Page 49 of Infiltration

The connection was bad. The Galactic Council’s secretary-general’s voice came through clear, but it sounded doubled. It reminded her of Oiteil’s voice the last time she’d encountered him, at Yuder’s homecoming. “Did I catch you at a bad time, Matara Tara?”

“Not at all. I had a morning meeting and am now heading to my ashram. Our connection isn’t great, though. I might lose you.”

“Then let me make this quick, dear friend. Some issues have come up. I’m afraid I’ll have far less ability to perform the duties to my compound and followers than I’d anticipated when I accepted the secretary-general post.”

Tara recalled Yuder had mentioned a spyship going missing after encountering a strange entity. It had been part of his attempt to lobby her to support his hoped-for return to public service. She wondered if the matter was what Mereta referred to, but she…and most especially Yuder…wasn’t supposed to be aware of such information. “I’m sorry to hear it. Fortunately, Masters Ijur and Ugsri have lessons and the disciples in hand.”

“I’m glad. I’d appreciate you continuing to oversee the administration of my facility, if it isn’t too great an inconvenience? It may be a while before I check in again, so I’d like you to run it as you see fit in my absence. Invite a few speakers, perhaps give some talks to my students yourself? Whatever you feel is best. Treat it as your own ashram.”

Tara blinked in surprise. She and Mereta got along well and agreed on much when it came to spiritual matters, but there were significant differences in their beliefs. He’d originally asked her to only handle its office functions. She held the com closer to her ear, concerned the bad audio might be causing her to mishear him. “Of course, I don’t mind seeing to your compound on a longer-term basis, but—”

“Excellent, excellent.” His voice was suddenly crystal clear. “As the Book of Life says, those we know best can read a message from us that simply says ‘hello’ and discern the leaning of our hearts.’”

“Ah…I see. A profound observation.” Tara had stopped walking, and gazed at the com in confusion.

“We’ll talk when I can manage it. Thank you, Tara, for your assistance.”

He clicked off, leaving Tara feeling as if she’d missed half the conversation. Had she agreed to teach his students? She hadn’t meant to.

Mereta’s compound was larger than Tara’s ashram, and he had three times the resident students. How was she to see to both places unless she split her days between them?

“This will never work,” she muttered, realizing how much harder it would be to keep an eye on Yuder’s activities if she were stuck running between the two spiritual sites. “What am I supposed to do?”

She glanced at the impassive red-armored Nobeks who were there to keep her safe. She doubted hardened warriors of their stripe would have advice to give.

Nonetheless, Mereta’s words struck her in such a way, she felt compelled to repeat them as she remembered. “I just heard the most interesting quote. ‘Those we know best can hear us say ‘hello’ and know our hearts.’”

The impassive features aimed at her softened in recognition and approval. Both Nobeks bowed slightly before one corrected her. “Apologies, Imperial Mother, but the quote is ‘Those we know best can read a message from us that simply says ‘hello’ and discern the leaning of our hearts.’”

She struggled to hide her amusement. Who would have guessed her brutish guard detail could quote the Book of Life? She motioned them forward. “Walk with me and help me learn it.” Maybe she could figure out why Mereta had said something that had seemed to have no bearing on their conversation.

She stuffed her com in her pocket and resumed her walk, the armored Nobeks flanking her and coaching her on the proper verbiage.

* * * *

Kila’s spyship, in orbit around Bi’is

When Nako and Kila met again, no fists swung. Nako brought Terig and his first officer to discuss what they’d do when they reached Bi’is the next day. Kila likewise had their counterparts attend, as well as Lokmi.

“Everyone who goes to the planet will be quarantined upon returning to their respective ships,” Kila said. “Containment fields are to be erected around returning shuttles as soon as they dock. The away teams will use field tests to determine if they have low blood sugar, the results of which will be confirmed by our medical departments.”

“Understood,” Nako said. “What if someone does test low?”

“A stasis field will be enacted in the containment. Lokmi will send your chief the specs to set it up.”

“Excellent.” Nako nodded to Lokmi, who looked and acted more Dramok than Imdiko. “I’ll tell my chief engineer to follow your instructions to the letter.”

“Even if no low blood sugar is found, the teams will be inspected for Darks before they’re allowed out of containment.”

“By Ilid? He’s on his feet?” Nako was glad to hear the poor, half-dead kid he’d found had recovered.

“He’s struggling, but my head medic cleared him for riding a hover chair to have a look. He can see those things over live com vids, so that’s how we’ll have him do it for your ship.”

“I have a question, Captain Kila,” Terig said.

“I’m listening, Weapons Commander.”

“What if the Darks do hitch a ride back to our ships? What do we do with the men they’ve overtaken? Do we know for a fact containments or stasis will hold them?”

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