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    Point of Interest: The Obsidian Series, #1.5
    Point of Interest: The Obsidian Series, #1.5
    Point of Interest: The Obsidian Series, #1.5
    Ebook164 pages2 hoursThe Obsidian Series

    Point of Interest: The Obsidian Series, #1.5

    By Kate Pearce

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    About this ebook

    After escaping from Heliodor and the wrath of the empire, Nia and the crew head to Earth to forge new alliances. Before Nia can investigate some unsettling information about her own family, they must leave, taking onboard fresh crew members in their quest to reach smaller Adamite communities and warn them of the emperor's plans. As new relationships are formed and old ones tested, Brec finds himself drawn to Peri, a reluctant recruit from Earth who wants nothing to do with him.

    But the emperor's diabolical schemes reach further than anyone imagined, and when the journey is disrupted by an anomaly, the crew realize that nothing will ever be the same again...

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherKate Pearce
    Release dateJun 21, 2022
    ISBN9798201006587
    Point of Interest: The Obsidian Series, #1.5
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    Author

    Kate Pearce

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer. She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

    Read more from Kate Pearce

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      Book preview

      Point of Interest - Kate Pearce

      1

      EARTH

      Nia glanced over at the tense faces of her passengers as she piloted the shuttle down the east coast of what had once been the Americas on planet Earth. Although the vast majority of the population had died or left the stricken planet centuries ago, it appeared the atmosphere had begun to recover. She could see patches of green and glinting water as she followed the flight path to the old docking station. If the planet had water, it could produce the fuel needed for space travel.

      When they’d reached orbit, Peach had managed to raise someone over the comm who had given them permission to land. Nia had no idea if there was an imperial presence on the planet, or if whoever had answered had any authority, but they’d decided to risk it. Ten, Realgar, and Brec had accompanied her and Peach on the shuttle.

      Doesn’t look too bad, Peach commented as Nia lined up with the surprisingly good runway. Let’s hope the locals are friendly.

      We’re zero for two so far, so don’t get your hopes up, Ten said grimly.

      Preparing to land, Nia said before she gently brought the shuttle down on the designated landing spot. Disengaging engines.

      Ten insisted on exiting first along with Realgar to assess the risk before beckoning Peach and Nia to join him. Brec stayed behind to guard the shuttle. The air was surprisingly breathable and the climate mild and breezy.

      A tall fair-haired guy in old body armor and two guards awaited them in the shadow of the docking port. None of them looked particularly welcoming, but why would they be? If they were anti-empire, they’d probably learned to be wary, and unknown craft were never welcome anywhere.

      Thanks for letting us dock. Ten shouldered his weapon and offered a wary nod. Ten Dravite.

      Hal. What brings you here?

      Peach stepped forward. We just want to talk.

      About what?

      Things we’d rather not discuss out in the open. She gestured back at the shuttle. And if that’s not something you’re interested in, then we still have stuff to trade.

      Hal pointed at the building behind him and started walking. Come on in. His blue gaze moved over Peach to Nia and he slowed until he was alongside her.

      You’re the pilot?

      She nodded.

      I watched your approach. You’re a good flyer.

      Thanks.

      He smiled as he held the door open for her. Welcome home.

      Nia looked up at him. I’ve never been here before. It’s considered an unsecured area. The closest I’ve managed is Mars.

      I guess we’re all from here originally. He shrugged and went ahead to talk to Ten who was already inside assessing the building. Hal gestured to his left.

      You can wait in here.

      Leaving the two guards stationed at the door, Hal left. From long habit, Nia checked the exit points, considered the half-boarded-up windows, and concluded that if their hosts wanted to kill them, they were vulnerable. She relayed her unease telepathically to her bonded mate.

      I don’t like it.

      Ten looked over at her. Me neither.

      Any way we can get out of here apart from the door?

      His gaze flicked to the far window, which was the largest and least well protected. I reckon I can get us out through there.

      Copy.

      Even as Nia moved casually toward the window, the door opened, and Hal returned with two people who weren’t armed and who appeared to be smiling.

      Welcome to Earth. The elder of the two spoke first. I am Corun, head of the city council of Newk, and this is Alys, my deputy. I am both pleased and surprised that you made it this far.

      You know who we are? Peach asked.

      The man chuckled. Who does not know of you? Since you left Heliodor, you have blazed a trail of defiance, stolen the emperor’s spacecraft, and your pilot is the most hated Adamite female in the empire.

      Nia winced.

      He’s right, Ten murmured as he went to stand beside her. We haven’t exactly kept it low key.

      Corun bowed. Please, join us for our midday meal, and then, if you feel comfortable, we can begin our discussions.

      Sure, Peach replied. If you guarantee the safety of our crew and shuttle and allow us to leave regardless of the outcome of our meeting.

      I promise that none of us intend to trap you or contact the empire. Corun held Peach’s gaze. If you doubt my word, I am willing to send my oldest daughter to your shuttle until we have completed our initial discussions. She is the most precious thing in my world, and I would not risk her life for anything.

      Peach shared a glance with Nia and the rest of the crew. After our past experiences, we will accept your offer. She fixed Corun with a hard stare. But please be aware we will not hesitate to act if you betray us.

      I understand completely. He gestured to the open door. Please follow me.

      As they walked through the complex of buildings, Nia became aware of something she’d been missing since Heliodor—the constant murmur of hundreds of people thinkspeaking in the background. Whether Corun and his people agreed to help them or not, there were obviously a lot of Adamites around who might appreciate a heads-up about what the empire planned.

      She touched Peach’s shoulder.

      I want to tell them about Operation Destruction. Even if this comes to nothing, they still need to know.

      I agree.

      Eventually, Corun stopped and gestured for them to follow him through a secluded door.

      Welcome to my home.

      It was not the kind of house Nia had expected for the leader of the council. There was a large kitchen table set for a meal in front of floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the greenest garden Nia had ever seen outside the emperor’s palaces. Even as she stood there drinking it in, the perfume from the blooming flowers crept in and curled around her senses.

      A female she assumed was Corun’s partner came toward her, smiling. Her hair had touches of silver in it, and her eyes were a stunning violet blue.

      Welcome! Are you admiring my garden?

      It’s beautiful, Nia said. I’ve hardly ever seen anything like it.

      I seem to remember the emperor had something not too dissimilar in his summer palace on Meta-Ankoleite.

      Nia glanced quickly at her hostess, but there was no rancor or malice in her voice.

      I was unfortunate enough to be imprisoned there for a short while, her hostess continued. Luckily, the emperor grew tired of me when I cried all the time, and I was demoted to the servant class. I saved up my wages and stowed away on a ship as soon as I could. Nia held her breath as her companion continued to look serenely out at the garden. We’ve actually met before. I’m Topaz.

      I… don’t remember you, Nia said. I tried not to interact with anyone in case I drew the wrong kind of attention on them.

      Understandable. Topaz nodded. You were quite young at the time, and the emperor’s visit was mercifully short. If he’d stayed much longer, I probably would’ve been executed rather than just demoted.

      Nia could only nod.

      I remember feeling sorry for you, being surrounded by all that hostility to who and what you really were.

      I can’t say it was much fun, Nia agreed. It just took me a long time to find the courage and the means to escape.

      Topaz linked her arm through Nia’s and walked her out into the walled garden. But you did it.

      With the help of a lot of people, Nia said and glanced over to where Peach was deep in conversation with Corun. Ten stood with his back to the garden wall, his dark gaze constantly moving over them and the terrain.

      It is good to find allies and friends, Topaz said and bent to pick a flower. She offered it to Nia. This is a survivor from the more tropical regions of Earth and has a beautiful fragrance.

      Nia took the wax-like white flower in her cupped hands and carefully inhaled the scent. Thank you. It’s beautiful.

      Legend has it that you put the flower behind your right ear if you are available, and behind your left—over your heart—if you are already taken.

      Then I’d better make sure I get it right. Aware that her bonded mate was definitely listening in, Nia met Ten’s gaze as she tucked the flower behind her left ear. He offered her a slow, approving nod.

      Topaz’s interested gaze went from Nia to Ten. Ah, that’s the way it is.

      Exactly. Nia smiled at both of them as Corun called out to Topaz.

      Shall we serve lunch, my love? We have a lot to discuss.

      Corun waited until they had all eaten their fill before broaching the subject of their arrival on Earth. Hal and Alys had joined them, as well as two of the couple’s younger children. The meal progressed in a lively fashion with much laughter and conversation, which set everyone at ease.

      Why now? Corun set his cup down and looked at Peach. The empire has always persecuted Adamites, and we have all developed strategies to avoid their reach.

      Peach nodded at Nia. Tell him.

      Nia fixed her gaze on Corun. Because the emperor has given his personal approval to a new plan. He intends to relocate, incarcerate, and reeducate every single Adamite in the empire. Heliodor is a test planet for the kind of system he intends to portray to the world as some kind of pioneering self-governing utopia for Adamites, when in fact, it’s a front for his plans to take away our children and destroy our way of life.

      To his credit, Corun didn’t question Nia’s words. I can see that happening. A shadow passed over his face. What I cannot understand is why he personally hates us so much.

      Everyone looked at Nia. She shook her head. I don’t know. I’ve never understood it myself.

      I appreciate that you decided to act, but how do you intend to proceed? Corun looked around the table. What can one spacecraft—even one as advanced as yours—possibly do to affect this monstrous plan?

      We thought we could act as an advance guard, Peach said. We would focus our efforts on revealing the emperor’s plan to remote Adamite communities, so that they would be prepared to defend themselves or choose to leave before the decision was taken out of their hands.

      Those small communities cannot fight against the might of the empire, Corun said.

      Of course not, Ten agreed. But if that is what they choose, it is their right. If there are hundreds of small revolts, even the empire’s vast resources will be spread thin, meaning those who choose to escape to a better place can do so.

      You’re saying some will sacrifice themselves so that others can live? Corun grimaced. I don’t like the sound of that.

      "It’s better than the alternative that they aren’t informed and end up imprisoned or dead when the imperial forces come for them

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