Gabriel's Redemption Read Online Free PDF Page A

the chairman is listed as anonymous, which is their right as an independent Corporate World. So all we know is the leader goes by The Chairman , which obviously makes things difficult when going before a World Court.”
    “We need a covert, quiet, off-the-books team to go in there and shut down the operation, or more and more of my people are going to end up getting hooked on it. Then we’re going to have a serious national security issue on our hands.” MacFarland pointed at Gabriel. “You’re the best, and I know you’ll be discrete. The colony leaders and all others involved need to be brought to justice.” MacFarland punctuated the last few words with three open-handed bangs on the table.
    Gabriel was still in a daze, but it was making more sense why he was plucked from the middle of nowhere for this operation. He was expendable, and in some military eyes, didn’t even exist. No family or friends to speak of, he thought with a slight pang of regret. He would be completely off the radar, and more importantly, completely deniable. Familiar ground for him.
    “What’s in this for me?” he asked, leaning back in the chair. “I’m assuming you don’t think I’m just an animal lover.”
    “Once the operation is completed, full reinstatement in the North American Federation Navy, salary commensurate with your previous rank, Commander,” Gesselli said. “You will also be absolved of all responsibility with the Eden massacre, your dishonorable discharge will be vacated, and the civil judgements against you from the families of your lost team members will be settled out of court by the Navy. And perhaps you’ll sleep a little better, eh Commander?”  
    Eden again, it all goes back to Eden , Gabriel thought wearily. It’s been three years and two memory-removal surgeries since then, but still pieces of that mission kept creeping back into his consciousness. Nothing will take that away completely. Hell , he thought. Eden makes me what I am today. Which I guess is absolutely nothing.
    “You’ll also have the satisfaction of helping out your fellow soldiers by getting rid of this dew operation,” MacFarland added.  
    Gabriel stared back at his former commanding officer, the one who had run him out of the Navy, and the one that was now trying to bring him back. The cause, the end result…seemed worthy. But there was just something out of sorts, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Something he’d keep a watchful eye out for. But for now…
    “I guess you’ve got me. I’m in. What’s the next step?”
    MacFarland smiled, leaning back in his chair, and put a foot up on the table. “I knew I could count on you, son. We’ve got a team assembling at Las Cruces. Hugh and Javier are waiting for you in the Raven outside. Gesselli will accompany you on the flight to New Mexico and will give you full details on the team, mission, and equipment. I’m assuming you don’t need to stop home to pick up any personal items?”
    Bastard , Gabriel thought. Always was, always will be. “No. I’ll buy new and bill you.” He rose from his chair and picked up the flexscreen tube. “Yours?” he said to Gesselli.
    “Yes, Commander,” she said with that odd smirk, taking the unneeded flexscreen from him. “I’ll meet you outside in five.”
    Gabriel made his way out, but paused briefly to glance at the portrait closest to the door. President Charline Gradillas, served 2156 to 2161. Presided over the Dark Days, the worst disaster in human history. Killed by an assassin’s bullet just two months into her second term. Not everyone’s happy during good times, Gabriel thought. And not everyone’s unhappy during bad ones. Hopefully this time, someone else is on the schedule for a bad time.

    The door silently slid shut behind Gabriel, and Gesselli turned back to MacFarland. “Well?” she asked, laying her flexscreen back on the table. The holoimage in the center sank back into the surface.
    MacFarland pulled