It’s true I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time with Elara, working to bring two of her stories out each month, but I haven’t forgotten the other characters I enjoy writing, like those in Mounting Tensions. While I’ve been alternating between this series and Darren Gilbert’s Journeys, my interest in all three has remained steady. I only have so much time to dedicate to exploring their lives, and I do what I can. With that said, it’s time to return to the political intrigue of Mounting Tensions.
Minores is one of Tergara’s colonies, and it has already proven its worth. The structures are aligned, the systems run without interruption, and the people move with a steady rhythm that suggests everything is where it belongs. Nothing calls attention to itself. It works. At a glance, it is the kind of place that invites quiet approval rather than inspection.
The flow of information reflects that same steadiness. Reports arrive on time and in full, each entry aligned with the expectations set for a developing world. Figures match. Processes follow established patterns. Taken individually, there is little reason to linger on any one detail for longer than necessary.
Mara Ritter’s role is to work within that structure and determine whether the concerns raised hold any weight. Her work requires her to move through the colony without drawing focus and to follow established processes to their natural conclusion. On a world where everything appears to operate as intended, the only way to understand it is to let it continue undisturbed.
Excerpt of Irregular Status
Mara glanced over her shoulder as she opened the door to Minores’s registry office. She took a shallow breath as her gaze dropped to the plaque beside the door. She traced the raised letters with her fingertips, eliciting a smile. Mara slipped into the darkened office, her eyes snapping to the solitary lights filling the chamber. “Alen, are you still back here?”
“Yes, though you know that.” He rose and flashed her a smile. “Did you bring me—”
“Your pastries,” Mara said, lifting the box for him to see. “And they gave you quite a collection.”
He beamed as he rushed from behind his desk and grabbed the box. He opened it, withdrew a pastry, and took a big bite. When he swallowed the mouthful, he brushed his smiling lips with the back of his hand clutching the treat. “Not that I’m trying to chase you away. But why are you plying me with all these yummy pastries?”
“Unlike the rest of your co-workers, you work long hours. Most colonists imagine everyone works like you, balancing freight records and notarizing dwelling allocations. However, we both know better.” Mara guided him back to his desk and claimed the chair. “Your work ethic deserves the occasional treat.”
“And given their lack of enthusiasm and their premature departures…” Alen took another bite as he stared at the woman sitting at his desk. “Aren’t those the real reasons you keep bringing me these treats?”
“I’d be lying if I said access to your system isn’t helping with my workload.”
Alen laughed before he popped the last of the initial pastry into his mouth. “You haven’t told me what it is you’re doing.”
Mara turned her head toward Alen as she gave him a lopsided grin. “I’m researching the early history of Minores for an upcoming review with Tergara.”
“Don’t they grow tired of creating useless regulations?” Alen leaned over the box, shifting all the different pastries. After examining them all, he grabbed one and looked at Mara. “Did you want one?”
A soft chuckle bubbled out of Mara as she shook her head. “Thank you, but I’m fine without them.”
“Figured,” Alen said as he chewed a fresh bite. “Just wanted to be polite.”
“Polite would have been offering before you touched them all.” Mara hunched over the terminal as her fingers flew across the keys. Commands flickered across the monitor as she drew a breath.
“You’ve been staring at those reports for three days. Are you sure you don’t want any help to sort through all the records you’re searching?”
“As a third-tier registry clerk, you know the systems inside and out.” She skimmed through several records as her head swept back and forth. “You know, our conversations have been the highlight of my days. However, given my blind search, I won’t be able to leverage the depths of your knowledge regarding the records until I’ve completed the exploratory aspect of my research.”
Alen twirled his pastry in Mara’s general direction as he rolled his eyes. “I’m guessing the tidbits such as the northern farms finally producing ample grain aren’t going to be all that helpful for you.”
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