Second Chances (Jol Markson Book 2) by Chris Towndrow

Author:Chris Towndrow [Towndrow, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-11T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 29

Killing Cluny had been bread and butter work to Delcarno, and he knew that the true test was to come. A risk was only worth taking if the odds of success were good. With this operation, the chances were borderline, but it was of little importance - he was in no position to turn down his orders.

It made for a poor night’s sleep, not what he needed before another day in an even more cramped ship. The thing that kept him going was the prospect of being truly free again, being back in control. Mendez had certainly left no time for sightseeing - there was no doubting the fact that this was purely a trip of necessity. It was a shame for Delcarno too, because it was his first sight of Taron, and it wasn’t the kind of trip that he would readily make. His feet would hardly touch ground when he returned to the planet tomorrow.

Dawn’s colours were beginning to mix with the low artificial light in the City when he checked out of the discreet boarding house and took a sparsely peopled Transit out to the Spaceport. There was no room for being a shrinking violet here - he had to boldly state his business, present the credentials Mendez had provided him with, and just head for the main hangar. It made him almost feel important. That things were different quickly became apparent.

The shuttle stood waiting for him, but first there was the small matter of the two uniforms who interrupted his progress.

‘Sir, I take it that you’re the pilot?’

‘Yes. Is there a problem?’

‘I would say,’ interrupted the second uniformed man. ‘Commander, you know who this is?’

‘No, who is it?’

‘This is only that traitor, Patrice Delcarno. In what universe does he get the ride?’

‘Is that true?’

‘No, I’m Governor Shepherd! Like I said, there a problem?’

‘I think the Councillor must be making an error of judgement. We were expecting an officer, a scientist at the very least. He’s probably not even qualified to fly her.’

‘He, by which you mean me?’ Delcarno fumed gently. ‘I am qualified, I am here, and I am carrying the Councillor’s instructions, so if you’ve had enough mudslinging, I need to get her fired up.’

‘I’m going to speak to the Councillor.’

‘Lieutenant, calm yourself. We are expecting a co-pilot, yes? And this man, Delcarno though he may be, is carrying Government authorisation, so unless you have some special understanding with Councillor Mendez that will prevent your reprimand for questioning his authority, I suggest we get on board and try to make a fist of it.’

‘And trust to his magically reformed character?’

‘Do you get on with everyone in SpaceFleet, Lieutenant?’

‘Sorry?’

‘This is not dinner companionship, this is a space flight. What do you think he’s going to do - kill us and hijack the ship? I think something more than a rat would be smelt.’

‘Do I get a say in this?’ asked Delcarno.

‘A heartfelt defence?’ suggested Lieutenant Lofrum snidely.

Delcarno ignored him. ‘I’m here to take the ship out on my own, as much as I know, so you can’t hold the high ground on surprises.

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