Hal-Neesa's involvement was always a possibility, tried as they all might have to keep secrets. For one as old and powerful as her, it only made sense to keep track of the situation. Still, those facts did little to ameliorate Fendros, Vera, and Lunise's reactions.

Vera, having heard about Neesa's power, was looking to her sternly, though with her face slightly turned away. She was fearful.

Similarly, Fendros was avoiding eye contact. He clenched a fist in an effort not to let his anger get the better of him.

Of all present, however, Lunise was the one failing the hardest in hiding her body language. Everything about her was as straight and professional as usual, except for the red flush that crept up her neck and ears, and moments after bloomed over her entire face. Her eyes were wide and cross, looking at Neesa with a quiet fury. She had the most to hide in their private planning.

"We need an Imperial witness for this to work, and only four are allowed on top of Meesei and Lunise," Vera said. "Sabine's going to get Marod now. He's going to report back to his superiors after what he sees."