Admiral's Ghost

  * * * *

  In the morning, Tyler drifted through his normal routine: breakfast, the latest news, daily briefings. He ignored most of it. Instead, he wrestled with fear and anxiety about the meeting to come. He was to report to the Palace later that morning in a transport provided. It seemed odd they ordered transport since he could easily walk the distance. His anxiety barely in check, he dressed in formal attire as appropriate for the Palace.

  Before catching the transport, he briefly met with his staff. The Marshall was absent, and no one could explain why. Despite that, Officer Slaas took charge and quickly ran down the list of items on the agenda. The only message Tyler had from the Marshall was a private note indicating the information he requested was delayed another day.

  Tyler read the message with little concern. He was certain the person to fear was Regent Sneerd and he still didn’t have a plan to deal with it. The staff meeting ended abruptly while he was lost in thought. He noticed puzzled looks and quickly took charge to release them. He knew they expected a response, but he delayed the questions until returning from the Palace. Assuming I return.