Read Athena Lee Chronicles 7: The Martian Inheritance for Free Online

were killed when a chunk of falling Imperial spacecraft hit their farmhouse. Tremblay was still on board the ship when he got the news. After their funeral he refused the offered leave time and asked if he could stay on board. He’s a good kid.” The Captain sighed. “Some of the cargo bay handlers are still with us along with the quartermaster. I hope you still have your pencil handy because the man still won’t give up anything without a hard copy form being filled out.”
     
    “Yes, I remember Commander Heller. I’m sorry to hear about Tremblay’s family. It sounds to me like the crew is ready to go?”
     
    “They are. Training is fine and important but, adventure? Especially to the Sol system, that’s a priceless opportunity. I myself have never been to that system.”
     
    “Planning to take a tourist trip out to the Line?”
     
    “I think I may. Commander Blomkvis can handle things when I’m gone. The Line of space defenses is one of the great mysteries of Old Earth.”
     
    “Don’t tell Dar, she may go with you.She loves old military stuff and the warning beacons of the ‘line’ are on her list.”
     
    “I think she may already know all about the old defense satellites and space platforms. But right now she’s down below giving her troops a real workout. When he gets here, Lieutenant Mutai will be seconded to her and Commander Huggins will be the ship's Marine commander.” He paused and looked me in the eye. “Is your friend going to be joining us this trip?” He pointed at his head.
     
    I laughed, “Yes, Sir. He’s tagging along. He doesn’t like me to go anywhere without him. I promise I will try to keep him out of trouble.”
     
    “OK, well go ahead and get settled. Expect dinner in my private dining room this evening. Hopefully Lieutenant Mutai will grace us with his presence. Dismissed, Commander.”
     
    I left the command deck and took the lift down to deck three, Marine Country. I could hear cheers as I stepped off the lift. Looking forward I could see my girlfriend Dar using Adithada style kick boxing moves against an older graying Marine. Closer inspection showed him to be a thin man with a mustache and beard. He was defending the attacks with what looked like old-school karate moves. Dar had him on the defensive and was closing in for the kill when someone in the crowd of Marines spotted me. “Attention on deck!”
     
    “At ease.” Dar and the Marine shook hands and approached me.
     
    “Commander Athena Lee, meet Commander Scott Huggins.”
     
    The older man turned toward me and smiled. “Welcome, Commander. Congratulations on your promotion. The Lieutenant here told me some of what your mission will be. Feel free to use the gym and any of our facilities including the range.” He pointed out the locations of everything. “I need to get cleaned up. I’m sure that Dar here can take care of you. I believe that I’ll see you at dinner tonight. Nice meeting you Commander.” He turned and headed toward the quarters area.
     
    Dar poked me in the side and smiled. I grinned back at her and waved her forward. “Come on, show me your new quarters. I bet yours is bigger than mine.”
     
    “I bet you it isn’t, do you share with three other Marines?”
     
    “No private room this time?”
     
    “Nope. We both count as supercargo for this trip. Only assigned crew get the good cabins.” She was leading me away from the quarters area and into the shooting range as she spoke. “No cameras in here.” She gave me a kiss and a big hug.
     
    “Thanks Dar. I really needed that. It feels very strange being on this ship and not having assigned duties.”
     
    “I know what you mean. Once we leave port we will get a few duties. I at least have training to do. Most of my crew need some good workouts. It is at least three weeks at top speed to the Sol system so we have lots of time.”
     
    “Well, since we can’t be alone right now, why don’t you introduce me to your band of