Page 73 of Coveted

“How is this a betrayal to the Council? It sounds more like shoddy oversight by the Camp Director, and it’s no reason to stop all production."

Vax turned his focus to the man who’d spoken. Humanoid, his magenta flesh stood out amidst the more subdued coloring of the Chancellors around him. He was one of the people who needed crystals, but wasn’t high enough on the list of importance to receive very many, and only the lower Grades.

“My people need time to heal and mourn for their losses, and all the mines need inspected for other unapproved digging. That is reason enough to close the mines. The Camp Director is partially to blame, but the Council has been betrayed, because he was bribed into creating the new tunnel by a Chancellor.”

Scoffs and other noises of disbelief filled the room, but a few of the men looking toward Vax had calculating expressions on their faces.

“How do you know?”

“Where’s your proof?”

Other questions echoed the same sentiment, but Vax waited for the room to quiet before he continued. Alana kept her attention turned to the Chancellors, marking who stood out to her for one reason or another. Some were too calm, or too angry, while others almost looked… worried.

“This Council has been pushing me for more and more crystals. I understand we are under threat of war and they are needed for the protection of the Federation, but it’s my duty to keep my people safe as they work. I know my production numbers are lower than Chancellor Osmels, but so it my death rate and turn-over. Less accidents and better prepared workers mean less down time when things go wrong, and while my overall output is lower, the quality of the crystals has increased.There are more Grade A and B coming out, grades that aren’t found elsewhere in significant amounts.

“We also broke ground on a new mine with a rich seam close to the surface that can show returns quickly. Another shift was added to the refinery, and my shipments have increased by fifteen percent over the past month. In a few more, my numbers should reach what they were prior to the rebellion, and possibly surpass them over the next galactic year.”

The Chancellors had nodded when Vax began, but Alana watched the confidence on some of their faces fade away. A few looked impressed, as if they hadn’t known the measures he’d taken to meet their demands despite her listening to him convey them to more than one of their number during their flight to Farcon 1.

“Someone went behind my back and bribed my Camp Director. We know it was a Chancellor, because none other has a reason to do so. A sudden influx of crystals from a new source attempting to be traded would be suspect, but if a shipment of crystals was expected, not many would think to question where or how they got there.”

Attention began to shift, some of the men turning to look at others seated amongst them, and Alana had to bite back a surge of triumph. Even a hint of suspicion amidst the Chancellors was a win, because it meant at least some of them were listening, but they needed the Chancellors to do more than listen. They needed to believe Vax and help root out the people responsible.

“The person behind this was stealing directly from the Council. They were keeping the crystals needed for our defense to themselves instead of going through the proper channels to be distributed where they are needed most. They’ve caused a delay in getting more to the Council, and they have put us all at risk with their greed.”

Voices began to rise. Some were calling to Vax while others were aimed at a few Chancellors in particular. Alana recognized some of the men from the ball on Libeqor, but she didn’t know who would have a need for the crystals.

She shot a glance at Vax from the corner of her eye. He appeared calm, though a gleam in his black eyes made her think he was savoring the sudden accusations being lobbed around the table.

“The Director needs questioned.”

It was the first comment that broke through that was clear enough to answer, and Vax nodded in response.

“He was, and he revealed who hired him. That person was just a patsy put in place to protect the real culprit, but we’ve located them, and they’re in route to Farcon 1 as we speak.”

Alana’s breath caught in her throat, but she tried to keep her face from betraying her surprise. Either Vax hadn’t shared that information with her, or he was bluffing. He did it well enough even she believed him, and she scanned the Chancellor’s she’d marked in her mind as suspicious. Most were arguing with others, but one had fallen silent, looking from one to another of their peers with a closed expression.

“Left side, six seats down,” she murmured to Vax.

It was a Chancellor she didn’t recognize, but Vax gave a tiny nod.

“Lat'ucanis the Chancellor of Alaimah. They also produce crystals needed for ships, along with other metals and gems.”

He spoke low enough he couldn’t be heard over the noise before raising his hands and calling for quiet.

“The mines are being inspected, and I could open them as soon as I know it’s safe to do so, but the Chancellor behind this needs to answer for their crimes. Without knowing who it is, without reparations for the miners whose lives were irreparablychanged or tragically cut short, I cannot in good conscience send my people back to work.”

Alana felt Vax’s arm soften, the tenseness melting from the muscles, and he lowered his voice.

“I ask for help. Someone amongst you must have information on who betrayed us. As soon as we know, production can begin again. Otherwise, we will remain vulnerable to attack without the new warships needed to protect us.”

She wanted to cheer at Vax’s delivery. He spoke like a person trained from childhood, making it impossible not to be pulled along on the emotional journey he engineered. He was one of those rare few who people would follow with zeal, and it was no wonder the people of Farcon 1 respected and spoke of him so well. Many with the talent he showed used it for their own purpose, but Vax’s only concern had always been taking care of those he was responsible for.

Her heart clenched and she stood straighter, proud to be able to call him her alpha.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Vax

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