Slaves of Hyperion (Star Crusades Uprising, Book 6) by Michael G. Thomas Read Free Book Online Page A

what was coming, and he wasn’t surprised.
    “Lieutenant, they have everything they need, but they do have a need for a replacement reconnaissance troop.”
    Spartan was about to speak, but the Major lifted his hand.
    “No, before you say anything, it will not be you. This mission is important, but the rebuilding of the Alliance military is even more important. There is talk of shrinking the size of the fleet and relying more on local troops for combat operations. You have more experience than most of the senior command there, especially when it comes to operations against the Zealots and the Biomechs. I’ve a list of seven people already that want to speak with you about the fighting on Terra Nova itself.”
    Spartan shook his head angrily.
    “But, Sir, this is admin and politics, and you know what I’m like at both. My reports are already on file. They know what I think, and they know the problems we suffered with local forces and commanders. Surely my expertise is better needed on the Santa Maria mission.”
    Major Daniels stood up, indicating the discussion was coming to an end.
    “I’m sorry, Lieutenant. My hands are tied. Your knowledge and experience is required at Terra Nova. You will select the best reconnaissance team available, and it is my recommendation that Sergeant Morato is considered to lead it. I will, of course, leave the decision to you.”
    He stood smartly to attention, and the three stood to face him. Spartan saluted and turned for the door. Major Daniels was already at his computer model of the system before they even left the room. Spartan nodded to the guards as he stepped out into the corridor and looked back at Lovett and Teresa.
    Dammit, so I stay for meetings and discussions on Terra Nova while my two best NCOs get to finish off the enemy once and for all?

CHAPTER THREE
     

    The fall of Terra Nova marked a major shift in the path of the Zealots and their devotion to the Church of Echidna. With the Core destroyed and the Union torn apart, many returned home. Most were bitter and many blamed the new Alliance for their troubles. The first decades after the Uprising saw many feuds and reprisals occur throughout the old Confederacy. It was a hard and violent time but if it were not for the events at Hyperion the old troubles could easily have reignited.
     
    Origins of the Zealots
     

    Spartan looked out of the observation window and towards the shape of the planet below. The rotating of this part of the ship meant he had but a small period of time to watch before the planet moved from view. Those not used to it could become sick and disorientated but not him. Spartan had served on multiple ships with artificial gravity, and although they all left him with a sick feeling in his stomach, nothing caused as much pain as that blue green orb below.
    Terra Nova, I never planned on coming back.
    He thought back to his last visit and the violence of their landing. It had been the final act of the War, and a terrible full frontal assault on the planet itself. So many had died on both sides. Even the Jötnar, his implacable allies, had lost scores of warriors in that last, desperate rush to end the War. It reminded him of his Biomech friends, the Jötnar who had sided with the Confederacy and proven to be some of the most stubborn and trustworthy warriors they had access to. He had not seen them in months and was actually starting to miss his friends.
    Still, I’ll get to meet Khan on Terra Nova. That should be interesting.
    He smiled inwardly at the thought of the outspoken Jötnar warrior on the planet. He was even less politic than Ko’mandor Gun, their enigmatic leader and could be guaranteed to cause a scene. That was something Spartan was quite looking forward to seeing.
    “The next shuttle to the conference will leave in seventeen minutes. Please make your way to the landing bay,” said a calm voice over the ship’s speaker system.
    Spartan glanced once more at the shape of Terra Nova as