Free The Mirage on the Brink of Oblivion (The Epic of Aravinda Book 3) by Andrew M. Crusoe

shiny black square on the edge of his reading pad. “Press your thumb to the plate.”
    Yantrik only chuckled and shook his head.
    “Sir,” the officer continued, “I am within the law to request proof of identity.”
    “I’m so sorry,” Vivek interrupted. “He’s from… another province, and as my guest, I believe my proof of residence is adequate, within the bounds of the law, of course.”
    The officer pursed his lips. “Indeed.”
    With a quick press, Vivek’s file showed up on the pad’s screen. He was in excellent standing.
    The officer was expressionless and turned back to them. “I am obliged to tell you that this investigation is ongoing, and we will find the truth. Master Nirupak is intent on it. I would advise you to be mindful of your actions. Good afternoon.” He tipped his head slightly and turned around, following the narrow path back into the forest.
    Vivek heaved a sigh of relief and glanced over to Yantrik. “Don’t you ever pick up on nonvocal cues?”
    Yantrik rolled his eyes. “He wasn’t going to do anything. And if he tried, he’d find himself waking up with a big headache.”
    Vivek walked in and Yantrik followed. “Please don’t.”
    “Don’t what?” Yantrik said, closing the door behind him.
    “Don’t joke about him. Those guys are serious business, Yantrik. I don’t know what it’s like on your outpost, but here we have hierarchy and organizations and agents that act for other people. If the observatory decided they wanted to take you, there wouldn’t be much I could do about it.”
    “I’d like to see them try,” Yantrik said, stretching back on one of the couches. “You know, it’s really no wonder this world was put under quarantine. No basic manners, for one thing.”
    “What do you mean, quarantine ?” Vivek walked into the kitchen, returning with his cup of tea. “Is that why no one from the Confederation ever contacted us before? We’re excluded?”
    “No, no,” Yantrik called back. “You’re… protected , I guess you could say. At least you have been so far. The Confederation considers Avani as a hatchling world, and it’s not only because you haven’t developed faster-than-light travel yet.”
    Vivek walked into the front room and sat on the couch across from Yantrik. “You know, I’ve heard you say that before, but it’s still not clear to me. What exactly is a Hatchling World?”
    “It means that this planet is not a mature, global civilization, at least, not in the Confederation’s view. A world must act as one to be considered anything but a hatchling world.”
    “But we’ve made so much progress, Yantrik. Even within my own lifetime. Our trade agreements are global, and we know we are one people.” Vivek frowned and sipped some of his tea, now cool. “What else does the Confederation want?”
    “One people?” Yantrik leaned in and studied Vivek’s face. “Then why was that guy so concerned about spies? And who is spying on who, anyway?” He shook his head. “No, I’m afraid it’ll take a few more generations, at least, before your planet unifies. Either that, or some huge event that could bring you together.”
    Vivek’s gaze drifted up toward the crystal ceiling and the clear blue sky beyond. “Well, if the Vakragha come back, that could happen. But even if it did, it would be our last act as a civilization, unless we had help.” He settled his gaze onto Yantrik. “You know all too well how powerful they are.”
    Yantrik leaned back and ran his fingers through his short black hair. “Vivek, I already told you. I’ve contacted the Confederation dozens of times. You know how unpredictable they can be. For some reason, they’re strangely noncommittal to sending support here to Avani, saying there’s much more at risk now, that their forces are already stretched thin. They won’t tell me exactly what’s going on, but they may be facing a direct attack on Amithya for all we know. If that’s the case…”
    Vivek’s