Kohl new that their acquired superluminal com system, codenamed Bluebird by the Fed, had a remote destruct feature built into it that their engineers had no idea how to disable. Once the CIS found out they had them, and which boxes they had, they'd send the signal and turn them into inert junk. From what he was hearing about the situation in system B-1171, he'd be surprised if Wolfe hadn't already figured out the Alliance was using their own invention against them.

"I understand my orders," Kohl said to the ceiling, watching as his words scrolled across the terminal's text box. "We'll change course at once. Any additional intel regarding the situation on Xinjia would be appreciated."

"We will keep you advised. Makov out."

The transceiver's live channel indicator light winked off, but Kohl physically disconnected the data cable from his own terminal to the box to make sure he wasn't still being listened to. His first thought was to disregard his orders from Makov, smash the Bluebird box himself, and go off after Wolfe while nobody had any idea where he was or what he was doing. The obvious problem with that was he would lose any real-time intel on where Wolfe's taskforce was. There was also a more immediate, practical issue with ignoring Makov.

Kohl had no doubt there were watchers aboard his ships, likely on his own staff, who would blow his brains out the moment it looked like he would betray the cabal. Makov, Chan, and that traitor Zhang had been planning this operation for years, and people before them had been laying the groundwork for generations. They'd leave nothing to chance. Kohl had no idea how Makov would find out about his actions and get word to his assassins, but he had learned early on to never underestimate what the man could—and would—do when pressed.

"Fucking pig." Kohl lifted his glass in mock salute and swallowed the chilled vodka in a single gulp. He stabbed his finger into the intercom button on the desk before slamming his glass down.

"Admiral?"

"Inform the captain we'll be changing course at our next rally point," Kohl said. "We'll be heading back to Alliance space. Xinjia System."

"I'll let him know, sir. Will that be all?"

"Yes." Kohl killed the intercom without waiting for a response. He leaned back and rubbed at his forehead, feeling another tension headache coming on as events again seemed to be moving around him, beyond his ability to control them.

"Fate cannot hide you from me forever, Wolfe. We will meet and settle this thing between us. Soon."

* * *

Jackson walked purposefully through the empty corridors of Exeter Base, letting Barton and the rest of the security team worry about looking for hostiles. It was unlikely there would be anybody in this part of the base since it was thought to be disused…unless the Alliance knew what was being stored here.

"Admiral Wolfe, it's an honor to meet you, sir. Wish it was under different circumstances."