Rebellion Read Online Free PDF Page A

took a group of fracking Portal Masters with him. That true?”
    Ria wasn’t picking up any animosity from the man, but she didn’t like his line of questioning. “I’m afraid you’d have to ask Rucon about that.”
    “Ha.” Leon took another large drink and set the glass down. “I might just do that.”
    “All right Father, we agreed, remember?” Laric asked. “Be nice, and no politics.”
    It occurred to Ria that Leon wasn’t entirely happy about the fall of the empire.
    Leon glanced over Ria’s shoulder, and his jovial mood snapped into military precision. “If you’ll excuse me a moment.” He stood and quickly walked to the edge of the patio and down a flight of stairs to the market below.
    A young teen stood talking to one of the booth vendors.
    Leon grabbed his arm and swung him around.
    “Oh, dear,” Nini said. “I’m sorry girls. He just can’t seem to stop working.”
    “What’s wrong?” Ria asked.
    “Must be a Curzan,” Laric said.
    Below, the boy looked terrified. Leon held him tight as he spoke. A short while later, three security officers arrived. They cuffed the teen and led him away.
    Leon returned to the table looking quite pleased.
    “Trouble?” Ria asked, curious what just happened.
    “Just an out-of-line Curzan. They’re getting out of control. It’s time we put them back in their place.”
    Nini reached out and patted his hand.
    He looked really tense for such a minor altercation. The rest of lunch was uneventful. Leon said his goodbyes, wishing them luck with their shopping. Nini left for home, telling them to come and go as they pleased.
    Ria leaned back in her chair, comfortably full. “That was excellent. Thank you.”
    “That stew was amazing,” Dani agreed.
    Laric finished off the wine bottle between their glasses. “I’m glad you liked it. This is one of our favorite restaurants.”
    “Tell me about the Curzans,” Ria said. “Your father seemed really upset.”
    “Yeah, that boy didn’t appear to be doing anything wrong,” Dani said.
    Laric let out a breath. “Curzans have no legal status on Mitah. They are property, and unless they’re running an errand for their masters, they shouldn’t be going around on their own.”
    “Wow. Why are they slaves?”
    “The Salvator family was awarded the planetary rulership of Mitah because the native Curzans were about to destroy it. You know how it works.”
    “Wait,” Dani said. “Is that what Rucon is on Earth? A planetary ruler?”
    “No.” Ria shook her head. “Rucon has a protectorship, not a rulership. That could change if Earth starts destroying itself.”
    “Huh. Learn something new every day,” Dani said.
    “Your father really doesn’t like Curzans, does he?” Ria asked.
    Laric placed his elbows on the table. “No, he doesn’t. You’ll have to forgive him.” Laric traced his finger on the table. “I had a younger sister. He loved her, doted on her. She died because she was exposed to a Curzan virus. A virus brought to her school by a family who pretended to be Mitan. So, yes. He hates them with a passion.”
    “Gods, I’m sorry Laric,” Ria said.
    “It was a long time ago, but he’ll never forget or forgive. He and my mother couldn’t get past it. They divorced shortly after. When he met Nini, and she gave him twins, he seemed to get better, but the anger is never far from the surface.”
    “Are the twins at home?” Ria asked.
    “No. Boarding school. You’ll meet them when you return for the ball.”
    “What about that boy?” Dani asked. “He’s just a kid. What’s going to happen to him?”
    Laric didn’t answer. Just shrugged and shook his head.
    * * * *
    Later that night, Ria stood in front of the mirror in Jara’s guest room.
    Dani was kicked back on the bed, flipping through local magazines on her com. “You look fantastic.”
    “Thanks.” She had to agree. The ankle-length black pants, strappy sandals, and a cream-colored silk shirt all combined to highlight her red