► The Piar Cohn slowed to a halt amid the ships of the Third Reconnaissance squadron, carefully bleeding particle energy back into her singularity to avoid irradiating any allied vessels in the process of deceleration. Traveling at superluminal speeds was hazardous in almost infinite ways, but unloading high-energy particles at superluminal speeds was one of the worst dangers.

“Captain, secure comm signal from squadron commander,” his subaltern told him.

“Send to my personal display,” Aymes ordered, pulling his screen closer.

“Welcome to Recon Three, Captain Aymes,” the woman greeted him.

Aymes inclined his head respectfully. A full salute was hardly possible in his current position. “Thank you for the welcome, Lady Navarch.”

“I’ve been briefed on your encounter,” the Lady Misrem Plotu, Navarch of the Third Reconnaissance squadron, informed him. “As well as the analyst’s conclusions and your objections.”

“Yes, My Lady,” he said firmly. “I am here to serve.”

“Yes,” she told him, “you are.”

There was nothing he could say to that.

“The fleet lord believes that your explanation is plausible enough to investigate,” she told him, “and so that is precisely what we will do. You are more familiar with the territory than we are, Captain. What methodology would you recommend we employ in this task?”

Aymes took a breath before answering. “That depends on the ultimate goal. However, as I believe we can agree that we want to contact the anomaly species or, failing that, releash as many Drasin drones as possible, I believe the best operative method would be to sweep inward toward Oather territory, along the Drasin path as I originally did.”

“I see,” the navarch said noncommittally. “That will be acceptable for the moment. You will place your ship under my direct command. Do not interfere with the operations of Third Recon, and keep in mind . . . if I desire your input, I will demand it.”

“I understand, My Lady.”

“Good. Stand by for maneuvering orders, Captain. We will depart on my orders.”

“As you command,” he confirmed, barely getting in the last word before the comm channel closed.

Aymes sighed, sitting back at his station but managing to keep his temper in check. He’d known that his mission’s failure would cost him, and his star in the Empire had never been particularly ascendant to begin with. Aymes had never completed any particularly impressive missions to bring himself to the attention of the higher ranks or Imperial nobility. He’d avoided failures until now, but that was merely enough to achieve the rank of captain.

Higher promotions were reserved for nobility or heroes of the Empire.

Aymes was neither, so he’d gone as far as he could expect, barring heroic action or public failure.

The second was the one that met him first.

He looked around, his crew’s eyes on him. “You heard the navarch. Make ready to maneuver.”

►►►

IBC Shion Thon, Flagship, Third Reconnaissance Squadron