Now On Sale: Dark Empire Book One: Shadows Approach - Read Chapter Five

 

It's out! Thank you so much, everyone who bought the print copy, pre-ordered the ebook, and left ratings/reviews. 

Excerpts will no longer be posted after Sunday. I hope you've enjoyed this extended sneak peek into the first of the Dark Empire series. In today's entry, Stacy's lieutenant governor has a few choice words about her spending time with Clan Rihep.

"The intricacies of its politics, the secrets hidden within its shadows, and the underlying mysteries kept me engaged throughout the entire story." -Amazon review

* * * *

Earth II, spaceport

Kuran hadn’t fully quelled his anger by the time his clanmates showed up in Earth’s spaceport, so he didn’t bother to hide it. Etnil would have noted it in any case. For all his playful tendencies, his Imdiko was a talented psychologist, and he knew Kuran too damned well.

“Uh oh.” Etnil greeted him with a hug and a half-smile as soon as he stepped out of the hatch. “Did someone spit on one of your knives?”

Kuran attempted to joke. “Worse, if you can believe it.” He filled him and Rihep in on the news that Piras and Kila were to arrive in a couple of weeks.

All humor fled from Etnil’s expression. “That’s fucked up, my Nobek. You must be furious.”

“I’m sorry, Kuran.” Rihep squeezed his shoulder. “I wish I could say something to help you deal with this news.”

Their gentle support bolstered his strength. “Thanks. I can’t imagine how I’ll look Piras in the face and not shove my fist in it. Even though he was right to do it and he kept Kalquor from falling into the Basma’s hands—”

“Stop,” Etnil ordered. “You’re allowed to be angry. Stay honest where your emotions are concerned. I have faith you can cope, especially as little as you’ll be required to do so directly, but you don’t have to sugarcoat it.”

“Right.” Kuran drew a deep breath and found he felt better. Just seconds in the presence of his clanmates, his lifelong friends and companions, and everything fell into place. “Are you ready for me to introduce you to a big reason why I’m willing to try?”

“Well, yeah.” Etnil’s lips twisted in a mischievous grin. “You don’t think I left the tin can to merely breathe real air and walk in rolling meadows under the shining sun, do you? Gotta have a beautiful woman to do so with.”

“It’s nightfall.”

“Like I said, a walk in rolling meadows under the glowing moon with a beautiful woman. Do you need your hearing checked?”

* * * *

Earth II, governor’s office

“Dramok Rihep and Dr. Etnil. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Stacy hurried around the desk to shake their hands. She probably looked too eager to do so, especially when Ken Bryant sat in the chair in front of her desk.

As if Kuran wasn’t a slab of beefy goodness on his own, he had the audacity to have equally gorgeous clanmates. Rihep was a dream, his features heart-stopping thanks to a square jaw and perfect smile. Etnil beamed, and she noted the gleam in his purple gaze. She’d laughed at plenty of Kuran’s stories about his jokester Imdiko.

“It’s a delight, Governor Nichols. We’ve looked forward to making your acquaintance.” Rihep bowed after he released her hand, but his gaze remained locked on hers. Stacy felt zapped by electricity.

Hello, instant lust.

“I’d given up on meeting you. Having Kuran as our representative, there seemed to be no hope to make friends. Thank you for giving us a chance to say hello despite his many faults. You’re a saint.” Etnil also bowed while affecting a worshipful expression.

Stacy laughed. “You’re exactly as he described.”

“Charming? Brilliant?”

“Excuse us a moment.” Kuran grabbed Etnil in a headlock and pulled him away yelping as Rihep turned to the lieutenant governor and offered his hand. “Mr. Bryant, I recognize you from the news feeds. Congratulations on your new planet. My sincerest wishes for every success.”

Bryant rose to his feet after an instant’s hesitation. He shook Rihep’s hand. “Thank you, Dramok Rihep. I offer much appreciation for your assistance in getting us up and running as head of supplying the planet.” He glanced at Kuran and Etnil, now standing quietly, to include them.

“All credit goes to the indomitable Earther spirit. I’m excited for this new start for your people.”

Bryant appeared flustered to Stacy. Most Kalquorians he’d met were aware of his stance concerning their further involvement in the planet’s affairs and had adopted attitudes of distance. Rihep’s kind sincerity and enthusiasm must have been a shock.

“We’re excited too. Thank you again.” He managed a tight smile for the group. “If you’ll excuse me? I hope you enjoy your visit, sirs.”

He flashed an intent glance at Stacy, and she suppressed a sigh. “Let me see you out, Ken.”

She followed him to the door, then just outside it when he failed to pause. He turned to her and whispered, “Is this seemly conduct for our governor? I can’t imagine an official reason for you to meet these men.”

“They’re part of what made this world possible.” She gave him as bland an expression as she could muster. “Perhaps not Kuran’s Imdiko; he’s on the space station purely as mental health support for the Kalquorians stationed there. But Rihep has coordinated supplying our infrastructure needs and will continue to do so in the near future. The biggest reason they’re here is because I have to work closely with Kuran. He’s done a great deal to put into place the planet’s security needs against the extreme factions that continue to exist.” She wondered if she were speaking to a member of such a faction.

“I’m aware of these matters. Dramok Rihep and Nobek Kuran have done an exemplary job carrying out their duties, for which they’re well compensated. A simple thank-you isn’t sufficient?”

“Earth wouldn’t have happened without Kalquor’s assistance, as little as a vocal few would care to admit it. I feel an extra effort to extend our people’s appreciation is fitting.”

“The vocal few, as you call them, will make their opinions known if they feel you’re falling under alien influence. Particularly aliens we fought a war against a decade ago.” He spoke through gritted teeth.

“Then it’s a good thing Kuran is around to keep an eye on them.” Stacy was determined Bryant wouldn’t be the only one issuing veiled threats.

“For now. Even those who aren’t traditionalists are determined this world is Earther only, so they’ll be demanding the few Kalquorians present move on as soon as possible. They won’t accept a governor who joins a Kalquorian clan or house.”

Stacy stared at him levelly. “I’ve done neither, nor do I intend to in the foreseeable future. Earth is my primary focus.”

“What’s your personal focus?”

“That’s my business.”

“The people will make it their business.” What she’d taken as hostility abruptly lessened, but Bryant was still intent. “I’m looking out for your best interests, Stacy. You’ll gain a lot more acceptance as a leader, and a chance to be elected to remain so, if you remember this planet is Earth’s rebirth and not Kalquor the Second. You might want to remind your friends in there of it as well.”

Seething, she replied, “I will, while we have dinner at my residence tonight.” She turned on her heel and re-entered the office. “Door, close.”

She hoped it did so in his condescending face.

Kuran’s eyes narrowed as he looked at her. Rihep’s expression remained pleasant, but his gaze was intent.

Etnil cocked his head in boyish inquisitiveness. “Is everything all right? Does anyone require electro-shock therapy?”

Kuran glanced at him, his brows lowering. “Electro-what therapy?”

“An ancient Earth technique designed to calm frantic minds. Would you like to try it? I’ll be glad to set up a demonstration for you.”

Stacy’s irritation drained away in the face of his humor. Though she hadn’t intended to ask the clan over, wasn’t even sure if what was available to serve them would be to their liking, she was determined to make a point. “Hey, what do you say to coming to my place for a spaghetti dinner? I’ve had marinara simmering all day. I won’t vouch for cooking to Kalquorian tastes, but I’m no slouch when it comes to wielding a spatula.”

Rihep brightened, and he glanced at his clanmates, who appeared as delighted. “Thank you, Governor. We’d be happy to join you.”

“Only if you call me Stacy. I don’t stand on ceremony at my table.”

“Then yes, Stacy.”

Could they be any more handsome when they smiled? The night was looking up.

 * * * * 

A new planet. A new enemy. Is the end coming for the Kalquorian Empire?

In the aftermath of the Kalquorian civil war and the defeat of the Bi’is invasion fleet, the empire has enjoyed peace. A new Earth has been born. A Kalquorian leads the Galactic Council of Planets. An era of harmony seems assured.

However, new dangers arrive on the horizon. Governor Stacy Nichols finds herself at odds with powerful opponents who want Earth II to return to the old ways that led to the demise of their original planet. They’ll do anything to stop her, especially when they discover her newfound romance with Clan Rihep of Kalquor.

After five years and a terrifying encounter with an unknown entity, Clan Piras is finally leaving their spy duties in Bi’is space. Now they must face enemies closer to home: the families of those they sacrificed while on a secret mission during the Kalquorian civil war.

A new threat to the existence of Kalquor and the entire Galactic Council of Planets arrives in the midst of these challenges, a dark menace unlike anything faced before. One young, inexperienced spyship ensign is all that stands between the galaxy and utter destruction. Can he warn the empire in time…or is it already too late?

Dark Empire 1: Shadows Approach is now on sale at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Dark Empire Book One: Shadows Approach Chapter Four Scene 2

 

Out tomorrow! Who's ready?

On today's excerpt, Nobek Kuran learns he'll work with the man responsible for his brother's death...none other than Admiral Piras.

"Shadows Approach is an enthralling masterpiece that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment." -Amazon review

* * * *

Alpha Space Station

After Kuran accompanied Stacy to her office and assured himself she wouldn’t leave for the next hour or two, he took a shuttle to the orbiting space station and hurried to its operations section.

To his relief, he made it to his scheduled meeting in a conference room with minutes to spare. Rear Admiral Hobato and Admiral Tranis were already there. The Dramok fleet officers sat at one end of a long table, speaking in low tones.

They rose as Kuran entered, and he bowed. He was no longer an official member of the Kalquorian fleet, merely a contractor, but it was a thrill to work with members of the highest command.

“Admirals, it’s an honor.”

“The honor is ours, Head of Earth Security. You’ve had your hands full, I’m sure, since the governor’s arrival and the Imperial Clan’s visit. Please, sit.” Hobato, aged and dignified, motioned to the chair to his right, across the table from Tranis.

“It’s been hectic, but the transfer of power has been seamless thus far.”

“It may be another story when the residents arrive in force.” Tranis’ smile flashed in his bearded face. He was the youngest admiral to have achieved his rank, and Kuran wondered if it was the reason he appeared older than his years.

“What of the lieutenant governor and the legislators who hold to more traditional Earther values?” Hobato asked.

The Earthtiques had been Kalquor’s and the Galactic Council’s greatest concern. No one wanted to see a return of the tyrannical regime that had started a horrific war with Kalquor a decade before, ending with the original Earth’s destruction.

“Thus far, the traditionalists have kept their disagreements polite. The lieutenant governor did go out of his way to avoid speaking to the Imperial Clan and other Kalquorians during the official welcome to Governor Nichols.”

“In many cases, loyalty can be problematic, especially when it involves Old Earth’s ideology.”

“Fortunately, Governor Nichols is of better character.” It required effort to keep the warmth from his voice, but Kuran managed.

“You proved your loyalty to Kalquor during the civil conflict,” Tranis observed, switching subjects abruptly.

“I should hope so. Honor and empire.”

“Including when it’s painful? Objectional on a personal level?”

What were they up to? Kuran hadn’t been given any idea what the meeting was about beforehand. “War against one’s own kind isn’t painful enough?”

“There can be worse conflicts. At least we were allowed to charge into battle and face our foes eye to eye.” Tranis glanced at Hobato, then returned his gaze to Kuran. “You know why we brought you in to head Earth’s on-planet security as a contractor.”

“There are those Earthers who resent Kalquor despite the reparations the empire has paid. An official military presence wouldn’t be accepted by the Earthtiques…er, the traditionalists.”

Both admirals quirked slight smiles at his slip. “The planet needs our protection at this time, however,” Hobato said. “Trag is always problematic for worlds lacking adequate security. Though it’s distant and backward enough to be of negligible concern, Asicar has also been showing signs of aggression recently.”

“Asicar? That planet hasn’t come up in conversation since my grandfathers’ time.”

Hobato waved a dismissive hand. “They’re making threats, probably just to remind us they exist. Bi’is kept them under their thumb for decades. Since Bi’is is no longer a danger, Asicar is eager to be taken seriously.”

“As before, they’re doing it the wrong way.” Tranis shook his head. “In any event, there are dangers to Earth. Kalquor is in the best position to ward off those dangers, but a vocal minority of Earthers will scream loudly if we offer overt protection.”

Kuran’s brow rose. “Spyships?”

“They have some fighting capability. They’ll be part of our defense of Earth.” Hobato tapped on the computer before him, and a holoscreen beamed over the table.

Kuran frowned at the unfamiliar ship displayed. It made him think of a cross between a destroyer and the decommissioned raider class, but it had sleeker lines. It reminded him of an incredibly thin arrowhead. “New ships?”

“These will make up our main space-oriented defense of the planet. This is a marauder-class fighter. They can function in the atmosphere as well as space. They’re smaller and possess less firepower than destroyers, but they’re faster than destroyers or the old raiders. They’re outfitted with the latest of phasing technology, as the spyships are.”

Kuran admired the vessel. “How big of a crew?”

“Up to fifty, and they’ll each carry a dozen single-man fighters. If Earth is attacked by a force twice the size of the squadron of twenty-five we’ve assigned to the planet, we should be able to fend it off until the destroyers on Fropan Base arrive.”

Kuran whistled. Fropan Base, a fleet military space station, was an hour away at a destroyer’s top speed. That the marauders would be able to hold out against fifty Tragoom ships was impressive.

He grinned at Tranis. “I’m guessing you’ll be in command of these beauties?”

“As tempting as the idea is, no. This may be where you find loyalty to honor and empire painful, Kuran.”

“Sir?”

“The man in charge will be Admiral Piras.”

Kuran went still, the name ringing shrill in his skull. His fangs began to descend. He fought off the instinct with reluctant determination.

“I see.”

“Indeed.” Hobato regarded him, displaying no emotion. “He and Captain Kila will oversee Earth’s defense from hostiles off the planet. Their squadron will be phased at all times, and you won’t have to speak to them too often. A check in once a month is all we require, if everything remains peaceful.”

“The Laro Station ruse remains a sore spot for many Kalquorians.” Tranis spoke quietly.

Ruse? Kuran’s hands tried to curl in fists, and he forced his fingers straight.

Laro Station had been a butchery. One of Kuran’s younger brothers had been on it when the Basma’s forces had overrun it and killed everyone on board. Piras had given them the means to do so. He’d killed Jeridy as sure as if he’d cut his throat.

Hobato and Tranis were watching him, waiting to learn his reaction. It occurred to Kuran that if he refused to work with Piras, he’d be dismissed from Earth. He’d have to leave Stacy.

His voice was rough. “Laro allowed Piras and Kila to get close to the Basma. It was the station or a civilian target, was my understanding.”

Tranis dipped a nod. “Only a high-value site would have brought Piras into the traitors’ fold. It was a hard decision for him.”

Kuran imagined it was. Jeridy would have volunteered to be sacrificed if he’d known. It had meant an honorable death, the greatest wish of a warrior Nobek.

It didn’t help Kuran feel better about losing him. Nor did the argument that Piras’ and Kila’s actions had directly resulted in saving Haven Colony from the Basma, where his other brother Mejir had been stationed as part of its frontline defenses. Mejir lived, thanks to the man who’d brought Jeridy’s death.

He drew a deep breath and put as many of his emotions aside as he could manage. “I doubt you could have found a more suitable person to do whatever must be done to maintain Earth’s safety.”

Tranis’ brow lifted in subdued amusement. “Piras is nothing if effective and loyal to the empire, over all other considerations. Can you maintain a professional relationship with him?”

Could he? Kuran considered it. If he kept Stacy and Mejir front and center in his mind, those whom he could lose and had nearly lost…maybe. If he could fend off Jeridy’s young face in his imagination despite the loss still echoing in his heart.

“I can work with Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to keep Earth safe.”

“Very well.” Hobato appeared pleased. “We’ve long hoped to restore Clan Piras’ reputation in the empire. I thank you for helping us take this first step.”

Kuran managed to refrain from telling Hobato he wanted nothing to do with resurrecting Piras’ standing on Kalquor. It was damned hard to hold a snarl at bay.

 * * * * 

A new planet. A new enemy. Is the end coming for the Kalquorian Empire?

In the aftermath of the Kalquorian civil war and the defeat of the Bi’is invasion fleet, the empire has enjoyed peace. A new Earth has been born. A Kalquorian leads the Galactic Council of Planets. An era of harmony seems assured.

However, new dangers arrive on the horizon. Governor Stacy Nichols finds herself at odds with powerful opponents who want Earth II to return to the old ways that led to the demise of their original planet. They’ll do anything to stop her, especially when they discover her newfound romance with Clan Rihep of Kalquor.

After five years and a terrifying encounter with an unknown entity, Clan Piras is finally leaving their spy duties in Bi’is space. Now they must face enemies closer to home: the families of those they sacrificed while on a secret mission during the Kalquorian civil war.

A new threat to the existence of Kalquor and the entire Galactic Council of Planets arrives in the midst of these challenges, a dark menace unlike anything faced before. One young, inexperienced spyship ensign is all that stands between the galaxy and utter destruction. Can he warn the empire in time…or is it already too late?

Dark Empire 1: Shadows Approach releases Friday! Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.