Chapter 4. Ellipse


    Galba sprinkled some oil in the water. "The boarding team


    is organising what it thinks might be needed."


    Lucian took the towel from his face. "You know there is a chance we


    might not even be able to get through the Valkyrie''s cloak."


    Steam hissed as Galba tipped the cup over the hot rocks. "The primary


    reason we''re out here is the Aenides - and she is exactly where I want


    her to be. The Valkyrie is just an opportunity worth exploring."


    "Is anyone in the Senate aware of what you are doing out here?"


    Galba leaned back on the bench and closed his eyes.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Just a small circle of like minded individuals."


    Lucian shook his head. "Has there ever been a Senator that could even


    lie straight in bed"


    Galba smiled. "I''m sure the dead ones can."


    *


    From an overhead gantry, Lucian watched the boarding vessel


    being prepared and loaded.


    "There is a five man boarding team, plus yourself and Ithaniel."


    Lucian noticed Galba tapping his fingers on the guard rail.


    "Is something on your mind?"


    "I want you to keep an eye on Ithaniel."


    "You want me to babysit him?"


    "No, nothing like that."


    "What then?"


    Ithaniel stood on the loading deck below them checking his gear.


    "I don''t trust him." Galba said.


    "Any particular reason."


    "I have a vague feeling that he''s only telling me what he wants me to hear."


    "As opposed to telling you what you want to hear." Lucian replied.


    "There is, a subtle difference." Galba said stepping back from the railing.


    "We''re about a day and a half out from intercepting the Valkyrie. I still have


    some details to work through with the Aenides. Why don''t you go and meet


    the legionnaires you''ll be going in with, I hear there might even be some


    gambling going on in the crew quarters."


    Lucian smiled. "It''s been awhile."


    *


    Authors Note. I will add to this chapter in the next few weeks.


    Thank you for reading what I have written so far.


    Please read the earlier books in the series to get a grounding


    in the story line.


    Book 1. Sleep now in the fire


    Book 2. Wake now in the fire


    Book 3. Breathe now in the fire