Stories of the Confederated Star Systems Read Online Free PDF Page B

He didn’t touch either woman, but his personality seemed to push them along. “I’ve already arranged transport back to the Avalon. Sorry, ladies, but I’m kicking you off the planet. I already paid your bill and had the concierge pack your bags. He’ll meet your taxi, then you go to the port and get back to the Wells . I’ve also ordered Mara Kerhonkson to put extra security around the dock now that the nature of the Wells is known.”
    “Yes, My Lord,” both women answered, and soon they were being all but shoved into a taxi. “The Avalon, then the space port,” Erica commanded and the taxi took off at far more than regulation speed. “Hey, don’t crash!”
    “Not gonna happen, Ma’am,” the driver answered and grinned in the mirror. “You’re the one with the new ship, aren’t you?”
    “News travels fast,” Krystal snarled.
    “I have my vid set up here and watched the ceremony. Lord Kenyon already gave me my instructions and payment, so just sit back and relax.”
    Erica and Krystal exchanged a glance and sat back, but neither of them relaxed. The ride to the Avalon seemed longer than the ride to the capitol. Soon enough, though, they pulled into the covered drop-off and the concierge met them. Erica rolled down her window to speak to him.
    “Captain Reordan, I have your bags right here. Please remain in the taxi and we’ll load you up.” The driver had popped the trunk and bellmen were already loading their luggage. The trunk closed and the taxi moved into traffic once again.
    Traffic to the space port was surprisingly light. It took just a little over half an hour to get there. The driver got out and handed them their bags with a smile, then turned to face Krystal and snapped to attention. “It’s been an honor to meet you, Master Chief.” His hand flashed up in salute, and both women saw the tattoo of the First Marine Expeditionary Force on his arm. Breaking protocol, they both returned the salute, even if the uniform he wore was that of Geneva Taxi and not the CSS Marine Corps. Then they hurried into the terminal.
    It only took them twenty minutes to change and get back aboard Krystal’s Kitty , but it was long enough for several reporters to spot them and shout intrusive questions. Fortunately for the reporters, the port security personnel kept them off the apron. Krystal applied full power as soon as she received clearance, and the Kitty rocketed into the sky under four Gs of acceleration.
    “Geeze, Krys, lighten up.”
    “Can’t. Threat receiver is hot. Someone is tracking us.”
    “Crap.”
    A voice came through their headphones a moment later. “Navy shuttle HGW-Zero Six, Geneva Control. We have inbound traffic at three-zero-three by one-nine-seven at nineteen miles, closing at Mach five, identity unknown. EAF interceptors are in route. Maintain course and acceleration unless you receive a missile warning.”
    “Geneva Control, HGW-Zero Six, understood,” Krystal replied. “As if I’d do anything else,” she continued after she’s released the microphone button.
    The chatter of the Earth Air Force fighter jocks soon drew their attention. “Bogie is at angels three seven and climbing to intercept the Navy shuttle. Fat Boy, light him up.”
    A breath later the threat receiver of the Kitty showed a second radar, but it was tagged with the green icon of a friendly unit. The intruder broke off and raced away, but the interceptors easily overtook him.
    “Fat Boy, am I seeing this right?” the lead pilot asked.
    “Confirmed, Patriot,” Fat Boy replied. “Intruder is painted in the colors of our old friends at EuroNews. EuroNews Shuttle Kilo-Sierra-Foxtrot-Seven-Seven-One, this is EAF interceptor on your port wing. Cut your accel and prepare to be escorted to the ground.”
    Captain Reordan muttered, “Great. Just friggin’ great.”
    “What are you complaining about? They didn’t even get shot down.”
    “That’s what I’m complaining about. Bastards should have been