“They started—or are presumed to have started—by bombing the new emperox’s coronation ceremony. Blew up Grayland’s best friend and almost got her too. And since then, every time there’s a new attack, it’s Nadashe who’s agitating for a military response to the guilds and parliament. And it’s working. They’ve got a troop carrier ready to head down the Flow stream to End. They’re just waiting for an excuse to send it.”

“That fits,” Kiva said. “If she wants it to be sent then she has a plan for it when it gets there.”

“If they go they’d be meant to support the duke, and you said you think Ghreni Nohamapetan is secretly supporting the rebels.”

“Yeah. So? Either he’s got a plan to make the extra military work for him or there’s something going on we’re missing. Or both. Probably both.”

Huma nodded, stood up, and then clapped her hands together. “Well, let’s go find out, shall we?” She exited the office and headed toward the common elevator bank. Kiva got up and followed her.

Two minutes later the two of them were in the lobby of the House of Nohamapetan. “I need to see Amit Nohamapetan,” Huma said to the receptionist.

“Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked. Kiva smiled at this and immediately felt pity for the receptionist.

“I am the Countess Huma Lagos, my dear. I don’t need an appointment.”

“I’m sorry, but unless you have an appoint—”