Chapter 3

“I need to gain information on the current situation since the disappearance of the royal shuttle.” She stated, heading for the shower. ‘God, ‘she thought; I smelled of pure, raw sex as a huge smile crossed her lips.

“Compliance, your lordship, I will have it prepared after you have prepared yourself and finished your cleaning cycle,” it responded.

Coming out of the med bay, Amber followed Dickie’s instructions to where Jim was. “ ... let me know what you find out,” he responded, shutting off the com.

“This station is amazing. There are weapons, shields, systems I have never seen, and though I know what they can do from their general design, they seem to be far more advanced than anything I have seen before,” she stated in awe.

Beaming with pride, Jim looked her over. “So, feeling better after that nap?”

“Yes, thank you, Jim. So, any contingencies?” she inquired.

“I’ve contacted a few of my old command, and they are very trustworthy. It seems you were right. This Duke has become very boisterous since the disappearance, still more in the shadows than right out in the open. Demanding the council put him on the throne, though no official, open move yet.”

“Good, then we still have time. Jim, you are the only one I trust right now. I’m putting you in charge.”

He started to bow, then thought better of it, remembering her earlier threat of a flogging. Amber began to giggle, as she saw the tall man before her hesitate, stopping a bow to her. “Oh yes, why can’t I open any of the doors? Dickie can’t seem to either.” She asked, a perplexed look on her soft face.

“Ah, so you noticed,” a huge grin spreading across his face. “I am not a big fan of the newer, electronic locks, so I have installed physical and electronic locks to insure more safety.”

Amber looked at him with a new admiration. ‘Hmm, something I will have to look into when I return to the palace.’

“So Prin ... Amber,” he started, as she again giggled at his hesitation. “I think we need to take out the Duke first. From all I have seen, he is the linchpin of this whole plan. The problem is, he has a constant guard presence around him at all times.”

“No, not all the time. He is a depraved, self-absorbed, boorish little prick who has to force his attention upon women as none will go near him willingly. Though it isn’t known to the public, many in the family know of his depravity, but leave him alone as he has a strong standing in the council.”

Rubbing his chin, he thought long and hard, and then a huge smile broke across his face. “I believe I just might have a way to him.” Jim looked at Amber before he spoke. “What you are about to hear, I know you will keep to yourself, but remember, I trust her, okay?” The girl nodded her head as he turned from her. “Dickie contact the Black Willow.”

“Sir, as I remember the last time, she said, and I quote, ‘It better be damned important, or I’ll come for you,’” it stated nonchalantly.

“I think saving the empire and possibly expunging her record,” he looked at Amber as her eyes grew wide, and she nodded her head vehemently. “Should be enough, don’t you think Dickie?” he inquired of his specially built A.I.

“I do believe that would do it, sir,” Dickie replied.

“How do you know the Black Willow?” Amber asked, eyes wide in astonishment. The Black Willow was the most notorious assassin in the entire empire. No one knew the identity, or even if it was a man or a woman.

“Let’s just say I’m the one who recruited her during the war. She was my most efficient agent for the empire,” He replied proudly. “After the war, she took her skills on the open market. I believe she is worth a lot of credits now.”

Jim turned as the com crackled a moment later. A female voice spoke, “As I told you before, Captain, this had better be real damn good, or you’re my next target.” She almost growled at him, “It’s bad enough you know who I am. As a matter of fact, you’re the ONLY one who knows who I am.”

“I thought a chance to completely erase your record might make you jump at the opportunity.” He replied a slight irritation in his voice, “though if you don’t want to...” he let his voice trail off and reached to disconnect.

“Hold on a damn minute, you called me, and now you’re just going to cut me off?” She screamed incredulously, “I should kill you anyway, just for irritating me, you bastard.”

“Yes, but they would still be after you, wouldn’t they?” He smirked, knowing she could see him, though she sent no video. Sighing, she inquired, “Just how are you supposed to do that? As far as I know, the only one with that kind of power is the royal family, and, as if you didn’t know, they are all missing, presumed dead.”

“All but one is dead. Say hello, Princess Amber,” growling, she elbowed him in the ribs as she spoke up.

“Hello, Willow. I’m not sure of his plan, but I have put my complete trust in him,” she replied. Hardly able to contain herself, Willow started to laugh, something she didn’t do much anymore, and to be honest, it felt good. “Still pissing off the ladies, I see Cap,” Willow said as she tried to stifle another laugh.

“You always did have a strange sense of humor, didn’t you?” he asked.

“Only where you were concerned, Cap, only where you were concerned.” Finally unable to hold back, she let loose a loud guffaw.

“Okay, here’s the plan I have so far...” Jim started.

Two weeks later, on the outer edge of the Imperial capital, outside a richly decorated manor, three guards carried a bag into the servants’ entrance, muffled cries could be heard from inside. “Careful with this one, she has claws,” said a guard with scratches down the side of his face. “Put her in the room. The Duke will be along shortly. Make sure she’s in good.” The others laughed and snorted as they took the bag to the lower chambers.