Page 10 of Desperate Measures

“It’ll be a matter of days before we reach our destination.” Charity spoke in the firm tone Betra had heard from Resan and other Dramoks. “No one is outing me on such a short trip.”

“You’d be surprised how quick circumstances can change,” Betra argued. He realized he probably would have to physically remove her to her section of the ship. Which brought the concern of how those passing and watching them with interest would react, especially if she struggled or shouted for help.

“Nothing of the sort can surprise me, I’ll have you know. Listen, nursemaid, I’ve faced danger you can’t imagine—”

“Is there a problem, Liaison?” Oses’ cool, rough voice sounded behind Betra.

Charity’s eyes widened at the sight of the huge, muscled warrior. Oses was impressive, more so than a number of his fellow Nobeks, and not merely for his incredible physique. He had a forceful stare, greater than any Betra had ever encountered. His glare alone was capable of cowing most.

Charity recovered, or she pretended to. She snorted. “I should have figured you’d bring backup.”

Betra fought off a scowl. Why did the majority of Earthers and unclanned Kalquorians equate the Imdiko classification with pushovers? He almost resented Oses in that instant for commanding the immediate respect Betra often had to fight for.

“I was escorting Matara Charity to her quarters. There was some confusion as to when she’s free to leave her safe area to explore the promenade,” he told his clanmate.

“I see. I’ll help you see her to where she should be. Matara?” The Nobek bowed and gestured in the direction she was to go.

Charity pouted, but she offered no further argument.

Once they’d returned her to her aunt and uncle’s presence…voicing a careful reminder to all as to when the young Matara Nath was cleared to roam the ship’s public areas…Betra and Oses set off for their quarters.

“Your walk happened at an opportune moment,” the Nobek observed.

“I have a feeling she’ll try her luck again. Can you assign someone to keep an eye on her? I hate to keep her a virtual prisoner while she’s aboard our ship—”

“It’s for her own good.” Oses suddenly smiled, his rough features softening.

“Remembering your misguided youth?” Betra guessed and chuckled.

“Unfortunately for my pride, yes. Those were tempestuous years. At least I didn’t have to fear people hating me simply because of my name.”

“No doubt you gave them plenty of reasons to come for you.”

“Every chance I got.”

The two men laughed and continued to the small quarters they’d happily called home for so many years.

* * * *

Earth II

Antonia Nichols, a woman who’d recently moved to Earth II from the Earther-Kalquorian farming colony of Haven, stepped in the governor’s office. She returned the secretary’s bright grin. “How’s it going, Todd?”

“Great, Ms. Nichols.” Todd, his unruly hair ruffled in photogenic waves, waved at his boss’ closed office door. “The governor’s meeting with Nobek Kuran and Chief Adams is going a little long.”

“Call me Toni, Todd. Ms. Nichols is my older sister, the bigtime politician.” She winked at him as she took a seat. “I’m only a former schoolmarm to future farmers.”

“You don’t look like any ‘schoolmarm’ I’ve come across,” he laughed.

Before she could thank him for the compliment, the door to Governor Stacy Nichols’ office opened. Earth II’s newly installed security chief Michael Adams emerged and greeted Toni. His smile was its usual close-lipped mild acknowledgement. Handsome to a fault, but a bit too serious for Toni’s taste, his tone was warm. “Good morning, Toni.”

“See, Todd? That’s how it’s done.” She grinned at Mike and offered her hand. “Can I express my formal congratulations, Chief Adams?”

“Condolences are also accepted,” he chuckled as he accepted her handshake, his teeth flashing in an outright grin for a change. “The training wheels are off. Hopefully I won’t screw things up.”

“Not a chance.” Todd’s voice was quiet. Perhaps he hadn’t meant to be heard because he flushed when Mike looked his way.

Toni didn’t miss how pleased Mike appeared to be at Todd’s remark. “Well, I’ll do my best. Chief…former Chief Kuran says he has faith in me. His confidence means a lot.”

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