Shadowed Passage by Al Onia

Author:Al Onia
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Intrigue, Thriller
Publisher: Al Onia
Published: 2022-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

Pious remembered Kondradt from Argosy Station. At least by reputation. DualE returned from her external inspection.

"You don't have to prepare on your own, DualE," he said. "The brothers and I are schooled in self-preservation. You must consider us another resource."

"I will. Arm yourselves. I doubt he'll be aggressive on this visit. He's looking for information. But that doesn't mean he won't return or won't send a physical message at some point."

"Rumors on Argosy Station pegged Kondradt as a financial threat." Pious tried to recall anything else he'd heard while he and the brothers searched for the elusive Carver Denz and his mining fortune months before. Kondradt might not have even been aware of them. He would be aware of Denz. The high profile from his lode discovery was known throughout the Realm. How well did Kondradt know DualE? Was she the reason for his visit?

"Do you think he can help us find Denz?" Cardinal asked.

"Good question," she answered. "I prefer to find Denz on my own. I won't ask Kondradt to lead me to him." She looked to Pious and then the other two. "I'd rather you not mention Carver in Kondradt's presence. Not yet."

"But the sooner we locate Denz," said Remorse, "the sooner we can be on our way to the outer settlements."

"True," said Pious. "Our mission is paramount but a small delay won't hurt. We have a message to deliver to this facility. As for Mr. Kondradt, DualE is right, we must rely on her expertise when it comes to dealing with men like him." DualE believed she could find Denz. Had she already found him? If so, why not share? Then again, he hadn't chosen to share completely with her. "We will listen to Mr. Kondradt and evaluate our next steps from there. In the meantime, Brother Remorse, you will announce our presence and locate a suitable location for my address."

"Make it as soon as you can," said DualE. "And have more than one possibility. I'll accompany you to scout the locations after Kondradt leaves." She spoke to Pious. "Before scouting venues, Remorse and I will track down Zofie and our MIA." She leaned over Remorse's shoulder. "Confirm the Whisper's location and how we get there."

"I will accompany you, DualE. I need to get a sense of this place." He retrieved his last sermon from Slate's. He pulled DualE away from the console. "You know these outposts as well as I do. Any hints you'd suggest when it comes to my first message?"

"This 'yard was an embryo the only time I was here. That'd be six years ago. But one 'yard's pretty much the same as another. Different from Gamma Hub though."

"I assume this reflects the frontier attitude of the Eddy in general. An independent mindset. Resource-based economics and living strike-to-strike."

"You got it. They are used to protecting themselves, not relying on authority for support and not asking them to interfere." She read his notes upside down. "What's your message?"

"Self-reliance is a virtue but don't shut out your fellows who may need your aid or support.

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