Bones of Empire by William C. Dietz Read Free Book Online Page A

having been infected with kaza dung, had been allowed to fester for weeks so as to produce the hard ridges that the variants born on Kenor were so proud of.
    Below Inobo’s smooth forehead, safe within bony caves, two coal black eyes could be seen, both of which were filled with undisguised malice. The officer’s nose had been pounded flat, his lips were pursed in an expression of eternal disapproval, and even though he hadn’t said anything yet, his jaw was already at work.
    â€œWell,” Inobo said deliberately as he flicked an imaginary piece of lint off his immaculate uniform. “Jak Cato, a Centurion now, who would have believed it? But shit floats, everyone knows that, so I guess it was only a matter of time before you bobbed to the surface. Not via the regular promotion process, of course, because that would be impossible given your record, but via a meritorious field commission granted by a Legate who never goes to war.”
    Inobo’s chair produced an audible sigh as he leaned back in it. “But who knows?” he asked rhetorically. “Maybe the next group of assassins will get lucky and polish Usurlus off! Where will you be then, Cato? Did you ever think of that? Back to Section Leader, that’s where. . . . If you’re lucky enough to keep your stripes.
    â€œMeanwhile, I’m supposed to put you to work,” Inobo added reflectively, “so you can wait in line to kiss the Emperor’s ass. Fortunately, I have the perfect job. . . . We lost Centurion Sispus three weeks ago. The silly bastard followed half a dozen Ur suspects down into the sewers under Freak Town and never came out. You’ll take his place. Any questions?”
    Cato, his eyes still focused on the photo, had one. “Sir, yes, sir. What squad?”
    Inobo had anticipated the question. He smiled evilly as he gave the one-word answer. “Bunko.”
    Cato felt his already depressed spirits plummet even further. Members of the Xeno Corps’ bunko squad were charged with pursuing alien con artists, who, owing to their unusual capabilities, were often hard if not impossible for the municipal police to track down. More than that, the bunko squad was often used as a bureaucratic dumping ground for police officers who were considered to be misfits, fuckups, or screw-balls. The assignment was clearly intended to punish Cato for past crimes, brand him a loser, and block the possibility of advancement.
    Cato felt the anger start to build, and because Inobo could “feel” it as well, the Primus nodded agreeably. “That sucks, doesn’t it, Cato? Maybe you’d like some of me. If so, come and get it.”
    That was what Inobo wanted more than anything else, Cato realized. A reason to court-martial him. So even though he wanted to accept the invitation, the Centurion managed to restrain himself.
    Inobo nodded knowingly. “Very good. . . . Maybe you have learned something over the years. That will be all, Centurion Cato. See Section Leader Shani. She’ll fill you in regarding the squad’s current caseload. Now, get the hell out of my office and stay out of trouble. I’ll have your ass for breakfast if you don’t.”
    Cato said, “Yes, sir,” and did a neat about-face. Four paces later, he was outside the office, having closed the door behind him. The receptionist looked over and grinned. “Welcome back, sir.”
    â€œThanks, I think,” Cato replied. “I’m looking for Section Leader Shani. Where would I find her?”
    â€œIn jail,” the noncom replied casually. “Where else?”

THREE
    The city of Imperialus, on the planet Corin
    AS WAS HIS HABIT, USURLUS AWOKE ABOUT 10:00 AM He just lay there at first, luxuriating in the comfort of his own bed and the sound of Satha’s steady breathing. It felt good to be back on Corin. And not just because of the physical pleasures that were available on the Empire’s most