Read Online Annals of the Keepers: War 267 (Book 1 in the Gashnee Saga) by Christiaan Hile, Benjamin Halkett - Free Book Online

by your wit, Voskal,” Lintorth stroked the wounds on his face. “You’ve had ample time to polish your repartee in my absence. It is good to know that the intelligence service has some use after all.”
    Voskal feigned disappointment. “Lintorth, you misjudge me. After all, the intelligence service always stands ready to assist our allies in the military. No sacrifice is too great for the continued well-being of the Domain,” he said.
    Lintorth chuckled. “Yes, it is. Well, my ally, we have handiwork to initiate, enemies to locate, and secrets to uncover.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Have you not heard?” Lintorth asked.
    “Heard what?” Voskal queried; all humors from his voice replaced with a sudden cautiousness.
    Lintorth studied his friend for a moment before replying.
    “The Domain has been attacked, Voskal. We are in great danger right now and no one realizes it. Not even you and your network of spies.”
    “Attacked? You’re not talking about the skirmish in the Ort Biden sector?” Voskal laughed. “I don’t consider that serious,” he shrugged. “We lost one ship against the Fossari dissidents. A mere transport that was less than half full. They in turn lost three of their secret bases and an illegal weapons depot. There are a dozen factions of similar renegades that operate across the holdings of the Domain, but nothing requires more measures than ordinary,” Voskal explained to Lintorth. 
    Lintorth held up his hand to stop Voskal from speaking further.
    “I escaped the Sol sector as an unknown invading force attacked and overtook the Dalyth outpost. I have never seen their equal, as one of their kind almost brought me down today. Their ships, weapons, tactics and soldiers are all foreign,” Lintorth said.
    Voskal Lat’s gaze was expressionless. He tried to find the words. “What would you have me do?”
    His question hung in the air for only a nano-second before Lintorth spoke.
    “We need all our spies activated across the entirety of the Domain. I want all courtesies given to those who work by our graces to be called upon by all who owe us favor,” Lintorth said as he caught his thought. “Voskal,” his eyes narrowed to a point of pure certainty, “we are against time. We are behind in our knowledge of this unknown enemy. We must, at all costs, find what we do not know.”
    Voskal spoke in agreement. “I will use all at my disposal.”
    “Once you set your network in motion, I want you to rendezvous with me in the Yantek system. Do you understand, Voskal?”
    “Yes, Lintorth. I will meet you at the military installation there once my mission is complete.”
    “Be safe, my friend, and do not tell a soul regarding what we’ve discussed. In time, we will release what we know so as to keep the powers that be from making reckless and uninformed decisions.”
    Lintorth finished his transmission and end-coded the message to erase any lingering recordings that transpired in the communication apparatus between them.
    Lintorth leaned over in his chair to pull out the chair cushion from beneath him.
    He stared at it shaking his head. What was he thinking?

Data Cell 7
    The Reaver helmets rested on their metal posts. Each mask was unique to each man on the team. The frontal chin blades had different shapes, lengths and angles to them. All looked like some forgotten creature’s tusks, protruding from the mouthpiece breather.
    The Reaver masks were each designed not only to be different, as to recognize each team member, but to add that air of fear for the enemy upon seeing them.
    The Reaver ready room was a soldier’s playground of technology and weapons. This is where the regiments lived, relaxed, prepared for war and recovered from battle.
    Just as Ramek was doing now, Kason thought, as he entered the chamber.
    He had just finished speaking to Droe Temin in the hallway before he stopped by the armory with Ramek’s regimental sash in hand.
    Kason looked over the red cloth that symbolized