Releasing Tomorrow! Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Three, Scene Four

 

Governor Stacy offers her sister the opportunity of a lifetime...but does Toni want it?

* * * *

Earth II

 

Antonia Nichols, a woman who’d recently moved to Earth IIfrom the Earther-Kalquorian farming colony of Haven, stepped in the governor’soffice. She returned the secretary’s bright grin. “How’s it going, Todd?”

“Great, Ms. Nichols.” Todd, his unruly hair ruffled inphotogenic waves, waved at his boss’ closed office door. “The governor’smeeting with Nobek Kuran and Chief Adams is going a little long.”

“Call me Toni, Todd. Ms. Nichols is my older sister, thebigtime politician.” She winked at him as she took a seat. “I’m only a formerschoolmarm to future farmers.”

“You don’t look like any ‘schoolmarm’ I’ve come across,” helaughed.

Before she could thank him for the compliment, the door toGovernor Stacy Nichols’ office opened. Earth II’s newly installed securitychief Michael Adams emerged and greeted Toni. His smile was its usualclose-lipped mild acknowledgement. Handsome to a fault, but a bit too seriousfor Toni’s taste, his tone was warm. “Good morning, Toni.”

“See, Todd? That’s how it’s done.” She grinned at Mike andoffered her hand. “Can I express my formal congratulations, Chief Adams?”

“Condolences are also accepted,” he chuckled as he acceptedher handshake, his teeth flashing in an outright grin for a change. “Thetraining wheels are off. Hopefully I won’t screw things up.”

“Not a chance.” Todd’s voice was quiet. Perhaps he hadn’tmeant to be heard because he flushed when Mike looked his way.

Toni didn’t miss how pleased Mike appeared to be at Todd’sremark. “Well, I’ll do my best. Chief…former Chief Kuran says he hasfaith in me. His confidence means a lot.”

Gazing at Todd’s badly hidden admiration, Toni couldn’t helpherself. “Any plans to celebrate, Mike?”

“Not really. I’ve been doing the job with minimal input fromKuran for a few weeks now, so it’ll be just another day at the office.”

“But surely a nice lunch? The new Italian place in mid-townis great and not overpriced. Oh, what’s the name?”

“Violi’s,” Todd supplied. “I love it.”

“Yeah? Would you be up for it this afternoon? Around one?”Mike invited.

“Sure! Great.” The secretary lit up like a Christmas tree.

Her work as matchmaker done, Toni left them to figure outthe rest. She swept into the still-open door of her sister’s office.

“What are you doing on this planet, Nobek?” she barked atthe muscled Kalquorian standing close to Stacy. “I heard they evicted youalready.”

Kuran chuckled. His ruggedly handsome face was more so whenhe was in good humor, as he apparently was that morning. Toni was surprised.Because Stacy was his clan’s intended Matara once she eventually left office,Toni had expected him to be grouchy about the changing of the guard.

Nobek Kuran of Clan Rihep, which included Dramok Rihep andImdiko Etnil, wasn’t quite the quintessential Nobek, in Toni’s estimation. Hewas better. The majority of his breed were unequivocal tough guys who basedtheir warrior self-images on how many asses they’d kicked.

Kuran was no pushover, but he owned the easy attitude ofsomeone who didn’t feel he had to prove himself. His aura had the feral stampof a Nobek, but it was balanced by concern for others. Particularly Stacy andhis clanmates. What could present as savagery in lesser men was kept undercareful control. He had a sense of humor too…desperately needed since hisImdiko clanmate was a constant cutup.

He glanced behind Toni at the open doorway. Mike was finallytaking his leave, and Todd watched him go, his lips stretched in the smile of aman who’d gotten everything he’d ever wanted. “Have those two finally movedfrom meaningful glances to the next step?”

“They just needed Cupid to give them a little push.” Tonipreened, pleased with herself.

“Cupid, huh? Would she be the same Cupid who told me mostmen weren’t worth the effort?” Stacy arched a brow at her.

“For me. Todd and Mike might be good for each other,but my standards are exceptionally high.”

“Your standards verge on impossible.”

Toni made a face at her older sister. The governor of EarthII looked smart in a skirt suit, the hem of which probably bordered onunprofessional for some critics. Downright scandalous for the judgmentalEarthtiques, the vocal minority who caused trouble whenever they could.

Toni doubted Kuran minded the sight of the sleek, brown legsStacy displayed. Her sister was a beautiful woman, her tight black curlsframing high cheekbones and piercing dark eyes. It felt a trifle uncomfortableseeing Stacy in such a way. Toni wasn’t jealous, which was odd because theylooked a lot alike. Somehow, what she saw in the mirror was attractive ratherthan arresting, which Stacy definitely was.

Was being the younger sister who ardently admired hersibling why she couldn’t recognize herself as being Stacy’s equal, even in amatter as insignificant as looks? Stacy had ever been Toni’s measuring stick,the ideal to aim for. While Toni had plenty to be proud of, she still felt likethe kid sister, racing after the shadow of something she’d never reach.

She shook off the sensation with effort and spoke to Kuran.“Speaking of high standards, did you find a job to replace the glamorousposition of Earth’s security grand poohbah?”

As a Kalquorian, Kuran probably had no idea what a grandpoohbah was, but he was smart enough to figure out what she meant. “I’ve beencoronated emperor of Alpha Space Station. Don’t worry. I won’t insist you bowuntil you visit me in my throne room.”

Toni managed to keep from bellowing laughter as Stacy did.Instead, she gave Kuran her best “are you kidding me?” stare, usually reservedfor a certain ridiculous Imdiko, whom she named. “You have been clanned toEtnil for too damned long.”

“Probably, but he’s threatened to chain me to the wall if Itry to leave him,” he chuckled. “To answer your question, I’m assigned tooversee a segment of the planetary defense systems from outside aggression.Considering the empire is now at war against the Darks, which we fear willeventually target Earth, it’s a big responsibility.”

“The fleet already had a little heart-to-heart against theTragooms when they tried to sneak a peek at our defenses.” Stacy grinned. “Theywon’t try it again any time soon.”

“Same for Mercy and New Bethlehem,” Kuran said in a lowvoice, his gaze flicking toward the still-open door where Todd might overhear.“Of course, they have no idea we were there, nor are they aware of theTragooms’ brief presence a day’s travel from them.”

“How is it on Mercy these days? They won’t letextraterrestrial news agencies near the planet, and I don’t trust what reportsthey broadcast themselves.” Toni huffed at the Earthtique-leaning governmentthat had recently scandalized its way into violent riots.

“It’s quieted down,” Stacy sighed. “The flu-like illnessthey’re dealing with has taken the starch out of them. It’s hard to pretend apro-alien contingent is trying to overthrow the government when everyone’s sickin bed.”

Toni detected a false lightness in her sister’s tone. Stacywouldn’t lie to her, but she didn’t necessarily tell her everything aboutongoing political situations either. She was forced to carry heavy burdensthanks to public office. Regret tugged at Toni’s heart. She’d been Stacy’sconfidante in the past. Her elder sibling knew Toni would cut her own vocalcords before sharing secrets, but Clan Rihep had assumed her old role. Rightlyso, but Toni was sad to become a lesser source of support.

She brushed it off. “How are the refugees from the GalacticCouncil settling in?”

“Very well.” Stacy beamed. “Not to sound Machiavellian, butmy bid to win the governorship has experienced a generous push from the newvoters.”

“Excellent. I need to head to campaign headquarters and begfor an assignment.”

“I have another job for you, one right up a teacher andschool administrator’s alley.”

Toni narrowed her gaze at the gleam in Stacy’s eyes. “Oh?”

Her sister nodded to Kuran, who said, “It seems an Eartherorphanage based in the Galactic Council’s territory, dating from Armageddon,was somehow overlooked by Earth, Kalquor, and the GC itself when allKalquorians were ordered to leave council space and we determined Earthersshould evacuate too.”

“A whole orphanage? I suggest you fire the accountingstaff.” A thread of anger colored Toni’s words.

“It’s in a far-flung area of the Galactic Council, but yes,heads should roll over them being missed. Especially since the orphanage’sstaff includes about a dozen Kalquorians, mostly Nobek protectors.”

Toni whistled. “How many children?”

“About five hundred.”

“Why are there Kalquorians there? Far-flung or not, the GC’sborder patrols would have kept the orphanage safe from attacks.”

Stacy explained. “The Kalquorians were initially put inplace to defend the children back when the orphanage was on Europa. Myunderstanding is the men have long-term relationships with the predominantlyfemale staff. Plus, they regard themselves as parents for those who haven’tbeen adopted or fostered.”

“I’ve heard it said, the children and adults see themselvesas a family, rather than merely as dependents and staff,” Kuran offered. “Inany event, the Kalquorians ignored the order to vacate GC space when theylearned of it. They won’t budge unless the whole orphanage is moved elsewhere.”

“Here,” Toni guessed. “They’re being brought to Earth.”

“Secretly, at least if the Kalquorian fleet can sneak themfrom enemy territory.”

“I heard the border is nearly impassable for your people.How are they going to manage to evacuate an entire orphanage?”

Stacy and Kuran exchanged a glance. Toni was once morereminded of how she’d been edged out of her sister’s innermost confidences.

“Never mind,” she told them, plastering an understandingsmile on her lips. “We don’t discuss the unspeakable. How do you figure me intothe equation once they show up? I take it the orphanage has their ownteachers.”

“True, but the law dictates instruction for children onEarth must adhere to certain standards. It’ll be up to you to determine if theorphanage falls in line. If not, you’ll work with the administrators to bringthem up to date in a reasonable timeframe. Bigger picture, you’ll beresponsible for making sure they have the resources they need, including beyondthe educational sphere.” When Toni gaped at her, Stacy asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Setting aside the scope of this undertaking, I’m waitingfor the other shoe to drop.”

Stacy chuckled. “It’s a major job, but yes, I’m about topropose something even bigger.”

“Okay. I’m probably not ready but tell me anyway.”

Stacy leaned back on her desk and met her eyes. “Therefugees coming from the Galactic Council are the tip of the iceberg. Thanks tothe trouble on Mercy, we’re receiving a deluge of immigration requests.”

“Considering it’s a free-for-all there, I’m hardlysurprised.” Riots had erupted after a plot by corrupt government leaders hadbeen revealed. The colony’s infrastructure had vanished overnight.

“Requests from New Bethlehem are flooding us too. Peoplehave had enough of the Earthtique viewpoint and governments similar to what wehad on the original Earth. They’re clamoring to come here, where they won’thave to fight every minute of the day to keep the freedoms they’ve enjoyedsince we were forced to leave our home world.”

Toni glanced at Kuran to see his reaction. The ruling regimeon old Earth had been the reason most of its major cities had gone up innuclear blasts, but it had been the Kalquorian invasion that had unwittinglyset them off. Armageddon, and the war between the two worlds preceding it, waswhy Earthtiques continued to despise Kuran’s race.

His return gaze was equanimous. Having faced his fair shareof dislike from those he’d worked to protect until relinquishing the job toMike Adams, he’d no doubt made his peace with the situation.

She winked at him and gave Stacy her attention. “Let me getthis straight. You want me in charge of getting these incoming children up tospeed as far as Earth’s educational standards are concerned?”

“Before these latest events, we had a twelve-personcommittee overseeing education. It was all we needed since we had projectionsof arriving students and educators. Our scheduled resident intake parameterswere settled, and we had a plan.”

“Which blew up when the Darks absorbed the GC.” Toniswallowed the uneasiness in her gut.

Stacy huffed her agitation. “We can’t put off grantingasylum to refugees from the Galactic Council and Mercy. We need entiredepartments to settle them, and we need them now. I’d like to put you in chargeof education.”

Toni gaped at her. “In charge?”

“You not only taught on Haven. You led the education board.”

“For a small region, Stacy. A single district. This is anentire planet.” And I was happy to let that job go.

Her career in education had been a placeholder until she’dfigured out just what she wished to do for the rest of her life. Toni had neverconsidered it her calling. She wasn’t quite sure how she’d ended up with over adecade of teaching under her belt.

“You spearheaded several enhancements that ended up beingimplemented on the whole colony. You set up a fast track for gifted students,as well as an intensive training college for educators who teach theintellectually disabled. Test scores doubled in most of Haven’s regions onceyour global learning initiative was put in place.” Kuran finished hisrecitation by bowing in respect.

As much as Toni preferred to downplay her achievements, shecouldn’t. Despite the supposed temporary nature of her job, she’d worked toodamn hard to accomplish what she had for Haven’s children.

“Your education committee head might be unhappy to bereplaced,” she protested.

“He’s stepping down due to health issues. No one else on thecommittee is vying for his job…so they certainly won’t apply to run an entiredepartment.” Stacy smirked.

“Boy, you have an answer to everything, don’t you?”

“I knew you’d resist. If I didn’t think you could do it, Iwouldn’t ask.”

“Sounds more like you’re insisting,” Toni groused, but herheart warmed to have Stacy’s approval, if not the ball and chain she wasfitting to her ankle.

She needs me, and I haven’t decided where my future lies.What else am I going to do?

Putting aside her uncertainty, Toni asked, “How close areyou to maxing out your current school facilities and supplies?”

“Currently, we’re ready for the next five scheduledtransports of new residents.”

“Which doesn’t come close to what you’ll actually require asthese refugees pour in.”

Stacy shrugged, but she grimaced. “I’ll sign off on whateverfunding you need. Buildings, curriculum, supplies…the legislature has alreadyearmarked the funds and asked our allies for additional support.”

Toni glanced at Kuran. “Earth’s digging in the empire’swallet again?”

He grinned. “As long as the fleet continues to pay me, youcan have Kalquor’s treasury for all I care.”

“Fine. I suppose you want me to start right away, yourgovernorship?”

“You can have lunch first.” Stacy beamed.

“You’re all heart, boss.” Toni kept her tone light despite asudden urge to cry.

* * **

 All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing tomorrow!

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