Page 69 of Advance and Retreat
“In other words, the Other can’t offer us a sure thing.”Degorsk was holding Jackie tight to himself, as if to protect her.“Just a few chances, at best.”
Egilka drew a deep breath.“Earlier, the Other told us what we’re doing now is doomed.I’ll gladly exchange guaranteed failure for a few slim chances.”
“Right.”Clajak nodded to Cassidy.“Dr.Hamilton, where do we start?”
“With interdimensional travel.Who wants to go on a trip?”She grinned at their shocked expressions.
* * * *
Alpha Space Station
“You can’t leave.Not on a mission as stupid as this.Tell him he can’t leave, Rihep.”
Kuran kept his expression bland as Stacy ranted to his clan leader in their quarters.Rihep’s intense stare told the Nobek he might do as she wished.The usually easygoing Dramok simmered seldom-seen anger.His attempt to maintain the composure he was famous for was obvious in the slow, controlled rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.
“The attacks on her will keep coming, my Dramok,” Kuran said when he intuited Rihep was ready to hear him.“On others as well.I received a report of an attempt to kidnap the younger sister of Admiral Piras’ Matara on Haven recently.The Earthtique members of Mercy’s and New Bethlehem’s governments won’t stop until they’ve killed or detained those who oppose them.Our promised Matara is at the top of the list of those they wish dead.”
“All the more reason for you to stay here and guard her.And what the hell is this about leaving within the hour?I mean...fuck, Kuran.”For once, Etnil wasn’t making jokes.His features were stricken at the thought of his clanmate leaving on such a hazardous mission.
The warrior managed a slight smile for his Imdiko’s obvious affection.“They came for you too.I wasn’t able to stop them then, and it nearly cost you your life.”His gaze shifted to Rihep.“It’s the only way to halt the threat to my clan.To Earth too.These people will stop at nothing to return the humans to tyranny.Capturing them is doing my job.”
“Admiral Tranis has already said he’d disavow any knowledge of it.You won’t have backup if things go wrong.”Stacy wasn’t yelling, but her voice was rising.
“Of course.It’s the nature of the spy business,” Kuran said.
“But it’s not fully sanctioned by the admiral, my Nobek.”Rihep finally spoke in his typical mild tone.
“Not contradicted either.He understands the stakes, which go beyond assassination attempts on other leaders.I’m not going alone.Nobek Selt is accompanying me, as well as a couple others.We’ll contact fellow spies on those colonies.I’m not playing the lone avenger.”Though he would have if the situation had been otherwise.
Stacy shook her head and turned her back on him.
“Who’ll be in charge of Stacy’s safety while you’re gone?”Rihep asked.
Relief filled Kuran at the unspoken agreement to let him go.“Dramok Deram is in charge of the spy contingent until I or Admiral Piras return.Deram plans to have two phased bodyguards in Stacy’s vicinity at all times while she’s on Earth or outside our quarters when she’s on the station.Chief Adams on Earth, since he’s unaware of the Kalquorian presence we maintain there, also has an armed detail watching her when she’s planetside.”
“It sounds like the bases are covered.”The steely glint returned to Rihep’s eyes.“I expect you to return as quickly as is feasible.I understand you might do so bearing a few marks of honor, but I insist on my clanmate coming home in one piece.”
“As you command, my Dramok.”Love filled Kuran’s heart.
Etnil insisted on a hug.The Nobek held him tight, wanting his clanmate to feel what he meant to him.
“Don’t get killed, okay?I drive people crazy.I need you here to stop me from getting my ass kicked hourly.”Etnil’s voice caught.
“Wear your running shoes until I get back.”Kuran teased after swallowing the knot in his throat.He turned last to Stacy.“Will you send me off without a word, my Matara?”
“I should.I’ve never been so mad—” A sob interrupted her, and she swung around.The next instant, she was in his arms, her face buried in his chest.Her words were muffled, but he deciphered them.“I won’t forgive you if you don’t return.”
“I love you too.”He kissed the top of her head.
She yanked herself free and went to Etnil, who held her as she cried.The Imdiko and Rihep gazed at him, their eyes bleak.
Kuran took it as his cue to go.He picked up the travel bin he’d set by the door and left.
––––––––
Stacy’s tears taperedoff just as the door announce buzzed a few minutes later.“Who’s expecting company?”Rihep asked, pulling loose of the knot the trio had formed in the wake of Kuran’s departure.
“Must be one of those ass-kicking types I told Kuran about,” Etnil muttered, swiping at his eyes.
