Read Online The Shattered Empire (The Shadow Space Chronicles Book 2) by Kal Spriggs - Free Book Online Page B

at the surprise on his face.  “All grown up, as you can see.  It's great to see you!  Are you back here to talk to my dad?  Hey, dad, guess who's here!” she shouted.
    A moment later, Daniel Gordon stepped out of the garage.  The old man hadn't changed, he still wore coveralls and had grease stains all over his hands and his bald head shone under the sunlight.  “Wow, Garret Penwaithe.”  He wiped his hands off on a rag and stepped forward.  His tan face creased in a grin as his eyes ranged over Garret, “Joined up with someone,  I see.  You're wearing civies but your bearing suggests military.”
    Garret shrugged uncomfortably.  Jessica's father had been something of a mentor for him, especially when Garret had asked questions about military service.  “I did a tour with the RLF, then signed on with some mercenary companies.  I'm with the War Dogs, now.”
    “Wow,” Abigail said, “The War Dogs, that's awesome!  I hear they totally trashed the merc goons working for Nova Corp.  Were you in that fight?”
    Garret felt himself flush.  Luckily it didn't show on his dark skin, “Well, yeah, actually.”
    “Good fight, from what I hear,” Daniel said.  “You go officer?”  He grunted at Garret's nod.  “Thought you would, but did some time enlisted to see if you could take it.”  He spat to the side, “War Dogs are a good bunch.”
    “They're heroes,” Abigail said eagerly.  The adoration in her voice made Garret's face burn.  It didn't help that little Abigail had grown up, really grown up.  He told himself he had no business noticing how attractive she'd become.  He was ten years older than her and she was the little sister to Jessica, after all.  Besides, whatever her age, she looked like she was fifteen.  “I hear you guys are helping to train up our new navy and that you're keeping the Colonial Republic and Nova Corp goons from coming back.  Do you guys really fly Hammer gunboats?  Aren't they, like, fifty years old?”
    Garret's embarrassment deepened and the look of amusement on Daniels face didn't help.  He ran a hand over his shaven scalp.  This wasn't going as expected.  He had expected a sullen welcome or possibly even anger at his return.  And while the War Dogs had a good reputation, they were still mercenaries.  Mercs didn't get used to any kind of praise, much less the gushing attitude from Abigail.  “Uh, yeah, I fly a Hammer,” he said, awkwardly, “I'm actually the squadron commander.”
    “That's so awesome,” Abigail said eagerly.  “Hey, do you have any open slots?  I got my certification and I've an application to join the Halcyon Defense Fleet, but there's a huge waiting list.  If I could do some time with the War Dogs that would be great!”
    Garret coughed, “Uh, maybe?” he looked over at Daniel, expecting to see disapproval, but the old man just gave him a slight smile and nod.  “We're not actively recruiting, right now.” Garret said awkwardly.
    “Yeah, but I bet you need personnel, especially certified techs,” Abigail said.
    Garret bit his tongue on a polite lie.  The last thing he wanted was Jessica's little sister involved in the War Dogs.  Especially with how idealistic she appeared.  Granted, they had people like her, but hell, what if she got killed?  He took a deep breath, “Tell you  what,” he pulled a card out of his pocket and passed it over, “here's my contact info.  Send me your resume and I'll see what I can do.”  Hopefully the Commodore would just chuck it.
    “Thanks,” Abigail said.  “You'll have it before you even get back to Heinlein Base.  It's so awesome that you came by to see me and dad!”
    Garret coughed, “I, uh, was actually here to see Jessica.”  At his words, he saw something pass over Daniel's face, but before the older man could speak, his daughter did.
    “Oh,” Abigail frowned.  “Why didn't you just swing by your brother's house?”
    “What?” Garret asked.  He hadn't