There was a sound of something slicing through the air. For a moment, it seemed nothing happened. Then, Contessa Helena de San Finzione’s head rolle...d off of her body to land at her feet, still staring up at the paintings, the light fading from her eyes, Vincenzo’s pendant hitting the floor; as she saw the Nothing that had removed her head start stalking toward Maria’s room. Only then did she try to scream, but there was nothing.It wasn’t like the dreams she’d been having of this moment, because. “Hannah, add me to your contacts.”“I’m not pregnant.” I smirked at Suzi’s. Apparently I had her number from before. I couldn’t remember why I had it.“Young lady, it’s polite to knock.” I heard mom saying from the front door with a smile.“I’m sorry. I gotta talk to Dean.” My first visitor was excited.“I’m sure you do.” Mom said. “Now sit down, he’ll follow the smell of bacon and be right with you.”Mom knew me well. I strutted into the kitchen. Kia was there, smiling behind her braces, her dark. The Starport was in the north and any colonists were spread out around it or in a few cases to the east on a narrow strip of real land. Most of the time soil was dredged up or houses were built in the trees. The problem with dredging was it brought a lot more crocs and snakes into the area.I left the last trading post and followed the river like current with the other boats spaced out behind me. I was the only one on my boat but each of the others had several people. Three were families and one. ’ Rialtige said with a smile on his face and one by one each of us knew what he was talking about. ‘How well do you know the Commander of the local Guards here Jealile?’ He asked with a curious sparkle in his eye, it was clear that he had an idea. ‘I have served with her on a few occasions. I cannot say for certain but I do not believe she is a Disciple. Why do you ask?’ Jealile replied curiously. ‘I have an idea but we will need the Guards’ help.’ Rialtige smiled wickedly. ‘Lets set a trap.