For a long moment, Sen Dunsidan held the other's gaze without speaking, then nodded. «As you wish, little man. But don't be fooled into thinking I have no way to defend myself should you try to play me false. If I even think you are trying to betray me, I will strike you dead before you can blink.»

  Etan Orek nodded. An unmistakable mix of fear and anticipation glittered in his eyes. Whatever it was, this business was important to him. He was willing to risk everything to see it through. Such passion worried Sen Dunsidan, but he refused to let it rule him. «Guards," he called. «Leave us. Close the door. Wait just outside, where you can hear me if I summon you.»

  The guards did as they were told. Once, there would have been hesitation at such a request. Now, after having survived a handful of unpleasant examples resulting from such hesitation, they obeyed without question. It was the way Sen Dunsidan preferred them.

  When the door was closed, he turned again to Etan Orek. 'This had best be worth my time, Engineer. My patience is growing short.»

  The little man nodded vigorously, running his hand through his dark hair as he led the way to the far end of the room and a long table piled high with debris. Grinning conspiratorially, he began to clean away the debris, revealing a long black box sectioned into three pieces.

  «I have been careful to keep my work hidden from everyone," he explained quickly. «I was afraid they might steal it. Or worse, sell it to the enemy. You never know.»

  He finished clearing the table of everything but the box, then faced Sen Dunsidan once more. «My assigned task for the past three years has been to seek new and better ways in which to convert ambient light into energy.