Dark Empire Book Four: Revelations - Chapter Two, Scene Two

 

Fleet Commander Admiral Hobato is free of Dark influence...but the news is far from good.

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Kalquor

Dramok Tranis’ heart ached to see Rear Admiral Hobatolooking as he did. The dark circles under his eyes were nearly black. Thoseeyes wore a haunted look. Tranis was positive the soft gray sheen of Hobato’slong hair had grown closer to white overnight.

The worst part was seeing the desperation and helplessnessfilling his commanding officer’s expression. Hobato had risen to the pinnacleof the Kalquorian Empire’s space fleet because he embodied confidence andstrength. Both qualities appeared markedly diminished.

Tranis had considered his superior a mentor. Hobato was thatalone, not a friend or a father figure. Nonetheless, he felt the sort of griefhe’d have experienced should such a person be laid as low as Hobato had been.As a leader, he was everything Tranis aspired to.

He was temporarily choked up and grateful when Admiral Pirasspoke, giving him a moment to recover. “Sir, you’re sure multiple Darks havetaken key positions in the Galactic Council’s governing board?”

“I recall only snatches of mind-to-mind communicationsbetween them, but yes. What little I heard tells me the ranking members havebeen overcome.” It was obvious to Tranis the monumental effort it took forHobato to speak with his usual assurance.

Kalquor’s Nobek emperor Bevau, his handsome face grim,watched Hobato intently. “Secretary-General Mereta?”

Hobato shook his head, guilt flooding his strained features.“I can’t be certain he’s among the ridden. If it were up to me, I’d assume theworst, though.”

“If it were up to you?” Piras’ face, elegant but fora strong jaw, tensed.

“I don’t kid myself. I’m in no shape to lead Fleet Commandat this time. Piras, I know you have seniority over Tranis—”

“But I’m assigned to Earth’s protection. You need an officerhere on Kalquor to assume the reins while you recover.”

The three men turned their gazes to Tranis. His jaw droppedin shock. “There are other admirals senior to me in years of service.”

“You’ve been at the forefront of exposing these Darks. Orthe All, as Admiral Hobato says they refer to themselves.” Bevau accorded arespectful nod.

A frown pulled at Hobato’s mouth. “A single entity dividingitself as needed. The smaller divisions continue to consider themselves one withit.”

“Sir—” Tranis began.

“This All is a grave threat to the empire. To the galaxy.Except for the past threat of our extinction, it may be the greatest dangerwe’ve faced in our history. You recognized this to be true and worked to exposeit despite the dangers it posed to your career. You chanced court martial.Until I’ve recovered some semblance of myself, I’m appointing you as interimcommander of the fleet, Admiral Tranis.” Hobato managed a weary smile to takethe sting from his abrupt tone.

Tranis swallowed. His mind boggled at the responsibility hefaced until Hobato was deemed fit to return to his post. “Yes sir.”

“It’s clear I don’t have to impress on you the gravity ofthe situation. The All is on its way, and it plans to destroy us as it did theentire race of the Bi’isils.”

 * * * *

Blythe Nelson is certain Clan Deram is keepingsomething from her. The clan of spies finds it difficult to stay a step aheadof the wily reporter who’s winning their hearts. What they don’t know is Blythehas a secret of her own. New love can’t survive without trust, and neither sideis ready when the truth comes out.

Dramok Ospar, determined to return to the politicalstage, strikes up a deal with Royal Councilman Oiteil. Unaware he’s dealingwith a Dark entity controlling Oiteil, he finds himself fighting for his honor,his relationship with his clan…and his life.

The Kalquorian Empire, already struggling against theDarks infiltrating its highest offices, suffers a new blow when it’s revealedit’s keeping a prisoner from the war against the first Earth: Holy LeaderBrowning Copeland. The schism between Kalquor and its allies grows deeper,setting the empire against the rest of the galaxy.

As chaos descends on rioting Earther colonies, theGalactic Council of Planets, and Kalquor, a desperate group of humans andKalquorians race to stop the force behind the turmoil: the Darks. Can theyloosen the grip on their worlds the enemy seeks to tighten, or is all lost?

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