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“Asicar? That planet hasn’t come up in conversation since my grandfathers’ time.”
Hobato waved a dismissive hand. “They’re making threats, probably just to remind us they exist. Bi’is kept them under their thumb for decades. Since Bi’is is no longer a danger, Asicar is eager to be taken seriously.”
“As before, they’re doing it the wrong way.” Tranis shook his head. “In any event, there are dangers to Earth. Kalquor is in the best position to ward off those dangers, but a vocal minority of Earthers will scream loudly if we offer overt protection.”
Kuran’s brow rose. “Spyships?”
“They have some fighting capability. They’ll be part of our defense of Earth.” Hobato tapped on the computer before him, and a holoscreen beamed over the table.
Kuran frowned at the unfamiliar ship displayed. It made him think of a cross between a destroyer and the decommissioned raider class, but it had sleeker lines. It reminded him of an incredibly thin arrowhead. “New ships?”
“These will make up our main space-oriented defense of the planet. This is a marauder class fighter. They can function in the atmosphere as well as space. They’re smaller and possess less firepower than destroyers, but they’re faster than destroyers or the old raiders. They’re outfitted with the latest of phasing technology, as the spyships already are.”
Kuran admired the vessel. “How big of a crew?”
“Up to fifty, and they’ll each carry a dozen single-man fighters. If Earth is attacked by a force twice the size of the squadron of twenty-five we’ve assigned to the planet, we should be able to fend it off until the destroyers on Fropan Base arrive.”
Kuran whistled. Fropan Base, a fleet military space station, was an hour away at a destroyer’s top speed. That the marauders would be able to hold out against fifty Tragoom ships was impressive.
He grinned at Tranis. “I’m guessing you’ll be in command of these beauties?”
“As tempting as the idea is, no. This may be where you find loyalty to honor and empire painful, Kuran.”
“Sir?”
“The man in charge will be Admiral Piras.”
Kuran went still, the name ringing shrill in his skull. His fangs began to descend. He fought off the instinct with reluctant determination.
“I see.”
“Indeed.” Hobato regarded him, displaying no emotion. “He and Captain Kila will oversee Earth’s defense from hostiles off the planet. Their squadron will be phased at all times, and you won’t have to speak to them too often. A check in once a month is all we require, if everything remains peaceful.”
“The Laro Station ruse remains a sore spot for many Kalquorians.” Tranis spoke quietly.
Ruse? Kuran’s hands tried to curl in fists, and he forced his fingers straight.
Laro Station had been a butchery. One of Kuran’s younger brothers had been on it when the Basma’s forces had overrun it and killed everyone on board. Piras had given them the means to do so. He’d killed Jeridy as sure as if he’d cut his throat.
Hobato and Tranis were watching him, waiting to learn his reaction. It occurred to Kuran that if he refused to work with Piras, he’d be dismissed from Earth. He’d have to leave Stacy.
His voice was rough. “Laro allowed Piras and Kila to get close to the Basma. It was the station or a civilian target, was my understanding.”
Tranis dipped a nod. “Only a high-value site would have brought Piras into the traitors’ fold. It was a hard decision for him.”
Kuran imagined it was. Jeridy would have volunteered to be sacrificed if he’d known. It had meant an honorable death, the greatest wish of a warrior Nobek.
It didn’t help Kuran feel better about losing him. Nor did the argument that Piras’ and Kila’s actions had directly resulted in saving Haven Colony from the Basma, where his other brother Mejir had been stationed as part of its frontline defenses. Mejir lived, thanks to the man who’d brought Jeridy’s death.
He drew a deep breath and put as many of his emotions aside as he could manage. “I doubt you could have found a more suitable person to do whatever must be done to maintain Earth’s safety.”
Tranis’ brow lifted in subdued amusement. “Piras is nothing if effective and loyal to the empire, over all other considerations. Can you maintain a professional relationship with him?”
Could he? Kuran considered it. If he kept Stacy and Mejir front and center in his mind, those whom he could lose and had nearly lost…maybe. If he could fend off Jeridy’s young face in his imagination despite the loss still echoing in his heart.
“I can work with Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to keep Earth safe.”
“Very well.” Hobato appeared pleased. “We’ve long hoped to restore Clan Piras’ reputation in the empire. I thank you for helping us take this first step.”
