Grant ended the communication and sat back in his chair. He casually surveyed the faces of the men, women, and Waa seated at the large conference table. They were his commanders and fellow officers, and all were here to discuss their plans for the Zrthns. He wondered what they were thinking and how they would react to what they had just heard. They all seemed content and resolute.
They are all happy for you, General, Sha’n interjected, her words filling his mind as they always did when he let his guard down. It was her way of training him to keep his thoughts protected. They are pleased at how Eli handled the situation on Cerbius and are glad to have their commander back.
What do you mean, “glad to have their commander back?”
Grant, you have not been yourself since the Agate went down. It was understandable, but worrisome to many. Now that Eli is safe, they are pleased that your attention will be fully upon how to defeat the Zrthns.
Grant couldn’t disagree with the assessment, though it troubled him that he was so transparent—especially to those who couldn’t read his mind. But to say he was pleased with the unexpected discovery that his son was alive would be a grand understatement. He felt like a new person.
He sat up straight and looked around the table. Everyone was watching him and waiting for his next decision, and he made a point of meeting each set of expectant eyes.
“Now,” he began, placing his hands flat on the table in front of him. A hint of a smile touched his lips. For the first time in a long while, he felt capable of meeting their expectations. “Let’s discuss our plan for the Zrthns.”
Epilogue
Adrienne entered the observation deck and marched to the electronic board that dominated the left wall.
Without thinking, she selected the menus that delivered her to the information she sought. The routine was rote now, ingrained into her being. She had no doubt that ten years from now, long after the need had passed, she would still be able to recall each step in the process. Just like she would be able to recall the monotony of the circular path around the ship that she ran along every day. Day after day.
She selected “Mission Updates” and scrolled to the selection for the Agate. As expected, there were no new—
There was a new update.
She felt a tingle in her scalp as she quickly read the news posted on the board. She lifted a hand to her mouth and bit into her palm to stifle a rising shout.
He was alive!
“Adrienne.”
A voice—his voice—came from just behind her. She felt his hand land on her right shoulder, and she tilted her face into it.
“Eli,” she whispered.
The End
Acknowledgments
Thanks for joining me on another imaginary journey. This is book two of the Justice Trilogy, and I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please take a few moments and leave a glowing, gushing, gobsmacked review on Amazon. In addition to helping a struggling writer (that would be me), it will also help other potential readers know what to expect.
It is important to name some of the key contributors to Stranded Justice. As with every book I write, I couldn’t have completed this project on my own. Some of the key team members for this book include my Kindle Scout editor, Sarah Ruth Jacobs; my wonderful cover artist, Yoly Cortez; and my wife and best friend, Juanita. Thanks to all of you for your support, encouragement, and hard work.
I am working diligently on the final installment of this trilogy. The title is Final Justice, and I’ve already got a great cover for it. All I need now is to finish it and set it loose. My goal is to get it written and ready by wintertime—ideally, around the holiday season. If you’ve already signed up on my website, you’ll get notified as soon as it’s available. If you haven’t signed up for updates, it’s easy. Just visit my website and leave your email address. My website is www.SteveHawk.com.
Finally, I want to thank you, the reader. Your continued support and encouragement are what keep me going. I love you all!
Take care, and happy reading!
Steve Hawk
July 21, 2017
About the Author
Steven L. Hawk spent six years as a military intelligence specialist with the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division before joining the ranks of corporate America. He has a BS in business management from Western Governor's University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He is currently employed as a VP for a Fortune 500 company. He has traveled extensively across the globe, and at various times has lived in Georgia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Massachusetts, California, Texas, and Idaho.
He currently resides in Boise, Idaho with his wife, Juanita. Together, they have a blended family of five sons and two Chihuahuas.
This is his seventh published novel. For more information, you can follow him via the following channels:
Website: www.SteveHawk.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenhawk
Twitter: @stevenhawk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Steven-L-Hawk-296463223817121
Books by Steven L. Hawk:
The Peace Warrior Trilogy:
Peace Warrior
Peace Army
Peace World
The Justice Trilogy:
Son of Justice
Stranded Justice
Final Justice (Coming Soon)
Others:
STUCK (Kindle Scout Winner)
Creeper Town
Summer Solstice (Contributing Author)
Stranded Justice (The Justice Trilogy Series Book 2) Page 23