Morgan nodded. “We were classmates in my first two years at Warrior’s Hall on New Syrtis. I was transferred here to the New Avalon Military Academy for my last two years. We got together when he came to New Avalon for the trial.”
Morgan saw Quintus stiffen at the mention of Justin’s treason trial. “I heard that the ‘hit’ was quite a little showdown.”
Quintus nodded. “The Maskirovka tried to have Captain Redburn assassinated, but he got away without a scratch.”
“Is he still in danger?”
Quintus shook his head. “It appears to have been a rogue operation. The orders came directly from Sian, with high Maskirovka clearance.”
Ardan traced a figure in the frost on his beer mug. “Justin’s the connection there. Did he send the killers after Redburn?”
Quintus nodded sadly. “It looks that way, though we found another interesting bit of information as we broke down the Kittery network.” Quintus managed a weak smile. “One of the killers wore a medallion we’ve tied in to an ancient death cult. The participants worship a Hindu goddess named Kali, and believe that it is their sacred duty to kill other humans.”
Morgan lowered his mug. “I seem to recall the British had trouble with such a sect a thousand years ago on Terra. They called them Thuggees, right?”
Quintus nodded. “The cult has been wiped out a dozen times over—or so it is believed—but it always crops up again. Anyway, it seems that there are pockets of these individuals on various worlds, including Terra. One of the biggest enclaves, however, is on the Liao world of Highspire.”
Hanse stiffened. “That’s Romano Liao’s main holding.”
Quintus nodded silently, and Ardan Sortek vocalized the spymaster’s thoughts. “Romano’s a wild card. If she’s hooked up with an assassin cult, there’s no telling what sort of trouble she could cause.”
Quintus poured more beer from the pitcher into his mug. “It is possible that the plot to kill Redburn originated with Romano, but the connection is weak. She’s got no motive to want him dead.”
Ardan shook his head. “If she’s half as mad as her father, she doesn’t need a motive.”
Morgan glanced at his chronometer. “As much as I would like to linger here with you aces of the robot range, I’ve got to run.” Color flushed his cheeks. “It’s St. Valentine’s Day, gentlemen, in case you’ve forgotten. I’ve got a lady waiting for me, and she’s not going to appreciate me in smelly fatigues.”
Hanse smiled at his nephew. You’re serious about her, aren’t you? Good. I want you to trust her. “Enjoy yourself, Morgan.”
Morgan nodded, then looked at Quintus. “I don’t know how to ask this, Minister.” He hesitated, then seemed to find the right words. “I feel close to Kym Sorenson, but I’d not want her used against me to embarrass the Federated Suns. Could you run a check on her?” He held up his hands. “I don’t want to read the file. After all, if she wants to keep something in her past hidden from me, that’s her business. I just want you to tell me if she has a clean bill of health, so to speak.”
Quintus nodded. “Consider it done.”
Morgan laughed. “Knowing you, I suspect it’s already been done.” He looked over at Hanse. “I’d like to have her as my guest at your wedding, Uncle, and I don’t want any surprises.”
Hanse nodded solemnly. “Your concern means more to me, Morgan, than you will ever know.”
Chapter 19
SIAN
SIAN COMMONALITY
CAPELLAN CONFEDERATION
29 FEBRUARY 3028
Justin closed the folder and looked across his desk into Alexi Malenkov’s gray eyes. “Excellent work, Alexi.” Justin dropped the report onto his desk and tapped the cream-colored folder. “I did not realize Romano had her own little corps of assassins.” The analyst from Tikonov nodded solemnly. “The rumors, as you can see, are incredibly vague, yet a consistent thread runs through all of them.”
Malenkov stared down at his long-fingered hands and cupped them one over the other as though trying to capture an invisible bird. “Some elders in this cult apparently see her as a Kali avatar. Most reports have not treated the story seriously, but it may be at the core of the first connections made with her. Now, however, her power has made Highspire a safe haven where she has support.”
Assassins at Romano’s beck and call make her as dangerous as a child playing with a laser carbine. Justin frowned. “I don’t like the indications that this cult may be connected with other enclaves in the Successor States. Can you get me anything more about the ties with the groups on Terra, Tikonov, or in the Capellan March?”
Alexi sighed heavily, shaking his head. “I don’t think so.” He leaned forward. “Getting what I did was difficult enough, Justin. I had a couple of very awkward moments dodging Tsen Shang’s questions about what I was doing. I don’t think he suspects you’re keeping an eye on his paramour, but he’ll not like it if he finds out.” The analyst shrugged. “I’ll see what I can do, of course, but I promise you nothing. These Thuggees have their own secret language and an underground network that makes them virtually impossible to track.”
Justin nodded and handed the report back to Malenkov. “I understand, Alexi, and I appreciate whatever you can get me. I’ll not forget your help here.” He pointed to the report. “You’d best burn it, though.”
“Consider it done, Citizen Boss.” Malenkov stretched and rose from the wing-back chair. “I can let myself out,” he said.
Justin came around from behind the desk. “Not to worry. I have to leave anyway.”
Malenkov glanced at his chronometer. “Oh, right. It’s Monday.” The analyst grinned. “I hear that some of the staff has been burning incense in your honor in the shrine because of the training you’ve been giving the duchess. They say she’s much calmer since she started working out with you.”
Justin smiled, wondering if it were only the exercise that had such a calming effect. “Tai chi is very restful. If you would care to join us…”
Malenkov shook his head. “I’m not comfortable being a third wheel, but thanks for the invitation anyway.” Malenkov opened the door, took a half-step toward it, then stopped abruptly to avoid a collision.
Standing in the doorway like a framed portrait was Candace Liao, and the sight of her set Justin’s heart to racing. The light catching the silver of her silken robe matched the sparkle of unabashed pleasure in her eyes. The smile for Justin that brightened her beautiful features faded slightly when she noticed Malenkov.
“Good evening, Citizen Malenkov. How are you?”
Malenkov bowed respectfully. “Quite well, thank you, Duchess.” He turned enough toward Justin so that Candace could not see his wink. “I will see you tomorrow, Citizen.” Turning back, he smiled at Candace. “A pleasure as always, Duchess.”
“Good night, Alexi.” Justin watched Candace move through the doorway with a fluidity she’d not possessed two months before, then shut the door behind Alexi. When they were alone, he turned to her with a smile. “Welcome, Candace.”
Candace frowned and glanced at her chronometer. “You’ve not changed yet. I’m not early, am I?”
Justin shook his head, but before he could reply, a red light set above the door burned into life. Justin pointed to it. “Damn! Your father wants me.” He shrugged. “You can wait here, if you wish…”
Candace’s black hair bounced as she shook her head. “No, I’m too impatient to wait. I’ll accompany you. If my father doesn’t want me there, he can try to send me away.”
Justin nodded and offered her his right arm. “I am more than happy to have your company.” He chuckled lightly. “I don’t envy your father if he believes you should not be present.”
Candace slipped her left hand through the crook of his arm. “You and I have an appointment to keep, and I’ll not let some minor problem keep us from it.”
Justin nodded as they headed down the hallway toward Maximilian Liao’s throne room. “But what if that minor problem is
a full Davion invasion?”
Candace shrugged nonchalantly. “I suppose I could wait five minutes.”
Justin winked. “Make it six. Half that if it’s just a raid.” As Justin reached out and pushed open the throne room door, he felt Candace stiffen beside him.
Maximilian Liao sat on his throne, glaring down at them like a spindly gargoyle. Standing below the throne, with her right arm enfolded through Tsen Shang’s left arm, Romano Liao smiled like a merchant who has just heard the magic words “Money is no object.” Across from her, at Liao’s left hand, stood the well-weathered form of Chandra Ling. Fatigue hung heavily on her.
Justin’s eyes narrowed to dark slits. Madame Ling looks defeated, which means Romano has convinced her father of some witless scheme. Shang looks uncomfortable enough to mean he’s probably been trapped in it, too. When he glanced at Candace, he saw her eyes had taken on that tigerish look they got when she was livid. This isn’t going to be pleasant, he thought.
“Ah, excellent, Justin,” Liao said, with his wily smile. “You’ve found her and brought her here.” A look of affection softened his features somewhat. “Candace, this affects you as well.”
The Chancellor nodded at Romano. “Your sister has come up with a brilliant plan for garnering a great deal of intelligence at the Davion wedding.” Liao beamed at his younger daughter. “It is pure genius.” He winked at her. “Tell them, Romano, what you propose to do.”
Romano’s green eyes flashed a look of pure venom at her sister, and Justin felt the tremor that ran through Candace. “Well, beloved sister, I’m sure you will agree that this wedding will be an opportunity to learn much during the receptions and parties. Only the most important people will be there, and any of them might be liable to let tidbits slip to impress their rivals from the other Houses.” Like a snake waiting in tall grass, Romano’s patronizing tone had its hidden bite.
Candace’s reply was frosty. “That conclusion, dearest sibling, is so obvious that even you were able to come to it.”
Romano shot a quick glance at Shang, then lifted her head higher. “Each of the Great House leaders would give much to get their spies into the gathering, but Davion and Steiner have been very careful about how many individuals will attend from each House. There is no chance to bring in Maskirovka as servants because ComStar has offered its personnel to handle all such menial duties.” Romano smiled and squeezed Tsen Shang’s arm. “But I have a way around Davion’s proscriptions.”
Maximilian nodded solemnly. “Romano has suggested that Tsen Shang accompany her to the wedding ceremony as her escort. In that capacity, he will be able to mingle with the other guests and learn all he can about whatever may be of interest to us in the activities of our fellow Successor States. I will have half my crisis team with me.”
Candace grinned, but her eyes were fierce. “Lady Romano, you have indeed hit upon a magnificent plan.” Her smile broadened as confusion wrung all joy from her sister’s face. “And father, you are correct. It would not do for you to be without your crisis team.”
Candace smiled at Justin, too, in a way that made him decide he was not going to like what was coming. He shook his head at her but Candace ignored the implied warning.
She looked down with an exaggerated expression of giving thought to some serious matter. “It is a pity, though, that we cannot surprise Prince Davion at his wedding in the same way he has surprised us by announcing it so suddenly.” All at once, her eyes grew wide, and she pressed her hand to her mouth as though in amazement. Glancing up at her father, she smiled. “But there is!
“What if we could bring to the wedding, as our guest, an individual guaranteed to send anxious ripples throughout the gathering? A person whom Hanse Davion has publicly embarrassed, only to have the tables later turned on him? And what if that individual could also gather information of use to the Maskirovka?”
Candace turned toward Justin. “Indeed, what if the presence of that person would mean you’d have your entire crisis team with you?”
Maximilian Liao’s face glowed with the light of divine revelation. “Ha ha! A better gift I could not imagine giving the Prince of the Federated Suns.” Liao nodded and smiled ecstatically at Justin. “Imagine finding the man you exiled turn up as a guest at your wedding. Oh, yes, this is perfection.”
Justin raised his artificial hand. “Celestial Wisdom, do you think it in your interest to have the crisis team with you when we will be cut off from our staff?”
Liao stared incredulously at Justin, then seemed to consider further. “You do have a point.” The Chancellor turned to Chandra Ling. “You will coordinate the crisis team during the wedding and use ComStar to keep them informed of all important matters.”
“As you wish, Chancellor.” Chandra Ling glanced at Justin and some of her anxiety seemed to drain away.
Liao smiled openly. “This is excellent. Tsen Shang will accompany Romano, and Justin Xiang will escort you, Candace.” Liao’s eyes narrowed for a second, then flashed with an idea. “We can even have your aide, Molatov…”
Justin smiled. “Malenkov, Highness. Alexi Malenkov.”
The Chancellor nodded sternly. “Yes, Malenkov. We’ll attach him as an aide to Colonel Pavel Ridzik to keep an eye on him during the wedding festivities.”
Justin looked around at the assembled group, wondering what each of them might be thinking. Having Alexi with us will be good, but putting him there to spy on Ridzik? If Liao doesn’t think he can trust the commander of his armies, who does he trust? Justin licked his lips. And when will he stop trusting me?
The Chancellor smiled with chilling intensity. “Yes, this should be special.” He shooed everyone from the room. “Leave me. I wish to consider all the ramifications of this plan. I believe I may even be able to use it to advance the primacy of our House over all the Successor States!”
Justin and Candace retreated to the gardens. Arm in arm, they walked through the darkened path, yet Justin felt an uneasiness coming between them. Gravel crunched beneath their feet and the cold glow of a blue moon was barely enough to light their way. The night was pleasant, though, with a gentle breeze that carried the aromatic scent of incense burning at the shrine.
When they reached the shrine area, Candace disengaged her arm from Justin’s and slipped out of her robe. Wearing a form-fitting gray bodysuit, she stood for a moment with hands clasped overhead, then took a deep breath and began a slow series of ancient postures designed to stretch and warm up every muscle in the body.
Wrapped in darkness, Justin watched her. He envied the azure moonlight as it caressed her body, and felt desire smoldering within. Physically, she’s beautiful, but I know my attraction to her is based on more than that. He leaned against one of the trees planted here for its symbolism of strength combined with flexibility, and crossed his arms as he watched. I can’t deny that we’ve become close or that I might even love her, but what is it deep inside that keeps telling me it’s wrong?
Candace’s head slowly came up. She seemed to sense his mood. “Justin, what’s wrong?”
Justin ground his teeth. “I don’t like being used.”
“What?” She took a half-step closer to him, then stopped as he stiffened. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Her confusion sounds genuine… He swallowed hard and uncrossed his arms. “You used me like a scalpel on your sister. You took her plan and made it go one better. Sure, you point out that having me there will anger Hanse Davion.” Justin angrily stabbed a finger at her. “What if I don’t want to see Hanse Davion!”
Candace recoiled from the fury in his voice. “I don’t understand. This would be your chance to beard the lion in his own den.”
Justin turned away from her. “The idea of having to come face to face again with the man who humiliated me is not a pleasant one.” He stared at the mountains in the blue-lit distance. “It’s true that my victories on Solaris might have stung him, but ultimately, he is neither cowed nor repentant.” Justin looked back at Can
dace. “I will appear at his wedding as hired help, a spy sent to ferret out information. You’ll use me like a neural whip to provoke a reaction from him.” He shook his head vehemently. “I don’t like being considered a useful object.”
Candace stood looking at him for a moment, hands on hips. “So that’s the reason you think I suggested you as my escort, is it?”
Justin turned to face her. “That’s all I can see, Candace. Unless you can’t bear the thought of being without your exercise partner?”
Justin saw the rage ripple through her, but she seemed to catch and control it. With head lowered somewhat repentantly, she began to speak. “I apologize for using you to sting my sister.” She chewed her lower lip as though carefully considering her next words. “I did not realize how much seeing Hanse Davion might hurt you, though I should have.” Lifting her head, she seemed to seek out his face in the shadows. “But it was the only way I could think of to convince my father you had to accompany me.”
Justin stared at her. “And what was so important about that?”
Candace reached out to him. “Because I want you there.”
Justin stepped toward her, took her hand and drew her to him. “The palace is full of servants…”
Candace slipped her arms around his neck and gently pressed her forehead to his. “That is true, Justin Xiang, but I do not want a servant with me, or my exercise partner with me. I want you there, with me.” She brushed her lips lightly against his. “I want you there as my escort and my consort, and the opinion of anyone else in the Successor States be damned!”
Chapter 20
ARC-ROYAL
DISTRICT OF DONEGAL
LYRAN COMMONWEALTH
3 MARCH 3028
Breezes fragrant with the scent of pine hissed into the DropShip Manannan MacLir as Daniel Allard cracked open the hatch. He breathed in deeply, then smiled at Morgan Kell. “Definitely smells like home, Colonel.”
Warrior: Riposte (The Warrior Trilogy, Book Two): BattleTech Legends, #58 Page 15
