Page 69 of Warrior's Reign
TheEyahun’sgaze sharpened, her smile also. “I seem to remember my niece took up with a human female during her last university rotation.”
“Yes, that was Reign,” Ibukay said. “I forgot, was that before or after your first Yna Ipaluk cycle?”
“After,” Reign murmured. “I needed supplemental training and education. I pray it will serve.”
“Haeemah willing,” Ibukay said, the picture of piety. Reign added an imaginary pinch to the poke.
Adevega set down her tea and straightened. “Niece, I know you think we have some fundamental differences in our platforms, but if we work together, I believe our goals can both be achieved. Your passion for ending alien trafficking is commendable. And I know many worthy organizations who would be glad to offer assistance in rehoming your aliens back to their original planets.”
“Yes, but not all of these victims wish to be rehomed. That’s the fundamental difference between our platforms. You want all aliens kicked off planet.”
“And Anthhori, that celestial cesspit, destroyed. Surely we can agree on that?”
Was Adevega’s true goal Anthhori? A segment of Yadeshi society had been attempting for a century to have it torn from the sky. But the treaties concerning it were ironclad, violations to incur the wrath of the other signatories.
Ibukay’s expression darkened. “On that we agree.” She shrugged. “We can’t do anything overt about Anthhori without starting a dispute that could lead to war. Father was clear.”
“Thanks to the influx of aliens in our army, we’re more than capable of mounting an offense if there are objections.”
“We’re useful then,” Reign muttered.
“Why does Anthhori bother you so much, Aunt?”
Adevega looked annoyed. “Don’t be deliberately obtuse, Ibukay. It’s an affront to our dignity, and our sovereignty. It hovers in Beysikan controlled airspace, and is a den of crime and depravity that flaunts all our values and traditions. It’s also an increasing hub through which your trafficked aliens are processed. I would think you’d show more passion in eradicating it.”
Ibukay sighed, tugging at an earring. “I know which fights I can’t win. We’ve been working covertly to eliminate the dens headquartered there. It’s more complicated than you think.”
Adevega waved a hand. “If we unite and show the people the evils of that place, then they will stand behind us and support an offensive. Join me at the symposium. Our security teams can work together to ensure your safety.” She leaned forward. “Will you help me, niece? Merge our platforms and allies, and work together to bring that monstrosity down?”
Ibukay blew out a breath. “The people I work with loathe the Yadeshi First movement.” She was silent for a moment. “But a joint cause might help bridge some of the divides and settle the more extreme factions in the city. We need to convince the people, though. I can order the grassroots to get along, to stop the attacks and protests, but unless we convince them to cooperate they’ll do as they please.”
Reign stiffened. “Perhaps you should discuss this withAdekhanVykhan,Bdakhun.”
“TheAdekhandoes not rule,” Adevega said pleasantly. “Ibukay rules. Or is he now Youngest Daughter of the ImperialBdahn?”
Ibukay gave her aunt a look, then set down her tea. “Very well. I’ll join you. But you get the headache of dealing with Vykhan and Tai’ri’s security requests.”
* * *
Reign waited until they were in Ibukay’s quarters and Vykhan arrived, to protest vociferously. Vykhan let Reign do all the arguing while he stood to the side, arms folded across his chest. Arguing was beneath his Silence, probably. But theirBdakhunoverruled all objections.
“This is the first time I’ll have her and her supporters in a public arena for us to talk about the issues that divide us,” Ibukay said. “If I can force them to listen, then we can come to a compromise.”
“These people are trying to kill you,” Reign said, tearing at her hair. “And Addie’s public condemnations are lukewarm.”
Ibukay’s expression tightened. “We need to build this bridge. Make whatever security arrangements you see fit, but I’ve made my decision.”
It was a dismissal. Reign would have argued more, but Vykhan caught her eye, tilting his head. Reign followed him to his office, stomping the entire way.
“Are you going to let her do this?” she demanded, slapping her hands on his desk. “I pulled up the specs of that place. It’s a nightmare.”
“She’s made her decision.” He flicked his fingers across his console. “We have little enough time to secure the place, so I won’t waste time with further arguing.”
She voiced several choice words.
Vykhan’s expression didn’t flicker. “Perhaps you should spend some time in the meditation garden.”
Her look would have withered a lesser male. A corner of his mouth quirked, just a little. But then he straightened, and came around the side of the desk. His knuckles brushed her cheek. “Such a fierce defender.”
