Empire Reborn (Taran Empire Saga Book 1): A Cadicle Space Opera A.K. DuBoff (guided reading books TXT) 📖

seems to be made up of different organizations that have started merging and aligning their objectives. I get the impression it has some serious funding behind it—not sure if there could be dynastic ties, but it’s possible. From what I can tell so far, this has been building for years.”

“And, of course, they pick now to ramp up the efforts.”

“A prime opportunity to direct people looking for leadership during uncertain times,” Kira said. “I saw this kind of thing in my home system. It can turn ugly.”

“Propaganda is a dangerous, slippery slope.”

“It is. And the people behind this particular messaging are masters.”

“What’s going on at the ground level?”

“They’re crafty,” Kira continued. “The messaging is built around the idea of local governance. Basically, ‘trust our local people to know what’s best for you, not the Taran leaders on faraway worlds’.”

“I can see the appeal,” Jason admitted.

“Oh yeah, so can I. They have the pitch down to a fine art. I’ve seen a number of variations for different socioeconomic groups in the population here, and the tweaks speak to the needs of each group.”

“I’m guessing there’s a catch—beyond the obvious issue of wondering whether people really would be better off without the oversight of the Central Worlds.”

“To your latter point, let me first say that I wouldn’t be in the Guard if I didn’t believe in the Taran Empire. Just look at what was like in my home system. I appreciate that the original settlers of the Elvar Trinary tried to go it alone, but there are huge issues on a societal level when a culture is insular. People end up having to take jobs that are needed rather than based on what they want to do with their lives, so morale plummets and social class becomes a serious issue.

“All of that turned around when Elvar rejoined the rest of the Empire. There were instantly opportunities for people unlike anything they’d had before in their lives. Now, only a few years later, the economy and culture are thriving. People are happy because they have choices.

“So, while the message of this Coalition to ‘think locally’ sounds good, there are a few tells that have my gut screaming at me that there’s going to be trouble. Namely, that the community representatives were all assigned by the Coalition. The pretense of ‘locality’ is to get people on board, but it’s an obvious means of building a coordinated network between the worlds so leaders can make moves on an interstellar scale. With citizens trusting their community’s leader to look out for them, most won’t look at the bigger picture.”

Jason nodded. “The question is, then, what might the Coalition be trying to achieve by building up this support?”

“I’m not sure, but I can guarantee you that, based on this power structure, they want to be sneaky about it. It’s a perfect setup: make people feel valued by convincing them that their individual voices and their community matter so that they begin focusing on local rather than on global or interstellar issues. With everyone fixed on what’s right in front of them, they will be far less likely to notice the larger changes outside their immediate sphere. The Coalition could accomplish a lot before anyone notices.”

“Well, we’ve taken notice,” Jason said. “Though I’m not sure what to do.”

“I have an idea on that front,” Kira replied. “I’ve started to get chummy with that young woman who sent in the tip—Lexi. Interestingly, she’s Gifted but doesn’t seem to want anyone to know.”

“Is she working an angle of her own?”

“I’m not sure yet, beyond wanting to find her friend. But she’s entrenched, and she’s invited me to a special meeting. I think it might be a sort of vetting session for new recruits into the Coalition ranks. Works out well, since the people she reports to are pissed about their big plans getting messed up—though they don’t know it was Lexi that thwarted the deal. Nonetheless, bringing in new recruits, especially a geneticist, will get her points and help her climb the ranks.”

“Sounds like a great ‘in’.”

She nodded. “But, man, there are all sorts of red flags about the Coalition. Beyond their governance agenda and their public call for science specialists, they’re also actively recruiting people with military and tactical experience.”

“Great.” Jason sighed.

“Still not sure what they need with a geneticist, but Leon will find out whatever he can.”

“Why does my mind immediately go to a genetically keyed bioweapon?”

“Funny you say that, I thought the same thing.” Kira smiled in spite of the grim proposition.

“Fantastic.”

“But the bit of good news is that Leon is awesome at his work and is equally curious to find out what these smarmy dudes are up to.” She held up her hand. “And before you ask, he’s a civilian and can take whatever job he wants. No need to worry about sending him into harm’s way. He knows the risks and is on board.”

“We appreciate both of your willingness to get your hands dirty. We need answers.”

“And I will do my best to get them. I hate this foking shite—people taking advantage of others for their own megalomaniacal power grabs. There are some smart, twisted people behind this, I’m sure of it.”

“If anyone can get inside without them suspecting, I know it’s you. Just be careful.”

“I will. Besides, you know I can take care of myself.”

“I do, which is why I endorsed you for this assignment.”

She took a long breath. “This could take a while. I’ll need to get them to trust me before I expect I’ll have direct access to anyone with knowledge of the master plan.”

“I figured as much. I think we’re going to be in ‘wait and see’ mode around here when it comes to the Erebus, too.”

“Our doom closing in from both sides. Fun times, right?”

“The