"She is in the palace's trophy room." Lana said standing in front of Marr and Malgus.

"Are you certain?" Malgus asked looking at her.

Folding her arms in front of her chest, she asked with a grin. "Have I ever been wrong?"

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Malgus wanted to tell her, yes, but then he changed his mind. After all, he was glad that Lana was an excellent spy. They needed her to get inside the palace to find Satele.

Being a woman, she easily mingled with the crowd without drawing too much attention. Staying on the ship with a few Chiss soldiers that Scourge had provided, Malgus and Marr patiently waited for days, before she finally returned.

"How are we going to get in there unnoticed?" Marr asked looking at Lana.

"There is a big celebration coming up soon." She said.

"What celebration?" Malgus asked.

"It's something they do every year on Zakuul." Lana replied. "What I heard is that their Emperor Valkorion likes to celebrate the birth of his Empire. It's going to be a big party and lots of people will be attending it, including us."

"What?" Malgus asked pulling up one of his eyebrows.

"Yes, you heard me right." Lana replied with a sly grin.

"What did you do Lana?" Marr asked suspiciously.

"I invited our little family." She replied with a smile.

"Not again." Malgus said with a grin. "I've had enough of you being my sister."

"Oh, don't be so mean." Lana chimed looking at Malgus. Then she added. "While Marr and I explore the dance floor." Saying that she winked at Marr. "You are going to sneak into the trophy room and rescue Satele."

With a sly grin, Malgus looked at Marr and said.

"I'm glad I don't have to dance."

"I'm glad too." Marr said with a mischievous grin looking at Malgus.

"When is this party going to take place?" Marr asked.

"In a few days." Lana replied.

Two days later, they arrived at the magnificent palace surrounded by countless guests of all kinds. It was so crowded, they had to wait in a long line to get in. Malgus was getting impatient as it seemed like hours had passed. He wanted to get in quickly to get to Satele, however, he had no choice but to wait in line like everyone else. Folding his arms in front of his chest, with an annoyed expression, he looked around at the others dressed in colorful clothes and ridiculous headpieces. He never liked parties, and he hated to get dressed up, but this time he didn't mind at all. He was so close to getting to Satele, the only thing that occupied his mind was her and nothing else.

When they finally arrived at the door, Marr handed the guards the three tickets that Lana had acquired days earlier, and after a few seconds of being scrutinized, they let them pass without any conflict.

As they stepped over the threshold, Malgus looked up to see an extraordinary palace with huge windows that let in the late afternoon light brightening up the immense room with its golden colors. The rich and elegant interior looked magnificent. In the opposite end of the room, there was a staircase leading up to a large, metal throne that stood empty at the moment.

The loud conversations of countless people and aliens filled up the room making Malgus hate this place even more. Already seeing the blueprint of the palace, he knew where to go to get to Satele. However, he needed to do this quietly. If he was to be caught, that would mean the end of their little rescuing party.

Then his eyes landed on a man standing near the staircase in a white outfit with a metal mask covering half of his face talking to a young woman dressed in black. From Lana's description, he knew it was prince Arcann and his younger sister Vaylin. Although they stood on the opposite end of the room, Malgus could feel great powers emitting from them. Then his attention turned to Marr and Lana. In a hushed tone, he asked.

"How long do I have to wait?"

"Not long." Lana replied. "The more people that arrive, the better chance you'll get to slip away unnoticed." Then she asked. "You still remember where the room was, right?"

"Yes." Malgus replied.

A half an hour later while music started to fill up the crowded room, Malgus turned to Marr and said.

"See you at the ship soon." Then he quietly slipped away and headed out of the room.

While Malgus went on his mission, Lana turned to Marr and asked.

"May I have this dance?"

"Just this once." Marr said grinning at Lana. Then he held his hand out and after placing her hand into his, he escorted her to the busy dance floor.

While dancing, Lana looked around and noticed prince Arcann standing at the foot of the stairs, arms folded behind his back, scanning the crowd. This was the third time she had seen him since their arrival at Zakuul. Thankfully he never noticed her; otherwise, she would have been in trouble. She had a feeling he would have seen through her scheme.

Although her presence never called for any unwanted attention, still she was careful around everyone. Many times during her stay, she had to hide her thoughts, not knowing who was Force-sensitive enough to sense her intentions. Then her eyes landed on Vaylin and an instant dislike enveloped her. For some reason, that woman gave her the shivers. Her powerful aura was something she had noticed before, and Lana was not looking forward to meeting her. She felt dangerous, not a person Lana wanted to pick a fight with. Then her thoughts went to Malgus, hoping he will be successful to get to Satele.

As he left the chamber, he walked through a long, wide corridor filled with more guests and guards. Respectfully nodding his head, he forced a smile on his face as people passed by smiling at him.

He hated the thought of leaving his weapon behind. He always felt naked without it, but looking at the guards, he might be able to use some of their weapons if need be. Rushing past everyone, he headed toward the refresher. Once inside, he locked the door and walked to the window. With a frown, he looked at the window that seemed on the smaller size.

Opening it, he pushed himself up and pressed his body through its opening. The window was just large enough for him to squeeze through. Dropping to the ground, he looked around, and not seeing anyone, he headed for the west wing where the trophy room was located.

The faint smell of the coming rain was lingering in the cool air as he quietly walked through the well-kept garden. Then he abruptly stopped when he heard someone talking.

For a second, the man's voice seemed familiar. Quickly, Malgus hid behind a large tree listening to their conversation.

"After the deed is done." One of the men said. "I'm getting what was promised me, right?"

"Of course chancellor." The man said with a familiar voice. "As it was promised."

"Very well." The chancellor said. "I'm looking forward to doing more business with you in the future."

"So am I." The man said. Then he added. "I'm getting married soon, and I would like to invite you to my wedding as a guest of honor."

"Congratulations." The chancellor replied. "It would be my honor." Then he asked. "And who is the lucky lady?"

"She is the most beautiful woman I've ever met." The man replied.

"That is a fair enough reason to marry her." The chancellor chuckled. Then he asked. "Does this beauty have a name?"

"Her name is Satele Shan." The man replied.

Instantly, Malgus's pulse quickened and his eyes grew wide like saucers hearing her name.

"The Jedi?" The chancellor asked.

"She is no longer a Jedi, or at least not for decades now." The man said. "Once she is awakened, she will be an obedient wife."

"Good luck." The chancellor said with a grin. "I hope everything works out for you."

"Indeed. Let's hope soon we both get what we're after for." The man said with an eager undertone.

Staring at the ground, and breathing heavy, Malgus clenched his fists so hard, his pale knuckles turned even paler. Unable to see them from the shrubbery, he had no idea who these two men were. He wanted nothing more than to confront them, especially the one who had the audacity to call Satele his future wife. Malgus wished that he could gut the bastard. To even think about waking her up and making her his, made his blood boil. But before his anger brought the worst out of him, he took a few deep breaths calming himself down. He knew it would have been foolish to attack them. Satele was waiting for him, locked inside a room not too far from there, and he had to focus on that instead of spending his precious time and energy on some scumbag who wanted his wife for himself.

After they left, Malgus kept on heading toward his destination.

In the ballroom, while Marr was eyeing the delicious cuisine at the open bar, Lana stood at the edge of the dance floor looking at everyone with distaste. She couldn't believe how these people were having a great time while the rest of the galaxy was suffering at their expense. She felt sick to her stomach and was about to turn away when someone grabbed her by the arm and said.

"Hey beautiful, may I have this dance?"

She was about to decline his offer when she looked up and her eyes met Adraas's.

Although he looked a little older, she recognized him right away.

His firm grip, and the way he gazed into her eyes; she didn't want to refuse his offer unless she wanted to make a scene. With a forced smile, she nodded and allowed him to escort her to the middle of the dance floor.

Grabbing hold of her waist, he pulled her tight against his body. Then he leaned over and whispered into her ear.

"Hello, Lana. Long time no see."

Taking a deep breath, she looked into his eyes and said.

"You're nothing but a worthless bastard."

Ignoring her remark, he asked.

"What are you doing here?"

"Enjoying the party." She replied with a smug expression.

Digging his fingers into the small of her back, he leaned closer and growled into her face.

"I'm not going to ask you again. Tell me why are you here?"

His painful embrace made Lana flinch. She knew she had been caught and now it was only a matter of time before they find Malgus and Marr. She would have never thought that Adraas was here. This was an unexpected surprise and she had to think fast about how she could get out of this.

"I was invited by prince Arcann." She lied hoping that he would believe her.

"Really?" He asked perplexed. Then he asked. "Who woke you up?"

"Your house was destroyed and I was found in your basement locked inside the wall." She replied with contempt.

"What about Malgus?" He asked with slight anticipation.

"He is dead." Lana replied gazing into his eyes.

A small, nervous twitch appeared in the corner of his mouth. Taking a deep breath, he swiftly looked around and then turning his attention back to her, he said.

"I hate it when I've been lied to."

"I'm telling you the truth." Lana replied feeling her pulse quickening by the seconds.

"Let's find out, shall we?" He asked as he grabbed her by the arm again and pulled her toward the staircase where Arcann stood alone.

With a racing heart, Lana watched as they approached him. She was certain she would get caught now and then she will have no choice but to fight her way out of here.

Arcann curiously watched Adraas with an attractive blonde woman wearing a lavender dress approaching him. Right away he noticed she was a Sith that he had never met before. When they reached him, he respectfully nodded his head at Adraas, and then his eyes found Lana's.

There was a flicker of fear, and also slight amazement in her crimson eyes that he found interesting.

"My prince." Adraas said bowing his head. "I would like to congratulate you on this remarkable day of the birth of your nation."

Nodding his head, Arcann looked at him, and then his attention traveled to the blonde woman.

"Prince Arcann." She said in a hushed tone lowering her eyes and looking at the floor in front of his boots. Lana's heart raced in her chest so fast, she thought it was going to burst through her ribcage at any moment, as she waited on her path to failure.

Sensing the awkwardness of the situation, Arcann looked at Adraas and said.

"Thank you Adraas. I was just looking for her."

Staring at the ground, Lana's eyes grew wide with astonishment hearing him.

For a split second, Adraas wanted to speak up and find out if he really knew who she was, but he didn't dare to ask a question like that, not to Arcann. It seemed like he knew her and that surprised him tremendously.

"My prince." Adraas said with a small bow as he let go of her arm. Adraas had a feeling she didn't come here alone. After excusing himself, he rushed out of the room and headed toward the west wing.

After Adraas left, Lana looked at Arcann and bit her lower lip feeling a little anxious under his penetrating stare. She also wanted to excuse herself to warn Marr and Malgus about Adraas but before she had the chance to speak up, Arcann asked.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Lana Beniko." She swiftly said greatly surprising herself that she just told him her real name.

"Lana." He said her name with emphasis. Then he asked. "Are you a friend of Adraas?"

"Me?" She said in a mocking tone pointing to her chest. "Oh no." Then she quickly stopped talking when she noticed his puzzled expression. Cursing herself replying in a disrespectful manner, she looked away from his gaze. She just couldn't help herself. The hatred she felt for Adraas for what he had done, not just to her but also to Satele and Malgus took over her rational mind.

Her discomfort amused him. He had never seen a woman acting like this in his presence. They always tried to impress him with their boring ways, but this one; he thought interestingly this one was different.

"Then what were you doing with him?" He asked stepping closer.

Looking into his eyes, she wanted to tell him a lie, but she just couldn't bring herself to do that.

"I came here to take my friend home."

Frowning, he asked. "Your friend?" Then he asked again. "Who is that?"

She was about the reply when suddenly the room went quiet when Valkorion walked in followed by his guards. As Arcann turned his attention to greet his father, she swiftly backed away and disappeared into the crowd.

After Valkorion walked up to the stairs and took his seat on the throne, kneeling in front of him, Arcann's loud voice rang through the immense chamber.

"His glorious Majesty, immortal Master and protector of Zakuul, Emperor Valkorion."

Lifting his hand, Valkorion signaled everyone to stand up and resume the party.

Turning around, and realizing that Lana was gone, Arcann swiftly scanned the crowd hoping to find her.

"We have to leave now." Lana said in a rushed tone as she reached Marr at the bar.

Staring at the Emperor, Marr felt frozen in place.

"A new name, a new look, but I can still recognize him." He said disheartened. "His presence is unmistakable."

"What are you talking about?" Lana asked looking at his scowling face.

"Vitiate." Marr sourly said.

"The Emperor is Vitiate?" Lana asked with amazement looking at Valkorion. Then she noticed Arcann heading their way and swiftly turning to Marr, she said.

"Adraas is here. You need to warn Malgus." Then she added. "Go now."

"What about you Lana?" He asked searching her eyes.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." Saying that she reassuringly squeezed his hand. Then she let him go and turned around to face Arcann, who was almost upon them.

Reluctantly, Marr walked away and headed out of the room.

Fortunately, there was no one around. It looked like everyone was at the party, except for the two guards guarding the entrance of the trophy room. Malgus had no choice but to quickly dispose of them. When the second guard fell to the floor, he opened the door and stepped inside. The back wall of the large room was decorated with many pods of fallen Jedi and Sith, immortalized in their frozen state. Rushing to Satele's pod, he placed his hands on hers, and then he let out a long shaky breath.

"I found you, my love." He whispered with a smile. Then as he measured up the pod to open it, he realized it was secured to the wall with an alarm that would immediately go off, alerting everyone in the palace.

"Damn it." He growled trying to figure out how to remove her without setting the alarm off.

He didn't have much time contemplating. Stepping back, he sent a bolt of powerful Force lightning at the pod hoping that she wouldn't feel anything. He had no choice but to short out the device to get to her. While the room was engulfed with bright white and blue colors, Malgus successfully fried the alarm, causing the surface of the pod to smoke, with a faint smell of burned metal.

Then he quickly caught Satele as she fell out into his arms.

Picking her up, with trembling hands, he touched her face and as he brushed her bangs away from her forehead, Malgus let out a shaky sigh seeing her alive and well.

"Satele." He said in a hushed tone gazing at her face. "Wake up my love."

"Veradun." Satele said in a low, raspy voice.

"Yes, it's me." He said with a smile.

"Is...this...a...dream?" She asked as she slowly opened her eyes.

"Not a dream." He replied. Then he quickly pulled out the small bundle of clothes from underneath his top and dressed her up. Then with her in his arms, he walked toward the door. He hoped to get to the garden and then from there they would leave the palace grounds and get to the ship. However, his plans didn't go as planned, when they ran into several guards led by Adraas himself.

"Why am I not surprised?" Adraas yelled with a cynical tone. Then he added. "Put her down Malgus!"

With a look of rage on his face, Malgus looked at Adraas and then he yelled back.

"Damn you to hell!" Saying that he threw Satele over his left shoulder and extended his right arm sending a flash of powerful Force lightning toward the guards and Adraas. Then he deftly spun around and rushed toward the nearest door.

The stairs behind the door led upstairs and soon he found himself on the rooftop. As he stepped outside into the pouring rain, with brute strength, he swiftly jammed the door and then placing Satele into his arms again, he rushed toward the other end of the roof. There was a narrow ledge that led from one roof to the next one, like a bridge connecting the two buildings together. Carefully, carrying Satele, he stepped onto the slippery surface and walked over to the other roof. Then he started to run toward the next one, as he heard the door on the roof behind them explode, Adraas and his guards spilled over the rooftop pursuing them.

As the cold rain mercilessly poured down on them, Satele looked up and saw Malgus's face above hers panting hard as he ran. Trying to keep her eyes open, she wanted to see what was going on, but the rain made it impossible.

Then a huge lightning strike swept through the dark sky brightening up the rooftops.

Malgus swiftly looked around and saw there was another rooftop that he could get to. But after that, there was nothing but empty darkness beckoning them. Rushing to the top of the other building, he glanced back and saw Adraas and the guards already on the roof behind them getting closer.

There was nowhere to go from here and he knew he had no choice but to face them. Looking at Satele, he pressed his lips to hers. They might not survive tonight and this might be our last kiss, Malgus thought, feeling despondent as she kissed him back. Then as he was about to put her down and face the coming enemy, suddenly a bright light enveloped them. Looking behind him, Malgus saw a ship hovering over the roof. Then within seconds, the loud sound of blaster fire engulfed the area, hitting the neighboring rooftops with full power.

Through the defeating sound of the blaster fire, Marr's deep voice boomed calling for them.

"Throw her up, I'll catch her!"

Grabbing Satele by the waist, Malgus threw her upward. As Marr caught her, he yelled down to Malgus.

"Get in here! NOW!"

Utilizing the Force, Malgus crouched down and pushed himself away from the roof into the ship.

With a loud thud, he landed on the metal surface of the ship's floor. Then he looked down to see Adraas standing in the rain looking up toward them. Malgus couldn't see his face, but he was sure if Adraas had the power to kill him with his look alone, he would have been dead.

Another time, yes, Malgus thought, feeling angry, looking down as the ship's door slowly closed. Another time, we will meet again.

As their ship disappeared into the pouring rain, Adraas felt a fit of extreme anger tearing him apart. Raging on the inside, he turned to the closest guard and slammed his fist into his chest, immediately killing him with a powerful blow. Then he sent a Force lightning toward the next one killing him in torturous agony. When he was done, half a dozen dead guards lay at his boots. Clenching his fists and through flaring nostrils, he breathed heavily in and out thinking about Lana's lie and losing Satele. Then he stomped off and headed back toward the palace.

"She came here to spy on us." Adraas said with malice standing behind Arcann in the trophy room looking at Satele's empty pod. "Leave her to me my prince, I'll take care of her for you." Adraas said looking from the empty pod to the back of Arcann's head.

Taking a few deep breaths, Arcann looked at the pods and then he said.

"She mentioned a friend she wanted to take home."

"She is a liar." Adraas growled. "She needs to be punished and executed."

For a few seconds, Arcann stayed quiet. Then as he turned around to face Adraas, he said.

"I'll deal with her."

"As you wish." Adraas replied with a wicked grin. He was certain Lana would die tonight.

"We still have unfinished business to tend to." Arcann said, and then he asked. "Did you bring it?"

"Yes." Adraas replied handing a small bottle to Arcann.

Taking the bottle from him, Arcann looked into his eyes and said.

"Make sure this place is cleaned up." Saying that he walked past Adraas and left the room.

As Arcann headed back to the ballroom, his mind was on the task ahead. This night was definitely different than usual but one thing he was counting on was to be the same. His father never drank, but every year on this day he always had one drink to toast to the birth of his great Empire. Arcann was looking forward to toasting with him, for the last time, he thought with a grin as he stepped inside the ballroom.

Valkorion watched as his son approached him holding two glasses. With a frown, he looked at Arcann and then he asked.

"What happened?"

"Nothing that should concern you father." Arcann said handing him the drink. "I already took care of the little issue we had with some of the guests.

"Let's toast, shall we?" Arcann said lifting his glass.

Standing up, Valkorion signaled to everyone to quieten down. When silence enveloped the room and when all eyes were on him, he lifted his glass and in a strong voice, he said.

"People of Zakuul. Tonight we are celebrating our great nation's birth again. Let's toast to the Eternal Empire's undefeatable success and to our glorious future."

Saying that he lifted his glass to his lips and gulped down the sweet drink. As Arcann emptied his glass, he curiously watched his father. Not even a minute passed by, when suddenly Valkorion slumped back into his chair and taking a few shallow breaths, he looked at the ground and said.

"I think I need to retire for tonight."

As he stood up, he suddenly felt dizzy and if it was not for Arcann to catch him, he would have fallen to the ground.

"Father, are you alright?" He asked gazing into his confused eyes.

"I… feel… strange." Valkorion muttered feeling lightheaded.

"Let me help you to your room." Arcann said holding onto him.

"What...have you done...to me?" Valkorion growled at him realizing that his son had betrayed him.

"Father." Arcann said in a calm tone. "You are unwell. Let me take you to your room."

Valkorion wanted to protest and fight back, but his body wouldn't obey his mind. Whatever Arcann put into his drink made him weak depriving him of his powers.

Turning to the crowded room anxiously watching them, Arcann said.

"My father is not feeling well. He is going to retire for the rest of the night." Then he added as he walked down the stairs with the barely conscious Valkorion.

"I will return soon. Carry on with the celebration."

As they left the confused guests behind, Arcann took his father to his bedchamber and after locking the door, he lay him down on the bed.

Valkorion tried to stay focused and awake, but his body disobeyed his mind. There was a burning pain in his chest, causing his heart to beat extremely fast. With apprehension, he looked at Arcann standing above him. He wanted to speak up but his mouth wouldn't work. His tongue felt frozen and he was dangerously close to losing consciousness. Clutching at the sheets, his breathing became ragged and shallow, as he watched Arcann pick up a pillow. With raging eyes, he looked at his son, and then an incoherent sound came out of his mouth.

"I have been waiting for this moment for so long." Arcann said amusingly watching his father's attempt to fight his way out of this.

"I just wish I could have done this earlier. I know you wonder what is going on with you right now. The concoction you drank would alone not kill you, but I will."

Lifting up the pillow, Arcann placed it against his father's face and while he pressed down hard, he said.

"All my life, all I wanted was your love. But you never gave me anything but pain and sorrow. You made me kill my brother who I loved so much. You locked your only daughter away driving her mad in her solitude of insanity. You made mother leave."

Pressing down harder, and with a raging expression, he added.

"All you did was tear this family apart, but not anymore. I will have my revenge and after your death father, Zakuul will be mine."

The bed greatly trembled beneath his father as he struggled against him. But after a few minutes, Valkorion's hand slowly released the sheets, as his soul left his body, leaving the palace and Zakuul behind.

Slowly, Arcann lifted up the pillow and looked at his father's peaceful, pale face.

He was gone and Arcann felt nothing but contempt. The man he had known all his life as the gruesome and heartless Emperor was finally dead, and this thought gave him a surge of relief as well as some happiness.

Placing the pillow back beside him, Arcann walked out of the room and called for the medics. After examining Valkorion's body, the doctor said looking at Arcann and Vaylin standing beside the bed.

"Looks like his heart had failed him." Then he added. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

"Thank you doctor." Arcann said nodding his head. Then he turned to the amused Vaylin and said.

"Now that our father has passed, I will take his place and you, my beloved sister will become my right hand, as my new High Justice."

As Vaylin hugged her brother, a wicked smile appeared on her face. She was no fool. She knew exactly what had happened in this room between her father and brother, and she couldn't be happier at that moment.

When Arcann returned to the ballroom, he walked up the steps and gazed at the throne. Then turning around, with arms folded behind him, he stood in front of the throne addressing the crowd and Zakuul.

"People of Zakuul. The unthinkable has happened. Our beloved Emperor Valkorion is dead, succumbed to a weakened heart. As your new Emperor, I can promise you this, I will continue my father's legacy. With my leadership, we will expand the Empire with new territories and bring them under our control to serve and to die for us. Our success will set the future of the Eternal Empire's legacy for generations to come."

Loud shouting of Arcann's name suddenly broke the eerie silence of the room. Everyone who heard his message was mourning but also celebrating the new leadership. Looking around the room, Arcann felt pleased and content. From now on, he eagerly thought, things will change around here for the greater glory of my new Empire.

Leaving the cheering mob behind, Arcann headed to his bedchamber.

Inside was Lana with two guards waiting on him. As he walked in, he signaled the guards to leave the room. Then he turned to Lana and asked.

"What would you do if you were me?"

"I don't understand the question." Lana replied looking at his stern face.

Furrowing his brows, Arcann folded his arms in front of his chest looking at her. Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, she swallowed hard and asked.

"What are you planning to do with me?"

"I don't know yet." He replied. Then he asked. "Did you tell me the truth about your friend? Did you come here to free her? Nothing else?"

"Yes." She replied. With defiance in her eyes, she added. "And I hope is that by now she is far away from here."

"Well." He said stepping closer. "She is definitely gone with your collaborators."

Sudden relief was shown on her face, hearing that Satele was free and everyone else made it off the planet unharmed.

Gazing into her eyes, he said.

"You should be punished, but I have a much better idea."

Confused, she looked at him, and then she stepped back.

"What do you want?" She asked perplexed.

"Oh, don't worry." He said. "I wouldn't do anything against your will, at least not in that sense."

"That's good to know." She replied with a frown.

"I want you to pledge your allegiance to me and become my spy. I could use someone like you." He said. Then he added. "If you do this for me, I'll forgive your friends and leave them be. If you refuse, I will have no choice but to give you to Adraas and let him have his way, and also, I would hunt down your friends and kill them all."

Lana wanted to refuse him and tell him to go to hell, but she knew it would have been a foolish move. She was certain, if Adraas gets his hands on her, he would enjoy torturing her to death. Also, she didn't want to cause trouble for Satele and Malgus and to Marr who was like a father to her.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and then opening them again, she looked at him and asked.

"When do I start?"

To be continued...