Page 39 of Infiltration

It occurred to Yuder this was an opportune moment to discuss the prospect of formally clanning Tara. Clajak’s questions about her boded well for acceptance of the idea. But if he took it wrong, if he felt Yuder was betraying his mother, it would derail the real reason his father had asked to see him.

Tara’s more important. I should put our relationship first. But if Oiteil’s going ahead as he says he is, I need to lay the groundwork for my return to service now.

Yuder swallowed the guilt accompanying his decision. “How is the family? Good?”

Clajak gave him a funny look. Yuder wasn’t a fan of small talk and pleasantries. “We’re well, just busy. There’s a lot going on.”

The moment had come, and Yuder plunged in. “Such as odd messages from the spyship orbiting Bi’is? A new lifeform appearing or something of the sort? Rumors have reached my ears.”

His son’s expression froze. A beat passed before Clajak answered. “You’re aware of classified information. Who’s talking to you?”

“Someone who knows I won’t breathe a word beyond my son. I hope you have better faith in me than to think I’d run my mouth about such matters.”

“Yoursomeoneis begging for a prison sentence.” Clajak’s tone had gone as steely as his hair.

“Then it’s true? Is it a threat to the empire?”

“It’s being investigated. That’s all I’ll say beyond we’re in no danger.”

His tone declared the matter was closed. Yuder pressed on anyway, though he took a different tack. “What of the instances of insurgency on Earth? It’s been on the news, and everyone’s talking about it,” he hastened to add as Clajak’s expression darkened further.

“My father, why are we discussing it? You’re home because you agreed to remain out of governmental affairs. I can’t share information in your presence and adhere to the terms of your release.”

“I might as well have stayed in prison then.” Yuder fought to keep disappointed anger from his voice, but he wasn’t entirely successful. “Even when I stepped down from the throne for your clan, I was part of the empire’s security. I had purpose. My experience was important to you. You don’t miss what I brought?”

“Of course I miss it. Your help was invaluable to us during the civil war, the war with Earth, when Jessica was kidnapped, and many other times. But we signed an agreement swearing to the Galactic Council you wouldn’t be involved. Do I have to remind you it was your insistence on standing trial before them that put you in their prison?”

“Of course not. It was the only path to bring Kalquor fully into the fold once more after what happened. I did it for the empire, as I’ve done everything for it since I knew there was an empire.”

Unable to sit quietly any longer, Yuder stood and paced. “I was born to serve. Now I can’t, and my uselessness is driving me crazy. I’m not built to sit on the sidelines and watch, Clajak. This life…trotting after Tara, meditating, watching the world move on while I stand still…this is the prison. Not where the courts stuck me, but here, on my own planet.”

“Did Oiteil approach you or did you instigate contact?” When Yuder stopped and met Clajak’s stare, the younger man shook his head. “I’m aware of the campaign to get Rajhir and Ospar cleared to run for office again. No doubt, you’re part of the package the councilman is selling.”

“He’s concerned for the welfare of the empire. I believe he has reason to be. I know you and your clan can handle it, but it can’t hurt to have those of us possessing so much experience at your disposal.”

“At the expense of the trust we fought to re-establish with our people and our partner planets?” Clajak gazed unblinking at him. He didn’t remind Yuder he’d been among those to destroy that trust. He didn’t have to.

“I don’t have a future to pursue. I looked, and there’s nothing else for me.” Yuder knew he begged. It soured his stomach to do so, but he was flailing in the darkness of worthlessness.

There was a momentary softening, a hint of compassion. Nonetheless, Clajak spoke his doom. “Then you need to look harder and elsewhere. Anything to do with running the empire is out of bounds.”

* * * *

Kila’s spyship

“Ved had no memory of when he was under their control. No words in his mind, nothing. At least, he didn’t mention any the one time he discussed how it had been on the planet.” Ilid’s eyes sank closed, eclipsing the captain’s bearded face.

Kila’s voice was distant in the darkness. “You heard speech though, you said. An alien or two talking.”

Ilid considered sinking deeper into the oblivion always waiting to take him. Hadn’t he done his fair share? He’d warned the fleet and nearly died doing so. He’d earned his rest.

The job isn’t done until it’s done.His father Gruthep’s voice spoke his conscience.

He forced his eyes open. “It was as if the words came from a distance, but maybe they were in my head. I honestly don’t know, Captain. Most of when I was ridden was like a dream that came and went.”

“You have no idea what they were doing to the plasma generator? They weren’t pushing any buttons, installing components—”

“Just crawling on it. Maybe in it. Yeah, I saw some disappear in the housing.”

---