“Croc’set Jak, how long do you estimate it will take the fleets to locate and capture the traitor?” General Kriz’nit Far said once the two general officers were alone. “We run a significant risk. Took’sar knows enough to go to the humans for protection. If he crosses into their territory, there is no way he wouldn’t hand over secrets in exchange for asylum.”

  “Kriz’nit Far, in the decades since you and I took up our titles as generals, there has never been a traitor that escaped our justice. Why would this be different?”

  The man was right, of course, but something felt off this time. Took’sar’s betrayal quieter than the others, and that made it different. Usually when a disgruntled officer turned their back on the teachings of the Stygibora, there were whispers, sound bites, and network searches that could give the administration a heads up. Was this one so quiet because Took’sar knew which tactics were commonly used to catch people like him, or because there was something going on that Kriz’nit Far wasn’t seeing?

  “Took’sar has always been an isolationist, complaining about the lesser races and our willingness to use them to accomplish our goals. If it were up to him, we’d break away from all external forces and become our own empire. Armed with that knowledge, it’s harder to imagine him running to the humans for help instead of brewing his own army.” Kriz’nit Far said, pulling Took’sar’s information up on the holographic projector between them.

  “And what if he simply retreats to a lesser-known system within our boundaries to raise this army against the Stygibora?”

  It wouldn’t be the first time. Years ago, a Scaladorian captain under Croc’set Jak stole a cargo barge equipped with enough supplies to build a new colony. He’d planned everything to the letter, making sure every detail was covered and that he his crew had the best chances of survival once they found a new home. Flora, fauna, and manufacturing engines capable of printing entire buildings found their way into the secret holds of this barge just before the captain turned traitor. At that time, the newly promoted Took’sar dispatched as part of a fleet of ships one mission; bring back the traitor.

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  After six months of searching in a spiraling spherical pattern, the new captain found the planet the rebels had made into their new home and razed it to the ground with all inhabitants trapped on the surface. He didn’t care how many died. Took’sar only cared to ensure their punishment for the crime of turning away from the Scaladorian people.

  “Took’sar was instrumental in the capture and destruction of dozens of traitors. If he were really a traitor to our people, wouldn’t he have let them all go instead?” Kriz’nit Far swept his chitinous hand through the hologram to bring up a diagram of the ship that was missing. “But nothing is impossible. There is always a chance the man really believes we can break free of our masters.”

  “And why would anyone wish to break free of the most bountiful relationship our people have ever had?” Croc’set Jak spat, hands clenching in rage. “No. This traitor clearly just wants power and is willing to sell his people to get it. I would bet my rank that if we used enough gravitrum, we could cut him off before he enters human territory.”

  “Then it’s lucky you are not in charge of our gravitrum wares. Send a fleet toward that destination if you must, but I won’t commit any ships toward the effort.”

  “And if my men meet human interlopers?”

  “That is not my problem. If your fleets are unable to beat back the humans, then your faction deserves to lose ground.” Kriz’nit Far mused. Finally, coming to his decision on the matter, the Scaladorian general contacted the bridge of his personal vessel. No part of him wanted to join the search and the likely fight that would follow, but his people needed to see their leaders in action. He would be ready to intercept the traitor personally when the time came. “Command, this is General Kriz’nit Far. Prepare our ship. We are due to join the efforts to recover our lost cruiser.”