"I knew you'd come, if given the means to return," he said. "You look worn."
"I'm fine, Jetr," she replied. "What's going on?"
"The Council is gathering an army to retake this galaxy," he said. "It's slow to form. Many of it requires negotiations with headstrong warriors like A'Ran. Qatwal will be destroyed or taken over in mere days."
"Did he really destroy Anshan?"
"He destroyed the mines. The atmosphere is contaminated beyond repair but the planet lives, a distinction I've kept from many others."
"I can heal it," she said hesitantly.
"Maybe. No one really knows but A'Ran."
"If you knew he'd go crazy, why didn't you come for me?"
"I'm a diplomat. I influence others without choosing sides," he said vaguely. "What's important is that you're here, and here-- in the Five Galaxies-- is where you'll stay?"
"Yes."
"Good. Mansr won't try to talk sense into A'Ran. I'm afraid you're all that stands between the Council and him. I've been a friend of his family for generations. I don't want to see him assassinated."
"Assassinated!" she breathed. "The Council would do that?"
"The Council believes he's destroyed one planet and is about to destroy a second."
"But if he doesn't destroy Qatwal and the war stops, will they leave him alone?"
"After this display? I don't think anyone will want to cross him for a long time," Jetr said, amused. "That I can influence. When he's running around destroying planets, I cannot help him."
She shivered, wondering just how cunning the small man with the warm smile was.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"Ready for what?"
"You'll see. Wait here. I'm bringing others with me. Follow us to the battle quarters." He squeezed her arm and returned to the room.
She hugged herself, scared and uneasy. It was hard to trust Jetr when he seemed so … squirrelly. She leaned against the wall and drew a deep breath, praying A'Ran trusted this Council member for a reason.
A few minutes later, a group of Qatwali left the room. She recognized Romas and his father, two other Council members with Jetr, and a few more strangers. She trailed them as directed down the corridor to a battle quarters that put A'Ran's tiny room to shame. There wasn't just one battle planner but dozens, with every wall featuring viewers. Jetr motioned her to the side, and the men gathered in the center of the room, facing the largest viewer. The lights dimmed as Jetr brought the viewer online.