“As slaves! With time hanging a glowing torch over our heads! Try another tack, Koler.”
The bitter anguish in Rod’s voice tightened the skin on the traitor’s cadaverous skull. Unconsciously, he stepped back before Rod’s overwhelming fury.
“Some day we’ll rid ourselves of the tetrarchs. The time will come when Earth again will be free. When it comes, Koler, kill yourself. At least you’ll have your choice of the various kinds of death.”
Koler peered doubtfully at the tetrarch who nodded and walked to the aperture. A guard stood at attention.
“Bring the sslave, Mona Darlanan,” the tetrarch commanded.
“Bring the slave, Mona Darlanan!”
When she entered Rod faced her impassively. “You’ve turned traitor too, I see.”