"First," Liam said, turning toward the storage shelves, "we take everything that is mine."
Mezos smiled.
Stanford opened the first transport case.
Mara activated the inventory drone, and the small machine unfolded in midair with a soft click, its blue scanning light passing over the benches, cabinets, and labeled storage crates.
Arik, Crown Prince of Agaron, future emperor, impossible man, and apparently future victim of a private laboratory in his quarters, simply rolled up his sleeves.
Liam glanced at him, eyes narrowing. "What are you doing?"
"Helping."
"You are overdressed for theft."
"Asset preservation."
"Theft," Liam corrected. "With moral authority."
Arik smiled brightly. "Even better."
For the first ten minutes, nothing happened.
That alone should have made them suspicious.
