"Decimal, I would like you to broadcast the incoming confirmation from the PEA, but nothing more," Solae instructed her synthetic companion with a wink and smile to Rene to indicate that all was well. She knew that Bhast was already frustrated and annoyed after her exchange with the irreverent soldier. Hearing contact had been made with the center of the Stellar Empire might just exacerbate the other woman's mental state and cause her to make a costly mistake. It was their best advantage at the moment. With Rene injured, Solae ill-equipped for combat, and a small army on the either side of the armored door protecting them from harm, making a psychological strike was all they could do to turn the tables in their favor.

"Status on the missive?" she asked the PEA interface knowing the answer.

"Transmission received by Capella designee," the PEA announced in dulcet tones that echoed through the speakers all over the compound. Decimal had perfectly executed his command. Hearing the words reverberate through the building brought more gravity to their situation. This was the point of no return for all of them, from the marquise and her lover, to the rebellion's forces, the usurper of New Concordia who paraded around his palace, even the smattering of allies that the heroic duo had managed to gather over their week-long journey. Regardless of the outcome of this war, it was no longer hidden in the shadows, and the survivors of the coup were destined to be catapulted to fame for their loyalty and efforts.

"Incoming call. Do you wish to accept?" the PEA asked Solae placidly, who was surprised at the nearly instantaneous reply. Decimal had thankfully followed her directions exactly and was not blaring this unusual question at their enemies. She gestured for Rene to stay where he was. Until they knew precisely who was on the other end it was wise for him to stay hidden out of view. Theoretically whomever had access would not be hostile, but she was reluctant to make assumptions after having watched the tragic fallout from Duke Tan's unexpected betrayal.

"Yes, please put them through," the diplomat answered quickly. Because of the nature of the access terminal, which was meant to be used while standing rather than sitting, the visual window was a bust rather than a face-only portrait. As a result of this larger image, she knew the identity of the speaker immediately once it was displayed: Gisella Chastain du Quentain. Her courtly composure helped her to conceal her shock at this development. She ought to have anticipated Rene's stepmother's possible involvement when they reached out, but she sadly had not predicted, much less prepared, for such a confrontation.

"Where is Rene Quentain?" the younger woman demanded.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss that with you at the moment," Solae replied with a congenial smile that she suspected her counterpart found thoroughly infuriating. Evidently her fiance's jovial attitude, albeit forced, was infectious.

"Connect me with your superior, then," Gisella ordered haughtily.

Without hesitation pulled off her wig, her luxurious flaxen golden hair spilling over her shoulders like a decadent curtain, exposing herself as something more than the mercenary disguise she had donned. It was easy to overlook her refined features when they had been covered in smoke and debris from penetrating the embassy, especially when it was digitized and flung over and interstellar channel to a distant edge of the universe. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marquise Solae Falia, heir of the Falia family. Would you connect me to your superior, please?" she asked in an overly sweet tone.

"I don't know why you have involved yourself with Rene," Gisella said after a pronounced pause, "but this blatant attempt to reclaim his inheritance is disgraceful."

"It is no more disgraceful than your belief that anyone would manufacture a coup in order to pursue an inheritance. Let me assure you, Ms. Du Quentain, I have every intention to share all of my wealth with the gentleman in question as we plan to be married as soon as is practical. I sincerely doubt he will find himself wanting for any material possessions, but should he find himself lacking funds, I will discourage him from inventing a devastating threat to our empress's reign," Solae countered easily. "It would be quite ill-advised, would it not, as it would be so easily disproved."

"You would marry [i]him?[/i]" Gisella asked incredulously. As far as she was concerned, her stepson was the exiled murderer that compelling evidence and rumor accused him of being. That anyone would defend him and be so proud of an engagement to him, veritably bragging about spoiling him like a kept man, broke through her calm facade.

"Absolutely," Solae affirmed. "You must make certain our warning is sent to the empress," she continued more seriously, her brows knitted together in earnest concern. Their spat and posturing could be resolved at a later date. Time was of the essence- Bhast could devise a way to breach the door or secure their mutual destruction if they tarried indefinitely. "The outer worlds of this sector have already been occupied by Duke Tan's forces. I've ensured that he does not have a way to contact anyone through his PEA, but right now he is consolidating power relatively unchecked."