Dark Empire Book Three: Secret War Releases Tomorrow! Chapter Four, Scene One

 

Kuran replaced...by a human

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Earth II

“…and I think it’ssafe to say, Earthers are back, baby!”

Kuran’s ears rang asthe crowd roared its approval, interrupting Stacy’s speech yet again. The rallyto open her campaign to switch from Earth’s appointed leader to its firstelected governor had kicked off, and it was crowded by supporters.

She and the otherleaders of Earth II, chosen by the Galactic Council of Planets, had gotten theplanet off to a great start. They’d had the help of many other speciesbelonging to the council, but Stacy had done everything possible to make surehumans had picked up the torch when possible. Her approval ratings were good,but they didn’t guarantee she’d continue to shepherd Earth II through itsinfancy. The months of campaigning would be long and no doubt difficult asother candidates threw their hats in the ring.

Win or lose, it wasall the same to Kuran. His greatest goal was to keep Stacy safe as shenavigated the election. It was the only win he truly cared about, though hesupported her hope to continue as Earth’s leader for the next two years. Oreight, if she continued to win elections until she was no longer eligible toserve.

For once, Kuran wasunphased in public as he conducted operations. Or, more accurately, as hesupervised someone else conducting operations. It wasn’t the case for the otherKalquorians who made up his spy contingent. A dozen of his phased operativeswandered the crowd. They watched for trouble as reinforcements for the humanelement of the event’s security.

Kuran glanced atMichael Adams, the man who was to take over his official position as head ofEarth security…if he proved up to the task.

When the two men hadfirst met, Kuran hadn’t been impressed. Despite his notable credentials, Adamsappeared young to the seasoned Nobek to have the experience he claimed.Dark-haired, handsome, and possessing an easy smile, the would-be heir’spresence seemed far too benign for the job’s demands.

He became adifferent sort of man on the job, however. Drawn brows drove a crease aboveAdams’ slightly crooked nose. His blue eyes were intense as he surveyed thescene from his post on an elevated platform at the side of the stage whereStacy spoke. The friendly smile was nowhere in evidence, replaced by a frownfierce enough to elicit Kuran’s appreciation. Wearing a dark outfit over bodyarmor, a blaster holstered at his hips, muttering commands into his headset,Adams boasted a distinctive don’t-fuck-with-me presence. He was imposing.

For a human.

Kuran noted acluster of Earthers packed tight at one side of the stage. No doubt his menwere there, keeping an eye on them, but it would be wise to point the groupingout to Adams. He did so.

Adams offered nosecond-guessing or resistance to Kuran’s direction. “Charlie Group, watch thesardines on the stage edge in your section. They don’t look like trouble, butthey’re good cover for someone who’d want to be. Alpha, cover any open spotsCharlie leaves behind while they shift location.” Adams noticed another clusteron his own. “Delta, watch the rear corner. Make sure you have a clear view oneveryone.”

“Nice pickup onDelta’s section.” Kuran had missed it.

“Next time, I’llassign another set of eyes up high from the opposite side of the stage. Twoguys to a post. If the governor continues to draw crowds this size, we’ll needit. Since more Earthers are arriving every day, we may have to increase ourpresence.”

“Agreed.”

The audience cheeredas Stacy finished her speech. Adams was barking orders in an instant. “Readyfor the greet, you know your positions, in place now.”

Kuran watched hisbeloved as she headed for the steps that would allow her to descend from thestage. The plan was for her to go to the barricade holding the throng back,shake hands, and speak to her would-be voters. No less than half a dozen guardswould be at her side, accompanied by two phased Kalquorian sentries.Nonetheless, tension sang through him and Adams as they watched her.

At last, it wasover, Stacy smiling and waving as she was escorted to the shuttle waitingbehind the stage’s vid backdrop. On it was depicted Earth II’s emblem of theplanet wrapped in a banner emblazoned with the motto Vita Nova, Spes Nova:New Life, New Hope.

And a new head ofsecurity, ready to take up the challenge Kuran was to leave behind in a fewshort weeks. Kuran was beginning to feel pretty confident about hisreplacement…especially since the Nobek would be sticking close to Stacy in anycase.

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Out tomorrow! Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26