Kaanig Altair peered across his large desk, at the men scattered about the room.
His cabinet.
Normally he would include them in his decisions. But this solarity brought with it a feeling of mistrust. Of late, it seemed that it wouldn't be safe including them in anything, so strong were the feelings he had. Especially after what had happened to Casina at Dandor. She had been too easily snatched away. Since she had described a richly attired woman as well as some men in warrior's togs, it wasn't too difficult to figure out who may have instigated the abduction.
"Gentlemen," he began slowly, studying each face intently as he spoke. "As of today, I am increasing security throughout TrCasinaar to level four. There have been too many breaches of late, and it cannot continue. There have been threats against the future of this empire, and I will not have it. The attack against the canvas module was a deliberate and preconceived attempt against us that cannot be ignored. Seth Vernier's investigation has proven that a short-range pulse missile was aimed directly at the craft, from Dandor, which resulted in the deaths of four more of our men. Since few knew of the arena controversy in Dandor and our involvement that solarity, that can only mean that someone in our immediate circle had to have planned the attack. And Casina Brandon's abduction.
"Therefore, I am putting the twelve of you on report until I have some answers. There has been laxity on the grounds at the highest level, and you are all suspect. Is that understood?"
At this, several outraged gasps, murmuring, and denials erupted among the group. The sense of anger and fear at losing their cherished positions was evident, but it couldn't be helped.
"But, Ziros," one man dared, "I am guilty of nothing against the empire. Surely, you cannot think that I would ever do---"
"Enough, Marius!" Dammen rose abruptly, slamming his fist on the desk with the force of a jackhammer. "You are all suspect. I am sorry for those of you who are innocent, but this is the way it will be until I say otherwise. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Ziros," the group grumbled, in various tones of anger and disbelief. Humbled by his authority, they clamped down on forthcoming retorts.
"Then you are dismissed," Dammen said, understanding their need to flee and complain behind his back. Ducking their graying heads, they shuffled toward the door.
As they retreated, he followed them to the door, intent on closing it. To his surprise, he found Seth Vernier standing just outside the door, waiting patiently for them to depart. As usual, he had a big grin on his face.
"Come in, Jeiel," Dammen said, standing aside to allow him entrance. He secured the door and turned to face him. "Any luck?"
"Yes," the Seth responded. "I found him. He was adamant. He said he had nothing to do with what happened at Dandor. And he has reaffirmed his agreement with you, according to your terms, Majesty."
"Good." A noticeable shadow then crossed Dammen's features as he moved to reseat himself behind the desk. He was aware of his friend's eyes on him as he moved. "What?" he asked, meeting his gaze.
The smile fell from Jeiel's face as he confronted him. "Are you sure this is what you want to happen?" he said. "What if something else goes wrong?"
Dammen frowned. "I've considered every aspect that I could think of," he replied, crinkling his brow as he thought about it. "Anything I've missed?"
The Seth shrugged and shook his head. He crossed his brawny arms and took a nonchalant stance before him. "I don't know. I'm just not certain this is a good idea. It seems like everything will go as planned. But...I don't know. Considering who we're dealing with..."
Dammen gave a reluctant sigh. "I know," he said. "But I've thought everything through. It seems like the only way. The best way..."
"Yes, but Dammen...How can we be sure this won't backfire in our faces? Look at all that's happened already...especially to your family."
Dammen rose and planted both hands flat on the desk, giving him a somber stare.
"I've considered every alternative, Jeiel. But this seems to be the only way I can do this, to accomplish what is necessary in the shortest amount of time. Things are complicated, but I'm willing to take that risk. And besides, I can't draw the pinchan out of his lair without the bait. To achieve both ends, this has to be the way I've planned it. Only then will everything be brought out into the light. I can't make assumptions. I need to know for sure before I take action, to make sure the threat is eradicated permanently and that those guilty are brought to justice." The Seth pursed his lips, unconvinced.
"If your mind is made up, then so be it," he acknowledged. "Your word is law and always has been. Who am I to challenge it, Majesty? It's legendary throughout all of Jupitar."
Dammen straightened at his words, embarrassed whenever he was told them.
"I don't dare change my mind, Jeiel," he said. "I have to follow through with this. It is the best way I can think of."
"I understand," Jeiel nodded, straightening to attention, as would any well-disciplined soldier of the realm. "Then I will stand by your decision and keep your confidence in this matter, on pain of death."
The Kaanig smiled and nodded at this common display of loyalty toward him.
"Thank you, my friend. I do appreciate it, as always."
"You know my love for you, Highness. I will gladly lay down my life for you. And support your decisions in whatever matter you so choose. I may not always agree with you, but I am not the one in charge of this galaxy. Nor do I wish to be. I am quite content where I am at."
With that, a wide grin erupted once more on his handsome face, just as the office doors were suddenly flung open with a thunderous cracking noise as they slammed viciously against the door stops, startling them.
Both men focused on the unwelcome intruder but kept their groans to themselves at sight of the woman standing in the doorway. Neither was very surprised to see her, clad seductively in a revealing black gown, slit up the sides.
Nova Karina.
"My, isn't this cozy," the woman gushed in a deep, purring voice, strolling uninvited across the room to where the two were standing. Rudely, she edged her way between Dammen and the desk. Then with a smirk at Jeiel, she reached a hand up to draw Dammen's head down for a salutatory kiss. "Don't you think it's a little crowded in here, Your Majesty," she murmured. She boldly caressed his thick chest as Jeiel, disgusted by the performance, turned away.
"May I have your permission to leave, Your Highness?" he asked, his face reflecting the knowledge that Dammen would no doubt like to accompany him.
"You may go," Dammen replied, amused at the look of loathing his friend cast the older woman before leaving. "We'll continue our discussion later." He then waited until the heavy wooden doors closed behind the Seth before thrusting his ex-paramour away. "Why are you here, Nova? Not enough action on Vaalstra? And what did you say to get past my security?"
Nova pouted prettily, moving forward to rub her voluptuous body against him suggestively. Tall, with long dark hair and full red lips, Nova was the epitomy of every man's wildest desires. And she knew it.
"You surprise me, Dammen. I thought you'd be glad to see me."
"Indeed? And whatever gave you that idea?"
"My lord," she emphasized pointedly. "I traveled all those light years across the galaxy just to see you, thinking that perhaps you missed me as much as I did you."
"How could anyone resist your warmth and charm, Nova?" Dammen sneered.
Moaning seductively, Nova closed her eyes and lifted her sensuous lips, expecting to feel the warmth of his. When nothing came of her invitation, she opened her eyes, disappointed, only to find him watching her in derision.
"D-Don't tease me, Dammen," she entreated, arching her form against him like a feline in heat. "You know how much I want you…"
To her humiliation, Dammen gave a sardonic laugh and shoved her away. Crossing to the far side of the room, he flung open the doors that Jeiel had considerately closed when he left. "Get out!"
Not expecting this, she took a step back, cowering beneath his fury. "How can you treat me this way?" she said, her voice cracking as she attempted some dignity. She was no longer the proud beauty who had barged unwelcome into the room. "I thought we were...Don't I mean...anything to you?" At Dammen's silent, raging scowl, she ground out fiercely, "Was I merely a piece of flesh to you?"
"Yes. Once," he affirmed. "You offered your wares to me, Nova, and I accepted, as did numerous other men you used for your own gain. What else did you expect from me? I never promised anything but satisfaction, which I gladly gave to you."
"But, Dammen," Nova began, sniffing. "I…love y—"
"Love!" he bellowed in outrage, loud enough for the H'San guards to overhear in the corridor. "You don't know the meaning of the word, Nova. You may lust—like a whore—but you could never love anyone. I was willing to enjoy your luscious body but, my dear Nova, you will never become my wife—Kaaniga," he added scathingly, "which is what you're really yearning to be, isn't it?" "How can you be so cruel?" Nova hissed, moving purposely toward the open door.
Dammen glared coldly at her for several seconds, unblinking.
"I'm being no crueler to you than you were to me when you bedded Menakam behind my back," he said with thick venom, searing her soul with his penetrating eyes.
Speechless, Nova gaped at him in disbelief, her expression revealing her shock at his having learned of her fling with his closest antagonist. Then, with a growl of infuriation, she stormed from the room, smoothing her tight-fitting garment as she went.
Dammen was right on her heels.
"Jeiel," he told the Seth, who was still waiting in the hallway, having expected just such an occurrence. "Make certain she leaves the grounds and the planet."
A smile spread slowly across the Seth's lips. "I'll see to it personally," he said, his expression displaying his pleasure at the idea. As he turned to hurry after the Vaalstran woman, Dammen returned to his office. And for the second time that morning, he slammed the doors shut with such intensity that several of the wall hangings in the corridor came crashing down.