DJ's Mission Read Online Free Page A

Haven Wardens and certainly not
Titan Avionics.”
    As Iaido set down the datapad he was reading, DJ
caught a glimpse of the headline. It was a news article from Utopia, the main
planet of the Confederacy which was on the far side of the Milky Way, which
read ‘Billionaire’s Bizarre Murder-Suicide by Trophy Wife Perplexes
Investigators. Fortune Missing.’ 
    Iaido picked up a different datapad and stood up.
“You misunderstand me. I don’t want to stop you, I want to help you.”
    That got DJ’s attention and he cocked his head to
the side. “Now that’s different but the Nemesis is under repairs. I can’t wait
for her to be space worthy, so I’ll just grab a transport to Titan.”
    “And then what? Kick in the doors, grab your
daughter and waltz back out? Do you really think that you’re going to be able
to hop a transport out with the adopted daughter of Roger Thomas under your
arm? I don’t think so. Titan Avionics controls all of Saturn and her moons not
the Coalition…don’t think otherwise. I’ve had a few bounties there over the
years and every time I’ve been there, I’ve ruffled the Sheriff’s feathers.
Enough so, that I’m on their no-fly list. Not that it stops me when I’m on a
hunt but it does make dealing with the local authorities more difficult.”
    Iaido typed a few more notes into the datapad
before handing it to his friend. “Here is a list of my contacts in the area and
what they are known for and expected costs. I have also highlighted the best
leads for your journey.”
    The ex-Marine took the offered information and
stammered, “I…I….”
    “What flight certifications do you hold?”
    DJ shook his head slightly. “Only level one, not
much use for big transports in the Marines or starfighters for that matter.”
    Iaido nodded, picked up another datapad from the
coffee table and typed in a few things before handing that to him also. “On the
lowest level of Haven, you will find hanger fifty-one. Epista’tis is expecting
you.”
    “Epi-what?”
    Iaido shook his head. “Epee-sta-tees, it’s Greek
for caretaker. He’s in charge of my hanger and will have a few items that might
aid you in your mission.”
    DJ looked down at the two datapads in his hands
and back to his friend. “I….I don’t know what to say.”
    Iaido waved a dismissive hand. “You don’t have to
say anything. You came to my aid when I needed it, now it’s my turn to return
the favor. I would offer more help but I doubt you would take it.”
    DJ nodded. Iaido was right. This was something he
felt he had to do on his own. He really couldn’t explain it other than it was a
family thing but then, Iaido understood that and was offering help in the only
way he could. “Thanks. This means a lot to me.”
    Iaido held out his right hand. “Just be safe and
good luck.”
    DJ grasped forearms with his friend. “Thanks. I’ll
contact you when this is over.” Once again grabbing his duffle bag and throwing
it over his shoulder, he and UR-L8 made their way out of the Nemesis.
    *   *   *   *   *
    Talia Stargleam poked her head out of one of the
side hatches. “Is he gone?”
    Iaido nodded. “Aye.”
    As Talia moved into his study, Iaido’s eyes
studied her every move. He was always entranced by the inhuman grace the Sylvan
race possessed. They seemed to glide instead of walk with their shoulders and
heads held straight and even. The whole race seemed to move that way. Was it
natural or a learned trait? He didn’t know but just accepted it as one of the
subtle differences in the two races.
    Talia placed her cup of coffee on the table, sat
down on the couch and pulled her legs up underneath her. “Is it wise to let him
go alone?”
    Iaido shook his head and joined her back on the
couch. “Probably not, but he would not take any more aid from me on this
subject.”
    “But what if he fails?”
    With a shrug, Iaido responded calmly. “Then he
fails. Everyone must walk his or her own path.”
    “But