Page 8 of The Quoram Effect

“Come now, Commander. No citizen in their right mind would want to reside on a moon infested with convicts and their spawn.” She tittered. “That’s like sending the most prestigious families to live in the Tunnels of Titus with the lowlifes who choose to avoid taxation.”

Gods, this woman was the most obnoxious, insensitive person I’d ever encountered, and I’d run into many arseholes on my daily security routes around Delta Ring. But this was a different level of disrespect. I guessed power and status infected those with a superiority complex.

“I am thinking of the future generations.” Even her smooth, floaty voice was becoming insufferable. “If we remain as we are, we will all suffer the consequences. It won’t be long untildemocracy is thrown out the window, and all Damson couples are forced to accept the bond.”

“I think you’ll findyourproposal burns democracy to the ground.”

“Have you read any of the other manifestos?”

“I was planning to do so today, but work got in the way.”

You meanshegot in the way.

Zuli tsked. “The debate is imminent. As you hold a highly regarded position, perhaps you should keep a better check on such things.”

The heat of humiliation flushed Torz’s cheeks. Zuli had flipped a switch within him that hadn’t sparked such volatility since his father was alive.

“So…” Zuli leaned forward and patted Torz’s knee, causing the muscle in his jaw to grow even more taut. “I’m sure I can count on your vote.”

The silence resonating from Torz was thick and charged. I struggled to breathe as I held my impassive mask in place, hoping it shielded the agonising fear that battled within me.

Taking a deep, stabilising breath, I assessed the governor’s companion. She was watching me. The slight curve of her lips worried me further. What did she want? To see me buckle?

“No.” Torz’s curt voice pulled my attention back to him. “I will not vote for that.”

“I believe you will, Commander.”

Torz offered the woman a feigned, dashing grin. “Your plan is immoral. You cannot force me, Governor.”

“I fear you misunderstand me.” As if she commanded the light in this very room, her irises turned dark and malevolent. “You will vote for me, otherwise your underground network of…supply runs…will be exposed.”

My gut dropped, my eyes widening.Fuck.How does she know?

“I know what you are, Benoit. You resemble your mother far too much. And just because the commander-in-chief of the Argentum turns a blind eye to your dealings with the Purans, does not mean every other official will do the same if they discover you’re illegally supplying goods to outcasts. Perhaps they will insist that you join them.”

Torz sat nonchalantly in his chair, his face unreadable. But the despair and rage battling through him felt like a torrent from hell, burning and slashing from the inside out. He’d worked so hard to maintain the relationship his mother had accomplished before she’d died—the means to liaise and send supplies to the Purans desperately in need. And listening to this woman rambling on about protecting future generations when her plan clearly was to eradicate the citizens of Pura…

Fuck, this is a mess.

It seemed Zuli had Torz exactly where she wanted him, and I couldn’t help thinking how deplorable irony could be.

With a dark, brooding calmness, Torz responded, “You have left me with a lot to consider, Governor. But I do believe this meeting is concluded. You are under full instruction to proceed directly to the docks and leave Delta Ring immediately. I cannot vouch for your safety following the attempt on your life earlier today.”

Zuli replied with a swift, accepting nod, and I could’ve sworn I caught a ghost of respect shimmering in her eyes.

Standing, she motioned to her companion. “This is my advisor, Marla Hyde. She will remain in your sector as my representative for the next couple of days. You will fare well to keep her safe,andallow her access to any data she requires, as you would any government official.”

The two women glided over to the door, but Zuli turned before her advisor opened it.

“Oh, and Commander. You will escort Ms Hyde to the events preceding the gala on Titus in three days. I look forward to seeing you there.”

I held my breath as the door slid shut, putting an airtight barrier between us and the two Linxos women. As I let out a wavering sigh, Torz looked at me and swore profusely.

“She can’t be serious,” he spat. “Her plan is genocide.”

“I’m pretty sure she meant every word.”

He cursed again, slumping back in his chair. “I knew her views were questionable, but...how can she expect me to condemn the people I strive to help? How messed up is that?”