"Sir," said the communications tech, "starport control advises we're the only ship underway in the system. We're free to manoeuvre." "Very well," said Dillon, reaching for his pen in its overhead holder. "Mister Tremblay, please plot a course to the Sol system, Rubicon Station." "Aye aye, sir," said the young Tremblay, sitting at the supervisory console. Chief Black stood nearby, watching over his shoulder. "By the way," said Dillon, beginning to chew at the end of his pen, "did we hear back from Rubicon?" "No sir," said Tremblay. "No response yet." "Shit. That probably means they won't be able to expedite us. Let me know." "Aye aye, sir." Dillon reached for his mug, and was surprised to find the cupholder empty. He must have come to the bridge without it. Instead, he redoubled his efforts on his pen. If they didn't get expedited through Rubicon station, it would mean another delay. The station, at Pluto, was run by the United Nations to enforce the Rubicon Treaty's one simple rule: no armed ship may ever approach Earth. So a ship on a goodwill tour of the homeworld had to stop and have all her weapons disarmed, either by off-shipping ammunition or by removing critical components. The normal processing time for disarmament and verification was 48 hours. At this point, their information about the Palani prophet was so dated, he could be anywhere. Never mind finding him before he left; Dillon would to be happy to find the kid before he died of old age.
What do You think about Chosen (HMCS Borealis Book 2)?
