Warborg - Star Panther Read Online Free Page B

figure shifted from uniform to civilian clothes. ^Sorry if I startled you by being in uniform. But it alleviates questions. As I said, this is an informal visit.^
    ^N n n, no problem Sir.^ Martin stuttered, trying to grasp the shift in the figure.
    ^Captain, how long have you been in a bucket?^
    God, now he thinks I’m a retard. ^Eighteen days, Sir.^
    ^Hmmm. Doctor Swain said you were doing very well, I think I agree. Give it time, Captain.^
    ^Thank you, Sir.^
    ^The reason I’m here is to verify that you will be joining us, Captain. Have you chosen to be a Military Combat Cyborg?^
    ^Yes, Sir. I have.^ Martin could feel some unseen burden go away, it was now official, he had asked to be accepted as a warborg.
    ^Very well, Captain. I have reviewed you file, impressive.^
    ^Thank you, Sir.^
    ^Captain, I have come here to unofficially accept your application for Combat Cyborg status and inform you of the current cyborg combat craft we have available. Doctor Swain needs to know what you are going to be operational in before he can continue. At the moment we have two medium armed transports and a heavy ground attack craft.^
    Martin felt his heart sink. He was always his best in hard action, close in, down and dirty space combat.
    ^But after reading your file I had another thought. In two weeks we will be receiving two light attack fighters. One is available and because of your combat record I would like to offer you that craft if you will wait.^
    ^Sir.^ Martin was almost giddy. A light attack fighter, he remembered them well, fast as hell, meaner than shit and just all around nasty. He used to watch them in combat with deep rooted envy. ^Thank you Sir. I would be delighted to man one of your light attack fighters. You won’t be disappointed, Sir.^
    Commander Britain smothered a smile, Martin hadn’t learned his emotional state was clearly reflected in his formless gray mass. It was a dirty trick catching the new cyborg, but he usually learned a lot about the person. Martin turned into a dull grey hanging cloud at the mention of the first three craft, no anger or resentment, just disappointment. If that was all that was available he knew Martin would serve in one and serve well. But at the mention of the attack fighter the cloud became a billowing mass of light grey streaked with white. Martin’s excitement was almost tangible. He didn’t have the heart to tell Martin the reason the craft was available because the cyborg who was to get it died in the same battle where he ran into the wreckage. ^Very well Captain, the fighter craft is yours. You will be contacted when it arrives, until then keep working with Swain. He’s a damn good man. After you get a form, report to Major Stith. He will be your Squadron Commander. Any questions Captain?^
    ^No Sir, Thank you Sir.^
    The Commander gave a quick nod with a slight smile and faded out.
    “I’ve got me a goddamned light attack fighter, Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hot damn . . .” Martin’s voice echoed around the dark, empty laboratory.
     
                  . . .
     
    Commander Britain relaxed, enjoying the momentary respite of nothingness. This new Captain could be good, no as a bio he was already good, as a warborg he could be very good, very very good.
     
                  . . .
     
    “Good morning, Doc,” Martin tittered as Swain wandered into the lab. Martin very carefully ‘walked ’ behind Swain, causing the trundle to roll slowly after the Doctor.
    Swain eyed the fresh coffee suspiciously, covertly glancing around to see if Martin had made a mess and tried to clean it up. It looked like his patient was learning how to use his appendages. He smiled at Martin as he poured himself a cup. “Thanks.”
    “Thanks my ass, just pour some of that into this here brainbucket and we’ll call it even. God I miss the simple things Doc, like a good cup of coffee.”
    Swain settled into a chair. “Did Commander Britain visit you last night?” He took a sip and nodded