Carnevale and Subterfuge

by Selena Illyria

  Ana shook her head. “No, it’s not. I brought this danger to the ship. It’s my fault.”

  Diego shook his head. He hated that she was blaming herself. “Maybe not. On your account you spent most of your time with this Dodger. You went to all the touristy traps and only saw the tavern, hotel, and shipping dock. The only place I’d say you could have seen something was the tavern. It’s in a good part of town, but it’s been known to get in a few drifters from other towns and planets. Did you notice anything or anyone out of the ordinary?”

  “No.” She shook her head and sipped her water.

  “Then we’re stuck. An assassination is one thing, but going after Ms. Lavender is overkill.”

  Drogan steepled his fingers. “Not necessarily. What if they kidnapped Anarrae and reprogrammed her to perform the assassin’s duties?”

  Diego drew closer to the desk. “Hack her dataport and screw with her mind? Is that possible?” He shuddered. He’d heard of things like that but had never thought it was true, or real. It was more in the realm of a conspiracy theory than anything. But acting as the ambassador was making him re-think how he saw the world. “Or have her act as an assassin only to get caught, and then the real killer would reveal him or herself and kill me.”

  “An elaborate plan, I know.” Drogan sighed. But I’ve heard of similar things in the past.”

  Diego’s stomach lurched. “But this is all guesswork. Meanwhile, there’s a cyborg taking on the appearance of innocent crew members.”

  Drogan let out a growl of displeasure. He pushed back his chair and stood up. “There has to be a faster way to find this person. Tigress,” he said. “Status report.”

  Tigress started forward. “Yes, sir. They’ve entered Ensign Lavender’s quarters and found nothing out of the ordinary. Sweeping for bugs and recording devices.”

  “Computer, turn off the signal to the spike camera.”

  “Already done.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Mercurian alloy blend, with the best ShanXion tech. The best, you hear me?”

  “Yes, yes. All of it.”

  “Nothing found. They even did spectral layering and deep penetration X-rays. Nothing,” Tigress reported.

  Diego shook his head. “Chameleon Cyborgs can blend in perfectly. Who’s to say that they didn’t mimic the substance of their surroundings?”

  “Good question. We still don’t know. Tigress, call your contacts in the black-op sector, get more info on these cyborgs. Bring in a specialist if you need to. I want it off my ship and away from my crew. Ambassador, I’m doubling your detail. Ana—”

  “—will be staying with me,” Diego cut in. “We have an extra suite on my floor. I refuse to have her return to her quarters.”

  “Ambassador, that is so kind of you. I can’t possibly—”

  “I’m not going to take no for an answer. If I have any ideas, I’ll come to you. Ensign Lavender, if you’ll come with me.”

  “But—” Tigress started.

  “Good night, everyone.” Diego’s tone was clipped. He refused to talk about this anymore, not when they’d failed Ana…when he’d failed Ana.

  Once they were outside the captain’s office, she turned toward him. “Don’t ever do that to me again.” She strode in front of him, chin lifted, eyes shining with tears.

  Diego followed her to the lifts and stepped inside, unsure of why she was upset. “Ana…”

  “I can’t believe you did that to me, Dodger. You humiliated me in front of my captain. Bad enough you’re on this ship and committing a crime, but to do that!” She shook her head. Tears slipped down her cheeks. Shame shone in her eyes.

  “Ana, I have permission to do this. And I didn’t want to humiliate you, but they had no ideas on how to protect you, so I did the only thing I could think of.”

  “I’m going to my quarters.” She crossed her arms and turned away.

  “Don’t be daft, bella. It’s not safe.”

  “Says you. How do I know I this isn’t a con?” She turned her head toward him, her eyebrow raised.

  “Talk to Roberto. He’ll tell you.” Diego prayed his brother wouldn’t take advantage of the situation and embarrass him.

  “He’s your brother.” Skepticism shown in her eyes.

  “Ana, just come with me, please? I need to speak to you alone and where I’m sure it’s safe.”

  “Nowhere is safe,” Ana said.

  “True.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Can we please talk?”

  “Fine. But after that I’m returning to my quarters.” She reached out to press the keypad but the doors opened to Diego’s floor before she could switch their destination.

  Diego groaned aloud when he saw four drones lining the hallway against each wall along with four guards dressed head to toe in black. “A bit overboard.”

  “It’s for your safety.” Ana pointed out.

  “Yes, but, Jesus… I haven’t seen this many guards for just one person in my life. Not even at the Anumerian Ball, and that had every royal house of Anthemas present and without weapons.”

  “What does that mean?” Ana didn’t look so indignant now.

  He grinned. “It’s an annual event that includes the warring tribes of the Pollux planets and the insane royalty of the Pytho. Snake shifters said to come from Earth but there’s no proof of that. I’ll take you one year.”

  Diego stopped talking when he realized what he’d just said. There was no guarantee that she’d want to see him after this. His heart sank and his face flared with heat. “Sorry, I rambled.” He rubbed the back of his neck and let out a nervous chuckle. “Here we are.”

  After punching in his security code, he allowed Ana to precede him into the room.

  “I was beginning to worry. Ms. Lavender.” Roberto bowed before moving to the side. “I’m guessing there’s been another attempt? A few of the entourage tried to go to the cafeteria only to encounter security. What is going on?”

  Diego gave him a quick explanation, and then said, “Why the bloody hell are they going to the cafeteria at this hour?”

  “They slept as soon as we arrived. Now they’re awake and hungry. I’ll go talk to them, explain things, then I’ll be in my quarters. I’ll get some info to you from my sources. Good luck.” Roberto clapped his brother on the back and left the room.

  When Diego turned around he could see Anarrae was looking around the room. Her eyes were wide. It was a very big room. The bedroom was equally large. Even the bathroom was pretty impressive for a starship of this caliber.

  “Do you like it?” Diego said.

  “It’s lovely. I’ve never been in this section. Never needed to be.” She turned to him. “Is it all like this?”

  “Yeah, pretty much. Now you wanted to talk? Would you like something to drink while we talk?” Diego walked over to food processor and ordered himself a Bermudian whisky.

  “No, thank you.” Ana took a seat on the couch but continued to look around. For a moment he hesitated, wanting to sit closer to her but refusing to do so. He’d given her a major shock before. He doubted she’d want him to be so close.

  “What do you want to know?” Diego rested an arm on the headrest of the chair and settled in, despite being uneasy about what she could ask him.

  “So this is a con and a legitimate job?” Her face was expressionless.

  Diego itched to ask the AI to read her vitals, but all he could was nod, hating that maybe she disapproved. “Yes, it is. I was hired on Il Doge.”

  “You were discussing the job with Roberto at the café, the last time we were together.”

  It wasn’t a question but he answered anyway. “Yes.” He resisted the urge to shift in his seat. Instead, he kept his focus on her and waited.

  “So, you’re not conning people? Or me, for that matter?”

  “No, I’m not.”

  Ana’s shoulders slipped down and her body language became more open. “Good.”

  Silence stretched out between them. In Ana’
s eyes, Diego could see that there were questions she wanted to ask and things she wanted to say.

  “Bella, just say it,” he said.

  “I don’t know how this will work or how to act. This is a very odd situation.” She nibbled her bottom lip.

  “It is.”

  “Did you… Is this hard for you?” She shook her head. Confusion in her gaze. “Never mind.”

  “Very hard for me. I hate ships, to be honest—too claustrophobic—but what I hated more was lying to you,” he said. Tension sang through his body as he fought with himself to keep from going to her. To cover up his struggle, he took a sip of his alcohol, allowing the burn to distract him.

  “You were on med deck when I was there. You stayed with me.”

  Diego nodded but said nothing else.

  “Do you have to continue the charade after we get to Veritas 10?” She pressed her lips together.

  “No. After I and the entourage leave the ship it’s over. I get my payment.” Diego’s heart lurched. After that it would be all over and he’d never see her again. He shoved that thought away.

  “What will you do after this is over?” Her voice was soft and her tone was neutral.

  He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  Emotions rushed across Ana’s face. Twice, she opened her mouth without saying anything. Diego understood the feeling. He was at a loss for words too.

  “I just want to say that, if you’ll allow it, I’d like for us to continue what we started on Il Doge, only, um…” He stopped talking, unsure of what to say.

  She shook her head and sadness filled her features. “How? You’re a criminal and I’m an officer on this ship. I can’t just leave that behind.”

  He gritted his teeth at her words. Annoyance flared in his body. He remembered the way her rooms looked. So empty, lonely. She’d had life on Il Doge—vivacity, sexuality. Here she suppressed all those things. “What do you have on this ship? I’ve seen your quarters. They’re bare. It’s as if no one lives there.”

  She turned away.

  “You say you love your job and yet there is nothing to indicate that. Do you have lunch with people outside of your rooms? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about, or do you just chat with people on that Scuttle Butt thing?” He knew he was pressing a sore subject by the way she winced, but he refused to let go. They had been given a second chance and he was going to take it.

  “Ana.” Diego slid to his knees and maneuvered in front of her. With his free hand, he grasped one of her wrists. “Look at me and tell me that you’re not at least tempted to come with me. We can go anywhere you want. I can show you worlds you’d never see stuck on this floating metal hulk.”

  Her face tensed, anger flashed in her eyes. “Don’t call it that,” she said.

  Diego scooted back but didn’t let go of her wrist. Her pulse tapped out a steady beat against his index finger. The small contact of her skin against his sent electricity up his arm. His body heated as he gazed into her brown eyes and saw the fire he’d always known had been buried within behind her demure mask.

  “I know I’m new here, but I love this ship and all its crew. I just never… I’m not good at decorating.” She gave him a watery smile.

  “So? Some people still insist on wearing socks and sandals and they’re happy. It’s your quarters, unless there’s something you’re not telling me.” He rocked back and settled on his heels. Diego paid close attention to her face.

  Her lips pursed for a second, her eyes danced and her body sank into the seat. She chuckled. “I never put down roots here, huh? I guess I always thought that they’d come for me, pull me off this ship.”

  Secrets sparkled in her eyes that made Diego want to dive in and figure out the mystery that was Ana. “Who?”

  “What does your file say on me?” Ana shifted on the couch, her body relaxing still further as she watched him.

  “Um, well, military family, and a few odds and ends. Nothing much.” Heat flooded his chest and face. He could appreciate that she was smart enough to guess that he was capable of getting information.

  Ana straightened to her full height and her face became unreadable. “Does it say who my father is?”

  “Um,” Diego paused. He was about to ask the computer for help but resisted.

  “My name is Anarrae Lavender. I am the daughter of Admiral Lukas Diemetro Lavender. Do you know who he is?”

  Diego whistled and looked her over. “Military brat extraordinaire.” He chuckled. “He is one of the highest ranking officers in the intergalactic navy. Fucking hell, I’m screwed.” He could’ve kicked himself. If things had been different and she hadn’t made contact would her father have stepped in to order the entire intergalactic fleet to find his daughter? Shit. He was thankful that hadn’t happened.

  Ana’s laughter was musical, seductive, and infectious. Her reserve broke down and her eyes glittered.

  Diego joined in, reveling in the sound. “No wonder you didn’t plant roots or interact. You were afraid your father would come on board and snatch you away. Military princess is more like it. Goddess, he must have shit kittens when you told him what ship you were assigned to.”

  “Actually, I asked for the Hades’ Helmet, and yes, he wasn’t pleased. He wanted me on board one of those galactic cruisers that never goes into battle.” She grinned.

  “I’ll bet.” But Diego could appreciate her father’s concern. He’d want her as far away from war as possible. Even the idea of a small skirmish made his stomach flip. He wanted his Ana safe, forever and always.

  “He would like you.” She continued to grin. Secrets sparkled in her eyes.

  That comment caught Diego off guard. “Why?”

  “You’re not like the kiss-asses that populate the military hierarchy.” Her mouth parted to show off her perfectly straight teeth.

  “But—” Diego couldn’t fathom how a con artist like him would be welcome in the Admiral’s home—much less dating his daughter.

  “You don’t have to tell him anything about your past. It’s not like my family tree is populated with saints.”

  Diego’s heart flipped at the look she gave him.

  “I wish we could start over,” she said, “but too much has happened, even if I don’t know your real name…”

  A maddening urge took hold of Diego. He wanted to pour out his life story to her, tell her everything about himself. Diego struggled as his mind argued with itself over the ramifications of telling her all there was to know about him.

  She could be in danger if he told her everything, but she deserved to know. She was being honest with him, and if the cyborg got hold of her…

  Diego’s thoughts drifted to his early days in the con when he was young and didn’t know much. The words came spilling out. “I wasn’t always this, a con artist. I was once the son of a very prominent man. Well, people thought he was. Truth be told, Arturo wasn’t a good man. At night, he was a drunk and beat on his wife and children. In the morning he’d go to the courthouse and defend the government against the scum of the planet by spouting off laws and consequences.” Diego’s body filled with tension as he uttered the last part through gritted teeth. A glance at Anarrae put him at ease. The concern and sympathy he found in her soothed the old aches of his childhood.

  “My mother was a good woman. She didn’t come from a noble family. They were working stock, but her family had all died in the Great Flu of ’26. She had no one to turn to for help, not with the position she was in. Anyway, I began leaving home very early. I’d return of course, but just long enough to protect my mother and brother and then I was off. The night was my mistress. Her dark embrace allowed me to see the world as it was.

  “I was thirteen when I met Riktor, a big name in the con game as well as other work, rumored to be a former Pirate King.” Memories rose up to overwhelm him. The brine and dung scented night. The humidity that hung in the air. The feel of anticipation and danger around every corner. “Gods, Riktor was massive, with white-blon
d hair that hung past his shoulders and these piercing blue eyes that could see right into your soul. Implants, of course. Half his face looked like it’d been put through some sort of shredder. He wore this drab brown coat with a multitude of pockets, some within other pockets. To this day I don’t know what all of them were filled with.

  “Anyway, I’d just escaped the house after a beating from my father. I could barely see. One eye was swollen shut and my whole body was aching. I could barely walk. I had to limp along. I rounded a corner, headed for Goddess knew where when I smacked into him—Riktor. I gazed up at him and realized I was in presence of something big and bad. There I was, this gioventù, shaking like a leaf. I had never been in such deep shit in my life. I’d mostly pinched fruit and stuff from the early-morning sellers or nicked some beer from a bartender when he wasn’t looking. But this… I knew this was true trouble.” Goose bumps broke out over his skin as his brown broke out in a sheen of sweat.

  Ana leaned forward, eyes sparkling with interest. That made Diego smile even wider as he continued his story. “He took one look at me and told me to run. I ran like the hounds of hell were after me. Once I’d gotten home, I thought I was safe, naïve as I was. For a week I didn’t go out, didn’t do anything. I was too scared. And my father was passed out drunk for most of that time, so there was nothing to worry about on that front. One of the few joyful times in my childhood.” Sadness threatened to pull him down as his heart grew heavy once more.

  “Then I got the bright idea that if nothing had happened, then I was safe and I could go out again. What were the odds that he would find me?” Diego shook his head. “I was wrong. I’d just come out of my house and there he was, Riktor, leaning against my front gate, cool as can be, half his face hidden by the lamp light, flipping a coin the air. As soon as he saw me, he called me by name. I couldn’t get in the house fast enough.”

  Diego began to laugh. “I’d gotten the door open, but he’d grabbed me by the collar as soon as I set one foot in the doorway. He hauled me away and closed the door. ‘We’re going on a trip,’ he’d said. I was too scared to shout out for help. Turned out to be the best night of my life. I never told Roberto about it, though. He’d want to come and the places we went weren’t for children.”