“All you need is to input a genetic code, and the weapon can target any individual or group of people you’d like. It would work on any alien species—even Evoli, assuming that truce doesn’t hold. Test it with a high-density blast and it’ll shoot right through Evoli armor. Perhaps through a ship, if you used projectiles that were hard enough. I assume this was the answer to Project Harpy you sought.” There it was; Eris had taken the risk and given him the bait. If the cargo was intended to be used as ammo, Damocles would want the weapon.

Clo’s lips thinned at the use of the word alien. She knew Eris was playing a role, but the Evoli Clo met had been as human she was.

Damocles’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes gleamed. It terrified the silt out of her. “And yet you’re showing it to me in the midst of a possible Evoli truce with the Oversouls.” He’d taken three of Eris’s pieces already.

“Are you telling me I’m out of a job?” Eris’s voice was light, charming. Only the Pathos betrayed her unease. “You still have the Novantae gaining in numbers. Pretty soon, they won’t just be a small pain in your ass but a military presence to contend with.”

“I can handle the rebels. I’m wondering about your motivation.”

“Money, General. As always.” Eris stared at the board, considering her next move. “But here’s what you ought to consider: a truce leaves open the possibility of a vulnerable military, and I don’t trust the Evoli. Do you?” She captured two of his pieces in a single move.

<Be careful,> Nyx warned. <You are skirting the line of insubordination.>

“My father is committed to making this truce work,” Damocles said.

“Long life to the Archon.” She inclined her head for the blessing. “But that’s not what I asked.”

<Now you’ve crossed the line to actual insubordination. Are you trying to get us killed?>

Damocles paused and stared at Eris. “Crossing the Archon is treason.”

“Yes. Except that you”—she knocked over one of his pieces and nabbed it—“are going to be the Archon. If you agreed with this truce, you wouldn’t have asked to see me after I told you that I solved Project Harpy.”

The general rested his elbows on his knees. “Very good, Negotiare.”

“Zoe,” Eris corrected with a smile. “And I have to be, in my line of work. Money is an excellent motivator.”

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Have one of your assistants bring the weapon and follow me.” The general stood and called back over his shoulder, “Have another bring the board. I’m still contemplating my next move.”

Clo and Nyx followed closely behind Eris while Ariadne picked up the zatrikion board.

<Where is he taking us?> Clo asked.