Yego chuckled. "Of course not. I merely instructed them to scout for fellow cadets. Did they ambush you? Rest assured—I'll discipline them thoroughly." "They've settled their debt," Glenna Blackwood replied, her voice glacial. Victor Sterling stepped beside her, his gaze locking onto Yego's holographic image. "The famed Veiled Paragon of Crimson Fortress?" Yego's smile didn't waver. "You must be star-born. Glenna would never collaborate with a Terran." "Yata," Victor declared, manufacturing an air of arrogance. "Tarta Sector Academy. My grandfather serves as Chancellor." Glenna's cheek twitched. *That cursed fabrication.* Yego blinked. "Your point being?" "My resources are considerable. Release my men, and you'll be handsomely compensated." Yego laughed heartily. "Tarta Sector? Unh

