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He prayed there was a way. Thanks to the massive graveyard Bi’is had become, he was more scared than he’d ever been in his life.
* * * *
Ilid relaxed as the final shuttle landed in the marauder’s bay and its away team assembled outside its hatch. No shadows were present.
“They’re clean,” he told Captain Kila, as well as the image of Nako over the com vid.
At Nako’s nod, Weapons Commander Terig called, “Away team, depart the containment zone.”
Only one hurdle remained. A member of Kila’s security would send in a vid drone so Ilid could look around the interior of the shuttle to verify no Darks had infiltrated it. When that was done, he could finally put the nightmare behind him. The spyship would at long last take Ilid far from the hell of Bi’is space.
He could go home to Kalquor. He’d see his parents, a miracle in and of itself.
He didn’t care he’d spend the coming months being tested by the fleet’s medical teams to learn how he and a few others could detect the malevolent beings that had destroyed the citizens of Bi’is. He’d do whatever they wanted, and as soon as the fleet was done with him, he’d take the discharge they’d offered him.
Ilid felt a twinge of guilt over how eager he was to put the fleet behind him. It was very un-Dramok to look forward to running away, to never step onto a ship and go to space again. The spyship’s psychologist had told him it was perfectly normal to want to close the door on the career he’d once aspired to. “Given the trauma you endured, you’re doing well,” the kind Imdiko therapist had assured him. “Many, including other Dramoks and even Nobeks, would have collapsed under such harrowing conditions.”
Ilid had no idea if the psychologist had been telling the truth or blowing smoke up his ass. He’d had a lot more to say about the constant nightmares plaguing the young ensign. It was another blow to his psyche to be relying so heavily on anti-anxiety medication, but for the immediate future, he didn’t care. All he wanted was to go home.
“Sending the drone in,” Captain Nako said.
“Standing by,” Ilid croaked, hoping it was almost over.
An hour later, thanks to no Darks in evidence, the spyship and marauder broke orbit and left what had been home to a thriving civilization…and the worst place Ilid had ever been.
* * * *
Kalquor
“Welcome to our little group, Dramok.”
Oiteil grinned as he clicked glasses of leshella with four other Dramoks in Ospar’s greeting room. Besides Ospar, the small gathering included Rajhir, Diltan, and Falinset. “I’m delighted to be a part of your successful venture. Thank you so much for having me…for considering me in the first place.”
“After Councilman Diltan’s and Ospar’s enthusiastic recommendations, how could we not?” Falinset bobbed his head in approximation of the traditional Kalquorian bow of respect.
Oiteil returned it. “I’m excited to be a part of this. It’s an amazing opportunity to be invited into your investment group. Thank you again.”
“Diversifying our interests means growing. We’re delighted to have you and your money on board,” Ospar joked.
Oiteil joined in their laughter. Talk turned to the upcoming wedding/clanning ceremony of Imperial Father Yuder and Imperial Mother Tara, which had been joyfully announced to the public by Emperor Clajak and Empress Jessica earlier that day.
Later, when the rest had gone home, Oiteil and Ospar sat to have a private conversation. “I do wish Rajhir would reconsider,” Oiteil sighed. “Losing Imperial Father Yuder’s interest in returning to the political arena is a daunting blow.”
“We must follow our own paths, my Imdiko would say. Each man has his own opinion on what constitutes honor.” Ospar spoke easily, but he shifted on his furred seating cushion, as if made uncomfortable.
“I’m glad your path continues to be serving the empire to your greatest ability. The permanent ban on you doing so was a grievous mistake. It will be corrected.”
“I hope so. I have many projects to occupy me, but none fulfill my need for duty as public service did. Whatever it takes…within reason, of course,” Ospar hastily added that last. “I’m ready to do it.”
“Excellent. A couple of ambassadorships have opened up on significant partner planets. We’d benefit greatly from your presence on Dantovon or Adraf. I believe you’d be perfect in either of those roles.”
Ospar’s eyes lit. “Whatever you wish, you only have to tell me.”
“I’m counting on it.” Oiteil grinned.
* * * *
Alone in his home, Oiteil sat in the common room. Anyone who might have visited would have been astonished to see trays of half-eaten food gathering mold and mildew on dusty surfaces, but Oiteil allowed no visitors these days.
