Sanctuary defense force.” That much of her speech was the truth, then she added her own thoughts and plans. “And use it to resist Theron when he returns.”
The garrison commander rubbed his chin, his nose, an ear, wishing he hadn’t heard that tidbit, thinking about what he’d have to do with it. “You realize you’re accusing him of a treasonous offense?”
Chenaya shrugged, took another drink of wine, passed him the sectarius. “I wouldn’t try to make it stick,” she advised. “Tempus owes more loyalties than you and I can begin to guess. He joins Theron but plots against him. Who can know his motivations?” She shrugged again. “Anyway, I thought there was some merit to the idea-but not the way he formulated it. Take a look around,
Walegrin. You don’t expect this city to become just another good little satellite obedient to the Empire, do you? Something’s brewing here. Call it rebellion.”
Rashan spoke up, passing the wine to Dismas. “If you expect resistance when
Theron returns,” he said softly, “then Sanctuary will need a defense force.
Theron is a murderer and a usurper. Loyal Rankans should rise up against him.”
Chenaya waved a hand, dismissing his speech. “Loyal Rankans have little to do with this,” she said. “But Sanctuary is a different matter entirely, a melting pot of many interests, none of which favor Theron. Yes, Tempus had the right idea, but because he is Tempus Thales, and a fool, he overestimates the importance of his Stepsons and commandoes. Even without them Sanctuary is far from defenseless. And we don’t need the PFLS to take their place, either.”