23a. Waiting

  Thursday, 26 March 2572 (Morning, New Rome)

  Shayan smiled as he read the New Roman Times while eating breakfast.Sara had done excellently; these stories gave him all the details heneeded to take action. The Strike Forces, the Sealing, Cortin theHerald and acting Protector being hailed as Protector despite her owndisbelief in the role, a liturgist working on services to her--sheundoubtedly hated that--yes, there was plenty revealed openly now forhim to take action on. Not just yet, though; his announcements wouldhave more impact if he made them with the Herald's knowledge andapproval, perhaps even in her presence.

  It was too early, in New Denver, for her to even be awake, and Odeonhad to learn one thing yet today, so he shouldn't make contact untilthey were done for the day. Since he'd decided on full cooperation, heno longer needed to fear waking her powers prematurely; that would takeher perceiving a threat, and he no longer provided even a minimal one.So he would be able to observe, then phone her when she had herprisoner settled for the night.

  Or should he mind-call her, thus giving her the limited telepathy threein her Family already had? Since it would also let him sense herfeelings at his unexpected support, that was an attractive thought. Hehad a couple of hours yet before she woke, then several more until shecalled it a day, and he had work of his own to do; he'd decide whatmethod to use when the time came.

  Return to main storyline: 24. Revenge