Torian Reclamation 2: Flash Move (41 page)

“Thanks, Dad.”

Derek patted Jumper on the back. Jumper turned and walked across the parking lot to the stadium entrance. Before he went in, he glanced up at a noise in the sky. Another rotorcraft was landing.

Inside, Belle-ub and his two assistants were entertaining the other delegates up on the terrace. Jumper was offered a beverage upon his arrival. He chose coffee. Soon after, the last delegate arrived, coming from the rotorcraft Jumper had seen landing. They were all then ushered into the conference room and sat down at the table. It was only half-full.

Sitting directly across from Jumper was a large, dull-skinned Amulite who made Jumper uncomfortable. He stared at Jumper from the moment he sat down, and seemed wholly incapable of smiling.

Belle-ub took his high seat with his two companions positioned below him.

“Welcome to the first United Amulen Council of the new age,” Belle-ub said. “As you can see, we are not yet an entity which is being taken seriously in every corner of Tora. Regrettably, the seat for the Banorian representative remains empty at this time, as do some of the Amulen seats. I am happy, however, to welcome the new Cardinal-4 delegate, although I admit to being somewhat disappointed over the governor having appointed this position rather than attend himself. Nevertheless, we are pleased by your presence. Hol4, please stand and be recognized.”

Hol4 stood up. He smiled when his eyes met Jumper’s. Jumper was happy for him. All of Tora was aware of his heroics in the defense of Banor several months ago, and his subsequent special appointment at the space station had been publicly heralded.

Belle-ub then went around the table introducing the other council members. Jumper stood when it was his turn. Captain Musin3 of the former Northern Militia, the one who had tried to force Jumper and Alan into forced labor in the agritents, was there as the C3 representative.

The most powerful industry captain from C4 was present, which was impressive. He was the overseer of the great majority of non-food production on Amulen. From what Jumper had heard, they levied a strict control of polwar play among the factory workers there.

A delegate from C6 had also come. They were mostly a self-sufficient continent located in a colder climate.

Lastly, Belle-ub came to the council member directly across from Jumper, who had not ceased giving Jumper an evil eye. Jumper now noticed he wore a thin, black neck collar.

“Finally,” Belle-ub said, “I welcome the chosen delegate from Continent-2. A highly accomplished scientist in the former age, he is now the recognized leader in a new unification movement on C2. Director Markin1, please stand.”

Only then did he take his eyes off Jumper.

—
* —

The End…

Book Three
of The Torian Reclamation is now available. If you enjoyed Flash Move, I think you’ll love
Test of Fortitude
. You can get that here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NLK4YZS

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About the Author Part Two

My mind drifts. I can’t help it. I’ll be in the middle of an interesting conversation and something said (or seen) will trigger the drift. The person I’m with will merrily continue talking, but I just took a left turn at Albuquerque. Five minutes later, I realize they’re still talking and I haven’t heard any of it since that part—a long time ago, unfortunately—that sent me off on a tangent. So I have to fake it from there, or figure out a graceful way to change the subject. It doesn’t always work.

Is this the worst fault a human being can have? My wife certainly thinks so. My domestic situation has occasionally suffered as a result—sometimes for hours. Thankfully, my fishing buddy is a little more forgiving when it happens. But then I’m usually the one buying the argims.

I like to play online chess. It can be addicting. I’m only going to play a game or two, but then I can’t stop. Next thing you know the whole evening is gone and I got nothing done. I feel terribly guilty. Until I see that my wife spent the entire evening playing iPad games as well. But that’s neither here nor there. Guess I’m caught going off on another tangent.

Tulros.

Andy Kasch

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The Torian Reclamation Books

Book One:
Test of Magnitude

Book Two:
Flash Move

Book Three:
Test of Fortitude