Page 56 of Infiltration

“And you, Japohn. Are you here to see me or…ah, my Matara has decided to stage an intervention, hasn’t she?” Yuder fought off a wave of embarrassment. He should have known Tara would have dragged in others over her concerns about Oiteil’s scheme. It made him wonder if his encountering Bevau on the beach had been chance.

Japohn chuckled. “She means well. Quite frankly, I’m glad. Had I known you needed a project…um, Imperial Father, I’d appreciate it if you’ll allow me to beg and plead out of sight of these worthy fellows. My pride shivers enough in their presence.” He glanced at the pair of red-suited guards, his grin never wavering.

“Come in.” Yuder wondered at the warmth he felt inside. He should be furious, but since Japohn appeared eager and not pitying, a curl of excitement woke.

He preceded his son-in-law into the apartment’s greeting room and waved the younger Nobek to the bar. “If you’re offering me a position because you feel sorry for me or from a sense of obligation—”

“Mother of All, no. I beg your pardon, Imperial Father, but are you kidding me?” Japohn accepted the glass of bohut Yuder poured for him. His eyes shone as he regarded him. “Your experience, your knowledge, your…everything about you! Do you realize the boon you’d be to my education centers? If I’d known you were looking for a project, I’d have beaten down your door to ask!”

“I may be a little out of practice in certain disciplines.”

“I doubt it. You always kept up on the latest technology when it came to security.”

“I’ve been out of the loop for three years,” Yuder reminded him. “I have no idea what developments have risen.”

“It will take you no time to catch up. We can train you, get you up to speed, then you’re off and running, probably in a matter of weeks. Hell, maybe only days!”

Japohn owned and operated training centers aimed at educating Nobeks who fell outside the normal structure built for Kalquorian warriors and protectors. His pupils were those who, like himself, found it difficult to work with others. Unable to function well in team situations as the fleet, ground troops, and law enforcement entities demanded, such loners had long fallen to the sidelines of Kalquorian society. More often than not, they ended up on the wrong side of the law.

The majority of Japohn’s trainers were retired Nobeks, experienced warriors who themselves were dismissed from active service when they reached an age where reflexes slowed and old injuries made it difficult for them to keep up with the demands of battle. Like Yuder, many elder Nobeks wallowed in the sense they had outlived their usefulness. Suicide rates among their numbers were high. Japohn’s centers, which now numbered in the hundreds all over the planet, had saved many lives among the young loners and seniors of the breed by giving both an outlet for their unique gifts.

Yuder regarded Japohn, feeling the salvation of the lifeline he’d been tossed. He wondered that he hadn’t thought of applying to be a trainer before. It was a perfect fit for his abilities. It would serve the empire and his people. It was work he’d be proud to do, especially given the current challenges to the empire’s stability.

It was a reason to exist.

“I’d love to work for you,” Yuder said, a grin pulling at his lips. “Full time, if you have the room.”

“For you and what you bring to the table, I’d make room, but the truth is, we can’t keep up with the demand. A city this size…there are so many young Nobeks who apply to us. The wait list is verging on a year.”

“It’s a crisis.”

“It has been for decades, which is why I’ve been so successful. I’ve expanded my facility here in the capital twice since building it nine years ago, and I’m a month from doing so again, thanks to a grant from the Royal Council.” Japohn regarded him warmly. “I can’t begin to tell you how desperately I need you, Imperial Father. Is tomorrow too soon?”

Yuder laughed outright. The emptiness so close to consuming him minutes before was gone. “I could start this afternoon!”

Tara stepped in her home and blinked at Yuder, who stood mere feet from the door. He gazed at her with no hint of emotion as the door shut behind her. A worm of worry burrowed in her stomach. She offered an apologetic smile.

“I take it Japohn spoke to you.”

“He did. You just can’t stop yourself from sticking your nose in everyone’s business, can you?” His tone was as steely as his hair.

She drew herself up, though she wanted to shrink. She kept her tone from wavering. “I take action when it’s called for. I’m worried about you, and I think you’re making a huge mistake by listening to Oiteil.”

“You’ve made your opinion clear.”

“Apparently not, because you keep—”

“I won’t be talking to Councilman Oiteil in the future, nor anyone else who supports my return to governmental affairs.” His bland expression eased into a smile. “You do meddle, far more than you should, but I love you for it. Thank you for caring too much to let me tarnish my honor.”

He reached for her. She rushed to him, casting aside the irritation he’d made her worry she’d angered him. Her relief was too great.

Sinking in the delight of being held, she asked, “Did you take Japohn up on his offer? Lindsey said he was so excited when he heard you might be interested, he immediately bolted from the training center.”

“I did. I’ll begin updating my skills and learning how things are done in the morning.”

Tara beamed at him. “I hope this will provide you the outlet you need to be of service to our people, my love.”

“I believe it will. You knew better than me what would bring me fulfillment.”

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