"That seems true indeed," Byerly sighs windily. He feels a little better after that firm statement that Sonia won't be killed - but only a little, because of that one little word. His current plan. Meaning, what, that might change in the future? By thinks uneasily of that murdered, scorched target on the practice range. Just how furious is the ghem-General...?

"This is the problem with the Vor class," he says irritably. "We're all expected by the rest of the Vor to cheerfully lay down our lives for the sake of this damned planet and our idiot Emperor. Vor hostages are no good as bargaining chips."