Book of the Guardian 3: The Last Mission Read Online Free Page A

sweatpants, and it was clear he had been sleeping.
    "What's up, John?" he replied and yawned.
    "I'm very sorry to wake you, Your Majesty, but I have a problem with former Admiral Thomes," John replied.
    Mark cocked his head to one side. " Former Admiral? Maybe you should tell me everything."
    John told him about the last few minutes, and when he finished, Mark was pissed. He turned, and seemed to speak to the ceiling. "Who's on duty?"
    "Ford, Majesty. How may I serve?" a man's voice replied.
    "Thanks Ford, could you please get me former Admiral Thomes, priority two," Mark asked.
    "At once Majesty." Ford replied.
    "I'm sorry you had to deal with this shit first thing when you get back here, John. This was supposed to be finished by now. Considering the efficiency of our ATC folks, I'd bet my crown we are about to deal with the reason it hasn't been," Mark replied.
    "Uh, Majesty, I have Main ATC on another channel," John said.
    "Good! They should know I think they're doing a great job, and that I know none of this mess is their fault!" Mark said.
    "Thank you Sire! We were worried that this nightmare might get blamed on us," the woman said.
    “The shame of it is, if John hadn't gotten me involved, it probably would have. We've been collecting far too many connected politicians here lately. Maybe I can do something about that," Mark replied.
    "Majesty, Admiral Thomes was on the comm with Senator Jenkins, and had put our call on hold to end his other call. Considering it’s the middle of the night for you, I thought you might like to know that." Ford said.
    "Ford, you are a devious saint, and I'm glad you work for me. Good Work," Mark replied.
    "Admiral Thomes for you, Majesty," Ford announced.
    "Thank you, Mr. Ford. Please put him on," Mark replied.
    "Majesty! I appreciate the honor, but you need not have contacted me directly. The matter is already being handled," Thomes replied.
    "Call your Senior Captain into your office, Commodore," Mark said in a flat voice. When the man looked confused, Mark let his irritation show and raised his voice. " Now Captain ! Or would you like to try for Commander or lower?"
    The man must have quickly called in the officer, because he arrived rather quickly. When he saw Marcus, he bowed.
    Mark told him to rise. "Captain, have two marines escort your former Admiral to a shuttle and have him brought down here to the palace brig. Then contact the system ATC and very nicely request her forgiveness for the intransigence of an old fool. Then I want you to follow their instructions to the letter, and to the best of your ability. Is this understood?"
    "Of course, Sire. Do you wish us to proceed to our recall point when the switch over is completed?" The man asked.
    "Yes, if you don't have a replacement for this idiot by the time the ATC releases you, proceed to your refit station. I'll have another Fleet Commander for you by the time you're finished getting worked on." Mark replied.
    "As you command, Sire," The Captain said.
    The former Admiral looked pole-axed. "Sire?"
    "Thomes, during peacetime, you were a good commander. However, this little exercise showed how totally unprepared you are for an active command. I'm just really grateful to any deity that happens to be awake and listening that we discovered this without someone getting killed because of your incompetence. Gentlemen, you have your orders. Dismissed." Mark said and closed the channel and turned back to John. "Madam Controller, if you have any more issues with the fleet, please call my aide immediately. You don't need to put up with shit like that on top of everything else."
    "As you command, Sire. Thank you very much for your intercession in the matter. My name is Stephanie Howe, Majesty," the woman replied.
    "Thank you for all the good work, Controller Howe. You shouldn't have any more problems. Now, John; is there anyone else you need me to scare the shit out of, or can I get back to sleep?" Mark finished.
    "Nope, that'll do it, Sire.