Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1) by Brian Dorsey

into view.
    It was Cataline Tacitus.
    And he was a Brigadier.
    “I have been looking forward to having you under my command, Colonel,” said Cataline, soaking up the shock painted across Stone’s face.
    Stone was certain that Cataline’s negligence with security procedures had something to do with the Gateway virus. In his mind, Cataline’s body should be decomposing in the crucifixion fields with the other traitors and murderers.
    Dominotra saw the tension and spoke.
    “Following the Terillian attack on Gateway Station and given our rapid mobilization, General Tacitus has been assigned a position commiserate with his experience and his family’s status. I am sure with such leadership, the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division will soon be ranked among the most famous of our people’s illustrious history.”
    Stone felt Astra’s hand squeezing his fingers white. A quick glanced at her father’s face showed his growing concern about Stone’s response. Feeling the pressure of Astra’s grip and Dominotra’s stare, he held his eyes on Cataline.
    A few seconds passed that seemed an eternity.
    “Congratulations on your promotion, General.” Stone almost choked on the words.
    “And yours as well, Colonel,” replied Cataline, his mouth curling upward in a contented smile. “We will have to discuss my plans for the regiment, Colonel. I am anxious to hear your recommendations.”
    Recommendations? In his mind he had already knocked the pompous ass unconscious. The 25th was Stone’s regiment and that paper-pushing, over-bred, elitist son of a bitch would have nothing to do with how he commanded his regiment. He felt his skin growing hot.
    His gaze locked on Cataline, Stone felt Astra’s death grip on his hand and took a deep breath. “I will have to get settled in first. Perhaps in a few weeks I can come to your headquarters and brief you—”
    “I think it would be better, and more appropriate, if I were to visit your headquarters,” interrupted Cataline. “Perhaps I could do a quick inspection.”
    Stone felt his dinner start to work its way back up his throat. Sooner or later he would have his day with Cataline. Politics be damned. “As you wish, General,” Stone replied in a slow, tempered voice, trying not to explode. “I shall have my executive set up the details with your staff.” He glanced toward Astra. “Please forgive me, but I am still getting settled to my quarters and I believe my fiancée has promised me a tour of the city.”
    “Beg my forgiveness, General,” interrupted Astra coming to Stone’s aid. “I am a woman and only desire to spend time with my fiancé as he has been so often away in service of the people. Please indulge a lady’s request.”
    “Of course, Lady Astra,” smiled Cataline. “I would be remiss if I did not allow you time with the Colonel before he is called away to service yet again.”
    “Gentlemen,” said Stone as he turned and made his way toward the exit with Astra at his side.
    As soon as they cleared the hall, Astra let loose.
    “What the hell was that about, Tyler?”
    “I can’t believe that bastard is my brigadier,” Stone snapped back. “You should have told me. That arrogant prick has no place commanding a brigade.”
    “Do not forget your place, Tyler,” snarled Astra as she looked up toward Stone, her fury evident. “Cataline Tacitus is the patriarch of the Tacitus family and is entitled by birth to command. He is—”
    Stone’s glare caused Astra to pause. He looked at her with an intense but vacant stare, as if she no longer existed as a person. “Lady Varus,” said Stone in a slow, cold, and calm manner, overtly displaying the explosion of anger that lay just below his quiet tone. “I am aware of the requirements of this society. I have been fighting—” He firmly grasped her wrist. “—and killing for it for almost two decades.”
    He continued to hold her wrist firm and his eyes locked onto hers. He could see her grow uncomfortable with