A Dirge for the Damned by Doty J. L

Author:Doty, J. L.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Military, Space Battles, Space Marines
ISBN: 978-1-951744-25-0
Publisher: Telemachus Press LLC
Published: 2020-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

25

Advancement

WHEN ANDERS FINISHED his shift he desperately wanted to talk to Thoran and try to learn anything he could. But if he appeared too eager about information regarding Nikaela Vreekande, that could get him killed. As luck would have it, Thoran approached him in the locker room and said, “I need a drink. Join me.”

Anders nodded, stripped out of his transit uniform and pulled on street clothes. He followed Thoran out of the building, and they walked to the bar where they usually met. Thoran selected a corner of the bar where none of the nearby tables were occupied. A waiter took their order for kirva, water, and shot glasses. They talked about the poor wages they made as transit engineers, and other work-related issues of no consequence. They continued the meaningless chat until the waiter delivered their drinks, then walked across the room to wait on another table.

Thoran filled two shot glasses with kirva, and raised his as if toasting Anders. “I’ve got good news for you, friend.” He tossed the fiery liquid down his throat in a single gulp.

Anders needed to keep a clear head, so he merely sipped at his drink. “What news is that, my friend?”

Thoran grinned. “You have a chance to move up in the world.”

“Really? How so?”

Thoran glanced over his shoulder, leaned close to Anders, and spoke softly. “A certain command eagle is impressed with your discretion. She would like to offer you a higher position in her organization. It will mean more money.”

Recalling that Thoran and his covert friends had distrusted Gaertkine because of his singular interest in the money, Anders spoke in the same soft tones. “The money I’m getting now is more than sufficient.”

Thoran grinned as if he approved of that answer. “It will mean more responsibility.”

Anders lifted an eyebrow. “That might interest me.”

Thoran’s grin broadened and he lowered his voice to a whisper. “And maybe a chance to get even with that bitch that put you in SecureMax.”

Anders leaned forward, nodding his head. “That would definitely interest me. But why me, why now?”

“We need to replace a certain off-planet asset. She was playing both sides, so she’s been removed. You were an officer, and she’s management, so you fit the job description.”

“Off planet?”

Thoran nodded. “Yes. If you accept, we’ll move you off Viktorkinde, and that’ll happen very quickly.”

“Where?”

Thoran shook his head. “You’ll know that only when you get there, and you won’t be able to take Viktra with you.”

Anders shrugged. “Our relationship is one of . . . mutual convenience. We satisfy each other’s physical needs. If we must end it, there’ll be no tears.”

“Then you accept?”

Thoran’s words about it happening quickly made Anders cautious. He needed to make sure he would have a chance to communicate this information to Kristdokar. “Let me think about it.”

“We have a ship leaving shortly. It’s on a tight schedule, and if it leaves without you, the offer’s off the table, so don’t take too long to decide.”

Anders raised his glass and tossed the rest of his drink down in a gulp.

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