The Shattered Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 7)

Chapter 21: Escape Velocity

Mara looked around the embassy's main reception hall. "I thought the embassy was being defended," she said, turning to Scotty.

"It was," he replied. "Amoret! Lyrabeth! Anybody here?"

"Captain Devon!" Lyrabeth exclaimed, emerging from one of the offices along the corridor. Then she saw Mara. "Your majesty!"

"Mara," Scotty said, "this is Lyrabeth Deirian, your assistant consul on Kuath."

Mara inclined her head graciously as Lyrabeth curtsied. "Citizen Deirian, my compliments on remaining at your post."

Lyrabeth gave her a wry smile. "I hope I will always do my duty, your majesty."

Scotty muttered, "She's taken Sabrina as her role model."

Mara smiled. "Then I shall be well served indeed. As the person in charge of this embassy, perhaps you could see to Major Stecklan and Sergeant Ricar, as well as Specialist Athar?"

Scotty almost asked "Who?" before recalling that Danask went by her first name on the team.

Lyrabeth said, "It will be my pleasure, your majesty."

"Where's Amoret?" Scotty asked.

"At the shuttle, that being the most vital point of defense," Lyrabeth replied. "I'll send someone out to tell her you're all here."

"I must speak with Scotty and Malvarak in private," Mara said.

"The ambassador's office is the last door on your right," Lyrabeth said. "Please avail yourself of anything you need."

"Thank you, Citizen Deirian." Mara led the way to the ambassador's office, Scotty and Malvarak trailing. When they reached it, Kendara took up a post outside the door, which Scotty closed behind them. Mara took a seat behind the desk. "Please be seated, gentlemen, and tell me how we come to be having this amicable conversation."

Malvarak smiled sardonically. "I am, as you see, almost entirely without resources, having been left to the mercy of the Reissians after we last saw each other."

"I would gladly have taken you with us," Mara said, "had I been able. Next time you would like us to take pity on your plight, remember not to render those of us who still care about you near death."

Malvarak inclined his head. "Sage advice, your majesty. How far you have come from that carefree girl I used to dance with."

"You would do well to remember that," Mara said. "You have also changed, and not for the better."

"Is there to be no forgiveness for my condition, then, even though it was my Wayship's death in your defense that caused it?"

Mara shook her head. "Sribarak's heroism is remembered and will always be honored. But it cannot stand as an excuse for all the actions you have taken against us in the decades since. You have come too close to killing the people I love best in the universe, and you have proven that your word cannot be trusted."

"I was in the process of redeeming my word when you arrived," Malvarak retorted.

Mara looked at Scotty. "Captain, I would like to hear your report."

Scotty told her what had happened, ending with, "He could have shot me in the back, but he didn't. I think he's serious about getting away from the Reissians."

"Plausible," Mara acknowledged. "But do not be taking chances like that, Scotty. Your son needs his father."

"I was getting a little desperate," Scotty admitted.

"Did you doubt I would come?"

"Never even crossed my mind," he answered. "I was kind of hoping you'd bring an army with you, though."