Page 48 of Infiltration

“Imperial Mother, please come in. Can I offer you refreshment?”

Tara smiled at the unbelievably stunning man bowing to her and waving her into his office. “So formal, Bevau. Have I upset you?”

Nobek Emperor Bevau grinned, making his gorgeous face somehow more so. When it came to masculine perfection, her youngest daughter’s clanmate held the title, hands down.

“Who can be unhappy because of you, mother of my beloved?” His arms swept to indicate his large office. Sunlight beamed in, thanks to the numerous window vids giving the impression the room jutted over the beach. “I come in here and become another person. It’s like putting on battle armor, except it’s the protection of diplomacy against opposing legislators instead of bloodthirsty warriors. The persona is hard to set aside sometimes.”

She chuckled and followed him to the low table in the corner conversation area. His head aide Dramok Erybet had already sent in lower assistants to fluff the floor cushions and set out a pot of masala chai and a plate of fresh fruit.

“Thank you for granting me a few minutes in your hectic schedule for a private conversation,” she said as Bevau poured her a cup. She inhaled appreciatively. “I realize it’s hardly convenient.”

“I’m concerned you need to speak to me apart from the family.”

“I don’t know who else to go to, Bevau.” She caught herself twining her fingers together so hard they hurt. She made herself stop.

“Tell me.”

She regarded him with affection and trust. Tara and many others thought Bevau was the steadiest member of the Imperial Clan. He was a Nobek, an official member of the warrior breed, but the ferocity that came so easily to his kind was tempered by a generous helping of Imdiko characteristics. Many found it funny Bevau was more approachable than the clan’s actual Imdiko. Emperor Egilka could be reserved to the point of standoffishness. Funnier still, Clajak’s and Jessica’s tempers were kindled quicker than Bevau’s, and they lashed out more readily.

Warmed by his gentle regard, Tara spoke. “It’s Yuder. I hate to go behind his back, but I fear…Bevau, I’m worried he could be getting himself into trouble. He’s struggling, and there’s a councilman who’s giving him ideas.”

She told him what little she knew of his and Oiteil’s clandestine meetings, about Oiteil’s assertions he could convince the Royal Council to subvert the Galactic Council’s High Court decree against Yuder returning to any form of government service.

“I don’t blame Yuder. I doubt those of us who know him can,” she ended. “He’s miserable because he feels so useless, but if he does what he feels he’s called to do, he’ll be put back in prison.”

Bevau’s expression was grave as he considered. “I’m aware he’s been speaking to Oiteil. I’d hoped it would blow over without intervention.”

“I did too. When it began, he was open about their conversations. Now he dodges my questions.”

“There’s nothing worse for a Nobek than inaction. I wondered what outlet he might find to direct his energies toward. I never imagined he’d try to subvert the GC’s conditions for his early release, though.” He sighed and managed a calm smile for her. “I’ll check on his recent activities to make sure he isn’t acting in a way to threaten his parole. If it’s all Oiteil’s doing, they can’t come after Yuder for it.”

“Can you warn the councilman off?”

“I could, but I’d rather keep this as quiet as I can for now. If Yuder is instigating their meetings, which I hope he isn’t, I’ll exert pressure on Oiteil. Yuder initiating contact and talking strategy is an overt challenge to his early release terms and our agreement to abide by the Galactic Council’s conditions.”

“What of Oiteil’s determination to undercut the Galactic Council’s stipulation Yuder remain out of government affairs?” Tara tried not to fret, but Bevau’s growing frown worried her. Yuder was in danger of unleashing dire consequences.

“Unfortunately, the councilman is free to introduce whatever legislation he wishes…I wonder how many he’s brought on board with this idea?”

“Yuder made it sound as if he was gathering a lot of votes. He might bring it to the floor soon.”

“Clajak will hit the roof if he does. The GC might also get involved. Let me deal with this, Mother Tara. Nobek to Nobek, I might be able to convince Yuder it’s in his and the empire’s best interests to stand down.” Bevau shook his head. “The repercussions if he were to be sent back to prison, for you and the empire…I’ll talk to him.”

“Thank you, Bevau.” Tara tried to quell a surge of guilt for butting in, especially since she was doing it for her beloved. Still, she knew Yuder would be upset at her meddling. Perhaps enough to damage their relationship.

* * * *

Tara walked along the beach from the Government House to her ashram, discreetly followed by a couple of Royal Guards assigned to her. It was nearly a three-mile trek. She’d walk it back at the end of the day since the Royal House’s cliff was next door to the Government House.

She enjoyed her walking meditations. She resolutely put her worries aside for the trip, emptied her mind, and absorbed the sounds of overheard shuttle traffic and the green sea washing up on the pink sand beach. She breathed deep the salty tang of the air. She carried her shoes, allowing her feet to sink in the powder-soft sand.

I am content. Life is good. Om namah shivaya.

Her steps and breath had fallen in the mantra’s rhythm, which she chanted in her head. She was halfway to the ashram when her com buzzed for attention.

Tara wasn’t in the habit of interrupting her meditations. Because her first thought was for Yuder, she took the device out of her pocket. Dramok Mereta’s frequency was familiar, and she answered it.

“Hello, Master Mereta. I’d forgotten you’d be checking in today.”

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