Warrior Chronicles 5: Warrior's Curse Read Online Free PDF Page B

Admiral. Like I said, you are the best. But you have to remember why we are doing this. Who we are doing it for. Our citizens are disappearing. We have a chance to find out why, and we are going to take it. Detective Thorn was doing a great job, and now I expect you to do a better one. Am I clear?”
     
    Kate’s shoulders sagged. “Yes.”
     
    “Good. Is there anything else?”
     
    “I have added some gear, with the volunteers’ permission. There are personal comm units in case they get separated, and two of them are carrying small explosives.”
     
    “That’s good thinking. Keep me updated. Now if you will excuse me, I have an appointment due in a few minutes.”
     
    Kate smiled. “Yes, sir. Give Doctor Black my regards.”
     
    If JJ had been pale-skinned instead of Polynesian, Kate would have seen her blush as they saluted each other.
     
    Two minutes after she left, Kate Williams walked back into JJ’s office. Wynn Black had not yet arrived, and JJ was applying makeup when Kate interrupted. “Admiral, I just received a message from General Addison. There has been a change of plans.”

 
    Three
     
    Thirty-two CONDOR-clad Marines followed Cort into the main hall of the headquarters of the Church of the Infinitive. There were thirty more surrounding the building. The church was having its annual synod and the speaker was praising his god’s vengeance upon the supporters of the Ares Federation.
     
    On a platform that looked more like a concert stage than a pulpit, Rich Aile, a well-groomed man about Cort’s age was shouting. “As God will deliver us from the rule of those who would bring demons and false souls among us, so shall He deliver us unto His kingdom, that we may bask in his glory and live forever in his presence.”
     
    Cort’s enhanced voice echoed through the auditorium. “I can arrange that for you, Doctor Aile.”
     
    As confusion filled the pews, pairs of Cort’s people took station at the exits of the auditorium. The gathered crowd turned to Cort almost as one and began to scream.
     
    “What is the meaning of this?” Aile demanded.
     
    Cort stepped onto the stage, towering over the humans there. “My name is General Cortland Addison. And you are the leaders of the Infinitive Church. I know that you are responsible for the death of Dar Sike. In accordance with Ares Law, you are all under arrest. Your guilt has been established to the satisfaction of the military government of the federation. Your assets have been seized, as well as those of this mockery of a church, and they will be sold off. The proceeds will be divided among the victims of the bombing you orchestrate d.”
     
    When Aile tried to speak again, Cort increased the volume on his suit and spoke over the man. “The louder you speak, the louder I will. I can bring this building down around us. My people will be safe in their armor, and you will all die.”
     
    As Cort spoke, he saw the church leaders closest to him were holding their ears. In some cases, blood was leaking through their fingers. Windows shattered and tiny pieces of glass accentuated his words by falling into the crowd below. The crowd quieted down enough to listen to Cort, and in a quieter voice he addressed the room. “Your children have already been removed from the building. They are safe. You are not. I am however, going to give your god a chance to save your lives. Somewhere else in the universe. But first, there are nine of you that I have something special in mind for. Marines, bring them to me.”
     
    Teams of CONDORS moved among the pews. As HUDs identified church leaders, the men and women were brought to the stage. When eight of them stood beside Aile, Franz Glass was brought in. The man was battered and bruised, none the better for having enjoyed the hospitality of Cort’s warriors for the previous two hours. When all of the ‘special’ prisoners were in front of him, Cort spoke again.
     
    “Doctor Ceram, will you join us