A Heart to Conquer by Stein Willard

Author:Stein Willard [Willard, Stein]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-04-13T14:00:00+00:00

***

The woman’s eyes were blank as they stared back at her and Margaret had to fight the urge not to grab Mother by the neck. She had caused immense pain to eight families on Earth when she had their daughters kidnapped. She then proceeded to turn those innocent girls into fearsome killers, using the cruelest means possible.

“I would advise you to cooperate if you hope to receive a warmer welcome where you’re going.”

The woman’s lips curled into a taunting smile. “We’re not there, yet, Captain.”

The remark made Margaret leave her chair and access the intercom system near the door.

“Lieutenant Chase, could you please join me in the brig. Bring your bio-scanner with you.” She turned back to the woman and noticed that her lips were pursed now. “If you don’t want to be caught, you shouldn’t underestimate your adversaries, Mary-Ann.” The woman’s head jerked back as if she had been slapped hard across the face. Not many knew her name, but Margaret had spent a full day digging into Earth’s archives for a woman with Mother’s features and cross-referenced them with missing people during a determined period. The name of Mary-Ann Pierson had come up as a woman who had gone missing twenty years ago during an intergalactic cruise. She had been sixteen at the time of her disappearance and was never heard from again, until today.

“Did you truly think your identity would remain a secret forever?” Margaret took her seat and leaned back comfortably. “We’ve crossed into friendly space early this morning and your relatives have already been informed of your capture.” Mother’s face grew pale as she sat, staring. “So, Mary-Ann, will you…”

“Don’t call me that,” the older woman hissed at her.

“In that case, why not cooperate with us?” She leaned closer. “I hear they are not very fond of child molesters and kidnappers in penal colonies.”

The woman’s eyes blazed with hatred. “I should’ve had you killed when I had the chance.”

That was news to Margaret. She hadn’t even known that she has had a contract out on her life.

“That only shows how inept you are without the backing of your syndicate.”

“Had it not been for the bitch, Violet, who interfered, you won’t be here running your mouth. You should thank her when you…”

The doors slid open to reveal Lieutenant Chase. Margaret nodded at Mother.

“Scan her for trackers, if you find any shock her to neutralize them.”

“You wouldn’t dare…” Mother began, but Margaret was already out the door and on her way to the transport room. “Where is Lieutenant Elkers?” she asked Paul, who was busy updating the computer board.

“She left a couple hours ago, Captain. Said she had one more stop to make before she returned to Earth.”

“Can you track her ship?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Good. I need to contact Headquarters, but I want you to track where she is going and to set a course.”

“Aye, Captain.”

She had suspected that the woman wasn’t telling her everything, but to keep the news of her own attempted assassination from her was pushing it.

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