INTERLUDE
The shuttle's hatch opened to reveal a large hangar bay populated by men in black tactical gear. Each one carried an assault rifle.
Slade chuckled as he emerged from the air-lock.
Dressed regally in a pair of gray pants and a dark-green coat that fell to mid-thigh, silver embroidery on the cuff of each sleeve, he smiled for the men who no doubt hoped to intimidate him with their show of military prowess. “The Inzari be praised,” he said. “I am so rarely honoured with such a fine display of strength and discipline.”
Two of the armoured men stepped forward, standing at the base of the ramp that led up to the airlock. They said nothing, of course; they only watched him, perhaps waiting for orders to escort him to the admiral.
Slade took one step toward them.
They both tensed u
