Talokta and Kate were once more dining together.
He had informed her that if all went well and there were no more interruptions, they would be touching down on Heliostronus within four days. The Manutaai/Marone incident held them up a total of twelve hours. Talokta knew how imperative it was to keep a tight schedule, and keep an even closer eye on Kate especially with all three stones in close vicinity, and the reincarnation's unpredictability. However, the Supreme Ruler's words echoed in his ears, "It was equally important for some preparation work before they arrived."
Kate unwittingly had found that she had warmed a degree or two to Talokta, which he had not failed to notice. The recent kidnap experience oddly seemed to bring her closer to him, despite the fact he was her captor. He
