“So, ah, Mister patrician,” said James. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but what exactly is this all about?”
Her father chuckled. “Cutting to the chase, are we? I can see why you went into the military and not politics.”
Sterling laughed nervously, clearly unsure of himself. James only nodded.
“I take it you haven’t heard of the interstellar conference at Gaia Nova,” her father said, clasping his hands together the way he always did when he got down to business. “A quorum of delegates from the Hameji-occupied worlds is seeking to draft a petition of redress for the general security failure and widespread economic collapse. It’s been a long time in coming, but the Hameji have agreed to sponsor the meeting, which is scheduled to take place in two standard weeks.”
James frowned. “Petition of redress? Since when did the Hameji allow that?”
“We’ve managed to convince them that it’s in their best interests to let us organize,” said Sara, giving the lieutenant a disarming smile. “Besides, they’re much too interested in their military campaigns to worry about us.”
Whether from her words, her smile, or some combination of both, James offered no further objection. Her father continued.
“I’m sending you both with the delegation as a military escort. You are responsible for the security of the diplomatic team, including the safety of my daughter.”
“Yes, sir,” said James. From the way he looked at her father, it seemed almost as if he were purposefully avoiding eye contact with her.
“There are some on the committee who view your presence as merely a formality. However, I want you to know that I expect nothing less than your finest. Our colony has a lot riding on the outcome of this conference. I personally have a lot riding on it, considering that my daughter is a member of the diplomatic team. It is vitally important that you see to their security and ensure that they return unharmed. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” said James. “We understand perfectly. Don’t we, Sterling?”
“Of course,” said the ensign. “Don’t worry, sir.”
Her father nodded, evidently satisfied. “Good. This diplomatic mission is critical. If we don’t persuade the Hameji to take a more active role in resolving the growing security crisis, I don’t know what we’re going to do.”
Though the emotion was evident in her father’s voice, she could tell by the glassy look in his eyes that he didn’t fully believe what he was saying. Fortunately, as the car slowed down in front of the Defense Corps’s barracks, neither of the soldiers seemed to notice.
====================
Heart of the Nebula
The lone wolf must now lead his people across the stars.
To save his people from the Hameji, James must lead them on a desperate exodus across the stars. But with each decision, the line between protector and tyrant grows thinner. And in a galaxy full of predators, freedom is the first dream to die.
They called him a lone wolf. Now, he must lead them across the stars.
Five years have passed since the Hameji conquered James McCoy’s homeworld. The yoke of occupation has grown unbearable, and unless he can help his people throw it off, everything that he fought for will be destroyed.
Light-years away, in the heart of the Good Hope Nebula, there is a place where they can start over. But the dangers are many, and the way is unclear. Only a strong leader can take them there.
James once gave all that he had to save the ones he loved. To do so again, he must become the leader that his people need. But he’s never been more than a maverick, and even his friends fear he will trade their freedom for security and lose both.
In a galaxy full of pirates and wolves, how can James save his people without becoming a monster?
