"Certainly! That's the only way. Put the evidence before the people, and they'll see what they're up against. I personally don't care whether we have an Emperor or not, but at least we can force Hannikar IV to abdicate in favor of Crown Prince Jaimie."
"I see." The colonel took another sip at his brandy and appeared to think it over. Wisely, young Senesin said nothing.
"How are we to get this evidence?" the colonel asked at last.
"We're to meet a man," Senesin said, with an air of melodrama. "We will get a call at fifteen of twelve, telling us where to meet him. We have to be there at midnight."
Oh, brother, thought the colonel, they really picked their man. They've got him thinking he's hip-deep in a romantic spy story.
Was I that way at twenty-two? A romantic? I suppose I must have been; why else would I have joined the Guards? Not for the pay, certainly.
Hell, I guess I'm still a romantic, in a way. Being a secret agent isn't all fun and games, but it has its compensations.
Aloud, he said, "Very well, son; I'll go with you. Did you tell them there'd be someone accompanying you?"
"I told them I'd have a friend along. I told them it would be you. They said it was all right, that they knew you were a friend of Dad's. They even knew you've been a little bitter at being retired from the Guards so young." He looked embarrassed. "Pardon me, my lord."
"That's all right," said the colonel steadily. He managed to give the appearance of a man who was doing his best not to look bitter.