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 assuredhimself she wouldn’t leave for the next hour or two, he took a shuttle to theorbiting space station and hurried to its operations section.

To his relief, he made it to his scheduled meeting in aconference room with minutes to spare. Rear Admiral Hobato and Admiral Traniswere 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 longeran official member of the Kalquorian fleet, merely a contractor, but it was athrill to work with members of the highest command.

“Admirals, it’s an honor.”

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

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

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

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

The Earthtiques had been Kalquor’s and the GalacticCouncil’s greatest concern. No one wanted to see a return of the tyrannicalregime that had started a horrific war with Kalquor a decade before, endingwith the original Earth’s destruction.

“Thus far, the traditionalists have kept their disagreementspolite. The lieutenant governor did go out of his way to avoid speaking to theImperial Clan and other Kalquorians during the official welcome to GovernorNichols.”

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

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

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

“I should hope so. Honor and empire.”

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

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

“There can be worse conflicts. At least we were allowed tocharge 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 headEarth’s on-planet security as a contractor.”

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

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

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

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

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

Kuran’s brow rose. “Spyships?”

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

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

“These will make up our main space-oriented defense of theplanet. This is a marauder-class fighter. They can function in the atmosphereas 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 withthe 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-manfighters. If Earth is attacked by a force twice the size of the squadron oftwenty-five we’ve assigned to the planet, we should be able to fend it offuntil 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 ableto hold out against fifty Tragoom ships was impressive.

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

“As tempting as the idea is, no. This may be where you findloyalty 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. Hisfangs began to descend. He fought off the instinct with reluctant determination.

“I see.”

“Indeed.” Hobato regarded him, displaying no emotion. “Heand 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 themtoo often. A check in once a month is all we require, if everything remainspeaceful.”

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

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

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

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

His voice was rough. “Laro allowed Piras and Kila to getclose to the Basma. It was the station or a civilian target, was myunderstanding.”

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

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

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

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

Tranis’ brow lifted in subdued amusement. “Piras is nothingif effective and loyal to the empire, over all other considerations. Can youmaintain a professional relationship with him?”

Could he? Kuran considered it. If he kept Stacy and Mejirfront and center in his mind, those whom he could lose and had nearlylost…maybe. If he could fend off Jeridy’s young face in his imagination despitethe loss still echoing in his heart.

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

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

Kuran managed to refrain from telling Hobato he wantednothing to do with resurrecting Piras’ standing on Kalquor. It was damned hardto hold a snarl at bay.

 * * * * 

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

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

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

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

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

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