Broken Glass (Glass Complex Book 1) by John Hindmarsh Page A

program to see if anyone matching your image was here, tonight.” She indicated a workstation. “Then I waited until you presented your invitation and I asked an Imp captain to bring you to me. He thinks you are a friend and does not know the computer matched images.”
    “Images?” Steg was concerned and moved closer to the young woman. “You are quick to name me—falsely—however you are mistaken. Now, who are you?”
    She ignored his questions. “I know who you are. And you are in danger, I told you. I have been checking for weeks, just in case.” She stamped her foot. “We must get you away from here.”
    Despite the circumstances, Steg was amused at her fiery display. “I am not going anywhere. I repeat, I am not—this person. Let’s prove it—show me the search program and image . Also, you can tell me who you are.” He moved to the workstation and indicated the young woman should join him. She did so, with obvious reluctance. He waited silently, forcing her to make a move.
    “Oh, very well. Here, see.” She quickly and expertly keyed commands. “That file contains your image. And here is the identity check the Imps made when you entered my father’s official residence.” Her expression was of an obviously superior person explaining a self-evident fact to someone of lesser standing.
    Steg was offhand. “Well, something doesn’t register.” He recalled the Glass Complex message. “Open the image file, and let’s check that.”
    She raised her chin. “I know how to run programs. And the image is of Steg de Coeur.”
    “May I see it? You brought me in here on this fantastic pretext—I think I should be able to see what caused this mistake.”
    At the same time he was requesting to see the image, Steg was also communicating with the computer system.
    *Althere Complex. This is Steg de Coeur. Respond please.*
    *Althere Complex.* A wave of green light almost unsteadied him.
    *A program was initiated from this workstation. It used an image in a search routine. Please substitute the Glass Complex-sourced image for that image file.*
    *Executed.*
    *Further instruction follows. Ensure image provided by Glass Complex is substituted for all images held in Althere Complex for Steg de Coeur.*
    *Executed. Ninety-five substitutions carried out. No other images discovered.*
    *Next instruction. If any operator attempts to use Steg de Coeur images or descriptions, please alert me. Also, ensure all image match processes entered for Steg de Coeur use the new image. Acknowledge.*
    *Executed.*
    He looked at the woman who was still regarding him with concern and said, “Please, open the image file—let’s see an end to this.”
    She wilted. “All right.” She keyed in a brief instruction and as a result, an image was displayed on the viewscreen. It obviously was not Steg de Coeur. She looked at it in disbelief.
    “What happened? How did you do that?” she whispered.
    “What happened? Why, you opened an image file; however, not mine. End of story. You obviously made some kind of mistake.”
    “Who are you?” She did not drop her gaze and Steg could almost see the rapid chase of thoughts, he could discern her growing apprehension.
    “My name is Stephen Ross.”
    “I—I think you frighten me, my lord.”
    “That may be. Now, will you tell me—” Steg stopped speaking and wrapped his arms around the young woman, drew her close, and kissed her firmly. She was too surprised to struggle or object. The door swung open and the unheralded intruders turned the lights up to full intensity. In the moment before he released the girl, Steg noted they were two junior officers of the same regiment as the captain who had escorted him to this room. He ignored the flood of embarrassed color rising in his companion’s face.
    “Yes? Do you often go around entering rooms unannounced? If so, I am surprised that you have not been taught better manners.” He frowned his displeasure at the two officers.
    “My lord,” one of