RED KNIGHT
a STAR FRONTIERS Novel
by Layne K. Saltern
The briefing summons that had arrived at my apartment was not from the Clarion Militia but from Star Law.
Star Law had no direct connection with the militia, but was instead an actual branch of the United Planetary Federation. The UPF was formed about 60 years ago to fight the threat of Sathar invasion. From there it grew into the largest interstellar military body in the sector. Star Law sprouted from the UPF in an attempt to control the growing threat of piracy and other crime on an interplanetary level.
The fact that my next assignment was coming from Star Law made me wonder if it were something interplanetary as well.
At Star Law's local branch office I found myself briskly escorted into an office filled with military medals and holograms. An ancient Vrusk with cracked green features rose at my entrance and coughed twice.
"Midshipman. . .Kro'khan Zek'et--of the Clarion Militia," said the man, almost as though he were making sure he had the name right.
"Yes, sir."
The man was covered with military decorations. I looked more closely at his gray uniform. Unless I was mistaken, this man was a member of the UPF's military branch, and not a Star Law agent at all.
He smiled with age-ripened good nature. "You're probably wondering why Star Law brought you here."
"The thought crossed my mind."
"Well, it's quite simple, really. We want you to be present at a private UPF conference to be held on the planet Pale. It seems the Clarion Militia owes us a favor, so they have agreed to grant your absense. . .should you accept."
Pale? That's in the Truane's Star system, at the opposite corner of the sector. "Could I ask the purpose of my presence?"
"We value your insight. I think that will become even more clear when you see the purpose of the conference. I can't say anything more at this time."
Vrusk have an acute ability to comprehend the meaning behind another's words. That ability was telling me this man wasn't being forthright about something.
But he seemed like a nice guy, and I'm sure he meant me no harm.
"I accept your offer."
It sounded harmless enough.