Forty-four
“I think you should hear this,” Murdoch said, turning back to the screens. Then he sussed, to one of his beasts.
Then Murdoch turned to Ryann and sighed. “I wish there were another way. There is so much potential—the woman who leads them would make a fine warrior, and your old friend Remis is, I admit, impressive with tech. But we cannot compromise the project. Those who would prevent its advances must be stopped. Permanently.”
There was an edge to Murdoch’s voice, and Ryann recalled the look he’d given her, when she shouted through the Proteus’ system to warn Piran and Eljin. She knew he’d take great pleasure in watching her die.
Murdoch turned back to the screens, where a jerky image now showed Brice running to the Proteus. Then he stopped, and turned, facing the one wh
