Read Online Legion Of The Damned - 01 - Legion of the Damned by William C. Dietz - Free Book Online
Authors: William C. Dietz
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hated politics and ceded more power to Scolari than he should have.
Standing to the admiral’s left was the woman Chien-Chu was looking for. Unlike her associates, General Marianne Mosby had chosen the guise of a well-known holo star, and the likeness was remarkable.
She had long brown hair which the merchant assumed was part of the Costume, a heart-shaped face, and full, sensuous lips. And, like the star that she’d chosen to impersonate, Mosby was ever-so-slightly overweight, as though she was inclined to take her share—and a little more.
But whatever extra flesh the general allowed herself was located in all the right places. The bodice of her gown was cut low and wide, so low that her nipples, rouged for the occasion, appeared and disappeared as she moved, and caused every male within fifty feet to watch her from the corner of his eye. Mosby’s attire was conservative compared to that worn by many in the room, but was outrageous by military standards, as was clear from Scolari’s rather pronounced frown.
Chien-Chu summoned his most engaging smile and stepped across the invisible barrier. It was necessary to yell in order to make himself heard above the noise.
“Admiral Scolari, General Worthington, how good to see you.”
Scolari glowered and inclined her head a quarter of an inch. “And you, Sergi. Have you met General Mosby? The general has assumed command of the Legion’s forces on Earth.”
Mosby extended a hand, but rather than shake it, Chien-Chu lifted it to his lips.
“My name is Sergi Chien-Chu. I had no idea that generals could be so beautiful. The opportunity to kiss one, if only on the hand, is too good to pass by.”
“Sergi has a way with words,” Scolari said dryly. “He owns Chien-Chu Enterprises ... and is one of the Emperor’s most trusted advisors.”
Mosby smiled and subjected Chien-Chu to the same lightning-fast evaluation that she used on raw recruits. What she saw was a relatively short man, five-nine or five-ten, who was at least twenty-five pounds overweight. His features had a Eurasian cast to them, which made an interesting contrast to his piercing blue eyes and olive-colored skin. He radiated confidence the way the sun radiates heat. And, unlike most men, Chien-Chu had managed to maintain contact with her eyes rather than her breasts. He was, she decided, a force to contend with, and worthy of her attention.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Chien-Chu. I’m familiar with your company. One of the few that make promises and keep them.”
Chien-Chu bowed slightly. “The honor is mine ... and thank you ... we place a high value on the Legion’s business.”
Mosby extended her arm. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished. Would you care for some refreshments?”
“I shouldn’t,” Chien-Chu responded cheerfully, “but I will.” He took her arm. “If you two will excuse us?”
Scolari gave a barely perceptible nod and Worthington grinned widely. “Nice work, Sergi. Move in on the most beautiful woman in the room, steal her right out from under my nose, and make your getaway.”
Chien-Chu smiled and shrugged. “Some of us have it ... and some of us don’t. General Mosby?”
Mosby nodded to her peers and allowed herself to be steered across the room. This was only her second visit to the Imperial Palace, the first having been for a short ceremony years before, and she was amazed by the goings-on.
She had chosen the gown with every intention of being provocative but was outclassed by those around her. Some of the guests were clad in little more than a sequin or two. Many were engaged in casual sex, pairing off on the floor or heading for side rooms where more comfortable furnishings could be found.
In some of those rooms, acrobats staged live sex acts and the audience joined in. In some, drugs were served on silver trays. In others, even darker activities were said to take place.
One part of Mosby, the part that had been raised on a conservative
Standing to the admiral’s left was the woman Chien-Chu was looking for. Unlike her associates, General Marianne Mosby had chosen the guise of a well-known holo star, and the likeness was remarkable.
She had long brown hair which the merchant assumed was part of the Costume, a heart-shaped face, and full, sensuous lips. And, like the star that she’d chosen to impersonate, Mosby was ever-so-slightly overweight, as though she was inclined to take her share—and a little more.
But whatever extra flesh the general allowed herself was located in all the right places. The bodice of her gown was cut low and wide, so low that her nipples, rouged for the occasion, appeared and disappeared as she moved, and caused every male within fifty feet to watch her from the corner of his eye. Mosby’s attire was conservative compared to that worn by many in the room, but was outrageous by military standards, as was clear from Scolari’s rather pronounced frown.
Chien-Chu summoned his most engaging smile and stepped across the invisible barrier. It was necessary to yell in order to make himself heard above the noise.
“Admiral Scolari, General Worthington, how good to see you.”
Scolari glowered and inclined her head a quarter of an inch. “And you, Sergi. Have you met General Mosby? The general has assumed command of the Legion’s forces on Earth.”
Mosby extended a hand, but rather than shake it, Chien-Chu lifted it to his lips.
“My name is Sergi Chien-Chu. I had no idea that generals could be so beautiful. The opportunity to kiss one, if only on the hand, is too good to pass by.”
“Sergi has a way with words,” Scolari said dryly. “He owns Chien-Chu Enterprises ... and is one of the Emperor’s most trusted advisors.”
Mosby smiled and subjected Chien-Chu to the same lightning-fast evaluation that she used on raw recruits. What she saw was a relatively short man, five-nine or five-ten, who was at least twenty-five pounds overweight. His features had a Eurasian cast to them, which made an interesting contrast to his piercing blue eyes and olive-colored skin. He radiated confidence the way the sun radiates heat. And, unlike most men, Chien-Chu had managed to maintain contact with her eyes rather than her breasts. He was, she decided, a force to contend with, and worthy of her attention.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Chien-Chu. I’m familiar with your company. One of the few that make promises and keep them.”
Chien-Chu bowed slightly. “The honor is mine ... and thank you ... we place a high value on the Legion’s business.”
Mosby extended her arm. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished. Would you care for some refreshments?”
“I shouldn’t,” Chien-Chu responded cheerfully, “but I will.” He took her arm. “If you two will excuse us?”
Scolari gave a barely perceptible nod and Worthington grinned widely. “Nice work, Sergi. Move in on the most beautiful woman in the room, steal her right out from under my nose, and make your getaway.”
Chien-Chu smiled and shrugged. “Some of us have it ... and some of us don’t. General Mosby?”
Mosby nodded to her peers and allowed herself to be steered across the room. This was only her second visit to the Imperial Palace, the first having been for a short ceremony years before, and she was amazed by the goings-on.
She had chosen the gown with every intention of being provocative but was outclassed by those around her. Some of the guests were clad in little more than a sequin or two. Many were engaged in casual sex, pairing off on the floor or heading for side rooms where more comfortable furnishings could be found.
In some of those rooms, acrobats staged live sex acts and the audience joined in. In some, drugs were served on silver trays. In others, even darker activities were said to take place.
One part of Mosby, the part that had been raised on a conservative
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