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My father starts – but I don’t let him finish. I just leave the room, instead. I make certain not to allow my emotions to get the better of me, and no matter how badly I want to slam the door shut behind me, I stop myself before I do.

I won’t let my own father make me lose control. My intellect is my strongest weapon, and I won’t lose it to my anger. My father tricked my into putting this Orb-Ring on my finger, but in forty-eight hours, I’ll unlock it – and then it will bemydecision to keep it on, or take it off.

It’s increasingly clear which direction I’m leaning in. Every second I spend away from the Aurelians, I want them more. Their absence in my mind reminds me of how secure and safe I felt having all three of them looking out for me; and always being reassuringlywithme.

It’s not looking good, though. My father is convinced of their guilt. That is understandable. The problem is, theyareguilty.

Aurelians are known for being merciless in the search for justice. I have to hope that the Lieutenant of the Aurelian Law Enforcement doesn’t fit the mold.

I walk down the stairs, keeping my pace slow to help calm myself. Gerard is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. He glances up at the Orb-Ring on my finger, then meets my gaze.

“I’m going to do the interview now,” I inform him.

“Do you want me to come with you, Lady Carani?”

He asks – he doesn’t just assume. That’s why I love Gerard.

“No. I need to do this alone.”

Gerard nods, respecting my decision.

“His name is Lieutenant Taggar. Hard to get a read on him. A strong man, full of pride – like all Aurelians – and he puts the needs of his Empire first in mind. The thing he speaks about most is making an example of Brennan – to show the universe that Aurelian Law Enforcement won’t go easy on those who turn Rogue. He’s committed to the reputation of his Empire.”

Make an example of Brennan.

This Lieutenant wants to show any planets currently considering Independence that Aurelian Law Enforcement takes kidnappings seriously. This Lieutenant puts the Empire first, and so I’ll need to find a way to turn that to my advantage.

A week earlier, the thought of being interviewed by a powerful alien warrior would have sent me scurrying to my room in terror. I’d have asked to do it over a comms-link, without even showing my face.

But now, I’ll face him with my head held high.

“Thank you, Gerard. My father – he won’t listen to me. I need to know thatyouwill. Brennan didn’t go Rogue. He’s not fighting against the Aurelian Empire, and he isn’t evil. They aren’t how you think they are.”

Gerard stiffens. He doesn’t like what I’m saying. If he had his way, he’d slit the triad’s throat himself for what they’ve done to me.

But finally, he nods – begrudgingly accepting my word.

“I’ll try to keep an open mind, Lady Carani – but it’s hard not to hate the men who made me fail my one purpose in this world. I couldn’t keep you safe.”

I walk up to Gerard and pat his arm. “You’ve never failed me, Gerard – and you never will. I trust you more than anyone, Gerard.”

A faint smile comes to Gerard’s gruff face. He strokes his mustache to hide his smile, not wanting me to see his softer side.

But I do. I see the wetness in his eyes and I look away, not wanting to embarrass the proud, old warrior.

“Just call for me if you need me,” Gerard says, stepping aside to let me pass. I walk past him and into the dining room.

Lieutenant Taggar sits stiffly at the head of the table. He’s wearing the light blue, steel armor that denotes his rank – like the Captain had been wearing outside.

Two Sentinels stand guard at the corners of the room behind me. They’re dormant now, but at any hint of aggression from the Lieutenant, they’ll spring into action. I’ve got a feeling that my father has arranged for a mercenary or two to train their guns on the Aurelian as well; but if they’re doing so, I can’t see a single sign of them.

The Lieutenant stands as I enter the room. He’s a tall, lean Aurelian. The grey in his hair gives him a grizzled look. He steps forward, extending his huge hand. I shake it, feeling my own hand completely covered by his massive palm.

“I’m Lieutenant Taggar, of Aurelian Law Enforcement.”

He tenses – and I realize he feels the Orb-Ring in my hand.

We both glance at it – and then, just as quickly, step apart.