In the Fleet Admiral's Office, Gandor sat in his chair, fretting.
Every last one of them was a big shot. He couldn't afford to offend the Five Elders, and he didn't want to offend Figo. He was already seventy-four and knew full well that he was only a stopgap Fleet Admiral. The World Government preferred Raul, an obedient successor, but Raul was still too inexperienced, so Gandor had been put in the position temporarily.
He just wanted to get through his term in peace and retire as soon as possible. Figo had asked him to pass a "go to hell" to Saint Mendsbin. How could he actually deliver that message? But how was he supposed to put it?
A Marine he'd specifically assigned had just reported that Figo had arrived at the hospital. It wouldn't be right to keep the news from the Five Elders any longer.
As he sat there, torn, someone suddenly knocked on his office door. He straightened his expression and said gravely,
"Come in."
The person who entered took him completely by surprise. He stood up. "Figo? What are you—"
"I came to apologize to the Fleet Admiral." Figo spoke earnestly. "I was in a bad mood earlier, and my tone was a little harsh. I was out of line."
Gandor's expression softened. "It's all right. I understand. It's just..."
"Have you spoken with the Five Elders yet, Fleet Admiral?" Figo asked.
"Not yet." Gandor didn't bother pretending he was fearless. "You dared to say it. I don't dare to pass it on."
"Sorry to put you in a difficult position, Fleet Admiral." Figo sounded apologetic. "I thought Saint Mendsbin was targeting me personally, and I got angry. I didn't realize he was thinking of the bigger picture and worrying that all of Teacher Doug's students