Page 53 of Shadows Approach

Ken Bryant met a handful of legislators after midnight in a cramped office. He was weary, but his exhaustion had little to do with the late hour.

“The governor appears to have acknowledged the warning. She commed her shuttle will be repaired within the hour, at which time she’ll return to the planet,” he said upon entering the office in the neighborhood’s recreational building. He could still smell the newness of its construction, a pleasant scent of fresh beginnings.

The rec building’s owner, also the planet’s General Assembly’s head speaker, was far from pleased. Stout, red-faced Cal Mitchell groused, “Warnings. Threats. We need definitive action. That woman shouldn’t be in charge of Earth, even for a second.”

Ken took the last remaining seat in front of his desk. “When the election is held, it’ll most likely go against her. There’s little damage she can do before then.”

“Alone, no, but there are plenty of members of our so-called legislature ready to work with her. Infrastructure at the cost of commerce? We should be making money, not begging for it from aliens.”

Ken wondered how many owners of the companies working to get started on Earth II had already lined Mitchell’s pockets for their own purposes. “Claiming our financial footing isn’t in question. However, if Stacy Nichols proves unable to continue her assignment before the elections, the planets meddling in our launch will assign another, perhaps less corruptible…in other words, more electable…person in her place. We of a traditional persuasion will continue to find ourselves in the cold in such a scenario.”

“Sin running rampant in our leadership can’t be overlooked.” This from Councilman Spence, a former government hardliner from Mercy.

“It won’t be, but we must play the long game. Any odor of scandal is already being sniffed out by our agent.”

“That reporter? I question your choice of using the Nelson woman to snoop in Nichols’ affairs.”

“She does appear to be ambitious. I suspect she thinks of herself as men’s equal and wants to prove it.” Mitchell had already voiced his objections to Blythe Nelson being made the news station’s point person when it came to investigating the governor’s activities.

“Thank you for demonstrating the beauty of it. She’s the lone female in the journalist pool at present. She’s young and desperate to make her mark among those who are better seasoned. What better way to do so than to take down the planet’s most important leader?” Ken smiled, radiating confidence. “Later, when she’s done what we wish, we’ll leash her. As a woman, it won’t be difficult to mire her in her own scandal.”

“It can’t rebound on us. I haven’t fought to return to a fitting post only to have it stripped by those alien forces determined to keep Earth neutered.” Spence’s ruddy face settled in well-worn creases of displeasure.

The thus-far silent Lawrence and Green, who’d emerged from the wreckage of the New Bethlehem colony as formidable proponents of the old Earth religion, exchanged glances. Ken nodded. “Gentlemen? You have yet to share your opinions.”

Lawrence’s voice, as soft as his prodigious belly, belied an iron personality. “I wonder how we’re to convince voters to unseat Nichols if she’s frightened into behaving herself until after the election. Your warning through sabotaging her shuttle might work too well. What will Miss Nelson report on if the governor stays on the straight and narrow?”

“I’ve come to know the governor well. I believe her passionate nature will send her to the station to visit her lovers sooner or later, despite the warning.”

Mitchell sneered. “Even if she doesn’t, the Nobek continues to operate as the planet’s head of security for the near future. He’s been obvious when it comes to his determination to remain in the governor’s presence.”

Bryant nodded. “His uncontrollable Kalquorian lust and her weakness against it will lead her to an ill-advised liaison at some point.”

“Is this why you haven’t pursued getting rid of him with greater urgency?” Green eyed him in interest.

“One doesn’t remove the bait from the trap and hope to catch their prey. Like Miss Nelson, he serves a purpose. I ask you, gentlemen, won’t the discovery of their sordid affair by the press offer an excellent reason to rid ourselves of him and Stacy Nichols? Won’t it lead to the Galactic Council quickly agreeing we’re better off putting our own security chief, though perhaps less experienced, in his place?”

“You always were impressive when it came to playing the long game.” Spence’s praise was grudging. On old Earth, he and Bryant had twice bucked for the same offices. When Bryant had won a state governorship over him, Spence had moved to Mercy, where he’d found more success.

“Agreed, but you can’t claim the governor fully trusts you,” Mitchell pointed out.

“She respects me. I think she likes me. I’ve taken the first steps to gaining her trust.” Bryant hoped he was right. To achieve what he was after, he required her confidence, up to a point.

Chapter Fifteen

Alpha Space Station

Stacy, her hair damp from her shower, kissed the still-naked Etnil and Rihep goodbye in their sleeping room. At least she was leaving while the view was good. “Dinner next week,” she said. “Maybe a show?”

“Kuran will let us know how your schedule is shaping up so we can coordinate,” Rihep agreed.

“I’ll check on what entertainment is cooking and book us the darkest, most private corner available,” Etnil added. “It’ll be a boring show, so you’ll be happy to misbehave.”

“No public displays of affection, you goof. That’s the last thing I need to be caught doing.” She kissed his grinning lips again. “It’s going to be a long week.”

“Take care until we see you again,” Rihep said.

Stacy and Kuran left the room. They crossed to the door leading from the clan’s quarters. Before they drew close enough to trigger it to automatically open, they paused for a lingering embrace.

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