by Jaleta Clegg
Tayvis studied his hands in his lap. “What do you want me to do? Shoot him?”
“Arrest him. Bring him back to Linas-Drias so we can get him medical help.” Nuella sighed, tapping his desk with both hands. “I don’t know how he deals with the stress of his job. Mine is hard enough, but undercover? I couldn’t do what he’s done.”
“You want me to hunt him down.” Tayvis left it as a flat statement.
“He’s dangerous, extremely dangerous. For the good of everyone in the Empire, he has to be stopped before he carries this charade any farther. He thinks someone is plotting a coup. Who knows who Lowell will accuse? You know how persuasive he is, how convincing he can be. Look what he talked you into doing. Think of the damage he will do when he convinces others his delusions are the truth. He’ll get them to kill for him.”
“Why me? Why not someone else?”
Nuella pursed his lips, considering his answer. “I know you don’t want to do this, Tayvis. I’m asking you to betray your commanding officer. Lowell inspires loyalty and I don’t fault you for that. You should be commended. But, the truth is you know him better than anyone. You know how he thinks, where he’ll go, who he’ll talk to. You’re very good at what you do. I’m asking you, for the good of the Empire, to find Lowell.”
“And kill him if I can’t convince him to subject himself to treatment?”
Nuella dropped his gaze. “If necessary, yes. The Empire is at stake. Our peace and stability. Lowell is too powerful. He could destroy everything.” He looked back up at Tayvis, his face solemn. “You know I’m telling the truth. Admit it to yourself. Before it’s too late. Lowell’s insane. He has to be stopped and you know you’re the best person to do that.”
Tayvis nodded, once.
Nuella leaned back in his chair. “You’ll have latitude to do whatever you feel is necessary. You have my full support. Admiral Johnston will provide ships, men, whatever you need.” He waved at the Fleet Admiral sitting silently in the office.
Tayvis stood, turning for the door.
“One last thing, Commander.” Nuella waited for Tayvis to look his direction. “Don’t trust any of your previous associates. We don’t know who Lowell may have contacted, what lies he may have told.”
“Don’t tell me my job, Commander Nuella. I’ll bring Lowell back. But I hope for your sake, you’re telling the truth. Because if you’re using me in a political game of your own—”
“He’s targeting the Emperor’s cousin, Tayvis.”
Tayvis stalked from the office, every line of his body expressing his distaste and anger at the betrayal Nuella asked of him.
“Will he perform?” Admiral Johnston asked. “He’s just as dangerous as Lowell.”
“Yes, but he still listens. You saw the doubt. He didn’t want to believe me, but the evidence is too much to ignore. Tayvis will stop Lowell. See that he gets what he needs. And, Johnston,” Nuella waited for the other man to meet his gaze, “make certain those assigned to help Tayvis are loyal. To us. I don’t know what game Lowell’s playing, but his orders aren’t coming from the Patrol or the Emperor.”