Liam puffed his cheeks and blew out a breath. “Judging by your tone, I suspect I do not—I could use the excuse that the Law and Order Directorate’s responsibilities are limited to the homeworld.” He paused but the others knew he hadn’t finished his thought. Looking at Althea, “I could use that excuse, but that would beg the question Egan asked earlier. What happens when ill-gotten gains and the related ethos return home to infect Domhan-Siol? When we have to tell our children lies about the nobility of our galactic endeavors, I suppose the excuse that what happens ‘out there’ is not within our jurisdiction rings rather hollow.”
Turning to stare out the window, Althea saw nothing of the beautiful scenery beyond the glass. “The first place they took us was a mining colony on a Domhan-Siol s
