Battle Stations: Jack Foster Space Opera (Jack Foster Space Opera Series Book 4) by John Hindmarsh

Author:John Hindmarsh [Hindmarsh, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Jack eased his shuttle into place with scarcely a bump as he settled it down onto the docking locks. Two bots secured it into place, as he worked through the shutdown checklist. He discovered, when he opened the cockpit hatch, everyone except Alpha and the new group of ReBears had disembarked.

Tryer said, “Sir—Jack, Goldie said we must confer with you as soon as possible, including with Jack Senior and Jenny only. Can we do that now, please?”

Intrigued, Jack agreed. “Axe, ask Robert to give us at least twenty minutes before we begin our conference. Tell Jenny and Jack Senior I need to talk to them now. We’ll use the small conference room.”

Jack led the way and was followed by ten jittery ReBears. They were not accustomed to the confines of a starship, and Jack said, as they walked along the long corridor to the conference room, “Tryer, you will soon grow accustomed to Fearless. Discuss any concerns you have with Alice. She and her team have designed and produced accommodation intended to help them adjust from their planetary life. They’ll help you.”

“Thank you, Jack. If you have space, we should have our own accommodation. You’ll understand why.”

Jenny and his grandfather were already seated when Jack arrived. He directed Tryer and his companions to the larger seats around the conference table and, in response to Jenny’s inquiring expression, said, “Meet Tryer. Tryer, this is Jenny Layton and Jack Foster Senior.”

Tryer nodded and exchanged greetings.

Jack said, “Tryer, you and your companions are welcome. I don’t yet know your names and after we hear the message Goldie wants you to deliver, we’ll try to attach names and faces. Please go ahead.”

Tryer signaled and three ReBears each lifted a pack, moderately heavy, onto the table. Four ReBears stood and moved to the door into the conference room, two of whom exited and closed the door from the outside. The other two took guard positions beside the now closed door. Jack thought if someone wanted to enter the room, they’d have to overcome four ReBears, a challenge he was not sure he would want to attempt.

Tryer slid the first bag, made from woven vines or similar soft material, across the table until it was in front of Jack. He said, “Jack, please, it’s sealed and requires your hands to open it.”

Jack undid the woven ties holding down the top flap and lifted it back. He froze in his chair.

Jenny was concerned at his reaction and peered over Jack’s arm. “Damn. There’s a whole pack of them.”

Jack Senior, curious, stood and copied Jenny, folding the flap back a fraction so he could get a better view. “I agree. Damn, indeed. It’s full of diamonds, cut diamonds. If the glitter is any indicator, they’re pure white.”

Tryer said, “Yes, you are correct.”

Jenny sighed, breathed deeply, and said, “They’re all as large as the tip of my thumb.” She moved her hand closer and checked. “No, they’re larger. There must be hundreds, thousands?” She looked at Tryer and raised her eyebrows.

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