First Meeting from Undiscovered by Dellani Oakes

Cadence Stuart is a college professor, but she also works part time showing condos in the building where she lives. Today, the show and tell was interrupted when shots were fired, and a man collapsed on the beach. Cadence happened to see the shooter leaving the apartment she'd just been showing.

More police arrived and soon Cadence found herself talking to Detective Walter Scott of the Daytona Police Department. They sat in Bob's inner office while Bob, Ted and Susan waited in the outer one.

"That's all you can tell me? No hair color, distinguishing marks?"

Cadence sighed. "I told you already, he was wearing a mask. He was about six one, with a swimmer's build."

"What's that exactly?"

Detective Scott was in good shape, but had a stocky build. Cadence tried to put it in terms he'd understand.

"Okay, some men, like you, are muscular but it's bulky. You look like you can bench press about two fifty, maybe three hundred."

"Go on." Thanks for noticing.

"You probably do martial arts. You move like a man with a purpose who could kill in a hundred different ways without breaking a sweat."

He frowned, leaning across Bob's desk. "You a cop?"

"My dad. My brother, my cousins, my uncle. . . ."

"Got it. Long line of trained observers."

"It rubbed off. I learned to pay attention. A swimmer doesn't have your kind of build. No offense, but you'd be dead in the water. A swimmer is all shoulders and lean muscle. His body is streamlined so he goes fast. This guy looked like he could break a speed record."

"You saw all that as he ran down the hall?"

Cadence blushed, ducking her head. "He was really well built, Detective Scott. Forgive me for noticing."

"No, that's actually helpful. You said he was wearing baggies. Could you see part of his leg? Any distinguishing marks?"

"No, but he was white, though very tanned. There was a line of lighter skin between his shoe and his ankle bone." She closed her eyes, thinking. "No tattoos that I noticed." She shook her head. "Sorry, that's all I saw. Oh, and the hair on his legs was dark."

"Lots of men have dark hair on their legs."

"Yes, I know. But a man that tanned, if he was blond or even had hair the same color you have, medium brown, the sun would probably bleach it light. He was very deeply tanned, Detective Scott. And the hairs were black."

"So, we're looking for a deeply tanned, black haired swimmer about six one, broad shoulders, no distinguishing marks."

She nodded, sighing. "I really wish I'd seen more. I'm sorry."

There was a knock on the door. "Detective Scott?"

"Yes?"

It was the first officer on the scene, Perry Davis. "We found the mask. No gloves, but we're still looking. Got a hair off the inside."

"Bag it and tag it."

"Already done." He held up the mask and the hair in separate plastic bags. "Our boy's got black hair. We're hoping to get more evidence off the mask."

"Excellent. Thanks, Davis." Scott smiled at Cadence. "Good call, Miss Stuart." As he was seeing her out, another officer came up.

"You aren't gonna believe this, sir, but we've got a second crime scene."

"You're kidding. Where?"

"Two floors up. Maid went in to clean an empty place. She found a shell casing behind the couch when she pulled it out to vacuum."

"Got a gun?"

"Not yet. No witnesses up there either. That floor's closed for remodeling. This room is done, so she was cleaning it up."

"How many shots did you hear fired?" Scott asked Cadence.

"Two. Almost sounded like a third, but that was an echo."

"You're sure? The others thought it was three."

She shook her head. "I've been around weapons all my life. My family's cops—rednecks to boot. I know the difference between a report and an echo."

"Weird thing in both rooms, sir."

"Oh? What's that?" Scott was almost defiant, his arms crossed in front of him.

"They shooters used the cord from the blind to steady the weapon. The guy down here, probably about six one. The guy upstairs is shorter, maybe five nine. We think he might have taken the weapon out in a golf bag. The maid found marks of cleats in the carpet."

"Please tell me she didn't get them all vacuumed up."

"She did most of them, but there were some behind the couch. The guy took his time, walked outta here like nothing was wrong."

"So, the other guy was a decoy?"

"That's what we're thinking."

Scott seemed to remember Cadence. He blinked, focusing on her face. "I guess I've got another scene to investigate. If you think of anything else, call me." He handed her a card.

As her fingers closed on it, he pulled it away teasingly. "Or just call me. Anytime, day or night."

"Your wife won't mind?"

He showed her his left hand. It didn't sport a wedding band—which meant very little, but was reassuring. "Not married, engaged or dating. You?"

Cadence laughed, tossing her long brown curls. "Do you always hit on witnesses, Detective Scott?"

Evading the question, he gave her the card. "I've got all your information. If I need to talk to you again, I know where to find you."

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from Solaris by Dellani

Solaris is a prequel to my Lone Wolf Series. Wil is on a mission to ask Mining Guild Chairman, Emmelia Spenser, for help. The planet that his friend has been sent to, is highly unstable, and they have families with them. The miners are worried about their safety. Unfortunately, certain key members of the Board of Directors of the Mining Guild are kicking up a fuss.

Doing some sophisticated time conversions, Wil decided to call Emmelia. It was about 2:00 in the afternoon, Aolani time, so he should be able to contact her on a secure line in her office. He began the lengthy process of putting through a crystal call. Nearly an hour later, he made contact. Emmelia answered immediately. It was voice only. She sounded anxious.

"Are you all right?" she said, before even saying hello.

"I'm fine, Emme. How's everything?"

"Chaotic. The good news is that The Rotunda is on the way to Solaris. I'm worried though, I don't think it's going to get there in time. The repercussions from this will be catastrophic if it goes south. I shudder to think of the ramifications."

"Then don't. You know it's a cluster fuck. Deal with it when it happens."

"Not if?"

"Emme, we both know it's a disaster waiting to happen. It's only a question of time."

She suppressed a sob, but Wil's sharp ears caught it.

"Didn't mean to upset you, Emmelia." His voice was uncharacteristically tender.

"It's not your fault. You did what needed doing. I only wish I'd had the courage to do it long ago. He was the Devil incarnate."

"Hell no, Ambrose would scare the Devil and make him run for the hills. How a man, as honorable as your father, and one as sick and twisted as Ambrose, could come from the same family—"

"I thought you didn't like my father."

"I didn't, but I respected the hell out him. He was a cold hearted bastard, there's no doubt. But the man had morals and convictions stronger than most. He was a able leader and a good man, in his own way. He might not have been much of a father, Emme, but he was a hell of a Chairman."

"Yes, he was." She sounded distant.

"But you know what? He's nothing in comparison to his daughter. I happen to think that the current Chairman Spenser is a hell of a gal."

"Thanks, Wil. Right now I don't feel like I am."

"But you need to know that you are. No matter what happens in the future, hold to the fact that you did the best you could. Promise me, Emmelia. You won't lose sight of that—no matter what happens."

"You make it sound so ominous. Is it really that bad?"

He didn't answer her. His silence told her everything she dreaded to hear.

"That's what I was afraid of."

"I'd better go," Wil said quietly.

"Have something pressing to do?" There was a laugh in her voice.

"No, but I'm sure you do. I just wanted to let you know I'm safe. If you need me, you know how to contact me."

"Yes. Do take care."

"I might say the same to you."

"Thank you, Wil."

"Anything for a friend, Emmelia."

The transmission ended leaving her empty, lost and alone. She took solace in his words. His opinion of her made her feel good. Wil was proud of her and that meant a lot. He didn't give out compliments lightly.

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from Man Tails by Dellani

Jet Barber shares a house with his sister, Alma. One evening, when he comes home from work, she's busily preparing a very nice meal. Instead of two spots at the table, three are set. She tells Jet she's expecting her boyfriend, Spense. She wants Jet to vet him before she allows the relationship to go to the next level. Since Jet is almost six and a half feet tall of seriously jacked man, he has a talent for scaring off all but the most interested suitors.

Spense was six feet tall, broad shouldered, with close cropped dark blond hair. His blue eyes were penetrating and held a glint of humor in them. He smiled when Jet opened the door, shifting both packages to one side. He held out his hand, grinning.

"You must be Jet. Spenser Thomas."

Jet shook his hand, squeezing a little. Spense squeezed back. The smile didn't fade, but a wariness came into his eyes.

"Alma's in the kitchen."

Spense lifted his chin, eyeing the taller man carefully. "But you want to talk to me first."

They moved into the living room and sat down. Spenser set his packages on the coffee table.

"Let me be totally up front, Jet. I like your sister. She's smart, funny, dead sexy and cooks like a pro. Do I want in her pants?" He spread his hands. "I'm a red blooded, heterosexual man."

Jet smirked. "There's a yes."

"But I'm not pushing. If I just wanted in her bed, I'd be there already. You know the drill."

Jet did. He'd used his charms to get what he wanted more than once. He never forced a woman to have sex, but he made it clear what he wanted and got it more often than not.

"She wants us to meet and I'm sure that's because she's got some deep seated worry that she'll never in a million years tell me about. So, ask me anything. I'm an open book."

"Got a job?" Jet fired the first volley.

"Yes. I work for Thomas and Sons. I'm one of the sons. It's an investment firm."

"You're a broker?"

"No. I'm the janitor." He laughed, shaking his head. "My actual title is investment counselor. I tell people what's a good investment and what isn't. I make good money."

"Heavy drinker?"

"I have a couple beers a week, a Scotch once in awhile. I get flat assed drunk on my birthday—it's the only time."

"Disease free?"

"Are you?"

Jet smiled. "Yeah."

"Me too. I was tested less than six months ago. I play clean, but you know nothing's fool proof."

"History of violence against women? Jail time?"

"Adamant no and I spent the night in jail once when I was seventeen. Old man wanted to teach me a lesson."

"Been there."

"Planning on fucking my sister and dumping her?"

"Never in a million years. I like her too much."

Jet nodded, considering that answer. It sounded sincere, just as the rest had. His bullshit monitor wasn't going off. There wasn't even the hint of a ping.

"I really like your sister, Jet. I want to see if this can go somewhere. I'm sick of being alone." He cleared his throat somewhat self-consciously. "Anything else you want to ask me?"

Jet cleared his throat, too. This guy was on the level. "Yeah. You want a beer?"

"I brought wine to have with dinner."

"Let's get the cork screw."

Jet led Spense into the kitchen. Spense walked over to Alma and handed her the parcels. One was the bottle of wine, the other was a box of her favorite chocolates.

"I would have brought flowers, but I know they make you sneeze."

Alma put her arms around his neck and kissed him. Spense, wisely, kept it chaste in front of her brother. Jet did his best to be small and invisible, nearly impossible for a man his size. He put the white wine in the refrigerator before walking into the living room. He felt decidedly like a third wheel. That didn't bother him as much as the idea that Spense was probably going to get lucky tonight and he hadn't a snowball's chance of getting laid himself.

Alma giggled and Jet knew for a fact that she and Spense were going to get busy later. He hoped they would go to his place. Or maybe hell would freeze over or the Earth would blow up so he wouldn't have to hear it. He'd opt for a hurricane or even a squall.

"Dinner!" Alma called.

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from Tennessee Whiskey by Dellani

Noel Gentry owns a bar in an aging, but still nice, neighborhood. When his neighbor, Mrs. Culpepper, falls ill, he accompanies her to the hospital, where me meets Dr. Ziva Bodie. He and the doctor hit it off, so he invites her to a Sardonic concert, complete with front row seats and back stage passes. She's delighted with the concert, and is even more excited after intermission, when surprise guests join Sardonic on stage.

This time, the band took the stage with the lights on. Two other men walked out, ones that Noel and Ziva hadn't seen backstage. One was very tall, with waist long black hair. The other was shorter, with shoulder length blond hair. Ziva recognized them immediately. Grabbing Noel's arm, she jumped up and down, squealing. The sound and movement caught Cullen's attention. He stopped, dropping to a crouch.

“I think one of my fans is deserting me for our special guests. Do you know who these guys are, babe?” he said into the microphone. He held it out to catch her voice.

“Yes!” she squeaked.

“Well, suppose you tell these nice folks, in case they don't recognize them. To my right?”

“That's Malin Dimas!” She hopped up and down like an excitable child.

“And to my left?”

“Johnny Caesar! Ohmigod!”

The audience went insane. Noel, who liked and recognized both musicians, couldn't help but laugh at Ziva's antics.

“Noel, man, I think your lady's about to abandon you for a rock star.”

“Nope, cause she knows they're both married. And she knows what I can do with my tongue.” He flickered it like Gene Simmons. Since the camera was focused on them, his antics made the big screen above the stage.

The audience went insane. The men on stage laughed loudly.

“Friend of yours?” Malin came over to stand by Cullen. Dropping down, he held out his hand to Ziva. “Hi there. What's your name, beautiful?”

Not to be outdone, Johnny joined them.

“This is Ziva. She's a doctor,” Cullen said. “And, unfortunately, she's dating my friend, Noel.”

“You know our songs, Ziva the Doctor?” Malin asked.

“Yes!”

“What's your favorite?”

Put on the spot, she blanked out on all of Malin's titles. Since she couldn't remember the name, she sang a snatch of it.

“You wanna hear that right now?”

“Yes!”

“Boys, Casa Nova!” Playing a wicked riff, he strolled away from the edge of the stage.

Cullen hopped up, followed by Johnny. Not to be outdone, he played his own riff, and the two had a head cutting duel before even starting the song. Trying to outdo one another, they played more intricate things. Johnny finally played something so bizarre, Malin couldn't seem to do it. Stopping for a second, with the band playing behind him, he put his hands on his hips in disgust.

“You aren't supposed to play my own song better than me, Caesar!”

Laughing, Johnny flipped him off and started to sing.

“Fucking sings it better than me, too!” Malin hollered. “You want my job?”

Johnny just laughed again, and kept singing. Cullen took over vocals and the other two sang harmony. When the song finished, the crowd went crazy.

“I swear to god, you both sing it better than me. That settles it, next album, you're both on it.”

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from A Tisket A Tasket by Dellani

A Tisket A Tasket is the fourth book in my Miracle, Mississippi fantasy series. The members of the Circles have been in Louisiana, helping the son of one of their members. As their meeting is ending, their host gets a call from his daughter, who is visiting another group in Texas.

“I'll give 'em a call in a second,” Emmett said, pulling on his jeans. He had just turned his phone back on when it rang. “Speaking of Summer. Hep, baby girl?” He put the phone on speaker.

“Daddy, Caleb's dad told me to call and tell you they're all packing up and coming down.”

“We meeting up here at home, or in Miracle?”

“I'll ask.” There was a brief, muffled conversation.

“He said it doesn't matter, just give him a destination.”

“It needs to be up home,” Neil stated. “Couldn't tell ya why, I just know.”

“We're going to Miracle,” Emmett confirmed with Summer.

“Okay. It will be about ten hours. Got to round everyone up and get on the road. He wants to know if there are enough places to sleep, or do they need to plan to camp?”

“Dad's fish camp is empty,” Neil said. “There are cabins, pretty comfy this time of year. They'd need a little airing, but we were just in last week to clean.”

“Sounds good,” Summer said. “This is a hardy bunch, they don't mind roughing it. I'm fitting right in.” She loved to camp and commune with nature. She had an affinity for air and water, so she was happiest outside. “Daddy, can I stay with Caleb?”

“Sure, honey. But not in the same cabin.”

“Uck! Daddy!” she hung up.

Emmett chuckled. “That won't last long, but let me enjoy the moment while I can.”

“We'd better get home,” Neil said to Chase. “We'll need to give the place a shakedown. It's pretty good, but I need your help with the bug wards.”

“No problem. Marissa's really good with those.”

“Then I need her too.”

Sudden motion possessed them all. The people in Louisiana needed to pack up. The people from Mississippi needed to get things ready back home. Already Jackie and Jordan were organizing with the other women, discussing numbers, food and who would sleep where.

Brian watched, amazed. “Seems kinda sexist, them organizing it all,” he said to his dad.

Miles glanced over his shoulder, shrugging. “Your mother would object if we tried to help them. Watch. Babe, we can help out, so you ladies aren't doing it all.”

“Not on your life,” she snapped back. “If I wanna get kicked stupid, I'll let you know.”

Brian burst out laughing. “I never heard her say that before.”

“Inside joke. Suffice to say, they don't want, or need, our help.”

“I guess I'll stand around and look smarter than I am.”

“Yeah, good luck with that. Grab the baby.” He picked up diaper bag and camp chairs, heading to the car.

Brian picked up Elise, tossing her in the air. This time, he was sure she hovered a moment. Even he, as powerful as he was, couldn't do that. “No one ever told her it wasn't possible,” he murmured as he put her in her seat. “You keep defying the laws of gravity, baby girl. You can teach your dumb ass brother a few things.”

Elise touched his cheek, grinning. “Dumdum.”

“Oh, thanks!” He kissed her hand and helped his mother into the car.

Jordan had decided to ride up with them since Louisa and Ginnifer wanted to come up early and were riding with her parents.

“I wish there were some kind of magic spell to make putting in a car seat easier,” Heath grumbled. “Can't manipulate plastic.” Muttering, he finally let Andre take over.

Once the seat was in place and baby Wilson ensconced in his throne, Andre took Louisa in his arms.

“You be safe and call me when you get there. I'm right behind you.”

“We'll be fine. I love you.” She gave him a little kiss.

“So much, it hurts,” he whispered, deepening the kiss. “Bye, Stinky,” he said to his son.

The baby blew bubbles at him, gurgling happily.

“Stop that, he's gonna think it's his name.”

“And yet we named him after a volleyball.”

Louisa swatted him and he backed up from the car, laughing.

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from Portrait of Love by Dellani

Gemma meets Kendrick by chance, and he asks her out. Desperately wanting to paint her portrait, he invites her to his studio. He isn't as interested in dating her so much as capturing her essence on the canvas. When Gemma meets his roommate, Vik, there is an instant attraction. Unfortunately, they aren't able to deny their attraction and Kendrick finds them kissing in Vik's studio. He goes somewhat crazy and beats up Vik. This scene takes place in the hospital when Vik is being released.

“You can go ahead and call your driver at any time,” Dr. Hennasy said with a smile. “I'll get the paperwork rolling.”

“Thank you so much,” Gemma said.

“We're going to miss you,” Dr. Hennasy said. “Not because we like you or anything, Vik. We're going to miss Minerva's treats.”

Giggling, she scuttled out as he hurled one of his pillows at her. Laughing, he lay down once more.

“Ow, that hurt. I should know better than to throw pillows at my doctor.”

“But isn't that what they're for? The doctors, and the pillows,” Gemma said as she picked it up.

Vik chuckled. “They are indeed. I say that a day hasn't really started well unless one is able to hurl at least one pillow at an unsuspecting medical professional.”

“Doctors aren't as much fun to bean as nurses,” Gemma said, putting the pillow at the end of the bed. “But nurses are generally quicker.”

Holding his ribs, Vik laughed softly. “Oh, fuck that hurts!”

“I guess laughter isn't the best medicine for a man with cracked ribs, hm? We'll make sure that the level of jocularity is kept at a minimum.”

“Jocularity,” Vik chuckled. “Yeah, that'll happen.”

James arrived about forty minutes later, trailing water from his great coat. “I had to park in east hell,” he complained. “The old man with the cart wouldn't give me a ride. He said I was fully fit and able to walk.”

“Bastard,” Vik said. “What do they pay the old arse for if not to pick people up?”

“I think he was beating it,” James said, with a none to subtle hand gesture. “Can't be sure as the drapes were drawn.”

“Ew!” Gemma said.

“Sorry, Miss. You'll have to forgive us menfolk. We can't be trusted in public.”

“Or private,” Vik added.

“Nor there,” James agreed. “Are we about out of here?”

“Just need to sign the papers,” Vik said.

“I'll tromp back down to get the car, then,” James said with a sign. “I tried calling, but you didn't answer. That's the only reason I schlepped up here.”

Gemma looked at her phone only to realize it was completely dead. “I forgot to charge it last night. I'm so sorry, James.”

“Not a problem, Miss. I'll be back,” he said in a good imitation of Arnold.

“I need to get dressed,” Vik said. “I can't do this myself.”

“I can help,” Gemma said.

Vik's head popped up, his lips clamped shut. “Uh, no. I have no boxers on. Not inviting you to that party at this stage of the game.”

Gemma giggled as he blushed. “I'll get someone.”

“Preferably a male someone,” Vik called after her.

A few minutes later, Gemma came back with an orderly. He gladly helped Vik get dressed while Gemma waited in the hallway. He opened the door, propping it open when he left. Vik sat on the bed fully clothed. He patted the bed next to him.

“I can't wait to get home and shower. Sponge bathes are okay, but they aren't that much fun.”

“Oh, I think I could give you a great sponge bath,” Gemma teased.

“You can't say things like that if I'm going to be celibate the next few weeks,” Vik said. “I have some self-control, but an invitation like that gets my imagination pumping. And I have a hell of a good imagination,” he whispered, leaning toward her.

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from Mirrored by Dellani

Jed McMurtry has moved into his cousin, Teague's old house. His neighbor, Millie, has recently lost her husband. Cora, her granddaughter, has moved in with Millie, to keep an eye on her. She tells Jed that he looks a lot like her grandfather.

Cora found a picture album in the hutch by the table. She opened a page to show a happy, young couple. Jed did strongly resemble Bear, except that his hair was far lighter than the older man's. Identical dimples and a cleft in the chin, greeted him from the page. Bear's eyes, he knew, were a light aquamarine, where his were sapphire blue. The similarity was startling.

"He was twenty when they married and she was barely eighteen. Childhood sweethearts," Cora said. "She knew she wanted to marry him when she was ten and he was twelve. Only one man, her entire life. They adored one another."

"You wonder why we can't find a love like that, don't you? I can't tell you how many women have come and gone. None of that magic."

"I know," Cora said, touching the picture tenderly. "I want magic."

Jed leaned toward her, taking her face in his hands. His lips brushed hers, once, twice. On the third pass, he stroked her lips and cheek with his thumbs before kissing her. She tilted her head, accepting his kiss like the most priceless gift. They kissed a long time. Jed's fingers wound in her hair, twining in her curls. Cora held the collar of his shirt, pulling him close, though their bodies didn't really touch. It felt so good holding her, giving her kisses, that his mind drifted away from the here and now. It felt so very right with her.

Cora pushed his chest a little, backing away from him. A frown had settled on her features, confusing him.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No. You're doing everything right. It's just—"

"You're wondering when I'm going to break your heart."

She turned away, lips trembling, tears falling.

"Do I have to?"

"What? Use me and toss me aside?" Cora's hand rose as if she were ready to hit him.

Jed took it gently, but firmly, kissing the palm. "No. Do I have to break your heart? Is it mandatory? Because I don't really want to. I like you, Cora. I'm not in the habit of hurting women—in any way. Not on purpose, anyhow. Even when you came over here, all pissed off at me, ready to rumble, I liked you. The more I'm around you, the more time I want to be around you."

"He used to say the same things. He used to tell me I was the most beautiful woman in the world, then he used me, stole from me, cheated on me and dragged me through the mud. He ripped out my heart and shredded it in front of me!"

Jed nodded. "Okay.... Fair enough. I'd love to give you some sob story and tell you I know how you feel, but honestly, I don't. I haven't got a line of hurt behind me. Most of the women I've dated, I'm still friends with. I was even in the wedding party of a couple of them. It was always a mutual break up, no tears, no hysterics, just a parting of the ways. I can't sit here and lie to you and tell you that I'm happy, though. I'm not. I'm lonely as hell and I want a good woman in my life. See, the woman I date needs a few things for me to go for her—she's got to be smart. You've got a PhD, very cool. She's got to be able to hold her own in my crazy ass family, and I think you can do that. Family is important and it's obvious that you think so too, or we wouldn't be here."

"Let me guess, hot and sexy, good in bed...."

"That would be nice," Jed replied, frowning a little. "But not the most important things. I like the fact you can cook, because I'm only moderately competent in the kitchen—as far as cooking. Otherwise, I rock in the kitchen." He chuckled when she pouted at him. "Will you give me a chance?"

"No sex," she said, holding up a finger at him. "Not yet. Everything falls apart after sex."

Jed nodded. "Okay. Deal."

"You gave into that condition way too easy."

"I'm still on the injured list. I'm not allowed to do anything anyway, so that's off the table until the doctor gives her permission. In the meantime, I like talking to you. And I sure like kissing you."

"I like that, too."

Jed glanced at the clock. "However, I have to get moving. I have a few things I have to take care of before I go to Joel's for dinner. I'd rather spend the time with you. But, since Aileen could shoot me dead, I'll go."

"We'll be fine here. Go have fun."

"It won't be nearly as fun without you."

They kissed goodbye and Jed went home.

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from Lord Roeder's Mine by Dellani

Lord Roeder's Mine is a prequel to my Lone Wolf Series. Matilda's father, Ed Dulac, is stationed on a planet named Solaris, where he loses his wife and two daughters. He becomes a Trimagnite miner, and one of his assignments is the infamous Lord Roeder's Mine.

"Gun it," Tarvo ordered.

The pilot slapped his controls and the ship leaped forward, knocking most of its personnel on their rear ends. The interstice snapped shut behind them, taking with it a portion of their rear sensor array.

"What the hell just happened?" Ed called from Medical. "I just landed on my ass, Wayne. What are you playing at?"

"Stubborn interstice, Dulac. Deal with it." He clicked off and made an all ship bulletin apologizing for the inconvenience. "What went wrong?" He asked his bridge crew.

Lieutenant Garrow on navigation answered. "I'm still running an analysis, Captain. So far, nothing is showing up. I'm also running diagnostics of the interstice and my console, sir."

"Tell me when it's done."

"Yes, sir."

"Hail Committee Home Base," he told the communications officer.

"Yes, Captain," Lane Halapay replied. "They are demanding a command code, sir."

"What? Have they gone completely out of their minds? Since when do I...?" He stopped talking when a large and angry reptilian face filled his screen.

"A little warning would have been nice, Lieutenant," Wayne muttered to Halapay.

"They did it without asking, sir."

"Who am I talking to?" Tarvo asked abruptly. "You've got some nerve to override my comunit like that."

"What is your Guild command code?"

"I don't give that out to anyone. You'd know that if you worked around here."

"Name and rank."

"That ain't exactly your business either. I'm contacting Committee Home Base."

"And I am replying."

"Well, I guess we're at an impasse, buddy."

"I believe that the security ships off your port bow have now shifted the balance." The screen flickered to show three gun ships off port.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Grff Sslick, Acting Security Chief for Committee Home Base."

"You new at your job?"

"Why do you ask?"

"You never taught manners back in the swamp?" Wayne recognized Sslick as a member of the reptilian species from a swampy planet called Viotempe. "I got Guild business here. More to the point, I got business with Dr. Savolopis. Now, you either clear me to do that peacefully, or you're going to find yourself in a bind."

"We have superior weapons."

"Maybe so, but I got mining lasers. You ever seen what one of them can do to a spaceship? It ain't pretty."

"I demand you identify...."

"And I demand you follow protocol. I don't have time for this shit. I'm completing my mission as ordered. If your ships fire on me, you're gonna have Emmelia Spenser on you so fast, you'll piss your britches. Blackmore," he said to the pilot.

"Yes, sir."

"Get me down there, boy."

"Yes, Captain."

"Sheehan."

"Sir?"

"Get those lasers on line."

"Yes, sir."

"You cut down anything that tries to get in our way."

"You got it, sir."

"Sslick, you got ten seconds to get outta my way. Ten, nine...."

The three gun ships moved back, but flanked the Guild vessel as it made its descent to the gigantic asteroid that was Committee Home Base.

Tarvo's private comunit on his chair flickered. He glanced at it.

"Dad, what's going on? The entire base is on alert."

"Some dickhead who thinks he knows what he's doing."

"Who?"

"Some lizard."

"Oh, him! Give me a minute. I think I can clear this up." The screen flickered off.

Moments later, another face appeared. This was the Base Command Station.

"Wayne Tarvo, are you who's causing all this trouble?"

"Ben Drexel, thank God! Who's that turtle brained idiot who thinks he's in charge?"

"Last minute replacement for the Security Chief. The other one met with an accident. We're looking for a permanent replacement. I'm not sure where he came from, but he's got bilge for brains."

The gun ships tipped their wings respectfully and flew off.

"Thank you. First the damn interstice wouldn't open, then that bozo came on demanding my command codes."

"He had security locked the gate from this side. I'm not even sure how he did it. I didn't give the order. Give a lizard a little power, he suddenly thinks he's in charge."

"I'd throw the fucker in the brig."

Ben grinned. "I've got you on my scope now. Your nav should have the orbit coordinates."

"Aye, sir," Garrow said clearly. "Locking in now, sir."

"Thank God for the Marines," Tarvo said with a dry chuckle.

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