Space Corps - Explorer (Book 1) Read Online Free

of your paper. We were then forced to ask if your paper had any credibility. My friends here are the Associate Administrator of NASA and Admiral Wilson from the Navy. They had their men look over your paper, and, apparently, they believe you may be onto something.”
    Ashley did all she could to avoid staring at the men on her sides. She felt so small now that she knew who they were, but was determined not to show it.
    “Ashley,” the captain continued, “as you’re aware, you’re required to serve for six years in the Navy upon completion of the academy. You had expressed interest in serving on a nuclear submarine, something else that struck our interest. We have another idea in mind.”
    The captain motioned toward the Associate Administrator of NASA before folding his arms.
    The man cleared his throat quickly before looking at the young woman. “NASA has always been a civilian entity. However, that is going to change. It hasn’t become public knowledge yet, but I think it’s in your best interest to know that NASA will soon be changing its name to the United States Space Corps. It will be reorganized into a branch based off a design similar to that of the US Navy, but using all the current resources of NASA.
    “We’re looking for leaders. We’re looking for officers. Even our most experienced people in the military do not possess the necessary background to make an effective leader in this new branch. We intend to change that.”
    Ashley couldn’t help but turn to face Admiral Wilson as he began to talk.
    “You’re currently slated to join the Navy for no less than six years. If you agree to it, I will gladly reassign your commission to the US Space Corps.”
    Ashley could say nothing. She always knew she would have to wait until after she served her time with the military before she would get a chance to start working with NASA. Now, everything was turned on its head, and things were going to be completely different. Shocked but excited, her body didn’t know how to react to the news.
    Admiral Wilson smiled because he knew her answer. “All I need from you, Ashley, is a nod.”
    She nodded before she knew it. Ashley fought the urge to cry tears of joy over the news. Normally, she would have wanted to consult her parents over such a large decision, but they had always taught her that she should let nothing stand in the way of her dreams. As far as she could see it, the opportunity available to her was nothing short of the realization of those dreams.

Chapter 4
    Test Flight
     
    After more than a year of hard work, Ashley and her team with the US Space Corps were ready to perform the first manned test of her Ion Pulse Drive.
    Having undergone months of training with the Navy, Ashley felt prepared for just about anything. She guided a nuclear submarine across the globe, led an aircraft carrier in the annual war games, and she confronted pirates in the Indian Ocean. When she helped with the launch of the New International Space Station, she felt closer to her dream than ever before.
    Finally, docked at the New International Space Station was a ship that held the test model of her engine. Of everyone on the planet, she and master pilot, Robert Harris, were chosen to take it on its test flight. The two came into the Space Corps at the same time, and were becoming close friends.
    The night before the test flight, Ashley couldn’t get any sleep. On the station, it was odd enough to be hanging from a pole rather than tucked in a bed because of the lack of gravity. That alone would have been enough to cost her sleep. However, with the coming flight, the excitement overcame them.
    “Ashley?” Robert called out from his half of the room.
    Though all the lights in the room were off, the light reflecting off the Earth and coming through the window allowed the two to see each other.
    Ashley laughed as she saw Robert bounce off the padded wall.
    “What’s up?”
    “Do you think the engine’s going to work