Tiphaine watched as Tsomak stepped aside for a quick drag and then puff of a cigar. Then, lifting with his beer gut-burdened back, he poured out more of the barrel into the forest creek. It probably was as much exercise as he had done in the last 20 years.

Tsomak laughed. “You see, Tip, everyone in the Corps thinks there needs to be some grand confrontation with the Teelmaks. Not me, that's why I operate my own merc unit and didn't sign up with the pretty boys and girls in the Foreign Guard. Me, I like indirect action instead, like putting chemicals in the water supply. It may take years, but these bugs will have dumb babies and maybe start killing each other off. That will be the bellwether for things going to plan. In a while, the next generation can march right into the Hive while I enjoy retirement on Zagimuf Beach. Yes, siree, you stick with me, rich girl, and you can live long enough to add a pension to your mommy and daddy's Imperial estate.”

As she listened, she realized her time beyond the Core Worlds and outside the officiality of the Empire wasn't the romantic adventure she thought it was going to be.

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