Embassy War by Walter Knight

slipping over to the Dark Side. “And some wine?”
    “For an exclusive scoop?” she asked, seductively. “You betcha.”
     
     
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    Chapter 10
     
     
     
    The Scorpion Queen beamed to the Arthropodan capital with her Royal Entourage. General Lopez and I met Her Majesty at the spaceport. We laid out the red carpet, complete with honor guard and band. Even the Spider Emperor and Queen Rainbow were present. The queens kissed on the cheeks, mandibles twitching.
    After exchanging pleasantries, the Scorpion Queen announced, “In special deference to the peculiar sensitivities of our human allies, I have ordered by Royal Decree a one month moratorium on the consumption of Mantidae at all McDonald’s, Taco Bells, and Kentucky Fried Mantidae fine dining restaurants on our home world and colonies.”
    “Your gesture is much appreciated,” replied General Lopez pleasantly. He took the Queen’s claw, bowed, and kissed it.
    “My, aren’t you quite the charmer,” gushed the Scorpion Queen. “Might you join me later for more private diplomatic discussions? Rumor has it, general, that you may the next president.”
    “My schedule is full,” advised General Lopez, crossing himself and backing away. “But my aide, Colonel Czerinski, has my full confidence to negotiate agreements. He will be glad to meet with you any time and any place.”
    “Yes, Czerinski and I have met,” said the Scorpion Queen, eying me with suspicion. “He used to be your ambassador to the Scorpion Kingdom.”
    I nodded, and saluted. The Queen turned away, ignoring me, placing her claw on General Lopez’s arm as we walked down the red carpet. “To demonstrate continuing goodwill, I propose a friendly sporting event between our two nations,” she suggested. “I heard you have been engaging in basketball diplomacy with the spiders. We too are enamored with the basketball craze, and brought our national team. I propose a friendly game against you humans.”
    “We just fought a war, and now you want us to play games?” asked General Lopez incredulously. He eyed Private Skyhook Johnson holding the flag, towering over the honor guard. Johnson scowled back, upset I was wearing his diamond stud.
    “I expect TV coverage to go intergalactic,” added the Scorpion Queen. “Basketball diplomacy will reach new heights.”
    “That’s a great idea,” agreed General Lopez. “The Legion will try to throw together a team. Because of such short notice, I’m afraid we won’t be all that good. But, in the interest of galactic peace, I accept your challenge. Care to place a wager?”
     
     
    * * * * *
     
     
     
    I sat in my burned-out office, in casual conversation with Death – wrong in so many ways. “As a test of loyalty, you will shoot the Scorpion Queen at tonight’s game,” demanded the Grim Reaper. “No I won’t,” I insisted. “I don’t do suicide missions.” “It is suicide to refuse.” “Are you trying to start a war?” I asked. “What do you hope to gain? What’s your angle? Is starting a war a means to grab souls?” “I have big plans for you Czerinski, and for the galaxy. But first, I must know for certain I can trust you to obey my commands, no matter what.”
    “How about I set a bomb? It’s less personal that way.” “All murder is personal. You will use your pistol to kill her in front of everyone.” “You can trust that I will kill you at the first opportunity.” “That’s the spirit!” exclaimed the Grim Reaper, gleefully patting me on the shoulder. His touch was ice cold. “Don’t worry, I will protect you. See you at the game.” The Grim Reaper faded through the wall.
    Sergeant Green entered my office. “I heard.”
    “We will only get one chance to cheat Death,” I commented, tugging at the stud on my ear. Its weight was irritating. “God help us.”
    “Are you really going to kill the Scorpion Queen?”
    “Probably. Who cares? She has it