Page 16 of Shadows Approach


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“The lake and its configuration were his suggestion.” Piper wasn’t about to let the chance to showcase Ulof’s abilities pass by.

“Indeed, Matara—? Oh, you look familiar too.”

“This is Piper,” Ulof supplied. “We belong to Clan Nako.”

“Clan…notthatClan Nako? From the Battle Over Bi’is?”

“That Clan Nako, yes.” Ulof chuckled.

Ospar grinned at them. “Salvation of the empire and now creator of planets. If I’d known you were involved, I’d have doubled my contribution to the Earth project.”

“You’re kind to say so.”

“My friends and fellow investors, Dramoks Rajhir, Diltan, and Falinset.”

More of the traditional bows of respect, then the group turned their attention to the valley again.

“The lake is the jewel of the scenery. Can you tell me about the flowers, Specialist Ulof? These are all seeded from the plants of the original Earth, aren’t they?” This from the tallest of the group.

His goateed face was as familiar to Piper as Ospar’s and a third member of the party, and not merely because they’d invested so heavily in the development of Earth II. Even the most casual observer of the Kalquorian Empire would recognize Dramoks Rajhir and Falinset. Like Ospar, their names were synonymous with past scandal and gradually growing redemption among Kalquorians…much like Piper’s clanmates, who’d had their own checkered pasts before playing a major role in fending off an invasion from Bi’is five years prior.

Piper wouldn’t have known Diltan on sight, the handsomest of the group. She’d heard of him, however. As an investor and Royal Councilman, his name came up on occasion in her hearing. He was also clanned to a cousin of Empress Jessica.

She listened proudly as Ulof answered the financiers’ questions confidently. He’d come so far from the angry, insecure man she’d met on board a rogue Kalquorian raider. He was still often unsure of himself, but there was no sign of it as he explained the challenges the team had faced in terraforming the planet in general and the valley in particular.

It occurred to her that she was surrounded by second chances. Ulof had embarked on a career he hadn’t dreamed possible, and it appeared he’d continue to succeed. The men who’d helped fund the planet’s transformation were restoring battered reputations. The planet itself had been reborn, made viable and alive. Piper’s people were getting another opportunity to build a healthy society on Earth II, free of the corruption of their parent world.

“All this in less than five years,” Falinset breathed after Ulof had answered their last question. “What a wondrous time to be alive.”

Piper agreed wholeheartedly.

“Here you are,” a female voice called. “I wondered when we’d run into you four. Have you been avoiding us on purpose? And by us, I mean me.”

Piper’s first thought was the outcropping was becoming ridiculously popular as an additional six people emerged from the path. Then she realized whom she was looking at.

The Imperial Clan and the new governor of Earth II, accompanied by a stern-looking Nobek, had arrived. Piper and Ulof edged aside as the dignitaries approached.

It was the eternally beaming Ospar who laughed at the empress’ question as he bowed. “Avoid you, my empress? I count the seconds until I find myself in your presence once more.”

Emperor Egilka snorted. “You’ll never change, Dramok Ospar.”

“Incorrigible as ever,” the empress laughed. Jessica’s gaze lit on Piper and Ulof, despite their attempts to remain invisible. She blinked in surprise. “Piper Warren? What are you doing here?”

The emperors bowed deeply upon recognizing her. “So good to see you again, Matara,” Clajak enthused. “How are you? And your clan?”

“We’re very well, thank you.” Her cheeks burned at the effusive greeting. Her brief and unintended hero turn of five years prior wasn’t a comfortable fit, and she rushed to deflect the attention. “You remember my Imdiko, Ulof? He’s part of the terraforming crew.”

“Trainee,” Ulof rushed to explain, looking flustered.

“Governor Nichols, this young woman escaped from Bi’is to warn us about their attack. She and her clan almost singlehandedly stopped them and brought our civil war to an end.”

“It’s a privilege to meet real heroes,” Nichols said, eagerly shaking Piper’s hand and returning Ulof’s bow.

“I was just the ship’s cook.” Ulof mumbled. He looked more embarrassed than before.

“Now he’s concocting entire planets. Come and look at the valley he’s responsible for,” Ospar urged the women. “Gorgeous, isn’t it?”

They commented enthusiastically on the view. “Orchids and marigolds. Look at the lake. I could spend a month just lying next to it!” Governor Nichols rhapsodized.

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