[The Frontiers Saga 07] - The Expanse (2013) by Ryk Brown

Author:Ryk Brown [Brown, Ryk]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ryk Brown
Published: 2014-06-12T06:00:00+00:00

* * *

“I’m just not sure it’s a good idea,” Cameron stated as she took her seat at the dining table in the captain’s mess. “It takes about fifteen hours to do a coast-through recon pass. That’s a long time for us to sit in one place waiting for them to return.”

“They’re going to meet us at the next jump point,” Nathan told her. “That way, we won’t lose any time.”

“And if they are detected? Wouldn’t that alert the Jung to our presence in the area?”

“It might alert them to a presence in the area, but there’s nothing on the Falcon that screams Earth technology.”

“Except the jump drive,” Cameron reminded him.

“They are well aware of their responsibilities in the matter, Commander.”

“Are they, Nathan? It’s not like they swore an oath or anything.”

“Not everyone requires an oath to make them do the right thing, Cameron. Josh and Loki know the stakes. I’m confident they would be willing to sacrifice themselves rather than be captured. I shouldn’t have to remind you that they’ve both demonstrated their willingness to put their lives on the line on more than one occasion.”

“It’s just that Josh takes such great risks without even thinking about them.”

“Actually, I don’t think he does,” Nathan defended. “I think he’s confident in every maneuver he makes. He doesn’t see the risk, because he knows it will work. It’s a gift, really.”

“Or a curse,” Cameron added.

“That’s why he and Loki make such a great team. Loki sees the risk and reminds Josh of it when necessary. You might say Loki is Josh’s Cameron.”

“Is that how you see me: unwilling to take risks?”

“Not at all,” Nathan said. “I tend to make decisions based on instinct; you tend to fully analyze your options before deciding. I think that’s why Captain Roberts put us together to begin with. He knew that your analytical side would properly balance my instinctive side. Whenever you question my decision, it makes me think twice. If you agree with me, then I’m that much more confident that I’m doing the right thing.”

“Because I’ll call you on it if you’re wrong,” Cameron said.

“Exactly. I can count on you to tell me when I’m wrong.”

“Well, rest assured, sir, I’ll always be there to tell you when you’re being stupid.”

“I said wrong, not stupid.”

Cameron picked up her glass of water, concealing the smile on her face.

“What did we miss?” Jessica asked as she and Vladimir entered the captain’s mess.

“Nathan was just telling me that it was my job to tell him when he’s wrong,” Cameron announced.

“Sounds like too much work,” Vladimir said.

“Where’s the guest of honor?” Jessica wondered.

“He’ll be here shortly,” Nathan answered. “Did you find anything about him in the Ark files?”

“Nothing,” Jessica answered as she took her seat. “The Ark doesn’t contain information about individuals unless they did something noteworthy.”

“Then we’ll have no way to validate whatever he tells us,” Cameron noted.

“Other than repetitive questioning, no,” Jessica admitted, “and that will only take us so far.”

“What is it you’re hoping to discover?” Vladimir asked.

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