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!

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