Archives of the Frontier Universe: An Assassin's Assignment Read Free Page A

outlaws of the Court’s own worlds. Because of prohibiting laws, political disputes, or the simple seduction of delinquent life, the men and women of the Pirate clans had left their homes in favor of freedom. Roszephnye always found it remarkable how great an organization the Pirate faction had become. By simply adding together the scraps of society here and the disgruntled diplomats there, the faction had become as populated as some worlds.
    The small base proved quite uneventful. Most of its crew was probably out on ops or working on the aforementioned communications issue. Turning a corner, Captain Meyer led Rose into a large room with many computer terminals already blinking away. Only two associates were inside at the moment, a couple of native women. They appeared to be going over some sort of logistical matter before the captain entered.
    “Sir,” one welcomed. They both bowed slightly. “The meeting is still on schedule for tonight.” The women then both looked at Rose. A tinge of discomfort sparkled in their eyes, and they straightened up a tad. Rose knew this to be fear . . . of her. Surely the entire base would have been informed of her previous grim assignments—not to mention devastating power.
    “Excellent,” praised the captain.
    “Indeed,” agreed Rose. She stood tall, walking in confidently with her chin up. “Yes, it would be a shame to put a delay on my work. Command would not be pleased. Already, they are growing impatient with our lack of progress.” Captain Meyer stopped at the table the women were standing behind. Rose stopped next to him, standing only slightly shorter. “So much, in fact, that they felt it necessary to send a posteritor . . . for an intelligence handoff!” She shook her head, acting displeased at her assignment.
    “Now, don’t be too quick to blame them,” began Meyer in a reconciliatory tone. “The Court has doubled their security everywhere ever since the invasion of Atlantis failed. They’re being too careful now, especially around the capital.”
    Rose produced a small, considerate smile and nodded. “That, they have. But I still believe it unnecessary for my talents to be wasted here. The Union needs its posteritors on more important fronts.”
    Captain Meyer tilted his head. “I understand. From what I hear, taking their next target will be difficult. But I’m not one to question Fontaine’s orders.” He glanced back to the two subordinates. “Continue keeping communications in check. I don’t want any interference. And be sure to monitor our shipments for tonight.”
    “Yes, sir,” answered both women.
    “Good. Leave us.”
    They bowed and departed, shutting the door. Captain Meyer then looked across the room to an adjacent open door. He started towards it. “Just a minute . . .”
    Not wanting to waste time, Rose simply faced the door herself and waved her hand. “I’ve got it.” The door shut firmly at the command of her psychic powers, and Captain Meyer’s pace ground to a halt. He turned.
    “Clever,” he expressed with a half smile. Rose held a complacent look, and he walked back over. “Okay, let’s begin then.” The man hit a button on the table and a bright red fire sprang up upon it. The flames flickered and whipped in various directions, spreading out and then running in patterns. “Always thought Forcurrian displays were pretty unique,” he commented. “Bet they thought they were pretty smart when they discovered . . . well, whatever makes this stuff not hot.” He waved one of his hands in the blaze and the flames licked his skin. When he dropped his arm, the flames reorganized and finally consolidated. Rose simply watched, waiting for the display to show something important.
    The flames finally took the forms of several short rods, ending in spears. The spears also ran with colors until almost depicting real objects. Intrigued, Rose took a step forward.
    “So what are these?” she asked finally. “I assume data devices of