”Mouth agape, Alex muttered quietly, “He just set them all off? At the same time?!”“I’m sorry, sir?” Inari asked, face scrunched up in con...usion.“Commodore Ragnarsson must have powered up and set off all four of his Solaris reactors, to have managed such an explosive force,” Alex clarified. Her confusion giving way to understanding, Inari continued her history lesson.“Soon after, the advance of the Xuul’khan was halted, as any ships that were sighted in allied systems turned back to the sectors. “I agree. Especially when the situation within my own guild might be more tenuous than ever!”Osiris couldn’t help but chuckle at his rival’s misery. “I heard about your latest bounty. Bitten off more than you can chew, I think.”Jordan gained an angry look on his face at that, “No, that’s not true! You don’t know how this man operates. He is a coward, choosing to strike his opponents in the back. A coward who uses poison to cover up his own failings and weaknesses. A coward who chooses to dwell. This tea's a little bitter," he added."Maybe it's a different kind than you're used to. Add a little extrasugar and cream if you like," she went on, looking over some notes notbothering to mention that she'd poured in some liquid female hormonesinto his drink without him seeing it!"I'm having some other clothing and some reading material brought to theapartment. It should be there upon our return. Then we'll see whereyou are in the grand scheme of things and where we'll need to start."she. She was not looking at her late mate, but at the ground.“Forgive me for intruding upon you in your moment of grief,” I muttered apologetically to the young woman in an attempt to catch her attention. “In fact, I am sorry that we must meet in this way, and that I must offer you my condolences. I am Jake, leader of the Bear Tribe and shaman of my village. I am also the man who killed Laktar. I had not wanted to do it, but Laktar would not listen. For whatever pain that it has caused you, please.