Read Online Escape to Earth-Living Legends by Saxon Andrew - Free Book Online Page B

He walked over behind her and saw the score in the top right corner of her monitor. He looked at Budge, who nodded. “She’s incredible, Sir.”
    “I won’t interrupt her. I just wanted to check and make sure she was ok.” Michael turned to go as Josey looked at her monitor and saw his reflection just as the screen went dark. She whipped around and said, “SIR!”
    Michael stopped and smiled, “Hello, Lieutenant. I didn’t want to interrupt your training. I’m glad I was able to save you from cleaning bathrooms.”
    “But you didn’t help me at all!” Michael’s eyes narrowed and Josey said, “Admiral Greenwall transferred my best friend along with me and she’s punishing her for what I did.” Michael starting slowly shaking his head and stopped when Josey said, “You gave the medal to the wrong person.”
    “What?”
    “You didn’t really look at what happened; it wasn’t me that won the battle; it was Jan! And she’s living in torment because of that crazy Admiral.” Michael’s expression hardened and Josey said, “You think I’m lying to save her. Look behind the heavy. Just take a look!”
    Michael looked at Budge who shrugged, “She’s never been dishonest about anything, Sir.” Michael stared at Josey and left the room.
    Josey put her head in her hands and started crying, “He doesn’t believe me!”
    Budge put his hand on Josey’s shoulder, “Trust me on this, he is going to look.” She lowered her hands and looked at him through her tears. Budge looked at Michael walking out of the lab, “His anger is not toward you.” Josey looked at Michael as he disappeared through the door and prayed Budge was right.
    • • •
    “Jinks.”
    “Yes Sir.”
    “I need you to bring the entire recording of the battle at the Legends’ Vessel to my office.”
    “When?”
    “Immediately!”
    “Give me an hour to collect all of it into one data-block.”
    “See you in an hour.” Michael sat at his desk and thought about what Lt. Bartolo said. By the time Jinks arrived, he was all business. Jinks inserted the data-block into the reader and Michael said, “I want you to follow the ship frequencies of Lt. Josephine Bartolo.”
    “Sir, you’ve already seen that.”
    “And Lt. Janice Keller.” Jinks turned to his panel and began entering codes. “I also want you to see if there is any other ship frequency that’s near them on a consistent basis during the attack.”
    Jinks entered the instructions and pressed the enable button. They watched the monitor and after fifteen minutes Jinks said, “How did you know about this?” Michael remained silent and Jinks watched the recording and knew his department was woefully unprepared to fully understand the newest battles the Alliance was fighting.
    Michael pressed his panel, “Audrey, report to my office.”
    “Sir, may I…”
    “YOU MAY NOT! REPORT HERE IMMEDIATELY!
    Audrey saw Michael’s expression and said, “Yes Sir, I’m on my way.” Audrey arrived and found Michael and Jinks staring at the wall monitor. Michael motioned her to a chair and she sat down and looked at the monitor. She immediately recognized the gigantic black vessel in the distance and knew this had to be a recording of the battle. She looked at Michael who was intently staring at the monitor. She turned back to it and started getting into the rhythm of the battle. Then her eyes began getting wider and then wide open. The monitor finally went dark and she looked at Michael and Jinks. Michael looked at her and said, “I want four armored guards called in and all of Fifth Fleet’s communications blacked out until further notice.”
    Audrey nodded and lifted her wrist. Jinks shook his head, “I’m sorry, Sir. We just…”
    “No need to apologize, Jinks. I know the current technology isn’t up to doing what you need.”
    Jinks nodded and stood up, “Thank you for understanding, Sir.” Michael nodded and Jinks walked out of the room as four armored warriors walked