Protector of the Realm Read Online Free PDF

officers worked at their consoles. Rae studied the view screen. The Onotharian seemed frustrated, his jaw muscle clenching and releasing over and over when she did not yield to his demands.
    “You show a remarkable disregard for the ambassador’s situation. We have enemies out there, exiled Gantharians who would stoop to anything when it comes to using terrorist methods to make political statements.”
    Rae knew he was partially correct. Outside the SC, small cells of Gantharians resorted to violence as they struggled to free Gantharat from Onotharian occupation.
    “So far they have only targeted military installations. Why would they care about a personal matter like Ambassador M’Ekar’s?” She feigned innocent puzzlement.
    “Because he’s a prominent figure in the Onotharian administration on Gantharat. They might see this as ample opportunity to strike against him and what he represents.”
    “We have an excellent and well-equipped security force at the station,” Rae assured him. “If the ambassador wants to discuss the matter of Kellen O’Dal and Armeo M’Aido, he’ll abide by SC laws, exactly like everybody else.”
    M’Indo sighed, a quick puff of air, and looked irritated. “I think you are making a great error in judgment, Commodore. I will forward your position to the ambassador and get back to you shortly. I will also remind you, when and if the ambassador comes aboard the station, he enjoys diplomatic immunity.”
    Biting back a harsh suggestion regarding what M’Ekar could do with his diplomatic immunity, Rae spoke curtly. “Until later, Mr. M’Indo. Jacelon out.”
    The screen flickered momentarily before it showed an overview of the space station. Looking at the triangular concave structure, Rae saw ships of all shapes and sizes arrive and embark, delivering goods and people or taking them away. She had commanded Gamma VI for eight years and loved most aspects of the job, especially the encounters with people passing through and the tactical challenges of outsmarting pirates in her ongoing struggle against them. The view calmed her and helped clear her mind, as usual. Nothing was as breathtaking as the vastness of space around them.
    Her communicator beeped, a low, husky two-tone alarm, and she tugged it from its place on her left shoulder. “Jacelon here. Go ahead.”
    “Terence de Brost here, ma’am. We have a situation in the school quarters.”
    Rae uncrossed her legs and rose quickly. “Have you alerted security?”
    “Eh, ma’am? It’s not that kind of situation. Are you free to pay us a visit?”
    Terence was a civilian who had worked as a teacher and librarian at the station since before she took command. He was a well-read, versatile man who came across as low-key with his gentle voice and thoughtful way of speaking. However, Rae had seen him lead classes in the martial arts and was well aware he could be lethal.
    “On my way. What’s this about? Oh, don’t tell me. It concerns Armeo M’Aido. Right?”
    “Yes, it does. Thank you, Commodore.”
    Rae strode out of her office, handing over the conn to a dark-haired lieutenant standing at the tactical station. “I’ll be in the school quarters.”
    “Aye, ma’am,” he replied smartly, saluting before he switched his screen to overview mode. “I’m relieving you, Commodore.”
    Rae walked to the closest rail gate, located to the left outside the mission room. The rail system, consisting of tubular cars, would deliver her only minutes later at the school, which was situated between the residential and commercial sections of the station. Gamma VI could house 1,200 permanent residents—and four times that many temporary residents in hotels and aboard moored ships.
    Divided into three sectors--military, commercial, and residential--the station comprised forty-five decks and three major ports. Deck 1 hosted the mission room, with the commodore’s office located in its center.
    The commercial area boasted several shopping