Crisis Of Empire - Crown Of Empire Part 3

19.

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

aliens have advanced as far as I have," Kitchley said. True enough, and Jessine certainly under- stood what he intended.

"I would be grateful for your protection. If we

both survive and I have the power to do it, I will reward you." She tried to smile, then gave it up as a bad idea. It was enough to a.s.sure him that his service would not go unappreciated. He nod- ded acknowledgment.

"You have a weapon." He indicated the small

railgun.

'"Yes. And there's a pistol in my hovercraft, if

we can get to it, and extra ammunition." She secured the wrist bands other anorak. "Do we

leave yet?"

"Not without the escort," said Kitchley. "We

need them. You and I are too well-known. We are apt to be recognized. They will be here in ten minutes, or not at all. We will decide what to do about that if we must." He watched the windows and the security display. "So far there are no

intruders near us."

"How long can that last?" She flexed her

hands, needing to move. "Admiral Sclerida's troops are likely to arrive at any moment."

"Sclerida?" said Kitchley. "Do you mean hes behind this?" He stared as if he truly did not

believe her.

20.

She returned his stare. "Well, who else? The Haiken Maru conglomerate supports Senator Lomax, and he's certainly ambitious - but why would he do something this drastic when it could mean losing his own power?"

"But-Sclerida?"

It was not in Jessine to reveal her sources.

"You know how it is - you overhear things, you're told things at parties and receptions by men who wish to impress you. I would have thought that Admiral Sclerida was the most likely conspirator, what with having all of Naval Logistics at his beck and call. He's greedy enough, and he's been trying for years to bring the High Secretary under his influence. So far unsuccessfully."

Kitchley nodded. "Yes. Exactly. An obvious choice; perhaps too obvious. But don't you see, he's not in the same position as Senator Lomax.

Lomax has all the power of the biggest conglom- erate in the empire behind him."

"I still think it must be Sclerida," said Jessine.

"If he is the one, then all s.h.i.+ps must be regarded as hostile." She shuddered. "To lose the Navy to a coup - that's frightening."

Kitchley interrupted. "I don't believe he con- trols the Protectorate, only Logistics."

Jessine's eyes narrowed as she worked out the

21.

Chelsea Quinn Yarbrv

implications. "We would still be completely unprotected off Earth. If you're right, and the Haiken Maru are with the rebellion . . ." Now she steeled herself, thinldng ofVer and hearing her own doubts about him at the same instant. "I hope that the Kona Tatsu are loyal. We need at least one force to remain with us if we're to sur- vive. If they go over to the rebels, then - "

'Then we will have to arrange to leave the planet as soon as possible," said Kitchley.

"Yes," said Jessine, wondering if that would

make any difference.

"We'll get you safe. Don't worry," Kitchley

a.s.sured her, glancing apprehensively at the

ornate wall clock.

A sudden cras.h.i.+ng knock on the main door to her suite jolted them both. They exchanged glances as the battering continued-

"Check the screens," recommended Kitchley.

"Keep them on opaque, one way view only."

"Of course," she said, irritated. "G.o.d of the Cosmos!" she whispered as the wall in front of

her s.h.i.+fted to screen mode.

There was a squad of well-armed German ali- ens in the corridor. Jessine's breath caught in her throat. 'That's not your escort, right?"

Kitchley looked fh^rtened. "No," he squeaked.

Over the announcing scanner came the order,

22.

"Open up in the name of the High Secretary. We are ordered to secure these premises."

Jessine recovered. T don't think so," she whis- pered. "They're with the rebels."

Kitchley didn't disagree.

The Cemians brought their heavy repulsors to bear. Under close range heavy barrage, the wall shuddered, then seemed to melt

"Perhaps we should leave now," offered Kitchley

Jessine broke for the living room and the hid- den dropshaft.

Kitchley started to follow, still watching the wall-screen. Then the Cemians turned away from the wreckage of the wall. A squad of human troops in plain black uniforms came into the cor- ridor, railguns at the ready.