Archives of the Frontier Universe: An Assassin's Assignment by Christopher Villanueva Page A

you can’t sneak in here by climbing up from below! Don’t think I couldn’t see you through . . . that plant.” the man insisted, his eyes droopy. He held a partially filled glass of liquor to her. “This area is for representatives and assistants only!”
    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a few of the guests examine her as if actually believing the man. She sighed heavily, tossing her head. “No, I didn’t sneak onto this patio, but thanks to you, now I wish I’d never come at all,” she declared. “In truth, I thought I could hide and wait you out.”
    A few of the guests covered their mouths, obviously entertained. However, after a slight pause, the man responded. “No . . . no, you came over the side. I . . . saw you.” He then swallowed the rest of his liquor.
    Rose turned towards him, aiming her cruel eyes on his. “I can hardly believe you can see anything . . . as wasted as you are. Tell me you’re not a representative. Your behavior is despicable.”
    Suddenly, Meyer butted in. “ We’ve secured access to their system. But it might just be temporary. Stall for a moment, and I’ll give you direction .”
    “Despic—?” the drunk hiccupped. “Why, I’m just getting started. Anyways, you’re one to judge.” He kicked the seat out across from himself, which until just recently seemed to have sat a friend of his. The chair slid to an accommodating position and he pushed a glass to her side of the table. “Come on.” He then filled both his own empty glass and the one he offered halfway. “Outlast me, and I’ll not report you.”
    “ Good Idea! ” advised Meyer. “ I just need another minute. Humor him. ”
    At first, Rose faced away as if insulted and looked at the crowd. And then she faced the drunk again. “Fine! I’ll be doing the rest of us a favor.” She sat and grabbed the glass. “Cheers, my insufferable friend.”
    The man let out a laugh that sounded like a growl and threw his glass back. Rose did the same, the liquor toasting her insides. The man simply smiled, lifted the bottle, and then clumsily dropped it. It shook the table, rattling everything upon it.
    “Had enough already?” asked Rose with a sneer.
    “Hell . . . no!” he said. He lifted the bottle properly this time and poured two more glasses. “Let’s see . . . wooo!” he breathed. “Let’s see how tough you are.” They both threw back another glass, and he poured a third serving. “Yes, see . . . see!” he said to the crowd. He pointed his eyes to her. “This is exactly what I’m talking about . . . Everyone . . . everyone thinks they know everything.” He began to wobble dangerously, and Rose simply sat with her legs crossed and watched. He set the bottle back down and rotated the liquor glass in his hands. He then finally lifted it, as Rose lifted her own. The woman brought the glass to her lips but then paused. Completely out of it now, the drunk chugged the liquor to the last drop, teetered in his chair . . . and then fell upon the table. A climactic thud followed, and Rose simply set her glass down.
    “Imbecile!” she spat. Roaring laugher erupted from the crowd and even a few of the patrons applauded her. “There. Now you don’t have to listen to his pointless rambling.” She stood with a complacent face and made for the door.
    “Aw! He’s not all that bad,” said one of the guests. “Just let’s his job get to him that’s all. Then he has a little too much to drink and starts making outrageous claims, as you saw. He won’t even remember any of this tomorrow.” The man laughed, and a few laughed with him. “Don’t worry; we’ll take care of him.”
    Roes raised her eyebrows in mild interest and nodded slowly. “Indeed. Good night.” She walked through the open doors of the patio, into the dining room, and headed for the nearest exit.
    “That was brilliant!” praised Meyer. “Good news too. I’ve got an archive location. It should be about four floors below you. However,