Chapter 7
Lord Dagur knelt before a yellow holographic image of the Supreme Leader. The man was seated, gently stroking a cat, staring at Dagur with piercing eyes. Dagur felt like shuddering but did not wish to display any fear.
He had explained everything to the Supreme Leader, taking care to absolve himself from any blame. The Supreme Leader had stayed silent throughout.
"And that's the current situation, sir. So…"
At length the Supreme Leader spoke. To Dagur it sounded like a cross between speaking and wheezing. "We've known each other a long time, but this is the first time you've ever come to me for council or assistant. I can't remember the last time you invited me to your house for cannoli and meatballs, even though you're the second highest ranking man in my Federation. I doubt you'd even come to my daughter's wedding."
"But you don't have a daughter," Lord Dagur interrupted.
"But if I did, and if she decided to get married, and if I invited you, I doubt you'd show up. But let us be real here. You've always been too proud to ask for advice, too proud to even break bread with your own Supreme Leader. And now, when your little plan has failed miserably and your adjutants have let you down—adjutants who are suppose to follow your orders, I should add—you come to me begging me to be a friend and help you out of this."
"I'm asking you to help us put down this rebellion. Isn't that what you're supposed to do? Isn't that what you want?"
"Is it really what you want?" the Supreme Leader's tone grew icy.
"I believe in the Federation," Dagur said shortly.
"Someone put those batteries in incorrectly. Somebody gave Astrid Hofferson information of the ship's layout. Someone ensured she would not be tortured seriously. That someone is a spy and a traitor. Perhaps you cannot figure out who it is because you don't want too?"
Dagur was outraged. "Are you suggesting—?"
"Those who are second best often want to become first." He petted the cat some more as he lapsed into a contemplative silence. "Or perhaps not. In any case, with things as they are, I think personal supervision is required."
Lord Dagur gulped. "You're coming here?"
"That is correct, Lord Dagur. I'm not very happy about the evident lack of success the commanders of the Shattermaster have had. Perhaps I can create new motivation for them."
"But does it have to be personal?"
"Lord Dagur—"
"I mean, as you please, of course, Supreme Leader. But what about the escaped princess?"
"You actually are asking me for help. What have I done to deserve such generosity?"
"Supreme Leader—"
"Lord Dagur, Lord Dagur, what have I done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? It's rude to interrupt. As it happens, I know exactly where Princess Astrid is."
"What? How?"
"I sensed it using the Torque."
Lord Dagur tried not to look scornful.
"You doubt me?"
"Well, Supreme Leader…I mean are you sure the…'Torque' is really all that it's cracked up to be? I mean, it hasn't told you where the Separatists are based, or helped you conjure up the completed map to Eren'dor. Assuming that Moon even exists,"
"It exists. The Torque is particular about what it reveals. It has always been so."
"Convenient," Dagur muttered.
"Have you by any chance a little confidence in me? As it happens, I have learned through the Torque that Princess Astrid, having stolen the portions of the map to Eren'dor that we possess, is now on the planet of Narilda. With her are Doctor Ingerman and a man who calls himself Trio. Their ship is the Centennial Condor." He smiled. "I think I win the contest for most information. But she must not get to Eren'dor ahead of us. Or not so far that we can't follow, at any rate. So you will send a detachment to Narilda at once."
"It may take some time to organize one."
"Why should it?"
"What if they intend to meet the rest of the Separatists there? We should send a strong force. An entire army, even!"
"And if the Condor flies off while you're busy organizing this army?"
"Besides, I've already given orders for the fleet to head to Gronkle-5!"
"Then give them new orders to turn around! Unless you have a better idea?"
Lord Dagur smiled. He had a new plan.
.
A while later, Lord Dagur, who was growing weary from the demands of his job, stood behind his desk, eying Nut 1 and Nut 2.
"Now, you two, listen up. I am very disappointed in you."
They bowed their heads in shame.
"I entrusted you with an extremely important interrogation—"
They looked up eagerly.
"—and I find you not only got nothing out of her, but you practically allowed her to escape. I am very disappointed."
They bowed their heads in sorrow.
"But—"
They looked up in anticipation.
"I feel I must give you another opportunity to prove yourselves. I would rather send you to be deactivated, and you would deserve it—"
They bowed their heads fearfully.
"But we don't have the time to commission a Nut 3."
They looked up in relief.
"And in any case, we don't have the budget."
"But you have the money to install a Jacuzzi and Ice Cream Maker in every Officer's club?" Nut 1 pointed out.
"Shut it." They bowed their heads in obedience. "Your orders are simple: find the Centennial Condor and her occupants, and keep them from leaving Narilda. Report to me everything you learn in the process. Without fail."
"As you wish," they said together.
"Eww, don't say those words! Haven't you ever seen The Princess Bride?"