Starstorm (Starstorm Saga) Read Online Free Page B

removed the data chip and the image on the view screen and returned to the map of the Earth’s star system.
    “How old is this information?” asked Akdon.
    “According to Imperial Intelligence only five cycles,” replied Kaydan. “Any advancements the enemy could have made should be minimal.”
    Akdon nodded, reflecting that it would only be a matter of time before the human race, like many other species across the galaxy, were the slaves of the Zidian Empire.
     
    Fleet Captain Morton Doran walked the grounds of Space Force Headquarters in Washington D.C. The grass was lush and green. The buildings were pristine and clean. Doran’s good friend, Colonel Ron Travis of the Space Force Marine Corps. walked beside him.
    “I’m telling you Morton, these politicians are fools,” said Travis. “Dismantling a third of our space-borne military forces, and mothballing another third is nothing but inviting trouble.” He swore derisively. “Why can’t they understand that strength is the greatest guarantee of peace.” The Colonel paused to wipe sweat from his black skinned face. Washington, D.C. that time of year was hot.
    “I agree with you,” said Doran. “Believe me, Admiral Shirley and I have told the Space Force appropriations committee, the President and the State department that it would be foolhardy to downsize the Force. The Pirate Wars have only been over less than a year. The Japanese and the Russians aren’t planning on cutting back their Space Forces anytime soon, you can be certain of that.”
    “And I’m not entirely convinced that the Pirate threat has been completely annihilated,” said Travis. “There are plenty of the ruthless cutthroats still missing and unaccounted for. They may simply be lying low out in the Kuiper belt waiting for the opportunity to reemerge.”
    “Possible,” said Doran. “But unlikely. There have been no pirate attacks reported since we smashed Lee’s fleet around Jupiter.”
    “You mean since you smashed his fleet,” said Travis with a smile. Doran shook his head.
    “I may have been in command, but it was the brave men and women of the Space Force that carried the day. Without their heroism and sacrifice, we could not have won.”
    “Spoken like a true Fleet Captain,” said Colonel Travis. “So where are you off to now?”
    “Back to the Saratoga. We’re leaving on another routine patrol in a few days. I just hope I don’t find out that I’m out of a job when we get back to Earth. I’m a little old to consider a new career.”
    Travis laughed.
    “Don’t worry Morton. There’s no way they can put the Space Force’s greatest hero out to pasture. The Saratoga is the most decorated ship in the fleet. If any of the Super Carriers are left in service, she will. An old jarhead like me, though, that’s a different story.” 
    “You did plenty to see us to victory yourself,” said Doran. It was true. Colonel Travis had just as many medals and decorations for valor as Doran’s.
    “If I were you,” said Travis, “I’d run for President. You certainly have the popularity for it.”
    “You must be joking!” said Doran. “Those jackals would eat me alive. Besides, I’ve spent too many years complaining about the blasted politicians to ever become one myself.”
    Travis laughed. Doran then continued in a serious and somber tone.
    “We both know that my family has a major skeleton in its closet that in the eyes of many would be irredeemable. If it ever comes out—and it certainly would if I was foolish enough to enter politics—most people would distrust and maybe even despise me.”
    “That’s ridiculous! We don’t control who we’re related to Morton. You’re a good man, and I for one am proud to have served under you.”
    Doran nodded appreciatively to his friend.
    “Unfortunately, the politicians wouldn’t see it that way. They are shameless opportunists. But it doesn’t matter. I’m not cut out for politics or civilian government. I have