Page 31 of Stars in Aura

‘Explain.’ His timbre was muted, gritted. ‘Now.’

Issa stiffened.

Ki’Remi didn’t flinch. He met the challenge, unfazed.

He clasped his hands over his chest. ‘Zera is stable. The surgery was successful.’

That didn’t seem to impress them.

A female elder with intricately braided white hair and harsh features tilted her head. Her eyes gleamed like twin ice chips.

‘She should never have left,’ she hissed. ‘You have violated an ancient pact. Our laws state that off-worlders cannot provide medical aid to our people lest our DNA and records are misused and misappropriated as they were during the Allorian War.’

Ah, hell.

Issa resisted the urge to rub her temples.

In her time, she’d stood before many pissed-off high councils.

However, this level of seething disapproval had a different flavor: anger, suspicion, and betrayal.

‘We didn’t reach out to her; she came to us for help,’ Ki’Remi stated, timbre smooth but unyielding.

‘Tis not the point. You should have consulted with the Elders the second she contacted you.’

The Rider’s nostrils thinned. ‘Might I remind you, Elder Council, that Zera has a legal-enforceable right to access medical care if she chooses. Also, tis a fact that your clinical facilities are limited and are not suited to the procedure she requires. She needed and requested urgent attention. Under the duty of care memorandum we’ve signed with the Allorian Prime sovereign government, we must treat her,’ Ki’Remi clipped. ‘If you have a problem with protocol, I suggest you take it up with your planetary authorities.’

A shared inhalation rose from the Elders as if he struck them.

Issa restrained a wince.

Sable, your bedside manner is absolute trash,she wanted to blurt out.

The Elder woman’s nostrils flared. ‘She is a tribal member first before she is Allorian. Our traditions bind her. She knew the consequences of seeking outside intervention.’

‘She still made her choice,’ the Sableman stated. ‘Take it up with her when she wakes.’

‘May I?’ Issa spoke up, eyes canted to the Admiral.

At his nod, Issa went for the emotional angle. ‘With all due respect, Elders, there was no other way to keep her alive. We had to act fast; otherwise, she may not have made it.’

The first male elder’s gaze turned icy. ‘That was not your decision. It was mine, as her father and guardian.’

Ki’Remi, standing like a monolith of restraint, exhaled. ‘Elder Okaban, is it?’

The man gave him a terse acknowledgment.

‘We were not apprised of that fact. However, Allorian women have autonomy from their parents and husbands to make medical decisions after the age of 23. Am I right?’

Elder Okaban simmered, his rising ire evident in his flushed face. ‘Tis. Still, we hold this violation in considerable contempt. You have insulted us.’

The Sableman’s lips quirked as he crossed his hands over his massive chest and leaned into the holo cam.

‘When we’ve sent hundreds of doctors and medics to you? Provided millions of schills in aid and healthcare support and helped thousands in your province recover after the horrors of said war? You still think we mean you harm?’

Ki’Remi’s deep, timbered rumble echoed through the ready room, the holo screen, and over the Elder’s, evident in how they jolted at his admonishment.

Fokkin’ fantastic,Issa thought.

---