Page 11 of Stars on Fire

‘Thanks,’ Selene said with a smile, pulling at her jumpsuit.

‘I also did as you asked last night and organised a holo comm with the other enclaves, dynasties and senators. Major Kiasi, Zulu One’s commander, was also there. He’s always been loyal to the Prime’s office and now to you and has promised to help us in any way he can.’

‘More thanks. You don’t know how grateful I am. Are all those who fled safe?’ Selene asked.

‘As far as we know. They’re hiding in other secret enclaves or havens in the cities we still control. They’re the lucky ones who got away before New Malindi, Rambasa, and Paris Minor fell to the One Dunia Coalition and militia with the aid of The Technocracy.’

‘Just the capital and our three most strategic and populated cities,’ Selene said softly, her heart heavy for all the people and places they’d lost in just a few hours.

‘But we hold Axuma and Isacchar,’ Rina added. ‘Plus, the entire continent of Gisania and most of Arumba are with us. General McKenzie is doing a great job coordinating the clean-up of hostiles there.’

‘It’s good news, but it feels too little, too late.’

‘The blockade doesn’t help either. The One Dunia Coalition sent a planet-wide message stating that all unauthorised vessels are prohibited from entering or leaving the planet. That’s all cargo ships, small ships, long-range sensors, satellites, etc. If anyone attempts to, they’ll take them down or send The Technocracy’s patrols after them. Massimo himself fronted the holo comm announcement.’

Selene bit back a sigh. She wondered how she, along with the rest of the government and her father, had been suckered in. By Massimo’s wicked charm, sense of humour and larger-than-life voice and passions. They’d imagined him to be a genuine, passionate and loyal citizen. An ex-Army major who’d dedicated himself to selflessly serving his country in the Ministry of Defence. His commitment to Dunia’s strategic security and defence issues made him a darling of the military and the cabinet. So much so, Kei’Lano, her father, The Prime, had swept aside the growing rumours of Massimo’s corruption, bullying and manipulation.

She also blamed their busy schedule. In recent months, the Prime and Selene, in her capacity as his Under Secretary, had been focused elsewhere. On social causes, on scientific research and on preserving Dunia’s ecology. They’d let Massimo and his largesse have too much say and sway in Parliament and beyond.

When they’d ultimately been given concrete evidence of his betrayal by one of his ex-aides, they’d confronted him, but it was too late.

He’d already made backroom deals to gain upper and lower house support. He’d even had articles of impeachment against Selene’s father drawn up.

Then with the help of a rogue battalion of military soldiers, Massimo stormed Parliament in the heart of New Malindi’s city centre. He’d waited for nightfall and made his move. Eliminating the Prime and kickstarting a coup. All so he could control the manufacture and export of xentium.

She’d mentally kicked herself repeatedly in the last few hours, overwhelmed with guilt at her father’s and her naïveté. But then again, for a planet considered the friendliest in the Pegasi system, insurrection could never have been imagined. That had been their major weakness.

We didn’t underestimate the enemy. We just never saw him coming at all. Until it was too late.

Rina’s voice cut into her thoughts. ‘So more reports are coming in. The planet went wild, defending and rallying to our aid. Outside the domed cities, The Technocracy’s air assault was eviscerated before they could fly back to their orbital blockade in retreat or replenish their reserves. Sel, I’ve seen holos of trees, rocks, plants, and even wildlife whipping the Technocracy’s ass! Which means only two squadrons of their soldiers got into New Malindi and one or two more in Paris Minor and Rambasa.’

‘Fascinating’, Selene said, biting her lip.

‘Right?’ Rina said. ‘What intrigues me is how the planet decided to get in on the action. Was it asked? Or did it just sense we needed its help?’

Selene blinked at her friend’s rapid-fire questions, then shrugged. ‘I don’t know.’

Rina gave her a long look. ‘Did you summon it?’

‘Hell no! I don’t even know how!’ Selene laughed mirthlessly.

‘But don’t you have the so-called planet whisperer “gift”? Doesn’t it run in your family?’

‘Ri’ you know my father could talk to the planet. But Dunia has not revealed itself to me yet, so I can’t say for sure. One only gets a revelation when the planet decides the time is right. Until then, I’m assuming I don’t have “the gift”. It hasn’t been given to me yet.’

Rina leaned in. ‘But don’t the Munene heirs automatically receive it?’

Selene sighed. ‘Not always. It’s been known to skip a generation. Apparently, you must prove yourself worthy before it considers speaking to or with you.’

‘Then forget it, Sel, even I know you’re unworthy!’ Rina laughed.

‘Haha, funny.’

The two women exchanged quick smiles. It was clear their friendship had weathered much, and their bond ran deep.

‘What else do we have?’ Selene said, accepting a second cup of steaming kahawa from the returning private, nodding her thanks.

Rina took a sip of the drink deposited before her and then scrolled through her comm tab. ‘Not much. As I said, we’re under blockade. We can’t even defend ourselves against those three capital ships even if we want to. Hell, we don’t have the forces or weapons to fight Makori’s militia, who now control the spaceport and have The Technocracy to back them up from the atmosphere.’

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