Take The Star Road (The Maxwell Saga) Read Online Free PDF

and they had to come up with a stiff fare payment besides, or work their passage, or accept indentured servitude for several years at their destination. Result was, with so many good people leaving, Earth's average intelligence dropped measurably during the Scramble for Space. It's never fully recovered. That's why they try to stop any more of the smart ones from leaving."
    Vince sighed. "You're right, of course. The intelligence level on most colony planets still trends higher than on Earth." He looked at the youngster. "From the way you talk, Steve, I'd guess that holds good for you, too. What sort of basic education did you get?"
    "My parents were killed in an accident when I was five, Sir. Their will specified that their estate was to be used to send me to a private orphanage, rather than dump me in the public foster care system. I owe them for that, I guess. The Benedictines at St. Anselm's gave me a first-class schooling, and encouraged me to tack on some college courses - I've already completed half of a Bachelor of Science degree. That's another reason I'm interested in the Commonwealth Fleet. It's got Fleet University, to let its people study while they're serving. With the credits I've already got, I could finish my basic degree during my enlistment."
    "Not a bad idea at all. Any plans for a post-graduate degree?"
    "I've thought about studying gravitic engineering, Sir."
    The Bosun's eyebrows rose. "That's pretty heavy stuff! Do you have what it takes in terms of math and physics aptitude and background?"
    "I've passed the initial aptitude tests, Sir. I've got the results in my gear, along with all my academic transcripts. If I can save enough to afford it, I'll give it my best shot."
    "Hmm... A gravitic engineer can find work anywhere, that's for sure; but if you've got that kind of brain, you might find a merchant spacer's work real boring. It isn't very intellectual, unless you're doing engineering or navigation or something like that. Even then, it can be deadly dull for days or weeks on end. Could you cope with that without getting too frustrated?"
    "Sir, I'll do whatever I have to do. It hasn't exactly been a scholar's paradise, washing dishes, mopping floors and unpacking supplies up here!" Louie and Vince had to laugh at the young man's candor. "Sure, I want more of a challenge, but I've got to earn it the hard way."
    Vince rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We don't get many eggheads aboard merchant freighters. Can you get along with regular spacers without coming across as snooty, or a Johnny-head-in-air?"
    A smile flickered on Steve's face. "Ever thought about the mix of boys you get in an orphanage, Sir?"
    "I take your point. Yeah, if you can survive there for - how long?"
    "Just over twelve years, Sir. I entered when I was five, and left at eighteen."
    "OK. After twelve years there, I reckon you could fit in almost anywhere. How about discipline? Let me use Cabot as an example. As Bosun I keep the crew in line, and I don't mind admitting I have the reputation of being a hard taskmaster. I'm fair, but strict, and I don't put up with bullshit at all. If I tell someone to jump, the only thing they get to ask me is how high, how far and in what direction! Can you handle that?"
    "I've never worked in an environment like that, Sir, but I know I'll have to get used to it. After all, if I want to enlist in the Commonwealth Fleet, I'm sure they'll be at least as strict."
    "You bet! More than half of us aboard Cabot , including the skipper and most of the mates and warrant officers, are former Fleet personnel - me too; I left the service as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. That's why our shipboard discipline's stricter than the average merchant vessel's. We understand the need for it. One point in your favor is your martial arts background. To reach nidan so young, you'll have had to demonstrate maturity and very strong self-discipline, much more so than the average teenager. That's a good start. How much do you know