Page 171 of Stars At Dusk

‘Is it screwed back on then? Coz I have doubts sometimes, baby,’ he grinned.

She gently swiped him with a hand. ‘Oh, it’s on straight now, lover. Of that, you can be clear.’

‘What I’m crystal on is that I did my level best to twist you up in the right way, and for that, you should be grateful.’

‘Fokk you, Sable,’ she shot back.

‘With pleasure.’

Kage grinned down at her and then swooped, his lips claiming his prize once more.

Epilogue

Enia, capital of Rhesia

The Rhesian House of Parliament sprawled across the banks of the Frelum river. It sat proudly and firmly in place due to the tonnes of neo-steel, Falasian marble and miles of plexiglass that wreathed its exterior, making it seem like a diamond shining on the edge of the tranquil waterway.

However, the bill to keep all its lights on and to heat the monumental building came to over $10 million schills a year, so there was much debate amongst Enians about its utility. Especially amongst a growing number of dissenters, who were decrying the planet’s failing economy and growing list of societal woes.

The ongoing debates and vigorous discussions could be heard up and down the corridors of the grand edifice and even sometimes on the parliament floor itself.

It was amid one such great cacophony that the doors of the grand Parliament hall were flung open, and a hush fell over the gathered senators and members.

Because the King of the Rhesian Realm of Nations had just swept in, interrupting the heated debate session. The honorary members shared agitated glances and shrugs - as an unannounced walk-in by anyone other than a sitting representative, even the King himself, was strictly considered a no-no by Rhesian parliamentary standards.

He was closely followed by the planet’s Prime Minister, Feldman Terion, whose presence and stern glare silenced the growing whispers of outrage. Obviously, he was in on this unprecedented intrusion.

Finally, with a shimmer of light, three powerful, hulking silhouettes materialised out of thin air behind the two most powerful men in Rhesia.

The floor gasped as the figures, dressed in impeccable matte black dress uniforms with a silver TSG insignia across their massive shoulders, filed in behind the King and head parliamentarian not unlike an honour guard.

King Auban acknowledged the newcomers with a curt nod as if he’d been expecting them. Then he took to the centre of the floor, his voice booming over the astonished assembly.

‘Apologies for interrupting the business of the house. However matters of great importance need to be communicated to my people; matters of deep concern that will impact this planet for millennia to come. Firstly, it’s with great sadness that I announce that my two brothers, Princes Emian and Torran, have been declared missing during an interplanetary flight between Rhesia and Galicia. My office is working closely with the Galician authorities to investigate their disappearance. So far, no trace of them has been found, but we believe this anomaly is more evidence of a coordinated effort to undermine this crown’s sovereignty and that of our beloved planet.’

The King paused to let the news sink in, before proceeding. ‘It has also come to our attention that members of the Royal House of Rhesia and some members of this Parliament sought to prejudice our security and defence by subverting information from private contractors to achieve their ends. The contractors, a Rhesian owned entity known as Rinnax Holdings, were paid to obtain information that is not normally publicly available, using vulnerable agents, outright theft and active hacking of data systems held by our good friends, The Sable Group. They also worked with a foreign power, yet unknown, to influence decision-makers and opinion formers to benefit the interests of that same alien regime. We also believe they might have been behind the current misfortunes of my brothers. Working with The Sable Group and Prime Minister Terion, I’ve taken action to authorise fast, covert action to capture, detain and take care of any immediate threats.’

The King paused, looking around the vast room. ‘Together with the Prime Minister and with you, the Parliament, we intend to deal with the growing threat of espionage and foreign interference by introducing a scheme of steep offences and penalties. Nevertheless, the threat remains as long as this evil, foreign power cluster remains at large. This is why we will continue working to bring them to justice before they subvert the future of this planet and that of others across the System. Including The Sable Group.’

He turned and gestured to Kainan, who stepped forward with a closed expression. The Edenite clasped his hands behind his back and stood ramrod straight as he spoke with a low yet commanding tone.

‘My name is Kainan Sable, and I lead The Sable Group. I’m here with my fellow Sablemen, Kage and Zane Sable. We are fully aware that many misconstrue our business success in the System as a threat to their existence and have decided to come after us, our technology and our enterprises. Please be advised that we intend to act ruthlessly against those who seek to undermine our business, security and families. Unfortunately, there are those still in this room who will need to watch their backs. You have been warned.’

He paused for effect, his low, profound words reverberating throughout the great chamber.

‘On a less sombre note,’ he continued, ‘given their subversion, the King and Prime Minister have authorised my group to takeover the management of Rinnax Holdings and all its companies. We’ll be keeping its thousands of hard-working employees in steady employment. All divisions suspected of being involved in illegal activity will be dissolved. We will only nurture existing legitimate units to help strengthen your economy. If you’ve any further queries, please direct them to the Prime Minister and the King’s offices.’

With that, Kainan stepped back.

‘Thank you, Mr Sable,’ Prime Minister Terion said, taking over from the Edenite. ‘I’ll now open the floor to a few questions while The Sable Group and the King take leave to handle a few urgent matters.’

A sombre-faced King Auban exited the grand chamber, followed by the trio of Edenites. Leaving behind the Prime Minister, who was instantly hit with a flurry of urgent shouts from members of the House.

However, amongst the curious parliamentarians were a few silent and panic-stricken faces.

From her vantage point, via a meta filament in her network patched into the cameras hidden in the rafters above the Rhesian parliament floor, Mirage took note of the fear-filled expressions. She matched faces to names, pulled together a quick file and sent the file to Riv, who was waiting on Eden II to start cracking down on the data.

Later, in the royal office of King Auban, four men sat around an ornate table, each raising a glass of whisky.

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