Galaxy of Titans: An Epic Space Opera Series (The Augmented Book 3)

by Ben Hale

  “Tell me what you already know, and I’ll consider revealing a little more,” Ero said.

  The Broker chuckled, and then inclined his head. “I know House Bright’Lor visited the Korgith Station close to the Bone Crucible, where a mysterious human apparently killed several dakorians.”

  Siena shifted uneasily, and the Broker smiled as if the movement confirmed his words. “I also know that there have been three high-profile thefts of slave ships in the last few months. Two disappeared without a trace, but the third activated a distress beacon that claimed a small group of humans had breached their cells and killed several dakorians. The slaves disappeared, but the ship’s gravity drive imploded on an icy planet. You wouldn’t know anything about the Light of Everden, would you?”

  “A tragedy,” Ero lamented. “The Red Raiders, perhaps? Or maybe the Burning Ghosts. They have been rather active of late.”

  Ero doubted that was everything the krey knew. The Broker was not the type to reveal any information without good reason. Still, he found it odd that the only two things he shared were public events. And the revelation about the distress beacon was strange as well.

  Siena, Ero mentally called, can you see into their minds?

  The soldiers or the Broker?

  Either.

  Siena paused for a moment, and then said, Only fragments of thought. They’re rather disciplined.

  What about the ones down the hall? Ero pressed.

  Same.

  The Broker leaned in. “It is uncommon for me to offer such a deal, but your truth is rather valuable. I offer a truth for a truth.”

  Ero sipped his drey, using the distraction to link to Siena. Are the ones down the hall krey and dakorian?

  Why would that matter? Siena asked.

  A hunch.

  “What is your exact question?” Ero stalled.

  “I would think that was rather obvious,” the Broker said, a touch of annoyance lining his forehead. “Has House Bright’Lor augmented slaves?”

  Six dakorians, six krey, Siena replied mentally. How did you know?

  Ero tapped his chin and then shook his head. “That’s all you want to know?”

  “For now,” the Broker said. “But I would be remiss if I did not express a potential alliance. I can send buyers to you, and you can sell directly to House members looking for the next new product on the market. It would be profitable for all parties.”

  “You should have asked for more,” Ero said, draining his glass and standing.

  The Broker frowned. “And why would you say that?”

  “Because the real Broker would have asked for more.”

  Ero’s words hung in the air for several long seconds. Ero watched the krey’s eyes darken with irritation, and then the imposter made a slight motion with his fingers. The signal unleashed a dozen dakorians and krey, all dressed in blue and black uniforms. Siena sucked in her breath and her fingers balled into fists, but Ero shot her a thought and she stayed in place.

  “What gave me away?” the krey asked, rising to his feet.

  “Everything,” Ero said. “A beam rifle? Only you use such antiquated weaponry. And your soldiers down the hall are in standard formation—not something a criminal warlord would use. Not to mention that the real Broker is known for always getting the better end of the deal. Oh, and one more thing. The contents of distress beacons are not released publicly, and only a few know the exact information. You are from the Corps.”

  Siena started at the word. “They’re Rangers?”

  The gray-eyed krey shook his head in chagrin, and his features began to change. The skin sank inward, the bones shrank, and the lips thinned to reveal a handsome krey with black hair. He tapped the center of his chest and a holobadge appeared.

  “Captain Kolas,” Ero said, reading the name, “it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  The captain gave a humorless smile. “The pleasure is mine.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Ero and Siena were put into seracrete shackles that held their wrists behind their backs. Like all krey Rangers, Kolas had a dakorian partner, a thick-necked soldier with four stubby black horns. Kolas called him Edgore.

  What do we do? Siena’s mental voice was panicked as the Rangers checked Ero’s eyes using an eye scanner.

  “It’s him,” a krey officer said, lowering the scanner. “No sign of an ident modifier.”

  Don’t worry, Ero silently assured Siena. They don’t have evidence to make an arrest.

  Edgore sniffed in disgust as he regarded Ero. “So this is the creator of the augments.”

  “Allegedly,” Ero corrected.

  “Of course,” Captain Kolas said.

  The undercover Rangers that had posed as the Broker’s guards secured the room while the uniformed officers attached a band around Ero’s left forearm. A holo lit up across the mech as it scanned Ero’s holoview with a military-grade hack. The krey wore blue fitted uniforms, their rank centered on their chest. The dakorians wore matching blue, but with black lines threaded across their shoulders.

  “Sweep the area,” Kolas said. “Make sure Ero doesn’t have any other soldiers lurking in the canyon.”

  “The secure transport is on its way,” Edgore said.

  “His holoview is encrypted,” a krey officer said with a frown. “The coding is like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

  “I’m sure our team can hack it when we get Ero in a cell,” Kolas said.

  “If you had evidence, you would have already made an arrest,” Ero said. “You’re fishing.”

  “I can legally hold you for four days,” Kolas said.

  “But my father’s tribunal is tomorrow.”

  Kolas smiled faintly at Ero’s sarcasm. “I’ll make sure you have an escort. I wouldn’t want you to miss his execution.” He turned to the krey technician and nodded. “Once we have him back at base we’ll have more than enough time to hack into his holoview.”

  “You don’t know Skorn’s coding,” Siena said.

  Kolas shifted to face her, and Ero wasn’t sure if he should be proud or annoyed. The girl was obviously nervous, and that meant she’d forgotten to hold her tongue. But she’d spoken boldly to a captain. In defense of Skorn. The girl really was fearless.

  “Tell me, human—are you an augment?” Kolas asked.

  “Augments are illegal,” she said with just the right amount of feigned fear. “Not to mention impossible.”

  Ero was pleased with her skills in deception. She was learning. Kolas did not seem to appreciate her growing talents, but the irritation in his voice gradually faded into an unexpected softness.

  “You will not be punished,” he said. “I promise I will protect your identity from retaliation. You will be safe.”

  Is he being sincere? Siena mentally asked.

  Probably, Ero said. The krey and dakorians that choose to join the Rangers are usually the ones with integrity. They believe in justice and law, even if the Emperor’s Voices are corrupt. They’re naïve, but honest.

  Should I accept his offer and betray House Bright’Lor?

  Ero swiveled to face her, stunned by her question. You wouldn’t dare.

  A faint smile played across her features, and she said aloud, “I’m sorry, Captain, but I know nothing of augmented humans.”

  Ero glared at the girl and mentally growled, Do you find that amusing?

  You should have seen your face, Siena replied.

  Unaware of the silent conversation, Kolas returned his attention to Ero. “You know, our investigation has been going for two years, and until recently we were satisfied with holding your father. But recent rumors and events have required a second look into the blue-eyed House.”

  “You don’t have much to show for your effort,” Ero said.

  Kolas shrugged. “You and your brother have proven very adept at covering your tracks. But we have an informant in the Burning Ghosts that swears they witnessed a young girl fight—and win—against several dakorians. He claims she used
abilities that defied description.”

  “Sounds like your informant has used too much glow,” Ero said.

  “We also have a panicked recording of a krey onboard a cargo ship,” Kolas said. “He asserts that he hid while a group of slaves killed their dakorians soldiers, crashed on an icy planet, freed the slaves, and then escaped through a World Gate.”

  “And what happened to your witness?”

  “The transmission cut off. Apparently the gravity drive was rigged to fail, and the witness didn’t survive. Oddly, another ship seemed to have been caught in the implosion.”

  “Another ship?” Ero’s eyes were wide. “I don’t suppose you found them?”

  “No,” Kolas said, his jaw tightening. “They were gone by the time a Ranger team had reached the crash site.”

  “Captain,” a krey called, “the transport is five minutes out.”

  “Make it four,” Kolas said.

  “So demanding,” Ero said. “You really think a minute makes that much of a difference?”

  “More often than you would think,” Kolas said. “You of all krey should know how treacherous our race can be. When word gets out that we have someone in custody, allies are quick to mobilize. More than one has attempted an assault before the Condemned reaches a Ranger office.”

  “I don’t have any allies,” Ero said. “I’m a fallen House, remember?”

  “True.” Kolas stepped forward. “But the alleged existence of augments has created a host of conflicts. Some want to kill you. Others want to be you.”

  “The price of fame,” Ero lamented. “It’s unfortunate that it’s not true.”

  Edgore grunted in amusement. “If it’s a lie, it might cost you your life.”

  “Or it can make us rich.” Ero smiled. “Hypothetically, of course.”

  “Of course.” Kolas motioned to the soldiers returning from their sweep. “Anything?”

  “No sign of a Bright’Lor team,” a krey said.

  “Check again,” Kolas said. “I haven’t seen a case this volatile in eight hundred years.”

  The krey nodded and departed, and Ero asked, “Indulge me, but what happened to the real Broker?”

  “No idea,” Kolas replied. “All I know is that we received an anonymous beamcast that you were to meet him here. We arrived several hours ago, and he never showed up. As the hour drew close, I decided to assume his identity.”

  You think the Broker betrayed us? Siena mentally asked.

  Maybe, Ero replied, disliking the connotation, but that’s not usually his style.

  “Captain?” another krey called. “The second transport is inbound.”

  “Second transport?” Ero asked.

  “One for each of you.” Kolas gave a thin smile. “When one has two prizes, it’s unwise to keep them together. You’re heading to Mylttium for interrogation. Your human will be taken to an old Ranger office, where she will Gate to a research facility for testing. If she clears, she will be returned to you. If not…”

  Ero was proud of Siena. On the outside, her eyes were clear, her features unruffled. Even her stance was relaxed. On the inside, panic bubbled through the words that burst into Ero’s consciousness.

  What are we going to do? How many tests will it take before they figure out what I am? What will they do when they see the truth? Will I be turned over to the military? Or cut open to see what Telik did to me!?

  Relax, Ero replied. The first thing they will find is the subdermal energy blade. They’ll punish you for that first.

  She glared at Ero, who grinned and said, “Captain, I believe I have the right to a thirty-minute beamcast?”

  “Not for this level of crime,” Kolas said. “Augmenting humans is an order of magnitude higher than stealing a starship. And that doesn’t include your other crimes.”

  “Alleged crimes,” Ero said.

  Edgore rumbled a laugh. “I’m going to enjoy breaking this one.”

  Ero, Siena said, her voice tinged with fear, what are we going to do?

  Ero considered his situation. He’d been detained by Rangers on numerous occasions, but the evidence had never been sufficient to put him in Condemnation. This was different, and they would run an entire barrage of tests on Siena until they learned the truth. It wouldn’t even matter if they could prove Ero had created her. Just being in possession of an augmented slave would be enough for a high tribunal in Condemnation. Perhaps they would drop him in the same cube as his father. He shuddered at the prospect.

  “Transports have arrived,” another officer called.

  “Take your positions in the convoy,” Kolas said as Edgore placed a heavy hand on Ero’s back and shoved him towards the door. “Load up immediately. The mission’s not over until the criminal is in a cage.”

  As Ero and Siena were guided back through the entrance of the dilapidated restaurant, Ero spoke to Siena through the mental link. They don’t have enough evidence to detain me. All they can do is keep me on Mylttium for the next few days. If they can’t find proof, they’ll be forced to release me for my father’s tribunal.

  But I’m the proof, Siena said.

  True, Ero said. So between now and when they put you in a cell, you need to escape. Don’t let them see you use your augments.

  So you want me to escape twenty armed Rangers and a heavy transport before they Gate me to a secret testing facility and discover I’m an augmented human with a subdermal energy blade—without using my augments?

  I’m glad you understand the plan.

  She growled so loudly that a nearby officer frowned. This isn’t a plan. It’s a death sentence. I can’t use my augments without putting you at risk. And I can’t escape without using my augments.

  You’ll figure it out.

  “Hold your positions,” Kolas called.

  The group stopped on the threshold, and Ero spotted two grav transports in the street. The vehicles floated above the ground on gravity repulsors, the thick layers of seracrete and independent shielding so heavy they emitted a faint whine. Krey and dakorians were on scout blinkers, boards that granted them space to maneuver and fight if necessary. All were dressed in the blue uniforms of Imperial Rangers.

  “Captain?” an officer asked. “What’s the problem?”

  “I just received a beamcast,” Kolas said, frowning, “from Voice Malikin. He says it’s about Ero Bright’Lor.”

  “Why?” Edgore rumbled.

  “Only one way to find out.”

  Kolas grabbed the beamcast and tossed it to the side. The holo expanded and reshaped into the full figure of Malikin himself. The green-eyed krey examined the group, his gaze settling on Ero. His sneer was triumphant.

  “Ero,” he greeted. “Kolas has outdone himself.”

  “Captain,” Kolas corrected. “And what do you want? He’s not under your jurisdiction until the full investigation is complete and he’s turned over to Condemnation.”

  “My apologies,” Malikin said, “but Ero’s actions have been deemed a military matter. I have a team inbound, and they will take custody of him and his slave.”

  Kolas eyed Malikin with thinly veiled distaste. “If that were true, the request would come through an official channel, and the transfer would take place at a Ranger office.”

  “Captain,” Malikin said, “Ero’s actions have exceeded even those of his infamous father.”

  “Such high praise,” Ero said. “You embarrass me.”

  “That wasn’t a compliment,” Malikin snapped.

  “Voice Malikin,” Kolas said, “you have no jurisdiction during an active investigation.”

  “This is a call of courtesy.” Malikin’s smile was nasty. “You do not want to cross me on this. I can be a generous ally or a lethal enemy.”

  “That’s probably true,” Ero said to Kolas. “He’s currently in charge of a secret ship hunting my House on behalf of the Emperor.”

  “A dangerous accusation,” Kolas said. “Do you have proof?”

  “I seem to have left it in
my other holoview,” Ero said.

  Malikin’s features darkened. “Ero is a career criminal that has broken the highest of our laws. His words mean nothing.”

  Kolas appeared puzzled. “So are you saying it wasn’t your ship that was caught in the implosion of the slave cargo ship?”

  Ero smirked. “Malikin hasn’t shown himself to be good at cleaning up his own messes. Let me guess, pieces in the snow traced back to the Kildor?”

  “Something like that,” Kolas said.

  Malikin’s veneer of civility evaporated. “When my team arrives, you will turn Ero and his slave over to them. I don’t think you want to find out what they will do if you resist.”

  “Actually, I kind of do,” Ero said. “Do they have flowers to deliver? Or maybe a shipment of elderberry drey? That’s so considerate of you, Malikin. It is my favorite.”

  Are you actually enjoying this? Siena mentally demanded.

  Enormously, Ero replied.

  Malikin’s features were rigid, his body trembling in rage. “When I have my hands on you, I’ll keep a spine clamp on you for so long that your bones will crack and your nerves bleed.”

  “Did I just hear an Emperor’s Voice threaten a subject of investigation with torture?” Kolas asked.

  “You did,” Ero said helpfully.

  “Do you ever shut your mouth?” Malikin exploded.

  “Not really,” Siena said. All eyes turned to Siena, and she flushed. “Sorry.”

  Ero chuckled. “I’m sorry, Malikin, but this is the closest you are ever going to get to me.”

  “We’ll see about that,” Malikin snapped.

  The beamcast ended and the holo disintegrated. “He’s so hostile,” Ero lamented.

  Kolas was frowning. “Edgore,” he said, “change of plans. You go with Ero. I’ll stay with the human. Get to the Justice, but take a different route than we had planned.”

  “And if Malikin attacks?” the dakorian asked.

  “The law is on our side,” Kolas said. “You have every right to resist any attempt to capture him.”

  “Then I hope he tries,” Edgore said, his smile making Ero shudder.