RED KNIGHT
a STAR FRONTIERS Novel
by Layne K. Saltern
His door was unlocked.
Everything in the room was overturned, just like my mind. Two laser scars blackened the wall directly above the smashed window. I smiled when I considered how badly Tulk'n had missed his target.
I saw myself in a full length mirror. I flipped out a blaster and aimed it at the second "me." He was sloppily dressed in a casual black pullover. He looked angry and confused.
"You scum!" I growled.
Maybe it had been I who had shot Tulk'n. The idea was forbiddenly delicious.
"Kro'khan?"
I turned and saw Admrial Zhelk. I quickly returned my pistol to its holster.
"Admiral, I was just examining the scene of the attack."
"Uh-huh. I have a favor to ask."
"Well, ask."
"I sent officers Krenny and Thibaut outside in insulated suits to scout the area around us. Since I don't know what's out there, I decided to send Lieutenant Tung with them as extra security." He looked over my lack of uniform. "I can't command you, since you're not a UPF officer, but as a favor, could you watch my back while I look into repairing the comm systems? I think it's safer if we increase our numbers."
I took a deep breath. "Sure. Might as well."