The Admiral's Response
Burtch listened to the young man as he spoke. Rex's words were rushed and dangerous. After many years serving in the First Order Navy, he knew that such thoughtless actions would spell the end of many-a-career. Burtch chose to slowly sit back down as a way to delay his response, considering his next words very carefully, "Prince Rex Valhoun, as an officer of the Elysium Empire Navy, I am always at your service. Before I respond to your orders, I must ask you to pass my gratitude on to your wife for me. She is most generous for sending us that last shipment of sniper rifles so quickly and at a reasonable price. She has been nothing but a blessing to our mighty navy, and the sentiments are certainly appreciated.
"As for your orders, my lord, they are not necessary. We have reason to suspect that Heath's personal vessels and all of the available transports that are stationed on the HMS Utopia are currently a security risk to our noble king. I was actually just about to order a martial lockdown on his vessel until the security risks are fully investigated, and neutralized, if necessary." The edges of his mouth curled into a faint, surreptitious smile, "There is no need for brash actions today, My lord."
