Read Ghostworld (Deathstalker Prelude) for Free Online

and the Investigator nodded slowly.
    “Yes, what about Carrion? Have either of you heard the name before?”
    “No,” said Ripper. “Have you?”
    Frost frowned thoughtfully. “Most of Unseeli’s records are sealed behind Security codes even I don’t have access to, but I’ve managed to dig up a few things that aren’t exactly common knowledge. The traitor Carrion used to be a high-ranking officer serving under Captain Silence, back when the Empire was fighting its war against the indigenous species, the Ashrai. Carrion turned against his own kind and fought with the Ashrai, against humanity. Quite successfully, from what I can tell. He apparently displayed quite powerful esper abilities in combat, though interestingly enough there are no records of his having any such abilities before he came to Unseeli. He was supposed to have died with the Ashrai, when the planet was scorched.”
    Stasiak shook his head firmly. “Then he’s dead. No one survives a scorching.”
    “Not so far,” said Frost. “But the Captain seems quite convinced that Carrion has survived, and that he can find him. Intriguing, that.”
    “Have you ever served with Captain Silence before?” said Ripper.
    “No. He has a good record, apart from Unseeli. How about you?”
    “Been with him two years now,” said Ripper. “Not a bad sort. For a Captain. I’ve served under worse. Lew?”
    “He’s all right,” said Stasiak, shrugging. “Or at least he seemed to be, until this mission. He’s been acting strangely ever since we got our orders to come here.”
    “Considering the last time he was here he fouled up so completely he had to have the whole planet scorched, I can’t say I’m surprised.” Frost lifted her gaze to the metallic forest, as though it might suggest some answers. “I would have to say the good Captain’s present behaviour could become a cause for concern. In fact, he gives the definite impression of a man no longer entirely stable.”
    Ripper looked at her sharply. The Investigator was choosing her words very carefully. “So,” he said, carefully, “if the Captain was to be officially judged as unstable, who would take over as mission commander? You?”
    The Investigator smiled. “I might. For the good of the mission.”
    “Yes,” said Ripper. “For the good of the mission.”
    “I should remind you all,” said the AI suddenly, through their comm implants, “that the penalties for treason and mutiny are extremely severe.”
    “Treason?” said Stasiak quickly. “Who’s talking treason? I’m not.”
    Frost smiled, unperturbed. Ripper grimaced sourly. “I should have known. Can’t even get any privacy on a deserted planet.”
    “I am required in the present emergency to monitor all conversations,” said the AI. “I shall of course have to repeat your words to the Captain, on his return.”
    “Of course,” said Frost. “When he returns. In the meantime, you will cease to monitor any conversation of which I am a part, unless I give you permission to do so. That is a direct order, under Code Red Seven. Confirm.”
    “Code Red Seven confirmed,” said the AI, almost reluctantly, and then it fell silent.
    Ripper raised an eyebrow at the Investigator. “I didn’t know anyone could override an AI’s Security directives.”
    “That’s what’s so special about a career in the Service,” said Frost. “You learn something new every day. Now, much as I’d like to stay and chat, I think I’ll go for a little walk in the woods. Get the feel of this place. If you feel the need to discuss the Captain again, I suggest you wait till my return.”
    She strode off towards the metallic forest without looking back, and the marines watched silently until she’d disappeared into the curling mists. Stasiak looked at Ripper. “You know, I’m not sure which disturbs me most—this planet, or her.”
    Silence made his way unhurriedly through the mists, looking always straight ahead of him. The huge trees loomed