Medart wasn't hungry at all by the time Cortin and her new sworn man
were finished with their prisoner, but he did feel better when they
left the third-stage room, better still when they left the dungeon. As
soon as they got to the main floor, he touched his throat, activating
his comm implant. "Empress Lindner?"
When the ship replied, he went on. "Show Lieutenant Keith DarElwyn
released from Imperial service effective this date; reason is oath of
personal fealty to Colonel Joan Cortin of the Kingdom Systems. All
back pay and allowances are to be sent to her in whatever form she
specifies. Have his personal belongings--and copies of all reference
materials we have pertaining to Sandemans, transcribed into
pre-Imperial English--sent down as soon as possible. And I'll need a
replacement pilot."