Read Online Star Runners 2: Revelation Protocol by L E Thomas - Free Book Online

killed, as was the civilian who happened to be driving the opposite way. The pilot’s entire family died an hour later in a house fire. The authorities have not been able to locate this vehicle that ran into our pilot, so we can only assume it is the work of these shadow forces currently targeting our pilots. We lose many more, and Atlantis won’t be able to man the alert fighter squadron creating the umbrella over Earth.”
    “Earth has one squadron protecting it?” Austin clenched his teeth.
    “Earth doesn’t need more support because it’s a backwater planet. There has never been a need for more than a squadron at Atlantis. There has even been talk of removing the existing squadron. This is just a minor incident to command.”
    Austin took a deep breath. “I understand, sir.”
    “Okay,” Pierce said, changing the holographic image to a map of North Georgia. “Once you have made contact with your mother and Kadyn, I want you to meet an EIF agent here at this outlet mall about an hour north of your position and receive further instructions. Do not use any communication devices—any at all! Do you understand?”
    “Yes, sir. Sir? Isn’t an outlet mall a little public for a private meeting?”
    “We know we are being monitored. A pubic place is better right now. We think these actions are being carried out in small teams less likely to make a scene on a dark world. Talk to your contacts in person.” He glanced at his watch. “You will arrive in the middle of the night. Do not let them know you are coming. By the time you meet with the agent at the rendezvous point, it is my hope we will know more about these attackers. Questions?”
    Austin thought about the threat to Earth, wondering if the pirates had bigger ambitions than terrorism. “Sir, is it possible Earth is being softened up for an attack or, maybe, an invasion?”
    Pierce turned his head back and laughed. “Seriously? I heard you had impressed the officers on Tarton’s Junction, but it obviously wasn’t because of your studies.”
    Austin frowned. “Is it really that hard to believe?”
    “If you knew how many observation posts are scattered throughout Legion space,” Pierce said, rubbing his chin, “you would never raise the possibility of an invasion in Quadrant Eight. The only way a task force could even try it is by curve hopping through our space. There isn’t enough power in a ship for a curve of that distance.”
    “So it’s not even possible?”
    Pierce kept rubbing his chin, gazing into the holographic map still hovering over the center of the room like a spirit. “You shouldn’t worry about these things. The only way it’s possible is to use a way station to boost your range—they’re like beacons. But no one could afford that except the military and even that hasn’t happened since the last war. I think it’s safe to say Earth won’t be invaded.”
    Austin shook his head. “And they said the Titanic wouldn’t sink.”
    “Okay, moving on. Chief Sharkey will accompany you on the trip to Atlanta. No Star Runners are to travel alone while this crisis continues. Get your mother, your friend, meet the agent. Dismissed.”
    Sharkey snapped a salute and pulled open the door. Austin looked at Pierce and saluted. Pierce nodded and turned back to his work.
    They marched down the stairs and into the common area. The other officers still stared into their computers. One typed and chewed on his fingernails. The Brazilian officer nodded as they strolled across the room.
    “Who are all these people?” Austin whispered.
    “Tizona is a safe place,” Sharkey said softly. “Some are officers who have no contacts or family here on Earth are reporting to campuses across the globe, coming in to be safe until command figures out exactly what is going on. Others are here to work during this emergency.”
    “I see.” Austin looked at Sharkey. “And what do you think is going on?”
    “I don’t like speculating.”
    A blue Tizona golf