“Ms Rowanberg’s with you? Good, so you got her out? How is she? ” He didn’t realise that his flurry of eager questions were a definite tell, but the Lieutenant pretended not to notice. “Annoyed, sir.” The Lieutenant chuckled. “She was looking forward to taking out her anger on her captors, but I’m afraid we denied her that privilege. The five we got are not answering any calls now.” “Good,” James spat, and under his breath he added, “F*cking bastards.” He thought no one heard him, and he didn’t see the Lieutenant struggling not to grin. So he’s one of us after all, mused the Lieutenant.” FearChangeSpaceCourageFutureCuriosityExploreGrippingAlternate HistoryHigh Tech Book:First into the Fray Source: First into the Fray
“We’re next, Vladimir. Do you want to go first, or shall I? Something’s really got them stirred up today.” The co-pilot and the engineer laughed and gave each other a nervous glance as if to say, Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Something about Pilot Polanski was different, but neither of them could quite identify it.” ChangeSpaceCourageFutureCuriosityExploreGrippingAlternate HistoryHigh Tech Book:First into the Fray Source: First into the Fray
“She’s on it? And she has the item?” “Yes. She passed through using her own ID, Dysson from Freemantle.” The agent watched his senior. “If she’s playing for the other side, Boss, we can still pick her up at the other end.” “Very likely. More important is what she’s doing for us.” Brown turned. “And if we did stop her we’d have the problem of trying to replace her.” He paused. “Turn the whole place over, make them think we think the chips are still here. Make them think we don’t know who are working for their side.” He scowled. “And make the bloody Pantheon think their people are still here.” For a moment the man stared, his face slowly registering the implications. “The chips she’s carrying are not the plans, are they, sir?” “Max, sometimes the price of keeping something secure and out of the hands of someone who will abuse it is almost too high. They’ve got the plans—but when they try to build it …” He shrugged.” ActionSpaceFictionFantasyAdventureDramaExploration Book:First into the Fray Source: First into the Fray
“How’s my guest keeping? Is she showing signs of cracking?” It amused her to know that the men hearing her on the other end of the transmission got nothing but a very mechanical simulation of her voice, a little precaution that kept her identity and voice pattern unrecognisable. “She’s holding out well. A tough cookie, probably ex-services. She knows she’s being watched.” “Good, more fun for later. Fleet Security are searching section by section down there. Make sure your perimeter monitors are functioning properly. I want no slip-ups.” “There won’t be, Leader.” “Make sure of it. I expect Heron will persuade his superiors he should be allowed to accept my terms soon, and I want him captured and shipped. But first I’m looking forward to a little sport with him.” ActionSpaceFictionFantasyAdventureDramaWeaponsExploration Book:First into the Fray Source: First into the Fray
“Neither Felicity nor James Heron paid much attention to the reports. They had other things on their minds. All too soon they would have to part, each to their own roles and duties. Both were aware of this, and both needed to enjoy their last few hours together. Who knew what the future might throw at them? Felicity reached out and shut down the holo display of the broadcast, then she surrendered to his attentions. In a few hours they must part, but now they could live in the moment, and in each other’s arms.” ActionSpaceFictionAdventureDramaWeaponsExcitingShipsIntrigue Book:First into the Fray Source: First into the Fray
“This is getting beyond a joke now. I have a long list of things that can’t be completed because some vital part is not available. It’s driving my Commanders crazy.” He glanced at Mary. “And they take it out on me!” The Admiral saw the grin. “Ah, I see, so now you want to take it out on me? No way, Captain Heron.” He laughed. “Security think there is something else going on here. None of the suppliers is reporting problems in manufacture, there’s no shortages reported in the raw materials, and there are no reports of any other problems—but they seem unable to meet a third of our requirements. Just enough that we can’t claim breaches of contract.” ActionSpaceFictionFantasyAdventureDramaWeaponsExploration Book:First into the Fray Source: First into the Fray