The OFF camp was silent.

  Lukai took over the leader’s position, assessed the camps, and talked to the people. Then he finally had time to check the datasets that Yura had left.

  … The important documents were missing.

  Yura was not to be found. His ID was spotted; it looked like he crossed the Gate on Planet Three. The problem with this place was that there was only one Gate on the entire planet. They were lucky that the established Gate was the main one, suitable for logistics.

  However, if Yura went there, finding him—good luck with that.

  Si was organizing his situation. Unio was shocked by the announcement.

  Lukai observed from a distance; it was a lesson in the behavior of Unio families and the board.

  He finally decided to meet with his father. It was a calm meeting, a good one. They met several more times after that. Everything looked promising.

  Now, Lukai looked at him—fully charged.

  Taj said he was preparing himself and added that it also helped him test Gates. He was clearly evaluating the idea of transferring to the net.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Lukai gave it more thought and concluded that it would be for the best but only if—

  If Lukai were to become the next Leader of Unio, he would need to restrict who could contact Taj. After Lukai decided it, he felt secure.

  Having Taj in Gates was a safer option than having his Crystal in Luna’s hands. It was a valid observation that from Gates it wouldn’t be easy to steal him. The knowledge he possessed would be stored in a place not many could reach.

  “Lukai, may I ask you something?” Taj asked.

  Lost in thought, he didn’t notice Taj approaching. Lukai nodded.

  “Do I correctly understand you would rather not continue Unio?”

  That was a very direct question; Lukai had a thought.

  A valid one.

  However, it was not the time to share his vision.

  “I am considering the approach currently. I have meetings scheduled with Domini. Then I am going to decide,” Lukai said slowly. “Not without discussing it with Si and you,” he added.

  “I see. Your former Leader, Yura, nothing new?” Taj asked, clearly dropping the previous topic.

  “Nothing new,” Lukai answered and then asked. “Have you decided about Gates?”

  “Correct,” Taj said and stopped.

  “Elaborate?” Lukai tried to keep the conversation going, but Taj went silent.

  It was always like that.

  Lukai somehow couldn’t break through it. Si managed quickly, but how exactly?

  That was something to think about.

  On the other hand, when Taj was transferred to Gates, there would be a lot of time to try to talk and ask questions in many ways to finally find the right one.

  The one to get the answers Lukai wanted to get.

  He needed to be patient. It was something that Lukai sometimes was aware he was lacking.