Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“It was in the First Expansion War.” Gregor’s voice shook at first, the trembling clear with so little else making noise. “This you have heard of?”

Connor clasped his hands together. “I’ve heard about it in history.”

“History.” The older man snorted a gust of alcohol-tinged breath. His outfit hung loose on him, as if he’d shrunk since learning of their destination. It made him look small, just a part of the galley corner.

“It’s all I had.”

“Lies and tales—that is history.”

“I won’t argue that. What’s your memory of it?”

“The Coil, there was a system we wanted. Because we wanted it, the Directorate wanted it. This is how governments think. Before this incursion, nothing. After this incursion, there is crisis and anger.”

“I thought the system we were going to is abandoned.”