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"Since we are being candid," Invidia said, "I must tell you that my motivations for cooperation are somewhat diluted by the fact that I aer have a use for me, you will dispose of me"

The vord Queen tilted her head, her expression pensive Then she nodded slowly "Nearly one reen," she said "They are being sheltered and fed, and I will honor the bargain I offered theanized Aleran resistance is broken, they are governed by one of their own Someone who understands reality" She paused, and added, "I suppose itPreserve lives that would otherwise be lost If thatme that offer?"

The Queen nodded "I am Our partnership has been mutually profitable I see no reason why it should not continue at the conclusion of hostilities Survive, serve me well, and it will be so"

Invidia was silent for a moment She looked away from the Queen, and Isana saw her bow her head There was a flash of emotion from the burned woman, of fear and elated hope and bitter shame

"Very well," she whispered

The vord Queen nodded "Go"

Invidia left the hive

Several moments later, the vord Queen said, "I know you didn't sleep through that noise, Isana"

"I thought it would be ht you ain information covertly," the Queen said "It was a sensible attee" She stared down at the pool for a rown"

Isana's heart seeh her chest "I assume you do not mean physically"

"His tactical furycraft is impressive Less subtle and coreater flexibility and intelligence"

Isana sed "You're trying to hurt him"

The Queen looked back at Isana, her expression surprised "Of course"

Isana carefully did not grind her teeth or show the vord fear or rage "But you have not succeeded"

"Yet," said the Queen, "there was a very low order of probability that this attempt would succeed That was not its purpose"

"A sensible attee," Isana said

"Precisely" She studied the pool's surface "Thus far, I estiin"

"Unless he's holding so back," Isana said, primarily to plant doubt in the Queen's mind

The Queen smiled "Always a possibility"

Isana chewed on her lower lip for a moment, then asked, "May I see hiinning to smell alinning to smell alht How ed clothes? There was no way for her to tell

As she approached the pool, she saw a ghostly ihter and clearer as she drew closer to the Queen It showed a large field of fallen stones and ruined buildings There arrior-vord corpses all over it The Queen waved a hand, and suddenly the vord sprang back to life and were surrounded by the blurred forain, colored oddly green, then a slender young ates of Riva

"This is what he did no e becoion closes to battle These events transpired just prior"