Obviously the scene outside the viewports held less meaning for Nightshade than for the others, but it still had an effect. There was no honor in such an attack and while he knew little of the Empire, this was enough to show him that they would never be a worthy employer.
Another point this raised was renewed concern for the completion of his current task. It was clear now that there would be no way to finish the job, and also unlikely to be able to even find a surviving member of the royal family to release him. Nightshade was not aware of any precedent among his clan for an employer being killed before a contract meeting was made, and the uncertainty gnawed at him.
It was these thoughts that Collan interrupted with his question. While he was normally one to keep to himself, and certainly not given to speaking of himself or his people, he could see the value of a distraction to these men at this time.
"We are a clan from a remote part of space, and secrecy is our livelihood, so it is not surprising that most are not familiar with us. We contract out as agents known for getting tasks done, generally for governments or the rich and powerful. We have been called spies, thieves and assassins, and those are aspects of what we do, but we see ourselves more as problem solvers and reliable agents than being defined by any one part of the jobs we perform. We are bound by a strict sense of honor and are required to complete a task or be released by our employer before we can return to our people, which is why I found you, Niil."
Nightshade pauses for a breath before continuing, "I am not used to talking of myself, so I will answer what questions you have, if I can."
