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undergo another forced Sharing.”
    His jaw dropped as he stared at her. “I don’t…I, um…”
    â€œNon-negotiable,” she repeated. “Talk to your people. But you can tell them that it won’t hurt, and it won’t cause any additional damage. All it will do is ensure their loyalty. You’re already carrying that instruction; you know what it feels like. You’re the best person to tell them. Colonel Razine, please escort Rax back to his cell.”
    The chain rattled as the Guard lifted it up and stepped toward Rax.
    â€œWait,” Andira said. “He’s to be considered a member of parley. Leave him unchained. And give him a reader card so he can record exactly who can offer what in terms of expertise or willingness to work. Rax, we may have more questions for you later.”
    To everyone’s surprise, he snapped erect, thumped both fists to his chest, and bowed his head. “Lancer Tal.”
    Andira’s eyes widened before she could control her expression. “Settle,” she said.
    He raised his head and nodded at her. “Thank you.” Turning smartly on his heel, he faced Colonel Razine. “I’m ready.”
    When the door closed behind them, everyone at the table let out a breath.
    â€œI’ll admit that was not what I was expecting,” Arabisar said.
    â€œNor I,” said Eroles. “Was he telling the truth?”
    Andira, Shantu, Yaserka, and Lanaril nodded. “That man was terrified,” Lanaril said. “Though whether it was because he was facing us or because he doesn’t want to face his superiors, I’m not sure.”
    â€œBoth, I think.” Yaserka pushed back his chair a handspan and relaxed his posture. “Imagine controlling an entire military organization through fear and lies. At some point you’d think it would have to fall apart.”
    â€œFear, lies, and rewards,” Andira said. “Don’t forget the incentive to serve. It sounds like a powerful one.”
    â€œI wonder what percentage of Voloth are citizens.” Parser refilled his cup of shannel. “If the hangers can’t own property, can they run a business? How exactly do they fit into the Voloth economy?”
    Yaserka held out a hand for the shannel pot. “I must confess I’d like to learn more about that. And that is something I never dreamed I’d say.”
    â€œI never dreamed I’d be in the same room with a Voloth and not want him chained to the wall,” Eroles said. “But I can see some value in his offer.”
    â€œSo can I,” Yaserka agreed.
    Shantu made a sound of disbelief. “A few sniffles from a prisoner of war and you’re already soft? Have you forgotten what he was in the process of doing when Lancer Tal turned him? If he’d had his way, he would have blown up every building in this city.” He turned to Lanaril. “And your temple would have been the first thing he’d have targeted. You heard him.”
    â€œI did hear him. I also felt him. He’s a young man who has been taught to never ask any questions, and now he’s asking. He’s taking his first step on a spiritual journey. And that is more than I ever thought I’d see in a Voloth.”
    â€œSpiritual journey.” Shantu rolled his eyes. “He’s only willing to concede we might not be naked savages because he thinks Fahla is one of their Seeders.”
    â€œMaybe she is,” Lanaril said quietly.
    That left him flat-footed, and Andira spoke into the silence. “Lead Templar, I appreciate the time you took to be here today. There’s no need for you to stay for what I’m guessing will be a protracted discussion. But I asked you to attend because you have an input that the rest of us lack.”
    Lanaril folded her hands in front of her. “I’ll aid in any way I can.”
    â€œYou’ve been counseling high empaths for war trauma. You