“As am I Dani. As am I.”
A delicious warmth flooded her core when he smiled at her before turning to leave.
* * * *
“What was that all about?” Dani asked Ria in a low voice as they made their way to the dining hall.
Ria walked fast, arms swinging. “We should have thought of this. That, my friend, was a near disaster. Balastar is on the council. He can’t find out you’re human.”
“Gordat’s council?”
“It’s not Gordat’s, but yes, one and the same.” Ria pulled them to a stop and scanned their surroundings. “Dani, you need to be careful. Balastar wants you big time and although he’s no fan of Gordat, he’s still on the council. They can make life for the Cavacent’s very difficult.”
“I promise, I’ll be careful with Mr. Yummy.”
Ria fought a smile and lost. “Oh, girl, we are in so much trouble. I’m sure Rucon will contact us when he’s done. He had no choice but to say you were an EP. It makes sense. It lets us keep you close and explains your talent to some degree. Now you have to learn to act like a native. You’ve got to know about Sandaria and our customs. It means”—Ria nudged her with an elbow—“you act duly impressed by a council member. And, you need to be from somewhere, complete with a history. Oh, boy. You need to avoid him at all costs, till we can get you up to speed enough to fake it.”
Dani grinned. “I seriously doubt I’d have to fake anything where he’s concerned.” A twinge of guilt poked her in the side when she thought of Ian, but that just pissed her off. He’d made his position loud and clear.
Chapter 13
Later that day, Dani sat perched on the arm of a large couch in Rucon’s library. The Cavacents and the EPs were scattered around the room. Vague memories of the day she and Ian arrived, half dead via the portal in the corner, made her uneasy. So did the fact she was now the only human on the planet.
It was impossible to be near Ian and not notice him on some level. He looked hot as ever in his usual Earth Protector attire.
She hadn’t sensed anything from him. He kept his psi closed to her.
Rucon told the group about Balastar’s visit and his interest in Dani.
“You said what?” Ian didn’t hide his distaste for Rucon’s solution.
“There was no other option,” Rucon said. “I could hardly say she’s human, and if she wasn’t one of ours, then who was she? Unfortunately, that’s not all.” Rucon leaned back in his chair. “Balastar has requested a formal gathering to get to know the Earth crew better. Says he’s fascinated by humans and where they are technologically.”
“Cragshit,” Ian said. “He doesn’t care about Earth or its technology.”
“Most likely not. I suspect he wants to get to know Dani,” Ria said.
“Tell him she’s not available,” Marco said.
“At ease, everyone.” Rucon toyed with his com. “Balastar didn’t come here because of Dani. The arena was clearly the first time he’d seen her.”
That got everyone’s attention.
“I believe he wants to talk, but doesn’t know if he can trust me. His father was a good man, but since he died, Balastar has kept to himself. If he’s reaching out now, the fall of the empire may be farther along than I thought. Which may be a blessing.” Rucon eyed his son, then Dani.
Rucon penetrated her with a look. In his eyes and from the brief touch of his psi, Dani sensed part of his animosity slip away. He had a complicated mix of emotions where she was concerned, none of which she understood.
Rucon took a slow, deep breath before continuing. “Ian, what’s the status on the additional Earth properties?”
“Nine purchased and three under contract. All close to existing portals,” Ian said.
The other EPs exchanged glances.
“What do you mean?” Dani asked.
For the second time, Rucon truly looked at her. “It means we’ve been quietly preparing to evacuate our families at a moment’s notice.”
“To Earth? Why?”
“When the empire falls—when, not if—Sandaria has the potential to be a very dangerous place. Rucon turned. “Armond, I understand you have no family on Sandaria.”
“Correct, sir.” The albino spoke with no emotion.
Rucon nodded and addressed Ria and Marco. “There is no guarantee, at this moment, Earth will be safe, but I’m offering my protection, as best I can provide it, to you and your families. If all goes according to plan, I will have the support of the GTO and the military to make Earth our home. If not…”
Rucon glanced to Marco then Ria. “I ask for your complete discretion, of course. We’ll discuss the details later. In the meantime, everything must appear normal, so we entertain Balastar’s whims. He’s asked for the entire Earth Protectorate team to be present. We’ll bring the SAs back on Saturday. Mara is arranging a mid-sized gathering. Enough to appease Balastar without causing friction from those not invited. Dani, we’ve decided our best bet is for you to be from Mitah.”
Mara stood next to her husband behind the large desk. “Yes, I have a large amount of materials covering my home planet. Mitah is not significant politically and we doubt Balastar will know much about it other than perhaps the Summer’s Ball in Watersedge. We’ve also compiled information on Sandaria and the empire.”
“What about my training? Don’t all your EPs have military training from some academy?”
“We considered that,” Rucon said. “We decided it would be best to say we broke with tradition and took on the daughter of an old family friend. A daughter that was trained on Mitah.”
Mara continued. “I’ll also get you the course used by foreign dignitaries coming to Sandaria for the first time. We’ll all take turns drilling you on our government and other aspects of life in the empire. I do hope you’re a fast reader, dear.”
“I am, thankfully.”
“All right,” Rucon said. “With any luck, Balastar will keep his mouth shut and we won’t have to invite any other council members. If anyone asks, it’s a small affair regarding Earth. Keep Dani out of sight as much as possible. And for the sake of the Goddess, Dani, do not encourage Balastar.”
“I assure you I have no intention of encouraging anyone,” Dani said. Okay, that wasn’t entirely true. She wasn’t sure what annoyed her most. That fact that he’d say such a thing or that he might be right. She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him.
* * * *
Dani had never studied so hard in her life, but it wasn’t difficult because the material was intensely interesting. She’d focused on Mitah first: history, geography, politics, economics, social structure. She hadn’t finish until well after midnight, leaving only a few hours sleep. Today, Ria was giving her a lesson on the Sandarian Empire, the council and the Galactic Trade Organization.
“Thanks for doing this Ria,” Dani said, turning to sit on the couch. “I’m trying to figure out how the GTO, the council, and the Sandarian Empire all fit together. It’s pretty fuzzy.”
“I’m not surprised. The lines are blurred in ways they were never meant to be, and worse, the whole thing is a sham,” Ria said.
“How so?”
“The book you read? About the council being formed to take a step toward what you would consider a more democratic system? That’s the way it’s supposed to work. The council is made up of representatives across the galaxy, providing guidance to the benevolent Emperor, working with the GTO to establish fair trade policies and guiding the military to keep the peace. But everyone knows it’s cragshit. There’s nothing benevolent about the Emperor and the council has little power.”
“So, the uprising—what, ten years ago? When they formed the council, it didn’t really work like the book says?”
“Not even close. The whole thing started when the previous Emperor, Korzan’s father, died. Korzan came to power amidst tremendous social upheaval. The empire almost ended then. There were many who thought it wa
s time for the monarchy to be over. It almost worked. In the end, the council was formed to govern the GTO and the deployment of the military, but the power never left the Emperor. He made sure of that. Those who opposed had a nasty habit of dying. Balastar’s father is one. He was a good man but didn’t know when to shut up. He openly fought against the Emperor. In a way, his death was the tipping point. No one has spoken of dissolving the empire since. At least not out loud. There are rumors of a coup. We have no way of knowing how, when, or where, but I’d be willing to bet Balastar knows something.”
Great time to be finding out about aliens, just when their world is falling apart. “Your emperor sounds like a real piece of work. Are we safe here?”
“Clearly Rucon has started to doubt it. We talked to him after you left yesterday. Rucon is a merchant. He has ships. Heavily armed ships. I don’t know how many, but he plans to both retain the rights to Earth and protect the planet.” Ria leaned forward with a somber look. “I’ll be honest, I don’t know if he’d go to such extremes to protect Earth if it didn’t have carnium, but it’s a good thing for the people of your planet that it does.”
Ria’s eyes narrowed and she tilted her head to the side. “You know,” she said slowly, “if it weren’t for the emperor and his pureblood crap, you and Ian could be together.”
“What?” Dani stood, her blood boiling. “I told you I like my relationships uncomplicated.”
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s just that you two are in a tough spot.”
“So? It doesn’t give him the right to treat me like shit.” Dani held tight to her anger. It kept her balanced where Ian was concerned. She didn’t want to feel sorry for him or his position.
“You’re right. Change of subject.”
“Fine.” Dani sat back down. “What if the empire was dissolved? What happens to the armed forces?”
“No one knows for sure. The original plan was for the GTO to oversee them. They would be used solely for the protection of GTO member planets and law enforcement. These days their primary function is keeping those planets from any further rebellion. The situation is ugly. One thing is for sure. The military will have the advantage.”
“So there’s no other army that can face yours?”
“Our psi gives us multiple advantages. The most important is our ability to directly interface with machines. And, as you know we’re physically powerful, faster than non-psi abled, and, of course, psi-mates and the more powerful individuals can communicate telepathically. It all adds up.”
“Damn. Dictatorship on a galactic scale,” Dani said. “So, this coup. Any idea who or how?”
Ria shrugged. “It’s anyone’s guess. The empire’s force is enormous but there are only so many planets it can contain at once. A multi-planet rebellion could work. The loss of life would be staggering. A more likely scenario would be from within. The military, the GTO, members of the council. Any combination of these could take over, but then the question is what happens to Sandaria? Not just the emperor but the entire planet? It’s a mind-blowing concept.”
Ria was visibly shaken.
“The fall of an empire,” Dani mused. “It all seems so…I don’t know, primitive for an alien race.”
“Advanced technology doesn’t have much to do with how a civilization is ruled. In the end, as with any society, it comes down to power. And without the emperor, Sandaria wouldn’t have much. It doesn’t have anything truly outstanding from a trade perspective. Not like Earth and its carnium.” Ria gave Dani a concerned look. “Everyone would want a piece of that.”
A shiver ran down Dani’s spine when she realized just how precarious Earth’s safety was.
Chapter 14
The following Saturday night, Dani glanced at her reflection in the full length mirror. All the hours of training had transformed her from simply lean, to lean and toned. Now, I look like a mixed fight champion. Mara procured a stunning, floor-length gown that matched Dani’s blue eyes. The left side was gathered from under her arm to the floor causing the fabric to drape in folds across her body. Long sleeves were open on top, held together with crystal buttons every four inches. The neck line plunged with the perfect amount of cleavage, enticing, not vulgar. She couldn’t figure out the material, soft and flowing like silk, but more weighty, like heavy cotton.
Now this, is a party dress. Dani spun around and admired the way the material flowed.
A knock at the door in the sitting room stopped her twirling. “Come in,” she called, making her way from the bedroom.
“Wow.” The word echoed as both Dani and Ria spoke.
“Ria, you are stunning. The cream color makes your red hair pop. It’s beautiful.” Ria wore a floor length, sleeveless, silky dress. No bunching there, just a straight line that flared slightly at the floor. The design showed off her figure perfectly.
Ria smiled. “Thank you. I’m going to assume my hair popping is a good thing?”
Dani laughed. “Yes, a very good thing.”
“You’re stunning as well. That dress is incredible. Turn around, let me see.”
“Isn’t it great? Mara got it for me. I wonder if I’ll be able to keep it. I just love this material. What is it? Do you know?”
Ria fingered one of the folds. “If I had to guess, I’d say it’s Morvian. The planet is known for its food and fabrics. Very expensive.”
“I hope she’ll let me pay her for it.”
Ria touched up her lipstick in the mirror. “Oh, you ready for a laugh?”
“Always.”
“Ian told me to tell you to try and stay away from Balastar as much as possible.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
Ria shook her head. “He actually said that to me. As if you’d have a choice.”
“Yeah well, if you see him, remind him there’s only so much I can do without pissing him off, and I’m not supposed to do that either.”
“I know, I know. I told him pretty much the same thing. I did, however, leave out the bit about how hot we think Balastar is.”
“Thanks. He called twice this week trying to get together for lunch. I told him we were busy with Earth. I have to be honest Ria, I like him. He’s not only hot, but I think he’s okay. As in, not evil. I don’t get any bad vibes or anything when we talk.”
“He obviously likes you,” Ria said.
“He does and he’s willing to show it.”
“Just be careful.”
“I will.”
* * * *
Dani gasped as she and Ria entered the Cavacent’s private dining hall. They stopped a moment to take it all in. The space exuded plush elegance. A massive chandelier radiated soft sparkling light. Red velvet drapes covered the walls, and the dining table stood bathed in a purple table cloth. The French doors stood open to the balcony, and music played from a quartet nestled in the back corner.
True to his word, Rucon kept it small. Jared, Gina and Battista, supposedly the only humans present, were the center of attention. A small group of Sandarians pelted them with questions. Dani wanted to swap some hugs but according to their story she’d just returned from Earth so she’d have to wait. “Wow, they sure clean up well, don’t they?” she said to Ria.
“Aw, Jared’s got a bow tie,” Ria said. “Bow ties are cool.”
“Someone’s been watching Dr. Who.” Dani smiled at her friend.
“You were right.” Ria nodded. “That is a great show. I’m almost done with the list you gave me. You’re gonna have to give me some more movies and shows to watch.”
“No problem.” Dani waved to Jared, who raised his glass to her and Ria. It was obvious the three humans enjoyed the attention. Waiters appeared, offering delicacies and drinks. Dani opted for some bubbly stuff, and Ria, wine. Dani took a small sip and was glad to see she’d guessed rightchampagne, or at least something like it.
Dani sensed Ian before he spoke.
“Ladies.” He came in behind them and stood next
to Ria. “You two are stunning.” He raised his glass to them. He wore a tux that fit like a glove. His psi was held in check but her stomach still did flip flops. “I hope you enjoy your evening.”
Before she thought it through, Dani blurted out, “So our cover means you’re going to be civil to me tonight?”
Her words hit home. He met and held her gaze for the first time since the portal move. “It does.” His psi brushed over hers. It had the feel of an apology which totally confused her. “I’ll see if I can work on my manners moving forward.”
Dani ignored the tug on her heart. She could fall for him, she knew. More like drown.
Ian raised his glass again and joined the Earth support team.
Dani couldn’t help but watch him go.
“What, was that?” Ria said.
“I don’t know.” Dani took a rather large sip of bubbly. “And I don’t care.”
“Uh, oh. Incoming,” Ria said, under her breath.
Balastar sauntered in from the balcony with what looked like a very dry martini.
Shaken, not stirred. The photographer’s eye in Dani drooled. The black suit he wore was definitely bespoke, and the subtle grin on his face could melt an ice queen.
He was safe. The attraction physical. Neat and clean.
Ria let out a slight whimper. “Why couldn’t he have the hots for me?”
“Good evening, ladies.”
“Councilman Alder,” Ria said with a slight bow.
Dani did the same.
“Balastar, remember?” He held out his arm to Dani. “Do you mind if I steal her away awhile before dinner?”
Ria gave a shrug. “How could I possibly refuse?”
Balastar flashed his killer grin. “I suppose you couldn’t.”
“Indeed.” Ria returned Balastar’s smile. “I’ll just go check on our Support Agents. See you two at dinner.”
Dani took Balastar’s arm, and he led her out to the balcony.
Outside a warm breeze caressed her skin. The spicy aroma Sandaria exuded wafted around her. Something was different out here, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. “It’s lovely tonight but…” She tilted her head and looked around.
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