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Michi paced around her office. “You told me he would never be recalled,” she shouted into the comm.

High Admiral Aceves made a face. “I’m sorry, Lady Nakano. I thought he wouldn’t be. Unfortunately, I got outvoted by the rest of the High Command. If I’d cast a dissenting vote I’d have been outed as your agent and I couldn’t let that happen.”

“No, I understand that one.” Michi ran her fingers through her hair. “I need you where you can keep an eye on the rest of those idiots. You’re sure they gave my son the one unit that can’t be sent into direct combat?”

“Right now, it’s not looking likely, Lady Nakano. If the war lasts more than six months, I won’t say he won’t be dropped on the front lines,” High Admiral Aceves said. “I’m fostering the distrust High Admiral Benoit has for Kuen, so it’ll delay his deployment. It won’t stop it, but I can keep things from progressing too far.”

“I know it might seem odd to give you, given the fact my son and I aren’t on speaking terms at the moment,” Michi said, her heart clenching. She’d heard about his speech in the barracks from High Admiral Aceves. “I do love him, and I don’t want to see him get hurt.”

“I’ll do my best, Lady Nakano,” High Admiral Aceves said.

“I know you will.” The comm went dead. “Lakshmi, where did the Blue Butterfly end up?”

“She went back to the Colonies, Lady Nakano. She was last seen boarding a ship for Totov, which is well known for being the training grounds for the Colony forces.” Lakshmi paused. “And my agent was able to finally get her real name.”

Michi stared at her aide. “What is it?”

“Fiera Rezouac.”

Rage boiled up inside of Michi. “I was right. She is Leonidas’ daughter.”

“His oldest daughter, and by reputation his favorite child,” Lakshmi said. “Lady Nakano, no one has seen Eire Rezouac for three years – not since the explosion of the Lusitania was actually proven to be his doing.”

“I lost several valuable allies that day, Lakshmi.” Michi’s hands clenched into fists. “Lakshmi, this is going to be dangerous, but I need the Devas to do something for me.”

“What is it, my lady?” Lakshmi asked.

“I want revenge on Leonidas. He has children in this war as I do.” Michi didn’t say anything more. She knew Lakshmi would understand.

“Lady Nakano, leave this to us. I will send my sisters out immediately,” Lakshmi said. “We will be your hands, as we always have been.”