Between Darkness and Light by Lisanne Norman

Cabbaran, U’Churian, and Keissian Human Ambassadors. “This is not a Sholan matter, Commander. It affects all of us, not least the Touibans whose two worlds are as near as Shola to M’zull.”
    â€œThis is a meeting of the Sholan High Command, Rhyaz, not the Alliance,” began Raiban with ill-concealed anger.
    â€œSo, Commander Raiban, you think Shola should act independently in this matter?” asked Rhyaz as he and the others took their seats round the large conference table.
    â€œOf course I don’t, but there are Sholan issues that must be addressed first. No insult was intended, Ambassadors,” she said, glancing at the new arrivals. “Once these matters are dealt with, then an Alliance meeting will be called. I’m sure you appreciate the need for us to settle our own, domestic business first—in private.”
    â€œI don’t think they do, Commander,” said Governor Nesul, relaxing back in his chair. “I asked Commander Rhyaz to bring the Ambassadors here today. If you think we need to declare a State of Emergency on Shola, then I think our allies are entitled to know why. Hell, I’d like to know why, when I’m reliably informed there’s as yet no threat to any of us!”
    â€œIn a time of war, it’s the military that makes the decision to call a State of Emergency,” said Commander Chuz.
    â€œBut we aren’t at war, Chuz,” said Konis softly.
    â€œWar is imminent and inevitable,” replied Raiban. “We’ve agreed to help the Primes against the M’zullians, that alone will bring us into conflict with them even if they don’t locate us first. I’m not wanting to alert the population of Shola and Khoma to that probability yet, only to bring all our own resources together under one, combined leadership. And that is a Sholan matter.”
    â€œAh,” said Rhyaz quietly, leaning an elbow on the table and propping his chin in his palm. “You want the Brotherhood under your control.”
    â€œI refuse to discuss this matter outside Sholan High Command,” said Raiban firmly.
    â€œThe disposition of the Brotherhood is a matter that is concerning us greatly too,” said Toueesut. “We have a right to be present when such matters that affect us so deeply are being debated.”
    â€œSo have we,” nodded Shaqee, the U’Churian Ambassador.
    â€œWe are here for the TeLaxaudin as well as ourselves,” said Mrocca, the Cabbaran, her prehensile lip curling back to show her long white front teeth. “Tell them, Commander Rhyaz. It is time they were knowing what is happening under their noses that they do not see.”
    â€œThey have a right to be here, Raiban,” said Rhyaz, sitting forward, “because members of their species are in the Brotherhood.”
    â€œAlien Brothers?” said General Rilgho disbelievingly. “You expect us to believe you have alien Brothers?”
    The door opened again to admit Alex, dressed in the Human Brotherhood black fatigues edged with purple. She nodded to Konis and Governor Nesul as she took her place beside her Leska, her presence there not lost on the Sholan military.
    â€œYes, we have alien Brothers—and Sisters,” said Rhyaz quietly. “Like Alex, my Leska. You’ve all known for some time about our Human members.”
    â€œBut the others,” said Naika, his short hair rising in angry spikes. “I don’t believe you! You lot up in the Dzahai Mountains are too damned secretive to allow any aliens into your halls!”
    â€œCaptain Tirak told me of the beauty of the statue of Vartra in your temple,” said Shaqee, examining her claws thoughtfully. “Said he liked the idea of the God holding the bowl of hot coals. He said it’s unique, that the other statues don’t hold anything. Also that he liked the Goddess’ shrine with all the green growing plants.”
    The loud snap of