"Father," Nick frowned. "I asked you never to call me on this number."
"You've been out of contact for months," his father scolded him. "An exchange of information is neccesary."
Nick sighed.
"Oh, very well," he conceeded.
"How are things progressing?"
"Excellently. I have Isabel eating out of the palm of my hand."
"Very good. And of the Usurper and his wife?"
"Not so good news there. She's pregnant - due in August."
"Ahh, so the real reason for your silence comes out! Why have you not dealt with this?"
"Well, for one thing, Father, The Usurper and his wife are living in Roswell, and Isabel is in LA. Then too, they've been expecting another attempt, so security is an issue. Don't worry Father. When the time comes I can just as easily take out the brat as I can the parents."
"You'd better."
"And what of at home? Anything of interest?"
"Huulion has shown up."
"Oh?"
"He's on the space station. According to our operative, he's been in rehab since his capture, and he is now in the custody of the Sorceress of Suggestion."
"Interesting."
"Taking Ga'Revali classes no less."
"Hmm. So, what do we think, then? He's turned?"
"Either that or he's taking advantage of the situation to gain extra training. We were never able to provide him with enough here."
"That's true enough. Father, I know you like Huulion, but you must face the possibility that he's turned. After all, we both know the outside world isn't the same as what we'e represented to our populace."
"Don't speak such things!"
"You know it's the truth."
"Well, I'm having out operative arrange to contact Huulion at their first opportunity. I'm sure we won't have any problems figuring out where his loyalties lie."
"Empath, right?"
"Yes."
"If Huulion's turned, what makes you think he won't just turn him in or fiddle with his head?"
"Nikulaan Sarionn!"
"It's a legitimate question, Father."
"Stop asking impertinate questions and return to you duties! Call me when you've made progress."
Nick shook his head as his father slammed the phone down. Years of obsession had clearly addled his brains, Nick decided.
Nick sat back in his chair and smiled to himself. His plans for Isabel were going exactly to plan. Even Liz's pregnancy couldn't put a damper on that. In time, Isabel would be his, Max, Liz and their child would be dealt with, and he would take his place as King.