Change of Allegiance

[Omi]

There was a very long, very silent pause, as Lucie considered what the young capitaine had just told her. Renouncing service to the King was not what she would have called a wise move - least of all here - but, then again, Lucie herself held a similar viewpoint. Not that she would ever tell anyone, of course. Gallia was more important than the man atop the throne. Still, she suspected the meaning behind Céline's words might run a little less patriotically.

"I see," she eventually replied, staring at Céline over the top of her cigar. "Duly noted, Valcourt."

Lucie tapped her cigar thoughtfully against her ashtray, glancing away as small fragments of tobacco fell inside.

"I am not in the habit of being planned against - at least, not successfully. I knew Valérie for only a brief period of time, but it was time enough to know enough. So to speak, anyway. She will find it difficult to put anything past me."

Again, she levelled the cigar at Céline, almost accusingly.

"I stand by what I told you, Valcourt. I do not lie. However 'certain' you are, I can assure you that I am twice as assured. Valérie Quétineau cannot influence anyone aboard this ship, aboard any ship in this fleet. Not unless you let her - and I would consider that unwise."

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