A certain troublesome reporter needs to be watched.
* * * *
Alpha
Space Station
“It’s quite easy to get to you, Admiral Piras. Too easy, I’m afraid,” Kuran noted as he stood on the other side of the Dramok’s desk, where a computer and a picture of his clan’s Matara rested.
“Are you here to kill me?” Piras was chipper for a man wearing a bullseye on him while his Nobek was off on a mission. Amusement danced in his gaze.
“I prefer to wait for Captain Kila’s return. It’ll be greater fun if I have to go through him first.”
Kuran could hardly believe he joked with Piras, the man responsible for his youngest brother’s death. The more they interacted, however, the more he appreciated the corner Piras had been backed into during the war. Forced to choose to give up the military installation, where Kuran’s sibling had been stationed, in favor of a civilian colony hadn’t been a choice at all. Piras’ mission to stop the rebellion had robbed him of a safe home for himself and his clan. As the weeks had passed, Kuran’s enmity had begun to ease into respect.
“I don’t accept meetings with those who might take the opportunity to cut my throat because of Laro,” Piras said. “You’re a man of honor, and you’ve sworn to work for the good of Earth. Therefore, I allow you easy access to me so we can guarantee the humans their safety.”
Kuran was tempted to phase and discover who was guarding Piras in his stark, barely decorated office. He had no doubt, despite Piras’ assertion of confidence in his honor, there was someone else there. Another Nobek warrior, ready to unphase and blast Kuran to pieces if he made a wrong move.
He bent his head to Piras in thanks for being complimented. “I’m grateful you agreed to see me on such short notice.”
“That’s all you ever give me, Security Chief. Sit, if you wish. What can I do for you today?”
Kuran didn’t sit. His preference to stand tended to make Stacy antsy, but Piras was well-used to Nobeks who wished to remain on their feet. “I’ve heard it rumored you’ve employed the use of nanospies to great effect. Your Matara engineers the best of those units, and they’re rarely detected.”
“You’ve dug deep in our records since we brought you in as our agent.”
“I wish to be familiar with tools which could help me in my job.”
Piras regarded him. “Who are you thinking of tracking in an up-close manner? Your personal relationship with the governor makes me doubt it’s her. The lieutenant governor? Bryant has questionable ties to supposed Earthtiques.”
Kuran would have loved to set a nanospy on Ken Bryant, but he was aware of the potential blowup between Kalquor and Earth if it were discovered the empire was keeping close tabs on one of Earth’s top officials. As yet, there wasn’t a valid reason to take such a drastic step.
“I’d like to keep watch on a news reporter named Blythe Nelson. She’s come into private information about Governor Nichols she shouldn’t have had access to. I want to know who’s talking to her.”
“Sensitive information?” Piras leaned forward.
“Nothing to put the government or Earth in danger. It’s the potential of her discovering such material which concerns me. If I can find her source in the governor’s circle, I can watch the leak…and remove it, should it become a threat.”
“You’ll confer with me before drastic action, unless the safety of the governor or Earth is in imminent peril,” Piras warned.
“Of course.” Kuran didn’t consider beating sense into a would-be problem as drastic action, particularly when it came to Stacy. Intimidation had its proper place, after all.
“My Matara…Specialist Nath, that is, has developed new nanospies. Better sensors, capable of moving themselves around to escape detection. She’s applied for field testing. As there’s no immediate risk where this reporter is concerned and she’s a civilian rather than someone in an official governmental capacity, this could serve as the opportunity we need.”
“I’d be glad to assist in the devices’ testing.” Satisfaction curled warm in his belly. He’d been worried Piras would refuse him the use of a nanospy.
“I’ll have Hope…” Piras huffed, obviously irritated at himself for using her given name in an official meeting. “Specialist Nath will contact you and go over the parameters of using the nanospy. Since the subject is a civilian, certain personal spaces like the subject’s bedroom will be blocked from your video and audio feed. The information will still be recorded, but only Nath will have access to it.”
“Understood.” Kuran felt relief. He hadn’t considered he might witness intimate moments of Matara Nelson’s routine. The idea he might have when he was committed to Stacy sat badly on his conscience. He was glad Piras had thought of it.
“No one else is to view the rest of the footage except you and Nath. I’ll inspect it if either of you feels there’s a reason for me to. Otherwise, I’ll rely on your regular reports to keep me apprised of the situation.”
“Thank you, Admiral.” Kuran appreciated Piras thought enough of him to allow him so much autonomy. Yet again, he was struck by how much respect he was finding for the man who’d put his brother in his grave. Why couldn’t the Dramok give him the ability to continue hating him?
* * * *
The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of key positions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders are still unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.
Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due to restrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by and watch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back to the political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire, leaving it vulnerable to invasion.
Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man who can detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle by Captains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a race against time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are they already too late?
On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with Clan Rihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly moves against her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. Nobek Kuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but how can he stop a faceless enemy?
Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breaking point at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever. The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.
Releasing Friday, November 3!
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