Authors: Tracy St John
“I have arranged an interview for your clan with Dramoks Acadi and Diltan day after tomorrow regarding funding for your business ventures. Please cal me first thing in the morning to confirm the time and place, and I wil let them know. Also, Emperor Clajak has instructed that anything you need to prepare for the meeting is yours, so each of you please have lists ready to submit to me.” Bacoj groaned. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
Vax and Japohn looked just as overwhelmed. “Does it have to be so soon?” the Imdiko said.
“We’ve been here for over a week,” Lindsey pointed out. “I suppose we should have been thinking about this before now.” She felt sorry for her men, looking at each other with dismay.
Organization had always been her gift, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. “Everyone, gather in the study. Bacoj, we’l begin with you, so get your computer and outline what you think are the strengths of your inventions. Vax, grab everyone some stim tabs. I have a feeling we might be puling an al-nighter. Then start thinking of a menu of food samples you can prepare that you’d like to feature in your restaurant. Japohn, you make a list of al the things you’d wished you’d been prepared for before the war and coming to Earth, things that wil help a Nobek just starting out. As you think of things you’l need Korkla to provide you with, tel me and I’l put your lists together.”
Her prompting erased the momentary panic on their faces, and the three men moved with a purpose. Once started, each one of them was focused on his particular specialty and it was Lindsey struggling to keep pace, organizing each clanmate’s list.
By the time the first sunlight peeked over the green sea horizon outside, they had planned out a three-hour presentation. Bacoj would go first, introducing his remote search drone by showing a vid of its success on Earth in recovering several Mataras abandoned in a labor camp. Then he would go over its schematics and detail the other uses it could be put to besides rescue. Last would come a quick overview of his other inventions.
Next would come Vax, who would serve the investors a meal featuring dishes he’d perfected that employed both Earther and Kalquorian foods, along with traditional Earther dishes. He and Lindsey were hoping Korkla would be able to procure the needed ingredients in time from the new Earther colony named Mercy, especialy chicken which Vax had a particular affinity for. Once he’d impressed the investors’
palates, they’d discuss the restaurant’s requirements.
Last would be Japohn’s presentation, admittedly the weakest of al since he’d had no inkling of starting his own school. Al the clan brainstormed with him, with Bacoj and Vax demonstrating just how wel they knew their Nobek’s strengths and weaknesses that left him alternately pleased and chagrined. In the end he laughed. “It’s a wonder I haven’t gotten myself kiled a milion times over. I would have benefitted from such a training center.”
“The Nobeks who don’t work wel in team situations wil benefit from your experience,” Bacoj said. “You have a lot to offer, Japohn.”
“It’s definitely a better use of your skils than just becoming a security guard,” Vax agreed. “With this rebelion issue, men who can work alone to infiltrate and spy wil be needed more than ever.” Lindsey was thriled to see al three so enthusiastic, and she prayed the opportunity would come to fruition. Her clan had passed up more than one opportunity to advance in rank just so she could come to Kalquor and be with her mother and sister. Gaining the investments in their futures would go a long way to alay the guilt she’d felt over lost promotions. As Bacoj put in the cal to Korkla to confirm the meeting, she superstitiously crossed her fingers.
* * * *
Japohn was wrapping up his presentation to Dramoks Acadi and Diltan. Lindsey thought he was doing quite wel, especialy since he’d been taken so off guard by the proposition of managing his own school. Plus Japohn was not one for schmoozing and negotiation. Her mate was definitely an action type.
Japohn brought up another graph on the floating vid. “Because of this inability to work wel with others, we are losing many of such Nobeks to criminal activity, drug use, and suicide. They don’t fit into a society such as ours that is geared to team organization, group organization, and in some cases, fitting into clans. As you can see from the study, this is a significant number of our population. Focused training that plays to their strengths wil not only salvage these Nobeks who don’t fit into the norm, but serve Kalquor.”
“Especialy where this rebelion is concerned,” Acadi agreed. The Dramok was perched on the edge of his seat in the greeting room as he beamed at Japohn.
Lindsey had liked the man almost immediately. He was as cheerful as her Vax and very personable. He’d been on the council for decades, so wel liked that he’d run unopposed for his seat the last seven elections. His broad, bearded face seemed made for smiling, his face faling into wel-worn, comfortable creases. He was wide-shouldered and a bit stocky for his race. His beard flowed over his chest, matching his gray-streaked hair in length. Lindsey thought if there was a Kalquorian version of Santa Claus, Acadi would be the model.
“There are also al those insurgent Earthers attacking our colonies and those of our alies here and there, the ones who didn’t surrender when their planet fel. Loner types of Nobeks are better suited to moving fast and tracking such rebels down than an entire squadron,” Japohn pointed out.
Diltan’s rich baritone floated through the room. “Have you approached those who would help you train students? Obviously you can’t do it al.”
“Not yet.” Japohn managed to keep the unease Lindsey knew he felt out of his voice. Bacoj had been the one who’d noted this was his weakest point during their brainstorming. He had also identified the potential solution to the problem.
“I propose we bring elder Nobeks out of retirement, men the younger generation like me respect. Those whose experience fits the parameters of having had successful individual careers would be the ones who I would choose to teach those specialties.”
“Another demographic in the greatest danger of suicide and accidental deaths,” Diltan observed. “A Nobek who feels his usefulness has passed as a warrior doesn’t have much to live for.” Lindsey had a feeling it was Diltan they needed to impress. He had the bulk of the money needed for the ventures, and his personality was one of calculated practicality. He liked cold, hard facts. In his role as a councilman, Jessica had admitted he was the man who held the Imperial Clan to the closest scrutiny. “Nothing gets past that man,” she’d grouched. “But we do appreciate him holding us to a higher level of performance.”
He was a handsome man, almost as stunning as Emperor Bevau. But unlike Jessica’s ebulient Nobek, Diltan didn’t seem to possess much of a sense of humor. Lindsey found him too serious, cutting into his attractiveness.
“No Nobek worth his blades can countenance being under-utilized,” Japohn affirmed. “If –
when
this project is carried off successfuly, I see training centers springing up al over Kalquor, giving these elders the forum they need to continue productive lives.”
“But won’t they be lagging in the latest technologies?”
Japohn shook his head. “I’ve considered that question. We Nobeks love getting our hands on the newest innovations that alow us to seek, find, and destroy the enemy. Keeping my instructors up-to-date with their own training is part of my plan, and I think it wil be the easiest part to implement.”
“How so?”
“We have a bad habit in this society of discounting our elders as behind the times. It’s a mistake. I had a conversation with Imperial Father Yuder only yesterday about the latest findings in cloaking technology. I dare say he’s as informed as the research scientists themselves.”
“Yuder is sharper than many half his age,” Acadi mused and chuckled. “When he was emperor, he put me in my place more than once at council.”
“Not only would we have men ready to teach the newest innovations, but they are also the most informed on primitive survival techniques. Few Nobeks my own age know how to build a shelter or start fire using only what nature provides. I was fortunate to have been taught these skils, and there were many times I was forced to rely on such ‘archaic’ knowledge when technology failed me in the field.”
“We are becoming more dependent on our modern conveniences. I fear we’re losing something important by doing so.”
“The elder Nobeks possess that wisdom and experience, plus a wilingness to learn,” Lindsey supplied. “You can’t ask for better than that.” The men looked at her, her clan and Acadi nodding in ful agreement. Diltan’s eyes on her were sharp, and she had a moment where she felt he was sizing her up. He added his nod.
“A most convincing argument, Nobek Japohn. You and your clanmates have given us much to think about.”
That seemed as good a signal as any for Lindsey to excuse herself to the kitchen to fetch fresh snacks. Vax had prepared what she’d thought was way too much food for the meeting, but there were only three trays left: mushrooms stuffed with wedi herbs, pickled ronka meat with caramelized beets, and goose liver pate on toast points. There had been almost two dozen hors d’eourves trays in total when they’d started out, plus the incredible midday feast of Vax’s sample dishes that had everyone roling their eyes in delight.
For Kalquorians, propositions and negotiating was hungry work. Lindsey was overful from the huge meal, especialy the chocolate cheesecake. It hadn’t been so much a hit with the Kalquorians, but she’d made a pig of herself on it, showing the potential investors how the decadent dessert would appeal to the Earther Mataras who would dine at Vax’s restaurant with their clans.
Lindsey was busy with puling the final snack trays from the warmer when Diltan walked in. She gave him her best hostess smile as he bowed.
“I thought perhaps the Matara would appreciate help bringing the food in.”
“That’s very kind of you, but you’re our guest. I hate to put you out.”
“Not at al.” Diltan frowned. “I think it is unfortunate you were not provided servers for the presentation.” Lindsey shrugged. “They were offered, but I didn’t want to take advantage of my sister’s goodwil.”
“Stil, the beloved sibling of my empress deserves al the advantages of her rank.”
Oh boy. Rank again. Lindsey had to fight the urge to rol her eyes. It was that irritating adherence to rank that had nearly lost her her clan.
Young with a lot to prove, Bacoj’s clan hadn’t made their mark in the Kalquorian hierarchy when they’d met Lindsey. She’d joined their clan without disclosing her sister was their empress. When they’d found out, Bacoj had gone so far as to de-clan her because he felt such a low-ranking bunch as his didn’t rank the Imperial Sister.
But al that was fixed now. Lindsey had the men she loved as her mates for the rest of her life.
To Diltan she said, “My being Empress Jessica’s sister does not immediately confer privilege as far as I’m concerned. I prefer to earn my status, not be handed it.” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “But it is your status that brought your clan’s talents to our attention. Were you not the Imperial Sister, little notice would be taken of them.”
“My mates are gifted and deserve the opportunity,” Lindsey said hotly, though she kept her voice low to avoid anyone else overhearing their conversation.
“Indeed they are. But there are other young clans out there with gifts that are overlooked because of their low rank.” Diltan smiled, making him handsomer stil. “Do not be offended, Matara. I would like to see your clan succeed.”
That took out the bit of temper she’d felt. “Oh. Wel, that’s good. Does that mean you’l consider investing in them?”
“I would like to.” His smile faded and his gaze was sharp once more. “This is a very organized society, Matara Lindsey. I see one thing standing in the way of success for the men of your clan: the impropriety of such younglings being clanned to you.”
Her jaw dropped. “Impropriety!”
Diltan nodded. “It is no fault of yours or theirs. It is the way our culture is. I fear there wil be those who hold it against them, those who would attempt to derail their success out of petty jealousy.”
“You realy think so?” Lindsey wrung her hands. She hadn’t expected this.
“It is a possibility. You are a realistic woman. That was apparent to me right away when we met. I only wish you to be fuly apprised of the obstacles that remain even with help from Acadi and me.”
“What can we do?”
Diltan offered her that devastating smile again. “You are committed to your clan. A most noble, loyal Matara indeed. I know you would do anything to help them succeed.”
“Of course. What can I do?”
“Take away the one thing that hinders them. Yourself.”
Lindsey stared. “What are you talking about?”
“De-clan them. Set them free to realize their ful potential, unencumbered by the envy others feel because these younglings have been so lucky as to have clanned someone of your rank.” Lindsey tried to wrap her mind around what Diltan was saying. “I can’t do that. I love them.”
“Enough to get out of their way?”
“But they’re my clan.” To Lindsey, that said it al. Bacoj, Japohn, and Vax were hers.
“I understand. Truly I do. But sometimes for the good of those we love, we must step aside.” Diltan put a hand on her shoulder. Squeezed with sympathy. “Kalquorian mothers have done this for generations, sending their Nobek sons, some as young as five years old, to live in what I think Earthers would cal ‘boarding schools’. Japohn would tel you himself this is necessary so members of his breed can grow to be productive members of our society instead of wild animals. Tears are shed, but the mothers do what’s best out of love. So, perhaps, must you.” So many times she’d impeded her clan’s advancement. Lindsey swalowed. “But they’re my clan.” She couldn’t explain any better than that.