"Oh I'm far from finished," Alexander spat with a contemptuous glare at the whole company. Devon gave a slightly pained look to his older brother and then turned and followed him from the room. Aiden let out a sigh and relaxed. Sayeeda eased the saftey back on with an audible click that made everyone start. She shrugged her shoulder apologetically.

"Well I see someone is eager to turn a profit of a tragedy," Junebug murmured. If the prince heard he he didn't respond, instead he paced over to a large pict window that imported a view from one of the tall towers above the city. The high definition hologram was as crisp and pure as if they actually had been at the pinnacle of a tower.

A news holo sprang to life above the table. A news anchor whos skin and hair was so perfect they looked to have been grown for the job was talking animatedly with a co-host.

"Breaking news, this network has uncovered new evidence in the death of Princess Emillia. Apparently this concerns covert communications between the deceased and her brother and Heir Apparent, Aiden Amalric. More on this story as it unfolds!" Within moments most new casts would be rebroadcasting the message.

Aiden turned with a resolute look on his face and stalked to his chair to sit down. He pressed a communicator and called for Ranald and some other advisors whom Sayeeda did not recognize. That completed he turned to the Highlander crew.

"I know you don't have the background in politics to know I'm telling the truth, but you must believe me that Alexander becoming king would be a disaster for our people..." Sayeeda held up a hand to silence the prince mid sentence.

"Aiden, when I was on Praxis the government paid me to shoot at insurgents. When I was on Kennec's World the insurgents paid me to shoot at the government. I'm not really interested in politics writ large. If you are paying, we are playing. Moral issues really dont concern me." The calm bussinesslike tone seemed to rattle the prince slightly.

[@POOHEAD189]