Lost Planet 02 - The Stolen Moon by Rachel Searles Page B

Senica, and Trucon, four habitable planets, none of them with preexisting civilizations—it was like this incredible jewel in the middle of the galaxy, and many planets rushed to claim one for themselves. Very quickly this escalated into fighting and became the Ganthas War, which dragged on for years and nearly ruined entire civilizations. In the aftermath, the planets left standing with the fewest losses made the decision to create a governing body for the known universe.”
    â€œWhich planets?” asked Chase.
    â€œThe strongest ones, which we now refer to as the alpha grade planets. It was at this time that they also created the civilization grading system. Now, the Federation needed some sort of body to enforce its regulations, but the alphas were unable to agree on how to organize this, so Earth, who had the largest and most advanced spaceforce, offered to establish the Federal Fleet, with the agreement that officers from other alpha civilizations would be trained and incorporated over time. This promise wasn’t actually put into action until very recently, when the officer interchange program began.”
    â€œThat’s how Maurus got into the Fleet, right?” asked Chase.
    â€œExactly. But do you understand the relationship between the two? The Fleet operates in conjunction with the Federation, but it’s run independently. That said, there is a lot of crossover—many former Fleet officers retire to work for the Federation. Officially, neither body has any say over what the other does … but there is an undeniable degree of influence.”
    â€œSo who’s in charge here, the Fleet or the Federation?”
    Captain Lennard pushed his chair away from the console. “The Federation is heading to this conflict to mediate a disagreement between two Iota civilizations, and our role here is to support and protect their representatives. That means helping out wherever we can. What you overheard was that Ambassador Corinthe has requested that we host the first round of peace talks aboard the Kuyddestor . Both sides insist on sending an entire delegation, and the Falconer isn’t big enough to accommodate them all.”
    That sounded like a lot of strangers aboard the ship at one time. Chase didn’t say anything, but his panic must have showed on his face. “This is a good thing, Chase,” said the captain, softening his tone a bit. “We have a higher level of security aboard the Kuyddestor , which means everything will be under our control, and everyone will be safer.
    â€œI’m going to be busy making sure these negotiations go smoothly, so I might not always be available when you need me. If I’m not, you can go to Colonel Forquera with any problems you have, okay?”
    Chase glanced down at Forquera, who was still talking with his crew and didn’t give any sign he noticed that his name had been mentioned.
    The captain leaned toward Chase, waving him to come closer and dropping his voice. “But more importantly, Chase, I need you to promise me that you’ll stay on the soldiers’ level during the talks tomorrow. There are already a lot of non- Kuyddestor personnel onboard right now to help out with preparations, and tomorrow there will be five times as many strangers on the ship. I need you out of sight, for safety’s sake. Same goes for your sister and Parker. I need you to keep an eye on them.”
    Chase started to shake his head. “Lilli’s impossible to keep track of. I never know where she’s at.”
    â€œThen today it’s your job to find her, and make sure she understands how important this is.”
    Chase wanted to explain how she’d been hiding, but that would require talking about her traveling within possible earshot of the bridge crew. “Okay.”
    â€œPromise me you’ll all keep out of sight, okay?”
    â€œI promise.”
    The captain smiled. “And I promise you that