Diverse Demands by Sharon Rose

Author:Sharon Rose [Rose, Sharon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781948160155
Publisher: Eternarose Publishing
Published: 2019-12-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Prickles coursed down ShenLee’s spine as she read the message from VanDar. Nothing but a room designator—on deck one—and the single word now. How strange that such a simple statement could make her nauseous. At least the shift was almost over. TarKeen would be on deck one now. Could he slip away?

She sauntered into the room VanDar had indicated, then swallowed as bile rose from her empty stomach. Armed guards flanked the two doors. Tables held weapons. Small arms, easily hidden. Short-range, but lethal. Dead was dead, regardless of how little power one used to kill.

“Ah, ShenLee.” VanDar said, his voice a smooth welcome. “I’m glad you were able to join us. Come here.”

She felt like everyone was watching her. There must be forty people in the room. She approached VanDar and the members of his inner circle near the weapons. JedKoom, MorDen, and LeckLa, but not TarKeen. How they stared at her!

“The time has come,” VanDar said. “Even the Laundun are demanding Pernanyen’s execution.”

ShenLee turned her head leftward. “There’s no need for our involvement. Let Jenarsig of Shennasee handle that. He’ll arrive soon.”

“The moment he—or his mystery representative—arrives, our opportunity is lost. The current unrest allows us to remove Travannesal and Leonfir from power in one action. Our first step is upon us. We take control of the command room and, thereby, the Epri7.”

“Where is TarKeen?” ShenLee asked.

“He will meet us in the command room.”

“Why not here?”

“Because he is with Leonfir. Timing and position are crucial.”

ShenLee narrowed her eyes. “Does TarKeen know that he will be meeting us in the command room?”

Indrawn breaths whooshed throughout the room as glances darted her way.

VanDar smiled at her. “Small wonder that TarKeen wanted you among us. You miss nothing.” He addressed the crowd. “In case any of you did not hear, I will clarify. TarKeen does not yet know the time or place of this action.”

Smothering silence muted exclamations like a damper on a gong.

Someone raised a dry voice against the stillness. “Is this a power grab, VanDar?”

“I do not seek to usurp a ruling family position. Whether you view things as I do, or as TarKeen does, we have the same goal—a PitKree home-world. In the past, he and I sometimes argued. I admit, the fault was mine, for I overlooked the true cause of his inaction. Perhaps many of you have, also.”

VanDar turned as he spoke. “Consider TarKeen’s dilemma. He is loyal—a commendable trait. He understands the nature of authority. Being a member of the triad both empowers and constrains him. It blocks him from pursuing PitKree goals.” VanDar paused. “Let us remove the constraint from our comrade, so that he may freely choose and act.”

A suspicious voice stretched words. “How, exactly?”

“He needs an event.” VanDar slowed his speech. “A compelling event that provides for lawful success and presents him with a clear and immediate choice.”

ShenLee watched. Worried looks and mutters, but this did not stop them from taking up weapons.

VanDar answered a challenge. “Surprise will serve TarKeen better, for he cannot be expected to report what he doesn’t know.

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