The Mirage on the Brink of Oblivion (The Epic of Aravinda Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

to learn more about your way of life and how you survived against our shared enemy.”
    Jyana was expressionless for a few moments, and brushed back some of her black hair. “The scourge do not concern us, and the Empress forbade us from providing assistance to foreign worlds. I am sorry.”
    Asha’s gaze darkened. “We aren’t asking for assistance. We only want to learn more about what happened here. Please understand, anything we learn could help every world in the Confederation. Will you permit us to explore? We also request to speak to your Empress.”
    “Unfortunately, we do not permit outsiders to join our society. Our civilization is built of ideas. We are careful about the ideas we allow inside, and I regret to say that the Empress will speak to no one.”
    “Has she ever made an exception?” Zahn winced. “Jyana, this is about the safety of the entire galaxy.”
    “Tell me,” Jyana said, raising the small computer in her hand toward him, “what would you say if someone came to your home uninvited and started making demands?” She shook her head. “No. I’m afraid your diplomatic skills are sorely lacking. If that is your attitude, I suggest you return whence you came.”
    Asha shook her head at Zahn before turning back to Jyana. “I apologize for his brusqueness. Yet he does speak the truth. Despite the Confederation’s coordinated efforts, the Vakragha continue to ravage the galaxy. But if we work together, we can stop them. The safety of the entire galaxy is at stake here, Jyana, including Tavisi. Your Empress must know that.”
    Jyana furrowed her eyebrows. “As I’ve already said, the scourge do not concern us. And unfortunately, the Empress will see no one. Once again, I am sorry.”
    “Please, Jyana. This world was once my home.” Asha’s voice grew hushed. “Has every drop of kindness been blasted away since then? There must be something you can do.”
    “Your home?” Jyana’s gaze narrowed on her. “You say you lived here? But no one has ever returned.”
    “Yes.” Asha nodded.
    “If that’s true, then perhaps I can help you, after all. May I scan your cells? A simple strand of hair would be adequate.”
    “Yes, of course.” Asha plucked a strand of her brown hair and handed it to Jyana who placed it on the small dish on the end of the device. As Asha watched her, Jyana’s expression transformed from disbelief to delight.
    “You are Ashakirta?” Jyana blinked. “And your father was an officer in the fleet. I can’t believe you’re still in our systems. Not many records survived the war, you know.” Jyana looked up to her, a look of shock passing over her face. “Asha, you are the first refugee to return home.” She paused, considering this. “But who is this guest? Is he trustworthy?”
    “Don’t worry. He’s with me.” Asha took Zahn’s hand. “We’ve been through a lot.”
    “It’s true. We’ve been on some pretty wild adventures.”
    “You may vouch for him, but only if you take legal responsibility for his actions. Do you agree?”
    “If that’s the only way for him to join me, then yes.”
    “Very well. Follow me.” Jyana waved them over to the small elevator, and they all squeezed inside.
    Jyana pushed a small round button beside the door, and Zahn watched as the door closed, sending them plunging downward into darkness.

CHAPTER6
     
    THE VISTA OF INTENTION
     
     
    Inside the elevator shaft, the air smelled metallic, almost rusty.
    The woman took out her scanner again, and Asha found herself wondering what Jyana had meant by ‘hospitality’ as she studied the woman’s long black hair and fine features. It had been a long time since Asha had seen anyone with the same olive skin tone as herself.
    Jyana put the scanner away and smiled at Asha, nearly brushing up against her in the confined space of the elevator. “Torin and the others will be excited to meet you. As I said, you’re the first we’ve met who has actually returned.” She