To Storm Heaven
Chapter One
"WHAT IS THE REASON for this delay? Legate Valdor of Orakisa slapped the
conference table, leaving a ghostly impression of his splayed palm on the
formerly spotless surface. The cluster of multicolored crystal baubles at the
base of his official topknot - each one the mark of a successfully completed
diplomatic mission - chimed and jangled against each other. "This is
unbearable! A deliberate insult! When we return, I will file a complaint with
the Reclamation. I will not be treated in such a way by a mere-"
"Father, please." The younger Orakisan at Legate Valdor's elbow spoke in a
voice so burdened with embarrassment as to be almost inaudible. His own pale
silver topknot was adorned with a single, lonely crystal pendant small to the
point of invisibility. "I am sure that there is a perfectly logical explanation
for her absence."
"With respect, I agree with your son, Legate," Captain Picard put in.
"Ambassador Lelys herself requested that we call this briefing. She would gain
nothing by delaying it on purpose."
"Nothing but another chance to remind me that -" The legate's voice ... read full excerpt from To Storm Heaven ebook
