Nobek Kuran takes his leave (sort of).
* * * *
Stacy couldn’t help beaming after Toni left. She bragged to Kuran, “She’ll amaze everyone here.”
“Her record on Haven speaks for itself. I’m surprised they haven’t shown up to kidnap her and force her back.”
“Her com’s been buzzing nonstop since she resigned. They’re begging her to reconsider and offering a promotion and raise in salary. Now she’s ours.” Stacy rubbed her hands and cackled in villainous glee.
“You’d better keep her happy so she doesn’t run off.” Kuran’s amused smile faded. “Speaking of which, I guess this is my official goodbye.”
Stacy’s heart gave a lurch, though in truth, Kuran wasn’t going anywhere. He’d continue to spend most of his work hours on Earth II in order to spy on those hostile to its government…and to guard Stacy, whom the Earthtiques had targeted more than once. However, he’d be phased, and she wouldn’t be able to acknowledge his presence.
“Maybe I’ll lose the election. Then we can clan, and I’ll live on Alpha Space Station,” she said.
“As much as I’d love our relationship to be registered, I’m pretty sure you’ll remain governor for the foreseeable future.”
“It’s a tight race. The legislature’s vote to toss Ken out as lieutenant governor after his child bride scandal has actually bolstered his numbers.” Stacy shook her head in disbelief, but Ken Bryant’s excuse he’d married a close friend’s teenage daughter to save her from the sick intentions of the original Earth’s leader had found sympathy…and support.
“When are you signing off on his expulsion?”
“It’s supposed to hit my desk early next week.” Her scowl deepened.
“The election is still yours to win.”
“Either way, he and I will have jobs when it’s said and done.”
Bryant was actually an ally to Stacy, devoted to keeping the Earthtiques from gaining power. He actually had married the underage girl at her dying father’s request to save her from the pedophile Holy Leader Browning Copeland. Stacy believed the marriage hadn’t been consummated.
Bryant’s attempt to shelter her had failed when he was forced to give her up or face execution for treason. His pain over the girl’s fate…she’d died young, as so many of Copeland’s wives had…had set the conservative Bryant against Earthtique plans. They thought he was one of them, however. The information he gained from them provided Stacy information to thwart their plots, including those on her life. Stacy and Bryant had many differences on government policy, but they agreed there was no room for fanatical religious factions in leadership positions.
Stacy respected Ken. “I look forward to restoring his reputation if I win. He’ll have a major cabinet position in my administration. He’s promised the same to me if he ends up the victor.”
“I’m glad he isn’t the asshole I thought he was. I still don’t like him.” Kuran glowered.
“I do. He’s doing important work to keep another Holy Leader from rising to power. Look at the bright side, Kuran. Since you have to be phased all the time now, you can make faces at him and call him bad names. No one will ever know.”
“It’s a nice perk.” A smile softened his rugged features. “I’d better run along. See you soon.”
“Sooner than I’ll see you,” she sighed. She claimed a kiss.
She watched him leave the room and bid Todd goodbye. Todd effusively wished him well and assured him he’d miss having him around. Kuran thanked him and strode off to somewhere he could phase without being observed. He’d return in a matter of minutes, but Stacy wouldn’t know when he did.
The end of an era. She sat heavily in her chair, already missing his obvious presence. She tapped on her computer, hoping to distract herself from how complicated life and love for an Earther and Kalquorian clan had turned out.
Despite a hectic schedule, the day stretched long and empty
before her.
* * * *
Now on sale!
All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in the
crossfire.
Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral, in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terrible events unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquorians in Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate and martial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to the Kalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but how can a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of the Galactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?
Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Station to hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young and irrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stifling restrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, her Kalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending with her stubborn refusal to be kept in check.
Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behind him. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the best course of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speaks louder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’s built, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing the unthinkable?
Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquor and Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re only beginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip on the galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.
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