He moved to his work station and sat down. The tracker would document her movements and Dakar, Senior Enforcer on Lunar Nine, could give him access to security feeds if any of her movements seemed suspicious. He needed to give Dakar a heads up, let him know Kelsey was headed his way and that she was bugged. He probably should have asked permission before bugging one of the volunteers, but it was too late now. He accessed the control program and initialized the tracker. Now all he had to do was wait and watch. Her actions would settle the matter one way or the other.
* * * * *
Arton strode across the meadow that created the eastern boarder of the sprawling property the Outcasts were using as a temporary headquarters. Fifteen miles from Telluride, Colorado, the location was centralized, secluded, and large enough to accommodate the variety of spacecraft belonging to the Outcasts’ fleet. Arton spotted his destination among the ships currently awaiting supplies or needing repairs.
The Marauder was on the small side, but the ship was fast and maneuverable. Rex Dravon, the ship’s commander, recently joined the Outcasts and Kage hadn’t yet decided if the smuggler could be trusted or not. It was this subtle friction between the overlord and the smuggler that Arton was hoping to exploit. It wasn’t that Kage would oppose what Arton was about to do. In a roundabout way, Kage had asked Arton to arrange this. Still, Arton wanted brutally honest information and Outcasts had a bad habit of telling the overlord only what he wanted to hear.
Reinforcing his decision with a deep breath, Arton approached the ship. A faintly reptilian male blocked his way and demanded, “State your name and purpose. I was notified of no visitors today.”
Arton chuckled. He could have bio-streamed into the commander’s cabin, but he was about to ask Rex for a favor so he decided to be nice. “Arton the Heretic would speak with your commander.”
“Regarding?”
“None of your damn business. Just tell Rex I’m here.”
Why Rex Dravon tolerated Linusians among his crewmembers, Arton would never understand. Linusians were known to be even less trustworthy than humans.
“He’ll be here momentarily,” the guard told him.
“I’d prefer to speak inside.” It was unlikely anyone would take notice of his having a conversation with the smuggler, but Arton wasn’t taking any chances.
“Suit yourself,” the Linusian muttered as he stepped away from the hatchway.
Arton climbed the steep stairs and got no farther than the corridor before Rex Dravon climbed down a utility ladder and spotted him.
“Arton, this is a surprise.” Rex Dravon was dressed in the brown synth-leather pants favored by Bilarrians. His heavily embroidered tunic and the thin “familial” braids in his long dark hair were also styles originating on Bilarri. Still, his rugged features, superior height, and muscular build hinted at genetic manipulation, which indicated Rodyte heritage. No one seemed to know much about Rex except that he was a highly successful smuggler. The air of mystery added to his popularity.
“How do you like the new ship?” Providing the smuggler with a state-of-the-art ship had been the only incentive strong enough to compel Dravon to break all ties with the battle born and join the Outcasts. His complex network of contacts and undeniable skills had been critical to Kage’s long-term plans, so one ship was a small price to pay.
“The ship’s amazing, superior to my old bird in every way. I have no complaints.” He crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. “You came here in person for a satisfaction check?”
“Do we really have to have this conversation in the corridor?”
Rex shrugged and motioned Arton onward. “Last time you wanted to speak with me you and Kage just flashed into my cabin. Why play nice now?”
“You’re an Outcast now. You contribute to the brotherhood, so you deserve respect.”
“Glad to hear it.”
They lapsed into companionable silence until they reached an office-workroom. Then Rex offered Arton a drink. “No thanks, but feel free. I won’t be offended.”
They sat at a small table in one corner of the room. This ship was larger than the original Marauder, but still much smaller than the Relentless. “I’ll come right to the point.”
“Please do.” Rex watched him closely, his gold-ringed gaze wary.
“I have reason to believe that humans and the battle born are soon going to be at war.”
In a flash, his expression turned from caution to disbelief. “That’s one hells of a statement. Care to explain your reasoning?”
“There is going to be a horrible accident. I don’t believe any part of it is intentional, but the devastation will cause humans to retaliate with as much aggression as they are able. Needless to say, we gain nothing by participating in this conflict. Our ultimate goal is to find a planet suitable for colonization. That’s the reason I’m here.”
“I’m a smuggler. How do my skills fit into your ultimate plan?”
“Thanks to us, you now possess one of the fastest and stealthiest ships in our fleet. I need you to explore the star system most commonly referred to as Mentok 5.”
“Mentok 5? I’ve heard there’s nothing there but jungles and wild animals.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.” He paused to make sure Rex understood. “There are three planets in the system. I want you to analyze each. We’re looking for an uninhabited planet with everything needed for humanoid colonization, clean water, edible plants, game, that sort of thing.”
“What exactly do you want me to do?”
He’d thought the explanation was fairly exact, but he clarified anyway. “Conduct in-depth scans, collect samples, and if appropriate, land and explore in person. We can’t move our plans forward until we have somewhere to go.”
“I’m not a scientist. I wouldn’t know what samples to collect or which scans to run.”
Arton chuckled. Rex’s affinity for directness was refreshing. The more he interacted with the smuggler, the more he liked him. “You’re basically an armed escort. I’ve assembled a team to do the actual analysis. I just need you to get them there and back safely, and as quickly as possible.”
“No problem. The Marauder is already restocked and ready to go. I do have one question.”
“Of course.”
“Is this request coming from you or Overlord Razel?”
Damn the man was perceptive. “Why do you ask?”
“You keep saying I’ve done this and I need that, not we need or we’ve done. It just struck me as odd.”
“I’m being proactive. Kage didn’t suggest this specific course of action, but I assure you, he wouldn’t disapprove.”
Rex shrugged, but his gaze remained watchful. “It’s your ass if you’re wrong. When would you like me to head out?”
“I’ll have the research team report before nightfall. You can depart as soon as all six are on board.”
* * * * *
Bright and early the following morning, Kelsey took a shuttle from the Fearless to Lunar Nine. Video tours and still images didn’t do the outpost justice. Housed inside a massive cave, the multilevel complex surrounded a bustling spaceport on three sides. The spaceport had two concourses, one for arrivals and the other for departures.
A boy soldier, this one approaching his teens, was waiting as she climbed down from the shuttle. “Welcome to Lunar Nine. I’m Elinton. I’ll escort you to your destination,” he informed with a broad smile.
She returned his smile and shifted her small bag higher onto her shoulder. “I hope you know where I’m supposed to go, because I have no idea.”
“I do.” He held out his hand. “May I take your bag?”
Suspecting he’d be insulted if she refused, she passed her bag to the boy and followed him down the wide walkway. Ships lined the concourse, making her feel slightly claustrophobic. It still felt surreal to be surrounded by things that weren’t supposed to exist. The main entrance to Lunar Nine rested at the end of the concourse. There were no doors, just
a large arched tunnel that led to a security checkpoint. After confirming her identity with a full-body scan and the ID card she’d been given at graduation, the guards captured her image, explaining that facial recognition would allow her to be processed faster from now on.
Once she cleared security, Elinton guided her through the commerce tiers. The seven-level complex housed numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. She’d learned that there was a Rodyte outpost in the moon during her induction briefing for Solar Warden, but she doubted that even Shadow Leader realized the outpost was this large or well-populated.
“Would you like to visit any of the shops?” Elinton motioned around them. “Or we can head right to your apartment.”
“I have an apartment?” She laughed. “When did that happen?”
“When you were approved. Your friend, Alyssa, is already there and you can share her apartment. If you don’t want to share, a single has been reserved for you also.”
“Just take me to Alyssa. I’m not in the mood to shop.” After days of frustration, she was more than ready to get the ball rolling.
“Very good.” He led her across the tier and onto a railed walkway that led from one section to the next. “All the residential villages look the same, so it’s easy to get confused.”
The comment seemed odd, but she didn’t question the boy until they reached the odd-shaped building. Jutting this way and that, the apartments looked as if they’d been staked on top of one another by someone who was drunk. “That’s…interesting.”
The boy laughed. “My reaction was much the same.” He led her into the lobby, then looked around. “If anyone asks, I got turned around. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
He darted back the way they’d come, leaving her alone in the lobby. “Wait! What the—”
“I told him to leave.”
The deep, male voice snapped her attention in the other direction. A full-grown soldier had just emerged from the hallway on the other side of the elevators. He was armed and looked menacing, but his stance was relaxed, expression curious.
“What’s going on?” Confused, more than frightened, her pulse still raced.
“Shadow Leader wants an update,” he told her.
She looked around, concerned that they might be overheard.
“This building is vacant. That’s why I had him bring you here. Relax.”
She’d known Shadow Leader had contacts among the rebels and her mission had been delayed. It shouldn’t surprise her that Shadow Leader wanted to know what the hell was going on. “The delay was unavoidable, but it didn’t affect the objective. We intend to move forward, unless you have other orders for me.”
“I don’t. Shadow Leader is still committed to the mission. I’ll let him know you’ve finally arrived and the mission will progress.” Without explanation he reached behind him and pulled something out of the back of his pants. “A present from Shadow Leader.” He handed her a Springfield XDs 9mm. “Six boxes of ammo were stashed in your bag by a friend of mine. You should be good to go.”
He started to leave, but she stopped him. “Should I contact you if anything changes?” She’d never been in the field without a handler before. It made her feel isolated and vulnerable.
“You won’t need to. I’m an enforcer.” He motioned toward his uniform and she realized it was slightly different from the soldiers. Both uniforms were black and gold, but this style had stripes down the pant legs and a diagonal slash across the chest, rather than the color blocked design of the soldiers. “If anything goes wrong, I’ll know about it.” He dipped his head in her direction then disappeared back down the hall.
She tucked the compact pistol into the back of her skirt and covered it with her shirt. Luckily, they weren’t going far. Having a weapon was a definite advantage, but Rodyte fashion made hiding it a challenge. She stepped outside, or outside the building anyway, and found Elinton hurrying across the artificial grass toward her. He smiled and asked, “Ready?”
“I am.”
They hadn’t gone far when curiosity broke through the boy’s politeness. “Why did he want to see you?” He grinned. “He’s an enforcer. Are you in trouble already?”
She didn’t know what the contact had told Elinton or how he’d been persuaded to leave her alone. She chose the most logical explanation. “He’s one of my matches. He was just trying to get a head start on the others. I told him that wasn’t fair and sent him away.”
“Good for you.”
The excuse naturally led her to thoughts of Jakkin. His image formed in her mind and her traitorous heart started pounding. She’d been attracted to her share of men, had lovers, even one serious relationship. But Daniel had—she slammed the door on those memories, refusing to let the unhappy event further complicate her mission. Dealing with Jakkin’s irrational courtship was challenging enough without reliving the darkest moments of her life.
But Jakkin’s behavior wasn’t irrational. That was the problem. He was trying to win a mate, trying to secure a life-long partner who would bear his children and grow old at his side. When the stakes were that high, who wouldn’t break a rule or two?
Kelsey shook away the frustrating thoughts and refocused on her mission. She’d given up on all that nonsense a long time ago. Her life was too complicated, and too dangerous, for happily ever after.
They arrived at residential village one a short time later and Elinton introduced her to Werton and Trask, the two guards currently on duty. With identical uniforms and similar features, it was hard to tell them apart.
“Alyssa is in 3B,” Elinton told her. “3F is the single, if you’d prefer not to share.”
She thanked him for the escort and the information, then entered the building. To her surprise, the guards remained outside.
The villages were identical, she soon discovered. At least the lobbies were. She took the elevator to the third floor and found apartment 3B. It was hard to believe she was finally here. Now the mission could officially begin.
* * * * *
Jakkin looked at the tracker’s first report and shook his head. “That didn’t take long.” Kelsey had been at Lunar Nine for less than an hour and already her behavior was suspicious. What in hells outer rings was she doing in residential village four?
Rather than speculating, he commed Dakar Lux. Because of Jakkin’s relationship with Kaden, Jakkin had always thought of Dakar as the bratty younger brother. However, interacting with him over the past week had allowed him to see the youngest Lux brother as the competent man he’d become.
“Hey, Jakkin. What can I do for you?”
He’d called earlier and warned Dakar about his suspicious. “Kelsey is up to something already. According to her tracker signal, she stopped by village four on her way to village one.”
“Four is vacant, and she was with a guide.” Dakar shook his head and activated the control matrix inset in his desktop. The holographic grid arose before him and he pushed both hands into the controls. “That doesn’t make sense.” He navigated to the security feeds and quickly located the needed files. “Surveillance is visual only inside the villages, and it only covers the lobby and corridors.”
“Even that should give us some idea of what she was doing.”
Dakar just nodded. “Here we go.” He activated the file and Jakkin’s display became a split image, Dakar on the left, security feed on the right.
Kelsey approached with one of the guppies. Jakkin didn’t know his name. They chatted as they meandered along the winding footpath. Suddenly the guppy tensed and motioned toward residential village four. Had she been set up? She didn’t look like she was expecting this detour.
As she entered the lobby, Dakar quickly switched to an interior perspective. She stood in the empty lobby, looking confused. Then an enforcer emerged from the hallway and Dakar muttered several profane words.
“Un-be-live-able.” Dakar shook his head. “That, my friend, is Statton. I just finished investigating allegations that he was taking brib
es from various merchants so he’d look the other way as they sold contraband. If trouble is brewing, Statton is guaranteed to be in the middle of it.”
“There’s no audio?” Jakkin knew the answer. He was too frustrated not to ask. “We have no way of knowing what was said?”
“Sorry. It’s always a balancing act to protect people without totally violating their privacy.” Dakar deactivated the feed and Jakkin’s display went back to full screen. “I’ll go arrest him, but I wouldn’t count on him talking. He’s a belligerent son of a bitch on a good day.”
“I’d rather work with the head of communications. If Statton is her link to Solar Warden, there has to be some sort of transmission back to Earth.”
“You’re still convinced she’s a spy?” Dakar sounded doubtful.
Jakkin sighed. “My mother was a powerful seer. I don’t have visions or prophetic dreams like she did, but sometimes I just know things.” Because of their latent power, battle born males sometimes had echoes of their mother’s abilities. The echoes never amounted to much, so the Rodyte elite disregarded them entirely. Still, the echoes could be useful.
Dakar’s eyes narrowed and his expression turned thoughtful. “Fedmal leads the communications team. I’ll tell him to expect you.”
Jakkin thanked him and disconnected the link. He told his first officer that he’d be gone for several hours, then bio-streamed to Lunar Nine. Kelsey was a spy. He was more convinced than ever, and finally, he was one step closer to proving it.
* * * * *
Kelsey looked at the holographic menu and chuckled. The images looked delicious, but all the descriptions were written in Rodyte. The nano-translators they’d been given on the Fearless allowed the volunteers to communicate verbally, but it didn’t make them literate in Rodyte.
After waiting for Dakar well into the evening, Alyssa finally gave up and agreed to try one of the restaurants without him. Alyssa’s obvious disappointment worried Kelsey. Her partner had fallen for the handsome enforcer, and fallen hard. If Kelsey were honest with herself, she wasn’t having any better luck separating her emotions from her obligations. Jakkin’s image refused to leave her mind and thoughts of betraying his people had become extremely uncomfortable.
Fearless (Battle Born Book 12) Page 5