Read Online Ilox Saga 1: Eris Monroe: More Than Human by Bruce Adams - Free Book Online Page B

system of five planets and two massive asteroid belts was well off the normal space-lanes – there were no navigational beacons indicated on his readout, but he already knew of his port of call and had programmed the navigation computer accordingly. As his small ship traveled further into the single star system far from the jump point, he gave a coded response to the unseen sentries that had transmitted a warning when he came within range of their deep radar scans. The robotic sentries orbited a large barren planetoid that was devoid of atmosphere - his destination. The dwarf planet was a remnant of the creation of this solar system and had not fully formed into a full planet. At five hundred and seventy-five kilometers radius it was considered a larger proto-planet, but scouts that had first surveyed this system had found nothing useful on it and it was never fully explored. The Vortex group had set up a base here many years ago and used it as a private retreat for those high in the ranks of their organization to recreate as they wished. As he landed at one of the numerous installations that Chol Cuxa lived at, he wondered how many sentients he had killed in nuclear fire. Normally such thoughts never entered his mind. He was barren of empathy for other living creatures…and only thought in strategic terms of the repercussions of such a violent act. The Horizon mercenaries had been attempting to muscle in on territory and star systems that Vortex laid claim to. This was a message they would understand. His target had been on that train – the leader of the Horizon mercenary group was just as ruthless and cruel as men such as himself…and such men as Chol Cuxa.
    Humans called it a tavern , or a bar, but K’Tosk were straightforward and liked to use phrases that were unambiguous. He stood outside of the entertainment complex , he was tired and he had to report in person on what he had seen. There were other modules scattered throughout the enclave, facilities for ship repair, power supply, water and wastewater – even a few areas that were devoted entirely to food cultivation. Verinous made his way straight to where his leader had ensconced himself, the complex known as Blood and Honor . Chol would be living here at for the next few days, and then he would take ship and travel to another clandestine and secretive location. Chol Cuxa had survived as long as he had by frequently changing where he stayed. Chol didn’t trust modern communications much at all and wanted important messages delivered by a sentient and in person . No use trying to use a quantum relay or other sophisticated communication systems, as he would not use them. Verinous was used to the odd quirks of his employer and that meant he had to meet Chol Cuxa in person and deliver his report. Sounds of distant music and raucous laughter soon drifted to the mercenary as he carefully made his way through the underground tunnel passages and connected platforms that made up the bulk of the underground facility. He headed towards the central core of the port where the mass of shops and businesses were located. Business was business and the Vortex group made money by selling weapons, armor, food – basically anything someone would want that perhaps was illegal on Republic owned worlds and ports. He knew the way, he had been here before and the twisty maze-like passages were all numbered and categorized in a logical pattern. He heard the music first, and then the raucous sound of hundreds of sentients conversing, laughing, arguing and dancing. The racket was jarring and seemed somehow inappropriate when compared to the silence he had blissfully enjoyed in the familiar comfort of his personal starship. The never-ending party took place twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The galaxy was large and there were trillions of sentient beings that were trying to make a fast credit - mercenaries, pirates, and outlaws had been coming to the Blood and Honor for years to