Page 65 of Infiltration

“They are also symptoms of inadequate rest and eating.” Hobato finally gazed at him, his purple, slit-pupiled eyes meeting Tranis’. It was a friendly look, perhaps even paternal, but there was a flatness, devoid of warmth. Tranis had witnessed too much of the emptiness there as of late.

Hobato’s lack of real concern when it came to the Darks baffled Tranis. Bi’is had been wiped out. Tranis had little sympathy for a race determined to destroy the Kalquorian Empire in its not-so-distant past, but it was still a horrifying final chapter. Bi’isils had been technologically advanced, a culture existing for nearly a million years. That they’d been eradicated so suddenly was terrifying.

“We have to know for sure,” he insisted through gritted teeth.

“How do you propose to do so? You’ve been subjected to every test the fleet can think of. Your Matara, a biogeneticist, has also run tests. Did she find anything amiss?”

“No, but it doesn’t mean—”

“We can’t cause a panic in the empire over a possibility for which we have no evidence, Admiral Tranis. If we do, we’ll be inundated by those promoting conspiracy and invasion theories. We’ll be accused of promoting them ourselves. The fleet needs to present hard facts rather than theories. Right now, theories are all we have.”

“The extermination of the entire Bi’isil population isn’t a theory, sir.”

“What proof do we have these ‘Darks’ did it? We only have the appearance of an unknown species and a traumatized ensign’s confused account of alien takeovers.” Hobato shook his head. “Bi’is was cut off from the rest of the Galactic Council of Planets after their attempt to destroy the Kalquorian Empire. They suffered horribly for their crime, deservedly so, but given how rigid and ritualistic their society was, would it be out of the question they’d decide to self-destruct?”

“Every last one of them? It’s impossible.” Tranis couldn’t believe he’d suggest it.

“It’s what we have proof of, however. Mass destruction, wholesale murder, then suicide by the perpetrators. How different is it from the course the original Earth’s leaders took?”

Tranis couldn’t find a clear argument for him, despite the two worlds Kalquor had warred against on separate occasions having taken different courses to annihilation.

“We have to be sure. A Galactic Council inspection team was on Bi’is just prior to its people dying.”

“I spoke to Secretary-General Mereta this morning. I’ve known him for decades, and he was the same as ever. If he’d noticed anything off, he would have told me.” Hobato continued to give Tranis his kind but blank regard. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation. If something comes up warranting real concern, we’ll act at once. For now, it’s all we can do. Dismissed, Admiral.”

“Sir—”

“Dismissed.”

* * * *

Tranis’ teeth were grinding hours later when he straightened his desk in preparation for leaving for the day. He shut off his computer by pounding his fingers on the keyboard rather than ordering it off.

“How many keyboards have you gone through in the last week? At least half a dozen, if you’ve treated them the way you’re treating this one.”

Tension drained from Tranis in an instant as his Nobek clanmate walked in. The admiral hurried around his desk to fling his arms around Lidon. “You’re back! Thank the ancestors.”

“Was there doubt I’d return? Unless you feared I’d die of boredom while I was on my mission.” Lidon chuckled at the enthusiastic greeting.

His feral features were handsome in a very Nobek fashion, framed by shoulder-brushing black hair. Lidon was thirty years older than Tranis, but they were well matched.

Tranis gazed at him, his affection undisguised. “I’m glad it was boring. Piras was the same as ever? No sign of anything off from him or anyone else?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary. Everything seemed well in hand.” Lidon’s smile lessened in voltage. “I understand word has leaked he and his clan are assigned to the space station.”

“It was inevitable. Besides, we’re trying to make it so he can return home someday. He’s still beyond empire borders.”

“But closer than he was…and now his location is public.” A muscle twitched in Lidon’s jaw.

Tranis tried to ignore a jab of jealousy. Piras had been Lidon’s promised clanmate prior to clanning with Tranis. The pair had a long history.

I trust him.Otherwise, Tranis wouldn’t have sent Lidon to play Piras’ bodyguard while the other man’s Nobek was off on a mission. Still…

“No threats to the Terror of the Fleet while you were there. Good. Captain Kila will be back in time to deal with the fallout of Piras’ presence being leaked.” Tranis finished shutting his computer down.

“Only the threat of overwork and Earther drama. I’m dying to hear the latest about the Bi’is situation.”

They started for the door, and Tranis huffed a depressed snort. “Good, because I’m ready to give you an earful as soon as we leave headquarters.”