Tom took a wrong turning as he was negotiating the stairways and Crispin went after him. He noted that the big man had lost a lot of weight and was pounding along like a seasoned warrior ready to take on the enemy.
'Professor ... this way.'
Tom peered down at him from an iron walkway. Crispin saw the bulge of a ray gun beneath his blue cloak.
'You've relocated the computer room, Crispin.'
'No, Professor. You went left instead of right.'
Tom clattered down the stairs.
'You called me Professor.'
'Yes. Everyone does.'
'No, Crispin. Some people call me Thomas.'
'Sorry. I didn't know.'
'You mean ... you've not been told?'
Crispin shook his head.
'Father didn't tell you?'
'No. Professor.'
Crispin turned and Tom followed. They reached the computer room and stopped at the open door. Peter was inside waving his baton of command at a big screen. Tom recognised the standard combat stations display.
The scene was a road leading between a patrol post and an industrial complex. Trolls were lounging around beside armoured pods. The usual icons were available to move them and other assets around.
So far everything was going to plan but he remained apprehensive. Things were happening behind his back and that was a bad sign. As a member of the chancellor's special task force he should be told what was going on. Yet, he hadn't been informed of Balduur's betrothal to the queen.
He tugged at Crispin's sleeve.
'How did the chancellor inform you of your mother's betrothal?'
'He came here to tell me.'
'Has she spoken to you about it?'
'No.'
'Have you congratulated her?'
'I messaged her.'
'You didn't go round to her chambers?'
'I never go there, Professor.'
'But she's your mother.'
'She donated the egg ... that's all.'
'And the man we call Father donated the sperm?'
'I visit him whenever I can, Professor. It's not easy as you know. I have to sneak in when no one's looking.'
Tom's eyes narrowed.
'Someone is always looking, Crispin.'
'How do you know?'
'I've done a detailed study of the palace's security system. You can't go anywhere in the Forbidden Zone without being seen, heard and smelt.'
Crispin tensed.
'They know we've been talking to Father?'
'Spot on!'
'What about here?'
'The laboratory is designated as part of the royal domain and the only way to spy on the royal domain is through a surrogate such as Gerald.'
'So it's safe for tonight's operation?'