The orphanage plans emergency measures.
* * * *
Open Arms Orphanage, Mymah
Cheryl listened as Besral read Admiral Tranis’ response to the message he’d sent.
“Our deepest and sincerest apologies for having overlooked those of you who run the orphanage. In the panic to remove personnel in immediate danger from Galactic Council space, we forgot those who are most vulnerable.
“As you no doubt are aware, Kalquorian vessels have been banned forthwith from GC territory following the empire’s accusations of a hostile alien takeover, which I personally can attest to. However, we do have a plan to evacuate the residents of the orphanage in the coming days. With any luck, the GC will continue to remain blind to your presence until we reach you. Hang on and be ready to leave as soon as we arrive.”
When he finished, Cheryl asked, “No actual timeline. Do you think we’re in any danger?”
Besral set aside his com unit on his desk. They were in his office, bare of anything but a desk, chairs, and computer. It was where he carried out his few duties as head of security, a position he’d once characterized as “less than useless.” More often, he was to be found in the gymnasium, leading the children in calisthenics, aerobic activities, and defensive fighting techniques. He loved teaching enough to quell a Nobek’s natural inclination for battle action.
“We continue to attract no attention from the Galactic Council. They seemed to have forgotten us too. As the admiral said, perhaps we’ll be invisible to them long enough to escape.”
“Surely they won’t view us as a threat.”
“Who knows? This news of these dark entities destroying the Bi’isils and taking control of the GC…we’ll have to remain vigilant. And quiet.”
She was shaken at the fear displayed on his rough but beloved features. Not for himself. She was certain his worry was for her and the children.
He needed something to do. So did she. “We can’t just sit here and wait for rescue.”
“No.” Relief erased his anxious expression. “A hiding place is already being worked on by me and my men and the older boys. We can drill the children on evacuation to it as well as to the escape shuttles the fleet will send. You, Marci, and Darci should review the go bags and supplies if we fall under siege for some reason.”
“You and I will determine the particulars, then call a staff
meeting.” Cheryl reached the decision to plan for the worst immediately. She
was no Nobek, but she also preferred action.
* * * *
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.
