“Uncle J!” Zia shook her head. “He’s myguest—”
“That’s okay, I need to get going,” Reminterrupted her. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Andobviously, you are.”
“No, I’m not. I’m mortified for the secondtime today. Since my uncle won’t apologize, I’ll do it forhim.”
“No, allow me,” the president insisted. Thenhe turned to Rem and said quietly, “It’s no secret that you harboranimosity toward my family and my administration. But that’s noreason for me to be rude, and I apologize.”
“Not necessary,” Rem muttered.
“You’re a talented young man with a brightfuture. I hope you choose the right path. The path of yourgrandfather. That will be the true test of your greatness.”
“The path of my grandfather? As opposed tothe path of my father?” Rem said, his voice a growl.
“The path of a hero,” Jared agreed. “Not thatof a traitor—”
“Uncle J!” Zia wailed. “What are you doing?There’s no need to—well, to dredge all that up.”
“All that? Like it’s the truth?” Remdemanded. “Did it ever occur to you that my father was framed?”
Zia stared. “Framed by who? My mother saw thewhole thing with her own eyes—” She stopped herself, distracted bythe sight of an entourage approaching from the far end of thehall.
It was Ambassador Humber, one of her favoritedignitaries. He had represented their distant ally Malara for aslong as she could remember, and he never ceased to impress her withhis regal attitude, his six-foot-seven fur-covered body, and hishuge ape-like head. She had only met a dozen or so Malarans in herlifetime, and they all projected an animalistic confidence. Theirrace had helped Daniel Quito save Earth, and Earth adored them forthat. But the Malarans’ warrior nature didn’t seem to allow for anysigns of gentleness or affection.
Except for Humber, who managed to exude bothqualities.
“I didn’t know the ambassador was here forthe ceremony,” she said, smiling with delight.
“What?” Her uncle turned and then snapped toattention. “I didn’t know either. Looks official, doesn’t it?”
That was an understatement. Humber was infull uniform and surrounded by four huge guards, all dressed insimilar attire—black tunics paired with black leather pants andvests.
Once again, Zia noted that Rem steppedbetween her and the newcomers, although this time, she suspected itwas from curiosity rather than a desire to protect her.
“Have you met Ambassador Humber?” shewhispered to him.
“No. I’ve only seen him from a distance.”
“He’s wonderful.” She waved a hand ingreeting. “Humber! This is a great surprise.”
Her uncle nodded emphatically. “It’s good tosee you, old friend. Unexpected, but good nonetheless.”
The tall, furry mammal approached quickly. “Iam glad to see that our little Zia is healthy. We heard reports ofa collapse. Apparently, they were exaggerated.”
“I didn’t collapse, I swooned, because thecadets were so handsome,” Zia explained with a laugh. Then shestepped up to Humber and gave him a hug. “It’s been so long,Ambassador.”
“Too long,” he agreed. “You have grown fromchild to woman. Are you sure you are well?”
“Absolutely.” She sent Rem an encouragingsmile. “Let me introduce our most promising new warrior. His nameis Rem Stone. Does it ring a bell at all?”
“Stone?” Humber offered his huge hand to Rem.“I have only seen the vids, but I definitely note the resemblanceto your ancestors. My father negotiated the compact with yourgrandfather in the early days of our alliance.”
“I’ve read the stories in my grandfather’sjournal,” Rem told him, his voice hoarse with admiration. “We cannever repay Malara for the assistance you gave us against theAlluvans.”
Humber’s brow arched. Then he turned to thepresident and said, “If Earth really wishes to repay Malara, theopportunity is at hand. That is the reason I have come heretoday.”
Zia gasped. “You need our help? Why?You’re so much more advanced—but never mind that! We’ll do anythingyou need. All you have to do is ask. Right, Uncle J?”
Jared cleared his throat. “Our alliance isinvaluable, obviously. And our debt is great. If we’re able tohelp, we will.” He gave Zia a look that warned her not to sayanything more. Then he suggested, “Perhaps it’s best if theambassador and I spoke in private. Zia? You should rest. And I’msure Cadet Stone has celebrations to attend.”
“Actually . . .” Humber gave Zia a ruefulsmile. “I believe the granddaughter of Quito the Great should bepresent for this particular discussion.”
Wow. Humber is usually so mellow. Almostboring, she told herself, enjoying the rush of mystery andsuspense. This must be huge. What a day! First Rem Stone, nowthis.
She gave Rem a hopeful smile. “Cadet Stone?Would you like to join us?”
“Zia . . .” Her uncle shook his head inwarning.
But she ignored him, explaining to Humber,“As I said, Cadet Stone is our most promising new warrior. And likeyou said, his grandfather negotiated our alliance withMalara. It seems logical for him to be part of this discussion,doesn’t it?”
Humber hesitated, and she sensed he wasrecalling the story of Rem’s father’s betrayal. Before she couldinsist that Rem needed to be judged on his own worth, without thebaggage of history to weigh him down, Humber saved her the troubleby agreeing with a slight but respectful bow. “If you wish it, Zia,then I agree. Cadet Stone, will you join us?”
“Thank you, sir,” Rem said. “And thanks,Zia.”
She nodded, ignoring her uncle, whom she knewwas livid over this little coup. But she didn’t really care. Asmuch as she pretended to be oblivious, she wasn’t an idiot. Sheknew his power came in large part through her.
He had been president for less than threeyears. With any luck, he would prove his worth, and one day thepeople would accept him for what he was—a patriot who lived toserve them. But until then, he owed his position and success toZia, and for once, she was going to take full advantage of it.
* * * *
They settled in the Atrium Office—a majesticroom that had served as the official seat of presidential powersince the time of Daniel Quito. Zia and her uncle sat side by sideon the sofa, while Rem and Humber chose matching armchairs. Zia hadintended her invitation for Rem as a courtesy, to make up for allthe insults and embarrassments the day had caused him. But as hesat there, looking thoughtful and professional,