Page 64 (1/2)

"And so the Telemanuses still talk with me," I say

"True They do want e them it It’s just damn inconvenient" He handsine you’ll stay here with your new prize Wouldn’t do to have shuttles going back and forth"

I want to ask him about Leto Why he killed hith? It just makes me a threat to hinorant and make sure I’m always useful

"War presents us withon how far ant it to spread …"

`"I do believe I take your "

"All others will try to suffocate the flames, to preserve what they have Especially Pliny, and your sister"

"Well, then we must be cleverer"

"She doesn’t get hurt That part of our agreement is static"

"If ever she’s wounded, I believe it’ll be froht "But I’m on your level: Fan the flames Spread the war Win it Take the spoils"

"I think I know just how to do it What can your network tell me about the shipyards of Ganymede?"

PART III

CONQUER

When falls the Iron Rain, be brave Be brave

--Lorn au Arcos

25

Praetors

"We are undone, that is what the ArchGovernor of Callisto has said" ArchGovernor Nero au Augustus peers around the table to see if we understand the gravity of his words The aquiline angles of his face catch the ship’s warroo hi down its beak "And why should he not? The Core rallies against us Neptune is in farOrbit--Vespasian’s ships will be sixto reinforce us All this while my own banner only their second- and third-born to aid us" He looks at the two far members of the table "Their feebleness cripples us And now I sit here in council with rand schemes do they devise?"