Icarus (Interstellar Cargo Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

the long, slow trip to the lift and then the launch bay was all business and expectedly uneventful. Sequences were dutifully announced by CAIN, a battery of complex diagnostic tests were introduced to the budding AI by both Forester and Lin. Much to their delight, they were satisfied by the swift speed and expert precision at which CAIN performed. The sole piece of cargo was confirmed to be secured, and the unnecessarily complex security system and abundant repair androids—all automated—were made operational. When “Disabled Weapons” were addressed, Cole was roused from his checklist stupor.
    “I know I heard ‘weapons’,” Cole said, eyeing both Forester and Lin. “I was under the impression the seventy-one line wasn’t slated for offensive capabilities.”
    “It isn’t,” Forester said, still engaged with his procedure checklist. “But this is the prototype—a very expensive prototype SolEx wishes to keep protected on this journey to Terracom 3. Live weaponry is on board, though it will be removed upon our return.”
    “Wait!” Cole said, amazed by what he was hearing. “This baby’s hot ?” He smacked the console for emphasis.
    “There’s no need to concern yourself with thoughts of galactic warfare and heroics, Captain,” Forester said, finally meeting Cole’s gaze. “Our journey will be direct, brief, and free of pilfering pirates.”
    “But you just said...” Cole turned away, grinning.
    Forester hesitated before answering. “One can never be too careful on a mission as important as this.”
    Lin shot Forester a quick icy glance before returning to her diagnostic deluge. Cole wondered at their bizarre interactions. There was a familiarity between the two, though the cold rift they shared was unusual.
     CAIN announced.
    The trio ceased their activities in time to watch as the lift slowly raised the ICV-71 up into a near-empty launch bay. Most of the other cargo vessels had already headed out of the massive hub for delivery service. The timing was done by design to bring as little attention as possible to the prototype. Cole felt as though he was about to embark on a secret mission to safely transport all five presidents of the United System.
    The lift continued to raise until it doubled as a launching platform, then slowed to a gentle halt. CAIN said, breaking the silence.
    Cole stared out the gargantuan bay door into infinite space. This is it! Suddenly the thirteen years of rebuilding his destroyed bridge to the stars had been realized. All of the difficult years of giving the whole of himself to SolEx had been worth it. The galaxy was his celestial oyster.
    They were cleared for launch, and CAIN promptly commenced start-up by regulating the proper power ratio to the fusion reactor. The ICV-71 roared to life, the thrumming engines music to Cole’s ears.
     CAIN said, fully demonstrating how useless human pilots would soon be.
    Cole smiled despite his reservations. “Let’s take her out, Cain.”
    The order was acknowledged, the ship rumbled as power built, and the trio braced for launch.
    But nothing happened.

3
INSPECTION
    A t first no one did or said anything, allowing for the possibility of a delay. As the seconds ticked by, however, an uncomfortable silence filled the bridge. Something was wrong.
    Cole cleared his throat. “Um, is everything alright, Cain?”
     the AI answered, much to everyone’s relief.
    Cole shared a look with Lin, who could not hide her concern. She immediately slipped into Ocunet and began troubleshooting. Her Rook flashed red and played a few ominous notes before hovering over the glowing green light in the panel.
    “Are we ready for launch?” Cole asked.
    
    Cole’s brow furrowed. Uh oh... “I already gave