Lithyll’s gaze paned to Rene with the precision of an electronic lathe making a cut.

“You are a soldier Colonel,” the alien observed, “do you believe that trouble is likely to spread into Kalderi space?” Rene paused for a moment. He was not a trained diplomat and he wasn’t entirely sure what answer Solae would like him to give to the question.

“I cannot predict what the rebels might do,” he said after a moment.

“But it is possible that as they grow desperate they may make some move in this direction. Also Tan has pulled his fleets away to the galactic west, fleets that would normally be in charge of suppressing piracy. I’m even less able to predict what bandits might do while Tan neglects his duty.” It was no diplomatic masterstroke but he hoped it would keep the idea of danger alive in Lithyll’s mind and perhaps help move him to assist Solae in whatever way he could. Lithyll bobbed his head in what might ave been the equivalent of a sage nod. 

“Wise words Colonel Quentain,” the alien replied before turning his head back towards Solae.

“We do not choose leaders in the same fashion as you do Duchess Solae,” he told her, “but it is our experience that those best suited to exercise leadership are those who least desire it.” Lithyll stood up and Solae and the other humans followed suit, exchanging bows with the alien.

“You have given us much to think about, I will discuss it with the others,” Lithyll declared. Rene had no idea who ‘the others’ were in this context but he assumed it was however the Kalderi on this planet made decisions.

“Rest, and in a few hour we will see you at the ball, you will have a chance to speak with others. Many are curious about you Duchess,” Lithyll told Solae with a toothy smile before turning and walking from the room, leaving the humans and their Syshin friends alone.