Page 46 of Desperate Measures

Toni hated to bring her down, but she had to mention the major hurdle before them. “You said Kalquor gave the Galactic Council the Bi’isil records. The Darks have the GC and are probably behind the epidemic. I don’t see them handing the research to us.”

“Sis, we’re talking about the Kalquorian Empire, which has a vested interest in keeping Earthers alive and well. Do you really think they didn’t keep copies of what they found?”

Toni had to laugh. “They have pretty decent moral standards, except when it comes to keeping some vestige of their existence alive. I bet they’ll even put a few of their researchers on the case.”

“Which will make them look pretty damn good to Earthers if they ride to the rescue and yank us out of this mess.”

“I guess you have coms to make.”

“Right away. Thanks for being my sounding board. Thinking out loud has made a big difference.”

“Good luck, Gov.”

“Love you, Toni. Stay healthy in the meantime.” Stacy signed off.

* * * *

Open Arms Orphanage

Kila made certain his usual grin, which possessed a naturally predatory air, gave off a gentler confidence as he spoke to Matara Cheryl and Nobek Besral in the head administrator’s office. “There’s a terrible epidemic loose on Earth and the colonies Mercy and New Bethlehem. For this reason, the inhabitants of the orphanage will be evacuated to Haven instead, which has remained free of the virus.”

“Haven wisely quarantined as soon as it became obvious a similar but different virus was present on the Kalquorian home world and its colonies and stations,” Piras added. “Because it’s a blended population of our peoples, they had strict guidelines in place when what’s been dubbed Dark Death rose on Earth, Mercy, and New Bethlehem. Once you pass medical protocols at Haven’s off-world medical station, you’ll be allowed lodgings on the planet until Earth can offer a permanent solution.”

“Two viruses at once?” Besral’s expression was openly suspicious.

Kila nodded. “We’re concerned the Darks gained access to clandestine Bi’is labs, where we think bioweapons were being developed.”

“Which is why you insisted on your medical personnel testing us after our face-to-face contact with Ydur’s group. In case they’d somehow contaminated us.” Cheryl allowed only a hint of horror to peek from her otherwise composed features.

“I hope you can forgive our not telling you upfront. We hated to frighten you and the children without cause. Thankfully, there’s no sign of either you or your Kalquorian staff being infected.”

“That’s good news.” Cheryl’s gaze moved between Kila and Piras. “Earthers and Kalquorians seem to be the Darks’ main focus. Do I understand the situation?”

Both men nodded.

“Then I’m concerned about us being relocated to Haven. It appears safe for now, but since both our species call it home, it could become a target in the future. Perhaps we should look outside your empire and Earther settlements as far as a temporary solution.”

When she put it in those terms, Kila agreed. Silently, because it was up to Piras to broach such considerations to Fleet Command…though he’d make his opinion known to his clanmate in private.

“It’s a valid point, and I’m glad you brought it up,” the admiral said. “I’ll inform my superiors of your proposal and see what we can come up with.”

“Thank you.”

Piras glanced at Kila. “What are the Galactic Council forces up to?”

“Their larger squad continues to approach. Our backup has gone com silent, as we fear the GC will pick up any attempts to communicate.” Kila grimaced. “Unfortunately, it means we have no idea where our marauders are or if they’ll get here in time to defend the orphanage from the enemy.”

Piras ground his teeth, his strong jaw working. He let up when Kila’s foot nudged his leg under the table.

He glanced around the table. “We must assume we’re on our own when it comes to defending the children. We need a plan. Share any ideas you have, no matter how outrageous.”

Chapter Thirteen

Kalquor

As the hunting group consisting of Resan, his parent clan, Oses, Clan Seot, and the children thundered in the rear of the home in a flurry to ready for the coming day, Betra smiled brightly at Shalia in the common room. He’d been up early and was ready. “What do you need? Blanket, water, snacks? An adult beverage?”

Shalia laughed from her perch on the lounger. Her sprained ankle was elevated on the pillows Cifa had arranged beneath the wrapped limb. Because it was a minor injury, Shalia hadn’t been treated by a licensed medic. She’d been diagnosed remotely by the head doctor of the local clinic after a medical scanner app had been installed on Cifa’s handheld. Though the district remained virus-free, isolation protocols were maintained except in actual emergencies. She was forced to recuperate naturally.

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