c a n b e c o m e o p p o rtu niti e s .” “Opp ortu niti e s a r e al w a y s a p pr e ci at e d ,” Kalig a s ai d. Jai c o ul d h a v e thr ottl e d Cor b al. His c o u si n w a s e n c o ur a gi n g th e m t o think Jai m i g ht c a n c el th e talk s. T h at Cor b al p ut o ut th e id e a wit h o ut c o n s ultin g Jai di d n’t b o d e w e ll for th e r e st o f th e ni g ht. Jai dr ai n e d hi s g o bl et a n d s e t it back on the tray. His hand shook slightly, but he managed to cover the motion. His urge to escape increased. Cor b al lift e d hi s g o bl et. “A l o n g a n d s u c c e s sful e v e ni n g , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai dr e a d e d fin din g o ut w h at hi s “ s u c c e s s ” h a d b e e n . E m oti o n s s wirl e d a r o u n d hi m ; Tar atu s a n d Kalig a r e m ai n e d g u ar d e d , b ut th e vi sit w a s e a si n g th eir e n m ity. Tar atu s in p arti c ul ar e nj o y e d Jai’s “h o s pit ality.” “Lo n g in d e e d ,” G e n e r al Tar atu s s ai d. He thu n k e d hi s e m p ty g o bl et o n th e tr ay. If it h a d n’t b e e n for hi s Hig ht o n a p p e a r a n c e , Jai th o u g ht h e w o ul d h a v e l o o k e d m o r e at h o m e in a h ol o -b a r o n Earth, s wi g gi n g b e er. T h e g e n e r al c o n si d er e d th e pr o vi d e r wit h u n di s g ui s e d h u n g er. “It will b e g o o d t o r e st.” Cor b al g a v e hi m a c o ol Hig ht o n s m il e . “I h a v e h e a r d it s ai d th e wi c k e d n e v e r r e st.” Jai al m o s t c h o k e d o n hi s wi n e . Wh at w a s Cor b al d oi n g , in s ultin g Tar atu s? But r at h e r th a n takin g off e n s e , th e g e n e r al g uffa w e d . “T h e n s ur ely w e d e s e r v e a l o n g r e st, e h ?” “Sur ely,” Kalig a m u r m ur e d , wit h a g h o s t o f a s m il e. Corbal motioned toward an ar c h b e hi n d s e v e r al c ol u m n s . “P er h a p s y o u w o ul d e nj o y a t o ur o f th e p al a c e ?” “A t o ur, e h .” Tar atu s t o o k a full g o bl et off th e tr ay. T h e n h e tu g g e d o n th e rin g in th e pr o vi d e r’ s nip pl e. “Brin g o ur n e ct ar, d oll.” Kalig a slid hi s a r m a r o u n d th e girl’s w ai st. “Su c h a fin e vint a g e .” As Kalig a p ull e d th e girl al o n g , h e r f e ar diffu s e d thr o u g h th e dr u g g e d h a z e of h e r m i n d. Jai w a nt e d t o s o c k b o t h Kalig a a n d Tar atu s. He b a r ely h el d b a c k th e ur g e a s h e w al k e d stiffly wit h th eir g r o u p t o w a r d th e a r c h w ay. If th e y di d n’t stop pawing the girl, he might be tempted to do it anyway, Joint Commanders or no. When they reached the arch, another group joined them, four Razers escorting a Highton. Tarquine. Ah, hell.Jai was excruciatingly aware of the almost naked girl in their midst. Tarquine inclined her head to him, but her manner was chillier than ice, and sweat broke out on his forehead. Neither Kaliga nor Taratus seemed surprised to see her. Corbal hid his annoyance, but Jai felt it in his mind. They all left the hall together. Kaliga relaxed among the many cushions, lying on his side, his weight supported on his elbow. This circular chamber had no furniture, nothing except the pillows and a blue carpet so thick it felt like a cloud. The walls and ceiling were tiled in shades of blue, making Jai feel as if he were inside a jewel box. T h e y m a d e a r o u g h cir cl e, wit h Tar atu s r e clinin g n e xt t o Kalig a, a n d Jai sittin g b y Tar atu s. Cor b al h a d l eft, Jai w a s n’t s ur e w hy, b ut th e o t h e r s di d n’t s e e m t o m i n d. Tar q uin e w a s sittin g c r o s s - l e g g e d b e t w e e n Kalig a a n d Jai. Sh e gl a n c e d at Jai, h e r fa c e n e utr al, b ut h e u n d e r st o o d h e r u n s p o k e n q u e s ti o n: Had h e fo u n d o ut a n yt hi n g? Ev e n if h e c o ul d h a v e a n s w e r e d , h e h a d n ot hi n g t o s ay. He c o ul d n’t r el ax hi s b a rri er s e n o u g h t o s p y o n e it h er Kalig a o r Taratus. T h e pr o vi d er w a s k n e elin g b e t w e e n Kalig a a n d Tar q ui n e , h e r h air s pillin g o v e r h e r l o v ely b o dy.

As s h e off er e d th e a d m ir al a drin k, s h e a v e rt e d h e r g a z e . Jai di d n’t bl a m e h er. He di d n’t w a nt t o l o o k at th o s e icy r e d e y e s , e it h er. T h e girl al s o w o ul d n’t l o o k at hi m , th o u g h , a n u n w el c o m e r e mi n d e r th at hi s e y e s w e r e ju st a s di stur bin g . At l e a st s h e di d n’t s e e m t o h a v e pi c k e d u p hi s diff er e n c e s . Sh e w a s n’t a str o n g t el e p at h, a n d wit h a p hr o di si a c s m u d dlin g h e r m i n d, s h e w o ul d h a v e tr o u bl e di stin g ui s hi n g in divi du al m i n d s . Sh e pr o b a bly c o ul d n’t t ell h e a n d Tar q ui n e di d n’t aff e ct h e r in th e s a m e w a y a s o t h e r Hig ht o n s . Intent on the girl, Kaliga took her tray and set it on the rug behind him. She continued to kneel, staring at the floor. “Pl atinu m ,” Kalig a s ai d in a l o w v oi c e . “Su c h a pr etty m e t al.” He t wirl e d a str a n d o f h e r h air a r o u n d hi s fin g e r s . “Pr etty,” Tar atu s m u m b l e d . He fini s h e d off hi s fo urth drin k, th e n t o s s e d th e g o bl et b e hi n d th e m . Wh e n it hit th e w all a n d s h att er e d , h e di d n’t e v e n l o o k. Jai h a d to bite the inside of his mouth to keep from swearing. That one goblet was worth more than what some people in the Appalachians, where he had lived on Earth, earned in a month. As Taratus put his arm around the girl and kissed her, he played with her breast. Kaliga closed his eyes and stretched out his legs so he and Taratus were penning the girl inside the circle of Hightons. Taratus kept at her, pulling on her nipple rings. Every time the girl twitched, Kaliga breathed out as if he were the one caressing her. Jai clenched the carpet, almost pulling out the pile. He knew he was a prude by Highton standards, but gods, all five of themtogether ? This was too much. He tried not to stare as Taratus fondled the girl. When Tarquine sighed, Jai almost jumped. She was lying on her side now, watching him from half-closed eyes, her red irises dramatic through the black fringe of her lashes. But behind her sensuous look, Jai recognized the warning in her gaze. She might be pretending to the languorous, hazy mood, but her mind remained as sharp as a trap. Tar atu s lift e d hi s h e a d a n d l o o k e d d o w n at th e pr o vi d er. “Pr etty,” h e m u m b l e d . T h e n h e s pl ay e d hi s p al m a g ai n st h e r c h e s t a n d p u s h e d . Sh e f ell b a c k w a r d, la n di n g o n h e r b a c k , th e t o p of h e r h e a d b r u s hi n g Tar q uin e’ s st o m a c h , h e r silky h air flyin g a c r o s s Jai’s lap. Tar q uin e lau g h e d s oftly. “Ho w kin d of y o u, G e n e r al.” With h e r h e a d pr o p p e d u p o n o n e h a n d , s h e str o k e d th e girl’s h air. G e n e r al Tar atu s g r u nt e d at Tar q uin e , k n e elin g o v e r th e pl e a s ur e girl n o w , hi s w e i g ht b r a c e d on his palms. Kaliga continued to lie on his side, his eyes closed. Jai w a nt e d t o l e a v e . No m a tt er h o w h a r d h e tri e d t o a c t bl a s é , th eir c a s u al a p pr o a c h t o inti m a c y s h o c k e d hi m . F or all hi s di s m ay, th o u g h , h e c o ul d n’t h el p b ut n oti c e th e pr o vi d er. Her e s h e was, naked and nubile, ready for them. Filling his hands with her silky hair, he lifted it to his face and inhaled. It smelled like perfume. From the way his desire surged, he suspected it was also producing an aphrodisiac. He was beginning not to care. Straitlaced or not, he was growing dazed with pleasure. Tar atu s r a n hi s fin g e r al o n g th e c h ai n o f di a m o n d s a r o u n d th e girl’s w ai st. Sh e si g h e d , m o vi n g u n d e r hi m , pr e s si n g h e r hip s a g ai n st hi s p el vi s. Wh e n Tar q uin e b e g a n t o fo n dl e th e girl’s b r e a st s , Jai flu s h e d , u n a bl e t o b eli e v e thi s w a s h a p p e ni n g . His wif e a n d th e pr o vi d e r? He c o ul d n’t d o th at. Re ally. All th e ti m e h e k e pt t ellin g hi m s elf h e c o ul d n’t m a k e l o v e t o a pl e a s ur e girl a n d hi s wif e at th e s a m e ti m e , h e k e pt c a r e s si n g th e girl’s h air. Sh e w a s m u r m uring now, her eyes closed, her body undulating from their attentions. Then Tarquine gave Jai the full force of her sultry stare, and he thought he was going to perish right then and there. “Tar q uin e —” His v oi c e c a m e o ut in a h u s k y w hi s p er. As the empress l e a n e d in a n d ki s s e d hi m , hi s h a n d slid a c r o s s th e pl e a s ur e girl’s b r e a s t a n d h e g r o a n e d . Vagu ely, in hi s si d e vi si o n , Jai s a w Kalig a ta k e s o m e t hi n g s h a r p fr o m hi s b e lt, a s yrin g e o f s o m e kin d. T h e a d m ir al r e a c h e d for th e pr o vi d er. Jai w a nt e d Kalig a a n d Tar atu s t o g o a w ay, l e a vi n g th e girl a n d Tar q uin e h e r e for hi m —

T h e n th e pr o vi d er s c r e a m e d — a n d h e r a g o n y bl a st e d thr o u g h Jai.

32 Siren Call Jai w a s n’t s ur e h o w h e l eft th e bl u e - til e d r o o m . He fo u n d hi m s elf in a n e a r b y b at hin g c h a m b er, k n e elin g o v e r a g ol d-til e d p o ol, v o m itin g hi s g ut s o ut. He k n e w hi s b o d y g u ar d s w e r e h o v e rin g o v e r hi m , th at o n e of th e m st art e d t o talk int o a c o m m , a n d th at s o m e o n e e l s e st o p p e d th e Raz er fr o m m a ki n g a r e p o rt. Jai di d n’t c a r e . His m i n d h a d b e e n bl a st e d o p e n , wi d e o p e n , l e a vi n g him in agony. Raisin g hi s h e a d , h e s p o k e h o a r s ely t o th e c a pt ai n. “Fl o o d th e blu e r o o m wit h g a s . Kno c k o ut e v e r y o n e in it.” His m i n d w a s r a w t o hi s b o d y g u ar d s , u n d ef e n d e d . If h e h a d n’t r e pl a c e d s o m e of hi s Raz er s wit h n o n-Arist o s , th e pr e s s ur e th e y e x e rt e d on him would have been unbearable. Desperate, he shored up his demolished barriers. Tar q uin e k n elt n e xt t o hi m . “It is y o ur illn e s s .” Her v oi c e w a s l o w wit h w a r ni n g . “Sh all w e g o t o y o ur r o o m s ?” Jai cl e n c h e d th e ri m o f th e p o ol. “Wh at, thi s is ju st th e e m p e r o r b e i n g biz arr e a g ai n? Bla m e hi s b e h a vi or o n hi s ‘ e c c e ntri citi e s ,’ is th at it?” Sta n di n g u p, h e p ull e d a w a y fr o m h er. “Not thi s ti m e .” He s w u n g a r o u n d t o th e c a pt ai n. “Ga s th e g o d d a m n r o o m .” T h e c a pt ai n’ s u s u ally i m p a s si v e fa c e w a s s e t in t e n s e lin e s — a nd Jai finally discovered how far his authority went with his bodyguards. The captain made no move to carry out his order. “Do it,” Jai g r o u n d o ut. “Or y o u’r e d e a d .” The Razer stared at him, obviously trying to decide if Jai was bluffing. Then he raised his wrist and spoke into his comm, giving the order. Jai watched, aware of everyone staring at him, Tarquine and his four bodyguards. Jai knew when the gas took effect. The screams of the provider faded in his mind. He inhaled, suddenly free of her pain. Tarat u s a n d Kalig a h a d b e e n s o d e e p in th eir b r ut al tr a n s c e n d e n c e , th e y h a d b a r ely r e aliz e d h e h a d l eft. But n ot hin g w o ul d e v e r e r a s e h e r a g o n y fr o m hi s m i n d. Ev e n th o u g h s h e h a d k n o w n h o w th eir m é n a g e m i g ht e n d , th e s h o c k of p ai n h a d c a u g ht h e r h a r d; m ultipli e d b y h e r u n d ef e n d e d t el e p at h’ s m i n d, it h a d s h att er e d Jai’s b a rri er s a s w e ll, rippin g hi s m i n d wi d e o p e n . He wanted to die. Before Kaliga and Taratus had gone to work on her, he had been with them, wanting her for himself. He felt so ill he thought he would vomit again. Without another word, Jai left the chamber. As the Razers fell into formation, Tarquine caught up with him. “Jai bri ol,” s h e s ai d. “G o t o h ell.” Sh e stiff e n e d b ut di d n’t a n s w er. Sh e a n d th e Raz er s k e pt p a c e a s h e str o d e d o w n a n a r c h e d h all w ay tiled in blue and gold. The walls curved at the floor and ceiling, and no cross-hall came in at right angles. Nothing met anything else square on. Oblique and convoluted: Aristo built as they thought. Tough. In his side vision, he saw Tarquine turn to th e c a pt ai n. He f elt h e r int e nt; s h e w a nt e d th e Raz er s t o st o p hi m b ef or e h e tr a p p e d hi m s elf in a situ ati o n h e c o ul d n’t e s c a p e . Jai h a d n o int e nti o n of c h a n gi n g hi s pl a n s , r e g a r dl e s s of w h at s h e t ol d hi s b o d y g u ar d s . He st o p p e d a b r u ptly. “Capt ai n, w h e r e is Cor b al Xir?” T h e Raz er lift e d hi s a r m t o s p e a k int o th e c o m m e m b e d d e d in hi s g a u ntl et. T h e n Jai r e aliz e d h e w a s n’t w e a ri n g a g a u ntl et; hi s e n tir e a r m w a s c y b e r n eti c.

Tar q uin e s p o k e in a l o w v oi c e . “Be c a r eful, Hus b a n d.” “Of w h at?” He turn e d a h a r d g a z e o n h er. “Or s h o ul d I s a y of who ? Tar atu s? Kalig a? Cor b al? You?” A flu s h tin g e d h e r c h e e k s , m a rrin g th e s n o w - m a r bl e s ki n. His ic e e m p r e s s w a s l o si n g h e r c o ol. “Do y o u h a v e a n y id e a th e m a g nitu d e of w h at y o u h a v e d o n e ?” He m e t h e r g a z e . “I g a s s e d m y Joint Co m m a n d e r s .” Sh e h a d th e l o o k of s o m e o n e w h o h a d ju st s e e n a wil d p e r s o n ju m p off a cliff. “It’s c all e d s ui ci d e .” T h e c a pt ai n l o o k e d u p. “Lor d Xir is in hi s offic e , Your Hig h n e s s .” “G o o d .” Jai s e t off a g ai n. Jai di d n’t lik e Cor b al’ s silv er a n d st e el offic e a n y more today than the first time he had seen it. That day, the octagonal shape and domed ceiling had startled him; today, they were more symbols of Highton duplicity. As Jai strode into the room, Corbal stood up behind his desk, his white hair glittering in th e h a r s h lig ht. Jai st o p p e d at th e d e s k a n d r e st e d hi s cl e n c h e d fist s o n its s urf a c e . “I’v e m a d e m y d e ci si o n .” Cor b al m e t hi s bl u ntn e s s wit h hi s o w n . “I h a v e n o d o u bt it is th e w r o n g o n e .” “I’ m s e n di n g Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e h o m e t o Earth.” A muscle jerked in Co r b al’s c h e e k . “Whil e y o u’r e at it, w h y d o n’t y o u si g n th e d e at h w a rr a nt y o u t o o k o ut for y o ur s elf w h e n y o u g a s s e d y o ur Joint Co m m a n d e r s ?” Tar q uin e c a m e t o th e d e s k a n d s p o k e in a m e a s ur e d v oi c e . “P er h a p s , a s kin, th e thr e e of u s m i g ht h ol d thi s di s c u s si o n in a m o r e a p pr o pri at e s e ttin g.” Just say you want to get rid of the damn guards.Jai w a s si c k t o d e a t h o f Hig ht o n s p e e c h . He w a s w o u n d s o tig ht, h e f elt lik e h e w o ul d s n a p . He s p o k e t o th e c a pt ai n. “You a n d y o ur t e a m m a y w ait o ut si d e .” The Razers bowed and l eft, th eir fo ot st e p s m ut e d o n th e c a r p et, lik e st e alth r o b ot s . Jai turn e d t o Tar q uin e a n d Cor b al, b ut th e y still c o ul d n’t talk, n ot wit h o ut v e rifyin g s e c urity. Cor b al m e t hi s g a z e , th e n s at at hi s d e s k a n d w e nt t o w o r k. Holic o n s a p p e a r e d a b o v e th e gl o s s y s urf a c e , s y m b o l s for s e c urity s y st e m s in th e p al a c e . Jai di d n’t e v e n r e c o g niz e s o m e o f th e m . Tarquine leaned over the desk and tapped several glyphs on the screen. When Corbal frowned at her, she shrugged. With a scowl, he redoubled his efforts, and the glyp h s s o o n di s a p p e a r e d . He a n d Tar q uin e r e p e at e d th e pr o c e d ur e s e v e r al ti m e s b ef or e Jai r e aliz e d s h e w a s r e v e alin g s e c urity fla w s Cor b al h a d n’t k n o w n a b o ut. At o n e p oi nt, Jai w a s c e rt ain s h e s h o w e d Cor b al a s y st e m h e h a d n e v e r b ef or e s e e n . Jai p a c e d th e r o om, too angry to stay still. Fin ally Cor b al p u s h e d b a c k hi s c h air a n d st o o d u p. “P er h a p s w e s h o ul d h a v e s o m e wi n e .” Jai g a v e a h ar s h lau g h. “Is th at y o ur s ol uti o n t o e v e r yt hin g ? Hav e a frig gi n g gl a s s o f wi n e ?” Cor b al’s m o ut h tig ht e n e d . “Bett er th a n d e s tr o yin g all h o p e of w o r ki n g wit h ESCo m m .” He w al k e d a r o u n d th e d e s k a n d c a m e o v e r t o Jai. T h e n h e lift e d hi s h a n d , h ol di n g hi s thu m b a n d for efin g e r cl o s e t o g et h er. “W e w e r e thi s cl o s e t o r e e s t a bli s hi n g g o o d r el ati o n s wit h ESCo m m . No w y o u’v e d e s tr o y e d it. Wh at th e bl a z e s p o s s e s s e d y o u t o att a c k th e m ?” Incr e d ulity c r a c k e d in Jai’s v oi c e . “G o d s for bi d I s h o ul d ‘att a c k’ w hil e th e y t ortur e d th at h el pl e s s girl.” A l o n g sil e n c e d e s c e n d e d a s Cor b al a n d Tar q uin e st ar e d at hi m . Fin ally Cor b al turn e d t o Tar q uin e . “Your Hig h n e s s , I b e li e v e m y c o u si n a n d I n e e d t o di s c u s s —” “I’ m n ot l e a vi n g ,” Tar q uin e s ai d. “My, a r e n’t w e dir e ct,” Jai s ai d. “You a r e n’t r el at e d t o Cor b al. T h e n a g ai n, gi v e n h o w e v e r y b o d y h e r e m a rri e s th eir r el ativ e s , y o u pr o b a bly a r e .”

“St o p it,” Cor b al s ai d. “You b o t h tr a n s c e n d e d .” Jai w a nt e d t o fol d u p a n d di e . “F ordecades. ” “Jai bri ol, d o n’t d o thi s,” Tar q ui n e s ai d. Jai w a s l o si n g hi s b attl e t o st a y c al m . “I c o ul d m a k e m y s elf ‘for g et’ b e c a u s e I n e v e r h a d t o witn e s s it, n ot fr o m e it h e r o f y o u.” He c o ul d n’t b e ar to tell Tarquine the truth, that she had become the only thing that made his life worth anything. She and Corbal were all he had, which meant he had nothing.Nothing. Tarquine and Corbal looked at each other, and Jai felt their shock as they each realized the truth, that neither of them transcended. He also knew the moment when each realized the other suspected Jai was a psion. He felt as if a band were constricting across his chest, making it impossible to breathe. Jai st e p p e d b e hi n d Cor b al’s d e s k . Wh e n he stabbed his finger at its screen, an array of holicons appeared, floating above the surface. Cor b al c a m e t o th e fr o nt of th e d e s k . “D e a ctiv at e .” His v oi c e h a d d e e p e n e d int o c o m m a n d m o d e. “D e a ctiv at e d ,” it a n s w e r e d . T h e h oli c o n s di s a p p e a r e d . Jai clenched hi s fist s. “Ard oi s e g o e s h o m e . T h e p e a c e talk s g o for w ar d. And Razi q u o n st a y s in pri s o n .” Cor b al st art e d t o a n s w er, th e n turn e d t o Tar q uin e . “I m u st s p e a k t o His Hig h n e s s al o n e .” Sh e gl a n c e d at Jai. “Do y o u w a nt m e t o st a y?” “Ye s,” Jai s ai d. “No,” Cor b al said. Jai c o ul d t ell Cor b al g e n ui n ely f elt it w o ul d e n d a n g e r hi m if Tar q uin e st a y e d . Tir e dly, h e s p o k e t o hi s wif e. “W e c a n talk lat er.” She gave him one of those enigmatic looks he dreaded. Then she bowed and took her leave. The moment they were alone, Cor b al s ai d, “W e m a y b e a bl e t o c o n vi n c e Kalig a a n d Tar atu s th e y w e r e c a u g ht in a n o t h e r a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt a g ai n st y o u.” Jai g a v e a bitt er lau g h . “Ho w b e li e v a bl e is th at? T h e y h el p e d Razi q u o n’ s kin wit h th e first a n d m a s t er mi n d e d th e s e c o n d .” “Ho w d o y o u k n o w ?” “Do n’t a s k .” A s h u d d e r w r a c k e d hi s b o dy. T h at m o m e n t w h e n hi s b a rri er s h a d s h att er e d , w h e n h e h a d b e e n wi d e o p e n t o Kalig a a n d Tar atu s — h e h a d l e ar n e d e v e r yt hin g fr o m th e m . Corbal was worried Taratus and Kaliga would have their poor Highton feelings hurt by the gassing. If they had picked up the truth about Jai when his mind opened, he had a lot worse to worry about than their feelings. Cor b al fa c e d hi m a c r o s s th e d e s k . “T h e s e p e a c e talk s a r e n’t y o ur o nly alt er n ativ e .” Jai hit the desk with his palm. “Wh at e l s e is th er e ? Warrin g wit h e a c h o t h e r u ntil w e d e s tr o y ci viliz ati o n?” “You c a n e n s ur e its s ur viv al b y b rin gi n g all o f s e ttl e d s p a c e u n d e r y o ur s ol e c o m m a n d .” Jai s c o wl e d . “T h at is n’t s ur viv al. It’s tyr a n ny. And in c a s e y o u’v e for g ott e n , Eu b e h a s tri e d for c e nturi e s t o c o n q u e r Sk oli a a n d n e v e r s u c c e e d e d .” Cor b al m e t hi s g a z e . “T h at w a s b ef or e w e h a d a Kyle w e b .” “W e still d o n’t h a v e o n e .” “But w e h a v e a Lo c k.” “It d o e s n’t w o r k.” “It n e e d s its Key.” “W e d o n’t h a v e o n e .” Cor b al’s v oi c e w e nt d e c e ptiv ely q ui et. “Just think —if w e h a d a Key, h e c o ul d u s e th e Lo c k t o join th e Tri a d. He c o ul d b uild a Kyle w e b . And h e c o ul d e n s ur e th at n o o n e w h o m a tt er e d t o

hi m c a m e t o h a r m w h e n Eu b e a b s o r b e d all s e ttl e d s p a c e int o its e m pir e .” Jai braced his palms on the desk, l e a ni n g for w ar d. “And if s o m e Hig ht o n h a d th e m i st a k e n b eli ef th at h e c o ul d c o ntr ol s u c h a Key, a n d thr o u g h hi m , th e e m pir e, th e n th at ill-a d vi s e d Hig ht o n w o ul d h a v e t o think a g ai n.” “It n e e d n’t b e a m a tt er o f c o ntr ol,” Cor b al s ai d r e a s o n a bly. “P e o pl e wit h si mil ar g o al s c a n w o r k t o g et h er.” “Only if th e y tru st e a c h o t h e r e n o u g h .” Cor b al s pr e a d hi s h a n d s o ut fr o m hi s b o dy. “You fo u n d a n s w e r s a b o ut ESCo m m . Fin d th e m a b o ut m e .” Jai crossed his arms, feeling the black-diamond cloth of his tunic against his skin. He di d n’t w a nt t o d o w h at Cor b al s u g g e s t e d . No w th at h e h a d b r o u g ht hi s m e n t al d ef e n s e s b a c k u p, h e di d n’t e v e r w a nt t o l o w e r th e m a g ai n. But h e h a d t o k n o w hi s c o u si n’ s tru e m i n d. Unwillin g b ut driv e n b y f e ar, Jai l o w e r e d hi s d ef e n s e s for th e s e c o n d ti m e th at ni g ht. With o nly hi m s elf a n d Cor b al, it di d n’t s h att er hi m thi s ti m e , b ut h e still f elt s h a k e n , r a w, a n d v ul n er a bl e . Corbal had natural mental barriers, as did most humans, and he had made an effort to fortify them. Now he was trying to lower his de f e n s e s . Just a s h e di d n’t fully k n o w h o w t o b uild th e m , s o h e h a d tr o u bl e b rin gi n g th e m d o w n . But Jai c a u g ht e n o u g h . Cor b al w a nt e d p o w er, y e s , b ut h e w o ul d r at h er wi el d it fr o m b e hi n d th e thr o n e ; h e lik e d hi s lif e n o w t o o m u c h t o c h a n g e h o w h e liv e d . Cor b al s a w hi m a s n ai v e , u n pr e di ct a bl e , int ellig e nt, a n d… w o rt hy of l oy alty. Jai blink e d . Loy alty. He h a d n’t e x p e ct e d th at. Unable to take the exposure for long, Jai raised his defenses again. They had become so ingrained that lowering them had taken more effort than bringing them back up. It was a relief to retreat into his mental fortress. Corbal stood watching him, waiting. Jai wondered what it was like for his cousin never to feel the emotions of others, to be locked forever in his own mind. Less painful, certainly. Jai wanted to sit down and rest his throbbing head, but he could show no weakness, especially not with so much balanced on the edge of his indecision. And yes, it was indecision, for he knew all too well now what Corbal wanted. If Jai built a Kyle w e b , h e c o ul d cl ai m Ja c q u e s Ard oi s e w a s th e Key, th at th e initial t e st s t o d et er mi n e th e m u si ci a n’ s p si a bility h a d u n d e r e sti m at e d it. Wh at Hig ht o n w o ul d r e c o g niz e th e li e? Non e w e r e p si o n s . As l o n g a s Jai n e v e r r el e a s e d Ard oi s e , n o o n e w o ul d k n o w th at the emperor rather than his provider was the true Key. Corbal believed they might salvage the mess with ESComm if Jai canceled the peace talks and released Raziquon. And with the instant communications a Kyle web provided, ESComm might finally conquer Skolia and the Allied Worlds. Like a man responding to a siren call, Jai looked at what he had so long avoided. No human being, no matter how noble, could remain unmoved by the lure of such power. He could rule humanity. All of it. The children of Earth had never seen such an empire. No reign would match his, not among the Allieds, not among the Skolians. He had within his grasp an empire unparalleled in the history of the human race. But in return, he had to allow an abomination, the ascension of the Highton Aristos to dominance over the sum total of humanity. Jai sat slowly behind the desk, staring across the office but seeing nothing.I could protect my Ruby kin. As emperor, he could ensure none of the Ruby Dynasty suffered. No Highton would ever touch them. He would make certain. He had a lot to learn, but he had Corbal and Tarquine. And he learned fast. Very fast. But… He would condemn humanity to slavery, controlled by a few thousand Aristos. Nor could he

guarantee that his successors would share his beliefs. But… Many taskmakers had a higher standard of living than their Skolian counterparts. Their material lives were better than those of the Skolian or Allied peoples. An i m a g e o f Ro b ert c a m e t o hi m , hi s ai d e’ s fa c e p al e a s h e a s k e d for p e r mi s si o n t o r efit hi s c oll ar; o f Ro b e rt h a vi n g n o c h oi c e b ut t o liv e at th e p al a c e , n e v e r s e e i n g hi s fath er; o f Ro b e rt’s fath er c o n d e m n e d t o a lif e of l o s s a n d p ai n, n e v e r a bl e t o s e e hi s s o n u ntil Jai p ai d a n e x o r bit a nt pri c e t o b rin g hi m h e r e . T h e n Jai th o u g ht o f Ja c q u e s Ardoise, who would have never seen his family again because the Hightons felt they had a right to own and torture anyone they pleased. No. Jai closed his eyes. Corbal offered a temptation both horrifying and seductive. All Jai had to do was give up his dream of peace. What use was it to hope? Kaliga and Taratus would never accept peace with the Skolians. The harder Jai pushed, the harder they would try to kill him. They would relent only if he became a conqueror. But a c o n q u e r o r n e e d n’t b e c r u el. His could be a benevolent reign. Power corrupts. No. T h at w a s a stu pi d cli c h é . Re ality w a s far m o r e c o m pl e x, a n int er pl ay of truth a n d d e c e pti o n. He h a d g r o w n u p wit h th at k n o wl e d g e , list e ni n g t o hi s p ar e nt s, l e ar nin g w h y th e y h a d g o n e int o e xil e, s e e i n g th e m m a k e int er st ell ar hi st ory d urin g th e Radi a n c e War. T h e y h a d gi v e n th eir liv e s b e c a u s e th eir p o w e r h a d n’t t wi st e d th e m . He c o ul d u s e hi s t o pr ot e ct hi s p e o pl e . It w o ul d n’t c o rrupt hi m , e it h er. T h e w a y it h a d n’t c o rrupt e d th e Arist o s ? Every Eubian and Skolian knew the truth, regardless of whether they acknowledged it: they had originally been one people, all descended from the Ruby Empire. As emperor, Jai had access to records no one outside Eube had seen, indeed, hardly any Eubians either. When Eube Qox established hi s e m pir e, h e h a d n’t e n vi si o n e d sl a v e ry a n d b r ut ality. In hi s w ritin g s , h e h a d s p o k e n m u c h th e w a y Jai th o u g ht n o w , e n vi si o ni n g a c o n c o r d o f p e o pl e s a n d c ultur e, th eir g r e at ci viliz ati o n g ui d e d b y a b e n e v ol e nt r a c e o f Hig ht o n s . Eube Qox had never transcended. Historians claimed it was discretion that kept him from indicating any familiarity with the experience Aristos now considered a gods-given right. In public, Aristos would no more talk about transcendence than they would about intimacy. But Jai could see what the historians refused to acknowledge: Eube Qox had come from the same people that birthed Skolia, a culture where the brutality practiced by Hightons was a crime, immoral, cruel. Those beliefs had been part of him. Jai looked at his cousin. Corbal w a s n’t a g e ntl e m a n , b ut n eit h e r w a s h e th e m o n st er Jai h a d e x p e c t e d . Nor w a s Tar q uin e . Jai h a d s urr o u n d e d hi m s elf wit h th e f e w Hig ht o n s h e c o ul d e n d ur e . To ni g ht Kalig a a n d Tar atu s h a d for c e d hi m t o fa c e th e truth s h e h a d tri e d t o d e ny. Wh at e v e r n o bility the first Qox emperor had possessed, and whatever decency might be buried within some Aristos, their empire had warped beyond repair. Jai could no more control what happened after his reign than Eube had been able to prevent the cruelty that had twisted his empire after he died. Sta n di n g u p, Jai s p o k e tir e dly, k n o wi n g h e m i g ht b e s e alin g hi s c offin. “T h e p e a c e talk s g o for w ar d.” Cor b al cl o s e d hi s e y e s . T h e n h e o p e n e d th e m a g ai n. “Do n’t d o thi s.” Jai t o u c h e d a p a n el o n th e d e s k . “Ro b e rt.” His ai d e’ s v oi c e c a m e o ut of th e c o m m . “Her e, sir.” “Pr e p ar e a st at e m e nt for m e . ” Jai c o ntinu e d t o l o o k at Cor b al. “W e a r e r etur nin g Ja c q u e s

Ard oi s e t o Earth.” To Ro b e rt’s c r e dit, h e o nly p a u s e d a m o m e n t. “Wh at w o ul d y o u lik e th e st at e m e n t t o s ay, sir?” “I’ m n ot s ur e .” Watc hi n g Cor b al, w h o w a s s h a ki n g hi s h e a d , Jai s ai d, “Re s e a r c h th e pr o c e d ur e s a n d w rit e a dr aft.” “Rig ht a w ay, Your Hig h n e s s .” “G o o d . And Ro b e rt?” “Ye s, sir?” “Ha s Lord Razi q u o n l eft th e pri s o n y et?” “W e s e nt th e p ar d o n b a c k t o Hig h Jud g e Muz e wit h y o ur si g n atur e . He s h o ul d b e fr e e in a f e w d a y s , a s s o o n a s th e d o c u m e nt s a r e pr o c e s s e d .” Jai t o o k a w e a r y b r e at h. “Notify Hig h Jud g e Muz e th at I a m r e s ci n din g m y a g r e e m e n t. Razi q u o n st a y s in pri s o n .” Ro b e rt s p o k e sl o wly. “Ye s, sir.” Corbal waited until Jai signed off. T h e n h e s ai d, “You will liv e t o r e gr et th e s e d e ci si o n s .” Jai s w all o w e d . “If I liv e.”

33 The Price of Loyalty Tarquine stood in an alcove high in the east tower. With one knee on a cushioned bench that bordered the enclosure, she gazed out at the city of Qoxire. It spread below the palace, a jumble of white buildings spilling down the hills, gilded in the evening sun. Only an hour had passed since Jaibriol had destroyed his relations with ESComm, but she imagined the city already knew somehow, and had become wild. Beyond it, the ocean crashed against glittering black beaches. The moon Viquara and several others shone in the sky, testament to the forces that drove the violent tides. The door of the outer chamber whispered open behind Tarquine. She had no spy monitor running, but she knew who entered. He was the only other person her security systems allowed access to this tower. She continued to watch the ocean batter the shore. The tread of feet sounded behind her. Then Jaibriol joined her at the window. Tarq ui n e gl a n c e d at hi m . “My g r e e tin g s , Hus b a n d .” He di d n’t a n s w er, o nly w a t c h e d th e o c e a n . Sun r ay s sl a nt e d o v e r hi m , gi vin g hi s fa c e th at a nti q u e d l o o k o nly lat e-aft er n o o n s u nli g ht c o ul d c r e at e . Tarquine turned back to the city. She could smell the soap Jaib ri ol h a d u s e d t o w a s h , a n d a m a s c ulin e s c e nt th at w a s hi s al o n e . It m a d e h e r thin k o f th e ni g ht s h e c a m e t o h e r in th e b r o o di n g d ar k n e s s , b ur nin g wit h hi s n e e d . Sh e fo u n d hi m o ft e n in h e r th o u g ht s n o w . Sh e di d n’t w a nt hi m th er e . Sh e tri e d t o p u s h hi m o ut, but he returned, undeniable. In the mornings, she always woke while he still slept. He required the greater rest of youth, ten hours, almost twice what she needed. Sometimes she found herself breaking her rule of immediately rising, a habit that had been inviolate for most of her life. Instead she lay next to him, enjoying his slumbering warmth. Jai bri ol s p o k e . “You will att e n d m e o n Earth.” Earth. T h at c o ul d m e a n o nly o n e u n w el c o m e , fo ol h ar dy thin g. “You int e n d t o g o a h e a d wit h th e talk s.” “Ye s.” So. She w a s e m p r e s s . Of c o ur s e s h e w o ul d b e e x p e c t e d t o att e n d th e talk s, e v e n if th e y e n d e d u p killin g h e r h u s b a n d . Sh e l et h e r t o n e c o n v e y h e r di s pl e a s ur e . “Very w e ll.”

Jai bri ol w o ul d n’t l o o k at h er. “He will b e th er e .” “He?” Her h u s b a n d fin ally turn e d t o h er. “Kelric Vald ori a.” A fa mili ar a n g e r s ur g e d in Tar q uin e . Kelric’ s e s c a p e vi ol at e d h e r s e n s e of ri g ht n e s s at a d e e p l e v el. And y et… The edge of that memory had dulled. It would always rankle that he had outwitted her. Only Kelric could have made that escape; no one else had the skills, talents, and mental ability. But oddly enough, she no longer experienced the fierce yet indefinable pain that had plagued her after he vanished. She sorted through her emotions, including those she had shut away so their intensity w o ul d n’t int erf er e wit h h e r lif e. T h e p ai n h a d g o n e . Sh e n o l o n g e r f elt a drivin g n e e d t o h a v e Kelric b a c k . He had never touched her emotions like Jaibriol. Outside, tempestuous waves tipped with blue-green froth shot up against rocks along the shore. He r h u s b a n d w a s lik e th at, wil d a n d tur b ul e nt. He turn e d h e r lif e in si d e o ut. Sh e h a d tri e d t o l o c k th o u g ht s of hi m in th e hi d d e n pl a c e of h e r m i n d th at pr ot e ct e d h e r fr o m st ar k e m o ti o n s , b ut it c o ul d n’t c o nt ai n thi s r e s p o n s e . If s h e h a d a s o r e t o ot h, s h e c ould have it fixed with hardly a thought. If she became sick, the nanomeds in her body would make her better. If signs of age showed, she had the doctors make her perfect again. But nothing could cure her of Jaibriol. Sh e c o ul d n’t l et hi m k n o w h o w h e w e a k e n e d h er. So s h e m i s dir e ct e d hi s att e nti o n. “Kelric Vald ori a o w e s m e a g r e at d e al o f m o n e y.” Jai bri ol blin k e d . “Wh at?” “He st ol e a fo urt e e n - m illi o n-c r e dit pr o p e rty of m i n e .” “He c a n’t st e al hi m s elf.” “He’ s th e o n e w h o t o o k m y pr o p e rty.” He s p o k e dryly. “Both Azar Tar atu s a n d th e in s ur a n c e b ur e a u s p ai d y o u for y o ur ‘l o s s .’” She snorted. “Tar q uin e —” “Ye s?” “Ab o ut th e b ur e a u s a n d Tar atu s .” Sh e c r o s s e d h e r a r m s . “Wh at a b o ut th e m ?” “You h a v e t o gi v e o n e of th e m th e m o n e y b a c k .” “I m o s t c e rt ai nly d o n ot.” “Ye s, y o u d o .” “You for g et, e s t e e m e d Hus b a n d . T h o s e p a y m e nt s w e r e m a n d at e d b y y o ur d e c r e e .” “You c a n’t h a v e it b o t h w a y s .” He gl ar e d at h er. “Eith er Tar atu s c h e at e d y o u o r h e di d n’t. If th e b ur e a u s h a d t o p a y y o u th at e x o r bit a nt a m o u nt, th e n Tar atu s di d n’t c h e at y o u. If Tar atu s di d n’t c h e a t y o u, th e n h e s h o ul d n’t h a v e h a d t o gi v e y o u b a c k y o ur c r e dit s. So y o u m u st r e p a y hi m .” Sh e p ut h e r h a n d s o n h e r hip s. “Tar atu s m e a nt t o c h e at m e . He o w e s m e p u nitiv e d a m a g e s .” “I w a nt y o u t o r etur n th e c r e dit s.” She considered him for a l o n g m o m e n t. “Givin g m o n e y t o th e littl e b r ot h e r o f G e n e r al Tar atu s w o n’t a p p e a s e ESCo m m .” He stiff e n e d . “T hi s is n’t a b o ut ESCo m m .” “No? It n e v e r o c c urr e d t o y o u th at m a ki n g Azar Tar atu s h a p p y m i g ht di s s u a d e hi s b o o ri s h o l d e r b r ot h er, o t h e r wi s e k n o w n a s o n e o f y o ur Joint Co m m a n d e r s , fr o m pl ottin g a g ai n st y o ur a p p e alin g b ut w o e fully u n s o p hi sti c at e d s elf?” Jai bri ol s c o wl e d . “You will gi v e b a c k th e m o n e y. It is n’t o p e n t o di s c u s si o n .” “Very w e ll,” s h e li e d. “I will gi v e it b a c k .”

He shot her a look of alarm. “Wh at?” Tar q uin e a s k e d . Hon e stly, h e w a s m o o di er th a n a m a lfu n cti o ni n g AI. “You n e v e r gi v e in th at e a s ily.” “It is n’t w o rt h a r g uin g a b o ut.” Ti m e t o d efl e ct hi m . “Your Joint Co m m a n d e r s c o n c e r n m e m o r e .” Like a restless beast unable to stay still, he p a c e d o ut o f th e al c o v e int o th e t o w e r c h a m b e r, hi s bl a c k g a r b st ar k a g ai n st th e p al e m a r bl e w all s. “It s e e m s th e y h a v e tr o u bl e h ol di n g th eir s e c r et s.” Did h e m e a n h e k n e w th eir m i n d s ? “You h a v e s u c c e e d e d ?” He w a s st a n di n g wit h hi s b a c k t o h er. “If y o u c a n c all it s u c c e s s .” Sh e s p o k e q ui etly. “Su c c e s s w o ul d b e di s c o v e rin g w h e t h e r o r n ot th e y h a v e d e ci d e d th eir ‘duti e s’ t o th e e m p e r o r in clu d e hi s a s s a s si n ati o n.” He t o o k a n a u di bl e b r e at h. “T h e n y e s , I h a v e s u c c e e d e d .” Tarquine waited. Jaibriol turned to face h er. “Tar atu s h el p e d Razi q u o n’ s kin o n th e first att e m pt, wit h Kalig a’ s bl e s si n g .” He s o u n d e d m u c h t o o q ui et, a s if h e w e r e h ol di n g in a tur m oil of e m o ti o n s . “Both o f th e m m a s t er mi n d e d th e s e c o n d att e m pt. T h e y int e n d e d t o i m pli c at e y o u a n d Cor b al. T h e Dia m o n d Co aliti o n h a d n ot hin g t o d o wit h it.” Tar q uin e s p o k e wit h a d e a dly c al m . “I s e e .” “I h a v e n o pr o of.” “T hi s is e n o u g h for m e . ” “No o n e will c o n si d e r y o u a n i m p arti al jud g e .” Sh e m e t hi s g a z e . “I’ m n ot.” “Tar q uin e —” He lift e d hi s h a n d a s if t o r e a c h t o w a r d h er, th e n dr o p p e d it. “T h e p e a c e talk s st art in a t e n d ay, if th e y g o for w ar d.” Bitt erly h e a d d e d , “If I liv e th at l o n g .” Sh e c a m e for w ar d a n d p ut h e r h a n d s o n hi s s h o ul d er s . “Giv e u p thi s id e a of talk s.” He lai d hi s h a n d s o v e r h e r s . “I c a n n ot.” “If y o u di e , y o u will a c hi e v e n ot hin g.” “I c a n’t gi v e u p.” Sh e w a nt e d t o s h a k e hi m , h ol d hi m b a c k , l o c k hi m u p, w h at e v e r it t o o k t o pr ot e ct hi m fr o m hi m s elf. Da m n hi s int e grity, hi s h o n e s ty, hi s g o d s - for s a k e n p urity. “No o n e is w o rt h th e s e s a c rific e s .” Sh e cl e n c h e d h e r h a n d s o n hi s s h o ul d e r s . “Not e v e n y o ur p ar e nt s.” He st ar e d at h er, hi s fa c e p al e . But h e di d n’t d e n y h e r i m pli c ati o n. “I w o n’t l et th e m h a v e di e d in v ai n.” “You c a n n ot ta k e th e pr o bl e m s of all h u m a nity o nt o y o ur s h o ul d er s .” Her v oi c e c a u g ht. “You will b r e a k .” He t o o k h e r h a n d s a n d b r o u g ht th e m t o g et h e r in fr o nt o f hi m . “W e all d o w h at w e m u s t.” Tarquine had no answer, for she was certain Eube would never accept his desperate peace. The empress found the man she sought in a studio with many windows. Sunshine streamed into the high-ceilinged room. Actually, she found two people. The older man sat on a stool in front of an easel, working with holographic paints. The younger had settled in an armchair and was reading a holobook. It was a tranquil scene, domestic and cozy, or at least it was until she arrived with her bodyguards. Robert jumped to his feet, tossing his holobook on a table. His father looked up from his easel like a diver surfacing in a lake. Then he saw Tarquine and dropped his paintbrush. F or a n in st a nt fath er a n d s o n r e m ai n e d fr oz e n . In th e s a m e m o m e n t th at Ro b ert’s fath er ju m p e d off hi s st o ol, Ro b e rt st e p p e d for w ar d a s if t o pr ot e ct hi m . T h e n th e y b o t h k n elt, a v e rtin g th eir g a z e s .

Tar q uin e c o n si d er e d th eir b o w e d h e a d s . “You m a y ris e .” As they stood, she got a better look at the older man. Good gods. No wonder the pirates had taken him. Even with his auburn hair graying at the temples and lines showing around his eyes, the fellow was breathtaking. His maturity made him even more appealing, at least to Tarquine. Yet for all his striking looks, he left her unmoved in a way that would never have happened before her marriage. Her mind was muddled with thoughts of her husband, a most unacceptable situation, but one that seemed unlikely to go away. T h e fath er, h o w e v er, w a s n’t th e o n e s h e h a d c o m e for. Alth o u g h s h e r e c all e d s e e i n g th e y o u n g e r m a n att e n di n g Jai bri ol, s h e h a d n e v e r p ai d m u c h att e nti o n t o hi m . He r e s e m b l e d th e o l d e r m a n in hi s a u b ur n h air a n d b r o w n e y e s , a n d h e w a s r e a s o n a bly pl e a si n g t o l o o k u p o n , a s e x p e c t e d for a m e m b e r o f th e p al a c e st aff. But hi s a p p e a r a n c e w a s m o r e s u b d u e d th a n hi s fath e r’ s; h e w a s pr of e s si o n al r at h er th a n s e n s u al, pr ofi ci e nt r at h e r th a n d e v a st atin g. In s h o rt, h e l o o k e d lik e a p al a c e ai d e wit h u n u s u ally hi g h r a n k. Tar q uin e n o d d e d t o Ro b e rt. “You will c o m e wit h m e . ” To h e r s ur pri s e , h e di d n’t m o v e . Sh e s p o k e c ol dly. “I a s s u m e it is u n n e c e s s a ry for m e t o r e p e at m y s elf.” Ro b e rt’s fa c e h a d turn e d a s h e n . “Pl e a s e a c c e pt m y w o rt hl e s s a p ol o gi e s , Your Most Gl ori o u s Hig h n e s s , b ut I a m o nly all o w e d t o s e r v e th e e m p e r or.” Sk oli a b e d a m n e d . T h e f ell o w h a d r efu s e d h er. Sh e w o ul d h a v e o r d e r e d hi m flay e d a n d h u n g o ut a t o w e r wi n d o w b y hi s t o e s , e x c e pt Arist o s di d n’t d o th at t o th eir ta s k m a k e r s a n y m o r e , b e si d e s w hi c h, a s th e e m p e r o r’ s priv at e ai d e , h e was only allowed to serve Jaibriol, on penalty of death in fact, though she knew perfectly well Jaibriol would never hurt him. In any case, she needed Robert predisposed toward her wishes, which he would hardly be if she had him hoisted out the window by his feet. “Ro b e rt.” Sh e p ut h e r h a n d s o n h e r hip s. “It w o ul d pl e a s e m e t o h a v e y o ur c o m p a n y in m y sittin g r o o m t o s h ar e a gl a s s o f Tai m ar si a n wi n e .” He s p o k e c a r efully. “You h o n o r m e , Your Hig h n e s s .” “W ell, y e s , I d o .” Re m e m b e ri n g th at s h e w a s s oft e ni n g hi m u p, s h e a d d e d , “T h e pl e a s ur e is m i n e .” He w a s n o fo ol. “It w o ul d b e a g r e at privil e g e t o a c c e pt y o ur g e n e r o u s in vit ati o n, Most Est e e m e d Hig h n e s s .” “Very w e ll.” Sh e n o d d e d t o hi m . “You m a y a rriv e at th e Ivory Sittin g Ro o m at sixth h o ur thi s e v e ni n g .” Both fath er a n d s o n b o w e d t o h er. T h e n Tar q uin e t o o k h e r l e a v e , stridin g o ut of th e stu di o wit h h e r Raz er s . T h e y h e a d e d for a st air c a s e th at s w e pt d o w n t o m o r e p o p ul at e d l e v el s of th e p al a c e . Lo st in th o u g ht, s h e di d n’t n oti c e th e c a pt ai n u ntil he cleared his throat. Tar q uin e fr o w n e d at hi m . “Eh?” “Wo ul d y o u lik e m e t o h a v e s o m e Tai m ar si a n wi n e s e nt t o th e sittin g r o o m , Your Hig h n e s s ?” “You m e a n w e a ctu ally h a v e s o m e in th e p al a c e ?” “I b e li e v e s o , m a ’ a m .” “Oh. Well, g o o d . Ye s, s e n d it d o w n .” Then she took off for the palace hospital. Xirad Kaliga awoke to the knowledge that enemies surrounded him. He remained motionless as the biomech web in his body analyzed his situation and sent him data. He was lying in a room, in a bed. Traces of gas remained in his bloodstream, a sedative that left his mind groggy and his throat raw. Three medbots moved in the room, tending medical equipment. A woman sat nearby. The rate of her breathing suggested she was awake but relaxed. Kaliga opened his eyes. None o t h e r th a n th e e m p r e s s h e r s elf s at at hi s b e d si d e . He s p o k e in

a r a s p. “My g r e e tin g s , Your Hig h n e s s .” Sh e in clin e d h e r h e a d . “Ad mir al.” “Pl e a s e a c c e pt m y a p ol o gi e s . I’m afr ai d m y c o n diti o n pr e v e nt s m e fr o m g r e e tin g y o u pr o p e rly.” Sh e w o ul d n’t m i s s hi s i m pli c ati o n: h e s h o ul d n’t b e h e r e in thi s c o n diti o n. Tar q uin e st o o d r e g ally. “It is m o s t g r atifyin g t o s e e y o u a w a k e , Ad mir al. We d e e ply r e gr et th at y o u w e r e c a u g ht in th e a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt.” “Ind e e d .” Ass a s si n ati o n? Kalig a w ait e d. Tarquine waited. Kaliga closed his eyes. He had no energy for this. S e v er al m o m e n t s p a s s e d . His int er n al s e n s o r s in di c at e d Tar q ui n e h a d s e ttl e d int o h e r c h air a g ai n. Kalig a r e si st e d hi s fati g u e , b ut h e h a d n’t y et r e c o v e r e d fr o m th e g a s . Puttin g hi s bi o m e c h w e b o n al ert, t o a w a k e hi m if n e c e s s a ry, h e all o w e d th e h e alin g sl e e p t o ta k e hi m … Ro b e rt di d n’t r e c o g niz e th e w o m a n w h o u s h e r e d hi m int o th e Ivory Sittin g Ro o m ; s h e w a s o n e of th e ai d e s Tar q ui n e Iqu ar h a d b r o u g ht wit h h e r w h e n s h e m o v e d int o th e p al a c e . T h e e m p r e s s w a s st a n d ing by a window, her Highton profile limned with light from the setting sun. In her black-diamond trousers and tunic, she looked like a dark gem. The ceiling shed a warmer light than the sun, giving her an unreal look, as if she were a portrait rather than a person. Turnin g , s h e s p o k e in th e h u s k y v oi c e th at h a d u n s e ttl e d g e n e r ati o n s of Eu bi a n m e n . “C o m e in, Ro b e rt.” Sh e in di c at e d a ta bl e n e a r th e wi n d o w . A bl a c k tr ay wit h t w o g o bl et s a n d a d e c a nt er o f wi n e s at th er e . “Pl e a s e b e s e at e d .” “You a r e m o s t kin d, Your Hig h n e s s .” Ro b ert w e n t t o th e c h air, th e n h e sit at e d . He c o ul d n’t sit w hil e s h e st o o d , b ut s h e h a d bi d hi m t o sit a n d h e c o ul d h a r dly r efu s e . Tarquine sighed, taking a last look out of the window. Then she came to the table. After she seated herself, h e s e ttl e d int o hi s c h air, r eli e v e d b ut al ert, takin g n o lib erti e s , n ot e v e n sittin g b a c k . Sh e h a d c o u c h e d h e r s u m m o n s a s a n invit ati o n inv ol vin g n o for m al w o r k, s o it di d n’t vi ol at e hi s r e s p o n si biliti e s t o th e e m p e r or, b ut Ro b e rt w a s n eit h e r n ai v e n o r a rrogant enough to believe the empress had any wish to entertain him socially. Aft er Tar q ui n e di s m i s s e d h e r b o d y g u ar d s a n d ai d e , s h e p o ur e d th e wi n e a n d g a v e a gl a s s t o Ro b e rt. T h e n s h e s at b a c k . “It pl e a s e s m e t o c h at wit h y o u. I h a v e n’t h a d s uffici e nt ti m e t o m e e t m y h u s b a n d’ s st aff.” Ro b e rt f elt a s if h e w e r e pr e y b e i n g st alk e d b y a sl e e k , d e a dly g e m c a t. “Your d e di c ati o n t o y o ur w o r k bl e s s e s th e e m pir e.” “W ell, y e s , it d o e s , d o e s n’t it?” Sh e s c r utiniz e d hi m . “As d o e s y o ur s.” “You a r e m o s t g e n e r o u s .” “I a m in d e e d .” Sh e t o o k a n o t h e r s w all o w of wi n e . “Your fat h e r h a s tal e nt.” “It is kin d o f y o u t o s a y s o .” Sh e p a u s e d . “P er h a p s a p u bli c e x hi bit c o ul d b e a rr a n g e d for hi m in th e g all ery.” Even knowing she was softening him up for whatever she wanted, Robert couldn’t h el p hi s s ur g e o f e x cit e m e nt. A p u bli c e x hi bit at th e Qox i m p e ri al p al a c e —t h e n u m b e r of a rti st s off er e d th at h o n o r w a s a s tr o n o m i c ally s m all. Ev e n if hi s fat h e r h a d r e aliz e d a s u c c e s sful c a r e e r o n Earth, h e c o ul d n e v e r h a v e h o p e d for s u c h a n a c hi e v e m e n t. Word of his brilliance would spread everywhere, even among the Skolians and Allieds. With a mental wrench, Robert halted his wild imaginings. If he angered the emperor by letting the empress talk him into some ill-advised scheme, it would backfire on his father, who was here only on the good graces of Jaibriol III. Good graces.It was true. Jaibriol III had a grace of heart. Years ago Robert had begun his job at the palace determined to avoid mistakes and advance himself, and he had never lost sight

of that p urp o s e , b ut si n c e th e a s c e n si o n of Jai bri ol III t o th e thr o n e , Ro b ert’s d e di c ati o n h a d g r o w n int o m o r e . He g a v e hi s f e alty t o Jai bri ol for m o r e r e a s o n th a n b e c a u s e it w a s e x p e c t e d . T h e y o u n g e m p e r o r h a d a g o o d n e s s Ro b e rt h a d n e v e r a s s o ci at e d wit h Hig ht o n s, for all that he acknowledged their power. “You a r e in d e e d g e n e r o u s .” T hi s ti m e , Ro b e rt p ut o nly e n o u g h w a r m t h int o hi s t o n e t o e x pr e s s g r atitu d e wit h o ut a p p e a rin g e a g er. “P er h a p s I s p e a k t o o s o o n .” Tar q uin e h el d u p h e r g o bl et t o th e s u n , m a ki n g th e wi n e s p ar kl e. “If th e e m p e r o r di e s , m y int er e st in a rt will lik ely v a ni s h.” Go d s . Wh er e h a d th at c o m e fr o m ? “His Exalt e d Hig h n e s s will liv e a l o n g a n d gl ori o u s lif e.” “Ye s, w e ll, w e all h o p e s o .” Sh e l o w e r e d h e r gl a s s . “If m y e x alt e d h u s b a n d is n’t c a r eful, h e w o n’t s ur viv e th e y e ar.” Ro b e rt f elt a s if h e w e r e w al kin g thr o u g h a m i n efi el d. “Your Most Glori o u s Hig h n e s s , pl e a s e b e a s s ur e d th at th e w e ll-b e i n g o f y o ur h u s b a n d is m y hi g h e s t c o n c e r n. I will d o m y ut m o s t t o m a k e c e rt ai n it c o ntin u e s .” Sh e s p o k e dryly. “I wi s h th e s a m e c o ul d b e s ai d o f hi m .” Ro b e rt h a d t o a d m it s h e h a d a p oi nt. Jai bri ol III, in th e u n c o m m o n d e c e n c y th at m o ti v at e d hi s lif e, r ar ely o p e r at e d in hi s o w n b e s t int er e st. “His Hig h n e s s s e t s a hi g h st a n d ar d for hi m s elf.” “His Hig h n e s s is w o e fully id e ali sti c.” Tar q uin e p ut h e r g o bl et o n th e ta bl e. “Hav e y o u s e nt th e o r d e r h e g a v e y o u y e st er d a y e v e ni n g , r efu si n g th e p ar d o n for Lord Razi q u o n ?” “It is in pr o c e s s .” Ro b ert s e t d o w n th e wi n e h e h a d n’t t o u c h e d . He k n e w n o w w h at th e e m p r e s s w a nt e d . He e v e n k n e w it w o ul d b e b e tt er for Jai bri ol. But h e c o ul d n’t “f or g et” t o s e n d th e o r d e r r e s ci n di n g Razi q u o n’ s p ar d o n . It w o ul d b e a b e tr a y al o f th e e m p e r or. Tar q uin e r e st e d h e r e l b o w o n th e a r m o f h e r c h air, h e r p o stur e a stu dy in r e g al c a rri a g e . “W e b o t h w a nt w h at is b e s t for His Hig h n e s s .” “Mor e th a n a n yt hin g e l s e .” “Re a s o n e xi st s t o b e li e v e th e Lin e o f Razi q u o n w a s inv ol v e d wit h th e first a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt.” “I h a d n’t r e aliz e d n e w e vi d e n c e h a d c o m e t o lig ht.” Tarquine waved her hand, dismissing his words. Ro b e rt di d n’t d o u bt s h e h a d g o o d s o ur c e s o r th at th e y g a v e h e r r e a s o n t o b e li e v e Razi q u o n’ s kin h a d pl ott e d t o kill Jai bri ol. But if h e r e vi d e n c e c o ul d h a v e h el d u p in c o urt, a n a c c u s ati o n w o ul d h a v e b e e n m a d e . He h at e d th e p o siti o n s h e w a s p uttin g hi m in. If th e e m p e r o r r e s ci n d e d Razi q u o n’ s p ar d o n , h e w o ul d furth er in cit e th e Lin e of Razi q u o n a n d a g g r a v at e th e c r u m blin g r el ati o n s b e t w e e n ESCo m m a n d th e p al a c e . Jai bri ol h a d alr e a d y r el e a s e d Jaf e Mac c ar, th e Sk oli a n c a pt ai n, a n d n o w h e int e n d e d t o r etur n Ja c q ues Ardoise to Earth. Refusing to free Lord Raziquon would be the final outrage. Ro b e rt k n e w if h e “ mi sl ai d” th e o r d e r r e s ci n di n g th e p ar d o n , all o wi n g Razi q u o n t o g o fr e e , it w o ul d b e n e a rly i m p o s si bl e for Jai bri ol t o p ut th e Hig ht o n l or d b a c k in pri s o n . T h e e m p e r o r w o ul d l o s e fa c e if h e d e cl ar e d h e h a d m a d e a m i st a k e b y fr e ei n g Razi q u o n . It w o ul d b e a d e b a cl e . But if Ro b e rt di d w h at th e e m p r e s s w a nt e d , h e w o ul d in c ur th e w r at h o f th e p er s o n h e m o s t r e s p e c t e d . Jai bri ol w a s n’t lik ely t o p ut hi m t o d e a t h, a n d if Tarquine intervened Robert might not even suffer consequences. But Jaibriol would never trust him again. Robert valued that trust, deeply, even more than he had realized until now, when he contemplated its loss. He s p o k e w e a rily. “T h e d e ci si o n o f w h at is b e s t for th o s e th at w e l o v e is n ot o ur s t o m a k e .” “S o m e ti m e s w e m a k e it o ur s,” Tar q uin e s ai d. Ro b e rt k n e w w h at h e h a d t o d o . He h at e d it, b ut h e k n e w . “It is o d d ,” h e s ai d, hi s v oi c e l o w. “I th o u g ht I h a d n e w o r d e r s r e g a r din g th e p ar d o n of Razi q u o n , b ut a p p ar e ntly n ot.” Sh e s ai d si m ply, “T h a n k y o u.” Do n’t th a n k m e . He would have to live knowing he had betrayed the one emperor who actually

deserved his loyalty.

34 The Balcony Corbal found Sunrise curled in a fetal position, buried in the cushions on the flo o r o f h e r fa v orit e r o o m . S e ei n g h e r s h o ul d er s s h a ki n g , h e c r o u c h e d n e xt t o h er. “Suni? Why d o y o u c ry?” Sh e r ai s e d h e r fa c e , h e r c h e e k s w e t. “I a m s o rry. I d o n’t m e a n t o s a d d e n y o u.” He t o o k h e r h a n d . “You m u st for g et Razi q u o n .” She clung to his fingers. “I h a d t o r e m e m b e r.” He tried to read her face. It wastoo l o v ely, s c ulpt e d t o hi s s p e cific ati o n s , for e v e r s e t in b e a uty, w hi c h m a d e it h a r d t o di s c e r n h e r tru e e x pr e s si o n s . “Wh at d o y o u m e a n ?” “Wh at Razi q u o n ‘th o u g ht,’ a b o ut hi s pl atinu m m i n e s —I—it w a s all th er e , I ju st —” Her v oi c e c a u g ht. “I di d n’t w a nt t o r e m e m b e r.” He s e ttl e d n e xt t o h er, ru b bi n g hi s h a n d al o n g h e r a r m . “T h e n d o n’t.” “I alr e a d y di d.” T h e n s h e t ol d hi m w h at s h e h a d l e ar n e d — a n d d e s tr o y e d hi s c a r efully pl a n n e d r e v e n g e . The second time Kaliga awoke, he was less disoriented. Stronger now, he sat up slowly, looking around. This was a room for an honored guest, blue and white, with gilt trim. Again, Tarquine Iquar was seated beside his bed, with a holobook in her lap. T h e e m p r e s s s e t d o w n h e r b o o k . “My g r e e tin g s , Ad mir al.” “You h o n o r m e , Your Hig h n e s s .” His v oi c e w a s l e s s h o a r s e n o w . “It is n’t o ft e n a n e m p r e s s sit s vi gil o n a p ati e nt.” She inclined her head. “T h e Lin e of Qox d e e ply r e g r et s y o ur injury in th e a s s a s si n ati o n att e m pt.” Ass a s si n ati o n a g ai n. Sh e c o ul d b e i m plyin g a g r e at d e al wit h th at w o r d. He p e r s o n ally k n e w of n o att e m pt s pl a n n e d for th e ni g ht o f th e e m p e r o r’ s c el e b r ati o n. P er h a p s th e Int ellig e n c e Ministry h a d u n c o v e r e d clu e s o f hi s inv ol v e m e n t in pr e vi o u s att e m pt s. No m a tt er w h at th e y s u s p e c t e d , th e y w o ul d n e v e r fin d pr o of. He l o o k e d h e r in th e e y e . “It is al w a y s th e h o n o r of ESCo m m t o pr ot e ct a n d v e n e r at e th e e m p e r or.” He e v e n s ai d it wit h a s traight face. Tar q uin e g a v e hi m a p erf e ct Hig ht o n s m il e. “T h e Lin e o f Kalig a h a s al w a y s pr o vi d e d e x e m pl ary m ilitary c o m m a n d e r s .” Tru e . It w o ul d c o ntinu e t o d o s o , in s pit e o f Jai bri ol III. “You h o n o r m y Lin e.” He h a d t o a d m it, s h e m a d e a n i m pr e s si v e e m p r e s s. Deadly and extraordinary. She was wasted on Jaibriol. “Ind e e d ,” s h e m u r m ur e d . “T h e e m p e r o r al s o wi s h e s t o e s t e e m th e Lin e of Kalig a.” Kalig a h el d b a c k hi s s n o rt. “It is fortun at e His Hig h n e s s h a p p e n e d t o l e a v e th e r o o m pri or t o th e att a c k.” F or all h e k new, the odious emperor had gassed them himself. Tar q uin e’ s g a z e d ar k e n e d . “F ortu n e c a n b e c a pri ci o u s .” Sh e t o u c h e d a b utt o n o n th e ni g ht st a n d b y hi s b e d . Kalig a s ai d n ot hin g , g u ar din g hi s r e s p o n s e s a s al w a y s . Across the room, an entrance flickered open. Kaliga glimpsed several Razers outside, and then a woman entered, a lieutenant colonel in the medical corps. She wore her hair in a roll, the blond streaked with gray. With grace, she knelt to the empress. “You m a y ris e .” Tar q uin e s o u n d e d b o r e d . As th e m e di c st o o d , Tar q ui n e turn e d t o Kalig a. “Dr. Qoxd a u g ht er c a n a n s w e r a n y q u e s ti o n s y o u h a v e a b o ut w h at h a p p e n e d .” Qoxdaughter bowed to him, her manner polished with impeccable courtesy. She was probably the daughter of Ur Qox, grandfather of the current emperor; Ur had always given his

taskmaker children the best educations and positions that decorum would allow. “It w o ul d b e m y privil e g e t o a n s w e r a n y q u e s ti o n s ,” s h e t ol d hi m . Kalig a s c r utiniz e d h er. “I u n d e r st a n d y o u tr e at e d m e aft er I w a s c a u g ht in a n att e m pt o n th e lif e of th e e m p e r or.” “Ye s, I di d.” Sh e l o o k e d e x c e e di n gly c o ntrit e. “W e a r e t erri bly s o rry. S e c urity r el e a s e d th e g a s . T h e y h a d t o a ct fa st, b ef or e e it h er y o u o r G e n e r al Tar atu s s uff er e d w o r s e injury.” Kalig a r ai s e d hi s e y e b r o w . “P al a c e s e c urity k n o c k e d o ut th e g e n e r al a n d m y s elf?” T h e d o ct or r e d d e n e d . “Ye s, sir. I truly a m s o rry. T h e p oi s o n in y o ur b o di e s w a s s e t t o a c tiv at e w h e n y o ur p ul s e a n d b r e at hin g r at e w e nt a b o v e a c e rt ai n l e v el. It h a d n e a rly r e a c h e d th at p oi nt.” “Wh at p oi s o n ?” “In y o ur drin k.” Tar q uin e s p o k e . “It w o ul d a p p e a r w e w e r e all p oi s o n e d th at ni g ht.” Alth o u g h s h e a d dr e s s e d th e d o ct or, s h e o b vi o u sly m e a nt h e r c o m m e n t for Kalig a. F oll o wi n g h e r l e a d, Kalig a al s o a d dr e s s e d th e d o ct or. “P oi s o n e d h o w ?” It all o w e d hi m t o b e m o r e dir e ct w ithout insulting the empress. “W e a r e inv e sti g atin g ,” Qoxd a u g ht er s ai d. “W e fo u n d th e p oi s o n in th e wi n e .” Kalig a di d n’t b eli e v e it. He r e c all e d h o w hi s pr o vi d er, Silv er, h a d for g ott e n t o t e st th e e m p e r o r’ s drin k at th at l o n g a g o di n n er. Was thi s s o m e s o rt of strange payback? Jaibriol would have to be even more unstable than he had thought, to risk his deteriorating relations with ESComm for such a petty revenge, especially given how he had taken Silver that night, asserting his rights as emperor and Kaliga’s g u e s t. It w a s fo oli s h e n o u g h t o m a k e Kalig a w o n d e r if th e a s s a s si n ati o n st ory a ct u ally h a d s o m e truth t o it. He w o ul d n’t b e s ur pri s e d if o t h e r p arti e s w a nt e d Jai bri ol d e a d . He w o ul d h a v e t o inv e sti g at e . To th e d o ct or, h e s ai d o nly, “I h a v e pr ot e cti o n s a g ai n st p oi s o n s .” Sh e n o d d e d . “Mol e c ul ar s h e at h s hi d thi s o n e . T h e c h e m i c al s p a s s e d e v e n th e e m p e r o r’ s s af e g u ar d s .” It s o u n d e d u nlik ely. “I w o ul d lik e t o s e e th e d e si g n.” Qoxd a u g ht er di d n’t blin k. “Of c o ur s e , sir.” “Wh o pl a n n e d th e a s s a s si n ati o n?” h e a s k e d . “W e a r e n’t s ur e y et. S e c urity is inv e sti g atin g .” It w a s a st o c k a n s w er. Kalig a di d n’t b o t h e r t o r e s p o n d. Tar q uin e s p o k e in h e r c ultur e d v oi c e . “T o e x pr e s s hi s a p ol o gy, th e e m p e r o r h a s s p e e d e d u p th e r el e a s e of Lord Razi q u o n . T h e p ar d o n b e c a m e e ff e ctiv e t o d ay.” T h at fit m o r e wit h Jai bri ol’s b e h a vi or pri or t o th e g a s si n g . P er h a p s th e b o y m i g ht d e v el o p s o m e s e n s e y et, th o u g h w h e t h e r it w o ul d b e in ti m e t o s a v e hi s r ei g n, Kalig a h a d hi s d o u bt s . “It pl e a s e s th e Lin e o f Kalig a t o k n o w th e Hig ht o n s a r e o n c e a g ai n c o m i n g int o b al a n c e .” Puttin g a n Arist o in pri s o n h a d b e e n a n a b o m i n ati o n . “T h e Lin e of Kalig a a n d th e Lin e o f Razi q u o n h a v e m a n y kin in c o m m o n .” Tar q uin e’ s lip s c ur v e d in a n icy s m il e . “W e will s e e th at Lor d Razi q u o n r e c ei v e s a pr o p e r e s c o rt h o m e .” Kaliga h a d n o d o u bt s h e int e n d e d t o q u e s ti o n Razi q u o n , di s cr e e tly o f c o ur s e . T h e fa st er h e r e m o v e d Razi q u o n fr o m Glory, th e b e tt er. He h a d a g r e at d e al t o di s c u s s wit h th e l or d, a n d h e pr ef err e d t o d o a w a y fr o m th e e m p e r o r’ s int ellig e n c e s y st e m s , w hi c h n et w o r k e d the entire planet. “T h e a rr a n g e m e n t s m a d e at th e Qoxir e st ar p ort for m y priv at e y a c ht w e r e i m p e c c a bl e ,” h e s ai d. “It pl e a s e s m e t o h e ar.” Tar q ui n e w a s r e g al in h e r al o of d e m e a n or. “T h e Lin e s o f Kalig a a n d Razi q u o n h a v e l o n g tr a v el e d t o g et h er.” Actu ally, th at w a s n’t tru e;

th eir Lin e s h a d b attl e d m o r e oft e n th a n c o o p e r at e d . But th e st at e m e nt w o ul d s e r v e hi s p urp o s e s n o w . He h a d n o d o u bt th at Tar q uin e u n d e r st o o d h e w a s off erin g t o e s c o rt Razi q u o n h o m e . Sh e w o ul d n’t lik e it, b ut s h e h a d n o g o o d r e a s o n t o r efuse. T h e b a r e st hi nt of di s pl e a s ur e e s c a p e d th e e m p r e s s . Had Kalig a b e e n a n y l e s s a d e pt at r e a di n g n u a n c e s of p o stur e , h e w o ul d h a v e m i s s e d it. But h e r r e s p o n s e w a s a b o v e r e pr o a c h . “It w o ul d b e fortuit o u s in d e e d if Kalig a c o ul d pr o vi d e Razi q u o n th e w o rt hy e s c o rt its l or d d e s e r v e s .” He g a v e h e r hi s pr e d at o r’ s s m il e. “F ortuit o u s in d e e d .” Rel e a si n g Razi q u o n w a s a st art, b ut it w a s n’t e n o u g h , e s p e ci ally aft er thi s g a s si n g in ci d e nt. Jai bri ol h a d t o c a n c el th e talk s wit h th e Sk oli a n s . If the emperor persisted with this treason, Kaliga knew exactly how he could stop it. In the night sky, six moons cast light across the palace gardens, all of them different shades of violet, amber, and blue. Corbal stood within a gazebo, hidden in shadow. Night-blooming ice blossoms twined around its lattice walls and up the posts to the roof. “My g r e e tin g s , Lord Xir,” a thr o aty v oi c e s ai d. Corbal turned, startled, though he had expected company. Tarquine was standing on the other side of the gazebo. He in clin e d hi s h e a d . “My g r e e tin g s , Your Hig h n e s s .” “A l o v ely ni g ht.” “S o it is.” Her v oi c e h ar d e n e d . “A g o o d ni g ht for fr e e d o m .” “I i m a gi n e Lord Razi q u o n thin k s s o .” He c o ul d n’t k e e p th e e d g e o ut o f his voice. For all that it would have been political suicide to keep Raziquon in prison, Corbal would have gladly let him rot there. “S o h e m u s t,” Tar q uin e s ai d. “As d o e s Ad mir al Kalig a.” “Kalig a?” Her stiff, str ai g ht p o stur e in di c at e d a n g er. “H e g e n e r o u sly off er e d t o tak e Razi q u o n h o m e o n hi s y a c ht.” Da m n ati o n. T h e la st thin g th e y n e e d e d w a s a str o n g e r alli a n c e b e t w e e n Kalig a a n d Razi q u o n . “May th e y b o t h liv e in all th e gl ory a n d e s t e e m th e y d e s e r v e .” Cor b al g ritt e d hi s t e et h. Tarquine joined him and gaze d o ut at th e di st a nt p al a c e . To th e n o rt h, o n a pl at e a u, th e n e e dl e d s pir e s of th e e m p e r o r’ s st ar p ort r o s e int o th e s ky. Her v oi c e s o u n d e d s h a d o w e d . “Razi q u o n k n o w s a g r e at d e al.” Too much.“H e s e e m s t o h a v e ti e s t o ESCo m m .” “And t o pl atinu m m i n e s . Ille g al m i n e s .” His hand tightened on the rail of the gazebo. “Gh o st m i n e s ,” h e s ai d. Sh e turn e d t o hi m . “Gh o st?” “F al s e . He pl a nt e d fal s e inf or m ati o n in Sunri s e’ s m i n d. Had h e r e m ai n e d in pri s o n , h e c o ul d n’t h a v e d ef e n d e d hi m s elf a g ai n st th e cl ai m th at h e o w n s th o s e m i n e s . But n o w — ” He m a d e hi m s elf r el e a s e th e r ail. “W er e s o m e m i s g ui d e d Hig ht o n s t o m a k e s u c h a n a c c u s ati o n a g ai n st Razi q u o n , it w o ul d c a u s e th e m far m o r e tr o u bl e th a n hi m .” It a st o ni s h e d hi m th at Sunri s e h a d g o n e s o d e e ply int o h e r m i n d, e n d urin g th e pain of her memories, doing it for him, Corbal Xir, to stop him from making that false accusation. It made him want vengeance more now than ever. “Min e s c a n ta k e n e w o w n e r s ,” Tar q uin e s ai d. Dryly s h e a d d e d , “I h a v e pl e nty t o s p ar e .” Corbal restrained the urge to remind her that those wretched mines of hers had helped cause this problem. Although they could forge documents making Raziquon the owner, it was too

easy to disprove such evidence. “N e ur al s c a n s a r e al m o s t i m p o s si bl e t o for g e ,” h e s ai d. “T h e fal s ely a c c u s e d c a n u s e th e m t o pr o v e th e y a r e t ellin g th e truth w h e n th e y cl ai m th eir in n o c e n c e .” In pri s o n , Razi q u o n w o ul d n’t h a v e h a d r e c o ur s e t o s u c h t e st s, b ut h e h a d pl e nty n o w . Tar q uin e bl e w o ut a g u st o f air. “S o.” As she and Corbal watched the starport, a ship lifted off in a dazzling display of fire and exhaust that seemed to mock them with its fiery show. So Admiral Kaliga left Glory, taking Raziquon with him. In the early morning light, Tarquine stood at her window above the moss-draped forest east of the palace. Beyond it, the Jaizire Mountains rose against the sky. On a distant balcony in an adjacent wing, she could see Jaibriol. Sunlight slanted across his face and wind ruffled his hair. She was too far away to make out details, but she knew his expression. She had seen his pensive gaze more and more lately, as he sought solitude on that isolated balcony. The body sculptors had done a superb job on his face. The differences were almost invisible; even someone who knew him well would have difficulty noting any change, except that he had a more regal aspect now. Far more important were the subtle changes he would never acknowledge: with a few well-chosen alterations, he had lessened his resemblance to the late Skolian Imperator, Sauscony Valdoria. His g u ar d s st o o d b a c k a g ai n st th e w all s o f th e p al a c e , far e n o u g h a w a y t o a c c o m m o d at e hi s n e e d for s p a c e . Tar q uin e k n e w n o w th at h e c o ul d n’t b e a r th eir h alf-Arist o m i n d s . Sh e al s o k n e w a n o t h e r truth. He w a s m o ur nin g . Sh e f elt it e v e r y ti m e h e l o o k e d at h er, every time he held her at night. It was more than his conviction that his Joint Commanders would soon succeed in killing him. He mourned the failure he feared for the peace talks. He mourned his parents. Watching Jaibriol, she knew he condemned himself with his own purity of soul. He had too much goodness to do what was necessary to ensure his survival. He was too decent. But s h e w a s n’t.

35 Summit Robert gave him the news. Jaibriol and his aide stood together on the shore of Lake Mirellazile, its surface a mirror of the sky. “T h e y a g r e e d ?” Jai h a d t o h e a r it a g ai n. He c o ul d n’t y et b eli e v e thi s in cr e di bl e n e w s . “You’r e c e rt ai n?” Ro b e rt n o d d e d wit h n o hi nt of joy. “Ye s , sir. T h e Ruby Dyn a sty h a s a g r e e d t o g o for w ar d wit h th e talk s.” Jai closed his eyes, giving himself over to gratitude. Whatever happened to him, however little time he had left, he at least had a chance to try. It was better, so much better, than nothing at all. Op e ni n g hi s e y e s , h e s m il e d at Ro b e rt. “T h e y a g r e e d .” “Your d e ci si o n t o fr e e Ard oi s e a p p ar e ntly m a d e th e diff er e n c e .” “T hi s is g o o d .” “Ye s, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai wi s h e d hi s ai d e di d n’t l o o k a s if h e w e r e g o i n g t o a fun er al.

The console curved around the control chair where Jai would sit. He stood next to the chair while his staff fussed over him. Several other Hightons also waited in the chamber: the Protocol Minister; Azile Xir, the Intelligence Minister; High Judge Calope Muze; Corbal; and, of course, Tarquine. Jai’s h e a d a c h e d . He l o n g e d t o s u b m e r g e hi m s elf in th e virtu al r e ality c o n s ol e, which would put physical as well as psychological distance between him and the others. Their consoles were well separated from his, by his deliberate choice. A tech approached and went down on one knee. “Pl e a s e st a n d,” Jai s ai d a ut o m a ti c ally. She rose to h e r f e et. “W e’r e r e a dy, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai nodded, aware of everyone listening. So this was it. Several techs fastened him into his console chair. The VR mesh folded around his body and inserted prongs into the sockets in his wrists, ankles, and spine, connecting to the newly implanted biomech web in his body so the console could communicate with his brain. “Ar e y o u c o m f o rt a bl e ?” th e t e c h a s k e d . “Ye s, v e ry g o o d ,” h e s ai d. Sh e h a d n o id e a h o w m u c h s h e a n d th e o t h e r t e c h s w e r e h el pin g hi m . T h eir m i n d s m a d e a bulwark between him and the others in the room, easing the pressure. Sh e tap p e d th e c o n s ol e . “T hi s will c o n n e c t y o u int o th e Kyle w e b , w h at Sk oli a n s c all th e p si b e r w e b .” “T h e y h a v e a n o d e a v ail a bl e for o ur u s e ?” Jai a s k e d , y et a g ai n. He k n e w th e Sk oli a n s had assured his staff they would create Kyle webnodes for the talks, but even after having used such a node before, he found it hard to believe his transmission would take only a few seconds to travel the light-years from Glory to Earth. Until it actually h a p p e n e d , it w o ul d n’t s e e m r e al. T h e t e c h s m il e d . “Ye s, sir,” s h e s ai d, a s p ati e nt n o w a s th e first ti m e h e h a d a s k e d . “It is all s e t u p.” Sh e c h e c k e d th e r e a d o ut s o n hi s vi s or. “Re a d y?” His p ul s e ju m p e d . “Ye s . Go a h e a d .” She lowered the visor, enclosing hi m in d ar k n e s s . A v oi c e s ai d, “Initiat e ,” a n d a n o t h e r s ai d, “Activ atin g VR.” The voices faded. Jai waited, his hands clenched on the arms of his chair. The world brightened, until a white mist surrounded him. When it faded, he found himself standing in a white room. Asquare room. The strange angles disoriented him. Aft er a p a u s e , h e s ai d, “I’v e a rriv e d .” In fa ct, h e h a d g o n e n o w h e r e ; h e w a s still in hi s c h air at th e p al a c e . A rectangular door opened and a woman entered, an officer in uniform a blue skirt a n d bl o u s e wit h g r a y h air c ut stylis hly a r o u n d h e r fa c e . Sh e b o w e d d e e ply a n d s p o k e in Hig ht o n. “W el c o m e t o Earth, Your Hig h n e s s .” “Hell o,” Jai s ai d in En gli s h. T h e w o m a n s m il e d. “Hell o, sir.” Sh e s p o k e En gli s h a s p e rf e ctly a s Hig ht o n. “Ar e y o u a n EI?” h e asked. “T h at I a m . Would y o u lik e a n yt hin g b ef or e w e c o ntin u e ?” Jai l o o k e d at hi m s elf. As al w a y s , h e w o r e e l e g a nt bl a c k g a r b . He si g h e d . “I wi s h m y cl ot h e s h a d c ol or.” The Evolving Intelligence paused, needing enough time to process his comment that it regist er e d in r e al ti m e . “You wi s h t o c h a n g e th e pr ot o c ol s w o r k e d o ut b y o ur st aff a n d y o ur s?” “No. No, d o n’t d o th at.” Jai p u s h e d hi s h a n d thr o u g h hi s h air. It f elt r e al. “I’ m fin e.” T h e EI s m il e d. “Sh all w e pr o c e e d ?”

“Ye s, l et u s g o .” She ushered him into a c o rrid or wit h m a r bl e c ol u m n s for w all s. T h e airy s p a c e s g a v e Jai a s e n s e o f fr e e d o m . A g r o u p o f p e o pl e w ait e d d o w n th e h all, m e n a n d w o m e n in u nif or m s . As Jai a n d hi s h o s t a p pr o a c h e d th e g r o u p, Jai r e c o g niz e d th e w o m a n in its c e nt er —Ha n n a Lou g ht e n , pr e si d e nt o f th e Alli e d World s of Earth. T w o h o n o r g u ar d s w ait e d wit h h er, o n e of Alli e d di g nit ari e s a n d th e o t h e r wit h Eubi a n Raz er s. T h e c o m p ut er s h a d c r e at e d th e h o n o r g u ar d s ; Jai a n d Lou g ht e n w e r e th e o nly “r e al” p e o pl e h e r e , a n d e v e n th e y w e r e a ctu ally in c onsoles far away. Loughten bowed to him. Disquieted, he realized he was becoming accustomed to Highton expectations; it felt strange to have her bow rather than kneel. Instead of the formal nod he would have given to another Eubian, he returned the bow, one leader to another. “E m p e r o r Jai bri ol.” Sh e s p o k e wit h th e m i ni m ali st for m of a d dr e s s Hig ht o n s u s e d t o in di c at e r e s p e c t. He in clin e d hi s h e a d . “Pr e si d e nt Lou g ht e n .” “W el c o m e t o Earth, Your Hig h n e s s .” He answered in a modern form of Gaelic that derived from th e t o n g u e o f h e r m o t h e r’ s a n c e s t o r s . “I th a n k y o u.” Sh e blink e d . T h e n s h e s m il e d. He di d n’t n e e d e m p at h y t o s e e it pl e a s e d h e r th at h e h a d g o n e t o s u c h a n eff ort t o l e ar n a g r e e tin g in h e r la n g u a g e . The EIand honor guards escorted Jai and Loughten down the hall, which ended in a lobby bordered by an arcade. Above the balconies, sunlight poured through arched windows. The lack of right angles in the arches relieved Jai. It disquieted him to think how much he might eventually change, if after less than a year among the Hightons he had trouble adjusting to the geometry of Allied architecture. They stopped before two great doors engraved with the Allied insignia, which consisted of concentric circles overlaid by a silhouette of the continents on the Earth. Jai turn e d t o Lou g ht e n . “Is e v e r y o n e e l s e in si d e ?” “Not q uit e,” s h e s ai d. “Ev ery o n e b ut th e Ruby Ph ar a o h , E m pr e s s Tar q uin e , Fir st Co u n cil or Tik al, a n d y o ur s elf.” Puzzl e d, h e l o o k e d a r o u n d. “My wif e is n’t h e r e y et?” President Loughten glanced at the gray-haire d EI. “Ha s th e e m p r e s s a rriv e d?” “Ye s, m a ’ a m .” T h e EIindi c at e d th e h all b e hi n d th e m . Jai turn e d t o s e e Tar q uin e a p pr o a c hi n g wit h h e r o w n h o n o r g u ar d. Sh e w o r e tr o u s e r s a n d a tuni c si mil ar t o hi s, e l e g a nt a n d c o n s e r v ativ e , th o u g h wit h a m o r e f e mi ni n e c ut. They made a matched pair, he and his empress, at least on the outside. When she reached him, she bowed. “My g r e e tin g s .” Dryly, Jai a d d e d , “I a m gl a d y o u d e ci d e d t o join u s .” Sh e off er e d n o e x pl a n ati o n s . “Sh all w e e n t er?” Jai di d n’t w a nt t o k n o w w h y s h e h a d tarri e d. He di d n’t w a nt t o h e a r th at s h e h a d ta k e n s p e ci al eff ort s t o pr e p ar e for thi s m e e ti n g th at in clu d e d Kelric. T h e EI s p o k e . “Fir st Co u n cil or Tik al a n d th e Ruby Ph ar a o h a r e r e a d y t o e n t er.” “Very w e ll.” Jai m a d e a c o n s ci o u s e ff ort n ot t o l o o k at Tar q uin e . He t ol d hi m s elf h e di d n’t c a r e a b o ut h e r for m e r pr o vi d er. He k n e w h e w a s lyin g t o hi m s elf, b ut t o o m u c h w a s at st a k e t o l et Kelric Vald ori a r attl e hi m . Their guards grasped the grand handles on the doors and heaved. The portals swung open, slowly, their height and weight making them impressive. Everyone walked forward, but most of them stopped just short of the door. Only Jai and Tarquine went on, until they were framed in the entrance. The hall beyond dazzled Jai. Chandeliers filled it with light, tier upon tier of bright spheres. A

round table took up the center, its white marble embedded with silver flecks. Many Hightons already sat there: Corbal Xir, High Judge Muze, Azile Xir, the Highton Foreign Affairs Minister, and several high-ranking ESComm officers. Jai r e c o g niz e d th e Sk oli a n s fr o m h ol o s h e h a d s e e n : Ro c a Sk oli a, th e F or ei g n Affair s Cou n cil or — a n d hi s g r a n d m o t h e r; G e n e r al Na aj Majd a, Matriar c h o f th e Hou s e of Majd a, th e Sk oli a n c o u nt er p art o f Xira d Kalig a, a n d b y r e p ut ati o n ju st a s u n yi el din g a n d c o n s e r v ativ e a s h e ; Ad mir al Ra g n ar Blo o d m a r k, r o u g hly th e Sk oli a n c o u nt er p art o f G e n e r al Tar atu s, th o u g h ISC di d n’t h a v e joint m ilit ary c o m m a n d e r s . It h a d o nly o n e c o m m a n d er. T h e Imp er at or. Kelric Valdoria. He dominated the room. When Jai had met him in the Lock, his hair and eyes had been brown. Now he made no attempt to hide his metallic coloring. Gray streaked his hair and lines showed around his eyes. At two meters tall, over six feet six inches, he had broad shoulders, a massive chest, and long, muscular legs. This was no untried youth; his maturity added to his aura of power. And he was looking at Tarquine. Jai knew then that he could never compete with Kelric. He had no chance. Kelric could have enhanced his VR image or made himself look younger. Although all the parties had agreed to present their natural forms, anyone could have cheated if the enhancements were subtle enough. But Jai had met Kelric before. He knew the truth: his uncle had come as himself. That was more than enough. Somehow Jai stopped himself from turning to see how Tarquine had reacted. He might be dying inside, but he refused to let it show. Across the room, beyond the table, another set of double doors had opened at the same time as those where Jai stood with Tarquine. Jai finally absorbed who stood there: the Ruby Pharaoh and the Skolian First Councilor, respectively the hereditary and elected leaders of Skolia. Jai recognized Barcala Tikal, the First Councilor, from the dossier he had studied. Tall and lanky, with dark hair, th e Cou n cil or pr oj e ct e d c o nfid e n c e . But it w a s n’t Tik al w h o riv et e d hi s att e nti o n. Jai th a n k e d th e s ai nt s h e w a s in VR; h e c o ul d n e v e r h a v e hi d d e n hi s g a s p in r e al lif e, b ut th e pr o gr a m s m o nit orin g hi s si m ul ati o n e a sily d el et e d it. So h e st o o d , sil e nt, st a ring at Dyhianna Selei, the Ruby Pharaoh, while he fought the hotness in his eyes. Sh e w a s a sli m w o m a n , p etit e, wit h a g a z e th at s e e m e d t o m i s s n ot hi n g . Alth o u g h h e r d o s si er h a d in clu d e d h ol o s , th e i m a g e s h a d n’t c a ptur e d h e r e s s e n c e , n ot for Jai. On e a s p e ct hit him above all else. She looked like his mother. T h e Ph ar a o h di d n’t h a v e hi s m o t h e r’ s h ei g ht o r str e n gt h, b ut th e c ur v e o f h e r fa c e , h e r g r e e n e y e s , th e s w e e p o f h e r h air —it w a s all p ai nfully fa mili ar. He h a d th o u g ht h e k n e w w h at t o e x p e c t, b ut n ot hing could have prepared him for this. He felt as if he were tearing apart inside. T h e EI s p o k e o v e r a c o m m in Jai’s e ar, u si n g a priv at e c h a n n el o p e n o nly t o Jai a n d Tar q uin e . “T h e t w o o f y o u will w al k t o th e ta bl e at th e s a m e ti m e a s th e Ruby Ph ar a o h a n d Fir st Cou n cil or. Are y o u r e a d y?” “No.” Pr e s si n g hi s thu m b a n d in d e x fin g e r t o g e t h er, Jai a c tiv at e d th e priv a c y s hi el d o n hi s VR c o n s ol e , s o n eith e r hi s w o r d s n o r hi s fr o w n s h o w e d in th e si m ul ati o n. “Wh er e th e h ell is Ad mir al Kalig a?” “I d o n’t k n o w , Your Hig h n e s s ,” th e EIs ai d. Tar q uin e s p o k e o n th e priv at e link. “Do y o u w a nt t o w ait u ntil w e fin d o ut w h y h e h a s n’t s h o w n u p?” Damn.Giv e n th e pr e c a ri o u s n atur e of th e talk s, w hi c h v e ry n e a rly h a d n’t tak e n pl a c e , Jai f e ar e d t o d el a y n o w , l e st it s c uttl e th e s e s si o n altogether. By not showing up, Kaliga

undermined the process. It also meant one of his Joint Commanders had openly defied him, an offense that verged on a declaration of hostility by ESComm against the throne. Jai m a d e hi m s elf st o p g rittin g hi s t e et h. “No, I d o n’t w a nt t o w ait. T h e m e e ti n g g o e s o n .” “With o ut e it h er Joint Co m m a n d e r?” Tar q uin e a s k e d . “T h e offic er s h e r e d o n’t h a v e a ut h o rity t o s p e a k for ESCo m m .” “I s p e a k for ESCo m m .” Jai k n e w if hi s d e ci si o n s w e nt a g ai n st Kalig a’ s pl a n s , it w o ul d b e cl o s e t o impossible to implement them and would further weaken his support among the military. Kaliga knew it, too, the bastard. Jai hoped he rotted in whatever palace or pleasure dome he had gone to instead of showing up here. T h e EI int errupt e d hi s th o u g ht s. “T h e Ruby Ph ar a o h a n d Fir st Cou n cil or wi s h t o k n o w w h y w e a r e w aitin g.” Jai t o o k a b r e at h. “You m a y b e gi n th e c o u nt.” “Very w e ll. On thr e e , y o u will all w al k t o th e ta bl e . On e , t w o , thr e e .” Jai and Tarquine entered the hall; at the same moment, the First Council or a n d Ruby Ph ar a o h c a m e for w ar d. All fo ur of th e m r e a c h e d th e ta bl e at th e s a m e ti m e . Jai in clin e d hi s h e a d , g r at eful th e y c o ul d n’t s e e th e s w e a t o n hi s for e h e a d . Tar q uin e s p o k e o n hi s priv at e c h a n n el. “T hi s is a n o utr a g e .” Jai answered on the same chan n el. “Why?” He w ait e d b e hi n d hi s c h air w hil e th eir h o n o r g u ar d s join e d th e m at th e ta bl e . “Tik al is a ta s k m a k er,” hi s wif e s ai d. “T h at w o ul d b e b a d e n o u g h . But th at w o m a n is a provider. ” “You alr e a d y k n e w th at.” “T h e y o u g ht t o k n e el t o u s .” “Tar q uin e , for g o d s’ s a k e .” “W ell, th e y s h o ul d.” “Lik e Kelric k n e el e d t o y o u?” It c a m e o ut b ef or e h e c o ul d st o p it. Sh e di d n’t a n s w er. Wh at e v e r s h e f elt in s e e i n g Kelric, s h e hi d it w e ll. Sh e w a s t o o far a w a y in a ctu al s p a c e for hi m t o pi c k u p h e r e m o ti o n s . The Razers pulled out chairs for them. Across the table, Skolian officers were doing the same for the Pharaoh and First Councilor. All four leaders sat down together. Technically, according to Eubian protocol, Tarquine should have waited until Jai sat. Neither the Phar a o h n o r th e Fir st Co u n cil or w o ul d w ait, h o w e v er, a n d th e y n e e d e d t o m a i nt ai n a b al a n c e in th e pr o c e e di n g s . Nor w a s Jai in s a n e e n o u g h t o t ell hi s e m p r e s s s h e h a d t o r e m ai n st a n di n g w hil e a “t a s k m a k e r” a n d a “pr o vi d e r” t o o k th eir s e at s . They all watched one another, wary and guarded. No one let his or her simulacra give away anything. At th e h e a d of th e ta bl e , Pr e si d e nt Lou g ht e n s p o k e in a r e s o n a nt v oi c e . “W e of th e Alli e d World s w e l c o m e y o u t o th e birth pl a c e o f h u m a nity.” So began the peace talks between the Eubian Concord and the Skolian Imperialate. “Nothin g .” Jai w a s s pr a wl e d in a s m a rt c h air in hi s b e d r o o m , b r o o di n g . “W e a c hi e v e d a b s ol ut ely n ot hi n g .” “It’s o nly th e first d ay,” Tar q uin e s ai d m il dly, l o o ki n g u p fr o m h e r p al mt o p. “If y o u e x p e ct e d m o r e th a n for m aliti e s , y o u a r e far m o r e o pti mi sti c th a n th e r e st o f u s .” “Wh er e th e bl a z e s is Kalig a?” Jai c o ul d n’t b e li e v e th e a d m ir al h a d s o bl at a ntly c h all e n g e d hi m . It v e r g e d o n tr e a s o n . Tar q uin e c h e c k e d h e r p al mt o p . “N eith er h e n o r G e n e r al Tar atu s h a v e r e s p o n d e d t o th e s u m m o n s y o u s e nt th e m .” “It c o ul d ta k e d a y s for th e m e s s a g e t o r e a c h th e m b y s hi p.”

Tar q uin e gl a n c e d at hi m . “Only Kalig a h a s th e g o - a h e a d t o u s e a Kyle w e b n o d e fr o m hi s h o m e . Ev e n if w e r e a c h Tar atu s, h e h a s n o n o d e th at will l et hi m att e n d th e talk s.” Jai c r o s s e d hi s a r m s . “W e n e e d b e tt er w e b a c c e s s .” “S o w e d o .” Sh e stu di e d hi m . “If w e h a d a Key, h e c o ul d c r e at e o ur o w n w e b , a n d w e w o ul d b e d o n e wit h o ur d e p e n d e n c e o n th e Sk oli a n s .” Jai di d n’t m i s s th e pr o n o u n s h e u s e d : “h e .” He s w all o w e d , b ut said nothing. To h e r c r e dit, s h e di d n’t p u s h , at l e a st n ot n o w . He d o u bt e d s h e w o ul d e v e r l et it g o . “You s h o ul d r e st,” s h e s ai d. “T o m o rr o w will b e m o r e g r u elin g th a n t o d ay.” Jai l o w e r e d hi s la s h e s h alf w ay. “Ye s. Let u s r e st.” “Us?” He stood up, extending hi s h a n d. “Us.” Sh e m o ti o n e d wit h h e r p al mt o p. “I’ m n ot d o n e w o r kin g .” “Ye s, y o u a r e .” Jai t o o k th e p al mt o p a n d s e t it o n a ta bl e. He f elt a s if Kelric’ s s p e c t er w e r e in th e r o o m . “C o m e , Wife.” She stood slowly, and Jai felt as if he were on a knife edge, b a r ely a bl e t o b al a n c e . He c o ul d n’t l et h e r s e e h o w m u c h h e n e e d e d h er, b ut h e c o ul d n’t l et Kelric’ s u n s p o k e n pr e s e n c e tak e h e r fr o m hi m e it h er. Tar q uin e h a d a str a n g e e x pr e s si o n , a s if h e h a d st a b b e d h er, b ut s h e w a s hi di n g h e r p ai n. Jai di d n’t u n d e r st a n d. He s a w n o w a y h e c o ul d h a v e h urt h er. Mayb e s h e n o l o n g e r w a nt e d hi m aft er s e e i n g Sk oli a’ s m i g hty Imp er at or. He tri e d t o pi c k u p h e r th o u g ht s, b ut s h e w a s l e ar ni n g t o g u ar d h e r m i n d. Alth o u g h h e c a u g ht i m pr e s si o n s , Kelric w a s in n o n e o f th e m . Only hi m s elf. He m a d e h e r h urt in si d e , b ut w hy, h e di d n’t k n o w . She took his hand, and they walked to the bed. That night she made love to him with an intensity that burned. She seemed darker in spirit, harsh, as if she wanted to drive him away, but an incongruous tenderness underlay her ferocity, giving her passion a bittersweet quality that threatened to break his heart. Afterward, as they lay together, Jai knew he would never understand his wife, nor feel secure with her. But this much he did know: he never wanted to live without her. In the darkness of the living room, the only light came from the faint glow made by the gold desert silhouettes on the wall. Kelric sat alone, unable to sleep. He had thought seeing Tarquine would leave him cold. He had been wrong. Ke lri c k n e w w h y Jai bri ol h a d c h o s e n h e r a s hi s e m p r e s s . It w o ul d n’t h a v e tak e n th e b o y l o n g t o di s c o v e r s h e diff er e d fr o m o t h e r Arist o s in th e o nly w a y th at m a tt er e d t o a p si o n . If th e e m p e r o r truly w a s a t el e p at h, Tar q uin e m i g ht b e th e o nly Hig ht o n w o m a n h e could marry. Kelric tri e d t o u nt a n gl e hi s r e s p o n s e s . He h a d n e v e r b e e n o n e t o d w ell o n hi s e m o ti o n s . As a n e m p at h, h e oft e n u n d e r st o o d th e m o o d s of o t h e r p e o pl e b e tt er th a n hi s o w n . He di d n’t k n o w w h at h e f elt n o w , b ut it w a s k e e pi n g hi m a w a k e . He di d n’t w a nt s e e i n g Tar q ui n e t o aff e ct hi m , b ut h e c o ul d n’t d e n y h e h a d fo u n d h e r c o m p ellin g fr o m th e first d a y h e m e t h er. Sh e w a s d ar k n e s s , th e o p p o sit e o f Je ej o n , hi s wif e. Alth o u g h Kelric w o ul d n e v e r f e el th e p a s si o n for Je ej o n th at h a d g ripp e d hi m in o t h e r relationships when he was younger, he loved her in a quiet way. Whatever he felt for Tarquine, it bore no resemblance to love. Kelric s h o o k hi s h e a d , tryin g t o cl e a r Tar q uin e fr o m hi s m i n d. He h a d m o r e pr e s si n g c o n c e r n s a b o ut th e p e a c e talk s. He di d n’t tru s t the Hightons, especially not this Intelligence Minister, Azile Xir, the son of Corbal Xir, who had owned Eldrin, and who had allowed his pirates to terrorize Skolian citizens. The absence of Admiral Kaliga was even worse. The explanation given by the empe r o r’ s offic e a b o ut a “ c h a n g e o f pl a n s” c o n vi n c e d n o o n e . It l o o k e d lik e

Kalig a si m ply h a d n’t s h o w n u p, a n d it s e nt a n in e s c a p a bl e m e s s a g e : Jai bri ol III la c k e d th e a ut h o rity t o c o m m a n d hi s o w n m ilit ary. With o ut th eir b a c ki n g , th e talk s m e a n t n ot hi n g . Kelric h a d littl e h o p e n o w for th e p e a c e pr o c e s s . T h e Arist o s w o ul d pr o m i s e w h at e v e r th e y b eli e v e d n e c e s s a ry t o a c hi e v e th eir g o al s , b ut th e y c o n si d er e d n ot hin g bi n di n g in th eir d e alin g s wit h Sk oli a n s . Oth er m o ti v e s dr o v e th e m h e r e , th o u g h w h at, h e di d n’t k n o w . Jaibriol III seemed sincere, especially after he had released Jafe Maccar and Jacques Ardoise, but he lacked support in his own government. Whatever was going on among the Hightons, Kelric wanted no part of it. As long as Dehya maintained psiberweb links with Glory, they were giving the Traders a chance to hack the Kyle web and create interstellar havoc. Better to end the talks now and cut their links to Glory than become a pawn in some Highton intrigue. His gauntlet comm buzzed. Lifting his wrist, he said, “I m p er at or Sk oli a.” “Li e ut e n a nt Qah ot h e r e , sir.” Her v oi c e c r a c kl e d. “A pri ority al p h a c o m m u ni c ati o n h a s c o m e in for y o u.” Kelric s at u p str ai g ht er. “Wh at’s th e pr o bl e m ?” “It r e g a r d s th e p e a c e talk s.” Sh e t o o k a n a u di bl e b r e at h. “E m pr e s s Tar q uin e wi s h e s t o s p e a k t o y o u in priv at e .”

36 The Starlight Chamber White radiance surrounded Kelric. The light solidified into a room with luminex walls, ceiling, and floor. The EI he had met the last time appeared again, an athletic man in an Allied naval uniform. “My g r e e tin g s , Imp er at or Sk oli a,” th e EI s ai d in p e rf e ct Iotic, th e la n g u a g e of th e Sk oli a n n o bility. Kelric n o d d e d t o hi m . “Ha s th e e m p r e s s a rriv e d ?” “I b e li e v e s h e is in pr o c e s s . Sh all w e pr o c e e d ?” “All rig ht.” Kelric h a d n o id e a w h at t o e x p e c t. They entered a luminex corridor. It was like walking in a tunnel of white light that ended at an arched doorway. “Do y o u wi s h m e t o a c c o m p a n y y o u in si d e ?” th e EI a s k e d . “No, th at w o n’t b e n e c e s s a ry. T h a n k y o u for y o ur e s c o rt.” Kelric f elt o d d th a n kin g a c o m p ut er, b ut in th e y e a r s h e h a d b e e n g o n e , EIs h a d b e c o m e m o r e int ellig e nt. He n e v e r f elt s ur e a n y m o r e w h at th e y e x p e c t e d o r w a nt e d , if a c o m p ut er c o ul d “ w a nt” a n yt hin g . The EI bowed and faded into the light. When Kelric touched the door, it sparkled into a million pinpricks of light and vanished. He walked into an odd, asymmetrical chamber, apparently on a starship. It was shaped like a narrow pyramid, longer on one side than the other, so it seemed to lean. The opposite wall was a narrow triangle of dichromesh glass about twice his height. Tarquine stood in front of the glass. Sh e w a s fa ci n g a w a y fr o m hi m , g a zi n g o ut at s p a c e , h e r b o d y sil h o u ett e d a g ai n st th e st ar s. T h e n s h e turn e d — a n d h e f elt a s if a bl a st o f wi n d h a d hit hi m . Her fa c e h a d th at al a b a st er p erf e cti o n he remembered so well, her body its long, lean sensuality. The simplicity of her black jumpsuit underscored her elegance. She emanated power. He walked to her, and they faced each other in front of the window. She was a tall woman, and her boots added more height, bringing her gaze nearly level to his own. He s ai d, “Tar q ui n e .”

Sh e in clin e d h e r h e a d . “Kelric.” “You wi s h e d t o s e e m e .” “I n e e d t o a n s w e r a q u e s ti o n.” “Ye s?” She paused, showing hesitation for the first time since he had known her, a response even more startling in that she could have had her simulacrum hide it if she wished. “It is n’t a q u e s ti o n I k n o w h o w t o a s k ,” s h e s ai d. He s p o k e q ui etly. “You n e e d t o gi v e m e a b e tt er r e a s o n for thi s m e e tin g. I a m th e Imp er at or of Sk oli a. You a r e th e Em pr e s s of Eu b e . We h a v e b e e n l o v er s . So m e m i g ht c o n stru e a priv at e c o nf er e n c e b e t w e e n th e t w o o f u s a pr elu d e t o tr e a s o n o n a n int er st ell ar s c al e .” Her g a z e di d n’t w a v er. “T hi s is n o tr e a s o n .” “G o o d .” “You c h o o s e int er e stin g w o r d s .” In th e d e c e ptiv ely s oft v oi c e , s h e a d d e d , “Su c h a s , s ay, ‘l o v e r s .’” Kelric e x h al e d , g r at eful th e si m ul ati o n all o w e d hi m t o hi d e hi s di s q ui et. Sh e w a s a s p ot e nt a c r o s s m a n y lig ht-y e a r s a s s h e w a s in p er s o n . “It w a s a figur e of s p e e c h .” “P er h a p s .” He knew her direct speech carried a mess a g e . T h e y w e r e n’t r el at e d; n o r w e r e th eir w o r d s m e a n t t o e s t a bli s h a hi er ar c h y o f d o m i n a n c e . T h at l eft o nly t w o p o s si biliti e s , o n e b ei n g th at s h e wi s h e d t o in di c at e r e s p e c t for th e Sk oli a n styl e o f c o m m u ni c ati o n, w hi c h h e d o u bt e d . T h e o t h e r i m pli e d a n intimate link between them. “Wh at e v e r w e w e r e ,” h e s ai d, “it e n d e d th e d a y I w al k e d off y o ur s p a c e h a bit at.” Sh e p ut h e r h a n d s o n h e r hip s a n d fr o w n e d at hi m . “You m a d e m a n y pr o bl e m s for m e th at d ay.” “You s e e m t o b e thrivin g.” He h a d n e v e r s e e n h e r l o o ki n g s o well, in fact. Being empress obviously agreed with her. Sh e l o w e r e d h e r a r m s . “I d o h a v e a q u e s ti o n I c a n p ut int o w o r d s .” “Ye s?” “I w o ul d k n o w y o ur int e nti o n s in th e s e talk s. Do y o u h o n o r m y h u s b a n d’ s d e sir e for p e a c e ?” “Of c o ur s e .” Kelric w o n d e r e d w h at s h e r e ally w a nt e d . Had th e y truly b e e n in th e s a m e pl a c e , h e m i g ht h a v e d et e ct e d h e r m i n d, b ut s h e w a s lig ht-y e ar s a w a y o n Glory. “T h e q u e s ti o n o f int e nt w o ul d s e e m m o r e a p pr o pri at e a p pli e d t o a p e o pl e o t h e r th a n m i n e . Su c h a s , s ay, c e rt ai n g r o u p s a m o n g th e Eu bi a n m ilit ary.” Her lip s c ur v e d . “No w y o u s o u n d lik e a Hig ht o n.” “T h e s e talk s s e e m t o b e m i s si n g a Hig ht o n.” “I h a d n’t n oti c e d .” “Ad mir al Kalig a is h a r d t o m i s s .” Tar q uin e cl a s p e d h e r h a n d s b e hi n d h e r b a c k a n d l o o k e d at th e st ar s. “T h e Lin e o f Kalig a is of n o m a tt er.” “‘No m a tt e r’?” He l et hi s in cr e d ulity s h o w . “Ho w g e n ui n e c a n y o ur e m p e r o r’ s int e nt b e if hi s Joint Co m m a n d e r d o e s n’t e v e n s h o w u p t o th e talk s?” “E m p e r o r Jai bri ol c o m m a n d s th e Eubi a n m ilit ary.” “In n a m e .” Sh e turn e d t o hi m . “Any a g r e e m e n t m a d e b y th e e m p e r o r is bi n di n g o n ESCo m m .” “And if Xira d Kalig a d e ci d e s o t h e r wi s e ?” “It m a k e s n o diff er e n c e .” “I fin d th at h a r d t o b eli e v e ,” h e s ai d. Sh e h a d t o k n o w Kalig a’ s a b s e n c e w a s a di s a st er. “T h e Lin e o f Kalig a s e r v e s th e Lin e of Qox,” s h e s ai d. “N eith er o f u s is th at n ai v e .”

Her g a z e di d n’t w a v er. “Ye s, Kalig a h a s a g r e at d e al o f influ e n c e a n d m y h u s b a n d is y o u n g . But d o n’t u n d e r e sti m at e th e e m p e r or, Kelric.” Hearing his name on her lips startled him. He suddenly remembered a time he had fallen asl e e p wit h hi s h e a d in h e r lap. And th e n lat er…n o , h e m u st l et th o s e m e m o ri e s g o . Kelric k n e w h e w o ul d n’t for g et livin g in h e r u niv er s e . And y et s o m e w h e r e , s o m e ti m e , hi s c r a vi n g for h e r h a d fa d e d . F or all th at h e h a d in si st e d h e n o l o n g e r d e sir e d Tar q ui n e , u ntil thi s m o m e n t h e h a d n’t r e aliz e d h e s p o k e th e truth. Her m o ti v e s e l u d e d hi m , y et in talkin g t o h e r n o w , h e h a d th e i m pr e s si o n s h e truly w a nt e d th e talk s t o ta k e pl a c e . He d o u bt e d Jai bri ol c o ul d s u c c e e d wit h o ut ESCo m m b e hi n d hi m , b ut Tar q uin e’ s s u p p o rt might make the difference. Kelric had seen and lived with the power she commanded; if she backed her husband, the peace process might have a chance. “Very w e ll,” Kelric s ai d. “I will a c c e pt w h at y o u s a y a b o ut y o ur h u s b a n d’ s int e nt in th e s e talk s.” Tarquine turn e d h e r h a u g hti e st Arist o l o o k o n hi m , a n i m pr e s si v e o n e h e h a d t o a d m it, fit for a n e m p r e s s . “An d I will a c c e pt th e s a m e , for th e Ruby Dyn a sty.” “S o.” Sh e e x h al e d . “S o.” He k n e w h e s h o ul d e n d th e c o n v e r s ati o n, b ut in st e a d h e a s k e d , “Did y o u g e t th e a n s w e r t o y o ur o t h e r q u e s ti o n, th e o n e y o u c a n’t p ut int o w o r d s ?” Sa d n e s s s h a d e d h e r r e s p o n s e . “Ye s. I di d.” In a h u s k y v oi c e , s h e a d d e d , “F ar e w ell, Kelric. May y o u h a v e h a p pi n e s s in y o ur lif e.” Softly h e s ai d, “And y o u al s o . Go o d-b y e , Tar q uin e .” Seven people sat at the table in the War Room on the Orbiter: Dehya Selei, the Ruby Pharaoh; Barcala Tikal, First Councilor of Skolia; Kelric, the Imperator; General Naaj Majda, highest in the military after Kelric; Admiral Ragnar Bloodmark, next after Majda; Eldrin, th e Ph ar a o h’ s Co n s o rt; a n d Ro c a Sk oli a, th e F or ei g n Affair s Co u n cil or a n d m o t h e r t o b o t h Kelric a n d Eldrin. Ro c a s p o k e flatly. “I d o n’t s e e th e p oi nt in c o ntinuin g th e talk s.” Kelric r e c o g niz e d h e r t o n e ; s h e w a s n’t g oi n g t o r el e nt. F or all th at s h e l o o k e d lik e th e pr o v e r bi al “ s w e e t a n g el” d e s c ri b e d in n e w s b r o a d c a s t s , s h e w a s o n e of th e t o u g h e s t p olitici a n s h e k n e w . Na aj Majd a n o d d e d , h e r ir o n-g r a y h air p ull e d b a c k , a c c e ntin g h e r a u st er e , p atri ci a n f e atur e s . “I a g r e e wit h Cou n cil or Ro c a . With o ut ESCo m m , th e s e talk s m e a n n ot hi n g .” Ra g n ar Blo o d m a r k s at s pr a wl e d in hi s c h air, hi s la n ky fr a m e str et c h e d o ut. “ESCo m m h a s s e nt n o e x pl a n ati o n . All w e g e t a r e e x c u s e s fr o m th e e m p e r o r’ s st aff.” “W e n e e d t o h e a r fr o m th e Joint Co m m a n d er,” Tik al s ai d. Ra g n a r’ s g a z e d ar k e n e d . “Xira d Kalig a c a n g o t o h ell.” Eldrin s p o k e dryly. “Your m ilit ary in si g ht l e a v e s m e in a w e , Ra g n ar.” He m a d e n o att e m pt t o hi d e hi s di slik e of th e a d m ir al. Ra g n ar c o c k e d a n e y e b r o w at hi m . Ro c a gl a n c e d at Kelric. “You’v e b e e n q ui et. Wh at d o y o u s a y?” “T h at w e c o ntinu e th e talk s.” Fir st Co u n cil or Tik al s c o wl e d at hi m . “T h e y’r e u si n g u s , Imp er at or Sk oli a, pl ayin g s o m e p olitic al g a m e a m o n g th e m s e l v e s .” “P o s si bly,” Kelric s ai d. “But I’m c o n vi n c e d th e y at l e a st w a nt t o try thi s ti m e .” Ragnar gave him a s a r d o ni c l o o k. “Of c o ur s e y o ur s u d d e n int er e st in th e s e talk s h a s n o link t o y o ur cl a n d e s tin e m e e tin g la st ni g ht wit h th e e m p r e s s .” Damn. Kelric narrowed his gaze at the admiral. How had Ragnar found out? “Wh at th e h ell?” Tik al s ai d. Naaj turned a cold gaze o n Ra g n ar. “You h a d b e tt er h a v e pr o of t o b a c k u p th at a c c u s ati o n .”

Eldrin s m irk e d . “Or e l s e y o u ju st b o u g ht y o ur s elf o n e l o a d of tr o u bl e , Ra g n ar m y fri e n d.” Ev e n Ro c a l o o k e d tr o u bl e d . “Ra g n ar, y o u g o t o o far.” Kelric s p o k e q ui etly. “Ye s, m y m e e tin g la st ni g ht wit h Em pr e s s Tar q uin e aff e ct e d m y o pi ni o n .” Everyone went silent. Until n o w , De hy a h a d b e e n list e ni n g o nly, a s s h e o ft e n di d, n o d o u bt e v al u atin g th eir c o m m e n t s wit h h e r e v e r-e v ol vin g b r ai n. No w s h e s p o k e t o Kelric. “You di d n’t talk t o th e e m p r e s s for l o n g .” F or fla mi n g s a k e s . De hy a al s o k n e w ? In truth, th o u g h , Kelric w a s n’t all th at s ur pri s e d s h e h a d di s c o v e r e d hi s talk wit h Tar q uin e ; De hy a w a s pr o b a bly t o o int er c o n n e c t e d wit h th e w e b s t o m i s s a link fr o m th e Or bit er t o Gl ory. But h e h a d s e c ur e d th e transmission himself and had expected it to hold against anyone else. Ragnar had better intelligence operations than Kelric had realized. Na aj fr o w n e d . “Ju st h o w m a n y p e o pl e k n o w a b o ut thi s ‘cl a n d e stin e’ m e e ti n g ?” “Not e n o u g h , a p p ar e ntly,” Tik al s ai d dryly. “I’v e o nly ju st h e a r d o f it.” Tar q uin e w a s th e la st p er s o n Kelric w a nt e d t o talk a b o ut wit h a n y o n e , l et al o n e hi s t o p a d vi s e r s . But thi s w a s n’t s o m e t hi n g h e c o ul d p ull b a c k fr o m , n o m a tt er h o w h e f elt. “W e s p o k e la st ni g ht, thr o u g h th e w e b .” Roca regarded hi m u n e a sily. “Ab o ut w h at?” “T h e Eu bi a n s d o u bt o ur m o ti v e s in th e talk s.” “Ourm o tiv e s ?” Na aj s n o rt e d. “Is th at a jo k e ?” “App ar e ntly n ot,” Kelric s ai d. “Do y o u tru st th e e m p r e s s ?” Eldrin a s k e d . Kelric g a v e a w r y s m il e. “No.” “You s h o ul d n’t h a v e s p o k e n wit h h er.” Tik al s c o wl e d at hi m . “It vi ol at e s e v e r y pr ot o c ol.” Malic e glint e d in Ra g n a r’ s e y e s . “May b e s p e a ki n g w a s n’t w h at th e y h a d in m i n d.” Eldrin stiff e n e d . “You’r e o ut of lin e, Ra g n ar.” T h e a d m ir al sl a nt e d a d ar k gl a n c e at hi m . “Ar e y o u s p e a ki n g for y o urbrother ?” His e m p h a si s l eft n o d o u bt w h at h e th o u g ht a b o ut Eldrin’ s o bj e ctivity, o r la c k th er e of. In his youth, Kelric had never understood why Eldrin resented Ragnar. Their animosity had grown during the past two decades, but now Kelric had the maturity t o r e c o g niz e its o ri gin s. Ra g n ar c o v e t e d De hy a, th e Ruby Ph ar a o h , Eldrin’ s wif e. Kelric wi s h e d hi s b r ot h e r c o ul d di st a n c e hi m s elf fr o m th e a d m ir al; Eldrin h a d t o k n o w De hy a w o ul d n e v e r b e tr a y hi m . He pl ay e d int o Ra g n a r’ s h a n d s w h e n h e l et hi s riv al b ait him. Kelric s p o k e q ui c kly, b ef or e hi s b r ot h e r c o ul d bl o w u p at Ra g n ar. “T h e e m p r e s s a n d I di s c u s s e d o nly th e talk s.” T h at w a s n’t c o m pl et ely tru e; a g r e at d e al h a d g o n e u n s p o k e n b e t w e e n th e m . But a n y r e c o r d o f th eir c o n v e r s ati o n w o ul d s u p p o rt hi s cl ai m . Ro c a’ s v oi c e h ar d e n e d . “Tar q uin e Iqu ar o v e r st e p p e d h e r s elf. Sh e h a s n o ri g ht s t o y o u.” Kelric c o ul d f e el hi s m o t h e r’ s for mi d a bl e ir e stirrin g. Ev e n n o w , w h e n h e r c hildr e n w e r e int er st ell ar p ot e nt at e s , Ro c a vi e w e d th e m a s h e r b r o o d . P o et s a n d hi st ori a n s lau d e d h er beauty, but Kelric had always thought she was at her most striking like this, intense and daunting, without the polish of the media techs, a queen ardent in protecting her own, whether it was her children or her empire. “Tar q uin e d o e s n’t cl ai m a n y ri g ht s,” h e s ai d. “Sh e ju st w a nt e d m y a s s ur a n c e a b o ut o ur int e nti o n s .” “T h at’ s a b s ur d,” Na aj s ai d. “Wh at, s h all I g o t o Int elli g e n c e Minist er Azil e Xir a n d d e m a n d t o k n o w w h at Cor b al Xir int e n d s wit h hi s pir at e fl e et s ?” Tik al c r o s s e d hi s a r m s . “A r e a s o n e xi st s for o ur rul e s of o r d er, Imp er at or Sk oli a. Bre a kin g th o s e pr ot o c ol s u n d e r mi n e s th e e n tir e pr o c e s s .” “Do e s E m p er or Jai bri ol k n o w y o u m e t wit h hi s wif e?” De hy a a s k e d .

“I di d n’t a s k ,” Kelric s ai d. “But n o , I d o n’t thin k s o .” Tik al s h o o k hi s h e a d . “On e w o n d e r s w h at is g oi n g o n wit h th e Hig ht o n s , th at th e e m p e r o r’ s m ilitary l e a d e r s r efu s e hi s c o m m a n d s a n d hi s e m p r e s s is off h a vi n g priv at e a u di e n c e s wit h th e Sk oli a n Imp er at or.” Na aj r e st e d h e r e l b o w s o n th e ta bl e a n d st e e pl e d h e r fin g e r s . “Qox s e e m s t o h a v e r el ativ ely littl e a ut h o rity. I s u p p o s e it is n’t s ur pri sin g, gi v e n hi s y o ut h a n d pr ot e ct e d c hild h o o d . But I d o n’t s e e m u c h p oi nt in c o ntinuin g th e s e talk s.” “I di s a g r e e ,” Kelric s ai d. “You a r e n’t a n o bj e ctiv e jud g e ,” Tik al s ai d. Kelric stiffened. Then he finally s ai d al o u d w h at th e y w e r e all a v oi din g . “I w a s h e r pr o vi d er. T h at is h ar dly lik ely t o pr e di s p o s e m e t o tru st h er.” Na aj m e t hi s g a z e . “You w e r e h e r l o v er.” “Not of m y o w n fr e e will.” An awkward silence fell over the group. De hy a s p o k e s oftly. “En o u g h .” Sh e was watching Eldrin, who was staring at the table. Although Eldrin had barricaded his mind, Kelric knew his brother was remembering his time as a Trader prisoner. Tik al s p o k e q ui etly. “I v ot e w e e n d th e talk s.” “I a g r e e ,” Na aj s ai d. Ro c a n o d d e d . “I al s o .” Eldrin g a v e Kelric a l o o k of a p ol o gy. “I al s o a g r e e .” Ra g n ar s p o k e w r yly. “It a p p e a r s Prin c e Eldrin a n d I a r e a c tu ally in a g r e e m e n t o n s o m e t hi n g .” Tik al e x h al e d . “T h at is fiv e in fa v o r of wit h dr a wi n g fr o m th e talk s. We h a v e a m a j o rity.” Dehya spoke coolly. “T hi s is n’t a d e m o c r a cy, Co u n cil or Tik al. I s a y w e c o ntin u e .” “W ell, w e ll,” Ra g n ar m u r m ur e d . “T h e Ruby Ph ar a o h a n d th e Imp er at or s a y y e s , a n d th e First Cou n cil or s a y s n o .” He l o o k e d in or din at ely e n t ert ai n e d . “Ho w a w k w a r d.” Kelric held back his retort. His di slik e o f w h at Ra g n ar h a d t o s a y di d n’t c h a n g e its truth. T h e bl e n d e d g o v e r n m e n t, wit h th e Ph ar a o h a n d First Co u n cil or s h a rin g p o w er, w a s ju st b a r ely e s t a bli s h e d . T h e y h a d n o pr e c e d e nt for thi s situ ati o n, w h e r e th e t w o of th e m w e r e o p p o s e d in a m a j o r d e cision. Tik al a n d De hy a a p pr ai s e d e a c h o t h er. T h e n Tik al s ai d, “It is n’t in o ur b e s t int er e st s t o c o ntinu e th e talk s.” De hy a r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “P e a c e is n’t in o ur b e s t int er e st?” “If th e Tr a d e r s w a nt e d p e a c e ,” Tik al c o u nt er e d , “Ad mir al Kalig a w o ul d b e at th e talk s.” “T h at a p o w e r stru g gl e m a y e xi st b e t w e e n th e Qox p al a c e a n d ESCo m m d o e s n’t m e a n th e y d o n’t w a nt p e a c e .” “Da m n it, De hy a, th e y’r e u si n g u s.” Sh e l e a n e d for w ar d. “If w e wit h dr a w, w e w e a k e n w h at e v e r s u p p o rt th e e m p e r o r h a s for hi s p o siti o n.” “And if th e e m p e r o r falls in a c o u p?” A m u s cl e t wit c h e d u n d e r Tik al’s e y e . Only a f e w m o n t h s h a d p a s s e d si n c e De hy a h a d o v e rt hr o w n hi s o w n g o v e r n m e n t, b a c k e d b y th e m ilit ary. T h e Ruby Dyn a sty s u d d e nly rul e d a g ai n, aft er c e nturi e s o f h a vi n g th eir liv e s c o n str ain e d , m a ni p ul at e d, t or n a p art, e v e n l o st d u e t o Ass e m b ly d e c r e e s . Kelric u n d e r st o o d th e d e s p e r ati o n th at h a d driv e n th e Ass e m bly t o u s e th e Ruby Dyn a sty n o m a tt er w h at th e c o s t — th e Kyle w e b pr ot e ct e d Sk oli a a g ai n st Eub e , a n d wit h o ut Ruby p si o n s th e w e b c o ul d n’t e xi st — b ut th at di d n’t c h a n g e w h at hi s fa mily h a d s uff er e d . Kelric doubted the First Councilor would easily forget or forgive how close the coup had brought him to death. Had Dehya kept absolute sovereignty, the ancient laws of the Ruby Empire would have required she execute Tikal. She had split the government instead

because losing him and the Assembly would have weakened Skolia. The Eubians had a less benign view. If Jaibriol III fell in a coup, he would be very dead, very fast. “If h e fall s, w e d e al wit h it,” De hy a s ai d. “W e c a n’t st o p talkin g p e a c e ju st b e c a u s e h e might b e o v e rt hr o w n .” Tik al l e a n e d for w ar d. “Ev ery m o m e n t o ur link s st a y o p e n t o Glory, w e gi v e ESCo m m a n o p p o rtu nity t o c r a c k th e w e b .” “W e n e e d r e al-ti m e di s c u s si o n s .” “It is n’t w o rt h th e ris k.” “With o ut ris k s , w e ’ll n e v e r att ain p e a c e .” Tik al s n o rt e d . “T h e y d o n’t w a nt p e a c e .” “And if th eir e m p e r o r is si n c e r e ?” “Why w o ul d h e b e ?” De hy a l et o ut a b r e at h. “I c a n’t s a y w h y I thin k s o . It’s intuiti o n.” “Your ‘intuiti o n’ is l e g e n d ary,” Tik al s ai d. “With all th o s e e xtr a n e ur al stru ctur e s of y o ur s, g o d s k n o w y o u s e e m o r e th a n m o s t p e o pl e . But y o u’r e n ot al w a y s ri g ht.” “I c a n’t m a k e pr o m i s e s . But I b eli e v e thi s.” Tik al gl a n c e d at Kelric. “You a g r e e wit h th e Ph ar a o h ?” “Ye s.” “On th e b a si s of y o ur talk wit h th e e m p r e s s .” “T h at’ s rig ht.” Tik al l o o k e d fru str at e d . “It’s t o o littl e t o g o o n .” “Bar c al a,” De hy a s ai d. “Do n’t gi v e u p o n thi s n o w .” Tikal narrowed his gaze at her. It was a long moment before he spoke. T h e n h e s ai d, “Blo o d y h ell. All ri g ht. Let’s c o ntinu e .”

37 River of Ciphers Jai found these restricted sessions of the peace talks the most grueling. Today he and Tarquine met with Pharaoh Dyhianna and Kelric, only the four of them. The Ruby Pharaoh regarded him across the table, her voice startling in its ric h ti m b r e . “Eu bi a n pir at e s c o ntinu e t o att a c k Sk oli a n s hi p s . It is u n a c c e pt a bl e .” In his side vision, Jai saw Tarquine stiffen. Given how accomplished the Pharaoh had turned out to be at interpreting Highton speech, he had no doubt her direct langu a g e n o w w a s d eli b e r at e; s h e w a s t e stin g th e m , pr o bi n g th eir r e a cti o n s . Her a ut h o rity pr o b a bly off e n d e d Tar q uin e m o r e th a n h e r s p e e c h ; pr o vi d e r s w e r e n’t s u p p o s e d t o u n d e r st a n d th e c o m pl e xiti e s of Hig ht o n s p e e c h b ut th e y w e r e e x p e ct e d t o d ef er t o Arist o s . Dyhianna violated both expectations with a vengeance. He al s o u n d e r st o o d w h at Dyhi a n n a l eft u n s ai d; hi s o w n c o u si n, Cor b al, r at e d a m o n g th e w o r st off e n d e r s w h e n it c a m e t o r ai d s in Sk oli a n t errit ory. He c o ul d n’t r e v e al th at Cor b al h a d b e e n s e t u p; it w o ul d only make his power base look weak. “Any r ai d er s th at pr e y o n y o ur p e o pl e a r e b r e a ki n g o ur la w s ,” Jai s ai d. “T h e y will b e p u ni s h e d .” It w a s Kelric w h o a n s w e r e d , hi s v oi c e a ru m bl e . “An a s s ur a n c e e a sily m a d e .” He l eft th e r e st of th e s e nt e n c e h a n gi n g: and easily broken. Tar q uin e fo c u s e d o n Kelric wit h a n int e n sity Jai k n e w w o ul d h a v e m a d e hi s o w n fa c e fla m e . Yet Kelric r e m ai n e d u nruffl e d e v e n w h e n s h e s p o k e in th at d e v a st atin g v oi c e of h e r s . “An a s s ur a n c e ,” s h e s ai d, “ b a c k e d b y str e n gt h.” Jai r e c o g niz e d th e n uanced Highton message in

her posture; she referred to military strength. ESComm. T h e Ph ar a o h s hr u g g e d . “T h at r e q uir e s a willin g n e s s t o b a c k th e a s s ur a n c e .” “A r e q uir e m e nt e a sily m e t,” Jai s ai d. He w a nt e d t o thr ottl e Kalig a for w e a k e ni n g hi s p o siti o n thi s way. Tar q uin e’ s v oi c e c a m e o v e r hi s priv at e c h a n n el. “Do n’t l et h e r p u s h y o u. S ettin g ‘r e q uir e m e nt s’ gi v e s th e m a d v a nt a g e .” Damn. Every time he thought he was making progress, he stumbled. Everyone at this table was many decades older than him, and they all h a d e x p e ri e n c e c o m m e n s ur at e wit h th eir y e a r s . He k n e w h e w a s n’t th e first s o v e r ei g n t o a s s u m e hi s thr o n e at t o o y o u n g a n a g e , b ut h e di d n’t s e e h o w o t h e r s u c h rul er s h a d m a n a g e d . T h e n a g ai n, m a y b e th e y h a d n’t; v e ry f e w h e r e dit ary g o v e r n m e nt s e xi st e d n o w . Even the Ruby Pharaoh had foregone sole power. Dyhianna bemused Jai. For all that she resembled his mother, she had a finesse his mother had lacked. Hale and hearty, Soz Valdoria had been the epitome of a cybernetic warrior, but no one would have ever call e d h e r s u btl e. Dyhi a n n a h a d s o m u c h s u btl ety th at o n th e r ar e o c c a si o n s w h e n s h e c h o s e bl u ntn e s s , it c a m e a s a s h o c k , o n e s h e u s e d t o d eli b e r at e e ff e ct. Nor c o ul d h e i m a gi n e a n y o n e c allin g hi s m o t h e r “d eli c at e ,” w h e r e a s Dyhi a n n a s e e m e d b r e a k a bl e . But th e differences were superficial; he recognized the same strength of will and intellect in his aunt that he had known in his mother. He w a s n’t c e rt ain w h at Tar q uin e th o u g ht of th e Ph ar a o h . Dyhi a n n a d efi e d e v e r yt hin g Tar q ui n e c o n si d er e d ri g ht a n d pr o p er, o n t o p of w hi c h, Dyhi a n n a h a d th e a u d a city t o b e s h o rt, w h e n Hig ht o n s v alu e d h ei g ht. But Tar q uin e w a s n o fo ol. Sh e h a d t o r e c o g niz e th e Ph ar a o h’ s str e n gt h, th e a ut h o rity th at Dyhi a n n a wi el d e d wit h c o nfid e n c e . Dyhi a n n a a n d Tar q uin e w e r e lik e t w o li o n e s s e s cir cling each other, each evaluating her foe and protecting her pride. No w Tar q uin e s p o k e . “It is i m p o rt a nt t o p u ni s h la w b r e a k e r s for th eir c ri m e s .” Jai stiffened. After telling him not to let the Skolians control the discussion, Tarquine had just played into their hands, implying they had reason to censure Eube. Personally Jai agreed, but he and Tarquine had to represent the Aristos or he would lose what remained of his support. T h e Ph ar a o h di d n’t s e e m t o a g r e e wit h hi s a s s e s s m e n t. Her v oi c e turn e d icy. “Unl e s s th e ‘la w’ is its elf a c ri m e .” Jai s u d d e nly u n d e r st o o d Tar q uin e’ s int e nt. Sla v ery w a s a n at h e m a a m o n g Sk oli a n s ; w h e n Eu bi a n s e s c a p e d t o Sk oli a, th e y b e c a m e fr e e a n d w e r e g r a nt e d a s ylu m . Acc or din g t o Eubi a n la w, th e Sk oli a n s w e r e c o m m ittin g a m a j o r c ri m e b y h a r b o rin g e s c a p e d ta s k m a k e r s o r pr o vi d e r s . He h a d n’t th o u g ht Tar q uin e w a s s e ri o u s w h e n s h e s ai d Kelric o w e d h e r fo urt e e n m illi o n, b ut n o w h e w o n d e r e d . Wh at if s h e d e m a n d e d r e p ar ati o n s ? Sur ely e v e n s h e w o ul d n’t b e th at o utr a g e o u s . “It s h o ul d b e p o s si bl e,” Jai s ai d, “t o fin d c o m p r o m i s e s for diff er e n c e s in l e g al s y st e m s .” “S o m e la w s a r e t o o o p p o s e d ,” Dyhi a n n a s ai d c ol dly. “Opp o siti o n c a n b e r e s ol v e d ,” Jai off er e d . “Opp o siti o n, y e s .” Kelric s h o w e d n o si g n o f r el e ntin g. “Mor ality, n o .” Tarquine narrowed her gaze at hi m . “Wh o s e m o r ality?” Dyhi a n n a a n s w e r e d . “S o m e prin cipl e s s h o ul d b e u niv er s al.” Her v oi c e c o ul d h a v e c hill e d ic e . Tar q uin e r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “Ind e e d .” Jai knew they were debating the slave trade. Skolians would never accept it and Eube would never relin q ui s h it. Qui etly, h e s ai d, “Must billi o n s di e for thi s o p p o siti o n?” Kelric m e t hi s g a z e . “If it is i m p o rt a nt e n o u g h .” “And if th o s e d e at h s a r e n’t n e c e s s a ry?” Tar q uin e a s k e d . Ang er e d g e d Dyhi a n n a’ s v oi c e . “Ho w c a n y o u st o p th e m , w h e n la w s w e c o n si d e r a n a b o m i n ati o n a r e for c e d o n u n willin g p o p ul ati o n s ?” Jai t o o k a d e e p b r e at h — a n d plu n g e d a h e a d . “Sup p o s e s u c h for c e b e c a m e ill e g al?”

Kelric w e n t v e ry still. “It alr e a d y is ill e g al.” “Ill e g al o n b o t h si d e s ,” Jai s ai d. Silence descended on the table. Jai was glad none of them could see him sweating. He had just offered to outlaw the pirate fleets. Although neither ESComm nor any Aristos admitted owning such fleets, no Eubian law forbade the raids. Only the Halstaad Code of War even addressed the issue; it prohibite d s ellin g Sk oli a n POWs. Giv e n th at m o s t Arist o s h a d n o wi s h t o o w n h o s til e Sk oli a n s ol di er s, it w a s n’t h a r d t o e nf or c e th e Co d e . But th at w a s for ta s k m a k e r s , w h o w e r e n’t p si o n s . If Kelric’ s e x p e ri e n c e w a s a n y in di c ati o n of w h at h a p p e n e d wit h a p si o n , it c ould be a nightmare trying to forbidall raids. But Jai was willing to try, if the Skolians would offer a compromise he could take to the Hightons. Tar q uin e s p o k e o n hi s priv at e c h a n n el. “ESCo m m will n e v e r all o w y o u t o o utl a w th e r ai d s .” “I h a v e t o try.” He a n s w e r e d Tar q uin e priv at ely, b ut th e n h e s p o k e t o th e Ph ar a o h o n th e c h a n n el e v e r y o n e c o ul d h e ar. “Sk oli a n citiz e n s s h o ul d h a v e th e rig ht t o r e m ai n Sk oli a n —ju st a s Eu bi a n citiz e n s s h o ul d r e m ai n Eubi a n.” In o t h e r w o r d s , if h e st o p p e d Eubi a n s fr o m ta kin g Skolians, then her people should send escaped slaves back to Eube. Sh e r e g ar d e d hi m for a m o m e n t. “I s e e .” No one else spoke. Jai knew the compromise was abhorrent to both sides. The Aristos would revile any law forbidding the raids; the Skolians would revile any law requiring them to return escaped taskmakers and providers to Eube. But gods, it was better than world-slagging wars that would never end until they destroyed human life. Kelric l e a n e d for w ar d. “No Sk oli a n w o ul d for c e p e o pl e h e c a r e s for t o r eturn t o a lif e o f sl a v e ry.” Jai wondered if the rumors were true, that the Imperator had married a former taskmaker. If so, Kelric would never agree to such a compromise. In this VR simulation Kelric could edit his responses however he wished, but even given that, Jai thought he detected an unusual degree of tension in the stoic Imperator. Jai s p o k e sl o wly, thinkin g it thr o u g h. “P er h a p s a st atut e of li mit ati o n s c o ul d a p ply t o th e r etur n. Aft er a c e rt ai n a m o u nt of ti m e , if th e Eu bi a n is still in Sk oli a n t errit ory, s h e m a y r e m ai n.” He u s e d “ s h e ” d eli b e r at ely, thinkin g of Kelric’ s wif e. “Ho w l o n g ?” Dyhi a n n a a s k e d . “T e n y e a r s,” Tar q uin e s ai d. Kelric di d n’t b o t h e r t o e dit o ut hi s l o o k of di s g u st. “No.” “T e n d a y s ,” Dyhi a n n a s ai d. Tar q uin e r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “I di d n’t k n o w a b s ur dity w a s a n i m p e ri al tr ait, Ph ar a o h Dyhi a n n a .” From what Jai had heard, Kelric had married a woman who had helped him reach Earth. That would have been over three months ago. “T hr e e m o n t h s ,” Jai s ai d. “If th e Eubi a n is in Sk oli a n t errit ory aft er th at ti m e , s h e c a n a p ply for a s ylu m .” Tar q uin e’ s v oi c e c a m e o v e r hi s priv at e c h a n n el. “T h at is n o w a y t o b a r g ai n, Jai bri ol. Hold o ut for l o n g er.” “T h e y w o n’t a g r e e t o l o n g er,” h e s ai d. “You h a v e t o p u s h it h a r d er.” They all sat, considering one another. As the silence stretched to the breaking point, Jai feared they had reached a deadlock. T h e n Dyhi a n n a s p o k e , h e r v oi c e h e a vy. “A fla w e d tr e aty is b e tt er th a n n o n e at all, w h e n th e alt er n ativ e c o ul d v e ry w e ll b e m utu al a n ni hil ati o n.” “G o o d g o d s!” Tar q ui n e’ s v oi c e c a m e o n Jai’s priv at e c h a n n el. “Is th at w h at it s o u n d s lik e, th at s h e m i g ht n e g o ti at e? If w e c a n fin d a w a y t o talk a b o ut thi s, w e m i g ht a ctu ally m a k e

pr o gr e s s .” Sh e s o u n d e d s o stu n n e d , Jai w o n d e r e d if s h e h a d e v e r b eli e v e d th e talk s c o ul d a c c o m pli s h anything. “I h o p e s o ,” Jai t ol d h er. He k e pt hi s si m ul a cr u m sil e nt, a w a r e o f Kelric stu dyin g hi m . He di d n’t k n o w w h at t o think o f th e Imp er at or: e n e m y, u n cl e , riv al? In a n o t h e r lif e, h e m i g ht h a v e s o u g ht o ut Kelric a s a fath er figur e aft er hi s o w n fat h e r d ied, but this was the only life he had, and Corbal was the closest he would ever come to a mentor. Just a s Jai st art e d t o a n s w e r th e Ph ar a o h , th e v oi c e o f a n EI c a m e o v e r hi s priv at e c h a n n el. “Your Hig h n e s s , y o u h a v e a pri ority tr a n s m i s si o n fr o m Glory.” Jai p a u s e d . Ev ery o n e w a s w aitin g for hi m t o r e s p o n d t o Dyhi a n n a . “Wh o is it fr o m ?” h e a s k e d th e EI priv at ely. “Ro b e rt Muz e s o n . He s a y s it is a n e m e r g e n cy.” “T ell hi m w e ’r e in th e m i d dl e of a n i m p o rt a nt s e s si o n .” “Muz e s o n di d n’t thin k it c o ul d w ait, Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai k n e w Ro b e rt w o ul d n’t int errupt hi m wit h o ut g o o d r e a s o n , b ut th e ti mi n g c o ul d n’t h a v e b e e n w ors e. Tar q uin e s p o k e o v e r th e priv at e c h a n n el. “Jai bri ol, y o u m u s t a n s w e r th e Ph ar a o h . Sh e ju st off er e d th e o p e ni n g w e ’ v e h o p e d for.” “I’ m g e ttin g a p a g e fr o m Ro b e rt.” To th e EI, Jai s ai d, “Rel ay th e m e s s a g e t o m y s elf a n d Em pr e s s Tar q ui n e .” Ro b e rt’s v oi c e c a m e in hi s e ar. “Your Hig h n e s s , y o u a r e n e e d e d i m m e di at ely o n Glory.” “T h at’ s it?” Jai a s k e d . “T h at is all,” th e EI s ai d. Kelric was scrutinizing him even h a r d e r n o w . “E m p e r or Jai bri ol?” Jai k n e w h e h a d t o m a k e a d e ci si o n . “I’ m r e c ei vin g a tr a n s m i s si o n fr o m Gl ory. I r e gr et th at I m u st in v o k e a t e m p o r ary cl o s e t o th e s e pr o c e e di n g s .” Tar q uin e s w o r e o n hi s priv at e c h a n n el. “Do n’t d o thi s! Ro b e rt c a n w ait. We m a y n ot g e t a n o p e ni n g lik e thi s a g ai n.” “T hi s is r at h e r s u d d e n ,” Dyhi a n n a s ai d. “Pl e a s e a c c e pt m y a p ol o gi e s ,” Jai s ai d. Bef or e Tar q uin e c o ul d c ur s e at hi m for a p ol o gizin g t o a pr o vi d er, h e s p o k e t o hi s wif e o n th e priv at e c h a n n el. “Ro b e rt w o ul d n’t int errupt if it w a s n’t i m p o rt a nt.” Kelric s ai d, “W e c a n h a v e o ur Pr ot o c ol Offic e s e t u p a n e w s e s si o n wit h y o ur Pr ot o c ol p e o pl e .” Jai n o d d e d . “T h at w o ul d b e g o o d .” “Ah, h ell,” Tar q ui n e m utt er e d priv at ely. “On c e Pr ot o c ol g e t s inv ol v e d , it will ta k e for e v er.” Dyhian n a w a s stu dyin g Jai. “I h o p e all is w e ll.” So do I,Jai thought. Aft er th e r e q ui sit e for m aliti e s , Jai a n d Tar q ui n e t o o k th eir l e a v e . T h e y s plit u p o ut si d e th e c o nf er e n c e r o o m , a n d h e r etur n e d t o th e w hit e c h a m b e r w h e r e h e al w a y s “ arriv e d” in Pari s. As its walls faded, he became aware of voices, techs talking in the console room on Glory. Light flared as a tech removed the visor over his eyes. He could see the console room now. As the techs unfastened him from the chair, Jai stood up. Tarquine was standing in th e c e nt er of h e r c o n s ol e a f e w m e t e r s a w ay, b e i n g c h e c k e d b y m e di c s . As s o o n a s Jai’s m e di c s fini s h e d wit h hi m , h e str o d e t o w ar d th e e xit o f th e r o o m . Tar q uin e join e d hi m , a c c o m p a ni e d b y th eir u bi q uit o u s Raz er s. After they left the VR room, Jai spoke int o hi s w ri st c o m m . “Ro b e rt?” “I’ m in y o ur offic e , Your Hig h n e s s .” “Why di d y o u int errupt th e s e s si o n ?” “P er h a p s w e s h o ul d s p e a k h e r e ,” Ro b ert s ai d.

Jai p ut hi s h a n d o v e r th e c o m m a n d gl a n c e d at Tar q ui n e . “Do y o u h a v e a n y id e a w h at thi s is a b o ut?” She shook h e r h e a d . “No n e .” Bile rose in his throat, but he fought it down. Had someone tried to kill him while he was in the VR sim? Or maybe ESComm had followed the example of their Skolian counterparts and overthrown his government. Right now he might be a prisoner of the military he was supposed to command. He doubted he would fare as well as the Skolian First Councilor. “I w o n d e r if I’m still e m p e r or,” Jai m utt er e d . Tar q uin e dr e w hi m t o a st o p. “I h a v e ta k e n pr e c a uti o n s in c a s e w e e v e r n e e d t o l e a v e th e p al a c e q ui c kly.” He s w all o w e d , a w a r e o f th e Raz er s for mi n g a b ul w ar k a r o u n d th e m , o n e th at h a d n e v e r s e e m e d b e ni g n a n d n o w f elt lik e a pri s o n . “Ye s. Mak e y o ur pr e c a uti o n s r e a dy.” They set off again, with Tarquine talking into her comm. It sounded as if she was just c h e c ki n g h e r n et m a il, b ut Jai di d n’t q u e s ti o n h er. Eith er s h e h a d c r e at e d a c o v e r t o di s g ui s e h e r c o m m a n d s o r e l s e s h e h a d li e d. He c h o s e t o b e li e v e th e for m er, m a i nly b e c a u s e h e di d n’t h a v e m u c h c h oi c e . At Jai’s offic e , h e a n d Tar q uin e l eft th e Raz er s outside and went in alone, closing the entrance behind them. Jai was surprised to see Corbal standing behind the desk. The desk itself glimmered with a river of hieroglyphics flowing across its surface. Corbal looked up, his face drawn. Robert was standing behind the Xir lord, a palmtop clenched in his hand, watching Jai with quiet horror. Jai’s p ul s e r at c h et e d u p. “Wh at is it?” Cor b al m o v e d b a c k . “You h a d b e tt er s e e for y o ur s elf.” Jai went around the desk, focusing on the glyphs streaming across its black t o p. “T hi s l o o k s lik e s o m e s o rt o f off w o rl d tr a n s m i s si o n .” “It’s fr o m a s hip th at ju st e n t er e d th e s y st e m ,” Cor b al s ai d at hi s si d e . “If it h a d dr o p p e d o ut of inv er si o n a n y cl o s e r t o Glory, it w o ul d h a v e vi ol at e d th e r e g ul ati o n s a g ai n st u si n g st ar driv e s t o o cl o s e t o a s e ttl e d pl a n et.” Tar q uin e c a m e t o th e fr o nt o f th e d e s k a n d p e e r e d at th e glyp h s . “I c a n’t r e a d th e m u p si d e d o w n . T h e y’r e g oi n g t o o fa st.” “T h e s hip st art e d b r o a d c a stin g th e m o m e n t it a rriv e d .” Cor b al’ s v oi c e h a d a str a n g e q u ality, a s if h e w e r e stru g glin g t o c o nt ai n a r e a cti o n. “T h e m e s s a g e is o n a s e c ur e d ESCo m m c h a n n el.” Jai w e nt c ol d. “T hi s is fr o m a n ESCo m m s hi p?” Cor b al n o d d e d . “Ye s.” Jai studied the message, which was encoded in all three dimensions of the glyphs. With the node implante d in hi s s pi n e a n alyzin g th e m e s s a g e , it di d n’t tak e hi m l o n g t o a b s o r b its m e a ni n g . He read the message four more times to make sure. Jai sl o wly s at d o w n in th e c h air. “G o d s .” He s w all o w e d . “G o d s al mi g hty.” It w a s n’t u ntil h e l o o k e d u p a n d s a w Ro b e rt’s d ismay that Jai realized he had spoken in Iotic, the language of the Skolian nobility. Robert had served as a translator; he would recognize not only the language, but how well Jai spoke it. In his childhood Jai had tended to think in Iotic rather than Highton. Apparently under stress he still did. And he spoke it perfectly, with no accent. Yes, any Highton could study Iotic. Every Qox emperor had spoken it. Jai might even learn it well. But no true Highton would revert to perfect Iotic when he was in shock. Robert shot a panicked look at Corbal and Tarquine, knowing they had heard. But they simply continued to watch Jai with neutral expressions. Neither said a word. Jai rose to his feet, his hand resting on his desk, the glyphs flowing around his fingers. Tar q uin e s p o k e q ui etly. “Wh at d o e s it s a y?”

He a n s w e r e d wit h a n u m b n e s s h e k n e w w o ul d n’t la st l o n g . “Ad mir al Xira d Kalig a a n d G e n e r al Kryx Tar atu s, th e Joint Co m m a n d e r s of ESCo m m , a r e d e a d .” Sh e di d n’t e v e n blink. “Ho w?” When Jai saw her lack of surprise, a c hill w e n t thr o u g h hi m . “Tar atu s a s s a s si n at e d Kalig a.” T h e n e w s f elt lik e d u st in hi s m o ut h. “Lor d Razi q u o n w a s o n Kalig a’ s y a c ht w h e n it e x pl o d e d .” He gl a n c e d at Ro b e rt, hi s v oi c e h a r d e ni n g . “App ar e ntly m y o r d e r r e s ci n di n g Razi q u o n’ s p ar d o n n e v e r r e a c h e d th e Hig h Jud g e .” Ro b e rt bl a n c h e d . “I will l o o k int o it, Your Hig h n e s s .” “You d o th at,” Jai s ai d c ol dly. “Ho w di d Tar atu s di e?” Tar q ui n e a s k e d . Jai turn e d t o h er, f e elin g a s if h e w e r e in a s urr e al p ai ntin g. “T h e Razi q u o n a n d Kalig a Lin e s di s c o v e r e d w h at th e y c o n si d er e d irr efut a bl e e vi d e n c e th at th e Tar atu s Lin e h a d a s s a s si n at e d th eir l or d s . So th e y r et ali at e d . T h e y s h o t Tar atu s .” “G o d s .” Ev e n s h e s e e m e d stu n n e d . “T h e y m o v e d fa st.” “Didn’t th e y n o w .” Jai r e m e m b e r e d h e r d el a y e d a rriv al at th e p e a c e talk s. And Kalig a h a d n e v e r s h o w e d u p. Jai’s h e a rt w a s b e a tin g s o h a r d, h e f elt it in hi s w h ol e b o dy. “T hi s will c rippl e ESCo m m . It c o ul d thr o w Eu b e int o c h a o s .” “You m u s t a p p oi nt n e w c o m m a n d e r s a s fa st a s p o s si bl e,” Cor b al s ai d. “Ast o ni s hi n g , th at.” Jai c o ntin u e d t o st ar e at Tar q uin e . He di d n’t k n o w h o w h e k e pt hi s v oi c e c al m . He w a nt e d t o s c r e a m . “No w I m u s t c h o o s e t w o n e w Joint Co m m a n d e r s .” “S o y o u m u s t.” Fi er c e s ati sf a cti o n s p ar k e d o n h e r fa c e . “You m u s t c all a n in v e sti g ati o n,” Ro b e rt s ai d. Jai glanced at him. He still c o ul d n’t b e li e v e Ro b e rt h a d b e tr a y e d hi m . He c o ul d n’t a b s o r b a n y of thi s. Yet. Cor b al m o ti o n e d at th e glyp h s s c r ollin g a c r o s s Jai’s d e s k . “Ac c o r din g t o th at, a n inv e sti g ati o n h a s alr e a d y b e e n d o n e a n d e vi d e n c e pr o d u c e d .” “Evid e n c e c a n b e fak e d ,” Jai said. “F or a n a c c u s ati o n o f thi s m a g nitu d e ?” Cor b al g a v e hi m a n in cr e d ul o u s l o o k. “It w o ul d b e i m p o s si bl e. Kalig a a n d Tar atu s w e r e t o o p o w e rful.” “Al m o st i m p o s si bl e.” Jai turn e d t o Tar q uin e .“Al m o st.” “I b e li e v e th e o p e r ativ e w o r d is ‘i m p o s si bl e ,’” s h e m u r mured. “Is th at ri g ht?” It w a s n’t u ntil Jai’s h a n d b e g a n t o a c h e th at h e r e aliz e d h e w a s cl e n c hi n g th e d e s kt o p, hi s fin g e r s stiff e n e d int o a cl a w. “App ar e ntly s o .” No c hi n k s h o w e d in h e r c o ol d e m e a n or. “No o n e w o ul d d ar e m a k e s u c h a n a c c u s ati o n wit h o ut pr o of.” Sh e st e p p e d for w ar d a n d r e st e d h e r h a n d s o n hi s d e s k , s u b m e r gi n g th e m in th e riv er o f glyp h s . “You m u st a c t q ui c kly t o a v oi d a di s a st er. S el e ct n e w c o m m a n d e r s .” He h a d t o m a k e a c o n s ci o u s e ff ort n ot t o cl e n c h hi s t e et h. “And I’v e n o d o u bt y o u c a n off er m e a d vi c e o n th at.” “Of c o ur s e .” It a st o ni s h e d Jai th at h e w a s n’t s h a ki n g wit h a n g e r a s h e turn e d t o Cor b al. “No d o u bt y o u h a v e a d vi c e , t o o .” His c o u si n in clin e d hi s h e a d . “If it pl e a s e s Your Hig h n e s s , I c a n off er m y h u m bl e th o u g ht s o n th e m a tt er.” Humble, hell.Jai f elt a s if th e w o rl d h a d g o n e sil e nt, m uffl e d b y hi s s h o c k . With icy for m ality, h e n o d d e d t o Cor b al a n d Tar q ui n e . “I will s p e a k t o y o u b o t h lat er.” Alth o u g h n eith er l o o k e d pl e a s e d t o b e di s m i s s e d , th e y di d n’t s e e m s ur pri s e d . Jai h a d hi s Raz er s e s c o rt th e m fr o m th e offi c e . But ju st b ef or e s h e l eft, Tar q uin e turn e d b a c k t o hi m . “Hu s b a n d .”

“Ye s?” “Your s p e e c h is e x alt e d ,” s h e s ai d s oftly. “N e v e r for g et.” Jai swallowed. Never forget.Nev er a g ai n s p e a k y o ur m o t h e r’ s t o n g u e . Hotness filled his eyes, but d a m n e d if h e w o ul d l et hi s g ri ef s h o w — a n d h e w o ul d turn t o a s h e s in h ell b ef or e h e m o u r n e d Tar atu s o r Kalig a. Non e o f th e Raz er s e v e n blin k e d at h e r c o m m e n t. Why s h o ul d th e y? Giv e n th e m e g al o m a ni a c al w a y Hig ht o n s s p o k e a b o ut th e m s el v e s , h e r “c o m pli m e nt” was mild. Only he, Corbal, and Robert understood its true meaning. When everyone had left but Robert, Jai lowered himself into his chair and rested his elbows on the desk. Putting his forehead in his hands, he closed his eyes. He wished he could float away, out the window, free. Ro b e rt s p o k e . “Your Hig h n e s s , m a y I h el p y o u?” We ary, Jai lift e d hi s h e a d . “It is s o o d d , Ro b e rt, th at Lord Razi q u o n h a p p e n e d t o b e a b o a r d Ad mir al Kalig a’ s y a c ht w h e n it e x pl o d e d . I w o n d e r h o w h e r e c ei v e d hi s p ar d o n aft er I r efu s e d t o g r a nt it.” “I will d o m y ut m o s t t o di s c o v e r h o w s u c h a t erri bl e m i st a k e o c c urr e d .” “Ye s, d o y o ur ut m o st.” Jai s wi v el e d hi s c h air a r o u n d t o hi m . “S o, Ro b e rt m y tru sty ai d e , d o y o u al s o fin d m y s p e e c h e x alt e d?” His ai d e m e t hi s g a z e s q u ar ely. “Ye s.” “Ju st ‘Ye s’?” Jai r ai s e d a n e y e b r o w . “No, ‘Ye s, Your Most Supr e m o Em p e r o r’? Wh at h a p p e n e d t o th at gli b t o n g u e o f y o ur s?” Sw e at s h e e n e d Ro b ert’s for e h e a d . He w e nt d o w n o n o n e k n e e a n d b o w e d hi s h e a d . “I r e v e r e y o u n o w a n d al w a y s , a n d will att e n d y o u wit h th e g r e at e st l oy alty.” Jai cl e n c h e d th e a r m s of hi s c h air. “Do n’t k n e el t o m e . ” Ro b e rt r o s e t o hi s f e et. “I wi s h o nly t o s e r v e y o u.” “T h e n s e r v e m e . Not m y wif e.” He a v e rt e d hi s g a z e . “Ye s, sir.” Jai k n e w , fr o m Ro b e rt’s m i n d, th at hi s ai d e h a d a ct e d in w h at h e b eli e v e d w a s Jai’s b e s t int er e st. Wh at stu n n e d Jai m o r e , th o u g h , w a s th at Ro b e rt n e v e r int e n d e d t o q u e s ti o n hi s lap s e int o Iotic. He w o ul d s e r v e hi s e m p e r o r e v e n if h e h a d r e a s o n t o b e li e v e th at e m p e r o r m i g ht b e o t h e r th a n w h at h e cl ai m e d . “W e h a v e a g r e at d e al of w o r k a h e a d o f u s ,” Jai s ai d. “W e s h o ul d g e t st art e d.” “Sh all I s e e t o th e in v e sti g ati o n int o th e d e a t h s o f Ad mir al Kalig a a n d G e n e r al Tar atu s?” “Ye s.” Jai st o o d u p, risin g t o hi s full h ei g ht, h alf a h e a d tall er th a n Ro b ert. “But first, I w o ul d lik e t o k n o w w h e r e m y wif e w e nt.” Ro b e rt c h e c k e d hi s p al mt o p. “Sh e is in th e a r b o r o f th e North Gar d e n .” He st art e d t o s a y m o r e , th e n s e e m e d t o think b e tt er of it. “Wh at is it?” Jai a s k e d . His ai d e t o o k a s h a k y b r e at h. “I a m i m m e n s ely g r at eful, Your Hig h n e s s , th at th e e m p r e s s is n ot o ur e n e m y.” Softly Jai s ai d, “S o a m I.”

38 The Garden Jai stood with his siblings in the pew of the church. For the first two Christmases they had spent on Earth, they had come here with Seth to celebrate the holiday. It had become special

to them because it meant so much to him. But this third year was different. This year, on newscasts that played over and over, they had watched their parents die. Time after time, Jai saw the shuttle bearing his mother and father explode; time after time, he saw debris hurtle through space, the detonation recorded by hundreds of other ships during battle. His parents, who had dreamed of peace, had died for their hope. The scene replayed endlessly, everywhere, in a horrible parody of the peace that this season was supposed to bring. His grief was too big. He had never been able to weep. No w h e st o o d wit h hi s si st er, Ro c ali s a, a n d hi s b r ot h e r s , Vitar a n d Del-Kelric. Lisi w a s al m o s t fift e e n n o w , h e r pr etty fa c e m u c h lik e th eir g r a n d m o t h e r’ s, Ro c a Sk oli a. At ten, Vitar was growing like a sprout, his black hair streaked with gold, his eyes red. Four-year-old Del-Kelric resembled a cherub, but with ruby sparkles in his gold eyes. They were listening to the priest say Mass when the double doors of the church c r e a k e d . Jai gl a n c e d b a c k , u n e a sy. T h e c h ur c h h el d h u n dr e d s o f p e w s , a n d h e w a s n e a r th e fr o nt, far fr o m th e d o o r s , s o h e c o ul d n’t s e e cl e arly. It l o o k e d lik e a m a n w a s in th e foy er, b ut th e d ar k n e s s b e y o n d th e d o o r s m a d e it h a r d t o m a k e o ut a n y o n e w h o h a d n’t e n t e r e d th e m a i n c h ur c h. T h e n th e m a n c a m e all th e w a y in si d e — a n d Jai’s p ul s e l e a pt. Outfitt e d in th e full b attl e a r m o r of a c y b e r n eti c w a rri or, th e m a n c a rri e d a la s e r c a r bi n e . When the priest went silent, staring at the back of the church, the members of the congregation looked as well. The church was packed for the holiday service, which meant hundreds of people were turning to the soldier. He w a s n’t al o n e . More warriors filed in, boots clanking, guns glinting. The priest walked to the rail that separated the area where he said Mass from the main church, but when he tried to step out, a soldier moved quickly to him and put out his hand to stop the older man. Sw e at b e a d e d o n Jai’s for e h e a d . A s ol di er w a s c o m i n g u p th e c e ntr al ai sl e, c a rryin g a la s e r c a rbine. Jai recognized his armor: the man was a Skolian Jagernaut. He kept coming, nearer and nearer, his tread relentless. Jai felt as if he were dying inside. He had no doubt why these soldiers had come. He stepped to the end of the pew, putting himself in front of Lisi, Vitar, and Del-Kelric. He was aware of Seth moving to the other end of their line, so he and Jai bracketed the younger children. The Jagernaut stopped at their pew and stared at Jai, making no attempt to hide his shock. Seth spoke in a firm v oi c e . “T h e s e c hildr e n h a v e p olitic al a s ylu m . You c a n n ot t o u c h th e m .” Jai wondered what good political asylum would do against so many armed warriors. “G o d s al mi g hty,” th e s ol di er w hi s p e r e d , m o r e t o hi m s elf, it s e e m e d , th a n t o Jai o r S et h. T h e n h e s p o k e int o th e c o m m o n hi s g a u ntl et e d w ri st. “All fo ur of th e m a r e h e r e .” A sinking sensation spread in Jai, deepened by a sorrow greater than he knew how to handle. The soldier turned toward the back of the church. The doors were open, both those to the foyer and the doors that led outside. It was night. Light from the outdoor lamps slanted through the dark foyer, silhouetting two figures entering the church. T h e n th e t w o e n t er e d th e lig ht, a n d Jai’s s e n s e of ti m e sl o w e d d o w n . T h e y s e e m e d t o w al k in sl o w m o ti o n , a w o m a n in a d u sty bl a c k c o m m a n d o u nif or m wit h a c a r bi n e slu n g o v e r h e r s h o ul d er, a n d a m a n in Hig ht o n cl ot h e s th at h a d o n c e b e e n e l e g a nt a n d n o w w e r e ripp e d a n d ru m pl e d . T w o p e o pl e — Two achingly familiar people. Jai heard Del-Kelric cry out, but in his sh o c k h e di d n’t m o v e fa st e n o u g h . T h e s m all b o y s q u e e z e d b y e v e n a s Jai g r a b b e d for hi m . T h e n Del-Kelric w a s run nin g d o w n th e ai sl e , o blivi o u s t o th e a r m e d intru d e r s , hi s fa c e r a di a nt. As warriors all over the church whipped up their guns, the soldier at Jai’s p e w y ell e d, “Do n’t

s h o o t!” In th at s a m e in st a nt, th e w o m a n in th e c o m m a n d o u nif or m s h o ut e d int o h e r w ri st c o m m , “Hold your fire.” Del-Kelric ran on, oblivious to the firestorm of laser shots he had nearly started, his pudgy arms extended, his face wreath e d in s m il e s . T h e n Vitar a n d Lisi p u s h e d p a st Jai a n d r a c e d d o w n th e ai sl e a s w e ll, Vitar’s l o n g l e g s d e v o urin g th e di st a n c e , Lisi’s h air str e a m i n g b e hi n d h er. Jai c o ul d n’t m o v e . He c o ul d n’t b r e a k th e icy s h o c k th at h a d fr o z e n hi m . The man in the ripped Hig ht o n cl ot h e s w e nt d o w n o n o n e k n e e —J ai bri ol II, th e E m p er or of Eu b e , w a s k n e elin g, r e a c hi n g t o a littl e b o y. Del-Kelric b a rr el e d int o hi m , thr o wi n g hi s a r m s a r o u n d th e e m p e r o r’ s n e c k , hi s fat h er, at th e s a m e ti m e r e a c hi n g for th e w o m a n in th e c o m m a n d o u niform, his mother, Soz Valdoria, the Imperator of Skolia. Then Lisi and Vitar reached them, and the two rulers gathered their children close, everyone crying as they embraced, uncaring that hundreds of strangers and armed soldiers were watching their reunion. Jai fin ally w al k e d d o w n th e ai sl e. T w o st e p s a w a y fr o m hi s fa mily, h e st o p p e d , u n a bl e t o c o ntinu e . T h e y all g a z e d at hi m , hi s fat h e r h ol din g Del-Kelric in o n e a r m a n d hi s o t h e r a r m a r o u n d Vitar’s s h o ul d er s. Lisi st o o d n e xt t o th eir m o t h er, t e ar s o n h e r face. Jai c o ul d n’t s p e a k . F or th e p a st t w o y e ar s h e h a d s e e n hi s p ar e nt s vilifi e d o n th e n e w s a s b r ut al tyr a nt s w h o h a d b r o k e n t w o e m pir e s . Wer e th e s e th e p ar e nt s w h o h a d gi v e n th eir c hildr e n s u c h a d e e p , a bi di n g l o v e ? Yes. Seeing them now, Jai knew that whatever the rest of humanity chose to believe, he would always have the truth. They were the two best people he had ever known. He stepped forward and they took him into their arms. So he held his family, his mother, father, brothers, sister, his tears str e a m i n g a s th e y r ej oi c e d… Jai o p e n e d hi s e y e s int o d ar k n e s s , hi s fa c e w e t. Gri ef w r e n c h e d thr o u g h hi m . T h e dr e a m w a s n’t r e al. Ye s, h e a n d hi s si blin g s h a d g o n e wit h S et h t o c h ur c h th at la st Chri st m a s , b ut n o m ir a cl e h a d o c c urr e d. His p ar e nt s h a d n’t c o m e home. Fin ally, aft er s o l o n g , h e c ri e d. He c o ul d n’t st o p . T h e t e ar s t or e o ut of hi m , hi s m o ur nin g a s r a w a s a n e w w o u n d . He w a s al o n e . Tar q uin e h a d alr e a d y ris e n , a s s h e o ft e n di d. So m e ti m e s s h e w o k e hi m , h e r t o u c h s e n s u al in th e d ar k h o ur s , b ut thi s ti m e s h e h a d b e e n wi s e e n o u g h t o l e a v e hi m al o n e . He di d n’t w a nt t o t o u c h hi s d a n g e r o u s wif e, n ot t o ni g ht. So Jai wept. The tears released, giving way to the sorrow he had locked within himself for so long. Kelric waited on the balcony of the apartment that De hy a a n d Eldrin k e pt in th e city o n th e Or bit er. T h e g r e at la m p th at s e r v e d a s a “ s u n” h a d c o m pl et e d its a r c a c r o s s th e s k y a n d n o w ni g ht fill e d th e s p h e ri c al h a bit at, lit b y st ar la m p s th at s p ar kl e d in th e h e m i s p h e r e a b o v e th e m . Standing at the rail, he gazed at the graceful bridges and buildings below. As he took a swallow of his drink, a rustle came from behind him. Then Dehya joined him. “I’v e al w a y s l o v e d thi s vi e w ,” s h e s ai d. “It is b e a utiful.” For a while they stood appreciating the city. Strains of music came from within the apartment, as Eldrin worked on his latest composition. “Do y o u b e li e v e h e di d it?” De hy a a s k e d . Kelric di d n’t n e e d t o a s k w h o m s h e m e a n t. “No, I d o n’t thin k s o .” He d o u bt e d th e y w o ul d e v e r k n o w th e truth, b ut h e di d n’t b eli e v e Jaibriol Qox had killed his Joint Commanders. “I’ m n ot s ur e I b eli e v e th e y a s s a s si n at e d e a c h o t h er,” De hy a s ai d.

“Why n ot?” Go d s k n e w , Hig ht o n s s p e nt a n in or din at e a m o u nt o f ti m e pl ottin g a g ai n st o n e a n o t h er. “It’s h ar d t o e x pl ai n.” Her fa c e w a s p e n si v e in th e silv ery lig ht. “Intuiti o n, m a y b e , o r th e c al c ul ati o n s I’v e b e e n ru n ni n g o n m y n e ur al n o d e s .” Sh e tilt e d h e r h e a d , list e ni n g . Eldrin’s v oi c e g r a c e d th e ni g ht, s o a rin g int o hi g h n ot e s , th e n dr o p pi n g int o d e e p , ru m blin g t o n e s . Softly s h e s ai d, “I s h o ul d s o lik e t o m a k e th e st ar s s af e for th e p e o pl e I l o v e .” Kelric th o u g ht of Je ej o n, c a ptiv at e d b y th e VR a r c a d e h e h a d b uilt for h er. “I al s o .” “P er h a p s h o p e e xi st s for th e talk s aft er all.” He f elt l e s s o pti mi s m . “Ev e n if th e e m p e r o r for bi d s th e r ai d s, I d o u bt h e c a n e nf or c e s u c h a la w.” De hy a si g h e d . “Nor c a n I i m a gi n e a n y Sk oli a n s e n di n g e s c a p e d sl a v e s b a c k t o Eub e .” Kelric th o u g ht of Je ej o n. “Nor I.” “I h at e th e s u g g e s t e d c o m p r o m i s e .” “Yet still w e n e g o ti at e .” Sh e s p o k e wit h p ai n. “P er h a p s it is b e c a u s e w e h o p e thi s tr e aty will lay th e first st o n e s in a p at h th at l e a d s t o c o m p r o m i s e s w e c a n b e tt er a c c e pt.” S e ei n g h e r fa c e lu mi n o u s in th e st arli g ht, h e th o u g ht th at h e r e , in th e for givin g ni g ht of h o m e , s h e w a s willin g t o h o p e . He di d n’t y et d ar e gi v e in t o that gossamer dream. “P er h a p s s o m e d ay,” h e s ai d. De hy a sip p e d h e r drin k. “It m a y tak e d e c a d e s . Half a c e ntury. But p er h a p s s o m e d ay.” “Why h alf a c e ntury?” “T h e m o d e l s I’v e b e e n ru n ni n g pr e di ct s o m e t hi n g th e n . Lig htnin g ?” “A st or m ?” “I d o n’t k n o w . But c h a n g e s will c o m e .” Kelric l o o k e d o ut o v e r th e city s p ar klin g in th e ni g ht. “H e is u n u s u al, thi s n e w e m p e r o r of Eu b e .” “A m ir a cl e ,” De hy a m u r m ur e d . “May b e .” It w a s a s far a s h e c o ul d g o in s p e a ki n g hi s wi s h for p e a c e . He h a d s e e n t o o m u c h of th e u glin e s s h u m a nity produced to believe the Traders could ever change. But deep within his heart, hope stirred. Jai knew he had to face Tarquine. He could put it off no longer. In the day that had passed since the deaths of Kaliga and Taratus, he had barely had time to breat h e , l et al o n e talk t o hi s wif e. But h e c o ul d n’t a v oi d thi s for e v er. Wh e n Ro b e rt t ol d hi m s h e h a d g o n e t o o n e of th e p al a c e g a r d e n s , Jai w e n t in s e a r c h o f h er. F o g w r e at h e d th e g r o u n d s . He c o ul d n’t s e e th e s ky, w h e r e th e m o o n s G4 a n d G5 s h o n e . He k n e w n o w h o w h e w o ul d s urf a c e G5, Tar q ui n e’ s m o o n . As a g e o d e : st e el-di a m o n d o n th e e xt eri or, b rillia nt c ry st al s u n d e r n e at h, k nif e-e d g e d b ut st artlin g in th eir b e a uty. He h a d al s o c h o s e n a n a m e for hi s m o t h e r’ s m o o n . Pris m . It w a s w h at hi s fa mily h a d c all e d th e w o rld where they had lived in exile for fifteen years, the place where he had been happy and loved. If asked, he would say it was what his father called the sanctuary where Jai and his mother had lived in seclusion. He followed an overgrown path that wound through a lush woods, with hoary trees on either side, and trellises covered by vines heavy with silver, blue, and rose flowers. Walkways crisscrossed the garden. Deeper in the woods, ancient trees leaned over a latticework tower, their branches dripping long fronds of moss. The tower was three stories tall. Tarquine stood framed within an opening at the top. Jai wondered how such beauty could exist amid such violence, both in Eube and in his wife. He entered the base of the tower, a circular area ten paces a c r o s s , its lattic e w all s thr e a d e d

b y vin e s wit h c urlin g t e n drils. He st o p p e d at th e st air s th at s pir al e d u p a r o u n d th e in n er w all a n d turn e d t o th e c a pt ai n of hi s b o d y g u ar d s . “You m a y w ait h e r e .” T h e c a pt ai n b o w e d . “As y o u wi s h , Your Hig h n e s s .” Jai started u p th e st air s, hi s h a n d o n th e r ail. But aft er a f e w st e p s , h e p a u s e d , l o o ki n g d o w n . “Capt ai n.” “Ye s, Your Hig h n e s s ?” “It w o ul d pl e a s e m e t o k n o w y o ur n a m e .” “I h a v e n’t o n e .” “Nothin g at all?” “I h a v e a s e ri al n u m b er. Would y o u lik e th at?” Sadness filled Jai. To g ri e v e for a livin g b ei n g d e si g n e d t o b e m o r e m a c hi n e th a n m a n h urt at a l e v el t o o d e e p for hi m t o d efin e . He s p o k e hi s y o u n g e r b r ot h e r’ s n a m e . “Vitar.” T h e c a pt ai n’ s for e h e a d furr o w e d . “Your Hig h n e s s ?” “You h a v e a n a m e n o w ,” Jai s ai d. “Vitar.” T h e Raz er r e s e m b l e d Jai’s y o u n g e r b r ot h er. “If I h a d e v e r h a d a b r ot h er, I w o ul d h a v e lik e d hi m t o h a v e th at n a m e .” T h e c a pt ai n’ s g a z e wi d e n e d , gi vin g li e t o th e s e ri al n u m b e r th at la b el e d hi m a s a m a c hi n e . “I a m h o n o r e d .” Jai tri e d t o s m il e, b ut h e c o ul d n’t. He inclined his head, then resumed climbing. His Razers stayed below, monitoring his progress on their cybernetic arms. The staircase ended at the third level. Tarquine was a few paces away, her back to him, her black-garbed figure silhouetted against the overcast sky. Mist curled around her legs. Jai went to stand with his wife. Tar q uin e turn e d t o hi m . “You l o o k w e ll t o d ay.” He w o n d e r e d if h e w o ul d e v e r b e w e ll a g ai n. “S o d o y o u.” T h at m u c h w a s tru e. Sh e w a s d e v a st atin g. Suc h c ol d, d e a dly b e a uty. “Hav e y o u h e a r d n e w s fr o m th e Sk oli a n s ?” s h e a s k e d . “Ye s.” In th e m uffl e d d ay, Jai f elt u n n atur ally q ui et. “T h e y h a v e a g r e e d t o r e s u m e th e talk s.” He th o u g ht o f G e n e r al Barth ol Iqu ar, Tar q uin e’ s n e p h e w , a n d o f Ad mir al Erix Muz e, th e g r a n d s o n of Hig h Jud g e Cal o p e Muz e. “Both of ESCo m m ’ s n e w Joint Co m m a n d e r s h a v e s w o r n t o s u p p o rt th e talk s. G e n e r al Barth ol will att e n d.” “G o o d .” Dark s ati sf a cti o n s h o w e d in Tar q uin e’ s g a z e . Jai wondered if he even knew how to definegood a n y m o r e . “My s e c urity p e o pl e fo u n d e vi d e n c e of a m e s s a g e th at Ad mir al Kalig a s e nt fr o m hi s h o s pit al r o o m in th e p al a c e . It w a s w e ll hi d d e n . It t o o k th e m a l o n g ti m e t o u n c o v e r it.” “A m e s s a g e ?” Her fa c e w a s in s crut a bl e . “T o Razi q u o n’ s kin. It in clu d e s r ef er e n c e t o Kalig a’ s inv ol v e m e n t in th e att e m pt s a g ai n st m y lif e.” “S o,” Tar q uin e m u r m ur e d . “Kalig a i m pli c at e d hi m s elf.” Jai di d n’t b eli e v e for a m o m e n t Kalig a h a d s e nt th e m e s s a g e . So m e o n e e l s e h a d b e e n in th e a d m ir al’s r o o m d urin g th at c r u ci al ti m e . Wh o e v e r it h a d b e e n w o ul d n e v e r s p e a k , a n d n o n e ur al s c a n of th e a d m ir al’s b r ai n c o ul d pr o v e hi s in n o c e n c e n o w . He wanted to ask Tarquine the questions that burned within him. Why had she gone to such drastic lengths to further peace talks she had never seemed to want in the first place? Had she done it for Kelric? But h e di d n’t k n o w if h e c o ul d b e a r t o h e a r h e r a n s w e r s . He s ai d o nly, “With o ut o p p o siti o n fr o m Kalig a, Tar atu s , o r Razi q u o n , w e m a y e s t a bli s h a tr e aty wit h th e Sk oli a n s .” “T h e n e w s c a st s a r e alr e a d y c allin g it th e Pari s Acc or d.” His v oi c e c a u g ht. “S o I’v e h e a r d.” Sh e s e a r c h e d hi s fa c e . “Ar e y o u h a p py, Jai bri ol? It is w h at y o u w a nt e d , y e s ?”

“Ye s.” He h a d dr e a m e d of it. He s h o ul d r ej oi c e . And h e di d f e el a bitt er s w e e t joy. But h e h a d n e v e r e x p e ct e d it t o c o m e at th e pri c e o f m u r d er. T h at Tar q ui n e h a d t o ld him nothing of her plans made no difference; unknowing or not, he was responsible. Sh e s p o k e p e n si v ely. “A th o u g ht h a s c o m e t o m e .” “Wh at d o y o u m e a n ?” Sh e turn e d b a c k t o th e g a r d e n s , h e r h a n d s cl a s p e d b e hi n d h e r b a c k . “T h at it m a y b e d e sir a bl e , s o m e ti m e s , t o a ct in b e n efit of Eu b e r at h e r th a n of o n e s e lf.” Jai di d n’t k n o w w h e t h e r t o w e e p at h e r w o r d s o r di s b eli e v e th e m . Her c al m n e s s c o ntr a st e d wit h h e r u s u al t e n si o n . Sh e s e e m e d t o h a v e m a d e p e a c e wit h s o m e t hi n g , b ut w h at, h e h a d n o id e a . “Is th at w h y y o u s u p p o rt th e talk s?” h e a s k e d . “I w o ul d n’t h a v e c h o s e n t o h a v e th e m .” “T h e n w h at is it y o u think m a y b e n efit Eub e ?” Fa ci n g hi m , s h e s p o k e q ui etly. “T o h a v e a n e m p e r o r wit h d e c e n c y r at h er th a n a v ari c e , o n e w h o d e sir e s w h at is b e s t for hi s p e o pl e o v e r w h at will s ati sfy hi s g r e e d .” Jai’s p e r c e pti o n s u d d e nly s hift e d. Sh e h a d n’t d o n e thi s for h e r s elf; s h e h a d d o n e it for hi m . He h a d a g o niz e d for s o l o n g , f e arin g h e r a v ari c e a n d a m b iti o n, a n d h e r h u n g e r for Kelric. Ev e n k n o wi n g h e r m i n d, h e h a d n’t s e e n th e truth u ntil n o w . It w a s n’t Kelric s h e w a nt e d . It was him. He di d n’t k n o w w h e r e t o p ut th at k n o wl e d g e . Tar q uin e w a s a for c e of n atur e h e h a d u nl e a s h e d . Sh e w o ul d n e v e r s h ar e hi s b e li ef s in ri g ht a n d w r o n g , y et s h e w o ul d s u p p o rt hi m t o th e d e at h. Lit er ally. Wa s it worth the devastating price she exacted from his conscience? He would pay that price, if it meant Eube and Skolia could someday find their way to peace, but the stain on his soul would never leave. He s p o k e in a l o w v oi c e . “I’ m n ot s ur e I will e v e r u n d e r st a n d y o u.” Sh e s p o k e q ui etly. “I h a v e di s c o v e r e d I u n d e r st a n d m y s elf far l e s s th a n I th o u g ht.” “You h a v e q u e s ti o n s ?” “On e .” Sh e g a z e d at th e a n ci e nt tr e e s . “I fo u n d th e a n s w e r wit h o ut e v e r a s ki n g it al o u d.” “Wh at di d y o u fin d?” Sh e h e sit at e d . “I c o ul d b e w r o n g a b o ut it.” “Ab o ut w h at?” “I d o n’t k n o w if I a m truly c a p a bl e o f thi s.” “Of w h at?” Another silence. T h e n s h e s ai d, “Of l o vi n g a n o t h e r h u m a n b e i n g .” Tar q uin e fa c e d hi m th e n , r e ally fa c e d hi m . “You a r e g o o d n e s s a n d I a m n ot. Nor will I e v e r b e . I c a n n ot c h a n g e th at m u c h .” Sh e t o o k hi s h a n d . “But w h at e v e r h ell s o ur m a rri a g e w a s m a d e wit hin, I a m gl a d o f its m a ki n g .” Jai s p o k e s oftly. “I, t o o .” It w a s tru e, g o d s h el p hi m . Standing together, the emperor and empress looked out at the new universe they were creating, one shrouded in mist, but with the hint of sun lightening the overcast.

Author’s Note: The Moon s of Glory The moons of the planet Glory are a dramatic presence in its sky, with brilliant colors and marked size variations. I based their behavior on th e m o o n s of Saturn. T h e t w o s y st e m s a r e n’t id e nti c al; Saturn h a s at l e a st e i g ht e e n m o o n s (pr o b a bly m o r e), w h e r e a s Glory h a s o nly fo urt e e n . But m a n y si mil ariti e s e xi st. I’v e c all e d th e m o o n s G 1, G2, G3, a n d s o o n ; th e s m all er th e n u m b er, th e cl o s e r th e m o o n’ s

o r bit t o Glory, th e c a pit al w o rl d o f Eub e . So m e o f th e m o o n s a r e v e ry cl o s e in, b ut th e s m all e st o r bit is still o ut si d e th e Ro c h e li mit th at d et er mi n e s h o w cl o s e a m o o n c a n o r bit b ef or e g r a vit ati o n al for c e s p ull it a p art. Glory is a large planet with a lig ht c o r e , a r a diu s thr e e ti m e s Earth’ s, a n d a n a v e r a g e d e n sity a bit l e s s th a n o n e third th at o f Earth, w hi c h gi v e s it a s urf a c e g r a vity o f 9 2 p e r c e nt o ur s. T h e s u n of Glory s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e o f 0 . 4 5 © in th e s ky, w hi c h m e a n s it a p p e a r s sli g htly s m all er than the sun in our sky. T h e t w o in n er m o s t m o o n s of Gl ory, G 1 a n d G2, a r e s m all, a b o ut 3 0 – 4 0 kil o m e t e r s in di a m e t er, l e s s th a n 1 p er c e nt th e di a m e t er of Earth’ s Moo n. T h eir di st a n c e fr o m Glory is r o u g hly e l e v e n p er c e nt th e di st a n c e of o ur Moo n fr o m Earth, wit h G 1 cl o s e r th a n G2. As s e e n fr o m Glory, e a c h s at ellit e s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e of 0 . 0 4 © – 0 . 0 5 © in th e s ky. F or c o m p a ri s o n , Earth’ s Moo n s u bt e n d s a b o ut 0 . 5 © in o ur s ky, m a ki n g it m o r e th a n t e n ti m e s th e wi dt h th at G 1 o r G2 s u bt e n d s in th e s k y of Gl ory. The next t w o m o o n s , G3 a n d G4, h a v e o r bit s cl o s e t o g et h er, s e p a r at e d b y o nly 5 0 kil o m e t e r s . T h eir b e h a vi or foll o w s th at o f t w o Satur n m o o n s —J a n u s a n d Epi m et h e u s . Sp e cific ally, th e y p eri o di c ally s wit c h o r bit s. T h e s w a p o c c ur s b e c a u s e th e y a p pr o a c h e a c h o t h e r cl o s e ly enough to trade momentum. Suppose G3 is initially closer to Glory; it then travels a bit faster than G4 due to its smaller orbit. As G3 approaches G4, the gravity of G4 pulls G3 into a larger orbit, which slows G3 down. Similarly, G3 pulls G4 into a smaller orbit, speeding G4 up. So G3 becomes the outer moon and G4 drops into the inner orbit. In other words, as the two moons near each other, they swap orbits. The inner moon then speeds off from the outer, and the process repeats when the moon comes back around. S e e n fr o m Glory, th e t w o m o o n s w o ul d g r a d u ally a p p e a r t o a p pr o a c h e a c h o t h e r b ut th e n “ b o u n c e ” a w a y a g ai n wit h o ut t o u c hi n g o r p a s si n g . If y o u w e r e o n th e s at ellit e th at la g s b e hi n d, y o u w o ul d s e e y o ur m o o n a p pr o a c h th e l e a di n g m o o n . As th e t w o n e a r e d , y o ur s w o ul d sl o w d o w n w hil e th e o t h e r s p e d u p, s e e m i n g t o “run a w a y” e v e r y ti m e y o u al m o s t c a u g ht u p. Eube Qox, the first emperor, originally named G3 and G4 in honor of his sisters, Tarquine and Ilina. However, those designations are falling out of use. The satellites of Glory are named for empresses, with the moon that appears largest from the surface of Glory named for the first empress, the second largest named for the second empress, and so on. Although G4 and G3 appear the same size, they are, resp e c tiv ely, th e sixth a n d s e v e nt h lar g e st, a n d will b e r e n a m e d for th e sixth a n d s e v e nt h e m p r e s s e s . Ea c h s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e of 0 . 1 3 © in th e s ky, a b o ut o n e q u art er th e wi dt h o f o ur Moo n a s s e e n fr o m Earth. T h e y h a v e a n e l o n g at e d s h a p e , p arti c ul arly G3. The next s at ellit e is G5, w hi c h a p p e a r s in th e s k y a s th e fo urth lar g e s t m o o n ; a s s u c h , it s h o ul d b e n a m e d for th e fo urth e m p r e s s , th e wif e of Jai bri ol II a n d m o t h e r o f Jai bri ol (Jai) III. Jai c a n n ot gi v e it hi s m o t h e r’ s n a m e —S a u s c o n y Vald ori a — s o h e c h o s e o n e th at h o n o r s h e r wit h o ut r e v e alin g h e r id e ntity a s th e m ilit ary l e a d e r of Eub e’ s e n e m i e s . Her m o o n s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e of 0 . 2 8 © in th e s ky, m o r e th a n h alf th e wi dt h o f o ur Moo n in Earth’ s s ky. The next moon, G6, is the third largest in actual size and also as se e n fr o m Glory. T h e third e m p e r or, Ur Qox, n a m e d it Viqu ar a in h o n o r o f hi s wif e a n d s urf a c e d it wit h s y nt h eti c di a m o n d , m a ki n g it th e b ri g ht e st o bj e ct in Glory’s s ky. It s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e o f 0 . 3 9 © , a b o ut thr e e - q u art er s th e siz e of o ur Moo n. G7 is the fifth largest moon as seen from Glory. Jaibriol III (Jai) named it Tarquine in honor of his wife (which is another reason G3 lost its name). He had the moon resurfaced to resemble a geode, with a steel-diamond composite on the outside, brilliant and hard. Inside, it has a crystalline structure in incredible colors. Three moons share the eighth orbit: G8a, G8b, and G8c. The largest, G8b, is called Mirella after the first empress. She married Eube Qox, who founded the Eubian Concord. In her

honor, he surfaced the moon with a ruby composite, turning it a vivid red. As seen from Glory, Mirella is the largest moon, but in actual size, it is the second largest, with a diameter only about 40 percent that of G11. However, G11 is over four times farther away from Glory, s o in th e s k y it a p p e a r s s m all er th a n Mirell a. T h e di a m e t e r o f Mirell a is a b o ut h alf th at of Earth’ s Moo n, b ut its di st a n c e fr o m Glory is o nly a b o ut o n e q u art er th e Earth-Moo n di st a n c e ; Mirell a thu s s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e o f 0 . 9 8 © in th e s k y o f Glory, t wi c e th e width of the Moon in our sky. T w o tiny m o o n s s h ar e Mirell a’ s o r bit. G8 a is 6 0 © a h e a d in a n d G8 c is 6 0 © b e hi n d, e a c h o f th e m at a Lagrange point, w hi c h is a n u n u s u ally st a bl e p oi nt in a n o r bit. T h e y h a v e bl o c k y s h a p e s a n d e a c h s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e of 0 . 0 2 © in th e s ky, w hi c h is a b o ut 1/ 2 5 th e wi dt h o f Earth’ s Moo n in o ur s ky. To g et h er, th e thr e e G8 m o o n s for m th e s a m e typ e o f s y st e m a s th e Tr oj a n m o o n s of Saturn –T et hy s a n d its tiny c o m p a ni o n s Calyp s o a n d T el e st o . G9 and G10 are tiny moons that appear the same siz e a s G8 a a n d G8 c. T h e y a r e a c tu ally a bit lar g e r th a n Mirell a’ s c o m p a ni o n s , b ut th e y o r bit farth er o ut fr o m Glory. G9 is a b o ut thr e e ti m e s a s far fr o m Glory a s G 1, th e in n er m o s t m o o n , a n d s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e of 0 . 0 3 © in th e s k y o f Glory; G 1 0 is fo ur ti m e s a s far o ut a s G 1 a n d s u bt e n d s a n a n gl e o f 0 . 0 2 © . G11 is the largest moon. As seen from Glory, however, it appears as the second largest because it is so far out from the planet. It is called Zara for the wife of Jaibriol I, the second emperor. Zara subtends a n a n gl e o f 0 . 5 9 © in th e s ky, m a ki n g it a b o ut 6 0 p er c e nt th e siz e of Mirell a a s s e e n fr o m Glory a n d a b o ut 1 2 0 p er c e nt th e wi dt h of o ur Moo n in th e s ky. Jai bri ol I h a d its s urf a c e turn e d int o g ol d t o h o n o r hi s e m p r e s s . Zara raises substantial tides on the Glory, exerting a force about one and a half times that of the Moon on Earth. Mirella has an even greater effect, exerting a tidal force over six times that of our Moon. Several other Glory satellites also have a significant effect: Viquara, at 47 percent th e e ff e ct o f th e Moo n o n Earth; G4 (Soz’s m o o n) at 2 0 p e r c e nt; Tar q uin e (G5), at 5 p er c e nt; G4 at 4 p er c e nt; a n d G 1 a n d G3, b o t h r o u g hly 1 p e r c e nt. T h e o t h e r m o o n s e x e rt s m all er for c e s . T h e c o m b i n e d e ff e ct of th e m o o n s a n d th e s u n of Glory c r e at e s h u g e , c omplicated tides and distorts the planet. The last moon, G12, is tiny. Its unusually large orbit puts it approximately one hundred times farther out than G1, the innermost satellite, and ten times as far out as Zara, its closest companion.

Shadows During an eclipse of a sun by a moon, the moon moves between the planet and the sun so that its shadow falls across the planet. From the surface of the planet, the sun appears covered by a dark disk. In a total eclipse, all of the sun is covered and a period of darkness results; in a partial eclipse only part of the sun is covered. An e c lip s e is t ot al w h e n a pl a n et p a s s e s thr o u g h th e in n er p o rti o n o f th e m o o n’ s s h a d o w — th e umbra —t h e c e ntr al c o n e of s h a d o w c r e at e d b y th e o v e rl a p o f s h a d o w s fr o m all e d g e s of th e m o o n . Surr o u n di n g th e u m b r a is a n o ut er, lig ht er c o n e o f s h a d o w —t h e penumbra. In a total eclipse, the planet passes through the penumbra, into the umbra, out of the umbra, and finally out of the penumbra again. In a partial eclipse, the planet passes through the penumbra. T h e titl e o f thi s b o o k — T h e Moo n’ s Sh a d o w — h a s a m ultitu d e of m e a ni n g s h a vi n g t o d o wit h th e c h ar a ct er s , th eir situ ati o n s , a n d th e r a mific ati o n s o f th eir a c ti o n s . T h e m o s t o b vi o u s int er pr et ati o n s m a y b e m i sl e a di n g! So m e m a y in clu d e th e e m p r e s s e s o f Eube, but certainly not all of them, nor in the obvious ways. I will leave it to the reader to play with the possible symbolisms.

Family Tree: RUBY DYNASTY

Boldface names refer to members of the Rhon. The Selei name denotes the direct line of the Ruby Pha r a o h . All c hildr e n of Ro c a a n d Eldrin s o n tak e Vald ori a a s th eir third n a m e . All m e m b e r s o f th e Rh o n wit hin th e Ruby Dyn a sty h a v e th e rig ht t o u s e Sk oli a a s th eir la st n a m e . “D el” in fr o nt o f a n a m e m e a n s “in h o n o r o f.” = m a rri a g e + c hildr e n b y

Family Tree: QOX DYNASTY Boldface names refer to members of the Rhon.

Characters and Family History Bo l df a c e n a m e s r ef er t o Ruby p si o n s , al s o k n o w n a s th e “Rh o n .” All Rh o n p si o n s w h o a r e m e m b e r s o f th e Ruby Dyn a sty u s e Skolia as their last name (the Skolian Imperialate was named after their family). TheSelei name indicates the direct line of the Ruby Pharaoh. Children ofRoca andEldrinson tak e Vald ori a a s a third n a m e . T h e “d el” pr efix m e a n s “in h o n o r of,” a n d is c a pit aliz e d if th e p e r s o n h o n o r e d w a s a Tri a d m e m b e r. Most n a m e s a r e b a s e d o n w o rl d-b uildin g s y st e m s dr a w n fr o m Maya n, North Afric a n , and Indian cultures. = marriage Lahaylia Selei(Ruby Pharaoh: deceased)= Jarac(Imperator: deceased) LahayliaandJarac founded the modern-day Ruby Dynasty.Lahaylia was created in the Rhon genetic project. Her lineage traced back to the ancient Ruby Dynasty that founded the Ruby Empire.Lahaylia andJarac had two daughters,Dyhianna Selei andRoca . = (1) Willi Dyh am ian Set na h (De Roc hya kwo ) rth Sel III ei (se par ate d) = (2) Eldr in Jar ac Val

dori a Dehyais the Ruby Pharaoh. She married William Seth Rockworth III as part of the Iceland Treaty between the Skolian Imperialate and Allied Worlds of Earth. They had no children and later separated. The dissolution of their marriage would have negated the treaty, s o n eit h er th e Alli e d s n o r th e Imp eri al at e r e c o g niz e d S et h’ s di v or c e . Both S et h a n d De hy a e v e ntu ally r e m a rri e d a n y w ay.Spherical Harmonic tells the story of what happened toDehya after the Radiance War. She andEldrin have two children,Taquinil Selei andAlthor Vyan Selei . Alth or Vyan S el ei = ‘Aku s htin a (Tin a) Sa nti s Puliv o k The story ofAlthor andTina appears inCatch the Lightning .Althor Vyan Selei was named after his uncle/cousin,Althor Izam-Na Valdoria . Tin a al s o a p p e a r s in th e st ory “Av e d e Pa s o ” in the anthologyRedshift andT h e Ye ar’ s Be st F a nt a sy, 2001. = (1) Tok aba Roc Rye a star (de cea sed ) = (2) Dar r Ha mm erja cks on (div orc ed) = (3) Eldr inso n Alth or Val dori a

Roca and Tokaba had one child,Kurj (Imperator and former Jagernaut), who married Ami when he was about a century old. Kurj and Ami had a son named Kurjson. Although no records exist ofEldrinson ’s lin e a g e , it is b e li e v e d h e d e s c e n d s fr o m th e a n ci e nt Ruby Dyn a sty. He a n d Roca have ten children: Eldrin (Dryni) Jarac(bard, consort to Ruby Pharaoh, warrior) Althor Izam-Na(engineer, Jagernaut, Imperial Heir) Del-Kurj (Del)(singer, warrior, twin toChaniece ) Chaniece Roca(runs Valdoria family household, twin toDel-Kurj ) Havyrl (Vyrl) Torcellei(farmer, doctorate in agriculture) Sauscony (Soz) Lahaylia(military scientist, Jagernaut, Imperator) Denric Windward(teacher, doctorate in literature) Shannon Eirlei(Blue Dale archer) Aniece Dyhianna(accountant, Rillian queen) Kelricson (Kelric) Garlin(mathematician, Jagernaut, Imperator) Eldrinappears inThe Radiant Seas andSpherical Harmonic = Alth (1) or Coo Iza p mand Na Vaz =(2) Cirr us Althorhas a daughter, Eristia Leirol Valdoria, with Syreen Leirol, an actress turned linguist. Coop and Vaz have a son, Ryder Jalam Majda Valdoria, withAlthor as co-father.Althor and Coop appear inThe Radiant Seas. T h e n o v el ett e, “S o ul o f Lig ht” (Circlet Press, anthologySextopia ), tells the story of howAlthor and Vaz met Coop. Vaz and Coop also appear inSpherical Harmonic.Althor and Cirrus also have a son. = Hav Lilli yrl ara (Vyr (Lill l) y) Tor (de cell cea ei sed ) =Ka moj Qu ant a

Arg ali The story ofHavyrl and Kamoj appears inThe Quantum Rose, which won the 2001 Nebula Award. An early version of the first half was serialized inAnalog, May 1 9 9 9 –July/Aug u st 1 9 9 9 . T h e st ory o fHavyrl a n d Lilly a p p e a r s in “Stain e d Gla s s He art,” a n o v ell a in th e anthologyIrresistible Forces , February 2004. = Sau (1) sco Jat ny o (So Stor z) ms Lah on ayli (div a orc ed) = (2) Hyp ron Lu min ar (de cea sed ) = (3)J aibr iol Qox (ak aJai brio l II ) The story of howSoz a n d Jat o m e t a p p e a r s in th e n o v ell a, “Aur or a in F o ur Voic e s ” (Analog,December 1998).Soz andJaibriol ’s st ori e s a p p e a r inPrimary Inversion andThe Radiant Seas. They have four children, all of whom use Qox-Skolia as their last name:Jaibriol III, Rocalisa, Vitar, anddel-Kelric . The story of howJaibriol III became the emperor of Eube appears inT h e Moo n’ s Sh a d o w .Jai bri ol III married Tarquine Iquar, the Finance Minister of Eube. Aniece= Lord Rillia Lord Rillia rules Rillia, which consists of the extensive Rillian Vales, the Dalvador Plains, the

Backbone Mountains, and the Stained Glass Forest. = (1) Kelr Cor icso ey n Maj (Kel da ric) (de Gar cea lin sed ) = (2) Deh a Dah l (de cea sed ) = (3) Ras hiva Hak a (Cal ani trad e) = (4) Sav ina Mie sa (de cea sed ) = (5) Avt ac Var z (Cal

ani trad e) = (6) Ixp ar Kar n (clo sur e) = (7) Jeej on Kelric’s st ori e s a r e t ol d inT h e La st Ha w k, Asc e n d a nt Sun, T h e Moo n’ s Sh a d o w , th e n o v ell a “A Roll of th e Dic e” (Analog,July/Aug u st 2 0 0 0), a n d th e n o v el ett e “Lig ht a n d Sh a d o w ” (Analog,April 1994).Kelric and Rashiva have one son, Jimorla (Jimi) Haka, who becomes a renowned Calani.Kelric and Savina have one daughter,Rohka Miesa Varz , who becomes the Ministry Successor in line to rule the Twelve Estates on Coba.

Time Line circa4000BC circa3600BC circa3100BC circa2900BC circa2800BC circaAD1300 1843 1866 1871 1881 1904 2005 2111 2119 2122 2132 2144 2169 2203 2204 2206 2209 2210 2219

Group of humans moved from Earth to Raylicon Ruby Dynasty begins Raylicans launch first interstellar flights; rise of Ruby Empire Ruby Empire declines Last interstellar flights; Ruby Empire collapses… Raylicans begin to regain lost knowledge Raylicans regain interstellar flight Rhon genetic project begins Aristos found Eubian Concord (aka Trader Empire) Lahaylia Selei born Lahaylia Selei founds Skolian Imperialate Jarac born Lahaylia Selei marries Jarac Dyhianna Selei born Earth achieves interstellar flight Allied Worlds of Earth formed Roca born Kurj born Roca marries Eldrinson Althor Valdoria Eldrin Jarac Valdoria born; Jarac dies; Kurj becomes Imperator Althor Izam-Na Valdoria born Havyrl (Vyrl) Torcellei Valdoria born Sauscony (Soz) Lahaylia Valdoria born Kelricson (Kelric) Garlin Valdoria born

2223 2237 2240 2241 2243 2258 early 2259 late 2259 2260 2263 2268 2273 2274 2276 2277–8 2279 2287 2328

Vyrl m a rri e s Lilly (“Stain e d Gla s s He art”) Jaibriol II born Soz m e e t s Jat o Stor m s o n (“Aur or a in F o ur Voic e s ”) Kelric marries Admiral Corey Majda Cor e y a s s a s si n at e d (“Lig ht a n d Sh a d o w ”) Kelric crashes on Coba (The Last Hawk) Soz meets Jaibriol (Primary Inversion) Soz and Jaibriol go into exile (The Radiant Seas) Jaibriol III born (aka Jaibriol Qox Skolia) Ro c ali s a Qox Sk oli a b o r n; Alth or Iza m - Na Vald ori a m e e t s Co o p (“So ul of Lig ht”) Vitar Qox Skolia born del-Kelric Qox Skolia born Radiance War begins (also called Domino War) Traders capture Eldrin. Radiance War ends Kelric returns home (Ascendant Sun); Dehya coalesces (Spherical Harmonic); Kamoj and Vyrl meet (The Quantum Rose); Jaibriol III becomes emperor of Eube (T h e Moo n’ s Sh a d o w ) Althor Vyan Selei born Jer e m i a h Colt m a n tr a p p e d o n Co b a (“A Roll o f th e Dic e”) Althor Vyan Selei meets Tina Santis Pulivok (Catch the Lightning)

About the Author Catherine Asaro grew up near Berkeley, California. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Physics and her M.A. in Physics, both from Harvard, and a B.S. with Highest Honors in Chemistry from UCLA. Among the places she has done research are the Univ er sity o f Tor o nt o , th e Max Pla n c k Institut für Astr o p h y sik in G er m a ny, a n d th e Harv ar d-S mith s o ni a n C e nt er for Astr o p h y si c s . A for m e r b all et a n d jazz d a n c er, s h e fo u n d e d th e Mainly Jazz Dan c e pr o gr a m at Harv ar d a n d w a s a prin cip al d a n c e r a n d a rti sti c director of Mainly Jazz and the Harvard University Ballet. Her husband is John Kendall Cannizzo, the proverbial rocket scientist. They have one daughter, a ballet dancer and mathematics enthusiast. Catherine Asaro has also writtenPrimary Inversion, Catch the Lightning, The Last Hawk, The Radiant Seas, Ascendant Sun, The Quantum Rose, andSpherical Harmonic, all part of the Skolian Saga, andThe Veiled Web andThe Phoenix Code, near-future science fiction. Her work has won numerous awards, including the Nebula forThe Quantum Rose. She can be reached by e-mail [email protected] and on the Web at . To receive updates on her releases, please email the above address.