Page 24 of Shadows Approach

Kila’s spyship

“Orbit around Earth has been achieved, Captain Kila,” First Officer Deram reported from his helmsman’s podium. “Matching velocity of the Kalquorian space station. All systems and stations reporting in the green.”

“Excellent, First Officer.” Kila glanced at Piras, hoping the flash of nervous anticipation didn’t show. “Home sweet home for who knows how long?”

Piras turned to the mop of hair at the communications station. “Alert Admiral Hobato’s aide we’ve arrived.”

“Yes, Admiral.”

“Look at those marauders,” he said to Kila, pride shining as he gazed at the phased vessels patrolling the unaware planet. “It’s an honor to be in charge of the first squadron. I look forward to meeting their captains.”

At least Piras sounded assured. Kila allowed his gaze to linger on his commanding officer and clanmate.

Keeping an eye on Bi’is for five years, a week’s journey from their home planet, hadn’t been a picnic, but at least he hadn’t had to worry about those who’d be eager to claim revenge for Laro Station. For five years, it had been only his ship and his carefully vetted crew, none of whom had had relatives posted on the doomed installation when the Basma’s forces had killed its defenders. There had been the occasional trip to Kalquor, but no one outside of High Command or their families had been aware of their presence.

Orbiting Earth, they’d cut their distance from the empire in half. They’d have regular communication with the marauders and those in charge of Earth’s on-planet security aboard the space station. There would be face-to-face meetings. Kila knew at least one of their future contacts had been related to someone killed on Laro. There were sure to be more.

He loved a fight, as did any Nobek. What worried him was if he committed a single mistake, Piras could pay with his life.

I can’t let anything happen to him.But their new assignment, to defend Earth from outside forces, carried a greater threat from within.

Ancestors, help me be the Nobek he deserves. Don’t let me fuck this up.

Chapter Seven

Alpha Space Station

Piras entered the space station’s conference room, a step behind Kila. His Nobek had insisted on preceding him despite them maintaining their personal phasing. Outwardly, Kila displayed his natural expression, a mocking smile. However, Piras detected an extra wariness in his Nobek. He was on guard for trouble.

Extreme precautions had been taken on their behalf. Kila’s spyship was berthed at a secret outer dock on the station. Not even the station commander knew where the phased umbilical connecting Kila’s spyship to the station was located. No one but Hobato, Tranis, and the spyship crew had any idea it existed.

“He’s the head of security on the planet,” Kila said, nodding to the man sitting at the table close to Hobato and Tranis. “His name is Nobek Kuran. He used to work for the fleet, but he’s a contractor now. It’s hoped it makes his presence less unpalatable to the traditional-leaning Earthers.”

“He had a family member on Laro when it was taken by Maf’s forces.” Like Kila, Piras had paid attention to the names of those they’d work with who might be less than thrilled by their presence.

“A younger brother.” Kila scowled. “Killed by fellow Kalquorians who lacked any trace of honor. Fucking traitors.”

“Some would say we number among them. Well, let’s get this meeting underway.” Piras’ finger poised over his phase device, a small metal chevron pinned to his blue formsuit…the armored version Kila had insisted he wear.

He waited for Kila to deactivate his first, knowing it would help his protective clanmate feel better. The three men waiting for them jerked as the fierce Nobek, wearing his trademark terrifying grin, abruptly appeared less than two feet from Tranis. Kuran’s hand went automatically toward his belt, where several knives and a blaster were holstered. He stopped short when Tranis sighed.

“I hate how you startle me every time, Captain. Where’s Admiral Piras?”

“He’s here.” Kila’s gaze on Kuran was unwavering. His fellow Nobek, a muscled but handsome brute, lowered his hand, which had remained ready to snatch a blade.

Piras unphased. “You know how Nobeks are about protecting their clanmates and commanding officers in potentially dangerous environments. Good day, Admiral Hobato, Admiral Tranis. Security Head Kuran.” He bowed, as did Kila, whose eyes never left his fellow Nobek.

“Welcome to Earth space, Admiral Piras.” Hobato returned the bow, as did his companions. “It’s good to have you closer to home.”

“Indeed. This is long overdue,” Tranis said, a smile appearing within his thick, trimmed beard.

Piras and Tranis had a rocky history, but the other Dramok seemed earnest in his friendly regard. Piras returned the smile. “I’m glad you feel the time has come. What of you, Nobek Kuran? How much does my presence sicken you?”

Kuran’s gaze slid from its assessment of Kila to look Piras over. “We’re going straight to it, are we?”

“We might as well. I sold out Laro Station, where your brother was assigned. He died because of my treachery. You put in a request to the captain of the destroyer you were serving on to hunt me down.”

“That was before I was aware of the reason behind your actions.” Kuran’s tone was flat, devoid of emotion.