Read Online Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1) by Brian Dorsey - Free Book Online Page A

Astra were probably on the fifth revision to his schedule but now was not the time to be concerned about such matters. He was about to consummate his engagement to one of the most attractive, powerful, and sought-after women on the planet.
    Well worth the pain of a stuffy dinner. 
    As the two walked down the corridors, they were greeted by almost everyone that passed. It was either “Good day, Colonel” or “My Lady” or some other acknowledgement of Stone’s rank or Astra’s social status. After a few moments, Astra stopped by a security door outside Stone’s new quarters.
                  “I’ve taken the liberty to add myself to your access list,” smiled Astra as she entered her identification code into the access panel.
    The door slid open to Stone’s quarters.
    He was stunned.
    The entranceway led to a large room with a massive desk made from what appeared to be extinct Perilian wood.
    Two guards snapped to attention as the couple entered the room. “Be gone,” ordered Astra with a wave of her hand as she moved into the room. The two guards quickly scurried out of the room and took up position just outside.
    “The quarters are amazing,” mumbled Stone as he took it all in.
    Marble covered the floors. Inlaid in the marble were bronzed depictions of Humani military might and political authority. Representations of Senatorial processions and famous battles were stamped in the shining metal. Columns had been placed in the entranceway to the room housing his desk. The columns, while providing no support, again were stylized. The column to the right was etched with the Lucius family crest and the left with that of the Varus family. Above the entrance to his office was etched the Elite Guard Oath:
    I will stand strong in the face of danger, for my comrades will do the same
    I will be unafraid of death for death comes but once and cowardice is forever
    I will go close against the enemy, for my will is stronger than his
    I will show courage, for it is the one possession that cannot be taken
    I will die with pride, for I am fighting for my lineage and my people
    I will face death with joy, for I will become immortal—my shining glory never forgotten
     
    As he read the oath, Stone was taken back to the first time he had pledged the words, during his marking ceremony when he became a member of the Guard so many years ago. Then he thought of his close call on Sierra 7 with Lowstreet and Kilgore. The words had become a part of his life, his ethos—just as they had for every member of the Guard.
    “Let me show you more, Ty,” said Astra as she pulled him through the room.
    “To the right are the paintings depicting the arrival of the first Xennite ship on Alpha Humana, battle scenes from the First Terillian War, and a portrait of your ancestor, Colonel Agrippa Lucius Stone, the hero of the Battle of Echo 10.”
    “These are wonderful recreations,” said Stone.
    “They are not recreations,” laughed Astra as she slowly rubbed her hand over Stone’s
    forearm. “My father acquired the originals at my request. For you.”
    Stone again was stunned. One of these paintings was worth more than a year’s salary for a colonel.
    “I don’t know what to say. They are wonderful.”
    Astra raised her hand to Stone’s cheek and pulled him to her for a quick but enticing kiss. “You’re going to be a restored and senior member of the Lucius family and your quarters should reflect not only your family’s military heritage but your new social status as well,” said Astra as she directed him toward the opposite wall. “That’s why I have placed your family crest and all of your decorations and awards on this wall.”
    Stone wasn’t sure how she had gotten all of these items together but he had long since quit trying to put any limits on Astra’s ability to get what she wanted. “This is really great,” he remarked, the shock still showing on his face.
    “That’s just the beginning,” she replied as