Sneaking into the city had not been difficult. There were no patrols, no guards, no armed men at all.

“They’ve always been a peaceful people,” muttered Orvos.

If they were so peaceful, why had they attacked Rimzana?

Except... they hadn’t, had they?

Technically, they had attacked the Imperium.

Which, frankly, was not much better.

What did these people expect?

How could they possibly think they could win?

Except they had, hadn’t they?

But winning a battle did not mean they would win a war. And a war was coming, that much was clear.

“What now?” asked Ferris as they walked down a busy street.

No one even seemed to notice them. They were blending in well.

Bregg shrugged. “I’ve never done undercover work. If anyone has any ideas...”

“I would suggest a tavern,” said Dawan. “Preferably a crowded one. There are always people talking about current events in such places. It might help us glean some information.”

Since no one could come up with a better plan, they stopped at a Holscreen Terminal to search for the closest of the most popular taverns in town. After tapping their request on the glass surface, it displayed an address with directions to get there.

“That doesn’t look far at all,” commented Orvos as they set out.

It only took them five minutes to find their way.

The establishment looked like something straight out of a big-budget holofilm.

Built on three floors, it was filled with high-tech tables and chairs. Sensitive to body heat, they lit up as soon as you sat down, bringing up a menu you could order from directly. The lighting was smooth and varied, with some more shadowy spots for those who sought intimacy. The music was loud, but not so loud you couldn’t hear yourself speak—or your neighbors, which suited them fine.

The place was crowded to the rim.

They picked a spot at the center of the room. It was surrounded by occupied tables with chatty patrons.

It wasn’t long before they overheard stories.

They were going through the menu when a man’s voice drifted to them.

“I’m telling you, it was better before. I know you’re not supposed to say stuff like that, but I’m so tired of her crap.”

“The Royne had it right,” responded a gruff voice. “She only serves her own interests.”

“Or those of her church.”

A third voice cut in—this one female. “But what of the sacred books she found?”

The second man snorted. “How convenient. She found them just when she needed something sensational to win the people over. I’m not buying it.”

Bregg picked a drink from the scrolling menu just as another conversation drifted to them, covering the first one.

“The Imperium will get what it deserves. It’s an antiquated, intricate, and crumbling institution. It is the Qevahri’s time to shine and, perhaps, guide humanity into its next peak.”

“But we are not ready,” remarked a younger voice. “We have a fleet, but no fighting experience. How can we hope to win a war against the Imperium? This is folly!”

“We won the battle at Rimzana, didn’t we?”

“I don’t know if I believe that...”

“Trust in Saan, my friend. He will find a way for us.”

Someone in the crowd suddenly started singing, his voice covering the chatter.

Bregg cringed and looked at his companions as small circular panels on the table rotated open and their drinks appeared.

Ferris leaned over and spoke quietly to make sure no one else would hear him.

“This is good for us,” he said. “The High Noort is not as popular as we thought. We should use this to our advantage.”

“How?” asked Orvos.

“We could reach out to some of her opponents. Maybe we can strike a deal with them. It wouldn’t be the first time the Imperium helped to overthrow a government.”

The younger man grimaced but didn’t respond.

Bregg wasn’t sure how he felt about that himself.

He needed to do the mission, but part of him felt like these people might make good allies. Not to the Imperium itself, of course, but to him in particular. They had the same enemy, after all, had they not?

But how could he talk to the High Noort—assuming she would even receive him—without the others finding out? It would be perceived as treason, too. Which could get him into a lot more trouble than he already was.

And yet, he couldn’t think of any other solution.

If he could just find a way to make contact while letting the others think he was going along with their plan...

He was about to speak up when shouts rang out through the room, coming from the entrance of the tavern. It turned into agitation—but not the type that comes with panic. There was excitement and electricity in the air, and the feeling of something momentous happening.

People stood from their chairs and rushed outside. Very quickly, the room emptied.

Startled, Bregg and his companions followed suit.

When they came out of the building, they saw everyone was looking up. They turned their gazes to the darkening sky and gaped.

Bright and sudden bursts of light obscured the stars. It was too distant to be fireworks. This could only mean one thing.

The Imperial fleet was under attack.

From the reactions of the crowd, the bursts were understood as an enemy ship being destroyed. And with each explosion, people cheered.

“This can’t be happening,” muttered Orvos.

Bregg said nothing.

From the corner of his eye, he recognized one of the discontent patrons who had sat near their table. He turned to Dawan and pointed.

“Follow those men. We need to know where to find them if we decide to make an offer.”

The woman nodded and stepped away so she could get closer to her targets.

He looked around until he saw the other man—the one who had praised the High Noort’s actions. Grabbing Orvos by the arm, he pulled him closer.

“And you, I want you to follow that one.”

The younger officer frowned. “Isn’t he on the other side?”

“It is good to know where both our friends and enemies are. Go.”

The man nodded and headed off.

Now that he had set his pawns into motion, he just needed to come up with a plan.