One beep indicated the start of playback. “Hello, Sara,” came her father’s voice. “How has your day been so far? I hope your service at the children’s home went well this upshift.”
Sara’s stomach sank through the floor. That was today? She had meant to go, but things had just sort of gotten in the way. Her father would probably think that she was careless—or worse, a lazy, spoiled daughter.
“In any case, I’m very much looking forward to our meeting in two hours. The diplomatic sub-committee has finalized the delegation, and it passed through the General Assembly last night. As we agreed, your name is on the list.”
Sara finished with the scrubber and reactivated the shower. As the cool water rinsed away the soap suds, she filled her hands from the shampoo dispenser and began to wash her hair.
“In addition to the diplomatic team, the sub-committee wants me to send a small military escort to ensure the security of the delegates. It’s mostly a formality, but I agree with them that it’s a useful one. This is a dangerous mission, Sara, and I don’t want to take any chances with your safety.”
You don’t trust me to take care of myself, Dad? It wasn’t like she was a little girl anymore. With a master’s degree in interplanetary relations, a well-paying job in the diplomatic corps, and a black belt in Rigelan jujitsu, she was quite capable of looking after herself.
“Passenger restrictions on the Freedom Star permit me to send only two soldiers with the delegation,” he continued, “but I’ve picked ones who should be well up to the task. They’re coming on a supply convoy, and should arrive within the hour. I’ll be expecting you at the spaceport as soon as you’re able. I hope you’re packed already, dear, because you won’t have much time to do it later.”
Sara wasn’t, but she had no doubt that she’d be ready before departure. She was a light traveler.
====================
Heart of the Nebula
They called him a lone wolf. Now, he must lead them across the stars.
To save his people from a brutal occupation, James McCoy must lead them on an exodus across the stars. But it will take a strong leader to get them to their new home, and the temptation to trade freedom for security has never been greater.
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?
