Title: Conspiracy

Series: A New World, Book Three

Author: M.D. Neu

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: 08/16/2022

Length: 126800

Genre: Sci Fi, LGBTQIA+, Space travel, aliens, politics, grief, interspecies romance

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Description

A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It’s home to seven billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who have been told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice.

It’s been a little over a year since Todd Landon’s life changed with the arrival of the Nentraee. Continuing his duties as Special Envoy for Terran Affairs, Todd finally feels at home with the aliens; gaining more responsibility and influence with both races. Plans are underway for two Interplanetary spaceports and additional solar exploration. It’s an exciting time for both the humans and the Nentraee.

Not everything is as perfect as some hope. Speaker General Mirtoff and Vice-Speaker Mi’ko of the Nentraee are worried that the Liberi Dei plot additional terrorist attacks and may have inside help. Threats are clear, but who can they trust? Could Todd be helping them unknowingly or worse covertly? Will these new space endeavors continue to bring the human and the Nentraee together or will a conspiracy hiding in the shadows fracture an already shaky alliance?

Conspiracy
M.D. Neu © 2022
All Rights Reserved

Mirtoff shifted in her seat, unable to find comfort. Her mind drifted to earlier in the day, getting to spend time with Faa. These last few months had been trying. However, the look on Faa’s face when he talked of their new home world, New Benzee, made all the long hours worth it. There was much to do and New Benzee wasn’t the best option, but the Sol System had a stable sun. The system had an asteroid belt full of resources, and the humans provided strong trading partners. The moons of Jupiter also held potential for joint colonization with the humans. Mirtoff smiled. No, New Benzee wasn’t the best option. There were no best options, but life on New Benzee was the safest and offered the most opportunity for everyone, J’Veesa willing.

Part of those moments in the park with Faa had intrigued her. What did her little cádo mean about Todd’s Other and the scent he mentioned; was it possible he was talking about Bianca, Todd’s animal companion? Mirtoff didn’t know, but the question would need to be a mystery for another day.

Today her journey guided them down a stream of dark waters, one she wished to avoid.

She tried to focus on the meeting, but failed.

Instead, the view of the Rádo’s command center caught her gaze; the space always impressed Mirtoff. Should there ever be a conflict, this was where the other generals and commanders would get their orders. They could identify all fleet movements with ease. The walls of monitors could pinpoint a single member of their military on a planet or show the activity of their forces in the entire solar system. Right now, the officers and personnel monitored the activity on Earth’s moon, New Benzee, Phobos, and Deimos. They were also monitoring the mining facilities in the asteroid belt.

The ship itself was a modified Kĩ-Class Battle Cruiser that housed the general command offices, which made this location one of the most secure spots in the fleet. Even more secure than the speaker general’s ship.

Mirtoff didn’t get to come here often, and lately her visits weighed heavy on her. With a single command, they could launch a devastating attack on the humans, destroying them. Such actions they were trying to avoid. The ability to destroy a planet was a power she both feared and respected. Despite the heaviness, seeing how well General Gahumed managed those under her command was inspiring. She treated all the members of the military and security with strength and respect.

Two of her best qualities. J’Veesa be praised at how far she and I have come.

Mirtoff turned her thoughts back to the meeting; she must not delay this any longer.

“I’m not comfortable with this.” Mirtoff swiped away the details of the planned operation on her datapad. She didn’t want to see the planning reports anymore. The tips of her ears were already swollen. She inhaled deeply to calm her annoyance.

“I understand. But considering the recent reports about Liberi Dei…” Gahumed took a slow breath. “I don’t see us having much of a choice if we want to minimize casualties and avoid all-out war with the humans.”

“How are the upgrades coming on the Rádo’s propulsion drives and science centers?” Mirtoff wanted desperately to change the subject to something less dire.

Gahumed’s eyes narrowed. “The modifications are going well. Within eighteen Earth Standard months, the ship will be converted for deep-space exploration and equipped with our next generation engines.” She paused, reached for the loose strands of hair, and pushed them behind her ear. Her voice softened and became gentle. “Madam Speaker, we are not here to discuss the outfitting of the Rádo.”

“To use our people and those who support us in this way…” Mirtoff shook her head, a bitter taste in her mouth. Gahumed was not to blame. This plan had begun thanks to both of them.

“The choices we make are not easy.” Gahumed closed the maps, timetables, and personnel files on her datapad. “All the preparations have been finalized and parts of the plan have already set sail. There are three Earth Standard months of planning here, and we are relying on this to work.” She leaned back in her chair. “It’s time we bring in the vice speaker and Vi-Narm. We’re going to need them.”

Mirtoff considered the command center window. Beyond all the military personnel rushed about tending to their duties. Their jobs were to keep the Nentraee people safe. Her position was to ensure they had everything they needed to succeed at their duties. These were not simple times, and the choices she and Gahumed had to make weren’t easy. The Nentraee hadn’t attempted this type of strategy since pre-Clan Wars.

Once their world had been destroyed by their neighboring star going supernova, she had hoped they would never be tested by J’Veesa in such a way again.

She was wrong.

Her people might not be facing a planetary extinction event, but they were facing an extinction event all the same if Liberi Dei had their way.

We can’t let Liberi Dei be successful.

“Very well. I’ll inform Mi’ko and we will bring in Vi-Narm. The rest of the Speaker’s House will not be advised until later.”

“You’ll have to leave Special Envoy Landon—”

“I’m aware. I’ve already instructed Mi’ko to keep the special envoy busy, giving him more tasks.” Mirtoff waved off her comment. “The special envoy will know nothing for the duration.”

Mirtoff massaged her temples.

I hate everything about this.

 

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M.D. Neu is an award-winning queer Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, Harvey Fierstein, Anne Rice, and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.

Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.

When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of twenty plus years.

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