Battle for Maji-Onda (Starmen (Space Opera Series) Book 2)
Page 17
“So…Jack and Malora…?”
“Like I said, she’ll play hard to get.”
“How do you know?”
“That’s just the way she is. A tease. Pretty as hell, but I don’t have time for teasing.”
Claudia shook her head at him. “Jeriko – how old are you?”
“Why?” he asked gruffly.
Because you are one smart cookie. “I’m just asking.”
“Eighteen galactic standard years.”
She was amazed. If she had to guess from his demeanour, his wit, his everything – she’d have pegged him as being closer to thirty. Standard years were close to an Earth year, almost to the day.
“Holy shit. I’m actually older than you.”
Jeriko grinned. “Wouldn’t put me off. I like older women.”
Older? That’s two letters from calling me old. You bastard. “Not by much,” she blared. “Just a few years…”
“Galactic standard? Or Earth years?”
“Earth.”
“Makes you even older!”
He knows everything. Claudia gasped. Then punched him in the arm. “Shut up!”
Jeriko looked down at his arm. Then he cackled a fit of laughter.
*
Cane grimaced, looking out to the stars. “So…the future-crew were killed?”
“Yeah. I think so. They must’ve learnt about the time-drive from one of us, though, before the end. It’s weird,” said Jack, running a hand through his hair. “To think that I’ve – we’ve – already died…”
“That wasn’t you. It wasn’t me. It was who we would’ve been. But that’s not possible anymore.”
Jack sniffed. Then finished his drink with lowered eyes. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”
“So, we’ve lost our time machine,” said Jack. “You know what that means?”
“Yes. No second chances,” said Cane. “I am well aware. Do you disagree with my decision to destroy it?”
Jack looked out to space. He knew that the pressure was on. But things weren’t different. He never had planned on needing a second chance. I’m gonna get home to my family. I’m gonna see my hometown again. Erika. My friends. Ted from work. I’m gonna see them all again.
“No. Venec’s invention served its purpose. Now it’s gone. Just like the only man who knew how to make it.”
“An astute observation,” Cane applauded him, with a thoughtful nod. “I’m glad you see it was the right choice.”
He sat back and put up his feet. “You know, we’ve done it. We’re Starmen. What we need is a damn party! Now that we’ve got an expanded crew, a wealthy stash of booze and cigars, and a reason to celebrate – we really oughta get the ball rolling on that.”
“I’m not in the mood for a party,” said Cane.
Jack sighed thinking of Malora’s rejection earlier. “Yeah. I don’t think anyone is, aside from me,” he moped. Then he had a drink. “Say, E, what’s, Claudia, up to?”
“Claudia and Jeriko have just finished a training exercise in the HC,” replied Europa.
Jack smiled. “Can you believe, Fischer, put me in charge of the mission? I’m sure, Jeriko, is pissed. He was probably in the HC venting.”
Cane smiled. “Jack, there’s a reason why I never took command of Europa myself, even when I was running the show around here. That’s because, in the future, you were Europa’s commander.”
Jack’s eyes lit up. A curl took his lips. “Bullshit! Really? Why didn’t you say anything?”
“You were under too much pressure already,” said Cane. “But I think it’s time for you to take on that burden now, Commander. Unless, of course, you have any objections, Europa?” he asked, looking up thoughtfully.
“No, Cane. Jack, it would be an honour to have you as my Commander.”
“You mean that, E?” he asked, smiling happily.
“Yes, Jack.”
“…Excellent. In that case – E, plot a course for Delta-2.”
“We’ve already been flying on that course for several hours, Commander.”
He shrugged. Then pointed out at space, feeling like the star of a Saturday morning episode on television.
“Engage.”
Jack took a drink and had a puff on his cigar. “Yep…I’m getting drunk tonight,” he muttered, his head drooping.
“Jack.”
“Yeah, E?”
“Malora, has asked to see you.” His head lifted. “I think she changed her mind about having that drink.”
Jack squeezed his fist. “Hell to the yes!”
Author Note
Thank you so much for reading Starmen: Battle for Maji-Onda.
They’re on the hunt for Vorjool now! Shit is about to get really intense!
I loved writing this book. It was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but I think I nailed it in the end. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading it. (High-five).
The next book in the series will be along in May 2017.
If you feel so inclined, please post a review to Amazon or Goodreads. Or both! Every review helps so much.
Tell your friends about Starmen!
Thanks again. I’ll try and make the next book even better!
Good voyage!