Warrior's Valor by Gun Brooke Page A

instilled calmness in her when she was furious and craved revenge. This was not the time for that, not yet. Instead, they needed to execute a flawless plan to rescue Dahlia and capture M’Ekar.
    â€œThis is absurd.” Rae’s voice, a low-register growl, filled the entire mission room, making it clear to Kellen and everyone else present exactly what she meant. “I won’t let any puny little bureaucrat keep me from going after M’Ekar.”
    â€œThat may be, Admiral Jacelon,” the Cormanian civil servant on the view screen said, his condescending tone obviously infuriating Rae further. “The Cormanian law holds the Thousand Year Pact in high regard, and nothing, I repeat, nothing, can be considered an exception.”
    â€œYou fail to understand that this is a matter of Supreme Constellations security,” Ewan Jacelon said, briefly touching his daughter’s arm.
    â€œI thought this was a personal request regarding your spouse, Admiral?” The Cormanian official looked disdainful.
    â€œHave you even read the intel we sent with the request for backup?” Rae spat. “For the love of the stars, we’re dealing with two of the most wanted people within the SC.”
    â€œAs it happens, yes, I have. I forwarded your request to the Cormanian Law-Enforcement Service, and they have a unit present in the forest right now.”
    â€œHow large is this unit? How well equipped?” Rae leaned forward, her body language familiar to anyone who had ever seen her consumed with fury.
    â€œI don’t have that particular information here, but—”
    â€œThen I suggest you get it, fast. I also need to be able to communicate with this unit. They have no idea what or who they’re up against.”
    â€œStrict regulations also govern communications in the Disi-Disi forest.”
    Rae slammed her hand into the computer console. “Damn it, is anything not strict or difficult on this planet?”
    Kellen hurried to Rae’s side and touched her stealthily. They couldn’t afford to alienate the irritating man completely. She sought Ewan’s gaze and he appeared to understand the wordless communication.
    â€œI’m sure you’ll do your best to have us talking with the commander of the unit in the forest within an hour,” he said firmly. “In the meantime, we will use our own intel and equipment to assess the situation further.”
    â€œI’m sure the situation will be resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.” The Cormanian looked relieved not to talk directly to Rae anymore.
    â€œI hope so,” Ewan said, his voice an octave deeper. “If not, I’ll contact my very good friend, Council Leader Thorosac, and several other high-ranking SC officials. If we’re still no closer to a solution, they’re not going to like it and they’ll give me a mandate to act as I see fit.”
    A few shades paler, the Cormanian official nodded briskly. “I’m sure we’ll have resolved matters before that point, Admiral.”
    â€œGood. Jacelon out.” Ewan closed the view screen and faced the others. His face didn’t betray his emotions, but the lines around his mouth and nose had deepened.
    â€œSo they have a team there already, for whatever reason.” Rae spoke slowly. “I want this information instantly. Alex, get in touch with the Cormanian part of our forces. Find out if any of them have responded to this situation yet.” She glanced at her wife. “Kellen, I need our best people on this. Contact Owena Grey and Leanne D’Artansis. If I’m not mistaken, they’re planet-side.”
    â€œRight away.” Kellen moved to the closest computer console and began to punch in commands. She knew very well that Owena and Leanne, two of their best friends, were on Corma, Leanne’s home planet. She wondered if Rae had forgotten why they were on shore leave. After all, they had