Ghosts of Empire (Book 4 of The Empire of Bones Saga) by Terry Mixon

Author:Terry Mixon
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Space Opera, Adventure, Military Science Fiction
Publisher: Yowling Cat Press
Published: 2015-12-13T08:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Kelsey allowed them to herd her and the marines through a massive vault door. Inside was a lift easily large enough to hold ten times their number. It had to be for cargo. As soon as the door closed, it dropped at a fairly good clip.

She raised an eyebrow. “So, now that I’m a captive audience, would you mind telling me where we are?”

If he was worried about being within her grasp, it didn’t show. “Certainly. Though I suppose that makes me look like a clichéd vid villain. Should I explain my entire evil plan so that you can make good your escape and take me down?”

Kelsey shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Thank you. Well, this is a pre-revolution facility that we managed to hide from the AIs. It wasn’t known to the public, so that was easier than it sounds.”

“A planetary defense center would be the obvious choice,” she said, “but I’ll venture a guess that this is the Grant Research Facility.”

His eyes widened and his jaw literally dropped a bit. “My, my. You are full of surprises. I’d have sworn no one knew about this place before the revolution, much less after. How the devil did you know?”

“You’d be surprised what an ambassador plenipotentiary and daughter of the emperor is allowed to know.”

“For all our sakes, I fervently hope you’re telling the truth.”

The lift settled to a halt and the doors opened. A wide entry area with prominent weapons emplacements covering every angle greeted them. Depending on how far below ground they were, it would be difficult indeed to dig these people out.

A large set of armored doors slid open across from them and several men and women walked out eyeing her curiously. One of the men wore a Fleet uniform with captain’s tabs. He seemed to be in charge.

William bowed slightly to him. “Kelsey, this is Fleet Captain Aaron Black. Aaron, this is Kelsey Bandar. As to what she does…well, that’s a bit more complicated. Let’s leave it at saying she’s Admiral Mertz’s special operations officer. Be careful with any handshake. She’s a Marine Raider with full augmentation.”

If that disturbed the short black man, he didn’t allow it to show. And by short, Kelsey really meant it. His eyes were level with hers.

He extended his hand. “I’d be pleased to call you by your appropriate rank, Miss Bandar. At this juncture, is there really much point in keeping it to yourself?” His voice was a pleasant alto and his smiled revealed shining white teeth.

She shook his hand slowly. “I’ve already told Lord Hawthorne, so if he doesn’t want to share, who am I to ruin his surprise?”

The man shook his head. “Lord Hawthorne thinks he has a sense of humor. We’ve tried to correct his misapprehension. But he still feels compelled to try. Welcome to the Grant Research Facility. Still under the original management. It’s my privilege and honor to run it for the resistance.

“And before you feel compelled to attempt a daring escape, allow me to warn you that even a Marine Raider won’t be getting out unless we say so.

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