"You cannot know that will happen for certain," grumbled Xiang, though it was more out of a desire to be contrary than out of any real concern for the spirit of scientific inquiry. He was quickly tiring of the whole affair.

But what did interest him was Enjolras' reaction to the entire thing: puzzled, yes, but hardly panicked. He seemed a level-headed sort, and the Emperor had always valued that in a soldier.

"Then at the very least," he said after a moment, "it appears we have a common enemy, lieutenant. No doubt you know of me in your time, so I think further introductions are hardly necessary."