by James Palmer
“What do you want?” she said.
“I want answers,” said Hamilton. “I want to know what is going on.”
“You’re really going to play innocent?” Leda said, “after all we’ve been through together?”
Hamilton stared at her for a long moment. “You’re going to believe Straker, after all we’ve been through together? I don’t know where that coin or whatever it is came from. I’ve never seen it before in my life. That’s the truth.”
“I don’t know who or what to believe anymore,” she said, shaking her head. “I guess, after these last few weeks, we’ve got to be content with having more questions than answers.”
“I don’t believe you,” said Hamilton. “After all this you’re just going to shrug your shoulders and ignore it? Is this because of your promotion?”
“What? You think that’s all I care about? If you’re so noble, why did you take yours?”
Hamilton turned toward the door, anger filling his every fiber. “Forget it.” He turned the knob. “I’m going to go play starship commander. Have a nice life.” For the second time that day he slammed a door behind him.
“Noah, wait,” said Leda, opening the door and sticking her head out. Hamilton was already halfway up the hall. She opened her mouth to call out to him, but no words came. She ducked back into her quarters, leaning against the closed door. When she had accepted Straker’s offer, she rationalized it by telling herself that it would allow her to keep an eye on the inner workings of Special Operations, and that she could eventually get to the bottom of the murdered scholars and stolen artifacts. But what she was really doing was looking out for herself, she realized now. Just like she always did. Instead of standing up for Hamilton, she had vehemently denied having any part in his stolen artifacts ring. All just to save herself.
“I’m sorry,” she mouthed to the empty room. She knew that in time things had a way of working themselves out. Wherever Noah Hamilton went next, she wished him the best.
END
The Conspiracy Continues!
Want to find out what happens to Leda and Hamilton next?
Check out Star Swarm: The Chaos Wave Book One!
About James
James Palmer is an award-nominated writer and editor of science fiction, pulp adventure, steampunk and more. He has written articles, interviews, columns and reviews for Strange Horizons, The Internet Review of Science Fiction, and Tangent Online. He is perhaps best known as co-creator and editor of the shared world alternate history giant monster anthology series Monster Earth.
A recovering comic book addict, James lives in Northeast Georgia with his wife and daughter. When not writing or reading space opera, he can be found blogging about writing, indie publishing and 80’s pop culture. For more examples of his work and to sign up for his free mailing list, visit www.jamespalmerbooks.com.
