Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1)
Page 30
“And what of your ProConsul?” inquired Astra.
Martin looked directly into Astra’s eyes. “Of course, ProConsul, as the leader of the Senate and our people—”
“That’s enough, Martin,” interrupted Astra. “I am bored of the games. I don’t particularly like you, and I know you do not like me.”
Martin’s mouth opened slightly in surprise to Astra’s candid remark.
“But it doesn’t really matter,” continued Astra. “I don’t care what you think of me and the fact that I think you’re nothing more than a trained animal doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the skills.”
Martin’s mouth now tightened with obvious anger as she was reminded again why she hated ProConsul Astra Varus and every First Family asshole like her.
“And it’s that skill that’s brought both of you here. I need your, shall we say, talents,” added Astra.
Martin looked toward Arilius who had stood silent while the dog-and-pony show had played out in front of him. Martin could see he was a defeated man; despite his family name, proper behavior, and unquestionable military record, he was in the same boat as her—a mouthy, bitter commoner. Martin had always respected Arilius despite his family’s status, but now she sympathized with him as well. Knowing he would never speak out, Martin looked back toward Astra and spoke.
“ProConsul,” she said as respectfully as she could, “I am honored at the opportunity to—”
“Stop,” interjected Astra as she leaned forward in her seat. “There’s no one else here that matters. So drop the act. I—”
“Fine,” replied Martin, interrupting the most powerful person in her society. “Why are we here and what do want from us?”
“Such a rabid, unruly viper,” smiled Astra, “and just right for the job. I am giving you and the dear Major Tacitus exactly what you both want—the chance for revenge.”
“Ma’am?” asked Arilius, finally breaking his silence.
“I want you to hunt down, capture, and drag the Traitor and his whore back to this very room where I can personally eviscerate them.” Astra paused slightly, then continued, “or just kill them and bring their bodies back for me to display; either will do.”
Martin looked at Arilius again. A determined and slightly satisfied look came to his face.
“To support your mission,” continued Astra, “you will officially be envoys of the ProConsul and operate outside the authority of Humani military command, the Senate, or even the Patrician Council. You will only answer to me.”
“Only to you?” asked Martin. “And our authority?”
“My dear Major,” replied Astra, “you will carry the full authority of my office with you. And no need to get too acquainted with your new rank. Your ranks will be dissolved and the ancient title of Paladin will be given to you. In pursuit of the Traitor and the whore, you will have unlimited authority and resources.”
“Unlimited?” inquired Arilius abruptly.
“You will answer only to me,” replied Astra in what Martin thought was a surprisingly reassuring voice.
Despite Martin’s hatred for Astra, she couldn’t help but smile at the opportunity and the freedom it offered to accomplish her quest for vengeance.
“Well, this has been so very exciting, but I must tend to my son,” continued Astra as she stood from her seat and turned slightly toward her personal exit.
After a few steps, she stopped and turned back toward the two.
“You must be on your way, my wolf-hounds. It’s time to get hunting,” said the ProConsul with a smile before she turned and exited the room.
About the Author
Brian Dorsey is a retired Naval Officer and is currently a Nuclear Test Engineer for a Naval Shipyard. When not spending time with his family, Brian enjoys reading and researching US and Native American history, watching good TV shows or films (anything by Joss Whedon), hunting, teaching the occasional history class, or working on his next writing project.
Current books available in the Gateway Universe (with more to come!):
Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1)
Cold Planet (A Gateway Universe Story)
Saint (Gateway Series Book 2)
Uprising (Gateway Series Book 3)