Carnevale and Subterfuge

by Selena Illyria

  “Slick, but I’m not buying it.” Drogan’s gaze continued to bore into Diego. Unlike with Anarrae, it didn’t make him feel exposed. He felt challenged and thrilled by it.

  “The ten armed suit of armor of Cyclopsis Eight?” Diego went on. “That was me. And I got it out of there without the guards even noticing. The tainted water scandal of Ambrosias Seven? Me. Damn that orgy was fun. Too bad I didn’t stick around long enough for the king to out his several male lovers.” Diego smiled as the rush of success swept through his veins.

  “How?”

  He didn’t need clarification for what Drogan was asking. “The statue was shrunk using the nanotech attached to the suit. Fit in my pocket perfectly. As for the tainted water, one drop in the stream that runs outside the filtration system. The computers aren’t programmed to break down the composition of Aphroditean rose lust juices. It was all natural. Anything else?”

  “Well, I’ll be damned!” Drogan settled in his chair, a wide grin on his face. Admiration sparkled in his eyes. “They still don’t know what caused such an incident. All natural would just pass through the system. Very nicely played. And not many people know about that stream, since it’s shielded from survey probes. I had a front-row seat for the water tainting. Didn’t stay for that part either. I was really put out when I heard he’d gotten on the table and demanded lap dances from his lovers. All of them were pissed because they were all enemies. King Tauraous was a bold man.”

  Diego shrugged and resisted the urge to preen.

  Tigress stepped forward, disgust clear on her face. “Captain, I really must insist. This man is a threat.”

  “And? He’s the only thing we’ve got helping us to find the cyborg.”

  “How, sir?” Tigress was skeptical. Diego didn’t blame her. He was wondering that himself.

  “Put him out as bait.” Drogan looked up at Tigress. “But guard him as though he’s the real ambassador. It’s perfect. Besides, I know you’re chomping at the bit to find the hole in security and fix it. You want to figure out how they got onboard, and I’d like to know too.”

  Tigress looked away. “I see your point, sir.”

  “I have a theory,” Diego said, sinking into the seat across from Drogan. “They must have arrived before us. Did you get any shipments? Maybe something was delayed? If it were me, I’d slip in using confusion as my means of entry.”

  Tigress frowned. “There was glitch in the system yesterday. The communications officer detected that someone tried and failed to piggyback on an outgoing message from the captain to one of our officers on Il Doge.”

  Diego wanted to throw up. An idea slipped into his mind. He stood up so fast that he startled both Drogan and Tigress. Anger heated his blood. “Some motherfucker on Il Doge knew what Anarrae was up to on the planet and marked her. Fucking hell.” He began to pace, ignoring the looks of surprise and suspicion on their faces.

  “How do you know about Officer Lavender?” Drogan demanded.

  Diego stopped and looked at Drogan. “What I’m about to say doesn’t leave this room. I do not want her compromised or looked at any differently.” He watched them both carefully. Tigress had suspicion on her face. Drogan’s features were stoic.

  “Who’s messed with a member of my crew?” Drogan asked, tone neutral but clipped.

  “Anarrae went planet-side to meet a prossy. Someone must have found out and used that info. If I hadn’t met her that night she could be dead, or worse.” Bile burned Diego’s throat at the thought of his Ana kidnapped and tortured or dead.

  “So you’re the reason she wasn’t at the hotel during check-in?” Drogan asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I see.” Drogan turned away. “It’s lucky then. I’m not going to ask why she wanted a prossy. Her business is her own. What I don’t like is that someone used that info to get to her, or would have tried to. This is serious. This means that someone on board my ship knew, or found out, what she was up to and contacted someone on the planet. Tigress put extra security on Office Lavender. Ambassador, I am going to have to ask you to keep your distance from her until this is over.”

  Diego nodded grudgingly. He would try to stay away from her, but it killed him inside to know that she was a pawn in someone’s sick, twisted political game. Secretly, it pleased him that Drogan had called him ambassador. That told him that the captain trusted him to an extent. Regardless of what happened, Ana would be safe, and anyone who harmed her would learn why Diego was also feared in the con circles. His hands clenched into fists.

  “I do see one problem.” Tigress’s words made Diego look up. “Everyone has a data port, whether installed on their bodies or on their wrist-com units. If the assassin got in once, I fear they’ll figure out how to get in twice.”

  “You said that—”

  “I know what I said. Security has been heightened, but if they’re really crafty and they can mimic anyone, then—”

  “I know what you’re saying.” Drogan pressed the tips of his fingers together. His features were hard, his eyes were unfathomable, his lips had formed a thin line.

  Diego could see the issue. “Isn’t there a way to tell the difference between a cyborg and a normal person?” He hated that he didn’t know enough about the current advances in cyber tech. A thought occurred to him. “My brother Roberto has knowledge of this subject. Let me bring him in on this conversation. He’s the real ambassador’s assistant…well, one of them.”

  Drogan nodded. “Bring him in here, but only him.”

  Diego didn’t waste any time. It took quite a bit of effort to keep Pio from coming with him. “You’re going to have to give him something to do to get him off our case.” Roberto hissed. “That man is like a dog with a bone.”

  Diego nodded. “I’ll think of something important for him to do later. Right now, you have to educate us on the latest model of cyborgs.”

  Roberto bowed his head toward Drogan and Tigress. “Captain, thank you for believing my brother.”

  Drogan shrugged. “I believe him, but I have yet to fully trust him. So, tell me about the latest cyborgs and how to spot them.”

  “Cyborgs are essentially humans, only upgraded to be part machine. Almost everyone has cybernetic implants and nanotechnology within them. Cyborgs, on the other hand, need more nanotech than most people due to their special needs. Their mechanical parts need to be taken care of and repaired on a daily basis. A little-known fact is that although their blood appears normal, it isn’t. While most humanoid life forms have A, B, AB, O, and most alien species are classified by M for Martian, J for Jupiterarians and so forth, cyborgs carry what is known as C-plus blood.”

  Drogan sat back in his chair. “Can we detect this special blood without extra equipment?”

  Roberto shook his head. “No need to do that. All you need to do is have your med deck personnel run the crew’s blood tests like normal, but look for higher levels of nanobots in the blood stream. They should know the regular amount that is contained in a species’ body.”

  “Yes, we can do that. Have it go along with annual flu shots since that’s coming up. The Doc’s been pestering me about starting earlier this year due to all our travels in the Green quadrant.” Drogan winced. “I’ll let her know we’re going along with her plan, starting today even. She’ll be thrilled and stop nagging me about it. We should have a backup plan in case the cyborg manages to pass.”

  Diego racked his brain. “Isn’t it customary to have a feast when a delegate is onboard?”

  “Yeah, sure, but we thought it would be best to keep the ambassador’s sojourn here low-key. You’re thinking we put you out in the open? See if they bite?” Drogan shook his head, thin braids flying everywhere. “I’m not sure about that. You’re already exposed enough as it is. Besides, with the four security officers I had to take off rotation, we’re low on people…unless Tigress will let me use her black-ops guys.” The captain glanced up at the tiger shifter, whose face was contorted in a mix of eagerness and distres
s.

  “On the one hand, they’ve been itching for a mission that isn’t guard detail,” Tigress admitted. “On another—”

  Drogan cut her off. “If you say waste their talents on him I’ll deny you planet-side leave when you arrive at Veritas 10. Regardless of who this man really is, he’s a VIP who needs protection, and I want this Chameleon Cyborg off my damn ship. Bad enough one of our people was used for this, but now anyone on this ship could be at risk.”

  Tigress’s face took on an emotionless mask. “I’ll have them briefed and ready within the hour. But first I’ll have them tested.”

  “Good. We should have the ambassador and his entourage visit the testing area first as a show of how med deck operates, sort of like a guided tour of the ship.”

  Diego couldn’t agree more. One, it was a chance to familiarize himself with his new surroundings, and two, he got to see Anarrae again, even if it was only from a distance.

  Chapter Eight

  Anarrae groaned as she opened her eyes. Bright lights blinded her. It took quite a few blinks for her vision to clear.

  “Ana, how are you feeling?” a soothing, gentle female voice said.

  Ana looked around and focused on Doctor Titheniel. The ship’s doctor gazed at her with beautiful multicolored eyes. Ana blinked again and groaned. Her head throbbed and her back and bottom hurt. The light was also too damn bright.

  “Head still hurts? That should pass as soon as the gas is out of your system. How’s your stomach?” The doctor’s gentle voice soothed some of the pain away.

  Ana took a moment to mentally inventory her body. Her stomach felt more stable than before. She shifted on the bed and breathed out a sigh of relief when her stomach didn’t flip.

  “I take it everything is better?”

  Ana nodded and settled back against her pillows. “Much.” She took in her surroundings. As usual MedLevel was bustling with activity. “I could have sworn that—?”

  “The ambassador was called away. I’ll let him know that you’re awake and better. He asked that he be kept apprised of your condition.”

  Heat flushed Ana’s face as a memory surfaced. “Oh Goddess, I threw up on him. I threw up on a politician.”

  Ana wished the world would open up and swallow her whole. She reached out and grabbed Doctor Titheniel’s hand. “Please, don’t. I’ve humiliated myself enough in front of him.” Ana wanted to hide in her rooms and not come out until they’d left Veritas 10.

  “He asked that he be informed of your progress, but I guess I can forget to tell him about your being discharged. After all, I’ll be so busy with the flu vaccinations that the captain authorized. You’ll be one of the first to get them.”

  Ana wasn’t sure she was too pleased with this new development. She shifted and pulled up the covers. “You know, I’m not feeling too well right now.”

  Doctor Titheniel waved her hand. “Nonsense. Your stomach is stable and your vitals are much better. A few shots will be fine. Now, take off the blanket and give me your arm. We’ll need a double round for the Plutonian flu. Last time that bug hit the ship it spread like wildfire. Come on. The sooner you get the shots, the sooner it will be over. Give me the blanket.”

  There was a short tug of war, which Ana lost. The covering was pulled away and her sleeve tugged up.

  “You’ll be fine. It will only hurt for a minute.”

  Ana cried out as the first needle pierced skin. One after another, she took her shots until she couldn’t feel her arm. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

  “Bitch.” Ana muttered.

  Doctor Titheniel grinned. “Pin cushion. Here have some Tarraian chocolate, helps with the pain. They’re filled with liquor too. Go on, take some.”

  Ana reached out and took a thin, circular piece of candy. Bitter sweetness burst in her mouth, chased by the warmth of the alcohol. She moaned aloud and reached for another one, but the doctor moved the box away.

  Doctor Titheniel leaned a hip against the bed. “You owe me dirty, filthy details, woman. I want to know it all—every lascivious thing you did on Il Doge.”

  Ana frowned up at her friend, unsure what to say. “Dr. Titheniel.” She began.

  “Don’t, Dr. Titheniel, me. You did do something, didn’t you?” She flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder, settled on the bed and leaned forward. “What did you do? Oooh, this is so exciting! I wish my love life was this fantastic. The only thrill I get nowadays are when Dorian and Lex fall into bed with me. I haven’t had sex in universe knows how long.” She reached out and gripped Anarrae’s arm. “I need details. Need them.”

  Ana laughed. “How about dinner at my quarters, a girls’ movie night?”

  “Bless you! May the heavens open up and rain dildos upon us. Not hurting you, of course. Ugh, gotta get back to work. Here.” She shoved the box of chocolates at Ana and slid off the bed. “I keep telling the captain the earlier we start doing the flu shots, the better things will be. I hope this is a new rule from now on because I’m not going to go through that snarlbit stomach virus again.”

  Ana had just shoved another chocolate into her mouth when she swallowed and started choking. Her eyes watered as she watched the ambassador, accompanied by the captain and head of security, enter the med deck.

  Dr. Titheniel rushed back over and began patting her on the back, hard. “Ana, breathe honey, breathe.”

  Anarrae watched in horror as the chocolate flew out and landed right on the ambassador’s jacket, just as he’d come to stand at the end of her bed. The smile on his face contorted to one of shock.

  “Oh, universe, kill me now.” Ana snuggled under the sheets and pulled the covers over her head.

  “Oh my God, the ambassador!” Several women exclaimed. Ana peeked out to see a swarm of nurses, all armed with towels, rushing at him.

  The ambassador just brushed the chocolate off and smiled at Ana. Her belly did a flip. Heat flooded her body. He moved forward, putting his hands on the railings of her footboard.

  “You must be feeling better. You’re eating chocolate.” His grin widened as his eyes narrowed. Fire burned in the blue depths. “I should have my assistant send you flowers.”

  Ana’s nerve endings flared to life as memories of her time with Dodger bombarded her. Heat extended from her stomach outward. Her body tightened as her breasts became full. She sucked in a breath and squirmed as her pussy and inner thighs began to tingle. She struggled to shove the arousal away.

  Ana couldn’t understand her reaction to this man. It was almost as if Dodger were standing before her. Only, he wasn’t. Ana had never seen Dodger’s face, but the man in front of her had thick, wavy blond hair and dark sapphire blue eyes. Her body told her Dodger was in front of her, but his hair was all wrong. And Dodger—his eyes were blue, not green. An ache started in her stomach and she looked away. Ana wanted Dodger here with her now.

  “Ambassador,” Captain Drogan snapped. “We should continue with your tour.”

  The ambassador scowled. “Of course.”

  Ana looked up and sucked in a breath. It was as if a wall had slammed shut between them. Heat burned in his eyes as he gave her a curt nod of his head before moving off. Confusion flitted through her mind. The air became thin. It was hard to breathe. For a moment, she struggled with her emotions. She knew she shouldn’t be feeling this. The two of them had no connection. This wasn’t normal. Why was she feeling like this?

  Dr. Titheniel’s voice cut into her thoughts. “Wow, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say he wants you. Lucky! I’ll send these to your quarters and get your discharge papers ready. You’ll have much more privacy there than here, where everyone will gossip like Earth Betties.”

  Ana nodded. She needed to gather her thoughts and understand what she was feeling. A glance toward the other end of the med deck made her sigh as the arousal continued to sizzle through her veins. She turned away again and struggled to get out of bed. She was back at work now. She had to forget Dodger, and forget Il Doge. There
was no use in pining for a man she couldn’t have. Besides, he was a criminal. There was no hope there. Her heart ached at that thought and tears stung her eyes. She shook her head and slid out of bed. She pulled on her standard issue boots and stood up.

  “Ms. Lavender?” a soft male voice asked. She glanced back to see the man that Dodger had been talking to at the café back on Il Doge. Ana blinked. “My name is Roberto. I’m the ambassador’s assistant. I also assume you know my brother?”

  Ana looked at him confused. “Brother?”

  “You call him Dodger.” The man gave her a gentle smile. Ana stared at him in shock. She licked her lips and tried to form the words. “I see I’ve surprised you. Yes, he’s told me about you. He spoke highly about you. He wished for me to give this to you.” Roberto handed her Dodger’s spiked collar.

  With a shaking hand, Ana took the offered gift. “Th-th-thank you. How…how is he?” She clutched the collar to her chest as her heart rate sped up.

  Roberto smiled. “He’s off creating mischief. I would like to say thank you. You made him happy.”

  Tears stung Ana’s eyes again.

  “Did you take the mask he left for you?” the man went on. “Die—Dodger wanted you to have it.” He continued to smile but there was caution in his eyes.

  Ana nodded. “Yes. When you see him again, thank him for me.”

  “Of course. I hope you feel better. I would have introduced myself earlier but I’m an aide to the ambassador.”

  “Of course. Busy. If you’ll excuse me?” Ana bowed her head and left the med deck as fast as possible.

  * * *

  Diego watched Roberto return to him. His heart ached to go after Ana but he stayed where he was.