Stein, of course, had plenty of time. His plans moved slowly, but surely. "This isn't a matter of a simple epidemic. If we don't act properly, this might happen on different planets. If the Emperor is gone, then who's in charge right now? If we don't make sure this stops, more people will lose their families." Stein spoke frantically, and yet within all he was was a cold calculation. He might not be able to get to the emperor, but for now, whomever was in charge was good enough. Somebody needed to run an empire this big, needed to make sure everything ran smoothly. There always needs to be a leader, and Stein would, of course, be as helpful as he could. He would be the assistant, the adviser, the small influences that would shift the fate of the empire, and, throught them, the entire universe.