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It indeed was good.
The end? Not even close. Read on for a preview of the next installment, coming late 2023.
The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of key positions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders are still unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction to an unfathomable enemy.
Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due to restrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by and watch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back to the political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire, leaving it vulnerable to invasion.
Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man who can detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle by Captains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a race against time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are they already too late?
On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with Clan Rihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly moves against her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. Nobek Kuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but how can he stop a faceless enemy?
Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breaking point at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever. The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.
Dark Empire 2
Infiltration
Planet Jedver, Galactic Council of Planets central world
“The team we sent to inspect Bi’is has reported in, sir. You’ve been asked to meet with them right away.”
Dramok Mereta, secretary general of the Galactic Council of Planets, regarded his assistant Tulbayn with mild interest. “So soon? They don’t wish to wait a day or two?”
Tulbayn, an emerald-furred Joshadan who typically wore a serene smile, appeared disconcerted. “I asked them, and they insisted it’s important they report their findings to you as soon as possible. I told them it wasn’t protocol, but Commander Nezlo said you’d want to hear their news immediately.”
“Most extraordinary.” Mereta leaned his elbows on his polished desk. His long fingers wove together, but for the indexes, which steepled. He settled his chin on the fingertips, letting the gentle music of a Plasian string quartet enter his senses. Such beautiful music, a feast for the soul. He directed his attention to Tulbayn once again. “Nezlo didn’t ask to call together the full council for an emergency session?”
“No, Secretary-General. He said you should listen to what they learned first, as his report was of a sensitive nature.”
Mereta considered, reaching for the quietest part of his mind as his gaze drifted over an arrangement of pure white flowers on his desk. The Bi’is inspection team had encountered a situation important enough to bring immediately to him, but not to the entire council. Had such an occasion ever come up in the past? If so, he hadn’t heard of it, and he’d been around a very long time.
Alneusians, the species to which Commander Nezlo belonged, weren’t known for excitability. Mereta wasn’t well acquainted with him, but he understood Nezlo was held in high regard. His competence couldn’t be in question, as only the best negotiators and diplomats were capable of dealing with the troublesome Bi’isils. Troublesome, despite being kept under the Galactic Council’s thumb since their attempt to destroy Mereta’s home planet of Kalquor.
“I take it I have time to see Nezlo, as my last appointment canceled.”
Tulbayn, used to Mereta’s silences and contemplations, treated the lengthy pause after he’d last spoken as if it hadn’t happened. “There’s an hour free before you’re to address the Appropriations Committee.”
“Can the commander come now?”
“He’s in reception already, sir. He and the rest of his team.”
Surprise sought to disturb Mereta. He acknowledged it without a tremor of irritation, merely interest in his own reaction. “The entire team?”
“Yes, Secretary-General.”
“They came straight from docking their ship?”
“That’s my understanding.”
“My, my, Tulbayn. I wonder what it was they discovered on Bi’is?” He leaned back in his leather hover chair and contemplated the softly illuminated ceiling.
“It must have been notable.”
“Indeed. I suppose I should discover what the excitement’s about. Will you show them to the conference room? I’ll join them in a moment.”
“Yes, Secretary-General.” Tulbayn bowed as a Kalquorian would, despite knowing Mereta’s objections to such demonstrations. She hurried out of his office before he could rebuke her.
He smiled at the door, which had closed behind her. Joshadans were a most remarkable race. Simple, kind, unassuming. Above all, forgiving. The galaxy could learn from Tulbayn’s people. Certainly, civilization would be a more peaceful place to live if its residents did so.
