Exploration: Age of Expansion - A Kurtherian Gambit Series (The Ghost Squadron Book 2) by Sarah Noffke & Michael Anderle

Author:Sarah Noffke & Michael Anderle [Noffke, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2017-12-02T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Q-Ship, en route to Dillon Planet, Lorialis System

The Q-Ship maneuvered around an asteroid belt, slipping easily between two giant meteors.

“Ever notice that the crappy systems always have more asteroids?” asked Eddie, pulling back on the controls.

“Pip, what’s your insights on that? What do your records show?” asked Julianna.

“What classifies as a crappy system?” inquired Pip.

“Stale beer and the ugliest aliens,” said Eddie.

“I’ve taken an analysis of all the systems in my database and ranked them based on economy and educational standards—”

“There he goes with his computer-talk again,” interrupted Eddie, talking in a whisper.

“Those highest on the list do not in fact have less asteroid belts than those ranking lower,” informed Pip.

“Man, you kind of take the fun out of things sometimes. I was just saying—”

“However,” continued Pip, cutting Eddie off, “the systems I’ve superficially judged as crappy based on Julianna’s experiences definitely have more asteroid belts.”

Julianna and Eddie exchanged curious looks. “Did he just say crappy?”

“He’s been saying all sorts of strange things lately, ever since Hatch upgraded him.” Julianna pointed at a planet ahead of them. “There’s Dillon.”

“I have not been saying strange things,” argued Pip.

“Pipe down, Pip. We’ve got a big gun to steal from a fish,” said Eddie.

“Pip, lock the Q-Ship on the coordinates for the Bawah Tanah system. We need to park the Q-Ship close to one of the main entrances into this underground network.” Julianna eyed the screen, waiting for the navigational route to update with Pip’s coordinates.

“What’s taking so long, Pip?” asked Julianna after a moment.

“You forgot to say the magic word,” said Pip.

“Now?” asked Julianna.

The screen remained unchanged as the Q-Ship slipped into Dillon’s atmosphere.

“I don’t think that’s the word he’s looking for.” Eddie laughed.

Julianna’s eyes darted away, looking distant for a brief moment, and then she smiled, staring down at the screen. “There we go,” she said when the navigation updated.

“Did you just threaten Pip?” Eddie asked, flying the ship further to the surface of the planet, which was dry and barren.

“Maybe,” chirped Julianna.

“Man, this is one ugly planet,” said Eddie. “Seriously, the next meeting with the Trid we interrupt needs to be at a five-star resort. Some place with paper umbrellas in the drinks.”

Julianna lifted one eyebrow, staring at Eddie. “For some reason, I have a hard time picturing you with an umbrella in your drink.”

Eddie scoffed. “I’m in touch with my frilly side.”

“No, you’re not,” she said, laughing.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m not. But at least I can surf!” Eddie set the cloaked Q-Ship down on a stretch of sandy land next to a manhole that led straight to the Bawah Tanah system. “Tell me, Jules, where would you like to vacation when we get our next break?”

She seemed to think for a moment. “The Libra system has a planet that’s covered in geothermal pools of water. They’re supposed to be incredibly refreshing and restorative.”

“You’re enhanced with nanotechnology. Why do you care about swimming in healing water?” asked Eddie.

“I don’t, but they’re a really cool blue color and the planet is cold, but the waters are warm.

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