The Impossible Future: Complete set by Frank Kennedy (mini ebook reader .txt) 📕

ask me. They’re transferring people to Praxis, and they cut Aldo completely out of the loop. That don’t happen unless he’s getting screwed. OK, so he’s been a pain in their ass for years, but what’s the harm in dragging the old man along?”

Maya sighed. “Aldo believes the larger plan is to wipe out Salvation and maintain the system blockade while Chancellor scientists study the planet’s secrets. They don’t want to risk indigos finding out what’s really happened there until the Carriers return to the colonies and reestablish control. Just as important, they don’t want a noncompliant former admiral to cause another disruption.”

The puzzle snapped into place. Why didn’t he see this before?

“This ain’t about wiping out James and his bunch. These assholes think they’ll find something on Hiebimini to save themselves.”

“To stop their genetic decay. Yes.”

“Could you imagine? Chancellors got what, two or three more stable generations at best? If they found a solution – a substitute for brontinium – they’d rule the Collectorate for another three thousand years. And folding space through Anchors? Holy shit.”

Maya studied him without expression. Her stoicism aggravated Michael when it competed against his rage.

“Survival,” she said. “That’s how they’ll frame it. Nothing less than the survival of the Chancellory. They were humbled by what happened on Earth. The Chancellors have never been forced to stand on level footing with any group.”

“From what I’ve seen, Maya, when assholes go into survival mode, they justify everything.”

“We’ve been there, you and I. Personally, I doubt there’s anything on the planet to benefit Chancellors, but they won’t stop.”

Another horrifying thought intervened. “You referenced the Solomons. What happens to them if the Chancellors find a cure? Would they be in danger of losing the new treaty?”

“Difficult to say, but perhaps we’re jumping too far ahead. Yes?”

“Yeah, right. One clusterfuck at a time. Still, I wish there was a way I could give Rikard a heads-up.”

“Understood. You’re prepared for the next step?”

He stiffened his shoulders and his resolve. Michael dreaded the next maneuver but thought it crucial. At worst, he’d verify the Chancellors’ betrayal. At best, he’d earn a valuable ally.

“I’ll get it done.”

“You’re sure he can be trusted?”

“Hell, no. He’s a Chancellor. But we’ve saved each other’s lives. That has to count for something.”

“He strikes me as a man with a decent heart.”

Michael rolled his eyes. “It beats. That’s a step up. Just make sure you and Aldo are ready to move.”

“We will be.”

Michael pivoted to leave but caught himself.

“Shit. I almost forgot.” He removed a palm-sized laser pistol from its pouch. “Just in case.”

Maya received the weapon and looked it over as if seeing this model for the first time. She slipped it inside her top jacket.

“I’m better with a blade,” she said. “But thank you.”

“You brought a knife?”

“The same one I’ve carried for eight years.”

“The one you used at Entilles?”

The slightest sadistic smile peeked. “It handles well.”

He should have known. Maya spent the past few months as counselor, mentor, and executive assistant. Calm, steady, and inconspicuous. The perfect disguise for an assassin.

Michael played it cool returning to his quarters. He made cursory eye contact and encountered no one on his team. Before he swiped the printlock, Michael thought how he’d greet his roommate if he was inside. Don’t let on, Cooper. Work up to it. This is an ordinary day.

To both his relief and concern, Lt. Percy Muldoon’s bunk was empty. The door slid shut behind him. You know what to do.

Michael pulled open the weapons rack beneath his bunk and studied his options.

Blast rifle? Check. Lin’taava sword? Check. Ingmar? Absolutely check. People were used to seeing him wear some variation of these three throughout the day. What else? What else? He decided on a short-range pulse disrupter and five micro-barrel grenades. They fit into a slim pouch. The grenades were no bigger than pingpong balls but carried a concussive force capable of compromising the narrow passages inside the mountain. Last resort.

Michael added the inventory to his Guard bodysuit and tapped his neck brace, sliding his helmet on and off. He opened a cube and tossed out a holomirror.

He couldn’t ignore the reality: This was a beautiful uniform, and it gave the man wearing it all the frills of a warrior. He understood why Chancellor children aspired to it and walked proudly into the Unification Guard on their fourteenth birthdays.

“I earned this,” he told his reflection. “And now I’m gonna mutiny. What do you think about that, dumbass? They kill soldiers who mutiny.” He laughed, as if he heard a witty retort. “That’s why they call it survival mode, dude. Anything goes.”

He grabbed a bottle of jubriska and hoped for a bit of luck.

33

H E FOUND LT. PERCY MULDOON on Level 3, leaving the solo quarters of one of the most privileged residents. Percy often teased about his special relationships on Level 3, but he held a particular fondness for a woman he called “Sweet n’ Sour.” Percy’s tales of conquest focused on technique more than physical description, but Michael long suspected her identity. Today’s events made for an easy deduction.

Percy offered a wink and a smile then zeroed in on Michael’s bottle.

“For me, Cooper?”

“Thought you might have a hankering, Muldoon.”

Percy glanced back at Unit 5, which belonged to Presidium rep Alayna Rainier.

“Hold the damn fortress,” Percy said. “Did you know about this?”

“The other women are on shift or out of your fucking league, Muldoon. Were you with her when I amped in?”

“Oh, yeah. You invited her for drinks, you cudfrucker.”

“It’s nothing like you think,” he said, leading his friend to the lift. “Presidium business. Alayna’s all yours.”

As the lift opened, Percy wrapped Michael in a one-armed hug and whispered, “Between you, me, and