There was a long silence, and then Mizori made a wet, bubbling sound that might have been a laugh, or a sob. “You were on a promotion track, Lantern. We were going to tell you the truth, in a few more centuries. You might have become an elder yourself. But then you exhibited that pacifistic streak, and were declared unsuitable for advancement. That’s why we sent you on the boarding party. Our projections indicated a low likelihood of survival for the boarders. You were a terrible disappointment.” A pause. “The original charter. Is that all you saw?”

“Is there more?”

“Ah. Then you don’t know where the sensitive installations are. Some of the great works are near completion. You cannot stop them. You would not even know where to begin. The Axiom will return, within my lifetime, and usher the universe into a new age, and those of us who kept faith with our masters will be rewarded.”

“They might come back within Lantern’s lifetime, maybe,” Callie said. “Your lifetime is a lot shorter than you seem to think.”

“Why would you work for them?” Elena said. “The Axiom. They made your people slaves. Erased your history. Why collaborate?”

“Fool. The Axiom killed every race they encountered – except ours. They let us live, because we were useful. We must remain useful, if we wish to avoid the fate that befalls all other species.”

“But you could stop them,” Elena said. “We all could, together. You could help us. You know their secrets, their weak points, because you’ve been tasked to defend those. You could defeat them, and be truly free.”

“I serve greatness, human. I was created to serve. My line is not a line of rebels. I have within me the memories of a long line of overseers. To serve the Axiom is no great hardship, when you are permitted to rule over lesser members of your own race as a reward.”

“Are you going to give us a neural bud?” Callie said. “Let us know what you know?”

“Never. There could be no greater heresy than to share my memories with an apostate.”

“Can she be compelled to produce a bud, Lantern?”

“No. Or, I don’t know how. The Axiom could, but I can’t.”

“Elder Mizori, will you tell us what you know about the Axiom?”

“No. And torture would be useless. I control my pain receptors. I erased the local archives when I feared pirates might penetrate our defenses and board. I will never tell you anything, and there is no information for you here. You may as well leave.”

Callie nodded. “Refusal to cooperate noted. You are accused of high crimes against the Trans-Neptunian Authority, namely, fifty thousand counts of premeditated murder. You have the right to an advocate.”

“Your laws do not apply to me, human. Your nation is dust, made so by my will.”