They were halfway across the plaza now, and Jenna looked up at the screens once more. The vid-screens were incongruous with such park-like environs, garish even, a reminder that she was on a bustling space station. However, as she watched, the advertisement for holiday homes in the Manix System froze.
The screen went blank for an instant, and then a newsreader appeared.
The man’s voice was muted, although subtitles scrolled underneath—and as Jenna read them, she went cold.
Skidding to a halt, she grabbed hold of Captain Malik’s arm. “Look!”
The entire escort stopped then, their gazes flicking to the news broadcast unfolding above them. Likewise, many of the office workers milling around them swiveled to watch.
Behind the newsreader, a familiar landscape of rust-colored mountains and a dusky-pink sky filled the screen.
And then the words started to scroll:Just hours ago, the Mir-Ferrin space fleet launched an attack onplanet Idral in the Gastira System, in Mir-Brennan territory.
One of the guards behind Jenna whispered a curse.
It’s reported that after a violent exchange, Mican Mir-Ferrin has seized control of Mir-Brennan Tower. A Mir-Ferrin blockade is now in place around the planet.
Jenna’s heart started to kick against her breastbone. “Gods … no.”
Aghast, she watched as the newsreader paused, one hand rising to his earpiece.
We have a live broadcast from Mir-Brennan Tower.
The image changed then, and there was the Mir-Ferrin clan-lord, standing in Cathal’s solar, flanked by two towering bronze battle-droids. Lean and clad in flowing robes the same color as his intimidating metal bodyguards, Mican Mir-Ferrin wore a rare smile. His lips then began to move.
Fifty years ago, the Mir-Brennans robbed us of this planet. Now clan Mir-Ferrin has launched a successful military operation and reclaimed what is rightfully ours.
The camera panned out, revealing Tian standing at his father’s side.
“You bastard,” she whispered, her stomach clenching.
Mican Mir-Ferrin resumed talking.We have the Mir-Brennan clan-lord, and his wife and daughter, under house arrest.
The camera panned out farther still—and there was Cathal, Isla, and Beatrix. All three of them were wearing wrist restraints. Isla and her daughter’s faces were chalk-white. Cathal’s forehead was bleeding, and his expression was thunderous.
The camera zoomed in on Mican Mir-Ferrin’s face once more. The clan-lord’s gaze narrowed.Lord Mir-Brennan will now be put on trial for the crimes of his clan.He paused then, his gaze narrowing.If found guilty, he will be executed.
Jenna stared up at the screen, barely able to believe what she’d just read—just seen.
Was this some elaborate hoax?
Her pulse thundered in her ears. No, it was real.
The Mir-Ferrins had launched an unprovoked attack on her people—their allies.
Nausea rolled over her then.Merciful Syr, this is my fault.
Tian had done this because she was divorcing him.
But how had he organized the attack so quickly? She hadn’t even been away from Idral a day.
Jenna started to sweat.He’s been planning for this … waiting for the right moment to strike … and I was the catalyst.
“Lady Jenna.” Captain Malik’s voice intruded, low and hard. “We need to get you inside … now.”
Jerking her attention from the screen, Jenna nodded.
She was just about to resume her path toward the conference center when the high-pitched whine of detonating laser bolts ripped through the plaza.
