The corroded hull of the ancientBurton became cherry red, then yellow, brightening to a dazzling white as it plummeted into the star's chromosphere... finally breaking into molten fragments. With a silent scream, the last vestiges of the derelict simmered and burned, leaving no more than a darkened scar that was rapidly erased.

It left an indelible mark on Adar Kori'nh's mind and imagination, but he would tell no living soul about it.

16

MAGE-IMPERATOR

While meditating, Mage-Imperator Cyroc'h observed his populace through a mental web ofthism, the tiny soul-threads that glimmered through from the realm of the Lightsource. The Mage-Imperator was the focus for all those threads, and his people trusted him to make proper decisions. No one else.

Inside his meditation chamber, warm daylight streamed through translucent walls made of sapphire and bloodred crystals. Cyroc'h reclined in his chrysalis chair, his heavy-lidded eyes half closed; he saw partially through his mind and partially through his eyes. His brain kept track of a million details, each piece of the puzzle, every necessary action.

Freshly returned from destroying theBurton, Adar Kori'nh remained rigidly respectful, his medals and decorations prominent. He clasped his hands in front of his ornamented chest. "My teams of engineers recovered numerous pieces of Terran technology and personal effects. I brought them as a gift to you, Liege. Perhaps these items may help you better understand humans."

Masking his real thoughts, Cyroc'h gave a benevolent smile-one of his favorite expressions. "Even a Mage-Imperator can continue to learn. Thank you for the opportunity."

He was both pleased and disappointed in the Adar's initiative. Kori'nh had been unable to hide his dislike for certain orders, but his sense of duty was strong. He had never shirked his responsibilities, or showed the faintest sign of disloyalty. The Mage-Imperator required utter support and unquestioning loyalty, especially now. He had to plant the proper seeds and thoughts.

When Kori'nh turned to leave, the leader raised a plump hand to halt him. The Adar spun as if jolted with an electric shock; his medals jingled. "Yes, Liege?"

His braid twitched. "Adar, do not be deceived by my outward calm. I shepherd many intricate plans to strengthen the Empire. Many of these plans are now reaching their culmination. But still, our crisis grows with each passing moment."

"Yes, I understand that several hydrogue warglobes have been spotted conducting reconnaissance in planetary space. No one knows what they are seeking."

The Mage-Imperator was surprised Kori'nh already had such information. "Correct, Adar. One warglobe scanned Hyrillka, another was seen at Comptor."

"Sinister indeed, Liege. Shall I summon a maniple of battleships to be placed on-station around Hyrillka to defend the Designate?"

The Mage-Imperator frowned. "There is no harm in sending warliners, but even the Solar Navy cannot stand against the hydrogues, as we learned on Qronha 3. Everything depends on what our enemies do next."

Prismatic shadows played across the room as a veil of clouds crossed the sky. He shifted his bulky body and tried to show no sign of his deepening aches. Medical kithmen would come to inspect him yet again as soon as the Adar departed.