The smell of burnt flesh and superheated metal filled the command gallery over the Leviathan's bridge. Radin, naked from the diaphragm up, stood at attention as the bent edges of his melted wing frame dug into his healed lower chest and ribs. The accelerated healing from his triple Attunement of Spacetime, Force, and Life had long since healed his burns and head injury.

Dwarfed by the endless void beyond, his father stood at the low gallery rail and gazed out the towering forward viewport. Its transparent plasteel panes stretched from the bridge’s floor to ten meters over his head. With his back to Radin and hands gripped loosely behind, Shisoka’s posture gave the impression of a casual discussion between father and son. A small voice in Radin's mind reminded him that this conversation was anything but that.

Shisoka had always been a maddeningly patient man. Today was no different as several minutes passed before he finally spoke in his usual calm voice. "...I'm curious, son... which part of avoiding confrontation with the Kaizuko and maintaining secrecy includes detonating three nuclear fission devices, launching a full-scale ground battle, dragging pursuing forces back toward our main depot, and getting turned into a human flare?"

Radin swallowed. "Father... Those two weren't Kaizuko—"

"And yet, they command a Kaizuko vessel and a full contingent of Kaizuko troops? No, Radin, they are the latest Danshakus of Kotei Stuado. Two of the three newest and presently most favored." Shisoka turned his head slightly to eye his son, "The third is the void flier who bested you... A full two Attunements, your junior."

"Father, even if they are, why must we bow down—"

Shisoka spun around and interrupted with a faster cadence to his words. "Is it a secret that your mother and I keep information from you and the other serving elders?"

"No, sir—" Radin sputtered but was again interrupted.

Shisoka strode up to him. "Have we made it plain that there are goals for Clan Talan that you are not privy to?"

"Yes, but... What are they!" A lifetime of frustration at being kept in the dark came through Radin's tone.

Shisoka narrowed his eyes and considered his son. Then turned away. There would be no sharing of secrets today... And a silent but growing presence in the back of Radin's mind gnashed its teeth at missing out on the possibly valuable information.

Without heat, Shisoka continued. His disappointment at the measure of his son was evident in his tone. "Your own words prove you are incapable of following simple orders. How can I trust you with larger things?" Shisoka looked closely at Radin's downturned eyes and spoke quietly. As if he was begging Radin to open up to him. "Son . . . We know you are keeping things from us..."

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A chill ran down Radin's spine, and he broke into a cold sweat. His mother and father had promised never to use their mindscapes against serving elders. Calling it a breach of command trust. But there was no doubt that his father was considering it. The moment passed. Instead of invading his son's mind, he simply asked. "This Force lightning skill. How have you come by this ability?"

Radin looked up into his father's pleading eyes and almost told him. "I..."

As children, Shisoka had always been a caring father to Radin and his siblings. Radin knew that Shisoka continued this with an even-tempered and fair commander... Even when they made mistakes, But, if I confide in him now, everything I've set up with the Savoy will be derailed! I will not get what I deserve. No!

Radin shut his mouth and chose continued silence. Fed by his complicity, the presence in the back of Radin's mind grew and spread. Growing to greater control of his thoughts and actions, moving to more areas, darkening his perspectives...

Shisoka’s eyes were slits. In obvious disappointment, he returned to the railing. His back once more to Radin as he spoke again in his calm voice. "As you know. Cultivation resources are not unlimited. The Clan has invested much in your future with little to show. You are relieved of your position and authority."

"Father—"

Shisoka half-pivoted back to Radin. "As always, there are plans in place you are unaware of. Your actions have placed them in jeopardy. I will be spending the next several solar rotations correcting your mistakes... Just be glad it is me and not your mother disciplining you!"

This time Radin shut his mouth so fast his teeth clicked together. If mother gets involved, it would already be too late! Without question, she would be far harsher and would assuredly force the recall of his memories with her mindscape. She still might! Utsuki had likely watched along with his father and could have intervened any second.

Radin also had another problem. Being dismissed as a serving elder meant he needed to reach out to Xsias' and start the transition now! All will be lost if I don't get out of this room right now and set things in motion!

Shisoka continued gazing out the forward viewport as Radin’s shadow-mired mind heard what both it and its invader desperately wanted. "You’re dismissed..."

The quiet word was still carrying through the air as Radin snapped around and hurriedly exited.

* * * * *

We have lost him. Utsuki spoke through her mindscape after watching the entire exchange through his eyes.

It breaks my heart... But yes, we have, my love.

I will have him confined. Perhaps a thousand standard cycles will change his perspective—

Shisoka interceded on Radin's behalf. I have already revoked his authorization and passwords. There is little he can do. Let's focus on Stuado’s Danshakus for now. Perhaps Radin will see reason and return to us when he learns the fullness of our plan for himself.

Utsuki hesitated. It was the wrong move strategically. Shisoka knew it as well.

You have always been too understanding and much too kind... But that is why I fell in love with your foolish heart. Utsuki conceded, then moved on. Very well. What is your plan for bringing in the new Danshakus, O’most brilliant strategist of the empire? You haven’t forgotten that Radin blew them up, attacked their troops without provocation, and then fled. I'm betting they are not in a receptive frame of mind.

Shisoka smiled as he replied, Time, my love... Just a bit of time to let cooler heads prevail. I’m sure they will grasp the necessity of what we are going to ask. After all, Stuado told me himself that he likes them. They can’t be complete imbeciles.