Nu Trilogy 1: The Esss Advance Read Online Free PDF Page B

he understands how to review and update all of the information in the plan, and that they reviewed how the new prosthetic legs will be attached and how they will integrate with his body. Captain Richardson is already eating solid foods, and he has had a decent nap this morning. I have just refreshed his leg preservers and am filling his water bottle. Is there anything I can get for you before I take my leave?”
     
    “I’m fine, Ms. Fry,” Bunting said as he pulled a chair over to the bed and sat down. “We have quite a bit to discuss, so if you will excuse us, we can get started.”
     
    “Certainly, sir,” Emily said as she placed Sted’s refilled water bottle on the bed tray and then exited the room.
     
    Bunting smiled at Sted. “Good afternoon, Captain Richardson. Are you comfortable and focused enough that we can get started?”
     
    “I am comfortable and focused enough to contribute to the discussion, although I can’t say how long it will last.”
     
    “Good. Good,” Bunting replied, sounding somewhat distracted. Then he perked up and appeared to regain his focus. “Let me give you just a brief introduction to what we will be talking about this afternoon. As I’m sure you are aware, you are not eligible to command one of our ships after rehab. You may not be aware that there are many other positions available to you once you are up and about. I have made it my job to evaluate your recovery process, to work with you on choosing your next assignment, and then to direct the training necessary for that assignment.
     
    “You also may not know that you are eligible, as a former Navy ship captain, to pursue other careers outside of the Navy once you complete your rehabilitation. If you choose this avenue, I am at your disposal to ease the transition back into civilian life and to connect you with the appropriate people in the many space industries where your skills as a captain will be in great demand. This choice is entirely up to you.
     
    “Today, I want to focus on positions within the Navy that the Admiralty would like you to consider. I have forwarded a complete list to your tablet as part of your recovery plan. If you will open that plan on your tablet under the ‘Goals’ tab, we can begin the review. . . . ”
     
     

Chapter 12 – The Esss Problem – One Billion Years Ago
     
    The Esss were coming to a standstill, and that was a big problem. They had not run into any further opposition in their galaxy since they wiped out the Nu, and that was so long ago that only the master chroniclers were even aware of the conflict.
     
    Actually, those chronicles were very careful to avoid claiming that the Nu were extinct. The master chronicler on the battleship that chased the last remaining Nu scout recorded that the Nu ship was headed out of the galaxy toward their nearest galactic neighbor. The master chronicler speculated that the Nu ship was not likely to make the passage successfully. It was too long of a jump.
     
    Now the Esss were faced with that same jump.
     
    The Esss’ drive to procreate infused their every thought and action. They had been on a never-ending path of conquering every life-sustaining planetary system they encountered from time beyond memory. Their planet of origin was unknown even to the wisest chroniclers.
     
    Expansion was their only option. Every suitable world they encountered was transformed into a nursery. Each nursery, when fully prepared, became a hive of procreative activity. With no natural predators, the planet’s resources were soon expended. Then the Esss moved on to the next world.
     
    This pattern repeated itself until the galactic island of their origin could no longer support their numbers. There was nowhere else to go.
     
    Then the chroniclers turned their attention to neighboring galaxies. The gaps were daunting. The time required to cross the gaps was enormous. How would the Esss be able to survive long enough to reach the nearest galaxy? Interstellar