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"No We’re all set for tonight," Valek said "This is about the Commander" He paused

"What about hie this week?"

"Strange?"

"Someone you don’t know or an adviser from another Military District?"

"Not that I’ve seen Why?"

Valek paused again I could see hisas he considered whether or not to trust ation"

"That’s bad?" I asked, confused

"He hates southerners! They’ve requested awith him every year since the takeover And for the last fifteen years, the Cole word: no Now they’re due to arrive in a week" Valek’s pacing increased "Ever since you became the food taster and that Criollo showed up, the Coer on it before, it was just a nagging feeling, but now I have two particular incidents"

"The change in his successor and now the southern delegation?"

"Exactly"

I had no response My experience with the Commander had been the complete opposite of what I had expected from a military dictator He considered other opinions, was firm, decisive and fair His poas obvious; every command was instantaneously obeyed He lived the spartan life that he endorsed There was no fear in his advisers and high-ranking officers, just an unflappable loyalty and immense respect The only horror story since the takeover that I’d heard was about Rand’s mother Of course, the assassinations before were infamous

Valek stopped and took a deep breath "I’ve misdirected some Criollo to our suite I want you to eat a piece whenever he does But you’re not to tell anyone, not even the Commander That’s an order"

"Yes, sir," I replied auto the suite "ours" Did I hear that right? I wondered