Free The Shattered Empire (The Shadow Space Chronicles Book 2) by Kal Spriggs Page A

firepower when he’d found and recovered the vessel on his first arrival to the Faraday system.  “I’m certain there’s an interesting story in its origins.”
    “Interesting, indeed.  Perhaps we can discuss it at another time,” Maygar answered.  “The Ghornath have assisted you with the use of one of our ships.  The time has come that we need it and our people returned.”
    Lucius nodded, “I understand.”  He looked over at Captain Trevors, “Notify Leader Burbeg that he and his ship will be departing soon to rejoin his people.”  Lucius frowned, “Recall all of the other Ghornath we’ve got scattered on the other ships.”
    He turned to face Strike Leader Maygar, “We’ve picked up around two thousand additional Ghornath refugees and personnel between the liberation of Faraday and a penal work station in the Melcer system.  Do you want us to arrange for them to come with you, as well?”
    Maygar looked to the side, as if listening to someone's answer.  Lucius wondered, briefly, if Fleet Consul Feydeb were the one doing the talking.  “Yes.  We can arrange for their transportation.  I ask that you expedite such operations if possible, Lucius.”
    Lucius frowned.  The mirror-like silver eyes of the Ghornath gave no hints, and the old alien lacked the impulsive nature that made many of his younger people so easy to read.  “Is there a war brewing?”
    The Ghornath’s brown hide flushed faintly crimson, as if reminded of something that made him angry.  “Not yet.”  The alien stared at Lucius as if he wanted to read his mind.  “There may come a time… and soon, Lucius Giovanni, that the favor of a loaned battlecruiser must be repaid.”
    Lucius nodded, “It’s not something I’ll forget, Strike Leader.  Nor the true debt of shame owed to your people over the war with Nova Roma.”  Lucius hoped the alien could read the sincerity in his voice.  The betrayal of the Ghornath by Nova Roma remained one of humanity’s starkest evils to Lucius.  That he’d personally participated in the initial attacks left him to shoulder some of the blame.  He felt that way even though he’d had nothing to do with the decision by the Emperor to plunder the alien’s technology.
    “Thank you, Lucius.  If you don’t mind, I must brief Leader Burbeg, and organize transport for the refugees.”  Maygar's brown hide showed the slightest flush of green, which Lucius thought meant pleasure.
    “Of course, Strike Leader.  Hopefully we’ll speak again soon.”
    “I look forward to it.”
    ***
     
    Halcyon, Garris Major
    Independent
    July 16, 2403
     
    Garret sat at the table while he sipped at the fresh lemonade made by Martha, Daniel's wife.  Daniel had invited him in and in his current state of mind, Garret hadn't been able to find the words to decline.  After a long moment, he finally asked, “Let me get this straight.  She married my older brother?”
    “They started dating right after you left,” Abigail piped up.  “There was a lot of gossip about it, too, with how you stormed out of your dad's place after...” she trailed off and shot a look at her father.
    Daniel sighed, “The whole thing with him tipping off Nova Corp about the dig site went public right after you left.  Your father resigned, but there were a lot of folks who agreed with his decision.  We were able to lever Nova Corp against Presidente Salazar to get a little breathing space.”
    Garret looked away.  He couldn't help a bitter twist to his mouth, “And now Nova Corp is out and President Monaghan is in charge?”
    Abigail stood up, “It's not like that at all!”
    Daniel sighed, “Things have changed, a bit, since you left.  Joe Monaghan isn't working for your father, not anymore.  He's actually crossed over to the Restorationist Party.”
    Garret just raised an eyebrow.
    “Your brother stepped up, after your father resigned.  They had a falling out, as well, and your brother backed Joe Monaghan.  Jessica