The Planet Shaker

By LQ Snyder

The power to destroy planets comes with a price. The Kore of Planet Shakers has seen its strength and numbers dwindle from a force of fury to a handful of people little better than magicians with parlor tricks. When the Kore decides to take on seven new recruits, members are shocked when an entire lake of water is manipulated, tornadoes rain down from clear skies, and fire rips through the air.
Newly recruited Lena finds herself ill prepared for the world of power and political intrigue she is suddenly thrown into; her mysterious connection to a stranger from the Shadow Planet the most disturbing surprise of all. Lena reluctantly becomes a Planet Shaker, charged with keeping order on both Aquinnah and the neighboring planet it casts its shadow upon – Lorant. She is an unlikely enforcer, lacking physical size and strength, but her potential to control the Earth element makes her more deadly than any weapon the two worlds possess. She is not alone in her training, accompanied by the famous and attractive Professor Kiran with whom she is romantically involved and three Lorantians, one of whom seems to have taken up residence in her mind.

The new recruits must elude those who would use their power for destruction and in doing so, begin to change the face of two planets locked in a thousand year old conflict.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LQ Snyder
• Release date: Jul 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301055647

Book preview

The Planet Shaker

L.Q. Snyder

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright 2013 L.Q. Snyder

Cover Art by Brandice Hamlett

Dedication:

For Jordan, my confidante, companion, and co-conspirator in all things

Chapter One

Speak. Yaxha did not miss a step down the dark staircase or give any sign of surprise when the young man joined her from one of the side passages.

The results of our scans have come in. We have located seven.

Yaxha stopped walking. Seven?

The new equipment is working perfectly, he said, clearly trying not to say anything that would give away their topic of discussion.

Yaxha and her companion continued to her office on the next floor. The room looked large and ornate during the day, but in the dim light of the evening long shadows reached across the floor. She tucked a strand of her thick, black hair behind her ear and straightened her crisp uniform. She could make out her associate’s face, high cheekbones and close cropped hair matched his serious expression. She was always pleased to see Rylan.

You have their files. She stated it. Rylan was one of the best. He knew if he were to come to the Hall of Governors on Aquinnah without proof, he would not leave with the two gold bars on each of his shoulders that had probably taken him at least a decade to earn.

As expected, a stack of files was calmly handed to Yaxha. The man had composure. She would see that his pay was increased again. Six gold, diagonal bars on each shoulder of her black uniform caught the last rays of fading light and reflected it, reminding her of the rank she was soon to leave behind.

Three, no, four of the seven are Lorantian! she exclaimed as she perused the contents of the files. The inhabitants of the Shadow Planet had never been represented before. These energy readings are massive… her voice trailed off. Rylan did not move or make a sound.

Where are we on construction of the base? Yaxha asked quietly, forcing herself to look up from the files.

Atmospheric control and life support are both online. Construction of facilities is nearly complete, and the last shipments of supplies are scheduled. He betrayed no emotion in his report.

And our ships?

Twelve are ready, four more are being constructed.

Recruitment?

Growing steadily. We have begun targeting the Lorantian civilian population.

Yaxha nodded, How are the other Aquinnahns reacting to that? she was worried that news of Lorantians being members of their organization would do more harm than good. There were few Aquinnahns who would want to be part of a faction comprised of penniless slaves.

It has been a delicate situation, but at this point the others don’t care who our allies are as long as we have them.

Yaxha frowned. That sounded like desperation, and she wasn’t desperate. She turned to her desk and sorted through several papers before she found the one she wanted. Handing it to Rylan, she said, Begin stock piling these drugs. There will be more. Take them from The Lab if you have to.

Rylan took the list and slipped it beneath his gray cloak without a glance or hint of surprise, though Yaxha knew the requested chemicals would be difficult and costly to obtain. Yaxha eyed the gold bars on Rylan’s shoulders again and sighed. His rank was potentially problematic for this assignment. Tell Agent Boran to contact me about your rank. We need to fix it.

There was a hint of a smile on his face as he turned to go, As you command, Governor.

When Rylan was gone, Yaxha sat down with her files and flipped on a small lamp beside her desk to examine the documents more closely. These seven people would have to be recruited as soon as they had been trained not to accidentally kill themselves or anyone else.

Lena rubbed her eyes to make sure she was interpreting the symbols correctly and stared at the rock fragments in front of her. It couldn’t be. She must have done something wrong. The light from the lantern was playing tricks on her or…something.

Lena, are you almost ready to go? Corand asked for the twelfth time, startling her from behind. Most students hated being in the Caverns and Corand was no different. The air was thick and full of dust, the particles visible in the light of the lanterns. He had told her several times that he felt like he was chewing on rocks when he breathed. Scuffling footsteps in the dark were often the only noise and the silence could be oppressive. The darkness was vast and never fully illuminated, giving one the feeling of being crushed by space. Lena rarely found any other students willing to accompany her on these long excursions, and was always forced to walk away from the fascinating history around her before she was ready.

We have to take these to Professor Kiran, Lena said, coming to a decision. She began carefully gathering the pieces.

We aren’t supposed to take things from the Caverns! Corand exclaimed, sounding aghast at Lena’s actions.

She sighed and glared at him, aware that her look probably lost some of its power in the dim light. Trust me, Kiran won’t want these left in the Caverns. I’m pretty sure the government will be taking them off our hands immediately.

He stared at her and then looked down at the rocks, Why? What do they mean?

Lena shook her head. Corand had been studying archaeology as long as she had. This should not be difficult for him to interpret. I don’t want to discuss it here, she said, lowering her voice. It was easy to eavesdrop in the Caverns, since the light from their lanterns only reached a short distance.

Would you help me with these, please? Lena asked again, trying to keep the irritation from her voice. Her hands were full and she could barely hold on to her lantern. Corand finally took his eyes off her and bent to pick up the few fragments left.

Does this say something about Planet Shakers? he asked, examining the piece in his hand. Lena nodded, not caring whether he could see the gesture or not and hurried through the tunnel. They were farther in than she had realized and it seemed like a long time before they reached the main entrance, an enormous room with perfectly round openings to dozens of tunnels branching off of it. At one end of the cavern were the tunnels, and at the other, a long staircase. Rails had been put in to decrease the number of falls, but it was still inadvisable to hurry up the steep, winding steps. Lena hurried anyway.

Slow down Lena! Breaking our necks won’t change what’s on these rocks! Corand was so whiney. She vowed to never come down here with him again. Why did Kiran always insist his students work in pairs? The light steadily grew brighter until Lena was standing in the afternoon sun, squinting a little against the harsh light. The campus of Kirit University stretched out in front of her and she surveyed the magnificent old buildings, gray and white marble adorning the outsides of most of them. Kiran was probably in his office. Lena was relieved the building that housed the archaeology department was nearby. People were staring at her. She really wasn’t supposed to take things from the Caverns.

Corand came up behind her, breathing hard and dripping sweat from the rapid climb up the stairs. He was not only much larger than Lena, the fat rolling around his belly and arms, but he was also unused to the steep climb. Only a few hours in the Caverns were required per semester and a lot of students opted to forego that portion of their grades. What are you going to do, just take these in and dump them on the Professor’s desk? Corand panted.

Lena grinned, That’s exactly what I’m going to do. She hurried toward Kiran’s office. Her dark blue uniform was covered in dust. She wanted to brush it off before seeing Kiran but there was no time. She burst through the door to his office, noticing for the first time that she had forgotten to leave her lantern in the Caverns.

Kiran looked up from his desk, startled, but smiled and leaned back in his chair when he saw her, a hint of amusement in his large dark eyes. His brown hair was slightly disheveled, telling Lena that he had been running his hands through it in frustration. He was either working on a speech or grading papers. Lena knew his face well and could tell he was glad for the interruption. Corand ran in behind her just in time to gasp when she unceremoniously spilled the pile of rocks on Kiran’s desk.

Kiran sighed good-naturedly. Lena, now you’ll have to explain to my undergraduate students why their papers are covered in dirt.

Deal, Lena said as she began quickly arranging the rock fragments on his desk the way she had them in the Caverns.

Corand approached and awkwardly held the remaining rocks, still looking horrified that Lena was making a mess of Kiran’s office. I…need to be going… he said, handing Lena the rocks. See you later, Lena. He took off and Lena shook her head in disgust. Corand had no sense of curiousity.

Kiran watched him go. Did you two have a nice time in the Caverns?

Lena smiled at the thinly veiled jealousy in Kiran’s voice as she turned back to the rocks, You’re the one who insists that no one goes down there alone, and he was the only one who would go with me. Though I’m sure his motives weren’t academic… she trailed off, concentrating on the arrangement.

Oh good, you were aware of that, then, Kiran grumbled, folding his arms across his well-built chest. I’ve told you repeatedly that I will go with you.

Lena snickered, You? Reporters and scientists and politicians beating down your door all hours of the day, five classes to teach and research to conduct… She smiled and shook her head, Hopefully three hours in the Caverns cured Corand of his interest in me.

I would make time for you, Kiran told her quietly. I’ve done it before…and really? Three hours?

Lena slid the final piece into place. I couldn’t leave this down there for some random student to come across.

Kiran looked down and furrowed his eyebrows in concentration as he interpreted the symbols, his handsome face slowly registering shock. He looked up at Lena, It’s not possible!

That’s what I thought. She smiled, relieved he agreed with her. Planet Shakers, a thousand years ago, brought Lorant into Aquinnah’s orbit. They moved an entire planet millions of kilometers and tethered it here! She still couldn’t really wrap her mind around it and grabbed Kiran’s hand in excitement.

He smiled and briefly squeezed her fingers before yanking open a messy drawer. He pulled out a brush and carefully wiped dust from the rocks. I’m glad you didn’t leave these in the Caverns, but you should have been more careful bringing them here… Lena barely heard him. She was too busy examining the symbols he had just made clearer with the brush.

They brought Lorant closer to Aquinnah for the obsidian. They wanted the rock and they were only capable of limited space flight, Lena said in awe.

Well, it’s been a thousand years and we still can’t get anyone much farther than our moons and back safely. They were smart. He brushed away more dirt, his frown deepening. How were they able to move a planet, though? They must have known so much more about the elements than we do now… He glanced quickly at Lena. Go get the Dean. Have him contact the Governor. They will want to know about this.

Lena nodded and spun around. At the door she turned back. Kiran was working slowly with the brush and frowning at the rocks. You better tell me everything when I get back! she told him. He nodded absently and Lena hurried out the door.

Chelan studied the schematics on the ground in front of him. Something’s wrong. Rubbing his perpetually stiff neck he walked to the middle of the bridge and gazed out across the dark Lorantian water. The answer was so close.

He heard his supervisor, Keahi, walk up behind him, Chelan, nothing is wrong with the schematics and nothing is wrong with this bridge. Something is wrong with you. You’ve been restless and unhappy for months now. At first I thought it was a reaction to all the pressure you’ve been under here. I know we have fewer people than ever to do more work, but if you can’t pull it together the Security Agents will reassign you...or worse.

Chelan sighed. You’re right. I think it’s the bridges. If you can reassign me to roads or buildings it might be easier.

Don’t go developing a phobia on me now. You do the work of five other guys. If I take you off bridges and switch someone on roads for you, this project will never get done in time. You know what the Agents do when a project is late getting done. Keahi was nearing forty, a long life for a Lorantian, but though his hair was more gray now than blond and there were permanent creases at the corners of his eyes and mouth, he was still as strong as he had been ten years ago when Chelan had first started learning to build whatever it was the Aquinnahns demanded of them.

Then let’s stop wasting time, Chelan said, turning back to the bridge.

Keahi smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. He leaned in and said quietly, Come to my home for dinner this evening. There’s someone I want you to meet.

Chelan inhaled deeply to keep his irritation from showing, Please not another woman. The breathing didn’t help, his irritation was plain.

You’ll like this one, Keahi said, gray eyes twinkling.

Chelan shook his head hopelessly and scratched at the two day stubble on his cheeks. All right, Keahi, if it will make you happy.

Keahi laughed and left to check on the building construction workers. Chelan resumed his work on the bridge but his mind was far away. He felt an inexplicable desire to run as quickly as he could in one direction: toward the shadow’s origin, toward Aquinnah. The irrationality of that desire kept him awake at night and distracted him from his work. It was worse when he was working on the bridges.

When it was too dark to keep working, Chelan joined the crowds of people being herded onto transports by Security Agents. Chelan and the others sitting beside him in the vehicle were building a route to and from the mines so the Aquinnahns could more easily transport the valuable minerals to their ships. The miners were the last to shuffle on board, covered in dried dirt and coughing. The transport lurched forward and moved slowly back to the Seventh Province over the rough terrain.

When they arrived, the last rays of light visible in the sky past the silhouette of Aquinnah had faded. Instead of heading toward his empty apartment, though, Chelan went to Keahi’s.

Keahi swung the door open as Chelan lifted his hand to knock. Come in, come in. Our guest isn’t here yet, he said cheerfully.

Just tell me one thing, Keahi, Chelan said as he took off his brown cloak, revealing the customary dirty, once-white Lorantian work uniform underneath, Where do you meet all of these people? You’re an aging bachelor, and yet you know dozens of women to set me up with. Keep one for yourself!

I would, I would, Keahi nodded thoughtfully, if I ever thought one of them could replace the woman I lost. I’m telling you, it’s not possible. She was flawlessly flawed and perfectly imperfect. You’ll know when you meet the one who will make you as happy as my wife made me; you will feel it in your very bones. Keahi smiled sadly and Chelan’s obstinate attitude softened. Keahi added, I promised your father I would look after you and your brother. I’ve seen Inna happily married, and I want the same for you.

There was a light knock on the door and Keahi hurried to answer it. Chelan laughed a little to himself: Keahi was far more nervous about this than Chelan was. Chelan looked toward the door and was surprised when a beautiful woman walked in, more beautiful than any Lorantian he had ever seen before. Her hair was not the typical dull blond of the Lorantians but gold streaked with white that hung in a loose braid. Several strands of hair escaped around her face. Her eyes were large and clear, and her full lips and strong jaw gave her a powerful look.

Chelan, Keahi said, This is Nuri. The woman nodded politely and smiled a little. Chelan forgot for a moment what he was supposed to do until Keahi cleared his throat. Flustered, Chelan bowed quickly and offered Nuri a chair. He felt his face redden as both Nuri and Keahi smiled at his slightly dazed expression.

Keahi set dark bread and vegetables on the table. The lights overhead flickered, threatening to lose power as lights often did on Lorant. Keahi brought out a few lanterns and turned them on in several corners of the room. The lantern light cast shadows on Nuri’s face and Chelan tried not to stare.

So, Nuri… Chelan began, how do you know Keahi?

He’s friends with my father. She smiled, I suspect they were commiserating on the unmarried state of their children together.

Her smile was so dazzling that Chelan was having trouble understanding what she was saying.

Keahi began cutting the bread and said, Is it such a crime to let two old men scheme a bit?

Chelan had finally caught up with the conversation, You’re hardly an old man. And I think you alone could scheme Lorant out of Aquinnahn rule, Keahi.

Keahi laughed and turned to Nuri, offering her some bread, Chelan has a very focused mind. Politics are one of his passions. I hope you don’t mind, my dear.

Nuri took the offered bread. On the contrary, I don’t know what subject could be more relevant and important to our lives.

Chelan stared at her openly, now, in surprise and admiration, What are your views on our Lorantian government?

They are puppets of the Aquinnahns. Lorant has never had a strong ruler, and therefore will never even come close to true independence.

Chelan took a piece of bread and looked at Keahi, What have I been telling you for the last three years?

Keahi dropped some bread on his own plate with a satisfied smile, I knew you two would get along.

Some of the lanterns began to go out as the night grew late. Nuri said, When these so called Security Agents can come into our homes any time they please and do what they like with us, we can’t be free and we have no real security. It has to stop.

You’re forgetting the last rebellion, Nuri, Keahi pointed out. Though that was twenty years ago now. You and Chelan were only children. It was a massacre. Hundreds of Lorantians died and only a handful of Aquinnahns.

We have to be organized and prepared. Twenty years ago they struck back in anger. Their targets and methods were not effective because they didn’t think them through, Nuri insisted.

And what would you suggest? Chelan asked.

Nuri leaned forward and her voice was just above a whisper, What if I told you there was a way to fight back? That there was hope for Lorant?

The three were interrupted by shouting outside and Keahi turned out the overhead lights. I think I will walk Nuri home, the Security Agents are sounding restless. Keahi offered his arm. She nodded and stood. Keahi looked at Chelan, She lives across the street. I’ll be back shortly.

Chelan stood. Be careful, Keahi. Nuri, it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we can continue our discussion another time. He bowed.

Nuri smiled and extended her hand, I’m sure we will.

Chelan took her hand. She held on a little too long and said, I hope we meet again soon.

She and Keahi left and Chelan cleaned up the dishes. When he had finished, he looked around for his cloak.

As Chelan was fastening his cloak around his shoulders, Keahi came in, shutting and locking the door quickly behind him. There are Security Agents everywhere tonight. I was worried we would be stopped. You’ll have to stay here. They’re probably looking for any excuse to shed some Lorantian blood.

Chelan nodded, unsurprised, and took his cloak back off while Keahi turned off all the lanterns except one. The Security Agents were more likely to enter a well lit home.

So what did you think of Nuri? Keahi asked, sounding pleased with himself as he rummaged in a cupboard for a few blankets.

She is…certainly beautiful and intelligent, Chelan said, taking a blanket from Keahi and spreading it across the floor.

Keahi sounded disappointed, Why do I hear hesitation in your voice?

It’s just… Chelan searched for the words and remembered Keahi’s earlier statement, I didn’t feel it in my bones.

You just met her!

I know, but…I feel about her the way I feel about people I work with or people I’m friends with... Chelan tried to explain as he took off his boots.

You stare at your friends too? Keahi tossed the other blanket on the floor.

Chelan laughed, All right, she’s an extraordinarily beautiful friend.

Keahi shook his head, Is there a woman on the planet good enough for you?

Chelan took off the dirty white uniform, one of only two he owned and too small for his massive frame, wadding it up for a pillow, It’s not a matter of being good enough. I’m sure Nuri is too good for me. It’s a matter of…being right.

Keahi laughed and set his own boots near the door, At least meet with the girl a few more times, make sure you aren’t dismissing the idea too quickly.

I don’t see what good that will do, Chelan grumbled as he lay down on his wadded up uniform.

Hopefully it will give you time to learn to allow yourself a little happiness, Keahi muttered as he picked up the lantern. Sleep far from the shadow, Chelan, he said as he headed to his bedroom.

Sleep far from the shadow, Keahi, Chelan replied. He closed his eyes and listened to the Security Agents talk to each other outside. The Aquinnahns didn’t bother to keep their voices down. Just before he drifted off to sleep, he thought he heard his name.

New findings indicate that Aquinnah and Lorant are not joined together by accident. A photo of the two planets orbiting the sun side by side hung on the wall of the conference room. Ripples of excited conversation spread through the audience as Kiran had known it would. This was probably one of the most important historical discoveries in the last few decades. How the unusual situation between the two planets had occurred was a mystery that had stymied scientists and astronomers for centuries. He longed to tell Lena what else he had seen before the government confiscated and, quite probably, destroyed the rock fragments, but Head Governor Landry had threatened him with imprisonment if he revealed the entire truth to anyone. Kiran understood the reasons for the cover up, of course, even agreed with them, but the truth bothered him. Talking to Lena about it would have helped.

Kiran continued, The rock fragments you see on the screen in front of you, discovered by my graduate students in the Caverns here in Kirit, indicate that without a doubt, the joining was caused by Planet Shakers.

The conversation in the audience grew louder, and for a moment, Kiran worried there would be a riot. He waited for people to calm themselves, glancing to the side of the conference table where his graduate students were sitting. Lena raised a dark eyebrow at him and smiled. She had warned him that people would react this way. He had been hoping for a little more shocked silence and a little less animated conversation. These were his fellow professors, scientists, and government officials. If he couldn’t expect composure from them, what was the reaction from the general public going to be like?

Lena had won their bet, and the slightly smug look on her face almost made the general mayhem worth it. She was cute when she was gloating. The audience quieted down at last and Kiran continued his speech, though his mind was no longer completely focused on the topic at hand.

When Kiran was through with the lecture, a swarm of people crowded around him, all asking questions and congratulating him on finding the ancient records. He agreed to two interviews, said a brief word to the Dean of the University, and politely excused himself.

Professor, please, a moment of your time, a woman called. Kiran considered ignoring her, but forced a polite smile and turned around.

Governor Yaxha, what brings you all the way to Kirit? Kiran asked, surprised to see her so far from the Hall of Governors.

Your discovery, of course. I wanted to congratulate you personally on such an extraordinary historical find. She extended her hand.

Thank you, Governor. He took her hand. There was something strange about the way she was looking at him, and he began inching away.

I suppose you will fuel the public fear that Planet Shakers are an unstable and dangerous bunch, she said, her black eyes were tinged with green and had a calculating look about them. He wondered if she had been informed about the rest of the discovery, about where the supposedly inferior, mindless Lorantian work force had come from.

Well, Kiran said. He was several steps away from her by now, I’m sure the Hall of Governors is keeping a close eye on the Planet Shakers.

Oh we are, she said, staring at him and smiling. Have a nice evening.

The room had mostly emptied of people and Kiran hurried to the back exit. Lena stood near the door, arms folded, back leaning against the wall, one foot braced against it, one foot on the ground. Her book bag lay casually at her feet, and she had an amused smile on her face. Kiran tried not to stare at her shapely legs, clad in the form fitting, navy blue uniform and black boots of the education sector. She had one gold bar on each shoulder, marking her as a graduate student. Kiran’s shoulders reflected four bars apiece.

She flashed a brilliant smile when he stopped in front of her and she picked up her bag. I believe I won our bet. Where are you taking me for dinner? It better be expensive. Her dark eyes sparkled and her glossy brown hair hung just past her shoulders, curling slightly at the bottom. Kiran resisted an urge to run his fingers through it and looked away, smiling at her excitement.

When they were out of the conference room and into the semi darkness of the Aquinnahn night, she linked her arm through his. The top of her head came just past his shoulder, and he looked down at her in surprise.

Aren’t we a bit close to disapproving eyes for that? Kiran asked her lightly, gently pulling his arm away.

She sighed and dropped her arm. It’s not like we’re committing a crime here. I’m about to graduate and I’m not even that much younger than you. You just happen to be a boy genius.

He rolled his eyes, If by boy genius you mean lucky the head of the department before me died tragically then I suppose you’re right. You’re on the fast track yourself, you know.

She waved him off, That department head was about a hundred years old and you know that’s not why they promoted you. Though all the success starts to blur together after a while…

Kiran pretended to glare at her but she ignored him. Which award was it last week, Professor of the Month? She smiled at him slyly.

Professor of the Year, as you are well aware. For that slip of the memory, we’re going to catch and clean our own fish for dinner.

Lena dredged up a long suffering tone and said, The things I go through for you.

Kiran laughed and they walked down the hill from the conference center. As much as he enjoyed his work, it felt good to be out under the open sky instead of in his office or in the Caverns. He looked up, slightly disappointed that the stars were difficult to see past the bright glow of Riega and Aman, the two Aquinnahn moons. It was autumn in the Kirit province and leaves crunched underfoot. For a moment Kiran thought he heard someone walking behind them and stopped. Lena stopped beside him and Kiran listened closely. Two more footsteps in the leaves maybe, and all was quiet. Kiran turned around and peered into the dark, but saw no one.

Are you that worried about someone seeing us together? Lena whispered.

Kiran shook it off and continued down the path, saying, No, I was just hoping to have the chance to protect you from a thief or murderer or something.

There is a grim mind lurking behind all that intelligence, Professor. Make sure to mention it in your next interview. Your planet full of admirers will go wild.

Kiran elbowed her and she laughed, though Kiran couldn’t seem to shake the uneasy feeling of being followed. He was relieved when they arrived at a small, quiet restaurant a few blocks away from the University campus, one of Lena’s favorites. Kiran requested a private booth.

I don’t think they have seafood here… Lena said, feigning disappointment. I was so looking forward to that barbaric feast.

I’m sure if you ask politely, they will find you some.

When they were in the booth and Lena had tucked her bag beneath her chair, Kiran took her hand. She looked surprised. Kiran was usually very reserved about making physical contact.

I spoke to the Dean this evening before the speech, he said quietly. They’re promoting you to Assistant Professor next week.

So soon? she looked at him suspiciously. Please tell me you had nothing to do with the decision. I want to get in on my own-

I know, I know! Kiran interrupted. After your discovery, the Dean asked if I would be willing to part with you on my graduate student research team. Since you have done the majority of the work, he worried that losing you would be too burdensome.

And you said?

I said good riddance! he replied. When she did not look amused he sobered, I told him it would certainly be inconvenient to lose such a bright student, but that I was sure I could find a replacement.

An excited grin spread across her face and she squeezed his hand, We’ll be able to cover twice as much ground in the Caverns with two teams! We might be able to finish excavating and restoring the older tunnels in a few years!

He laughed, I was thinking more along the lines of not having to be so secretive all the time. I think it’s starting to get to me.

How so? she was still grinning at the news.

Tonight I could have sworn I heard someone following us. I have the feeling of being followed or watched all the time, especially when I’m with you. Right now I’m forcing myself not to take a quick glance around outside of this booth to see if anyone is there.

She was able to maintain a serious face for about four seconds and then burst out laughing, You’re so paranoid! Just because you outrank me and I happen to be on your research team doesn’t mean-

I know, Kiran interrupted, slightly perturbed that she was not taking him seriously.

I’m catching up, you know, she nodded to the bars on his shoulders. He smiled a little at that. Assistant Professors wore two bars. Two was still a long