BooksBarbecue
Back Duel in the Dark Save as PDF
Chapters (44)
  1. The Crimson Worlds Series
  2. Join my email list
  3. Chapter One
  4. Chapter Two
  5. Chapter Three
  6. Chapter Four
  7. Chapter Five
  8. Chapter Six
  9. Chapter Seven
  10. Chapter Eight
  11. Chapter Nine
  12. Chapter Ten
  13. Chapter Eleven
  14. Chapter Twelve
  15. Chapter Thirteen
  16. Chapter Fourteen
  17. Chapter Fifteen
  18. Chapter Sixteen
  19. Chapter Seventeen
  20. Chapter Eighteen
  21. Chapter Nineteen
  22. Chapter Twenty
  23. Chapter Twenty-One
  24. Chapter Twenty-Two
  25. Chapter Twenty-Three
  26. Chapter Twenty-Four
  27. Chapter Twenty-Five
  28. Chapter Twenty-Six
  29. Chapter Twenty-Seven
  30. Chapter Twenty-Eight
  31. Chapter Twenty-Nine
  32. Chapter Thirty
  33. Chapter Thirty-One
  34. Chapter Thirty-Two
  35. Chapter Thirty-Three
  36. Chapter Thirty-Four
  37. Chapter Thirty-Five
  38. Chapter Thirty-Six
  39. Chapter Thirty-Seven
  40. Chapter Thirty-Eight
  41. Chapter Thirty-Nine
  42. Chapter Forty
  43. Chapter Forty-One
  44. Epilogue

“Yes, Commander?”

“Optiomagis, I want full defensive protocols in effect. This system is to be secured against attack. Directive Sigma-12.”

“Yes, Commander. Initiating now.”

“Advise me when shuttles are loaded and ready.”

“Yes, Commander.”

Kat slapped her hand down on the table, cutting the line. Hopefully, the spies were right for once, and all she had to do was sit here and wait for the fleet to arrive.

And if not…at least she’d be ready. For whatever.

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Confederation Intelligence

Troyus City

Planet Megara, Olyus III

307 AC

“So, what’s the emergency?” Gary Holsten walked through the door—stumbled was probably a more accurate description. He’d been out late, very late, and he rarely woke up this early. Being the sole heir to one of the Confederation’s largest family fortunes was hard work, and the capital offered no end of parties and receptions craving his attendance…or breathtaking women seeking to accompany him. He generally found it hard to get to sleep much earlier than dawn, and it was barely an hour later than that right now. His hangover was industrial strength, the throbbing in his temples almost rhythmic. But his other, lesser known identity had called him to service. Megara’s most eligible wealthy bachelor was also the head of its premier intelligence service.

“Coffee?” Michael Vonns gestured toward a side table holding a large pot. Holsten nodded earnestly as he made his way across the massive office, toward one of two large armchairs.

“You know I wouldn’t disturb your revels or force you to kick last night’s model out of your bed so early if it wasn’t important.” He filled a cup to the top with the steaming coffee. Then he paused and frowned. “We got a report from Tom Warren.”

Vonns walked over toward the chair and handed the cup to Holsten, who reached up to grab it, taking an immediate sip then setting it down on a small table.

“I take it from your tone the news is not good.”

“No, Gary…it’s not. First, I’m pretty sure Warren is dead. Or worse, captured by Sector Nine.”

Holsten winced. He knew only too well the reputation of the Union’s feared intelligence bureau. He didn’t often wish death on his agents, but if Warren had truly been blown and unable to escape…well, he hoped the man had gone down fighting, or he’d had the good sense to take his own life.

“How can you be sure?”

“I’m not sure…but I’d bet. His message had a Bright Light signal in it.

Holsten sighed. Bright Light was the code for agents who were blown and in immediate danger of capture or death. Tom Warren had gotten his message out, but it didn’t seem like he was able to escape himself.