Page 72 of Alien Haven

“I believe our breed uses the excuse of its categorization to resort to violence too readily.” Detodev maintained a respectful though unwavering tone. “I’ve thought through my encounter with the man apprehended outside my home. It failed to end in me tearing out his throat, much as the urge insisted. I believe my fear of losing myself to such violence will stop me from doing so. I can keep Charity protected from her enemies. Ilid and Mitag are equally committed to the same outcome.”

“Then convince her to leave Haven, damn you!” Groteg’s shout was accompanied by his fist slamming the tabletop. His fierce countenance eased a touch when Sara jumped. After shooting her an apologetic glance, he told Detodev, “It’s the only way to guarantee her security. Don’t you realize these assholes will continue coming?”

“Tell them to go ahead.” Charity was resolved to make her position clear. “I refuse to live in fear and hiding. Life is short in any case, and I’ll live what time I have as I choose. My choice is here among the friends I’ve made.”

She noted Detodev’s glance of hope before he re-centered his attention on the obviously disgusted Groteg. Her stomach churned, but she’d had the whole night to consider her desires and the risks involved.

Her resolve kept her steely in the face of the elder Nobek’s frustrated snarl. “I have to get to work. Rest assured, this discussion is far from done.” He shoved past Detodev and slammed the door as he left.

* * * *

Dolgra, realizing Groteg might be sick of him popping in by unphasing, played his part as delivery man to visit the security chief’s office early in the morning. It meant submitting to nearlytwenty minutes of scans and searches. The small envelope he’d brought bearing Groteg’s name was inspected rigorously, but he bore the nuisance patiently. He wondered if the department had always been so meticulous, or if it were a new procedure. Thanks to the Darks, the virus, and the newly acquired knowledge Earthtiques had gained footing on Haven despite careful vetting, everyone appeared to be on edge.

At last, he was granted entrance to Groteg’s office after encountering one last obstacle. Covering his irritation, which was finally making itself known, he insisted to the man’s assistant he was to deliver the now tattered envelope personally. Groteg overheard him speaking through the open door. Looking ill-tempered…the very expression Dolgra had hoped to avoid…the Nobek poked his head out and said, “Come in. We need to talk.”

It wasn’t the sort of welcome he’d hoped for. Dolgra wasn’t sure if his news, which had sent him to Groteg in the first place, would be welcome or complicate matters.

“Door closed,” Groteg growled as he entered his inner space. “Made it through the gauntlet, I see.”

“Impressive safeguards,” Dolgra complimented, tossing the envelope on Groteg’s desk before taking the hover chair in front of it.

“What’s this?” The Nobek eyed the delivery as if he’d like to tear it apart simply for existing.

“Tickets for your clan to tonight’s performance ofCow Patties in Paradise.”

“Thanks, but we’ve agreed it’s too adult for our younger children.”

Dolgra hoped it wasn’t a personal rejection. He set aside the issue for the real reason he’d come. “The delivery is a cover for me delivering news of importance. Browning Copeland died in his sleep last night.”

Groteg froze and took a second to recover. “Natural causes?”

“According to the preliminary autopsy.”

“What does this mean for Charity?”

“Immediately? It doesn’t mean anything. Copeland died as Kalquor’s and Borey Nath’s prisoner, which must never be revealed to the public. Especially now, when the All and its Darks are trying so desperately to divide and conquer the galaxy.”

“The fleet does intend for his passing to be revealed somehow, though? If only to destroy the Galactic Council’s case against us?”

“It’s being discussed, is my understanding. I’m not high enough in the hierarchy to hear more than the barest details.” The Nobek bringing up Matara Charity gave Dolgra a hint as to why he was in a temper. “Your ward didn’t take the news of being moved well?”

“She refuses to go. As I suspected, she’s become seriously attached to those young men I told you about, and vice versa. They know who she is, and they insist they’ll protect her from those determined to snatch her.”

Dolgra’s eyes narrowed at the unwelcome news. “Will they be a problem if we force her to go?”

“She’s enough of a problem by herself, but yes, I have little doubt they’ll fight for her right to remain on Haven. She is an adult, Dolgra, and an Earther. She has every right to refuse our protection in spite of it endangering her.”

“She’s also family by clanning to a high-ranking admiral who’ll happily…ecstatically…rip our heads from our shoulders if anything happens to her. I don’t mean figuratively, either. Admiral Piras would literally tear our heads off.”

“You can’t talk to him? Get him to convince her?”

“Piras is nowhere to be found. Maybe the top brass is aware of his situation, but word is he and his clan went on a secretmission deep in Galactic Council space. They haven’t been heard from since.” Dolgra shifted the conversation back on track. “This is no time to bend to a young woman’s stubbornness no matter how infatuated she’s become.”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t on board with getting her out of here. I simply understand why she’s being obstinate. I still believe it’s for the best if she leaves Haven, but she won’t go quietly. She’s smart but impetuous and could make trouble for you and the fleet in the end.”

“Piras and Matara Charity’s sister can deal with her when…if they return. I have my orders. I’ve leaned heavily on you thus far where she’s concerned, but can I rely on you to help me?” Dolgra made a determined effort to request, not insist.

To his relief, Groteg’s irritation eased. He nodded, then his face brightened, as if an idea had occurred to him. “Hey, about the show tonight…”

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