“Well, that’s...” Valen’s words trailed off as Zahn finished his recap. He slumped down onto one of the couches, looking weary. “That’s just great.”

“Not the word I’d use to describe it,” Nor said. “But now that you’re caught up, we have a lot to discuss.”

Zahn nodded and said, “I have to go check on a few things, so I’ll leave you to it.” Then he pressed a kiss to Nor’s forehead, leaning in to whisper, “Later, I’d like some time with you alone.”

Her cheeks heated with pleasure as she watched him walk briskly away, a smile on his lips as he exited the room.

“So tell me, sister,” Valen said, as he leaned back into the cushions. “Why can’t we just blast this fool into bits, like my dear father did to Xen Ptera during the Cataclysm?”

Sometimes, at night, Nor still dreamed of the horrors that had befallen her home planet. The crushing decay that Xen Ptera still suffered from. She’d evacuated her people in the days just after her crowning, sending ships to bring them to the many flourishing planets across Mirabel. But she still felt a burning hatred for the Unified Systems because of what Cyprian had done when she thought of how long Xen Ptera had suffered. The planet might never come back to life again.

“That was my initial thought,” Nor said. “But we can’t destroy Sora, even if Arachnid is somehow still there, though I doubt he lingered long after sending his message.” Nor massaged her temples. “It turns out we can’t access the nuclear arsenal while the new general remains in power. Did you ever, in all your years spent around your father, overhear him speaking about the possibility of an heir?”

Valen shook his head, his eyes darkening. “No. He never chose. It was supposed to be Kalee, but when she died... There was no one else. He certainly didn’t want me.”

Bastard, Nor thought. She was glad Valen had been the one to drive the blade in deep.

“And on his deathbed?” Nor asked. “When he escaped from Ucatoria? The leaders of Mirabel were dead. Who would he have chosen in those final moments? Can you think of anyone he would have turned to?”

Valen shrugged. “I have no idea, Nor. My father had plenty of comrades, but he had plenty of enemies, too. I was gone for two years, Nor. There’s no telling what relationships he made during that time. He traveled all across Mirabel, always making new acquaintances, forging alliances. And even if he had someone in mind... I’m surprised he would have given the command, or transferred that level of galaxy-wide power to anyone. There’s no one my father trusted to run things but himself.”