Several options ran through her head, but Valdis chose none of them, letting Gene take the lead while she thought about how to counter. Zanru's disappearance, her temper, the loss of her daughter, this mysterious 'husband'. There was so much she didn't know, so she didn't have a lot of ammunition. She shot Gene a look, uncertain of what he meant, but she wouldn't comment on it.

"I expect Yunxu to act exactly as he has planned," Valdis replied smoothly. "And I have no doubt that the Snakes will put up a good fight, but they will lose, because their weapons are inferior, because you abandoned, not just your own family, but the rest of the Kedan as well." she laughed, "In addition, I find it quite amusing that you are are so adamant that us foreigners can't take an interest in the place we call home, even though you seem to have lost interest entirely." She paused. "Why do you care so much for Celaunn anyway? She is technically a war criminal." Another pause, "Of course, she and you do have a bit in common. Both angry, hiding and of course both of you abandoned the society that raised you."

That was interesting now that she thought about it, no wonder Zanru was protective of Celaunn, they were like kindred spirits.