Clan and Conscience

by Tracy St. John

  “I’ll take that as a compliment, as I did from Jol.” Even though he was pretty sure it wasn’t one, an opinion his disgruntled tone betrayed.

  Rivek chuckled and looked at the quiet Nobek watching him. “And you are so very Jol. I’m not sure if your personalities and lives would enhance my life, or complicate it to distraction.”

  Jol pursed his lips. “If the early days of this campaign are any indication, Ospar’s political career could be fraught with disruption. The question is, would you judge it to be amusing or troubling?”

  “Hence my dilemma. I’ve been trying to decide if a permanent relationship—or even a long-term one—would fit in with my beliefs and studies.”

  It wasn’t a refusal. Rivek sounded open to contemplating the possibility. Ospar had to admit that the tumult of recent events could be too much for Rivek’s peaceful existence.

  He told Rivek, “It’s something to weigh as we move forward. With you staying with us until the election—”

  “Or until you strangle Ospar in his sleep and you go to prison camp—” Jol started in his most helpful voice.

  Ospar interrupted the interruption. “Or I strangle Jol in his sleep and go to prison camp, we have the opportunity to discover how things might work out.”

  Rivek laughed at their usual back-and-forth. Then he stared off into the distance, thinking the matter over before giving a slight nod. “I agree. Let’s see how it goes and who survives. We’ll go from that point on.”

  A chance was all Ospar asked for. He was happy Rivek gave it to them.

  Chapter 24

  Jol always felt more relaxed at Itga, where he and Ospar spent most of their mornings, reserving afternoons for the campaign. His Dramok was training Emano to replace him as director of general operations, with his uncles’ unhappy blessings. Itga’s owners hadn’t been thrilled with Ospar’s decision to run for office, but they hadn’t put up the fuss their nephew had feared. Especially when he told them Emano would take over.

  The Imdiko already knew many of the ins and outs of the position, having been Ospar’s aide from the start. Perhaps Emano didn’t have Ospar’s drive, but he was a genius with management and easy for others to work with. He was an excellent replacement.

  Emano was not the reason Jol’s stress levels ebbed at Itga, however. Talu had beefed up security in the wake of the dustup with the syndicate over the Eruz contract. He’d gone on to install state-of-the-art systems when Ospar threw his hat into the election ring. If Syodab’s thugs could get past the sensors, fail-safes, and heavily-armed guards, then there was no hope of keeping Ospar from harm anywhere.

  The security was tight enough that when Talu summoned Jol to his office, the Nobek experienced only a twinge of concern about leaving Ospar under the watchful eyes of three guards in his sensor-protected office. Well, maybe more than a twinge. Nonetheless, Jol was confident nothing would happen to his Dramok during the half hour Talu said he would take.

  Jol was pleased to see Investigator Axter and his enforcer partner Golas waiting for him in his father’s office. They stood around the long, computer and monitor-laden table that served as Talu’s desk.

  He bowed to the group, and they did the same. “It is good to speak to you. You received my report about Councilman Lanjur visiting Master Rivek?”

  Axter nodded. “You weren’t the only person to tell us what happened. We have managed to plant an operative in Syodab’s organization.”

  “How fortunate for us.”

  “He was recently promoted to guard Councilman Lanjur. He was there during that visit to Master Rivek’s chambers.”

  Jol was impressed all the more. And relieved. Perhaps Rivek had been in no real danger at all. “Is this informant with you or Global Security?”

  “He was ours to start with. Those of us not on Syodab’s payroll had been working for some time to get an operative in.”

  “But Global Security has co-opted him for their investigation?”

  Axter smirked. “They were delighted to find some of their work done for them. Global Security is thorough, which means they tend to move slowly on investigations such as the case against Syodab. They would have been a year or more waiting to have a spy rise in the syndicate’s ranks.”

  Golas added, “If they could have gotten someone in. It takes locals known in the territory to infiltrate the syndicate. Global Security lacks the regional presence we have.”

  “A strategically beneficial position for local law enforcement to be in,” Jol agreed. Since he was on good terms with Axter and Golas, they would be more likely to keep him informed as to any trouble brewing for Ospar and Rivek. “Is there any hope that your operative will be able to trace who the leader of the syndicate is?”

  Golas’ happy expression disappeared. “He already has.”

  Everyone’s face had turned grim. A sense of dread filled Jol’s gut.

  Discovering the mastermind behind Syodab should have been wonderful news. The kingpin of the syndicate had eluded all attempts to uncover his identity. The ongoing mystery had been due to so many in law enforcement and the territory’s justice system being paid off—or removed. Yet Talu, Axter, and Golas seemed anything but pleased about their discovery.

  His father drew a deep breath. “My son, it’s bad. Bad for the territory, bad for you and Ospar—bad for your friend Master Rivek.”

  “Who?”

  Axter growled. “Councilman Lanjur himself. The corruption is at the top tier of our territorial government.”

  “Mother of All.” Jol’s mind reeled at the information. He tried to come to grips with it—and couldn’t.

  Golas shook his head. “The bastard handpicked the governor, a man he can control. Lanjur’s the chair of the judicial committee, which vets the candidates for judgeships along with district enforcement supervisors. In other words, those either in his employ or on his contributions list. Lanjur gets his cronies elected to the council, intimidating those who dare to run against them.”

  Talu’s gaze was dark. “This is why Syodab has enjoyed the power it has for so long. And why nothing has been done to dislodge it.”

  Ice filled Jol’s veins. “Ospar picked a fight with him over Eruz. Now my Dramok is running against him for the very office that gives him all the power.”

  Axter found a grim smile. “And he’s making a stellar showing. The majority of the population is tired of being run over by the syndicate’s interests. Even those who know the consequences have reached the point where they’re ready to stand behind Ospar in the hopes of stopping Syodab.”

  “Which puts his and your lives in danger. And Rivek’s,” Talu repeated. It was his way of telling Jol how heavy it weighed on his mind.

  Golas didn’t downplay the situation either. “Lanjur’s opponents have lost family and friends before. If they persist, they tend to meet with accidents themselves.”

  Jol’s head ached. What had looked like another Eruz situation was bigger. Maybe too big for him to handle, loath as he was to admit it. “What are you doing with this evidence if our territorial judicial system is so badly compromised?”

  Axter rubbed the back of his neck. “Global Security has been informed. Our spy reports to them. They are looking into the matter, but it is unlikely they will be able to build a case they can move on before the election.”

  “Thorough and slow, like you said.” Meanwhile, Jol’s Dramok wore a target.

  Golas drove that point home. “If Ospar continues to build support, Lanjur will do his utmost to destroy him. It would be in your Dramok’s best interests to step away.”

  “You’ve met Ospar.”

  Jol’s droll reminder made the enforcer chuckle. “Then steps must be taken to shore up defenses against Lanjur and the syndicate.”

  Axter said, “They are poised to begin a campaign of scaring him off. The easiest route is through his uncles, his parent clan, and Master Rivek.”

  “Global Security is assembling security measures for all potential targets.
Still, Lanjur is well connected, even outside the territory. Danger is present. Of all those closest to Ospar, Master Rivek is the most vulnerable.” Golas flicked his gaze to Talu.

  They’d left the worst news for Jol’s father to deliver. “They’ve already pinpointed him as their first target. Your Imdiko friend will be killed if they aren’t stopped.”

  The frozen feeling in Jol’s gut had spread until his entire body felt encased in ice. He knew what had to happen next.

  * * * *

  Ospar refrained from argument when Jol informed him that they needed to fetch Rivek and go straight home. The ominous expression on his Nobek’s face was a mix of bleakness, fury, and shock. It kept the Dramok from asking what the matter was. He’d wished Emano a good day and followed his clanmate to the shuttle bay.

  He didn’t question the two Global Security shuttles that flanked theirs as they flew to the temple. He didn’t insist on answers when he noted the presence of officers at the doors to the temple or Rivek’s chamber. On the surface, he reasoned Jol would tell him the bad news at the proper time.

  Inside, dread filled him. He didn’t want to discover what put that awful look on Jol’s features until he had to.

  As always, Rivek acted calm about the whole affair. Only the crease between his eyebrows spoke of his concern. He smiled when Ospar and Jol entered his consultation area. “They said you would inform me as to what is happening,” he said.

  “Jol has all the details,” Ospar said, glancing at his tense clanmate. When Jol said nothing, Rivek nodded and allowed them to escort him to the shuttle.

  Once at home, they went straight to the common room after a couple of Global Security officers cleared it. Ospar wondered how Jol felt about others doing what he usually did. Most of all, he wondered what the hell was going on. He hoped it wasn’t as bad as his Nobek’s countenance said it was.

  When Ospar and Rivek were seated next to each other on the large, curved lounger, Jol waited no longer. He told them everything. Ospar listened with mounting horror as the Nobek explained that Councilman Lanjur was the leader of Syodab Syndicate. He learned that Lanjur’s opponents and their loved ones had a habit of being hurt, disappearing, or dying. Worst of all, Jol told them that Rivek was the focus of Lanjur’s drive to compel Ospar to give up his campaign—and that the Imdiko would have to leave the territory under armed guard in order to remain safe.

  When Jol stopped talking, Ospar sat quite still, trying to absorb all he’d learned. Rivek was in danger. The Imdiko couldn’t stay with them. He couldn’t even be close to them.

  I’ve come to rely on his sense. The calm I feel in his presence after the storms of the day. How am I supposed to give that up?

  Yet Ospar would have to. Rivek could not suffer because of him. Not even a little. That was the most important matter. Far more imperative than the gaping hole driven into his heart at the coming loss. Far more critical than the punch his gut insisted it had taken.

  The Dramok’s statement came out wounded, like a child’s. “We were just talking about the potential for clanning.”

  Rivek shifted next to him. “You’ve decided against pursuing that?”

  “With your life in the balance?” Ospar jerked his gaze to the peaceful demeanor. The crease between Rivek’s brows had deepened, however. Good. The Imdiko should be worried. “I’m glad you think I’m worth risking your continued existence, but I’m not. Don’t entertain that notion for a second.”

  Rivek’s lips trembled. Another crack in the tranquil façade. He looked to Jol. “You’re sure they’d come after me? It—it makes no sense. I can do no harm to anyone.”

  “It’s been confirmed you’ll be attacked in some fashion.” Jol’s thunder voice was deadened. “Ospar is threatening Lanjur’s grip on this territory. You’re connected to Ospar. They’ll use you to get to him. To force him to back off.”

  Rivek considered that. His jaw sagged a little, hinted at a mood of defeat. “Here I believed my being weak would keep me out of harm’s way. That their thugs wouldn’t disgrace themselves by assaulting a mere Imdiko priest.”

  “They don’t care if you’re weak, Rivek. In fact, they prefer to go after those who are the most defenseless. It makes it easy for them to take what they want.” Jol barked a sound that might have been a bitter laugh. “The syndicate is a group in which no one gives a shit about his nobility. They could care less about how such cowardice reflects on them. All that matters is power.”

  Ospar had heard enough. “I’ll drop out of the election.”

  Jol blinked. He gasped. He stared in shock at the Dramok.

  His clanmate’s reaction pissed Ospar off enough that his fangs unhinged. He jumped to his feet and yelled, “Did you think I would put my political aspirations ahead of someone’s life? Ahead of Rivek? What we could have with him? Fuck you! Fuck you for imagining I’d be capable of such selfishness!”

  “My Dramok, no. I—I never—” For once Jol had no retort. He took a step towards Ospar, his hands reaching as if to beseech forgiveness.

  Rivek stood. He wrapped his arms around Ospar, and the Dramok shut his eyes. He was losing almost everything that mattered. Especially the Imdiko holding him. Ospar’s chest squeezed tight.

  Rivek’s whisper filled with emotion. “You cannot quit the election, Ospar.”

  “I can. I will. My career plans are worthless compared to you.”

  “It’s not just your dreams of office any longer. It’s about righting terrible wrongs. About stopping those who put their greed before of the good of the people.” Rivek grabbed his shoulders and made Ospar face him. The Imdiko’s eyes were bright with tears, but he smiled. “You’ve changed, Ospar. You might enjoy the fight for office on a selfish level, but you also acknowledge this is not only about you. And you’ll see it through, because there is honor in your soul.”

  Ospar cared nothing for honor. He didn’t desire justice for others. He wanted Rivek. “I won’t allow you to be hurt. I don’t want you to go. Maybe you don’t feel the same for me, but I hate the thought of losing you.”

  Rivek blinked hard. He bit his lips as emotion overcame him for a moment. After a few breaths, he steadied himself. “Perhaps our separation will be temporary. Global Security is involved, which means Lanjur can’t continue to buy and bully without severe repercussions.”

  Jol came near. His hand brushed Ospar’s. Regretting his harsh words to his Nobek, Ospar twined their fingers together.

  Jol’s grip tightened. He turned his regretful gaze to the priest. “In any event, you should move out of this area, Rivek. It should look—permanent. Even if it’s not. The syndicate has to believe we’re finished.”

  We’re finished. The phrase was a knife to Ospar’s gut. “I said I would withdraw.”

  “No, you won’t. Not over me. This territory and its people need you. You will not abandon them, not when you have Jol nearby to keep you secure.” Rivek pulled him closer, so tightly that Ospar could barely breathe. “If I wasn’t here, if we’d never met, you wouldn’t back down from this fight. Don’t lie to me and say otherwise.”

  “You are here though. Can’t you see what you mean to me?”

  Rivek released him and stared him in the eye. “If that’s true, then do the right thing. That’s all I want from you, Ospar. Otherwise, you’re not the man I love.”

  Rivek’s statement finished stealing the air from the Dramok’s lungs. The knifelike agony spread to his heart.

  He loves me?

  Rivek looked at Dramok and Nobek. His pleasant air was tinged with bitterness. “I’m not sure how well I’d continue my spiritual goals with the two of you distracting me. My instinct tells me that I have found a Dramok and Nobek who make me happy. The mere thought of you brings a smile the instant I wake in the morning. Nonetheless, leaving may be for the best.”

  “Just until the election is over, right? Only until we verify you’ll be safe. Promise me.” Fuck pride. Ospar would beg him on his knees if that was what it took.

>   “I can’t. I can’t tell what the future holds, Ospar. I can’t proclaim vows on a maybe.” Rivek drew himself up and squared his shoulders. “It would be better if I go now. Is that possible, Jol?”

  The Nobek’s throat betrayed how hard he swallowed. “My father offered my parent clan’s home for you to stay until you leave. I’ll com for him to fetch you.”

  “That is most generous of Talu.”

  “Global Security plans to post a couple of bodyguards close to you, wherever you end up. In case Lanjur doesn’t fall for our ruse.” Jol gave Rivek a strained gaze. “I too hold all hope that you’ll return to us.”

  Rivek still wouldn’t concede to that. He reached out to stroke Jol’s hair, but did not speak.

  The pain in Ospar’s stomach and chest had subsided. It had morphed into a detached numbness. He felt wooden. The Dramok’s wounded heart was trying to shore up its defenses and block out the anguish of what was happening.

  He was losing Rivek. He had claimed he loved Ospar, but he was walking away.

  The Dramok’s voice came out deadened. “Where will you go?”

  Rivek considered before shrugging. “I’ll let fate decide. I’ll request re-assignment to another temple in the morning and allow them to place me where the greatest demand is.” He stepped close to Ospar again, his expression intent. “You’ll be strong for me? And stand for those who need you?”

  What else was left to him? Ospar nodded, a part of him moaning how unfair it was that he should render aid when his own world was being ripped apart. Why wasn’t anyone doing right by him, letting him have who he needed?

  * * * *

  Several hours later, Ospar walked aimlessly through his home. Yesterday, he’d imagined that he might share it with two men he loved forever, rather than one. He paced, blind to his map collection, blind to the aquariums with their stunning array of fish, blind to all of it. The rooms gaped empty since Talu had fetched Rivek, had taken him away. When will I see him again? Will I ever see him at all?