

### THE BATTLE FOR EUROPA

### BY

### DAVID H. DONAGHE

### The Battle For Europa

### David Donaghe

### Published by David Donaghe at Smashwords.Com

### New 2020 Smashwords Edition

### Copyright 2013

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer

All characters in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

### Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

The Battle For Mars Sample Chapters

About The Author

Other Books by David Donaghe

### CHAPTER 1

Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson sat in an atmospherically contained tracked vehicle looking out at the icy plains of Europa breathing in the sterile smell of recycled air. "Did you tell him about the guns?" Wilson asked rubbing the scruffy whiskers on his chin.

Shawn laughed, looking out the windshield with a pair of night vision goggles. "It's kind of hard to start a war without guns," Shawn said.

Wilson yawned. "Does he know about the vehicles? We'll need fully armored main battle tanks. The feds are gonna drop the hammer on us before we're through."

Shawn shrugged brushing a strand of dark brown hair from his eyes. "He knows about the vehicles. You saw the list before I encrypted and transmitted it. I don't think we forgot anything. With this, plus the equipment we have on Titan, we should be fine."

Wilson nodded. "How can he have that much equipment readily available? Who is this guy anyway?"

"He's the best. I did some research on the VID net. Most smugglers have a legit freighting business covering their illegal activities. You have to dig deeper for certain things."

"Yeah but how can he come up with so much equipment with such little notice?" Wilson asked.

Shawn laughed. "You'd be surprised at what you can get with a suitcase full of gold. Let alone five of them."

"True. Those hidden mining sites on Mars have been a God send for the movement."

"Tell me about it. We wouldn't have been able to finance our operations on Earth without the gold. You can trace a credit transaction, but when you hand a guy a bag of gold, no one knows but you and him," Shawn said.

"Are you sure we're doing the right thing?" Wilson asked.

"You tell me. After our guys found those documents in the forbidden zone, and after reading those ancient history books, do you still want to live under the thumb of the council?"

Wilson let out a sigh. "No. Some of our people died to retrieve those documents and they captured two others. Reading those documents only strengthened my resolve, but once we embark on this course of action, there's no turning back."

"Do you think they worried about that, six hundred years ago when they dumped all that tea into the Boston harbor? Our benevolent Council of Economic Unions would throw us in a penal colony on the dark side of the moon if they even knew we had those documents," Shawn said.

"It is shocking, how much freedom those people had once they won their independence. They didn't have to deal with a GI rating or implanted biochips. It said in their declaration, all men are created equal," Wilson said.

"They had their problems, but they were the freest nation on Earth for over three hundred years. If not for the Third World War, there would be no Council of Economic Unions and the United States still would be the freest nation on Earth."

"The Forbidden Zone. That's another crock of Shit. They claim it's hot with radiation, but that's a lie. DC may be in ruins, but it's not hot. Our people found that out," Wilson said.

"The council doesn't want people digging in the ruins. They're afraid of what they might find."

"This guy's not gonna show."

Shawn noticed a light in the sky descending toward the surface of Europa. "You worry too much, John. He has a reputation as being a straight shooter. Just don't cross the son of a bitch. Here he is now."

Ludwig Von Wolf's luxury yacht broke orbit with Jupiter, descending toward the icy moon. At the same time, Shawn Gallagher looked across the driver's compartment at his friend, John Wilson and his mind flashed back to when they served together in the Federal Defense Forces. John Wilson took Shawn under his wing, and helped him fit in to the unit when Shawn first arrived, fresh out of boot camp. At that time, Shawn Gallagher was barely eighteen years old, but Wilson, four years older, took an instant liking to the young man. A bond of friendship formed and Shawn began to look upon Wilson as an older brother. It was Wilson, who first approached Shawn about joining the resistance. _Even now, ten years later, I still think of John as an older brother,_ Shawn thought.

An instant of doubt and indecision passed through Shawn's brain _. I hope I'm doing the right thing. I hope I'm not setting the wheels in motion that will lead to my best friend's death_. They watched the lights in the sky grow larger; Ludwig Von Wolf's yacht descended toward the surface and Shawn smiled looking into Wilson's dark brown eyes. "Shall we step outside and meet our guest?"

"Let's do it," Wilson said rubbing his hand through his short blond hair.

Shawn pressed the com button on the dashboard of the Land Rover and spoke to the men in the vehicles parked behind him. "Attention people. Suit up. I want this equipment moved to site D as soon as it's off loaded. If Consolidated security catches us out here we're screwed." Shawn climbed out of the driver's seat, stood in an aisle way between the two seats in the driver's compartment, stepped through a door setting in the rear bulkhead of the driver's compartment and into the cargo area of the Land Rover. On his left and right were two small gray doors that led to the airlocks. Shawn turned to a storage cabinet lining the bulkhead and took out an EVA suit plus a pair of gravity boots. Wilson opened an adjacent locker taking out another EVA suit and another pair of gravity boots. They sat down on an aluminum bench setting next to the lockers and suited up.

Shawn put on his suit's helmet. "Check my seals."

Wilson stepped up behind him and placed his hands over the vents that allowed carbon monoxide to vent from the suit. "Breathe," Wilson said. Shawn took in a deep breath. "Now exhale." Gallagher breathed out. "Your seals are fine. Turn around and I'll check your oxygen tanks," Wilson said, so Shawn turned around. "Your tanks are full. Do me," Wilson said, putting on his helmet.

Shawn checked his seals and his oxygen tanks. "Let's do a Com check." He turned a small black dial on the neck of his suit, and the Com link came to life.

"I'm reading you five by five," Wilson said.

"You're coming in clear as well." Shawn pressed a button next to the green door on his right, the door receded into the wall and they stepped into the airlock. The inner door closed, they heard a slight hiss of air and Shawn pressed the red button next to the door in front of him. The exterior door slid open and they stepped out onto the icy surface of Europa.

The miners, who had been riding in the vehicle's cargo bay, exited the rear airlock. Ten men labored carrying five bulky aluminum storage containers and it took two men, one on each end of each container holding on to metal handles on the container's ends, to carry the containers. Shawn stepped away from the Land Rover and began to bark orders over his Com link. "Set those down here," Shawn said, pointing to an area well away from the vehicles while other men exited the vehicles behind them. "As soon as we do this deal, I want everything moved to site D before Consolidated Security makes a fly by. Let's step lively." Shawn activated the night vision feature on his suit's helmet and his eyes turned skyward watching, Ludwig Von Wolf's luxury yacht and three large cargo vessels descend to the surface. Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson stepped away from the vehicles waiting for the small fleet to land. The off duty miners gathered around them, watching Ludwig Von Wolf's yacht touchdown. A loud whine, came from the cargo vessel's engines when they powered down, bits and pieces of ice flew up off the ground forming a white cloud and then dissipated when the three cargo vessels touched down behind a smaller, sleek looking black space cruiser.

The men standing on the surface heard a slight hissing sound and a ramp extended, lowering to the ground from Ludwig Von Wolf's yacht. An airlock opened, three men wearing black armored EVA suits carrying shoulder fired weapons lumbered down the gangplank and stepped onto the surface of Europa. They headed over to where Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson stood. The three men stopped with three feet of space separating the two groups of men. The taller man standing in the center seemed nonchalant, but the other two held their rifles at the ready position.

"Which one of you swinging dicks is Shawn Gallagher?" the man standing in the middle asked using a heavy German accent.

"That would be me," Shawn replied.

"Did you bring the gold?"

"Did you bring the guns?" Shawn asked.

"Ya, I brought the guns, plus all the other items on your list."

"Then I brought the gold," Shawn replied.

"Have your men bring the gold on board my ship. After I check the gold, you may check the guns. If everything is goot, we make deal."

Shawn motioned to the men who had unloaded the gold from his Land Cruiser and they picked up the aluminum containers. Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson followed Ludwig Von Wolf and his employees up the boarding ramp. Ludwig opened the outer airlock, they stepped in the airlock chamber and the men carrying the gold crammed into the airlock with them. They set the aluminum containers holding the gold down on the deck; the ship's oxygen tanks filled the airlock with breathable air and the needle of the gage on the wall near the ceiling went from red to green.

"You may remove your helmets," Ludwig said, taking off his black helmet to reveal a baldhead. Shawn noticed a jagged scar running across Ludwig's forehead. Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson, along with the men carrying the gold removed their helmets. "After your men deliver the gold to my study, have them leave the vessel. Three others besides yourself may stay."

Shawn hung his helmet on a hook inside the airlock. "That's fine."

"This way gentlemen," Ludwig said, stepping up to the interior door of the airlock. The door slid open and Ludwig stepped into a hallway covered with plush blue carpet. Shawn followed, and glanced to his left, noticing a narrow hallway that ended at set of steps descending to a lower circular deck comprising the ship's bridge.

"This way if you will," Ludwig said, turning to their right, and led them down the hallway. Ludwig stooped at doorway on his left. Shawn admired the thick oak door with its brass fixtures. _It must be nice to live in the lap of luxury_ , Shawn thought, and followed Ludwig into his study. Wilson stepped in behind them and the men carrying the gold, struggling with the weight, entered the room.

"Here is fine," Ludwig said, motioning to a place in the center of the floor and the men set down their burdens.

"John you stay," Shawn said, motioning to two other men. "You two stay, the rest of you can leave." Shawn looked about taking in the interior of Ludwig Von Wolf's study. Like the hallway, plush blue carpeting covered the deck. A black leather couch set against a bulkhead in front of them and two black leather chairs set facing the couch. A large video screen occupied the entire wall to their rear, behind the black leather chairs, and a long mahogany bar set against the bullhead to their left, but what fascinated Shawn the most was the books; bookshelves, with old leather bound books took up the bulkhead to their right.

"Shall we have a look at that gold?" Ludwig said. Shawn turned, motioning to one of the miners that had stayed behind. "Open 'em up. Let's get this done before Consolidated Security makes a fly by."

"Not to worry. I paid them off. We've all the time in the world," Ludwig replied. The two miners, who had helped carry the gold, went to work unlatching and removing the container's lids. John Wilson stepped up next to Shawn watching them remove the lid of the first container revealing several stacks of shinny, solid gold bars. Ludwig Von Wolf let out a low whistle, looked into each container, and then picked up a gold bar from one. Taking a penknife from his pocket, he shaved a flake from the gold bar.

"It is gut. If they weren't, you wouldn't be leaving this vessel alive," Ludwig said.

"I'm not out to screw anybody," Shawn replied.

"They do look pretty," Wilson said, trying to lighten the mood, and stared down at the gold bars.

"My friend, I think we have deal," Ludwig said motioning to his two guards. "Show these three to the galley. I think we still have some cold cuts and beer in the refrigerator. Mr. Gallagher and I are going to have a drink while we talk business."

"John stays with me," Shawn said.

"As you wish. Have a seat. I'll have my frau fetch us a bottle of Vodka." Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson occupied the two patented leather chairs facing the leather couch. Ludwig pressed a small button on the arm of his chair and a chime rang. A young oriental woman wearing a short leather formfitting dress that left little to the imagination stepped through a black door next to the bar carrying a tray with a bottle and three shot glasses. She gave Gallagher and Wilson a smile and handed them each a shot glass. Shawn caught a quick glance into a deep valley of cleavage when the woman bent over to pour the Vodka; she caught him looking, and gave him another smile causing him to blush.

"Thank you," Shawn said, taking in her pretty face. He couldn't help but admire her high cheekbones and her exotic look. When the woman turned to fill Wilson's glass, Shawn's eyes dropped to the tight fit of the rubber like dress stretched across the woman's shapely bottom. "I still want to see the guns," he said after the oriental woman filled Ludwig's glass.

"That will be all for now, Yoko. Leave the bottle," Ludwig said. Turning his attention to Shawn, Ludwig continued. "I can assure you, everything is satisfactory. I brought everything on your list. Let's have a drink first and talk business. To a long and prosperous relationship," Ludwig said holding up his glass for a toast and they downed the shot. Shawn watched the oriental woman retreat through the door from where she came in and then sputtered.

"That has to be some of the best Vodka I've ever tasted. It must be black market." Ludwig smiled, nodded and looked at Shawn's face with his piercing blue eyes.

"Normally, when I make a sale, I don't ask the customer any questions. What a customer does with the merchandize is his business, but with a purchase this large, and with you paying in gold, it makes me curious," Ludwig said.

Shawn smiled. "I researched you on the VID net and then contacted a few people that did business with you. One thing they told me was that you never Welch on a deal and that you keep your mouth shut, so I'll tell you."

Ludwig nodded. "Did they also say that if you burn me, I kill you?"

"That too, but that will never happen."

"Gut. Now tell me."

Shawn leaned back in his chair. "Twenty four hours from now, we are going to call a miner's strike, here in the Jovian system and on all our mining facilities on the moons revolving Saturn."

"Interesting. Not too bright, but interesting. You don't need this much armament for a strike."

"The strike is a ruse to keep the Consolidated Security personnel busy. While they are dealing with a bunch of rowdy miners, we are going to seize the colonies on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. We are going to declare independence from the Council of Economic Unions and form a new nation," Shawn replied and watched Ludwig's bottom jaw drop.

"Now I know you're crazy. What is it you say in the North American Union? You have iron balls. How can I help?" This time Shawn's jaw dropped in surprise and when he glanced at Wilson, he saw a big smile spared across Wilson's face.

"We might pull this thing off after all," Wilson replied.

"Why would you want to help us?" Shawn asked.

"Obviously, you people are part of the resistance. Your movement sometimes receives anonymous credit donations. I have donated some sizable amounts. I support anyone or anything that causes problems for the Council of Economic Unions. If it weren't for their fifty percent tax rate and their useless rules and regulations, I would not have to hide out in the asteroid belt. I would have a legitimate freighting business on Earth. They have reduced me to running guns, smuggling contraband as well as other illegal activities, just to make some real money. So again, I ask, how can I help?"

Shawn paused for a moment. "We could use some ships. When we announce our independence, they'll send federal forces."

Ludwig laughed. "They'll squish you like bug."

"We're hoping that by denying them the helium-3, the hydrogen plus the deuterium crystals that we mine, that they'll show some restraint," Wilson said.

"There's also the methane gas on Triton and the water ice that we mine here," Shawn replied.

"That's exactly why they'll try to squash you like bug. Ships I can get. They're old battle cruisers and old PPF fast reaction vessels, but they can be repaired. What else?"

"Half of our miners have served in the Federal Defense Forces, but their skills are rusty. We could use people to help train them. We could use people to help get the ships ready to confront the federal forces," Shawn said.

"That I can do. I have a sizeable mercenary force available to me. They can help with your defense until you get your own people and vessels up to speed. There's only three things I would ask," Ludwig said spreading his arms apart.

"What would that be?" Shawn replied.

"One is that all payments will be made in gold. I will be taking a sizable risk. Number two is that if you pull this thing off and break away from the Council of Economic Unions that you allow me to move my base of operations here, and three, if you do succeed that you set the taxes at a low enough rate that an honest man can make a living."

Shawn grinned. "I think all three of those terms are acceptable. There's a lot more gold where this came from."

"This calls for another toast," Ludwig said, standing to his feet. He poured them each another shot of Vodka, John Wilson and Shawn Gallagher stood to their feet and Ludwig stuck out his hand. "Do we have deal?" Shawn took his hand and Ludwig's grip hardened. "If you betray me, I will kill you."

Their eyes locked. "That won't happen. I'm a straight shooter. I don't promise things that I can't deliver," Shawn said.

"I believe you. Let's have another shot and then go see the equipment that you just bought."

Ludwig Von Wolf called his guards, plus the men who came with Gallagher and Wilson into his study to guard the gold. Ludwig led them out of his study, down the main corridor and took the turbo lift down to the cargo bay. Inside the cargo bay set several metal containers, Ludwig unfastened the latches on the first container and opened it up and Shawn looked down at the black, wicked looking weapons.

Ludwig handed Shawn an M-23 Blaster. "We've got M-23 Blasters, P-38 hand held Blasters, grenades, rocket launchers, atmospherically contained body armor, ammo for the Blasters plus energy packs, K-Bar knives, field dressing plus an assortment of other medical supplies. Everything on your list is here, except for the vehicles. They are in the cargo ships outside. You've got what you need to start a small war."

"Sweet," Shawn said, examining the shoulder fired weapon.

"The M-23 fires your standard 223 round, plus explosive rounds. It sets of an explosive charge when the round penetrates a body. It also fires a laser beam powered by the energy packs. There is a selector switch on the right side of the hand grip."

"I know, I used to have one of these when I was with the Federal Defense Forces," Shawn said, handing him back the weapon. Ludwig opened the rest of the containers, showed them the rest of the equipment and after examining the rest of the merchandize, he closed up the containers. "I'll have my people off load this stuff. Let's go see the vehicles."

Ludwig led them back to the turbo lift; they rode up to the main deck, suited up in their EVA gear and went to the cargo ship setting behind Ludwig's yacht. They made their way up the entrance ramp through the airlock and on board the cargo vessel; Ludwig took them to the cargo bay. Along the way, they passed several crewmen and women dressed in black uniforms going about their business. Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson let out a low whistle when they viewed the long line of military vehicles occupying the cargo bay.

"We have your basic fully armored, atmospherically contained main battle tanks. They're old, but they're in good shape. I've added extra armor. In the other vessels are the fast attack tracked armored personnel carriers and the, all purpose atmospherically contained vehicles. Is everything satisfactory?"

"Very much so," Shawn said.

"How soon will you want the ships?"

"As soon as you can get them to us. We still have some gold stockpiled here on Europa, plus we're expecting another shipment in a week or two," Shawn replied.

Ludwig smiled. "I give you six months maximum after you make your declaration before the federals attack. The schedule will be tight, but I'm sure we can get it together. I'll contact my mercenary forces as soon as we're in space. I'll get a security force in place as soon as possible. When I find the ships, I'll contact you on a secure net. I'd like you to come see my base of operations in the belt. I'll even cook you dinner."

"I think I'd enjoy that," Shawn replied.

"I'll transmit the coordinates once I have secured the ships. You can come view your new fleet. We'll mix business with pleasure."

"Great. Let's get this stuff unloaded," Shawn said. They shook hands and went to work. For the next hour and a half, Ludwig Von Wolf's people unloaded the cargo. Once the cargo was unloaded, the off duty miners gathered around Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson watching the ships lift off the surface of Europa filling the immediate area with a cloud of ice particles.

"We did it," Wilson said through the Com link of his EVA suit.

"That was the easy part. After tomorrow it gets dangerous."

"Yeah. We'd best get this stuff up to site D," Wilson replied.

"Let's move people! Let's get this equipment loaded and get these vehicles up to site D ASAP!" Shawn yelled. The off duty miners scrambled loading the equipment and headed to the vehicles. They headed to an old abandoned mining site in a remote area to the southwest of the main colony. A half hour later, a Consolidated Security shuttle flew over the spot where Ludwig Von Wolf's ships had landed to meet the miners. The pilot noticed the indentations on the surface where the ships had landed plus the tracks in the ice where several vehicles had headed southwest. The pilot just shrugged and told the co-pilot to make a notation in the logbook.

CHAPTER 2

Fireworks lit up the night sky over the harbor in San-Diego California and loud music emanating from a floating barge, where the class of 2358 of Woodrow Wilson high school celebrated their graduation, drifted across the water. A neo-pop band had their guitars and symphonizes cranked up high doing a rendition of an old hip-hop song. Neo-pop, the latest craze in music, seemed to be a mixture of older styles, combing rock and roll, new wave, hip-hop, rap and country with modern computer generated sounds.

David Gallagher looked out at the large naval vessels looming in the darkness, lying at anchor on the other side of the harbor, and zipped up his coat. More fireworks lit up the night; David glanced up and smiled. He thought he would remember this night forever: June 15th 2358. His mind drifted to his brother Shawn and wondered how he was doing. He hadn't seen Shawn in eight years, only a few video transmissions and text messages on the VID net, but he had not been in his brother's presence since Shawn graduated high school, eight years ago.

After high school, Shawn, like most young men with low GI ratings, received his draft notice and entered the Federal Defense Forces. After serving his hitch in the Defense Forces, Shawn served on a Planetary Patrol Force vessel and spent a few years chasing smugglers, gunrunners and pirates. When they weren't involved in either one of those endeavors, the PPF patrolled the solar system responding to any emergency that might arise. The PPF was a fast reaction force with smaller and faster vessels, than the Federal Defense Force main battle fleet.

David felt a soft hand run down his back, caught a whiff of perfume and felt the soft caress of a female breast against his arm.

"I bet you thought this day would never come?" Annie Dupree said, having to yell over the loud music. David breathed in the smell of the sea, looked over at the beautiful young woman standing next to him and couldn't figure out how he had managed to land the best looking girl in high school. One time he asked her why she hung out with him, but Annie just laughed and said, "It beats the hell out of me."

He glanced at her red dress, made from a rubber like material that form fitted to her body, accenting her curves and felt a stirring sensation in his loins when he noticed the abundance of cleavage the dress revealed. The hem of the dress stopped three inches below her crotch revealing her long tanned shapely legs; her long red hair hung down below her bottom, but he finally managed to get it together and looked into her emerald green eyes.

"It seems like I've been at that place for ever. I can still remember when my mom and dad dropped me off at the gate. I stood there on the sidewalk with my bags shaking like a leaf and watched them drive away."

"That's when I showed up."

"Yep. Good old Annie Dupree to the rescue. You took me under your wing, showed me the way to the administration building and helped me get settled."

Alonzo Garcia stepped up and grabbed David's other arm. "Hey Bro! Have another beer!" Alonzo yelled, handing them each a bottle. "Annie. How did you do on your GI test? Did you get into AI school?"

Anne beamed, letting out a wild whoop. "You better believe it. I scored an eight on the test and received a flash message from the Advanced Artificial Intelligence Research and Development College! I got in! I'm going to New York! What about you guys? You wanted to go to trade school didn't you Alonzo? I know David wants into the robotics school in New Chicago. He'll work on the bodies and I'll work on the brains."

"I haven't heard anything yet. I applied to a holographic TEC school in Denver but I only scored a six on the test. I guess you know where I'm headed," Alonzo said, sounding dejected.

"You never know. They still may let you in. What about you David?" Annie asked.

"I scored a six point five. Why even make us take that stupid one hundred question written test when everything hinges on your genetics? Why not just take a hair sample and let it go at that? It's a shame that the council puts such an emphases on the GI ratings. Just because you're genetic code is different from someone else, and you're not good at taking some stupid test, it shouldn't keep you from getting into the school that you want to go to!" David replied.

"I'm sure the council knows what's best!" Annie said.

Two young girls stepped up to Annie's side and one took her arm. "Let's dance Annie! There are a lot of cute boys here," one of the girls yelled and let out a gaggle. Annie joined her friends, headed to the center of the barge where a crowd of teen aged young people danced, so David and Alonzo turned watching the girls leave. Their eyes roved the crowd taking in all the good looking females most of which wore rubberized dresses of various colors, which form fitted to their bodies. Others wore loose fitting gowns made of a thin fabric that clung to every crack and crevice. One girl wore a silver metallic suit that looked like body armor.

"There sure are some good looking ladies here tonight. Maybe they'll get liquored up and we'll get lucky," Alonzo said.

"Stranger things have happed," David replied. Alonzo Garcia and David Gallagher had been friends from grade school. Alonzo stood five feet six inches tall and weighed two hundred pounds with coal dark eyes, chubby cheeks and a potbelly, but what David liked most about Alonzo was his sense of humor. David stood two inches taller than his friend and weighed thirty five pounds less. Turning from the crowd, they strolled out to the edge of the barge looking out into the ocean.

"You know they won't let us into any good school with low ratings," Alonzo said.

David brushed a strand of reddish blond hair out of his eyes, took a drink from his beer and turned his piercing blue eyes to his friend. "I know. It's the Federal Defense Forces for us."

"Maybe they'll put us into the same unit. Where do you think we'll do boot camp?"

"It depends upon which branch we go into. If we're with the Fleet Marines, we'll do boot camp on the moon. If they assign us to the surface Navy, it could be here in San-Diego, San Francisco or maybe somewhere in Europe. If we go into the Army, maybe Texas or Kentucky," David replied.

"At least we're out of this shit hole. Maybe being in the Federal Defense Forces won't be so bad."

"Yeah. Just like that recruiting commercial. Join the fleet and see the solar system. It's not a job, it's a grand adventure."

The graduation party wound down and small robotic ferryboats approached the barge. They docked with the floating barge, rocking with the waves and the spray from the waves hit David in the face. A cold sea breeze caused goose bumps to form up on his arms and he felt a chill run through his body. The students formed up into a line to board the small white ferryboats that would take them back to the mainland. The first three boats filled up with half drunken graduates, pulled away from the barge and headed toward the docks. David jumped into the fourth boat, but then turned around and helped Annie down onto the boat.

"Thank you Kind Sir," Annie said. Alonzo and one of Annie girl friends jumped down behind them and they found seats at the front of the boat. David took off his jacket and draped it over Annie's shoulders.

"Thank you. I was freezing," Annie said.

"Don't mention it. That sea breeze gets a bit chilly at night," David replied.

"Enjoy it while you can. It might be a long time before we see Dago again after tonight," Alonzo said.

"I know I'm gonna miss San-Diego. I love going to the beach," Annie said.

"I'm gonna miss all the California girls," Alonzo replied and Annie's girl friend elbowed him in the side.

"Speaking of California girls," David said bumping Annie in the arm with his elbow, "I'm going to miss this one. Why don't you come with me to my room and make my last night at Woodrow Wilson High a memorable one?" A shit eating grin crossed David's face and Alonzo let out a whoop looking at Annie's girl friend sitting next to him.

"Now that's a plan sweet heart. I got cold beer on ice at my place," Alonzo replied.

Anne smiled. "I would think that just being in my presence would be memorable enough, but who knows? Maybe if you're nice, I just might rock your world."

David laughed. "I'll be a little angel." When the computer running the robotic ferry sensed that all the passenger seats were full, a deep computerized voice reverberated from the speakers at the control station.

"All passengers please remain seated and keep all body parts inside the vessel. Please pick up all belongings when you leave. Congratulations graduates from the class of 2358." A cheer rose up from the boat as it pulled away from the barge.

"I'm gonna miss the sea," Alonzo said sticking his had out of the small boat and running it through the water. "Maybe I'll join the Navy."

"No way bro. It's the Fleet Marines for you and me," David replied.

"You guys. You haven't even received word from the schools you applied for. Maybe you've been accepted into robotics school David?" Annie said.

"Get real Darling. Our GI ratings are too low," Alonzo said.

"I don't mind. I'm just glad to be getting away from this place," David replied. After a ten-minute ride, the graduates piled out of the boat and meandered up the docks to the bus stop. David and Alonzo followed the crowd, along with Annie and her girl friends. Charter buses set parked next to the curb waiting for the graduates to arrive. David watched the first two buses pull away from the curb. He found seats for their group toward the rear of the third bus and glanced up at the holographic image of a bus driver dressed in a gray khaki uniform with a short brimmed ball cap on his head that appeared on a screen at the front of the bus.

"Congratulations graduates of the class of 2358. Remain in your seats and keep your valuables close at hand. ETA to Woodrow Wilson High School is twenty minutes," the holographic bus driver said, his voice emanating from speakers mounted in the ceiling of the bus.

"Could you imagine what it must have been like to have a real, human bus driver?" Annie said.

"Or to actually drive your own car? With the traffic on the city streets of San-Diego now days, there would be major collisions every day," David said. Annie snuggled up next to him and he put his arm around her.

"They drive themselves around on the colonies from what I hear, and there are still some cars that have manual controls, only the driver assist programs take over if the driver loses control," Alonso said.

"Yeah, but the moon or Mars is not supposed to be as crowded as it is here," David said.

"With the road sensors and the navigation systems we have now, traveling by car is relatively safe. I read that back in the twentieth Century, car crashes were a common occurrence. I read that they sometimes had major pile ups on the freeways that killed scores of people," Annie's girl friend said.

"You guys can have your automobiles. I'll take a shuttle any day. You get there a lot faster and you don't have to put up with the congestion on the streets," Alonzo said while their bus pulled away from the curb.

"I don't mind the traffic. I just sit back, turn on the VID screen and watch a movie. My mom said that she might get me a car for a graduation present, but I won't need one in New York," Annie replied.

The bus took them through down town San-Diego, passing between towering skyscrapers, and traversed the business district heading into the suburbs. It moved through traffic changing lanes when necessary taking the most direct route possible to Woodrow Wilson High. David and his friends sat back and watched the scenery enjoying the loud excited conversations of their fellow graduates. The bus pulled up to the iron gates of Woodrow Wilson High twenty five minutes after leaving the bay.

A thin beam of green laser light shot out from the front of the bus, making contact with the gate's electronic eye and the gate opened sliding back on its track. The bus pulled onto the grounds of Woodrow Wilson high school, passed through various brick and stone buildings following a curving lane that took them into the heart of the campus. Evergreen trees lined the road, grassy meadows occupied the space between the buildings, the bus pulled up to the curb in front of the housing center and the side door of the bus whooshed open.

"Please take all your valuables with you. Thank you for choosing Consolidated Transportation," the holographic bus driver said.

After exiting the bus, they stood on the sidewalk for a few seconds, bidding farewell to some of their friends.

David grinned. "Was I nice enough?"

Annie blushed. "You were nice. I'll stay with you tonight. Who knows? We might not see each other after tomorrow."

Alonzo looked at Annie's girl friend with a big grin on his face; she blushed, nodding her head and then took his arm. Alonzo let out a whoop. "Yes there is a God!"

"Don't let the campus political adviser hear you say that," Annie replied. David led them down the sidewalk and then down a stone pathway between the buildings until they came to the men's senior dorm. Normally the school administrators frowned on the girls spending the night in the boy's dormitory, but on the last night of school after graduation, they were lax on the rule. They figured that once the young people graduated from the school that they were adults and responsible for their own actions.

David ran his right wrist over a scanning device mounted on the wall next to the front door of his dormitory. The scanner read the bar code in the biochip embedded underneath the skin of his wrist, the door opened and they stepped through.

"I'll see you in the morning," Alonzo said, suppressing a grin.

David laughed. "Not if I see you first. Don't wear yourself out." At the door to his room, David ran his wrist over the scan pad mounted next to the door, a tiny red light on the door handle changed from red to green, so he grabbed the door handle and opened the door.

"Hello, David," a seductive female voice coming from the room said and the lights went from dim to bright when they stepped into the room.

"Hello Grace," David replied.

"Oh. I see you've brought a guest," the seductive computerized female voice coming from the room's computer said. "Will she be staying the night?"

"Yes she will Grace. Don't be a bitch."

Annie let out a giggle. "I see you've got one of those systems." For a few seconds Annie took in the small room with its dark brown carpeting, its small food and beverage dispenser and the video screen. It wasn't much different from her room, except for the posters of prominent sports figures on the walls.

"Don't tell me you don't have the male counterpart."

Annie's face turned red. "I didn't say that."

"Grace this is Annie Dupree. Annie this is Grace. Grace, be nice."

"David you received a flash transmission on the VID screen from the Council of Academic Studies. It was marked urgent."

"Thank you Grace," David said and headed across the room to the wide screen mounted on the far wall. It served as a computer, videophone and television. It also provided access to the Worldwide Video net. He sat down in a black office chair setting behind a small wooden desk in front of the screen and spoke into the small microphone setting on the desk in front of the screen.

"Play flash message marked urgent."

The following text message flashed across the screen: APLACATION TO ROBOTICS TECNOLAGY SCHOOL IN NEW CHACAGO ILLINOIS DENIED. LOW GI RATING. TOO MANY APPLICATS TO MAKE EXCEPTION. END FLASH MESSAGE.

"Damn. I knew they wouldn't let me in. Play channel five." He crossed the room and sat down a black synthetic leather couch with Annie.

"I'm sorry they didn't let you into robotics school," Annie said taking his face in her hands. She kissed him on the lips and the sound coming from the VID screen's speakers blared violently hurting their ears.

"Knock it off Grace! Lower volume to a comfortable level!" David yelled to the room's computer. The sound coming from the VID screen lowered and a heavy sigh came from the room. David stood up, crossed the room to a small refrigerator took out a bottle of wine that he was saving for a special occasion, took two wine glasses from a cabinet and sat back down on the couch with Annie. He poured them each a glass of wine and they settled back to watch a movie.

"I just love the video net," Annie said. "I did a paper one time on its predecessor; they called it the internet back in the twentieth century. That was a far cry from what we have now. Could you imagine, having to use a keyboard for a term paper? They had a limited email system and apps on what they called cell phones where you could see a person in real time on their small little screens and talk, but it was nothing like we have now. Now you can talk to anyone in world or in the solar system and look them face to face on the screen in real time."

"It does have its down sides. The government can spy on you at will."

"Can you imagine what a boring job that would be? I bet they only do random checks, or check up on people labeled as subversive," Annie replied.

Half way through a movie about the early colonization of the moon, the words: SPECIAL BULLITIN, flashed across the screen. The scene changed from the rocky surface of the moon to the icy planes of Europa. A woman wearing a white EVA suit stood facing a man, also wearing an EVA suit and in the background, people milled about in front of a domed structure at one of the mining facilities. You couldn't see the faces of the man or the woman because of the protective helmets of their EVA suits, but you could hear the men milling about in front of the mining facility yelling and you could see them waving their arms in the air.

"This is Helen Boxer from Solar One News. We're here on Europa where the miners have just announced a system wide strike, which will effect Consolidated mining operations on Jupiter, and Saturn plus all of the mining sites on those planets moons. This is unprecedented. There has never been a system wide strike in Consolidated's history," the woman said.

"Oh shit. My brother is on Europa," David said.

"We have with us Shawn Gallagher, the second shift team leader here on Europa. Mr. Gallagher why are the miners on strike?"

"If there's trouble to be found, Shawn will be in the middle of it. He was always in trouble with the political advisor is school. He never could just go along with the program," David said and let out a sigh, his cheeks turning red with embarrassment.

"The miners here on the moons of Jupiter, plus our brothers harvesting Helium-3 from Jupiter's atmosphere along with the miners on Mars, and Saturn's moons suffer under harsh unsafe working conditions. We work long hours for low pay. All we are asking for is fair wages and better working conditions," Shawn said, his voice sounding muffled coming from the Com link on his EVA suit.

"I suppose you are aware that what you are doing is illegal and that you risk spending the rest of your life on a penal colony on the dark side of Earth's moon?"

"It's time that people quit worrying about what's legal and concentrate on what is right," Shawn replied.

"There you have it. This is Helen Boxer with Solar One News. Back to you Chris." The scene changed on the view screen revealing the image of a middle aged man at a news desk.

"It will be interesting to see how this plays out. We now return to our regular programming," the newsman said and the scene on the VID screen changed back to the movie.

"Change to net news," David said and the VID screen changed to the news channel.

A young blonde woman wearing a low cut silver dress sat behind a news desk rehashing the story concerning the striking miners. After finishing her spiel about the miners, she said, "President Bonelli announced today that the Navy has commissioned a new fleet of deep space vessels and that they will undergo space trials shortly. Their mission is to explore the Alpha Centauri system as well as the recently discovered star system, known at this time simply as Star System 237595. This fleet, representing the Council of Economic Unions, will seek to make first contact with any alien race that they may encounter. They will attempt to establish trade, plus search the star systems for inhabitable worlds to expand Earth's colonization to the stars. President Bonelli, president of the Council of Economic Unions, says that this historic mission may take twenty five years or more to bear fruit, but it will be worth the money and time spent if we can expand colonization to the galaxy."

"This is an exciting time in history, Janis. With the new cold fusion reactors that they've built into these new ships, the stars are open for us to explore. Can you imagine it? To be the first people to leave the solar system?" a dark headed man sitting next to the blonde replied.

"I don't think I'd want to leave my family and friends for the next twenty five years, but I'm sure there are some who would jump at the chance to be on one of those ships," Janis said.

"We have breaking news, Janis. Federal Defense Force ground troops caught three men in the forbidden zone. The penalty for entering the forbidden zone is death. Let's go to our eye in the sky," the dark headed man said. The view on the VID screen changed revealing a city in rubble. Two soldiers stood over the bodies of three men lying on the ground in a puddle of their own blood. "I'll try to contact the officers on duty via Com link. I have one now," the dark headed newscaster said. "Sir. Can you tell us what just happened here?"

"We caught these individuals trying to steal and reproduce forbidden historical documents plus steal other contraband. We found the documents plus several banned books in their possession. We believe these individuals to be part of a group of terrorist known as The People's Fist. They would try to take us back to the nationalistic system that caused World War Three and nearly destroyed the planet. These people were armed and resisted arrest," the officer in charge said and the scene on the VID screen changed back to the newsroom.

"I don't know what they were thinking. The ruined city once known as Washington DC is radioactive. Aren't they afraid of getting cancer?" Janis asked.

"If they were sane, they wouldn't have anything to do with this so called People's Fist," the dark haired newscaster said.

"I don't know how any sane individual could buy into that crap. Our system isn't perfect, but it's far better than going back to those archaic ways of the past. As far as I'm concerned, if you don't support the system, then you shouldn't reap any of its benefits. They should take those so called freedom fighters out to the asteroid belt and push them out of an airlock without the benefit of an EVA suit," David said, glancing over at Annie.

"They have to be crazy to believe all that revolutionary crap anyway."

"Do you want to watch the rest of the movie?" David asked.

Annie downed the rest of her wine. "Why don't we take a quick shower and go to bed, before I lose my nerve or fall asleep."

A shit eating grin crossed David's face. "That's the best offer I've had all day. Grace shut down the VID screen and shut yourself down for the evening." The VID screen went black, a deep sigh came from the room, David took Annie's hand and led her into the restroom. Annie touched a tiny button on the neck of her skintight dress and the gown loosened. She kicked off her shoes, slipped the dress over her shoulders, letting it slide to the floor, and stood in the nude.

"God you're beautiful," David said, letting out a sigh, and took in her hard succulent body. He took off his clothes and they stepped into the shower. David punched in some numbers on the shower's keypad setting the water temperature and setting the shower to the gentle massage selection. The temperature on the shower abruptly changed to ice cold and the selection went to vigorous massage causing Annie to let out a loud scream.

"Grace put the shower back the way it was and shut yourself down!"

Annie squealed. "Someone is jealous." David enjoyed lathering up Annie's wet, luscious, body for the next fifteen minutes. Her breasts were firm, her nipples stood erect and her long wet hair hung down her back like a red vale covering her firm hard bottom. David's manhood grew stiff, he pulled Annie to his chest, his hands found her breasts and their lips met in a passionate kiss. Finished in the shower, they headed back to the bedroom, David turned off the lights manually and they crawled between the covers. Annie climbed on top, guiding him into her moist center, David's heart rate accelerated and he thrust up with his hips trying to keep up with her rhythm. Inside the dark living room, a flash message marked urgent appeared on the VID screen.

David awoke from a dead sleep due to the loud banging sound coming from the front door of his dorm room. It sounded as if someone was out there banging on the door with a sledgehammer. He reached across the dark room feeling of the left side of the bed, but Annie was gone.

"Grace. Lights on," he said and light exploded into the room. He saw a digital note pad setting on the nightstand next to his bed, so he pressed the read button and read the following note: _David. I had to catch an early bus. I had a wonderful night. Look me up on the VID net when you get settled. Love you, Annie._

The pounding on the front door continued, David put on a pair of boxer shorts and staggered to the door rubbing sleep from his eyes. He opened the door and looked at a short blond headed man in his early thirties dressed in an urban camouflaged military uniform standing in the hallway facing him.

"What do you want?" David asked.

"Don't you monkeys answer your mail? You have orders to report to San-Francisco for induction into the Federal Defense Forces. You have a half hour to shit, shower and shave. Bring one set of clothes plus your shaving kit. The school will ship the rest of your things to your parents. The bus will be waiting at the curb in front of this dormitory. Don't be late," the military man said and moved down the hallway to the next door.

David jumped into the shower and let the water chase the cobwebs of sleep from his brain. Done with the shower, he hit the air dry feature and Jets of hot air hit his body drying him off. He dressed in a loose fitting comfortable tee shirt, put on a pair of jeans and boots. Dressed, he went into the living room and sat down in front of the VID screen.

"Play flash transmission marked urgent."

The following text message flashed across the screen: DATE 06-16 2358. URGENT MESSAGE. GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE NORTH AMERICAN UNION. YOU ARE, HEREBY ORDERED REPORT TO SAN-FRANSICO CALIFORNIA FOR INDUCTION INTO THE FEDERAL DEFENSE FORCES. FEDERAL DEFENSE FORCES WILL PROVIDE TRANSPERTATION. FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT SINCLAIR PRESIDENT NORTH AMERICAN UNION. END MESSAGE. David let out a sigh, stood to his feet and went to the food and beverage station in the kitchen.

"Grace. I'd like a cup of coffee. You know how I like it." A cup fell into the slot on the coffee machine and the hot liquid filled the cup. When the coffee finished brewing, he took the cup from the machine and took a sip from the hot liquid. The caffeine blast felt good to his tired body and the hot cup warmed his cold hands. He went into the bathroom, packed his shaving gear into a small carrying bag, and headed for the door, but stopped in the doorway.

"Good-bye, Grace."

"Good-bye David." _She sounds sad,_ David thought, pausing before he stepped out the door. He made his way through a crowd of former students in the hallway, stepped outside, stood in front of the dormitory, shivered from the cold and looked about in surprise. More than three quarters of the graduating seniors waited to board the military buses, which would take them to a new life in the Federal Defense Forces and about one third of the inductees were female.

"It ain't like we didn't know this was going to happen," Alonzo said, swaggering up next to David.

"Yeah. I know. I'm surprised that so many students got drafted."

"I heard only twenty percent of the graduating class had high enough GI ratings to avoid the draft."

"I don't mind. I think we're in for an adventure," David replied.

"Yeah. Let's make the best of it. Maybe we'll do boot camp at the same place."

"I guess we might as well get on board," David said looking at the long line of buses waiting at the curb. They found seats in the back of the third bus in line, listening to the excited conversation that filled the bus; the buses filled with inductees and pulled away from the curb. David and Alonzo leaned back in their seats while the long convoy moved through the campus toward the front gate. Their bus pulled onto the city street, David looked over his shoulder and gave the school once last look. A cheer rose from the students inside the bus, but David felt an instant of sadness and regret. His stomach felt a little queasy and he felt mixed emotions. He felt excited about the future, yet apprehensive at the same time. _I'm going to miss a lot of people at that school_.

"To hell with that place. On to bigger and better things," Alonzo said. The bus increased speed taking them away from Woodrow Wilson high school for the last time.

### CHAPTER 3

### JUNE 16 2358 FEDERAL DEFENSE FORCE ADVANCED OFFICERS TRAING SCHOOL SAN-FRANSICO CA

Jack Chambers lay in bed sleeping between a naked blonde headed woman and a naked red head. His left hand clutched the blonde's left breast and the red head lay snuggled up to his backside with her breasts pressed firmly against his back. Jack snored loudly and drool dribbled down the side of his cheek onto the blonde's back. Light exploded into the room.

Breathing in the smell of cheap perfume, Craig Bannister looked down at the scene before him with mixed emotions feeling anger, envy, jealousy and a bit of disgust. Chambers was not what Banister considered officer material, yet Craig liked him anyway. When on duty, Chambers was one of the best officers in the fleet, but when he was in port or off duty, all he wanted to do was drink and chase women: conduct that Banister considered unbecoming of an officer.

"You plan on sleeping all day Lover Boy? Did you forget we have an awards ceremony to go to?" Banister asked.

Jack Chambers yawned, rolled from between the two women, who moaned stretching their arms into the air, and put his feet on the floor. "Good Lord, Craig. I feel like ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag," Chambers said, leaning forward, he put his hands to his face.

Craig ogled the two women for a few seconds. "That's nothing that a hot cup of coffee and a cold shower won't fix. Get your scrawny ass into the shower while I make coffee."

"What time is it?"

Banister sighed. "Seventeen hundred and thirty hours. The awards ceremony starts at eighteen hundred. We have one half hour to get your sorry ass in shape."

"Okay Mom." Jack rose to his feet and stumbled to the bathroom while Craig picked up a black dress lying on the floor.

"Time to leave ladies. I'm sure it was fun, but our boy has other things to attend to." The blonde rose to her feet, took the dress and didn't seem the least bit embarrassed by her nakedness.

"How about you, Lover? You want to give it a go?" the redhead asked. She climbed out of bed and stood next to her friend. Stepping up to Craig, she ran her hand down his back.

"Yeah Baby. Seeing you standing there in that uniform when I woke up made me feel all quivery like. You want two for the price of one?" the blonde asked.

Craig paused, taking in their jutting breasts and hard nipples. "It's tempting ladies, but duty calls," Banister said. He picked up the redhead's dress and helped her into it. Inside the shower, goose bumps formed up on Jack's naked body, he turned on the cold water and then let out a scream. In the living area of the motel room, Craig laughed, and once the hookers were out the door, he went to the room's food and beverage station.

"Two coffees strong and black." The computerized beverage dispenser dropped a cup down into the slot on the machine and filled it with hot coffee. Craig took the first cup out of the machine, breathing in the rich aroma of fresh brewed coffee, and set it down on the table while the machine filled the second cup. Jack stumbled out of the shower with a towel wrapped around him and Banister handed him a cup of coffee.

"This will jump start your evening. You need to stop abusing yourself like this."

A big smile crossed Jack's face. "Thanks, but you're just jealous."

"Yeah right," Bannister said, crossing the room to the closet. He took Chambers' dress blues out of the closet and laid them down on the bed. "Get dressed."

Banister sat down in one of the room's chairs, took a tentative sip from his coffee cup, and waited while his friend dressed.

"How do I look?" Chambers asked after putting on his dress blues. Banister stood up, faced his friend and adjusted the lapel on Jack Chamber's uniform.

"You look like a warm bag of shit. You smell like booze and pussy. You look hung over, but your uniform looks good. Let's go. I've got a cab waiting," Banister said, slapping Chambers on the shoulder.

The cab dropped them off in front of the military base near the San-Francisco bay and they caught a shuttle bus, which took them to the Avery Jarvis Ballroom, named for one of the pioneers of globalism who helped bring the world out of the chaos after the Third World War. They climbed off the shuttle bus, joined a crowed of officers and their wives or dates entering the banquet hall. Excited conversation buzzed through the crowd and a cool sea breeze blew in off the ocean. Most of the ladies wore fur coats and the men wore their dress blues.

When Jack and Craig reached the front of the line, a tall young dark complexioned officer waved a hand held scanner across their wrist. "Mr. Chambers and Mr. Banister. Your seats are in the third row up front close to the stage. You'll find your names on your placemats in front of your seat. Enjoy the evening."

The young lieutenant gave them a salute; they returned the curtsy and entered the banquet hall. Jack stopped, gazing about the interior of the ballroom at the tables lined up in rows covered with maroon silk tablecloths and fine china. At the front of the room up on a wooden stage, a band tuned their instruments.

"They sure go all out, don't they?" Chambers said.

"Face it. You're an officer and a gentleman. So act like it," Craig said.

"Yeah right. I just put up with all this so they'll let me drive their ships," Chambers said.

"We do have our priorities. Yours are flying space ships, drinking beer and chasing women," Banister said and laughed.

"And what are yours?"

"Trying to keep you out of trouble. It's a full time job." They made their way to the front of the room and found their seats. Chambers found their names printed on a white card taped to their placemats, so they sat down. Waiters moved throughout the room bringing drinks to the guest. Jack Chambers ordered a Jack and Coke and Craig Bannister ordered Scotch on the rocks.

"Where do you think they'll assign us now that the Advanced Officers Training Course is over?" Jack asked.

"Who knows? Wherever it is, it'll be with a higher pay grade. I walked in here as a lieutenant. I'll be lucky if I walk out as a commander. You on the other hand, will probably make captain."

"Yeah, right." Waiters brought silver platters loaded down with roast duck, lobster, crab, fresh cooked Salmon roast beef and succulent baked potatoes. Others brought fresh garden salad plates to the guest seated at the banquet hall. Still others poured wine and brought drinks while the dinner moved into full swing.

"I'll say this about the Federal Defense Forces: when they put on a feed, they don't go half way," Jack said taking a bite of his roast duck.

Bannister finished chewing a bite of lobster. "The lobster is exquisite."

A waiter refilled their drinks and the band opened playing twentieth Century ballroom dance tune. After dinner, a tall dark haired European man and a tall blond Scandinavian wearing Admiral's uniforms climbed up onto the stage and stepped up to a podium. The Russian glanced over at the band, the band quit playing and silence filled the room. "Good evening officers, both ladies and gentlemen along with our distinguished guest. I hope you are enjoying the dinner and the entertainment," the Russian admiral said after stepping up to the microphone. Chambers only noticed a trace of an accent in the admiral's speech as a cheer rose from the crowd. "I am Admiral Boris Ivanov and I am here with Vice Admiral Thomas Larsen. Everyone in this session of the Advanced Officer's Cadet Training Class has worked hard and hard work deserves a reward, so without further delay, I will allow Admiral Larsen to announce the commissions and duty assignments."

The tall muscular blond headed admiral stood to the podium and began to call out names, announcing the rank that the person had obtained and their new duty station. When they heard their names called, the young officers headed to the stage where they received a folder, which contained the rank insignia, a certificate stating they had achieved said rank, plus their orders for their next assignment. When the admiral called out the names, the crowd offered up applause to the new graduates. After two thirds of the officers received their commissions and duty assignments, Jack Chambers and Craig Banister grew nervous. Jack looked at Craig, but Craig just shrugged.

"Thank you for your hard work. You all deserved your reward. I know that in the future, your service to the council will more than justify our faith and trust in you. I will return the remainder of the ceremony back to Admiral Ivanov," the big Scandinavian admiral said, and Admiral Ivanov stepped up to the microphone.

"Thank you Admiral Larsen. If you have been keeping track of the newscast, you are aware that we have recently completed construction on a new fleet of deep space vessels. This fleet will start space trials next week. The historic mission of this fleet is to explore outer space in search of inhabitable worlds for us to colonize plus to make contact with any alien cultures they may find to establish trade with other worlds. We are sending this fleet to one of our closet neighbor, Alpha Centauri and we will explore a recently discovered star system known at this time only as System 237595. These brave men and women who will serve on these new ships will be the first humans to venture out beyond our solar system and to the stars. The following officers are assigned to these vessels." Admiral Ivanov cleared his throat and read from a list of names.

When Craig Bannister's heard his name called, he rose to his feet, sauntered up to the stage, fired off a snappy salute and looked the Admiral in the eye, taking in his stony features.

"Mr. Bannister you have been promoted to the rank of commander. I have assigned you to the CEU Port Royal. You will serve as the ship's first officer. Thank you for your diligence and service to the Council of Economic Unions," The Admiral said after returning the salute. He handed Bannister a manila folder with his rank insignia and orders. Bannister shook the admiral's hand, received his paperwork and returned to his seat. A strange look crossed Banister's face when he sat down.

"What?" Chambers whispered, but Bannister just shrugged. "Congratulations," Chambers continued, slapping his friend on the back. Admiral Ivnov handed out a few more commissions and the called Chambers' name. When Admiral Ivnov read Jack Chambers' name from the list, Jack rose to his feet, sauntered up to the platform; gave the admiral a salute and the admiral returned the curtsy.

"Mr. Chambers, you have been promoted to the rank of captain and you are assigned to the Port Royal as the ship's master. Thank you for your hand work and service to the Council of Economic Unions," Admiral Ivanov said and handed Chambers his folder with his rank insignia and orders. When Chambers sat back down, he saw that same strange fleeting look pass across Banister's face.

"What? At least we'll be serving together. You know there's no one in the entire defense forces that I would rather have as my first officer other than you, Craig," Chambers whispered.

"I know. It's nothing. I'm happy for you. Congratulations."

"I'd like to say thank you to everyone for coming to night. Enjoy the band and the food for the rest of the evening. I'd like all our officers serving on our new fleet of deep space vessels to report to your duty stations tonight and settle in. I will be holding a mission briefing on board the CEU Saratoga at 20:00 hours on June 18. Attendance is mandatory for all Captains and First Officers. Thank you and goodnight," Admiral Ivanov said.

After the admiral left the stage, Craig Bannister and Jack Chambers rose to their feet.

"Let me buy you a beer, Captain," Bannister said with a touch of smugness in his voice. They made their way through the crowd to the bar and Bannister ordered two beers. With beer in hand, they stepped out a side door and stood in the grass between the banquet hall and an adjacent building. Jack buttoned up his coat to stave off the evening chill. For a moment, both men stood in uncomfortable silence, but then finally, Chambers spoke.

"I don't know why they didn't promote you to captain. You've been in the service longer than me. You deserve it more."

Banister let out a slow breath. "I know why. You have a way with the men. They like you. Beside the fact that you're their blond haired golden boy, you're also a natural leader. You have some qualities that I am lacking in."

"Bullshit. You just take things too serious. All you have to do is listen to the men, be firm but fair and treat them the way you want to be treated. You're a commander now. That's an accomplishment. You should be happy. I think you'll make a great first officer and I'm glad we'll be serving together."

"I am happy. I guess it's my lot in life to be the one to bail you out of trouble. Why don't we go to the barracks, pack our gear and catch a shuttle out of here. I'm kind of anxious to see what our new ship looks like," Bannister said.

"Me too," Chambers replied and tossed back the rest of his beer.

"My God! That ship is huge!" Craig Bannister said, looking out the right side porthole of their shuttle when they approached the landing bay doors of the Port Royal.

"They're all huge!" Chambers said leaning over Banisters shoulder to get a glimpse of the Port Royal and the other massive ships setting in space dock. After finishing their beer, Bannister and Chambers rode the shuttle bus to the barracks, changed into their regular uniforms, packed their gear and caught the shuttle bus to the spaceport on the south end of the base. They had to wait for over an hour in the terminal before catching a flight to their ship. When they boarded the shuttle and found a seat, the shuttle pilot's voice came over the shuttle's intercom instructing them to strap themselves in. The shuttle lifted off the shuttle pad and shot forward gaining speed and altitude. Bannister looked out the right side porthole seeing the base below them grow smaller to the eye.

The shuttle reached escape velocity, entered Earth's orbit, took one revolution around the planet and approached the space station maintaining a stationary orbit over the west coast of North America. They monitored hundreds of vessels entering and exiting Earth's atmosphere from different locations on the planet at the same time. To Captain Chambers it looked like a traffic control nightmare for the traffic controllers working the space station. Their shuttle pilot weaved his way through traffic passing the space station on route to the military installation where the Federal Defense Force vessels lay in space dock.

On the edge of space dock, lay the new fleet. Captain Chambers saw ships of every description, from tankers, frigates, and light cruisers to deep space battle cruisers, the mainstay of the fleet. Looking out the right side porthole of their shuttle, they saw a green flashing light and the landing bay doors of the Port Royal opened. The shuttle flew through the massive steel doors, powering down and touched down on the ship's shuttle landing bay.

"Please remain in your seats until oxygen is restored to the landing bay," the pilot said, his voice coming over the shuttle's PA system.

"God this landing bay is huge! Look at all those shuttles docked out there!" Bannister exclaimed taking in the smaller vessels docked on the battle ship gray shuttle deck through his porthole.

"And I'm supposed to be the one in charge. Lord help me," Chambers said.

Bannister laughed. "Sometimes it's better not to be the one in charge. Maybe I got the better deal here after all."

"Oxygen and gravity have been restored to the landing bay. You may now exit the shuttle," the pilot's voice said over the PA system. Inside his cockpit, the pilot flipped a toggle switch, the exit hatch opened and a boarding ramp deployed.

"Let's go see our new home," Chambers said, unsnapping his seat belt, and standing to his feet.

"After you, my Cap-A-Tain," Bannister replied. Chambers headed down the aisle between the seats and stepped through the exit hatch. Bannister stepped up next to him and they sauntered down the boarding ramp. A young blond headed ensign with a nervous looking acne scared face hurried across the landing bay to meet them. He looked up and fired off a quick salute; Bannister and Chambers returned the gesture.

"First officer Bannister and Captain Chambers?" the nervous ensign asked.

"I'm Bannister," Craig replied.

"I guess that means I'm Chambers."

"I'm Ensign James Palmer. My orders were to serve as the ship's caretaker until the command staff arrives. I am sure you gentlemen are tired and would like to get some rest. If you will follow me, I'll show you to your quarters. Tomorrow morning at zero eight hundred hours, I will give both of you gentlemen a briefing and a tour of the ship."

"Lead the way," Chambers replied. They followed the young ensign across the massive landing bay and through an airlock while the shuttle pilot launched returning to the spaceport on Earth. After passing through the airlock, Ensign Palmer stopped in front of a door in the bulkhead setting next to the airlock.

"This is the captain's personal turbo lift. It leads up to the captain's council room. The captain can take it to any deck throughout the ship in case of an emergency. There are other turbo lifts throughout the ship, but this one is yours. Tomorrow you can reset the code to read only your biochip." Palmer ran his wrist across the electronic eye in the door, a beam of light read the information on the chip, the door to the turbo lift opened and they stepped into the small round compartment.

"A deck," Ensign Palmer said. Chambers felt his stomach drop, the turbo lift shot upward carrying them up through the bowels of the ship and after a few seconds, it stopped. The doors opened and they stepped out of the lift onto plush blue carpeting. A long rectangular oak table occupied the center of the room and to the right set a food and beverage station. In the center of the table set a computer console, with a touch screen and voice activated control system. A large view screen occupied much of the left bulkhead, and Chambers looked out the view screen at space noticing several of the other vessels docked in space dock.

"This is your council room. This door next to the turbo lift leads out to the main passageway on A deck. The door next to the food and beverage station leads to the bridge. Shall I show you to your cabin?" Ensign Palmer asked.

"Let's see the bridge first," Chambers said.

"I second that," Bannister replied. Palmer led them across the conference room and stepped through the doorway leading to the bridge. They stood on a raised platform overlooking a circular control center below. On the platform set three chairs evenly spaced looking down upon the control center and a sea of plush blue carpeting covered the entire deck.

Captain Chambers stood with his feet spread apart gazing about the bridge. Three steps led down from the command platform to the control station, two workstations set to the left of the command chairs and one set to its right. Directly below the command chairs set the helm. Computer consoles, monitors and keyboards set on metal stands in front of the controller's chairs and a large view screen occupied the bulkhead at the front of the circular control station. _God. I'm supposed to be in charge of all this?_ Chambers marveled.

"This has got to be the biggest bridge of any vessel I've been on," Chambers said.

"I don't think I've seen anything larger on any vessel I've served on either," Bannister replied.

"If you gentlemen are ready, I'll show you to your quarters," Ensign Palmer said.

"Lead the way," Chambers replied. Palmer turned to a set of double doors behind them and they followed him out the door and into the main passageway.

"This way," Palmer said leading them to the right down a narrower hallway that curved to their right. They passed the doorway leading to the captain's conference room to the next door on the right. Palmer brushed his wrist across the door's electronic eye, the door read the Biochip embedded in his skin and opened.

"Once you reset the code to your own chip, it will only open for you," Palmer said. They stepped into the captain's quarters and stood gazing about the spacious room. Chambers took in the King sized bed, setting next to the far bulkhead on the same plush blue carpet that the military used on all their ships; he took in the food and beverage station, the wet bar, the computer console along with a VID screen plus the oak table and two comfortable looking lounge chairs. He saw overhead cabinets mounted above the bed and wooden cabinets mounted into the bed frame. A brown door set in the wall next to the bed.

"That door leads the bathroom. The computer environmentally controls the room. You just have to make the settings. They are voice activated. You can set it for automatic response, or you can set it to personality based control. You can pick the gender," Palmer said.

"I've slept in a lot worse," Chambers replied.

"Worse hell. This has to be the biggest cabin you ever had while in the Defense Forces," Bannister said.

"You've got that right."

"We'll leave you here to settle in, while I show Mr. Bannister to his quarters," Ensign Palmer said.

"No. I got to see your digs. Why don't you come along and see mine?" Bannister said.

"Let's go, then. Lead the way Ensign," Chambers said.

Ensign Palmer led them out the door and back the way they came. They rounded the curve passing the Captain's Council room and the main entrance to the bridge.

"You'll find the officer's mess halfway down the main corridor on your right. They will start serving breakfast at zero six hundred tomorrow morning," Palmer said. Bannister glanced up at a brass plaque over the first door on their left that read: **First Officer's Conference Room.**

"Mr. Bannister you also have your own conference room as well as your own personal turbo lift," Palmer said. They stepped up to the door to the first officer's quarters. "Here we are," Palmer said. A brass plaque reading: **First Officer's Quarters** set mounted over the door.

"Home sweet home," Bannister said. Palmer opened the door; they stepped into the room and gazed about.

"I'll leave you gentleman here," Palmer said and stepped out leaving Chambers and Bannister alone in the room.

"Not bad. It's not as big as your place, but it's still the biggest cabin I've ever slept in. Being first officer on a ship like this might not be so bad."

Chambers crossed the room to the wet bar and rummaged around under the bar until he found a bottle of Jack Daniels, Tennessee whiskey. "Let's have a drink," Chambers said, breathing in the smell of the potent whiskey, and poured them each a shot.

"What are we drinking to?" Banister asked.

"To the Port Royal and a long working relationship between us. May your job as first officer and mine as captain, never get in the way of our friendship," Chambers said and lifted his glass into the air.

"I'll drink to that." Bannister brought up his shot glass; they touched their glasses together and then downed the whiskey.

### CHAPTER 4

Shawn Gallagher sat at a table, inside the communications center, at Consolidated Mining's main complex on Europa. His friend John Wilson stood across from him adjusting a video camera on its stand, and sitting at the table were a few more of Shawn's closet friends. Sweat cropped up on Shawn's forehead and dripped down the side of his face. A nervous ball sank into the pit of his stomach, because after making this transmission, there would be no turning back. It would appear on the VID screens all across the colonies, from Saturn to Mars as well as the lunar colonies and it would also appear on every VID screen on Earth. _If this effort fails, the Council of Economic Unions will brand us as traders to the federal system and, at best, we'll receive a thirty year sentence in a penal colony on the dark side of Earth's moon. The other alternative is a death sentence: a laser bolt to the back of the head,_ Shawn thought.

"We're set to go live when you are," John Wilson said. "Are you ready to make history?" Shawn brushed sweat from his forehead and his mind flashed back, reliving the events of the past few days.

Twenty four hours after stashing the guns and other military equipment at mining site D, Shawn rode the turbo lift out of the mines and put on his EVA suit. He exited the complex, turned up the heat on his EVA suit, found a clear area and sent a message using an illegal electronic device, which he plugged into the Com link on his suit. When the small light on the device turned green indicating that the signal was live, Shawn said, "Strike the blow with the people's fist." When the miners received the code phrase in their Com links, they put down their tools and turned off their boring machines, which they used to dig into the interior of the moon harvesting large chunks of ice for use on Mars and Earth's moon for its water content. They headed to the turbo lifts for the ride to the surface, but one of the shift supervisors stepped in front of the miners making their way to the turbo lift.

"Where do you men think you're going? You shift's not over yet," the supervisor said, but a big burly miner promptly knocked him on his ass.

"It is now," he said.

"I'm calling security!" the supervisor yelled, wiping a drop of blood from his mouth.

The first shift crew put on their EVA suits, headed to the exits and formed a line in front of the domed structures housing the mining facilities. The second shift crew joined them and by the time Consolidated Security received the transmission from the shift supervisor, it was too late for them to do anything. When the four security guards on perimeter watch saw the crowd of miners exit the facility and form picket lines, one of them stepped up to the same burly miner that had knocked the shift supervision on his ass.

"What are you men doing?" the security guard asked.

"We're on strike," the miner said.

"You can't do that. It's against the law."

"So call a cop," the miner said and knocked that security guard on his ass as well. The miners picked up fist-sized balls of ices and pelted the security guards with them. Tiny flakes of ice flew into the air; the guards retreated to their vehicles and called for backup. When the miners on the surface of Titan received the transmission on their Com links, they turned off their vacuum pumps, which they used to harvest liquid methane gas, returned to their base, formed picket lines and had a similar confrontation with security, as did the miners on Europa.

The tanker ships orbiting Jupiter and Saturn turned off their ram scoops, which collected hydrogen and helium-3 and their captains turned their vessels around heading for the nearest moon. The moons orbiting Jupiter and Saturn soon looked like giant parking lots. When the first tanker left Jupiter's orbit, the voice of the traffic controller on the orbiting traffic control space station came over the speakers on the ship's communications officer's console.

"Traffic control to CEU-Gladiator. You haven't had time to fill your tanks. Why are you breaking orbit? You have orders to proceed to Mars with your load. Why are you diverting to Europa?" the female traffic controller asked.

The ship's communications officer looked at her captain.

"Tell her we're on strike," the captain said and the communications officer relayed the captain's response.

The traffic controller's jaw dropped. "What you can't do that? It's against the law."

The captain touched the Com link on his console overriding the communications officer's console. "So arrest us. End transmission."

Inside the main mining complex on Europa, Byron Lee, the head of security, received transmissions from all of the mining sites on the surface. The striking miners had turned into an unruly mob in front of each complex and he didn't have enough men to handle the situation. He made contact with all available personnel including guards who were off duty and asleep or at one of the colonies drinking establishments or eateries. They received transmissions on their Com links with orders to report for duty at once. The head of security set up a duty roster keeping half of his guards on duty for twelve standard Earth hours while the other half rested. _If this last too long, I'll need more people_ Byron thought. He sent a text message to Consolidated Security headquarters on Earth using his VID screen.

After sending the transmission that got the ball rolling, Shawn Gallagher went to the employee housing area of the mining complex and retrieved picket signs and ax handles, which he handed out to the striking miners. Excitement buzzed through the air when the miners who weren't on picket duty gathered in their common room and watched what was happening outside on a VID screen. Six hours into the strike, a woman from Solar One News, who had been covering a story on the harvesting of helium-3, got word of the strike. She flew down to the surface of Europa in her small space cruiser and caught up with Shawn Gallagher in front of the main mining complex, so Shawn consented to the interview.

Twenty three hours into the strike, Byron Lee sat at his desk asleep with his head in his hands letting out gentle snoring sounds and drool dribbled down the side of his cheek. Half of his guards were in the locker room gearing up to relieve the guards outside dealing with the miners. After the first two hours, his guards set up barricades to separate them from the unruly mob. The miners had settled down, somewhat, so instead of pelting the security guards on duty with a barrage of ice balls, they only shouted curse words and occasionally lobbed a ball of ice over the barricades.

Byron manned the Com center in the office waiting to hear from headquarters on Earth, but so far, there had been no word and he started to get sleepy. After being on duty for fourteen hours, he finally succumbed to sleep. The front door to his office banged open, Byron's head popped up and he let out a snort. He looked up into the muzzle of an M-23 Blaster, his eyes widened and his bottom jaw sagged when he saw ten men, dressed in military fatigues armed with shoulder fired weapons, enter the room.

"Make a sound and I'll burn a hole through your forehead," Shawn said.

"What do you want?" Byron asked, raising his hands.

"Your men, the ones that you have in reserve to relieve those outside, where are they?"

"Down the hall in the locker room getting ready," Byron said.

Shawn motioned for the other men to move down the hall. "Take me to the armory." The assault team entered the locker room catching some of the security guards literally with their pants down. Gallagher's men rounded up the security guards in the locker room without incident and stowed them away in their own jail. Other miners entered the security complex, took the weapons and armored EVA suits from the security guards inside the complex and put them on. They exited the security center, went outside to relieve the security guards on duty and when the guards dealing with the miners on the picket line, saw the men in Consolidated Security EVA suits, they figured that their relief had arrived early.

The miners, masquerading as security guards, took up positions behind the barricades. Gallagher's commandos met the security guards at gunpoint when they arrive back at the security center and escorted them to the brig to join their comrades. When Gallagher's commando teams detained the remaining security guards, three commando teams rounded up the management personnel inside the main complex. A group of supervisors fled deep into the mine and tried to put up a fight, but after a brief gun battle, they surrendered.

After rounding up the management personnel inside the mining complex, Gallagher's commando teams detained the upper management personnel in the main office complex. The Chief Executive in charge of all mining operations on Europa woke from a sound sleep in his quarters staring down the barrel of a gun.

"This is an outrage. You'll do time for this," he said. The surly miner prodded him with the gun barrel and escorted him to the brig.

"Don't worry. No one's going to get hurt. Once the council concedes our demands, your people will head back to Earth," Shawn said when he locked the mining executive into the brig. The security guards, supervisors and upper management personnel paced back and forth in their cells in disbelief. When the miners on the picket line received word that the entire facility was under their control, they threw down their signs and reentered the mining complex.

The last piece of business concerned the orbiting space stations. Teams of commandos stormed the stations orbiting Jupiter and Saturn, attacked the complex detaining the workers and stormed aboard five vessels docked at the station. A PPF vessel arrived at the Jupiter station just before the attack occurred and the PPF Special Forces team opened up on Gallagher's commandos with their M-23 Blasters. Gallagher's commando teams boarded their vessel and killed five federal commandos before the captain ordered his men to surrender. Shawn Gallagher went to the main communications center when he received word from the other mining sites on Europa and those other moons of Jupiter that the entire system was under their control. Their brothers on the moons of Saturn called in confirming that they had control of that system as well.

Gallagher waited for word from his commando teams assaulting the orbiting space stations of Jupiter and Saturn and when the word came, announcing the success of the mission, a loud cheer erupted inside the communications center.

A big grin spread across Shawn's face. "Gentlemen! I think this is cause to celebrate! Jupiter and Saturn, along with their moons, are ours!" Shawn said standing to his feet. Men gathered around slapping him on the back. "Let's head down to the galley and have the cook rustle us up some grub. We've got beer on ice! After that let's get some sleep! It's been a rough forty eight hours! I will hold a briefing in the main assembly hall at zero eight hundred hours tomorrow morning to let everyone know where we go from here!" Gallagher took a deep breath and yelled, "Can't you smell it? I smell freedom in the air!" The men let out a loud cheer.

The miners occupying the assembly hall let out a whoop when Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson entered the room. They rose to their feet clapping their hands filling the hall to capacity and beyond. Shawn Gallagher stepped onto the stage and swaggered up to a microphone. "Thank you. I called this briefing to let you people know what to expect, now that we have control of the facilities. How many of you served in the Federal Defense Forces?" Shawn asked and three quarters of the crowd raised their hands.

"You will serve in our new military. We've accessed company personnel records. You will retain the same rank as you held in federal service. We need to organize into companies and start training. That will take place at site D and on the surface. We need to start building fighting positions. Those of you who have no past service in the federal forces can help with that. When the Council of Economic Unions gets the word of what we've done, they'll send troops. We need to be ready." Shawn paced back and forth in excitement and continued.

"What about our pay?" one of the miners asked.

"Most of you know that we have stores of gold, copper and other precious metals hidden here on Europa. We are minting coins. The first order of business is to get rid of these Biochips," Shawn said holding his wrist in the air. "We'll start that at the med center after this briefing. Tomorrow, those of you with past federal service will report to site D for induction. Others will form work details to start building fighting positions on the surface. We will also use some of our lower levels here at site A for military training. Some of you will still be doing some mining on a limited scale."

"How much time before the federal forces arrive?" someone yelled from the back of the room.

Shawn stopped pacing. "I think we should have at least six months before they are able to field a sizable force. That gives some time to get ready."

"What about our new government? When will we hold elections?" someone at the front of the stage asked. Shawn stepped back and looked at John Wilson. "John, you're just standing there in the background trying to look cool. Why don't you answer that one?"

Wilson laughed and stepped up to the microphone. "We will hold elections as soon as possible, electing a president, vice president, senators and congressmen. We will write our own Declaration of Independence, a bill of rights and a constitution all pattered off the copies of the ancient documents from the forbidden zone that we now have in our possession. If the Council of Economic Unions recognizes us as a sovereign nation, we will petition them to allow our families to immigrate here."

"What if they refuse?" someone asked.

Wilson shrugged. "Then they don't get any helium-3, hydrogen, water ice, and liquid methane or deuterium crystals. When their ships run out of fuel, I think they'll be more charitable."

"What about the detainees?" a young woman standing to the right of the stage asked.

Shawn stepped back up to the microphone. "I'll take this one John. Once the Council of Economic Unions concedes to our demands, we will release them. They will be free to go back to Earth."

"When are you going to announce our secession from the Council of Economic Unions?" a big burly miner in the middle of the crowd asked.

"At midnight tonight, Earth time I drop the bomb on the Council of Economic Unions and we make history. After that, the clock starts ticking. They'll try to hammer us into submission, but if we can survive that, our future looks bright. It will take work. I envision domed cities filled with colonist building a better life than they ever could have under the current federal system. If there are no further questions, I think I'll head over to the med center and get this damned Biochip removed. Why don't you people come and join me." Shawn said and left the stage. The crowd cheered, rising to their feet, and began to slap Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson on the back when they headed for the door.

"Earth to Shawn Gallagher. Let's go buddy. You look like you zoned out there for a while. Are we ready to roll here, or what?" John Wilson asked, bringing Shawn's mind back to the present.

Shawn laughed and rubbed sweat from his brow. "Yeah, I'm ready. Let's do it." Shawn waited for the light on the camera to turn green indicating that they were recording, tried to keep the flutter out of his voice and said, "Good evening. My name is Shawn Gallagher. I am the second shift team leader at the mining colonies on Europa. This message is going out to the colonist on Mars, the colonies on Earth's moon and to everyone back home on Earth." Shawn took a drink from a water bottle sitting next to him on the table. "If you've been watching the news, you are aware of the ancient documents found in the forbidden zone, formerly known as Washington DC. I have copies of those documents in my possession and I am going to read them now. In the course of human events-"

Shawn read the ancient text of the United State's Declaration of Independence and then read the constitution of the United States of America. After finishing with the ancient documents he said, "We, the miners on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn have seized control of the mining facilities, the colonies and the orbiting space stations orbiting both planets. We are grounding all tankers hauling water ice, helium-3, hydrogen and methane. We declare independence from the Council of Economic Unions and the entire federal system. Our demands are that the Council of Economic Unions recognize our independence and allow our family members still living on Earth to immigrate. I will issue a formal declaration of independence, patterned after the ancient document that I just read, to the Council of Economic Unions. Once the Council of Economic Union recognizes our independence, we will negotiate trade deals and resume shipments of water ice, hydrogen, methane, helium-3, and deuterium crystals." Shawn paused to clear his throat and took another drink from his water bottle. "If the Council of Economic Union gets stupid and tries to use force, it will be met in kind. The next scene you will see is of one of consolidated tankers orbiting Jupiter."

The image on the view screen changed to a tanker ship orbiting the gas giant; a beam of light from a ground based weapon shot up from the surface of Europa striking the tanker ship. A blinding flash of white light filled the screen and the tanker erupted into a massive fireball. Inside the communication's center, John Wilson hit the record button filming Shawn Gallagher's last few comments.

"If the Council of Economic Union decides to use force, remember this. We have hundreds of tankers setting on the surface of Jupiter's moons and on the moons of Saturn. Think of those tankers as hundreds of hydrogen bombs rigged to explode. All we ask is that you recognize our independence and grant us our freedom. There is no need for violence. Thank you, and good night."

### CHAPTER 5

David Gallagher and Alonzo Garcia stepped off the bus in front of the shuttle port on the naval base in San-Diego and a cold breeze hit their face coming in off the ocean. In the bay, a tugboat blew its foghorn and two men in naval uniforms passed by glancing over at the crowd of young men gathered in front of the spaceport. David and Alonzo followed the crowed of inductees into the shuttle port and stepped into the lobby falling into line at a reception desk.

The sound of excited conversation echoed through the room; David gazed about taking in the white marble tile on the floor, the pictures of old sailing vessel adorning the walls and he noticed several wooden desks evenly spaced throughout the room. Lines of people stood at each desk and when David reached the front of the line, a cute young woman in wearing a naval uniform looked up and smiled.

"Wave your chip across my scanner." Breathing in her sweet perfume, David passed his wrist across a little black box on her desk, and a printer setting behind the young woman squealed printing out his ticket and boarding pass. "There is a bank of turbo lifts to your left. Take one up to the fifth floor lobby. Your flight leaves in forty five minutes," she said after handing him his paperwork.

"Thank you, Miss," David said, returning her smile, and stepped out of line. After Alonzo received his ticket and boarding pass, he stepped up next to David.

"What time do you fly out?" David asked. He had to shout over the noise in the crowded lobby.

"Eight forty five. How about you?"

Glancing at Alonzo's paperwork, David said, "We're on the same flight."

They crossed the lobby to the turbo lifts elbowing their way through the crowd and when they reached the lifts, David ran his hand across the green light of the triangular button embedded into the wall next to the lift. The doors whooshed open, and they stepped inside.

"Fifth floor," David said and the turbo lift's voice activated sensors put the machine in motion. They felt their stomach drop and heard a slight whirring noise as the turbo lift shot up to the fifth floor. The doors opened and they stepped into a smaller, but no less crowded lobby. Looking across the room, David saw the terminal doors leading out to the shuttle pad and to the left of the terminal doors he noticed a bar and a lounge.

"Let's have a beer while we wait," David said. Loud neo pop music emanated from behind the lounge.

Alonzo glanced down at his paperwork. "What flight are we on again?"

"Flight 407. Why?"

"I just don't want to miss our flight when they call it over the PA," Alonzo said.

"We've got a forty-five minute wait. This place should start to thin out a bit by then." David said, so they wormed their way through the crowd to the bar.

"What can I get you boys?" a dark haired waitress wearing a skintight cocktail dress, cut low in the front, that left little to the imagination asked. David inhaled her cheap perfume, and noticed a field of tiny freckles displayed on the top of the woman's breasts. He glanced down at the deep valley of cleavage for a second then his eyes darted back up to her face.

"A beer for me and my buddy. Make it two blue bombs."

She gave him a seductive smile. "We don't have it. All we have is the house blend on draft."

"I guess that will have to do then," David said staring into her almond colored eyes. The waitress poured them each a beer and they sat at the bar.

"I can't believe it. We're finally getting out of Diego," David said.

"I know. This town can kiss my ass good-bye," Alonzo replied and held up his glass. "A toast. To our new lives in the Federal Defense Forces. Who knows? If I like it, I might just make it a career."

David shook his head. "I'll drink to that, but I doubt if I'll do more than one hitch," David said raising his glass into the air.

Thirty five minutes later, after their third beer, a computerized voice came over the room's PA system announcing that passenger could now board flights 407, 408, 409 and 410. David and Alonzo, both half drunk, headed to the terminal gates. They stepped through the gates onto the shuttle pad and a cold ocean breeze blew into their face while they headed toward the awaiting shuttles.

"You can see the whole world form up here," Alonzo said glancing about. From the vantage point on the fifth floor, not only could they see the entire base, but the entire city of San-Diego and off in the distance, they saw the dark blue water of the Pacific Ocean. A strong cold wind coming in off the ocean buffeted them.

"You better take a good look. We might not be back here for a long time," David said.

"Maybe never." They found the boarding lane, roped off with yellow nylon rope attached to silver aluminum poles, for flight 407 and when they reached the front of the line two minutes later, they handed a blond headed young man in an Air Force uniform their tickets and boarding passes.

"Welcome aboard, Mr. Garcia and Mr. Gallagher. I am Lieutenant Cunningham. I will be your flight attendant on this trip. Come aboard and find a seat where ever you like."

"Thank you sir," Alonzo said, giving the young officer a drunken salute. They staggered up the boarding ramp, found seats on the left half way up the aisle; David took a seat by the window and Alonzo took the seat next to the aisle.

"This is your pilot speaking. Welcome aboard. Please strap yourselves in. We will be taking off shortly. You are looking at a thirty minute flight to Frisco and your new life in the Federal Defense Forces. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Your flight attendant will be handing out food and beverages. Please put on your seat belts now," the voice of the shuttle pilot said coming over the PA system. The flight attendant closed the outer hatch, helped people with their seatbelts and then found a seat at the rear of the shuttle and strapped himself in. The pilot applied thrust; the shuttle rose off the pad and headed north. Once airborne, the flight attendant unfastened his seatbelt and headed up the aisle passing out beverages.

"What will it be Gentlemen?" the flight attendant said when he stopped next to David and Alonzo's seats.

"Give us each a beer," David said. The flight attendant handed each a plastic bottle filled with beer.

"Diego you can kiss my ass," Alonzo said and took a drink. A loud cheer went up from the passengers when the shuttle passed over the city heading north to San-Francisco.

The shuttle touched down on the landing pad on a naval base in San-Francisco and the passengers boarded computerized shuttle buses taking them to the induction center across the base. The holographic image of a bus driver on the VID screen at the front of the bus kept up an ongoing commentary pointing out various buildings and landmarks along the route to the induction center. The bus pulled up to the curb in front of a large brick building painted white and David noticed a banner strung across front of the building in bold red letters said: **Welcome Inductees.** David and Alonzo ambled down the exit ramp of the shuttle bus following the crowd to the Induction Center. Inside, several receptionists sat at tables and across the lobby, a set of double doors set in the far wall behind the reception desks. Outside, more shuttle buses arrived bringing more inductees while David and Alonzo fell into line at the nearest table. When they reached the front of the line, a dark haired lieutenant looked up and smiled. David couldn't help but notice the cute little dimples in her cheeks, and her fresh scent. He thought she smelled as though she just stepped from the shower.

"Good morning. If you'll run wrist over my scanner, I'll print up your records." David ran his hand over the stationary scanning device on the reception desk and a printer setting behind the lieutenant printed up David's school records, his medical records plus all of his background information. "Proceed to stage one. That will be in the orientation room. Go through the doors behind me. The orientation room will be the first door on your left when you head down the main hallway," the lieutenant said and then handed David his records.

"Thank you," David replied and then stepped out of line waiting for Alonzo. They crossed the lobby, stepped through the set of green doors and into a long hallway. The hallway seemed to run on forever with green tile on the floor and brown wooden doors evenly spaced on both sides of the hallway. They stopped at the first door on their left where a gold plaque over the door said: **Orientation Room.** A blonde haired female Air Force lieutenant standing by the door smiled.

"If you gentlemen will step inside and find a seat, we'll get started as soon as the room fills up." They stepped into a rectangular shaped room and David glanced about for a second noticing several tables setting perpendicular to a raised platform. Green carpet covered the platform, a small podium set in its center and military officers sat in chairs on the stage facing the tables. Pencils and stacks of paper work set on the tables in front of each chair. David and Alonzo made their way to the front of the room, sat down and talked quietly while he room filled up with people.

A young naval officer stepped up to the podium. "Welcome to orientation. I am Ensign Blackwell. You can expect a full day of testing mental, physical and physiological. As you can see, we will be doing things the old fashioned way, today. Our digi pad system is down. Setting before you are some forms for you to fill out asking various questions about your background and interest. The last form asks you to choose which branch of federal service most interests you. I would ask that you save that form until you have heard from the men standing behind me. The Federal Defense Forces likes to give its inductees some choice in their assignments if possible, but as always, the needs of the service come first. Now I'd like to introduce Lieutenant Goldenstein from the Army."

A muscular man with sandy colored short hair wearing a CEU-Army uniform stepped up to the podium. "Gentlemen. I hope you're enjoying yourself so far. If you choose the Army, you can look forward to a grand adventure. You will do your boot camp at Fort Campbell Kentucky and either serve your first term of enlistment on the moon, or Mars. If you're real lucky, you might land an assignment here on Earth serving as peacekeepers. There is always some brush fire war popping up that we have to deal with. There is an element in the colonies, on the moon and Mars that are a constant source of irritation. It is the Army's responsibility to deal with these miss guided insurrectionist. If you choose the Army, if you apply yourself and work hard, the chances for advancement are good. I won't take up any more of your time. Thank you."

He stepped away from the podium and then Ensign Blackwell stepped back up to the microphone. "Now we'll here from Lieutenant Baker from Fleet Marines." A stocky, muscular man with dark hair and bulging biceps covered with tattoos stood before the group.

"Hoorah! If you choose to serve with the Federal Marines, you will serve on our space going vessels, or as peacekeepers here on Earth or on Mars. You might get a shot at an Earth assignment and spend some time at sea, but those assignments usually go to second term enlistments. If the brass assigns you to the space born Fleet Marines, you will do your boot camp on the moon. If they assign you to the planet side division, you will do boot camp in San-Diego."

"I don't want to go back there," Alonzo whispered.

"I hear you. I'm choosing Fleet Marines, Space Division," David replied.

"Let's wait until we hear what the guys from the other branches have to say." An Air Force officer replaced the Marine lieutenant and he explained that as airmen, they would serve with the space fleet as shuttle pilots or mechanics, or on Earth on the various airbases. He said that if you went to flight school, you would fly air support for the Army or Marines. He explained that in the Air Force, you would do your boot camp either in Texas or on the moon.

Another naval officer stepped to the podium, looked out at the inductees and smiled. "Gentlemen. If you join the Navy, you will serve with the fleet at space or on one of the surface vessels on Earth. If you receive orders for the space division, you will do boot camp on the moon. If your orders assign you to the straight leg Navy on Earth, you will do your boot camp in New New Chicago , up by the Great Lakes. Either way, you are in for an adventure. You could also serve at one of the space stations orbiting Earth or Mars." He paused and then said, "See the solar system, sail the world's oceans, join the Navy."

"I thought we were inductees? This guy acts like we really have a choice," David whispered.

"We can choose. It all depends on the numbers. The only thing we can't choose is to say the hell with this shit and go home, Alonzo said." David let out a muffled giggle, still feeling the effects of the alcohol they drank earlier, and a few heads turned giving him stern looks.

An officer from the Planetary Patrol Force stood behind the podium, looked out at the inductees and smiled. "The PPF is a fast reaction force that spends most of its time chasing smugglers or pirates. We are the first ones the brass calls on when there is trouble anywhere in the solar system. We are an elite force. If you join the PPF, you will do your boot camp on the moon and serve at space. Thank you," the man said and then sat down.

Ensign Blackwell stepped back up to the podium. "Please fill out your last form choosing which branch of the service you would like to serve in and then take your forms to the room across the hall for stage two of induction: Physiological and Political Evaluation."

"What are you choosing?" Alonzo asked.

"I told you. Fleet Marines, Space Division," David said and filled out the last form. Finished with their paper work, they stepped out the door and another group of inductees filled the orientation room. They stepped through a doorway on the right side of the hallway underneath a plaque reading: **Stage Two, Psychological and political Evaluation.** They stepped into a room filled with small desk and chairs similar to those used in school. More papers and pencils set on the desk and David noticed five small offices with glass windows at the front of the room.

A young female naval officer standing at the front of the room smiled. "Inductees. Before you is setting a one hundred question test. There are no wrong or right answers. Just answer the questions truthfully to the best of your ability. After you're finished, remain seated. When you hear your name called, report to whichever evaluator calls your name. The evaluations will be in one of the offices behind me. Let's start the test people. We have a lot of people to process today."

David and Alonzo picked up their pencils and went to work on the test, which consisted of mostly true or false questions with some multiple choice and some abstract reasoning questions mixed in. David's head pounded and he found it hard to concentrate. _God, I drank too much beer,_ he thought.

After finishing the test, they sat back to wait and after a few minutes, a portly man dressed in a black suit stepped out of one of the offices up front.

"Is there a Mr. David Gallagher here?" he asked.

"I'm Gallagher," David said and made his way to the front.

"Come in. Have a seat, young man." David followed him through the brown door, sat down in an office chair across the desk from the portly political officer and handed over his paperwork breathing in the smell of stale tobacco and cheap whiskey.

"How are things going this morning?"

"Everything's fine. Hectic, but fine." David replied.

"I see here that you chose the Fleet Marines Space Division to serve in. Why is that?"

"I want to get off the planet and see the solar system." David said.

"Yes. It's an adventure out there. What we are going to do is I am going to ask you a series of questions. I want to answer with the first thing that comes off the top of your head. Do you think you can handle that?"

"Piece of cake," David said.

"Okay. Here we go. First question." The political officer asked David several questions pertaining to his loyalty to the Council of Economic Unions, his personal belief system, his personal value system and his plans for the future. When he was done with his questions, the political officer looked up and smiled. "Your name got red flagged on the computer, because of your relationship to someone named Shawn Gallagher. Do you know this Shawn Gallagher?"

David sighed, feeling heat rise in his face. "He's my brother."

"It seems that your brother is involved in some insurrectionist activities. He's right in the middle of this work stoppage on Europa, and there are rumors that he is involved with a terrorist group, known as The People's Fist. If that is true, when the federal forces catch him, he faces execution. What are your feelings about your brother's activities? Do you share his nationalistic and insurrectionist views?"

"No. My loyalties lie with the federal system. It's what pulled us out of the chaos of World War Three. My brother is a troublemaker. He has been from the time he was little until now," David said.

"Then you don't approve of his activities?"

"No. We don't even get along," David replied.

"What if you are assigned a mission to apprehend your brother? Let's say that you are ordered to use deadly force if he resisted, and if not, you are to bring him in for trial and execution?"

David paused. "I would do my duty. I might not like it, but I would do my duty."

"Good. I realize that you shouldn't have to pay for your brother's sins, but even though the state should come first, some people let family ties get in the way of doing what is right. I'll let you proceed with induction, but I'm going to mark your paper work so that the political adviser at your first assignment can keep an eye on you. If you ever need to talk, or you feel some doubts creeping in and you don't know what to do, the door to your political advisor's office will always be open where ever you are assigned." The portly political officer looked at the digital clock embedded in his wrist and said, "It's almost noon. Go to the cafeteria and get some chow. Report to stage three at one AM for your physical and your strength and agility testing."

"Thank you Sir," David said, taking back his paperwork, and stepped out the door. He exited the room, now filled with new inductees taking their psychological and political evaluation written test, and when he stepped out into the main hallway, David found Alonzo waiting for him.

"How'd it go?" Alonzo asked.

"All right. They gave me some shit about my brother. That asshole is always getting his ass in a sling. It makes me mad when I get dragged into his bullshit."

"Forget about it. Let's go get some chow," Alonzo said.

They followed the crowd down to the cafeteria and stepped into line moving their trays down a buffet style counter, and breathed in the rich aroma of fresh cooked food. David's stomach rumbled. The kitchen personnel heaped mounds of mashed potatoes and gravy onto a hot roast beef sandwich; they had French fries, some fruit and a glass of fruit punch to drink.

"The grub doesn't look too bad," Alonzo said after they sat down.

David gazed about the room noticing that half of the inductees were good looking females. "No. I could survive on this."

"What did you think about the written test? What did you put for question seventeen? It went something like this: If you were in space and your ship was about to explode, but you only had room for one other person on your escape pod, who would you, choose? The answers were, A, your best friend, B, your Captain, C, your political advisor, D, whoever is closest to you, or E, none of the above."

"I put E. None of the above. I'd just get the hell out of there," David said.

"I picked D," Alonzo said, "but it would be the nearest good looking female." Alonzo laughed, diving into his hot roast beef sandwich.

"I think they wanted you to say, C, your political advisor."

"Screw the Political Advisor," David replied. Finished with lunch, they headed out into the hallway and entered a door on their right with the words: **Stage Three** written over the door. A long line of tables set in the center of the room and inductees stood facing a doorway on the other end of the room. Across the tables from the inductees stood, a group of medical personnel and next to each inductee sat a large canvas bag. A good looking young female inductee stood in front of David.

"Take off your clothes and put them in the bag setting next to you on the table," the head nurse standing at the head of line said. David blushed and hesitated for a few seconds.

"Let's go, inductee. We don't have all day," a young nurse standing next to David said, so David stripped out of his clothes and put them in the bag as instructed. When the young female inductee standing in front of David took off her clothes, David's eyes dropped to her shapely bottom and he felt something stir in his lower regions.

"Do you have an eye problem inductee? Keep your eyes up and pointed straight forward," the female nurse standing next to David said, and smiled. David's face turned crimson.

The doctors and nurses gave them each a thorough physical exam, which consisted of several inoculations. They took DNA samples, had their eyes and ears examined and the nurses ran BIO scanners over their bodies checking their internal organs. The doctors and nurses poked and prodded the inductees for over an hour. A nurse took their fingerprints, copies of their retinal with a scanner, she took samples of hair follicles and when the exam was over, the nurse standing near the doorway at the end of the room handed the first inductee in line a set of gym trunks and a tee shirt.

"Step though this doorway and form up on the bulkhead to your right. Your strength and agility test will begin in ten minutes."

When David and Alonzo reached the head of the line, they took their gym shorts and tee shirts and headed through the door. They put on their workout clothes, leaned against the bulkhead behind them and the girl standing next to David who had been in front of him in line smiled.

"I heard you get in trouble back there," she said.

"Yeah. So sue me. You've got a nice ass," David said and laughed.

She let out a giggle. "I'm glad that parts over. It's kind of embarrassing being naked like that in front of everybody. I'm surprised that they didn't separate the sexes."

"I think they're just trying to herd us through like cattle. They're more concerned about quantity, than modesty," David replied. David gazed across the room noticing chin up bars, weight lifting equipment, a rappelling tower and an obstacle course. On the far side of the obstacle course set, several machines and he identified a stair stepper and a treadmill, but there were a few that he didn't recognized. Four physical fitness instructors, two males and two females, stepped up to the inductees.

"Inductees. Let's step away from the wall and do some stretching exercises. Then will pair up and do some exercises to see how physically fit you people are," the head instructor, a fifty year old man with bulging biceps and six pack abs said. Finished with the stretching exercises, David paired up with the young woman standing next to him and they went through a rigorous ordeal where they had to do as many sit ups, pushups, deep knee bends, leg lifts and squats as they could; it was a timed test. David's head pounded; sweat cropped up on his forehead and he smelled like beer. After that, they ran an obstacle course, climbing over walls and running though a row of rubber tires, and then climbed up a wooden tower using ropes to slide back down when they were through. By the time, he finished the obstacle course, David was drenched in sweat but his hangover was gone.

The instructors allowed them a five minute rest break and then started the strength test. They lifted weights with their legs, bench pressed as much weight as they could lift, and used a machine where they stood on its platform and pulled two rings with their hands. The machine applied resistance and measured the foot pounds of pressure that they pulled with their arms. The machine caused their arms to ache and after they finished, they ran on the treadmill until near exhaustion. The instructors moved the inductees back to the bulkhead where they stood leaning before they started the strength and agility test.

"That will be enough people. Hit the showers to my left. Put your street clothes back on and put the gym trunks and tee shirt in the laundry hamper bay the door to the showers. After that, report to stage four of induction. That will be held in the last room on the left hand side off the hallway on the far end opposite form where you first entered this morning!"

The inductees, both male and female, headed to the showers while the physical fitness instructors stood at the doorway watching, making sure that no sexual conduct occurred. In the shower, David and Alonzo couldn't help but make fugitive glances at the female inductees while they lathered up their naked bodies in the shower.

"Madre Dios, look at them titties," Alonzo whispered.

"Good Lord God almighty! I think I've died and gone to heaven," David replied.

"Do you two inductees have an eye problem? Finish up and get dressed! We've got more inductees waiting for the shower!" the woman standing guard at the door yelled.

"Yes ma'am!" David and Alonzo both yelled. Finished in the shower, they put their street clothes back on, headed to the main hallway and entered the last door on their left noticing a naval officer standing on a raised platform adored with flags from the various Economic Unions plus the blue green flag of the Council of Economic Unions.

"Step to the front of the room and make room for as many people as possible! Once I administer the oath, report to stage five, which is out processing! Go through the double doors at the opposite end of the hallway that you entered this morning! Out processing is in the south end lobby!" the naval officer said.

When the room filled to capacity, the naval officer on the platform issued an oath of allegiance to the Council of Economic Unions. After swearing their oaths, David and Alonzo, followed the crowd, back out into the hallway, through the double doors on the south end of the building and waited in line at an out processing desk.

A red headed female naval officer shot David a quick smile, took his paper work, put his papers on a portable scanner, down loaded them into the computer system, printed up his orders and handed them to back.

"You've been assigned to the Fleet Marines, Space Division. Your boot camp will be on the moon. You are on flight 729, which leaves the shuttle port tonight at 20:00 hours. That will take you to space dock where you will catch a troop transport to the lunar colonies. Show your orders to the clerk at space dock and they will direct you to the right ship. You have an advance in pay of five hundred credits for meals. Good luck inductee."

"Thank you." David said He stepped out of line, and waited for Alonzo. When Alonzo received his orders, he stepped up next to David and glanced at David's orders.

"We're on the same flight. We're both in Fleet Marines and headed to boot camp on the moon. Maybe they'll put us in the same platoon," Alonzo said.

"Maybe. Let's get out of here and catch a bus to the spaceport." They caught the shuttle bus and at the spaceport, David used some of his credits to buy dinner. Alonzo bought the beer and when the announcer called their flight, they staggered outside and up the shuttle's boarding ramp. Alonzo found two empty seats in the back of the shuttle, the shuttle lifted off the landing pad, applied thrust and the Gee forces shoved them back into their seats. When the shuttle reached orbit, Alonzo looked out his porthole at the Earth rotating below.

"Take a good look Bro. It may be a long time before we see old Mother Earth again. I almost wish I was back in Diego."

### CHAPTER 6

Cyrus Bonelli stood by a window on the top floor of the CEU council building in New York City, built on the same spot that had once housed the old United Nations building, and wished that he was back home in Italy. Gazing out at the sprawling city below, he watched air cars pass by in the night and noticed a diplomatic shuttle descend to the roof of the building. _God I hate New York_ , Cyrus thought. _One more year and my term as president of the council will be over._ Some men coveted the position, but Cyrus loathed it. As council president, you were the most powerful man, on not just Earth, but you were the most powerful man in the entire solar system.

_With great power comes great responsibility._ _Sure, the plush apartment occupying the entire floor below the council chambers is nice. The perks and the money are good, but the stress could send me to an early grave. As if I don't have enough on my plate dealing with all these bureaucrats, and now this. If I catch this damned Shawn Gallagher, I'll personally fire the laser bolt into the back of his head that takes his life,_ Cyrus thought.

_That's why the Council of Economic Unions charter, states that the president should serve one six year term. The job is too much for one man._ Cyrus turned and gazed at the council floor below where the council made the major decisions that affected the lives of everyone and his mind drifted to the past. In a terrorist attack on 09-11-2001, two jet planes crashed into the old twin towers, bringing them down and killing a large amount of people. This catalyst eventually led to the Third Word War and one of the last accomplishments of the old regime in Washington was to rebuild the towers. In the lobby of both towers set, a monument to the ones lost in the terrorist attacks and it was one of the only remaining monuments of that failed regime.

Cyrus stepped down from the raised viewing platform, crossed the spectator area of the council chamber, ignoring the hum of conversation, and climbed the steps to the platform. He stood behind the podium watching the various presidents from the Economic Unions, plus the representatives from the colonies fill the chamber and looked at digital timepiece embedded in his wrist. A sense of revulsion passed through him. At midnight, New York time, Cyrus banged the gavel calling the meeting to order.

"Gentlemen. Presidents and Governor Generals. Let's bring the room to order." A hush fell over the council floor. "Most of you know why I've called this emergency meeting of the council, but just in case you haven't seen the news, I'll play the piece for you now. If I can draw your attention to the VID screen behind me."

The image of Shawn Gallagher filled the massive VID screen hanging from the ceiling behind him and Cyrus turned up the sound. The presidents of the economic unions, the governor generals of the colonies along with the CEOs of the major corporations that held positions on the council and did business on Earth as well as in the solar system, watched and listened. On the screen, Shawn Gallagher read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of rights. They watched the image of Shawn Gallagher proclaim independence for the mining colonies on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. When the Video recording finished, Cyrus turned off the VID screen and pandemonium filled the council chamber.

"I'll have order on the council floor!" Cyrus yelled banging his gavel. "The question before us is what to do about this son of a bitch. It is my recommendation that we squash this little man and his followers like the cockroaches they are. I put before the council a military solution."

"Mr. Chairman. The president of the European Union wishes to be recognized," a gray haired skinny man said standing to his feet.

Cyrus grimaced, feeling acid reflux in his throat. "The chair so recognizes the president of the European Union."

"Mr. President, these miners have us over a barrel. They control the helium-3, the hydrogen that powers our ships and the deuterium crystals. What about our new fleet of deeps space vessels? Will they be a part of this military endeavor to rid the solar system of this rabble?"

"No. The deep space fleet will proceed with its mission. That they hold us over a barrel by denying us hydrogen, water ice, deuterium crystals and helium-3 is precisely why I propose this military campaign," Cyrus said.

"I think this is folly. You saw what they did to that helium tanker. In light of the trouble on Mars, I'd think that a major military campaign would be the last thing that you'd want. I propose a limited Special Forces operation using Planetary Patrol vessels and men. Using the element of surprise, they could land on Europa and put an end to this."

Cyrus felt heat rising in his forehead. "Need I remind you that it's not just Europa?"

"Mr. Chairman. The representative for Consolidated Mining wishes to be recognized," a portly mining official said, jumping to his feet.

"The chair so recognizes."

"Mr. Chairman. Why not give them what they want? We could give them limited autonomy. The fleet of tankers they abducted belongs to my company. We could demand payment for the tankers, charge them a tax for moving the loads through our space. We could pay them for the helium, the hydrogen, the water ice and deuterium, but they will need goods from Earth. Trade deals could be negotiated." The room erupted into chaos.

Cyrus felt a ball of acid form in his stomach, his cheeks reddened in anger and his hands white knuckled the podium _. These lily livered spineless bastards are going to let this rabble have their way,_ Cyrus thought. The council debate went back and forth debating the issue well into the early hours of the morning and by the time they reached a decision, Cyrus Bonelli felt like resigning in frustration.

Jack Chambers sat in his chair on the command platform of the Port Royal. Next to him, in the first officer's Chair, sat his friend and new first officer, Craig Bannister. A cold chill shot down Chambers' back. _I wish they'd turn up the damn heat,_ Chambers thought. He gazed down at the technicians manning the workstations on the bridge three steps below. The workstations consisted of computer panels and virtual key boards with cushioned chairs setting at each station for the operator.

His eyes roving the bridge, Chambers noticed the helm, where the helmsmen piloted the ship and his eyes took in the weapons station, to the left of the helm, where the chief weapon's specialist directed fire communicating with the weapons center several decks below. His eyes kept moving taking in the chief engineer's station, to the right of the helm, where the chief engineer kept in direct communications with the engine room. One of the technicians, working on a computer, let out a curse. Chambers' eyes drifted to the communications officer's station, setting in front of the chief engineer, but slightly to his right filling a space on the fore bulkhead next to the main view screen. _I'm supposed to be in charge of all this? Somehow I don't feel up to the task._

Captain Chambers' eyes moved to the left of the main view screen, where a large bank of computer screens and other instruments occupied much of the bulkhead, taking in the science officer's station, his eyes locked onto the main view screen occupying the entire foreword bulkhead. _Space, the wonder of it all,_ Chambers thought and a thrill shot through him.

Captain Chambers drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair waiting for the traffic controller to allow them to leave space dock and join the fleet for space trials. Jack Chambers and Craig Banister had been on board the Port Royal for seventy two hours and it had been an eventful three days.

"Hurry up and wait," Chambers said.

"That's the navy way," Banister replied. "Patience my Cap-a-tan."

"Patience, hell. I want to kill something!" Chambers yelled in mock seriousness and they both laughed. Jack felt like a little kid on a grand adventure and his mind drifted back to his first morning on board ship.

"Captain Chambers, this is your 0500 wake up call. The kitchen staff will serve breakfast in the officer's mess at 0600 hours. After breakfast, I'll give you and Mr. Banister a tour of the ship, Sir," the voice of Ensign Palmer said coming over the small speaker next to the captain's bed. Captain Chambers woke from a deep slumber, rolled out of bed placing his feet on the floor and knuckled sleep from his eyes. Goose flesh beaded up on his arms and legs.

Chambers pressed the green talk button and said, "All right. Thank you. I'm up."

"Very well. Carry on Sir," Palmer said and ended the transmission.

"Lights on." His cabin lights turned on, he rose to his feet, took his black robe along with a black pair of slippers from his sea bag, and put them on. Dressed in his robe and slippers, he stumbled to the food and beverage station. "Coffee, Black." A cup dropped into a slot, the coffee started brewing and a few seconds later, scalding hot coffee filled the cup. He took the cup, the warm cup feeling good to his cold hands, from the machine, stumbled over to the table in the center of his cabin, sat down and took the first tentative sip of the hot liquid. "That's what I'm talking about." The hot coffee chased the cobwebs of sleep from his mind and after drinking two cups, he stepped into the shower.

"Water, hot. Vigorous massage." The water in the shower turned on, Chambers lathered up his muscled body and then rinsed off. "Blow dry," he said to the room's computer. Hot jets of air hit his body drying him off, he stepped out of the shower, wiping off a few beads of water from his shoulder that the air jets missed, and headed back to the main cabin. He took out a fresh uniform and put it on. Dressed, he went to the room's computer control panel and set the computer system from voice activated to voice activated audible response. From the list of personality choices, he chose sensual female, entered the name, Marry Ann and entered his own name under room occupant.

"Hello Marry Ann," he said after setting the controls.

"Hello Captain. How may I assist you?" a seductive female voice came over the rooms PA speakers in response.

"I'm fine Marry Ann. Just checking the system." He went to the beverage station, retrieved another cup of coffee, took a seat at the table, polished his boots and shined his brass belt buckle between occasional sips of coffee. Finished with his boots and buckle, he put on his boots, adjusted his uniform and looked at the timepiece embedded in his wrist. It read 0558. The door chime rang, he stepped to the door, the door whooshed open and Lieutenant Palmer and Craig Bannister stood in the hallway.

"Are you ready for some breakfast Sir?" Palmer asked.

"Boy Howdy. I'm about as hungry as an anorexia grizzly bear," Chambers replied.

"Right. If you'll follow me Sir," Palmer said and led them down the dimly lit hallway.

"Did someone forget to pay the light bill? And why is it so cold in the hallway." Chambers asked.

"The lights in the hallway are dim to simulate early morning. They'll get brighter as the day goes by, and the engineers turn the heat down in the corridors in the wee hours to conserve energy," Ensign Palmer said.

"Interesting," Chambers replied. "How'd you sleep?" Chambers asked Bannister.

Banister shrugged. "Like a baby. How about you?"

"Like the dead. How'd you set your room's computer?"

Banister grinned. "Female sensual with a French accent. I love a woman with a French accent."

Chambers laughed. "I set mine to Sensual, female American."

"A deck not only consist of the bridge and officer's mess, but it also houses the PX, sick bay, the officers pub, our fitness center and recreational complex, which consist of a bowling alley, a movie theater, a concert hall, a sports arena and a swimming pool. There is also a hot tub. There are several other pubs on this deck besides the officer's pub. The bordello is at the end of the hallway," Ensign Palmer said and led them down the main corridor toward the officer's mess.

Chambers bottom jaw dropped. "The bordello? You mean there's a whore house on board ship?"

"The brass prefers the term Comfort Station. This is a Deep Space Battle Cruiser. It will be away from Earth for years at a time. Military regs frowns on fraternization among the ship's military personnel, but they realize that people have needs. The comfort girls, as the brass prefers to call them, along with people working in the PX or at the REC center or in the pubs, work for an outside contractor. They are there to serve the needs of the service. Fraternization with contracted personnel is OK," Palmer replied. Palmer stepped into the officer's mess and Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister followed. A few low ranking officers sitting at the various tables gave Captain Chambers and First officer Bannister the once over when they came in. Palmer grabbed a metal tray moving down the serving line so Chambers and Bannister picked up their trays and followed. Food workers slapped down piles of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and a stack of pancakes onto their trays. A man in his fifties with short gray hair cut to military regs stepped out of the kitchen, approached Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister and snapped off a salute.

"Captain Chambers. First Officer Bannister. Welcome aboard. I am Mess Sergeant Austen Jones. I hope you gentleman enjoy your meal."

"If it taste as good as it smells I'll be happy," Chambers replied.

"If there is anything you need, just ask." At the end of the serving line, Captain Chambers poured himself a cup of coffee and they found a seat. On the table, set a pitcher of orange juice, maple syrup and salt and peppershakers. Chambers poured himself some orange juice and poured maple syrup over his hot cakes. Taking a bite from the stack of pancakes, he savored the first morsel in his mouth.

"This food is delicious. How can the mess hall maintain this level of proficiency, once we're been at space for a year or more?" Chambers asked.

"The ship is self sufficient. We grow our own food; raise our own meat and vegetables down on the farm. I'll show you after we eat. I'm sure the chief horticulturist will give you the grand tour," Palmer replied.

"Interesting. I'd enjoy seeing this farm," Bannister said. Finished with breakfast, Lieutenant Palmer led them out of the officer's mess, headed down the hallway and showed them the PX, the sick bay, the fitness center, the recreation facilities and the security center. Palmer gave them a tour of the science labs, the fire station, damage control center and the last place they saw on A-deck was the bordello. Captain Chambers noticed a few young women in skimpy attire sitting at a bar drinking when they entered and breathed in the smell of perfume. The madam in charge took them on a tour explaining to the captain that all of the girls had regular medical checkups and were free of any sexually transmitted diseases. She said that they were there to support the troops.

After leaving the bordello, Palmer led Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister to the turbo lifts using the turbo lift's manual controls.

"We're passing decks A-1, A-2 and A-3 which consist solely of officers sleeping berths. The officer's cabins are slightly bigger than the Non Com quarters which are further below," Palmer said. Palmer gave them a tour of the shuttle bay, the cargo bay and the weapons center. Further, into the bowels of the ship, he showed them the Fleet Marine decks that house their on board training facilities, office complex and troop berthing area. The troop area was empty, except for a couple of officers in the officer's complex, so Palmer introduced Chambers and Bannister to the Fleet Marine commander.

Below the Fleet Marine, area laid the crew berthing area for the Navy enlisted personnel. One deck below this lay the engine room where Palmer showed off the fusion reactor, the gravity field generator plus the huge compressors that provided the ship's oxygen. Palmer introduced the captain and first officer to the chief engineer and the last stop of the tour was the farm.

When Captain Chambers stepped out of the turbo lift and stood in the center of the deck, he gazed about in awe breathing in the rich aroma of animal dung. On the aft end of the deck set several pens where cattle and sheep grazed. Captain Chambers saw an area housing chickens and turkeys, plus a vast field of vegetables and noticed several large tanks of water. His eyes wandered to an office complex with various laboratories' occupying the fore end of the deck and noticed an older white headed man wearing a white lab coat.

"Hello Captain. I'm Chris Webster. Chief horticulturalist. Would you like a tour of the farm?" the man said.

"I'd love one." The horticulturist showed them the lab area where they cloned the embryos and raised the animals until they were old enough to graze on their own. Then he showed them the meat house where they butchered the animals and processed the meat. Walking down a catwalk between various pens, Captain Chambers noticed several water tanks.

"What are these water tanks for?"

"The four vertical tanks, which are open on the top, are our fish ponds. We raise a verity of fresh water and salt water fish, plus lobsters and scrimp. Those large circular tanks standing horizontally are the ship's water supply. The building setting next to those tanks is the water treatment facility. Every drop of water used on board the ship is treated and recycled," the horticulturist said.

"You mean that last cup of coffee I drank came from piss water?" the captain said.

The white haired horticulturist laughed. "No. The wastewater is broken down to its purest form. The water in your coffee came from pure H2o. Even the solid waste generated on the ship is used. We use it as fertilizer to grown our crops. The growth cycles are every three weeks. Every three weeks we slaughter the meat bearing animals and bring in a vegetable crop. We use growth hormones. We grow our own feed for the animals. It is very self-sufficient. We can supply the ship's personnel with a well balanced diet indefinably. That concludes the tour, Captain. Do you have any questions? If not, I'm sure you have other duties you'd like to attend to," the horticulturist said.

"You might want to check the ship personnel records, maybe compile a duty roster. We're short on people, right now. I'm sure there are things you need to do to prepare for the admiral's briefing," Palmer replied.

"Yes. Let's head top side. Duty calls," Chambers said and they headed for the turbo lifts.

Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister rode the turbo lift down to the shuttle bay at 19:30 hours ship time for the shuttle flight to the CEU Saratoga for the admiral's briefing.

"Are you ready?" Bannister asked and Chambers laughed.

"I'm about as nervous as a two dollar whore in church, but I'm ready. Right now, with the few contract people, we have on board and our skeleton crew, the ship is so under staffed that I do not see how he expects us to do any space trials, but I have duty rosters from the department heads and I have a list of all personnel on board. I have status reports from every department head."

Banister gripped Chambers arm. "You'll do fine. This is just a shakedown cruise. We'll have a full boat when we launch the actual mission." The doors to the turbo lift whooshed open, they stepped into the launch bay and a young pilot stood up giving them a salute.

"Captain Chambers. First Officer Bannister, your shuttle waits," the pilot said.

"Lead the way," Chambers replied. The shuttle pilot led them through an airlock, onto the shuttle bay and led them to the captain's shuttle setting in the center of the launch bay.

"If you gentlemen will find yourselves a seat and strap in, we'll take off shortly." They sauntered up the boarding ramp onto the shuttle and the pilot headed forward through a small hatchway to the cockpit. Jack Chambers and Craig Bannister sat down in a row of seats facing the fore end of the shuttle, while behind them set the captain's lounge. The pilot's voice came over PA system calling the launch control center.

"Port Royal captain's shuttle to launch control, request permission to launch."

"Captain's shuttle you are cleared to launch out of tube three in ninety second. You may proceed to launch gate three," the launch control officer said. They felt the shuttle move into position and heard buzzers ring throughout the launch bay.

"All personnel clear the launch bay." The voice of the launch control officer came over the speaker once more. "Port Royal captain' shuttle you are clear to launch." Gee forces pushed them back into their seats as the shuttle shot down the launch tube and out to space.

Their shuttle landed on the launch bay of the CEU-Saratoga a few minutes later. Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister gazed about in awe at the size of the vessel and when the launch control restored oxygen to the launch bay, they disembarked.

"Gentleman. I am Ensign Hamilton. Admiral Ivanov requests that you meet him in the officer's mess. He has a banquet prepared. If you would follow me," a tall dark haired naval officer waiting on the launch bay to greet them, said.

"Lead the way," Chambers replied. The ensign led them through an airlock to a turbo lift on A deck and then led them down to the officer's mess. They stepped into the mess hall and for a few seconds, Captain Chambers stood staring at the tables cover with silk tablecloths and fine china that filled the room. The officers of the new fleet sat conversing and drinking wine from expensive goblets while they enjoyed the evening. Stuarts poured drinks, brought appetizers before the main course and catered to their every need. The smell of delicious food permeated the room causing Chambers' stomach to rumble.

"Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister. If you will follow me, I'll show you to your table," a black Stuart at the doorway said and they followed him through the crowded dining hall.

"This is some fancy doings," Chambers replied, seeming nervous.

"I know you'd rather be sitting somewhere eating a greasy burger with your sleeves rolled up, but at least try to act civilized," Bannister said. The Stuarts brought plates filled with boiled lobster along with succulent baked potatoes to their table while others filled their goblets with wine. Bannister spread a napkin across his lap; Chambers tossed his napkin aside and dug in with abandonment.

Banister shook his head. "I can't take you anywhere."

After the meal, Admiral Boris Ivanov stood before the assembled officers.

"Gentleman. If you haven't seen the news, I'll play a clip for you that aired on the VID-net last night." He turned on the VID screen on the bulkhead behind him and the image of Shawn Gallagher declaring independence for the mining colonies on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn filled the screen. A hush fell over the mess hall, and when the VID clip finished playing, Admiral Ivanov turned off the VID screen.

"That man's face looks familiar," Captain Chambers whispered to Craig Bannister.

"How will this affect our mission?" one of the officers asked.

"It shouldn't affect it at all. The Navy has other ships and troops to deal with the situation. Rumor has it that they are going to use the PPF forces. When our launch window arrives, the planets in our solar system will be in alignment. We will use Jupiter's orbit to sling shot us to the outer edges of the solar system. If these rebel rousers give us any problem, we'll destroy them. If they don't, we'll leave them for others to deal with." Ivanov took a drink of wine from his goblet and continued. "All of you officers assembled here have chosen to dedicate your lives and carriers to the Federal Defense. Don't expect to see home for quite some time. Sitting before you on the table is your orders. Once we leave the solar system, we will split the fleet. I wall take half the fleet to system 23595. Admiral Larsen will lead the rest of the fleet to Alpha Centuri. Our mission is to contact any alien life forms we encounter, try to establish trade, secure new technologies and search for habitable worlds to colonize. We know there are other civilizations out there. I would like to make peaceful contact with them and form alliances."

Ivanov turned the VID screen back on. He hit the still frame mode and started a slide show. "These images are from the archived rubble of the old regime. These slides show evidence that Earth has been visited in its past by beings from other worlds." On the screen, images of flying disk appeared. Ivanov clicked to the next image showing a gray alien with an egg shaped head, cat like eyes and gray rubbery like skin.

"These are known as the grays. These may be some of the sentient beings we might find. Our scientist found some vague reference in writings found in the ruins of the old regime referring to some race known as the Paladins. They are supposed to be some type of Nordic humanoid races, but who knows? Gentleman we are about to make history."

"How long will we be at space?" someone asked.

"Twenty five years. We expect twelve years travel time there and back, plus a year on station. Space trials will begin in three days." A collective sigh came from the room. "I wish we had the technology like they showed in the old regimes entertainment shows. It would be convenient to pop across the galaxy using warp drive like, Captain Kirk in the old television show known as Star Trek, but so far, that technology eludes us, though our scientists are working on similar technologies to bend space and time."

Admiral Ivanov opened the floor to questions and there were quite a few, but it was a more somber crowed that exited the mess hall after the mission briefing. Admiral Ivanov took his visiting officers on a tour of his war room after the briefing. The war room consisted of an upper deck above the main bridge with a clear hardened dome overhead instead of a metallic hull. With the magnification of the clear dome, he could see all of the ships in the fleet and in the center of the war room, set a long table. The table's surface consisted of a computer screen with holographic images of each ship in the fleet appearing on the screen. Computer consoles and workstations occupied the circular bulkheads on the edges of the dome.

"I wanted you gentleman to see this," Ivanov said motioning to the exterior of the clear super hardened dome. Jack Chambers and Craig Bannister stared in awe, along with the rest of the officers in the fleet, out the clear dome at the massive vessels surrounding them.

The voice of the traffic controller coming through the speakers on the communications officer's station brought Jack Chamber's mind back to the present. The technicians manning the station had the volume turned up so that the voice of the traffic controller reverberated throughout the bridge.

"Space dock to Port Royal. You are clear to leave space dock. Watch for incoming traffic. Have a pleasant voyage."

Jack Chambers flipped the Com switch on the arm of his chair overriding the communications officer's station. "Roger, space dock. We'll see you in three months." Chambers looked at the technician at the communications officer's station and said, "Contact engineering. Have them blow the docking bolts." A bang reverberated through the ship's hull when the explosive bolts blew, freeing the Port Royal from the docking bay, and Chambers looked at the technician manning the helm. "Take us out easy. Let's form up with the fleet."

"Aye Captain," the technician replied and pulled the ship forward away from space dock.

Chambers looked at Banister and grinned. "Are you ready to see what this bucket can do?"

"You better believe it," Banister replied, a grin crossing his own face as well. The Port Royal moved out of Space Dock, took its place with the fleet and the new fleet of deep space battle ships, along with its support vessels, moved away from the space dock, took a turn around the globe and then broke orbit heading to space.

### CHAPTER 7

Shawn Gallagher leaned back in his chair at his desk in the former office complex of Consolidated Mining on Europa and heaved a sigh. His mind flashed back going over the last three weeks, and he marveled at all they had accomplished. They had formed a temporary government, with John Wilson's help, and had drafted a written Declaration of Independence, which they transmitted it to the Council of Economic Unions. Wilson wrote a manifesto declaring their demands and Shawn transmitted it to the council as well. With Wilson's help, Shawn completed the final draft of their government's new constitution.

Shawn served as the temporary president and appointed John Wilson as his temporary Secretary of Defense. Another one of his closest friends, James Atkins, filled in as the temporary Vice President while still another friend, with a former military background, Jerry Holliday, accepted the position as the head of security and intelligence. Another former military man, Chuck Ballantine, became the Secretary of the treasury.

For the past three weeks, the former miners had been busy training, familiarizing themselves with the new weapons, preparing for the eventual federal assault while others built defensive positions. Chuck Ballantine, who was in charge of the newly established mint, built a press where they minted gold and silver coins and although their preparations for the federal assault were going well, Shawn felt vulnerable. The mercenary force that Ludwig Von Wolf promised to supply had yet to show up and if the federal forces arrived first, they would be in a world of hurt.

"When can we expect Ludwig's MERKS to show up?" Shawn asked looking up at the men gathered for the morning briefing.

Jerry Holliday drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair. "Any time now. I sent him an encrypted VID transmission. Supposedly they left their base in the asteroid belt two months ago."

"What do your sources say about the federal response, now that we've made the declaration?" Shawn asked brushing a strand of hair from his face.

"Rumor is that they might be trying some clandestine operation using the PPF, but I also hear rumors of a much larger troop buildup."

"What about our aw-shit plan?" Shawn asked, whipping a few beads of sweat from his brow.

Holliday laughed. "Everything is going according to the plan."

"It's good to have friends in accounting who don't can hide where the money or material is going," Shawn replied. "I still can't believe we pull this off right under Consolidated Security's nose."

Shawn nodded. "Yeah. It took a lot of time and hard work, but if you have the paperwork filled out right, they just give it the rubber stamp and send it on its way." Shawn looked at his close friend, John Wilson. "What about the troops? How goes the training?"

"They're doing as good as can be expected for men that have been out of the service for a while. We'll accelerate the training when Ludwig's people get here."

"Will they be ready when the feds arrive? That's the question?" Shawn said.

Wilson paused and then lit a cigar. The rich aroma of tobacco smoke drifted across the room. "I think they will be. When it comes to that, everyone will fight."

"What about the mint? Are the men happy about the new coinage and the new pay scales?" Shawn asked, glancing at Ballantine.

Ballantine shrugged. "Pretty much. Right now, our warehouse is full. If this thing goes on too long and commodities get scarce, things might change."

"If there's nothing else, I think I'll go down to site D and see how they're coming on my new space cruiser," Shawn said.

Wilson laughed, fanning smoke from in front of his face. "It was nice of the PPF to have one at the space port when this went down."

"Yeah I know. As soon as the boys are done with the modifications, I need to take a trip to the asteroid belt to see if we can make that deal with Mr. Wolf about those ships. I just wish his MERKS would show up first."

"There is that other matter you asked me to look into," Holliday said.

Shawn's face took on a look of concern. "I'd almost forgotten about that. What did you find out?"

"He graduated high school in San-Diego, applied for robotics school but got rejected. They drafted him into federal forces, like we figured they would. They assigned him to Fleet Marines Space Division and he is doing his boot camp right now at the Lunar training depot on the dark side of Earth's moon. He's taken some flack because of all this."

"I hope he doesn't suffer too much because of what I've done," Gallagher replied.

Holliday shrugged. "It's not too bad. The political officers are keeping an eye on him, but from what my sources say, he's pretty much following the party line."

Shawn leaned forward resting his elbows on the table. "I wish I could get him out of their clutches. Maybe if he was here, with me, I could undo the brainwashing that those bastards that run the federal system have stuffed in his ears for the last fourteen years in their so called enlightened system of education. When he completes boot camp and advanced training, see if you can find out where his first duty station is. I'd like to send a team to pull a snatch and grab, then bring him back here."

Holliday nodded. "I'll see what I can do."

"Good. Keep me posted. I guess that's it. I want to see how they're coming with my ship," Shawn said dismissing the men from the briefing and standing to his feet. A sense of sadness and regret sank into Shawn's being when his thoughts drifted to his brother David. _God how I wish he were here with me now._

Shawn Gallagher stepped out of his office and headed down a corridor passing several more offices, exiting the office complex and headed down another hallway passing the company store, the miner's lounge and the REC-room. A large towering building with a hardened glass dome covering its roof sat atop the mining complex. The top level housed the support facilities, such as the medical center, the cafeteria and other facilities that the miners needed to survive on Europa.

The second level housed the maintenance and engineering department. The engineering department held the machines, which provided the oxygen for the entire facility, plus it held huge gravity generators, which produced an Earth like gravity for the mines and a network of tunnels that connected all of the mining sites on Europa.

Shivering from the cool temperatures in the corridor, Shawn went to the nearest turbo lift, rode it down to level two and headed down a narrow corridor to maintenance. A young maintenance tech smiled when he stepped into the maintenance shed. "Hello Mr. President. What can I do for you?"

Shawn laughed. He was having a hard time getting used to people calling him Mr. President. "I need a sled. I'd like to go over to site-D and see how the boys are coming along on my new space cruiser."

"I got one right here. I just charged the batteries and did a tune up on this one. It's yours if you want it." Shawn looked down at the small vehicle, which reminded him of the old fashioned scooters that kids used to ride. It consisted of a driver's seat with a T bar control handle in front and behind the driver's seat sat a flat dump bed, which the miners used to carry equipment back and forth in the mines.

"Thanks." Shawn sat down in the driver's seat and switched on the machine, using a thumb switch on the left T handle handgrip. The sled hummed to life and rose two inches of the ground on a cushion of air. He turned the handle, hit the forward thrust button with his right thumb and cranked the throttle with his left hand. The machine moved forward and Shawn did a U turn, exiting the maintenance shed through a large roll up door and headed down the corridor. He passed several doorways in the metal bulkheads on his left and right, traversing the maintenance and engineering sections of level two in site-A and then took a turbo lift down several levels into the bowels of Europa.

After exiting site A through a massive set of steel reinforced doors, the metal bulkhead gave way to the icy walls of the tunnel system. He left site A behind traveling underneath the surface of Europa through the vast network of tunnels that connected the mining sites. Tiny flakes of ice flew up into the air while the sled hummed along, and to Shawn, it felt as though he was traveling through an ice storm, so he leaned over the T bar peering into the tunnel ahead of him. The hum of the sled's thrusters echoed off the icy walls of the tunnel provided a background noise.

Forty five minutes later, after passing through mining sites, B and C, Shawn reduced speed when he approached the entrance to site D. The electronic eye on the door registered his approach, the steel doors opened; Shawn pulled into the maintenance building and turned off the sled. He climbed off the vehicle and crossed the messy floor to a raised platform where men gathered around a sleek looking space cruiser. Shawn breathed in the smell of grease and oil watching one of the men put a fresh coat of ocean blue paint on the exterior of the craft.

"How goes it?" Shawn asked, swaggering up to the group. The men stepped back startled, and gave him a salute.

"Fine Mr. President, Sir. Our painter here is going to add the gold trim plus the presidential seal, once the base coat dries. Your new ship should be ready for space in a couple of days," a young blond headed maintenance tech wearing oily blue coveralls said.

Shawn gazed about. "Would you mind if I take a look inside?"

"Not at all, Sir. I'll give you the grand tour." Shawn jumped up onto the platform and followed the maintenance tech up the boarding ramp. They went through an airlock and stepped into a lounge area where another maintenance tech rolled out a long roll of ocean blue shag carpet. Shawn looked around the lounge area noticing two leather couches, a bar and a food and beverage center. He also noticed a stereo system and a VID screen on the bulkhead next to the airlock.

"What about the hidden storage areas I asked for?"

"They're right under our feet. These J bolts on the floor will be out of sight, once they install the carpet. You'll have to move the furniture and lift up these little squares of carpeting to get to them. Pull up on the J bolts, give them a turn and remove sections of the deck covers to access the storage. We tore out part of the former crew area and created a small cargo bay. We also created a hidden storage area under the deck in the cargo bay. We had some guys cut away a section of the hull on the aft end to create a cargo bay door to off load equipment. They're installing the hydraulics to raise and lower the ramp as we speak."

Shawn smiled. "Excellent."

"Would you like to see the bridge?"

"That was going to be my next request," Shawn replied, so the maintenance tech led him forward and through a hatchway to the bridge. Two plush black leather seats set facing forward and a bank of computer consoles set in front of the chairs. Mounted in the forward bulkhead set a rectangular view screen.

The maintenance tech smiled. "One person can fly this baby with ease. The seat on the left is the Captain's station. He operates the helm. The one on the right is the co-pilot slash communications officer and navigators station. If you have to fly by yourself, let's say your co-pilot is unavailable. Maybe he's getting a few hours rack time; you can divert his systems to your station. We've installed small laser cannons, and mounted small plasma torpedoes to the bottom of the vessel. This little baby packs a big punch. The weapons can be accessed from both the pilot and co-pilot's chair."

"Cool. You people are doing a great job," Shawn said.

"Would you like to see your quarters?" the maintenance tech asked.

Shawn nodded. "Lead the way." Shawn followed the maintenance tech back the way they came and across the lounge to another hatchway. They stepped into a narrow passageway stepping on shinny metal diamond plate on the deck below their feet and the maintenance tech opened a door on his left.

"This is your quarters," he said. Shawn looked into the room and saw a queen sized bed, setting on a sea of plush blue carpet, a small wet bar, a small table and a doorway that led to what he assumed was the bathroom.

"Nice," Shawn replied and stepped back out into the passageway. The maintenance tech opened a door on his right and Shawn stuck his head in the door.

"This is the crew berthing area," the maintenance tech said. Shawn saw four flip down metal racks, two on each side of a narrow passageway, complete with mattresses and blankets and noticed storage bins built into the bulkhead underneath each bunk. Beyond the metal racks at the end of the passageway set a table, with four chairs setting on the metal diamond plate covering the floor. A hatchway in the aft bullhead lead to what Shawn assumed was the crew's bath and shower room. They stepped back into the hallway and Shawn followed the maintenance tech to the hatchway at the end of the central corridor.

"This is your cargo bay." Shawn looked across the small rectangular shaped cargo bay and watched the men on the aft end had the cargo bay raise the door. "We're putting in the hydraulic system now. When we're finished, you'll have a ramp to off load cargo, plus another airlock back here."

"Good. Let's your people know that I'm pleased. They do good work." Finished with the tour, Shawn stood with the men gathered around the small vessel and shook hands with them. "Thank you men for all your hard work," Shawn said.

"When do you think the feds will attack, sir?" one of the men asked.

"I hope they don't. I hope they give in to our demands, but if they do, it will take at least six months for them get a sizable force together. We've got a lot of work to do between now and then."

"Where are you off to now sir?" someone asked.

"I thought I'd check on our new military forces and see how the training's going. Then I thought I'd take a rover out on the surface and check on the men preparing for our defense," Shawn replied.

"Thanks for stopping by, Mr. President. You're welcome here any time. We're putting in a lot of overtime to get your ship ready. The men will do you proud," the maintenance tech that had given Shawn the tour of the vessel said.

"I'm already proud," Shawn said. Climbing back on the sled, he exited the maintenance shed and sped down a wide corridor toward a large turbo lift that would take him down to the next level, housing the new military complex.

Shawn Gallagher hit the thrusters on the sled, exited the turbo lift entering the new military complex and headed through a maze of corridors until he reached the office complex. He met John Wilson at his office, left the sled there and they climbed into a hovercraft. Wilson climbed into the driver's seat, flipped a lever on the dashboard and a clear glass dome flipped down covering the driver's compartment. He turned on the crafts engines, they heard a faint whine inside the vehicle, Wilson moved the T handle in the center of the consol forward, and the vehicle moved forward riding on a cushion of air.

"Where to first Mr. President?" Wilson asked.

"Knock off the Mr. President, bit. I've about had enough of that."

John laughed. "That's something you're going to have to get used to. So where to?"

You're driving." Shawn replied.

Wilson moved the joystick forward, the hovercraft moved forward increasing speed and they headed down the main corridor. "Let's head to the rifle range." They approached an intersection where two tunnels met, took a left turn and pulled into a large cavern. The interior lighting lit up the underground shooting range; Wilson pulled up next to the range tower, and stopped in front of a large wooden structure setting next to the firing line. Men lay in the prone position at their shooting stations firing at targets three hundred yards down range and when Shawn climbed out of the hovercraft, he heard the voice of the range master coming from exterior speakers on the tower.

"Cease fire! Let's take a break!" The soldiers of the New Republic gathered around their new president, the men saluted and stood at attention.

"As you were," Shawn said and the men gathered around him.

"Are you guys ready to kick some federal ass?" Shawn asked and a cheer rose from the group.

"You bet your ass we are," one of the soldiers replied.

Shawn smiled. "Good, but I hope it don't come to that. I hope the council will listen to reason."

"Fat chance of that," someone said.

Wilson grinned. "What other government can the president walk among his people and not be surrounded by a gang of body guards? You won't see any presidents of the economic unions going anywhere without their entourage. They couldn't even do that in the old United States."

"I hope it stays this way," Shawn said.

The range master climbed down the wooden ladder from his tower, the grizzled old sergeant smiled, extended his hand and they shook. "What can we do for you Mr. President?"

"I came to see you people shoot," Shawn said.

"We've spent the last three days familiarizing ourselves with the new weapons and snapping in. Now we're shooting to qualify. If you'll take a seat in the bleachers behind the shooting station, we'll continue," the Range Master said.

"Good. Carry on Sergeant," Shawn replied.

"You heard the man! Take your positions!" a young corporal assisting the range master yelled. While the men scrambled to their shooting stations, Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson took seats in the bleachers. The troops opened up with their M-23 blasters firing solid projectiles, switched to laser blast, and after using up several energy packs, they switched to the explosive rounds. The sound of gunfire echoed through the underground cavern.

"What do you think?" Wilson asked after watching the first group shoot.

Shawn paused for a second. "They're doing all right, but they could use some more shooting time."

"Have you seen enough?" Wilson asked.

Shawn nodded. "Yeah. Let's roll," Shawn replied and they climbed back into the hovercraft. Wilson headed across the icy cavern leaving the shooting range behind and they stopped to watch some men run through an obstacle course. The troops jumped over walls, ran across balance beams, climbed wooden towers and at the top, they repelled to the ground.

"They'll shape up," Wilson said.

"Yeah but we need to be outside on the surface training with their weapons in EVA suits," Shawn replied.

"That's in the works. Have you seen enough?"

"Yeah. Take me back to my sled."

Wilson drove across the cavern heading back to the office complex passing a squad bay and Shawn glanced out the passenger window watching a platoon practice close order drill. His mind flashed back to his days in the Federal Defense Forces.

"Do you think they'll be ready?" Shawn asked watching the troops marching in step.

"God I hope so," Wilson replied.

Linda Van Horn sat at her station listening to music on a set of headphones. She drummed her fingers on her console and logged onto a computer game, trying to stave off the boredom. Normally, a shift on traffic control was stressful with ships entering and leaving the system, but now, she could zoom in with the stations exterior cameras and see all the tanker ships parked on the surface of the various moons orbiting Jupiter. Before they took over the station, a shift in the main control center flew by while you kept busy talking to inbound or out bound vessels and tried to verify each ships registry.

Her orders were simple: to watch for and identify in bound traffic, but since the takeover, not a single ship had approached from the Asteroid belt. Jan Cunningham, the girl working the next station, crossed the control center from the beverage station, handed Linda a cup of coffee and offered her a doughnut from a tray.

"Thank you," Linda said taking a doughnut and the cup of coffee. Jan brushed a strand of strawberry blonde hair out of her face and sat down at her workstation.

"Another boring shift. Things were never like this before," Jan said, tossing back her dark hair and took a drink from her coffee cup.

"I think we better enjoy it while it lasts. When the federal troops get here things are going to get exciting," Linda said.

"That scares me. What are we supposed to do if they retake the station?" Jam asked.

"Didn't you see the directive? If they get by the troops garrisoned here, we're to seal off the control center and flee in the escape pods," Linda said, blowing across the rim of her coffee cup cooling of the hot liquid and brushed doughnut crumbs off her lap.

"I hope it doesn't come to that. Maybe they can reach some kind of agreement," Jan said.

A beeping sound coming from her console caused Linda to look down at here screen. Holy shit!" Linda said, straightening up in her seat. Her hands moved across the virtual keyboard activating her communications system.

"What?" Jan asked, turning to her screen.

"I've got over two hundred frigates and space cruisers in bound from the asteroid belt on my scope!" Linda exclaimed. "I hope they're friendly and not PPF!"

After viewing the troops, John Wilson drove back to where they left the sled. "Where are you off to now?" Wilson asked.

"I thought I'd head back topside and maybe go out on the surface. I want to check out a rover from the motor pool and see how the construction crews are doing. Those fighting positions need to be right when the federal boys show up," Shawn said and climbed out of the vehicle.

"Climb back in. I'll take you there and go with you," Wilson said.

Shawn climbed back into the hovercraft and when they reached the office complex at site A, they donned EVA suits and headed down the corridor to the main exit. Inside the airlock, they put on their helmets and checked their oxygen tanks. Finished with the equipment checks, Shawn opened the outer door and they stepped out onto the surface of Europa. Their gravity boots keeping them from floating away in the low gravity, they sauntered across the icy street to the motor pool. Inside the EVA suit, Shawn shivered from the cold, so he adjusted the suit's environmental controls using a tiny knob on the base of his helmet. They entered the motor pool through the main airlock, secured an atmospherically contained land rover and headed out onto the surface of Europa. John manned the controls while Shawn stored their EVA suits in the storage compartment behind the vehicles cockpit. After the first day of the strike, when the pilots parked the tanker ships on the surface, Shawn had them moved to create obstacles for an invading federal force. He wanted to channel the opposing troops down a small series of canyons, near the mining facility.

Near the top of these canyons, construction crews worked building bunkers and fighting positions while on the floor of the canyon, a work detail dug spider holes and tank traps. What Shawn hoped to accomplish was to catch the federal troops on the canyon floor in an ambush with a good field of fire from both sides to catch the federal forces in a crossfire.

"Pull over," Shawn said.

John brought the Land Rover to a stop; they suited up in their EVA suits and did equipment check. Finished with the equipment check, Shawn exited the vehicle and John stepped out of the airlock behind him. Using the jet packs built into their EVA suits, they shot up into the air and set down on the top of the ridge. Shawn paused for a few seconds looking across the icy plains of Europa. The surface of the moon looked like a rolling sea of ice. The canyons they created using heavy equipment and the tankers ship they use setting them up as obstacles between the series of canyons, looked like scars upon the ice. Their intentions were to close off all other approaches to the mining colony so the federal forces would have to traverse the canyons. Entering the fighting position through a tunnel leading down into the icy ridgeline, they descended toward the edge of the canyon and stepped into a ten by ten rectangular shaped room with an opening in the ice where a man could shoot down at the floor of the canyon below. Two men working in the fighting positions snapped to attention.

"Mr. President, Sir. Nobody told us you were coming," one of the men said seeming nervous.

"I thought I'd stop by to see how things are progressing," Shawn replied.

"As you can see Sir," the man said motioning to the room. "Construction of this position is done. We're mounting the main guns and storing equipment. We'll move to the next position shortly. There's another crew working on the other side of the canyon."

Shawn took in his surroundings noticing a large laser powered weapon. Construction crews mounted it to the opening overlooking the canyon and he saw stacks of M-23 blasters along with ammo and energy packs, plus boxes of grenades and a stack of rocket launchers standing in a corner. "Good. You men are doing good work," Shawn said.

"Thank you Sir," the man replied.

Shawn's Com link beeped. "Gallagher here," he said into the voice activated mike.

The voice of Shawn's secretary came through the speakers on Shawn's EVA suit. "Mr. President. I just got a Com from space dock. Linda says we've got company coming. You'd best get back here in a hurry."

### CHAPTER 8

When their shuttle pulled into space dock, David Gallagher and Alonzo Garcia kept their eyes glued to the portholes staring out at the massive vessels docked at the space station. Alonzo's eyes widened, noticing an entire fleet of still larger vessels off by themselves along with a spider web of mooring lines and docking tubes connecting the vessels.

"Look at those ships over there. They're huge!" Alonzo said.

"I think those are the ships in that new fleet they were talking about on the news. Supposedly they're leaving the solar system and heading to deeps space."

Alonzo nodded. "I'd love to get assigned to one of those babies."

David shook his head. "Not me. I don't mind being gone from Earth for a year or two, but those ships might not come back for quite a while." Their shuttle approached a huge set of steel doors. Through the porthole, they saw a red flashing light when the shuttle bay doors slid open. Their shuttle flew through the launch bay doors onto the launch bay of the space station and the outer doors closed behind them. They felt a slight jolt when the shuttle touched down on the landing bay and a loud cheer went up from the passengers.

The voice of the shuttle's pilot came over the shuttles PA system. "They have restored oxygen and gravity to the launch bay. You may disembark the shuttle." David and Alonzo stood to their feet, stepped out into the aisle way and followed the crowd to the exit ramp. When they stepped onto the launch bay, David paused, shivering from the cold, and glanced around noticing several other shuttles docked nearby. Young men and women made their way across the launch bay to an airlock along with a few older men in military uniforms that had just arrived on the shuttles. The noise of conversation drifted across the deck and David looked up noticing a launch control center, enclosed in hardened glass, towering above them on an upper level.

"Let's move it! Follow the crowd to the airlock! Show the receptionist in the lobby your orders and she'll direct you to your connecting flight! We need to clear this launch bay so we can bring in some more shuttles!" a dark haired naval ensign standing next to the exit ramp yelled.

"Right. Yes Sir," David replied and followed the crowd toward the airlock with Alonzo swaggering along behind him. They crowded into the airlock with several other inductees, heard a hiss of air, the inner doors opened and they stepped out into a massive lobby. Green carpeting covered the deck and to their right David saw large glass windows that looked out to space. He saw space ships of every size and description docked at the space station.

In front of them set four reception desks where lines of inductees and military men in uniform stood in front of the desk. Conversation buzzed through the room. On the bulkhead behind the reception desks, mounted near the ceiling hung a large VID screen, which announced arrivals and departures of various ships. They fell into the back of the nearest line.

"Hurry up and wait," Alonzo said.

"I guess that's something we're going to have to get used to." After a half hour of waiting, David reached a reception desk.

"Scan your wrist across my pad," the blonde haired female ensign manning the reception desk said. David breathed in the sweet smell of her perfume. Thinking that, she looked pretty in her uniform, David complied with her request. "You're shipping out on the CEU Pathfinder. Take corridor C to docking tube twenty three. The Pathfinder will depart at twenty three hundred hours. You have two hours to kill. Boarding will commence in one hour," the ensign said and then smiled.

"Thank you, ma'am," David said when she handed him his boarding pass. He stepped out of line; Alonzo stepped up to the desk scanning his wrist on the scan pad and the ensign gave Alonzo his boarding pass.

"We're on the same transport. How do you want to kill the next two hours?" Alonzo asked.

David Shrugged. "Lead me to the nearest pub."

They explored the spaceport for the next twenty minutes until they found the local watering hole where inductees dressed in civilian clothes and seasoned military men waiting for transport filled the noisy barroom. Loud music from the bar's computerized jukebox filled the air when they sat down at the bar next to a couple of other inductees. The smell of alcohol and tobacco smoke filled the room.

"What are you blokes drinking? I'll buy," a blond headed inductee sitting next to David said, extending his hand. "I'm Louis Martian. This bloke with the big nose is my buddy Paul Rosenbaum."

"Beer. Make it a Blue Bomb. I'm David Gallagher. This is my buddy Alonzo Garcia," David said and they shook hands.

"Ignore this asshole. My nose is not that big. Well not quite as big as a house anyway. What ship are you guys going out on?" Paul asked.

"The Pathfinder. It leaves in a couple of hours," Alonzo replied.

"Us too. Maybe we'll be in the same platoon. I hear Fleet Marine boot camp is brutal Mate," Louis said, motioning to the bartender, and ordered four Blue Bombs.

"From what I hear, it's way out on the dark side by the penal colonies," Paul said.

"I ain't a scared," Alonzo said, puffing out his chest.

The bartender brought their drinks and David raised his glass. "A toast to whatever wild adventures awaits us at the lunar recruiting depot and a glorious carrier in the Federal Defense Forces, however short or long it may be."

"What did you put on your forms when they asked about whether or not you would consider going carrier?" Louis asked, belting back half of his beer.

"I marked the no box. I just want to do my hitch and then try to get into some kind of trade school. Maybe after doing a hitch in the federal forces, my low GI rating won't matter as much," David replied.

"I marked the no box. I can't see spending the rest of my life out here in the solar system. Once my hitch is up, it's back to bloody old England for me. My parents sent me to the North America Union to live with my uncle in Michigan. They thought I'd get a better education in the NAU. I went to high school in Coldwater Michigan with Paul here, but I miss home," Louis said.

"I marked the yes box. It could be an exciting carrier," Paul said and looked at Alonzo. "What about you?"

"I marked the yes box. I figure to do one hitch and see how I like it. After that, I'll decide whether or not to go carrier." They sat in the pub drinking and getting acquainted. When the announcement came over the room's PA system announcing that boarding would commence on the ECU-Pathfinder, David bought the last round. He and Alonzo, along with their new friends, stumbled down the maze off corridors in a drunken stupor to the docking bay where the CEU-Pathfinder set at space. They joined a long line of half drunk inductees at the docking tube. The tube opened, David led the way through the tube and entered the airlock. A naval ensign pointed the way to the passenger bay so they found seats in the back near the lounge area. The young ensign that met them when they boarded the ship stepped up in front of the passenger compartment.

"If I could have your attention please. I am Ensign Taylor. I'll be your flight attendant for the trip. We will leave space dock shortly and head for the moon. It should take us about forty eight hours to get there," he said and continued. "You'll find a set of controls on the armrest of your chairs. The backrest lowers making a more comfortable bed. If you're hungry, the galley will be open until midnight. The lounge will be open for the duration of the flight, so if you'd like to play cards or do some drinking, that's the place. It will be your last chance for booze if you want to drink. There is no drinking of alcohol at boot camp. The lights will dim at 23:00 hours for those who would like to get some sleep. We will show an in flight movie once we're under way. Turn on the VID screen on the seat in front of you. If you don't want to see the movie, most of the major entertainment channels are available through our satellite link. ETA for departure is ten minutes. You can watch the show on the VID screen or just look out the nearest porthole. If you need anything please feels free to contact me. I hope you enjoy the flight."

"I say we go get some brews and then come back to our seats. I'd kind of like to turn the VID screen to the exterior view and watch us leave space dock," David said.

"I second that Mate. Especially the part about the brews," Louis replied. Once they retrieved their beer, David sat at his seat flipping through the cannels on the VID screen using the touch pads on the screen and stopped on the news channel when he saw a familiar face. The face of his brother, Shawn, filled the screen as the news channel replayed the VID clip announcing the independence of the mining colonies on Europa and the creation of the New Republic. David Gallagher's fists balled up on his thighs, his nails grinding into the palms of his hands, his face reddened and he let out a sigh. "What has that crazy son of a bitch gone and done now?" David asked.

"What?" Louis Martin asked.

"That's his brother. Forget about it," Alonzo said. "I think it's about departure time." Alonzo reached over, and touched the touch pad on the screen. The view changed showing the exterior of the ship and they heard a slight pop when the explosive bolts securing the mooring lines to the ship fired freeing the vessel. The bolts blew, throwing the cables back away from the ship and the vessel drifted in space for a few seconds before the helmsman applied forward thrust.

David changed the VID screen to the movie channel and they watched a movie about the early colonization of Mars. He settled back to enjoy the movie trying to forget about the disturbing news regarding his brother and he tried to ignore his pounding headache. The pilot of the CEC-Pathfinder flew the ship through one rotation of the planet, and broke orbit taking his young charges on the last leg of their journey, which would end at the recruiting depot on the dark side of the moon.

The flight to the moon was uneventful. After watching the in flight movie, David, along with the rest of the inductees on board, drifted off to sleep for it had been a long hard day for all of them. All though there is no day or night, in space, the ship operated on a twenty four clock as if on Earth. They woke up at 06:00 ship time, headed to the galley, had breakfast and spent the better part of the next two days playing cards in the lounge and drinking beer. When the CEU Pathfinder entered the moon's orbit at the end of their journey, all four of the young inductees still felt the effects of too much alcohol.

Ensign Taylor stood before the inductees once more while most of the new recruits crowded around the portholes checking out the view, taking in the orbiting space station. Ships set at space awaiting departure while others entered orbit waiting to dock and still other ships broke orbit heading to Mars or Earth. Shuttles flew back and forth from the surface ferrying troops.

"Gentlemen. I hope you enjoyed your flight. We will dock shortly at the Lunar Station. Gather your things, form up at the exit hatch; disembarkation will begin when the mooring lines are secure and the docking tube is attached and oxygenated," Ensign Taylor said.

David and Alonzo picked up their traveling bags, stepped out into the aisle way. Louis and Paul stepped out behind them and they followed the crowd to the exit hatch, feeling a slight jolt when the ship docked. David looked out the nearest porthole and saw workers wearing EVA suits equipped with jetpacks attaching the mooring lines and then a long tube extend from the space station. One of the station's workers moved to the end of the tube using the jetpack in his suit and secured the docking tube to the Pathfinder's exit hatch. The docking tube inflated, stabilizing when the space station's oxygen tanks pumped it full of air.

Once the docking tube was pressurized, another naval ensign standing at the exit hatch opened the airlock and the inductees disembarked.

"This is cool," Alonzo said, stepping through the outer airlock and into the docking tube. He took a little hop and floated up to the top of the tube enjoying the effects of weightlessness.

"Let me give it a try," David said, taking a little hop, and floated to the top of the tube. The sensation made his stomach feel queasy.

"Gentlemen. Let's move it. You're backing up the line. We've got a lot of troops to disembark," A naval officer behind them said, so they floated back down to the bottom of the tube and headed toward the space station. The docking tube, made from a super hardened rubber, wiggled back and forth and David put his hands on the side of the tube to maintain his balance. He looked through the clear rubber fabric taking in the ships along with the workers jetting around in their EVA suits.

At the end of the tube, David stepped through another airlock, entered the space station and noticed a red digital monitor mounted on the wall next to the ceiling that said, **Main Lobby.** In front of the digital read out, a red flashing arrow pointed the way; David turned left and they headed down the hallway following the crowd to the main lobby. The narrow hallway intersected with a larger hallway, and they turned right joining the crowd.

Military men and women moved against the stream heading to the various ships docked at the space station. In the lobby, they stepped into line at the reception desk. Behind the reception desk, recessed into the bulkhead, set a bank of turbo lifts. When David reached the head of the line, the naval officer manning the desk, a young red headed woman, looked up and smiled. David noticed a field of tiny freckles across the bridge of her nose. "Scan your wrist over my pad." David ran his wrist over her scan pad. "Mr. Gallagher you're on shuttle flight 302. It leaves at twenty three hundred hours. Take the turbo lift behind me. The shuttle bay is one deck below us," she said, printing David's boarding pass, and handed it to him.

"Thank you ma'am," David said and stepped out of line. He stood to the side waiting for his friends to receive their boarding passes.

"We might get lucky Mate and be assigned to the same platoon," Louis said after realizing that they were all on the same flight.

"That's all I need. To have you picking on me about my big nose for the next thirteen weeks," Paul said.

David laughed. "I think we might be too busy to worry about that big honker of yours."

"Not you too?" Paul replied to the good natured teasing. They stepped into the turbo lift, along with six other inductees.

"Shuttle bay," one of the inductees said to the turbo lift's computer. The lift descended one deck below. The doors opened and they stepped into another smaller lobby. Green carpet covered the floor and a lone reception desk occupied the center of the room. A large set of metal doors set behind the reception desk recessed into the metal bulkhead and above the doors, a red digital read out displayed the words: **shuttle bay airlock.** Padded benches lined the bulkhead in front of the desk. David swaggered over to a food and beverage station setting in a corner, bought four beers, and swaggered back to where his friends awaited. They popped the tops on their beers and sat down in the lobby to wait.

Drifting off to sleep in his chair, the voice of the receptionist announcing the boarding of flight 302 interrupted a dream about home causing David to jerk his head up.

"Come on Amigo. That's our flight," Alonzo said. They stood to their feet, crossed the lobby to the airlock doors, the doors whooshed open and they entered the airlock. The inner door of the airlock opened and they stepped onto the shuttle bay. Several space shuttles set on the launch bay awaiting passengers. David glanced up at the launch control center towering above them. It consisted of a supper hardened glass bulkhead that the traffic controllers worked behind and it set one floor above them on the same level as the lobby.

"Boarding pass?" a young ensign standing by the door said. David handed her his boarding pass. "You're on flight 302. Follow the catwalk to the fourth row of shuttles. Yours will be the one on the far end by the bulkhead."

"Thank you Ma'am," David replied. David's friends gathered around him, and they headed down the launch bay to their shuttle together. The hatch way stood open with the boarding ramp extended and they swaggered on board following several inductees up the ramp. David found four seats together near the middle of the passenger bay.

"More hurry up and wait," Alonzo said.

"I know. It will be past bloody midnight before we even take off, I bet," Louis replied.

"Patience my friend. This Limy hates to wait for anything," Paul said. The passenger area filled up, a member of the flight crew retracted the boarding ramp and closed the exit hatch.

"Please fasten your seat belts. It's a short hop to the surface, but the take off is quite exhilarating," the voice of the shuttle pilot said coming over the craft's PA system. They fastened their seat belts; the shuttle moved across the launch bay lining up with its assigned launch tube and then came to a stop. David heard the voice of the traffic controller saying that flight 302 was free to launch.

"Here we go. Another E-ticket thrill ride," Alonzo said. The Gee forces slammed them back into their seats as the shuttle shot down the tube like, a cannon ball shot from a cannon spitting them out to space. Louis and Paul crowded around the portholes looking out at the vessels docked at space dock while David and Alonzo looked over their shoulders. The shuttle took one revolution around the moon and then descended toward the surface. David saw domed structures scattered about and towering boxy like buildings rising up off the ground and he noticed several tracked vehicles traversing the streets of the main lunar colony. The shuttle headed toward a large metal tower with a hardened glass dome at its top.

A set of steel doors opened underneath the glass dome, the shuttle lined up on the red flashing lights on the edge of the launch bay doors and flew inside the shuttle port. The launch bay doors closed behind them and David felt a slight jolt when the shuttle set down on the metal deck of the launch bay. Once the launch control officer restored oxygen to the launch bay, one of the members of the flight crew opened the exit hatch and extended the boarding ramp. They picked up their gear, followed the crowd of inductees down the aisle, and exited the shuttle.

"Head through that airlock to the lobby and then take the turbo lift down to the bus depot. Your buses should be waiting as we speak," an Air Force flight attendant standing by the exit hatch said. They headed toward the airlock following the crowd and waited in the lobby while the first group of inductees entered the turbo lifts. Squeezing into a crowded turbo lift, they felt their stomachs drop, and the turbo lift seemed to descend forever.

When the turbo lift stopped, they stepped out into another lobby facing a set of metal doors leading to an enclosed garage. When they stepped through the doors, David noticed several buses lined up at a curb. They were long snake like vehicles with three passenger sections setting on steel wheels inside a metal braded track, which helped the vehicle to maintain traction on the lunar surface. A rubber buffer separated the passenger cars and at the front, a fully enclosed box shaped tractor set hooked to the passenger cars to pull the bus across the lunar landscape.

They headed to the nearest bus, stepped through a small airlock and entered the last car in the bus. David found seats at the rear of the car and they settled in for the ride. When the bus filled up with inductees, the inner airlock door of the bus depot's garage opened and the bus pulled into the massive airlock. It jerked to a stop for a few seconds, the inner doors closed, a hissing sound filled the airlock and the outer doors opened. The bus pulled out onto the main thoroughfare running through the lunar colony. David felt his stomach lurch and for a moment, he thought he was going to get sick. He looked out his side window noticing people traversing the street on tracked vehicles and noticed people wearing EVA suits shuffling along a pathway near the street while others entered and exited the various buildings lining the street. "Seems like a busy place," David said.

Paul nodded. "I've heard they have some wild underground pubs here."

"My parents brought me here for a vacation when I was a wee bugger, but I don't remember much about the trip," Louis said.

"I could care less. I just want to get some sleep. Wake me when we get three," Alonzo said. They left the lunar colony behind heading across the cratered surface of the moon and David noticed several buildings off to the left that appeared to be some type of mining operation. Military men in gray digitized urban camouflaged fatigues moved down the aisle stopping every now and then to talk to the inductees. The NCOs on board seemed warm and friendly with the new recruits.

"Where are you guys from?" a young sergeant asked when he stopped by David's chair. David breathed in the smell of stale beer and tobacco smoked, mashed by the scent of mints that the sergeant was chewing.

"Me and my buddy, Alonzo, are from San-Diego." The Sergeant extended his hand and they shook.

"It's a lovely city. I served on a surface vessel based out of Dago once. How about you two?" the sergeant said, nodding at Louis Martin and Paul Rosenbaum.

"I'm from bloody old England originally, but my folks sent me to school in Michigan."

"I was stationed outside of London for two years. I never could get used to the rain. How about you?"

"I'm from a little spot in the road called Coldwater Michigan," Paul said.

The bus crossed over to the dark side of the moon and outside everything went dark. Alonzo noticed some lights in the distance to their left and saw several buildings setting enclosed in what appeared to be a walled compound. A fork in the trail led that direction. "What's that over there? Is that the base?" Alonzo asked.

The sergeant let out a low chuckle, and then grinned. "No, that's not the base. That's not a place you want to be. That, my friend, is one of the penal colonies here on the dark side of the moon. We've still got ten miles to go before we reach the base." The Fleet Marine sergeant moved along talking to the other inductees and a few more passing by stopped to chat.

"Them blokes don't seem too bad," Louis said.

Thirty minutes later, the bus pulled up to the main gate at the recruiting depot and the guard inside an atmospherically contained guard shack pushed a button on his computer console. The electronic gate slid open, the bus pulled onto the grounds of the Marine base and they traveled down the main road heading to a massive steel structure lit up with bright lights.

"Good Lord! That building looks big enough to house an entire city!" Louis said.

"It does. The entire base is in there. It's atmospherically contained with a gravity generator that provides an Earth like gravity," the sergeant who had spoken to them earlier said. The bus pulled up to a massive set of steel airlock doors; the outer hull of the building looked as if it were made of black diamond plated steel. The doors opened, the bus pulled into the airlock and the outer doors closed behind it. The airlock filled with oxygen, the inner doors opened and the bus pulled into the enclosed base. David glanced out his window while the bus traveled down a paved street lined with palm trees. Grass grew alongside the road and in between the buildings, with in the massive enclosed structure. The place reminded David of one of the city parks in San-Diego.

Three tiered barracks lined one side of the road, an office complex lined the other and David saw several Quonset huts in the distance. The bus stopped at the curb in front of a barracks on their right. David noticed the words: **Main Receiving Barracks** written in gold letters on a sign above the roof of the barracks. The good natured NCOs riding the bus with the inductees turned into instant assholes when the bus stopped, and the good natured sergeant with the friendly smile who had stopped by David Gallagher's chair to talk earlier swaggered to the front of the bus.

"On your feet you slimy little worms! Get off my bus! I don't care which God you pray to! It could be Mohammad, Allah, Bail or the state! I could give a rat's ass if you pray or not! You can give your hearts to Jesus if you want to, but for the next thirteen weeks your ass belongs to me!"

### CHAPTER 9

Captain Dillon Kincaid sat in the Allen Sheppard lounge, the most prestige pub in the lunar colonies, drinking a beer. A cloud of tobacco smoke hung in the air. The noise inside the pub felt deafening and the jukebox blearing out the lyrics to a loud neo-pop tune caused Kincaid to wince in pain from the headache pounding through his skull. He motioned to one of the server droids to refill his beer. The sexy looking female android, wearing a skintight white mini skirt, sashayed across the barroom.

"How may I serve you?" she asked in a sensual computerized voice.

"Get me another beer. Make it a Red Bomb." The sexy blonde headed android bent down to retrieve his empty giving Kincaid a glimpse into a deep valley of cleavage. _If you don't look too close, they almost look human_ Kincaid thought as the android turned around to go after his beer. Kincaid gave her a playful slap on the ass, the android giggled, swinging her hips, and headed back to the bar. Their programming allowed them to flirt with the customers. The android came back a few minutes later with his beer and purposely brushed up against Kincaid when she stepped up to the table and set down his drink. Kincaid felt a shiver run down his spine.

"Please scan your wrist across my scan pad," the android said, leaning over and holding out the small palm sized pad. The front of her low cut dress fell forward and Kincaid gazed down the front of her dress. He scanned his wrist across the pad deducting the funds for the beer from his bank account.

"Thank you Sir. Please enjoy." The android glided across the bar, Kincaid took a drink from his beer, the Com link on his uniform beeped and he touched the lapel of his uniform.

"Kincaid here," he said.

"Dillon. This is Commander Logan. I'm sorry, but I had to cancel your three day pass. We have a situation brewing. Be in my office for a pre mission briefing in a half hour," the voice said.

Dillon let out a sigh. "Great. Just when I was starting to have some fun. I'll be there," Kincaid said, brushing his hand through his short dark hair, and ended the transmission. Tossing back the rest of his beer, he headed for the exit.

Kincaid swaggered into the office complex housing the Planetary Patrol Force's headquarters on the orbiting space dock. The top floor above the main lobby and traffic control tower housed offices for each branch of the service. Kincaid made his way to the commander's briefing room breathing in the smell of tobacco smoke when he sauntered through the door. Kincaid glanced around the room, taking in the room's occupants. The captains of five PPF vessels now docked at the orbital space station sat around the conference table with grave looks on their faces.

"Dillon. I'm sorry about having to cancel your leave, but this can't wait," Logan said, clinching his teeth around a cheap cigar, and they shook hands.

"No problem Sir," Dillon said and took a seat at the table.

The Commander stood to his feet. "I'm sure you are all aware of the situation on Europa. It is our job to bring this problem to a satisfactory conclusion." A murmur went through the crowd when Commander Logan turned on a view screen behind him showing a still photograph of the mining complex on Europa. "This is the last photo taken by the cameras on Jupiter's space dock prior to the takeover. We have an intelligence source on Europa, but since the takeover, he hasn't been able to contact us. I suspect that they may have some light weapons, but no ships, except for the tankers sitting idle on their moons and one PPF vessel docked at Jupiter's space dock when they took over. The crew is either dead, or being held captive."

"What's the plan?" Dillon asked.

"When you leave this room, you men will go back to your ships and leave space dock. You will rendezvous with five other PPF vessels currently at Mars. This will give us one hundred men on the ground. Your mission is to come in low and fast, bypassing the orbiting space station and land on Europa. You will seize the office complex of the mining facility and arrest the ringleaders of this rebellion. Your orders are to hold your positions until the main body of the Federal Defense Forces show up. I suspect there will be a sizable occupation force on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn for years to come. This batch of rebel rousers shook the tree all the way to the top." Commander Logan swaggered back and forth in front of the assembled officers.

"Why are they using us? With all the trouble on Mars, wouldn't our services be of more use there?" Kincaid asked.

"That's a nut we'll leave for others to crack. We may see combat on Mars in the near future, but for the moment, the battle is for Europa." Forty five minutes later five sleek looking PPF cruisers left the space dock, orbiting Earth's moon, and set a course for Mars.

Cyrus Bonelli sat at the head of the table in his council room and looked at the assembled officers sitting around the table. Servants brought food and drink, but Bonelli didn't have much of an appetite; he grimaced from the taste of acid reflux in his throat. Ever since this business on Europa started, his ulcer had been acting up. _God when I catch that Shawn Gallagher, I'll enjoy firing the laser bolt that takes him out,_ Bonelli thought.

"The bureaucrats upstairs in their impenitent wisdom have decided to approach this problem low key. They are assembling a team of PPF commandos to move on Europa. They're only sending ten damned ships. This mission is doomed to failure. When it does fail, I want you gentlemen to be ready. I want you to assemble a major force and head to Europa. You will smash this rebellion with an iron fist."

"I don't know Sir. The PPF is a capable force. It may very well succeed," one of the officers said.

"Utter nonsense. The PPF is an elite fighting force, but they don't have the heavy fire power that is necessary, and their leaders, hampered by the bureaucrats above us, have only been allowed to send ten ships"

"Sir what about Mars? We don't want to cut ourselves short if something happens there," someone else said.

Bonelli sighed. "That is a good question. Mars is another can of worms. If we allow this to go on, on Europa, the situation on Mars will deteriorate rapidly. Consolidated Mining sends employees to Mars and half of them disappear. They have their biochips removed and we can't keep track of them. These people that have dropped off the radar make up the bulk of the Martian resistance. The rest are just unruly miners. You will have your hands full there. I leave it up to you to work out the details. We'll need to leave enough ships behind to contain any problems on Mars, yet assemble a big enough force to take care of this rabble on Europa."

"Why not bypass Europa and attack the moons of Saturn?" one of the assembled Federal Defense Force generals asked.

"Because their leadership is on Europa. Cut off the head and the snake dies. Gentlemen, this battle will be for Europa. If we don't stop them there, Mars will try to declare independence next. I would like to see a blockade of Jupiter until you assemble a large enough force to squish them like the worms they are, but I will leave the planning and execution of this mission to you. The fate of the CEU rest upon your shoulders." Cyrus clinched his fist and banged it on the table. "The general, who brings me the head of Shawn Gallagher on a platter, will receive another star. Scratch that. I want him alive. His death will be at my hand. Gentlemen, you have your orders. I won't keep you," Bonelli replied ending the meeting. The sound of chairs sliding back and the footfalls of military men leaving the room filled Cyrus Bonelli's ears. He stood up, crossed the room to the window, with troubled thoughts filling his brain, and pulled back the curtain gazing down upon the lights of New York City.

Light exploded into the captain's cabin on the CEU-Port Royal, Craig Bannister strutted into the room, breathing in the smell of cheap perfume, and looked down at the sleeping form of Jack Chambers, who lay between two good looking naked women, one of which was a sexy blonde and the other a cute brunette. Captain Chambers sat up in bed knuckling sleep from his eyes causing the two naked women to grown in their sleep and pull the thin cover over their heads.

"Rise and shine, Lover Boy. This is our big day," Banister said.

Sliding from between the two women, Captain Chambers sat on the edge of the bed. "Good Lord Craig. You've got to quit barging in like this. How'd you get in here anyway?"

"There are ways to bypass cabin door bio locks," Banister said.

"I have my room's computer set for a five AM wake up call. What time is it now?"

"Zero four thirty. I've got fresh coffee in your conference room. You want to be ready for the six AM conference call, then the Admiral's call at zero six-thirty. We've got a busy day ahead of us. Let's get to it."

Captain Chambers put his feet on the floor. "Aye Captain Bligh. I thought I was in charge."

Bannister ignored the Captain's comment and glanced over at the girls. "Get up ladies. Let's get dressed and head back to the comfort station. You can go back to sleep when you get there. Our golden boy has work to do."

"All right Love. Are you sure you don't want to give it a go?" the brunette said.

Bannister grinned enjoying her British accent. "Maybe some other time Dear. We've got work to do right now."

The women dressed, while Craig and Jack watched the show. When the women left, Bannister waited while Chambers put on his uniform and they stepped through the doorway leading to the Captain's conference room. Jack went to the food and beverage station and brought them both back a cup of coffee and a sweat roll.

"I thought this day would never get here," Chambers said taking a tentative sip of his coffee.

"I know, and we're got our work cut out for us if we're going to make the eighteen-hundred launch window. That's why I woke you early."

"God this coffee's strong," Chambers said making an ugly face.

"Columbia's best. It does chase the cobwebs from your brain," Banister said.

After leaving Space Dock for their space trials, the Port Royal joined the fleet spending three months at space cruising half way to Mars and back. While at space, manned by a skeleton crew, they tested the ships lasers, and blasted a few asteroids to hell and gone with the plasma torpedoes. The Air Force personnel launched space fighters flying a few training maneuvers, but the cruise was uneventful; it did give the officer's manning the bridge and the skeleton crew on board a chance to get used to the ship and their workstations.

After arriving back at Earth's orbiting space dock, they spent the next two months obtaining needed supplies, having the maintenance crews fix the few glitches in the systems that they found and manning the vessel. As the new crewmembers arrived, the existing crew that had been on the ship during space trials, now up to speed on their duties, trained the new personnel. The ship held a full crew, except for two companies of Marines, which they would pick up at the lunar space dock. Captain Chambers, anticipating the long mission, gave the entire crew two weeks leave to settle their affairs before the mission's launch date. Today was the day that the new fleet of deep space vessels would leave Earth's space dock, travel across the solar system and head into the unknown.

Captain Chambers looked at the digital readout above the door of his conference room, the numbers reading 06:00, and moved to the communications center to the right of the conference table. He activated the VID screen and logged on for the morning conference call, and watched the various department heads log onto the system, their faces appearing on the VID screen.

Chambers smiled. "Gentlemen. The day we thought would never come, is finally here. We've got a lot of work to do before we launch so let's get a status report. Let's start with the bridge."

Craig Bannister's face appeared on the VID screen when he logged onto an adjoining console next to the Captain's. "The third watch officer's are on duty now. First watch is in the ready room and the second watch crew have orders to be onboard ship by thirteen hundred hours. The bridge will be ready to meet the launch window."

"Good. All personnel are to be on board ship by fifteen hundred hours. Let's hear from the engine room," Chambers replied.

The voice of the Chief Engineer came over the speakers of the Captain's VID system. "Aye Captain. The engine room is ready. The fusion reactors are up to full power. I have a full crew down there checking out the systems. The rest of the engineering personnel will be on board by fifteen hundred hours. We're ready to go Sir."

Chambers nodded at the screen. "Good. Let's here from maintenance."

"We have a crew doing some last minute checks. Half our personnel are on board now. We'll be ready Sir," the Chief Maintenance Officer replied.

"Excellent let's hear from security," Chambers said.

"Security is ready sir. We have a crew on duty now and the rest will be on board by fifteen hundred, Sir."

"Good. Fleet Marines?" Chambers said.

"Sir. All of my officers and NCOs are on board. We're ready to depart now. We just need to pick up some jar heads on the moon."

"Excellent Commander. Let's hear from the boys down on the farm."

"We're ready to go Sir. We've harvested our crops and slaughtered our latest batch of meat bearing animals. The refrigerators in all of the galleys are full. All of our personnel are on board and ready to depart," the chief horticulturist replied.

"Excellent. Let's hear from the mess hall people," Chambers said.

"The galleys are staffed and ready to feed people now Sir. We have a few people who still are not on board but they'll be here by fifteen hundred," the Chief Cook replied.

"Good work. Let's hear from sick bay," Chambers said.

"All of my doctors are on board now. We have a few other medical people who still need to show up, but they'll be here by fifteen hundred," the chief medical officer said.

"Good. I want all crewmembers to put in at least two hours a day in the gym. You know we're all in danger of muscle atrophy out here. I want all of you to coordinate with our entertainment chief. Schedule your people so they can have time in the gym. Doc if you see any patients who show signs of muscle atrophy, I want you to notify me at once. Since I mentioned entertainment, let's here from our chief of entertainment," Chambers said.

"All of our entertainment facilities including the theaters, the bowling alley and gym are up and running. The pubs are open and the girls at the comfort station are on board. They've had their doctor's exams and are ready to receive customers," the entertainment czar said.

After hearing from the Air Force personnel, the people in the cargo bay and all of the other department heads, Chambers ended the conference call.

"Thank you people. I want duty rosters for the next week on my desk covering the first week at space before we launch. It's going to be a busy day. Let's get to work," Chamber said, and logged off the system. After the conference call, Craig Bannister went to the bridge while Captain Chambers up loaded reports from the department heads and transmitted them to Admiral Ivanov's VID system on the Saratoga. He logged onto the system once more, this time logging in for the admiral's conference call and the faces of the various captains in the fleet appeared on the screen. Captain Chambers listened attentively until Admiral Ivanov asked for the report from the Port Royal.

"Sir. The Port Royal will be ready to man the portholes at eighteen hundred hours. All essential personnel on board now and the rest of the crew will be on board and ready for departure by fifteen hundred hours," Chambers said.

"Good work, Jack. I know this mission is going to be long and hard on all of us, but I will also be very exciting. I am personally looking forward to leaving the solar system and seeing what's out there," Ivanov replied.

After logging off the system, Captain Chambers stood up, crossed the conference room and entered the bridge. He took his seat in the Captain's chair next to Craig Bannister and gazed down upon the officers manning their workstations. A few consoles beeped and he felt a slight vibration coming from the deck. "They look sharp," Chambers said.

Banister nodded. "That they do. They're all anxious to be under way."

"Me too. Let's head down to the galley and get some breakfast. I'll buy."

"Now that's an offer I can't refuse. Even if the food is free," Craig said and glanced at the science officer. "Mr. Roberts, you have the bridge." Captain Chambers and Craig Bannister sauntered through the main doors leading from the bridge to the main hallway snapping off salutes to a few people as they passed by.

"I can't wait to get under way," Bannister said when they stepped up to the officer's mess hall.

Captain Chambers breathed in the smell of fresh cooked food. "I know. All though I don't relish being away from home for the next twenty five years."

"You're going to miss your harem. You won't have as many women falling over you out here, but this our chance to make history."

"What about you? I know there's no steady woman in your life. You date once in a while, but isn't there anyone you're going to miss?"

"No not really. I was in love once, but my mistress called. My first love has always been space. It's out there where all the action is and where you make history. It's where you either make or break your carrier. This is a chance of a lifetime," Bannister said stepped into the serving line. The food service workers filled their trays loading them up with scrambled eggs bacon, hash browns and toast. Steam rose up from their plates. They poured themselves each a cup of coffee at the end of the line and found a table.

They were quiet while they ate, but it was a comfortable silence, born from long years of friendship.

"That was some good food, for ship fare," Chambers said after they finished eating.

"It sure beats the hell out of that shit they used to feed us in the PPF."

Chambers grimaced. "Do you remember those canned lima beans?"

"God. Don't remind me. I don't think I'll ever eat another lima bean in this life," Banister said.

Finished with breakfast, Craig Bannister returned to the bridge while Captain Chambers took a tour of the ship visiting each department and checking their readiness. He wanted to make sure that they were ready for departure at eighteen hundred. When he passed the exit hatch, he saw Ensign Palmer standing by the open inner airlock door. A small line of crewmembers stood in line and Palmer logged them onto the ship using his hand held scan pad. Once they ran their wrist across the scan pad, the scan pad down loaded their name to the ship's computers.

"How goes it, Mr. Palmer?" Chambers asked.

Palmer snapped off a salute and Chambers returned the gesture. "It's going Okay Sir. They're starting to straggle in. If we get any no shows, after fifteen hundred hours, we'll locate them using their bio-chips and send the shore patrol after them."

Chambers nodded. "I hope that won't be necessary."

"I don't think it will. Most of the crew will start to show up around fourteen hundred to fourteen thirty. They'll want to get as much out of their liberty as possible before getting under way."

"I hope you're right. I'd hate to have to bring anyone on board in handcuffs," Chambers said.

Palmer smiled. "I don't think that will happen Sir. The majority of the men feel it an honor to go on this mission. They feel it an honor to serve under you as well, Sir."

"Thank you. I am honored to have such a fine crew. I'm especially glad that you are going with us, Mr. Palmer. Your help has been invaluable since I came on board. You're a fine young officer."

Palmer smiled. "Thank you Sir."

The captain continued his tour of the ship while the crew continued to show up by ones and twos until thirteen hundred hours. Then the floodgates opened and they came in waves. A line led from the docking tubes out to the corridors of the space dock and by fifteen hundred hours, everyone was on board. Captain Chambers held another conference call at fourteen thirty, but the ship was ready for departure, except for some last minute supply issues. The cargo bay reported that they were loading the last of their needed supplies and that they would be ready by eighteen hundred hours.

The crewmembers not on duty settled into their cabins getting ready for departure, but by seventeen forty five, in the time honored tradition, the crew manned the portholes standing at parade rest. Captain Chambers took his place on the bridge and First Officer Bannister sat beside him. Chambers sat waiting for word from the launch control officer and thought about the fleet.

They had ten deep space battle cruisers, which the Port Royal was one of, ten main battle ships, four auxiliary ships, fifty light cruisers, fifty destroyers and fifty frigates. The deep space battle cruisers worked in concert with the main battle cruisers, which were protected y the light cruisers, the destroyers and the frigates. The auxiliaries served as supply vessels as well as construction platforms to provide the fleet with supplies and equipment.

Captain Chambers turned on the view screen and changed the view to show the port side of the vessel. At exactly eighteen hundred hours, Earth Standard time the voice of the traffic controller came over the communications officer's, speakers.

"Port Royal, you are free to leave space dock." They heard a light pop when the explosive bolts freed the ship from the mooring lines.

Captain Chambers felt a thrill shoot through him. "Mr. Walker," Captain Chambers said to the helmsmen. "Take us out. Let's join the fleet."

"Aye Captain." The ship moved forward through the metal barn like structure heading for the exit. When they passed the reviewing stands, the view screen showed the dignitaries sitting in bleachers behind a super hardened glass bullhead watching their departure. A bottle of champagne, secured by the bottle's neck with a metal tether, swung down making contact with the ship. The bottle smashed into the ship, christening the vessel, smashed into minute pieces and floated off into space. The Port Royal exited space dock and took its position in the fleet. The new fleet of deep space vessels took two revolutions around the planet and broke orbit heading for the unknown.

### CHAPTER 10

Shawn Gallagher sat in his communications center inside the office complex of the former Consolidated Mining headquarters and attempted to make contact with Linda at Space Dock. After receiving the call from his secretary, Shawn jumped back into his land rover foregoing the inspections of the newly constructed fighting positions, and headed back to the office complex at full speed. Looking down at a screen showing the radar signatures of well over three hundred ships approaching Jupiter, Shawn instructed John Wilson to put the troops on alert. Men manned the newly constructed fighting positions on the surface, some of which were still under construction, manned the laser cannons to protect the moon from an attack from space, and they manned the main battle tanks and troop carriers.

No one worked the mines and everyone prepared to fight. Under the laws of the New Republic, if you were not in the military, you were part of the ready reserve and you trained with the military on your scheduled days off. Everyone on site had orders to stand ready to fight in the event of a federal invasion. Shawn drummed his fingers on the control panel before him, wiped sweat from his brow and depressed the Com button calling space dock.

"Linda. Come in," he said into microphone setting at the control center.

"We're kind of busy up here right now, Mr. President," Linda Van Horn said from her communications desk on Space Dock.

Shawn caught his breath. "Have you identified those vessels?"

"Sir. We've hailed them and are waiting for a response. They don't look like Federal Defense Force vessels, all though they could be PPF. They're still a ways out," Linda replied.

Shawn drummed his fingers on the console and tried to control his breathing. "Contact me as soon as you positively identify those ships. We're kind of on pins and needles down here."

"Tell me about it. If those are PPF boys, they'll try to take us out first. We'll keep you updated, Mr. President."

Linda Van Horn leaned back in her chair looking down at her computer screen. "Hurry up and wait," she said, standing to her feet, and crossed the room to the beverage station. "You want some coffee Jan?" Linda asked, looking over her shoulder at the girl manning the workstation next to hers.

Jan Cunningham smiled. "No. If I drink anymore coffee, I'll probably pee my pants. I wish that whoever is out there would contact us soon."

"They're still a ways out, but I'll give them another try." Linda sat down at her workstation with her coffee, took a tentative sip, enjoyed the caffeine rush and depressed the button on her control panel. "In bound vessels approaching Jupiter. You are approaching a no fly zone. Please stand down and identify yourselves. If you are not aware, the political climate has changed. You are now in New Republic space. Please respond," Linda said and released the button on her console hearing nothing but a garbled response.

Linda strained to hear. "Repeat that last transmission please," she said, adjusting the volume on her headset.

"This is Gustav Kesler . I work for Ludwig Von Wolf. You people should be expecting me. I need to meet with your leaders to discuss deployment of troops."

Linda leaned back in her seat and depressed the Com button on her console. "Roger that. We were afraid you might be PPF. Things are a little tense around here. Please provide your flag ship's registry number then bring your ships into orbit. I'll contact the president and make the needed arrangements," Linda replied.

Shawn Gallagher heaved a sigh of relief when he received the transmission from Space Dock informing him that the fleet approaching Jupiter was friendly. Leaning back in his chair, he paused for a few seconds letting the tension flow out of his body and leaned forward, pressing the Com button on his console. "Linda. Ask Mr. Kesler to bring his ships into orbit. Find out if his ship has a shuttle bay. If it does, have him meet me here in front of the office complex. If not, we'll arrange a meeting on space dock."

"Wait one, Mr. President." Shawn Gallagher waited patiently while the traffic controller contacted approaching fleet once more. "Mr. President. Mr. Kesler says that his ship is equipped with a shuttle bay. He will land in front of site A office complex. ETA thirty minutes," Linda replied.

"Excellent. Have him bring his key personnel. We'll hold a briefing in my office. Thanks for the good work Linda," Shawn said and ended the transmission. He changed frequencies and called his good friend and secretary of defense, John Wilson. "John. Call off the alert," Shawn said when Wilson answered the Com.

"What's up Boss?"

"Those ships out there are the MERCS employed by Mr. Von Wolf," Shawn replied.

"I thought they might be," John said.

"We'll hold a briefing in my council chambers in fifty minutes. I want all staff members to attend."

"Roger that. I'll make the contacts and we'll see you in forty five," John said.

Shawn Gallagher, along with John Wilson met Gustav Kesler's shuttle on the shuttle pad in front of the office complex thirty five minutes later and watched as the lights of the shuttle descend from orbit to land on the shuttle pad on Europa. The shuttle touched down, tiny pieces of ice flew into the air, the boarding ramp extended and the exit hatch opened. Shawn watched two men, dressed in shinny black EVA suits lumber down the exit ramp onto the shuttle pad, so he stepped forward to greet them.

"Gentlemen. Welcome to Europa." His voice reverberated through the speakers on his EVA suit. "If you'll come with me, we'll head inside. I'm sure you people must be tired and in need of rest after a long flight. If you want, we'll get your people fed and housed and discuss deployment options later," Shawn continued.

"My people are fine. I'd prefer to do business first," the taller of the two men said, speaking perfect English with only a trace of a German accent.

Shawn nodded. "If you'll follow me, we'll head indoors and hold a briefing in my conference room," Shawn replied. The two new arrivals followed Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson across the shuttle pad and to an airlock. They entered the airlock and waited for the hiss of air that meant that oxygen was filling the airlock chamber. Once the light at the top of the inner door turned green, Shawn took off his helmet.

"This way gentlemen," Shawn said. The inner airlock doors opened and Shawn led them down the main corridor though the office complex to his council chambers. Once his cabinet members arrived, Shawn looked across the table at his guest. The man who seemed to be in charge was a tall muscular German with jet black hair, dark eyes and a handsome, yet rugged looking face. Shawn noticed a fading scar running down the center of his forehead to his eyebrows. Next to him sat a barrel cheated blond haired man with bushy eyebrows in his early thirties with the ocean blue eyes. His facial features were sharp and well defined, but what Shawn noticed was a star shaped scar on the cleft of his chin. _These guys look like brawlers,_ Shawn thought.

"Gentlemen if you will introduce yourselves, we'll get started," Shawn said.

The big German shrugged. "I am Admiral Gustav, Kesler. This is my friend, Captain Robert Danziger.

Shawn stuck out his hand, catching a faint trace of Vodka, and they shook. "Pleased to meet you."

"We are employed by Ludwig Von Wolf. He instructed us to put our forces at your disposal," Gustav continued.

"Before we get down to business let me introduce my staff," Shawn replied and introduced the other men sitting around the table. "How many ships do you have?" Shawn said after the introductions.

Gustav shrugged. "Three hundred fifty."

"Our intelligence sources are hearing rumors. Some say that a small force of PPF ships have already left Mars and are headed our way. Other sources say that the feds are assembling a large force of Federal Defense Force vessels," Shawn replied.

Gustav nodded. "We've heard the same rumors. We have to be ready in either case."

"We've all seen the news broadcast about this new fleet of deep space vessels," Jerry Holliday, the New Republic chief of intelligence said.

"I saw that broadcast, but I doubt if that fleet will give us much trouble," Gustav replied.

"What are your thoughts concerning the deployment of your vessels?" Shawn asked.

"The bulk of our forces will stay here. We'll orbit the planet and various moons. I plan to send fifty ships to Saturn. We'll keep one hundred ships in reserve at the edge of the asteroid belt," Gustav said.

"Then you feel that the feds will attack us here on Europa? They could bypass us and attack the colonies orbiting Saturn," Holliday said.

"The battle will be here, on Europa. This is the seat of your new government. The federals will desire to crush you like a bug and get the helium and hydrogen moving again," Gustav said.

"Ludwig said that he would send teams of trainers to help us train our new military," Shawn said.

"That is correct," Gustav replied. "We have people to help you train your new armed forces and also teams to help you shore up your defenses. Mr. Von Wolf requests that you join him at his base in the asteroid belt at your earliest conveyance. He's obtained some ships that he would like you to inspect. If you obtain these ships, once they are space worthy, they will support my fleet. It is not often that the Mr. Wolf entertains guest. You should consider it an honor."

"My ship will be ready for space in a couple of days. I'd be honored to be a guest of Mr. Von Wolf," Shawn replied.

Gustav nodded. "It is good. Once you are at space, I will transmit the coordinates to his base in the belt. Not many know of its location. He moves his headquarters about frequently," Gustav said.

After the meeting, Shawn Gallagher took Gustav Kesler and Robert Danziger on a tour of the facilities showing them the military complex and the training facilities. When they were finished reviewing the troops, Shawn took them out on the surface and showed him what they had done so far to prepare for the moon's defense.

"What you have done is good, but it is not enough. You're building fighting positions out away from the colony guarding the approaches but you have neglected the defenses up close to the colony itself. What if they fly in and land shuttles on your front door?" Gustav asked.

"We never thought of that," Shawn replied.

"Not to worry. That is why we are here. Your fighting men are in fair shape, but my people will hone them into killing machines."

Over the course of the next three days, Gustav's elite commandos arrived on Europa and the other moons of Jupiter to train the troops while teams of engineers arrived to build better defensive positions. Shawn assigned his vice president the task of securing adequate housing for their guest. The training schedule increased its tempo and its intensity as Gustav's fleet moved into defensive positions. They deployed, orbiting the various moons of Jupiter, while others orbited the planet itself. Fifty ships broke orbit heading for Saturn while they readied themselves for the coming federal assault.

The chief maintenance officer showed Shawn his new presidential space cruiser the following morning and Shawn took the ship to space taking it for a few revolutions around Europa before taking a cruise around Jupiter himself. That evening, Shawn prepared to leave for the asteroid belt and his visit with Ludwig Von Wolf. After swaggering up the boarding ramp, along with John Wilson, a young captain, who was part of the flight crew assigned to the new ship, started to head for the cockpit.

"Excuse me. Captain, O'Brian. If you don't mind, I'd like to take her off the surface. She's a fine ship and I'm still trying to get used to her," Shawn said, breathing in the smell of breath mints, and the young blond headed captain smiled.

"Sure thing Mr. President. She's your ship. I'll have my men settle into their cabins while you do the pre flight checks. After that we'll be in our ready room if you need us."

Shawn sat down in the captain's chair and John Wilson sat down next to him in the co-pilots spot.

John grinned. "You have to start acting presidential. A president doesn't fly his own ship."

"We're going to miss the election. Who knows? I might not even be president when we get back," Shawn replied, flipping some switches as he powered up the ship.

"Fat chance of that," John said. They started their pre flight checks; Shawn applied thrust and brought the new presidential space cruiser off the surface of Europa. John Wilson contacted Space Dock on the Com link informing them of their emanate departure. Linda Van Horn gave them clearance to leave the system, so Shawn took the ship for one revolution around Europa and took a swing around the gas giant known as Jupiter. He broke orbit passing the moons of Jupiter, now cluttered with starships from Gustav's fleet, and headed to the asteroid belt. They stayed in the cockpit for over an hour before Shawn leaned back in the seat and stretched.

"They tell me that there is some Crown Royal Canadian whiskey chilling in the beverage dispenser in the presidential lounge. What do you say to going down there and tilting back a few shots?" Shawn asked.

"I think that Canadian whiskey would go down real smooth," Wilson replied. Shawn leaned forward, flipped a toggle on his console and activated the ship's PA system.

"Captain O'Brian, we've had our fun, for now. Would you report to the cockpit," Shawn said into the microphone on his console.

"We'll be right there," O'Brian replied, his voice reverberating through the speaker on Shawn's console. Two minutes later, Captain O' Brian and his copilot, a dark haired man named Kevin Johnson, stepped into the cockpit.

"What do you think, Mr. President?" O' Brian asked.

"She handles like a dream," Shawn said and stood up from the captain's chair.

"Let me know whenever you want to have some more fun. There is nothing in the regs about the president not being allowed to fly his own ship," O' Brian said.

"I will. Let us know if you guys need a break," Wilson said.

"We've got a full flight crew. There's four more of us settling into our cabins, we'll handle her round the clock, but if you two want to put in some more flight time, just let us know," Kevin Johnson said.

"We'll do that," John replied. Kevin Johnson paused, looking up at Shawn Gallagher.

"Mr. President. It's an honor to be on your flight crew. I hope you enjoy the flight."

"I'm enjoying the hell out of it already. It's having good people like you two on board that makes things worthwhile," Shawn said and stepped out of the cockpit. John Wilson followed him down the corridor to the presidential lounge.

They stepped through a side door into the lounge and John took a seat in one of the plush lounge chairs while Shawn went to the beverage dispenser to pour them each a shot of Canadian whiskey. John Wilson gazed about taking in their luxurious surroundings breathing in the fresh new smell of the vessel.

"This sure is going to take some getting used to," John said when Shawn handed him his shot of whiskey. Wilson took a sniff of the potent brew and took a sip.

"Tell me about it," Shawn replied plopping down in a seat next to his friend. "When people call me Mr. President, and treat me with such respect, I don't know how to act. It feels like they think I'm someone that I am not."

"They're not just showing respect to you so much, although I do see some hero worship in some people's eyes; they're showing respect for the office. You've managed to give these people hope," John said.

Shawn just shrugged and downed his shot of whiskey, enjoying the buzz. "I may have, after it's all said and done, just got a bunch of people killed including ourselves."

"True. That could happen, but freedom is worth taking that chance. They're all volunteers. Everyone involved is doing so of their own free will. They just needed a strong leader to point the way, thus the hero worship."

Shawn nodded. "So what about Ludwig? Do you think he'll have the ships?" Shawn asked changing the subject.

Wilson shrugged. "He seems like a man of his word. The ships will be there."

"Yeah but what kind of ships? And what kind of shape will they be in?"

"I expect they'll be rough. They'll need some work, but we'll fix them," John said.

"I hope they're not too bad. They had better be worth what we're paying. Our stock of gold from Mars is getting thin."

"Yeah. We'd be in a world of shit if the PPF or God forbid pirates, boarded us and discovered what's in those hidden compartments under the deck in the cargo bay," John replied.

They spent the next four hours talking and the more alcohol they consumed, the more outlandish and wild the conversation became. They solved all of the problems in the solar system, or so their alcohol drenched minds, thought; they talked, they laughed, they enjoyed each other's company as only good friends can, while their dedicated flight crew headed toward the asteroid belt.

Three weeks into their journey as they were approaching the asteroid belt, Shawn lay asleep in his cabin when he felt a violent jolt, which woke him from a deep slumber. He flipped the toggle switch on the console next to his bed and called the cockpit. "Mr. O' Brian. What's going on?"

The voice of Captain O' Brian reverberated over the speaker next to Shawn's bed. "We've got some company Mr. President," O' Brian said.

"It's not PPF, is it?" Shawn asked.

"No Sir. Just a couple of pirates. We're showing them the error of their ways right now."

"Good. I'll be right there," Shawn replied and stepped out of his cabin. John Wilson joined him in the hall and they headed down the narrow corridor to the cockpit. "How goes it, Mr. O' Brian," Shawn asked.

They stood in the doorway of the cockpit watching. On the view screen, they saw two of the most dilapidated and sinister looking ships that Shawn had ever saw. "These boys want to play rough. We're about to give them a lesson in manors," O' Brian replied.

"Unidentified cruiser. Power down and prepare for boarding, or you will be destroyed. We need to inspect your cargo," the voice coming from the speakers on the copilots console said.

"Inspect this," Kevin Johnson said and fired a laser blast at the vessel which had sent the transmission. The two pirate vessels fired back, the presidential cruiser shook violently and Shawn had to grab the nearest bulkhead to remain on his feet.

"Mr. President, please find a chair and strap yourself in. Things are about to get rough," O' Brian said.'

"Firing torpedoes" Kevin replied.

Shawn watched what looked like fiery darts shot out from the underbelly of their ship and then the pirate vessels turned to flee.

"Try and out run that, suckers," Kevin said. They watched the image on the view screen of one of the torpedoes honing in on the trailing pirate vessel. The heat seeking missile locked onto the engine's heat signature ran up its exhaust port and they saw a blinding explosion on the view screen. A debris field filled space in the front of their vessel while the remaining pirate ship escaped, heading into the asteroid belt. It made a sharp turn around a large asteroid on the outer edge of the belt throwing off the pursuing torpedo. They saw another flash when the torpedo impacted with the asteroid blowing it to bits and pieces.

Shawn laid a friendly hand on Johnson's shoulder. "Good shooting, Lieutenant."

The remainder of their voyage to Ludwig Von Wolf's base in the asteroid belt was uneventful. They were approaching the coordinates that Gustav Kesler had transmitted to them once they were in space, when three small space cruisers appeared, seemingly from nowhere. Captain O' Brian was at the helm and Shawn Gallagher along with John Wilson stood behind the command chairs watching the ships on the view screen. They looked sinister, with their black exterior and sleek lines built to resemble a bird of prey.

"In bound space cruiser. Identify yourself," a deep voice with a sharp German ascent, said, coming over the speakers on Lieutenant Johnson's console.

"This is the New Republic's presidential cruiser. The NR-Free Bird. I believe we're expected," Johnson said into the microphone on his console.

"Wait one, Free Bird." After a pause, the voice came back over the speaker saying, "Free Bird. Please follow us. Reduce speed. It gets tricky amongst these asteroid clusters."

The three ships turned heading into a large cluster of asteroids and Captain O' Brian reduced speed following along behind.

"I remember when we were in the PPF; we used to come in here chasing pirates and smugglers. I hated it. The asteroid belt is vast and mainly clear, but when you get into these large clusters, it can be dicey," John Wilson said.

"I know. It makes for some tight flying," Shawn replied.

"I hear that there are lost colonies living out here. Supposedly, some live in hollowed out asteroids, while others live on space stations orbiting some of the larger asteroids," O' Brian replied.

"These hard rock miners are a strange breed. How could anyone stand to live out here?" Johnson asked while their three escorts led them through several asteroid clusters traveling deep into the heart of the asteroid belt. They approached a massive ominous shaped asteroid, and looking through the view screen, Shawn saw a flashing red light bordering a rectangular shaped section of the asteroid's side near its bottom. A massive set of steel doors, painted to look like the rocky exterior of the asteroid, slid open and their escort ships flew inside.

"Into the heart of the beast," Shawn said while Captain O'Brian followed their escorts through the opening and into the bowels of Ludwig Von Wolf's lair. The massive steel doors slid closed behind them. Shawn glanced at the view screen noticing the flashing green landing lights on a landing pad far below them. Captain O'Brian increased the down angle and reduced speed, following their escorts and touched down on the landing pad two minutes later, parking their ship behind their escorts.

"Gentlemen. You'll need to suit up in EVA gear until we pass through the airlock and enter the main complex," the heavily German accented voice of their escort said, coming over the speakers on Lieutenant Johnson's console. They headed to the exit hatch along with Captain O' Brian and his crew. They put on their EVA suits, entered the airlock, the outer door opened and they swaggered down the exit ramp. A group of men, wearing black EVA suits, stood near the three vessels, which had escorted them to Ludwig Von Wolf's base.

Shawn recognized the voice of the man who had made the radio transmission to his ship. The heavily German accented voice reverberated through the speakers of his EVA suit.

"If you Gentlemen will follow us, we'll get more comfortable." They followed the big German across the landing pad, into an airlock and heard a hiss of air. Oxygen filled the airlock, the big German took off his helmet and Shawn took off his. He looked at the man's scared up face, his bald head and his massive frame.

The big German smiled. "Welcome to Mr. Wolf's paradise. I'm sure you and your men will enjoy your stay."

"Thank you. I'm sure we will. I'm Shawn Gallagher. This is my secretary of defense, John Wilson."

"I am Kurt Bruner. I will take you and Mr. Johnson to Mr. Wolf. I will also show your men to their accommodations. They will have much fun here. We have women, cards, alcohol. As you Americans say, we party hard when we're not working."

They followed Bruner out of the airlock stowed their EVA suits in a utility locker and He led them down a narrow corridor to a turbo lift. The turbo lift took them up three levels and the doors opened. They heard loud music coming from down the hall.

"If you men will come with me, we'll get you settled in to your cabins and we can start the party, yah?" one of the other German employees of Von Wolf said. They stepped out of the turbo lift and Shawn's flight crew followed

Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson stayed in the turbo lift with Kurt Bruner, the turbo lift rose to the top level, they stepped out of the lift and Bruner led them down a long catwalk. Shawn looked down into the depths of the hollowed out asteroid, noticing people working on lower levels. Bruner stopped at a doorway on his right, rang the door chime and the door slid open.

"Mr. Von Wolf. Your guests have arrived," he said.

"Good. Come in gentlemen," Ludwig replied. Stepping into Ludwig Von Wolf's suite, Shawn stopped, gazing about at the luxury taking in his expensive paintings, expensive sculptures and other priceless works of art.

"Welcome to my little bit of paradise in the asteroid belt. Come. I have some scotch chilled."

"Thank you. We're glad to be here," Shawn replied while Ludwig led them through his luxurious living room to his study. Shawn's eyes widened taking in the antique books setting on the bookshelves. Ludwig motioned them to a seat and they sat on comfortable leather bound chairs on the other side of a wooden coffee table from Ludwig Von Wolf who sat down in an expensive leather recliner. Ludwig picked up a silver bell setting on an oak end table next to his chair, gave the bell a shake, causing it to tinkle, and a scantily clad Chinese women in her early twenties entered the room from a side door carrying a tray with shot glasses and a bottle of whiskey. Shawn recognized the woman as the one who had been with Ludwig on his ship when he came to Europa and breathed in the smell of her expensive perfume. Ludwig took the tray and filled the shot glasses.

"Thank you Yoko. That will be all. Leave the bottle and tray," Ludwig said. After they had tossed back a shot of whiskey, Ludwig looked up and said, "I trust you've brought the gold?"

"Did you secure the ships?" Shawn asked.

"I have the ships. They're rough, but they can put into shape. Of course I'll supply men to help with the repairs plus transportation as agreed," Ludwig replied.

"We brought the gold. It's in the cargo bay of my ship. I'll have my men unloaded it," Shawn said.

"That can wait. You and your men need some rest after being at space for so long. What do you say we go see your new ships at zero eight hundred hours? That will give you and your men time to rest. While we're having a look at the ships, your men can unload the gold. I have spare rooms here in my suite. You and Mr. Wilson can stay here. If you want, you can join my men in the pub for a while. I can also send up some women from the club."

"That won't be necessary. We'll just enjoy some more of this fine Scotch whiskey and hit the rack. What do you say, John?" Shawn asked.

"That sounds like a plan. I'm bushed," John Wilson replied, "But I wouldn't mind you sending one of them Chinese girls. I like them little China girls like your servant, Yoko."

Ludwig smiled. "Yoko is not a servant. She's more, but I have just the girl for you. Her name is Mei Ling." Ludwig looked at Shawn and said, "And for you?"

"I'd just like to get good and drunk on this fine Scotch whiskey and go to bed alone," Shawn replied and Ludwig laughed.

"A man after my own heart. It is good to see one who enjoys the simple pleasures in life."

Twenty four hours later, Ludwig Von Wolf's servants cooked breakfast. Shawn Gallagher, John Wilson and Ludwig Von Wolf sat down to a feast that Shawn hadn't tasted the likes of in a long while. They stuffed themselves on fired potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast along with pancakes and Shawn thought the food taste delectable.

"How do you manage to get fresh eggs, all the way out here in the belt?" Shawn asked Ludwig.

"I have my sources," Ludwig replied and smiled.

After breakfast, Ludwig took Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson onto his yacht. When they were clear of the base and at space, Shawn's presidential flight crew unloaded the gold from the Free Bird as instructed. Ludwig took them deeper into the asteroid belt flying through a maze of asteroid clusters and headed to an area where several larger asteroids floated in space by themselves. He turned coming around behind one of the larger asteroids and powered down. Hidden behind these asteroid lay a small fleet of derelict ships.

"They're rough, but they can be fixed," Ludwig said, setting the forward view screen to full magnification. "They're mostly frigates and small cruiser. There are a few small battle cruisers mixed in with the bunch as well."

"I'll say they're rough. Are you sure they can be fixed?" Shawn asked, noticing debris from the ships floating in space.

"Yes. Most of them can still fly. We'll tow those that can't fly. It's mostly older cast off Federal Defense Forces vessels with a few PPF ships mixed in. What do you think?"

"We'll take them. My people should have already unloaded the gold. Our funds are starting getting low. It's harder to smuggle the gold out of Mars now," Gallagher replied.

"Forget about it. I'm a businessman, but this is not about the money. I'm investing in you and your new government. If you succeed, I stand to make a lot more money than I do now. I can go legit and not have to worry about keeping one step ahead of the PPF. If there is anything else you need, don't hesitate to ask," Ludwig said.

"We could use some people to fly these ships back to Europa for us and maybe some mechanics to help us get them in shape, plus some trainers to train our new Space Corps," Shawn replied.

"Like I said when you first arrived; that's part of the deal."

"I think we're done here. Let's head home. I'm kind of anxious to see who won the election," John Wilson said, so Ludwig turned his yacht around and headed back to his base. They said their good-byes at the airlock inside the bowels of Ludwig's base, and Ludwig handed Shawn a bottle of his best Scotch Whiskey.

"This is for you to celebrate winning the election when you get back home."

"I don't know if I've won yet," Shawn replied.

Ludwig smiled. "I told you. I have my sources."

When Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson stepped off the exit ramp of the presidential space cruiser, after being at space for more than four months, four men stood on the landing pad to greet them wearing black EVA suits.

"Welcome home Mr. President," one of the men said.

"Who are you people?" Shawn asked.

"We're part of the new secret service. We found a federal infiltrator, while you were away. He's been amongst us from the beginning. He's in jail now Sir. We've been assigned to escort you to your office, Sir," the man said, his voice reverberating through the speakers in Shawn's EVA suit.

"I guess this means I won the election," Shawn replied.

"The vote was unanimous. Congratulations Sir," the secret service agent said and the detail led them into the main office complex. Shawn's Com link beeped and the voice of Linda Van Horn in space dock reverberated through the speakers in his suit.

"Welcome home Mr. President. I hate to interrupt, but we have a situation unfolding up here. We have ten ships in bound showing up on our scopes. I've positively identified them as PPF vessels."

"This is it then. They'll be in for a rude awaking. Alert the troops," Shawn said, ending the transmission.

The secret service agent in charge grabbed Shawn's elbow and said, "We'd best hurry Sir."

### CHAPTER 11

David Gallagher, Alonzo Garcia and the rest of the inductees, poured out the door of the bus like bees from a hive.

"On the deck you slimy little worms! See the little yellow feet painted on the sidewalk? Let's see if you are smart enough to form up on those feet and stand at attention!" the sergeant riding the bus yelled. Sweat beaded up on his forehead and spittle flew from his mouth. The inductees hustled onto the sidewalk forming up into ranks. "Move! Move! Move! We don't have all day people!" the sergeant continued. When the inductees formed up standing on the yellow feet at what was their best attempt at attention, the sergeant swaggered back and forth in front of their ranks. He stopped in front of David Gallagher and Alonzo Garcia. Louis Martin and Paul Rosenbaum stood to his left. The sergeant's nostrils flared. "You boys smell like the inside of a spittoon! Have you little worms been drinking?" the sergeant yelled.

"Yea yeah we had a few beers," David stammered.

"That will be the last alcohol that will pass through your slimy little lips for the next thirteen weeks!" The sergeant stepped back surveying the entire group and yelled, "You pukes have to be the most disgusting batch of humanity I have ever seen! I am Sergeant Ray Blackburn! I am the senior drill instructor! From now on, you will address me as Sir! The first thing and the last thing that comes out of your pie holes will be sir!" Blackburn yelled.

"Sir! Yes Sir!" the inductees yelled back.

"Form up in columns of two! Left face! That means turn to your left, in your civilian pukes language! Move! On the bounce! Left! Right! Left!" The sergeant led them down the sidewalk to a rectangular shaped building, heading into a room on the bottom floor. David's heart pounded inside his chest. The drill instructor's assistants, another sergeant and a corporal, ran along beside the troops yelling their lungs out.

"Have a seat you slimy little worms!" Blackburn yelled. He made his way to the front of the room while the inductees sat at tables facing forward. The shuffling sound of chairs sliding across the floor filled the room. In front of each inductee set a black marker and a small Dig-A-Pad.

"Pick up the black marker in front of you and write 605 on the back of your hand! You are now in Platoon 605! The Dig-A-Pad setting next to you is your journal! It is for you to write down all the happy little things that you want to remember about your experiences at boot camp!" Blackburn paused to catch his breath and continued, "Sergeant Duncan and Corporal Morales will be passing their campaign hats around! If you have any guns, knives, chewing gum, tobacco, or any other form of contraband in your pockets, put it in the campaign hats! After you pass the hats forward, you should have nothing in your pockets! There will be no smoking or drinking while at boot camp! There will be no sexual fraternization what so ever!" The sergeant took another breath. "Article ninety one of the uniform code of military justice prohibits you from disobeying a lawful order! Article eighty six prohibits you from being absent without leave! Article ninety six prohibits disrespect to a senior officer! Learn these articles! Learn them well! Laser them to your brains!"

After they passed the campaign hats forward, the inductees received a list of gear they would receive from the PX. The list consisted of sixty six separate items, from toothbrushes and toothpaste to combat boots and EVA suits. The drill instructors marched them into an adjoining room and they stood in a line next to a long line of tables. Moving up the line, they received their gear and the first item they received was a sea bag to put everything in. The Marines on duty handed them each six sets of uniforms, six pairs of boxer shorts, six pairs of socks and two pairs of boots.

At the end of the line, with their gear stuffed into the sea bags, they marched through a doorway and into another adjoining room where a long line of barber chairs set near the bulkhead at the front of the room. The barbers stood behind their chairs with smiles on their faces.

"How would you like your hair cut?" a portly Italian barber asked David Gallagher when David sat down in his chair.

David grinned. "Block it in the back, and take a little off the sides."

"Would you like to leave the sideburns?"

"Why not? Let's leave them," David said. With five swipes of his electric scissors, the barber relieved David of all the hair on his head and took off his sideburns with one swipe each. David reached up and felt of his bald dome when the barber finished.

"Move it boot! You're not the only little lamb that needs to be sheered today!" Corporal Morales yelled. After the haircuts, the inductees marched back to the receiving barracks, toting their sea bags over their shoulder and Sergeant Duncan marched them up to the top level of the three-tiered barracks. David breathed in the smell of pine scented cleaner. Sergeant Blackburn instructed them to find a bunk and empty the contents of their sea bags onto their bunk. The drill instructors ordered them to put away their new gear into the lockers between the bunks and into the footlockers by their beds. Finished with their gear, they stripped down and marched to the showers for a head call. Sergeant Duncan ordered them to shower by the numbers, washing and rinsing in an efficient manner cleaning one body part at a time. Goose flesh formed up on David's flesh and he shivered from the cold. After the head call, they marched back to their bunks and Sergeant Duncan ordered them to put on a pair of skivvies and retire for evening; the time was 02:30 hours Earth Standard. _God what have I gotten myself into_ , David wondered when he laid down in his bunk.

Three hours later, the sound of someone bagging metal trashcan lids together brought David from a deep slumber. He bolted upright in his bunk wondering where he was and why someone was making such a God awful racket.

"Drop your cocks and grab your socks my little worms! Out of those racks! Move! Move! Move!" Sergeant Blackburn yelled. The inductees scrambled out of their bunks, but a few, who were moving too slow for their instructor's taste, had their bunks, mattress and bedding, tossed onto the deck. "Form up at attention in front of your bunks! I haven't got all day ladies!" Blackburn yelled. When the inductees stood at attention in front of their bunks, Sergeant Blackburn and his two assistants swaggered back and forth inspecting the troops carrying short rubber Billy clubs. When they caught someone slouching, they swung the Billy club striking the offender's calf and knocking them to the deck. "Since you're down there, give me twenty! Sound off like you've got a pair! One, two three four! I love the Marine Core!" Blackburn yelled while those who received the strike to their calves did pushups. Blackburn stopped in front of David Gallagher. "Are you eye balling me boy?"

David's heart hammered inside his chest. "Sir! No Sir!"

"Are you calling me a liar?"

"Sir! No Sir!" David yelled.

"I think you are calling me a liar! You were trying to eye fuck me boy!" Blackburn punched David in the stomach, dropping him to his knees. "While you're down there, give me twenty!" David assumed the position and started doing pushups. His arms trembled and he tried to catch his breath. Once the drill instructors finished dishing out discipline, they marched the inductees to the head to shit, shower and shave. After the head call, the inductees dressed, made their racks cleaned the squad bay and the drill instructors marched them down to the mess hall for morning chow at 06:00 hours.

They spent the first week of their training in the receiving barracks learning close order drill, doing massive amounts of PT and going to classes where they learned, military history, military protocols, the chain of command, order of battle, plus the operation and maintenance of the M-23 Blaster. They received M-23s and had to carry them everywhere they went, and at night, they went to more classes covering military terms and procedures. By the end of the week, they were fully indoctrinated and ready to start training in earnest.

In their Military history class, the instructor paced back and forth in front of the group. "Have any of you heard the name, John Rizzo? I know you've seen his name on the wall of fame," the instructor asked but no one answered.

"John Rizzo was the commandant of the Marine Core under the old United States of America. During the chaos after the Third World War, Rizzo held the Marine Corps together. He, along with a few good Marines, defeated the bands of rebels and bandits, which terrorized the nation. They invaded Canada and Mexico, defeating the bandits and rebel scum there, and formed the North American Union. Rizzo also helped form the European Union and helped form the system of government we know today. So when you are in your bunks getting ready to retire for the evening and your drill instructed tells you to say good night John Rizzo, wherever you are, remember this, it was good Marines like Rizzo who bled and died so that we could be here today."

David leaned over and whispered to Alonzo. "Finally, they tell us who John Rizzo was. We've been saying good night to the bastard at lights out ever since we arrive."

The following morning, the drill instructors ordered the inductees in platoon 605 to pack their gear. With Sea bags over their shoulders, they left the receiving barracks and crossed the parade ground to the main barracks where they would spend the remainder of their time at boot camp. Once again, they marched to the top tier of a three tiered barracks and over course of the next three weeks, their training intensified. Rolling from their bunks at 05:30, they made a head call, headed to the parade ground for morning PT and at 0700, the drill instructors marched them to the chow hall for breakfast, they had twenty minutes to eat, and they ran the obstacle course.

They took classes in first aid, hand to hand combat and the proper use of a bayonet as a defensive and offensive weapon. One of the inductees asked why, in this modern age of laser fired weapons, they needed to train with such an archaic weapon.

"When all your standard 223 rounds are gone, when your energy packs are dead, when you've fired off all your explosive rounds, and the enemy is still coming in over the wire, you can use the M-23 Blaster with bayonet attached as an offensive or defensive weapon. If the bayonet breaks, you can use your blaster as a club. A Marine doesn't stop fighting until he is dead," Senior Drill Instructor Blackburn yelled.

They attended a class on water safety where the drill instructors ordered the inductees to jump into a swimming pool wearing a pack with full combat gear. It was a timed test to see how long they could survive floating in the water without having to swim to the side and grab onto the railing of the pool. David thought for a moment that he was going to drown, because he felt so weak, but he managed to make it through the exercise. The drill instructors also taught them life saving techniques.

"Just in case you little worms are wondering why we're teaching water safety here on the moon, when most of you will be shipped out to Mars or become part of the Space Division of the Fleet Marines, just think about this! Perhaps at the end of your first hitch, or on your second, should you re-up, they assign you to the straight leg Navy on Earth! There are two mighty big oceans back home, and should you fall over board, or get your ship shot out from under you, you'll need to know how to survive!" Corporal Morales yelled.

David clung to the side of the pool to catch his breath.

When they weren't taking classes, they ran with Sergeant Blackburn leading them on ten-mile runs, where he would leave the main complex and head into the bush. They staid under the massive dome, which housed the entire base, but the area they ran through were as rocky and rugged as any place on Earth. The environmental division of the Federal Defense Forces brought in top soil and planted trees and shrubs. There was even a stream meandering through the base and David noticed pan sized fish swimming in the stream when he stormed across it one day during an endurance run.

They also did massive amounts of PT and when one of the inductees screwed up; the DIs beat him with their rubber Billy clubs and forced the entire platoon to do PT. Close to the end of the first phase of their training, one inductee was continually causing problems getting the entire platoon into trouble. One evening the platoon had to march in circles for hours carrying buckets of sand in each hand, so that night the platoon held a blanket party. One person held the offender down with his blanket over his head while the rest of the platoon filed by his bunk swinging socks filled with bars of soap battering his chest and upper body.

David's nostrils flared, his breathing accelerated and his heart pounded inside his chest. "Shape up, you SOB," David whispered and took his turn bashing the inductee. His screams filled the barracks, but mysteriously, no drill instructors appeared from the DI shack to save the day and the next morning at reveille, the inductee seemed like a new man.

David Gallagher, Alonzo Garcia, Louis Martin and Paul Rosenbaum formed into a tight group within the platoon. The Sergeant appointed David squad leader; Alonzo, Paul and Louis Martin were the most trusted members of his squad. They spent the fourth week of their training in the field where they marched out into the bush away from the main complex and participated in live fire exercises. They had to crawl under barbed wire obstacles while the instructors fired machine guns and laser carbines over their heads with simulated explosions showering them with dirt and debris.

David kept his head down, biting back the fear, and tried to keep his hands from shaking, but also a sense of exhilaration shot through him when the bullets screamed overhead and the laser blast buzzed over them. They crossed a slimy mud bog while under fire and formed a defensive perimeter on the bank on the far side of the creek. After the live fire exercise, they bivouacked in the brush, and played war games. The drill instructors designated Platoon 605 as the red army while platoon 606 was the blue army. David led patrols, looking for the enemy's base.

On the final day of the exercise, the red army assaulted the blue army's base and won the exercise and when they marched back to the main barracks, a tired, dirty gritty bunch, platoon 605 had completed the first phase of their training. Once again, they packed their sea bags. This time, their move was a short one; they marched down the stairs to the second tier of the barracks and took possession of the bunks.

Platoon 605 spent the first week of their second phase of training working in the mess hall, crawling out of their rack at 03:30 hours to help feed the hungry Marines. The sergeant in charge of the mess hall kept them busy until 20:00 hours and then they would attend their evening classes. After their week of mess hall duty, the inductees of platoon 605 received training in chemical and biological warfare and received training in the use of the Mark I EVA suit. Sergeant Duncan marched the inductees to rectangular shaped room and had the NCOs on the outside of the room closed the hatches sealing them inside. Sergeant Duncan gave the inductees a demonstration of the suits capabilities.

"The Mark I EVA suit is your basic light duty EVA suit. Unlike the Mark II, you can put it on over your clothes. They designed it for short term EVA missions, such as traveling from an atmospherically contained vehicle to an atmospherically contained building. The Mark II, on the other hand is for missions of longer durations. You must be nude inside the Mark II suits. The Mark II has urine and shit bags, which secure to the inside of your legs. It also has a camel pack for water and a nitro pack for nourishment, which you access through tubes inside your helmet. You can survive in a Mark II suit indefinitely, as long as you change out your air tanks, re supply your nourishment packs, re supply your water bladders and change out your waste bags when they get full," Sergeant Duncan said. "Pair up with another inductee. When you put on your suit, have your buddy check your seals and air tanks. Then check his," Sergeant Duncan continued. A murmur went through the group of inductees.

Once all of the inductees were suited up in the Mark I EVA suits and done with their equipment checks, the attendants drained the atmosphere inside the sealed room and turned off the artificial gravity. The inductees interacted in the weightless environment learning how to move about in the EVA suits. After their EVA suit training, the inductees of platoon 605 marched to the rifle range where they spent a week dry firing the M-23 Blaster.

"Remember Breath control, sight picture, and a gentle squeeze as you exhale," Sergeant Blackburn said instructing the inductees on the grass by the firing range.

The following week, the inductees of platoon 605 practiced their shooting skills, starting on Monday, getting ready for rifle qualifications on Friday. They fired from the standing, kneeling and prone position at three hundred yards, firing, standard 223 rounds, explosive rounds and short laser blast. By Friday, everyone in platoon 605 was shooting well and everyone qualified. By the end of eight weeks, the inductees of platoon 605 had begun to work as a unit. Those who had been on the fat side when they entered boot camp had thinned down and muscled up. Those who were too skinny, hand put on weight and added muscle; the beatings with the Billy clubs had ceased. Every now and then, the Inductees would hear a rare word of praise from their instructors.

They spent the final four weeks of boot camp in close order drill, getting ready for graduation. They endured numerous inspections, showing meticulous detail to the proper wearing of the uniform and in the military bearing and decorum.

"You're almost there my little worms!" Sergeant Blackburn yelled one evening. "We've just got to polish off the rough edges and turn you into Marines!" The night before graduation, the inductees of platoon 605 stood at attention in their barracks. Sergeant Blackburn and the base commander gave them their last inspection. The base commander gave them a passing grade, and left the squad bay while Sergeant Blackburn looked at his platoon with pride.

"Congratulations! You are no longer maggots or worms! You are no longer inductees! Today you are Marines! Tomorrow, during the ceremony after you march in review, you will all receive the rank of PFC. After the ceremony, you will receive a three day pass! You will report back here at 06:00 there days from now for transportation to Advanced Infantry Training! Remember those Mark II EVA suits that Sergeant Duncan spoke of during your EVA training? You will spend the next two months using them! After that, you'll get your orders and depart for your first duty stations! Get some rest Marines! Tomorrow's a big day!" Sergeant Blackburn yelled and left the squad bay. A loud cheer broke out amongst the ranks.

"We made it, man!" Alonzo said and grabbed David up in a bear hug.

David's chest puffed out and a grin crossed his face. "I had my doubts at first. I didn't think I had what it takes," David Replied.

"You've got to be kidding mate. You were my rock. It seemed like you did everything right. When I felt like giving up, I just looked at you. I figured if you could do hang in there, then so could I," Louis said.

"This had to be the hardest thing I've ever been through in my life. After this, AIT has to be a cakewalk," Paul replied, but little did he know that he would later, remember those words and laugh at his naivety.

After Graduation, David, Alonzo, Louis and Paul headed to town to enjoy their three day pass. It was the first time that any of them had the chance to see the lunar colonies, other than when they passed through on the bus heading to boot camp. The first thing they did when they entered the plaza, a large in door mall under a massive dome, was head to the local pub. David looked down the front of the server droid's dress when she delivered their drinks noticing the fabric of her sheer white top, which barely contained her ample bosom.

"It's hard to believe they're not human," David said and picked up his drink.

"Human or not Mate, those titties look real," Louis said, giving the blonde headed female server druid's left breast a squeeze. The droid let out a squeal and Paul gave her a playful slap on the ass when the droid turned and headed back to the bar. The smell of tobacco smoke and stale alcohol drifted across the room.

"Her butt felt real," Paul said noticing that the back of her skirt barely covered the cheeks of her ass.

"Her tit did too," Louis replied and laughed.

"You couldn't get away with that with a real girl," David said.

"You just might get yourself a real good shiner, Mate," Louis said.

"You clowns are such pigs. If you were a Latin lover like me, the women would fall all over you. You wouldn't have to get grabby. They'd be grabbing you," Alonzo said. After getting good and drunk, they found a local tattoo parlor and got the Fleet Marine emblem tattooed on their left biceps. Then they found one of the local brothels and spent some of their hard earned credits on prostitutes. After their three day pass ran out, they climbed back on the bus, still half drunk, and headed back to the base. Once they boarded the bus, they stowed their Mark I EVA suits and leaned back to enjoy the ride. When the bus arrived on base, they climbed, out and stood on the same sidewalk, with the yellow feet painted on its surface that they stood on when they first arrived at boot camp.

Bleary eyed and hung over, they gathered with the other Marines waiting for the bus that would take them to their AIT training.

"Isn't this just like the military, hurry the fuck up and wait," David said.

The Marines of platoon 605 boarded buses, which took them through the base to an exit on the opposite side from where they entered upon arriving for boot camp. They traveled for over an hour, still inside the massive domed structure, which housed the lunar recruiting depot. The buildings lining the road gave way to trees and shrubs, which eventually gave way to the rugged cratered landscape of the moon. The bus stopped at an airlock when they reached the south bulkhead and pulled inside. The outer airlock doors opened, the bus pulled out onto the barren lunar landscape and an NCO ambling up at the center aisle stopped next to David's chair.

"You gentlemen might as well relax and enjoy the ride. It will be a few hours before we arrive at the training site. It's off in the middle of nowhere. Platoon 605 will debark at Camp Lunar Bravo. Platoon 606 will go on to Camp Lunar Charlie. When you disembark, you will need to suit up in your Mark I EVA suits. Your Mark II suits will be issued to you when you arrive at the camp," the NCO said.

"Thank you sergeant. Is it as rough as everyone says?" David asked.

The young NCO smiled and said, "No. It's worse. Living in an EVA suit and being in a weightless environment for a long duration is no picnic. It's even worse when you're expected to fight in one."

"Well that bloke just made my day," Louis said after the NCO moved on.

Alonzo shrugged. "We survived boot camp Bro. We can survive this."

David leaned back in his chair to catch some sleep while Alonzo gazed out the window watching the lunar landscape roll by. Louis produced a deck of cards and talked Paul into a game to pass the time. The buses bounced over the lunar landscape, on route to a remote military installation on the dark side of the moon.

They pulled up to the desolate base, consisting of several prefabricated rectangular shaped buildings, which set facing a common parade ground where several atmospherically contained vehicles set. Stacks of building material and pieces of prefabricated sheets of armored plating set in stacks near the buildings. The NCOs on the bus instructed the Marines to suit up in their Mark I EVA suits. Once suited up in their EVA suits, they headed through the airlock and stepped out onto the harsh lunar landscape.

Outside a sergeant wearing, his own EVA suit brought the Marines to attention and marched them into one of the larger buildings. They assembled in a reception hall inside the atmospherically contained building and took off their EVA suits. A dark headed stocky NCO wearing a spotless Marine Corps uniform stepped to the front of the room to address the assembled Marines.

"Gentlemen. I am Sergeant Brown. Your senior AIT training instructor. You will soon receive your Mark II EVA suits. After chow, we will hold class on the suit's operation. You will spend the next month securing this base, building fighting positions and going on recon patrols. You will work twelve hours shift. You will spend six hours building fighting positions and six hours on patrol. After you've built the fighting positions, strung the wire and secured the base, we will be on twenty four hour alert. You will spend six hours in your fighting positions and six hours on patrol. You will be on rotating shifts."

"Platoon 606 will be completing the same task as you. They will also prepare to assault this base. That assault should take place sometime near the end of the month. After the assault, you will pack your gear and ship out taking over their positions. You will then become the aggressors."

After their orientation, the Marines of platoon 605 marched off for their evening chow and received training in the operation and hygiene standards for living in the Mark II EVA suits. After class, they marched to the barracks at 22:00 hours for eight hours of sleep. The following morning at 06:00 hours, they assembled in the parade ground, wearing their new Mark II EVA suits, and went to work securing the perimeter and building fighting positions.

Other groups of Marines went out on patrol armed with M-23 Blasters, which were set to low power laser fire. If they encountered any Marines from platoon 606, designated as the blue army, they would engage them with non lethal laser fire. If the Marine scored a hit in a vital area, the Marine's suit would let out a beeping sound designating a kill. For the first two weeks, David, Alonzo, Louis and Paul worked building fighting positions. When they filled up their shit bag or urine bags while working, they disconnected and set the bags aside for the sanitation squad, which would collect them. At the end of their shift, they headed inside for a shower, a hot meal and some needed sleep. They also went on a few night patrols and on one patrol; they walked into an ambush set by a recon patrol from the blue army.

After the first two weeks, they finished constructing the fighting positions and securing the perimeter. From then on, they spent six hours a day manning the fighting positions and another six hours on patrol working on rotating shifts with very little sleep. Three days before the end of the month, David and Alonzo lay asleep in their racks along with Louis and Paul when the alert sounded. They jumped out of their bunks, suited up in their EVA suits and ran to their fighting positions.

The blue army attacked the base firing their M-23 Blasters and cut through the wire pouring into the compound. The troops manning the fighting positions fired off simulated claymore mines and returned fire from the firing ports in their fighting positions. Green laser flashes and mock explosions lit up the night. The assault lasted for three days and ended when the blue army seized the entire base.

The Marines of platoon 605 assembled with their gear the morning after the assault and shipped out heading for the base to the north and while the Marines of platoon 605 became the blue army, the Marines of platoon 606 took on the title of the red army. When the Marines of platoon 605 arrived at their new base, their first order of business was to access the base's defenses and start offensive operations. They became the aggressor force, so they began reconnaissance missions on their former base of operations and spent three weeks playing cat and mouse with the patrols from the blue army while they patrolled the area around their base.

David led his squad on several recon patrols and on the twenty eighth day of the month, they loaded up into tracked vehicles and assaulted the blue army's compound. The assault went about the same as when they occupied the blue army's positions. The blue army pinned them down for an hour before they broke through the wire and they received heavy laser fire from the defensive positions. When dawn broke on the second day of the siege, they secured the last building ending the assault. Two months to the day after boarding the buses and heading for their AIT training, they climbed onto the buses once more for the ride back to the recruiting depot, and assembled in the same room near the receiving barrack, which they had assembled when they first arrived at boot camp.

Senior drill instructor Ray Blackburn swaggered to the front of the room and sat at a wooden table behind a microphone. To his left set a stack of envelopes with names written on each one. Excitement filled the air and conversation buzzed through the room.

"First let me say, congratulations, Marines upon the completion of your training. Before me, I have your orders. When I call your name, come to the front. After you receive your orders, report to the bus stop outside. The buses will take you back to the lunar colony. Inside your packet will be a two day pass, which you can spend here at the lunar colonies, then you will report to the shuttle port and catch a ride to space dock where you will make connections to your first duty station."

Sergeant Blackburn called the names and announced the duty stations and while some of the Marines received assignments to one of the bases on Earth's moon to serve as peacekeepers, most received orders assigning them to Mars.

"PFC David Gallagher," Sergeant Blackburn said when he came to David's name. "Two days from now you report to the CEU-Defender. She's a troop transport ship which will take you to Mars where you will serve as a peacekeeper at the Martian colonies." David stood to his feet and went to the front of the room to get his orders.

"Alonzo Garcia. You will serve in the Fleet Marine's new Deep Space Division. You will serve on the Port Royal. She's in space dock now. She'll still be there in two days after your two day pass expires," Sergeant Blackburn said. After receiving their orders, David and Alonzo stepped out front and stood near the bus stop. Louis and Paul stepped up next to them after they received their orders.

"Where are you headed?" David asked Louis.

"I'm assigned to the Deep Space Division on the Port Royal with Alonzo. It doesn't sound right Mate. These blokes with the gold oak leaves don't know their ass from a teakettle. I only planned on doing one hitch. Exploring deep space might take a bit longer," Louis replied.

Alonzo shrugged. "I guess you can straighten that out when you report for duty."

"Where are you headed?" David asked Paul.

"I'm shipping out on the Defender with you. We're going to Mars," Paul replied.

"You guys can have Mars. Who wants to spend your time trying to corral a bunch of unruly miners, when you can explore the galaxy? We're going to make history, Bro," Alonzo said, putting his arm around Louis Martin's shoulder trying to cheer him up.

"They are having a problem with rebels on the red planet," Paul said.

"History and the red planet can wait. Let's get on board this bus and head to the colonies. I need a beer," David said. Two days later, after spending their two day pass drinking beer, chasing women and playing cards, four friends gathered in the main lobby at space dock; still half drunk and hung over, they said their farewells.

"This is it Mates. Who knows when the fours of will be together again," Louis said.

"I'm sure we can locate each other on the Military VID net. I'll do a search for you guys and send you a message," David replied.

"Take care Bro. It's not gonna feel right without you guarding my back," Alonzo said, grabbing David up in a bear hug, and they did some backslapping.

"Old Louis here will back you up if you get in a tight spot," David replied, trying to swallow the lump in his throat.

"I'll see you back in Cold Water when we're out, if I don't see you before," Paul said to Louis and gave him a hug.

"I doubt it Mate. As soon as I part company with the Federal Defense Forces, I'm heading back to jolly old England." Finished with their good-byes, a group of close friends parted company, two heading for Mars, and two heading for the stars.

### CHAPTER 12

Dillon Kincaid's hand gripped the armrest of the captain's chair on the CEU-Falcon, sweat beaded up on his forehead, and the muscles in the back of his neck felt as taught as a guitar's E string when he gazed out the view screen at the ships orbiting Jupiter and her moons. The woman manning the Com station on Jupiter's space dock had been hailing them, but Kincaid had not allowed his communications officer to respond. He drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair. Kincaid wiped the sweat from his brow.

"It would have been nice if the intelligence people had let us know about these ships. Who are these people anyway? They can't be miners," First Officer Adam Beasley said, adjusting the view on the forward view screen bringing it to full magnification. "This is looking more and more like a suicide mission."

Kincaid let out a snort. "Hell yeah it's a suicide mission, but we've got it to do. I guess the brass thought these miners would be sitting on their fat asses waiting for us. It's obvious that they hired some MERKs. Miss Jessup," Captain Kincaid said to his communications officer sitting at a console across the small bridge. "Contact the Raven, the Condor, the Eagle's Claw, the Sparrow Hawk and the Fire Bird. Tell them to act as a blocking force. I'm going to lead the rest of us to the objective."

The Falcon, along with four other PPF vessels, increased its downward angle and swept down toward the surface of Europa by passing Callisto and Ganymede. The ships orbiting these moons broke orbit to engage and the ships Kincaid had assigned as the blocking force turned to face the threat. The MERKs employed by Ludwig Von Wolf hammered the PPF vessels with laser fire and blue green flashes of light lit up the night.

From her vantage point inside the com center on Jupiter's space dock, Linda Van Horn watched their view screen and it reminded her of the fireworks displays back home, only this was much more deadly. She contacted the military headquarters on Europa when she saw the PPF fleet split and half of them head toward the moon's surface. Two of the ships, acting as a blocking force, took direct hits, which penetrated their shields and burned through their hulls, causing their fusion reactors to overheat and exploded. A blinding flash of white light filled Linda's view screen and a debris field filled the space surrounding the Space Dock. The three vessels of the blocking force that remained turned to flee.

Gustav Kesler sat on the bridge of his flagship watching the scene unfold on the forward view screen.

"Shall we let them go?" the vessel's captain asked.

Gustav shook his head. "Negative. Annihilate them," he said in a quiet relaxed tone. He pulled a cigar from the front pocket of his uniform blouse and fired it up. The smell of tobacco smoke filled the bridge. Twenty ships from Gustav's fleet pursued the fleeing PPF vessels and fired a volley of proton torpedoes. Three distinct explosions filled the view screen and a debris field filled the space in front of their vessels.

"Turn around and take us to Europa. Let's see if we can catch those other ships before they land," Gustav said to his helmsmen.

_God it's almost like we're flying through a gauntlet,_ Dillon Kincaid thought when his space cruiser descended toward the surface of Europa. Laser fire from the surface ached up toward his ship ships from the MERK's fleet made short work of his blocking force, and now nipped at the heels of his small assault forces. Two of the ships in the assault force took direct hits from proton torpedoes and exploded killing everyone on board while two more took hits from the moon's laser cannons and crashed into the surface.

"Take us down on the deck!" Dillon yelled to his helmsmen as they swept over the surface on Europa heading toward the main mining complex. The Falcon flew through a narrow canyon trying to avoid the ground fire from the laser cannons, but men in fighting positions dug into the canyon walls fired at them with M-23 Blasters and machine guns.

"Captain! Our shield's are down and I'm losing control of our forward thrusters! We coming in too hot!" the helmsmen yelled.

"Set us down in front of their main compound! Even if you have to do so in a controlled crash!" Kincaid yelled.

"Aye Captain," the helmsmen said and set the CEU Falcon down in front of what had once been Consolidated Mining's main office complex. Kincaid felt a sharp jolt when the ship touched down and slid to a stop, breaking off one of its landing struts, while commandos threw on their EVA suits, grabbed their rifles and rushed through the airlock. They ran down the exit ramp, formed a defensive perimeter around the ship. Captain Kincaid and the officers on the bridge ran to the exit hatch, put on their EVA suits and ran down the exit ramps to join the battle.

Men rose up from a trench in front of the mining complex opening up with their Blasters and lit up the night sky over Europa with laser fire. Vastly outnumbered, Captain Kincaid and his team put up a valiant fight, but their armored EVA suits, after repeated hits, failed. Captain Kincaid's breath caught in his throat, he felt a hole burn through his upper chest, the impact caused him to spin around and land on his back. His chest felt as if it were on fire and through the face shield of his EVA suit, he saw the blurry image of a man standing over him with a gun. _Awe shit_ , Kincaid thought and slipped into unconsciousness.

Cyrus Bonelli stood, transfixed, gazing out the window of his council chambers at the lights of New York City noticing hover cars moving through the air in front of the window. Acid reflux burned the inside of his throat. Just moments before, Cyrus had received word of the destruction of the PPF vessels that had attempted to land on Europa. One of the vessels in the blocking force managed to fire off a VID Com seconds before Gustav Kesler 's ships blew it to bits. _I should have known they would hire mercenaries, but where did they get the funds?_ Cyrus wondered. _Damn, Damn, Damn._

After receiving the transmission from the PPF vessel, just prior to its destruction, Cyrus called an emergency meeting of the Joint Chiefs and they gathered in his council chambers.

"Gentlemen," Cyrus said stepping boldly before them. "Now that the folly caused by the bureaucrats sitting on the Council of Economic Unions has come to pass, it is of course, up to the military to intervene. Operation Bold Strike will commence at 06:00 hours."

"Begging your pardon, Sir, but it wasn't the Planetary Patrol Force's fault. They only allowed us to use ten ships. The intelligence was bad," the general from the Planetary Patrol Force protested.

Cyrus raised his hands. "I understand. I'm not blaming you people. It's them bastards on the council floor that are to blame. As I was saying. Bold strike commences at 06:00 hours. Once your ships are on station, we will set up a blockade and demand the surrender of this rabble that calls themselves the New Republic. If they refuse to surrender, we will launch a full scale assault on Europa, Io, Ganymede and Callisto, but Europa will be our primary target. I want their leadership taken alive, if possible, and brought back here in chains to stand trial for treason. I want those tanker ships moving. Our supplies of hylum-3 and hydrogen are running low. The bureaucrats on the council floor have their panties in a bunch. Who knows what they'll come up with next? Gentlemen, you have your orders. Make it so," Cyrus said. A murmur went through the crowd of assembled officers and Cyrus watched the generals of the main branches of the Federal Defense Forces file out of the room.

The fleet admirals received encrypted transmissions putting them on alert and the ships made ready for space. One third of the main battle fleet left the space dock orbiting Earth and headed for the moon where they would link up with several more ships orbiting the lunar space dock and head toward Mars. The main bulk of the fleet broke orbit with Mars and headed toward the asteroid belt knowing that they would be the first ones on the scene and it was their duty to set up the blockade of Jupiter.

"Mr. President Sir. You have an incoming VID flash transmission on your VID screen. It's marked urgent," Cyrus's aide said when he entered the room.

"Who is it?" Cyrus snapped.

"He says his name is Shawn Gallagher. President of the New Republic." Cyrus stormed out of his council chambers and into his private office.

"Computer, play incoming video flash message marked urgent," Cyrus said to the computer and the image of Shawn Gallagher appeared on the screen. Cyrus sat down behind the computer screen glaring at his adversary.

"I'm not used to having casual conversations with traitors and insurrectionist. State your business!" Cyrus demanded.

Shawn Gallagher leaned back in his chair. "Mr. President. I just want you to know that you got a lot of good men killed for nothing. All you had to do was to concede to our demands and the takers would be flying once more. You'd have all the helium and hydrogen you need. Now over one hundred men are dead."

The veins in Cyrus's neck pulsed and his face flushed. "We will never give in to black mail and deceit from vermin such as you. Those men went to their deaths because of council members who chose to play patty cake with terrorist. Their blood is not on my hands, but I can grantee you that there are more men and ships where those came from. We're coming and we will exterminate you like the vermin you are! When I have you back on Earth, in chains, I will make it my personal duty to fire the laser bolt that takes your life," Cyrus said, but Shawn Gallagher just shrugged.

"You know, you should try not to take things so personal. If you care, one of the PPF personnel survived. A Captain Dillon Kincaid. Our medical people are seeing to his wounds. Once he recovers, we'll place him with the rest of the detainees. When you concede to our demands, we will work out some kind of prisoner exchange. Hell, we might even negotiate some trade deals. Who knows? We could even become friends."

"Fuck you. Computer, end transmission," Cyrus snapped.

Jack Chambers lay in bed sound asleep between two naked androids. Light exploded through the tiny crib and Craig Bannister swaggered into the room. Chambers groaned, crawled from between the two naked female androids and turned setting his feet on the floor. He leaned forward and placed his head in his hands.

A smirk crossed Craig Banister's face. "Of all the dives in the colony you have to pick, Dolly's Droids? God, Jack. I think you'd put your pecker in a knot hole if you had the chance."

Chambers smiled. "Don't knock it if you haven't tried one. You don't have to cuddle with an android when you're done. You just turn them off. They're fully functional in every way. Their skin texture is so smooth you can't tell that they're not real women." The redheaded, big-breasted android on the bed began to stir, but the blonde remained asleep with her large breasts pointing to the sky. Banister noticed a tiny field of freckles covering the redhead's nose.

"You do have a thing for blondes and red heads."

"You've got to quit barging in on me like this Craig. Haven't you ever heard of knocking?"

Banister sighed. "I did knock. I about beat the damned door down. Let's go my friend. We've got Marines to pick up. The fleet leaves at 15:00 hours. The Port Royal needs her captain."

"God, my head hurts. What time is it?"

Craig Banister laughed. "Zero seven hundred Earth Standard time. I know just the thing for that hang over. Breakfast at the officer's mess and about a gallon of good old Navy Coffee."

"Yeah. It might rot out your insides, but it will kill your hang over." Captain Chambers said. He stood to his feet and Craig Bannister waited while he dressed. They stepped out into the dimly lit hallway, covered with maroon carpeting, and headed down the corridor toward the exit. Squinting, because of the dim red lighting, Jack noticed four Marines standing in the hallway. They sprung to attention, snapped off salutes and Captain Chambers, along with First Officer Bannister returned the curtsy.

"As you were, Gentlemen," Jack replied, wondering if these were some of his Marines. Chambers and Bannister left Dolly's Droids, heading across the mall to the exit, put on their EVA suits and caught a bus, which took them to the shuttle port. They boarded their shuttle a few minutes later and settled in for the ride. When the shuttle lifted off the surface, Captain Chambers looked out the porthole next to his seat watching the cratered surface of the moon receded below them.

They had left Earth three days ago, and when they arrived at the lunar space dock, the place was crowded. Federal Defense Force vessels filled every docking port at the space dock and the new fleet of Deep Space vessels had to take a higher orbit away from the clutter because there had been no place for them to dock. Chambers gave the ship's crew a two day pass to visit the colony, before they continued to Mars, but now, the space dock looked deserted and their fleet of deep space vessels, were the only ships in orbit.

"Where is everybody?" Jack asked, looking out his porthole.

"I think it has something to do with the situation on Europa. I expect we'll hear about it once were back on board ship," Banister said.

Chambers nodded. "I hope we don't get caught up in that mess."

"I think the powers that be want to keep us out of it," Banister said.

The shuttle gained altitude, entered space, and headed toward the massive fleet gathered above the space dock. Chambers saw the green flashing lights and the massive steel launch bay doors opened. Their shuttle flew through the launch bay doors and sat down on the launch bay of the Port Royal.

"Home at last," Craig Bannister said.

"Yeah, let's go get that breakfast you were talking about. I have a need for caffeine," Chambers replied.

"What's the matter? You're not feeling chipper this morning?" Bannister quipped.

Chambers shook his head. "I feel like a warm bag of shit."

Banister laughed. "You have such a way with words," Banister said when they stood to head for the shuttle's exit hatch.

After a hardy breakfast, consisting of toast, fried eggs, bacon and ham, along with three cups of scalding hot coffee, Captain Cambers entered his conference room, answered a flash transmission on the VID screen and the face of Admiral Boris Ivanov filled the screen.

"Good morning, Sir," Captain Chambers said nodding at the image on the screen.

"Good morning Captain. I wanted to inform you about the events which transpired on Europa a short while ago, unless you've been watching the VID Net."

Chambers shook his head. "No. I've been busy with other things for the last couple of days. I noticed that most of the main battle fleet has left port. What's up?"

The admiral's expression turned grave. "The PPF launched an assault on the New Republic's main complex. The council wanted to keep things low key, so they only sent in ten ships. How do you people in the North American Union say? It was a bad mistake. The New Republic forces obliterated our PPF comrades. It seems that the miners on Europa have some mercenary forces working with them. President Cyrus Bonelli ordered an immediate blockade of Jupiter in preparation for a major offensive."

Chambers' eyes widened. "How will that affect our mission?"

"I hope we don't get drawn into this conflict. If these rebels on Europa don't allow us to pass through their space, then we may have to blast our way through. We need to sling shot off Jupiter's orbit to head for the outer reaches of the solar system."

"Maybe they'll listen to reason. If we explain that we're not part of the assault force that all we want to do is head for deep space, maybe they'll let us pass."

"I hope so. If not, we'll shoot our way through. Will the Port Royal be ready for a fifteen-hundred departure?"

Chambers nodded. "Yes Sir. We have some Marines to pick up, but I'm sure everyone will be on board in time."

"Good. I'm sure you have pressing duties to attend to. Carry on," Admiral Ivanov said. His image on the screen disappeared and the screen went dark. The shuttle pilots on the Port Royal, along with all of the shuttle pilots in the fleet, spent the next eight hours shuttling Marines to their ships. When the Marines arrived on ship, they marched to the turbo lifts and rode down to their berthing areas, several decks below, to stow their gear. They had orders to meet in the Fleet Marine assembly hall for an orientation briefing once the ships were under way.

Captain Chambers sat in the captain's chair on the bridge of the Port Royal at fifteen hundred hours Earth Standard time with First officer Bannister sitting beside him. When the communications officer received word from space dock that they were clear to leave orbit, Captain Chambers looked at his helmsmen.

"Mr. Walker. Take us out of orbit. Let's take up our position in the fleet. Set a course for Mars."

"Aye Captain." The Port Royal broke orbit, took up its position with the fleet and the new fleet of deep space vessels left Earth's moon behind on route to Mars.

Captain Cambers looked at his communications officer and said, "Miss. Barrow. Contact Fleet Marine head quarters. Patch Commander Dawson through to my panel."

"Yes Sir," the young blonde headed communication's officer replied.

"Captain. What can I do for you Sir?" Commander Dawson said, his voice reverberating over the speaker on top of the captain's console.

"I wanted to see how things are going. Are your Marines settled in?"

"They're fine, Sir. We're right in the middle of an orientation briefing. Would you like to come down and address the troops?" Dawson asked.

"I'd love to," Captain Chambers replied. "I'll be right there." Captain Chambers stood to his feet and looked at First Officer Bannister. "Mr. Bannister, you have the bridge." Captain Chambers stepped through the set of double doors leading to the main hallway, swaggered down the hallway to the turbo lifts and rode a lift down into the bowels of the ship to the deck housing the Fleet Marines. Stepping out of the turbo lift, he passed through the Fleet Marine office complex to their assembly hall. Men sat at tables and chairs facing a stage while a Marine Corps officer stood on the stage addressing the troops.

When Commander Dawson saw, Captain Chambers enter the room he smiled. "Gentlemen. Let me introduce our captain. Mr. Jack Chambers." Captain Chambers stepped up onto the stage and shook Commander Dawson's hand after returning his salute. The men stood at attention when Captain Chambers stepped up to the podium.

Chambers smiled. "Gentlemen. As you were." The men sat down. "On behalf of all the naval officers and enlisted personnel, I'd like to welcome you aboard the Port Royal. You gentlemen are fortunate to be on this vessel. You are making history. You are among the first who will venture out of our solar system. I trust that you will adapt to life on board ship. I'm sure that Commander Dawson will keep you busy. We have some training events scheduled in the near future. We will be at space for the next three months before arriving at Mars. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. All though I respect the chain of command, my door is open to anyone," Captain Chambers continued.

A young dark headed Marine raised his hand and stood at the back of the room to be recognized. "Sir, I have a question."

"That's what I'm here for. State your name, and ask your question."

"Sir, my name is Louis Martin. From what they're telling us, this could be a long mission. I planned to do only one hitch. I'd like to get back home to England as soon as I can."

Captain Chambers stepped up to the edge of the stage. "I was told that everyone assigned to this ship, as well as the other ships in this fleet, had marked on their induction forms that they might be interested in a career with the Federal Defense Forces."

The young Marine shook his head. "Not me Sir. I marked no in that box."

"They were using old fashioned pen and paper forms in San-Diego. Their Diga-Pad system was down. Private Martin's must have smudged his form. It's possible that the clerks in Diego made a mistake," Commander Dawson interjected.

"Regardless, the needs of the service come first. You've been in the Marine Corps for five months. You still have three years and seven months on your first tour. We can't turn this fleet around and head back to Earth because of one man. When your hitch runs out, we'll be out of the solar system. You're with us for the duration. I suggest you make the best of it."

"Yes Sir. Thank you Sir," Louis Martin said and sat down.

"If there are no further questions, I have other duties to attend to. I expect that during the course of our mission I'll get a chance to speak to each one of you individually. Again, I'd like to welcome you all aboard." Captain Chambers stepped away from the podium and the Marines stood and applauded.

Back in his office, Captain Chambers sat down at his oak conference table and logged onto the ship's personnel records. He looked up Marine Corps PFC, Louis Martin's records and read everything that was there. The file held the young man's records and the personal opinions of his teachers and the political officers from grade school until the present.

He flipped on his VID screen and sent a flash transmission to Commander Dawson and a few seconds later the image of Commander Dawson appeared on the screen.

"Hello, Captain. What can I do for you?" Commander Dawson asked.

Captain Chambers swiveled back and forth in his chair. "I was just going over this PFC Martin's records. He's showed no discipline problems in the past. His teachers as well as his drill instructors at boot camp say that he has excellent leadership potential."

"Of course, he just arrived aboard ship this afternoon, but I know the DIs down on the lunar recruitment depot. They don't sugar coat things. If they say he's a squared away marine, then I'd take it to the bank," Dawson replied.

"It sounds like he'd be an excellent candidate for the new officer's training academy. The admiral's orders, due to the duration of this mission, are to hold classes on board ship so Marines, sailors and air men with leadership potential can advance through the ranks at a normal pace."

"Yes sir. We're trying to fill out the classes now for the Marines. I could talk to Private Martin about it."

"Better yet, send him up to my office. I'd like to broach the subject with the young man," Captain Chambers replied.

"Will do Sir. I'll send him right up."

Captain Chambers ended the VID transmission and continued to scan the files of the new Marines aboard his ship. Ten minutes later, he heard a knock at his door and said, "Enter."

Louis Martin stepped inside, stood at attention and snapped off a salute. Captain Chambers returned the gesture. "Private Louis Martin reporting as ordered, Sir."

"Have a seat. I was just going to have some coffee. Would you like a cup?" Captain Chambers asked.

"I wouldn't mind a spot of tea, but if coffee's all you have, I'll take a cup."

Captain Chambers laughed. "That's right. You're English. I'm sure the beverage dispenser can come up with a good cup of tea." Louis Martin waited until Captain Chambers returned and handed him a cup of tea, then he sat down. Captain Chambers leaned forward in his chair resting his arms on his desk. "Private Martian, I'd like to talk to you a little more about the question you asked me in your orientation briefing. As I said before, the needs of the service come first. We're on a mission that could keep us away from home for twenty five years or more. We can't have Marines trying to quit on us, or resorting to mutiny, just because their hitch has ran out."

Louis Martin nodded. "I will do my duty, Sir. However long the mission last."

"I could try to arrange a transfer to another unit and leave you on Mars to serve as a peacekeeper, but I have another idea. Might I make a suggestion? I was looking through your records. You have high marks on your test, your teachers and superior officers have inserted positive comments into you file. They say things such as, 'This Marine shows excellent leadership qualities.' The Fleet Marine Corps officers aboard this ship, along with the Navy commanders and the commanders of the air wing will soon start Officers Training Classes. I suggest you sign up. You're with us for the duration. Why not make the best of it? This way, when we arrive back home, twenty five years from now, you'll be at a higher rank with a fatter wallet."

Martin's eyes widened. "An officer? I never thought of myself as an officer, but I will definitely give it some thought Sir." Louis tossed back the rest of his tea and Captain Chambers stood up extending his hand.

"Give it some serious thought. I think you could have a bright future in the Federal Defense Forces. You're dismissed."

"I will Sir. Thank you Sir." Louis snapped off another salute, turned on his heels and left the room.

For the next three months, the Port Royal, along with the sister ships of her fleet crossed the vast gulf of space separating Earth from Mars. The fleet held two training missions, one of which consisted of an occupation of a large asteroid while another consisted of landing troops on board a derelict vessel and searching the ship. After searching the vessel, the ships of the fleet opened up on the derelict with their weapons firing their lasers and launching volley after volley of proton torpedoes until the ship exploded into a floating cloud of debris.

Life on board ship became routine, but when they launched their officer's training classes, twenty five Marines along with several Navy personnel and air men signed up for the course. They assigned the officer cadets the temporary rank of third lieutenants, and in addition to spending eight hours in class, the recruits had to work at various parts of the ship for four hours a day serving as the officer of the day; and they also stood fire watch when their turn came around. Their days were long and hard with very little sleep.

When the Port Royal approached the red planet, Craig Bannister sat on the bridge and he couldn't help but marvel at how peaceful the planet looked. The spectacular view from space masked the deep political and physical turmoil on the surface.

"So beautiful, yet so volatile," Bannister said to himself. _The red planet is a powder keg ready to explode. When she does, she'll run red with blood,_ First Officer Bannister thought. He flipped the toggle of the Com unit on his console and called the captain to the bridge.

### CHAPTER 13

Shawn Gallagher watched the battle unfolding in real time on his VID screen while sitting in his office at the computer console. After Linda Van Horn detected and identified the incoming PPF vessels, she transmitted the information to Europa where Shawn's new security team hustled him into his office. Shawn protested, to the two guards standing at his door, saying that he wanted to get an M-23 Blaster and join the fight, but his security detail would not let him out of his office.

"You're too valuable to loose, Sir. I can't let you out the door," his head of security replied. He had five burley agents standing behind him to back his play, so Shawn heaved a sigh and relented. He had to be content to watch the battle unfold on the VID screen where he saw the PPF vessels split, five turning to engage Guatav's fleet while the other five swept down toward the surface of Europa. The blocking force fled, fleeing the superior numbers of Gustav's fleet, but Gustava's ships pursued. White flashes of light filled the screen when Gustav's ships destroyed the fleeing vessels.

Shawn hit a button on the computer's virtual key board accessing the cameras on the surface of Europa and watched laser fire light up the night. He watched helplessly as the vessels swept over the surface at barely treetop level, if there had been trees on Europa, but one by one, Gustav's fleet destroyed the enemy vessels. He watched the last ship land in front of the building housing his office and slammed his fist down on his desk in frustration. Commandos poured out of the vessel, formed a defensive perimeter and Shawn watched the firefight take place outside. The images appeared on his VID screen; laser bolts and solid projectiles from the troops dug in to fighting positions in front of the building ventilated the commandos from the PPF vessels and when he saw the last man fall, Shawn Gallagher jumped to his feet.

"The battle's over. I want to go outside," he said to his security chief.

"Let me make sure it's safe, Sir," his chief of security said.

"I said I want to go outside! I don't give a God damn if it's safe or not! I'm the president of this frozen piece of ice, am I not?" Shawn yelled and headed for the door.

"Yes Sir. Give us five minutes to get a security detail together," his security chief said, activating his Com unit.

"I can suit up while you're doing that," Shawn replied. Fifteen minutes later, adorned in an EVA suit, Shawn Gallagher stepped out onto the surface of Europa carrying an M-23 Blaster. He shivered from the frigid air inside the suit and adjusted its temperature settings. The security team surrounded their president while he surveyed the battlefield taking in the bodies and the frozen blood littering the ice.

"Did we lose anybody?" Shawn asked his head of security.

"The word I'm getting is that we have one KIA and two injured." Shawn cursed under his breath going from body to body looking at the dead.

"What a waste," Shawn said, rolling a body over onto its back, he knelt down and looked into the face of the man's EVA suit. He noticed fog fill the inside of the faceplate from the man's shallow breath. "Call the medics. This man's not dead."

Shawn sat at his desk in his conference room looking at his cabinet members and poured them each a glass of Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey. He glanced from face to face, his eyes finally resting upon the face of his chief intelligence officer, Jerry Holliday. "Jerry. What do you think the feds will do now? What do your intelligence operatives tell you?"

"Just what Mr. Bonelli said. They intend to squash us like cockroaches under their feet. The main battle fleet just recently left space dock orbiting Earth and is heading our way," Holliday replied.

Shawn took a drink from his tumbler and enjoyed the raw taste of the whiskey. "How much time do we have?"

Holliday shrugged. "Six months, give or take a few weeks."

Shawn nodded. "What about this other fleet we've been hearing about on the news?"

"The deep space fleet? I don't think they'll give us any trouble. Their mission is to head out for the unknown, not to fuck with us, but who knows? They could merge with the main battle fleet and we could have to deal with them as well."

"What do you think their strategy might be?"Holiday paused, lighting a cigar.

"I think they'll try a blockade at first. Once they see that isn't working they'll land troops on Europa." The feds will figure that once they take us out, the other mining colonies will surrender. They'll eventually land troops on the moons of Saturn as well. If this thing goes south, we can expect a federal presence out here for years to come."

Shawn leaned back in his chair and his eyes turned to his friend and secretary of defense, John Wilson. "John do you think our troops will be ready by the time the feds show up?"

John Wilson took a drink from his tumbler filled with whiskey. "With the help of Gustav Kesler and his MERKS, we should be. We'll still be out numbered and out gunned. We've only got so many people. I hope Mr. Von Wolf shows up with those ships before the feds get here. Things will be tight with just Gustav's fleet. The additional ships will help."

Shawn turned his attention back to Holliday. "What about our awe shit plan?"

Holliday laughed. "Things are moving along. The vessels are under construction. We'll be ready."

A troubled look crossed Shawn's face. "What about that other matter?"

"He's completed his basic training on the moon and has been assigned to peace keeping duties on Mars. He's currently in transit on the CEU-Path Finder, which is due to arrive on station at Mars in three months" Holliday said.

"Keep me posted on that. I'd like to make a move regarding that situation as soon as possible," Shawn said, rising to his feet. He downed the rest of his whiskey. "Gentlemen. We've got our work cut out for us. We have much to accomplish before the feds show up. I'm going to have a little chat with our PPF officer down there in the detention center. You gentlemen are dismissed." Shawn swaggered to the door, stepped out into the main corridor and his security detail moved taking up positions around him.

Shawn sauntered into the detention center flanked by his security detail and moved down an aisle way to the cell holding Dillon Kincaid. He breathed in a dank musty smell.

"Sergeant, could you have your guards hose this place down? It's starting to smell," Shawn said to the guard in charge of the detention center.

"Yes Sir, Mr. President," the guard said and unlocked Kincaid's cell door. After President Gallagher and his security detail entered the cell, the guard closed the cell door behind them. Dillon Kincaid, still suffering from his wounds, lay back on his bunk, but he struggled to set up.

Shaw held up his hands. "No don't. You might aggravate your wounds. Sit back and relax. I'd like to talk for a bit, if you don't mind," Shawn said, pulling up a chair, he sat facing Dillon Kincaid. Shawn's security detail stood, somber looks on their faces, close enough to come to the president's defense if necessary.

Dillon Kincaid propped himself up on his pillows and a grin crossed his face. "Sure, let's talk. I was hoping I'd get a chance to meet the man that was giving the CEU such fits. You don't look crazy."

Shawn laughed. "I can assure you that I am not. I just love my freedom. That's something that is in short supply in your federal system."

"It's not so bad in the military. What do you want?" Kincaid said.

"You won't be in the military forever," Shawn replied.

"Yeah. So?"

"I want to ask you a few questions," Shawn said.

"You know that under the Code of Military Justice, I don't have to tell you anything but my name rank and serial number." Someone in the next cell coughed.

Shawn nodded. "I know. You probably don't have any information that we don't already know. My intelligence people are good at what they do. I'm curious about a couple of things. I'll ask the questions. If you don't want to answer, then don't," Shawn said.

"Okay. Shoot."

"Why did the PPF send you in here with only ten ships?" Shawn asked.

"It beats the hell out of me. I think they wanted to send more but the council over ruled them. They must have thought that we could catch you boys by surprise and make a clean sweep. They wanted things handled quietly so they could get you boys back to work. They want the helium and hydrogen flowing like normal. They didn't figure on you people linking up with those MERKs you have working with you. Those ships caught us by surprise," Kincaid said. He put his arms over his head and stretched.

Shawn smiled. "Yeah, I used to be in the PPF myself. Their intelligence leaves something to be desired."

Kincaid nodded. "The PPF and intelligence are an oxymoron."

"So true. Why, when you saw how many light battle cruisers you had facing you, didn't you abort your mission? You didn't stand a chance of completing your objective. You could have just turned tail and headed back to Mars," Shawn asked.

"I had my orders, and my honor to think of. I had no other choice," Kincaid replied.

"You know, we could use some good pilots. I think you'd find serving in our new military to your liking. You'd have a lot more freedom, a hell of a lot better chances for advancement, and you could get rid of that damned BIO chip. We don't use them here."

Kincaid's bottom jaw dropped and his eyes widened. "You don't? How do you keep track of your people? How do you pay them?"

"We keep track of them the old fashioned way. We pay them with real money. What do you say? Do you want to sign up? I could get you out of this cell and into a fighting unit within the hour. All you would have to do is take the loyalty oath."

Kincaid paused for moment thinking and shook his head. "No, I threw my lot in with the Federal Defense Forces a long time ago. They've been good to me. I'll stick with them till the end."

Shawn sighed. "I didn't think you'd go for it. But I had to try. Before I leave, is there anything I can get for you? Are they feeding you all right? Is there anything you need? Are the medical people attending to your wounds sufficiently?"

Dillon Kincaid smiled. "Everything's fine. The food's actually pretty good. It's much better than PPF ration packs."

"Tell me about it," Shawn replied, standing to his feet, and put his in his hands in his coat pockets.

Kincaid looked up. "There is one thing, if you don't mind."

"What's that?" Shawn asked.

"Things get pretty boring in here. Could bring checkerboard? They play chess in here. I was never that good at chess, but I'm the checker King. During the day when your guards allow the detainees to mingle in the common room, maybe I could get a game going. Some reading material would be good."

"Sure. I'm sure I can arrange that. I might even stop by and play a game or two if you don't mind. I'm still getting used to this presidential stuff. I like chess, but a good game of checkers is always fun. It would be a welcome distraction," Shawn said and stepped out the door.

Shawn sat in his conference room near a large glass window looking out at the starlit night sky over the icy surface of Europa. He poured himself a tumbler half full of Jack Daniels whiskey and filled the rest of the tumbler with Cock a Cola. Leaning back, he took a long pull from the tumbler and stared out the window at the night sky. _God I hope we're ready. I don't want the blood of these people on my hands,_ Shawn thought trying to shake off the troubled feeling in his soul _._

The door chimed and the head of Shawn's security detail stepped into the room. "Mr. President. Mr. Holliday is here to see you," His security chief said.

Shawn smiled. "Send him in." He crossed the room and poured another tumbler of Jack and Coke for his head of intelligence while Jerry Holliday sauntered into the room. "What can I do for you Mr. Holliday?"

"Oh, I thought I'd stop by and see how your talk went with our PPF boy." Holliday said.

"I'm glad you came by. Have a drink," Shawn said and handed Holliday his drink.

"Ah. You are a man after my own heart," Holiday said taking the drink.

"Have a seat," Shawn said motioning to a table. Holliday sat down at the table and they swiveled their chairs facing the window. "Europa looks so peaceful at night," Shawn continued.

Holiday nodded and produced a cigar. "Yeah, but that ice out there is going to turn bloody before too long."

"I hear you. I've been sitting here thinking about that wondering if we're doing the right thing. Like you said earlier, the feds could squish us like so many bugs before this is over. We could all die here. If they come in here like gang busters, the blood of these miners will be on my hands." Holiday lit the cigar.

"Yeah, but what's the alternative? To stay under their thumb? Freedom isn't free. We're all here under our own free will. Every damn one of those miners are behind you one hundred percent."

Shawn nodded. "Do you think we'll be ready?"

Holliday shrugged. "I think that if Mr. Von Wolf shows up with those ships and we get them space worthy before the feds show up, we'll have a fighting chance. How'd the talk go with our PPF boy?"

"As good as can be expected. Those old boys are hard nuts to crack and they are fiercely loyal to the federal system. I don't think he has any information that we don't already know. What do you think?"

"I agree. My INTEL boys had a couple of chats with him. They didn't learn much."

"I tried to talk him into switching allegiances. I told him that we could use some good pilots," Shawn said.

Holiday laughed. "I bet that went over like a fart in church."

"He respectfully declined. He's carrier PPF."

"What are you going to do with him?" Holliday asked.

"There's not much we can do, but hold him until this is over. He asked for a checkerboard. I might stop in and play a few games with him. Maybe he'll let something slip. Maybe he does know something, but he doesn't realize it. Who knows what little tidbit of information he might have that we could use," Shawn said, but Holliday just shrugged.

"Who knows?"

"I kind of like the guy. He reminds me of someone on the old crew that I used to serve with when I was in the PPF," Shawn said.

"Well Mr. President, I think I'll head to my quarters and hit the rack. I have a feeling that things are going to get busy around here," Jerry Holliday said rising to his feet.

"I do too," Shaw replied and stood up. He stuck out his hand and they shook. "It's having friends like you that make things bearable around here."

After Jerry Holliday left the conference room, Shawn sat back down at the table and his thoughts drifted to his brother David Gallagher. He took a pull from his tumbler of Jack and coke starring out at the icy surface of Europa.

They kept busy on the surface of Europa during the weeks that followed. The military forces of the New Republic, under the command of Gustav Kesler spent twelve hours of every day, training in preparation of the coming confrontation with the Federal Defense Forces. The former miners, not in the new military, used atmospherically contained bulldozers to create large icy Earth works surrounding the main mining facility as well as narrow canyons and trenches along its approaches. Their hope was to ambush the federal forces in these narrow canyons while on the approach to the main mining complex. They hollowed out fighting potions near the rim of these canyons overlooking the canyon floors and they booby trapped the floors of the icy canyons with explosives.

Shawn kept busy reviewing reports from his commanders keeping track of their preparations for the coming federal invasion, and he received reports from the Governors on the moons of Saturn keeping track of their defensive preparations. Even though an attack at those locations seemed unlikely, Shawn wanted them to be prepared just in case.

One afternoon, Shawn, along with the head of his security detail, was out on the surface of Europa checking out the progress of the defensive preparations. He drove an atmospherically contained half-track to the rim of one of the newly excavated canyons and from this vantage point; he could see all of the defensive positions guarding the main mining complex on Europa. He switched the forward the view on the forward view screen to full magnification watching the ongoing work below him when the Com unit on the vehicle beeped. Shawn flipped a toggle switch activating the Com unit and the image of his personal secretary appeared on the view screen.

"Mr. President. I just received a VID transmission from Linda in space dock. She says that a large force of light cruiser just appeared on her screen coming out of the asteroid belt. She says they are headed our way."

Shawn's features turned grave. "Has she made contact with them yet?"

"No. She's hailed them but as of yet received no response. Linda says these ships look like nothing she's ever seen before."

"Let's hope they're Mr. Wolf and our new ships, not the PPF boys coming back for round two. Tell Linda I'll contact her as soon as I am back in the command center. Have John put the troops on alert." Shawn heaved a sigh, shut off the Com unit, ending the transmission, and looked at his security chief riding in the passenger seat. "What do you think?"

"I think we need to get you back to the command center as soon as possible."

"I think your right," Shawn replied, whirling the half track around, he descended from the canyon's rim and crossed the icy surface of Europa heading back to mining site A.

### CHAPTER 14

Alonzo Garcia swaggered up the docking tube to board the Port Royal, rubbing his throbbing forehead. He still felt hung over from the partying they did burning up their two day pass before shipping out and his mind drifted back to an incident on the first night after their AIT training. David Gallagher insisted on going down to the red light district in one of the more seedy sections of the colony and they stopped in at an establishment know as, Dolly's Droids.

After sampling the pleasures of the life like female androids, they sat down at a table to have a beer in the adjoining bar, when two naval officers swaggered in. One of them, a friendly looking middle aged man with sandy blond wearing captain's bars, stopped by their table. His fellow officer, an older man with a more serious bearing, wore the rank insignia of a first officer. Conversation bussed through the bar room.

"Can I buy you gentlemen a drink?" the captain asked.

David smiled. "I make it a habit to never turn down free beer."

The captain motioned to one of the server droids and ordered a pitcher of beer. "Did you gentlemen just get out of basic?"

"Yes Sir. We just finished up our Advanced Infantry Training, and we're enjoying some of this fine android flesh before we have to ship out," David replied.

The captain laughed. "You can hardly tell them from real women. What ship are you gentlemen shipping out on?"

Louis Martin motioned to Alonzo. "My mate here and I are headed two the Port-Royal when we burn up this two day pass." The captain nodded and looked at David.

"Me and Paul are going to Mars as peacekeepers. We're shipping out on the CEU-Pathfinder." The balding first officer looked at the timepiece embedded in his wrist and seemed anxious to be on his way, but the captain ignored him.

"Be careful when you get on the ground on Mars. Those miners are a rough lot. They're also having trouble with insurgents."

"We will sir. Thank you for your concern," Paul replied.

"I won't keep you gentlemen. Good luck," the captain replied.

"You too sir. Thank you for the beer," David said. Later that evening Alonzo found out that the young captain they had talked to was the captain of the Port-Royal.

Alonzo wiped sweat from his brow. "That's just fucking great. My captain probably thinks I'm a lush and a pervert who likes banging androids," Alonzo said to himself.

"Had a little bit too much to drink, did we?" the young ensign said fanning the air in front of his face when Alonzo arrived at the ship.

Alonzo smiled. "You could say that."

"Please scan your wrist across my scan pad." Alonzo looked up at young naval officer standing in front of the boarding hatch of the Port-Royal, ran his wrist across the scanner and the scanner read the information from Alonzo's biochip embedded in his wrist. "Welcome aboard, Mr. Garcia. I am Ensign Palmer. Fleet Marines HQ is on E deck. The Fleet Marine berthing areas are of levels E-3 through E-5. Find a bunk, store your gear and report to your HQ. You'll find a set of turbo lifts half way down this corridor."

"Thank you Sir," Alonzo said, firing off a snappy salute, and stepped aboard the Port Royal.

"This ship is bloody huge," Louis said, swaggering down the corridor next to Alonzo. The smell of industrial cleaner filled the hallway.

"Tell me about it Bro. I could get lost on this tub real quick." They followed the crowd of Marines toward the turbo lift and waited in the corridor while the marine's ahead of them filled the turbo lifts. When the next lift arrived, they made their way to the back of the lift while Marines poured in filling the lift like sardines in a can. The turbo lift descended into the bowels of the ship and a few seconds later, the doors whooshed open. The Marines inside the turbo lift filed out and a corporal standing by the door, motioned down a long corridor.

"Report in at HQ and then find a bunk. After you stow your gear, you have a briefing at zero one thirty in the conference hall," the young NCO said to Alonzo and Louis. They followed the crowd of Marines to the reception center and waited in line, reporting for duty. When Alonzo reached the head of the line an NCO asked him to run his wrist across his scan pad.

"Find a bunk, stow your gear and report to the conference room for a mission briefing," the NCO said when Alonzo reached the head of the line and ran his hand across the scanner. After reporting for duty, they rode the turbo lift down two more levels to the Fleet Marine crew berthing deck. The doors slid open and they stepped into a maze of corridors. Three tiered bunks lined the narrow hallways and at the end of each bunk, setting recessed into the bulkhead, were three sets of lockers. Attached to the bottom of each bunk were three small pull out drawers to store clothing. They stowed their gear and headed back to the turbo lift to report for the mission briefing.

Alonzo Garcia and Louis Martin swaggered into the conference room at Fleet Marines HQ, found a seat near the back of the room and waited while the room filled with Marines. The murmur of conversation filled the room. Several Marine Corps officers sat on a raised podium at the front of the room and a stocky dark headed Marine commander stepped up to a microphone.

"Gentleman, I am Commander Dawson. Welcome aboard the Port-Royal. There are some things I'd like to go over, so your transition to life in space will go smooth. First, on your birthing decks you will find a VID screen near the junction of each corridor. If you get lost, ask the computer for directions. On each berthing deck, there is a mess hall, and an enlisted men's lounge. Your head and shower facilities are on the main corridor the same as the mess hall and enlisted men's lounge. There's also an enlisted men's pub on each berthing deck. When you are not on duty, you may use the ship's REC facilities on A deck. There is a movie theater, a bowling alley, a PX and a comfort station, but you will have very little spare time. You will be on duty for eight hours each day, plus you will spend three hours of your own time in the gym. Muscles atrophy is always a problem while at space. There will be several training events to prepare us for when we leave the solar system," Commander Dawson said. He paused, took a drink from a glass of water and continued.

"Regarding our mission, we are going, like the old TV show from the old system said, boldly where no man has gone before. We will seek out alien cultures to establish trade, gain technology, form alliances and look for worlds to colonize. All of you, on your induction forms marked an interest in going carrier."

Louis grabbed Alonzo's arm and whispered, "I marked no on that box."

"Hush," Alonzo said pulling away.

"This will be a long mission. Don't expect to see Earth for the next twenty five years." Louis's jaw dropped. "On the good side, you will make a lot of money. You'll get the going rate of pay for your rank, plus hazardous duty pay. The payroll clerks will deposit it in your bank accounts every month. There's not much to spend your money on out here at space, considering your room and board is free."

"What about the time dilation? He's not saying anything about that. We may spend twenty five years out here but a Century or more might pass on Earth," Louis Martin said.

"Shi, we don't have that much to go home to anyway," Alonzo replied.

Commander Dawson's Com link on the lapel of his uniform beeped and he spoke into it using a low tone. Finished with his conversation, he looked back at the assembled Marines. "I have some good news, gentlemen. The ship's captain, Mr. Jack Chambers would like to say a few words. He's on his way from the bridge right now," Commander Dawson said. Another murmur went through the assembled Marines when Captain Chambers strolled into the conference room five minutes later. Alonzo couldn't help but notice his impeccable looking uniform and the shiny captain's bars on his collar. Commander Dawson introduced the captain, who welcomed them aboard ship and discussed some upcoming training events. When his talk turned toward the mission and spoke about the length of time that they would be in space. When the captain opened the floor for questions, Louis's hand shot up, so Captain Chambers called on him.

Louis stood to his feet. "Sir, when I filled out my induction forms, I marked no in the box where they ask about going carrier. I plan to only do a four year hitch."

Commander Dawson stepped up to Captain Chambers. "The batch of inductees from San-Francisco had to use pencils and paper forms. The DIGA-pad system was down. Some of the induction forms were smudged."

Captain Chambers answered Louis's questions saying that, all though he sympathized with him, they couldn't turn the ship around when his enlistment time ran out. He said that the needs of the service come first and that Louis should make the best of it. Later, after the briefing, Alonzo and Louis lay back lounging on their bunk; they didn't go on duty officially until 06:00 hours ship time, when a young dark haired lieutenant stepped up.

He looked down at his DIG-A Pad. "Which one of you is Louis Martin?"

Louis looked down from his bunk and said, "That would be me Sir."

The lieutenant motioned over his shoulder with his thumb. "You're wanted on A deck. The captain wants to see you."

"I told you that you should have kept your mouth shut," Alonzo replied.

After saying their good-byes, David Gallagher and Paul Rosenbaum headed across the space dock to the docking tube connected to the CEU-Pathfinder. They stepped into the rear of a line of Marines entering the docking tube and while traveling through the clear docking tube, David stared out at the vastness of space. The Earth's moon orbiting below seemed small in comparison, but David's eyes moved to the ships docked at the space station along with the others orbiting the moon and saw a massive fleet off at the edge of all the rest of the ships.

"I bet that's the new deeps space fleet everyone's talking about. I wonder which one is the Port-Royal?" David said.

Paul shrugged. "They're all huge."

"I doubt if we'll ever see Louis or Alonzo again. Those guys on those ships are going to be at space for a long time." They reached the head of the line at the entrance hatch of the CEU-Pathfinder.

The naval ensign standing at the head of the line flared his nostrils breathing in the smell of alcohol. "Run your hand across my scanner."

David did as instructed and the BIO scanner read the information on his biochip logging him onto the Pathfinder. "Go down the main corridor to the turbo lifts. Take the turbo down to the third level. Transit Marine HQ is on level three. Check in for duty there. Crew berthing decks start on level four, but if you can't find a bunk on level four keep going down until you do. Once you stow your gear report to the conference room on level three."

"Yes Sir," David said firing off a salute and they headed down the corridor, riding the lift down to level three to report for duty. The officer on duty in the receiving area processed their orders and told them that they had twenty minutes to find a bunk, stow their gear and report to the conference room on level three. David and Paul found empty bunks across from each other on the second tier in a crowded section of level six. The three tiered bunks were similar to those on the Port-Royal; only the passageway between the bunks was narrower.

They attended a similar briefing, as did Louis and Alonzo on the Port Royal where the commander in command of the transit Marines explained the protocols of ship life and explained that they would be doing some training to prepare them for their duties on Mars. He said that they would put in an eight hour day, training, cleaning the deck and bulkheads and maintaining the crew berthing decks. They would also spend three hours a day in the gym. Their day would start at zero six hundred and after evening chow at eighteen hundred hours, their time would be their own.

After attending the orientation briefing, David and Paul layback on their bunks enjoying some idle time before going on duty at zero six hundred hours the next day. An announcement from the ship's captain coming over the PA system stated that the ship was now leaving space dock on route to the red planet. A young naval ensign with sandy blond hair stopped in the corridor. "Which one of you Jar Heads is David Gallagher?"

David rose up on his elbows looking up at the ensign. "I'm Gallagher."

"Mr. Gallagher. I have orders to escort you to the Political Advisors office on A deck. Let's go Jar Head. On the bounce."

"That's just frigging great," David said, swinging from his bunk, and jumped to the deck.

When Louis entered Captain Chambers' office, he expected to be dressed down for his question regarding the length of the mission and when the captain said that he wanted to talk to him further regarding his question during the orientation briefing, Louis prepared himself to answer for his actions. When Captain Chambers asked him to consider signing up for the new officer's training course, Louis's eyes widened and his bottom jaw dropped.

Later, back at the Fleet Marine crew berthing deck, Louis climbed into his bunk and Alonzo looked over at him giving his a curious glance. "How did your little meeting with the captain go?"

Louis grinned, stretching out on his bunk. "He asked me to consider going carrier. He said that they are starting a new officers training class. He asked me to consider signing up. What do you think?" A Marine in a bunk across from them passed gas.

"Did you just shit yourself?" Alonzo said and everyone laughed. "I say go for it Bro. I marked yes in the box asking about a carrier in the Federal Defense Forces. The pay's better, the living quarters are better and the duty is better when you're an officer. When they come around asking, I'm gonna sign up," Alonzo said after the laughter died down.

Louis let out a sigh. "Well Mate. If you plan to sign up for the classes, then I guess I will too. I might as well make bloody good show out of this deal since they won't turn the fleet around when my enlistment runs out." They talked for a few hours wondering what the new officers training course would be like and at eighteen hundred hours ship time, they headed down to the mess hall for their evening chow. After supper, they went to the enlisted men's club, tossed back a few beers and went back to their bunks for the night. They wanted to make sure they had plenty of rest for their first official tour of duty on board the Port-Royal.

Alonzo and Louis woke to reveille coming from tiny speakers in the bulkhead next to their bunks at six hundred hours the next morning, climbed from their bunks and headed to the chow hall. After breakfast, they reported for duty at Fleet Marine HQ and spent the first hour of their day doing PT. After their morning PT, they descended to a lower deck and participated in a training exercise.

The training scenario, lasting several hours, involved riding in simulated shuttles and making a simulated landing on an enemy vessel. Holographic projectors created a damaged enemy vessel complete with aggressive aliens. After the training exercise, they went to the mess hall for chow and went to a classroom to receive a critique on their performance. The lieutenant in charge of the briefing berated them on their performance, but said that they would get better in the future. After the briefing, the fleet Marine enlisted personnel received orders assigning them to different duties throughout the ship. Alonzo and Louis received orders instructing them to mop up their crew berthing deck and after their first tour of duty on board the Port-Royal was over, they headed to the gym. They worked out for three hours and headed down to the mess hall for their evening chow. Finished with chow, they enjoyed some free time, which they spent in the enlisted men's lounge playing cards. The top sergeant swaggered in, puffing on a cheap cigar, and carried small hand held computer. A cloud of tobacco smoke hung in the air.

"Listen up Ladies. The brass wants to start a new officer's training class. They have me taking names. Are any of you sons of bitches tired of working for a living? Do any of you want to become officers?"

Louis threw his cards on the table looking at the Marine sitting across from him. "I fold Mate," Louis said and looked up at the sergeant. "What the bloody hell? Sign me up, Top."

"Me too Top. I think I'd make a good officer," Alonzo said, but the top sergeant shook his head and laughed.

"Garcia, I don't think you could follow your own orders without screwing up. But you're a hard charger and I like that. Before you know it, I'll be saluting you." The sergeant entered their names into his hand held computer. "Report to the training center at zero 09:00 hours. You'll do three hours in the gym after morning chow before you report for classes. Even officers and officer's cadets are required to put in their gym time. This bucket's captain doesn't want any muscle atrophy on his watch."

Alonzo and Louis's lives aboard ship fell into a routine where they rose at zero six hundred hours, ate breakfast, spent three hours in the gym and attended officers training classes for the next eight hours. After evening chow, they served as officers with the temporary rank of third lieutenant. The rank of third lieutenant was mainly to find a place for them in the chain of command. The enlisted men and regular officers considered the rank as the lowest of the low. They put in four hours before falling into their racks at 23:00 hours ship time. During the three month journey to Mars, they served at various locations and departments throughout the ship.

The captain held two training events while on their way to Mars. One consisted of a landing on a derelict vessel and another consisted of a landing on a large asteroid. Louis and Alonzo led patrols during each exercise wearing their copper third lieutenant bars. They kept so busy that the three month journey to Mars seemed to fly by, but one day Louis sat enjoying a few moments of free time when he looked up at a view screen in the enlisted men's lounge.

"I'll be go to hell. Look Mate. We're here," Louis said to Alonzo. Alonzo looked at the massive red planet filling the view screen. The captain's voice came over the PA system announcing that the fleet had just entered orbit.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to Mars," the captain said ending the transmission.

David Gallagher swaggered into the Political Advisors office on A deck of the CEU-Pathfinder. A receptionist, a young blonde headed female naval ensign, sat at an oak desk in the outer office when David swaggered into the room. Breathing in a faint trace of her perfume, David stood to attention and offered up a salute.

She returned the salute along with a smile. "Can I help you?"

"I was instructed to report to the political advisors office," David replied.

She looked down at her computer screen. "Are you Private Gallagher?"

David nodded. "Yes Ma'am."

She batted her long eyelashes. "Commander Blackwood is with another Marine right now, but he'll be with you in five minutes. Have a seat." David sat down on a long plastic bench lining the bulkhead while the young naval officer went about her business. Three minutes later another Marine exited the office door to his right and the female officer looked up. "Commander Blackwood will see you now."

David jumped to his feet, entered the political advisor's office and looked down at a dark haired, fair complexioned man who looked to be in his early thirties wearing a naval uniform sitting behind a wooden desk behind a computer console. David snapped to attention, fired off another salute and the commander returned the gesture. He stuck out his hand and they shook.

"Welcome aboard, Mr. Gallagher. I'm Commander Blackwood. Please have a seat." David sat down in a chair facing the commander's desk. Smoke rose into the air from a lit cigarette setting in an ashtray on the desk. David breathed in the foul odor. "Mr. Gallagher, I've been going over the personnel records of our Marines in transit and I have a few questions."

"Fire away," David said.

"I see here in your records that you are related to a Shawn Gallagher. He's the one that's causing all the fuss on Europa."

David let out a slow easy breath. "That's right. He's my brother."

The commander nodded. "I see here that in a previous interview that you said you do not share his insurrectionist beliefs. Is that still the case?"

David leaned forward. "Yes Sir. As far as I'm concerned, my brother is dead to me. I am loyal to the CEU and the federal system. I don't see why you people can't see that."

The commander leaned back in his chair and took his smoke from the ashtray. "It's not that we don't believe you. We're just doing our job. I can see where having a brother made famous like this could cause problems. Is there any problems that we need to be aware of?"

David shook his head. "Other than the occasional snide remark, no. Every now and then, someone might say something like; there goes that traitor's brother. It's nothing I can't handle."

The commander took a puff on the cigarette and snuffed it out in the ashtray. "So far, you have a clean record. Your instructors in boot camp gave you high marks. Have you ever considered going carrier?"

David shook his head. "No. I plan on doing only one hitch."

The commander looked down at his computer screen. "It says in your records that you applied for a robotics school placement but was turned down due to a low GI rating."

David nodded. "Yes."

"If when your first hitch is up, you were to change your mind about going carrier, or at least agree to sign up for one more hitch, the brass might consider granting you a waver on the GI rating. They do it for carrier military personnel all the time. We have our own robotics school in New New Chicago. It's a wonderful campus near the Great Lakes. After completing the class, you would be required to serve at least six more years as an officer, or technician, depending on how long you study, in the robotics division of the Federal Defense Forces. You would be able to choose which branch you wanted to serve with. Each branch has a robotics division."

"I'll consider it Sir," David replied.

"Good do that. So far, you've not given the political affairs office anything to worry about. Ignore those snide remarks. If they persist, contact me. Of course, we'll continue to monitor you, but we do that with all the troops. Keep up the good work. You're dismissed."

David stood to his feet, saluted, the commander returned the salute and then David left heading back down to the crew berthing decks.

David and Paul's lives aboard ship fell into a routine and all though they were required to participate in some training events, that would further prepare them for their duties on Mars, they had more free time that the Fleet Marines assigned to the various ships in the fleet. In the evenings, David and Paul spent much of their time playing cards and gambling with other Marines. Paul excelled in mathematics and had an uncanny ability to count the cards, where David found that he had a natural ability with cards no matter what card game they played. They developed a system to send signals to each other from across the card table and most of the time they won more than they lost. Several of the other Marines suspected that they were cheating but they couldn't catch them.

One evening, David had just won a large pot cleaning out a large muscular Marine sitting across from him along with his short stocky blond headed partner and when David stood up to rake in the debit chips, the large dark headed Marine shot to his feet.

"There's nothing worse than a card cheat, except maybe a traitor, but I guess that runs in the family," the dark headed Marine said.

David dropped the chips on the table, reached up, grabbed the Marine by the lapel of his uniform, and slammed a hard right hand fist into the Marine's face. Blood splattered into David's face. The big Marine flew backward hitting the bulkhead and slid to the floor. David over turned the table, scattering debit chips everywhere, and jumped on top of the big Marine. He grabbed him by the ears, using both hands, and slammed his head against the deck several times.

Paul leaped to his feet and the big Marine's buddy charged him knocking him into the bulkhead. Paul brought his knee up slamming it into the man's groin, the man stumbled back and Paul drove a left hook to the man's jaw. Over the din of battle, David vaguely heard a shrill whistle just before feeling a burning sensation pass through his body. His entire body twitched just before he lost consciousness.

The brutish looking security officer holstered his weapon, which had been set to stun and looked at the four prone figures lying on the deck. "Call for back up. Let's get these sons of bitches up to the brig before they wake up," the officer said to his partner, a short wiry man standing next to him.

His partner looked around at the spots of blood covering the floor. "God I hate this job. These damned jar heads are nothing but trouble." He holstered his weapon, slapped the lapel of his uniform activating his Com link and called for backup.

David spent the next three days in the brig, but one evening the large dark haired security officer that stunned him with the hand held laser appeared the door of his cell.

"On your feet Gallagher. The CO wants to see you. Turn around, back up to the cell door and put your hands through the slot." David did as instructed; the security officer applied wrist restraints to David's wrist, unlocked the cell door and escorted David to the turbo lifts. A tingling sensation shot up David's arms. They rode the lifts up to the Marine Corps HQ and the security officer led David down a narrow hallway. They passed several brown doors lining the hallway and then stopped at a doorway on their right.

The security officer led him inside where a dark headed man in his early thirties looked up from a mahogany desk occupying the center of the room. David paused taking in the room's décor noticing the seascapes adorning the walls along with pictures of old sailing vessels.

"You can take off his restraints," the man said in a gravelly sounding voice. The security officer freed David's hands and left the room crossing a sea of plush blue carpet. "Have a seat Mr. Gallagher." David sat across in a chair facing the desk. "Mr. Gallagher, I'm Lieutenant Commander Cartwright, in command of the Marines in transit. I've talked to the other men involved in this incident. All though we allow gambling, we tend to frown on Marines getting into brawls in our lounges and no one likes a card cheat. So were you cheating at cards?"

David squirmed in his seat. "Not in the sense that I did anything to the deck such as bottom deal or have aces up my sleeve. I'm a good player. My friend Paul is good at math. He counts the cards. He doesn't know exactly what card will come next, but he's right more than he's wrong. We play the odds."

The commander nodded. "According to the statements from the other men, the man who accused you of cheating said something derogatory to you. He accused you of being a traitor, like your brother?"

"That's correct," David said.

"He said something about it running in the family."

"That's when I socked him," David replied.

The Cartwright arched an eyebrow and chuckled. "I don't blame you. I probably would have socked him too. You'll be docked three days pay and reduced in rank to buck private. This is the first black mark on an otherwise clean record."

"I guess the political boys will want to see me again?" Cartwright asked.

The commander shook his head. "I don't think so. If you'd just blown him off and not smacked the son of a bitch when he called you a traitor, then I think they might be concerned. You're free to go. I'm releasing you to your unit."

David rose to his feet. "Thank you Sir."

"You're welcome. And Mr. Gallagher, try not to get in any more trouble. Let the other fellows win once in a while. At least wait until we get to the red planet. After that you won't be my problem," Commander Cartwright said.

### CHAPTER 15

Light burst through the room where Captain Chambers lay asleep between two naked women, a busty red head and petite blonde with long curly hair. The smell of alcohol and cheap perfume permeated the room. Chambers' eyes shot open the women groaned and both of them pulled the covers over their heads. Chambers wormed his way from between them, shielding his eyes with his hands, and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Rise and shine Lover Boy. Liberty is over. We have to get back to the ship," Craig Bannister said, swaggering up to Chambers' bed, and ogled the two naked women.

"I thought we talked about you barging in like this. Did you have to use the manual controls for the lights? I set the room's computer to medium glow," Chamber said knuckling sleep from his eyes.

Banister laughed. "Medium glow is for candy asses. Get your ass out of bed."

Chambers glanced up. "Can you at least get me some coffee first?"

"That I can do," Bannister said and headed to the food and beverage dispenser. "Ladies would you like some as well?"

The busty red head threw off her covers and sat up. "I'd love some. Put a little Bourbon in it. I like a little kick in my coffee in the morning."

Banister smiled, staring at her hard little nipples. "Jack, your standers are improving. At least you're sleeping with human girls now. Those android hookers are so boring."

The petite blonde sat up next to her friend. "There's nothing like the real deal. You want to give it a try pops?"

A big grin crossed Banister's face. "I'd love to, but we don't have the time. Lover Boy and I need to get back to the ship." Craig Bannister handed out the coffee while Captain Chambers dressed. The two women sat on the bed naked drinking their coffee. Craig Bannister paced the room, ogling the women while waiting for Captain Chambers to finish dressing. Seeing that they weren't going to make any more money, the women finished their coffee, dressed and left the hotel room. Captain Chambers sat down at a small table, setting near the bed, to enjoy his coffee and First Officer Bannister sat down across from him. "I have to hand it to you. You taste in woman is improving."

"You're just jealous," Captain Chambers replied.

Banister shook his head. "No it's not that. My money is as good to chippies like that as yours. I just enjoy seeing how deep into debauchery you can slip. Finish your coffee and let's head to the shuttle port."

"Yes Mother," Chambers said, downing the rest of his coffee, and stood to his feet.

After arriving in orbit around Mars, Captain Chambers logged onto the admiral's conference call where the admiral praised everyone for a job well done and issued orders allowing all fleet personal forty eight hours of liberty on the planet below. The shuttle pilots ferried troops to one of the planet's shuttle ports: a heavily armed militarized facility laying five miles to the southeast of the New London colony. After the second watch took control of the bridge at fifteen hundred hours ship time, Captain Chambers and First Officer Craig Bannister took the captain's shuttle to the surface of the planet.

They left the shuttle at the shuttle port and rode in a military convoy of tracked vehicles to the colony. Two miles outside of the colony, rebels from the Martian resistance attacked the convoy pouring laser and small fire into the vehicles in the convoy, from concealed positions in the rocks above the trail leading to the colony. Laser flashes lit up the night. Marines poured out of troop carriers and repelled the attack. When they arrived at the colony, Captain Chambers and First Officer Banister entered the John Glen Plaza, a virtual city unto itself, and headed to the nearest drinking establishment.

The John Glen Plaza, along with the rest of the buildings in the colony, thrived under a massive steel dome. Oxygen and gravity generators in the sub regions of the building provided life support for the plaza. Every type of business establishment known to man filled the main streets of the plaza where savvy businessmen stood ready and waiting to take credits away from the newly arrived military personnel. Businesses inside the John Glen Plaza also catered to the local miners who worked in the mines outside of town. Captain Chambers spent his forty eight hour liberty getting drunk and chasing women, while First Officer Bannister spent his forty eight hour liberty trying to keep Captain Chambers out of trouble. Now, the fun over, Captain Chambers sat in the lounge area on his personal shuttle waiting for it to lift off the surface of the red planet. First Officer Bannister sat down across from him and set a hot cup of coffee down on the table in front of the captain.

"You sure know how to spoil a good time. You could at least put some Irish cream in that coffee or better yet, bring me a Jack and Coke."

First Officer Bannister smiled. "That's all the troops need: to see their captain stumbling in drunk on his ass." Captain Chambers sighed, took a drink from the coffee cup as the shuttle left the surface of the red planet heading for the Port-Royal.

Captain Chambers stepped onto the bridge of the Port-Royal, took his seat in the Captain's chair next to First Officer Craig Bannister and gazed out at the fleet orbiting Mars. "Things look a little empty out there. Where'd everybody go?"

"The main battle fleet broke orbit over an hour ago," Banister replied. "It's all this baloney taking place on Europa. It's got the council's dander up."

"Any word from the admiral yet on our departure time?" Chambers asked.

The communications officer's console beeped. "I have a VID transmission coming in now from the admiral now." she said.

"Play it on the forward view screen," Chambers replied and the image of Admiral Ivanov filled the screen. Chambers smiled. "Good evening Admiral. What can I do for you?"

"Captain Chambers. Are you ready to leave this blasted red planet behind?" the admiral asked.

Chambers nodded. "You'd better believe it. When will we be breaking orbit?"

"Our scheduled departure time is at eighteen hundred hours," the admiral said.

"I see the main battle fleet has already left."

"Ya. They are concerned with this foolishness on Europa. They should have the blockade of Jupiter in place by the time we arrive."

"Hopefully we won't get caught up in that mess," Chambers said.

"That is my hope as well. You have three hours to get your vessel ready for departure. I will leave you to your duties."

"Thank you Sir," Chambers replied and Admiral Ivanov's image disappeared from the screen. Captain Chambers glanced at his first officer and said "Mr. Bannister. Would you care to join me in the officer's pub for a beer?"

"That sounds like a grand idea," Chambers replied.

Captain Chambers turned to the helmsmen. "Mr. Walker, you have the bridge."

Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister rose to their feet, left the bridge and ambled down the main corridor passing several crewmembers along the way. Hustle and bustle filled the ship with crewmen returning from their forty eight hour liberty filling the corridor. Inside the officer's pub, they climbed onto a barstool and a portly bartender waddled up. He smelled of alcohol and cigarettes.

"What can I get you Sir?" he asked.

"Two beers," Chambers replied and glanced at First Officer Bannister. "What do you think our chances of not getting involved in this BS on Europa are?"

Banister shrugged. "Who knows? This character, Shawn Gallagher seems like a hot head. In some ways he reminds me of you."

Chambers laughed. "His name sounds familiar. I think I may have served with him a few years ago in the PPF. I'll have to do a check on the VID net." A young blonde headed woman in a skintight blue dress stepped up next to the captain and shot him a smile. The captain motioned to the bartender and bought her a drink.

"Calm the raging hormones Lover Boy. We have to be back on the bridge in three hours. You don't have time to mess with any of the comfort girls right now," Bannister said.

Chambers laughed. "Three hours is plenty of time."

"After you check the VID net and assess Federal Defense Force personnel records, if you find that you did know Gallagher, you might want to discuss it with the admiral. Maybe we could open up some dialog," Banister said.

"I hope we don't even get involved with that mess," Chambers replied.

"Yeah, but you know about old Murphy and his law." They finished their beer and First Officer Bannister bought the next round. Three hours later, they swaggered onto the bridge, and took their seats in the command chairs.

The new deep space fleet broke orbit leaving the red planet behind and Captain Chambers looked over at the second watch helmsmen. "Mr. McGuire, plot the course. Let's go to Jupiter."

Captain Chambers woke up at 05:30 AM ship time three weeks after leaving Mars, but this particular night, he slept alone. He dressed, poured himself a cup of coffee from the beverage dispenser, and sat down at the small table in his room and enjoyed his first cup of the day. Finished with his coffee, he entered his conference room, logged onto the video net for the morning conference call and after hearing from all the department heads, he logged onto the admiral's video conference call to report the status of the Port-Royal to the admiral. Finished with that bit of business, he left his conference room heading down to the officer's mess and Craig Bannister met him in the hallway.

"How's our Golden Boy this morning?" Bannister asked.

Chambers shrugged. "I'm fine Mother. Care to join me for breakfast?"

"I don't mind if I do." Captain Chambers and First officer Bannister strolled down the main corridor, entered the officer's mess and took their place in the serving line. The smell of fresh cooked food caused Captain Chambers' stomach to rumble. They moved through the line piling food upon their trays and the captain sat down to a plate filled with scrambled eggs, a slice of ham, bacon and hash browns with wheat toast. First Officer Bannister poured them each a cup of coffee from the pitcher on the table and sat down to enjoy his biscuits and gravy.

"Did you check the fleet records to see if you served with this Shawn Gallagher that has everyone so worked up?" Banister asked.

Chambers took a bit of scrambled eggs into his mouth with his fork. "It's kind of slipped my mind. I've been busy."

Bannister took a drink from his coffee cup. "I hear he has a younger brother serving in the Fleet Marines. From what I hear, they assigned him to peacekeeping duties on Mars."

"That must be hard. Being the little brother of the CEU's most famous traitor," Shawn said.

Bannister nodded. "You know the political boys got to be all over him."

"Shawn Gallagher does have a point. The council could be more lenient on personal freedoms," Shawn said.

Banister's eyes widened. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

"What? You think Mr. Carson might call me on the carpet? I just ignore the beady eyed little son of a bitch," Chambers said, giving Banister an icy glare.

Banister let out a sigh. "Seriously Jack. You need to watch what you say. You never know who might be listening. Ship captains have been brought up on political charges before."

"So what are they going do? Send me back to Earth?"

Banister shook his head. "No, but they could relieve you of command."

Chambers shrugged. "Let them try."

Finished with breakfast, they swaggered down to the gym for their morning workout. No one on board ship was immune to the daily regimen of weight lifting and Captain Chambers didn't want anyone under his command to suffer from muscle atrophy. First Officer Bannister spotted Chambers on the bench press and once Chambers was finished, they switched places. After the bench press, they worked on their arms doing bicep curls. From there they went to the leg machine and by the time, they finished their work out, they had exercised all the muscles in their body plus worked up a good sweat.

After their work out, they hit the showers and Captain Chambers set the temperature setting on his shower to medium hot and vigorous massage enjoying the rejuvenating effects of the hot water. Later, while they sat on a bench in the locker room dressing, Captain Chambers put on his uniform and was in the process of putting on his boots. He reached over to have a drink from a water bottle, setting on the bench next to him, when the bottle floated away. He tapped the talk button on the lapel of his uniform.

"Captain Chambers to engineering. What happened to the gravity generator?"

"I don't know Captain. It quit on us. I got my TECs trouble shooting it right now," the chief engineer, said, his voice flowing from the tiny speaker on the lapel of the captain's uniform.

Chambers brushed a drop of water from his forehead and watched it float away. "Good. Keep me posted." Finished with his conversation with the chief engineer, Chambers made contact with the bridge. "Captain to the bridge."

"Yes Captain," the communications officer said.

"I'm sure you're aware that the gravity generator is down. Make an announcement. I want all personnel in gravity boots. Chambers out."

Bannister laughed. "Let the fun begin. How many people do you think will conveniently forget to put on their boots?"

"Yeah. It's all fun and games being weightless and all, but when the generator comes back on, we're sure to have a few casualties. Let's get to the bridge," Chambers said and finished putting on his boots.

Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister lumbered onto the bridge of the Port-Royal in their gravity boots and took their seats in the command chairs. Chambers set his bottle of water down on a console in front of him and the bottle started to float away. He reached out, grabbed it before it could get away, and strapped himself into the seat. Everyone on the bridge used safety belts to strap themselves to their chairs. Chambers flipped on the Com unit on his console. "Bridge to engineering."

"Aye Captain," the chief engineer's voice coming over the speaker on the captain's console said.

"How soon until we have the gravity back?"

"We're working as fast as we can, Captain. We had a power surge and fried a few relays. We should have the gravity restored in two to three hours," the engineer said.

"Okay. Keep me posted," Chambers replied and cut the transmission. He turned his attention to the forward view screen and stared out at the vastness of space. Three hours later, Captain Chambers' Com link beeped and he pressed the talk button on his console. "Chambers here."

"Captain, we've fixed the gravity generator and we will bring it back on line in ten minutes," the chief engineer said.

"Good. You people do good work." Finished with his conversation with the chief engineer, Captain Chambers flipped of the ship's PA system. "This is the captain. Engineering will restore gravity in ten minutes." Nine minutes and fifty nine seconds later, Captain Chambers' water bottle, which had floated up to the ceiling, fell to the deck and he flipped on his Com unit once more. "Captain to sick bay. How many casualties do you have to report?"

"Just two Sir. A falling weight lifting disk that had floated up to the ceiling in the gym hit one of our sailors, and we had some Marines leaping back and forth. One of them was in the air when the gravity returned. He fell to the deck and broke his leg," the chief medical officer said.

"Who were they?" Chambers asked.

"The sailor was Ensign Palmer. The weight lifting disk broke his foot. The Marine's name is Louis Martin. The MED teams are bringing them in right now."

"Let me know when you're done treating them. I'd like to talk to both of them," Chambers said and switched off the Com unit. After his tour of duty on the bridge, Captain Chambers went to the sickbay to visit the crewmen injured when the gravity generator kicked on and after visiting the injured crewmen, he joined Craig Bannister in the officer's mess for dinner. Later that evening, he checked the fleet records on the VID-net and discovered that he was right; he had served aboard the same ship with Shawn Gallagher when he was in the PPF. They were both part of the on board Special Forces unit, but had served on different teams. He looked up everything he could find on the VID-net about Gallagher. _God, I almost like this guy. If we'd served on the same team and had closer contact, we'd probably be friends,_ Chambers thought.

During the three months that followed, the fleet admiral held three training events, one of which consisted of defending the ship from a mock invasion. As they approached Jupiter during the third month, the admiral divided the fleet into the red and blue navies and they played ship to ship war games. When they made their approach on Jupiter, Captain Chambers sat on the bridge staring out the view screen watching the battle ships ringing the planet like a pack of hungry wolves. Other smaller, but no less deadly ships, patrolled closer in to the planet and its moons looking like a pack of hyenas facing off a pride of lions.

"It looks like we've caught up to the main battle fleet," Captain Chambers said.

"Captain, I have a small space cruiser heading outbound from Europa. They should pass within five hundred meters of our position. They seem to be in quite a hurry. Do you want me to move to intercept?" the helmsmen asked.

Chambers shook his head. "No. If the main battle fleet's not worried about them, then we won't bother either. They're probably some miners that decided they've had enough of this foolishness."

"Captain, I have a text message from Admiral Ivanov. He says that Admiral Delacroix, in command of the main battle fleet, has asked us to maintain our current position," the communications officer said.

"Very well. Reduce speed to point zero one." Chambers said to his helmsmen and turned back to the communications officer. "Tell Mr. Ivanov that I'll contact him on the VID-net in my conference room in five minutes," he replied and left the bridge.

### CHAPTER 16

Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson stood on the shuttle port docking bay on the surface of Europa with their security team flanking them. Shawn felt a slight chill and adjusted the temperature settings on his EVA suit. They stared in awe at ships descending to the surface and landing near the docking bay. Gallagher laughed. "Have you ever seen such a ragtag bunch of rust buckets in your life?" His voice reverberated through the speakers in John Wilson's EVA suit.

Wilson smiled. "Yeah. In the federal junkyard orbiting Earth. Some of these ships look like they came from the PPF's mothballed fleet." Mechanics driving atmospherically contained tractors hooked up to the ships when they landed and the ship's skeleton crews disembarked. The sound of engines and the smell of exhaust wafted across the icy planes of Europa. They hauled the ships to an outdoor turbo lift used to take large equipment from the surface to the lower levels of the mining facility.

"Our maintenance personnel will have their hands full. Do you think they'll have these things ready before the federal boys get here?" Gallagher asked.

Wilson shrugged inside his EVA suit. "They'll be ready. We'll pull extra personnel from the mining operations and run three shifts working around the clock."

Shawn noticed a particular sleek looking light cruiser that looked a little less beat up than the rest. Some of the ships weren't even able to operate under their own power and rode piggyback, welded to the top of another vessel, while others came in undertow. Shawn stepped up to one of the maintenance technicians attaching a towline to the vessel so he could tow it to the freight lift. "Excuse me Sergeant."

The man stopped what he was doing when he heard who was speaking to him and said, "Yes Mr. President."

"I'd like this vessel assigned to the Special Forces division. I want it given a number one priority. I want the best armor, weapons and shielding that we've got."

"Yes Sir. Mr. President. I'll get right on it," the maintenance TEC replied and after the last of the fleet touched down on Europa, three large cargo vessels landed and unloaded men and equipment. The last ship to touch the surface was Ludwig Von wolf's luxury yacht; the pilot powered down the vessel and extended the boarding ramp.

"Let's go greet our guest," Shawn said and ambled across the shuttle port in his cumbersome EVA suit with John Wilson and their security detail following along behind. Ludwig Von Wolf and his entourage swaggered down the exit ramp stepping upon the surface of Europa; Shawn Gallagher and John Wilson stepped up to meet them.

"Welcome to Europa Mr. Wolf. I hope you had a pleasant flight," Shawn said.

"Ja. It was gut. I enjoy space flight."

"I've secured quarters for you and your people. I hope you find them satisfactory. They used to belong to consolidated plant manager."

"I am sure they are fine. I brought instructors and mechanics to help fix the ships and train der new pilots and flight crews for your new space corps," Ludwig said in a strong German accent.

"I hope we can have the ships ready on time."

"They will be. After we have settled, come to my quarters for drinks. Bring your Scotch Whiskey and I will open a case of my best German beer."

"I'll be looking forward to it," Shawn replied.

John Wilson commandeered the nearest sergeant and asked him to secure a work detail to help Mr. Von Wolf's people carry their baggage and unload their cargo ships. Finished with that, John Wilson and Shawn Gallagher led Ludwig Von Wolf and his entourage into the mining facility and showed them to their quarters.

Shawn Gallagher gazed about the room at his cabinet members while his secretary retrieved a pitcher of coffee from the food and beverage dispenser, poured everyone seated a cup and left the room. _God everyone looks so tired_ , Shawn thought and heaved a sigh. "Let's get this meeting started. Jerry we'll start with you. What is your latest INTEL on the federal Boys?"

Holliday shrugged. "The Federal Defense Force's main battle fleet has left Mars and is headed this way. We have roughly three months, maybe three a half, until they arrive."

Shawn nodded. "What do you think they will do when they get here?"

Holliday pulled a cigar from his coat pocket. "Set up a blockade and demand our surrender."

Shawn leaned back in his chair. "What do you think their response will be when we refuse?"

Holliday paused and lit his cigar. "At first they might try to starve us out. When that doesn't work, they'll invade and try to bring a resolution by force."

"What about this new deep space fleet they're so proud of that we saw on the VID-Net?"

Tobacco smoke drifted across the room and Shawn breathed in its rich aroma. "They are a few days behind the main battle fleet. My Intel boys tell me that they would like to use Jupiter's gravity to slingshot to the edge of the solar system, but who knows? Mr. Bonelli might order them to take their places in the blockade until this thing is over."

Shawn looked at his good friend and secretary of defense, John Wilson. "What about the troops John? Will they be ready?"

Wilson sat up straighter in his chair. "Damn right. With the help of Mr. Von Wolf's trainers and the new equipment, they should do fine. I have accelerated the training schedule and we're working on the perimeter defenses around the clock. The feds might have a numeral advantage, but we can make them pay for every inch of ice that they take."

Shawn nodded, took a drink from his coffee cup and turned to Admiral Gustav. "What about our new ships? Will they be ready?"

"My mechanics are working around the clock. The ships will be space worthy and in operation when the federals get here."

"Do you think you can actually defeat the federal's main battle fleet?"

Gustav shook his head. "No, but we can hurt them. I will send a small force to Saturn incase the federal send some ships there. I will keep half my ships in reserve hiding in the asteroid belt. We will use feints, lightning quick attacks, and hit and run tactics. I will make the federal admiral wish that he'd never come to Jupiter."

Shawn looked back at Jerry Holliday and said, "What about our awe shit plan?"

Holliday laughed. "It's in the works. We've rigged the explosives and the mechanics are putting the finishing touches on the vessels."

"Good. And that other matter?"

"He's arrived on Mars and serving as a peacekeeper," Holliday said.

"How soon until we can launch the snatch and grab?"

"I have a special forces team training for the mission now. The mechanics are working on the ship. They should be ready to launch in two weeks, then three months flight time. Three months to get back. He should be here in a little over six months."

"Good," Shawn said, standing to his feet. He crossed the room to the food and beverage dispenser, took a bottle of Scotch Whiskey from a cabinet along with several shot glasses and poured them each a shot of whiskey. He enjoyed the smell of the potent brew. "Gentlemen, I know you are all very busy so I won't keep you any longer, but before we go, let's have a drink. To the New Republic." Shawn raised his glass; they downed the shot and filed out of the room.

Shawn Gallagher stood in the hallway in front of Ludwig Von's Wolf's quarters, which had once been the apartment of the former CEO of Consolidated mining on Europa, with his security detail flanking him. Down the hallway, he heard someone laugh. Shawn rang the door chime, a few seconds passed and the door slid open. Ludwig Von Wolf stood in the doorway wearing a furry brown robe and a grin crossed his bearded face.

"Welcome, Mr. President. I have the beer chilling on ice. I trust you brought the whiskey?" Mr. Wolf said and Shawn held up a brown paper bag.

"We killed the last bottle of Scotch earlier. I'll have to order some more from supply, but I bought the best Crown Royal that money can buy."

"Good. Come join me. The lounge has a splendid view screen that looks out over the surface of this icy paradise."

"I've never heard it called that," Shawn replied and entered the luxury apartment. Ludwig Von Wolf led Shawn through his living room to a spacious lounge with a large view screen overlooking the Icy surface of Europa and took out two shot glasses. Shawn marveled at the extravagance. The security team gathered in the living room, Shawn poured them each a shot of Canadian Whiskey, handed Ludwig his shot and raised his glass. "To a prosperous future and whatever it might hold." They touched glasses, downed the shot and Shawn refilled the glasses. He enjoyed the smooth flavor of the Canadian whiskey.

"I've decided to move my headquarters here temporarily. I will still keep some people in the asteroid belt, but I want to be close to the action. Do you think that perhaps you might have some facilities for me?" Ludwig asked.

Shawn nodded. "Absolutely. You would be a big asset. I'll pass the word to my maintenance people. They'll find you a place to set up shop."

Ludwig smiled. "I might have something that will help with your little fight with the federals."

"What might that be?" Shawn asked, sipping at his tumbler of whiskey.

"I have a small quantity on anti-matter," Gustav said.

Shawn's bottom jaw dropped and his eyes widened. "Really? What are your intentions for that?"

Ludwig downed his whiskey, refilled their shot glasses and handed Shawn a bottle of German beer. "My armories are fitting a small capsule into the warheads of several torpedoes. They would tear through the shields and through the hulls of the federal ships like, how do you people from the American Union say, like a knife through butter." They tossed back the whiskey and then popped the tops on the beer.

"You Germans sure do know how to make a good beer," Shawn said. Ludwig nodded. "I'll have my chief of intelligence and my secretary of defense get with your people. I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done," Shawn said.

Ludwig gazed out at the surface of Europa as if lost in thought. "Thanks are not necessary. I've cast my lot with your New Republic for my own selfish reasons, all though I believe the federals will stomp you and your New Republic into the ground like so many bugs."

"Then why lend your support?" Shawn asked.

Ludwig rose to his feet and began to pace back and forth. "Because if you succeed, I stand to make a sizable amount of money, legally. I think the relationship will be beneficial for us both."

Shawn nodded. "I do too. If we pull this off, we'll need men like you to help haul supplies and secure needed equipment. I want to bring the families of all the men here to Europa. This little moon will thrive, as will the moons orbiting Saturn. Businesses opportunities will abound." They sat talking and drinking until the wee hours of the morning, but finally Shawn's security detail helped him back to his quarters and put him to bed.

The forces of the New Republic kept busy for the next three months with the mechanics working round the clock getting the ships of their new fleet ready for space. Other, former miners worked night and day building fighting positions and building a defensive perimeter surrounding the entire complex. They used bulldozers to build up icy bulwarks surrounding the main complex and to build dug in fighting positions into the inside with firing ports pointed out at the approaches to the complex. They put machine guns and laser cannons on the roofs of the buildings above ground.

On top of the HQ building, a high rise that towered above every building in the colony, they held a ceremony to christen the new fleet the day the last ship completed its retrofit. While their new fleet held a stationary orbit over Europa, Shawn looked up through the hardened glass dome at the cornucopia of ships orbiting above them with the stars as a backdrop. He stepped up to the microphone, looked out at the dignitaries, along with the military personnel and miners who toiled in the mines below. "Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming. This is a glorious occasion. Today we will christen our new fleet. I for one was worried that we might not get this job done before the federal boys arrived to ruin our party. I should have known better. Everyone, from the mechanics who retrofitted the ships, to the flight crews that put in long training hours that now man the vessels, to the trainers supplied by Mr. Ludwig Von Wolf to train the crews, worked hard. I'd like to personally thank everyone involved." Applause filled the roof of the building. "I would also like to thank Admiral Gustav Kesler for his tireless work. I will turn the microphone over to him now to read the names of the ships aloud as they fly over in formation."

Admiral Kesler stepped up onto the podium while the ships above them broke out of their stationary orbit and began a circular orbit of Europa. When Admiral Kesler finished calling out the names of the ships in their armada, Shawn Gallagher stepped up to the microphone once more. "This New fleet will now begin its mission of protecting our New Republic. Some will head to Saturn. We will hold some in reserve in the asteroid belt, but the bulk will orbit Jupiter waiting to face the federal main battle fleet when they get here. All of these ships, along with the sailors and Marines on board will risk their lives in protection of the freedoms that we now share." Shawn finished his speech and then added, "We will hold a reception down in the main dining hall everyone is invited."

That night after the launch of their new fleet, Shan Gallagher, flanked by his security detail, stood on the shuttle port-landing pad on the surface of Europa. He wore his EVA suit and watched a Special Forces team board a sinister looking light cruiser. Emblazed in gold across its nose were the words: **Free Bird Two.** The small ship bristled with armor and armaments and its outer hull was painted flat black with no external markings. When the pilot and co pilot approached the boarding ramp, Shawn stepped up to the pilot and took his arm gripped it awkwardly using the gloves of his EVA suit. "Mr. O' Brian. You know why I chose you for this mission, don't you?"

O' Brian nodded. "I think so, Mr. President," O' Brian said, his voice reverberating through the speaker in the helmet of Shawn's EVA suit.

"You're the pilot of my personnel space cruiser. You are the best damned pilot we have. I wouldn't trust this mission to anyone else. Those men boarding your ship are the best Special Forces team we have. Tell them for me to bring my brother home. Tell them, that no matter how this turns out, it is an honor to be their president. Bring him to me."

"Sir, we'll get the job done, or we'll die trying."

Shawn shook his head. "No. I don't want anyone to die. I want you to bring my brother back here from Mars alive. I want everyone else to come back alive. Make it happen."

"I'll get her done sir," O' Brian replied. Shawn released his grip on O' Brian's arm, stepped back and gave him an awkward salute; O'Brian returned the gesture and boarded the vessel. Shawn watched the light cruiser lift off the surface of Europa, enter an orbit around Jupiter and headed for Mars. Later that evening, Shawn set at a table on the rooftop of the main mining complex while his chief of security stood back in the shadows letting Shawn enjoy some privacy. Shawn brought a tumbler of Crown Royal to his mouth and glanced up at the supper hardened glass dome watching the lights of the ships in their new fleet orbiting overhead.

Shawn's thoughts drifted to the Special Forces team heading toward Mars. _God I hope they make it through,_ Shawn thought. His mind drifted to his brother David and hoped that once he had David here with him on Europa, that he could un-do some of the brain washing that the federal system had put in place. He envisioned David making a home here with him on Europa. _He could have a bright future here_. Shawn noticed tiny specks of lights moving in the sky and noticed the ships in their new fleet move into formation and head outward away from Jupiter. The Com unit on the lapel of Shawn's shirt beeped and he slapped his shoulder. "Gallagher."

"Mr. President. This is Linda Van Horn. The federals have arrived. A large fleet just appeared, coming out of the asteroid belt." Shawn felt a cold ball of ice drop into the center of his stomach.

"Okay. Put the troops garrisoned at the station on alert. I'll be in my council chambers in two minutes," Shawn said and ended the transmission. He stood to his feet and downed the remainder of the whiskey in his tumbler when his chief of security stepped from the shadows. "I guess I'd better call an emergency cabinet meeting and put the forces on alert."

"Yes Sir."

Shawn turned to go but stopped and glanced once more through the glass dome at the stars overhead. _God I hope Jack and his team made it through,_ Shawn thought, turning toward the turbo lift, and headed down to his council chambers below.

### CHAPTER 17

David Gallagher and Paul Rosenbaum followed a crowd of Marines toward the shuttle port servicing one of the New London Colony on Mars. The EVA suit he wore made David's movements somewhat cumbersome; he stopped for a moment and looked across the barren Martian landscape. Off in the distance, to the Northwest, David saw the lights of the colony. _It looks like an oasis in a sea of darkness,_ David thought. He slung his rifle over his shoulder, took his place in line waiting to enter the shuttle port and listened to the excited conversation buzz across the Com net.

David and Paul entered an airlock along with twelve other Marines, and although the interior of the shuttle port was atmospherically contained, the transit Marines kept their EVA suits on. A loud plangent voice boomed over the shuttle ports PA system saying, "All transit military personnel please assemble at the airlocks on the north bulkhead! We have halftracks waiting to ferry you to the colony!"

"Let's go," David said, elbowing his way through the crowd and Paul followed. They stepped into line at the nearest airlock, and when they reached the head of the line, they entered the airlock along with twenty other Marines plus a few Navy personnel. David wiped sweat from his brow. The outer door of the airlock opened, they stepped out onto a cement walkway underneath a covered awning and noticed several troop carriers and main battle tanks parked at the curb.

The Marines converged on the troop carriers; David Gallagher and Paul Rosenbaum found seats in the second troop carrier in the long convoy setting at the curb. A main battle tank occupied the point position while another set in the middle and a third took the tail end Charlie position at the rear of the convoy. Once inside the atmospherically contained vehicle, they took off the helmet of their EVA suits and listened to the excited conversation buzz through the vehicle.

David grinned. "Well Buddy. Are you ready to party? We've got forty eight hours to kill before we report for duty."

Paul nodded. "You better believe it. Where is this base supposed to be anyway?"

David shrugged. "I heard some guy say it was a few clicks west of the colony, but who gives a shit? We'll worry about that when the time comes. Right now all I'm thinking about is getting drunk and chasing pussy."

Paul laughed. "I imagine you'll get us into another card game. I see fresh meat everywhere."

"If our funds run low, I just might." The convoy pulled away from the shuttle port heading across the rough, rocky Martian landscape and David looked out the porthole to his left listening to the rumble of the troop carrier's engine. "It's as dark as the Devil's asshole out there."

Paul nodded. "Yeah. Have you ever been to Mars?"

David shook his head. "Nope."

"My parents took me here when I was little. My Dad had some business with one of the mining executives. There are several colonies scattered about the planet, but they're few and far between. You have to cross vast distances if you want to travel between the colonies. It's pretty rough by land vehicles," Paul said.

"I hear they have some type of magna lift or mono rail train," David said.

"Yeah. People either ride the train or take a shuttle."

"I don't see why people would want to live here. These miners are a weird bunch."

"They're rough and independent," Paul replied.

The convoy traversed a vast rocky plain, passed through a rough hilly area and entered a narrow rocky gorge, when laser bolts hit the troop carrier they were riding in. David looked out his window and saw a rocket streak across the night, hitting the track of the vehicle in front of theirs.

"Time to earn your keep! Put your helmets on and check your air supply! We're caught in an ambush!" the driver yelled, his voice boomed through the vehicle's PA system. David and Paul jumped to his their feet, put on their helmets and did a quick oxygen check. David's heart hammered inside his chest and his breathing became erratic. Within ten seconds, all of the military personnel inside the troop carrier stood locked and loaded with their helmets on, the back ramp of the troop carrier opened up and the Marines charged forward storming down the exit ramp and into the Martian night.

Alonzo Garcia and Louis Martin shuffled up the boarding ramp in their EVA suits and onto one of the Port-Royal's shuttles. They found seats near the rear of the shuttle's passenger compartment, sat down, took off their helmets and listened to the buzz of conversation wafting through the shuttle. "It's gonna feel good to set foot on solid ground for a change Bro," Alonzo said.

Louis nodded. "Right, Mate. It will also feel good to have some bloody free time and see some new faces. The birds on this tub are getting old."

Alonzo grinned. "Yeah they have kept us busy, what with eight hours in class, plus standing watch for four hours. We have to make the best out of this forty eight hour liberty as possible, Bro."

"Right, Mate. Lead me to the first pub you find. I plan on enjoying my holiday to the fullest." The shuttle moved forward to one of the launch bays and the voice of the shuttle pilot boomed through the shuttle's PA system.

"Ladies and gentlemen, ETA to launch is two minutes! Strap it on!" Alonzo put on his seat belt and Louis did the same.

Alonzo felt adrenaline shoot through his body. "I'll never get tired of this part, Bro."

"Me neither, mate. It's like getting shot out of a bloody cannon," Louis replied. The shuttle moved forward, stopped for a few seconds and shot down the launch tube. The gee forces slammed them back in their chairs, the launch bay doors opened and the shuttle shot out to space.

Alonzo let out a wild whoop. "Now that's what I'm talking about Bro." Their shuttle completed one revolution around the red planet and descended toward the surface.

Louis grinned. "The launch was bloody rush but the flight was a little anti climactic."

"I don't know. Didn't you feel like a meteorite when we descended through the atmosphere?"

"Yeah Mate, but it was over too fast." The shuttle touched down on the landing pad at the Martian shuttle port, they stood up, put on their helmets and followed the crowd through the airlock, down the exit ramp and onto the surface of Mars. They crossed the tarmac to the shuttle port, went though one of the airlocks on the north side of the building and boarded a troop carrier in the center of a convoy setting next to the curb. Alonzo saw Captain Chambers boarding the last troop carrier in the convoy.

Alonzo Garcia and Louis Martin took off their helmets and sat on a bench waiting for the convoy to leave the shuttle port. A few minutes later, the convoy pulled away from the curb leaving the shuttle port behind and Alonzo gazed out of the porthole setting in the bulkhead beside him. Darkness covered the Martin landscape, the convoy passed through the heavily defended perimeter surrounding the shuttle port and headed into the night.

"I guess that's the colony," Alonzo said noticing lights in the distance.

Louis nodded. "Right, Mate. I don't know why they call it New London. It looks lonely, off there by itself." They were approaching the outskirts of the colony and traversing a narrow gorge, when their vehicle came to an abrupt stop. Alonzo glanced out the porthole next to him and saw laser flashes light up the night.

"We're under attack!" Alonzo yelled while the military personnel in the troop carrier jumped to their feet and gathered around the porthole. Alonzo's heart hammered inside his chest.

"Mate, that battle tank riding tail end Charlie just broke away and started firing its main gun up into the hills!" Louis yelled back.

"A few squads just jumped out of a troop carrier near the front! They're in a fire fight!"

"Please remain in your seats, but secure your EVA suits! Lock and load! Stand by for deployment if so ordered!" the troop carrier's driver yelled over the vehicle's PA system. Alonzo's breathing accelerated. They put on their helmets, charged their weapons and sat down waiting for further orders. "Ladies and Gentlemen the attack has broken off. We will proceed to the colony. Maintain alert status until we reach the colony," the driver said fifteen minutes later. The troop carrier lurched forward; Alonzo Garcia let out a sigh and tried to relax.

"Our first chance for some action and we miss it," Louis said.

Alonzo nodded. "Yeah, sometimes I wish we'd drawn peacekeeper duties here on Mars, Bro." The convoy reached the colony twenty minutes later; they checked in at the visitor's center and caught an atmospherically contained taxi to the Utopia Mall, a massive domed structure housing a urban metropolis. Alonzo gazed out the side window of the taxi at the buildings lining both sides of the street taking in the domed shaped buildings along with several boxy looking structures. Masses of humanity filled the sidewalks, gathered at the intersections to cross the busy streets, but they all looked the same in their EVA suits. The taxi passed through an airlock, entered the Utopian mall and the holographic driver pulled up next to the curb.

"Gentlemen. Welcome to the New London colony. If you would like, you may check your gear in at the visitor's lounge. There you will find information regarding all the business establishments inside the mall. I hope you enjoy your stay at the Utopian," the driver said, using a strong British accent.

After they stowed their gear, Alonzo stood on the sidewalk listening to the hover cars buzz by. "Where to first, Bro?"

"I don't know about you, mate but point me to the nearest pub," Louis said, swaggering over to hail another taxi.

David Gallagher and Paul Rosenbaum swaggered into the Final Frontier: one of the more popular drinking establishments inside the Utopian Mall that catered to military personnel. David stood for a moment, breathing in the smell of tobacco smoke and cheap alcohol, and took in the bar's essence. After stowing their gear, they took a taxi to the bar and found a table near the center of the crowded barroom. They had been drinking with two other Marines from the Pathfinder when David headed to the bathroom to empty his bladder. After taking care of business, he staggered out the bathroom door and ran into another Marine.

"Stand easy Bro. I think you've had a few too many," the Marine said.

David looked up, his eyes widened and a big grin spread across his face. "Alonzo?"

"David. I didn't recognize you in this dark hallway. How are you doing Bro?"

"I'm doing fine now that you're here. I've got a table. Paul's here too."

"Louis is over by the bar; I'll go get him and we'll join you," Alonzo said. They did some back slapping and parted company. Louis and Alonzo joined Paul and David at the table a few minutes later.

"Well there's my big nosed friend. How've you been Mate?" Louis said when he stepped up to the table.

Paul's eyes widened. "I was doing fine until you showed up. You had to start with the nose business." David and Alonzo laughed, Paul stood up and they did some more backslapping. David introduced the other Marines and they sat down.

"When did you guys get here?" David asked.

Alonzo shrugged. "We just arrived. Our convoy got attacked on the way in."

"We must have been in the same convoy. Ours got hit too," David replied.

"We were near the middle. We stopped but didn't engage."

"They hit the vehicle in front of us. We stormed out of the troop carrier and jumped into a firefight. It didn't last long," David said.

"You lucky buggers. You got to see some action right off," Louis said.

"We didn't feel so lucky at the time. It's kind of hard to keep it together with laser bolts flashing right by your head," Paul said.

"You're lucky it didn't take off your nose," Louis said and laughed.

"It was safely tucked into the helmet of my EVA suit. Thanks for your concern."

"What's with the little bars on your lapels?" David asked.

Alonzo grinned. "We're third lieutenants. The rank is temporary. It's just a way to put the cadets in the chain of command. The brass enrolled Louis and I in an officer's training school aboard the Port-Royal. You may have to salute us some day, Bro."

David bent over pretending to gag, but he bought the next round. A half hour later Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister swaggered into the bar and Captain Chambers noticed Alonzo sitting across the bar room. He motioned to one of the android waitresses, had her deliver a round of drinks to their table and they brought their bottles up in salute.

"Your Captain seems okay for an officer," David said.

Alonzo nodded. "He is Bro. He cares about everyone on board his ship. You can tell by the way he acts."

"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be in this bloody officer's training class," Louis replied. They spent another two hours at the bar and headed for the door. The other Marines who had been drinking at the table with them went their own way while David, Alonzo, along with Louis and Paul piled into a taxi and headed for the nearest whorehouse.

Alonzo Garcia and Louis Martin strutted down the exit ramp and onto the launch bay of the Port-Royal after using up their forty eight hour liberty. Hustle and bustle filled the ship with shuttle pilots ferrying troops back to the Port-Royal. They hit the rack for a few hours rest before going on duty and while they were sleeping, the Port-Royal, along with the rest of the fleet, broke orbit leaving Mars behind, and heading toward the asteroid belt. They fell back into their routine, attending officer's training classes for eight hours and then serving as officers for four hours before turning in for a few hours sleep.

Three weeks after leaving Mars, Alonzo and Louis swaggered down the main corridor heading to class when the gravity generator went out. The cadets strapped themselves into their chairs to keep form floating up to the ceiling. Three hours later, during their first break of the morning, the cadets gathered in the corridor. They began to clown around leaping into the air and floating up to the ceiling when an announcement came over the ship's PA system announcing the restoration of gravity in ten minutes.

"Watch this, Mate," Louis said, trying to make one last jump, and leapt up touching his hands to the ceiling when the gravity returned. Louis let out a startled cry, fell to the floor and Alonzo ran to his crumpled form.

"Bro, are you all right?"

"My leg, Mate. I think I broke my leg." Louis's face looked ashen.

Alonzo tapped the Com link on the lapel of his uniform and said, "Third Lieutenant Alonzo Garcia to Fleet Marine's HQ. Send a MED team down from sickbay to the training center. My buddy just broke his leg."

"Roger that Mr. Garcia. A MED team is on the way," the receptionist at Fleet Marine HQ replied.

Two hours later, Alonzo sat at Louis' bedside in the sick bay; Louis had a bright blue BIO cast on his left leg and all though he was somewhat groggy from medication, Louis was his jovial self.

"The things some people will do to get out of work. I'm on to you Bro," Alonzo said and they both laughed.

"I had to do something, Mate. These long hours are killing me."

"Alonzo was about to speak but then he saw Captain Chambers swagger into the room, so he shot to his feet, snapped off a salute and Louis, though unable to stand, fired off a salute as well.

"At ease men. I just thought I'd see how our patients are doing," Captain Chambers said when he stepped up to Louis's bed.

Uh I'm fine Sir. The doctor is releasing me in the morning," Louis said.

"You know we expect better from our officers," Captain Chambers said and laid a friendly hand on Louis's shoulder.

Louis's face fell. "I know Sir. I'm sorry. It was a dumb stunt. It won't happen again."

"Don't be sorry. Just learn from it. We've all done a few bonehead things that we're not proud of. I'm sure Commander Dawson will want to talk to you when you get out of sickbay."

"I'm sure he will," Louis said and sighed. "I'll probably get a letter in my file."

Captain Chambers smiled. "I wouldn't worry about that too much. Those letters don't mean much. You should see my file."

"You mean you've done some bone head things in your time sir?"

"You should talk to First Officer Bannister. He'd give you an ear full. He thinks it's his personal job to baby sit me," Chambers said. They both laughed. "I have other patients to see, so get well. We need you back in class." Captain Chambers paused before leaving and looked at Alonzo. "And how are you doing Mr. Garcia?"

Alonzo smiled. "I'm fine Sir."

"Good. Keep up the good work," Captain Chambers replied and headed down the aisle to visit other patients in the sickbay. Louis showed up for class the next morning using a pair of crutches and he had to wear the BIO cast for three weeks. They kept busy for the next three months while the ship traversed the asteroid belt on route to Jupiter.

They sat in the officer's pub having a beer with their eyes glued to a view screen behind the bar. The image of Jupiter looming large in the background filled the screen and they saw hundreds of battle cruiser ringing the planet. Other smaller ships orbited the planet and its moons facing outward in direct challenge to the main battle fleet, but the Port-Royal, along with the rest of the deep space fleet stayed in a holding pattern further out.

"I hope we don't get caught up in this mess, Bro," Alonzo said.

Louis shook his head. "Yeah, Mate. Those crazy bastards on Europa are gonna play bloody hell. Before it's over, the Navy brass is gonna go balls out."

David Gallagher and Paul Rosenbaum stood outside the Utopian Mall near the visitor's center waiting for a military transport. Their forty eight hour liberty over, they headed for their permanent duty station on Mars. David gazed about the street, watching people in EVA suits move back and forth on the sidewalks. Tracked vehicles moved up and down the streets making David wonder about the people. Some were military personnel, others were miners and some were civilians working in the colony.

"What do you think we'll be doing once we report for duty?" Paul asked.

David sighed. "Keeping the peace."

"Yeah but how and where?"

David shrugged. "I guess we'll find out when we report for duty." An atmospherically contained troop carrier pulled up to the curb, the outer airlock door opened, they stepped inside along with several other Marines and found seat near the rear of the troop carrier.

"You can remove your EVA suits. We won't be stopping anywhere until we reach the base," a young NCO moving down the aisle said. David and Paul took off their EVA suits and set them by their feet while the troop carrier filled up with Marines. David felt the vehicle lurch when the driver pulled out onto the main thoroughfare and sat back to enjoy the ride. He glanced out the window taking in the sights noticing several boxy shaped buildings on both sides of the road. Several domed shaped structures set further back from the main street and David saw a burned out structure at the end of the block with a red fist painted on the scorched brick wall.

"That's the work of The People's Fist. They're part of the local resistance," a Marine sitting across from them said.

"Those bastards are up here too? Will we be fighting them?" David asked.

The Marine shook his head. "No. Not unless you happen to be in town and get caught in one of their ambushes. They sneak into town, fire off a few rockets and disappear like ghost."

"What will we be doing?" Paul asked.

Working security in the Utopian Mall or over at the Red Plaza. You might draw mobile duty cruising the colony in a land cruiser, or sometimes the miners cause trouble. Then we have to go out there and take care of things. That duty sucks. I hate hard rock miners." The troop carrier left the colony heading west across the Martian landscape and David noticed lights coming from several buildings setting off to the south.

"What's over there?" David asked, motioning to his porthole.

"That's consolidated mining site A. Every since this business started on Europa, the miners have been causing trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Paul said.

"They call wild cat strikes. Throw up picket lines and when we show up they pelt us with rocks." The troop carrier traveled across the rough barren landscape for another forty five minutes, David looked out a porthole and saw and more lights to the South. A massive domed structure ringed with razor wire and earthworks set nestled between two massive rock formations.

"That's Camp Rizzo. That's where we're headed," the Marine sitting across from them said. The troop carrier pulled off the main trail heading south through the hills toward the base and Paul noticed the remains of a bombed out structure setting off to their left.

"What happened there?"

"The resistance got lucky. They hit an ammo dump with a rocket. That's the first time they've ever tried hitting anything that close to the base." The troop carrier turned off the main trail heading south and the driver stopped at the main gate. He crossed an open area to the airlock, a set of massive steel doors on the outside of the domed structure opened, the troop carrier pulled into the airlock, they heard a hiss of air, the inner doors opened and the troop carrier pulled into the base.

David gazed out his porthole in wonder while the troop carrier traveled down a tree lined paved road. Grass covered the ground beyond the road and David saw illuminated rectangular shaped structures lying to the south of their position. It looked like several three tiered barracks setting to the west of a massive office complex. From a distance, it looked like a massive city housed underneath the dome.

"Welcome to Camp Rizzo. Report to HQ to be logged into the base and receive your duty assignments," the driver of the troop carrier said when they pulled up in front of HQ. David and Paul stepped out onto the sidewalk and followed the crowd into the office complex. They fell into line at a reception desk and when David reached the head of the line, a pretty blonde headed female Marine Corps officer sitting at the desk looked up and smiled.

"Run your wrist across my scan pad, marine," she said and David complied. "Welcome to Camp Rizzo, Mr. Gallagher. You're on the third watch, colony security detail. You report for duty at twenty there hundred hours."

Breathing in the smell of her perfume, David said, "Report where, Ma'am?"

The blonde headed officer turned her head and pointed down the hallway to her left. "Security HQ is down the hall. At twenty three hundred hours, you'll attend a briefing and head into the colony. Until then, find a bunk in the barracks to the west of HQ, stow your gear and get some sleep. You'll need it."

"Thank you, Ma'am," David said, stepped out of line, and waited for Paul to get his orders. "What duty did you draw?" David asked.

"Third watch mall security. The same as you. What is it eighteen hundred hours?"

"Yeah. That gives us five hours to get some sleep," David replied.

"Then I suggest we stow our gear and hit the rack."

They woke up four and a half hours later, took a quick shower, put on their uniforms, headed to HQ and joined a group of Marines in the briefing room. A stocky red headed officer sat behind a desk smoking a cigar and David breathed in the rich aroma. A group of Marines lined up at a beverage dispenser, poured themselves cups of coffee; they each took a doughnut from a box sitting on a nearby table and found their seats.

"Let's get started. For you new guys, I am Lieutenant James Cook. I'd like to go over a few things before you go on duty. As usual, we're having trouble with the miners. We're getting a lot of drunk and disorderly arrest at the local bars plus a few fights and brawls. I want to caution the new guys about not going anywhere in The New London colony alone. When we move, we move in pairs or in force. If you'll listen up, I'll read off the duty assignments." The young NCO that rode on the troop carrier with David and Paul stepped up to them.

"I'm Corporal Roberts, but you can call me, Mike. You boys will ride with me. Do what I tell you, and everything will be fine. Get your EVA suits and get back here pronto. After that we'll sign you out your gear and head for the motor pool." Forty five minutes later, they sat in an atmospherically contained land rover on their way back to the colony with Corporal Roberts sitting behind the wheel; David sat on the passenger said and Paul rode in the back. When they reached the colony, Corporal Roberts pulled into an airlock, entered the Utopian Mall and drove down the main boulevard.

"The mall is a city unto itself. Every kind of seedy business you could imagine from gin joints to whore houses line these streets. The further you get from the main drag, the worse they get. Anything that an off duty miner or military person could want is housed underneath this dome. The people who work in the mall also live under the dome in the housing section. We get call there sometimes for domestic disturbances," Corporal Roberts said and pulled into a parking lot to their left. "This is our substation. We need to check in before we go on patrol. The substation also contains a cafeteria and our break room." Fifteen minutes later, after they checked in and attended another job briefing, they hit the streets.

They cruised the streets for the first two hours and the night seemed quiet, but the radio in the land cruiser beeped, Corporal Roberts flipped on the Com unit and the voice of the dispatcher reverberated through the car's speaker. "All units. All units. Converge on the Bucket of Blood. We have disturbance in progress."

"On our way, dispatch," Roberts said and glanced over at David. "The Bucket of blood is one of the favorite hangouts for the hard rock miners. They call us out there at least once or twice a night. Every night, someone stabs or shoots someone else. It's time for you boys to earn your keep."

Roberts flipped on the overhead light bar, turned on the siren and a few minutes later, they pulled up in front of a dingy looking bar. Rough hewn logs covered the exterior walls, glass bottles littered the street and a rough looking wooden boardwalk fronted the building. The MPs stormed into the bar in force using stun guns, teasers, electrically charged Billy clubs and when David stepped through the door, a big ugly miner punched him in the mouth. By the midpoint of their shift, David had a split lip, a black eye and they had arrested ten miners. After lunch, they received a call sending them out of the colony to one of the mining facilities. They sported riot gear and formed a line to defend the mining complex from an unruly mob of disgruntled miners.

"Is it like this every night?" David asked while they drove back to the base at the end of their shift.

"Pretty much. Sometimes it's worse," Corporal Roberts replied and pulled the land cruiser up to the main gate of Camp Rizzo.

David and Paul fell into a routine, working hard and partying harder on their days off. One night after they had been on Mars for three months, they went to quail a disturbance at the Bucket of Blood and David was about to enter the bar when a black hover craft pulled up to the curb. Three men in dark clothing jumped out, one of them hit David in the back with a stun gun and David collapsed to the pavement. Two of the men grabbed David by his arms, dragging him toward the vehicle, when Paul pulled his hand held laser and fired a blast at the two men. Two more squads of MPs pulled up, the men dropped David to the ground, jumped back into their vehicles and fled.

"What happened?" David asked when he regained consciousness.

Paul shrugged. "It looked like they wanted you. They were trying to drag you into the vehicle."

The following evening, David and Paul showed up at HQ on base to start their shift, and noticed a crowd of Marines in the hallway. They elbowed their way through the crowd to the briefing room and Lieutenant Cook looked up when they came in.

"Gentlemen. Go back to your barracks and pack you gear. You're shipping out. The brass has decided that we need to establish a presence out in the bush to deal with these rebel attacks. You get to stop being policeman and act like Marines. Be on the tarmac with your gear in a half hour."

An hour and a half later, they boarded a troop carrier, joined a convoy leaving the base and the company of Marines left Camp Rizzo heading east. Passing through the colony, they headed out onto the rough Martian landscape and traveled for eight hours crossing the rocky, barren terrain until they came to a point where three massive canyons converged, opening up to a massive flat dry lakebed. The convoy stopped, formed a circle and a group of Marines unloaded pre fabricated shelters while another group erected defensive positions stringing razor wire. David and Paul's platoon took up defensive positions providing security while other Marines set up their new firebase.

One group of Marines off loaded bulldozers from flat bed trucks, the operators mounted the dozers and formed Earth works surrounding the new base. Within eight hours, the new firebase was up and ready for business. The following morning, David received orders to report to HQ for a mission briefing. He filed into the briefing room along with thirty other Marines and noticed a colonel with short sandy blond hair and a barrel chest, standing before a holographic map depicting the landscape to the north of their position.

"Gentlemen. If you will look at the map, you'll see why we chose this area to establish the base. We believe that the rebels operating in this area have bases in one of these three canyons. Possibly underground. They have to cross this plain to get to the colony, and we are sitting in their path. You gentlemen will go on our first recon mission. You will travel up this large canyon lying in the center. I would like you to locate the rebel bases. You'll need to use extreme caution. These canyons on Mars make the Grand Canyon back home look like a little ditch." The briefing carried on for a few more minutes and then the colonel opened the floor to questions. There were none. "Okay, if that's all then be on the tarmac in fifteen minutes. The mission launches at zero eight thirty."

"What's going on?" Paul asked when David stepped out of HQ.

David shrugged. "We're going on a recon mission. What duty did you draw today?"

"I'm in a bunker on perimeter defense. I wish I was going with you."

David laughed. "I do too, but you'd probably just get your big nose shot off."

Two hours later, suited up in his EVA suit with his M-23 Blaster slung to his back, David climbed up the boarding ramp and onto an armored troop carrier. A main battle tank led the convoy, followed by three troop carriers and another battle tank took up the tail end Charlie position at the rear. The convoy left the firebase heading north into the canyon country and David bounced off his seat as the troop carrier rumbled along across the Martin landscape. The convoy entered the largest of the three canyons, sheer granite walls towered above them and large rocky boulders lay on the canyon floor while the convoy snaked its way around them.

They had traveled for ten miles when the canyon narrowed, turning ninety degrees to the right and the convoy slowed to make the turn. David heard a muffled explosion and debris rained down on the top of their troop carrier.

"The tank on point just took a hit from a rocket! We're under attack! On your feet Marines!" the driver yelled over the vehicles PA system.

David jumped to his feet, his heart pounding inside his chest, and charged down the exit ramp with the rest of his squad while the lead battle tank billowed flames. A rocket streaked down from dug out positions in the canyon's wall, the tank traveling in the tail end Charlie position exploded and they received laser fire from their direct front. David took cover behind a large bolder, jumped up and fired off a burst with his M-23 Blaster when a laser bolt hit his chest on the upper left hand side. It spun him around, knocked him on his ass and David struggled to catch his breath. He heard the screams of his fellow Marines coming through the Com unit on his EVA suit and saw a figure in a black EVA suit looming over him. _I'm dead_ , David thought. The figure standing over him brought the butt of his M-23 Blaster down on the helmet of David's EVA suit and David felt his helmet crack just before he lost consciousness.

### CHAPTER 18

Captain Jack Chambers sat down in front of the VID screen in his conference room, logged on, using his secure code, and sent a video transmission to the CEU-Saratoga. The image of a young blonde headed woman, the ship's communications officer, filled the screen and she broke out into a smile. "What can I do for you Captain Chambers?"

Chambers smiled back. "Is the Admiral available?"

"Wait one. He's in his quarters." The woman flipped a switch on her console, spoke in a low tone, glanced up and smiled. "I'll patch you through."

The image of the screen shimmered showing Admiral Ivanov leaning back in a lounge chair wearing a brown robe and sipping at a tumbler of Vodka. "Jack. What is it that you might be wanting at this hour?"

"Have you spoken with Admiral Delacroix? Will these people on Europa allow us safe passage?"

The admiral shook his head. "Ya. I have spoke with the admiral, but these rebel rousers say no. They say if we approach Jupiter or any of its moons that it will be an act of war. They will respond with force."

"Did Admiral Delacroix tell them that we weren't part of all this? That we just want to use the gravity of Jupiter to sling shot us to the outer reaches of the solar system?"

Ivanov nodded. "Ya, ya, but these people are stubborn. They say no."

Captain Chambers paused for a moment drumming his fingers on the tabletop. "Is the fleet going to attack?"

Admiral Ivanov shrugged. "Right now the bureaucrats in New York are discussing this matter. For now we sit on our hands."

"I had a look at fleet records. I used to serve with this Shawn Gallagher when I was in the PPF. Do you think Admiral Delacroix would let me speak to him? Maybe if someone like me, someone at a lower rank could persuade him to let us pass. We could talk about old times. We served on the same ship. Maybe he would listen to me."

"Perhaps so. It would be worth a try. I will contact the admiral and get back to you." The image of Admiral Ivonov disappeared from the screen, Captain Chambers logged off the video net, stood to his feet, stepped through the doorway of his conference room and out to the main corridor. A naval ensign passing by snapped off a salute, Captain Chambers returned the gesture and swaggered down the hallway to the officer's pub.

Captain Chambers crossed the crowded bar room to a table in the back where First Officer Craig Bannister sat ignoring the smile coming from one of the comfort girls, a good looking raven haired woman wearing a skintight dress that stopped just below her crotch, and sipped his whiskey.

"What? Mr. Lover Boy's not in the mood for female companionship tonight?" Bannister asked when Captain Chambers stepped up to his table.

Chambers shrugged. "Not tonight. I have other things on my mind."

"Have a seat, my Cap A tain." Chambers sat. "What are you drinking? I'll buy."

"I'll have a Jack and Coke." Captain Chambers sat down across the table; Bannister motioned to one of the waitresses, she sashayed over, Bannister ordered the captain a Jack and Coke and himself another Scotch on the rocks.

"What's got your panties in a bunch?" Banister asked.

Chambers sighed. "Nothing, really. I just had a conversation with Admiral Ivanov. I told him that I served with Shawn Gallagher and asked him to let me talk to the man. Maybe I could talk some sense into him."

Banister folded his hands on the table. "It's been my experience that these miners don't have much in the way of common sense, and they're a stubborn lot. What did the admiral say?"

"He said that he would contact Admiral Delacroix and see if he could arrange it," Chambers replied.

"In the old days the main battle fleet wouldn't be sitting around on their ass like they're doing here. They would have gone in like gangbusters. This situation would have been resolved by now," Banister said.

Chambers nodded, their drinks arrived and the captain took a drink from his tumbler. "Tell me about it. The military used to have some leeway. Now the politicians run the show."

Bannister laughed and said, "The Council of Economic Unions can't even fart unless they have a consensus."

"I know. They'll probably be sitting here orbiting Jupiter when we come back from this mission, twenty some odd years from now," Chambers said and laughed.

"I got to hand it to that Shawn Gallagher, though. He's a ballsy son of a bitch. Does he really think he can stand up to the might of the Federal Defense Forces?" Banister asked.

"He did have a reputation in the PPF as being fearless. Do you remember that raid we did on that pirate base deep in the asteroid belt about eight years ago?"

Banister nodded. "Yeah."

"Gallagher's entire team got wiped out, but he stormed into one of their hideouts all by himself and killed at least two dozen of them good for nothing bastards," Chambers said.

"I think I do remember something about that. The only thing he has waiting for him now is a laser bolt through the back of the head when this is over."

"I hope it doesn't come to that," Chambers replied. The Com unit on the lapel of Captain Chambers' uniform beeped and the voice of communications officer on duty on the bridge came through the tiny speaker. Captain Chambers slapped his shoulder. "Chambers here. What can I do for you, Miss Livingston?"

"Captain, you have a video transmission from Admiral Delacroix."

"Patch it through to my council room. Tell the admiral I'll be there in two minutes," Captain Chambers said and ended the transmission. He tossed back the rest of his drink and stood up. "Duty calls, my friend."

Bannister raised his glass. "Good luck. Maybe they'll let you'll talk some sense into Mr. Gallagher and we can get on with the mission. I'm tired of sitting here on my ass waiting for something to happen."

Captain Chambers swaggered into his conference room a few minutes later, sat down in front of his VID screen and logged on. The image of Admiral Delacroix filled the screen, so Captain Chambers leaned back and took in the admiral's rugged features. He looked out of place in his crisp blue uniform; his dark skin reminded Captain Chambers of scarred up saddle leather and his facial features looked hard and well defined. A smile spread across his rocky face, but when he spoke, his voice was soft and his manner of speaking somewhat refined. From his physical features, Captain Chambers expected a booming robust voice.

"Captain Chambers, I presume?"

Chambers smiled. "Yes Sir, Admiral. I'm Captain Jack Chambers."

"I've read through your service records. Impressive. Admiral Ivanov tells me that you served with this Shawn Gallagher in the past?"

Shawn nodded. "That is correct."

The admiral leaned forward in his chair. "Is there anything about his psychic that you can tell us to help deal with this pretentious fellow?"

Captain Chambers paused. "I can tell you that if he says he is going to do something, then that is what he will do. If you are expecting him to back down, don't. It won't happen. The man is fearless."

"I read about his exploits a few years ago when he was with the PPF. He was involved in the campaign in the asteroid belt against some pirates. You participated in that battle as well."

"Yes Sir." Chambers said.

"Your exploits were just as impressive as Gallagher's. Admiral Ivanov says that you'd like to speak with the man. Do you think you can persuade him to see some reason?"

"I know I can't talk him into surrendering to your forces. That won't happen, but I think I can talk him into letting the deep space fleet through the blockade to use Jupiter to slingshot to the stars and continue our mission," Chambers replied.

Admiral Delacroix sighed. "Very well. I'll contact him and try to arrange it. The council is backing your mission to the hilt. They want you out there in the galaxy as soon as possible. God I wish I were going with you instead of dealing with this mess. You're making history Son. You'll wear admiral's stars before your carrier is over. I'll try to make contact with Gallagher and get back to you. In the mean time keep up the good work," Admiral Delacroix said and ended the transmission.

Captain Chambers entered the officer's pub a few minutes later; Craig Bannister occupied the same table as he did when Captain Chambers left; the raven haired comfort girl sat at the bar. When Chambers swaggered in, Bannister looked up and smiled.

"You're back. How did your little chat go with the admiral?"

Chambers sat down at the table. "It went well. He said he'd try to set up a face to face video transmission for Gallagher and me. It will probably take a while though." Chambers motioned to one of the waitresses, bought another round and ordered a drink for the comfort girl sitting at the bar.

Banister laughed. "I guess you're little talk must have calmed your nerves. You're starting to feel amorous again."

Chambers blushed. "You're drunk."

Banister laughed. "You've got me there, old friend, but I had a head start. Don't worry. You'll catch up."

When the comfort girl received her drink, she stood up, glided across the bar room and came to their table. Captain Chambers breathed in the sweet fragrance of her perfume. "Thank you for the drink captain. Do you mind if I join you?" the dark haired beauty asked.

Captain Chambers felt a nervous flutter pass through his stomach and he struggled to keep his voice from cracking. "Not at all, but do you think you might have a friend who wouldn't mind spending some time with our first officer here? She might need to be deaf dumb and blind though," Captain Chambers said. The dark headed woman laughed.

"Nonsense. I know a lot of women who would die to spend some time with such a handsome and distinguished gentleman," she said.

Chambers made a gagging sound. "Maybe you need your eyes checked."

The dark haired woman spoke into her Com link bracelet on her right wrist and a buxom red head joined them a few minutes later. Captain Chambers noticed a tiny field of freckles running across the bridge of the red head's nose.

"You ladies have us at a disadvantage. Introduce yourselves," Captain Chambers said.

The dark haired woman smiled. "My name is Nicole Allison. My friend here," she said putting her hand on the red head's shoulder, "is Jennifer Sinclair." Captain Chambers motioned to the waitress and bought a round of drinks. They stayed in the officer's pub drinking for the next two hours, but then First Officer Bannister headed off to his cabin with the red head. Nicole Allison took the captain's arm when they stood to leave and the captain escorted her back to his cabin.

"I feel special," Nicole, said when the captain opened the door to his quarters and led her inside. The room's computer turned on the lights. "Most ship captains wouldn't be seen with a girl like me. Much less, take her back to his cabin."

"What do you mean a girl like you? Most officers I know love to be seen with a beautiful woman on their arm. Besides. I'm not like most captains. I'm a man like any other. I put my pants on one leg at a time and I'm lucky if I can find two socks that match." Nicole laughed and the captain led her over to an octagon shaped table setting in the center of the room. He pulled out a chair, she sat down, gazed about the room taking in the ocean blue carpeting and the pictures of sea and space faring vessels adorning the walls. Captain Chambers crossed the room to the beverage dispenser, poured them each a drink and they chit chatted for a while.

"So why me? I've never been with you before, but I know girls that have. You have a reputation for chasing women but usually you like them two at a time. I didn't figure me to be your type," Nicole said.

"Besides the fact that you're beautiful, you seem more real than most of the girls at the station. I've seen you around before." Nicole sat down her drink, leaned toward Captain Chambers and kissed him. He enjoyed the taste of her cherry flavored lipstick. The captain's heart pounded inside his chest and his breathing quickened.

"Flattery will get you anywhere you want to go," she whispered and kissed him again. They finished their drinks, moved to the bedroom and Captain Chambers sat down on the bed. Nicole sat on his lap and kissed him long and hard on the mouth. The captain's hand found Nicole's left breast, letting his hand rest there feeling the rise and fall of her chest for a few seconds before he reached for the buttons on the front of her dress. Nicole pushed him back, straddling him, pulled his uniform blouse over the top of his head and went to work on his pants. Undressed, Captain Chambers slipped under the covers.

Nicole stood up facing him, undid the buttons on the front of her dress and let the dress fall to the floor. Facing the captain, she stood naked; Captain Chamber's bottom jaw dropped; he fought to catch his breath while his eyes took in Nicole's pretty face, her high cheekbones and her dark almond colored eyes. He took in her large perfectly formed breasts, which jutted forward not showing a once of sag. Her trim body tapered down to a thin waist that flared out to form a pair of round hips. Her long sensual legs looked sun bronzed and well muscled, but in a feminine way. He figured she must spend a lot of time on the treadmill and in the tanning booths.

"Turn around. Let me see your ass." Nicole laughed and twirled around. Captain Chambers nodded in approval and Nicole climbed between the covers. "Computer, lights off," the captain and the room faded to black.

The digital alarm clock's persistent beeping woke Captain Chambers from a deep sleep at 05:00 hours ship time. He glanced at the green digital numbers on the face of the clock embedded in the bulkhead next to his bed.

"Computer lights on," he said and his eyes turned to the naked woman lying in bed with him and his heart sang. She had the covers pulled down exposing her right breast. The captain noticed the hard nipple and the rise and fall of her chest as she slept. Nicole let out a groan and stretched while Captain Chambers flipped on the Com unit next to the alarm clock. "Captain to the officer's mess."

"Yes Captain," one of the Stuarts manning the com unit in the mess hall replied.

"Send breakfast for two to my cabin."

"What would you like sir?" the Stuart asked.

"Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes with maple syrup. Send some biscuits and gravy up as well."

"It'll be about ten minutes Captain."

"That will be fine," Chambers said.

Nicole sat up. "Good morning Captain."

"Same to you," Captain Chambers replied and crossed the room in the nude. Goose bumps formed up on his arms and legs. He took a blue robe from his closet, put it on and handed a brown one to Nicole. "I ordered breakfast."

Nicole smiled. "Good. I'm starving."

"Usually, when I invite a woman to my room, I send them on their way as soon as they wake up, but I think I would like you to stay," Chambers said.

Nicole arched an eyebrow. "I think I'd like to. What makes me different?"

"I don't know, but I think I'd like to find out." He poured them each a cup of coffee from the beverage dispenser, handed Nicole a cup and sat down on the edge of the bed next to her. "I have to get on a conference call at six, but we have time to eat first. I'd like you to stay. After the conference call, maybe we could go down to the gym."

Nicole sipped her coffee. "I think I'd like that." The doorbell chimed, Captain Chambers crossed the room, opened the door and the mess Stuart handed him a tray, which held two plates loaded down with food. Chambers thanked him, set the tray down on the table and Nicole joined him. Finished with breakfast, Captain Chambers went into his conference room, logged onto the VID net for his morning conference call and after the ship's conference call, he logged on to the admiral's call. When it was his turn to report, he transmitted the transcripts from the morning call.

"Everything is status quo, Admiral. We're just sitting on our hands waiting like everyone else. Have you heard from Admiral Delacroix? Has he made arrangements for me to speak with Gallagher?"

"He's made contact with the man and discussed the matter, but so far they're stone walling," the admiral replied.

"Well let me know if you hear anything," Chambers said. After the admiral's conference call, the captain loaned Nicole a tee shirt, along with a pair of sweat pants and they headed to the gym. They worked out on the treadmill, lifted free weights and ignored a few curious glances from people working out in the gym. Finished with their workout, they parted company. The captain swaggered onto the bridge ten minutes later and sat down in the captain's chair next to Craig Bannister.

A big grin spread across First Officer Banister's face and he said, "I hear you have a new workout partner?"

Captain Chambers turned three shades of red. "I can't keep anything secret on this tub."

"Not hardly. I-"

"Captain I have a VID transmission from Admiral Delacroix," the communications officer said.

"I'll take it in my conference room." Captain Chambers left the bridge, entered his conference room logged on to the video net and the image of Admiral Delacroix filled the screen.

Captain Chambers smiled. "Admiral. It's good to see again."

"Yes. It's good to see you too. I've contacted this so called President Gallagher. He has agreed to talk with you. He said that his schedule is full at the moment, but he will contact you on the VID net as soon as he is able. I took the liberty of texting him your VID address."

"That is good news, Sir." Shawn said.

"I wish you good luck Son. I'd hate for this mess to delay your mission. Maybe you'll be able to talk some sense into this man." After his talk with the admiral, Captain Chambers swaggered onto the bridge and took his place in the captain's chair.

"How did your little talk with the admiral go?" Craig Bannister asked.

"Gallagher's agreed to talk with me. Gallagher said that his schedule is pretty tight right now, but he'll contact me when he's able."

Bannister laughed. "I'd say his schedule's tight. He's got a lot of things on his plate right now. What with trying to run a renegade government and having the FDF main battle fleet breathing down his neck?"

"Until then, we just sit here on out heels with our thumb up our ass," Chambers replied.

"Care to join me at the pub for a drink?" Bannister asked after they finished their tour of duty on the bridge.

"Yeah, I'll even buy the first round," Chambers replied and they left the bridge heading to the officer's pub. They took their usual table near the rear of the bar next to a bulkhead and Captain Chambers glance out a porthole at space. Quiet conversation buzzed through the bar room and the smell of tobacco smoke permeated the room. A waitress sashayed over, so the captain ordered a Jack and Coke for himself and a Scotch on the rocks for Bannister.

"I take it your evening with that dark haired beauty went well last night. You surprised me. Usually you like your woman two at a time."

Captain Chambers sighed. "Yeah it went well. We had breakfast together in my cabin, and of course we worked out together at the gym, but you know that."

"News on the ship grapevine travels faster than the speed of light," Banister said and they both laughed.

"Tell me about it," Chambers said.

"That surprised me too when I heard you two worked out together. Don't you usually kick them out the first thing in the morning?" Banister asked.

"Yeah, but this time it was different. She's different. I'd like to see more of her," Gallagher said.

Banister's bottom jaw dropped. "I'm speechless. I never thought I'd see you fall for just one."

"I'm not falling for her," Chambers said trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Famous last words, my friend," Banister replied.

"She's just interesting."

"And it don't hurt a bit that she happens to be stone cold gorgeous," Banister said.

"What? Are you jealous?"

"No. It's not that. You know I prefer red heads. You're just good entertainment," Banister said.

They sat drinking for three more hours but then the Com unit on the lapel of Captain Chambers' uniform beeped. "Chambers here," he said.

"Captain, I have a transmission for you on the VID net. It's a Mr. Shawn Gallagher. He says that he is the president of this so called New Republic," the second shift communications officer replied.

"Patch it through to my conference room. Tell Mr. Gallagher to give me two minutes," Captain Chambers replied. He stood to his feet and tossed back the rest of his drink.

"Good luck. Give the president my regards," Bannister said.

"I hope he decides to listen and let us pass. I'm sick of sitting in this damned holding pattern."

"Especially when the galaxy is waiting," Bannister replied.

Unsteady on his feet, Captain Chambers left the officer's pub and hurried down to his conference room.

Captain Chambers entered his conference room, sat down in front of the video screen, logged onto the net and the image of Shawn Gallagher filled the screen. Shawn wore a brown suit coat, which lay open with a white dress shirt underneath the coat. The first three buttons of the shirt were unbuttoned, dark stubble covered Gallagher's face and he looked tired.

Captain Chambers smiled. "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me Mr. President."

A friendly smile crossed Gallagher's face. "It surprised me when they told me that some one of your rank wanted to speak with me. All of my communications have been with Admiral Dick Head, I mean Delacroix." Captain Chambers laughed and Gallagher continued. "You look familiar to me. Have we met?"

Captain Chambers smiled and thought _Yeah right. I'll bet your spooks downloaded my file from fleet records as soon as you heard I wanted to speak to you._

"We served together in the PPF a few years ago," Chambers said.

"Aw. On the good old CEU-Eagle's Claw. Those were some good times."

"Your exploits were legendary. You made a name for yourself in the asteroid belt," Chambers said.

"I recall that your team did well there too when we went after those pirates. What can I do for you captain?" President Gallagher asked.

"Let us pass. My ship is part of the new deep space fleet. We are not part of the main battle fleet. Our mission is to explore the stars. All we want is to use Jupiter's orbit to slingshot to the stars."

President Gallagher's shoulders slumped. "I trust you. I believe you mean our people no harm, but I don't trust your government. What if, after giving you permission to approach Jupiter then your admiral orders you to turn and attack my people?" President Gallagher asked.

"I can't speak for the fleet, but I give you my word as an officer and gentlemen, that I would disobey that order. I would consider it unlawful. I guess then I would join you in your rebellion. Look. I am not political. I don't really care who's in charge, as long as they let me fly their ships," Chambers said.

President Gallagher leaned back, stroking the stubble on his chin. "You would give up a promising carrier as an officer in the federal Navy and join our cause?"

"If the scenario you describe should happen, then yes. I would. My honor would demand no less."

"I'll take it up with my advisors and get back to you," President Gallagher said.

"Mr. President, if you do let us pass, when we get back from our mission, if you've not been executed or detained in a federal lock up, I'd like to sit down in a pub somewhere and buy you a drink," Captain Chambers said.

"I'll look forward to it. I have an emergency cabinet meeting coming up. We'll discuss the matter and make contact with Admiral Delacroix," President Gallagher said and ended the transmission. Captain Chambers logged off the video net and headed back to the officer's pub.

Thirteen hours later, Captain Chambers stepped onto the bridge and took his seat in the captain's chair.

"Has there been any word from the admiral?" Captain Chambers asked.

"Nope. We're still sitting here on our collective asses. I have a feeling that things are going to get ugly," First Officer Bannister replied.

"Captain, I have a voice transmission coming in from Admiral Ivanov," the communications officer said.

"Patch it through to my station," Captain Chambers replied and flipped on the Com unit on his console. "Good morning Admiral."

"Congratulations Mr. Chambers. Your little talk with this so called President Gallagher was a success. They have agreed to let us pass, but they insist on sending some ships to flank our position while we approach the planet and to shadow us on our route to Saturn. They are a suspicious lot, these miners, ja. Your orders are to take up your position in the fleet. We will make the approach to Jupiter in fifteen minutes."

"That is good news admiral. We're sitting on go, here," Chambers replied.

"Gut. This will be noted favorably in your fleet records," Admiral Ivanov said and ended the transmission. Craig Bannister let out a whoop and the officers on the bridge cheered. Captain Chambers looked up at the view screen watching the ships in the main battle fleet move to open a hole in the blockade, while the deep space fleet formed up.

"Mr. Roberts, plot a course for Saturn," Captain Chambers said to the helmsmen. "Increase speed by one third." The deep Space fleet shot through the gap, approached Jupiter, took one revolution around the planet and headed to the stars.

### CHAPTER 19

After receiving word of the arrival of the federal main battle fleet, Shawn Gallagher hurried to his office and his security detail hurried along behind him. When he sat down at his VID screen, the machine was already flashing with a text message running across the screen announcing an incoming video message marked urgent. Shawn's heart pounded inside his chest.

"Play message," Shawn said, the image of a fleet admiral filled the screen, and Shawn took in the man's rugged features, noticing his, his high cheekbones, the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes and the distinct lines of his facial features.

The admiral gave Shawn a condescending smile. "Whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" When the admiral spoke, his voice sounded surprisingly soft, yet somehow stern and it wasn't what Shaw was expecting.

Shawn smiled back. "My name is Shawn Gallagher. I am the president of the New Republic."

The admiral let out a huff. "I refuse to acknowledge that title, so I'll just call you Mr. Gallaher."

Shawn shrugged. "As you wish. So what can I do for you admiral?"

Admiral Delacroix voice grew a little deeper and sounded a bit sterner. "I demand that you surrender unconditionally. That you vacate Jupiter space dock, surrender all Consolidated Mining facilities to my forces and prepare to surrender yourself to Federal Defense Forces."

Shawn laughed, leaning back in his chair. "I don't know what you've been smoking, but I want some."

"Look at your scopes! You can see the forces arrayed against you!" Admiral Delacroix said, his face reddening.

Shawn leaned forward and his hands gripped the arms of his chair. "And as you can see, we have a few ships of our own. If your forces step one foot on Europa, or on Jupiter space dock, they will pay for it in blood." Silence lingered for a few seconds.

Admiral Delacroix sighed. "Be reasonable. Your meager forces could not possibly stand up to the might of the Federal Defense Forces."

Shawn grinned and leaned back. "Have you studied your Earth history?"

Delacroix nodded. "It's a required subject at the academy."

"Do you remember during the second World War, at the battle of Bastogne, commonly referred to as the Battle of the Bulge?"

"I remember. What of it?"

"The Germans sent a runner to demand that the Americans surrender. The American general replied, 'Nuts.' I'm telling you the same thing. Nuts. As in you can lick my nuts," Shawn replied and ended the transmission.

Shawn Gallagher chuckled to himself remembering his first conversation with Admiral Delacroix while he gazed across the table at his assembled cabinet members. A cloud of tobacco smoke filled the room and Shawn breathed in the rich aroma. "It's been three months now since the federal main battle fleet showed up, and still they've made no overt move toward us. They seem content to set back blockading our system. What are they waiting for?"

John Wilson shrugged. "In my opinion, I think the Council of Economic Unions is afraid to attack. If the Navy had its way, this would be over by now."

"So what about our preparations?" Shawn asked, leaning back in his chair.

"The troops are as ready as they are going to get. The defensive positions are in place. Our people are sitting on their hands waiting," John Wilson said.

Shawn nodded and looked at his chief intelligence officer, Jerry Holliday. "Jerry. How is the, oh shit plan coming?"

Holliday paused, setting his cigar down in an ashtray. "Everything is in place."

"What about that other matter?" Gallagher asked.

Holiday shrugged. "The team arrived on Mars. They made one attempt, but failed. The brass transferred him to the bush. The Marines on Mars are in the process of establishing outlying bases away from the main colonies. He's on some God forsaken base out in the canyon country. I have an intelligence asset on the base. We'll attempt another snatch and grab when they send him out on patrol."

Shawn nodded. "Good. Make sure he doesn't get hurt. What about Mr. Von Wolf and these anti matter torpedoes?"

"He's in the construction phase. They should have a batch to deliver to the fleet within a few weeks."

Shawn nodded. "About the fleet. What is the word from Mr. Kesler ?"

"Gustav says his ships are ready to mix it up with the federals, but you can expect them to land troops here on Europa."

"I know. We won't beat them in space. It'll be here on the ground. What about space dock?" Shawn asked.

Holliday shrugged. "We have a Special Forces team garrisoned there, but their job is just to slow the federals down long enough for everyone else to bug out. Space dock should be the federal's first target."

The Com unit on Shawn Gallagher's desk beeped, so he put on set of headphones and took the call. "Gallagher here," Shawn said into the throat mike. "Then get your people to the escape pods ASAP." Shawn flipped off the Com unit, rose to his feet and looked up at his assembled staff. His heart palpitated in his chest and sweat cropped up on his brow. "Well gentlemen. It looks like the federal boys are tired of waiting. That was Linda Van Horn at space dock. She said several of the federal ships are moving toward her position. Others are turning to engage our fleet." Shawn turned to John Wilson. "Put the ground troops on alert." The Com unit beeped again. "I'll bet that's Admiral Gustav now. Gentlemen, I'll let you get to it. Things are about to get busy." His assembled cabinet members filed out of the room while Shawn took the next call. "Admiral Gustav. What is your status?" Shawn asked.

"My ships are moving into position to engage. I have six ships in position to defend space dock. The others are going after the fleet."

Shawn paced back and forth. "What are our chances?"

"We can hurt them, but we can't stop them. I will stand and fight to the last ship, if that is what you wish, but it would be a better strategy to bloody their nose and flee to the asteroid belt. From there we can use hit and run tactics and drain their resources by attrition."

"Do that then. Do as much damage as you can in the initial blow. Then be a thorn in Admiral Delacroix's ass."

"As you wish Mr. President," Admiral Gustav said and ended the transmission. Shawn sat back down in his chair, leaned back and his thoughts drifted to his brother David. _God I hope the team I sent in can get him off Mars. But what about when they get here? Will they make it through the federal blockade?_ Shawn wondered.

Cyrus Bonelli stormed out of the council chambers, entered his private suite, sweat covered his forehead, sharp pains shot across his chest, his hands balled into fists at his sides and he had trouble catching his breath. _The nerve of those insolent bastards! They have the nerve to threaten me with sanction._ Cyrus sat down at his video net, logged on and after a brief conversation with the communications officer on board the flagship of the main battle fleet; the image of Admiral Delacroix appeared on the screen. Delacroix sat at a desk in his conference room, his uniform, looking impeccable, but a worried frown crossed the admiral's face.

"Good evening Mr. President," Delacroix said.

"Admiral. I am transmitting orders for you to launch the attack. Initiate phase one of Operation Bold strike. I want your ships to attack at once."

Delacroix frown deepened. "I thought the council was discussing the opening of negotiations?"

"The Council of Economic Unions couldn't negotiate their way out of a shit house," Bonelli said.

"If you will transmit the confirmation code, I'll launch the attack when I receive the orders."

"I don't have the damned confirmation code. We're bypassing the council on this one. While they sit there wringing their hands, the fleet is running out of fuel. You now take your orders directly from me."

"Mr. President. This puts me in a bad position," Delacroix said.

"I shall take direct responsibility should there be any repercussions. You will follow my orders and launch Bold Strike, or I will relieve you of command! Do you understand me?" Cyrus said slamming his hand down on the table.

Delacroix shoulders slumped. "Yes sir Mr. President. I want to get this situation over with and get the fleet home, but there will be hell to pay from the council when the mission is over."

Cyrus leaned back in his chair. "Let me deal with that. So are we on the same page here?"

Delacroix nodded. "Yes sir. I have never refused a lawful order in my entire carrier. Since you are the president of the council, in my interpretation, this order is lawful. I'll launch Bold Strike at once."

Cyrus smiled. "Good. One more thing."

"What might that be Mr. President?" Delacroix asked.

"I want you to bring me Shawn Gallagher in chains. I want him delivered to my suite in New York. I have my favorite, chrome plated laser pistol sitting on my mantel charged and waiting. I intend to fire a bolt through the back of that treasonous bastard's head," Bonelli replied and ended the transmission.

Linda Van Horn looked down at the computer screen on her console in horror watching several federal battle cruisers turn toward space dock. She hesitated for a fraction of a second, watching several ships from Admiral Gustav's fleet turn to intercept, and sent the transmission to President Gallagher informing him of the federal action. Finished with that transmission, she flipped on a toggle switch on her console, alarms sounded throughout the station, a red strobe light flashed and Linda turned on her Com unit. Her hands shook; she wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead and tried to keep her voice calm.

"All personnel report to the escape pods at once! This is not a drill! I repeat! All personnel report to the escape pods at once!" she said.

Jan Cunningham swiveled in her chair, a worried look on her face and gave Linda a troubled smile. "We'd better get go."

"You go. I'm staying until everyone is away," Linda said.

Jan jumped to her feet, left the control deck and joined the hustle and bustle filling the orbiting space station. The station's personnel headed for the escape pods, Linda's Com unit beeped, she flipped a toggle and the voice of Brian Finnegan, the commander of the Special Forces team providing security for the station, reverberated through the speakers on her console.

"It's time to leave, Lass. Those flyboys will do their best, but they'll be no match for those federal ships. We can expect those bloody bastards to breach the stations. My lads will buy you as much time as we can."

"Thank you, Commander. I've started the evacuation. I'll man my station until the last of our people are away," Linda said, trying to keep her voice from cracking.

"Don't try to be a hero, Lass. Just get it done," Commander Finnegan replied. Linda looked down at her scope noticing tiny blips of light as the federal vessels launched fighters and she saw even more blips on her screen when space fighters poured out of the ships from Admiral Gustav fleet that fought to protect space dock. Her heart sank when she saw several bright flashes of light shoot out from the federal vessels and a tear tracked down her face. Linda wondered how many people were going to die before this was over while she tracked the torpedoes on her screen. The torpedoes slammed into one of the vessels near the space dock, it exploded in a blinding flash of light and a debris field formed in front of the space station.

All though no match for the superior numbers of the federal fleet, the six ships guarding space dock fought valiantly and managed to destroy more than twice their number. Five of the ships exploded turning into so much space junk, but the sixth ship, all though severely damaged, managed to limp away, escaping into the lower atmosphere of Jupiter and then making a dash for the asteroid belt. Linda watched the last space fighter explode; the federal ships trained their laser cannons on the launch bay doors of space dock and her Com unit beeped.

"Lass, you need to get your people off station now! We'll be having company in a few minutes." Finnegan said.

Linda checked her scope counting the number of space pods that had already launched and flipped on the bio monitor noting that three quarters of the space dock personnel had escaped. "Commander, we still have twenty people on board. I've sealed the control deck. When the last of our people are away, I'll bug out. Good luck, Commander, and may God be with you," Linda said trying to hold back the tears.

Roger that, Lass. We'll teach them federal bastards not to mess with the fighting Irish." Finnegan said. Inside the launch bay, the Special Forces team took up defensive positions near the airlock. "All right, Lads. Let's teach these bastards not to mess with a bunch of Irish hooligans like us," Commander Finnegan said, his voice reverberating through the tiny speakers inside the helmets of his team's EVA suits. A red spot appeared on the launch bay doors, then brightened and began to spread. The doors exploded showering the launch bay with burning debris; a shuttle flew through the gaping hole and landed on the launch bay with three more shuttles on its tail.

"Let's give 'em hell Lads," Commander Finnegan yelled and opened up on the federal Marines pouring out of their shuttles. The Marines formed a defensive perimeter and the Special Forces team guarding space dock took out several of the invaders, but the superior numbers of the federal Marines forced them to flee, deeper into the space dock. The Marines followed, lighting up the narrow corridors of the space dock with laser fire, and engaged in a running gun battle. A laser bolt hit a control panel and the smell of burnt plastics and wiring wafted down the corridor. Commander Finnegan took a round through the right leg and hobbled along guarding the rear while his team retreated. His leg throbbed, and felt as if it was on fire, but he managed to keep up with his team. Laser fire took out several of his team members, but they finally made it to the doorway leading to the control center when Commander Finnegan tapped the Com link on the lapel of his uniform.

"Linda, Lass. It's now or never. We're about to make our last stand."

"Thank you Commander. The last of our people just left. I'm shutting down the control center now."

Finnegan's heart hammered inside his chest. "Head to the escape pod, Lass."

"I'm going now," Linda, said her voice cracking, she struggled to hold back tears.

"It's all right, Lass. Us Irish boys were made for this stuff," Finnegan said, and took a cigar from his pocket. He lit the cigar and tobacco smoke filled the corridor.

Linda shut down her station, crossed the control center to the last remaining escape pod, entered the pod, secured herself in the upright seat and hit the eject button. The escape pod jettisoned away from the space dock and descended toward the surface of Europa.

The federal Marines rounded the corner heading toward the control center, a laser bolt burned into the bulkhead next to Commander Finnegan's shoulder, he clinched the cigar between his teeth and returned fire. His heart pounded inside his chest and his breathing accelerated.

"Lads, let's show these bastards what a few Irish thugs like us can do when our dander is up," Commander Finnegan said, biting back the lump in his throat, and opened up with his M-23 Blaster.

Admiral Gustav Kesler sat on the command platform on the bridge of his flagship gazing out the view screen at the federal vessels arrayed against him. When the federals made their move, Gustav ordered half of the ships in his fleet to attack the federal's flank while he held the others back in reserve. The federals launched space fighters, Admiral Gustav replied in kind, the ships from Gustav's fleet, small and more maneuverable than the federal main battle cruisers, attacked at full speed. Admiral Gustav waited until the last few seconds before he ordered the fleet to launch torpedoes in a massive volley when they passed through the federal formations.

The first wave of ships passed through the federal lines and turned for another run while the rest of Gustav's fleet began their attack run. Several blinding flashes filled the view screen, the shields on four federal ships failed and the ships exploded into massive fireballs. The space fighters mixed it up and all though outnumbered by their federal counterparts, the space fighters from Admiral Gustav's fleet were more maneuverable and better armed. A debris field filled space surrounding Jupiter and her moons. The federal forces launched torpedoes, opened up with their laser cannons and laser fire lit up the view screen. Once more, they sliced through the federal lines firing torpedoes while they sped by. Admiral Gustav's flagship took a direct hit from a laser cannon, he felt a massive jolt and the lights flickered on the bridge.

"Captain, the shields are down to seventy percent strength," the chief engineer said.

The young blond headed German captain turned to Admiral Gustav. "What are your orders, Sir?"

Gustav waved his hand as if in a dismissive gesture. "Give it another run." The space battle lasted for over an hour while the two opposing forces slugged it out; the federal fleet lost over one third of their ships and several more sustained severe damaged. After Admiral Gustav lost over half of the ships in his fleet, he heaved a sigh. _God if I only had some of Mr. Wolf's anti matter weapons._ Admiral Gustav flipped on his Com unit and sent out a broadcast to all of the remaining ships in his fleet. "Well done, Comrades. We will now make an orderly withdraw. There will be another day." After giving the order to withdraw, Admiral Gustav sent a video transmission to the federal flagship and the image of Admiral Delacroix filled the screen. "Admiral. You won the day. Next time you won't be so lucky."

Delacroix sighed. "Next time I will destroy your whole fleet. Why don't you give up now before more people die?"

Gustav shook his head. "And spend the rest of my life in a federal gulag? No thank you," Admiral Gustav said and cut the signal. He had one more call to make; he typed in an encrypted code and the image of Shawn Gallagher filled the screen. In the background, Admiral Gustav saw people tearing down equipment and packing up documents. "Mr. President. We did our best. Rather than loose the entire fleet, I have ordered my people to flee to the asteroid belt. We will effect repairs and see how much damage we can inflict using the hit and run tactics that we spoke of."

"You did an excellent job. You destroyed almost one half of the federal fleet."

Gustav shrugged. "More like one third. It looks like you are busy, so I won't keep you," the admiral said.

"My security people are going ballistic. They are moving me to a safer location," Gallagher replied.

"You can expect the federals to land ground troops on Europa, now that they control the surrounding space," Gustav replied.

Shawn nodded. "They'll find that Europa is a tough nut to crack."

Gustav laughed. "Take care, Mr. President." He fired off a salute and Shawn Gallagher returned the courtesy. "Until we meet again. I have a bottle of the finest German Vodka. We shall have a victory toast."

Shawn smiled. "I'll look forward to it." Admiral Gustav flipped off his Com unit and led his despoiled fleet toward the asteroid belt. The federal forces, all though still a viable force was in no shape to give chase.

### CHAPTER 20

David Gallagher drifted up from the depths of consciousness, feeling someone grab him by his arms and pick him up. Pain racked his body but he couldn't see who was carrying him. His heart thumped inside his chest and he couldn't seem to catch his breath. He heard a few gunshots, saw the flash of a laser, someone sat him on a metal deck; he heard the rumble of an engine and felt tracked wheels moving underneath him. _I'm in a vehicle. They're MEDAVACING me back to the base,_ David thought and drifted into unconsciousness.

The next time David woke up, he felt the vehicle stop, his stomach dropped and he felt like he was sinking into the depths of hell. _I'm dead. The next face I see will be the face of the Devil himself,_ David thought before his world faded to black.

Paul Rosenbaum came off watch on the defensive perimeter, headed to the mess hall and saw a group of Marines assembled by HQ, so he swaggered over. "What's up?" he asked a young Marine standing on the edge of the group.

"The RECON patrol they sent out earlier didn't make it back. They were due over two hours ago," the Marine said.

Icy fear sank into the pit of Paul's stomach. "Have they made contact with them on the Com net?"

The young Marine shook his head. "They tried, but so far they haven't got a response. They're assembling a team to go look for them."

"My buddy was on that patrol. I'll go," Paul replied and swaggered into HQ. Twenty minutes later, Paul assembled with a large group of Marines, but this time the convoy was double the size with twice as many troop carriers, twice as many main battle tanks and they had several shuttles to provide air support.

Paul let out a sigh. "Hurry up and wait. I wish they'd get this shit ball rolling," Paul said to the Marine standing next to him. His voice resonated through the speaker inside the helmet attached to his EVA suit. The vehicles formed up in a long line and an NCO climbed out of a halftrack shouting orders. The Martian wind picked up blowing sand and tiny bits of rock across the tarmac.

"Let's go Marines! Get your asses on board now!" The boarding ramps lowered and Paul charged on board the first troop carrier along with ten other Marines.

"Do you think they're alive?" the Marine sitting next to Paul asked after they took off their helmets.

Paul settled back in his seat listening to the rumble of the troop carrier's engine. "I hope so. Maybe they just had a mechanical breakdown. Maybe they're working on their vehicles. The Com units might not work so good inside those canyons."

Another Marine shook his head. "Don't count on it. We're deep inside Indian country. We own the colonies, but these damned rebels own the bush." The convoy moved out passing though the base's outer perimeter and headed through the wire while Paul held onto the armrest of his seat. The troop carrier bounced over the rough Martian landscape and entered the canyon country following the route of the previous RECON patrol. The convoy reached the ambush site forty five minutes later and the troops deployed forming a defensive perimeter.

The hulks of what had once been main battle tanks and troop carriers lay smoldering on the canyon floor; bodies lay scattered on the ground and most of their EVA suits had depressurized. The stench coming from the burning vehicles filled the air. Paul led a patrol to search the wreckage; they put the dead bodies in one of the troop carriers and attached tow cables to the disabled vehicles. _God, where's David?_ Paul wondered trying to swallow the lump in his throat. The lieutenant in charge of the convoy and a MEDIC stepped up to Paul while his squad loaded the last body.

"Is that all of them?" the lieutenant asked, but the MEDIC shook his head. "I checked the BIO scanners. We have one man missing."

Paul slung his Blaster over his shoulder, stepped up next to the medic and said, "Who is it?" Paul's heart hammered in his chest and he felt hope start to rise.

"David Gallagher," the medic replied.

"If he's missing, then that must mean he's still alive," Paul said.

"Maybe, but if he's alive, he's in rebel hands. Let's button down this convoy and get back to the base before the rebels decide to go for round two," the lieutenant in command said. They deployed back to the troop carriers, the convoy pulled out towing the disabled vehicles behind and carried the bodies of their fallen comrades back to the base.

Alonzo Garcia and Louis Martin gathered in the ready room with a company of Marines. The Captain ordered the entire ship into a heightened state of readiness when they arrived at Jupiter, but so far, things had remained at status quo. Alonzo and Louis crossed the ready room to a beverage dispenser, poured themselves a cup of coffee, picked up a doughnut and headed to a table near a view screen. Several of the Marines in the ready room smoked cigarettes and a cloud of tobacco smoke filled the room. They sat down, Alonzo took a sip of his coffee, grimacing at the taste of the bitter brew, and bit into a doughnut. The voice of the captain resonated through the ship's PA system announcing that they had reached an agreement with the people on Europa and that the main battle fleet would move aside to let them pass through the federal blockade and continue on their journey to the stars. He also canceled the alert and said that the ship could now return to routine business. When the captain quit speaking, a wild whoop went through the ready room.

"It's about bloody time, Mate," Louis said. "I thought we'd be stuck here for a few months, or get caught up in this foolishness and have to shoot our way through the blockade."

Alonzo smiled. "Me too Bro. I'm kind of anxious to get out of the solar system and see what's out there." They watched the view screen while the ships from the main battle fleet created a hole in the blockade. The deep space fleet approached Jupiter, took one revolution around the planet and headed for the outer edges of the solar system using Jupiter gravity to slingshot its way to the stars.

Louis noticed several smaller ships flanking them on the view screen. "I guess them blokes don't trust us. They sent some ships along for the ride Mate. I wonder if they're gonna bird dog us all the way to Saturn?"

"Who cares, Bro. At least we're on the move again. They'll probably turn back after a while."

Louis grinned. "That's right, Mate. We have a couple of hours to kill before we hit the rack. Tomorrow it's back to the same old grind. What do you say to heading off to the pub? I'll buy the first round."

"Louis, you're a man after my own heart," Alonzo replied. They stood up, swaggered across the ready room, stepped out into the main corridor and headed to the officer's pub. In the weeks and months that followed, they fell back into their normal routine. With the ships from Europa shadowing the fleet, the captain held no scheduled training events because the admiral didn't want to antagonize their escorts. Louis and Alonzo spent eight hours a day in class and four hours a day serving as third lieutenants. Their days were long and taxing, but they were also rewarding and by the time the fleet reached Saturn, they were three quarters of the way through their officers training course.

David Gallagher drifted up from the depths of unconsciousness, opened his eyes and glanced around taking in his surroundings. He lay in a hospital bed, BIO monitor set next to his bed along with a metal surgical cart and he noticed an IV drip attached to his left wrist along with plastic BIO monitors attached to his chest. One of the machines beeped. The room smelled sterile, like any other hospital he'd ever been in. He looked past the medical machines at the wall of the room where he lay. He seemed to be in some underground cavern with granite walls that looked smoother than glass and it looked like some massive boring tool had hollowed out the room. While on peacekeeping duties in the colony, David heard rumors about deep subterranean caverns controlled by the rebels, who called themselves The People's Fist.

An elderly man with short gray hair wearing green hospital scrubs stepped through a set of blue steel doors from what appeared to be a main hallway. David noticed the crow's feet at the corner of the man's tired gray eyes and the dark bags underneath them. The man looked at David and smiled. "Oh. You're awake."

David glanced about. "Where am I?"

"I'm Doctor John Guthrie. You're in rebel occupied territory deep below the surface of Mars."

David let out a sigh. "How bad am I hurt?"

"You took a laser bolt through your upper chest. We have you on regeneration NANO probes. You should be fine in a couple of days."

David's eyes widened and he gripped the blankets at his sides. "I guess I am a prisoner of war?"

"We're not in a declared war. Technically, you're a detainee classified as an enemy combatant," the doctor said.

David nodded. "What's going to happen to me?"

"After you recover from your wounds, there are some people who want to speak with you. They'll talk to you about you future."

David noticed the scar on the doctor's wrist and said, "What happened to your BIO chip?"

"I had it removed. How else to you think the rebel alliance can operate with impunity?"

The doctor stepped up to his bed, ran a hand held BIO scanner over his chest and poured a glass of water from a pitcher setting on the metal cart next to the bed. He handed David three blue pills and said, "Take these. You need to sleep so the NANO probes can do their work."

David tried to sit up. "What happens to the NANO probes when I get well?"

"They go dormant. Your body absorbs them." David took the pills, layback on his bed and once more, he sank into the depths of unconsciousness.

Paul Rosenbaum arrived back at the base two hours later and helped unload the bodies of their fallen comrades. The sound of engines whined in his ear coming through the speakers of his EVA suits when several shuttles descended toward the landing pad. Paul went to the mess hall for a hot meal and a cup of coffee. He had just finished eating when alarm buzzers went off and the base's PA system ordered all personnel to fall out and report to the tarmac in full combat gear. Paul put his EVA suit back, on rushed out the door, down the hallway and through an airlock. He crossed the base to his barracks, retrieved his combat gear and assembled with his company. His top sergeant and their lieutenant lumbered up to where the Marines stood waiting on the tarmac, and when the Marines saw them coming, they snapped to attention.

"Gentlemen. I just came from a meeting with the brass. An air recon mission just reported a large rebel force heading our way. They're currently occupying all three of the canyons to our north. We expect the base to come under attack within the next twenty four hours. The base is now on lock down. Our orders are to guard the northern perimeter. We will work two hours shifts. Sergeant Richer will assign the duty roster. You will occupy the gunrooms and the trenches on the perimeter. Let's stay sharp. This has the makings of a long night. If you're not on watch, try to get some sleep. When the rebs attack, I want everyone on line," the lieutenant said. The wind picked up blowing sand across the tarmac.

Sergeant Richer stepped up and spoke in a rough gravelly voice. "First, second and third platoons will occupy the gun rooms! Fourth fifth and sixth platoon will occupy the trenches. The rest of you get some shuteye. But sleep lightly. If you hear the alert whistle sound, drop your cocks and grab your rifle because the rock men are coming through the wire."

"I'm glad we pulled duty in the gunrooms instead of the trenches," Paul said to the Marine standing next to him.

"Yeah. At least we'll have a bit more cover in the gun room if they do attack," the Marine replied, his southern drawl echoing through the speakers in Paul's EVA suit. Paul slung his rucksack over his shoulder, picked up his rifle and headed to the northern perimeter. Paul, along with ten other Marines occupied a gunroom on the northeastern edge of the perimeter. He stood at the firing port nearest the hardened steel door of the gunroom while the other Marines took up positions at the firing ports down the line. Paul touched a small button on the side of his helmet activating the helmet's night vision feature and looked out at the baron Martian landscape illuminated into a bright green world.

He saw the razor wire and bungee pits on the outer edges of the perimeter along with various other obstacles set up to hinder an invading force. The Marines on the line occupied a series of trenches constructed in such a way that they could give up ground if they had to, but still stay under cover. The trenches zigzagged their way back to the inner earthworks, which enclosed the base, and every now and then one of the Marine's on the line would fire an illumination flare. The night passed slowly, Paul and the Marines in his gunroom grew tired.

Paul yawned inside his EVA suit and said, "It these rock men are gonna attack, I wish they'd get it over with."

"I know. I'm so damned sleepy I think I could fall asleep standing up," the Marine at the firing port next to him said.

"Private Rosenbaum to HQ," Paul said into his throat mike inside his helmet.

"Keep the chatter down, Marine," someone replied.

"Could you send a runner around with some coffee?" Paul asked.

"I'll see what I can do."

Paul sighed, staring out the hardened glass above his firing port. More time passed, a runner came by, going from gunroom to gunroom, delivering coffee and Paul met him at the doorway. He handed out thermoses of coffee to his fellow Marines, and once he'd passed out the chrome thermoses, Paul attached his to a slot on the side of his EVA suit, inserted the feed tube into a receptacle on his helmet and sucked in the hot elixir.

"Why do they call these guys rock men?" Paul asked the Marine standing next to him.

The Marine yawned and said, "Because they rise up out of the rocky surface of Mars just like if they were part of the landscape. They hide in the most, rocky barren places you could imagine."

"I hear they have bases underground," Paul said.

"You'd be surprised what's under the surface of Mars."

Paul's head nodded, he lowered his head, turned off the night vision feature on his helmet to give his eyes a rest and looked at the digital timepiece on the wrist of his EVA suit. Its green numbers flashed zero three hundred hours; he turned on his night vision once more looking at the perimeter and his bottom jaw dropped. Where just seconds before, he had seen nothing but the rocky Martin landscape, now he saw thousands of people swarming over and through the wire, wearing desert camouflaged EVA suits. Paul's heart boomed inside his chest and he thought he was going to hyperventilate. "They're on the wire!" Paul yelled, trying to keep his voice from sounding shrill, and opened up with his blaster while an illumination flare lit up the night. The Marines on the line opened up, a fiery explosion erupted and rebels in the hills fired mortars down on the base. Tiny bits and pieces of cement rained down on Paul's head from the ceiling of the gunroom and bodies piled up on the wire, but the rebels climbed over their dead and stormed the base. Paul thought the noise inside the gunroom was going to make his ears bleed. He noticed rebel shuttles coming in from the north flying in low and firing laser guided bombs. Main battle tanks on the south side of the base opened up with their main guns and tracer fire lit up the Martian night.

Through the wire, the rebels stormed the trenches while Paul and the Marines in his gunroom fired their blasters using the weapons laser feature until they ran out of energy packs.

"I'm switching to solid projectiles!" Paul yelled to the Marine at the adjacent firing port.

"I'm using explosive rounds! We're in a world of shit! There's too many of them out there!" They heard a loud explosion, saw a bright flash and debris rained down from the ceiling. The dim lighting inside the gunroom flickered and went out.

"I think one of them mortars landed right on top of us!" Paul yelled.

"I think-" Paul heard the hardened glass above the firing port next to him shatter when an explosive charge tore through the glass. A small piece of debris entered the faceplate of the Marine standing next to him, pierced his cheek and exited out the back of his skull. Blood, brain matter, minute pieces of bone and pieces of the Marine's helmet splattered against the back wall of the gunroom. For a few seconds, Paul froze, staring at the gore.

The invading horde pushed the Marines out of the trenches, back over the earthworks surrounding the base and stormed down the hill overwhelming the remnant manning the line. Paul heard a loud explosion outside the door of their gunroom, the doors blew open, someone threw in a grenade and a piece of shrapnel pierced Paul's chest. He fell over backward; fierce eerie looking rebels dressed in camouflaged EVA suits stormed into the gunroom and sprayed the inside with their blasters. A bullet pierced Paul's chest punching a hole through his heart. _They do look like rock men_ Paul thought, slipped into unconsciousness and died.

The battle over, a black sinister looking shuttle descended to the surface and landed on the tarmac. After the dust settled, the rebel colonel swaggered down the exit ramp and surveyed the scene.

"Kill them all. I want this base torn down within the next two hours. We'll salvage what equipment that we can use. Frag the rest. It'll teach these federal sons of bitches that they may own the colonies, but we own the bush," the rebel commander said to his aide, who swaggered down the exit ramp and stood next to him. His aide relayed the commander's orders dispatching rebel soldiers to kill the few Marines that had surrendered along with scores of wounded that lay on the ground. Four hours later, the rebel army pulled out taking anything not destroyed beyond repair with them and what was left of the base lay in smoking ruins.

David Gallagher woke up, gazed about the hospital room wondering what noise or sound had awoken him; he noticed that someone had removed the BIO monitors from his chest and the IV drip from the back of his hand. The doors to his hospital room whooshed open, the lights went from dim to bright and five men dressed in black flight suits swaggered into his room. David took in their appearance thinking that they looked strong and capable. Their short hair and their posture put off a military bearing and when they saw that David was awake, a young man with sandy colored blond hair smiled. "Good you're awake. How are you feeling?"

David shrugged, catching a faint trace of whiskey on the man's breath. "Actually I feel pretty good."

"That's great. The doctor said you might feel a little weak but that you were well enough to travel. Here, I brought you some clothes. Get dressed," the man said, laying a change of clothes down on the bed.

"Who are you people?" David asked.

The young officer smiled. "I'm Captain David O'Brian and this is my crew."

David sat up and moved to the edge of the bed setting his feet on the cold floor. "Where is it that you think you're taking me?"

"We are taking you to Europa. Your brother Shawn would like to speak with you."

"I'm afraid you've made a long trip for nothing. I have nothing to say to Shawn. As far as I'm concerned, he's dead to me," David said and let out a sigh.

Captain O'Brian and his crew stepped up to David's bed forming a semi circle around him. O'Brian's face turned serious. "It was not a request, Mr. Gallagher. You can either come with us peaceably, or we'll take you in restraints, but either way, you're coming with us."

David looked at the door and thought about making a run for it, but noticed the men standing around him. They had laser pistols strapped to their sides and their hands rested on the butts of their weapons. Like their captain, these men looked rough and capable. Nausea passed through David's stomach when he tried to stand up, so he sat back down feeling light headed. _I probably wouldn't make it to the door_ , David thought. "Give me a minute. To tell you the truth, I still do feel a bit weak."

O'Brian nodded. "Take your time. We're in no hurry. You'll have three months to recuperate while we're at space."

David caught his breath, stood to his feet and Captain O'Brian and his crew surrounded him while he dressed. "I guess I'm ready. All I had was my combat gear when they shot me. I don't know what happened to that stuff."

"It doesn't matter. We have everything you'll need on board ship." Captain O'Brian led him out of the hospital room and down an underground corridor. O'Brian's crew flanked him while they passed several other people; all dressed in military fatigues headed the opposite direction. O'Brian stopped at a turbo lift, punched a button on the outside of the lift and said, "This way."

David glanced around. "No one uses BIO chips down here?"

"I had mine removed," O, Brian replied. David shook his head in amazement, stepped into the turbo lift and felt his stomach drop when the lift descended into the bowels of the red planet. The lift stopped a few minutes later, the doors whooshed open and Captain O'Brian stepped out onto a raised metal platform. David stepped out behind him and looked out across a vast underground cavern. He felt a slight breeze tickle his face. "This way," O'Brian said, leading David to a stairway to the right of the platform. When they descended the metal stairway, David noticed metal catwalks running across the walls of the cavern at various levels, and he saw lights coming from what looked like rooms cut out of the rock in the sides of the cavern. People moved up and down the catwalks while others seemed busy working in the various rooms lining the cavern's walls. When they reached the cavern's floor, David noticed a small landing pad lit up by overhead lighting. He saw several small space vessels setting on the landing pad and off to the left, he saw a metal launch control tower. Through the hardened glass windows, David saw men working in the tower.

Captain O'Brian led David across the cavern to the landing pad with his crew flanking him. O'Brian weaved his way through various shuttles, space fighters and light cruisers until they came to a black sinister looking space cruiser that bristled with armaments. He punched in a code next to the ship's entrance port, the hatch opened and an exit ramp extended. "Welcome aboard. This will be home for the next three months," O'Brian said and they swaggered up the boarding ramp. The ramp retracted, the hatch closed behind them and David paused looking around the interior of the small ship.

"Pretty fancy," David said, taking in the plush blue carpeting and the paneled bulkheads.

"The crew cabins are down that corridor to the aft. The first door on your right leads to the galley if you're hungry. The lounge is in the middle of the main corridor just before you get to the cargo bay. If you want to watch the take off, there's a VID screen in the lounge. If you cooperate and don't cause trouble, you can have free run of the ship while we're in space."

"I think I'll find the galley. Then I might watch the take off on the VID screen," David replied.

O'Brian nodded at a dark headed lieutenant. "Jackson. Take Mr. Gallagher to the galley and fix him something to eat."

Jackson led David down the corridor while Captain O'Brian headed to the cockpit. He sat down, powered up the ship and his copilot took the seat next to him. Lieutenant Jackson fixed several ham and cheese sandwiches, took two bottles of beer from a cooler and led David down to the lounge.

Captain O'Brian turned on the ship's Com unit and said, "Free Bird II to launch control."

"Go ahead, Free Bird," the launch controller said his voice echoing through the cockpit's speakers.

"Request permission to launch."

"Be advised, Free Bird. You will leave at terminal three seventeen tier two. You are free to launch. I am opening the doors now," the launch controller replied.

O'Brian applied thrust, the cruiser lifted off the launch pad and through the forward view screen; O'Brian saw a red flashing light bordering the edges of a large set of rectangular doors near the top of the cavern. The doors slid open and the free Bird II flew through the center of the rectangle exiting the cavern. Once clear of the launch bay doors, O'Brian applied upward thrust climbing out of the depths of one of the Martian canyons, gained altitude and entered an orbit around Mars. Ignoring the calls from the Martian space dock to identify themselves O'Brian broke orbit and headed for the asteroid belt. Two PPF vessels followed on their tail, but soon gave up the chase. David watched the scene unfold on the view screen inside the lounge while eating a ham and cheese sandwich and drinking a beer with Lieutenant Jackson.

### CHAPTER 21

Captain Chambers and Nicole Allison sat across from each other enjoying a late supper in the captain's quarters catered by two Navy Stuarts. Nicole wore a black evening gown; the captain wore his dress blues and while he poured Nicole a glass of red wine he smiled, but the massive view screen on the port side bulkhead caught his eye. He stared out at Saturn in all her glory, his eyes widened and Nicole ginned.

"She is beautiful, isn't she?" Nicole said.

"That she is my Dear," Captain Chambers replied, staring out the view port at Saturn's colorful rings. The Captain breathed in the sweet smell of Nicole's perfume, noticing flakes of hazel in her dark brown eyes.

Nicole watched a group of small vessels flanking the fleet. "Those ships. How long will they follow us?"

"That's a new batch. The ships from Europa turned back a month and a half ago and a small fleet from Saturn took their place. This batch will probably follow us half way to Uranus. After that, they'll probably let us be." Nicole took a drink from her wine goblet while the Stuart set down two plates of roast duck. "Thank you," he said to the Stuart.

"They don't really think that we plan to attack them, do they?" Nicole asked.

Chambers shook his head. "I don't think so. They're just being cautious. They'll have their hands full dealing with the main battle fleet. How do you like your new job?" Captain Chambers said changing the subject.

A big grin crossed Nicole's face. "I love it. Thank you for talking with Jennifer. I love working in the PX, and thank you for setting me up with my own quarters. I love my new cabin."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like your new place. The PX can't pay as much as you made in the Comfort station."

Nicole shrugged her bare shoulders. "It doesn't matter. I've invested a lot of money. Plus, I'm good with numbers. Jennifer is going to let me do the books. It will mean more money."

A smile crossed the captain's face. "I can't have my girl friend servicing half the men in the fleet down at the comfort station," Chambers said.

Nicole reached across the table and took his hand. "Doesn't it bother you? What I used to do."

Chambers shook his head once more. "No. You know I'm no angel. Word gets around. I've had lots of women. Sometimes two and three at a time, but I've never met anyone like you. When I first laid eyes on you, my heart stopped." He took a small black box out of his coat pocket and set it on the table. A ball of nerves formed in Chambers' stomach and his hands shook, so he set them on his knees under the table. Nicole picked up the box, opened it, stared down at the diamond engagement ring for two seconds and dropped the box on the table. She put her hands to her face to stifle a squeal. "Let me do this right," Captain Chambers continued, his heart hammering inside his chest, and climbed out of his chair dropping to one knee. "Ms. Nicole Allison, will you marry me?"

Nicole launched out of her chair wrapping her arms around Captain Chambers' neck and smothered him with kisses. "Yes! Yes of course I will, but do you think the Navy will allow it?" she said, turning the captain loose, and they returned to their seats.

"Under normal situations, no. But this is not a normal mission. I've spoke with the admiral. He gave us his blessing," Chambers replied.

Nicole took a bite of her roast duck. "When? When do you want to have the ceremony?"

He took a drink from his wine goblet and said, "As soon as possible."

Nicole looked up and smiled. "But not too soon. I have so much planning to do."

"We can set the date later after you've had time to think about it." They finished their dinner and Captain Chambers thought that Nicole's continence looked radiant. _I can't seem to keep this silly grin off my face either._ He pushed his plate away from the table and said, "I'm stuffed. The roast duck was delicious."

Nicole stood to her feet, grabbed the captain by his arm and gave him a mischievous grin. "The dinner was great, but I hope you saved room for desert," she said and led him toward the bed.

Captain Chambers swaggered onto the bridge of the Port Royal at zero seven hundred hours the next morning, listening to the hum of the computer consoles, and sat down in the captain's chair next to First Officer Craig Bannister. His console beeped, he logged onto the system and Bannister swiveled in his chair facing the Captain. "Good morning, my Cap-a-tain. How's your morning going? I trust you slept well?"

Chambers grinned. "I slept like a baby, and it is a wonderful morning."

Banister's eyes widened. "So what's got you looking like the cat that ate the fat canary?"

Captain Chambers ignored the question, looked at the forward view screen and saw the ships of the fleet forming up for their approach to Saturn while The New Republic vessels took up position flanking the federal fleet. "I take it that we've received permission from Saturn space dock to enter Saturn's orbit?"

Banister nodded. "Yes indeed. We just received orders from the admiral. We'll make one orbit around the planet and use her gravity to slingshot our way to the stars, but stop avoiding my question. What's got you in such a good mood?"

Chambers grinned. "I asked Nicole to marry me last night."

Craig Bannister slumped down in his chair, gripping the chair's arms with his hands and his bottom jaw dropped. "Good Lord. I almost fell out of my chair. It shocked the shit out of me when you quit playing the field and settled for just one woman, but I never thought I would see the day that you would want to get married. What did she say?"

Chambers blushed. "She said yes, of course."

Banister reached over and laid his hand on the captain's shoulder. "What did the admiral have to say? It's kind of frowned upon for its officers to marry. Seeing how much we're away from Earth."

"He gave us his blessing. The REGs are up for review. Because of the duration of this mission, the admiral signed a waiver. He said that there's a move underway to abolish the ban completely."

Banister smiled. "So when will this glorious event take place?"

Chambers' shrugged. "We haven't set the date yet. I've left that up to Nicole."

Bannister slapped Captain Chambers on the back. "I hope you will do me the honor of letting me, be your best man."

Chambers smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Good. I'll buy the drinks at the officer's pub when our shift is over. We have some celebrating to do," Bannister replied.

"Captain, we're cleared for our approach to Saturn," the communications Officer said.

"Mr. Walker, let's take a cruise around the neighborhood and set a course for Uranus. What the hell. Let's go see Neptune as well," the captain said, glancing at his helmsmen. The deep space fleet entered Saturn's orbit, increased speed taking one revolution around the planet and broke orbit heading for the outer reaches of the solar system.

Captain Chambers and Craig Bannister entered the officer's pub at sixteen hundred hours ship time, swaggered across the crowded bar room and took a seat at their usual table. The sound of a dozen conversations and the smell of alcohol wafted across the room. Bannister motioned to the nearest waitress, and she sashayed over to take their order. They breathed in the strong fragrance of her cheap perfume.

"What can I get for gentlemen?" the waitress asked shooting them each a smile.

Banister grinned. "The captain and I are in the mood to do some celebrating. We'll have our usual. A Jack and Coke for the captain and a Scotch on the rocks for me." The waitress swished away shaking her ample behind. "So what possessed you to pop the question?"

Chambers paused for a moment. I don't know. Nicole is different. I've never met anyone like her before," Chambers said.

"This calls for a toast. To a wonderful life," Bannister said and they raised their glasses in toast. "But seriously, don't you think you'll miss not being with any other woman? You're used to having more than your share."

"No. I had my share of women, but none that I really cared for until now. Nicole's special."

She has to be, to land an old boy like you. I wish you a long happy married life," Banister said when the waitress came back with their drinks.

Chambers smiled at the waitress and said, "Sever a round to everyone in the pub including all the bartenders and waitresses. I'm buying."

"Thank you Captain," the waitress said and went back to the bar. A cheer went up when the pub's patrons received the news of their free drinks.

Captain Chambers drummed his fingers on the tabletop. "I'm glad we're heading out beyond New Republic space," Captain Chambers said changing the subject. "The last three months have been boring. The admiral will probably schedule a few more training events," he said.

"I'm getting tired of slowing down for these training scenarios. I'm looking forward to leaving this solar system behind. Out there in the galaxy, that's where the real excitement lies," Banister said.

"Yeah, but the training is important. We don't know what to expect once we get out there. The training makes us more prepared."

Bannister nodded, glancing at the view screen behind the bar, where a Solar One news bulletin flashed across the screen. The image of a female newscaster in an EVA suit appeared standing in front of the federal military installation on Europa. Captain Chambers looked up and motioned to the bar tender. "Would you turn that up please?" The bar tender nodded and turned up the volume.

"Citizens of the CEU. I'm here at the newly established federal base on Europa. The federal forces suffered a minor setback this morning when they tried to make a frontal assault on mining site, A, the seat of government of this so called New Republic. A company of federal forces approaching the mining colony walked into an ambush and suffered minor casualties. The Council of Economic Unions called an emergency meeting to discuss the matter. The federal forces, for now have pulled back to their base camp. This crisis, which has drug on for at least six months, appears nowhere near a resolution. With the fleet running low on helium three and hydrogen, they'd better get something done soon. I am Christy Bower with Solar One News."

"I can't believe they finally got off their ass and did something," Bannister said.

Chambers nodded. "You know that if the news is admitting to minor casualties, it had to be a lot worse than that. Solar One caters to the party line."

"I'd say they lost at least a company of Marines. A minor scrimmage wouldn't have even made the news," Bannister replied.

"It's unbelievable that this is even happening at all, but these miners out in the colonies are a tough lot. I think things will get a lot worse before they get better. Who knows what the political realities will be when we come back from our mission?" Chambers said.

"If we come back. But you're right. Either way it goes, the ice on Europa is going to turn red with blood," Banister replied.

Captain Chambers nodded in agreement, motioned to the waitress and bought the next round. They drank for the next six hours, skipping their dinner and then stumbled off to their separate cabins.

Captain Chambers gazed out at a sea of faces gathered in the main assembly hall at the Fleet Marine's HQ center several decks below the bridge and a sense of pride shot through him. Eager young officer cadets jumped to their feet when Captain Chambers stepped up to the podium. The political realities in the solar system they were leaving behind were changing rapidly, yet their mission was unchanged. _Who knows what these young officers will find out there in the galaxy? And who know how things will be when we get home?_ Chambers thought.

They had been at space for just over a year and now the fleet was making its approach to Uranus attempting to use the planets gravity to slingshot to the stars. They would stop here to off load a science team that would establish a scientific stations on the moons of Uranus, which would be a prelude to colonization. The past three months since leaving Saturn had been busy with Nicole happily preparing for their wedding and Captain Chambers couldn't believe that he could be this happy. The situation on Europa was at a stalemate, but when they left Saturn, the New Republic vessels turned back heading back to their home worlds.

Two weeks after leaving Saturn, the admiral transmitted orders announcing a new training event and transmitted a computer program to each ship where in a computer simulation would run where the ships would deal with an enemy attack, simulated hull breach and a meltdown in the ship's cold fusion reactor. Captain Chambers sat in the Captain's chair next to First Officer Craig Bannister the day they ran the simulation, flipped on the Com unit on his console and spoke into the ship's PA system. "Training event 657-3 will commence in five seconds. On my mark, five, four, three, two, one. All hands report to battle stations." The image of several sinister looking space ships filled the screen. "Bring the shields up to maximum and fire laser cannons," the captain said to his weapons specialist. Arcs of laser fire filled the screen, green beams of light arched from the enemy ships to the Port Royal.

"They're firing torpedoes!" the weapons specialist yelled. The captain gripped the arms of his chair, sweat beaded up on his forehead, the bridge shook and a massive simulated torpedo barrage hit the ship. "Captain! Our shields are down and we have hull breaches on levels, five, six and seven!"

"Return fire!" Captain Chambers said and turned to the helmsmen. "Take evasive action! Make a forty five degree turn to the port side at a thirty degree down angle!" Captain Chambers turned to his chief engineer. "Mr. Reynolds. Evacuate decks five, six and seven. Seal off all sections venting atmosphere." He let out a slow breath trying to calm his nerves. _This is only a drill._ The Com link on Captain Chambers' console beeped so he flipped a toggle and took the call. "Report."

"Captain. The fusion reactor just shut down. We're dead in space. I have all essential systems running on backup power until we find the problem," the chief engineer said.

"Shut down everything non essential. Keep me appraised." The captain's console beeped once more. "Report."

"Captain. This is sickbay. We are flooded with simulated casualties," the chief medical officer said.

"Yeah. I suspected that the admiral might have contacted some of our shipmates on the sly with orders for them to roll play as casualties. Treat them as if they were the real deal."

"Aye Captain. This is good training for my medical personnel. Sickbay out."

The exercise lasted for eight hours, but the engineering finally found the computer glitch, embedded into the ship's computer to shut down the reactor and all systems returned to normal. Captain Chambers left the bridge, headed to his conference room and logged onto the VID net to await their grade on their performance during the drill. A text message scrolled across the bridge ten minutes later, the captain read the message and sent a text message back to the admiral thanking him for his praise. He logged off the computer, swaggered onto the bridge, sat down in the captain's chair and activated the ship's PA system. "Ladies and gentlemen serving on the Port Royal. I would like to congratulate you on your performance during the recent drill. The admiral gave us a ninety eight point five performance rating. You people make me proud. Keep up the good work."

Craig Bannister swiveled in his chair to face the captain and a big grin crossed his face. "Now that sounds like a good reason to celebrate. It's almost time for us to turn this dog and pony show over to the second watch. I'll buy the first round at the pub."

"Good. I could use a stiff drink, but I only have time for a couple. Nicole and I have a late dinner planned. She has some things she wants to go over regarding our upcoming wedding," Chambers said.

Captain Chambers' mind danced back to the present when he stepped up to the podium watching the cadets jump to attention. He couldn't help but admire the snap in their step and the flash in their eyes. _These men look proud,_ Chambers thought. "As you were." The cadets sat down, the captain looked out at the assembled Marines, Sailors and Air Men. He paused for a moment, fighting back a knot forming in his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen. We have been at space for a year now. It has been a rough class. You've put in a lot of hard work, but today you are cadets no longer. Today you become officers in the Federal Defense Force. You are the cream of the crop. The best of the best. I have spoken with the admiral and he has received permission to expand these training classes across the fleet for the duration of our mission. The next class should be much larger. We face a daunting mission. In the words of one of the old regimes former science fiction shows, we plan to boldly go where no man has gone before. You are the pride of the federal system. Who knows what we might find out there in the galaxy? I hope new friends, but maybe not. We might find new foes."

The captain paused to clear his throat and continued. "Some of us, maybe all of us, might not make it back, but I know this; that you will do whatever it takes to accomplish our mission. If we die out here, it will be in the presence of brothers. What more could a military man ask for? But I think that we will accomplish our mission. We will return to Earth as heroes: the pioneers who opened up the galaxy to the people of Earth. It is an honor to be your captain."

Captain Chambers stepped back away from the podium and Commander Dawson, the Fleet Marine commander, stepped up to the microphone. "Step forward when I call your name to receive your diploma and your second lieutenant bars." When the new officers filed by to receive their diplomas, Captain Chambers stood next to Commander Dawson to salute and shake hands with the new officers.

Louis Martin stepped up to Captain Chambers, fired off a snappy salute and Captain Chambers smiled. "How's the leg, Mr. Martin?"

Louis grinned. "It's healed wonderfully Captain. Thank you for asking."

Captain Chambers laid a friendly hand on his shoulder. "I trust that if the gravity generator should go out again, you won't repeat that same mistake."

Louis smiled. "No sir, I won't make that mistake again, but I can't promise that I won't get involved in some other sort of bloody foolishness. It's my nature, Sir."

Chambers laughed. "Yeah. I expect that it is. You remind me of myself in that way. Good luck, Lieutenant Martin."

"Same to you, Sir," Louis said and shook hands with the captain. After the Fleet Marine cadets received their diplomas and second lieutenant bars, a naval commander stepped up to the podium and handed out the graduation certificates and rank insignias to the cadets from the Navy. He was followed by a commander from the Air Force who handed out certificates and the rank insignias to the air men cadets in the class. Once the graduation ceremony was over, they held a banquette honoring the new officers.

Three days later, the fleet entered orbit around Uranus, construction crews from several ships, including the Port Royal, launched shuttle flights to the surface of Uranus's various moons and large cargo vessels carrying prefabricated construction materials launched and descended to the surface of the various moons as well. The science officers who would spend the next year on the moons of Uranus were the first to set their feet on the planet's moons to supervise the construction of their habitats and science labs. Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister, finished with their tour of duty on the bridge, swaggered down the main corridor.

"Would you care to take a jaunt down to the surface of Titania?" Captain Chambers asked. "I'd like to check and see how our construction crews are doing."

Bannister shrugged. "Why not? It's been a while since I set my dogs on solid ground. It's also been a hell of a long time since I did any EVA work. I wonder if I still remember how to use the suit?"

Chambers slapped his first officer on the back. "It's like riding a hover bike back home. Once you learn, you don't forget."

They swaggered down to the turbo lift, rode the lift to the shuttle bay and fifteen minutes later, with Captain Chambers at the helm, they shot down the launch tube and out to space. They descended toward the surface of Titania, one of Uranus's larger moons, and flew in low over the surface. The cratered surface consisted of a mixture of water ice, and rock with some of the craters containing pools of liquid methane gas at their bottoms. They passed over several long valleys and then set down one hundred yards from the construction site. Work lights lit up the surface of Tatiana where construction crews assembled prefabricated science labs and living modules. Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister put on their EVA suits, checked their seals and their air supplies and headed to the air lock. They passed through the airlock, stepped out the exit hatch, lumbered down the exit ramp and crossed a rocky surface covered with a thick layer of ice and then stopped at the edge of the construction site. Captain Chambers gazed about watching the progress while First Officer Bannister looked out across the moon's surface taking in the surrounding countryside. Feeling a slight chill, Captain Chambers adjusted the temperature setting on his EVA suit.

"This sure is a God forsaken hunk of ice," Craig Bannister said, his voice reverberating through the speaker in the Captain's EVA suit.

Chambers nodded. "Yeah, it's barren, but there is beauty in its ruggedness."

The NCO in command of the construction detail sauntered their way. "Do you hooligans plan on lending a hand, or are you just going to stand there looking?" the sergeant said in a strong Irish brogue.

Captain Chambers laughed. "We'll lend a hand. Just tell us what you want us to do?"

The Top Sergeant fired off a snappy salute. "I'm sorry Sir. I didn't recognize you in your EVA gear. Please accept my apologies. That goes for you too, Mr. Bannister."

"Think nothing of it," First Officer Bannister replied.

The captain laid a hand on the sergeant's back. "I just thought we'd check up and see how things are coming. It's been a long time since Craig and I did any EVA work," the captain said.

"Things are coming along splendidly. We've got the living modules set up. The oxygen pumps and gravity generators are on line. We're just setting up their science labs now."

"How soon until you're through?" Captain Chambers asked.

"We should wrap things up and be back on board ship in eight hours."

"Good. Keep up the good work," Captain Chambers replied.

"Seen enough?" First Officer Bannister asked, looking across the barren landscape.

"Yeah. Let's head back to the ship," Chambers replied.

Twelve hours later, Captain Chambers and First Officer Bannister swaggered into the officer's pub, took their usual table and Captain Chambers bought the first round of drinks. On the view screen behind the bar, the image of the Solar One newscaster sitting at the news desk appeared on the screen and the words **breaking news** appeared over the woman's head.

"We've just received unconfirmed reports of a major setback for federal forces on Europa, but the Council of Economic Unions has imposed a total news blackout. When we know more, you'll hear if first here on Solar One news."

"Now that sounded scary," First officer Bannister said.

Chambers sighed. "Yeah. It makes you wonder what kind of world we'll come back to when the mission is over." The tiny Com link on the lapel of Captain Chambers' uniform beeped. "Chambers here."

"Captain, the construction crews have left the moons of Uranus. We just received word from the admiral. We're breaking orbit, now sir," the third watch communications officer said.

Chambers grinned. "Now that is good news. I'll be in my quarters if you need me." Captain Chambers stood to his feet to call it a night while the deep space fleet took one revolution around Uranus and headed toward the stars.

### CHAPTER 22

Sergeant Erin Cassidy looked over at his gunner sitting next to him in a New Republic main battle tank. "What do you think, Rainford? Do you think the federal boys want to come out and play?" The smell of sweat filled the interior of the vehicle.

"They seem content to sit with their thumbs up their ass," Rain ford replied.

Cassidy switched on the night vision scope mounted on the roof of the vehicle and the icy surface of Europa turned green. "I see a few tanks moving about inside the wire. Fire a couple rounds," Cassidy said.

Rainford fired the main gun, the tank rocked backward, artillery rounds exploded inside the federal compound and a plume of ice particles flew into space. Two more New Republic main battle tanks pulled up on the icy ridge flanking Sergeant Cassidy's tank. Each tank fired off several rounds with their main guns and opened up with their laser cannons lighting up the night with arcs of blue laser fire. After the federals took the Jupiter space dock, they landed troops on Europa and established a base to the west of the mining colony. The New Republic tanks and snipers made the federal troops lives miserable while they built up their defensive perimeter and set up prefabricated living modules. Snipers shot a few troops stringing wire and a few troops building gunrooms on the perimeter. Admiral Gustav's fleet launched hit and run attacks on the federal fleet on several occasions, and swept down over the moon, attacking the base. After establishing their presence, the federal troops seemed content to sit guarding the perimeter and all the while, federal shuttles off loaded men and equipment.

"I think they're coming through the wire," Cassidy said and swung his tank around. Tiny pieces of ice flew up in the vehicle's wake. Cassidy's heart pounded inside his chest and he felt an adrenalin rush. The other New Republic tanks followed, pretending to flee, trying to lure the federal troops into an ambush. Five federal main battle tanks charged over the earthworks surrounding the base and fired several rounds at the New Republic tanks, but soon gave up the chase and headed back to base. "God what do we have to do to get these boys to come out and fight?" Cassidy asked, slamming his fist down on the vehicle's steering wheel in frustration.

Corporal Rainford shrugged. "I think we need to hit them harder and more often. We need to interrupt their sleep patterns and get them pissed off."

Sergeant Cassidy nodded. "We need to do something. The present strategy isn't working. We'd better ratchet it up a notch. I'll bring it up at the morning briefing," Cassidy said while they headed back to the safety of Fire Base Bravo.

Shawn Gallagher sat in a small uncomfortable chair behind a computer control center deep in the bowels of mining site A. He looked over the top of the VID screen at his assembled cabinet members breathing in the smell of sweat. A cloud of tobacco smoke floated across the table. His HQ held none of the creature comforts of his office complex, which occupied the top floor of the mining complex, but Shawn's security personnel told him that is was a much safe location. Shawn gazed around the room taking in his cabinet members who sat across from him, along with Ludwig Von Wolf. Shawn's gaze stopped on Jerry Holliday, his chief security officer and chief of INTEL. "Jerry, what's taking them so long? Why haven't the federals attacked the colony? It's been at least a month and a half since they established a base on Europa."

Jerry shrugged, clinching a cigar between his teeth and said, "I think they're waiting on approval from the Council of Economic Unions. But it all hinges on Cyrus Bonelli. He's a loose cannon. If Cyrus tells them to move, they'll move. In the mean time, they're building their forces."

Shawn sighed, and took a drink of whisky from a glass tumbler. "What about our escape plan?"

Holliday laughed. "The awe shit plan? It's sitting on go."

Shawn nodded. "And that other matter?"

Holliday blew tobacco smoke across the room. "He's at space now. They should arrive in a month and a half. He took a laser bolt in the initial action, but he's OK. Our people on Mars have an excellent medical staff."

When Shawn heard of his brother's injuries, his face turned grave, but he shook it off and turned to Ludwig Von Wolf. "Mr. Wolf you are here representing Admiral Gustav. What is the condition of the fleet?"

Ludwig looked up. "Der fleet is gut. We have repaired the broken vessels. Gustav is ready to assist when necessary." Ludwig's German accent became more pronounced when he was nervous, but when he calmed down, his English was impeccable.

"And what about your secret weapon?" Shawn asked.

"The anti matter torpedoes? My scientist produced enough torpedoes to equip each ship with two torpedoes each. Anti matter is a scarce commodity. We will launch a shuttle to deliver them to the fleet in the asteroid belt at twenty three hundred hours."

Shawn nodded and turned to John Wilson, his secretary of defense. "John, what is this new strategy I'm hearing about?"

Wilson shifted his weight in his chair. "We're assembling more tanks at Fire Base Bravo, plus were bringing in some troop carriers and ground troops. We're going to ratchet up the pressure on the federal base to see if we can get them to come out and fight. Once we lure them to the ambush sites, we can destroy them, but if they won't come out and fight, we're stuck. We're thinking of a combined assault using main battle tanks and ground forces. The troops occupying the ground positions defending the colony are in place. There's nothing for them to do but wait."

Shawn nodded. "How long until you launch this attack?"

"We'll start by increasing the harassment fire with tanks and snipers while we beef up our forces. It all depends on the federals. When they're ready for a fight, we'll give them one."

After the Intelligence, briefing and his cabinet members left his cramped little war room; Shawn took out a bottle of Scotch whiskey and poured himself another drink. He sat down on at the control center, accessed the surface cameras monitoring the surface of Europa and zoomed in on the federal base.

Sergeant Erin Cassidy studied the federal compound from the ridgeline overlooking the federal encampment. They beefed up the pressure on the federal base for the last month and a half with snipers taking potshots at the federal positions round the clock while main battle tanks lobbed artillery fire from the ridgeline to the west of the federal base. The military colonel in charge of Fire Base Bravo used the time to build his forces and they spent the time training for the attack on the federal compound. Troop carriers off loaded two companies of troops to the north of the federal base and at the same time, a company of main battle tanks took up positions on the ridgeline to the west of federal base. Silence wafted across the surface of Europa, Cassidy looked at his wristwatch and the luminescent digital readout glowed bright green in the dark interior of the tank. A chill shot down his spine, so he turned up the interior heater.

"Well my brother," Cassidy said to Rainford. "The time is 23:05. It's time to lob some rockets up the federal's anal orifice."

"Roger that. Those boys are going to be sorry that they set foot on Europa," Rainford replied. He sighted in on the federal compound, fired the tank's main gun and few seconds later, up and down the line, New Republic main battle tanks opened up on the base. Explosions erupted inside the base's defensive perimeter, sending ice particles into space and off to the northeast, Cassidy saw tracer rounds arching into the federal compound. He put the shifter into a forward gear and they descended the icy slope heading closer to the federal compound while tanks to his left and right moved in concert.

In space above Europa, Cassidy saw several blips of light moving about, green laser flashes lit up the night and a small space cruiser came in low and fast over the surface of Europa. Several larger vessels followed it in. It pulled up in an abrupt turn and headed toward the asteroid belt.

"That light cruiser is coming in hot. It looks like one of ours," Cassidy said.

Rinford looked at the tank's computer screen. "I'll bet that was some of Gustav's boys running escort service from the asteroid belt."

They stopped five hundred yards out from the federal base and fired another salvo. On the move again, Sergeant Cassidy led the attack, but one hundred yards out, he brought his tank to a screeching halt and the entire company fired one last salvo with their main guns.

"Break off! Break off! I think the chickens have left the roost!" Cassidy yelled into the vehicles Com unit. Main battle tanks and troop carriers flowed over the earthworks surrounding the federal base, Cassidy spun his tank around heading to the northwest and the other New Republic tanks followed forming up in columns of two with the federal forces in hot pursuit.

Colonel Galloway, Commander of the New Republic Ground forces, sat on top of his environmentally contained halftrack and studied the federal compound to the south. He activated the night vision feature on the faceplate on the helmet of his EVA suit and set the zoom to maximum. The federal base zoomed in; he saw several bright flashes to the southwest and the red streak of rocket fire. Massive explosions erupted inside the federal compound and bits and pieces of ice and other debris formed a cloud over the federal base.

"Let's go! Move! Move! Move!" Galloway yelled into his com link. The New Republic ground forces, lying in concealment behind an icy knoll, rose to their feet, charged forward and opened up with their laser carbines and M-23 Blasters. Tracer fire lit up the night, the federal Marines guarding the perimeter returned fire and a mortar team hiding behind the icy knoll opened up walking mortars into the federal positions. Colonel Galloway watched, letting the attack continue until his men had almost reached the outer perimeter of the federal base and spoke into his Com link.

"Break off! Break off! Make them come to us!" The New Republic ground forces preformed an orderly retreat, heading back to their staging area, boarding troop carriers, joined the New Republic tank column heading northwest, and the federal forces followed.

Sergeant Cassidy led the convoy into a series of narrow ravines that their engineers had built to funnel the federal forces through if they wished to approach the colony, leading them to where the New Republic ground forces waited, manning the fighting positions dug into both sides of the canyon's walls near the rim. Cassidy increased his speed making sure that the entire convoy made it through the kill zone before the federals reached the ambush spot. He kept one eye on his computer screen, watching the blips on the radar screen showing the position of the federal forces, and after the infantry vehicles cleared the kill zone, Cassidy switched on his Com unit. "Joy Rider to base. The fox is in the henhouse," he said.

When the New Republic forces received the code phrase, a soldier manning one of the fighting positions on the north end of the kill zone flipped a toggle switch on a remote control detonator and a massive explosion lit up the night. The walls of the canyon in front of the federal forces collapsed filling the canyon with large chunks of ice. A soldier manning the last fighting position on the south end of the kill zone flipped the toggle on his detonator collapsing the canyon to the south of the federal forces, blocking off their escape. The New Republic ground forces manning the fighting positions flanking the federal convoy rained down fiery death from above.

Rocket teams took out the federal main battle tanks first, laser fire lit up the night and the federal troops fled their vehicles seeking cover in the canyon's bottom. The New Republic forces racked the federal convoy with their M-23 blasters as well and their laser carbines while machine gunners opened up with fifty caliber machineguns. The icy bottom of the canyon turned red with blood and the battle, all though short in duration, was extremely vicious in nature. When the gunfire tapered off, the federal convoy in the bottom of the canyon lay in a smoking ruin and bodies littered the canyon floor.

Colonel Galloway, setting in the command center at Fire Base Bravo watching the battle unfold on his computer screen, flipped on his Com unit. "Let's go people! Mop it up! I don't want one of those federal bastards left alive when we're through! Kill them all! I want the federal brass to think twice before launching another attack!"

New Republic ground forces repelled down into the canyon dispatching the wounded federal troops forthwith and set charges on the burned out vehicles turning them into small bits of molten shrapnel. Their business finished, the New Republic forces returned to base; the smoldering hulks that had once been main battle tanks littered the canyon floor and silence wafted across the battlefield.

Shawn Gallagher watched the battle unfold on his VID screen, taking in the destruction of the federal convoy in real time video provided by the surface cameras mounted on top of the fighting positions at the ambush site; he also took in the view provided by the helmet cams mounted to the helmets of the New Republic soldiers. He listened to the military Com net and received field reports from Colonel Galloway while the battle progressed. His Com unit beeped, so he flipped the toggle. "Gallagher here."

"Mr. President. I trust you saw that small cruiser coming shortly after the engagement started?" Jerry Holliday said.

"Yeah. I saw it. They came in low and quiet without saying anything over the Com net. Who were they?"

"That was our Special Forces team back from Mars. Your brother is with the detainees. We've set him up with his own private quarters and he is under guard for now. His status might change after you have a chance to talk with him, but for now, I have my security people watching him."

A big grin crossed Shawn's face. "Good. I'm glad they arrived safely. I was afraid they wouldn't be able to make it through the federal blockade."

"Admiral Gustav sent a few ships out from the asteroid belt to give the federal boys other things to worry about."

"Tell the admiral I said thanks for the help. Never mind, I'll contact him myself after I've had a chance to speak with my brother. Thank you, Jerry. You don't know how much this means to me," Shawn said, ending the transmission. He switched channel on his Com unit and contacted his personnel security detail.

"Can I help you Mr. President?" the man standing guard at his door said when the Com unit on the lapel of his uniform beeped.

"My brother has arrived on Europa. They're holding him with the detainees. Get the team together. I want to go see him."

"We'll be ready to roll in five minutes, Mr. President."

"Good. I'll meet you in the main corridor," Shawn said and cut the transmission. He stepped through a side door, entered his quarters, changed clothes and stepped out the door to meet his security detail. One of his bodyguards opened the back door of a small hovercraft, Shawn stepped into the back, two guards climbed in on each side of him and another climbed in the front seat sitting next to the driver. The driver sped forward heading down the main corridor and pulled into a large turbo lift. The lift they used was one of the many designed to take larger vehicles from one level of the mining facility to another. They rode the lift up five levels, the doors opened; the driver exited the lift and turned left. They traveled for twenty minutes before reaching the stockade. Prior to their take over, Consolidated Security used the stockade to house unruly miners. The driver pulled over next to the curb, the guard on Shawn's right opened the door and stepped out. After taking a quick look around, he held the door open for Shawn, Shawn stepped out of the vehicle and Jerry Holliday stood in front of the stockade waiting.

"I wanted to prepare you, Mr. President, before you go in there and see your brother," Jerry Holliday said. "He's not being very cooperative. He's giving us his name, rank and serial number. We have him in one of the living quarters near where we're keeping the other detainees. For now, he's under house arrest."

Shawn nodded. "I was hoping that once he arrived, I might be able to talk some sense into him. That maybe he would join us. We could use him in our military," Shawn replied.

"Good luck with that, Mr. President." Jerry Holliday led Shawn Gallagher, flanked by his security detail, through the stockade to a room in the housing area.

Shawn looked at the head of his security detail. "I'd like to go in alone."

A grave look crossed the face of the head of his security detail. "All right, Mr. President, but if you need us just tap the Com link on your lapel and we'll right there."

"He's not going to attack me. He's my brother, not some psycho killer," Shawn said.

His security chief shrugged. "He's a federal Marine."

Shawn entered the room and saw David Gallagher lying on a feather bed reading a magazine. With his back against the wall, he had his feet propped up on a small table setting next to the bed. When he saw Shawn enter the room, a scowl crossed his face and he jumped to his feet. Ignoring the scowl, Shawn grinned, crossed the room and threw his arms around his brother giving him a massive bear hug. David flinched and didn't return the embrace so Shawn turned him loose and stepped back.

"David. I'm so glad to see you. You look great. We've got so much to catch up on."

David's scowl deepened. "Why did you bring me here?"

"I thought maybe I could convince you to join us. We could use a good soldier," Shawn said.

David shook his head and a disgusted look crossed his face. "What makes you think I would want to join a bunch of treasonous whiners and malcontents like you?"

Shawn sighed, trying to swallow the lump in his throat. "I was hoping that you'd be able to see through the bull shit that the council spews. We're not traitors. We're just tired of being slaves to the Council of Economic Unions. What we've formed here on Europa is a new country. A free country where every man has a say."

David laughed. "You might as well save your breath. Do you know what kind of trouble you've caused me? Do you know what it's like to be the famous traitor's brother?"

"For that I'm sorry, but if you'll look past the crap they taught you in school, you'll see that the federal system is oppressive. I heard that you wanted to go to robotics school. What gives them the right to say you can't because of your genetics? Do you remember the block captain who lived up the street from us? The one whose job it was to tattle on those who appeared to be subversive? Remember when they took away the Clark family that lived next store?" Shawn sat down on the bed across from David; David found a chair.

"They probably were subversive. I know they were weird and believed in some hokey religion," David said.

"Here on Europa, we have the freedom to believe in whatever religion we want. Or we're free not to believe." Shawn raised his hand into the air so David could see the scar on his wrist. "And what about that BIO chip you have in your wrist? What gives them the right to keep track of your every move and tell you that you can't have a bank account, hold down a job or do anything without their chip?"

David's eyes widened. "There have to be some kind of rules."

"Rules yes. Oppression, no. It is the job of the people to make the rules to govern themselves. Not some fat cat sitting on the council who answers to no one." Shawn stood up and set some papers on the table setting next to David's bed. "When you get a chance, give these a read. This is the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the former United States of America. Also, there's our own Constitution and declaration. Read these and we'll talk again." Shawn headed for the door, but paused for a moment. "Is there anything I can get for you?"

David rose to his feet. "Yeah. You can do one thing for me. You can consider me a prisoner of war and move me in with the rest of your detainees. Beyond that just leave me alone."

A hurt look crossed Shawn's face, but he covered it with a friendly smile. "All right. If that's the way you want it, I'll see to it that the guards move you into the detention center when I leave. Is there anything else?"

David paused for a moment. "I wouldn't mind a chess board. Maybe there's somebody in the detention center that knows how to play."

Shawn nodded. "I'll see that you get one. The detainees all ready have several boards and hold tournaments, but I'll see that you get a board and chess set of your own," Shawn replied and left the room. Shawn had Jerry Holliday see to it that the guards moved David in with the rest of the detainees and the next morning he came back with a chessboard and insisted that David joined him for a game. After the ambush of the federal forces on the surface of Europa, Shawn expected the federals to launch a major attack on the colony, but so far, it had yet to materialize.

One afternoon Jerry Holliday joined Shawn in Shawn' quarters for a drink. They sat in front of the view screen on his video net watching the federal encampment through the surface cameras. "Why haven't those federal bastards attacked us?" Shawn asked and downed a shot of whiskey. In a fit of rage, Shawn threw the shot glass at the video screen shattering it into tiny pieces.

"My aren't we in a surely mood?" Holliday said and laughed.

Shawn sighed and sat back down in his chair. "I'm just tired of us sitting here on our ass waiting for the hammer to drop."

Holliday shrugged, fired up a cigar and the smell of tobacco floated across the room. "They're probably waiting for the bureaucrats serving on the Council of Economic Unions to give the okay."

"Those SOBs can't even fart unless they have a consensus," Shawn said. Holliday laughed.

At first, when Shawn showed up at the detention center with the chessboard, David acted surely and didn't want to play, but eventually he lightened up and they became reacquainted. A bond of friendship formed, and they rarely disagreed unless the conversation drifted toward politics.

Two and a half months passed and still the federals hadn't launched an attack. They continued to beef up their forces, yet rarely ventured out of their base on Europa. Things seemed peaceful, but Shawn figured that it was just the calm before the storm, and that when the storm hit; it would hit like a category five hurricane.

Cyrus Bonelli stood in front of his video screen seething with anger as the image of Colonel Austen Barrow, commander of the federal ground forces on Europa, filled the screen. The man's face looked haggard and Bonelli noticed the crow's feet at the corner of the man's tired gray eyes and his slumped shoulders.

"What I'd like to know is how you let a company of federal forces be lured into an ambush and destroyed!" Bonelli roared. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't have you court marshaled and shot?"

A muscle in the colonel's face twitched. "Mr. President. They were constantly bombarding us with harassment fire. I had no idea that their defensive positions were so elaborate. All the approaches to the colony are either mined, or booby trapped. One of my officers became overzealous and let them lure him into a trap. It won't happen again."

"Colonel. I want you to attack! I want you to take the main colony and bring this thing to a conclusion!"

The colonel sighed in despair. "With all due respect, sir, you are under impeachment hearings. I'll need the order verification code from the Council of Economic Unions before I could launch a major operation. At any rate, we need to beef up our forces and plan the attack."

A sharp pain shot across Bonelli's chest. "The council be damned! I am the president! You'll move on my orders! I'll see that you get the men and equipment! Coordinate your attack with Admiral Delacroix!" Bonelli yelled and ended the transmission. He punched in the net coordinates, sent a video transmission to Admiral Delacroix marked urgent and the tired features of Admiral Delacroix filled the screen. "Admiral. I just discussed this fiasco on Europa with Colonel Barrow. I ordered him to coordinate an assault on the main colony on Europa with you. I want this situation resolved."

Delacroix paused. "Mr. President. No one wants this situation to be over more than I. I can assure you that we will give Colonel Barrow all the help he needs. If you will just transmit the mission verification codes, we'll get it done."

Bonelli's fists clinched at his sides. "I'll get your God damned codes, but you take your orders from me! I'll have both you and Colonel Bowers relieved of command! The nerve of them spineless bastards! They actually voted to bring me up on charges!"

"All the more reason to get the proper authorization. In the mean time, we'll bolster our forces and plan the attack."

"You do that! I'll get your God damned authorization codes!" Bonelli yelled and cut the transmission.

When the attack came, it came from space; several light frigates swept in low over the surface of Europa dropping bunker busting bombs followed by napalm that incinerated the New Republic forces on the surface of Europa. The next wave dropped cluster bombs destroying the obstacles and tank traps along the approaches to the colony. The frigates continued the bombardment providing air cover while shuttle after shuttle off loaded fleet Marines inside the perimeter of the colony. The federal forces garrisoned at the base to the south of the colony stood in reserve.

When the federal Marines hit the surface of Europa, the first to land formed a perimeter providing cover for the shuttles ferrying Marines to the battle. They used rockets and mortars along with small arms fire on the defensive positions guarding the entrance to mining site A. After the Marines landed, the frigates providing air cover launched laser guided missiles on the defensive positions ringing mining site A. The New Republic forces guarding mining site A fought valiantly, but couldn't keep the federal forces at bay. A handful of survivors managed to flee into the mining facility.

Shawn Gallagher sat his desk in the command center discussing something over the VID net with his vice president when the alert sounded and his Com unit beeped. "Gallagher here," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Mr. President. The federals have launched the attack. They're using bunker busters and napalm. They are landing troops at our doorstep. We need to get you out of here," Jerry Holliday said. "I've coordinated the evacuation with you security chief. My people on the surface tell me that the federals are about to breach the facility. We have little time."

Shawn's heart hammered inside his chest; his breathing accelerated. "Okay. We knew it would come to this. I guess it's time to launch the awe shit plan. I want the detainees moved first. I want my brother moved with the first group."

"Roger that Mr. President. I'll see you over at site D."

Shawn's Com unit beeped again. "Gallagher."

"Mr. President we need to move," Shawn's head of security, said.

"I'll be right out." Shawn flipped off the Com unit, grabbed his briefcase and stepped out into the main corridor. His security team hustled him into his hover car and sped off heading to the nearest turbo lift while the New Republic forces inside mining site A held a running gun battle with the Federal Marines when they entered the mining facility. Their goal was to buy time for the rest of the force to evacuate. Laser fire lit up the corridors as the federal forces moved deeper into the mine trying to gain control of the facility.

Inside the turbo lift, along with his vice president and cabinet members, Shawn rode the lift down into the core of Europa. The decent took over a half hour; the lift reached the bottom of the mine, the doors whooshed open and they stepped out onto a metal platform. Artificial lighting lit up a vast underground cavern; Shawn stepped off the platform onto a dock and stared out at a vast ocean surrounding Europa's mutant core. Five large submersible vessels set next to the dock and Jerry Holliday stood in front of one of the submarines.

Jerry Holliday took his arm. "This way Mr. President."

Shawn balked. "What about the detainees? What about my brother?"

"They've already been moved. We need to get you away from here now."

Shawn climbed up the ladder, entered the submarine and his vice president and cabinet members followed. Jerry Holliday stayed on the dock supervising the evacuation; men streamed out of the turbo lifts, some miners and others military personnel, and entered the submarines. The submarines submerged leaving the docks while others returned to pick up more passengers. When the evacuation was complete and the Special Forces teams that provided the delaying action stormed out of the turbo lifts with the Federal Marines hot on their tail, Jerry Holliday showed them to the last submarine. Holliday was the last to step off the dock, and when he climbed the ladder to enter the last submarine, a squad of Federal Marines stormed out of the turbo lift firing at him with a laser carbine. He felt a laser bolt burn past his face when he ducked into the hatch. Jerry sealed the hatch, took a remote control detonator from his pocket and pressed a red button. The submarine submerged, and a massive explosion erupted, setting off charges throughout the mining facility causing a chain reaction of explosions throughout the mine. Level by level, the charges went off, mining site A collapsed and the surface buildings fell into the deluge sealing the federal invaders into an icy tomb.

### CHAPTER 23

Alonzo Garcia stood in his dress blues with his back ramrod straight standing to receive his diploma. The officer's training course was long and brutal, but Alonzo persevered and now, he stepped out of his seat and made his way to the stage. A sense of pride shot through him and a big grin crossed his face. Stepping up onto the stage, he shook hands with Commander Dawson, received his diploma, stepped up to Captain Chambers and fired off a snappy salute; Captain Chambers returned the curtsy.

"Congratulations Mr. Garcia. It's a pleasure having you aboard," Chambers said, extending his hand and they shook. A big grin spread across Alonzo's face.

"Thank you Sir. It is a pleasure serving under you," Alonzo replied and stepped back.

Captain Chambers smiled. "Mr. Garcia, I know you'll do us proud."

"I'll do my best, Sir," Alonzo said and took his seat. He watched Louis Martin step up to the platform, receive his diploma and when Louis stepped up to Captain Chambers, he noticed them laughing. When Louis Martin took his seat, Alonzo leaned over and whispered, "What was that all about?"

Louis shrugged. "The old boy wanted to rib me about the time when the gravity generator went out and I broke my damned leg. The Captain is a good bloke. I wouldn't mind sitting down and having a drink with him sometime."

Alonzo nodded. "We can do that now that we're officers. We can drink at the officer's pub, Bro."

"Right, I'll buy the first round when we do." Louis said.

After the graduation ceremony, the Fleet Marines held a party for the new graduates. Alonzo Garcia and Louis Martin swaggered into the mess hall in their dress blues, surveyed the room, and headed to the food and beverage line for a beer, but Alonzo stopped halfway across the mess hall. "Hey, Bro. You bring the brews and I'll go find us a table. Bring be a piece of that cake too." The smell of tobacco smoke and fresh cooked food filled the mess hall and the buzz of conversation filled the room.

"You got it, Mate. I'm in the mood to do some celebrating. Now that we're done with that bloody class, we've have a wee bit more free time."

Alonzo found a table next the left bulkhead near a view screen while Louis came back with two beers and a piece of cake for each of them. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about, Bro," Alonzo said and dived into the cake. Louis took a swig from his beer while Alonzo took a drink of his and glanced at the view screen on the right bulkhead looking at Uranus in all her glory. His eyes widened and his bottom jaw dropped.

"She's a sight. Isn't she Mate?" Louis said.

Alonzo nodded. "Yeah. We should enter orbit in two or three days. If you had told me while we were in high school that a year from now I would be on a starship cruising past Uranus on my way to the galaxy, I would have said that you're crazy. I hear we're dropping off a science team. They'll probably use the Fleet Marines to help them construct the base."

Louis shrugged. "Could you imagine it, Mate? To be stuck out here so far away from home for at least a year or more. It would drive me totally bonkers."

"These science guys love that shit, Bro. They discover some microbe embedded in the ice and it makes their dick hard." They finished their cake and drank another beer.

"What do you say we head down to the officer's pub?" Louis said.

Alonzo stood to his feet. "Let's go." Five minutes later, they swaggered into the pub as if they owned the place and took seats at the bar. The smell of beer and cigarette smoke filled the room. Captain Chambers and First officer Bannister entered the pub, Chambers noticed them sitting at the bar, so he invited them over to their table and they sat drinking and talking for the next two hours. Alonzo and Louis bid the captain and first officer farewell, headed down to the Fleet Marine berthing deck, packed their gear and rode the turbo lift up one level to officer's country. Junior officers shared small cabins that accommodated four men each so they found a cabin with two empty bunks and settled in for the night; they would start their first tour of duty as second lieutenants at 06:00 ship time.

Three standard earth days later, the deep space fleet entered orbit around Uranus and the Fleet Marine brass assigned Louis and Alonzo each a platoon of Marines issuing orders for them to construct the housing modules for the new science outpost on Titania. The EVA work was hard, but they were eager to prove themselves. While on Titania, Alonzo saw a shuttle land on the other side of the compound and watched two men in EVA suits lumber down the exit ramp, and step up to one of the Marines. The three men talked for a while before the two men boarded the shuttle and it took off heading back to the ship. Alonzo lumbered over to where the top sergeant, assisting a squad erecting a living module, stood.

"Who was on that shuttle Top?" Alonzo asked.

The Irish brogue of the top sergeant came through the speakers in the helmet of Alonzo's EVA suit. "That was our own dear captain and first officer, Lad. We're lucky to have such fine officers as them."

Alonzo nodded. "I hope that someday I could be half as good."

"Don't fret Lad. You're still a wee bit wet behind the ears, but you got the makings," the top sergeant said. Sun light stabbed across the surface of Titania. Alonzo looked out to space in the direction of Earth. A sense of unease shot through him making him feel insignificant and alone.

When David Gallagher boarded the light space cruiser with Captain O' Brian and his crew, O'Brian gave him the run of the ship. He said that if David promised not to try to cause trouble, he would make the journey to Europa as pleasant as possible. When they left Mars, several PPF vessels pursued them to the edge of the asteroid belt, but eventually gave up the chase. For the first three weeks at space, David cooperated, but after waking one morning at 06:00 ship time, David saw his chance and took it. In the galley, he saw a hand held laser in the holster of a man in the serving line and made a grab for it, but before the weapon cleared leather, five Special Forces team members pounced on him, took him to the ground in a dog pile and restrained him with handcuffs. A sharp pain shot up his arm when they put on the handcuffs.

"Now that was stupid. Did you think we weren't watching you?" the man whose handgun David tried to grab said.

David shrugged, giving the man a surly grin. "I saw my chance and I took it."

They escorted David to a small cabin, locked him in for the next two weeks and kept him under guard. When they brought him food, three men stood guard with their guns drawn while one of them handed him his plate. At the end of two weeks, Captain O'Brian entered the small cabin to have a chat. David lay back on the bed leaning up against a bulkhead with a churlish look on his face while O' Brian sat down in a chair facing him.

"Do you think that if I allow you to have a bit more freedom you could restrain yourself and not try to cause any more trouble? What did you think? That you could take on the whole crew and return to Mars?"

"It was worth a try, but yeah. I give you my word as a Fleet Marine that I won't make another attempt at getting away until we reach Europa."

"Well that's something anyway," O' Brian said.

David stretched. "I don't know why you people took me in the first place."

"Your brother wants to see you. The man cares for you," O' Brian said.

A scowl crossed David's face. "My brother is a worthless piece of shit. He's dead to me."

Anger flash across O'Brian's face and he stood abruptly to his feet. "Your brother is an honorable man. He's a visionary. People follow him because they want to, not because he welds authority. He believes in freedom and cares about people. I consider him a good friend and it makes me angry to hear you speak of him in that way. If you say something like that again about him I just might knock you on your scrawny little ass."

David let out a nervous laugh and held up his hands palms out. "I see he's got you people fooled. Why did he send you people to get me?"

O' Brian paused at the door. "I think that he wants you to join us. We can always use a good combat trained Marine. You're his brother. He cares about you."

David shook his head. "He's wasting your time. I'll never join your so called rebellion. I think your New Republic is a sham. It's just a bunch of thugs trying to get over on the system. My brother has always been a troublemaker and he always will be. I promised you that until we get to Europa, I won't try anything, but when we do get there, I want you to treat me as a prisoner of war. As such, it is my duty to try and escape."

"So be it. I'll leave the door unlocked. The ship's on autopilot. My crew is in the lounge enjoying a cold beer. Come and join us if you want," O Brian said and stood to leave. David couldn't help but wonder what hold Shawn had over these people. He joined O'Brian's crew a few minutes later for a cold beer and true to his word; David made no further attempts to escape. During the flight, his mood was surly most of the time, but part of him enjoyed the company of Captain O'Brian and his crew.

When they exited the asteroid belt and approached Jupiter, Captain O' Brian increased speed to maximum thrust when several federal battle cruisers blockading Jupiter turned to engage them. Laser flashes ached across their bow. Ten light cruisers shot out from behind an asteroid, attacking the federal ships while David watched the engagement on a VID screen in the lounge. O'Brian increased the downward angle descending toward Europa and while they swept over the icy moon, David saw an ongoing battle on the rugged surface of the moon. Laser fire lit up the night; he saw what appeared to be main battle tanks hammering what looked like a federal base to the south of the colony and he noticed large plumes of ice shoot up into the air every time the tank fired its main gun.

When they touched down, Captain O'Brian handed David an EVA suit, he suited up along with O'Brian and his Special Forces team and they lumbered down the exit ramp stepping onto the concrete landing pad. A security team met them on the landing pad, escorting David to the stockade; they set him up in temporary quarters and kept him under guard. When Shawn showed up to speak with him David's face reddened and his hands balled into fists at his sides. He seethed with anger and contempt, but when David saw the hurt look in Shawn's eyes, it caused a lump to form in his throat.

After they moved him in with the rest of the detainees, David found time to read the documents that Shawn gave to him. Mixed emotions shot through him. _How could people be trusted with such freedom?_ David wondered. Shawn showed up the next day with a chessboard and David reluctantly agreed to play a game. In the weeks and months that followed, their daily chess game became a ritual and David's anger began to subside. He gradually saw what the others saw in his brother and he began to understand why they followed him. The old bond of friendship they had when they were young reformed, but David tried to keep their conversations away from politics. He still didn't believe in Shawn's politics, but he was starting to understand why his brother did the things that he did.

One morning David sat at a table playing chess with another detainee when alarms sounded blaring throughout the facility and the stockade guards rushed in. "On your feet!" one of them yelled.

"What's the problem?" David asked, standing to his feet.

"We're under attack! We have to move all the detainees to a safer location!" the guard replied.

David grinned and a cheer went up from the detainees. "Good. Now maybe you people will get what you deserve."

"Shut up! Form up in columns of two!" the guard yelled. They formed up into parallel lines while more guards entered the stockade and escorted them through the security complex and out to the main corridor. Armed soldiers ran down the hallways heading to the turbo lifts, but the guards kept their M-23 Blasters trained on the detainees. They headed to the nearest turbo lift and rode the lift into the bowels of Europa. When David stepped out of the lift and onto a metal platform, he stopped and his eyes widened.

"Whoa. Does the federal science agency know about this? They've always suspected that Europa has an underground ocean surrounding its core, but they've never been able to prove it?"

One of the guards standing nearby shook his head. "Nope. It's our little secret. Consolidated brass never ventured down this far in the mines. The miners kept this little gym to themselves. We've even saw evidence of aquatic life. Now get aboard that first submersible."

David paused, feeling a slight chill in the air, and looked out at the water. "How did you manage to build these submarines under the nose of consolidated bosses and security?"

The guard laughed. "It helps when you have friends in supply. Sometimes, they tend to order a little too much material. Get on that sub. We don't have much time."

The detainees boarded the submarines; David found a seat near a porthole and once the last detainee boarded the sub, the guards sealed the hatch. David looked out the porthole on his right and the submarine descended into the abyss.

Louis Martin and Alonzo Garcia swaggered down the main corridor of the Port Royal in their dress blues, stepped into a turbo lift and rode it down to the shuttle bay. "This is going to be the biggest bash we've even been to, Mate," Louis said.

Alonzo grinned. "I'd say. Every officer in the fleet will be there. It ain't everyday that a captain of a battle cruiser gets married. Especially while the fleet is at space."

"I've never heard of it being done before, but it going to be a grand party. Captain Chambers is well liked."

Alonzo nodded. "That was some bachelor party last night, Bro."

"I'll say, Mate," Louis replied. The doors to the turbo lift whooshed open; they entered the reception area and waited for the next shuttle. Five minutes later, they crossed the shuttle bay, boarded a shuttle and waited while the shuttle filled up with officers and senior enlisted personnel. Three minutes later the shuttle shot down the launch tube, the Gee forces slamming them back into their seats, and shot out to space. Alonzo glanced out the porthole in the bulkhead to his right and his eyes widened taking in the view of Neptune in all her glory.

"She looks majestic, doesn't she, mate?" Louis said.

The shuttle touched down on the CEU-Saratoga a few minutes later and the passengers offloaded heading to the chapel. Captain Chambers stood in his dress blues on ocean blue carpeting at the front of the chapel below an oak pulpit setting on a raised platform behind him. First Officer Craig Bannister stood next to Chambers serving as his best man. The wedding march blared out of overhead speakers, three bridesmaids made their procession to the front of the church and everyone rose to their feet as Here Comes the Bride played over the speakers. Nicole Allison made her way to the front of the chapel, looking beautiful in her long off white wedding dress, and the admiral stepped off the platform to start the proceedings.

After the wedding, they held a reception in the Saratoga's main dining hall. Alonzo and Louis enjoyed themselves, drinking their fill and dancing with any available females. They caught the last shuttle back to the Port Royal, and twelve hours later, they stepped foot on Triton, supervising the construction of several science labs. The Fleet Marines had two other companies setting up scientific outpost of some of Neptune's other moons. Louis stepped up next to Alonzo and they stood watching a squad erect the walls of a prefabricated science lab.

"Mate, once we leave Neptune and fly past that little ice ball known as Pluto, we'll be in the great unknown. We'll be the first men to ever leave the solar system."

"I wonder what we'll find out there, Bro?" Alonzo asked.

Louis adjusted the temperature settings on his EVA suit. "I don't know mate. But I'm looking forward to seeing it, whatever it is." Ten hours later, the fleet broke orbit with Neptune heading to the stars.

### CHAPTER 24

Captain Chambers and First Officer Craig Bannister swaggered down the main corridor on A deck of the Port Royal and stopped in front of the doorway of the officer's pub. The doors whooshed open they stepped into the dimly lit bar room and a sense of unease shot through Captain Chambers.

"I think they're closed," Chambers said, glancing about. Darkness filled the pub and silence wafted across the room. "That's wired. I've never known the pub to be closed before." First Officer Bannister gripped Captain Chambers' arm, moving him further into the dark interior, but then light burst through the room.

"Surprise!" the people hiding in the darkness cheered. A grin spread across Chambers' face taking in all the people. Women from the comfort station moved among the guest with their tops off pouring drinks. They wore nothing but tiny little thongs on their bottoms and several women danced on the bar, half of which were topless and the rest naked. Two women, a longhaired blonde and a red head, grabbed Captain Chambers and took him by his arms. He felt their breasts pressing up against him while they moved him toward the center of the room. First Officer Bannister ambled along beside him laughing and Captain Chambers gave Bannister a hard look. "I told you, no bachelor party."

Bannister laughed and slapped Chambers on the back. "Relax. This was Nicole's idea. She wanted to make sure you got it all out of your system before you got married."

The women pushed Captain Chambers down into a chair, a buxom red head faced him, leaning forward; she grabbed his head and pulled it into her womanly flesh rubbing her breasts back and forth against his face. He breathed in the smell of her perfume and felt a stirring sensation in his lower regions, his heart pounded on the inside of his chest and his breathing accelerated. She stepped back a moment later and the blonde moved into position, turning around with her back to Chambers. Leaning forward, she rubbed her butt against his crotch for a few seconds grinding against him and then took his hands, placed them on her breasts while she leaned back against him.

Captain Chambers' fellow officers and several senior NCOs formed a circle around the chair cheering. Chambers struggled to his feet and pushed Bannister down in the chair.

"Okay girls. It's his turn," Chambers said.

Craig Bannister's face turned red, the girls pounced on him and after the women had their way with him Captain Chambers pulled First Officer Bannister to his feet. They staggered to the bar where a naked woman with short blonde hair, midsized breasts and a cute smile jumped down to serve them. "What can I get for you Captain?" she asked and shot him a sexy smile.

Chambers smiled back, his eyes taking in her luscious body. "I'll have a Jack and Coke and give Mr. Bannister a scotch." The woman turned from the bar, mixed their drinks and both men's eyes dropped to her butt when she turned around.

Bannister's eyes widened. "Now that's something I can sink my teeth into."

Chambers shrugged, and took a drink enjoying the smooth flavor of the whiskey. "Yeah, not bad."

She turned back around with their drinks, winked at Banister, and they took in her long sexy legs, the tiny patch of fur between her legs, her trim waist and her perky little breasts. Chambers downed his drink in one gulp. "Pour me another."

The woman giggled, turned back around; mixed him another drink and First Officer Bannister gave Captain Chambers a curious look. "Are we a little nervous tonight, my Cap-A-Tain?"

Chambers nodded. "Hell yeah. I keep wondering if I'm doing the right thing."

Banister's eyes widened and he reached out laying a hand on the captain's shoulder. "Are you crazy? Of course, you're doing the right thing. Nicole is the best thing that's ever happened to you. When I see you two together, you two radiate happiness. You can't miss all those sleazebags you used to sleep with?"

Chambers shook his head. "No. It's not that. It's this mission. Who knows what we'll find out there. It's a big galaxy. It will be twenty five years at least until we get home, if we get home. Am I doing the right thing by Nicole, making her the captain's wife?"

Banister raised his voice so the captain could hear him above the noisy party. "Of course you are. Nicole's an adult capable of making her own decisions. She's on this ship for the duration. Better for her to be your wife, living in your quarters, than working for the next twenty five years down at the comfort station."

Chambers sighed. "Yeah! You're right! I just got a case of the night before the wedding jitters."

First Officer Bannister bought the next round. "It happens to everyone. I was nervous as hell before I got married the first time."

Chambers laughed. "You've been married four times," he said starting to slur his words.

Bannister took a sip from his tumbler of scotch. "Yeah, and I was nervous the night before I married each one. Now I've got four ex wives."

Captain Chambers noticed Louis Martin and Alonzo Garcia sitting at a table across the room. "See those two new shave tails over there?" he said pointing across the room.

Bannister shrugged. "Yeah. So?"

"Let's go join them for a few drinks," Captain Chambers said, and staggered across the bar room, so Craig Bannister picked up his drink and followed.

Captain Chambers stood at the front of the chapel on the CEU Saratoga in his dress blues with First Officer Banister at his side. His heart did a drum roll inside his chest and he couldn't seem to stop his hands from shaking. Admiral Ivanov stepped off a raised platform and faced them while canned wedding music played from the room's speakers. The officers and senior NCOs in the audience stood to their feet while the bride's maids started their procession toward the front of the chapel. A nervous flutter shot through Chambers' stomach as they turned watching the bride's maids approach. The wedding march started up, Nicole Allison entered the back of the chapel, his nervousness disappeared, his eyes widened, a smile crossed his face and a sense of joy shot through him. Vice Admiral Tom Larsen dressed in his dress blues with medals and campaign ribbons covering his left breast, escorted Nicole to the front the chapel delivering her to the captain's arm.

"You are a lucky young man," Vice Admiral Larsen whispered into Chambers' ear.

"I know. Thank you sir," Chambers whispered back, breathing in the smell of vodka on the admiral's breath.

The wedding party turned to face Admiral Ivanov and Ivanov smiled. "My fellow officers, senior NCOS and enlisted men and women. This occasion, brings me great joy. Captain Chambers is one of my best officers. How he managed to land this lovely woman is beyond me." The audience laughed. "But we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony." The admiral continued with the wedding ceremony. Captain Chambers and Nicole Allison said their wedding vows and when it came time to kiss the bride, the captain thought his heart might explode for joy. They exited the chapel, the honor guards held their swords aloft forming a canopy of steel to walk under, the last two in line gave Nicole the traditional slap on the ass with the broad sides of their swords and a wild cheer erupted when they left the chapel.

Later, at the reception, Captain Chambers held Nicole close, enjoying the firm pressure of her breasts pressed up against him, while they danced the first dance of the evening. After the first dance, several people offered up toast to the new couple and Captain Chambers lost Nicole for the remainder of the evening. Every officer, NCO and enlisted man at the reception wanted to dance with the bride, so he found a seat against the bulkhead and watched the people on the dance floor.

Craig Bannister sat down next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You know, you are one lucky bastard. If you fuck this up, I'll kick your ass."

Captain Chambers laughed. "You're preaching to the quire. I won't fuck it up. If I do, I'll do what all good men do in such situations. I'll grovel sufficiently to get back in her good graces," Chambers replied.

Bannister laughed and handed Chambers a drink. Second lieutenants, Alonzo Garcia and Louis Martin sat down next to them and congratulated the captain.

Chambers looked up. "Don't you two have duty tomorrow? You'd better not stay too late."

Alonzo nodded, downing the rest of his drink. "Yes sir. We're in charge of a couple of platoons setting up the science stations on Triton. We won't stay too long."

Louis stood up. "We wouldn't have missed this for the world. This was the first time I've ever heard of a bloody starship captain getting married at space." Someone from across the room called for the captain saying that it was time to cut the cake, he made his way through the crowd to a table near the center of the room and Nicole joined him. They stood behind the table, cut the cake and the crowd cheered raising their glasses in toast. After that, they opened the presents, the party wound down and shuttles ferried the guest back to their various ships. The wedding party, on board the captain's shuttle, was the last to leave the Saratoga. On their way back to the Port Royal, Captain Chambers and his bride sat in the back row of the passenger compartment with Nicole laying her head against the captain's chest. He ran his hand down her back enjoying the smooth feel of her skin.

Nicole looked up. "I'm exhausted."

Chambers grinned. "You'd better not be too tired."

A mischievous smile crossed Nicole's face. "I'm never that tired," Nicole said and kissed him. "How was your bachelor party?" Another grin crossed Nicole's face.

Captain Chambers blushed. "It was all right. The girls were wild. There was a lot of bumping and grinding plus a little hand action, but I behaved myself."

Nicole laughed. "I know. The girls told me about it. I told them they could rub their tits in your face; let you feel them up a bit, but no sex. They said you jumped out of that chair as soon as you could and headed for the bar."

Chambers sighed. "I'm a changed man," he said, kissing Nicole's neck. He touched her left breast. "I've only got eyes, and hands, for you, my dear." The captain's shuttle docked on the Port Royal and the captain and his bride received several cheers and well wishes while they made their way through the ship to the captain's quarters. At the door to his cabin, Captain Chambers picked up his bride, carried her over the threshold and to his bed.

Nicole pushed the captain down onto his bed and stood facing him. Mesmerized by her beauty, Captain Chambers leaned back on his elbows watching while Nicole, her face flushed with desire, jerked down the back zipper of her wedding dress and let the dress fall to the floor. She stepped out of her under garments; the captain's eyes widened taking in her pretty face with its high cheekbones and up turned nose. He took in her large perfectly formed breasts with their dark hard nipples centered in the areolas and took in her thin waist, round hips, her long sexy legs and he breathed in the sensual smell of her perfume. She let out a throaty breath, climbed on top of him and ripped off the captain's clothes. His heart hammered inside his chest and he struggled to catch his breath. She made love to him with such passion and abandonment that Captain Chambers could barely keep up with her rhythm, and sometime later, their sweaty nude bodies entwined, they fell into a deep peaceful sleep.

The following morning they made love again, but this time, the pace was slow and easy. Captain Chambers cooked breakfast and they ate at the small table in his cabin. Finished with breakfast, he set up holographic projectors focusing their beam on the entire bulkhead across the room from the bed. He mounted a few projectors up high with their beams focus down on the deck and when he turned the equipment on, the image of a sandy beach and the blue Pacific Ocean filled the entire bulkhead. The projectors focusing down on the deck put out the image of sand instead of the blue carpeting and the sound of crashing waves filled the room.

"I thought that since I can't take you on a picnic to the beach on our honeymoon, that I would bring the beach to us instead." He brought food and drinks from the food and beverage dispenser while Nicole sat down across from him.

"God. It looks so real," Nicole said looking out at the ocean. A boat passed by far out at sea. "I almost expect my feet to get wet if I get too close."

"They've come a long way with holographic technology. There are several programs we can run," he said and poured Nicole a glass of wine. "I've got the next seventy two hours off, so I figured that I'd better have something to keep us occupied when we're not making love."

Nicole kissed him. "I don't need to be entertained. Just being here with you is enough." Gulls circled over the waves, they ate their lunch on the holographic beach and made love in the sand. "At least here, I won't get sand in my crack," Nicole said and giggled. That night they ate dinner on a rooftop overlooking New York City and sat at a table looking down at the lights watching a hover car float by. Captain Chambers put his arm around Nicole, holding her close; _God, I can't seem to keep this silly grin off my face,_ he thought.

"I can't get over how real this looks," Nicole said snuggling up against him. "If I were to step up to the edge of that brick wall, I'd be afraid of falling," Nicole said.

"This program was shot from on top of the federal building where the Council of Economic Unions meets."

Nicole looked into his eyes. "How will the ship get along without its beloved captain for three days?"

"Craig will handle things. As we speak, our Marines are setting up scientific outposts on Neptune's moons. By the time I report for duty, we will have broke orbit with Neptune and be on our way to the outer reaches. We'll do a flyby of Pluto in a couple of months and head for the stars."

Nicole sighed. "I'll be an old woman by the time we get home."

Chambers smiled. "You'll always be young to me," he said and kissed her. They finished dinner, polished off the wine, went to bed and made love until the wee hours of the morning. The next day, Captain Chambers changed the program and the image of Niagara Falls appeared on the bulkhead. They ate their breakfast and lunch next to the falls. The last day of their three day honeymoon, Captain Chambers repositioned the projectors, ran a program depicting a rustic mountain cabin, so they cuddled next to a blazing fire that evening and made love on a holographic bear rug.

When Chambers entered the bridge on his first day back on duty, Crag Bannister shot him a friendly grin. "How was the honeymoon?"

Chambers looked at Banister and grinned. "It was great. How goes the voyage? Is there anything I need to be aware of?"

Banister shook his head. "Nope. We've left Neptune behind and are on our way to a close encounter with Pluto. After that, it's out into the great unknown. Are you ready to leave this solar system behind and see what's out there?"

Chambers nodded. "Hell yeah," he replied and sat down in the command chair.

### CHAPTER 25

David Gallagher looked out the porthole to the right of his seat while the submarine descended into the depths of the subterranean ocean surrounding Europa's mutant core. Sweat beaded up on his forehead. All he saw was blackness for a few seconds and then he saw a flash of movement. Something large, with tiny florescent lights covering its massive body, bumped the sub when it sped by causing the captain to steer away from the aquatic mammal. A sense of awe passed through him.

"What was that?" David asked, wiping the condensation away from the porthole so he could get a better look.

"We don't know for sure. Our scientists think they are mammals somewhat like whales," one of the guards said stopping next to David's seat.

"What are those lights?" David asked, feeling his ears pop when the submersible descended.

"We don't know that for sure either, but our scientists think they are some type of crustacean. The place is thriving with life."

"Why haven't you told anyone? The scientist on Earth would jump through hoops to check this out," David said, an excited grin crossing his face.

"All in due time. We'd like to wait until we get this bit of unpleasantness over with. For now it's a state secret." Two hours later, the submarine ascended, all forward motion stopped and David felt a slight jolt.

"We're here," one of the guards, said. "Stand to your feet and prepare to disembark."

"Where's here?" David asked.

"Mining site D. Your new home," the guard said motioning him to his feet.

The detainees filed down an aisle way, climbed out an exit hatch and stepped out onto a metal dock. The guards herded them into a turbo lift; the lift ascended for several levels and thirty minutes later, the turbo lift doors slid opened.

"Let's go gentlemen. I'll show you to your new home," the guard at the front of the lift said. He stepped out into a busy corridor, the detainees followed and the remaining guards flanked them. Military personnel moved back and forth down the corridor, and everyone was in a big hurry. David heard people talking about an attack. Seeing an open doorway to his left, he stepped through it. The nearest guard, whose attention was elsewhere, didn't see him. David stepped further into the darkness, his heart pounding inside his chest, and he waited with his back pressed to the bulkhead for the guards to pass. A bead of sweat tracked down the side of his face. He punched the button on the inside of the door and the door closed.

"Computer. Lights on," David said. Light exploded through the room and he found himself inside a maintenance shop filled with various types of vehicles, all in states of disrepair. Breathing in the smell of oil and grease, David checked out each vehicle in turn, he found an atmospherically contained Roust About. It was a small tracked vessel used for maintenance workers on the surface. _Someone must have brought it down here for repairs._ David punched the green button on the wall next to the turbo lift doors, the doors slid open and he tried the Roust About next. After going through the airlock, David sat down in the driver's seat, punched the starter button and the engine roared to life. He moved the Roust About into the turbo lift.

"Which level?" the sultry voice of the turbo lifts' computer asked.

"Take me to the surface." The turbo lift doors closed behind him. Twenty minutes later, the lift stopped moving, a large set of steel doors slid open in front of him, he moved the floor shifter into the forward gear and shot out of the mining facility and onto the surface of Europa. Adjusting the vehicle's interior temperature, he turned on the vehicles GPS system; saw a group of buildings to the north of his position and recognized the defensive positions and the strategic locations of the buildings.

"Now that's a federal base if I ever saw one. If I can just get there and warn them before these damned rebels attack," David said to himself.

Cyrus Bonelli paced back and forth in front of the VID screen in his conference room, feeling too nervous to sit down. The image of Admiral Delacroix filled the screen.

Biting down the taste of acid reflux in his throat Bonelli said, "Admiral. What do you have to report?"

"Mr. President. My Marines have breached the main complex. Our airpower destroyed their defensive positions on the surface and our Marines overran their positions guarding the main colony. They are underground now at mining site A. It should be just a matter of time." The Admiral's Com unit on the lapel of his uniform beeped. "Delacroix." The Admiral's face turned ashen. "Are you sure? All of them? Yes. I understand."

"What?" Cyrus Bonelli demanded. Cyrus brought a tumbler of Crown Royal Canadian whiskey to his lips.

"Mr. President. It seems that the rebels sabotaged the entire facility. There was a massive explosion. They destroyed mining site A. All of my Marines, except for those held in reserve at the base on the surface, are dead, buried under the ice."

A vain pulsated in Bonelli's forehead. "Take heart. At least they took those terrorist bastards died with them. I'm sorry about your men, but they died a hero's death in service to the council," Cyrus said. Admiral Delacroix's Com unit beeped once more, he spoke into the earpiece and Cyrus Bonelli thought the Admiral was going to pass out. Cyrus felt bile forming in his stomach. "What now God damn it?"

"Mr. President. That was Colonel Barrow commander of the base on the surface of Europa. The rebels had some type of escape plan. Barrow says that the base is under attack. He says that he doesn't think they'll be able to hold."

"Tell him he better hold that base or I'll have his ass God damn it!" Bonelli yelled. "Give him air support! Fly in more troops. Give him anything he needs!" Cyrus felt a sharp pain shoot across his chest.

"We don't have much left to give, Mr. President. Wait one. I'm getting another report. Yes. I see. Take evasive actions. Do whatever is necessary. I'll be in the war room in two minutes."

"What else could have possibly gone wrong?" Cyrus said, feeling his left arm grow numb.

"Mr. President, I received word from one of my ships patrolling near the asteroid belt. The captain says that they are under attack by a fleet of New Republic ships coming out of the asteroid belt. He says the rebels have some type of powerful torpedo that slices right through their energy shields and produces a yield like nothing we've ever seen before. They've destroyed ten of my ships so far. The captain of that vessel fled in attempt to save his ship and crew. The New Republic fleet is on their way in force. I have to go to oversee the battle," Delacroix said and cut the transmission.

"God damn it!" Cyrus Bonelli roared and threw the glass tumbler he was holding in his hand against the glass window that overlooked New York City.

Shawn Gallagher sat in his new Com center and war room on mining site D listening to the progress over the Com net monitoring the attack on the federal base. His Com unit beeped; he flipped a toggle on his console and spoke into a microphone. "Gallagher," he said.

"Mr. President. I've got bad news. I received word that your brother has escaped," Jerry Holliday, said, his voice reverberating though the small speaker on Shawn's console.

Shawn banged his hand down hard on the computer console in front of him. "Escaped! How God damn it?" Shawn wiped his brown and leaned back in his seat.

"When we moved the detainees, he managed to steal a Roust About and headed out to the surface. I have a security team in pursuit. They are tracking his bio signal on their GPS unit," Holliday said.

Shawn tried to get his breathing under control. "But we are about to launch an attack."

"I know. Our military is setting on go waiting for you to give the word. My security chief thinks your brother is trying to warn the federals," Holliday said.

Shawn let out a slow easy breath, trying to get his temper under control and said, "You've got the green light for the attack. Launch it at once. My brother is secondary to that. Try to apprehend him before he reaches the federal base."

"Will do sir. My men are on his ass as we speak," Holliday replied.

"And Jerry," Shawn said.

"Yes Mr. President?"

"Try not to hurt him, if you can."

"Yes Sir. My men will use the minimal amount of force necessary," Holliday said.

Shawn sighed and cut the transmission.

One the surface, David Gallagher gunned the Roust About, bouncing over a small hill and saw the lights of the federal facility in the distance. Minute particles of ice and rock flew up into the air in the vehicle's wake. Something flashed across his windshield and he looked down at the computer screen on the Roust About's dashboard. He saw the radar signature of five tracked vehicles coming up on his tail.

"God, damn it!" David yelled, gunned the throttle, tiny ice particles spewed into the air and laser fire hit the left rear wheel of the Roust About sheering it off. The Roust About flipped over turning upside down; he hung upside down in the driver's seat hanging by his safety harness, but before he could unsnap the harness, five men stormed through the airlock into the driver's compartment and David looked down into the gaping maw of five M-23 Blasters.

Gustav Kesler 's fleet of light cruisers spewed out of the asteroid belt and attacked the flank of the federal main battle fleet launching torpedoes and using their laser cannons. They launched space fighters, who mixed it up with their federal counterparts, and on board his flagship, Gustav stood, leaning on the motherboard. He looked down at the massive computer screen occupying the entire surface a long table and a smile spread across his face.

"Come on, come on, take the bait," Gustav said holding his clinched fist up close to his mouth. He watched several green blips on the screen turn and approached his fleet, indicated by tiny blue dots on the screen. A computer console nearby beeped. Once the bulk of the federal forces turned to engage his fleet and was in range, Gustav slapped the lapel of his uniform speaking into his Com link. He opened up a channel to all of the ships in his fleet. "Launch the anti matter weapons. Hammer the Got damned bastards!" Gustav yelled. On the screen tiny red blips appeared, the honing device in the warheads locked on to the federal vessels and the anti matter torpedoes tore through the shields on the federal vessels like a hot knife slicing through butter. The torpedoes tore through the hulls of the vessels igniting the anti matter warheads. Blinding explosions forced the bridge personnel on the New Republic vessels to turn away from their view screens as a massive debris field formed in orbit and in space near Jupiter. Three quarters of the federal fleet perished in the initial onslaught, but Admiral Delacroix ordered the rest of his fleet to flee.

A haggard image of Admiral Delacroix appeared on Cyrus Bonelli's VID screen. In the background, Cyrus saw hustle and bustle hearing alarms blared and buzzers sound throughout the ship. "Report!" Cyrus demanded.

Delacroix took a small pill bottle out of his uniform pocket and tossed back several pills, chewing them up dry. "Mr. President. They deployed some type of anti-matter weapon. Their torpedoes tore right through our shields. I've lost three quarters of my fleet. I've ordered the rest of my ships to flee to the asteroid belt."

Bonelli shook his head. "No God damn it! Tell them to turn and engage!" A vein on the side of his forehead pulsated and a sharp pain shot through his skull.

"Admiral. I'm getting a VID transmission from Colonel Bower. I'll patch it through."

The image on Cyrus Bonelli's screen split down the middle, the left side of the screen showing the haggard image of Admiral Delacroix and the right side showed the equally haggard image of Colonel Bower.

"Mr. President. The base is under attack. They have breached the perimeter. My men cannot hold the base," Colonel Bowers said.

Cyrus noticed Bower's hand shaking. _The man's about to break,_ he thought. "They had better hold that damned base or I'll have you executed! Admiral! I order your remaining ships to turn and fire nuclear armed missiles at Europa! I'll turn that moon into so many chunks of ice before I let them bastards get away with this! Tell the so called president! Never mind! I'll tell him myself! Patch me through to Shawn Gallagher! If he doesn't stop this attack at once, I'll turn the space where Europa once was into a nuclear wasteland!" Cyrus yelled, not hearing a loud banging sound coming from the door to his conference room.

On the surface of Europa, the New Republic tanks formed up in a parallel line attacking the federals from the south firing their main guns and laser cannons from five hundred yards out. The federal main battle tanks, now outnumbered due to losing a company in the previous ambush, came over the earthworks and through the wire to meet the New Republic forces. All though loosing half of their force, the New Republic tanks annihilated their federal counterparts. What was left of the federal tank force lay in smoking ruins; charred bodies and hulks of mutant metal littered the battlefield.

After eliminating the federal tank force, the New Republic tanks opened up on the perimeter defenses and the earthworks surrounding the federal base, clearing a path for the infantry. Three hundred yards out, the troop carriers off loaded the infantry and stormed the base. The federal Marines fought valiantly, but in the end, they were no match for the New Republic forces. With a pathway cleared by the tank force, the New Republic infantry stormed onto the federal base.

Shawn Gallagher watched the scene unfold in real time at his communication center and monitored the Com net keeping track of the ongoing space battle. A hopeful grin spread across his face. His Com unit beeped and the following text scrolled across his screen: IN COMING FLASH TRANSMISSION// URGANT. Shawn typed in his coded log in on the keyboard and the image of Cyrus Bonelli appeared on the screen. Before Shawn could speak, Bonelli exploded in a triad of rage.

"I demand that you stop this attack at once! If you do not, I have ordered what is left of our fleet to launch nuclear missiles at Europa! I'll turn your little ball of ice into nuclear slush!"

Shawn laughed. "I wouldn't try that. We have tanker vessels filled with Hydrogen sitting parked and ready. I'll have my people put them on autopilot and launch them on a collision course with your ships. This thing is not worth any more people dying. Tell your forces to stand down and surrender," Shawn replied, leaning forward in his chair.

"Why you insolent bastard! I'll-" Cyrus heard and noise off screen and five men in security uniforms barged in with their guns drawn followed by a short little man with a baldhead. "What is the meaning of this? I demand-"

"Cyrus Bonelli, you are hereby under arrest for issuing unlawful orders and for contempt." Cyrus tried to resist but the security personnel took him to the ground and drug him out of the room in restraints. The short little baldheaded man looked up at the view screen.

"I assume you are Shawn Gallagher?" he said.

Shawn nodded and leaned back. "I'm Gallagher, president of the New Republic."

"I am Floyd Bidwell, interim President of the Council of Economic Unions. Please call off your attack. Tell your forces to stand down. No one else has to die."

Shawn let out a sigh of relief. "I will if you will."

Bidwell nodded. "Consider it done. I'm contacting the military commanders now."

Shawn contacted his military commanders ordering them to cease their attack but stand ready. "I put the attack on hold, for now," Gallagher said.

Bidwell clasped his hands in front of his chest. "Mr. President I am prepared to offer Europa a position as a nation state with full representation on the Council of Economic Unions."

Shawn shook his head. "No Sir. We are a free and independent sovereign nation."

Bidwell sighed. "Very well. We are willing to grant you your independence. We need to get the Hydrogen and Helium-3 flowing. I am arranging a peace conference. What are your terms?"

"Have your naval personnel evacuate Jupiter Space dock. Myself and two other delegates will meet with your admiral and vice admiral there."

Bidwell began to pace back and forth. "Agreed. We have representatives from Consolidated Mining, and other companies who would like to come to Europa to discuss trade issues."

"Agreed. I would also like to discuss immigration issues. We have people here who have family on Earth. They would like for them to immigrate to Europa to join them."

Bidwell nodded and stopped pacing. "All this will all be discussed at the conference. There is also the issue of the detainees you hold."

"Once we reach an agreement, I will release them into federal custody. After that, all of your ships and military personnel will leave the Jovian system."

"Agreed. How does zero eight hundred hours tomorrow sound for the conference?" Bidwell asked.

"Agreed," Shawn, replied trying not to show any emotion.

"Once an accorded is reached and signed, make a copy for yourself and transmit it over the net. The council will have a look at it and vote whether or not to ratify."

"What happens if they don't like it?" Shawn asked.

"No one wants to see hostilities resume. They may try to clarify some issues and renegotiate some terms," Bidwell said.

"Right now you are not in a position to demand terms," Shawn said.

Bidwell found a seat. "It's just a formality. I'm sure it will be minor issues if any. The members on that council live to debate."

"All right. Tell Admiral Delacroix that I will see him tomorrow morning at zero eight hundred hours," Shawn said, ending the transmission.

On the ground, the New Republic forces stood down. They went into a defensive mode, and the remaining federal troops occupying their HQ, hunkered down to wait. The New Republic general in command of the infantry allowed the federals to see to their wounded. In space, Gustav Kesler disengaged from the remainder of the federal main battle fleet. Admiral Delacroix began the evacuation of Jupiter space dock while the forces facing each other on the battlefield, along with the navies facing each other in space, seemed to let out a collective sigh hoping that the politicians would come to an agreement.

For the next three days on the surface of Europa, the federal troops and the New Republic forces fortified their positions waiting for word from the peace council. They used the time to care for the wounded and attend to the dead. In space, both fleets faced off with each other, but no one fired a shot. Both navies used the time to affect repairs and care for the injured. Seventy two hours after the start of the peace accord, they announced an agreement. President Shawn Gallagher and Admiral Delacroix stood before a VID screen, made the announcement and Solar One New immediately transmitted it throughout the solar system.

On the surface of Europa, New Republic ground forces occupied the federal base; the federal Marines surrendered their weapons and turned themselves over to New Republic control. The remaining federal battle Cruisers landed shuttles on Europa to ferry their troops, along with the detainees, back to the awaiting ships. Shawn Gallagher and his security detail entered the shuttle port. The last to leave the surface of Europa was the detainees. They put on their EVA suits preparing for the walk to the shuttles waiting outside. Shawn caught up with his brother David while he was putting on his EVA suit. "Are you sure I can't talk you into staying?" Shawn said, trying to swallow the lump forming in his throat.

David sighed and shook his head. "Our destinies lay on different paths. You know, when this all started, I hated you for what you did. I didn't understand it. I don't hate you anymore. I love you man. You're my brother."

"I love you too Bro," Shawn said, grabbed David in a big bear hug. He pulled away after they did some backslapping and wiped his eyes.

"I still don't agree with what you've done, but I understand it. If things were different, I might have even joined up with you guys, but for now, I'll stick with the federal Marines."

Shawn laid a hand on his brother's shoulder. "I talked with Admiral Delacroix. He told me that the rebels destroyed your old outpost on Mars. There were no survivors. I know you must have lost some friends."

"Yeah," David said thinking about Paul Rosenbaum.

"I also told the admiral about your desire to attend robotics school. He said that you have a good record, except for a minor incident regarding a fight over a card game. He said that if you agreed to sign up for one more hitch, the military might give you a waver on your GI rating and send you to robotics school. They allow military personnel some leeway on their genetics."

"Thanks. I'll give that some thought when the time comes," David replied. They talked for a few minutes and said their good-byes. Looking out of a hardened glass porthole, Shawn watched the detainees cross the tarmac to the awaiting shuttles. Once the detainees arrived safely on their ships, the remnant of the federal main battle fleet turned their noses toward the asteroid belt and home. On the surface of Europa, pilots boarded taker ships and lifted off. A cargo fleet carrying hydrogen and helium-3 broke orbit with Jupiter and started their long journey toward Earth.

After seeing to the departure of the detainees, Shawn and his security detail entered the main assembly hall at mining site D. Thunderous applause greeted his arrival when he made his way down the center aisle. Miners, military personnel and government employees greeted him along his way down to the front. People patted him on the back and shoulder; Shawn stopped to shake a few hands. When he stepped up onto a podium to join the other dignitaries, reporters shouted questions.

Shawn cleared his throat, trying not to let his voice crack when he spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen. The New Republic is now, and forever will be, a free and independent nation. We are going to send ambassadors representing the colonies orbiting Jupiter and Saturn, to Earth. We will have full representation on the Council of Economic Unions, not as an independent nation state, but as a sovereign nation." Loud applause and cheers interrupted his speech. A grin spread across Shawn's face. "Next store, in the reception center, we will hold the wildest party that anyone has ever seen."

"Mr. President. What about the future?" a New Republic reporter asked.

Shawn stepped closer to the edge of the platform, closer to the crowd. "I envision a new Europa. Not just a rough mining colony, but also a modern utopia where we can raise our kids. I envision factories producing goods. Bio domes with botanical gardens underneath. Complete neighborhoods where we can live and grow into a thriving colony."

"What about mining site A?" another reporter asked, raising his hand to be recognized.

Shawn crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I would like to build a granite wall around the collapsed mining site with the names of every person who died there engraved in the wall. We must never forget their sacrifice. The other portions of the colony damaged by the fighting shall be rebuilt."

"What about your families back on Earth?" another reporter asked.

Shawn crossed the platform to look directly into the man's face. "It's part of the peace accords. The CEU had agreed to let our families immigrate."

"What about your future with the CEU? Do you think your battle for freedom is over?" a Solar One news reported asked.

Shawn spread his arms apart. "Our battle was for Europa, but that's one thing about freedom. Once one group obtains it, others want it. What does the Future hold? Who knows? Perhaps tomorrow the battle will be for Mars, or maybe Earth. Now it's time to celebrate," Shawn said raising both fist into the air. "Let's go next store, enjoy some good food and some cold beer, because freedom rocks!" The crowd rose to its feet in thunderous applause. Shawn Gallagher stepped down from the podium, swaggered down the center aisle, with his security detail flanking him, and citizens of the New Republic followed.

####

I hope you enjoyed reading The Battle For Europa as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you did, then perhaps you will enjoy reading, The Battle For Mars, book number two in the Space Corps Chronicles. Check out the sample chapters below.

The Battle For Mars Sample Chapters.
Chapter 1

Eddie Falcon leaned against the bulkhead glancing out the window as the shuttle descended through the atmosphere crossing the Solis Planum region of the Western hemisphere on Mars. A dark haired wiry, man in his mid thirties, Falcon looked like a hundred other miners on their way to Mars. Yet when he boarded the Consolidated transport Ship at Earth's space dock and made his way down the aisle passing through the passenger compartment to the sleeping cabins, each person he passed sitting in the passenger compartment, glanced up and made eye contact. A few brought their right hand up, as if in salute, but at the last instant ran their hand through their hair or rubbed the side of their face.

To the Consolidated management, riding on the shuttle, Falcon looked like your average hard rock miner, and they paid him no mind. Falcon stood five feet ten inches tall with short coal dark hair, a stony expression and a lean frame. There wasn't an inch of body fat on him. His muscles were taut, like sinew, but his almond colored eyes looked as if they could pierce into your very soul. The three month flight from Earth to Mars was uneventful, but now that time of inactivity was over. On the last leg of his journey, Eddie Falcon boarded the shuttle at Mars' space dock for the trip to the surface. He took a seat in the last row, near the rear of the shuttle and tried not to draw any attention to himself.

"How long's it been since you've been to Mars?" the miner sitting next to him asked.

"Several years," Eddie replied, reluctantly drawing his eyes away from the porthole. "What's your name?"

The blond headed miner sitting next to him smiled. "James Galt. We're glad to have you here, Mr. Fal-"

"I'm using the name, Johnson, for the time being. David Johnson."

"Right. I'm sorry Sir, I forgot. Things should start hopping now that you're here," Galt said.

A frown crossed Eddie's face. "Keep your voice down. I don't want those Consolidated bosses to get suspicious. I need everyone to act like I'm just another miner on my way to New London," Eddie said and turned his face back to the porthole.

"Right. I'm sorry, man. It's just that you're famous. It's an honor to finally meet you."

"Where've you been? We've been on the same ship since we left Earth," Falcon said.

"I know. I saw you at the meetings, down in the hold and I heard your speeches, but I never had a chance to get close. It's an honor to finally get a chance to speak to you."

Eddie sighed. "I'm just a regular guy like you. I'm just trying to make a difference, that's all."

"Well, I think you've done a hell of a good job. The movement wouldn't be where it's at right now, if not for you," Galt said.

"No, it's the people that make the movement: the rank and file members like you, but if the Consolidated bosses or one of the security guards were to hear this conversation, they'd turn us both over to the feds when we land. Let's change the subject."

"Right."

When the shuttle approached the spaceport, Eddie's eyes widened. "Good Lord, that place is huge. The last time I was here, it was just a lonely base off in the middle of nowhere. Now it looks like a city unto itself."

"Yeah, they beefed up the spaceport after The New Republic formed and pulled Jupiter and Saturn out of the council. You should see the colony. It's quadrupled in size. Camp Rizzo. too. You can't go anywhere in the colony without bumping into one of them federal bastards. You name it they're all here. You've got soldiers and Marines patrolling the colony, along with sailors from the fleet spending their hard earned cash in New London," Galt replied.

"The last time I was here, they just had a few companies of Marines from Camp Rizzo. The Army took care of the colonies over in the east hemisphere."

"That was before they put the monorail in. Now they have bases all over. They're trying to keep the rebels at bay. They don't want us to go the way of Europa."

Eddie laughed. "Well, the Federal Defense Forces and the Council of Economic Unions can't always have things their way."

"Yeah, now that you're here, I think those federal boys are gonna start earning their pay."

The shuttle touched down on a massive landing pad and the voice of the shuttle's pilot reverberated through the passenger compartment's PA system. "Gentlemen! Please put on your Mark I EVA suits, grab your gear and exit the shuttle at the nearest airlock!"

Eddie Falcon put on his EVA suit and then his gravity boots. After putting on his helmet, he turned to the miner sitting next to him. "Do you mind checking my seals and my air tank?"

"Sure," James Galt said placing his hands over the air vents on the front of the helmet's face shield. "Take a deep breath." Falcon took a breath. "Your seals are fine. Turn around." Falcon turned around so he could check his oxygen tank. "Your tanks are full. Sir if you don't mind, could you do me?"

"I'd be glad to," Falcon said.

After everyone suited up and did their equipment checks, the miners moved down the aisle way toward the airlocks. Eddie Falcon was the last of the miners to swagger down the exit ramp and step onto the ground on Mars. He paused for a moment and his eyes widened in wonder inside his EVA suit. The shuttle terminal was twice as large as the last time he was here. They had added an enclosed second floor next to three large monorail beams descended to the station. Falcon's eyes followed the beams as they disappeared into the Martian night. Three monorails set next to the station platform. Four other beams intersected with these three, two coming in from the south and two from the north.

James Galt noticed the direction of Falcon's gaze. "That's the train station on the second floor. The monorails run to the various colonies throughout the planet." His voice echoed through the speakers inside the helmet of Falcon's EVA suit.

"I heard about those new trains, but this is the first time I've seen them." Falcon noticed a large barn like structure off to his right that was under construction. "What's over there?"

"That's Consolidated's new terminal. When that's finished we won't have to share with the federal pukes. It's supposed to have its own shuttle landing facility as well as an atmospherically contained transport barn. You won't have to put on you EVA suits. Once your shuttle lands inside the terminal and they restore oxygen, you'll catch bus to the mines. It's supposed to be totally atmospherically contained."

Several soldiers, a group of Marines and a sailor passed them by on the way to the terminal. A Fleet Marine accidently bumped into Eddie Falcon.

"Excuse me," Falcon said.

"There's no excuse for you. Damn I hate hard rock miners," the Marine said to his buddy as they headed to the terminal.

"Federal pukes," Galt said, not bothering to hide the disgust in his voice.

"They can't help it. That's the way they're trained, but you can't blame them, what with the rebels and you rowdy miners, they've got their hands full."

Galt laughed inside his EVA suit. "My heart bleeds for them. Things are bound to get worse now that you're here."

"You heard the briefing in the hold. It's time to ratchet things up a notch. It will be interesting to see how things turn out," Falcon said as they headed across the tarmac toward the terminal.

"Hopefully, thing will get better for us," Galt replied.

They crossed the tarmac following the crowd to the spaceport. A long line formed up at the main entrance and they fell into the back of the line behind some soldiers and waited for their turn to pass through the airlock. Ten minutes later, they crowded into an airlock along with a group of military personnel and a group of rowdy miners. Oxygen filled the airlock, the inner doors opened and the people standing in front of them entered the spaceport. Hustle and bustle filled the terminal. John Galt and Eddie Falcon took of the helmets of their EVA suits and fell into line at one of the customs desk. The Federal Defense Force reserved half of the check in lanes for military personnel and the rest were for regular civilians and Consolidated mining personnel.

A young woman working the custom desk looked up at Eddie Falcon and smiled. "Please run your BIO chip over my scan pan and look into the screen in front of you for your retina scan." Eddie ran his wrist over the scan pad on her desk and then leaned down to the small computer screen. The computer scanned his retina. "Welcome to Mars Mr. Johnson. Go through the blue doors behind me. The Consolidated mining bus is waiting at gate twenty two."

"Thank you Miss," Eddie said and followed James Galt to the blue doors behind the customs desk. They stepped through the doors in the bulkhead behind the custom bays and entered a large metal barn like structure. Atmospherically contained buses lined the curb and military transports along with main battle tanks and troop carriers set parked down the line. They fell into line behind a group of miners at gate 22 waiting to board the Consolidated Mining bus. The airlock doors on the bus opened and passengers began to board. James Galt and Eddie falcon found a seat near the rear of the bus.

"I noticed those tanks and troop carriers. Are they going to give us a military escort to the mines?" Falcon asked.

"No, those are for the troops going to Camp Rizzo. The rebels attack their convoys sometimes, but they leave Consolidated alone. Some of the civilian transports get a military escort, but the feds figure we're in cahoots with the rebels anyway, they just can't prove it."

Eddie Falcon shrugged. "Yeah, those FDF people are a suspicious lot."

The bus filled up with miners, the airlock doors closed and the bus pulled away from the curb heading down toward the end of the huge metal barn like structure. A set of massive airlock doors at the end of the building opened, the bus pulled forward and the doors closed behind it. The outer doors opened, the bus lurched, its tracks slipping for an instant, and pulled out onto the rugged Martian landscape. The driver followed the road, heading toward the perimeter of the spaceport. Eddie Falcon gazed out the window watching the scenery. His mind danced back to the past for a few minutes, remembering the last time he was on Mars. He had been here when Shawn Gallagher, the president of the New Republic, and his men took over the mining colonies on the moons orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. Eddie had made sure things were hot for the Federal Defense Forces on Mars, so that they wouldn't be able to assist the forces arrayed against the new republic.

Soldiers stood guard on the perimeter, manning fighting positions on the line and gunrooms sitting back away from the wire. Federal main battle tanks ringed the base. The soldiers stayed on constant alert, in case of an attack by the Martian rebels.

The bus pulled up the main gate, the two guards standing out front pulled back a string of wire and the bus pulled through the gate, disappearing into the Martian night.

"It sure is dark out there," Falcon said.

"Yeah, the surface of Mars can be a lonely dark place," Galt replied.

"Dangerous, too. Especially if you get caught in a sand storm."

"Yep. If the wind picks up, you had better find shelter quick," Galt said.

The bus traversed a vast rocky plane, then climbed over a rough rocky ridge and descended into a narrow canyon. A few minutes later, they exited the canyon and through his window, Eddie Falcon saw the lights of the colony in the distance. "Good old New London."

"Yes. It's like an oases in the Sahara Desert," Galt replied, leaning back in his chair.

They reached the colony twenty minutes later. The Consolidated Mining bus passed down the main thoroughfare of New London weaving its way through traffic. It had to stop several times at intersections to let people on the street cross from the other side and to let cross traffic pass. Eddie Falcon gazed out the window in wonder, at all the hustle and bustle. People in EVA suits of various colors moved down the sidewalks, atmospherically contained tracked vehicles filled the street and several buses lined the curbs.

"God this place has grown," Eddie said, while the bus passed the Utopian Mall.

"Yeah, it's booming. Now that Consolidated no longer controls the mining operations on the moons of Saturn and Jupiter, they've increased production here. We mine pretty much everything her on Mars," Galt said.

"Yeah, but the feds still get their water ice from the New Republic."

Galt laughed. "Yes they do, and it about kills them when they have to pay for it, all though we do, do some ice mining in the polar regions, but on a small scale."

The bus passed through the colony and took a rugged trail heading east. Twenty minutes later, the driver pulled the bus off the main trail onto a rocky twisting rocky dirt road leading to the south. Bright lights lit up a massive compound in the distance, known simple as mining site A. A large office complex towered over the mines, occupying the surface level of the mining facility. The bus climbed over a rocky ridge, then descended into a flat plain and pulled up to the perimeter fence. The guard, sitting at his desk in the guard shack, hit a button on his console and the gate opened. The driver pulled the bus through the gate onto Consolidated property and continued across the Martian landscape heading toward the mining facility.

The bus pulled up to another massive barn like structure, the huge airlock doors opened and the bus pulled inside. The doors closed behind them, the inner doors opened and the bus pulled into the parking structure.

"Please take all your belongings and report to the Consolidated reception center, and for all you new people, welcome to Mars," the driver said, his voice booming over the bus's PA system when they pulled up to the curb. Eddie Falcon and James Galt picked up their gear bag and followed the crowd of miners heading down the aisle way toward the exit. Eddie Falcon and James Galt stepped out of the bus and down onto a sidewalk. They followed the crowd of miners toward a large set of hardened glass doors. A red digital display flashed the words Central Receiving over the door.

Inside, they stepped onto a sea of beige carpeting, and fell into line at one of five reception desks. When Eddie Falcon reached the front of the line, a young blonde headed receptionist looked up at him and smiled. "Please rub your wrist across my scan pad and look into the screen facing you for your retinal scan." Eddie ran his right wrist across the small scanner sitting on the desk and leaned forward looking into the small computer screen setting next to the scan pad. The computer screen scanned his retina. "Welcome to Mars, Mr. Johnson. You've been assigned to the second shift." The printer behind her desk printed up a set of papers, she turned around and took them from the printer. "Report to the plant manager's office on level two. You can take one of the turbo lift on the bulkhead to my left. Here's you're in processing papers," she said handing him the papers from the printer.

Thank you miss," Eddie Falcon replied.

Eddie Falcon and James Galt crossed the room to the turbo lift. They both stepped into a lift behind several other miners and turned around facing the doors. The lift descended one level, the doors slid open and they stepped out into a narrow corridor. Metal diamond plate lined the walls and covered the floor. A tall man with dark brown hair and a friendly engaging smile stepped up to Eddie Falcon and grabbed him up in a big bear hug. "It's good to see you David. Welcome to Mars," the man said aloud. "Consolidate bugs the lifts. Don't say anything you don't want big brother to hear," the man whispered into Eddie Falcon's ear when he hugged him.

"I take it you're Livingston?" Eddie whispered back.

"Right. John Livingston. We need to get you down below."

"I'd like to get rid of this EVA suit and get something to eat first," Eddie said and pulled away from the man.

"Let's get you through processing, then I'll show you where the mess hall is," Livingston replied.

"Thanks. It's been a long trip and I'm so hungry I feel like I might dry up and blow away," Eddie replied.

Livingston laughed and took Eddie by the arm. They headed down the corridor to the plant managers office. People in the corridor glanced up, making eyes contact and shot him a brief smile. A few brought their right hands up as if to salute and ran their hand through their hair or rubbed the side of their heads. Eddie nodded at each individual and continued on his way.

"I'll wait out here," Livingston, said when they reached the plant manager's office.

Inside the outer office, Eddie Falcon once more stepped into line at a reception desk. James Galt stood in front of him in line.

"How's the food here?" Eddie asked.

Galt shrugged. "Better than the slop they serve in the defense forces, but that's not saying much."

When he reached the front of the line, a dark haired female receptionist shot Eddie a smile. Eddie handed her his paperwork and she logged him into the computer.

"Welcome to Mars, Mr. Johnson. You don't go on duty until fifteen hundred hours tomorrow afternoon. If you'll head down the corridor to the equipment room, you can stow that EVA suit. If you're hungry, the mess hall is just past the equipment room. After you have something to eat, find a bunk in the dormitory. It's around the corner from the mess hall. If you get lost, just stop at any VID screen and ask the computer for directions." She printed out his name tab to put on his overalls and handed it to him. "You'll need to check in with supply for your uniforms and your other gear. When they issue you your coveralls, you'll need to wear this name tab at all times."

"Thank you miss," Eddie said and stepped out of line. When he stepped out into the corridor, John Livingston and five other men stood waiting for him. They were hard rough looking men, but if you looked closer, you could see subtle differences in their bearing and their manner of speaking, than the rest of the miners. "Gentlemen," Eddie said.

They each nodded, showing respect. "Welcome to Mars," a short wiry fellow, said.

John Livingston led Eddie Falcon down the corridor, stopping at the equipment room so he could stow his EVA suit. Underneath the EVA suit, Eddie wore a black long sleeved shirt, a pair of jeans and a pair of black boots. Finished in the equipment room, they swaggered down to the mess hall and fell into line behind a group of miners at a buffet style counter. A food service worker heaped a mound of mashed potatoes and cut off a slice of roast beef for Eddie Falcon. He made his own fresh garden salad, poured himself a cup of coffee and they found a table.

"The food's not bad," he said.

"The brass thinks if the food is good, we won't complain about the poor working conditions, the low pay and the long hours," Livingston replied.

"They do have a point. A man will put up with so much, but you've got to feed him well if you want him to work."

Finished with their meal, rather than heading to the bunkhouse, they stepped into another turbo lift. Livingston hit the down button. "Keep your head down, like you're looking at the floor. I don't want security to see your face on their VID screen, Livingston whispered. Eddie nodded. The four other miners leaned back against the far bulkhead of the turbo lift. "You might as well lean back and get as comfortable as you can. It takes about half hour to get to the bottom level of the mine."

The miners inside the turbo lift conversed in low tones, but Eddie stayed quiet. When the turbo lift reached the bottom level on the mine, the doors opened and they stepped out into a narrow mining tunnel. Electric lighting lit up the underground passageway. John Livingston stepped across the tunnel and moved a small metal plate from the tunnels wall. If you didn't know the plate was there, you would have missed it; it was the same reddish brown color as the tunnel wall. A digital keypad set recessed into the tunnel wall underneath the plate. Livingston entered an access code, the rocky walls of the tunnel split apart and the doors of a smaller turbo lift opened.

"That pretty cool. The last time I was on Mars, we entered the base through the canyons. You can't even tell where the doors are; they look just like the tunnel walls."

"No these are our additions to the mines. Consolidated put in the main turbo lifts but we added these little babies. We keep them a secret from the brass, but they don't come down this deep into the mine anyway."

They stepped into the small turbo lift, Livingston entered his access code and the lift dropped, taking them deeper still into the bowels of the red planet.

"You can speak freely now. There's no bugs or cameras in here," Livingston said.

"Then I guess I can get rid of this," Eddie said removing the BIOchip he had glued to his left wrist. It looked surgically implanted, like the real deal. He also took out the special contact lenses from his eyes that allowed him to fool the retina scan.

"I look forward to the day when no one has to wear these damned chips," one of the miners leaning against the wall of the turbo lift said.

"I hear you Brother. Hopefully, that won't be too long now," Eddie replied as the turbo lift descended deeper still. The turbo lift descended for another half hour and finally came to a stop. The door opened; John Livingston stepped out the door and onto a metal catwalk. The rest of the miners stepped out behind him and Eddie Falcon was the last one to leave the turbo lift. Five rough looking men dressed in desert camouflaged fatigues approached them.

"Mr. Falcon, we're your security detail. If you gentlemen will please follow me," a rough looking sergeant said.

Falcon paused for a moment, glancing out at the massive underground cavern in front of him. Metal catwalks ran along both side of the cavern at various levels. He saw lights from rooms cut out of solid rock across the canyon. People moved about on the catwalks and occupied the various rooms. Shaking off a cold chill, Falcon said, "By all means. Lead the way."

The security detail move down the catwalk taking up positions both in front of and behind Falcon and his escorts. About two hundred yards down the catwalk; they came to a black door. The sergeant sopped and said, "Mr. Falcon, this is your HQ. You'll find a fully equipped conference room set up with all the computers and Com gear you need. You have a fully stocked food and beverage station. There's a VID screen with an embedded program that allows you access to all of the consolidated and federal cameras on the planet's surface and all the cameras set up in the various business establishments in the colonies. Your living quarters is in here as well. Just pass through the doorway to the left of your conference table."

"Thank you sergeant," Falcon replied.

"Your personal shuttle is docked on the landing pad should you chose to visit any of the other colonies. Just let me know if you want to travel. If there's nothing else, I'll be in my office next store. You can reach me on the Com unit."

"Thank you sergeant. That will be all." Falcon said.

Eddie Falcon entered his HQ followed by the five miners that had escorted him down from the surface. He paused for a moment, taking in the plush blue carpeting and the large oak table setting in the center of the room. A VID screen and several computer consoles occupied the far bulkhead on the other side of the table. Next to the Com center set a food and beverage station.

"Gentlemen, please have a seat at the table and I'll get us something to drink. What shall it be?"

Livingston and two other men settle for beer, but other two miners ordered mixed drinks. After filling their drink orders, Falcon ordered himself a Jack and Coke and then took his seat at the head of the table. Eddie Falcon glanced about the table taking in the men seated there, before he spoke. "First I would like to say that it is an honor to meet you. You men know that after we take this course of action, you five will most likely be arrested."

Livingston nodded. "We figured that."

"When we launch the attack, we'll send Special Forces to your rescue. Let's hope they don't take you off planet. Once we announce the creation of the union and call a planet wide strike, the council will order the Federal Defense Forces serving as peacekeepers to act. We've never done this before. We've had wild cat strikes, but we've never had an organized union and called a planet wide strike."

"Why call the strike at all? Why not just launch the attack?" one of the men sitting at the table asked.

"I didn't get your name," Falcon said.

"Jones. John Paul."

"It's all a matter of prospective. We want the average Joe sitting on Earth watching the VID-net to sympathize with our position. Some of them have relatives working here in the mines. When Solar One New takes the party line, we'll send a pirate signal on the VID-net telling our side. You men will be the national officers. The miners at the other sites across the planet will chose their own local officers, but you men will be in charge on the national level. Who have you chosen for president of the union?"

"That would be me," Livingston replied.

"And the VP?"

"I'm filling that slot," John Paul Jones said.

"Financial secretary treasurer?" Falcon asked.

A short blond headed man raised his hand. "That's my job."

"And your name is?"

"Taylor. George Taylor."

"I take it that you two are national trustees?"

"That's correct. I'm Fred Jarvis and this is David Carpenter," a tall skinny red headed man said, and nodded to a stocky black man.

"We'll need a HQ away from the mining facilities, once we call the strike," Falcon said.

"We'll use the Bucket of Blood. It's in the mall. You can access the cameras using your Com center," Livingston said.

"I'll make the announcement, tonight at midnight. Our people need time to prepare. You'll call the strike and have your people walk off the job, twenty four hours later. Gentlemen, we are about to make history," Eddie Falcon said, concluding the meeting. "You men have your work cut out for you, so I won't keep you."

The miners stood too their feet, they shook hands with Eddie Falcon saying their good-byes and headed back to the upper levels of the mine. Eddie Falcon finished his drink while he familiarized himself with his new communications center. One hour later, at the stroke of midnight he flipped a toggle activating the Com unit on his console and spoke into the microphone. "Once again, we strike a blow with the people's fist," he said, using the code phrase that would launch a planet wide strike and the attack of the federal forces governing Mars. Knowing full well, that by uttering those words he was sending men to their death, Eddie Falcon retired to his living quarters for some needed rest

### Chapter 2

Shawn Gallagher sat at the council table in the New Republic capital building and gazed at the men sitting across the table gathered for the morning intelligence briefing. There was John Wilson, one of his oldest and dearest friends; John was also his secretary of defense. There was John Holliday, his chief intelligence officer, James Atkins his VP, chuck Ballantine, the secretary of the treasury, and Tony Blair, the head of his joint chiefs. Gallagher flipped the toggle on his Com unit and spoke into the microphone. "Marry, could you get us some coffee and some pastries in here?" he said, to his secretary.

"Certainly Mr. President. Coming right up," a seductive female voice said coming through the speakers on his Com unit. A few minutes later, a buxom blonde in a skintight pantsuit entered the room, poured coffee for the gentlemen sitting around the table and set down two platters loaded with pastries and other sweets.

His eyes locking onto the face of Jerry Holliday, President Gallagher said, "Jerry. What have you got for me this morning?"

Holliday to a drink from his coffee cup, lighted a cigar and said, "Mr. Falcon has arrived on Mars. He transmitted the code phrase and the miners should walk off the job, roughly sixteen hours from now."

For a few seconds, Shawn Gallagher's mind flashed back three years into the past remembering when he, along with some of his closest friends and the miners at site A seized the mining facility, declaring independence from the Council of Economic Unions and formed the New Republic. "Right now we have to remain cautious. Our relationship with the CEU is tenacious at best. I don't want the council to know that we had advance word of the work stoppage. Once they pull the miners off the job, then I'll make a statement on the VID net recommending caution."

"What about when Falcon launches the attack?" Jerry Holliday asked.

"What Falcon wants is for the feds to take a heavy handed approach, but they could surprise him. They could just sit back on their hands for a while and do nothing, or they could actually give in to their demands," Shawn replied.

"I don't think that is going the happen. The CEU doesn't want things to go down on Mars like they did here on Europa. When Mars declares independence, they'll be in a tight spot," Holliday said.

"Falcon wants public opinion on his side, so that's why it all hinges on the federal response. What do you think they'll do when the miners walk off the job?" Shawn asked.

Holliday shrugged. "In my opinion, I think they'll send in the troops, arrest the leaders and force the miners back to work."

"Only then, will Eddie Falcon launch his attack. What is the status of our troops?" Shawn asked.

John Wilson looked up. "Our troops are in shape. We have new miners immigrating from Earth every day. With the mandatory service law to become a citizen, the ranks are fat. We start a new training cycle in the morning. They're ready."

Shawn looked at the chairmen of his joint chiefs. "Do you concur, Mr. Blair?"

"Yes I do. The fleet is in top notch shape. What with the new ships we bought from Mr. Wolf and the ones we've built here, we could send a sizable force to space. We have Admiral Gustav's fleet stationed in the asteroid belt, plus our home fleet here orbiting Jupiter and our Saturn fleet. If we left the reserve fleet here to guard the home front and sent the rest, we would be able to confront the federal main battle fleet, plus put boots on the ground to help Mr. Falcon and his rebels."

Shawn leaned back in his chair. "Let's not put the troops on alert, just yet. Let's pull the fleet into orbit and have everyone stand down for maintenance. Let's start the preliminary procedures for deployment. I don't want to jump the gun, but when Mr. Falcon needs us, I want us to be there for him. He was there for us three years ago, keeping the feds busy on Mars while we dealt with them here. I'll contact the Governor General on Saturn and have them start their fleet our way. I guess, unless there is any other business, then that will be all. Keep me posted, Jerry on any further developments. I think I'll see if I can contact Falcon on the VID net and have a chat. It's been a while."

The cabinet members rose to their feet, said their good-byes and filed out of the room. Alone in his council chamber, Shawn took a seat at his Com center and logged onto the video net. He typed in an encrypted transmission using the virtual keyboard and the image of a young blonde headed woman filled the screen. "Hello Cynthia, is Mr. Falcon available?"

Cynthia smiled. "Hello Mr. President. How are things on Europa?"

"Things are fine here. I'd like to discuss your situation on Mars with Mr. Falcon if I can."

"I'm sorry Mr. President, but he's unavailable right now. I think he's speaking with the troops or something like that. I'll make sure he gives you a shout back when he's free. Things are kind of hectic here right now."

"I'm sure they are. Tell Eddie, I mean Mr. Falcon to get in touch with me as soon as possible. By now," Shawn said and ended the transmission. He flipped a toggle on his console and spoke into his Com unit.

"Hello, Mr. President. What can I do for you?" the voice of his security chief said coming over the Com unit's speakers.

"Ryan, could you get the car? I'd like to take a drive out into the city. I'd like to do some walking and mingle with the people."

Ryan Beasley, the head of security, sighed. "Okay, Sir. Let me get the team together and we'll be there to pick you up in about twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes will be fine. I'll be waiting in my office." Shawn Gallagher let out anxious sigh and drummed his fingers on com center's counter top. He stood up, crossed the room to the food and beverage dispenser and poured himself a Jack and Coke. "This is the one thing I hate about being president. I wish I could just go somewhere by myself, go see whoever I feel like without having to have some damned security detail tag along," Shawn said to himself and took a drink from his tumbler.

Ten minutes later, the small communications device pinned to the lapel of his shirt beeped. Shawn tapped his shoulder and said, "Gallagher."

"Mr. President, we're ready when you are," Ryan Beasley said, his voice reverberating through the tiny speaker on his lapel.

"I'll be right out."

Shawn stepped out the door and his security detail met him in the hallway. Ryan Beasley strolled along next to him while two men wearing dark suits walked ahead of them and two walked behind. They passed several offices, crossed the ballroom, passed through the reception center and exited the building. They followed the sidewalk, crossed a grassy area to the curb where four black hover cars set parked and waiting. Beasley opened the door to the third car in the line.

"Where would you like to go, Mr. President?" Beasley asked.

"Take me to the monument," Shawn said.

Looking out the back window of the hover car, Shawn couldn't help but marvel at how much things had changed. Here he was, half way through his six year term as president, but is just seemed like yesterday that all this was nothing more than a rough mining colony where you had to travel from building to building on the surface using atmospherically contained vehicles, or if you were on foot, you had to suit up in EVA gear. Now, a massive dome protected the entire city, equipped with oxygen and gravity generators. Domed cities covered most of the mining sites on Europa, but this site, now known at The Capital Region, held no mines. They built the city over former mining site A, which they had destroyed three years ago when the federals attacked.

During the first three years of his administration, they embarked on a massive building program, building cities, factories, farms and military bases on all of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. The families of the miners immigrated first, but then people of all walks of life on Earth immigrated to become part of the New Republic. Shawn wondered what he would do, when his term as president was up. Their constitution said that the president would serve one six-year term.

The driver pulled up to the curb. "We're here Sir."

Ryan Beasley opened the passenger door and Shawn stepped out of the car and onto the sidewalk. His security detail flanked him. People on the street stopped and a crowd gathered. The security detail kept them at bay. Shawn stepped up to a granite wall, surrounding an icy pit. Engraved on the wall were the names of the men who died there, both Federal Marines and soldiers of the New Republic. Shawn liked to come here from time to time and read the names. Several of the men who died here, he knew well.

"Mr. President! How are you doing this morning Sir? What's the latest from Mars?" someone in the crowd yelled.

Shawn turned away from the wall and faced the crowd. "You should know by now that you can always count on trouble on Mars," Shawn said, smiling at the young man and his wife. Shawn stepped forward and began to work the crowd, shaking hands and talking with the people. This drove his security team nuts, but he didn't care. He wanted to be accessible to the people.

"Sir, I drive by here every day on the way to work, and I see you down here a lot," a middle aged man said.

Shawn nodded. "Where do you work?"

"At the Von Wolf ship yards. I'm a welder," the man said shooting the president a friendly smile.

"You men are doing good work down there. You're doing a service to your country, but you're right. I do come here a lot. I come to read the names, so that I'll never forget the sacrifices that these men made."

"Mr. President, if it weren't for you, and what you did, I'd still be slaving away for slave wages underground," the man said.

"Someone has to work in the mines. We still need the water ice, only now they can work under safe working conditions for a decent wage," Shawn replied.

"Yes sir. Ain't freedom grand?" the man said.

"Yes it is," Shawn replied.

He moved down the sidewalk talking to people, shaking hands and having a good time, but finally his security detail hustled him back to his car.

"Where to now, Mr. President?" Ryan Beasley asked.

"Let's get out of the city. Take me out to Camp Bravo. I want to see how our new recruits are doing," Shawn said.

The presidential convoy traversed the city passing through the business district, and then headed south through a residential area heading toward one of the dome's airlock chambers. The convoy stopped behind a long line of cars waiting to enter the airlock and exit the city. Five minutes later, they entered the airlock, the outer doors opened and the convoy exited the dome and headed out onto the icy surface of Europa. They traveled over an icy roadway heading southwest. Shawn gazed out of his passenger window at the icy surface remembering the old days. Getting around had been a lot rougher then. Even now, if they were to have a break down, and had to exit the vehicle, they would need to use the EVA suits stored under the car's seats.

Two hours later, the presidential convoy approached a massive black dome that housed Camp Bravo. Icy Earthworks and razor wire ringed the dome as part of its outer defenses. Shawn saw men in EVA suits patrolling the perimeter as their convoy approached the main airlock leading into the base. They passed through the airlock, traveled down a tree lined road and pulled up to the office complex. The main receiving barracks set on the other side of the road. Shawn security detail led him into the main office complex. General George Galloway met Shawn and his detail in the reception center.

"It's good to see you, Mr. President. What can I do for you?" Galloway asked, in a rough gravelly voice.

"Oh, I thought I'd see how our new recruits are doing and maybe take a tour of the base. It's been a while since I've been out here."

"The recruits are settling in. I'd love to give you a tour. Let's take my staff car."

President Gallagher followed the general outside, with his security detail flanking him and climbed into the back seat of the general's staff car. The general climbed in on the other side, sitting next to the president in the back seat. The general's driver pulled away from the curb, and the presidential motorcade followed.

"Things are starting to get dicey on Mars. We might need to assist the resistance there. Do you think these men will be up to it?" Shawn asked the general, after they review the troops.

"Absolutely. What you see here at Camp Bravo, is just the tip of the iceberg. We train the troops here and send them to the other bases. We can draw from the troops stationed on Europa plus the other moons, and we can draw troops from Saturn. That's just the ground pounders. The Navy has the new star bases orbiting the planet, plus the groundside spaceports. We'll be ready, Sir, for whatever you need us to do, but going up against the Federal Defense Forces on Mars is a tall order. We have enough people for the initial deployment, but if it last very long, we'll need more boots on the ground," Galloway said.

"I see. Thank you general," Shawn said. Finished with the tour, Shawn had lunch with the general in his quarters.

After touring camp Bravo and having lunch with the general the presidential motorcade headed back to the capital region. Shawn had his driver take him to the Von Wolf shipyards. After touring the shipyards, and having a look at the new battle cruisers and space fighters that the factory was producing, Shawn felt much better. He stood on a tarmac next to Ludwig Von Wolf admiring the long line of sinister, black diamond plated battle cruisers. The spaceships bristled with armaments and weapons.

"What do you think, Mr. President?" Von Wolf asked.

"I'm impressed, Mr. Wolf. Do you mind? I'd like to have a look on board one of those battle cruisers."

"Ya. Mr. President, then we shall have some goot German Vodka like the old times ya?"

"That's what I was counting on," Shawn said and then laughed.

Ludwig gave Shawn the grand tour of the fleet's newest battle cruiser, and when Shawn stood on the bridge, he couldn't help but wonder how many people would die this time, in this battle, the coming battle for Mars.

Later, when they were sitting in what would be the vessels captain's lounge having a drink; Shawn looked up at Mr. Von Wolf and said, "I might have to deploy the fleet to Mars to help Mr. Falcon's resistance. Do you think we have enough ships to stand up to the council's main battle fleet?"

Von Wolf down a shot of vodka and said, "Ya. The ships we have, but the sailors to man them? We might be short."

Shawn nodded. "I'll have to issue a recall of former service personnel."

"Plus there are those who served in the council's federal Defense Forces before they came here," Von Wolf said.

Shawn nodded. "We won't have much time to train them."

"They could train in space, what do you say in America? OJT?"

They finished their drink, and the presidential motorcade took Shawn back to the capital building.

The first thing Shawn did when he arrived, back at his office was to sit down in front of his computer. He type out an executive order detailing the call back of all former military personnel. He heaved a sigh, after finishing the document and transmitted it to all of the senators and congressmen of the New Republic along with all of the people in his cabinet. Finished with that, he sat down in front of his VID screen and hit the record button. He set a timer on his console so that the recording would broadcast interrupting the entertainment channels and the network news shows shortly after the miners walked off the job on Mars.

"Citizens of the New Republic. Due to the tensions on Mars, I have just issued an executive order recalling all former military personnel to active duty. You are to report to camp Bravo for processing. We need sailors to man the new ships that we are building and due to the shortage of personnel, we don't have time to go through normal channels. All though we might not need everyone, I'll let the generals and the admirals decide who stays and who goes home. I assume they'll come up with some type of lottery or something. I don't take this course lightly. This is the first executive order I have issued since I became president. I don't like doing it now. I prefer going through congress to pass a law, but the restraints of time won't allow it. Thank you and good night."

Shawn flipped a toggle on his console ending the recording. Shawn sent a VID transmission to all of his military commanders letting them in on his plans for the military recall, so they could prepare for the influx of troops. A few minutes later, the following text message scrolled across the screen. **Incoming VID transmission/urgent/Eddie Falcon/Mars/peoples fist/encryption level 1.**

"Computer, play incoming video feed," Shawn said, and the image of Eddie Falcon filled the screen.

"Hello, old friend," Eddie Falcon said.

"Hello yourself. How've you been Eddie?" Shawn asked.

"Oh, you know. Things are busy right now. You're on the secure net and your intelligence boys are top notch, so I expect you know what's going down."

Shawn nodded. "I just issued an executive order recalling all former military personnel. I recorded a tapped broadcast announcing it to air one hour after you call the strike."

"I guess that mean's I can count on you for support?" Falcon said.

"Of course it does. When we declared our independence, we would have had a much harder time, if it weren't for you keeping the feds busy on Mars."

"Those were some hectic times," Falcon said.

Speaking of old times, this almost seems like déjàvu. Back when the feds had us under blockade, I talked to one of our old shipmates. He served on your team in the PPF. If I remember right, his name was Chambers Jack Chambers. He was serving as the master of one of those deep space vessels that the feds sent out three years ago," Shawn said.

"Chambers. I remember him. He was a good man. He's going to find things a bit different when he returns," Falcon said.

"It's funny how the loyalties run with them PPF boys," Shawn said.

"I know. There are those like ourselves and John Wilson, who saw through the federal bullshit, and then there were those like Chambers and Banister who bought the party line hook, line and sinker."

"What do you think the federal response will be when you call the strike?" Shawn asked.

"I'm sure they'll arrest the union officers and force the miners back to work. We'll use that as an excuse to launch the attack and declare our own independence."

"What if they give in to your demands, or stall and do nothing?" Shawn asked.

"That would throw a monkey wrench into our plans. We want public opinion on our side, but I don't think that will happen. They can't afford to lose Mars too."

"Once they make their move against the union officers, we'll put our forces here on alert. When you launch the attack, we'll be there for you with troops on the ground and with a fleet of ships, but once we take Mars, there's no going back. We'll be fighting on Earth before we know it."

"We both knew this day would come. It's what we've dedicated most of our lives for. I thank you for your support," Falcon said.

"How long now until you call the strike?" Shawn asked.

"Midnight our time, which is in about eight hours."

"Which should be about two AM here. I wish you good luck and God speed, my friend. I know you have other things to attend to."

"That I do. Once we get things under control here, you'll have to come for a visit," Falcon said.

"You know I will," Shawn said and ended the transmission.

Finished for the night, Shawn left his office and headed down the hallway to his living quarters. He poured himself a shot of whiskey, and took a seat in front of his home theater system. "Computer play channel six," he said. The computer turned on the VID screen and tuned in channel six. A sit com played on the entertainment channel, but Shawn couldn't concentrate on it. His thoughts were still on Eddie Falcon and Mars. _What are we about to unleash?_ Shawn wondered. _The red planet is about to turn ever redder, with the blood of patriots and tyrants,_ he thought.

### About the author

David Donaghe lives in the high desert of Southern California with his wife and family. In his spare time David writes short stories and novels. When not reading or writing, David enjoys riding his motorcycle with his brothers and sisters in the American Cruisers motorcycle club. This is where he gets some of his ideas for his writing. With the club David sometimes volunteers at the local veteran's home and helps the police and fire department deliver toys to children in town at Christmas. When not reading, writing or riding his motorcycle, David enjoys practicing martial arts. Above all David loves hearing from his readers. To contact him directly mail to: dhdonaghe@earthlink.net

Contact him on Facebook: <https://www.facebook.com/david.donaghe.5?ref=bookmarks>

Find him on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/david_dhdonaghe

### Other Books by David Donaghe

Tale Spinner-Coming Soon

Monroe's Paranormal Investigations-Coming Soon

In the Wind-Coming Soon

Blood Bond-Coming Soon

Door Number Two-Coming Soon

The Battle for Europa

The Battle for Mars

The Battle for Planet Earth-Coming Soon

Galactic War-Coming Soon

Tales From The Lost Highway

The House on maple Street

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