Starclash (Stealing the Sun Book 4) by Ron Collins

Author:Ron Collins
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction Space Opera
Publisher: Skyfox Publishing
Published: 2017-03-12T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

UGIS Orion

Local Date: January 25, 2215

Local Time: 0730

Torrance stood on Orion’s bridge as the rest of the crew prepared for launch. It was an open, brightly lit space the size of a classroom. The forward section was a clear screen to open space. Projectors displayed status on the glass. Men and women in dress grays sat at consoles or stood at ease, their holographic controls giving them visual feedback as they spoke softly and pointed to data that poured from readouts.

A star chart in the middle of the control center gleamed with yellow and white markings, their current position a crimson triangle. Their eventual destination, Eta Cassiopeia B—or more precisely, the free space around Galopar—was a turquoise blaze toward the edge of the display’s field of view.

Orion would jump to arrive on station in just a few minutes.

Torrance had not slept, but a shower and several successes had left him feeling like a changed man.

After the endless stream of funerals and state functions it was good to be back on an operational ship.

“This is your first super-L, isn’t it, Commander?”

He turned to see Ambassador Reyes standing behind him.

Despite the silvered tip to his hair, Reyes appeared younger than he was. His skin was smooth except around the corners of his eyes, and those eyes were wide and of a light brown tone that bordered between hazel and almost green when the light hit them just right. His smile was smooth and practiced, the same expression he wore in all his PR appearances, a simple pulling back of the corners of his lips. He was dressed in a flowing black coat over a collarless blue shirt, the coat piped with a silver runner on the sleeves and along the buttons, of which he had engaged only two. His pants were classic black.

“Yes, sir,” Torrance said. “First super-L.”

“You’re in for a treat, then.”

“I’m Commander Torrance Black,” he said too quickly. He extended his hand and shook the ambassador’s when it, too, was extended.

“Alberto Reyes,” the ambassador said. “I am thrilled to finally meet you in person.”

Torrance cleared his throat in a nervous gesture. He knew about Reyes from news reports. The ambassador was a lawyer by degree, but had worked for several companies straight from school before going into a string of purely diplomatic positions, positions that included dealing with Universe Three in the early days of asteroid belt wildcatting. He had been assigned this role for his relationship with Casmir Francis himself.

“I understand the view is spectacular,” Torrance said.

The ambassador nodded, his eyes getting a faraway expression. “It is beyond my ability to describe. Perhaps we should enjoy it together.”

“Sounds like a good idea. I can’t wait to see it.”

Torrance sat in one of the six observation chairs at the back of the bridge. The ambassador sat beside him.

“Launch positions in five minutes.” Abke’s voice came over the room.

Torrance was surprised to find his palms sweating.

They watched the crew work for another minute.

“Tell me,” Torrance finally said. “How do you expect the negotiations to go?”

The ambassador shrugged.

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