Signum hadn't replied to the omnicomm message. She was too angry at the situation described there. Only very recent memory of hurting innocent people because she didn't think things through was keeping her from attacking random Galileeans until the entire crew was released, and then maybe dropping something heavy on the capital from orbit on principle. Branding people was horrible enough in itself - she could see its uses in an internal caste system, but that didn't make it right. Seizing and assaulting people you had invited in and asked for help? That's not even diplomacy, that's an ambush.

Finally, she has to give voice to her concerns from the corner where she's standing, to whoever happens to be nearby and listening. "Can anyone tell me why we're still here eating hors d'oeuvres and chattingafter members of our crew were attacked?"