Page 39 of Stalker

"Certainly." The droid's optical sensors scan my screen. "Ah. This content has been flagged as restricted material under Station Ordinance 2187-B. Access is prohibited."

"Restricted? It's just a news article about-"

"The article contains banned content. All materials from the Khurse Network were officially restricted by Alpha Centauri Station authority."

"Under whose authority exactly?"

"Only Commander Daniels has the clearance level to enact such widespread content restrictions."

My father. The commander who claims he did nothing wrong on Rakura IV has banned all news coverage from Reaper sources about the incident.

The collar feels heavier than ever against my throat. If Dad really acted honorably, if he truly had no choice but to use force... why suppress the other side's version of events?

What really happened on Rakura IV? What is my father hiding?

CHAPTER 15

BRUTICUS

The leather suit chafes against my bone spurs. The mask itches. My reflection in Maryse's mirror looks ridiculous - like a reject from a budget holovid about space ninjas.

"Computer, delete security footage for the past hour."

"Footage deleted."

The encryption key burns in my pocket. Such a small thing, to unlock such sweet vengeance. Vorpa came through after all. The detective's message waits on my wrist display:

"Time to end this. 2847 High Street, Level 12. Don't get caught."

My boots whisper against the floor as I check my weapons one last time. Blade at my hip. Stunner in my boot. Garotte wire up my sleeve.

"Computer, engage privacy mode."

The windows darken. Perfect timing - the sun sets over Alpha Centauri station, casting long shadows across the habitat ring. Time to hunt.

I touch Maryse's collar where it hangs by the bed. The metal feels cool against my fingertips.

"I'll make it back to you," I whisper. "But first, your father has a debt to pay."

The door hisses shut behind me. The corridor stretches empty in both directions. My modified security badge should get me through most checkpoints without raising alarms.

Level 12. Where the station's elite make their homes. Where Commander Daniels sleeps soundly, thinking himself untouchable.

Time to prove him wrong.

The first checkpoint looms ahead. Red warning lights pulse along the doorframe. My pulse quickens as I approach, badge extended. The scanner chirps. Green light floods the frame.

The door slides open.

One down. Five to go.

My boots click against polished floor tiles. The corridor stretches endlessly, curved with the station's hull. Another checkpoint. Another scan. Another silent door.

Sweet vengeance draws closer with each step.

The third checkpoint requires a retinal scan. The badge overrides it. Technology dances to Vorpa's tune - the detective knows her trade well.

Four. My heart pounds against my ribs.

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