“Commodore.”

“Tougun.” Commodore Geronimo Fontana sat outside the high-security brig cell on Montana Station that held the former operator of the Tougun Network. The Orion was sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes tired from the treatments that had brought him back to life after Selene Voss had failed to end it. “You’ve been advised of your rights.”

“Yes. Three separate times.” Fontana noted the tinge of resignation in Tougun’s voice. It was unusual. “The JAG department informed me that my case will take some time.”

Fontana clicked his tongue. “That’s an understatement. They’re still building the indictments based on evidence collected and evidence that is still being catalogued.” The breadth of the Orion’s crimes known had always been shocking. The fresh cases and revelations were giving new meaning to the word.

Tougun shifted listlessly. “I suppose I should not be expecting any kind of plea deal?” The blank four walls surrounded him, staring at him. He stared at the floor, posture slumped.

“They asked me to pass along an offer of guilty with no possibility of parole or release. They would remand you to high security and lock you away for the rest of your natural life.” Fontana felt no pity for the man. The crew of the Relentless had brought him back from near death. His life, and his future, were because of his squadron. T’saath remained in intensive care.

Tougun fiddled absentmindedly with his fingers as he shifted his attention to the various walls around him. “Selene Voss will want to finish the job. She’s determined.” A hollow emptiness filled his eyes; the posturing and arrogance had been sanded away in the days since his ousting.

Fontana nodded slowly. Voss was the new variable and the new operator of The Network. “We’re accounting for her. Security is actively removing anyone with connections to her or you.” He sat forward. “What do you want me to tell JAG?”

The Orion sat back and rolled onto his back, his hands clasped across his chest. “Tell them I accept.” He stopped speaking and closed his eyes, dismissing Fontana without a word. The Commodore stood and left. Tougun opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling.

Perhaps now, he thought morosely, he would find that elusive peace.