Kuran replaced...by a human
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Earth II
“…and I think it’s safe to say, Earthers are back, baby!”
Kuran’s ears rang as the crowd roared its approval, interrupting Stacy’s speech yet again. The rally to open her campaign to switch from Earth’s appointed leader to its first elected governor had kicked off, and it was crowded by supporters.
She and the other leaders of Earth II, chosen by the Galactic Council of Planets, had gotten the planet off to a great start. They’d had the help of many other species belonging to the council, but Stacy had done everything possible to make sure humans had picked up the torch when possible. Her approval ratings were good, but they didn’t guarantee she’d continue to shepherd Earth II through its infancy. The months of campaigning would be long and no doubt difficult as other candidates threw their hats in the ring.
Win or lose, it was all the same to Kuran. His greatest goal was to keep Stacy safe as she navigated the election. It was the only win he truly cared about, though he supported her hope to continue as Earth’s leader for the next two years. Or eight, if she continued to win elections until she was no longer eligible to serve.
For once, Kuran was unphased in public as he conducted operations. Or, more accurately, as he supervised someone else conducting operations. It wasn’t the case for the other Kalquorians who made up his spy contingent. A dozen of his phased operatives wandered the crowd. They watched for trouble as reinforcements for the human element of the event’s security.
Kuran glanced at Michael Adams, the man who was to take over his official position as head of Earth security…if he proved up to the task.
When the two men had first met, Kuran hadn’t been impressed. Despite his notable credentials, Adams appeared young to the seasoned Nobek to have the experience he claimed. Dark-haired, handsome, and possessing an easy smile, the would-be heir’s presence seemed far too benign for the job’s demands.
He became a different sort of man on the job, however. Drawn brows drove a crease above Adams’ slightly crooked nose. His blue eyes were intense as he surveyed the scene from his post on an elevated platform at the side of the stage where Stacy spoke. The friendly smile was nowhere in evidence, replaced by a frown fierce enough to elicit Kuran’s appreciation. Wearing a dark outfit over body armor, a blaster holstered at his hips, muttering commands into his headset, Adams boasted a distinctive don’t-fuck-with-me presence. He was imposing.
For a human.
Kuran noted a cluster of Earthers packed tight at one side of the stage. No doubt his men were there, keeping an eye on them, but it would be wise to point the grouping out to Adams. He did so.
Adams offered no second-guessing or resistance to Kuran’s direction. “Charlie Group, watch the sardines on the stage edge in your section. They don’t look like trouble, but they’re good cover for someone who’d want to be. Alpha, cover any open spots Charlie leaves behind while they shift location.” Adams noticed another cluster on his own. “Delta, watch the rear corner. Make sure you have a clear view on everyone.”
“Nice pickup on Delta’s section.” Kuran had missed it.
“Next time, I’ll assign another set of eyes up high from the opposite side of the stage. Two guys to a post. If the governor continues to draw crowds this size, we’ll need it. Since more Earthers are arriving every day, we may have to increase our presence.”
“Agreed.”
The audience cheered as Stacy finished her speech. Adams was barking orders in an instant. “Ready for the greet, you know your positions, in place now.”
Kuran watched his beloved as she headed for the steps that would allow her to descend from the stage. The plan was for her to go to the barricade holding the throng back, shake hands, and speak to her would-be voters. No less than half a dozen guards would be at her side, accompanied by two phased Kalquorian sentries. Nonetheless, tension sang through him and Adams as they watched her.
At last, it was over, Stacy smiling and waving as she was escorted to the shuttle waiting behind the stage’s vid backdrop. On it was depicted Earth II’s emblem of the planet wrapped in a banner emblazoned with the motto Vita Nova, Spes Nova: New Life, New Hope.
And a new head of security, ready to take up the challenge Kuran was to leave behind in a few short weeks. Kuran was beginning to feel pretty confident about his replacement…especially since the Nobek would be sticking close to Stacy in any case.
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Out tomorrow! Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print
Time
is running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’s
annihilation.
Finally home on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, which he barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’s existence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks have arrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from an unthinkable end.
On Earth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting his potential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a rogue lieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning when a deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile, spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporter Blythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering the truth, including their secret activities on her world?
Having wiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of the Galactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to its knees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroying Kalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethal enemy capable of passing through all known barriers?
Releasing January 26
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