Read Online Ice and Peace by Clare Dargin - Free Book Online Page B

himself. Whenever he heard the word, he immediately thought of his wife and the dangerous life she led. A life he wanted her to leave far behind.
    “They were probably looking for cryo soldiers, and when they found none, decided to try to research facility. That’s why we think the Verneans are behind the attack. They’ve been trying to get their grubby little hands on the technology ever since we whooped their asses on Tau Ceti.”
    It was true. The Battle of Tau Ceti turned the tide of the war, in effect putting them on the defensive. Earth forces no longer had to hop from icy world to world, following the Verneans on an offensive that clearly benefited them. The terms had changed. Now Earth was in the lead.
    Keegan pursed his lip. “Still it doesn’t make any sense. They have species who are specifically adapted to the cold. Why would they need our technology to convert someone into a cold-tolerant being?”
    “Do you think they would allow us to maintain the upper hand? Besides you know the old saying, ‘if it’s good enough to have, it’s good enough to steal.’” Gadison folded his hands in front of him.
    The man was right. War made you do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do.
    “Maybe the species they have isn’t as cold tolerant as we think. To be honest, we don't know.”
    “You said you have someone in medical?”
    “Yes. She needs to be transported”
    “Who is it?”
    “Right now I cannot say.”
    Keegan chuckled. “You know I can just go down there and find out.”
    Gadison shifted in his seat, rubbing the base of his head. “I advise you not to do that.”
    “Why?” Annoyance surged through him.
    “Because we need this person to stay as anonymous as possible until the time is right.”
    “Are you willing to tell me where we’re taking her?”
    Gadison shook his head.
    “This just keeps getting better and better. Commander, I don’t have time to float around space until you decide you can trust me. Either you will tell me where we are going or get yourself and your cargo another ride.”
    “Colonel, I’m not doing this because it’s a game. I am under orders, and so are you. When the time is right, I will tell you everything you need to know. Until then it is important we cooperate with each other in a peaceful manner. Don’t you agree? Command does.”
    Keegan fell silent. He did not see what choice he had in this matter. Gadison was right; orders were orders. He had to obey.
    “Then we have an understanding?” Gadison asked, rising to his feet.
    “For now,” he answered.
    “Thank you, Colonel. Then, if you will excuse me, I have much to attend to.”
    He stood as Gadison left the room. Keegan digested the news with much effort. He pinched the bridge of his nose. A dull throbbing pain thudded behind his eyes. It was as if each part of the day was trying to compete with the previous one for adding more stress to his life. He wondered if he had any black hairs left on his head, ’cause it was definitely turning white.
    As he contemplated the rest of the day’s activities, he sat down and attempted to prioritize what he wanted to do against what he needed to do. It was the only mechanism he had to keep from feeling overwhelmed.
    I don’t remember it being this tough .
    Scratching his head, he wondered if he had been idealizing his skills and time in the Corps. Maybe he should have said no. He shook off that last thought quickly, knowing it was a case of nerves.
    “Sir?” a soft voice, feminine and sweet, beckoned his attention. He knew the voice, like he knew himself. His heart skipped a beat.
    Rising slowly from his chair, Keegan cleared his throat and straightened his uniform. Suddenly, the room seemed unbearably long as he walked the three feet or so to be near her.
    As he took in every detail of her, he was stunned silent. She wore a Marine Corps uniform with Navy insignia, her hair neatly pinned off her neck and shoulders. Her clothes were pressed with a crease that could