As the thirtieth shot richoted off the metal barrier, I asked

myself again who had talked me into this. Then, as always I

thought, you did, moron.
I was ducking behind a solid metal rectangle with one other
person, soon to be rushing up to the fortified position up the hill.
The Terran fleet had been attempting to take this hill for a
fortnight, but the enemy wasnÕt giving ground. I wondered why
anyone would want such a desolate wasteland.
My superiors said that all insurgent forces must be
eliminated, but what they hadnÕt said was that this dust ball,
Tork 4, had the rocks that were easiest to make into plasma.
Plasma was essential, as it supplied the capital star ships with
their most devastating weaponry.
When the Vord had taken the planet, Control immediately
sent several Grievous class light cruisers. These had a bulge at
the front, and that gets smaller further in, to emerge as the larger
bulge at the back. The enemy star ships put up token resistance,
enough to ensure that their ground forces had secured the largest
deposits.
And, I thought , I was smart enough to offer my life for rocks.
What a good decision!
Ò There retreating further up the hill!Ó cried the man beside
me, the skinny and angular Private Lon DaÕlor. ÒCÕmon. Give me
some support.Ó Although Lon was skinny, he had the largest
record for reckless charges, and for surviving them. The same
wasnÕt true for his support.
But before I could argue the point, up he went. I really
didnÕt have any choice in the matter. With a large sigh I jumped
up after him. We werenÕt the only ones either. Around thirty
others had leapt up and started the charge. Lon was shrieking like
a demented banshee, and shooting bolts up the hill.
Before I go further let me describe the battlefield.
It was a barren rocky hill, 20m high, with several lumps and
metal shelters surrounding the bottom, while at the top their were
other shelters similar to ours. At the top there was also a building
with three turret towers bunched together in the middle, the
smaller ones flanking the largest one. Surrounding theses
battlements (for that medieval term seems to best suite the
towers) was a wall 12m high.
 We were at the bottom, the Vord at the top.
Now, back to the charge.
I was at Lons shoulder, firing my rifle slightly erratically. Lon,
for all his shrieks, was shooting as a sniper, making each shot
count.
He was right though, the invaders were retreating. They
were basically human but with a horn like a unicorns jutting from
their skulls. Lon took three in their backs, while my barrage
managed to clip one on the shoulder. There were about 50
headed to the facility with another 10 as rearguard.
I immediately thought that we couldnÕt let them reach the
gates. They could then bar the facility and only a wing of Heavy
Assault bombers could penetrate.
Lon had apparently noticed this as well, and spoke into his
helmet com. ÒAim for the gates! Now!Ó I obediently shot at the
gate, and fifteen other rifles chorused the sound as half the
company fired with me. And with a victory yell from us, the heavy
boron gates fell with a crash that would have deafened all those
who werenÕt wearing helmets.
And not a moment too soon. Those running to the security of
the gate soon found that their route was closed, and began
stumbling around to face us.
Their Vanguard had been brought to solely one and he was
felled by a discharge of Lon's Marauder rifle.
As they turned to face us, we were on them. I dropped my
rifle, and ejected the knife in my forearm armour. The Vord I
attacked still had his Heavy rifle out and I easily avoided the fatal
slug, and drove my knife to his neck guard. The next Vord to cross
my path was not so ill prepared. He had a large two handed
sword, and swung down with such force, it nearly took off my
shoulder pauldron. I quickly took advantage of the miss and drove
my knife into his stomach. Retrieving my opponents fallen sword,
I spotted a terran soldier pinned by two Vord with elite markings.
I rushed over and felled one, then clashed blades with the
other. Parry for thrust I matched him, patiently awaiting his
mistake.
Then it appeared. The formerly pinned Terran slashed with
his knife at the Elites armour, doing no serious damage, but as
the invader hesitated, I separated his head from shoulders.
 I spun from my encounter, and found myself on the fringes
of the action.
Although the Vord were more numerous, our knives were
giving us the advantage at close quarters. We had lost, perhaps
12 soldiers, while the Vord had lost over thirty. The last 20 were
valiantly fighting but to no avail.
As I observed the fighting, a familiar figure rose on the other
side. Lon waved his double edged rapier in a salute, and then
rejoined the fighting.
I followed his example, and charged down the hill. I took a
Vord soldier by surprise, and cleaved him with the greatsword.
Switching sword for my vanquished foes dirk, I swept in to
the thickest fighting.
A Vord took my dirk in the ribs, while beside me a Terran fell
to a pistol shot.
Only two Vord remained, of us there were still 17, they
fought with a fury. I ducked ones thrust, and delivered a cut to his
thigh. His blade shot around in a backslash, but I blocked it with
ease, and finished him with a cut to the head.
The last Vord had backed up to the gate, and was swinging a
whip, daring us to get in range.
One soldier charged him with a stolen dirk, but the whip
flashed and he fell, unmoving.
We gathered around him giving his whip a wide berth. Most
of us had dropped our rifles when the melee began, so we had no
ranged weapons to attack with.
Inside my helmets comm., I heard Lon say, ÒPincer from the
left, Asturn.Ó
I began to inch along to the Vords left, while Lon moved to
his right.
ÒNow.Ó
I charged the Vord on the left, taking the whip on my blade,
while Lon chucked his rapier, with deadly accuracy.
The last Vord fell.

------------

ÒIf you wonÕt play nice, weÕll have to do this the hard
way.Ó
 ÒCÕmon, just quit. It isnÕt worth it.Ó
ÒTry me.Ó
Lon showed his hand. It had a value of seventeen. I showed
mine and he groaned.
ÒTwenty two. Pure,Ó I said. Lon grumbled as I took the pot.
ÒYou have the best luck in this unit Asturn.Ó growled our
Commander, Ponin Falanor, as he threw down his hand in disgust.
He was a large man, with chiselled, hard features. Right now he
was wearing a grimace of disgust, as were most of the others.
There were six of us at the table playing double deuce, Lon,
Falanor, Captain Trill the communications officer, Lieutenant Vona
Lor in charge of supply, Lieutenant Paal Trinagandor of the
vehicle pool, and, of course, me.
The room had no windows, but was lit by two low watt bulbs.
It had once been a briefing room, so there was a large screen on
one wall. Piles of chairs lined the walls, but that was the entire
decoration.
ÒThatÕs enough hands for me,Ó said Paal with a yawn. Paal
was smaller than the Colonel, but no less built. No surprise, he
was always trying to improve himself.
ÒThen itÕs time to get down to the business part,Ó said
Falanor. ÒNamely, the fact that weÕre in the only Terran
controlled plasma processor on the planet.Ó
ÒSo?Ó asked Vona. ÒWe just charge double.Ó Vona was the
only female at the table, black haired, brown eyed, and just
beautiful enough to attract notice.
ÒNot what I was referring to,Ó said Falanor. ÒThe Vord are
planning a counter. ThereÕs word traversing the camp that
several Storm Fronts are brewing near here.
A Storm Front is a Vord space ship flotilla, with even a single
one being able to capture a modestly defended planet. Our
Greivouses wouldnÕt stand a chance.
ÒWhat is going to happen then?Ó asked Trill, the only Cetari
present. He was blue skinned and very thin. He had been part of
the Cetari warrior caste, but had left after getting tired of the
discipline. He was also more fascinated with interstellar messages
than wars.
ÒThe Vord will come in, mop up our ships, and then slag this
facility,Ó said Lon, nonchalantly.
 ÒRight,Ó said Falanor. Òand so command is trying to gather
ships, enough ships to take on 6 Storm Fronts.Ó
ÒSix!Ó I said. ÒImpossible. Where did they get the
resources?Ó
ÒThey pulled several of their Home fleets to Chanson, a
planet only a jump away. Command needs an infiltrator unit to go
to the planet and slice into the anti-capital ship guns, and make
the Storm Fronts slag.Ó
ÒSound easy,Ó said Lon. ÒThey just need to recomission an
infiltrator unit, and send it there.Ó
ÒThere is, unfortunately, a problem,Ó continued Falanor.
ÒUh oh,Ó said Trill, rolling his eyes.
ÒThere are no infiltrator units that can be quickly relocated
without jeopardising other vital missions,Ó said Falanor. ÒSo
control said, make your own. And you my friends are it.Ó
ÒWhat!Ó I cried. ÒUs, infiltrators! Control is out of itÕs
micron-sized mind!Ó
ÒThatÕs an order sergeant,Ó said Falanor.
ÒLetÕs go get our spy gear,Ó said Vona, more than slightly
sarcastically.
ÒActually, Control did send gear,Ó replied Falanor. ÒItÕs
waiting in your quarters.Ó
ÒWait just one minute,Ó I said, still slightly stunned. ÒWhy
us?Ó
ÒBecause LonÕs the best shot our unit has, Paal can repair
anything using gum and rocks, Vona knows procedure, Trill has
sliced into the secure comms multiple times, and you, Tel, are the
best duellist in camp.Ó
ÒBut-Ó
ÒYouÕre going.Ó
And so we did.

---------

As I walked with Lon back to the room we shared we didnÕt

talk, but Lon kept snatching perplexed looks at me.
As we reached the door I said, ÒSay it.Ó
ÒWhy didnÕt you want to go?Ó
 ÒI was just surprised, it caught me off guard.Ó
ÒCÕmon stop joshing. You were focused on everything, like
always in a game. He couldnÕt have surprised you if he said
mutating fungus had eaten the mess sergeant, and then put on a
tu tu and danced the can can.
ÒYou are exactly the same in combat. Not even my reckless
charges phase you.Ó
ÒThis was.... Different.Ó
ÒHow?Ó
ÒI.. donÕt do this... cloak and dagger stuff. Anymore.Ó
ÒYou were in the infiltrators?!Ó
ÒThe best,Ó I corrected him.
ÒWhyÕd you stop! That would be my dream!Ó
ÒI got tired of sneaking around. ThatÕs why I joined this
unit. No more playing ÔSuper SpyÕ.Ó
ÒBut-Ó
ÒThatÕs all I can tell you,Ó I cut him off. ÒDonÕt tell
anyone, or IÕll get a transfer, and nobody else will watch your
back.Ó
ÒYour secretÕs safe with me,Ó He said. ÒIÕll take it to the
grave.Ó
That might well be true if you, break that promise, I thought.
You just donÕt know the half of it.

---------
Inside our square quarters, full secret agent regalia was laid
out.
The quarters were modestly decorated, a few graffiti stains,
a cupboard and two cots.
I had twin assassin daggers, a set of shift armour, a folding
pistol, and a note on my cot.
The daggers were only a handle that looked like a small
book, complete with title, to the naked eye. But ÒTreasure
IslandÓ actually split through the spine to become twin daggers,
six inches in length and totally undetectable.
Shift armour looks like whatever clothes you program into it.
It also can withstand a bolt from a heavy rifle at point blank
range, as well as having a retractable cable, which had any
number of uses.
 The pistol folded into a lighter. It also had enough charge for
five shots.
The note said, ÒWelcome back, Dagger.Ó

-------------

Lon's gear had the same armour, but instead of the daggers
and pistol, it had two folding bolt rifles, useable one handed.
ÒYour gear looks used,Ó he remarked.
ÒIt is.Ó
ÒOh. What does the note say?Ó
I showed him the note.
After a glance through, he looked at me. Then he said,
ÒIsnÕt Cloak before Dagger?Ó
I shot him a glare that made a plasma cannon look weak.
ÒSorry,Ó he mumbled.
ÒLook,Ó I said. ÒItÕs past 6, and we havenÕt eaten.Ó
ÒIÕll race you,Ó sped Lon, as he raced out the door, his
good humour restored by the mention of food.
As soon as he closed the door, I gimmicked it.
ÒDidnÕt think IÕd remember that,Ó I muttered.
ÒI knew you would,Ó said a voice from behind me.
I whirled, the blade in my wrist sheath, whirling, but my
cloaked opponent was just as fast, spinning from the blow. I
parried a slash from his longsword, and aimed a kick. It
connected, and he groaned, dropping the sword and bending
over.
ÒAlways did fall for that one,Ó I said, turning my back to
him.
ÒAnd you that one,Ó the voice smirked.
I spun and blocked the roundhouse, landing a punch on a
cement jaw. His fist flew at my thigh, but I spun, acting only on
instinct, and flung him through the outside wall.
ÒTalk,Ó I said. ÒThen leave.Ó
ÒSharper than you used to be,Ó my masked assailant said
as he climbed up through the crater.
ÒThings change.Ó
ÒAre you referring to-Ó
ÒI donÕt wish to discus it.Ó
 ÒLater, then.Ó
ÒNo.Ó
ÒTo business.Ó The cloaked man sat on the only chair in the
room, but I kept standing.Ó
ÒWhy?Ó
ÒI know what you said, Dagger, but we need you in on this.Ó
ÒNeed me? ThereÕs a dozen backup infillÕs just sitting
around collecting dust.Ó
ÒI didnÕt say lack of men, now did I? I said we need you.
You were the best. You still are. No one else can take this on and
pull out in one piece.Ó
ÒI had her. We were the best. No I. She pulled intel, and did
the fancy talking. I did the dirty work. And sheÕs gone. I know. I
watched her die.Ó
ÒI know, but-Ó
ÒNo buts. YouÕre teaming me up again, but with amateurs.
The only one who could pull this off is Lon, and heÕs got no field
experience, or training.Ó
ÒVona has experience with infiltration. She was a
commando. SheÕs your new partner.Ó
ÒIÕm going solo. Stealing the shuttle and doing it myself.
And you wonÕt be able to stop me.Ó
The stranger stood up. ÒIÕll have to kill you if you do that.Ó
I slowly began drawing my other sheathed blade. ÒTry it.Ó

--------
I jerked awake in a sitting position in medbay, but a splitting
headache made me put my head back down.
He hadnÕt really been Brief. He was an android. I realised
that when his jaw didnÕt move, and when he crashed through the
wall.
The fight had been furious. He and I each scored hits, his
doing more damage. I winced at a sharp pain in my shin.
I finished him with the blade, stabbed it through his main
neural info feed.
As I opened my eyes, I saw the various officers who
frequented the double deuce games, and Lieutenant Jabber, our
Chienine nurse. She was human height, but looked like a dog
standing up, with purple fur coating what wasnÕt covered by her
uniform.
The medbay as standard. Eighteen bunks came out from
both walls, and there was medical storage containers stuffed in
various corners.
ÒWhat in seven suns happened?Ó commanded Falanor.
ÒIf I said I got really drunk, and punched a wall you
wouldnÕt believe me."
ÒIÕd believe it if the wall could punch back,Ó said Jabber.
ÒYouÕve got 5 fractures, a concussion, and more bruises and
cuts than I can count.Ó
ÒI... ran into and old friend.Ó
ÒWas he in a tank when you did?Ó asked Vona, a smile
playing her lips.
ÒWell-Ó
ÒCut it. Who clobbered you?Ó snarled Falanor.
That caught my attention. ÒYou didnÕt find the body?Ó
ÒOnly your body was at the scene, no objects except a
square black box,Ó responded Trill, trained by the Cetari to have
a flawless memory.
ÒWhereÕs the box?Ó
ÒIn storage, Captain,why?Ó
But I was on my feet, my pain forgotten, sprinting for the
door. I heard exclamations behind me, but I didnÕt turn back.
Around two turns to the storage door, I wrenched it open, and
spun upon the now human form android, sending him sprawling.
ÒTerminate. T-terminate. Ter-terminate.Ó
It spouted that as I grappled it, both of us wounded, but it
managed to fling me to a wall. I fell there groaning, but as it came
to finish me, the blurred figure of Paal, smashing it to a wall.
Lon came next, and shot it with my foldable pistol, and
sparks erupted from its chassis.
Vona was at my side making sure I was ok, and Falanor had
arrived with a battle axe, and had separated several of the
Ôdroids key parts.
The metal demon finally fell.
ÒYou had better give us some answers, Tel, or, God help me,
youÕll be locked in the jail until you do,Ó Falanor rumbled with
the most menace I ever heard.
ÒIÕll... break out,Ó I replied through gasps. ÒI always... was
best at... that.Ó
ÒCÕmon, you need help with whatever it is, and weÕre here
to help you,Ó said Vona in a friendly voice. ÒWeÕre your
friends.Ó
ÒI was... infiltrator... best... code name... Dagger... partner...
Cloak... dead... wanted... transfer out... need med assistance...
now.Ó
And I blacked out.

------

I awoke later in the same bed, but the only person or being
there was Vona.
ÒFeeling better?Ó
I got into a sitting position and groaned. ÒDefine better.Ó
She smiled. ÒHow much did it tell you?Ó
ÒI didnÕt let it get too far. Wanted to preserve your
privacy.Ó
ÒWell, I need to tell someone, and it might as well be you.Ó
ÒWhy me?Ó
ÒYouÕve had the same experiences. Also since weÕre
playing the part of the couple, I thought it would be best.Ó
ÒSo we could have no secrets?Ó
ÒNo, so I could shoot you if you spouted anything.Ó
ÒKilling me isnÕt so easy.Ó
ÒI noticed.Ó
ÒSo, want to talk now, or later?Ó
ÒI was a commando. I went on about 500 missions, and I
was good. I had two team mates. I was the commander. My last
mission was two months ago. we were to take out a command
gun tower. Easy.Ó
ÒIÕve done that before. Textbook. Nothing to go wrong.Ó
ÒThatÕs what I thought too. Then, next thing I know,
RoanÕs down for the count, Terria has a bullet in the head, and
IÕm staring down three rifle barrels. I barely made it out alive. I
quit. Same as you.Ó
ÒNot quite.Ó Vona made a motion for me to continue, but I
ignored it.
Vona shrugged. ÒI guess IÕm into it again.Ó
 ÒMe too.Ó
ÒLetÕs do it, for Cloak, Roan and Terria,Ó she said, a note of
determination in her voice.
Maybe for Roan and Terria, I thought.
But not for Cloak.

------

ÒCome on, weÕre gonna be late.Ó

ÒNot my fault. Shuttle took too long.Ó
ÒSuuuuure.Ó
ÒItÕs true. Not like part wasnÕt your fault.Ó
It was two days later, at the Chanson space port. It was like
most space ports, modest, with a definite dreg, and class
sections.
Vona and I were properly decked out as a loving couple, as
we waited at customs, in the middle section. Nearby, Lon was
wearing huge glasses, and had a uniform that yelled NERD to
everybody. Immediately behind Lon stood Trill and Paal, Trill had
his skin coloured, and was playing the big executive, with Paal as
his bodyguard.
We reached the gate, and were hurriedly rushed through.
ÒGosh, I thought we would have to wait in line,Ó smiled
Vona.
ÒLucky we didnÕt. We were nearly 4 hours late!Ó We were
actually right on time, but nobody else needed to know that.
Ten minutes later, we arrived by air taxi, and surveyed the
hotel.
ÒNext time let me pick it,Ó pouted Vona. ÒItÕs not feminine
enough.Ó
ÒThatÕs why I did choose it.Ó
We were again hurried through the front desk and deposited
in our room.
The room was, like the space port, middle class, two rooms,
one bedroom/ bathroom, the other living room/ kitchen. In the
kitchen there was a couch, a TV, and a general use comm.
Several cabinets also adorned the sides. The bedroom had one
bed, a toilette, sink, and shower. It too had cabinets.
Vona and I quickly unpacked everything, and set up the
miniature comm., shaped like a pin.
I quickly surveyed the room for bugs, but only came up with
a mosquito. Which is actually a bug, but no time for that.
ÒNothing?Ó mouthed Vona.
ÒNot a thing,Ó I replied.
Vona turned on the speaker. We were the first to arrive, so
we had to wait for Trill to call.
ÒGood hunting.Ó
Trill was early.
ÒSlicers R Us, here.Ó
Lon was next.
ÒHappy ever after, reporting in.Ó
Vona was the last to report.
ÒFinding the crack in the coconut tomorrow.Ó
ÒShopping for the jackpot at five.Ó
ÒReady to fly on Titanic anytime.Ó
It was arranged. Good luck to everyone.

-----

Vona and I then went to sleep.

ÒOnly one bed,Ó smiled Vona.
ÒGood, I call floor!Ó
She frowned. ÒYou beat me to it.Ó With a frown that said I
did not.
At six thirty local time, I awoke and went to the restaurant.
The waiter and I had had a pleasant conversation about Vona.
ÒWhereÕs your wife?Ó
ÒSleeping.Ó
ÒSneaking off early then?Ó
I snarled, and that pretty much cut off all future morning
conversations.
After my breakfast, I toured the mall, finding nothing I would
want, and went to the gun control site.
It was time to arrange the fatal accident.

------

ÒHey, you!Ó
 A scientist had spotted me, my good luck.
I was in front of the facility. It was pretty much several
squares, in grid formation, with a barbed fence on the outside. On
itÕs left there was an alley, on its right the business sector. On
the other sides were apartments similar to Vona and mine.
ÒGet away from there!Ó
I cupped my hand to my ear and moved closer to the barbed
wire perimeter.
He motioned me to stay, and came over.
ÒGo away!Ó he yelled. ÒWe donÕt allow tourists here!Ó
ÒGot lost, I did,Ó I said with a fake british common accent.
ÒBeen wandrin' round Ôere Ôbouts for a good quarterÕn hour
now. Can ye please Ôllow me few secs oÕ yoÕ time soÕs ye can
Ôelp me find mÕway?Ó
Tiredly the scientist went through the barbed door, using an
ID card. He quickly grabbed for my map. And my copy of Treasure
Island caught him in the chest.
The thug IÕd arranged to have come arrived then, and saw
the scientist talking to me.
ÒNone oÕ themÕs lot!Ó he howled and shot several rounds
of his rifle into Òthe dead mans chestÓ, to coin the phrase from
Treasure Isle.
ÒPOLICE,Ó I cried, ÒHELP! MADMAN! HELP ME!Ó
The thug took a pipe from his pocket and swung at me, but I
caught it clumsily, and the police saw a poor tourist grappling a
desperate man, when they arrived.
Three shots ended it.

-----

ÒBig bang out there,Ó said Vona. ÒAnd we were supposed to

be quiet.Ó
ÒAll part of the plan, my dear,Ó I replied.
We were back in the apartment, taking lunch.
ÒFirst, I insert myself as the new physical scientist,Ó I said.
ÒThen we move into quarters on the grounds around the gun.Ó
ÒWhat about the guy who got attacked?Ó
ÒI disappeared into a restaurant, and came out Dr. Phillip
Ares. He became the perfect replacement out of nowhere. And
you, my dear, are Mme. Isabelle Ares. DÕaccord?Ó
ÒOui, monsieur,Ó she replied, perfect in accent.
ÒTomorrow we move in,Ó I said.
ÒSo soon?Ó
ÒNot soon enough for them.Ó
ÒWas the man well loved?Ó
ÒWhen we called his friends and family, there was cheering
in the background.Ó
ÒOhhhhh.Ó
ÒWell, madame, let us go to our new quarters.Ó

-----

The quarters were quite enclosed. We had a television, a

sofa and a kitchen in one room. The other room held the bed. Two
dressers per room, and one free bottle of wine tacked on the bill.
ÒFloor again?Ó Vona asked.
ÒOf course,Ó I replied, and smiled at her.
We went into the bedroom, and unpacked.
A knock at the door interrupted us. It was the bell boy.
ÒForgot this one,Ó he said. ÒHeavy. Got any machines
inside?Ó
ÒIÕll level with you,Ó I said, then whispered in his ear. "ItÕs
got a surveillance device, and a secret communicator inside.Ó
We both broke out into laughter. ÒI think I like you,Ó he said,
and walked away, still laughing.
ÒThat was dangerous,Ó Vona scolded, as I closed the door.
ÒThe truth is always best,Ó I replied with a grin.
ÒYouÕll have to hurry up,Ó She said. ÒWork starts in a half
hour.Ó
ÒIÕm gone,Ó I replied, and rushed out the door.
Down the stairs was the lobby, with a desk, several chairs,
and a white sterile door marked ÔPersonnel Only NO
EXCEPTIONSÕ and underneath someone had gratified ÔThat
Means YOUÕ.
I walked through the door, and was instantly greeted by a
security guard, who must have been formerly employed with the
gestapo torture team.
His room had probably been an oversized broom closet. On
one side there was a table with a scanner.
ÒID.Ó
ÒIÕve got an ID right here,Ó I replied cheerfully, and showed
him the card. He scrutinised the ID, but his eyes were moving in
the wrong way.
He canÕt read, I thought.
He passed the card through a scanner that read, OK, in black
and white, and okayed me.
The fact that he couldnÕt read would prove useful, I thought.
I passed through the next door, and a man who was tall and
angular met me with, ÒDr. Ares?Ó
ÒYes,Ó I replied.
ÒThis way,Ó he stated, without looking up from his
clipboard, and lead the way deeper into the labyrinth.
After a dozen identical halls (white sterile, and usually with
more than one door) he lead me into a door marked ÒDirector Of
ProductionÓ, and who I saw inside nearly made me step back in
surprise.
It was a female, black hair, nondescript face and features,
but a sabre cut across her cheek.
It couldnÕt have been her.
She was dead.
I killed her.
ÒHello,Ó said Cloak.

---------

ÒDr. Ares, I presume?Ó

ÒYe- yes,Ó I stammered.
The office was nearly bear. One desk, three chairs, one
name tag on desk, and a coat rack. The room was painted a neon
yellow, with swirls in orange. Quite disconcerting.
ÒIÕm Dr. Nigma. Imana Nigma.Ó
The play on words was just like the old days. Imana nigma,
IÕm an enigma, IÕm a puzzle.
ÒEnchanted,Ó I replied, shaking her hand.
ÒYou are the new tech officer?Ó she asked.
ÒHere and ready for action,Ó I smiled. How much action I
didnÕt say.
 ÒIf you donÕt mind,Ó said the lab assistant, who had not yet
looked up from the clip board, ÒI must be going.Ó
And he left.
I was alone with my former partner.
The person who I tried to kill.
The traitor.
ÒSo, you showed up out of nowhere, like a dagger in the
back,Ó she said. ÒConvenient.Ó
ÒLucky for me,Ó I said. ÒIÕve been out of work for a while.
Needed to get back in the game. Now IÕve got the company
covering me, cloaking my back.Ó
She knew it was me. I knew it was her, and I was on a
mission.
ÒTook me a while too,Ó she replied. ÒBut as they say ÔTo
be or not to be.ÕÓ
She was back as a spy as well, and she was going to try and
spoil my mission.
ÒWhat department were you before?Ó
ÒData management and shipping.Ó
ÒWeÕll put you in reactor maintenance. ThatÕs the only
vacancy.Ó
ÒWhat! I was the best in my field. Oh well.Ó
ÒGotta start at the bottom.Ó
ÒSometimes. But sometimes you get lucky.Ó
ÒNot this time though. To bad too if you have a reputation to
maintain.Ó
ÒYeah, but everyone takes their punches. Me too, I guess.Ó
ÒThird door on the left, and good luck to you.Ó
ÒThanks.Ó
I left and went to work.

--------

ÒGuess who I met today at work?Ó

ÒWho?Ó asked Lon.
We were on the transmitter, preparing for the second stage.
ÒCloak.Ó
ÒGood!Ó said Vona. ÒDid you enlist her help?Ó
ÒAre you kidding! Me enlist a traitor!Ó
 ÒYour Cloak was a traitor?Ó asked Trill.
ÒYes,Ó I replied.
ÒYou are going to continue,Ó said Lon. ÒWeÕve been in the
dark too long.Ó
ÒOk,Ó I sighed. ÒHere goes.Ó
ÒThree years ago, Cloak and I were on an infiltration mission
against the Americans. We had gotten into the building, and were
on the last stage. I went down to the info vault, and opened the
door. Inside were Cloak and 12 other armed men. They had their
weapons levelled, and nearly killed me, if I hadnÕt tripped up on
the surprise lip in the floor. They missed and I took all of them but
Cloak out in the first of the melee. They had hoped on the
advantages of numbers and surprise. I took away the surprise by
tripping, and it would take 50 soldiers in a melee to kill me. Cloak
and I had a quick dual, which left me on my back, her rapier at
my throat. She told me sheÕd sold out to the US, that she had
been spying on Canada for awhile, and that she had fooled me
completely. While she was talking she loosened her grip on the
rapier. I got out of the hold, and got my short sword back, and
caught her across the chin, and she didnÕt move. There wasnÕt
even any pulse! But sheÕs back.Ó
ÒSheÕs back.Ó

-------

Next day I went back to work.

The room was large and cylindrical, with several small walls
containing consoles. The scientists worked the consoles. In the
centre of the room stood the reactor. It was big and round, with
several protrusions.
My job was relatively easy, just cleaning the grease from the
reactor.
I also was planting computer spikes, charging power in the
reactor, so I would have unlimited access. Cloak would find them,
I was sure of that. She would then reprogram them, so they would
be deactivated on her signal.
She wouldnÕt see the layered program, that would erase all
other changes on the spike, and revert it back to itÕs original job.
Tonight was the night.
 I placed the last spike, and got ready for the final job.
The Dagger was going in deep.

------

It was past 12. I wore my signature shifter armour, in the

style of a black cloak.
The irony wasnÕt lost on me.
The guard was still at the door. I sent a message ahead, to
him. He would look it over for five seconds, then thank the
deliverer, and when the boy was gone tear it into shreds.
As soon as the messenger left, I went in. Across the roof,
muffling my footsteps, I found the spot I was looking for. It was
exactly above the main computer terminal.
With a small fusion torch, I cut a hole, 3 feet in diameter.
I dropped onto the night tech, felling him with only a muffled
groan as evidence.
I placed a splice on the console, and waited for the reactor to
charge. As soon as sounds began to come from it, I attached a
cable to the ceiling, above the door entrance.
Drawing my pistol, I waited.
2 minutes later, three guards burst in.
They scanned the area, but not above their heads.
ÒAll clear,Ó one grunted.
Cloak marched in, flanked by another 17 soldiers.
Taking no chances this time.
ÒSplice,Ó said the guard in lead, indicating my planted
mechanism.
ÒTake it out,Ó ordered Cloak, though something was strange
with her voice.
One of the soldiers cautiously made his way there, the rest
of the group following in guard formation. He looked over the
splice, then yanked it from the board.
A large flash and explosion ensued, and half the guards
keeled over.
Then came me.
I caught one guard on the way down, blast in the head.
Throwing away my pistol, I lunged with the daggers, downing
two others. The rest had time to react, and threw away their
guns, drawing wicked rapiers, and dirks.
The remaining 7 began advancing carefully. One stepped
over some debris, extending just a little too far.
My hand moved, and he grasped his chest, the dagger
coming out of it.
I was down to one dagger.
Three of the guards lunged at me, and I side stepped two,
bringing my blade into the thirds stomach. Spinning, I caught
ones blade coming down, and sent him spinning with a left hook.
The two guards who had charged were back on their feet,
and now I was boxed in. Two lunged from either side, but I flipped
at the last moment, and they hit each other, one slicing his
partner thigh to shoulder.
The three regrouped, and came at me more cautiously. I
raised my wrist, and they staggered back, falling flat five metres
from me, the false splices stiking in their backs.
Sarcastic clapping fell to my ears, and I looked up to see
Cloak, standing on the catwalk, a sardonic smile on her face.
ÒWell done,Ó she smirked. ÒNearly as good as last time.Ó
ÒToo bad you werenÕt there to see it,Ó I shot back.
ÒSo you figured it out.Ó
ÒYou nearly had me, until the end.Ó
ÒWhat gave me away?Ó
ÒNumber 1, you spoke with a different tone, more
mechanical. Number two, you didnÕt look up, only straight ahead.
And she was better then that. Number three, Cloak wouldnÕt
have sacrificed her men like that. She fought with them, not
after.Ó
ÒVery good.Ó Cloak now had a totally mechanical voice.
ÒFor a mere mortal, you have extraordinary powers of
observation.Ó
ÒI indeed am not Cloak,Ó it continued. ÒBecause, although
still alive, Cloak would never have done this job. So I was sent in
her place. RB-71 was sent only to gauge your abilities, so my job
would be much easier.Ó
ÒWhat happened to Cloak?Ó I asked.
ÒShe was captured on the last mission, by the Legion, and a
female agent sent in her place. The developments on myself and
my fellow creations were not yet complete. Cloak is still being
held, here you may see her.Ó
The wall to RoboÕs left opened, and there was Cloak chained
to the wall.
ÒAfter terminating you, I will then proceed to eliminate
her.Ó
ÒIn other words ÔAsta la vistaÕ.Ó
ÒI saw, but did not like, that film.Ó
And it lunged from the catwalk, its left arm sprouting a
scimitar, itÕs right a pistol.
I ducked the shot, and caught itÕs blade on my dagger. The
machine disengaged, and charged again. But I was ready. I rolled
out of the way, coming up with a discarded rifle. I took a shot at
it, and was rewarded with a small bit of smoke. Then it shot back.
The blast threw me to the ground, but my armour was
tougher than that.
I grabbed two dirks, and engaged the melee again. ItÕs
blade slashed as I came, but I blocked it with minimal effort, and I
slashed at itÕs rifle arm. It skreeched as the component came off,
and let into me with a fury.
I blocked as best I could, but several blows got by.
My armour took the first 2, but the next one cut into my
thigh. I howled and disengaged.
The machine stood smugly, scimitar at its side.
ÒI win,Ó it gloated.
ÒItÕs not over yet.Ó
ÒOh, I believe it is,Ó came a voice from above, and a stream
of bolts began streaming towards the robot. Lon and Vona were
wearing commando armour, and firing bolt after bolt at the
mechanical being. It dodged most and got under cover.
While Lon and Vona kept up the covering fire, Trill and Pall
were on the catwalk, freeing the real Cloak. I shot a line up, and
swung up to the catwalk with them.
As I helped untie her, she looked at me.
ÒHi Dagger.Ó
ÒGood to see youÕre back.Ó
ÒNot out yet,Ó she replied, as we finished untying her. I
tossed her a rifle, and she caught it nimbly.
Lon yelled up, ÒCould ya lend us a hand down here?
This rifle's almost empty!Ó
 ÒShall we?Ó Cloak asked me.
ÒLadies first,Ó I gestured.
And we jumped down together.

------

The wall the robot was behind was getting pretty holed. It
was beginning to look like swiss cheese.
Vona had just emptied her clip, when Cloak and I arrived.
Cloak went to the right of the wall, I to the left, and I went
slightly ahead of her. I reached it first, and the robot was in my
face, slashing and hacking, but my blade moved of itÕs own
accord, and nothing got through.
A short three rifle shots sounded and the robot slowed, and
turned for a fraction of a second.
That was all the time in the world to decapitate it.
ÒNice combo,Ó said Lon.
ÒPractice makes perfect,Ó said Cloak.
ÒNot to be rushing anyone,Ó cut in Paal. ÒBut the fleet is in
optimum firing range.Ó
ÒHit it,Ó I said, and Paal typed in a command. On the visual
up above, a space battle was ensuing, several Tornados and
Interlopers, and even a Climax, were attacking the massed Vord
armada. Suddenly, large shots began flying in from off the screen,
and several of the larger Vord ships began listing in space.
The offensive was over in a matter of minutes.
The comm began to blink.
ÒThis is the Elucid. Identify and surrender control.Ó
I walked over and thumbed the comm.
ÒDagger here, with friends. Sending codes now.Ó
I pointed to Trill, and he typed in several numbers, then sent
a return nod my way.
ÒCodes received,Ó said the voice. ÒStand by for the
admiral.Ó
We all looked at each other. Admiral? How important was
this anyway?
ÒThis is Admiral Placento,Ó came a new voice from the
comm. ÒCommander of the 32nd Canadian Mixed battle group.
Dagger, please answer.Ó
 ÒThis is Dagger.Ó
ÒWell done. Good to have you back. As of now, you and your
group are being officially transferred to Spec. Ops. Infiltrator
division.Ó
ÒMy former partner and myself will be happy to, but I canÕt
answer for the rest of us,Ó I replied, and looked at each of the
others. Lon gave me a thumbs up, Vona winked, and Paal and Trill
both nodded.
ÒHave you come to a decision yet?Ó came the admirals
voice, sounding impatient.
I smiled and thumbed the comm.
ÒCount us in.Ó

To be continued...

Tel Asturn