In Enemy Territory - Shannon West Page 0,22
Tygeria. When I asked you to step out, I was explaining to Colonel Bonnett the situation that’s developing over this murder.”
“Situation?”
“Yes. My father and brother have very recently become convinced that an Assassins’ Order is operating somewhere on Gatifrey. An assassin was just arrested in the last day on Tygeria for the killing of the Justice. Under intense interrogation, he actually admitted to the murder and said that his superiors were operating from a base on Gatifrey.”
“Intense interrogation? You mean torture.”
“Shut up, Centarlo,” Bonnett warned him threateningly. “It’s none of your concern. The murderers have killed at least ten people.”
Rasc nodded. “Okay, fair enough. That’s pretty despicable and all, but this still sounds totally unlike anything the Gatifreyans would be involved with. Besides, you said these assassinations were political. Why did they kill these people?”
“Who knows? The usual reasons, I guess. To demoralize us and let us know our citizens aren’t safe on Tygeria or anywhere else in our territories. Putting the Tygerians on notice, perhaps. My brother is just beginning to look into this. He was the one who managed to track down the assassin yesterday, just as he was getting ready to leave the planet. Unfortunately, the killer died of injuries sustained during his arrest and his interrogation before he could give any more information to my brother. A larger delegation from Tygeria is preparing now to go to Gatifrey for an investigation, but Gatifrey is a large planet and they don’t know where this all will lead them.’
“My father has decided to take a starcruiser there after all to establish a base of operations just outside of Manifree. Far enough away not to cause problems, yet close enough to come in, if necessary. However, I thought you should know that conditions here are unstable at the moment and may be for the near future. Because of the vast distances involved, it may take the delegation some time to get to Gatifrey. This probably won’t concern you and Setin in any way, but I wanted you to be aware.”
“Okay, I have a few questions. Not about this news, necessarily, but in general.”
“Go on.”
“What if halfway through this thing, we find out it’s not going to work? Or this new situation blows up in the Gatifreyans’ faces and they close down the prison. What happens to us then?”
“It’s not likely, but the same deal applies. We’ll reduce the charges and have you released.”
“So no matter what, we get an early release? Sounds too good to be true.”
“If you’re cooperating fully and in good faith, then yes, you get released. Not only that, but Colonel Bonnett will be joining you in time for your extraction.”
“What?”
“Yes. This project to find the missing boys and get them back home is important to him too. So as soon as you’ve established your..er…your situation, we’ll send the Colonel in.”
“As what? A prisoner?”
“Don’t look so surprised. He’ll have a good cover story.”
“He’ll make it twice as hard as it needs to be.”
“You look out for yourself and don’t worry about me,” Kylon snarled, feeling insulted.
“Colonel Bonnett is Tygerian,” Janos broke in. “So no one will know he has anything to do with you unless you advertise it. He’s going in with a clean slate and no enemies there.”
Rasc snorted. “Two minutes in Colonel Bonnett’s company and he’ll have enemies.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kylon asked.
“The arrogance. It practically oozes off you like it does the rest of your people. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. You need to know how the majority of the galaxy feels about you.”
“Oh, fuck you.”
“Anytime, baby.”
“Centarlo!” Larz shouted as he slammed his hand on the desk, and the man quickly subsided, looking down at his clenched fists. Kylon continued to glare at him.
Yes, just five minutes alone with the man was all he would need.
“Sorry, Your Excellency,” Kylon gritted out between his teeth. He got up and pulled Rasc up by his arm. He began to ease toward the door. “If that’s all you need, sir, I’ll see these men back to their detail.”
Larz nodded. “All right. I’ll see what the holdup is on transport to the planet for you both then. The sooner we can get you there, the better.” Larz nodded at Kylon, who saluted Larz again. He turned, motioning to Setin to follow them as they left the Governor’s office.
Once outside the office, Kylon let go of Rasc’s arm and pointed a finger in his face. “Don’t try me, Centarlo.”
He wisely kept his mouth shut and they