Chapter 22: No Excuses
"It was pretty obvious," Astara said. "You both saw Captain Stanley summon me to the lectern."
Daylan and Medora nodded in unison.
"Well," Astara began, her voice steady, "he wants me to become a lieutenant colonel. It's a step closer to becoming a Divine Arch."
She paused, then added, "But I asked for more time to think about it."
Daylan leaned back into his seat, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.
"In truth, that's a great thing for us," he said. "You'd be able to get deep into the church... and dig up more information for us."
He tapped his chin. "A perfect inside job."
"But I like that you decided to think it through," Daylan continued. "Honestly, I don't think we're ready for that kind of move just yet. And your strength..."—he paused—"it's not at colonel level. Not yet."
His gaze narrowed slightly. "This raises a real question—why do they want you? They know you're not on their level. So what's the real reason?"
Astara propped her hands on the desk, her gaze steady.
"I thought the same thing," she said quietly. "That's exactly why I chose to think it through."