Read Command Decision (Project Gliese 581g #1) for Free Online

telescope. It was slightly smaller, but more powerful than the aging Hubble.
    “What the…?” Ash exclaimed, rising out of his seat.
    “What is it?” Josh demanded, glancing at Julia briefly before turning his gaze back to the slide.
    “It looks mechanical,” Sergi exclaimed.
    “It is too symmetrical to have been made naturally,” Mei whispered, sitting forward in excitement.
    “We don’t know, but we are going to find out,” Julia replied. “This is our destination. The Gliese 581 is almost complete. A select group of top scientists from all over the world have been working day and night for years. This project was too big for just one country and if we find what we suspect is out there, it will affect every person on this planet. This could be the answer to where we came from… and whether we are alone or not in the universe.”
    Mei glanced at Julia. “If word of this spread to the public, there would be world-wide chaos,” she stated in concern.
    “Yes,” Julia agreed. “In addition, the President thought it best that the launch occurred before the new presidential elections to prevent the project from either being canceled or publicized. That is the reason for the short window of time.”
    “Good ole politics, ruling the roost again,” Ash muttered under his breath. “I’d like to send a few politicians on this one way trip.”
    Julia bit back a chuckle and nodded. She turned and watched as Josh stepped forward toward the screen. His face was chiseled into a hard mask. She turned to stare up at the screen. It didn’t matter how many times she gazed at it, she still felt that yearning deep down inside to know if the object in these images her father took were real, and if they were, why were they there?
    “How long will it take to reach it?” Josh asked in a quiet tone.
    “Approximately thirteen months,” Julia replied. “The object is twice the distance from the Earth to Jupiter.”
    “Thirteen? What type of propulsion system does the spaceship have?” Ash asked in surprise.
    Julia smiled when she heard the curiosity mixed with a touch of wonder in Ash’s voice. “A new combination ion-solar propulsion system that was a joint effort between China, Russia, and the U.S.,” Julia answered, “The scientists in China and Russia are just as curious as we are to see if it works. Of course, due to the nature of this mission, it is for a different reason. They believe we are going to Mars.”
    “This is why my father is backing this project. He has always believed that it was possible to go to another planet. Does he know about the true nature of this mission?” Mei asked. “Does he know that I have been chosen to be a member of the crew?”
    “He does now. That is one reason I was delayed. Your father’s company, and his standing with the Chinese government, was imperative to the success of this mission. I met with the President and your father last night. You are one of the most qualified members of this project to slide into the position. I needed the clearance to not only tell all of you, but also meet with your father. He has agreed to continue to offer support and to remain quiet about the true destination,” Julia replied. “I admit, there was some hesitation about allowing you to be a part of the crew because you have a family. Your father wanted me to assure you that he is very proud to have you as a member.”
    Julia drew in a deep breath and braced herself for the question that she knew was bound to be asked. It was a question she and the original crew members had discussed numerous times over the past several years. She briefly closed her eyes when she heard Josh draw in a deep breath and she stiffened her shoulders.
    “None of us have a family, that was why we were chosen, isn’t it? There is an expectation that we won’t make it back. Why?” Josh asked.
    Julia opened her eyes and gazed back at the expression of hesitation and suspicion in Josh’s eyes. A rueful smile