The brutal Captain sounded odd, almost bewildered.

Merkurii paused, compassion licking at his throat.

"I know you don't," he said, in a low voice.

He heard Khartov laugh in his sleep, a short, truncated bark that penetrated the double doors and faded.

Barshai's eyes raised, slowly, as he listened.

Rain drummed outside in the dark and down the windows, blurring the faded lights of the city.

"...I'm glad you called."