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Stacy blinked. “It’s an excellent point to campaign on, but the Earthtiques will hate it. I insist women be reassured there’ll be no return to the horror show of what we had under the old regime.”
“As far as I’m aware, you haven’t told anyone beyond cabinet members, leaders of the legislature, and Lieutenant Governor Bryant. As you said, you wanted to move further into the process of replacing my official position to show you aren’t unduly influenced by Kalquorian interests.”
“Correct.” Stacy had figured out where Kuran was heading. “In her report, Nelson quoted what I’d told them damned near word for word. Someone talked.”
“Someone talked,” Kuran repeated.
“Ken Bryant.”
“He does have conservative leanings, verging toward Earthtique despite presenting himself as moderate. He may run against you for governorship. He’s the most likely of those you informed to object to your having Kalquorian lovers. It’s against his beliefs and could give him a boost where his political aspirations are concerned.”
Stacy scowled. “He’s the most irritating person I have to deal with.”
“Not Councilmen Mitchell and Spence?”
“I know where I stand. They despise me openly. Ken, though…”
“When you two get along, you get along very well. When you’re at cross-purposes, however, he can be…problematic. Especially where my people are concerned.”
Bryant had made no bones of how little he liked Kalquorians, despite them being at the forefront of giving Earthers a new home planet. He’d been openly rude to Kalquor’s Imperial Clan and other dignitaries in the past. He often treated Kuran as if he weren’t present, even when Kuran wasn’t phased and he couldn’t possibly miss seeing the six-and-a-half foot Kalquorian.
“I asked him to keep it quiet. I guess I should have saved my breath,” Stacy groused.
“I’m not entirely sure it was him,” Kuran said.
Her gaze was surprised. “Ken has a lot to gain by exposing my activities to the public…and my opponents in the legislature.”
“Which is why I have doubts he gave Nelson the information. He’d realize you’d consider him suspect, unless he’s playing some angle we aren’t aware of.”
“In other words, I shouldn’t call his ass on the carpet.” Stacy leaned back on her leather hover chair, her dark eyes seeking answers on the ceiling. “Remind me why I got into politics?”
“Because you want your people to be safe and happy.” Kuran smiled, then turned to business. “Go ahead and ask Bryant if he spoke to Nelson. If he denies it, leave him to me. I’ll find out what’s going on.”
“I have mixed feelings about you spying on members of my government, even if it is on my behalf and for the good of Earth.” Her regard returned to him, her expression troubled.
“Your enemies have made attempts against you already. Maybe not to harm, but harassment can easily turn to darker purposes.” He hated how easy it was to lie by omission. She had no idea Kalquor had ordered him to spy on their behalf as well, concerned Earth might return to the sort of fanaticism that could threaten the galaxy’s stability.
He hated her accepting his answer just as much. “If Ken played any part in the sabotage to my vessel or those protestors who showed up when we welcomed the first colonists home…we should know.”
“I’ll tell you whatever I learn.”
* * * *
Kalquor
Yuder left Tara’s ashram on a warm, sunny afternoon. He stood beyond the rocky outcropping serving as its exterior and waited for his eyes to adjust as waves whispered hello to the pink sand shore.
Aside from a few distant figures walking the beach, he had the strand of coastline overlooking the infinite green sea to himself. Royal Guards had been informed he was leaving and were stationed along his route, though their presence was far enough away to give him privacy.
He breathed deep the familiar salt tang but found no solace in it. He’d spent as long as he could manage in meditation in the quiet of the ashram. Tara taught using contemplation for escape from life’s troubles was incompatible with true peace, and she was probably right, but escape was all he ached for. He could sit in introspection for a couple hours, but the natural Nobek inclination for action allowed for no more.
After a week home, he faced the truth he’d feared but suspected…he was useless. To Tara, to himself, to the empire. There was no place for him.
He’d been born in an era of struggle, raised for the throne when trouble was at its height. Kalquor had cycled between wars against Trag and Bi’is. Extinction had threatened their world. His work as part of Kalquor’s Global Security before taking on his duties as the empire’s monarch had meant encountering determined criminals and fighting glorious battles to enforce the planet’s laws. Then, as the warrior-protector of the Imperial Clan, he’d been tasked the security of the empire in an increasingly hostile galaxy.
Once upon a time, Nobek Yuder had stood between his people’s annihilation and safety. Once upon a time, he had mattered.
Now, Kalquor was at peace. Bi’is’ threat had been destroyed, as had the domestic revolt led by the treasonous Dramok Maf. Despite a few dissidents, Earth II was an ally, its populace healed and invigorated on their new planet. They had also immigrated to Kalquor, blending their undamaged genes with the native population and salvaging its culture. In a couple of centuries, Kalquorians would be exclusively of mixed ancestry, a new species altogether. Though Yuder had reluctantly broken the Galactic Council’s laws to make that happen, he felt guilty pride in having helped assure his empire’s future.
