Empire Reborn (Taran Empire Saga Book 1): A Cadicle Space Opera by A.K. DuBoff (jenna bush book club TXT) 📕

head to the group before standing. “I will file the results of the vote and forward the decision to the TSS.”

The representatives filed out of the room in short order, leaving Raena, Ryan, and her grandparents alone.

“That went pretty well,” Kate assessed.

“We’ve come a long way with being civil to each other,” Cris said. He telekinetically swung the conference doors closed. “However, we might have another problem.”

He filled them in on the conversation he’d had with Wil. It was all speculation, but Raena had to admit that Celine’s behavior during the meeting reinforced the other observations.

“What can we do about it?” Ryan asked when Cris had finished his account.

“They’ll need to admit there’s a problem before we can make an accurate assessment,” Cris said with a heavy sigh.

Kate shook her head. “I always knew something was off about that Dynasty. The comparatively quick leadership turnover. How cagey they are.”

“This would explain a lot,” Raena agreed. “They had to have seen this coming.”

“I’m afraid we’ll have to table the concerns for now, but keep an eye on the situation,” Cris said. “This matter of Earth is going to demand a careful touch and you’re in the best position to advise, Raena.”

“Me?” She realized how silly that sounded. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

Since learning about the civilization spanning the galaxy, she’d dreamed about the day when the people who’d been close to her as a child on Earth would finally understand why she’d disappeared from their lives. The technology, medicine, and interstellar reach was the stuff of fantasy. She’d been looking forward to sharing the wonder and excitement with them. Now, though, the threat of an alien invasion cast a shadow on the upcoming revelation.

“Knowing your father; I’m sure he’s already thinking about how to approach it. Why don’t you coordinate with him and then let us know what support you need from the High Council?” Cris suggested.

“Yes, I will.”

“Good luck. And stay in touch.”

They exchanged goodbye hugs before Raena and Ryan headed back toward their shuttle.

“This freaking week.” She couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’ll be okay, Raena. We’ll get through this.”

How can he sound so calm and collected with everything going on? She appreciated his measured presence, but stars! It would actually make her feel better to see him flustered, too. “When did you become the one to talk me down?”

“Oh, come now. We have a long history of alternating roles. Admittedly, though, you were always more confident during our early years together.”

“The enthusiastic over-confidence of youth,” she huffed. “Now, I know better.”

He beamed, seeming almost satisfied.

“What’s so amusing?”

Ryan chucked softly. “I know this is part of your process and you’re about to crest the curve. The freak-out followed by a renewed wave of determination. A good challenge is definitely among your Top Five favorite things.”

She rolled her eyes. He really does know me well.

He took her hand. “No matter what, we’re in this together.”

“Thank you.”

“Always.”

“But really, though, this whole thing is a nightmare.”

“It is, no doubt,” he agreed. “However, sometimes it can be good when circumstances force your hand.”

“I much prefer having the opportunity to plan.”

“Certainly. But hey, were it not for unusual twists of fate, we may never have met. I might still be a random Ward working as a servant to the Sietinen Dynasty.”

“That’s true.”

“So, this business in the Outer Colonies and with these aliens could lead to great things on an even larger scale.” Ryan squeezed her hand. “Adversity has a way of showing you what’s really important.”

—     —     —

“We’re going to do what?” Even though Jason had heard the statement clearly, he couldn’t believe it.

“I know, this isn’t how I pictured Earth’s reintroduction, either,” his father said. “I wish it was all of the unincorporated colonies and not just this one, but I suppose we should be thankful for the small victories.”

“I don’t know if I’d call it a ‘victory’, exactly. This is going to be rough.”

“Which is why it is so important that we’re involved. All of our inside knowledge of the cultural nuances will be critical to making this integration a success.”

Jason winced. “I suggest keeping expectations low. For that matter, maybe rather than ‘integration’, just ‘maintaining peace’.”

“Fair.”

“This is going to be crazy, Dad.”

“No crazier than when we announced that the Priesthood had been removed from power. If anything, this will be easier because we’re only dealing with one planet.”

“There is that.”

Jason had watched the political ramifications of the Priesthood’s fall play out from afar. Earth might be a smaller group of people than the Taran Empire as a whole, but that didn’t make its political and socioeconomic dynamics much simpler. Sides would no doubt be chosen. People would lobby for their place in the new, expanded scope of life. Perhaps not right away, but the power struggle would happen eventually.

“How are we going to approach this?” Jason asked.

“The High Council has agreed to your sister serving as a political liaison, given her firsthand knowledge of the ‘local culture’, so to speak. We may as well bring her into the conversation before we go any further.”

“Sure, of course.”

Wil dialed through to Raena’s office.

The image of her appeared on-screen, and she folded her hands on her desktop. “Hey. Are we really going to do this thing?”

Wil smiled. “I think so.”

Raena looked over at Jason. “Hi, Jace. I’m so sorry about Tiff.”

Bringing it up doesn’t make it any easier. He knew she meant well, but not thinking about what had happened was the easiest way to cope right now. “Yeah, thanks.”

His father picked up on the shift in mood and jumped in to move things along. “So, Raena, have you given any more thought since we spoke about how to approach the disclosure?”

“Well,