Page 14 of Desperate Measures

“It’s supposed to hit my desk early next week.” Her scowl deepened.

“The election is still yours to win.”

“Either way, he and I will have jobs when it’s said and done.”

Bryant was actually an ally to Stacy, devoted to keeping the Earthtiques from gaining power. He actually had married the underage girl at her dying father’s request to save her from the pedophile Holy Leader Browning Copeland. Stacy believed the marriage hadn’t been consummated.

Bryant’s attempt to shelter her had failed when he was forced to give her up or face execution for treason. His pain over the girl’s fate…she’d died young, as so many of Copeland’s wives had…had set the conservative Bryant against Earthtique plans. They thought he was one of them, however. The information he gained from them provided Stacy information to thwart their plots, including those on her life. Stacy and Bryant had many differences on government policy, but they agreed there was no room for fanatical religious factions in leadership positions.

Stacy respected Ken. “I look forward to restoring his reputation if I win. He’ll have a major cabinet position in my administration. He’s promised the same to me if he ends up the victor.”

“I’m glad he isn’t the asshole I thought he was. I still don’t like him.” Kuran glowered.

“I do. He’s doing important work to keep another Holy Leader from rising to power. Look at the bright side, Kuran. Since you have to be phased all the time now, you can make faces at him and call him bad names. No one will ever know.”

“It’s a nice perk.” A smile softened his rugged features. “I’d better run along. See you soon.”

“Sooner than I’ll see you,” she sighed. She claimed a kiss.

She watched him leave the room and bid Todd goodbye. Todd effusively wished him well and assured him he’d miss having him around. Kuran thanked him and strode off to somewhere he could phase without being observed. He’d return in a matter of minutes, but Stacy wouldn’t know when he did.

The end of an era. She sat heavily in her chair, already missing his obvious presence. She tapped on her computer, hoping to distract herself from how complicated life and love for an Earther and Kalquorian clan had turned out.

Despite a hectic schedule, the day stretched long and empty before her.

* * * *

Open Arms Orphanage, Mymah

Cheryl listened as Besral read Admiral Tranis’ response to the message he’d sent.

“Our deepest and sincerest apologies for having overlooked those of you who run the orphanage. In the panic to remove personnel in immediate danger from Galactic Council space, we forgot those who are most vulnerable.

“As you no doubt are aware, Kalquorian vessels have been banned forthwith from GC territory following the empire’s accusations of a hostile alien takeover, which I personally can attest to. However, we do have a plan to evacuate the residents of the orphanage in the coming days. With any luck, the GC will continue to remain blind to your presence until we reach you. Hang on and be ready to leave as soon as we arrive.”

When he finished, Cheryl asked, “No actual timeline. Do you think we’re in any danger?”

Besral set aside his com unit on his desk. They were in his office, bare of anything but a desk, chairs, and computer. It was where he carried out his few duties as head of security, a position he’d once characterized as “less than useless.” More often, he was to be found in the gymnasium, leading the children in calisthenics, aerobic activities, and defensive fighting techniques. He loved teaching enough to quell a Nobek’s natural inclination for battle action.

“We continue to attract no attention from the Galactic Council. They seemed to have forgotten us too. As the admiral said, perhaps we’ll be invisible to them long enough to escape.”

“Surely they won’t view us as a threat.”

“Who knows? This news of these dark entities destroying the Bi’isils and taking control of the GC…we’ll have to remain vigilant. And quiet.”

She was shaken at the fear displayed on his rough but beloved features. Not for himself. She was certain his worry was for her and the children.

He needed something to do. So did she. “We can’t just sit here and wait for rescue.”

“No.” Relief erased his anxious expression. “A hiding place is already being worked on by me and my men and the older boys. We can drill the children on evacuation to it as well as to the escape shuttles the fleet will send. You, Marci, and Darci should review the go bags and supplies if we fall under siege for some reason.”

“You and I will determine the particulars, then call a staff meeting.” Cheryl reached the decision to plan for the worst immediately. She was no Nobek, but she also preferred action.

* * * *

Earth II

“The seal is broken. Half of what should be in this bin is missing.” Toni waved her handheld displaying an invoice from the seller at the transport carrier’s chief officer.

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