Page 85 of Stars in Halo

‘Sounds like you prefer your Ccyth women served in handmaiden or chattel mode,’ Katya shot back.

‘Does she know who I am?’ Duke asked in jest, waggling a finger at Katya, his handsome face arranged in mock offence.

‘Children, stop fighting,’ Xion interjected, lips twitching despite himself. ‘Duke, back to your royal rogue uncle -’

‘Uncle?’ Katya repeated, cocking her head in surprise.

‘Naam,’ Xion smirked, amused by the banter between the two. ‘The man you insulted is Ccyth regal stock, albeit one absconded from his duties at House DKRT.’

Katya’s eyes rose, and then she shrugged. ‘I’m aware of your people, but I’ve no time for nobles; I never have.’

‘Not like I give two fokks. Tis why I’m not taken aback at your lack of interest in my sovereign status, given I, too, feel the same,’ Duke murmured. ‘That said, K’Sumi is my uncle on my mother’s side.’

‘I had no idea,’ Katya grunted, surprised. ‘Can you offer us a sit rep on the man?’

Duke’s face folded into earnestness, and he leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. ‘Here it is. House ALMQ is weak. My uncle lost his gold and diamond mines in a series of recent earthquakes. His water reserves and access to energy stockpiles are dwindling, and many are rallying against him to take over as Supreme Leader.’

‘How has he stayed in power so long?’ Xion asked.

‘By wielding bribes, shutting dissent and pure intimidation, all hallmarks of a man grasping on to diminishing power. I suspect he wants something you Riders have. Whatever it is, it must give him major leverage over his enemies and offer him his last chance to hold onto his diminishing influence.’

Xion jerked his chin in agreement. ‘We’re getting close to figuring out what it is. The problem is with me off the board; he may harm Katya’s kids and mother, who he’s detained at a location on LeCythi. We seek air support, and perhaps a few gun bunnies, to jack up House ALMQ’s shit, then get them out and to safe harbour once we’ve rescued them.’

Duke sucked his teeth. ‘I can wrangle what you require, but it’ll come at a cost.’

‘You know we Riders are good for the bank,’ Xion said.

‘Not that kind. I’ll need to pull favours and call the one person I dread to contact.’

Who?’

Duke paused, rubbing a hand over his frustrated face. ‘My mother.’

Xion spluttered in mirth. ‘What the fokk? The Grand Duke is afraid of his mother?’

‘You don’t know Iccythrian mothers.’

‘He’s right,’ Katya said, ‘and from what I recall of the Khosana, she’s formidable.’

‘Fokk formidable,’ Duke groaned. ‘She’s a zilla monster on the best days and an inflamed dragon at her worst. You’ll owe me, Rider, big time. Fokk me and pray for me.’

Duke rang off with Xion’s laughter in his ear.

A Force Of Nature

Acomm connection was made somewhere on Eden II from one of its towering edifices.

‘Your requested holo link is coming through,’ Orphic, Duke’s AI, intoned.

‘The Khosana?’

‘Naam khani, it’s the Queen Mother herself.’

The chiselled jaw and handsome Iccythrian straightened his shirt, ran a hand through his hair and attempted to look presentable.

‘Son, you called?’ came a dry, sotto and mildly amused voice over the speakers. ‘Can’t imagine any progeny of mine having the balls to contact me without following protocol.’

Duke cursed. ‘Mother, turn on your holo, it’s urgent.’

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