“Yes, I quite like it too. But no, it wasn’t expensive at all…actually it was free.” Lille turned and walked back toward the desk, stopping and holding a glass out to this companion. “We’ve been cracking down in anticipation of war, and we arrested several Ministers on suspicion of sharing information with Confederation agents. There was very little actual evidence, but with hostilities looming, we decided better safe than sorry. Even the innocent can serve as examples if handled correctly.” He glanced down at the rug. “I had to have a few bloodstains removed…I’m afraid the previous owner wasn’t too keen on ending up in Level Zero, and he’d gotten enough warning to barricade himself in with an assault rifle and a crate of ammunition. He managed to kill three agents before they took him down.”

“Still, the state is more secure…and you got a fine addition for your office. I call that a win-win.” Villieneuve raised the goblet to his lips and took a drink. “Wonderful,” he said, holding the glass up and looking at the crimson liquid before taking another sip. “There’s nothing remotely like this in the Alliance, I can assure you of that.”

“Please, sit, relax.” Lille waved for his guest to take one of the chairs, and he followed suit, plopping down behind his desk. “So, tell me. Was your mission a success? I read the reports, but I want to hear it from you. Did the Alliance take the bait? Will they attack?”

Villieneuve sighed. “I think so, Ricard.” He hesitated. “At least I believe they’ll do something. It’s difficult to get a read on these Alliance officials, and I’m not sure we can trust what they promise.”

“All previous accounts suggest that honor is a significant factor in their culture. Lying is frowned upon, except in matters of extreme national security. Do you disagree with that assessment?”

“No…” Villieneuve paused, shaking his head. “Not exactly. But I felt as if they believe destroying the Confederation would be a stepping stone for them to defeat us. They believe their destiny is to conquer…and I don’t think they fear anyone.”

Lille laughed. “Ambition is to be applauded, I suppose, even when it borders on insanity.”

“Yes, but they don’t behave in an insane manner, Ricard. There is a relentlessness to them, a firmness. I don’t believe it’s bravado. I think they truly feel that they can defeat us, or at least that there is a path to that result.”

“What they believe in that regard is of no consequence, Gaston. If the Confederation falls, they will be next. And if they suffer losses while drawing Confederation strength away from our forces, their end will come that much sooner.”