“Your witness?” Lor’s smile was tinged with mockery. “Don’t you mean your first witness?”
“I only have one.” He said it with such certainty that it implied he only needed one.
“Proceed,” the overlord urged.
The document projection blinked out and a holographic image of Garin Nox materialized in its place. Even from the back the man looked intimidating with his broad shoulders and aggressive stance.
“Good evening, gentlemen.” He inclined his head to complete the greeting, voice deep and authoritative. “I’m General Garin Nox and I’d like to verify that Nazerel, First Son of South, has been in my employ for most of the past year. He was working undercover at the request of Stirate Quinton for the purpose of investigating his niece, Sevrin Keire. Therefore, any misconduct on the part of Nazerel must be reported to me and will be dealt with through proper Rodyte channels.”
“That is unacceptable,” Lor snapped, his voice growing loud again. “Nazerel, like all Shadow Assassins, is half Ontarian. He is not immune to Ontarian laws. Besides, diplomatic immunity can only be established if the ambassador, or agent, is working with the permission of the Ontarian Joint Council. I assure you High Queen Charlotte knew nothing about any of this.”
“I understand that,” Garin assured, “but you’re forgetting that this mission took place on Earth.”
Elias perked up at that. “Our taskforce knew nothing about this either.”
“Perhaps not, but your government did.” Garin paused for a moment as if to let the implication sink in. “Nazerel has a statement issued by a top official with Homeland Security confirming that the mission was authorized.”
Elias looked at Morgan, his what-the-hell expression unmistakable. She offered him a shaky smile, knowing the uncomfortable revelations had just begun. They’d been duped, used, manipulated by the very government to which they had both dedicated their lives. It was depressing, and humiliating.
“Do you have any questions for me?” Garin asked after a long pause. “My schedule, as always, is hectic.”
“I think we have a much clearer picture of the situation,” the overlord admitted with obvious reluctance.
“Then I expect this to be resolved as quickly as possible. You have detained my agent for nearly two lunar cycles already and that is ridiculous.”
“I understand your concern for your cousin and I’ll do my best to resolve this quickly.” Not even General Nox could browbeat the overlord.
“Hold on,” Lor suddenly came back to life. “This might explain Nazerel’s activities on Earth, but it doesn’t change his original sentence. He is a member of the Ontarian military who deserted his position. That in itself is a serious crime.”
“To join a foreign military, a citizen of Rodymia must first relinquish their citizenship.” Garin’s voice ground out each word. He was obviously losing patience with the tribunal. “Nazerel’s citizenship is still intact, which makes his enlistment null and void, not to mention against interstellar laws that prohibit the pressed service of unwilling participants. Any other questions can be submitted in writing.” Garin ended the transmission.
“We will take a short recess.” Lyrik motioned the other two toward the antechamber without further explanation.
“What does that mean?” Morgan turned to Echo, feeling exasperated and utterly helpless. “Is this good or bad?”
Nazerel was led back to the defendant’s box and allowed to sit.
“If everything Nazerel said is true, it’s very good. Lyrik will com Mother and verify that there is nothing more he can do to detain Nazerel.”
The casual “Mother” made Morgan smile. She’d been so wrapped up in the trial she’d forgotten that Echo’s parents were the two most powerful people on Ontariese, the high queen and head master of the Mystics. “And what will your mother tell him?”
“If the documents are genuine, Lyrik will have no choice but to dismiss the charges and let Nazerel go. In situations like this, it’s unfortunate that the defense doesn’t present their case first.”
Hope surged through Morgan firmly lodging in her heart. It’s almost over, my love. I swear, it’s almost over.
Nazerel had severed their link before they left the Undaunted, but something made him turn and look at her. She stood and gripped the railing, no longer unable to sit still.
He mouthed the words “I love you” then turned back around.
Nearly an hour elapsed before the panel returned. All three of the men were grim faced, but none more so than Lor. Morgan wasn’t sure why he felt that Nazerel’s exoneration was some sort of personal affront, but his resentment was obvious.
“We’ve confirmed your claims and authorizations through independent channels and it appears that we have a massive misunderstanding.” Lyrik’s professional mask was firmly in place, so Morgan couldn’t tell if he was frustrated or relieved by the outcome.
“Before you pass judgment,” Nazerel interjected. “I have one other thing I would like to say.”
“I’m about to dismiss all charges. What more could you possibly need to say?”
“I have one final document that I’d like you to consider. It doesn’t directly pertain to my situation, but it is closely connected.”
Lyrik rubbed his forehead as he said, “This entire proceeding has been irregular, so I’ll allow it.”
Nazerel triggered the last image and moved to stand beside it. “This is an official offer of political asylum to any member of the Shadow Assassins. The same document has been transmitted to each member of the Joint Council. Stirate Quinton will extend Rodyte citizenship to any former Shadow Assassin who transfers to the Rodyte military and then completes his original sentence without incident.”
“Why would Quinton do such a thing?” Lyrik jumped off the dais and approached the image as if a closer view would make the concept clearer. “What does he have to gain by this little stunt?”
Nazerel clasped his hands behind his back again, likely to keep himself from punching the enraged overlord. “It’s not a stunt, I assure you. As Lor pointed out, most of the Shadow Assassins are half Rodyte and half Ontarian. When our way of life was abolished, we should have been given a choice between the two worlds that created us. We were not.”
“You were given a choice.” Lyrik’s voice dropped to a menacing growl. “Each Shadow Assassin was allowed to prove his worth and loyalty through service to the military or he could choose to be punished for his crimes.”
Nazerel took a step closer and faced off with the overlord. “Which crimes are those?” Morgan held her breath, afraid to watch, yet unable to look away. If Nazerel threw a punch the delicate balance would be shattered and he’d find himself in a detention cell facing insubordination and assault charges. “I was at the original tribunal when it was determined that the soldiers were living life according to the only code of conduct they had ever known. The elders were responsible for the ‘crimes’ and it was my understanding that they have been punished.”
“May I speak, sir?”
Nazerel whipped his head around at the familiar voice. Morgan released her pent-up breath, barely able to believe Varrik had risen to Nazerel’s defense. Of course, she had yet to hear what Varrik wanted to say. This might not be a good thing after all.
“Why not,” Lyrik emphasized the choice with an elaborate shrug and made his way back to the dais. “Half of the star system has weighed in on this mess.”
Varrik moved forward, standing beside Nazerel at the podium. “Nazerel is right.”
Echo sucked in her breath so loudly Morgan looked at her. “Are you all right?” she whispered.
“I never thought I’d see this day,” Echo whispered back with a cautious smile.
“When the Shadow Maze was liberated decisions were made quickly,” Varrik began.
“Four thousand men were waiting on the outcome of those decisions,” Lyrik reminded as he returned to his seat. “Things had to move quickly.”
“Ontar
iese is ruled by a Joint Council for a reason,” Varrik continued. “Regardless of how wise and well-meaning Queen Charlotte is, she cannot rule as well as a multi-person council. I alone represented the Shadow Assassins. That was not the way it should have been. There were four tribes. All four tribes should have given you input on how they wanted their futures to unfold. Nazerel is not the only one with family members on Rodymia, or Rodyte citizenship for that matter. Many will jump at the opportunity to go home.”
“I haven’t decided if such an opportunity will be offered.” Lyrik folded his arms over his chest and scowled at Varrik. Then he turned back to Nazerel. “Are you quite finished?”
“I am, sir.” Nazerel glanced over his shoulder and Morgan caught a glimpse of his smile. “I have nothing more to say in my defense.”
“Then this tribunal dismisses all charges. As far as Ontariese is concerned, you are free to go.”
The hall erupted in joyous cheers, catching Morgan by surprise. She’d never been sure why so many soldiers had been interested in this case. Now she knew they weren’t random soldiers. They were former Shadow Assassins, here to support Nazerel.
“Quiet!” Immediately the ruckus crowd stilled and Lyrik motioned toward Elias. “Does Earth concur with this ruling or would you like to request extradition?”
Extradition? Dread washed over Morgan in a chilling wave. Surely Elias wasn’t going to put them through this entire nightmare all over again?
Resentment formed every syllable as Elias muttered, “Earth concurs with your findings. However, I would like to speak with Nazerel before he takes off.”
“Then this tribunal is officially adjourned.” Lyrik motioned to Lor. “Release him from the suppression collar then report to my office. We have some vid-coms to make.”
Lor used the stairs to exit the dais and approached Nazerel at a leisurely pace. He spoke in a calm, quiet voice, Morgan could barely make out. “I have nothing against you personally, but I find this all suspiciously convenient.”
Nazerel waited until he released the collar to reply. “I understand your frustration, but every word I spoke was true.”
“You’ve forced us into another corner with this asylum nonsense. I will do my best to prevent it from happening.”
“I understand.”
Without another word, Lor walked from the room.
“What is Lor’s problem?” Morgan asked Echo as they made their way down the stairs leading to the main floor of the meeting hall. “He has acted like this entire thing was a personal attack.”
“Lor’s uncle was working with the elders and everyone knows it. Since Lor became the head of the House of Joon he has worked tirelessly to repair his family’s reputation. Hunting down Nazerel and the other renegade hunters was part of that restoration. This makes it look like Nazerel won, which means Lor lost. He can’t help but take this personally.”
As they reached the center aisle, Elias came striding toward Nazerel with burning purpose in his gaze.
“Shit.” Morgan rushed toward the front of the room. By the time she reached the presentation area, her mate and her best friend stood toe-to-toe speaking in hostile whispers.
“I have never forced myself on any female,” Nazerel was saying, which gave her a pretty good idea of how the conversation had begun.
“There are many types of force. I’m not saying you held her down and raped her. I think you compelled her to—”
“He was still collared when we spent our first night together.” Morgan intentionally led Elias to the wrong conclusion, but the statement was technically true. “He has forced nothing on me. Well, not since he forced me to abandon my team during a fight.”
“I don’t care how many times you claim otherwise,” Elias argued. “You were his prisoner.”
“Were, as in I am not his prisoner any longer. You don’t have to like it, but I will not testify against him”
Rather than continue a pointless debate, Elias turned back to Nazerel. “Every hunter who captured a human female will pay for his part in her death. Your mission does not excuse their actions.”
“I agree.”
Elias just stared at Nazerel. Apparently, Elias had expected an argument. After another tense moment, he looked at Morgan again. “Were you briefed by Homeland Security? I understand if you weren’t allowed to tell me.”
“It’s ugly, Elias. The taskforce is basically a front behind which they negotiate with aliens and not necessarily to the good of the general public. Not only did they know about Nazerel, but they were helping Sevrin with her experiments.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Elias raked a hand through his hair, completely disrupting the messy style.
“Flynn has copies of emails proving that Sevrin had backers within the US Government. They allowed us to chase after her shadow while they were helping to cover her tracks. They’re using us and I have no intention of allowing it to continue.”
“Actually, I meant to speak with you about that,” Nazerel cut in. “Garin thinks it could be a serious benefit if we have contacts on the inside and access to certain information when—and if—he decides to bring the battle born to Earth.”
“Wait a minute.” Elias turned toward Nazerel, instantly hostile again. “Why would a Rodyte general ‘bring the battle born to Earth’?”
“Long story.” Morgan placed a soothing hand on his forearm as she looked at Nazerel. “Are you suggesting we return to the Bunker and pretend nothing is wrong?”
“For now. It would give you the opportunity to do some digging. You told me you don’t have enough to expose the culprits, but at least now you know where to look for more evidence.”
“True,” she mused. “I really don’t like the idea of just walking away.”
“So what’s with this political asylum shit?” Elias asked Nazerel. “Do you really think the Joint Council will reconsider their original ruling?”
Nazerel nodded toward Echo who was politely loitering a few feet away. “Why don’t we ask someone who is well acquainted with the High Queen?”
Elias smiled at Echo then moved over so she could join their informal circle.
“Any guesses how your mother will rule?” Morgan asked her new friend.
“Varrik’s argument was compelling and Mother loves nothing better than a good debate. As long as the former Shadow Assassins are still required to fulfill the original terms of their sentences, I think the Joint Council will allow the choice.”
“Besides the last thing Ontariese needs is another four thousand single males?” Nazerel punctuated the question with a charming smile.
“Well, there is that.” Echo returned his smile.
Nazerel stilled and Morgan followed the direction of his suddenly guarded stare. Varrik stood in nearly the same place his mate had been a few moments before. Without saying a word he held out his hand toward Echo.
“Thank you,” Nazerel broke the tense silence. “Your testimony was unexpected and invaluable.”
Varrik nodded and Morgan thought that would end it. Then Varrik sighed. “I know things can never be as they were, but our mates seem to enjoy each other’s company. I’d like for us to be part of your new life—as soon as you figure out what and where that is.”
“I’ll do anything for Morgan.” Nazerel smiled and his gaze filled with warmth.
“I’ll com you,” Echo promised and gave Morgan a quick hug. Then Varrik took Echo’s hand and flashed her from the room.
“So, what’s left undone?” Elias heaved a sigh as if a significant weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “I’m not sure what we’ll do without the Mystic Militia to boss us around.”
Morgan smiled. “I think we should enjoy the lull and take advantage of the relative peace for as long as it lasts. We’ll use the time to figure out who our real enemies are.”
“Sounds good to me.” He bent and kissed her on the cheek. “I better make sure the overlord is finished with me.” Then to Nazerel he said, “Congratul
ations.”
The next hour passed in a blur of greetings and smiles. Nazerel introduced her to soldier after soldier, each seemed amazed by what he’d accomplished and most said they would take advantage of the opportunity if the Joint Council allowed the Rodyte option. Morgan tried to be patient. Nazerel had worked long and hard to find a compromise that would empower his men. The leadership role might not be official, but it was obvious that these men thought of Nazerel as their leader.
The crowd finally cleared and Nazerel pulled Morgan into his arms, flashing her from the room before anyone else could waylay him. She gasped then laughed as their surroundings came back into focus. They stood on a hilltop overlooking the City of Tears. A spectacular sunset stretched across the far horizon, the layers of purple and blue so different from the orange, red and gold of Earth.
“A little warning would have been nice.” Her beaming smile contradicted the criticism.
“Sorry. I had to get out of that place.” He paused for a long lingering kiss. “I couldn’t wait another minute to do that.” He kissed her again. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” She rocked to the balls of her feet and brought his mouth back down to hers. Their lips slid and their tongues stroked as Nazerel slipped into her mind. She opened for him, welcoming him with warmth and joy. He pushed deeper then carefully anchored the link.
Never again will you be without me. He reinforced the vow with the heat of his devotion.
Welcome home. The word triggered a thought and she slowly pulled back until their lips separated. With her hands on his shoulders and her heart fluttering in her chest, she looked into his eyes. “Can you come back to Earth with me or does Garin need you on the Undaunted?”
“Garin has much to do before he’ll be ready for my assistance. Before he’ll be ready for our assistance.” He amended with a smile. “And we will serve the cause best back on Earth. Now, do I need to say it again?” He pulled her more snugly against his body. “You will never be without me again.” And then, just in case she had any lingering doubts, he kissed her with all the love overflowing his heart.
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