“Can you get the engines back online?” Wallingsby asked.

The captain shook his head. “Critical systems are just …
missing. All that’s left is dust.” He gave an involuntary shudder. “Could just
as easily have been the hull. Whatever and whoever did this has one hell of a
weapon if they decide to use it.”

“The Sural.”

“I don’t see how. That planet is stuck in the Middle Ages,
and we’re 400 AU out.”

Wallingsby’s lips compressed into a thin line. “If it wasn’t
him, then the timing was damned peculiar.”

“The A’an’ whisper that the Tolari have some kind of
protectors. Perhaps the beings that brought them here.”

“Perhaps.” Wallingsby looked pensive. “I’m not convinced.”

A light flashed on the captain’s desk. He tapped it. “Go
ahead.”

“Sir, there’s a call coming in from Central Command for Lord
Wallingsby.”