Free The Guild Conspiracy by Brooke Johnson Page A

Lyndon looked up from the council bench and adjusted his glasses on his nose. “Yes?”
    â€œThe Royal Forces has a suggestion for the Guild council,” said Officer Cartwright. “A proposition that may satisfy all parties involved.”
    Julian leaned forward in his chair and glared at the soldier, his gaze slowly sweeping across the chamber to the officers remaining to the side of the bench. Petra noticed the silent exchange between him and the mustached officer. The man nodded firmly, and Julian narrowed his eyes, slowly withdrawing back into his chair with a scowl.
    â€œWell?” he prompted, gesturing for the soldier to continue. “What does the Royal Forces suggest?”
    â€œI have conferred with my superiors and we believe that there is a way forward that will please both the Guild council and the designing engineer in a manner compliant with the interests of the Royal Forces,” said the officer. “Both the Guild council and the attending officers have reviewed the proposed project that Miss Wade has brought forth and agreed that it is of an acceptable design, suitable for immediate development. Therefore, we can all agree that neither Miss Wade’s knowledge nor her expertise are in question here, but her loyalty. Those of the council who voted against Miss Wade’s application for a position within the Guild, you question her allegiance, correct? And it is on this basis that you wish to reject her application to the Guild, and yet retain her proposed project.”
    He waited for the dissenting councilors to nod their agreement before continuing. “Yet, according to the Guild bylaws, as supported by a few of the present councilors, you cannot commission her project without her consent—­which she refuses to give without due involvement on the project at hand. To that end, I offer a solution:
    â€œWith the support of my superiors, I propose that the Guild council allows Miss Wade a probationary position on the quadruped project, where she can oversee construction of the machine and involve herself as required. However, as it suits the council, her access to Guild resources would be limited to the production of the quadruped, and her involvement would occur only under the observation of a trusted Guild associate.”
    His words lingered in weighted silence, the attending council members mulling over the suggestion as they conversed among themselves. Many of them shook their heads in quiet disagreement, but others seemed to consider the suggestion in earnest.
    Petra felt her heart lift.
    If Officer Cartwright could convince the council to let her join the project, even in a probationary position, she could ensure her sabotage progressed as planned.
    The soldier’s superior officer stepped forward then, taking up position in front of Officer Cartwright. “Let me remind you, gentlemen, that the Royal Forces is in need of advanced war technology to combat the anti-­imperialist threat. This engineer’s design is the only machine you have been able to offer to that effect. It would be imprudent to allow it to slip through your fingers based on nothing more than hearsay.”
    â€œForgive me for questioning your judgement, Colonel,” said Julian, leaning forward in his chair. “But what guarantees can the Royal Forces provide that Miss Wade will not take advantage of this probationary position and take treasonous action against the Guild?”
    The colonel met Julian’s stare. “None,” he said plainly. “But the Royal Forces is in need of a war machine, and you now have the power to grant that to us. On behalf of the Royal Forces, I suggest that you do. Whatever consequences that follow will be a matter of further discourse.”
    Silence followed his words, clinging to the council chambers like cobwebs. Petra glanced at Julian and then Lyndon, trying to gauge their reactions to the proposal.
    If a member of the council put