Special Forces 01 Read Online Free PDF

large industrial center, but still maintained the close quarters of the Spartan mining colony it started out as. Space was always at a premium, because of the expense of manufactured air, heat, and light. Residing in an Army barracks had reduced the allocation of living space even more. This room had to be a good twelve feet in both directions, unheard of in a single bedroom, even for a Flag Officer. He had a double bed to himself, too, which looked remarkably expansive, soft, and accommodating.
    “This was originally our guest room,” Sara said in an apologetic tone, “so it doesn’t have much personality to it. But you can fix it however you wish, as long as you don’t paint the walls black.”
    Rys looked around, still trying to believe that this huge room was for him. “I’ve never been in such luxurious quarters, ma — er, Sara. I think it’s perfect the way it is.”
    She smiled at him, but that smile had a sad tinge to his eyes. “What were your quarters generally like, Arystair?”
    “A lot smaller,” he responded with a lighthearted chuckle. “Especially the beds! I run the risk of getting lost in this one.” He jerked a thumb to indicate the double bed in the corner.
    Sara smiled at his teasing, her sadness fading. “I’ll get you a safety cord to tie around your ankle, as a precaution! The bathroom for the boys is right across the hall. Brandon generally gets up at seven to get his shower, and Dylan takes a shower around seven-thirty.”
    Rys considered six o’clock to be sleeping in. He wasn’t worried about interrupting anyone’s shower schedule. “I get up earlier than that. It won’t be a problem.”
    “Good. Go ahead and get unpacked and make yourself at home. If you need anything, or have any questions, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
    “Roger that.” Rys waited until she was gone, and the door closed behind her, before sitting on the bed. Closing his eyes, he mentally accessed his com chip.
    Erksome, do you copy?
    “Right here, sir. How is it at the Admiral’s house?”
    Excellent. I’ve been given a very warm welcome, and the size of my quarters is unbelievable. How are you doing?
    “Better than I thought I would be. Mrs. Sharpe is a fabulous cook and a real sweet lady. She already considers me a genius because I fixed her car.”
    That didn’t surprise Rys. If it moved in any manner, Erksome was an expert on it. Car, hovercraft, or Battleship — no exceptions, he was the master of driving it or repairing it. Good. I’m going to check in with the others. Let me know if there are any problems.
    “Right-o, Captain. And shout if you need some wheels. Mrs. Sharpe has these motorcycles in the garage that she claims don’t run. I’ll fix one up for you if you need some transportation.”
    Rys couldn’t help but smile. Some habits die hard. Erksome would probably still be worried about his Captain’s transportation even when they were old and grey and required walkers to get around. I’ll let you know, once I find out myself. Savar, out.
    Taking a deep breath, he called up the next one. Snails, you copy?
    “Here, Captain. Can I call you back? I’m in the middle of dinner.”
    Sure thing. Savar, out.
    Ouch, bad timing with that one. He should have considered that most civilians eat around the same time. Rys might have considered waiting until later to call Gremlin, but since he was pretty sure Gremlin was in cahoots with Erksome… Gremlin, you copy?
    “Here. Hey Captain!”
    Hey yourself. How is the Harlan’s home?
    “Not too shabby. They’re pretty nice people. I even have my own room here. You won’t believe how big it is.”
    I might. Mine’s huge. The bed alone is as big as my old quarters. Are you having any problems settling in?
    “Naw, it’s gone much smoother than I expected it to. They have the cutest litter of puppies to play with over here, too. You should come over soon, Captain. They’re really feisty little fur balls. I think I finally understand why people