Hostile Genus: An Epic Military Sci-Fi Series (Invasive Species Book 2) Ben Stevens (best contemporary novels txt) 📖

of the Morning Star, the very place Maya and Jon and the others had set out for weeks ago. The place where they hoped to find the Anvil, the secret weapon of the gods that would enable them to defeat the Harvesters and maybe even stop the Drops.

Wyntr had appeared in the Shanty and on the Underground’s radar at the exact same time she appeared on that of the Ministry of Social Purity. Captured and imprisoned, Maya had allowed herself to be arrested so she could get close to the girl, betting everything on guardians she hadn’t even met yet.

The plan had worked even better than expected, as Maya had discovered the secret truth behind the Chairman’s Purge. That knowledge had given her and the Underground just enough of a head start that they were able to not only stop the enslavement of every man, woman, and child in Home, but also defeat and overthrow Warbak.

And now here they were, struggling to form, let alone maintain, some semblance of order.

“I know, General Miller. I apologize. The babysitter did not show. I tried to find another, but, well, it’s a sensitive matter, trust, and the girl… You know what I mean,” To-Kan explained.

Miller did know what she meant. Wyntr was a special child, the only person left in Home who knew where Xibalba, resting place of the Morning Star was; where Maya had gone. And now that Maya and her guardians had gone radio silent, overdue by at least a week, Miller feared that the child’s secret would soon have to be passed on to another group of intrepid heroes. No, To-Kan was correct, the child could not be cared for by just anyone.

Sighing, Miller nodded his head to the sagely woman and gestured to her seat.

“Very well. Thank you all and welcome back to the second meeting of the New Republic council, and uh… daycare.” Although he did not find the situation or his own comments to be funny, Miller heard his remarks prompt more than one chuckle from the group.

“I’ve called you all back here for two reasons. Two reasons, yet they are one and the same. Our previous meeting was cut short with the news that Chairman Accoba Warbak’s aide, the man known as Matiaba, had been spotted in the Shanty. I’m happy to report that that was not only true but that the villain has been apprehended. I made the arrest personally.”

“Villain? Villain, you say?” a voice spoke up over the approving murmurs that followed on the heels of Miller’s announcement.

A well-dressed man stood up from the table. Miller had seen the man somewhere before, but couldn’t place him or recall his name. He certainly wasn’t a member of the council. Then again, many in the room were not. Some were members of the newly formed Free-Press Guild, while others, like Captain Wojax, were active military men, positioned in the room to act as guards. Then there was Wyntr… but who was this man?

“I was under the impression that my client would receive a fair trial, and yet here you are, General, already trying to sway the council with your unguarded and obviously biased words.”

Lawyer, then. When did we get lawyers?

“Honorable members of the council, I am Libis. I am representing Matiaba in the trial,” the well-dressed man said. He was slightly overweight, with slicked back hair, and wore a pair of glasses that matched his suit nicely. He gestured to Miller and then to the room at large, saying, “I suggest you keep your opinions of my client’s character to yourself or hold them for the trial, and even then only when you are asked.”

Oh boy. Here we go.

“Fine by me,” Miller said, scowling. Then, as he sat back down, he added, “Let’s get this circus started.”

“You see, ladies and gentlemen?” Libis asked the room. “General Miller here seems to have made up his mind before the trial has even begun.”

No one said anything, but a few members shot Miller some worried glances across the table.

“Hey. Take it easy,” Candice whispered to Miller, once again patting the back of his giant metal hand.

Miller sighed. He hated lawyers. He hated trials. He was beginning to regret agreeing to this fiasco.

“Fine, fine,” Miller said. “Bring him in.”

Captain Wojax raised a knife-hand and saluted Miller, then turned to leave the room. A short minute later, he returned, joined by two more soldiers, each in Inner-Zigg attire, armed with pistols, and flanking a handcuffed Matiaba.

Miller nodded to his captain and made a rolling wheel gesture with a finger. The young officer saluted once more and escorted Matiaba to an empty seat at the table.

“Are the handcuffs necessary?” Libis asked no one in particular.

Heads snapped and looked to Miller, either wondering what he would say or waiting for his command. Miller tried to read their faces; confusion and uncertainty was the look du jour.

“Fine,” Miller said with a tired and audible sigh. “Captain, remove the cuffs.”

“Sir, yes sir,” Wojax chirped and rushed to remove the manacles from the former aide.

“Thank you,” Matiaba said, shaking and rubbing his now free wrists dramatically before sitting down.

Miller waited a moment for Matiaba to get situated and then began.

“Matiaba. You stand accused of war crimes, conspiracy, torture, and murder. How do you plead?”

What a colossal waste of time, Miller thought as he announced the accusations. Why drag out the inevitable? He tried not to look bored or roll his eyes as he reached for his cup of tea and took a sip.

“Why, not guilty, of course,” Matiaba said calmly.

Miller almost spat out his tea, instead opting to choke on it as he covered his mouth.

“Do you think this is a joke?” Miller asked after he managed to cough the tea from his lungs.

“Not at all,” Matiaba said.

“You see, General, I will prove that my client, much like you and many others here, was simply doing his job, and is not guilty of any of the crimes that he has been accused of,” Libis said, standing.

“Give