Read Online Sacred Planet: Book One of the Dominion Series by Austin Rogers - Free Book Online

than all this boisterous debate and political posturing.
    On the floor, the debate pushed on about the proposed resolution to take defensive measures and, more practically, about whether this attack had been an act of war. “Sagittarians” was another operative word being tossed around. But the floor would have to wait for the significant speakers. House rules arranged the order of spokesmen from smallest parties to largest.
    Aisha gazed across the way at the Prime Minister’s booth, where the thickset, well-coifed man slumped in his seat, resting his drooping face against his fist, staring at nothing. Aisha had never met Elan Falco, but he knew how much the man loved his family—his sons mainly, but Sierra, too, he imagined. Aisha felt for him.
    “Aisha!” Riahn called from the suite.
    Aisha peeled himself away from the balcony, grabbed his tablet, and weaved through the glass barriers back into the suite. He brought up his notes as his lively, stout, curly haired boss pulled him into the circle of people. Aisha tensed in the crowd, even though they paid no attention to him, carrying on their own conversations instead. Without letting his relaxed face slip, Riahn leaned close to Aisha.
    “A coalition is forming,” he whispered. “You’d do well to keep your eyes and ears open, my boy.” The minister took surprising joy in teaching Aisha the intricacies of their political system, sometimes more than the young curate would like.
    Aisha nodded as Riahn put on a somber expression for a newcomer—Jeremay Effex, a councilman of the Universal House of Justice, enveloped in an aura of tranquility. His suit and hair were crisp, his dark eyes sad and far away. The man moved through the dense crowd with hands behind his back and returned a gloomy expression to Riahn. Aisha tensed up even more as the high leader in their religion approached.
    “What a tragedy,” Riahn moaned, putting a ring-studded hand over his heart and shaking his head.
    Jeremay nodded lightly, reluctant to speak, gripped by genuine sorrow. His eyes turned to Aisha, seeing the young curate in a way few men of importance ever did.
    Riahn picked up on the councilman’s interest and put a hand on Aisha’s shoulder. “Your grace, this is my curate, Aisha. Studious young lad.”
    Jeremay held out an open palm. Aisha swallowed and reached out to shake it.
    “Aisha.” Jeremay dipped his head as an equalizing gesture. “Did you know Sierra?”
    “Uh, no, sir,” Aisha pushed out. “I’m sure she was lovely.”
    “She was,” Jeremay said quickly. “A true Carinian gem. Her efforts for peace were unparalleled.”
    “Indeed, your grace,” Riahn said. “Her presence in the capital will be sorely missed. Uh, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?”
    Jeremay’s hands remained behind his back as he addressed Riahn. “I’ve heard you’re meeting with party leaders, trying to coordinate a consensus.”
    A soft laugh escaped Riahn, and his cheeks blushed. “Oh, yes. Merely advising, of course. Trying to help everyone understand the various perspectives.”
    Jeremay nodded without smiling. “I came to remind you of the words of Abdu’l-Baha. ‘Concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity. When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.’”
    Riahn put on a warm smile. “Mmm . . . a message well-received, your grace.”
    “I figured it would be beneficial for the Minister of Unity to hear at a time like this,” Jeremay said. “When anger runs hot, it’s easy to forget all peoples and nations are one family, children of the same Father. Peace be with you, brother.” The councilman bowed his head and slipped away.
    Aisha couldn’t help but smile as he eyed Riahn, who slowly let his fake smile recede. About time someone spoke some truth , he thought.
    Riahn’s face turned to a scowl. Aisha had only worked for the Minister of