Read The Dead Sun (Star Force Series) for Free Online Page B

he’d stuck a pin into them on purpose. If they weren’t going to speak up for their commander at a difficult moment, then they could suffer the consequences of his unsupported decision.
    “Very well,” I said, staring briefly at each of them in turn. “Let’s not talk about this to anyone. It’s not exactly a secret mission, but after the strike on my headquarters yesterday, I’d prefer not to inform more people than absolutely necessary about the nature of my plans.”
    “We’re still somewhat uncertain about the details of this, ah… adventure , Colonel,” Newcome said delicately. “Can you give us a hint so we can prepare?”
    “All right,” I said. “Here it is: we’re going to the Thor System.”
    That alarmed look was back on his face. It was mirrored by the expressions of his subordinates. At this, I frowned. These ex-imperials were frightened whenever they left the Solar System. They were a provincial bunch that liked the comforts of home.
    “Listen,” I said, my voice becoming stern. “This is a space-going navy, in case any of you have forgotten. I know you like your velvet cushions and gold braid, but we’re heading out to the frontier. Don’t forget that our empire extends far beyond the Solar System these days. We have six systems to worry about.”
    “I take it then that we’re making a show of force?” Newcome asked. “A parade of ships patrolling the outer regions to show the local populations we’re strong and in charge?”
    “That’s not a bad idea, but it’s not our primary mission. We’re going as part of a research and construction effort. Marvin will fill you in on the specific supplies he requires to be loaded into the transports.”
    I took several more bites of air-swimmer, cleaning my plate. The other officers had been chatting, but now they spoke only in subdued tones. I didn’t like the idea that they were too frightened to speak openly in my presence, but it seemed to be the case. I guessed that if I didn’t execute anyone for a year or so, they might loosen up and grow some gonads again.
    When I’d finished, I stood up suddenly and clapped my hands together, creating a booming sound that rang from the steel walls.
    “That’s it, then,” I said loudly. “I want everyone to jump on this tomorrow morning. We ship out in a week’s time.”
    They gaped at me like fish. I left the room and stomped out into the passageway. Jasmine was right behind me.
    “Did you see that?” I asked her. “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.”
    “They aren’t Star Force marines, Kyle,” she said.
    “No kidding. They’re the polar-opposite of gung-ho. They’re soft, that’s what they are.”
    Jasmine shushed me, but I grumbled all the way back to our quarters. Over time, she’d moved up from being my regular dating partner to become my live-in girlfriend. I wasn’t quite sure how that had happened—I never understood how a woman managed this trick. From my point of view, one day I’d been flirting and working up the courage to kiss her—and the next time I looked around, I found she was sighing in her sleep next to me every morning. What magic had transpired in between? I had no idea. The whole process was baffling to me.
    Still, I found myself happy with Jasmine. She wasn’t as provocative as Sandra had been, and I would say the flames of desire weren’t quite as hot and wild. But, on the plus side, she never kicked me in the ass or tried to strangle me in my sleep. When it came to women, I supposed one must take the good with the bad.
    “From what I’ve seen, the Imperial Navy people are competent,” Jasmine said.
    “We’ll find out,” I said. “We’ll take them out there, and if we’re lucky, we’ll show them a thing or two. I feel like a mountain man of centuries past around these Earth types. They must feel the way the Romans did when they found their empire in the hands of German barbarians.”
    She twisted her mouth and looked up at me. She