Nebula: A Space Opera in the Classic Tradition (Blood Empire Book 2) by Robert Scanlon

Author:Robert Scanlon [Scanlon, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Colete Pty Ltd
Published: 2023-08-29T16:00:00+00:00

After what I sense is an ascent close to the asteroid’s surface, we halt in a larger chamber with multiple access points. Loud voices reverberate down another nearby tunnel, exiting into the chamber. The voices increase in volume, and through my haze, I recognize Rita’s strident tones.

“What the stars do you mean, ‘brought a terrorist to Celos’? I had as much idea as you did until we received the alerts!”

“You were a serving Committee member. You did not take sufficient precautions in your assessment of character before exposing other Celos members to danger,” comes the reply. The voice is unmistakable. It’s the hairy Grand Bench alien.

The alien and Rita emerge. As soon as Rita sees me, she shuts up and glares.

My brow pounds. Even if I could speak, what would I say? All my friends think I’ve betrayed them.

Maybe they were never friends in the first place.

We set off again and arrive at an airlock. While the ripples of anger ricocheting inside my skull haven’t abated, somehow I’ve been able to compartmentalize them. But I clench my jaw with the effort.

Cadence says, “Rita Berkowitz, we cast you from the Celos community. You may never return.” She looks at both of us. “If either of you attempt entry here again, you will be executed on sight. We do not tolerate traitors, either those who deliberately endanger Celos’ existence, or their accomplices.” She ends with a withering look at Rita.

Rita opens her mouth, but Cadence holds up her hand. “Enough. You must leave.”

The airlock opens and the three of us walk into our ship.

I look around but cannot see Mitch anywhere. In desperation, I nudge Rita, but she gives me a crushing look.

Aktip gestures with her claw to follow her down the passageway. I know where we are going. To the brig. I wish I could speak. To clear my name. To stop this craziness. But first I need stims to dull the chaos in my head and drown out Aktip’s merciless assault.

The brig’s hatch slides open and I’m motioned by Aktip—in silence—to move in. The hatch closes, though thankfully the lights remain on.

A figure gets up from a fixed chair. “Hi, Sis. What the hell have you done this time?”

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