Earth Roar by Nick Cook

Author:Nick Cook [Cook, Nick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, SciFi, Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, TechnoThriller, Hi-Tech, Aliens, ExtraTerrestrial, Alien Invasion, Survival, Alien Hunters, Alien Conspiracies, UFOs, UAPs, Cover-Ups, Shadow Government, Special Access Programs, SAP, USAP, Multiverse, Parallel Universe, Worldbuilding, Intrigue, Gripping, Fast-Paced, Page-Turner, Twists & Turns, Action & Adventure, Young Adult, Fiction
ISBN: 9781915142078
Google: PcD2zgEACAAJ
Amazon: 1915142075
Goodreads: 62909491
Publisher: Voice from the Clouds Limited
Published: 2021-12-16T13:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I stood in the middle of the holographic display examining the 3D map, drinking a Lapsang Souchong tea out of a SpaceX-themed mug. According to a green dotted line marking our progress towards Psyche 16, where we’d be loading up with the Sol fleet, we were already two-thirds of the way there.

I spotted Niki coming through the doorway and instinctively looked for somewhere to hide but it was too late because he was already striding towards me.

He gave me a decidedly frosty look as he approached. ‘Lauren, I need a word.’

‘Yes, I thought you might.’

‘When exactly were you going to tell me that you had authorised the transfer of USSF personnel from hanger bay two into the habitation zone to live alongside our people?’

‘Ah yes, that must have slipped my mind.’

He glowered at me. ‘The hell it did. You deliberately made sure I was kept out of the loop until it was too late for me to do anything about it, didn’t you?’

I squirmed inside, but forced my spine to remain ram-rod straight.

‘“Deliberately” is a bit of a strong word, more like an active strategy to avoid conflict, but it’s done now, Niki. Besides, even you have to admit there has been a major thawing between our two forces. The training exercises have continued to build bridges. Working together was one thing, living and even playing together was the next natural step. If you want to get rid of any lingering suspicion between our two forces, I can’t think of any better way but for them to move into the habitation zone.’

Niki gave me a piercing look. ‘And what about the security issues, including the possibility of an attempted mutiny where they try to seize control of Tempest?’

Ruby, who’d obviously been earwigging our conversation, turned from one of the tactical displays that she’d been studying. ‘Oh, come on, Niki! You know we have that one more than covered. Tempest’s built-in security systems are the stuff of your wet dreams. One of the USSF pilots wouldn’t be able to fart without you knowing about it.’

He gave her a stony look and then the hint of a smile curled the corner of his mouth. ’True, but I want it on record that I’m really not happy, Lauren.’

‘Duly noted, and my apologies for not keeping you in the loop.’

‘Right.’ He gave me a headshake as he walked away.

Ruby raised her eyebrows at me. ‘Remind me who’s in charge here?’

‘Yes, once again Niki manages to make me feel like the equivalent of a naughty child being told off by their dad.’

‘Well, don’t let him get to you because he’s wrong on this one,’ Ruby said. ‘This is absolutely the right call, Lauren. If you want to get rid of the “us versus them” vibe, this is the best way to go about it. Well that, and getting Leroy to open a bar onboard Tempest.’

I laughed. ‘I’ll talk to him about franchising the Rock Garden and opening another branch up here.’

‘Now that would make for a lot of happy campers,’ Ruby replied grinning.

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