“Perhaps it was not a weapon at all, then,” Leonis says. She seems eager to drive the conversation, keep suspicion off herself. “Maybe it was a disease, and we are seeing the aftermath.” Now she looks pointedly at the Nibiran council members. Oshiro’s pale face splotches with anger.

“How dare you once again accuse—”

“Now, now,” Misha says, flapping his hands. “Let us not dredge up old grudges. The last council meeting already put the matter of the plague to rest.”

“Yes, I do recall that your planets all agreed,” Leonis says icily. “But if such an accident could happen once, why not again? Nibiru sells algae rations to Titan, does it not? A drone shipment could have carried a disease.”

“We have no evidence that any algae harvests have been tainted. I’ll provide the necessary records to prove it,” Heikki says, resting a hand on Oshiro’s shoulder. I study Oshiro’s face, hoping to find a potential ally, but their expression is unreadable now. “Regardless, given how quickly this happened, it seems ridiculous to blame it on a simple disease. But, on the other hand, Gaia is the closest to Titan. I’m sure you had dealings. And with your love for that wicked alien technology—”

“You believe we would let such a precious resource fall into Titan hands?” Leonis asks, her voice loud and furious. I’m sure she doesn’t have to fake it when that accusation drifted so close to the truth. I lean forward, hope surging up. This is it. Someone needs to see through her lies. “Gaia would never have a hand in such barbarism. And why would we give them a weapon that they could use against us? The Titans were always jealous of our world.”

“I’m almost offended that no one has accused me yet,” Misha says.

A group of drunkards in the corner laughs, and I grimace at the derailing of the conversation. This must be how the man has maintained a foothold in the dangerous world of Devan politics. He’s more of an entertainer than a leader, and Devans do love their entertainment. The other planetary leaders, on the other hand, are less than amused by Misha’s antics.

“Your comments help no one, Prime Minister,” Heikki says.

“Perhaps he does have a point,” says Azenari. “Deva has always struggled to harvest natural minerals, with those plants overtaking the mines. It could have been easier to use Titan as a resource.”

“Such extreme lengths to avoid paying a pittance for raw materials? I think not,” Misha says, looking rather pleased at having successfully taken the spotlight. The Paxian scrutinizes him while the two Nibirans murmur among themselves. Leonis clears her throat.