Tracy St. John's Blog, page 12

On Sale Now - Dark Empire: Infiltration - Chapter Six Scene Four

 

 It's on sale now! Make sure you grab your copy of Infiltration, because the free preview posts will be ending soon. You won't want to miss this as the Darks come ever closer to destroying the Kalquorian Empire. 

Buy now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

And now, for our short but significant scene: two great captains come together to discover what happened to Ilid's ship and crewmates.

* * * *

CaptainNako’s marauder

Theship suddenly blared alarms as another vessel appeared off its bow. Nako andhis weapons commander shouted oaths and slammed their fists on their controlpanels in the same instant, furious at the surprise. Fortunately, the marauderand its computer podiums had been built to withstand damage from temperamentalcrewmen.

“Alarms,off!” Terig shouted, his command slurred by his descended fangs. “Assholes!”

Nakowilled his own fangs to fold to the roof of his mouth as he sent evil wishes tothe captain of the chevron-shaped spyship on his main vid. “They must be whatAdmiral Tranis told us to stand by unphased for.”

Asif on cue, Com Officer Vaskiz spoke. “Captain Kila of S-S-one-zero-three-eightis hailing us, Captain Nako. Audio only.”

“Kila.”Mingled irritation and relief made his voice rough. Ensign Ilid had named hiscaptain as another man, but Nako had worried about Kila’s fate nonetheless.“Answer.”

“Online.”

“CaptainKila, you nearly got yourself shot in the face. Of course, it might have beenan improvement for your ugly mug.”

Laughterfilled Kila’s rough voice. Nako could imagine the fiend’s usual mocking grinstretched from ear to ear. “Captain Nako, I figured if anyone could appreciatea joke, it would be you. Do you need a change of uniform, or shall we resumephase and discuss why Admiral Tranis sent me here?”

Nakoand Terig exchanged grudging smirks. It had been a good trick. “Come on over.Bring your head engineer. He’ll want to verify our forensics team’s assessmentthat the recovered shuttle’s home ship blew up around it.”

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Now on sale!Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Infiltration: Chapter Six Scene Three - Releases Friday

 

Tara in tears: a lovers' quarrel has major implications for the empire.

* * * *

Kalquor

Tarawatched Yuder from across the courtyard. He knelt in vajrasana, hispreferred meditation pose. He would have appeared to be deep in contemplationbut for the severe crease between his steel-colored brows.

Shedrew a breath. Calm, she counseled herself. Neutrality. Both hadbecome challenges in the days since he’d returned home.

Shepadded barefoot along the tiled ground. Her silk robes whispered, telling herbeloved of her approach long before she arrived. The divots of his disquietvanished as a slight smile appeared on his lips. His eyes opened as she sankonto the mat in front of his. For a golden moment, she allowed herself to baskin the warmth of his regard.

“You’rehaving trouble going deep.” She let her concern show.

“Mystomach is growling. You’d think I’d learn to have my meals prior tomeditation.” He grinned.

Tarahad a strict policy of not allowing her students to skirt their integrity.While Yuder wasn’t a student, he was too important for her to let him get awaywith a half-truth.

“You’restruggling. There isn’t enough meaningful activity for you to direct yourattention toward.”

Ashadow of guilt appeared on his sharp features. “I’m trying, my Matara. Isearch for duty of significance, a task of value. I hate to admit it, but Iwasn’t made for this era of peace. As grateful as I am for the contentment ofthe empire, I’ve never known the harmony it’s enjoying. It makes no sense tome.”

“It’smore a matter of the restrictions placed upon you, isn’t it? There’s alwayssome struggle to overcome for a society, even in peacetime. Your inability tobe involved on any level is what chafes.”

Hegrimaced. “As always, you see to the heart of my dilemma. I feel useless, Tara.This is death for me.”

“Isthat why you keep sneaking off to meet Councilman Oiteil?”

Hestilled. Another flash of guilt, accompanied by anger. “You’d never spy on me.”

“Youhave friends who have spotted you together, and they’re worried. They commed meyesterday. They thought it best I speak to you before Clajak or the High Courtfinds out.” She held up a hand to forestall the explosion his darkening facewarned was coming. “They wouldn’t report you, Yuder. But who else mightdiscover what you’ve been doing? The war is long over, but the Imperial Familyhas its opponents.”

“Oiteilseeks me. He speaks, but I offer nothing that could be construed as meddling ingovernmental affairs. I assure you, my Royal Guard escort would testify to it.”

Sheached for him. His need to be essential to his empire was blinding him to thetrouble he courted…or it was too much for him to care.

“Yuder.Please, for the sakes of those who love you, consider very carefully what couldhappen. If Oiteil is instigating these encounters, it’s on you to decline them.Mere social interaction with a sitting councilman, even in full view ofwitnesses who’d corroborate you’ve said nothing out of turn…it could still landyou in trouble. The Galactic Council’s High Court was specific.”

“Ohyes, they spelled it out quite clearly,” he growled. “I’m essentially to turntail and run if the lowliest Royal Council aide heads in my direction.Ancestors forbid I say hello to anyone who’s ever set a toe in the GovernmentHouse.”

“Irealize it’s difficult—”

“Doyou? Do you honestly understand what it is to have to stand by when the empireI once ruled is facing new challenges?” There was furious frustration in hisexpression and voice, but he took her hands gently to show it wasn’t directedat her. “There’s backlash against Earther males being made legal clanmates.Against the laws changed to accommodate up to ten legal bondings in a singlehousehold. The new Earth is already dealing with protestors determined to cutit off from Galactic Council planets, particularly ours. A spyship orbitingBi’is has disappeared. If the Bi’isils have developed a weapon—”

“Yuder!”She stared at him, stunned at how deep Oiteil had pulled him in. She couldn’thelp but glance around the courtyard, worried someone might have overheard him.Fortunately, his pair of Royal Guards stood well beyond hearing range. A dozenor so of her disciples were meditating in the area, at a distance where it wasunlikely they’d picked up on the whispered conversation.

“Youcan’t do this,” she implored. “Oiteil has to understand the trouble he couldget you in. You must know! My love, please. I don’t want you taken fromme again. Am I of so little importance?”

“Ofcourse not. My Matara, you can’t think it. But if the empire needs me—”

“Youare banned.” She emphasized each word, desperate for him to recognize theimpossibility of his situation. “No matter what happens, no matter how unhappyit makes you, no matter the challenges Kalquor encounters, this is your realitynow.”

“Oiteilthinks the Royal Council might vote to reverse the High Court’s sentence.”

Shestared at him. “He can’t be serious.”

“Ithought so also, at first. He and a few others are quietly speaking to theircolleagues, and he says he think he can gain the support needed to bring backnot only me to public service, but Rajhir and Ospar as well. He says theremight be enough votes to overturn the Imperial Clan should they attempt to vetosuch a motion.”

Tara’smind whirled at the implications. “If Clajak opposed overturning the HighCourt’s sentence, which he probably will because he prefers to uphold theirauthority, he’d never consult you about issues of state. He loves you, but ifhe were to ignore your sentence, it would be seen as a rebuttal of the justicebranch’s authority.”

“He’dbe correct, and I don’t expect him to approve. It wouldn’t make a difference. Icould belong to a watchdog group that reports to the Royal Council. I wouldn’tbe a decision-maker, just a concerned citizen helping them perform their dutyto the empire.”

Itwas hard to speak her conscience and fears in the face of his excitement, butTara was certain Yuder and Oiteil weren’t considering the ramifications of whatthey proposed. “Yuder, you must tread lightly. In the end, what a few RoyalCouncilmen wish doesn’t have any bearing. It was your first conviction and thepardon that followed most feel tipped Kalquor into civil war. I doubt thepeople want a reminder of it, and if they’re asked to reflect on it, they won’tagree. If the High Court believes you’re conspiring to a return to publicservice—”

“Conspiring!”Yuder stared at her. “This wasn’t my idea. I’ve done nothing but listen to whatOiteil has to say on the behalf of a number of others. If my people call forme, I can’t stand by and not answer. I’m sorry if you don’t understand what hingeson this, for me and my empire.”

Hestood. Before Tara could think of anything to say, he sped out of thecourtyard, leaving her sitting alone and on the verge of tears.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing Friday, November 3!

Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Infiltration: Chapter Six Scene Two - Releases Friday

 

 A certain troublesome reporter needs to be watched.

* * * *

AlphaSpace Station

“It’squite easy to get to you, Admiral Piras. Too easy, I’m afraid,” Kuran noted ashe stood on the other side of the Dramok’s desk, where a computer and a pictureof his clan’s Matara rested.

“Areyou here to kill me?” Piras was chipper for a man wearing a bullseye on him whilehis Nobek was off on a mission. Amusement danced in his gaze.

“Iprefer to wait for Captain Kila’s return. It’ll be greater fun if I have to gothrough him first.”

Kurancould hardly believe he joked with Piras, the man responsible for his youngestbrother’s death. The more they interacted, however, the more he appreciated thecorner Piras had been backed into during the war. Forced to choose to give upthe military installation, where Kuran’s sibling had been stationed, in favorof a civilian colony hadn’t been a choice at all. Piras’ mission to stop therebellion had robbed him of a safe home for himself and his clan. As the weekshad passed, Kuran’s enmity had begun to ease into respect.

“Idon’t accept meetings with those who might take the opportunity to cut mythroat because of Laro,” Piras said. “You’re a man of honor, and you’ve swornto work for the good of Earth. Therefore, I allow you easy access to me so wecan guarantee the humans their safety.”

Kuranwas tempted to phase and discover who was guarding Piras in his stark, barelydecorated office. He had no doubt, despite Piras’ assertion of confidence inhis honor, there was someone else there. Another Nobek warrior, ready tounphase and blast Kuran to pieces if he made a wrong move.

Hebent his head to Piras in thanks for being complimented. “I’m grateful youagreed to see me on such short notice.”

“That’sall you ever give me, Security Chief. Sit, if you wish. What can I do for youtoday?”

Kurandidn’t sit. His preference to stand tended to make Stacy antsy, but Piras waswell-used to Nobeks who wished to remain on their feet. “I’ve heard it rumoredyou’ve employed the use of nanospies to great effect. Your Matara engineers thebest of those units, and they’re rarely detected.”

“You’vedug deep in our records since we brought you in as our agent.”

“Iwish to be familiar with tools which could help me in my job.”

Pirasregarded him. “Who are you thinking of tracking in an up-close manner? Yourpersonal relationship with the governor makes me doubt it’s her. The lieutenantgovernor? Bryant has questionable ties to supposed Earthtiques.”

Kuranwould have loved to set a nanospy on Ken Bryant, but he was aware of thepotential blowup between Kalquor and Earth if it were discovered the empire waskeeping close tabs on one of Earth’s top officials. As yet, there wasn’t avalid reason to take such a drastic step.

“I’dlike to keep watch on a news reporter named Blythe Nelson. She’s come intoprivate information about Governor Nichols she shouldn’t have had access to. Iwant to know who’s talking to her.”

“Sensitiveinformation?” Piras leaned forward.

“Nothingto put the government or Earth in danger. It’s the potential of her discoveringsuch material which concerns me. If I can find her source in the governor’scircle, I can watch the leak…and remove it, should it become a threat.”

“You’llconfer with me before drastic action, unless the safety of the governor orEarth is in imminent peril,” Piras warned.

“Ofcourse.” Kuran didn’t consider beating sense into a would-be problem as drasticaction, particularly when it came to Stacy. Intimidation had its proper place,after all.

“MyMatara…Specialist Nath, that is, has developed new nanospies. Better sensors,capable of moving themselves around to escape detection. She’s applied forfield testing. As there’s no immediate risk where this reporter is concernedand she’s a civilian rather than someone in an official governmental capacity,this could serve as the opportunity we need.”

“I’dbe glad to assist in the devices’ testing.” Satisfaction curled warm in hisbelly. He’d been worried Piras would refuse him the use of a nanospy.

“I’llhave Hope…” Piras huffed, obviously irritated at himself for using her givenname in an official meeting. “Specialist Nath will contact you and go over theparameters of using the nanospy. Since the subject is a civilian, certainpersonal spaces like the subject’s bedroom will be blocked from your video andaudio feed. The information will still be recorded, but only Nath will haveaccess to it.”

“Understood.”Kuran felt relief. He hadn’t considered he might witness intimate moments ofMatara Nelson’s routine. The idea he might have when he was committed to Stacysat badly on his conscience. He was glad Piras had thought of it.

“Noone else is to view the rest of the footage except you and Nath. I’ll inspectit if either of you feels there’s a reason for me to. Otherwise, I’ll rely onyour regular reports to keep me apprised of the situation.”

“Thankyou, Admiral.” Kuran appreciated Piras thought enough of him to allow him somuch autonomy. Yet again, he was struck by how much respect he was finding forthe man who’d put his brother in his grave. Why couldn’t the Dramok give himthe ability to continue hating him?

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing Friday, November 3!

Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

Infiltration: Chapter Six Scene One - One Week Until Release!

 

A lone witness on the brink of death...what does his cryptic warning mean?

* * * *

Thederelict shuttle drifted into the bay, a hideous sight when compared to themarauder’s squadrons of pristine single-man fighters and shuttles lined up inmilitary rows. As Nako watched, pieces off the damaged ship’s hulldisintegrated in false gravity’s pull, leaving a trail of black dust as it wasmaneuvered to a landing pad near the entrance he and Terig had come through.

Theship’s head medic Dr. Zo gaped alongside two members of his team who’daccompanied him. “Someone’s alive in there?”

“We’llsoon find out. Me and my men first, Doctor.” Terig was too well-trained tofidget, but Nako felt his clanmate’s impatience nonetheless.

Theinstant the blackened hulk settled onto the landing pad, Terig and two otherNobeks of the security complement sprang to the hatch. Attempts to open itproved difficult.

“Thedamned thing is fused closed,” Terig snarled. “Get some cutters.”

Thebay’s repair area was nearby, and industrial metal cutters were quicklyemployed by a couple of repair techs. Within a couple of minutes, there was agaping hole in the side of the shuttle where the hatch had been.

Terigwaved the techs back and leapt the five feet separating the hole from the bayfloor. His security backup followed him into the shuttle’s cabin.

Unableto contain his curiosity, Nako jumped on board. He was nearly smacked in theface by a wiring harness as a member of the boarders called from the cockpit,“Clear. No one up here.”

“Ancestors,”Nako grunted, taking in the shuttle’s interior damage. Wiring harnesses hunglike looping intestines from the ceiling, half of which covered the oppositeside of the seating area.

“Oneman on board, Captain.” Terig’s call brought Nako further in the cabin’senvirons. He and the other security member knelt next to a slumped figure.

Theman’s head hung down, his back propped against the large supply bin taking upthe floor space at the back of the shuttle. Remains of emergency food rationsand water pouches scattered around him. His chin must have rested on his chest,but it was impossible to see for the loose black hair hanging over his features.His arms, one cruelly bent at the forearm, rested on his splayed legs. Hisblack fleet uniform was trimmed in Dramok blue, and the single chevron barindicated his ensign status. If he breathed, Nako couldn’t detect it.

“Ishe alive?” he asked, ignoring the voice in his head telling him they’d gottento the crewman too late.

Shockingly,it was the slouched figure who answered in a thready voice. “Darks. Fear…the…Darks.”

“Doctor!”Nako shouted before hurrying to the weakly moving man. He reached beneath thefall of hair and cupped the man’s chin. He lifted it, and the dark strandsparted to display a young face.

Motherof All, the ensign was barely more than a kid. Dried blood crusted the chinNako held, and fresh red warmth drooled from the boy’s mouth, spilling over Nako’sfingers. A glassy gaze drifted to take him in.

“Shadows.Riders,” he rasped. “Darks.”

“Tellme your name, Ensign.” When the boy’s eyes began to drift closed, Nako bentcloser, ignoring Dr. Zo’s attempts to wave a scanner over him. “Dramok, who areyou?”

“Ilid,”came the answering wheeze.

“Whowas your captain, Ilid?”

Zopushed at him, none too gently. “Captain, I need room to work. He’s badly—”

“Yourcaptain’s name, Ilid!”

“Abgi.Taken by…rider. All command staff…Darks.” A sob broke from him as his eyesbegan to roll over white. “Darir. Ved. Dead.”

“Whathappened to your ship, Ilid?”

“Blewup.” The whisper faded at the end.

“Captain!”

Nakogot out of Zo’s way. Ilid’s lids slid shut.

“WeaponsCommander, if the shuttle is secure, let’s give the medics room to work.” Now thatNako knew it hadn’t been Kila’s ship that was destroyed, he was ready to grantZo all the space he needed to save the kid’s life.

Captainand weapons commander disembarked. Terig instructed his two men to examine theship’s hull. Trained in forensics, they unpacked bins full of instruments allowingthem to analyze and take samples from the shuttle.

Asthey began their painstaking work, Nako and Terig loitered near the hatch,listening to Zo and his team mutter over the injured Ilid.

“Youwere worried it was Clan Piras’ vessel,” Terig whispered.

“Readingmy mind, my Nobek?”

“Wealways wondered what happened to them. It would have made sense they’d beenassigned duty far from the home world. Out of the empire was an even betterbet.”

“Fiveyears, though? Even if spying on Bi’is was their initial deployment after thewar, the fleet surely wouldn’t have left them there for so long.”

“Pirasis still a name people hate.”

Nako’scom beeped. “Nako here.”

“Vaskiz,sir,” the communications lieutenant said. “Admiral Tranis responded to yourrequest for orders by text. He says, ‘Stand by.’”

“Understood.”Nako clicked off and snarled at Terig. “Stand by? What the fuck response isthat?”

“Well,it was a spyship—”

“Yeah,yeah, I know. I’m just not in the mood for mysteries.” He glared at theshuttle’s carcass, willing the damned thing to talk. It ignored him.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing in one week!

Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Infiltration: Chapter Five Scene Three

 

 This week, Captain Nako responds to a distress call and finds the crisped remains of a spyship shuttle.

** * *

KalquorianEmpire space, near the border of the Bi’is kingdom

DramokNako, captain of the marauder-class vessel he’d been given command of a mereweek before, felt guilty.

Heabsolutely loved his new ship.

Themarauder was faster than his old decommissioned raider-class craft had been. Ahell of a lot more dangerous too, thanks to its expanded weapons array. Thearrowhead-shaped vessel was the deadliest piece of flying destruction he’d hadthe pleasure of commanding. The sheer mayhem such a vessel could visit on anenemy was enough to keep him aroused like a teenager. It had done so, as amatter of fact, as his Matara clanmate Piper would attest.

Themarauder was a dark mistress, its possibilities exciting him despite the facthe’d be using it to guard a lifeless moon slated for terraforming. Hisfantasies of using his ship to rip Tragooms to shreds were unlikely to happen.

Nevertheless,he could dream.

Hisinsides squirmed to think of his former ship. Nako’s raider had seen its shareof battles and served him well over its many years. Now it sat in a salvage yard,waiting to be disassembled, it parts melted and reformed as something else. Theold warhorse had done its duty, but Nako hated the notion he’d abandoned it.

“MaybeRD-1202’s metal will become the hull of a marauder or destroyer,” Piper hadsaid, trying to cheer him up when she’d caught him looking at a vid of hisformer ship. “It could be it’ll fly and battle again as another class.”

Hewas grateful for her understanding of his unusual lapse into sentimentality.More grateful she’d kept the knowledge to herself. Nako was categorized as aDramok, and he certainly possessed the leadership trait in spades, but the Nobekhalf of his personality would have died of shame to be caught romanticizing ahunk of fighting metal.

Whata hunk RD-1202 had been, though.

Sappinesspaled when it came to the new ship winning his fierce heart. The marauder wasso advanced beyond the raider, Nako suspected it could possibly fly itself. Theprogramming was damned near intuitive, and the weapons systems almost as lethalas a destroyer. The ability to phase and ambush an enemy might have struck Nakoas a bit cowardly, but the idea of coming out of nowhere in the midst of anenemy squadron and evening the odds before they knew what hit them?

Heatfilled his groin. He barely managed to keep from lustful growling as he stoodon his ship’s bridge.

Aroundhim on the triangular-shaped bridge, his crew muttered amongst themselves asthey kept an eye on their instruments. There was no reason to reprimand themfor their casualness. It was merely a flight from the marauder’s former orbitaround Earth II to a dead rock of a moon on the other end of Kalquorian Empirespace. They were less than a day’s flight to their destination, next to theBi’is’ kingdom’s border. With Bi’is an impotent shadow of its former self, therush was on to colonize and create colonies near what had once beenintermittent battlegrounds.

Guardinga lifeless moon as it was terraformed for the next two or three years washardly an assignment worthy of a decorated captain and crew. It was certainlybeneath the status of the empire’s latest state-of-the-art fighting vessel. Nakofound no angst beyond a slight sense of disappointment he wasn’t on his way tokick someone’s deserving ass.

HisImdiko Ulof was part of the terraforming crew, a dream they’d once thoughtimpossible for him to realize. Better still, their Matara accompanied them.Having her aboard a fighting vessel would have been unfeasible had theassignment been dangerous, especially since they were trying for a child.

Nakowas willing to set aside the aggressive urges of his warrior heart for clan andfamily. Becoming a father filled him with sentimental warmth that he’d ratherdie than have anyone beyond his clanmates aware of. Had he been told five yearsprior he’d be more excited about a baby than blasting the empire’s enemies tobits, he’d have laughed in their faces…just before punching them senseless.

Hisweapons commander and Nobek clanmate Terig, who stood at a computer podium acouple feet from his right, spoke. “Captain, sensors are detecting anintermittent signal fifty degrees from our route. Artificial source.”

“Intermittent?Could it be a distress call?”

“Itmatches the parameters. I’m boosting our reception to verify.” Terig’s bearddidn’t hide his frown as he concentrated. “It is a Kalquorian craft, too smallto be so far from port. Subcommander, get a configuration and see if you canpinpoint where its home vessel is.”

Hissecond’s fingers flew over a second weapons console. “Standard shuttle fortransporting away teams from a larger vessel. I detect no other craft in thearea it might belong—” Nobek Lon stopped talking, blinking at his readouts.

“Subcommander?”Nako and Terig both barked in concert.

“Apologies.It’s…Captain, the shuttle is phased.”

Nakoand Terig exchanged glances. “I’m unaware of any marauders besides ours this distancefrom Earth and Kalquor. We wouldn’t necessarily know if a spyship is stationednearby,” the captain noted.

“There’snothing in the vicinity to spy on,” Terig said. “The closest inhabited areasare Laro Station and Bi’is, each more than three days’ travel in oppositedirections.”

“Navigation,can you tell which direction the shuttle is moving from?”

Thenavigation officer muttered to his computer, then answered. “It appears to bedrifting from the Bi’is border, sir.”

“Drifting?”

“Nominalpower signature,” Terig confirmed, bringing up multiple holographic screensover his station. “Our readings indicate a power signature adequate for backuplife support and little else.”

“I’mpicking up no sign of a ship in this quadrant besides ourselves, phased orotherwise,” Subcommander Lon reported.

“Whythe hell would someone broadcast a distress call when damned few can pick up aphased craft? Unless the spyship it came from is close, those on board can’texpect to be found.”

“Maybewhoever’s on board doesn’t realize they’re still phased. Or they have no ideathey drifted far from their home ship. If sensors are dead, the shuttle’s maincomputer might have failed to detect the additional drain.” Terig’s fingerscontinued to fly over his console.

“Whichmeans they’ll lose life support sooner than they realize. I wonder how longthey’ve been waiting for rescue. Com, try to contact them.”

Secondslater, the com officer said, “Attempts to hail them have received no answer,Captain. They may have no com ability due to the lack of power.”

“Iwas afraid of that.” Nako spoke to his navigator. “Can you backtrack theirtrail, maybe figure out where they lost power? There has to be an ion trailfrom what little energy they’re emitting.”

“Workingon it, Captain. If they’ve been drifting for longer than a couple of days, itcould take some time.”

Nakoeyed his Nobek. “Which leaves us one question.”

Terignodded. “Do we answer the distress call. If a spyship’s out here beyond sensorrange, High Command doesn’t necessarily want anyone else to know of itspresence.”

“I’mbetting it has something to do with keeping tabs on Bi’is.” Nako thought ofAdmiral Piras and his clanmates. Nobek Kila captained a spyship. Because theirlives were in danger following Kalquor’s civil war, they’d disappeared soonafter the end of hostilities. Nako had often wondered if they’d ended up on asecret detail at Bi’is. It would have kept them from sight and safer than ifthey’d returned to the home planet.

Whatif something had happened to the heroic clan reviled by many of their own kind?His stomach curdled to think of them in trouble, especially their innocent andbrilliant Matara.

“Helm,set a course for the shuttle, full speed. Terig, watch for its home ship. If itappears, we’ll keep our distance. Otherwise, we’ll take the shuttle on boardand try to determine what’s going on. Com, inform Fleet High Command what we’redoing…see if you can send an encrypted message to Admiral Tranis. InformMedical we might be taking on injured people.”

“Onehour until we intercept the shuttle, Captain.”

“Ourcom will be received at Fleet Headquarters at approximately the same time.”

 

Theywere still fifteen minutes from reaching the stricken vessel when Terig’sbearded face turned to Nako. “I have a visual on the shuttle, Captain.”

Theflat control in his tone betrayed something was amiss. “Bring it up on mainvid, Weapons Commander.”

Itwas immediately obvious why Terig had adopted his most official voice. Thewedge-shaped shuttle had taken massive damage to its hull. Its usual silveryexterior was blackened. Panels hung askew, revealing framework and the charredremains of electronics. Nako marveled the battered craft had power at all. Itseemed impossible a crew could be alive, but someone had set off the distresssignal.

“Motherof All,” someone muttered.

“It’snot battle damage,” Terig said, glancing back and forth from his readouts tothe image on the vid. “The craft was in close quarters to a plasma explosion.As close to the center of a major blast as possible and yet not get blown up.”

“Whydo I have the suspicion we won’t come across its home ship?”

“Agood guess. It might have been leaving the bay when the ship was destroyed. Bymy estimate, it would have cleared it by no more than a few meters.”

“Canyou detect its markings under the residue? Can we determine which ship it was?”Nako had no idea what Kila’s ship’s call numbers had been, but Fleet Commandwould know.

“Checking.Got it. S-S-nine-two-eight-S.” Terig’s gaze met his again.

Aspyship’s shuttle. Kila, Piras, was it yours? What the hell happened to thehome ship?

“Comingin grabbing range, Captain,” the helmsman said.

“Geta field around it and haul it in. Carefully.” The damned thing might fall topieces the instant it was introduced to the shuttle bay’s gravity field.“Medical team to shuttle bay. Terig, let’s see if there’s someone alive togreet.”

Nakoand Terig left the bridge. Not at a run, because the shuttle wouldn’t beat themto the bay, but they moved quickly anyway. It was impossible not to, with dreadnipping at their heels.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing November 3. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Infiltration: Chapter Five Scene Two

 

 This week, Yuder receives an offer that's hard to refuse. Temptation is goading him in a direction that could end with him in prison again.

** * *

Kalquor

Yuderleft Tara’s ashram on a warm, sunny afternoon. He stood beyond the rockyoutcropping serving as its exterior and waited for his eyes to adjust as waveswhispered hello to the pink sand shore.

Asidefrom a few distant figures walking the beach, he had the strand of coastlineoverlooking the infinite green sea to himself. Royal Guards had been informedhe was leaving and were stationed along his route, though their presence wasfar enough away to give him privacy.

Hebreathed deep the familiar salt tang but found no solace in it. He’d spent aslong as he could manage in meditation in the quiet of the ashram. Tara taughtusing contemplation for escape from life’s troubles was incompatible with truepeace, and she was probably right, but escape was all he ached for. He couldsit in introspection for a couple hours, but the natural Nobek inclination foraction allowed for no more.

Aftera week home, he faced the truth he’d feared but suspected…he was useless. ToTara, to himself, to the empire. There was no place for him.

He’dbeen born in an era of struggle, raised for the throne when trouble was at itsheight. Kalquor had cycled between wars against Trag and Bi’is. Extinction hadthreatened their world. His work as part of Kalquor’s Global Security beforetaking on his duties as the empire’s monarch had meant encountering determinedcriminals and fighting glorious battles to enforce the planet’s laws. Then, as thewarrior-protector of the Imperial Clan, he’d been tasked the security of theempire in an increasingly hostile galaxy.

Onceupon a time, Nobek Yuder had stood between his people’s annihilation andsafety. Once upon a time, he had mattered.

Now,Kalquor was at peace. Bi’is’ threat had been destroyed, as had the domesticrevolt led by the treasonous Dramok Maf. Despite a few dissidents, Earth II wasan ally, its populace healed and invigorated on their new planet. They had alsoimmigrated to Kalquor, blending their undamaged genes with the nativepopulation and salvaging its culture. In a couple of centuries, Kalquorianswould be exclusively of mixed ancestry, a new species altogether. Though Yuderhad reluctantly broken the Galactic Council’s laws to make that happen, he feltguilty pride in having helped assure his empire’s future.

He'dfound ironic comfort in serving a prison sentence for his part in bringingEarthers, some unwillingly, to Kalquor a decade before. His incarceration hadbrought justice to those abducted. Service to others had been Yuder’s mandatethroughout his life. The notion had gotten him through the quiet isolationfilling his hours in the Galactic Council’s penal colony.

Nowhe was home, but he had no one to serve. Even Tara needed little of hispresence, though her preference for it was a gift he refused to take forgranted. She was self-sufficient, however. She had unending projects, between leadingher followers and managing Dramok Mereta’s compound while he served assecretary-general of the Galactic Council of Planets. She was hard pressedthese days to spend the time she wished to with her grandchildren, especiallythe eldest, Wayne, who lived at Nobek training camp.

Tarahad her own way of doing things, which Yuder could appreciate. It meant hisoffers of assistance were often gently, lovingly declined. Not because hecouldn’t learn her procedures, but because she simply couldn’t spare an hour toteach him how she wanted tasks done.

Hedidn’t really prefer to help run spiritual centers, if he were honest about it,but he was banned from the responsibilities he was most suited for. It was outof the question for him to stick his nose in Imperial business. The life he’donce lived and breathed, running an empire, was off limits.

WhenYuder and his clanmates Zarl and Tidro had conceded the throne to Clan Clajak,he’d been consulted for advice on the problems the empire faced. Now, hecouldn’t even ask his son for his opinion of any legislation currently beingpublicly debated in the Royal Council.

Therewas nothing for Yuder, and he was quickly becoming certain he was nothinghimself. Old and out of his element in this well-earned peaceful phase of theKalquorian Empire, he was adrift. He had no direction to go.

Whyam I still here?

Thethought startled him, and he realized he’d been staring at the sea. He had noidea how long he’d done so. Abruptly grouchy at his morose turn of mood, heturned on his bare heel and set off for the cliff housing the Royal Home.

Hewas aware of the pair of red-armored Royal Guards silently following him. Howridiculous did he appear to his protective escorts, this relic of a Nobek inhis loose white trousers and thigh-length tunic? Once he’d have been in armorof his own, black with red trim, as tough as those assigned to protect him. Hewas tempted to look at his fellow Nobeks, to see if disdain filled their fiercefaces. But no, Royal Guards wore no expressions while on duty but that ofdeadly threat. Whatever scorn they might feel for their charge would be hidden.

Afigure several yards away in the direction he headed waved. Yuder squinted asone of his guards quickened his pace to precede him. After a moment, herecognized the Dramok hurrying forward.

“It’sCouncilman Oiteil. He’s an old associate,” Yuder called to the guard.

“Councilman?”The guard eyed Yuder. His expression was impassive.

“Afriend.” Untrue. Oiteil was no more than an acquaintance, but Yuder was eagerto speak to him.

Hehad no idea if the Royal Guards had been warned by Clajak to keep politicalfigures from him. Discussing empire business with a sitting councilman would bein breach of Yuder’s parole. Apparently his son hadn’t issued such orders,because his bodyguards said nothing to warn Oiteil off. They allowed Yuder topull slightly ahead to greet the smiling councilman.

“ImperialFather,” Oiteil called as he neared them. He spared no glance for the guards.For someone who’d been on the council as long as he had, Royal Guards were merelypart of the furniture. “I’m glad to see you in public.”

“Iwas supposed to com you,” Yuder remembered. “My apologies for not having doneso.”

“Nodoubt you’ve been settling in, spending time among family. How is it going?”Oiteil’s smile creased his face pleasantly. The sunlight turned his gray hairsto silver, matching Yuder’s steel-sheened mane.

“It’s…peaceful.”

“Thebane of a Nobek,” Oiteil chuckled.

Yuderjoined in. Remembering the recent loss of his companion’s clanmates, he asked“What of you? How are you these days?”

“Lonely.Desperately filling my hours with work. I guess I’m lucky that way.” Oiteilglanced at Yuder. “I can’t imagine how difficult it is for you.”

Itwas beneath Yuder to complain about his lot, but he acknowledged, “Too muchfree time is as bad as not having enough.” For a Nobek, it was worse.

“Isympathize. I also find it frustrating. I wish you weren’t prohibited frompublic service. We’re in dire need of your vast knowledge and experience.”

Yuderregarded him in surprise. “We’ve not known such peace and prosperity in myrecollection.”

“Onthe surface, yes. Bi’is is conquered. Even the Tragooms haven’t tried ourborders in a couple of years. I have concerns, however. There are tensionssimmering beneath our well-earned calm, Imperial Father. Most would prefer toignore them, but elder statesmen such as you and I have seen far too often howsmall concerns become major challenges.”

Yuderopened his mouth, then closed it. The conversation was hedging into areas hehad no business involving himself in.

Thecorner of Oiteil’s mouth twitched, as if Yuder had given him a signal. “So manymatters of potential disturbance. The majority of our people agree the legalinclusion of Earther men in clans and the other changes to what constituteslawful unions in the government’s eye are worthwhile. However, there are thosemost adamantly opposed to nontraditional joinings. A single man to a woman hasbecome any number of men legally committed to any number of women. Pairings,clans, and houses…it’s become quite the labyrinth in legal settings.

“Thenyou have the new Earth. Already there are rumblings from those called‘Earthtiques’ who show a devotion to the isolationism which made their societysuch a nightmare…not only to their own citizens, but to the galaxy at large. Iheard the governor’s shuttle was sabotaged, though it’s being kept quiet. Whatisn’t a secret is protestors showed up at the celebration welcoming the firstcolonists. Our Imperial Clan was present. Did Emperor Clajak mention it to you?No, don’t answer. As long as you don’t speak, no one can accuse you ofinvolvement.” Oiteil glanced at the Royal Guards. Yuder fancied he saw derisionin his companion’s expression.

Clajakhadn’t mentioned the protest. It had been splashed on the news vids, however,which Yuder had had limited access to on the prison colony. The demonstrationhadn’t seemed large, and it had been obvious the security detail hadexperienced little trouble managing it.

AsOiteil had mentioned, however, small disputes occasionally blew up into majorexplosions. Kalquor’s own civil war had begun when a few Royal Council membershad staged a walkout.

“Iwon’t bore you by relating the other concerns I’ve had, especially sincethere’s nothing you can do about it…at present.” Oiteil’s voice had lowered,his glance sweeping once more toward the Royal Guards following at a respectfuldistance.

Yuderturned his head minutely in Oiteil’s direction, his brows lowering. What didthe councilman mean by “at present”?

Hiscompanion caught the questioning look. “A few of us have been talking. It’s presentlya small number, you understand? We’ve spoken at length of how those we oncecounted on to keep the empire safe are no longer available. The Royal Councilhasn’t yet fully recovered from the revolt. Though it’s a blessing the traitorousgarbage took itself out, we’ve been gutted of valuable leadership. Losing yourexpertise, along with Councilman Rajhir and Haven’s governor Ospar, was acrippling blow.”

Atwinge of yearning pulled at Yuder, but he knew better than to consider it.“The lifetime ban is absolute on all accounts.”

“Kalquor’sRoyal Council cleared you of all charges. The ban makes no sense in the face ofits decision.”

“Itwas a condition of my release from the Galactic Council’s prison colony. As forour Royal Council’s pardon, you personally voted against clearing me, Oiteil.”Rightly so, Yuder believed. He’d been appalled when the council had overturnedthe High Court’s ruling convicting him.

“Ihad no choice. We were on the brink of civil war. Upholding your conviction gaveus the chance to head it off and cripple the rebellion.” Oiteil sighed. “Iregret it. It was a bitter pill to swallow.”

“Butcorrect. It had been our last chance to fend off war.”

“Thatwas then. This is now. A lifetime ban from public service is a flawed outcome.”Oiteil’s voice remained quiet, but it was firm in its conviction. “I think itcan be changed.”

“Thecondition forbidding me from public service in order to shorten my sentencecame from the Galactic Council,” Yuder repeated. He kept bitterness from histone as he added, “The Imperial Clan, Royal Council, and people of Kalquoragreed to the terms.”

“Yourredemption and return to a leadership role might also become the will of ourpeople if they recognize the need.” His tone lowered further, so Yuder had tostrain to hear him. “Would you refuse if your empire begged you to serve?”

Yuderknew he should stay silent. He should tell the councilman the conversation wasover. He’d never be restored to any role allowing him to have a say inKalquor’s governance. Honor demanded he accept the Galactic Council’s terms.

Butthe years stretching before him, an endless future of meditation and walks onthe beach…of pointless, worthless existence…how could he bear it?

Oiteilwouldn’t find the votes. Yuder was certain his dishonor, his crime, assured it.

Wasit so wrong to consider the possibilities? To allow the slender hope somedayhis people would recognize his good intentions, poorly executed as they hadbeen?

“If…ifthe people ask it, I’d have no choice but to answer their call.”

Oiteilnodded, his expression satisfied. “They will. I have no doubt of it.”

** * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing November 3. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Infiltration: Chapter Five Scene One

 

 Uh oh. Someone's leaking Stacy's relationship with Clan Rihep to the press. Blythe Nelson has the scoop.

* * * *

EarthII

“…thegovernor steadfastly refuses to discuss her relationship to Clan Rihep, ofwhich Nobek Kuran, in charge of Earth’s security division, is a member.However, my sources tell me Governor Nichols isn’t merely spending time in thecompany of these men, but the majority of nights on board Alpha Space Station,where they live. One has to wonder why the legislature has yet to censure heractivities…”

“Bitch,”the woman next to Nobek Kuran muttered.

Kuranbrushed his fingers against Governor Stacy Nichols’ after glancing around heroffice. The door was closed, drapes were drawn over the windows, and no oneknew he was there. Nonetheless, he couldn’t help his need to be overwhelminglycautious. She was taking plenty of shit because of him as it was.

Thereporter on the news vid transmission, pretty but swiftly becoming a major painin the ass to Earth II’s chief executive, rattled on. Footage of Stacy hurryingfrom her shuttle early that morning after landing swapped places with BlytheNelson’s eager, impish visage. The blonde continued to list Stacy’s supposedtransgressions, her attitude soaked in the savor of scandal.

Stacyswitched it off and faced Kuran. “Do you think she’d be so determined toperform a hatchet job on me if I hadn’t refused to give her an interview?”

“Whoknows?” He had an urge to kiss the frown line between her brows, then her plumplips. Then the rest of her toned but curvaceous body.

Nelsonmight have been ten years younger than Stacy, but she didn’t hold a candle tohis clan’s lover. Stacy Nichols was all woman. Having made love to her only anhour prior, he shouldn’t have been as amorous as he was. The relationship wasstill new, however, and he couldn’t get enough of her.

“Aftershe ambushed us on the space station a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t give her thetime of day,” Stacy snarled, her sensible but stylish shoes thudding her temperto the thick carpet as she crossed to her polished maple desk. “How she couldthink I’d agree to any dialogue is beyond me.”

“Italmost got her banned from the station itself and banned on pain of a prisonsentence from certain levels.” Kuran tried to soothe her temper, recognizing itwas part of what was giving him lustful thoughts. A fired-up Stacy was a sexyStacy in his book.

“Yes,she can’t bother us there. That’s something.” Stacy gazed at her computer, yet tobe powered up for the day’s tasks.

Kuranstood on the opposite side of her desk. He drummed his fingers on its surface,and she glanced at him.

“Whatis it?”

“Iwas there when you informed the lieutenant governor and your cabinet of ourrelationship.” His presence had been clandestine. He’d been phased andinvisible. “Do you remember what you said about openly dating my clan when the momentwas right?”

“I’dhoped to have the search for an Earther replacement for your head of planetsecurity position well underway before I announced it.” She huffed. “Nelsonjust shot my plan in the ass.”

“Youalso said the women of Earth needed to understand they were free to lovewhomever they wished, and there’d be no government involvement in theirpersonal affairs. You were planning to make it a major point in the upcomingelection.”

Stacyblinked. “It’s an excellent point to campaign on, but the Earthtiques will hateit. I insist women be reassured there’ll be no return to the horror show ofwhat we had under the old regime.”

“Asfar as I’m aware, you haven’t told anyone beyond cabinet members, leaders ofthe legislature, and Lieutenant Governor Bryant. As you said, you wanted to movefurther into the process of replacing my official position to show you aren’tunduly influenced by Kalquorian interests.”

“Correct.”Stacy had figured out where Kuran was heading. “In her report, Nelson quotedwhat I’d told them damned near word for word. Someone talked.”

“Someonetalked,” Kuran repeated.

“KenBryant.”

“Hedoes have conservative leanings, verging toward Earthtique despite presentinghimself as moderate. He may run against you for governorship. He’s the mostlikely of those you informed to object to your having Kalquorian lovers. It’sagainst his beliefs and could give him a boost where his political aspirationsare concerned.”

Stacyscowled. “He’s the most irritating person I have to deal with.”

“NotCouncilmen Mitchell and Spence?”

“Iknow where I stand. They despise me openly. Ken, though…”

“Whenyou two get along, you get along very well. When you’re at cross-purposes,however, he can be…problematic. Especially where my people are concerned.”

Bryanthad made no bones of how little he liked Kalquorians, despite them being at theforefront of giving Earthers a new home planet. He’d been openly rude toKalquor’s Imperial Clan and other dignitaries in the past. He often treatedKuran as if he weren’t present, even when Kuran wasn’t phased and he couldn’tpossibly miss seeing the six-and-a-half foot Kalquorian.

“Iasked him to keep it quiet. I guess I should have saved my breath,” Stacygroused.

“I’mnot entirely sure it was him,” Kuran said.

Hergaze was surprised. “Ken has a lot to gain by exposing my activities to thepublic…and my opponents in the legislature.”

“Whichis why I have doubts he gave Nelson the information. He’d realize you’dconsider him suspect, unless he’s playing some angle we aren’t aware of.”

“Inother words, I shouldn’t call his ass on the carpet.” Stacy leaned back on herleather hover chair, her dark eyes seeking answers on the ceiling. “Remind mewhy I got into politics?”

“Becauseyou want your people to be safe and happy.” Kuran smiled, then turned tobusiness. “Go ahead and ask Bryant if he spoke to Nelson. If he denies it,leave him to me. I’ll find out what’s going on.”

“Ihave mixed feelings about you spying on members of my government, even if it ison my behalf and for the good of Earth.” Her regard returned to him, herexpression troubled.

“Yourenemies have made attempts against you already. Maybe not to harm, butharassment can easily turn to darker purposes.” He hated how easy it was to lieby omission. She had no idea Kalquor had ordered him to spy on their behalf aswell, concerned Earth might return to the sort of fanaticism that couldthreaten the galaxy’s stability.

Hehated her accepting his answer just as much. “If Ken played any part in thesabotage to my vessel or those protestors who showed up when we welcomed thefirst colonists home…we should know.”

“I’lltell you whatever I learn.”

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing November 3. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

Infiltration: Chapter Four Scene Two

 

Piras is keeping a secret from his departing Nobek. Is that ever a good idea?

* * * *

Pirasswallowed past the thickness of his throat as half his clan disappeared in theumbilical. He’d miss the pair he’d spent almost every waking moment with forover five years.

“Okay,so why didn’t you tell them you have a phased bodyguard from the spy divisionassigned to you? Finding out he’s showing up tomorrow might have helped themfeel better, don’t you think?” Scrubbing tears from her cheeks didn’t keep Hopefrom eyeing Piras with a note of belligerence. Her dark glare gave him a notentirely unpleasant jolt, but he’d be lucky if she allowed him to sleep in thesame bed with her tonight.

“It’sfor the best, that’s all. Thanks for keeping it quiet.” He set his sights onthe door leading to the public shuttle bay. A couple of armed Nobeks, verifiedto have had no relatives on Laro Station when it had fallen thanks to Piras’seeming treachery, waited to escort him.

Hope’shand on his arm halted him before he took more than a step. She was a smallwoman, but she had the commanding aura of a Dramok when it suited her. “Piras.”

Herelented, because his beloved wouldn’t until he did so. “If Kila had discoveredFleet Command assigned me a bodyguard, he’d have insisted on knowing who itwas. He’d have demanded to personally check his credentials and threaten severebodily harm if I were attacked.”

“TypicalNobek, in other words. Why’s it such a big deal? Kila’s a member of the spydepartment of Fleet Command. Who could they have assigned he shouldn’t be awareof?”

“Someonehe wouldn’t approve of. I can’t say more until we’re in our quarters or my office,my Matara. It’s absolutely essential his identity remains undisclosed for now.”

Hopescowled, but she allowed them to head home. “He will remain outside ourquarters, won’t he? My privacy’s never been up for grabs, and the fleet canstuff it if they think they’ll waltz in for a peek whenever they wish.”

“He’llonly accompany me when I leave our quarters. I actually have to wait for him toconfirm his presence before I open the door.” Though the phased bodyguard couldeasily walk in if he wanted. Piras and Hope would never be the wiser unlessthey phased themselves.

Hewon’t. I trust the bastard. Piras bit his lips together. He could have laughed. Darkhumor filled the situation.

Kilawouldn’t have agreed. He’d have found no hilarity in it at all. Thinking abouthis clanmate’s reaction if he’d had the least inkling quelled Piras’ urge tolaugh.

He’sgoing to kill me for this. Despite the fact it hadn’t been Piras’ idea.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing November 3. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Infiltration: Chapter Four Scene One

 

 Goodbyes are the worst.

AlphaSpace Station

CaptainKila stood at the bottom of the ramp leading to the umbilical connected to hisspyship, glancing from Piras to their clanmate Hope and back. He pretended timewasn’t wasting, or that he was already behind schedule.

“We’llbe fine,” Piras assured him for the millionth time. It sounded no more truthfulthan when he’d first uttered it.

“Thestationmaster and Nobek Kuran are working together to make sure we haveprotection. Especially Piras,” Hope added.

TheirImdiko Lokmi stayed silent. He was leaving too, and Kila thought he probablywasn’t enthralled by the situation either.

Thedifference was, Kila was the Nobek, the clan protector. As loyal as he was toKalquor, his clanmates were his personal responsibility. He’d be unable to dohis duty by Piras and Hope while on the mission of discovering what hadhappened to the spyship orbiting Bi’is.

Therewere those who’d love to get their hands on Piras. Certain people believed heowed them his life in exchange for those he’d allowed to be taken.

“Weneed to know what happened to the other ship, my Nobek. You need to learn ifBi’is possesses some sort of weaponry to use against us. Or if the shadowvessel we encountered there returned and harmed our people.” Piras spokesoftly. Not as Kila’s commanding officer, nor as his Dramok. He spoke assomeone who intuited Kila’s heart and the war waging within it.

“Iknow. It doesn’t make this shit easier.” His com beeped, the display showing itto be the first officer’s frequency. He snapped, “On my way.”

“Acknowledged,Captain.” Dramok Deram’s tone was official, betraying no sign he’d noted Kila’stemper. Smart man.

“Don’tput yourself in stupid situations,” Kila snarled to Piras. “So help me, if youdo, when I get back—”

“I’llmiss you too.” Piras glanced between him and Lokmi. “Please don’t kill eachother over those damned engines, Chief.”

“Allour captain has to do is keep his big, clumsy paws off them.” Lokmi hugged Pirasand Hope in turn. Kila heard him whisper in their Matara’s ear, “Keep an eye onhim, okay?”

“Becareful out there,” she urged, blinking to keep tears at bay. Throughout theirclanship, she hadn’t been separated from any of them.

Herhug for Kila was strong for such a small woman. He buried his face in her darkhair, inhaling as much of her scent as he could. Depending on what he found, hecould be gone months.

Thethought churned his stomach. When he and Hope separated, he glared at Pirasonce more. “Promise me.”

“I’llbe fine. I won’t run through the station shouting, ‘I’m Dramok Piras, I gave upLaro Station to the Basma, so come kill me.’”

“Asshole.”Kila hugged him briefly, then turned away. He stormed onto the ship, Lokmi onhis heels.

Ifanything happened to his Dramok while he was gone, he’d tear the station topieces. What had happened on Laro wouldn’t compare to his wrath.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing November 3. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Infiltration: Chapter Three Scene Two

 

He's alive! But poor Dramok Ilid is far from well.

* * * *

Spyshipshuttle, location unknown

DramokIlid opened his eyes, trading unfeeling black for agony and a strobing redmosaic of discordant and blurred shapes. He wondered where he was, but the hurtwas too great to rise and examine his surroundings.

“Help,”he tried to call. His voice emerged garbled, an injured animal’s moan.

Theutter silence told him he was alone. Slowly, his vision came into focus, butwhat he saw didn’t make any greater sense. Wiring harnesses hung from above,loops and thick strands of black, their contents spewed in silvery tassels. Hegradually made sense of what looked like a distorted and crazy-cornered shuttle’scockpit.

Slowly,the fog in his brain dissipated so he could remember. The orderly Imdiko Darirhad released him from the stasis field in which he’d been imprisoned while Dr.Umen…rather, the awful entity puppeting Umen…had carried out painful anddisfiguring experiments. Ilid and Darir had gone to Engineering in the effortto sabotage the spyship, which had been taken over by shadowy figures enslavingmost of the crew. They’d been cornered, and during the fight to escape, Darirhad accidentally fired on a plasma conduit as he was overcome by the Darks. Achain reaction had guaranteed the ship’s destruction, and Ilid had been tryingto escape on board a shuttle…this shuttle…as the spyship blew apart around it.

Hewas alive. The shuttle had somehow held together, more or less, and Dramok Ilidwas alive to tell the tale.

Maybenot. He was in excruciating pain from head to toe. He sat in the cockpit seatand had a vague memory of being jerked from it and slammed to the control panelhis head and chest now rested on before blessed darkness had closed in.

Hemight have remained draped on the controls, hoping and waiting forunconsciousness to rescue him, but the knowledge a medical kit was stowed onboard goaded him. There would be a supply of pain-inhibiting drugs in the kit.If he were dosed, he could think clearly enough to fly the shuttle to safety.If it proved incapable of flying, he could attempt to attract rescue.

Alreadywincing in anticipation of pain, Ilid forced himself to rise from the controlpanel. It was worse than he’d expected. The howl of agony in his belly andchest rose to a shriek. A thin scream squeezed between his gritted teeth. Hetasted blood, but he continued to push upright on a crooked, broken arm. If hequit, he knew he wouldn’t attempt to rise again. He’d simply lie there and waitto die.

Somehow,he managed to sit up until his shoulders met the seat’s backrest. Ilid stoppedmoving then, panting from the agony of breathing and spitting blood. He wasuncaring of the flood of tears pouring down his cheeks. Maybe it was beneath aDramok to cry, but had anyone been around to dare to say so, Ilid would havetold them to go fuck themselves dry.

Hehurt, body and soul. He’d cry every second of whatever was left of hismiserable life if he wanted.

Thetorment refused to dull, but as the minutes passed, Ilid grew accustomed to itsvicious grip sufficiently to consider his next move. First, he had a lookaround the cockpit as much as the hurt in his neck would allow. He could barelyturn his head to the left, but he sat on that side of the space, so most ofwhat he needed to see there was in front of him.

Theconsole was dark but for a few blinking indicators. There was a slightindentation he took to be where he’d landed on it. Considering militaryshuttles were built to withstand the punches of temperamental Nobeks, hisinsides should have been pulverized by the blow.

Asbad as he hurt, they probably had been. The anguish of breathing assured himhe’d broken a number of ribs, if not all. He guessed only his armored uniformhad saved his life.

Ilidlicked his lips. He was no mechanic, but the wiring waving in his face from theceiling and the random flashes of the console’s grid told him the shuttle wasprobably no more than a hunk of space junk. It would be a miracle if anythingworked. He hated to confirm nothing would.

Nonetheless,he spoke, his voice hoarse. “Computer, status of shuttle.”

Freshtears burst forth when an electronic voice miraculously answered him.“Shuttle’s helm and navigation are offline. Communications relay is offline.Backup power is damaged, but able to sustain life support systems.”

“Forhow long?” Ilid sniffled.

“Atcurrent levels, one week. Levels are at minimal for the sole occupant’s needs.”

Oneweek, if his internal injuries allowed him to live. It wasn’t impossible a shipwould happen along if he were in sensor range of a well-used travel route. Lackingnavigation, he couldn’t confirm he was anywhere near the usual lanes of spacetraffic. He hadn’t learned if the hijacked spyship had been using such a lanewhen it had blown up. Even if it had, there was no telling how far the shuttlehad drifted on the blast wave.

Itleft him only one option. “Is the vessel’s distress signal functional?”

“Affirmative.”

“Activateit.”

“Distresssignal activated.”

He’ddone what he could to invite rescue. Bereft of other distractions, the tortureof his injuries returned. He needed those pain meds.

First,he’d have to discover whether he could reach them. Ilid concentrated on hislegs, flexing his toes in their knee-high boots, then his knees. Nothing there feltbroken as far as he could tell. Just sore, as if he’d run several miles the daybefore.

Checkinghis hip joints by lifting his thighs an inch or so from the seat assured himhis upper legs were also not badly injured, but the movement set off horrificagony in his stomach and lower back. Ilid yelled to the red-tinged surroundingsa string of expletives fit to shock his mother.

Hismother. He didn’t want to think of her worrying about him. The message he’dmanaged to send prior to everything going to hell must have made her frantic.Or maybe his Nobek father hadn’t told her of it, though Ilid had no doubtGruthep would have understood something was terribly wrong with his situation.

HadGruthep been able to convince the fleet? Surely another spyship would be sentto check when Ilid’s failed to check in. As a lowly ensign, however, he had noidea how often they would have done so. Who knew how long before they werereported as missing?

Aweek until life support ran out was abysmally long to be in such pain…andwoefully short to be found. Tears welled in his eyes. He resolutely knuckledthem away. All he could do was concentrate on a single step at a time. For now,he’d focus on getting the agony under control.

Hehad one good arm. The other was bent wrong, and he couldn’t make his fingers onthat side move. No matter. He could walk, if his back would support him.

Bracingfor terrible pain, he set his feet and readied the hand of his unbroken arm onhis chair’s armrest. He drew a slow breath, as deep as his busted ribs andtormented insides allowed. Clenching his teeth and holding the breath, he usedhis legs and arm to thrust himself to standing.

Hescreamed as his guts threatened to rip apart. His stomach heaved, and he pukedblood-tinged threads. His existence was hellish torment. Blackness crept infrom his peripheral vision, and for a nightmarish instant, Ilid thought he wassurrounded by the alien shadows that had taken over his ship.

Awave of dizziness comforted him. There were no Darks, but he was on the vergeof passing out. For a moment, the pain receded, and he nearly gave in tounconsciousness as he wavered.

Ifyou go down, you won’t get up. You didn’t fight this far to give up, did you?

Thethought, spoken in Gruthep’s voice, forced him to fight the blessed oblivion. Ilidwanted his parents, especially his Nobek and Dramok fathers, to be proud ofhim. If he were found, whether dead or alive, he wanted them to know he’dbattled until he no longer could.

Hemanaged to stay on his feet despite his head pounding as if it would explode,despite the waves of faintness, despite the feeling his guts and lungs werebeing raked by claws. He held onto the backrest of his chair with awhite-knuckled grip. His knees wobbled, but he remained standing.

Heconcentrated on his breathing, willing it to calm the thundering pulse in hisears. As he did so, he looked in the shuttle’s passenger cabin.

Asimple carrier for the spyship’s away missions, it possessed eight seats,separated in two rows. Along the rear wall was a large, built-in floor bin.Smaller cabinet storage hung over it. Having never been on an away team, Ilidwas unsure what supplies were on board beyond an emergency medical kit. For themoment, the kit was all he cared about.

Thecabin was damaged, part of its ceiling caved in, chunks of its lighting panelsdumped on that side’s seats. The metal of the inner hull showed, dented butapparently unbreeched. Had the merest pinprick of a hole been present, Ilidwould have been dead.

Consideringthe pain, it might have been a kindness if the vacuum of space had filled theshuttle.

Hetook a lurching step, still holding onto his chair. He moaned, but the jab ofvarious pains in response to movement were minor compared to the blast of agonyhe’d suffered standing up. He grasped the doorframe between cockpit and cabinand lurched his other foot forward.

Hehad a bad moment when he had to walk two steps without anything to hold onto.His balance shifted, and he staggered sideways between the cockpit and thefirst of the seats in the cabin. He flailed as his surroundings wenttopsy-turvy. Only by using the grimmest concentration was he able to lungeforward and grab a seat.

Theviolent motion woke agony, and he screeched. His knees threatened to buckle. Heleaned hard on the back of the seat, though it pressed painfully against hisbattered chest. He spit blood again.

Ilidslowly recovered enough to resume. A few steps, each affording handholds, andhe’d reach the bins. Just a few steps.

Eachwas excruciating, both in effort and slowness, however. He was forced tocarefully navigate the broken ceiling components littering the floor. Triumph,as savage as his anguish, rose in him when he grasped the lid of the floor bin.He laughed at the ridiculous notion of victory to have walked no more thanfifteen feet. The hysterical edge to his barked hilarity scared him intoshutting up.

Becausethe floor storage was the better support, Ilid leaned his hip on it and swungopen the door to the closest wall cabinet. His gaze slid over well-organizedstores of water and food ration pouches, power chargers for handheld computersand com units, small hand tools, and…there. In the corner, the red icon of amedical scanner on its lid, was an emergency first aid kit.

Ilidgrabbed it and laid it on the floor bin’s lid. He wrenched it open. Becauseonly one hand was operational, his progress in loading a tube of pain inhibitorin the inhaler was horrifically slow. He was crying again before it finally,mercifully locked in place.

Hewrapped his lips around the device’s mouthpiece and depressed the plunger,ignoring the bolt of pain in his chest and gut to inhale the blast of mist asdeeply as possible. He took another hit and a third.

Thejagged pain dulled. Ilid moaned in relief. Again, when it halved. When agonyquieted to a dull ache, he had another dose.

Hecaught himself sinking, his ass sliding down the front of the floor bin towardthe floor. He stood up straight, marveling at the lack of pain as he did so. Itwas a lie. He was still badly injured, but he no longer felt it. He was closeto giddy from the lack of pain.

Geta grip. You have work to do while it lasts, because you won’t maintain thislevel.

No,he wouldn’t, certainly not for a week. A check of the emergency kit revealedthree additional canisters of inhibitor, each possessing a mere ten doses. He’ddamned near used half of his initial canister already. Considering a ten-dayweek, twenty-seven hours a day, and thirty-six doses left…

Onedose, every eight hours if he wasn’t found before life support ran out. Hesuspected a single dose wouldn’t do much to keep him free of agony.

Therewas no help for it. As long as he could stand and maintain mobility, Ilid hadtasks to perform. He’d enjoy his brief respite while it lasted and get some workdone.

Hemoved carefully as he removed food and water rations from the bin, mindful hecould make his injuries worse when he didn’t feel them. He tried ignore thefact of torment in his near future.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Releasing November 3. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.