Revolutionary (The Athena Lee Chronicles Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

influence now. Oh we had that prewar. We were a founding family and had the respect of the people. Post war? Not so much. Politicians created this mess of an Empire. They put corrupt men in positions of great power. The old ways here were over. Suddenly everything was about credits and secrets. Who knew what, when, and for how much. Father wanted the influence back. As the head of the Militia he had some of it. But this station was hanging over our heads like the ‘Sword of Damocles’. Step out of line and death awaited. It’s not so bad now, but then it was touch and go.”
     
    She leaned back in her chair stretching. “We made peace but lost the war. Father needed an alliance with the new governor. He made one. At the time I thought I was helping the family. I was proved wrong.”
     
    A waiter came over and took her order. Min paused and took a drink of water. “I don’t live with him, this man that I married. He has his own quarters, his name is Cole Whittier. He is the financial aide to the Sector Governor. To tell you the truth he is a bit scared of me. Father wanted me to leave the Militia and be this grand lady. I told him ‘Hell No’ and kept my commission. Cole likes to play the big man but he is afraid of guns.” She chuckled. Her food was delivered so she took a moment to eat.
     
    Using her fork as a pointing instrument she continued her story. “It was both give and take. He got an escort to fancy dinners and parties and I got the influence that the family and the Militia desperately needed. The new government had taken our teeth, our means to fight and had disbanded us. All planetary weapons now came under Empire jurisdiction.”
     
    Dar spoke up, “She’s telling the truth about that. Under EOM rules planetary militia is allowed to exist but must petition for certain planetary weapon systems. I’ve never heard of them disbanding a militia before. We marines,” she swept her hands to mean the room full of soldiers. We are mainly used for spacecraft boarding actions and defense. Ground actions are left for planetary militia’s or Empire Special Forces.”
     
    “Right. Using Cole’s connections we managed to get the Militia back. We were lucky there was really bad flooding in the Greek highlands and the EOM military was unable to help. They caught all kinds of flack for it. In the end we were able to bring the Militia back to life. I know its not an excuse but my connections have been helpful.” She pursed her lips and looked at us. “Athena, don’t hate me. OK? I know that you will be here, on this station for a few months. Let me spend time with my baby sister, please?”
     
    “Fine, we can hang out or something. But tell our father not only no, but hell no!”
     

     
    ___
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    I had just gotten back to Engineering when I was called to the bridge. Captain Gorshin wished to see me. A few minutes later I was standing in front of the Captain. With him were several officers that I did not recognize and the XO.
     
    “Lieutenant Lee this is Commander Rubinowitz from the Inspector Generals office. He and his team will be talking to most of the ship about our recent pirate battles. They are looking for ways to improve both our ships and the procedures that we use. Give them every courtesy please.”
     
    I introduced myself and greeted the Commander. We chatted briefly about my restructuring the Engineering department and how well the new shipboard training was going. One of the other Officers talking with the Captain was looking at me. He was a tall man with a balding pate and a narrow face. The Captain seeing me introduced this officer.
     
    “Athena, this is Commander Clancy Hadley. He is your new boss down in engineering. I had braced myself for this every day since the captain made me the temporary chief. With a smile on my face I turned to the Commander.
     
    “Welcome to the ship Commander Hadley. I hope you enjoy working with