Shadows of Golstar Read Free Page A

remained facing
away from his advisor. “What you say is quite true, at least in regard to the
risk of failure. Nevertheless, I remain
firm in my belief that the plan, complex as it may seem, has the greatest
chance for success.”
    “Your Luminance, a quick surgical extraction would be
well within our capabilities and would greatly reduce the risk resulting from
the elaborate scenario you propose.”
    “I understand. At first blush, your logic appears
sound.  However, remote though it may be, the discovery of an attempted
kidnapping by Golstar would be absolutely devastating. It would trade one
potential threat for another, much more immediate, with far-reaching
consequences.”
    “With respect, I believe you give too much credit to
our enemy.”
    The Grand Patriarch shook his head, “Not at all.
Confederated Planets may be a ponderous monolith, but it has made great strides
in technology. Using that technology, it takes extraordinary measures to know
where its citizens are.” He shook his head again. “No, I remain convinced that
any other course would not succeed.”
    After a thoughtful pause, the gaunt adviser asked,
“Then if we must go forward with that aspect of the plan, are you still so
certain your daughter must play the pivotal role in its latter phase?”
    The Grand Patriarch’s posture stiffened.
    “Surely you agree that there are other women just as
qualified as Sharné,” the Guardian of the Way ventured. “The University should
have a number of women who could well play the part.” He paused. “Sharné is
in-line for Matriarch and I fear for her safety. Must we risk her royal lineage
with an outsider?” Rubbing his short bristled iron-gray hair, he spoke the word
“outsider” with ill-concealed distaste.
    The Grand Patriarch finally turned and faced his
trusted friend and advisor.  He took a measured breath and said, “At the
risk of repeating myself, I am quite aware there are women equally qualified in
a number of areas that will be needed for the task ahead.”
    The Guardian of the Way opened his mouth to speak, but
the Grand Patriarch held up a hand and continued, “You know also, that is not
the underlying issue. Evaluating an alternate candidate would take time,
precious time. Psychological and physical profiles are not enough to judge
their fitness for the crucial role they would be asked to play. Our schedule
does not allow us the time to evaluate their suitability, not to mention the
very real difficulty of finding a candidate who is both sympathetic and
unquestioningly loyal to our cause.”    
    “Time is the key,” the Grand Patriarch said, “…never
enough time. Had we more of it, then perhaps another candidate could indeed be
found.  However, we do not. The longer it takes to finalize the plan and
put it in motion, the greater the chance for the Council to become aware of our
intent.” He rubbed his forehead tiredly. “You know what would happen, should
they discover what we are planning. Even now, the opposition grows within the
Council. Every attempt I have made to convey the seriousness of our situation
has been rebuffed. They will not acknowledge the immediacy of the threat nor
would they find favor with my remedy for a crisis they believe does not exist.”
    The Guardian of the Way had heard this many times
before, but wisely remained silent, patiently waiting for his leader to
continue.
    “Should they realize what we intend, I have grave
concerns that their outrage could find its way back to the citizenry.” The Grand
Patriarch’s expression hardened. “If our plans were made public, the outcome of
civilian sentiment would be too close to call. At best, our society would be
split into separate factions. At worst, the traditionalists would gain control
of our government. In either case, the crisis would not be addressed until it
was far too late.”
    The Grand Patriarch paused before continuing. “Talin,
regaining our heritage will depend in great part on