The man stared at Asher for a moment, the smile on his lips returning as he asked, "Do you know of anyone's plans to harm the Empire or the Algorith Frontier?"
"No," Asher replied yet again.
The man nodded, then asked, "Were you sent here by anyone, or was this place recommended to you?"
"No to both questions," Asher replied without a change in expression.
The man didn't speak, nor did he ask any more questions. He stared directly into Asher's eyes as though they were engaged in a staring standoff. After a moment, the man raised a hand and snapped his fingers, a portal opening at the side as he spoke.
"You may leave," he stated, the file on the table vanishing as he spoke.
Asher nodded, then turned away, stepping through the portal without looking back. As Asher left, the man called the next number to come in. Acker opened the door and stepped in, his footsteps calm.
"Amitabha," he spoke as he stood opposite the man.
