"Ambassador? Emissary? Are you serious? I'm not exactly going to be donning official robes of state here, Max!" As Max started to speak, Stoat help up his hand. "No! Not another word. I don't want to hear it Max. I'm not in the mood for your kind of levity right now. You keep on planning your path to dominion, or whatever the hell it is you're looking for. I'm heading for my quarters."
Stoat stood, knocking back what was left of his drink. Casting a scathing glance DeVirgo's way, he strode purposefully past his babysitters and out the door. The two guards followed him, but at least they kept an almost respectful distance. Faces passed by him in a blur, and he bumped into several people, muttering apologies as he went. So this was what his life had come to. Simply a pawn to be sacrificed because that might prove more useful than actually fighting to keep him alive and safe.
Reaching his quarters, the guards took up position on either side of the door. Stoat activated the DNA scan which should unlock the entrance to his quarters. The system beeped, but the doors failed to open. The closest guard leant across and tapped in a code on the number pad, and this time the locks clicked open. Stoat stared balefully at the guard, who merely shrugged apologetically, and moved aside, allowing Stoat access to his quarters.
With the doors closed behind him Stoat started to tremble. How long would it be before the Wilde got to him? A day, a week, a month maybe? He was scared, and now that he was alone all the stress and terror and confusion and anger broke through his barriers and overwhelmed him. He collapsed to the floor and wept.
![[Image: Sig3.png]](http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff332/lib3drakeaj/Sig3.png)