Tyr, Chralemagne, and Olma got to the *Wotan's* bridge just as the ship arrived in the Armon Roi system.
The Duchess Elsbett consulted a tactical display then turned to her husband with a smile. "My darling?" she said. "Perhaps you can ask the risen progenitor why this star system that is not in the Commonwealth is guarded by a defense grid with High Guard technology?"
"Indeed," Charlemagne said. "I'm sure he has a good reason."
"All will be revealed," Tyr said. He fished a data card out of his belt, pressed it against a panel, tabbed in a code, and waited.
"We're receiving a hail," an officer reported.
"On screen," Charlemagne ordered.
A middle-aged human with brown hair in an ornate, brown coat with gold trim filled the main screen. "Tyr Anasazi," he said with a smile. "I am Pish Tryan. I am pleased to meet you at-"
"Yes, yes, yes," Tyr said. "May we dispense with the pleasantries? You are a Collector, yes? You are one of those who have preserved the knowledge of the Old Commonwealth?"
Pish jumped, startled. "Yes, as you know-"
"Does that include medical knowledge?" Tyr pressed.
"Of course." Pish didn't hide his surprise. Clearly, this conversation was not going the way he had envisioned it.
"We have a patient who is dying from complications of flash usage," Tyr said. "Our physicians do not expect her to live. If you can save her, I will give you a fair hearing. If you can't, I will rethink allying with you. I may even conclude that I would be better served making overtures to my former commander, Dylan Hunt."
"So it's an audition?"
"Correct. And no, you have no choice in the matter."
"Stand by." Pish left the screen.
"Interesting," Charlemagne said. "You think he'll agree to your terms?"
"I'm certain of it," Tyr said. "I have more questions about this Pish than I am comfortable with, but one thing I am certain of is he really doesn't want me to work with Dylan. In fact, it's all I can do to try and persuade him Dylan is not a complete imbe-"
Pish returned to the screen. "Tyr, I can't make any guarantees. But if your patient is fit to travel, we will see her."
"Very well. Anasazi out."
The screen blanked. Tyr left the bridge
"Elsbett, you're in command," Charlemagne ordered. "Have scouts return to Enge's Redoubt and report on the Dragons and any sightings of the *Andromeda.*"
"What if our pilots enounter Dylan?" Elsbett asked.
Charlemagne thought it over. "Tell them to use their discretion, but remind them we are not yet at war with the Commonwealth and there's no benefit from starting one. Drago's Bones, things have been so screwy lately having Dylan show up on our door step might not be a bad thing."
"I'm inclined to agree."