Hostile Planet by Jeff Tanyard

Author:Jeff Tanyard [Tanyard, Jeff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jeff Tanyard
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28 – Conspirators

“I really think you should do more, Exaltee,” Master Thenyn said. “Eighteen Reliants aren't enough. Not to capture six people, especially when two of those people are Felids.”

Exaltee Quaecius waved a hand and snorted. “Doesn't matter. I've sent my police in as backups. They'll take care of it.” He and one of his mistresses were both nude, and they lounged on a mountain of cushions piled on the floor. She reclined against him, and he looked down at her and smiled while stroking her neck. The woman, a stunningly beautiful Paragon, caressed Quaecius's abdominal muscles with a finger and placed gentle kisses on his chest.

The Exaltee's lounge, as might be expected of a Tier 1 Paragon, was designed for debauchery. It sported white marble floors, polished columns of pink granite, and a multitude of couches and cushions. The entire ceiling was mirrored. The air smelled of incense and perfume. A few trays of food and drink lay scattered around the floor, bearing half-empty wine bottles and partially-consumed snacks. None of his Reliants were in sight, but everyone knew they were within earshot, waiting dutifully for their Paragon's next command.

Thenyn sat on one of the couches and resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the naked couple on the floor. He had been a Paragon once, too, and he remembered what Tier 1 living was like. It was wine, women, and song, all day long, and everything in excess. It was the inevitable consequence, he supposed, of using Swayed Reliants to do all your work for you. But he had grown up. He had learned a thing or two about the nature of the Wheel of Fire, and he had ascended to the Luminiferous Plane. He had given up his old Paragon name. He was only Master Thenyn now, leader of the Devolutionist faction.

But he still remembered. The social customs, the coalitions, the Suasion, the vices of his Breed... it was all still there in his mind, and he put those memories to use. That's why he kept his face impassive. That's why he wanted to roll his eyes at the love-drunk pair, but wisely refrained. He'd eventually maneuver Quaecius in the direction he wanted him to go, but offending him now would undo his progress.

Thenyn bowed his head. “I'm sure all will proceed as you wish, Exaltee. Your Reliants are fine men and women, and stout, and I'm certain a Harowaith will prove no challenge.”

“Harowaith?” Quaecius frowned. “I don't remember you saying anything about a Harowaith.”

“I only recently found out myself.” Which was a lie, of course. Thenyn knew exactly who was on Colonel Paul Glover's team. He had known since before the team members themselves knew.

Quaecius shrugged and turned back to his mistress. “It doesn't matter. Felids stand out like torches in the dark. If my men don't capture them, then the Pinnacle's men will. Rotholius is already concerned about those two Felids getting murdered in the middle of the night in their own home. It doesn't take a genius to figure out it's some clan squabble.

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