Elite by Allen Stroud

Author:Allen Stroud [Stroud, Allen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sci-fi, space, Science Fiction, elite:dangerous, Elite
Publisher: Allen Stroud
Published: 2016-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26: The Recruit

‘Mister Devander? We know you’ve been awake for some time.’

Pietro opened his eyes. The straps around his wrists and ankles meant he couldn’t sit up, so he stared at the tent canvas above his head. ‘Doesn’t seem a lot of point in being talkative, seeing as you tied me down,’ he said.

Pasion’s face appeared leaning over him. Bald, with wisps of gray hair around the ears, the old man looked tired, but his water blue eyes were clear and focused. ‘A necessary precaution I’m afraid. We’re aware of your skills.’

‘How so?’ Pietro asked.

‘I was fortunate enough to read your file before we found you,’ Pasion said. ‘When your employers decided to abandon you they wasted a talented resource.’

Pietro sighed. ‘I guessed you weren’t just a kind-hearted soul,’ he said.

‘Wise to draw that conclusion,’ Pasion said. ‘I’d have saved your life anyway, but your abilities make the effort much more … worthwhile.’

‘What do you want?’

‘Your experience may be the difference in altercations between my people and Walden’s, in the short term, well ... there are many possibilities to consider.’

‘You’re making a lot of assumptions, we’re trained not to co-operate,’ Pietro said.

Pasion smiled. ‘I won’t be asking you to give up Federation passwords or important secrets. They abandoned you so there’s little you can offer in trade.’

Pietro wiggled his toes and flexed his hands. ‘The restraints aren’t convincing me.’

‘No, indeed,’ Pasion said. He moved to the side and Pietro felt the pressure on his right ankle release. ‘We are talking. I think I can trust you.’

With the straps loosened, Pietro slipped his hands through them and sat up. ‘Thank you,’ he said. He noticed an armed guard at the entrance of the tent. The man’s eyes were on him, his expression passive and professional.

‘You’re welcome,’ Pasion said. ‘You must be hungry. Soup? Not much I’m afraid, but it may take the edge off.’

Pietro rubbed his wrists. ‘Why is it so hot in here?’

‘Down to the geography,’ Pasion replied. ‘With our current status, discreet locations are few and far between.’ He turned his back and typed something on an antiquated keyboard. The accompanying monitor went dark and Pasion faced Pietro again and sat down. ‘Now, time for a proper discussion,’ he said.

‘Where’s Gebrial?’

‘Safe and well,’ Pasion said. ‘You both recovered fully from the virus, although we must treat you regularly for the next few days.’

‘And what will that cost me?’ Pietro asked.

Pasion smiled. ‘To be honest, the delivery of the late Atticus Finch provided us with a great deal to think about.’

‘Well, that’s a relief,’ Pietro said.

‘Come now Agent Devander,’ Pasion chided. ‘You were warned off this case before they abandoned you. Your curiosity kept you pushing to find answers, defying your master’s wishes. Don’t you want to learn a little more of the mystery that brought you here?’

Pietro frowned. ‘Depends on what answers cost.’

‘What about if they cost nothing?’

‘You wouldn’t do that.’

Pasion laughed. ‘I’m happy to disappoint you then,’ he slipped his hand into his pocket, pulling out a small vial.

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