Return by Frank Carey

Author:Frank Carey [Carey, Frank]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction, Space opera
ISBN: 1944946403
Amazon: B074YDWM19
Barnesnoble: B074YDWM19
Publisher: Frank Carey
Published: 2017-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

After a short stop at Medical, Gabe and Rista found themselves standing near Mansfield's ship, the ETS Fleeting Dream. Gabe raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I can get your mom to release the Delphi," he said. The Dream was in pretty bad shape.

"Wuss," Pris said as she and Shent walked up.

"Love you more," he said before kissing her. "AD Shent, I apologize for my..."

"Think nothing of it. Under the circumstances, your reaction is understandable. Now, what is your plan?"

"First things, first. We have to deliver the goods. Are the trackers in place?"

"Yes, all trackers are in place. We'll be able to find any part of the shipment no matter how much it's broken apart," Pris said. "Oh, and we've installed an AI. You'll find the details in your cabin."

"Gabe, one thing," Pris said. "You do know the department can't reimburse you for the money you spent on this thing, right?"

Gabe reared back, then gasped. He stopped and laughed when he saw the look on their faces. "I guess I'll just have to cut back on my whiskey and gambling. Sorry. I planned on donating the ship to the force, so it's all good."

"Pardon me if I pry," Shent asked, "but you can afford that kind of cash outlay on your retirement income?"

"Yep. My other daughter, Saffron, is a financial whiz." He handed the Sokuhl AD her business card. "Give her a call and tell her Dad recommended her."

"Thank you. I may just do that."

"Well, we should get going. Next stop is Tralaska." He took his wife in his arms and kissed her passionately while an uncomfortable Shent suddenly found a crate of machine parts to stare at.

"Aren't they cute, AD Shent?" Rista asked.

"Yes, very," Shent replied as he continued to stare at the crate.

Finally, they finished. While Shent regained his composure, Gabe and Rista said goodbye to Pris. "Honey, tell Saffy we'll see her when we get back."

"Roger that. I want both of you back here in one piece, got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," they replied as they saluted while walking up the ramp. In moments, the ship lifted off and headed into the sky.

"Worried, Commissioner?" Shent asked.

"Aren't you?" she replied.

"Very. The fate of a world is their hands."

"My husband once saved a universe; a planet should be easy," she replied as they headed back into the building to brief the Tralaskans.

###

Gabe sat back in the copilot's seat and watched the plasma streamers of other-space pass by the windshield. "This never gets old," he said.

"Tell me about it," Rista replied. "Computer, identify yourself, please."

"It's me, Gamma, Officer Adon."

"Who's Gamma?" Gabe asked.

"My bike's AI," she said. "Hey, Gamma, how'd you draw this assignment?"

"Command thought it would be best if someone familiar co-drove with you. DCI Adon, it is a great honor to work with you."

"Thanks Gamma. Listen up, both of you. It is time we get into character. My name is Captain Paul Mansfield and this is my daughter, Hesta. Gamma..."

"Captain?"

"You get to use your own name since you're a new AI. Remember, the key to this op is us becoming the Mansfields.

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