Star Raiders Read Online Free PDF

other ships in the area. After Greyson’s craft slipped up on them without their knowledge, he’d become a bit paranoid. She’d have to let him know about C.O.I.L.’s new stealth technology.
    Though Bear’s name fit his hulking form, it didn’t reflect his nature, which was gentle and quiet. He was an island, rarely interacting with anyone. He was born Theodore Berski, and her father had nicknamed him Teddy Bear. As he’d grown in size, only Bear stuck. He grunted now but didn’t look up, lying as he was on the floor beneath a console, busy repairing some ancient wiring. Unless Greyson posed a threat to Shy, the crew or the ship, the man likely wouldn’t even acknowledge him. If Greyson became dangerous…wel , the result would be ugly.
    Terle glared at Greyson and then snarled at Shy for bringing him on the bridge.
    His wild red hair and green eyes only hinted at the temper she knew the man held in check—most of the time. On occasion rumors of his planet-side drinking, whoring and fighting drifted back to her, but never once in al the years she’d known him had he acted out aboard ship or made a pass at her. He was trustworthy.
    Swearing one more time, he swung back to his console.
    “Ignore him,” Shy told Greyson. “Terle’s our pilot, but he doesn’t work or play wel with others.”
    Eldin let out a bark of laughter.
    “Where’s the rest of your crew?” Greyson asked, moving about the bridge.
    “Checking us out, jerking viper?” Terle snapped.
    ASP personal were both proud and sensitive about snake references. Shy caught her breath at the insult and awaited Greyson’s reaction. Even Eldin went stil and Bear peered out from under the console.
    Greyson’s lips thinned but he ignored the slur.
    To defuse the tension, Shy said, “The rest of the crew—Damon, Able and Silky—are out on deliveries.”
    Greyson continued. “ASP has a proposal to put forth, but it’s for the whole crew, so they should hear it before you al agree.”
    “You can wipe your ASP with your fujerk proposal.” Terle gathered his saliva and prepared to spit until Shy caught his eye. He swal owed, shot a crude hand sign at Greyson and hunched once more over his console.
    Eldin leaned back, crossed his arms over his thin chest and gave Greyson an appraising look. “Now, just what kind of proposal would ASP have for the likes of us?”
    Greyson met the older man’s eyes. “A ful pardon for al crimes past and present against ASP, ELF and C.O.I.L.”
    Eldin straightened in surprise, his arms dropping to his sides. “And who do we have to kil for this boon?”
    Greyson shook his head and grinned at Eldin’s response. “No one.”
    “What makes those jack-offs think we want their slimy pardon?” Terle snarled.
    “They can take it and—”
    “Speak for yourself, ass-wipe,” Eldin snapped. “Some of us are getting on in years, are tired of running and always having to watch our backsides. Let the man talk.”
    Bear crawled out from under the console and crouched near Shy’s feet to listen as Greyson explained the proposition. Eldin stroked his chin and regarded Greyson thoughtful y.
    “Sounds fair for as far as it goes,” the old man admitted. “But if we stop our smuggling operation, what does ASP suggest we live on? Despite what they believe, our profits are smal . The thought of giving up the criminal life is attractive, but I for one don’t relish the idea of living in poverty. Even without ASP’s gracious offer, if we had the means we long ago would have found a place to retire and live out our lives.”
    Eldin was right. Though they had a place to go, that place relied on them for supplies to survive and none of them had enough put aside to provide those supplies; they needed to continue smuggling. It cost a lot of credits to maintain Independence , its shuttles and the home she kept for Rian, not to mention the more charitable activities she and her crew undertook. While she and Damon were stil young enough