Probe Predators Read Online Free

Trip said, “What’s bugging you?”
    “We had such a peaceful spirit on this ship with only us; now you’re bringing in an enraged woman. Our inner peace will be blown away like sand in a hurricane.”
    Trip stared at Cole, “Where in the heck did you come up with that line of crap?”
    “You have to admit it sounded pretty good.”
    “I guess; it won’t be the first time we’ve been with an angry woman. And when was it ever peaceful around the two of us?”
    “I really don’t recall. You seem to make someone angry nightly.”
    “I guess it just comes from my lovable personality.”
    Cole shook his head, “I can’t think any of anyone that would use those words to describe your personality; selfish, egotistical, self-centered, self-serving, demanding…”
    “I think you’ve made your point. What are you trying to say?”
    “If you intend to get the most out of her knowledge, you need her to be a willing participant. Going to a corner and tapping her foot will not help us at all.”
    “And just how would I do that?”
    “Talk to her like your Aunt just spoke to you.”
    Trip blew out a ragged breath, “I’ll give it a go, but if she tries to hit me, I expect you to step in and take the hit. It’ll be your fault; you know how hard the High Genetics can hit.”
    “It always is….and I always do.”
    “You have to do it, Cole; I’m never sober enough to dodge a swing, much less throw one.” Trip shook his head as the courier arrived, moved in, and docked with the small ship’s storage bay. Cole was right about Andi being angry. It was the first time in a long time that Trip saw an angry woman when he was sober. He developed a better appreciation of what Cole had to put up with. Cole started to intervene and Trip held up his hand. Cole did a double take and leaned back in his chair to watch what happened. If nothing else, it should be entertaining.
    • • •
    Trip listened to Andi call him everything from an old milk cow to a filthy pig. He was impressed that she didn’t have to resort to one curse word during her screaming. He knew that came from her possessing an extensive vocabulary and she was using it rather effectively. Finally he said, “When you finish acting stupid, you can help me see what needs to be done to defend the Union.”
    Andi grew silent and said, “You’ve destroyed my father’s career.”
    “Are you responsible for your actions!?!”
    “What do you mean by that?”
    “It’s a simple question; are you responsible for your actions?”
    “The answer is obvious; of course I’m responsible for my actions.”
    “Tell me what would be the worst that could happen if the probes send their messages out.”
    Andi stared at Trip, “A Family would hear them and come to take vengeance.”
    “Now, what if I didn’t see the purpose of those probes and we had no warning of the Family’s arrival; what would be our state of readiness?” Andi glared at Trip. “Why did they have to bring you out here in a courier?” Andi continued to stare at Trip, not saying anything. Trip scowled, “Let me assist you with that particular answer. Your father and his subordinates didn’t even keep one warship powered to investigate any threat that might appear to threaten the Union. I could dismiss him not being ready for the probes because no one saw that coming. It was your study that caused them to come to light. However, M87 has closed their galaxy to us and still not one vessel has been powered to see if they’re planning something. Is that the officer you want given the responsibility of defending the Union? Stand there and scream some more so I can see your loyalty is to him first and the survival of the Union second.”
    “But…”
    “Is he responsible for his actions?” Andi lowered her head. “Is the Union prepared to meet an invader from outside our galaxy?” Andi shook her head. “I honestly take no pleasure in seeing your father’s career damaged or your anguish at his