by Jaleta Clegg
Second Chances
Jaleta Clegg
Copyright 2013
Smashwords edition
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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Paltronis paced the narrow cell. The old-fashioned bars mocked her, closing her off from her dreams. The whole fight was stupid, she could admit that, but the satisfaction of beating the smirk from the faces of Jevis and his friends almost made it worthwhile. Almost, if Commander Haywarth didn't kick her out of the Academy. She rubbed the sleeves of her cadet uniform. The fight with Jevis was her fifth in the last two months, enough to land her behind bars. Or maybe it was the number of broken bones she'd left behind this time.
Paltronis kicked the bars in frustration. The resulting pain only soured her mood further.
The outer door clanked open. The warden stepped in, giving her a cold stare. "You have a visitor. Be civil, if you have any sense at all." He moved aside, letting the visitor pass. "Last warning," he said as he left the cell block.
The man stopped just outside the bars of her cell, studying her with dark eyes. His face was a mask, giving nothing away.
She planted her feet, crossing her arms over her chest. She couldn't help the belligerent set of her chin. The man's black uniform and insignia scared her. An officer of the Enforcers meant she was fast descending into dangerous territory involving criminal charges, not just expulsion.
He stood motionless, just watching.
Paltronis fidgeted, waiting for him to speak. Nervous twitches crawled across her skin. The man was tall, looming over her short, stocky frame without even trying. She looked away, unable to hold his stare.
"Did they send you to press charges or just to scare me?" His face could have been used for recruitment posters, except it was too cold, like stone. "I know the Commander won't believe me, but Jevis had it coming. He and his friends are running a gambling ring and stealing from the other cadets."
His impassive expression didn't change.
"What do you want me to say? I'm sorry? Because I'm not."
The man's lip twitched.
"And the other fights? They had it coming, too." She shifted her weight. "Well? Just tell me how much trouble I'm in."
His relaxed stance didn't mesh. Maybe he wasn't there to punish her. And maybe space was full of happy little fishies singing happy little songs. She studied him through the bars, trying to guess his motives.
Silence stretched in the cell block. Paltronis fidgeted with her sleeves, wishing he'd say something. He wasn't much older than she was, much too young to be an officer, which meant he either came from lots of old money or he was very, very good. She couldn't guess which. He was impossible to read.
He extracted a mem sheet from his pocket, passing it through the bars.
Paltronis pinched the lower corner to activate it. She frowned, expecting legal documents. She stared at the page in confusion. "Floor plans?"
"If you were to assassinate someone in that building, how would you do it?" His voice was deep, smooth and as emotionless as his face.
"I'm not an assassin." She snapped the mem sheet closed, shoving it back through the bars.
"You scored very high in tactics. Prove it." He didn't take the mem sheet.
She watched his face as she opened the paper again. "You're trying to prevent the attack."
He nodded.
She scrolled through the images.
"She's speaking in the main hall, then hosting a reception in the gallery on the second floor."
"The target's a woman?" Paltronis glanced up. "Do they want her to die publicly? Do they care about collateral damage? Messy or clean? What motivation do they have to kill her?"
"She's a politician, very outspoken, popular with the people in her area, but not with those in power. She's made enemies."
Paltronis enlarged the map of the main entrance hall of the building. "If they want public, I'd slip a sniper into the ceiling here and shoot her in the middle of her speech. Or plant explosives in the podium if I don't care about killing the people near her."
"How? There are guards on every entrance, everyone is screened. No weapons can get inside except for the Patrol and every one of them has been vetted."
"They can still be bought. But for this, I'd suspect someone with a grudge. Paid assassins wouldn't risk this venue. Too easy to be trapped afterwards. What about rooftop or underground deliveries? Caterers? Janitors? Maintenance? A big event involves more people than normal." She turned the page sideways, studying the electrical grid under the main hall. "An electrical surge through the sound system could kill someone, if they were holding the microphone. But it wouldn't be a guaranteed kill. No, probably not an option here." She shook her head, her short blond hair shifting.
"I hadn't considered that." The man crossed his arms, tapping one finger on his sleeve.
"If they just want her dead, they'll probably strike during the reception. I assume they're serving refreshments. A guest or a server could easily slip poison into a drink."
He shook his head. "She doesn't drink during public events, or eat. It's a well-known fact she's deathly allergic to certain foods. It would be too easy to slip something into her food in a public venue, even on accident."
"Handshake? Skin contact poison?"
He shook his head again. "She's careful not to get too close to her adoring public. Or her enemies."
Paltronis scrolled through the floorplans, studying every angle, noting the position of the guards and security cameras. "What about using a restroom? Or doesn't she do that in public places? It's the only weakness I can see."
"They're covered. Cameras and security checkpoints."
"Not this one, the small one near the back. No cameras cover the door because of this pillar. And the air vents lead directly to the roof of the loading dock. The main air vent is large enough for a person to slip into. You couldn't climb into the room, but you could shoot into it through the vent. She'd be dead before you knew there was a problem." She tapped the mem sheet, enlarging the view of the small restroom. "You also have this—maintenance access leading into other areas that aren't monitored. That room is your weak point." She snapped the mem sheet closed then pushed it through the bars. "If I were an assassin, she'd be dead and you wouldn't be able to stop me until it was too late. You'd probably catch me, though, so I wouldn't risk it for money. If I were an assassin. Which I'm not."
"No, you're a troublesome cadet facing criminal charges and fines." He folded the mem sheet, then slipped it into his pocket. "A very promising cadet with less than three months left in the Academy, until you chose to throw it away by maiming five other cadets in a fight. I'm impressed by the amount of damage you left behind."
She wrapped her arms around her torso, a weak protection at best. "Why all the assassination talk, if you're here to arrest me?"
His lip twitched into a very small smile. "I'm not here to arrest you, I'm here to offer you another option. Help me stop the assassination, and the charges against you will disappear."
"What about my classes?"
"Finishing at the Academy is no longer an option, no matter what you choose. Take my offer and you'll be given rank with the Enforcers. Refuse it and you'd better enjoy the view behind bars. If you live up to your potential, you'll be a brilliant tactician. You've already proven your hand combat skills."
She hesitated. "There's only one branch of t
he Enforcers that work undercover. If I ask you your name, will I get the truth?"
"I'm not working undercover. And yes, you would get the truth. This time."
"I'm not good at pretending."
"You won't need to be."
"And what if I fail? What if I screw this up?"
"We'll let Commander Lowell figure it out. I take it you're accepting my offer?"
She nodded, her stomach in knots.
"Welcome to the Enforcers, Ensign Paltronis. Since I'm not big on formality, you can call me Tayvis." He signaled the warden. "Your enlistment papers are waiting for your signature."
The cell door opened, metal clanking as the locks released. Paltronis stepped out. He was taller up close. She barely reached his shoulder.
"I've got a flitter out front. You have ten minutes." He turned.
"It wasn't a hypothetical exercise?"
He glanced over his shoulder. "It's real and it's happening tonight. You're going to be Representative Sila Nurai's new best friend." He strode from the cell block, impressive in his black uniform.
Paltronis flexed her fists. This wasn't the future she'd imagined. But neither was rotting in prison. She followed Tayvis.
* * *
Paltronis plucked the blue swirls on her skirt. "How am I supposed to do anything in this outfit? I feel almost naked."
Tayvis didn't look up from his plans. "You look very nice. Except for the blaster. You'll have to leave that here."
Paltronis pulled the blaster from the skirt's waistband, checking the safety before dropping it to the table. "How am I supposed to protect Sila Nurai without weapons?"
Tayvis jotted a note on the floorplan. "I doubt you left all your weapons at the door. How many knives did you manage to hide?"
"Just four. This dress itches. And these shoes are killing my feet."
"You'd be too obvious in uniform. You're Sila's friend, remember? You go everywhere she goes."
"I met her bodyguards, Tayvis. They follow her everywhere. They're good, too."
"But not as good as you are. And not female. You can follow her into the restrooms without anyone batting an eye." A grin twitched the corner of his mouth. "Unless you insist on sticking a blast rifle in your skirt again."
"I feel like a clown in this makeup."
"The building is as secure as I can make it. Everyone's in place, except for you. Time to meet your new friend." He gestured to the door. "Don't let her get under your skin. Just stick close and keep your eyes open for any trouble."
"Yes, sir." Paltronis flicked a salute before marching through the door into the public area of the building.
Sila Nurai, tall and elegant in green silk, waited with her bodyguards. Her eyes swept over Paltronis, dismissing her with a disdainful sniff. "You're the best the Patrol could find? Whoever chose that outfit should be shot. It's all wrong for you. At least it won't clash." She strode from the room, her dress hugging her slender curves.
Paltronis clenched her jaw on the comment she wanted to make. She stumped after the representative, too self-aware of her own shortcomings. She wasn't tall, thin, or elegant. But she could disable both bodyguards in three moves. The weight of her hidden knives against her thighs reassured her. She'd do this job, show Tayvis she wasn't a total screw-up. She didn't want to contemplate spending the next few years in prison.
Sila's entire demeanor changed as she stepped into the main hall. She greeted her supporters with a warm smile as she took her place on the stand near the podium.
Paltronis stuck to Sila's heels, detesting the bright lights. She'd rather wait in the shadows. She scanned the audience, squinting into the lights.
"Keep it calm, Paltronis," Tayvis' voice whispered in her earpiece. "Remember, you're her friend. I've got a dozen eyes on the crowd."
Paltronis pasted a smile on her face as she followed Sila across the temporary stage.
Sila swept a quick glare over her shoulder, her smile never wavering. "Don't crowd me. You're giving people the wrong impression."
"I'm here to keep you safe and I will do my job."
Sila turned her back, greeting the local dignitary hosting the event. She didn't bother introducing Paltronis.
Paltronis stood behind Sila through the speeches and cheering without listening to a single word. She focused on the crowd, watching the eddying swirls of people as best she could through the glaring lights. Status reports from the other Patrol agents whispered in her ear.
The last speech ended with another handshake and a loud cheer. The dignitary escorted Sila from the platform. Paltronis stalked at her heels, following them into the reception lounge. Guards at the doors checked invitations before allowing anyone through.
Sila planted herself in the center of the room, where everyone would see her. Paltronis stood behind her, like a shadow.
"You do not need to stand behind me and glower," Sila said. "Go mingle, get a drink. You can watch me from a distance."
"I have my orders."
"And I wish my privacy." Sila turned to face Paltronis. Her smile never faded, though her tone snapped. "This is invitation only. The guest list was approved by your commander. You do not need to eavesdrop on my conversations."
Paltronis moved back three paces.
Sila stepped forward to greet her friends, putting more distance between them.
Paltronis shuffled forward, her gaze scanning the people gathering in the room. Servers moved through the crowd, offering drinks and refreshments.
"Don't lose sight of her, Paltronis. Stick close." Tayvis' voice whispered in her ear.
Paltronis tapped the earpiece. "She ordered me away, didn't want me listening in. How many people are supposed to be at the reception?"
"Too many, the crowd will be thick. Stay as close as you can."
"Yes, sir." Paltronis edged closer to Sila.
"Excuse me a moment, please." Sila smiled at the group gathered around her. She took Paltronis by the elbow. "Didn't you hear me? I wish privacy. I am safe in this room, among my friends. If there was a threat, it was out there." She stabbed a perfectly manicured nail in the direction of the main hall. "If you are trying to overhear my conversation, I will sue you and the Patrol for infringement of privacy. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am. But I'm charged with your safety. I'm here to protect you. If you refuse to let me close to you, I can't do that."
Sila's eyes swept over Paltronis. "Then I'm not impressed with the quality of protection the Patrol gives. Keep your distance."
"Yes, ma'am." Paltronis took three deliberate paces to one side.
Sila shot her an irritated look. She smiled at her friends, moving away.
Paltronis shadowed her, keeping the same distance. The crowds of people eddied in between. Paltronis edged closer.
Sila buried herself in the crowd, letting the group sweep her to the far side of the room. Her laughter trailed behind.
"Paltronis, stay with her."
"I'm trying, Tayvis."
A server stepped in front of her, blocking her view as he offered her a drink. Paltronis waved him off with an impatient gesture. She scanned the room, searching for the green silk dress.
She caught a single glimpse as Sila Nurai slipped behind the pillar, headed for the tiny bathroom. Her bodyguards settled on either side of the door. Paltronis barged through the crowd, pushing her way behind the pillar.
The bodyguards blocked her way.
Paltronis smiled, all teeth. "You know who I am and you know why I'm here. Move."
"We have our orders, and the Patrol doesn't give them. Representative Nurai wishes a moment of privacy."
"In the one room we can't guard. That's why I'm here. Or did she neglect to mention that she's received death threats?" Paltronis shifted her feet. One more second and she'd disable them both. "No cameras, no way to monitor inside the room, but it has access to the loading dock roof and the maintenance tunnels. Either you let me pass, or I'll go through you both."
The guard gave
her a patronizing smile. "Look, miss, just go enjoy the party."
Paltronis twisted his thumb. He dropped to his knees, whimpering in pain.
"I can break it, and your face if that will help." Paltronis twisted a little more. "I just want to step inside and make sure Representative Nurai is safe. That's my job and I'm going to do it."
The guard nodded agreement. She let go of his thumb. The other guard turned his gaze to the crowd, ignoring Paltronis.
She pushed open the door to the tiny restroom, slipping inside. It had been remodeled since the floorplans were drawn. The space was divided in two, one half holding an upholstered chair and the sink, the other space behind a thin door. Paltronis moved forward, looking for Sila.
She caught a blur of motion behind her. Something hard and heavy clubbed her across the temple. She collapsed to the carpet. Dark shoes stepped into her line of sight. Another blow to her head sent her reeling into darkness.
* * *
"Paltronis?" Someone touched the back of her head.
She winced.
"She'll live, but she's got quite the concussion." A cold clinical voice spoke above her. "Looks like they jumped her from behind. I recommend sending her to the infirmary for at least a few days."
"Just give her an ice pack for now. I need to talk to her."
"She's awake." The cold voice rose, as if the speaker were standing.
Paltronis groaned, opening her eyes. The tiny room was full of Patrol officers.
"Is she dead?" Paltronis asked.
Tayvis helped her sit. He pressed a cold pack against the back of her head. "You'll want to hold that there for a while. Tell me what happened."
"Is she dead? Did I fail?"
"Only partly. We didn't find a body. Sila Nurai is gone. Someone picked the locks on the maintenance doors. We don't know which direction they took her."
She searched his face for disapproval, but found only his stone mask. "She wanted her privacy. I warned her. I had to threaten her guards to get inside. Someone hid behind the door and clubbed me when I came through. They were waiting for her. Am I going to prison now?"
Tayvis shook his head. "You're reporting to the infirmary. We'll track her down."
