Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

vanished into the undergrowth with a flash of its red tail. The Guardsman’s torso emerged from the water and began moving toward the bank followed by a second, and finally dozens of Guard soldiers. The first wave quickly exited the water and took up defensive positions. Others rapidly stowed their water respirators and vanished into the undergrowth to take up positions as point and flankers.
    Stone, water dripping from his camouflaged face, took a deep breath of fresh air. He and his men had been breathing recycled air through their water respirators for over an hour and the damp, clean air felt refreshing. After a quick second to enjoy the moment, Stone called for his company commanders over his communicator. Once they were assembled, Stone gave his orders.
    “Captain Tacitus and Alpha Company have already established a defensive position anchored on the opposite bank. Bravo Company will reconnoiter to the North, Charlie to the South, and I will accompany Captain Desro with Delta and move west. If anyone makes contact or retrieves intel, relay back to Alpha who will then relay back to REGCOM for electron spin data transfer to Red Fleet. Rendezvous time will be 1400 in fifteen days. We have support from 2nd Battalion at REGCOM via Hawk attack ships if needed. Follow your instincts and don’t forget Terillian Scout troops aren’t the only deadly things out there.”
    “Aye, Sir,” replied Captain Martin of Bravo Company as she tucked the digital map into her pocket. “It’s good to be back in action,” she added as she turned to rejoin her company.
    “Hey, Emily,” called out Charlie Company Commander Hugh Jackson as he squatted next to Stone. Leaning on his rife, Jackson was tall and muscular with a shaved head and an out-of-regulation thick black goatee covering his square jawline.
    “Bet my company gets more Ters than yours,” taunted Jackson as he looked up toward Martin, eagerly awaiting her reply.
    Stone subconsciously stepped away from Jackson as Martin stopped, exhaled, and turned once again to face him.
    “Maybe you can find some Ters in the mud,” she said as she gave Jackson a shove with her boot, sending him backwards into a large puddle of mud.
    “Damn it!” cursed Jackson as he looked up at Martin.
    “Oh, wait, one more thing,” said Martin as she displayed her middle finger to Jackson.
    She turned back to Stone. “Sorry for that, Sir, but…”
    “Happy hunting, Emily,” interjected Stone.
    “Happy hunting, Sir,” said Martin with a smile.
    She gave a quick salute and ran off to join her company.
    Stone had high hopes for this mission. His men were well trained and ready to get to work, and he was confident of his company commanders as well. Captain Arilius Tacitus was his senior officer and most likely would take Stone’s place should promotion or death create the vacancy.
    Arilius was the ideal soldier. He was tall, powerful, formal, and proud. He was also a relative of Cataline Tacitus, so there would be no roadblocks to his career progression. In addition to his family name, he had the rugged look the elite of Alpha Humana idealized. With perfectly cut dark black hair and caramel-colored skin inherited from his mother’s line, he was also one of the most eligible bachelors among First Family daughters. Although Stone did not care for most of the “chosen ones,” as Martin called members of the First Families, Arilius had proven himself to be a skilled officer, having saved Stone’s bacon more than once.
    Jackson, still cleaning the mud off his face, had spilled his share of blood for his people as well. Jackson had lost his right hand to a Terillian major and his left eye to a Brackien raider; both had been genetically reconstructed. He had also lost two wives to his love of Montar wine and Recreation Girls. Unfortunately, Captain Emily Martin had been his first wife, and when she caught him with the Recreation Girls he had to have his left eye reconstructed a second time, along