"Anomaly?" Zouichi thought about that for a second. "I guess it's possible, but a little hard to believe. I mean, out of all the people in the multiverse, we're the only ones they've made angry enough to fight back?"

He snorted. "As long as there are people like Kang taking up space there, scheming and pursuing personal priorities instead of actually doing anything to help the crew at large, the Council's going to stay unpopular. And if it's true what they say, that the Council's only a civilian organization with no other powers, how come they're up front and center every time we're at another Galilee? Where are they when we actually need them?" Zouichi had a dim view of almost everyone on the Council, in case Howard hadn't yet noticed. In fact, he was pretty much sure their sole purpose on the ship was getting elected to the Council.

He put a hand gently on Howard's shoulder. "Anyway, maybe we can work out a deal. Three official secrets a year."