Defender of the Empire: Cadet #1 Read Online Free

Westley was six or so years my senior and didn’t seem to appreciate having to ‘babysit’ the colonist. It was also clear that he didn’t think that I should be allowed in the Academy. A good thing I had observed about his character was his ambition. He wanted to advance in rank and to do that he had have the good will of his captain. Getting that good will implied following orders. So I was fairly certain that he would guide me through the maze that was the Imperium Space Station.
                  At first the only problem I ran into was keeping up with the man. It seemed to me that the Universe delighted in making me short and everyone else tall for some reason. I mused about it as I scurried after him. It was ironic that the very height I cursed also served to be a boon in that he was taller than most of the other people bustling about. Talk about the Universe’s strange sense of humor. I was able to keep tabs on him while dodging around people. He was lucky and had on a Legion Fleet uniform. People saw it and parted around him like stone before white Telmick steel. Effortlessly. I didn’t quite have that luxury.
                  We came to a main intersection between the outer ring and the corridor that led to the central part of the station. Westley came to a halt and turned to wait for me. Finally. His arms were crossed. His good looking features were arranged in annoyance. I frowned at him. “What? Never had to crowd weave before?” I asked, panting slightly once I caught up with him. “But then, I guess you probably wouldn’t have. Especially not with the uniform. It performs wonders in that department.” I observed.
                  He narrowed his eyes at me before looking about the crowd. “Look, I have a lot to do before we head out again. So instead of walking you to the Academy Branch I’ll let you find your own way.” So much for my assumptions.
                  “But the captain…” I began but he waved me silent.
    “ I don’t give a damn. Your kind do not belong in the Academy.”
    “ A colonist, I assume?” Was it starting already?
    “Yes. And a coward.” He added darkly.
    It was my turn to narrow my eyes at him. Instead of looking at the crowd, I tilted my head and opened my mouth. “I wonder what you would have done if you had nine foot tall, gray skinned giant mercenary bandits with chromatic swords half their height and lazar guns hunting you. Not only are they hunting for you, but they know you are in the area. Compound that by adding in others who, like you, are just trying to escape with their lives. Would you have gotten down like you were ordered and let the enemy capture everyone in your group? Or would you have done what you could to lead the enemy away so that the others would have a better chance of making it out?” My dear companion could only stare at me and blink. I tilted my head the other way. I forced myself to keep the simmering satisfaction from my tone as I continued. “Now, I understand you are busy. I get it. I wouldn’t want to babysit me either. I also know that you think I am a worthless piece of space garbage. Fine. You are free to have your own opinions. But how about you let the Academy Board of Admissions decide my worth on their own? Tell me how to find the Academy Branch.”
    Westley stared at me for a moment more before glancing awa y. After clearing his throat Westley gave me amazingly clear directions. Of course, that was after he offered to actually escort me there. I turned him down. He had his chance and I was tired of his judgmental attitude. I had gotten enough of it from Valencia and others. I repeated the instructions he gave me to make sure that I had heard them correctly. He nodded and I left him staring after me there in the crowded intersection.
    The Academy Branch, of course, was in the innermost ring of the station. It would have been far too convenient if they had had it in one of the