Star Risk - 03 The Doublecross Program by Chris Bunch Read Free Book Online Page A

driver.
    "Two years later, for some unknown reason, they decided to make another pass over Berfan. They used, according to the records, the same approach the previous recon had plotted, and got blown out of the sky for their laziness. If laziness it was."
    "Hmm," M'chel said. "If that building's still there, and still in use, I'd think it was probably important� at least to one of their chiefs.
    "Now, to figure out a way in� and a way out. I suspect I need to put Grok and you in motion."
    The prisoner was ushered into the small, bare holding room.
    "This is the Shaoki agent, Toas," the prison officer said.
    "I am not�"
    The officer, without looking disturbed, slammed Toas into the wall, headfirst.
    "That is enough," Friedrich said.
    The officer looked surprised but obeyed. He crossed his arms and took a position against one wall.
    "I will talk to him alone, if you please," von Baldur said.
    The officer started to object.
    "I have permission from your deputy warden."
    The officer nodded and marched out.
    Toas looked at him with scorn.
    "Sit down," Friedrich said, extending a hand to the other chair in the room, on the other side of the table, bare except for a solid-sided suitcase, Friedrich sat at.
    "I'll stand."
    "Suit yourself," Friedrich said indifferently.
    Toas looked puzzled.
    "I want to talk to you about the Shaoki beliefs," von Baldur said.
    "I know of none."
    Von Baldur nodded, as if expecting that answer. He touched the side of his briefcase twice.
    "There are, as I am sure you've guessed, listening devices in this cell. Now they are receiving nothing but static. You can speak honestly."
    "Why should I trust you?"
    "A good question. I surely would not, if I were you."
    Toas's puzzlement grew.
    "You come from the village of Jahka?" Friedrich asked.
    "There is no longer such a village."
    "What happened to it?"
    "It was leveled and those people who did not flee to the city were named bandits. Like me."
    "Why?"
    "Because�" Toas looked about, then firmed his lips. "Because Prince Quan wanted our land that we had held for generations, for a main plantation."
    "Of course," Friedrich said.
    Toas blinked.
    "You believe me?"
    "I believe you," von Baldur said. "You are not the first, nor the tenth, farmer I have seen called a bandit because he stood against a rich man. Have you ever met a real bandit?"
    "No," Toas said, then hesitated. "Yes, yes, I have. Once, when I was a boy. The villagers had taken him when he was lying drunk, after having raped one of our women. They hanged him to a harvester's top brace."
    "Good," von Baldur said, standing. "That is all I need."
    "Wait," Toas said. "Can you help me?"
    "Do you want me to?" von Baldur said. "That attracts attention."
    "I do not care," Toas said. "I was just ready to kill myself when you called me out. I do not care what happens to me, especially if there is some way you can help me get revenge on Prince Quan."
    "For yourself?"
    "For myself� for my family� for my village."
    "I shall see what I can do," Friedrich said. "Perhaps have you paroled to me as being particularly helpful in understanding the ways of the Shaoki."
    A smile that wasn't humorous came to Toas.
    "You are a devious man."
    "I try to be."
    The lifter moved slowly toward the guard shack. There were two sentries.
    One stepped out of the booth, saw the stanchion flag with the twin stars of a general, waved the lifter into the compound, and stiffened into a salute, not seeing the three outlanders�Jasmine, Grok, and Riss�in the opaque rear.
    The lifter moved past the booth.
    "Interesting," Grok said softly. "He didn't bother looking inside, nor checking our ID. �Sloppy' is the word for it, I suspect, which is somewhat frightening, considering this compound is one of the main arms depots."
    "Umm," Riss agreed. She was looking back through the rear window. The sentry lowered his blaster and stared with a look of utter hatred at the lifter.
    "The people really love their royalty, don't they?" she