Whiskey Kilo One Is Down by Dietmar Arthur Wehr

Author:Dietmar Arthur Wehr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: technothriller, hard science fiction, space opera, thriller, adventure, first contact
Publisher: Dietmar Arthur Wehr
Published: 2020-08-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

BRANSON WAS ALMOST back to his apartment when a call came in on his cellphone.

“Curt Branson,” he said.

“It’s Morgan, Colonel. Where are you?”

“I’m driving back to my apartment, General. Is there a problem?”

“Why hasn’t Major Toporov checked into the VIP quarters yet?”

“Captain Hess told us that his superiors thought the visiting brass would feel uncomfortable having a Russian officer staying in the same building as they were, General. He initially wanted to put the Major up at the building that was usually used for private contractors over on the east side, but I decided those quarters were unacceptable. The place was filthy and run down, General. I insisted that Captain Hess take the Major to a private hotel for at least one night, at my expense if necessary, and I was going to talk with you tomorrow about Space Force picking up the rest of the tab for the hotel during her stay.”

“What the hell was Hess thinking? I’m staying at the VIP quarters tonight with several other flag officers, and I can tell you that none of us would give a damn if a Russian officer were staying in the same building. And if you’re referring to the building that I think you are. It’s not even available for use now. That’s why it’s in the condition it’s in. But that isn’t the important thing at the moment. If Major Toporov is staying at a privately-own hotel outside of the Base perimeter, then her physical security is at risk, and that is unacceptable. I don’t care if it’s late, get back to the hotel and move Major Toporov to the VIP building tonight. See me when that’s done. I’ll still be awake.”

“Yes, sir. I’m turning around now.”

“Good.” A click told Branson that Morgan had hung up. He checked his watch. The drive back to his car and then almost back to his place had taken almost 45 minutes. It would take a good half hour to drive back to the hotel. With not much traffic at this hour, he decided to risk getting a speeding ticket and gunned the engine.

Toporov woke up from the feeling of a full bladder and headed for the bathroom without turning any lights on. There was enough light coming in through the open balcony doors that she could find her way. Upon entering the bathroom, she decided not to turn its light on either to prevent her circadian rhythm from being interrupted. She left the bathroom door slightly ajar. With her bladder now empty, she got up and was about to flush the toilet when she heard a noise from the other room. Someone was trying to open the door. She kept the bathroom door open just enough to see into the other room and heard a click. The door leading out to the corridor opened slowly, and a dark figure holding what looked like a handgun with a silencer attached stepped into the room.

Toporov stepped back from the bathroom door, her bare feet making no noise, and looked around.

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