Noble Conflict Read Online Free

not even a watch. Kaspar straightened up to examine the rucksack on the desk. There were no transmission devices in there either. Just some spider-wire and climbing equipment. He leaned over to examine the assailant’s gun. Unlike the guns of the Guardians, this was an automatic projectile-weapon, loaded and lethal. Kaspar wanted to pick it up, but he knew better than to touch it – his training had taught him about contaminating evidence. While the others were securing the area, Kaspar turned to the computer and accessed the history list, flicking through a couple of the virtual screens that had so held the Insurgent’s attention.
    What on earth  . . . ?
    Why was the terrorist looking at data about Calliston Water? It was a lake several kilometres away from Capital City. No one went there as it was too isolated; you could see that much from the image on the screen. It didn’t supply Capital City with water or food and there were no dwellings or industrial bases around it – just a whole heap of nothing. Why risk breaking into the Academy’scomputer core merely to find out more about it? It didn’t make sense.
    Janna and Dillon came running into the room.
    ‘The rest of the facility is secure, sir,’ Dillon announced.
    He and Janna spied the terrorist still lying unconscious on the floor, their expressions betraying their disappointment at not being part of the takedown. Kaspar used the opportunity to take another look at the terrorist. His initial assessment wasn’t far off the mark. This guy was only a couple of years older than him, if that, with buzz-cut hair and a sallow complexion that spoke of his life in the Badlands. Kaspar was struck by just how ordinary he looked. No horns or tail, no fangs, just nondescript. The kind of guy you’d walk past in the street without sparing him a first glance, never mind a second one.
    ‘Wilding, when you’ve finished staring holes through the Insurgent, perhaps you’d like to get back to work,’ Voss snapped.
    ‘Sorry, sir.’ Kaspar snapped out of his reverie.
    ‘Spraining your arm from patting yourself on the back, are you?’ Janna asked without malice.
    ‘No, my arm is still working just fine. But thanks for asking,’ Kaspar replied with a grin.
    ‘Kas saved the day!’ someone across the room announced to the raucous laughter of those present.
    Kaspar accepted the congratulations and the teasing of his friends with equal embarrassment, his face burning.
    ‘Not bad, Kas,’ said Dillon, slapping him on the back.
    ‘Thanks.’ Kaspar rolled his shoulder, trying to ease the ache in it.
    ‘What’s wrong with you?’ asked Dillon. ‘Did the bad guy manage to get one or two licks in first?’
    ‘No, but you did! Dillon, mate, you’re built like a tank transport,’ said Kaspar. ‘Could you not pat me on the back ’cause it hurts every time.’
    ‘Wuss!’ Dillon said without a trace of sympathy.
    Kaspar looked up at Dillon and shook his head. The trouble was, Dillon didn’t know his own strength. He was as tall as Voss but a lot beefier. His best friend spent every spare minute in the gym working out and had the muscles on his muscles to prove it.
    ‘Anyway, well done for not making a complete twat of yourself today,’ smiled Dillon.
    In truth, Kaspar couldn’t help feeling relieved over exactly the same thing. At least he hadn’t given Voss a reason to kick his butt or, worse still, kick him out. Dillon booted the unconscious terrorist, which Voss chose not to see. Kaspar watched with a frown as Dillon kicked the saboteur’s knife further away from him, just in case.
    ‘People, it doesn’t take all of us to guard one unconscious lowlife. Kaspar and Dillon, stay put till the criminal investigation forensic unit and the medics arrive to take this piece of garbage away. The rest of you are with me,’ Voss ordered. The commander headed for the door, not bothering to look back to make sure his instructions were being followed. He knew they would