Nova (61 page)

“It is difficult to know; it would depend on leverage.”
Goyan finally answered, offering a half–truth, attempting to walk the middle path.
As if she’d not already made her choice years before, the only real choice she
could make.

Looking at Goyan with a full–lipped smile that was nothing
short of conceitedly possessive, Captain Ry’ar Vael commented, “It is always
about the proper
leverage
, isn’t it, Operative Hadarr?”

Understanding what the Karukai wanted to hear and only too
intimately acquainted with the truth of Ry’ar’s claim upon her, Goyan answered,
“Yes, Master.”

“In the end, the Human’s life or death is immaterial.” The
Admiral stated, interrupting the assertion of power going on between her Second
in Command and the Asset.

“The Human has formed
Nyeria
with another, the framed
Vosaia STF Agent.”

Thinking the matter was dropped, Hadarr felt genuine
surprise pour over her at Captain Vael’s announcement.

And then she remembered what is was like to work with the
Human Shield Operative, the heady, trickling signature of soul energy she had
experienced during their kiss while undercover in the night club on Voss. It was
a memory that was followed by the potent recollection of Serros and Z’arr
standing with one another all those months ago in the Adrenix Factory.

Disbelief dissipated like morning mist in the heat of a
summer afternoon.

“Has she?” The Triarch mused. “Most unusual.” Then she
shrugged, dismissing the entire subject with that single gesture. “It does not
matter. The Human is only one person, one player in the much larger game.”
Turning to fully face the younger Karukai, the Admiral added, “The loss of
Outpost J2 is irrelevant to the wider play; all is proceeding quite well for
us.”

“And the Quorum’s discovery of our clone production?” Goyan’s
Master asked, frowning at the thought.

“The Quorum and Aligned Systems will still be mired in their
own indecision and cumbersome bureaucracy, aided by the seeds of dissention we
have managed to sow these last few years.” Triarch Vael answered, and Goyan
could feel the woman’s confidence pouring from her
nya
like a landslide
down a trembling mountain. “Either way, Outposts A1 though Q3 are progressing
on schedule.”

With her deep garnet eyes gleaming and elegant features
framed with satisfaction, the commander of the
TS Sha’tal
addressed her
Executive Officer’s unspoken query as she proclaimed, “It is for the larger
game that I recalled your Asset, Captain.”

“Yes, Triarch.” Ry’ar responded.

Then Admiral Artah Vael, Military Triarch of the Karukai Imperium,
focused the entirety of her attention on the Vosaia, her quiet voice and
unbending will arresting all of Goyan Hadarr’s attention as she proclaimed “I
have a new mission for you, Operative Hadarr. One that will help ensure Karukai
victory in the coming war. I am sure,” she added, tone deadly with intent, “you
will do all you can to ensure a successful outcome.”

With a bitterness that she was well practiced at hiding,
once more Goyan Hadarr bent her head in submission as she answered, “Yes,
Master.”