Page 62 of Advance and Retreat
“New Bethlehem’s and Mercy’s governments have vehemently contested the jurisdiction issue since the GC put Governor Nichols in charge of Earth before the official election was held.The matter was still being argued when the All stopped the case in its tracks.”
“McCarthy and Taylor must be held accountable.As it’s an Earther matter, they should be brought to Earth to face justice for their actions while the Galactic Council is incapable of doing so.”Kuran held Tranis’ gaze.
“No other governing body is sanctioned to order an extradition.”
“No.”
“Mercy is in chaos.The majority of its inhabitants are calling for McCarthy’s head, so he’s been in hiding for weeks.Still, the various factions trying to claim control of the planet wouldn’t appreciate outside interference, especially from us.”
“If they were unaware we were present and if we had human allies willing to help—”
“Do we?”
Kuran dipped a nod.“I’m acquainted with a reporter who’s concerned about her mother’s whereabouts and wellbeing.It wouldn’t be suspect if she and her news team from Earth showed up on Mercy to do a story.It would allow her to do some digging into her mother’s and Governor McCarthy’s locations.”
Tranis’ brow lifted.“New Bethlehem is another matter.They’ve had their share of issues due to Dark Death, and dissension exists between the government and the people.However, the situation shows no sign of exploding as Mercy did.We also don’t know the level of Dark influence on the colony.New Bethlehem says they have strict guidelines to check for infestation, but without the pre-All GC’s supervision, no one’s checking on them.Particularly not the empire.”
Kuran was aware of the problems of getting his hands on Governor Taylor.Many of those difficulties had a history long prior to the All becoming an issue.In the wake of the Kalquor-Earth war ten years prior, the Kalquorian occupation of New Bethlehem had seen more bloodshed for his people and the humans than during the conflict itself.Neither side had forgotten the horrors of that terrible period.
“It would require a great deal of care and planning,” he said.“None of which most should be aware.”
Tranis’ eyes narrowed.“You’re including Fleet Command, of which I’m part.”
“Yes sir.It’ll be best if you’re oblivious to any details.If the extractions were to go wrong and a few rogue Kalquorians implicated, the fleet and empire would disavow all knowledge.”
“Damn right we would.”Tranis spoke through gritted teeth.
“Particularly since you’ve been blessed by the birth of a child.My congratulations, Admiral.”
A slight growl drifted into Tranis’ voice, no doubt a sign of being reminded it was for love of those who depended on them that Kuran was determined to exact justice.“You can’t tell me this isn’t personal, Nobek.It makes your proposal exceedingly dangerous.”
“Correct on both counts, sir.”Kuran kept his voice level.
Tranis considered him a few moments.His gaze flickered to the report, still hovering in the air in front of him.“I wonder why you bothered to com.”
“Duty, sir.I felt you should be prepared for any fallout.”
Grudging respect colored the admiral’s tone.“There’ll be no trace this com ever happened, because it didn’t.”
Kuran felt a rush of relief.Tranis could have easily had him detained before he’d gotten off the station.The threat of it had nearly kept the Nobek from alerting him to what was about to go down.
“I’ve already taken measures to ensure so on my end, Admiral.”
He spoke to empty air.Tranis had already cut the connection.
* * * *
Earth II
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To: Antonia Nichols
From: Kalquor Scientific Board of Deep Space Exploration
Subject: Application
Matara Nichols, we are delighted to inform you your application as an inter-species negotiator-in-training aboard the deep space exploration vessel EC-1122 of the Coydidak-led mission has been approved.We are particularly grateful as you are the first of your species to show an interest in joining this most essential team.Your presence will be of great importance as a representative of your people on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.Welcome aboard!
