Alien Indiscretions Read Online Free PDF Page A

more than a freak to be shunned, or even worse, pitied. Ospar, who had met the man and enjoyed something of a friendly sparring acquaintance, had better sense.
    He narrowed his gaze at Maf. He was surprised to see the councilman among those present to greet the Salter twins. Maf had never hidden his dislike for the mixing of the Earther and Kalquorian races, not even to preserve the Empire’s culture in face of extinction. It was the one thing Ospar found himself hard pressed to forgive.
    He told Rajhir, “I respect the man, but I don’t like what he stands for. He will be the first to cry foul if Zarl kept records of our arrangement. He might even pursue it to litigation.”
    Rajhir’s expression was equally as grim. “I have no doubt the Imperial Father did keep an account of everything he decided as emperor. He was devoted to transparency, even if it was to happen in the future rather than the present. It will come out, Ospar.”
    Ospar drew a deep breath. He had done things in his long career that he regretted, things that he’d known might eventually bite him in the ass. Until a year ago he’d not had so much at stake.
    With the faces of his Matara Iris and his son Thomas in his mind, Ospar said, “I wonder how long after I return to Haven Colony before I am brought back here to face charges.”
    Rajhir mused for a few seconds before answering. “It could be months. Zarl was almost as meticulous as you when it came to details.”
    “You’ve never forgiven me all those files you had to organize back when you first came to work for me.”
    Rajhir chuckled, finding a touch of real humor at last. “There is knowing your potential opponents and then madness, my friend. Who cares what a man eats for his breakfast every day?”
    Ospar would have liked to join the other Dramok in the brief moment of amusement, but their current predicament was too heavy on his mind. “Zarl was a great man, Rajhir. His legacy and how others perceive it will go far in determining the Empire’s future.”
    Rajhir immediately sobered. “Don’t I know it. Honor and Empire.”
    “Always. The rebellion would seize on what we did as a means to swell their ranks.”
    Rajhir nodded without the slightest hesitation. “Much is at stake.”
    Ospar eyed his friend, knowing his next observation would not be welcomed. “I would prefer to see you emerge from this unscathed. You kidnapped the first Earther under my orders.”
    Rajhir’s eyes narrowed and his lips thinned. “Don’t you dare, Ospar. I was well aware of what you were asking me to do when I went to Plasius to test Amelia for breeding compatibility. I know the difference between right and wrong. I’m every bit as much to blame as you.”
    Ospar shook his head. He’d rehearsed this conversation a million times over, and his words came with ease. “As my Matara would say, you’re an angel compared to me. I sent in over a thousand clans to claim Earther mates. You took only one woman and managed to make her love you and celebrate her clanning in the process. I am the chief architect in this matter, and I am ready to assume full responsibility.”
    Rajhir stared at him. “Are you to be our martyr, Ospar? Don’t be a fool. No one will believe one man was behind all those abductions.”
    Ospar went for the proverbial throat with his next point. “Your twins are young yet. Your clan needs you at home, not on trial. Have you considered this could land us on a penal colony?”
    Rajhir’s hiss was angry. “And what of your clan? You claimed your Matara less than a year ago. Your son needs extra support. Little Thomas depends on you. You are no more dispensable than I when it comes to our families.”
    Ospar tried not to think of his adopted son. Thomas was a smart, engaging child. However, it was true that the boy’s autism made changes in his family life difficult to cope with. Despite the nightly coms Ospar had made during his trip, Thomas demanded his Dramok father come home