Dana Cartwright Mission 2: Lancer Read Online Free PDF

brief descent, mulling over options and the original mission plan transmitted to him many days ago. He abhorred last minute changes and substitutions. It threw off all his calculations and strategies.
    Neville Brandt wounded? Without Brandt, would the mission succeed? It all depended on skill, knowledge and experience.  
    Chief Miller wasn’t at the shuttle control console, which nearly triggered a reversal of the Captain’s calm. He’d hoped to run a few quick scenarios by his tactical officer. Instead, he cornered a Lieutenant. “Make ready to receive another shuttle.” After giving the two standard service craft parked on the deck a glance, he added, “One hour or less.”
    That said, Macao went to the MAT station on that deck and had them coordinate a transfer to Station Four - Security.

    “You are jeopardizing this mission!” Janz Macao shouted at the Security Chief. He resisted the overwhelming urge to smash the padlet in his hands down onto the man’s desk. Outwardly, his rage did not show; within, he was seething.
    Finally, Macao could stand no more of Davis’ cat-eyed stare, so he stormed out, muttering against the incompetence he perceived in not just the Security Officer’s agenda, but the entire galaxy’s.
    He took the lift and demanded, “Shuttle Deck.”
    Stop!
    He obeyed Shalee’s command and punched the hold button.
    Beloved?
    Janz leaned back against the hand railing inside the car and took three deep breaths, achieving a tentative calm and peace before he answered.
    Dear one?
    Why do you rage, Beloved?
    They…
    Start with you, my love! There is no ‘they.’
    He shut his eyes. The image of Forever Pointe returned. She forced him to look and to be truthful.
    This is my last mission, Dear One.
    She softly counseled in return.  
    You are afraid, just as you were at Forever Pointe. Beloved, you feared the heights and Kieran had to push you.
    Janz hissed an audible, “Yes.”
    You flew! You soared above that canyon and brought that kite safely to a landing.
    And I never, ever, want to repeat it.
    You should go back and do it again.  
    Never!
    She laughed at him, at his pouting protest. You’re still that little boy deep down inside, standing on the precipice, afraid.
    He hated to admit it, but she knew the truth.
    One last mission…
    You want it to be a massive success. It’s not about the mission, Beloved. It’s about you. And about Kieran…
    Janz scoffed. It’s not…
    She interrupted, Oh, but it is, Beloved. Solve this mission and you think you will be his equal. You are still competing with him, all these years later. You still hate and you envy.
    He made everything look easy, Janz lamented.
    It is…
    He bit back a protest as the ultimate truth surfaced and he was forced to admit, I failed you.
    No! Shalee sweetly reminded, You saved the Ambassador, the High One of the Shonedren people. I gladly gave my body to protect her. I gladly sacrificed. And I am with you always, Beloved. One love…forever…Peace, My Beloved. No fear.

    Janz fought back emotions, using the techniques of the Masters of the Elect. He finally tapped the release button. The lift descended, doors opening on a corridor of Deck Twelve. He paused a moment after rounding a corner, sensing something.
    This is where Neville Brandt was assaulted , Shalee whispered in his mind. I can feel the energy here; the memory of the violence lingers.
    He felt it, too.
    You have neglected your Mastery rituals, Beloved. Every moment you have, you should…you must…practice them. For on this mission, you will need all that they offer and more.
    He had to agree.
    Macao quickly continued on to the entry door of the Small Craft Hangar Bay.
    The access system warning lamp glowed red and flashed at intervals: Warning — Engine test in progress — do not enter.
    He impatiently waited for the warning message to cease, tapping the padlet against the palm of his left hand, keeping time with the warning lamp.

CHAPTER SIX

    Once the red