Fleet Commander Admiral Hobato is free of Dark influence...but the news is far from good.
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Kalquor
Dramok Tranis’ heart ached to see Rear Admiral Hobato looking as he did. The dark circles under his eyes were nearly black. Those eyes wore a haunted look. Tranis was positive the soft gray sheen of Hobato’s long hair had grown closer to white overnight.
The worst part was seeing the desperation and helplessness filling his commanding officer’s expression. Hobato had risen to the pinnacle of the Kalquorian Empire’s space fleet because he embodied confidence and strength. Both qualities appeared markedly diminished.
Tranis had considered his superior a mentor. Hobato was that alone, not a friend or a father figure. Nonetheless, he felt the sort of grief he’d have experienced should such a person be laid as low as Hobato had been. As a leader, he was everything Tranis aspired to.
He was temporarily choked up and grateful when Admiral Piras spoke, giving him a moment to recover. “Sir, you’re sure multiple Darks have taken key positions in the Galactic Council’s governing board?”
“I recall only snatches of mind-to-mind communications between them, but yes. What little I heard tells me the ranking members have been overcome.” It was obvious to Tranis the monumental effort it took for Hobato to speak with his usual assurance.
Kalquor’s Nobek emperor Bevau, his handsome face grim, watched Hobato intently. “Secretary-General Mereta?”
Hobato shook his head, guilt flooding his strained features. “I can’t be certain he’s among the ridden. If it were up to me, I’d assume the worst, though.”
“If it were up to you?” Piras’ face, elegant but for a strong jaw, tensed.
“I don’t kid myself. I’m in no shape to lead Fleet Command at this time. Piras, I know you have seniority over Tranis—”
“But I’m assigned to Earth’s protection. You need an officer here on Kalquor to assume the reins while you recover.”
The three men turned their gazes to Tranis. His jaw dropped in shock. “There are other admirals senior to me in years of service.”
“You’ve been at the forefront of exposing these Darks. Or the All, as Admiral Hobato says they refer to themselves.” Bevau accorded a respectful nod.
A frown pulled at Hobato’s mouth. “A single entity dividing itself as needed. The smaller divisions continue to consider themselves one with it.”
“Sir—” Tranis began.
“This All is a grave threat to the empire. To the galaxy. Except for the past threat of our extinction, it may be the greatest danger we’ve faced in our history. You recognized this to be true and worked to expose it despite the dangers it posed to your career. You chanced court martial. Until I’ve recovered some semblance of myself, I’m appointing you as interim commander of the fleet, Admiral Tranis.” Hobato managed a weary smile to take the sting from his abrupt tone.
Tranis swallowed. His mind boggled at the responsibility he faced until Hobato was deemed fit to return to his post. “Yes sir.”
“It’s clear I don’t have to impress on you the gravity of the situation. The All is on its way, and it plans to destroy us as it did the entire race of the Bi’isils.”
* * * *
Blythe Nelson is certain Clan Deram is keeping something from her. The clan of spies finds it difficult to stay a step ahead of the wily reporter who’s winning their hearts. What they don’t know is Blythe has a secret of her own. New love can’t survive without trust, and neither side is ready when the truth comes out.
Dramok Ospar, determined to return to the political stage, strikes up a deal with Royal Councilman Oiteil. Unaware he’s dealing with a Dark entity controlling Oiteil, he finds himself fighting for his honor, his relationship with his clan…and his life.
The Kalquorian Empire, already struggling against the Darks infiltrating its highest offices, suffers a new blow when it’s revealed it’s keeping a prisoner from the war against the first Earth: Holy Leader Browning Copeland. The schism between Kalquor and its allies grows deeper, setting the empire against the rest of the galaxy.
As chaos descends on rioting Earther colonies, the Galactic Council of Planets, and Kalquor, a desperate group of humans and Kalquorians race to stop the force behind the turmoil: the Darks. Can they loosen the grip on their worlds the enemy seeks to tighten, or is all lost?
Releasing March 29. Pre-order ebook or buy print now:
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