Someone had let their emotions and bloodlust get the best of them, he supposed. Or, perhaps more likely, they were going to use the whole exercise as an example to some of the outlying Imperial worlds. Show them what happened to those who tried to keep to old and antiquated ways.

If that was the case, however, Aymes figured that plan had backfired most spectacularly. The Drasin were loose. And the Oathers, apparently not nearly as defenseless as they should have been, now had allies.

Imperial communications corporations were working overtime to cover up any hint of the failure. If word got out, ideas would not be far behind.

And there were few things as dangerous as ideas.

►►►

Priminae Capital, Ranquil

► “Welcome, Captain!”

Eric smiled as he walked under the looming fuselage of the shuttle, extending a hand to Rael Tanner in greeting. The admiral cut a slight figure, but Eric was well aware that judging him by his size or his subtle temper would be a mistake. He was the commander in chief of the Priminae Navy and overall commander of their entire military, a position that held very little respect or accolades from the locals. Winning his position may not have been the challenge it would have been on Earth, but keeping his position nonetheless showed tenacious dedication to duty over all other things.

“Admiral, a pleasure as always.”

“More so for me, Captain. The reports of your passing were deeply saddening.”

“Well, as a once infamous personage back home said, the reports of my demise were greatly exaggerated . . .” He paused, considering his words for a moment, and then shrugged. “Okay . . . not greatly in my case. It was a lot closer to accurate than I’d like to admit, but still exaggerated.”

“Indeed,” Tanner said archly. “You will have to tell me that story, in detail, but later. I’ll arrange drinks?”

“Sounds perfect, Admiral.”

“In the meantime . . .” Tanner straightened and looked over the group that had disembarked from the shuttle. “I understand that you’ve brought more specialists?”

“As requested, yes,” Eric confirmed, gesturing to a hulking Samoan officer wearing the colors of Alliance Marines. “This is Major Afano. He’s a combined arms specialist and will be taking over the training program from Colonel Reed now that your forces are approaching the status of military regulars.”

“Of course.” Tanner nodded. “Welcome, Major. I will see you introduced to our own Commander Jehan. He oversees all nonfleet military personnel.”

“I look forward to it, Admiral,” Afano said in nearly flawless Priminae-speak, not using his translator at all.

Tanner pinned him with a gaze for a moment before slowly turning back to Eric. “As usual, you bring interesting people with you.”