The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (good e books to read .txt) 📗

The man’s clothes instantly turned from robes to the black Tasgool uniform. “Whatever pleases the Chadon,” he returned.

Sedom took a step back, examining the hologram. “Well, don’t you look nice? Now, I’m busy. What do you want?”

“I must inform you that outsiders were allowed to take Narkoy ships. My security protocols tell me to bring this to your attention,” he mentioned.

“I requested they take the ships. I’m using outsiders to build an army to defend Gathow,” she explained. “Danstu Keriney is my second in command. When he returns, the Corin is his ship,” she ordered.

The hologram nodded. “Very well, Chadon.” He disappeared, allowing Sedom to return to her ship.

She slid behind the controls, confident she knew how to fly the ship now that Qilo had given her a lesson. The ship flew with ease, gliding back into the top ship bay of Gathow. Inside the bay, Lolum waited for her. Next to him stood Nokinil and Terman, both which were standing at attention.

The ship’s door slid open and Sedom stepped out. “Interesting display,” she mentioned as she hurried over to them.

“We thought you might want us present, considering,” Lolum mentioned.

Sedom shrugged. “I’m not certain why. Don’t you all have work to do?” She pointed to Terman and Nokinil. “As I understand, we have over five-hundred new citizens arriving here in the next two days. I would think you two…” she pointed to Nokinil and Terman “…would have a lot to do?” she questioned.

Both men nodded in a hurry and rushed out the door, leaving only Lolum behind. “You’re learning. I’m still shocked you allowed Danstu to take one of the ships,” Lolum mentioned.

Sedom started towards the main doors, Lolum following close behind. “I overheard a conversation between Danstu and Cidele, which made a lot of sense. If I want certain things, I’m going to need to loosen my grip.”

“And blowing up the ship if they don’t return on time?” Lolum questioned with concern for his daughter.

Sedom grinned. “The ships aren’t going to blow up. Worse thing that would happen is the ships will leave without them in four days,” she explained.

“Keeping up the Sortec persona?” Lolum asked within a chuckle.

She shrugged. “A little fear never caused harm and shows them I’m still boss. I have my ships rigged so if our enemies did manage to capture one, it would take the best decryptor in the galaxy five days to decipher the code. By then, my ships will return home or their main system computers will self-destruct. If the self-destruct is initiated, they would send back exact coordinates and images of their current location in case there are hostages. There’s no way in hell I’ll place my people at risk.” As she spoke, she could feel the presence of someone walking behind them a bit too close. Sedom spun around, aiming her pistol at the interloper.

A tall blond woman with very muscular features stood at attention behind her. “Constance Tremble, Chadon. Zion assigned me as your personal guard while he was away,” she explained.

“I know you from—“ Sedom questioned.

“A group of your men rescued us two nights ago from the forest. We were assessing the threat of a Marisheio base near by and became lost,” she continued to explain.

Sedom snapped her fingers, finally remembering. “Oh, yes, you’re part of the Underground who brought in those two fMarisheio,” she surmised. “You’ve decided to stick around?” she asked as she began to walk beside Lolum.

Tremble kept pace. “I volunteered to be part of the trade,” Tremble said. “And if I may be so bold to say, Zion told me he would trust you with no one else,” she stated.

Sedom turned to Lolum, a look of amusement on her face. “High praise,” Lolum said.

She agreed. “Fine. Just make sure I don’t get shot. I hate bleeding,” Sedom returned. She turned her attention back to Lolum. “Have Dranium meet me in my quarters with a progress report,” she told Lolum.

“Will do, Chadon,” Lolum said. He gave her a quick bow and hurried on his way.

Sedom turned back to Tremble. “Where were you trained?”

Tremble stepped up beside her. “With the Underground, Chadon. My parents worked for the Underground since before I was born. I grew up learning how to fight,” she explained.

Sedom didn’t say another word until they reached her quarters. “Remain by the door. Only allow those with security clearance over five or my servant, Garric, access,” she ordered. The woman nodded and then took position next to the door.

Inside her quarters, Garric was waiting for Sedom’s return. “Nice day for a flight?” he asked. Sedom continued past him, removing her jacket. “Just to let you know, the Marisheio saw your little romp to the moon. They’re investigating the base now,” he mentioned.

Sedom plopped down in her seat, resting her head back to look at Garric. “The base is cloaked and requires blood authorization to enter. Let them try,” she snipped back.

“And what about your team?” Garric barked. “They’re going to be destroyed if you don’t do something!” he warned.

Sedom closed her eyes, settling her mind. “Tasgoola!” she cursed. She grabbed her jacket, rushing to the door. “Reschedule Dranium,” she ordered, running out of the unit.

She ran out side into the street, heading directly for the bridge. There was no possibility to reach the team in time to help them, but if she could warn them they might have a fighting chance.

***

On board the Corin, Cidele settled into a seat next to Danstu. Her eyes turned to his shaking hands. With a soft finger, she caressed his thumb. His eyes turned to her, unsure of her intentions.

“Everything will be fine,” she whispered.

He took in a deep, shuddering breath. “I’m sure it will be. A few days ago I was standing over my mother’s grave, wondering what would