Beyond Mars Crimson Fleet Read Online Free PDF

somewhat upset first officer of 29 years, who
bore a striking resemblance to a 20th Century actor who had played
the movie role of “Batman” several times. “Miracles sometimes
happen, but don't worry; it’s going to be a good day!"
    Randall turned for a moment and studied his muscular
and broad-shouldered 35-year-old captain. Wakinyan's reddish tinted
skin, almond eyes, broad nose, black hair, and high cheekbones more
than just hinted at his American Indian ancestry.
    Besides being athletic in
appearance, Wakinyan held an air of distinction that was as solid
as his ship. He inspired all around him with his self-confidence
and indomitable spirit. Randall had always admired this in his
captain, regardless that he felt very uneasy with Rich's
willingness to take seemingly reckless but calculated risks. In the
same breath, however, it also attested to Richard's personal
bravery. Coupled with his years of intense study and training in
the martial arts, Wakinyan was the very essences of a true and
noble warrior; a man who never faltered in meeting the enemy or to
rescue those in distress. Yet, he was quick to partake in the more
worldly pleasures when time and circumstances permitted
it.
    This was
evident in a few noted over-indulgences that were excessive enough
to have Wakinyan subjected to the unheard practice of having him
restricted— under hack —on his own ship. It also had cost him a promotion to squadron
commander, twice.
    Randall
mused that Wakinyan had done this deliberately though. It was no
secret that Rich preferred that the Crazy
Horse act alone as a fleet scout. It was
far safer than being a part of a squadron or mass division of ships
being targeted by an enemy. Also there was no concern about the
interference or stupidity of other captains and superior officers.
Wakinyan easily saw their shortcomings in character and thinking,
the product of assembly-line military training fouled with the
stench of personal agendas and politics.
    Randall knew Wakinyan’s
past intimately though, and saw him more than just as an intensely
proud and spirited warrior. He was also one of innovation and
skill. Having spent most of his adolescence life as a crewman
aboard his uncle's aging star-freighter, Wakinyan had worked every
position from cook to navigator. It was an invaluable experience in
itself that had drawn the very best out of him. Wakinyan's
leadership abilities were solidly molded from those many years of
hard work, hauling cargo to distant and strange worlds, while his
peers merely sat in classrooms studying about them.
    But a darker side also
tainted Richard Wakinyan, contributing to his subtle status of
social outcast. He was a man who was intolerant of any threat, and
was swift to “neutralize” them. It was a part of a strangeness that
was quietly accepted by his crew as well as the change of attire
that precluded combat. Before Wakinyan would knowingly enter any
battle, combat boots were traded for old, yet colorful pair of boot
moccasins. Added to this, was an ancient and broad “Bowie” knife,
which was sheathed to his right calf by leather thongs.
    The aged steel blade of the
knife was well kept and sharp. It also had been meticulously
engraved with ancient characters that Randall could not decipher.
Its handle was crafted from an elk horn that was inlaid with stones
of blue and green turquoise as well as a small tarnished silver
coin on either side. They added a particular beauty to the weapon.
Yet, the knife was as deadly as an ion pistol. The young officer
knew this from first-hand experience, for Wakinyan never hesitated
in using it in past hand-to-hand combat encounters, and this scared
people.
    From his outlandish
conduct, many officers within the fleet considered Wakinyan to be
"a wild savage" and nothing else. Richard never seemed to mind it
though. He cared little for their opinions and whenever, avoided
their company. What's more, Wakinyan never sacrificed his crew or
ship for his own