Page 20 of Shadows Approach
“They’re part of what made this world possible.” She gave him as bland an expression as she could muster. “Perhaps not Kuran’s Imdiko; he’s on the space station purely as mental health support for the Kalquorians stationed there. But Rihep has coordinated supplying our infrastructure needs and will continue to do so in the near future. The biggest reason they’re here is because I have to work closely with Kuran. He’s done a great deal to put into place the planet’s security needs against the extreme factions that continue to exist.” She wondered if she were speaking to a member of such a faction.
“I’m aware of these matters. Dramok Rihep and Nobek Kuran have done an exemplary job carrying out their duties, for which they’re well compensated. A simple thank-you isn’t sufficient?”
“Earth wouldn’t have happened without Kalquor’s assistance, as little as a vocal few would care to admit it. I feel an extra effort to extend our people’s appreciation is fitting.”
“The vocal few, as you call them, will make their opinions known if they feel you’re falling under alien influence. Particularly aliens we fought a war against a decade ago.” He spoke through gritted teeth.
“Then it’s a good thing Kuran is around to keep an eye on them.” Stacy was determined Bryant wouldn’t be the only one issuing veiled threats.
“For now. Even those who aren’t traditionalists are determined this world is Earther only, so they’ll be demanding the few Kalquorians present move on as soon as possible. They won’t accept a governor who joins a Kalquorian clan or house.”
Stacy stared at him levelly. “I’ve done neither, nor do I intend to in the foreseeable future. Earth is my primary focus.”
“What’s your personal focus?”
“That’s my business.”
“The people will make it their business.” What she’d taken as hostility abruptly lessened, but Bryant was still intent. “I’m looking out for your best interests, Stacy. You’ll gain a lot more acceptance as a leader, and a chance to be elected to remain so, if you remember this planet is Earth’s rebirth and not Kalquor the Second. You might want to remind your friends in there of it as well.”
Seething, she replied, “I will, while we have dinner at my residence tonight.” She turned on her heel and re-entered the office. “Door, close.”
She hoped it did so in his condescending face.
Kuran’s eyes narrowed as he looked at her. Rihep’s expression remained pleasant, but his gaze was intent.
Etnil cocked his head in boyish inquisitiveness. “Is everything all right? Does anyone require electro-shock therapy?”
Kuran glanced at him, his brows lowering. “Electro-what therapy?”
“An ancient Earth technique designed to calm frantic minds. Would you like to try it? I’ll be glad to set up a demonstration for you.”
Stacy’s irritation drained away in the face of his humor. Though she hadn’t intended to ask the clan over, wasn’t even sure if what was available to serve them would be to their liking, she was determined to make a point. “Hey, what do you say to coming to my place for a spaghetti dinner? I’ve had marinara simmering all day. I won’t vouch for cooking to Kalquorian tastes, but I’m no slouch when it comes to wielding a spatula.”
Rihep brightened, and he glanced at his clanmates, who appeared as delighted. “Thank you, Governor. We’d be happy to join you.”
“Only if you call me Stacy. I don’t stand on ceremony at my table.”
“Then yes, Stacy.”
Could they be any more handsome when they smiled? The night was looking up.
Chapter Six
Spyship orbiting Bi’is
Ensign Dramok Ilid watched from his control podium as the away team’s shuttles returned from Bi’is. The three vessels docked in the spyship, and he closed the bay doors. Captain Abgi and Weapons Commander Suta stepped forward to greet the commander at the head of the disembarking team, Weapons Subcommander Ved.
“Report, Subcommander,” Suta ordered, his creased face as unsmiling as ever.
Ilid always felt more at ease when the old Nobek wasn’t looking at him. He bet Nobek Ved did too, despite his occasional lover’s resolute toughness, which kept him from admitting to any intimidation.
“The labs of Bi’is were quiet, Captain, Weapons Commander. We found no sign of the Sector C secret research facility the previous spyship suspected.”
Captain Abgi, almost as old and weathered and tough as Suta, frowned. “Neither did the Galactic Council inspectors, according to the files we intercepted a few hours ago. The captain I spoke to from the other spyship seemed so sure. What of the communications suggesting there might be such facilities?”
“The last of the suspicious messages between Bi’is scientists occurred just prior to the previous spyship’s leaving. Similar dialogue has ceased since then.”
Ilid glanced from his computer podium’s readings. Ved sounded…off. His deep voice had a wooden quality Ilid hadn’t heard from him before.