Chapter 21 Summary

Thorby visits the Hegemonic Guard Headquarters. He introduces himself as Thorby Baslim, but wing Marshal Smith, the X-corps person whom he meets there, recognizes him as Rudbek. Thorby informs Wing Marshal Smith that he wishes to rejoin the guard, and specifically X-corps, after he settles his parents' estate. Wing Marshall Smith clearly finds it unlikely that Thorby, who is burdened with the responsibilities of being Rudbek of Rudbek, will be able to make the commitments necessary of an X-corps member.

Thorby also wishes to ascertain what role, if any, that Rudbek's Galactic Transport plays in the slave trade. Wing Marshal Smith is unable to tell him conclusively if his own company is involved, but finds Thorby's analysis of the available data (leading him to that conclusion) impressive. Thorby asks if, before leaving Rudbek and joining X-corps, he could make a trip, as Rudbek...