Lindsey had liked the man almost immediately. He was as cheerful as her Vax and very personable. He’d been on the council for decades, so wel liked that he’d run unopposed for his seat the last seven elections. His broad, bearded face seemed made for smiling, his face faling into wel-worn, comfortable creases. He was wide-shouldered and a bit stocky for his race. His beard flowed over his chest, matching his gray-streaked hair in length. Lindsey thought if there was a Kalquorian version of Santa Claus, Acadi would be the model.
“There are also al those insurgent Earthers attacking our colonies and those of our alies here and there, the ones who didn’t surrender when their planet fel. Loner types of Nobeks are better suited to moving fast and tracking such rebels down than an entire squadron,” Japohn pointed out.
Diltan’s rich baritone floated through the room. “Have you approached those who would help you train students? Obviously you can’t do it al.”
“Not yet.” Japohn managed to keep the unease Lindsey knew he felt out of his voice. Bacoj had been the one who’d noted this was his weakest point during their brainstorming. He had also identified the potential solution to the problem.
“I propose we bring elder Nobeks out of retirement, men the younger generation like me respect. Those whose experience fits the parameters of having had successful individual careers would be the ones who I would choose to teach those specialties.”
“Another demographic in the greatest danger of suicide and accidental deaths,” Diltan observed. “A Nobek who feels his usefulness has passed as a warrior doesn’t have much to live for.” Lindsey had a feeling it was Diltan they needed to impress. He had the bulk of the money needed for the ventures, and his personality was one of calculated practicality. He liked cold, hard facts. In his role as a councilman, Jessica had admitted he was the man who held the Imperial Clan to the closest scrutiny. “Nothing gets past that man,” she’d grouched. “But we do appreciate him holding us to a higher level of performance.”
He was a handsome man, almost as stunning as Emperor Bevau. But unlike Jessica’s ebulient Nobek, Diltan didn’t seem to possess much of a sense of humor. Lindsey found him too serious, cutting into his attractiveness.
“No Nobek worth his blades can countenance being under-utilized,” Japohn affirmed. “If – when this project is carried off successfuly, I see training centers springing up al over Kalquor, giving these elders the forum they need to continue productive lives.”
“But won’t they be lagging in the latest technologies?”
Japohn shook his head. “I’ve considered that question. We Nobeks love getting our hands on the newest innovations that alow us to seek, find, and destroy the enemy. Keeping my instructors up-to-date with their own training is part of my plan, and I think it wil be the easiest part to implement.”
“How so?”
“We have a bad habit in this society of discounting our elders as behind the times. It’s a mistake. I had a conversation with Imperial Father Yuder only yesterday about the latest findings in cloaking technology. I dare say he’s as informed as the research scientists themselves.”
“Yuder is sharper than many half his age,” Acadi mused and chuckled. “When he was emperor, he put me in my place more than once at council.”
“Not only would we have men ready to teach the newest innovations, but they are also the most informed on primitive survival techniques. Few Nobeks my own age know how to build a shelter or start fire using only what nature provides. I was fortunate to have been taught these skils, and there were many times I was forced to rely on such ‘archaic’ knowledge when technology failed me in the field.”
“We are becoming more dependent on our modern conveniences. I fear we’re losing something important by doing so.”
“The elder Nobeks possess that wisdom and experience, plus a wilingness to learn,” Lindsey supplied. “You can’t ask for better than that.” The men looked at her, her clan and Acadi nodding in ful agreement. Diltan’s eyes on her were sharp, and she had a moment where she felt he was sizing her up. He added his nod.
“A most convincing argument, Nobek Japohn. You and your clanmates have given us much to think about.”
That seemed as good a signal as any for Lindsey to excuse herself to the kitchen to fetch fresh snacks. Vax had prepared what she’d thought was way too much food for the meeting, but there were only three trays left: mushrooms stuffed with wedi herbs, pickled ronka meat with caramelized beets, and goose liver pate on toast points. There had been almost two dozen hors d’eourves trays in total when they’d started out, plus the incredible midday feast of Vax’s sample dishes that had everyone roling their eyes in delight.
For Kalquorians, propositions and negotiating was hungry work. Lindsey was overful from the huge meal, especialy the chocolate cheesecake. It hadn’t been so much a hit with the Kalquorians, but she’d made a pig of herself on it, showing the potential investors how the decadent dessert would appeal to the Earther Mataras who would dine at Vax’s restaurant with their clans.
Lindsey was busy with puling the final snack trays from the warmer when Diltan walked in. She gave him her best hostess smile as he bowed.
“I thought perhaps the Matara would appreciate help bringing the food in.”
“That’s very kind of you, but you’re our guest. I hate to put you out.”
“Not at al.” Diltan frowned. “I think it is unfortunate you were not provided servers for the presentation.” Lindsey shrugged. “They were offered, but I didn’t want to take advantage of my sister’s goodwil.”
“Stil, the beloved sibling of my empress deserves al the advantages of her rank.”
Oh boy. Rank again. Lindsey had to fight the urge to rol her eyes. It was that irritating adherence to rank that had nearly lost her her clan.
Young with a lot to prove, Bacoj’s clan hadn’t made their mark in the Kalquorian hierarchy when they’d met Lindsey. She’d joined their clan without disclosing her sister was their empress. When they’d found out, Bacoj had gone so far as to de-clan her because he felt such a low-ranking bunch as his didn’t rank the Imperial Sister.
But al that was fixed now. Lindsey had the men she loved as her mates for the rest of her life.
To Diltan she said, “My being Empress Jessica’s sister does not immediately confer privilege as far as I’m concerned. I prefer to earn my status, not be handed it.” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “But it is your status that brought your clan’s talents to our attention. Were you not the Imperial Sister, little notice would be taken of them.”
“My mates are gifted and deserve the opportunity,” Lindsey said hotly, though she kept her voice low to avoid anyone else overhearing their conversation.
“Indeed they are. But there are other young clans out there with gifts that are overlooked because of their low rank.” Diltan smiled, making him handsomer stil. “Do not be offended, Matara. I would like to see your clan succeed.”
That took out the bit of temper she’d felt. “Oh. Wel, that’s good. Does that mean you’l consider investing in them?”
“I would like to.” His smile faded and his gaze was sharp once more. “This is a very organized society, Matara Lindsey. I see one thing standing in the way of success for the men of your clan: the impropriety of such younglings being clanned to you.”
Her jaw dropped. “Impropriety!”
Diltan nodded. “It is no fault of yours or theirs. It is the way our culture is. I fear there wil be those who hold it against them, those who would attempt to derail their success out of petty jealousy.”
“You realy think so?” Lindsey wrung her hands. She hadn’t expected this.
“It is a possibility. You are a realistic woman. That was apparent to me right away when we met. I only wish you to be fuly apprised of the obstacles that remain even with help from Acadi and me.”
“What can we do?”
Diltan offered her that devastating smile again. “You are committed to your clan. A most noble, loyal
Matara indeed. I know you would do anything to help them succeed.”
“Of course. What can I do?”
“Take away the one thing that hinders them. Yourself.”
Lindsey stared. “What are you talking about?”
“De-clan them. Set them free to realize their ful potential, unencumbered by the envy others feel because these younglings have been so lucky as to have clanned someone of your rank.” Lindsey tried to wrap her mind around what Diltan was saying. “I can’t do that. I love them.”
“Enough to get out of their way?”
“But they’re my clan.” To Lindsey, that said it al. Bacoj, Japohn, and Vax were hers.
“I understand. Truly I do. But sometimes for the good of those we love, we must step aside.” Diltan put a hand on her shoulder. Squeezed with sympathy. “Kalquorian mothers have done this for generations, sending their Nobek sons, some as young as five years old, to live in what I think Earthers would cal ‘boarding schools’. Japohn would tel you himself this is necessary so members of his breed can grow to be productive members of our society instead of wild animals. Tears are shed, but the mothers do what’s best out of love. So, perhaps, must you.” So many times she’d impeded her clan’s advancement. Lindsey swalowed. “But they’re my clan.” She couldn’t explain any better than that.
“Other clans, ones with standing that won’t be harmed by your bloodline, wil be glad to accept you. Mine, for example.” Diltan squeezed her shoulder again. “We would be honored to have you as our Matara. In fact, if you wil join my clan, I wil guarantee funding for Bacoj’s clan’s projects whether or not Acadi opts in.” Lindsey could only gape at him. She was speechless.
Diltan smiled as if they’d reached an agreement. He bowed and took up two of the platters. “You have much to consider, Matara Lindsey. I wil leave you to your thoughts, and when you’ve made your decision you can contact me.”
He swept out of the room, leaving her horrified and rooted to the spot.
Lindsey was no fool. She knew exactly what Diltan was saying. Join his clan to gain his investment in Bacoj, Vax, and Japohn. And if she didn’t, he would turn her clan down. Squash their hopes.
My clan would never accept trading me for their professional careers. She knew that as assuredly as she drew breath. But to be the reason they once again missed their chances to succeed…
Tears of frustration and anger stung her eyes. She blinked them back just as Vax came into the room.
He was so excited he could barely stay stil. “Here you are! I think they’re going to go for it, Lindsey! Al three projects! I – what’s wrong?” Her Imdiko was usualy tuned into her with an exquisiteness that often left Lindsey wondering if he could read her mind. Seeing his boyish enthusiasm disappearing into wary concern hurt.
He’ll be devastated to hear Diltan’s conditions. And Japohn might kill Diltan if he learns what he proposed.
Might? Turn that into a definite murder. And the resulting scandal would be huge, plus put Japohn in prison.
Lindsey forced her sunniest smile onto her lips. “I’ve just been worrying, turning everything over in my head. Do you realy think they’l fund al of you?” Despite knowing her so wel, Vax was too exuberantly hopeful to catch any pretense in her act. He puled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. “I’m so happy, Lindsey! This is the second … no, third best day of my life. Behind meeting and then clanning you.”
Lindsey let him celebrate, pretending to do so herself. Al the while she thought, what am I going to do?
* * * *
Lindsey was stil fretting the next day, though she managed to hide it from her clan. The men were energized with hopes for the future, too keyed up to stay in their quarters to wait for the decision from Acadi and Diltan. Bacoj left early that morning to consult with an old trusted mentor. Vax departed soon afterward to scout locations for his restaurant. After a series of cals, Japohn took off to interview retired Nobeks he thought would benefit and be benefitted by his school.
Left alone, Lindsey paced the floor, her mind racing the maze Diltan had put before her.
Leave Bacoj’s clan and join his? Impossible.
Tel her clan why he would refuse to finance them? Doubly impossible.
Watch her men’s dreams be dashed aside for reasons that had nothing to do with their abilities?
“It’s not fair!” she yeled to the empty sleeping room.
Maybe Acadi would find another to help him finance the endeavors. There was that hope. But what if Lindsey was faced with another dilemma like this one? How many times would she have to watch her clan be denied because of others’ greed?
“I don’t know what to do,” she muttered miserably. She hated the position she’d been put in. She needed someone to talk to.
Jessica … wel, the thought was tempting. Jessica had become used to political wheelings and dealings since becoming empress, and Lindsey had no doubt her sister had plenty of insight when it came to nefarious schemes. But she also knew Jessica’s temper, especialy where family was concerned. No doubt Lindsey’s little sister would storm straight to Diltan, demanding apologies and reparations and who knew what else. Jessica would probably insist he finance the clan’s operations. And it would get out that Bacoj’s clan was using their connections to the Imperial Family to open doors. The backlash could do more harm than good.
No going to Jessica then.
Tara … Lindsey’s mother was always a good sounding board, but she was far removed from dealing with indecent proposals. She would be sympathetic, even angry on Lindsey’s behalf, but Tara wouldn’t realy have anything constructive to offer. Lindsey didn’t want to burden her mom with something she couldn’t help with.
But thinking about her mother gave Lindsey an idea of who she could talk to. Feeling hopeful for the first time since her conversation with Diltan, Lindsey hurried to the com. She made three cals. An hour later, she was leaving the quarters herself.
* * * *
“Where are you off to?” Bacoj asked the next afternoon when he saw Lindsey dressed in a lovely purple dress, her hair swept up in a becoming style.
He sounded a little snappish, but she wasn’t affronted. Al three men were on edge, having not heard yet from Acadi or Diltan. Lindsey felt a stab of compassion for them. They were starting to realize their projects were not assured after al.
Ignoring her drumming heart, Lindsey smiled brightly at her mates, al gathered in the clan’s study. “I told you, sweetie. I’m meeting your mothers for lunch. On Earth, we’d cal it a hen party.”
“You’re eating chicken?” Vax brightened a little. “You’l have to tel me how it’s prepared. Where are you going for it?” Lindsey chuckled. “It’s just a turn of phrase, Vax. Hens, as in females. But I’l be in a private room at the Wekpu. This is ladies only, now. No men alowed.” She waggled a finger at them in warning, hoping they wouldn’t insist on checking up on her. They wouldn’t like what they’d find.
She turned, caling back as she walked out of the room. “Cal me if you hear from Acadi or Diltan, okay? I want to hear the news the moment you know.” Of course, she’d know the outcome before they did. She could only pray it would be positive.
* * * *
Lindsey looked out the window of the smal private room Diltan had arranged for their meeting at the Wekpu. The seaside view, with the pink-sanded beach and emerald green ocean, would have been pleasant at any other time, but she was too nervous to appreciate it right now. A lot hinged on the next few minutes.
The room was very much meant for trysting, that much was for certain. The majority of the Wekpu was a large dining establishment, and a very high-end one from what Lindsey could tel. But there were also private rooms for intimate gatherings, rooms like this one with the eating space taking up only one corner. The rest had an upholstered lounge large enough for an entire clan to lie upon. Lindsey supposed it was meant to be a romantic retreat, with the soft lighting, the heavy drapes that could be puled around the lounge for concealmen
t, and the light strains of music that floated through the air, but considering the reason she was here it came off as lurid.
She realy wanted to run out. But she couldn’t face her clan’s disappointment when they were turned down for funding because of her. She just couldn’t. The worry on their faces as she’d left them had convinced her of that.
“It’s good to see you, Matara Lindsey.”
She slowly turned from the window to confront Diltan. He was as silent as a Nobek, having come into the room without her hearing him.
His expression was as serious as ever, but the avid look in his eyes warned her of his hope. Desire made his catlike pupils large, nearly swalowing the blue-purple irises. Lindsey was a little shaken by it.
She’d thought Diltan was only after her for the prestige of clanning a member of the Imperial Family. It hadn’t occurred to her that he might actualy find her that attractive.
Swalowing hard, Lindsey replied, “I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to settle this matter.” The formality in her tone made him blink, and Diltan lost some of the assuredness in his stance. “Wel, I have a great interest in seeing our deal through.”
“That would depend on the deal.”
Diltan whirled with a gasp. Just as Lindsey hadn’t heard his entrance, he had missed that of the three stern-faced Mataras who now stood behind him.
“What is this?” he asked Lindsey with great confusion and not a little anger.
She smiled brightly, taking no smal amount of pleasure in having shocked him. “May I present the mothers of my clanmates. Matara Udi, mother of Vax, Matara Felac, mother of Bacoj, and Matara Nenap, mother of Japohn.”
“He knows me,” Felac said, her lips tight with disapproval. She was as put together as ever, not a hair out of place. Prim and proper, with al the formal disapproval of a judge handing down a guilty verdict. “I was friends with his mother, Grissa. And may I say, Diltan, she would be most disappointed with you now.” Diltan had gone an alarming shade of red.
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