The Last Hero by Nathaniel Danes Read Free Book Online Page A

trade between Earth and her coming colonies. Now she was re-purposed to serve as the tip of the spear in humanity’s first counter-strike.
    Soon the sky surrounding Earth would fill with warships of varying types. For now a clumsy cargo vessel was the best anyone could do.
    Since any trip in space was long, the Commerce was built huge to maximize its carrying capacity. Compared to ocean going vessels on Earth, she was classified as a behemoth.
    Bow to stern, the flying brick measured three-fourths of a kilometer long, four hundred meters across, and one hundred and fifty meters high. Trent thought it looked like a giant black rectangle with the corners rounded off.
    How the hell are we supposed to sneak up on anybody in that thing?
    ***
    “Captain Chen, permission to come aboard?” Trent saluted the tall Chinese officer who replied in perfect American English.
    “Permission granted, Major. Might I say it’s an honor for the Commerce and her crew to assist you in your mission. All of your gear has already been loaded. My crewmen will show your people to their quarters.”
    Trent walked to the side of the corridor next to Chen, to make way for the others to board.
    “The pleasure is all ours, Captain. We did a flyover on approach. She looks like a fine ship.”
    “Thank you, Major. Would you care to join me in the captain’s mess this evening for dinner?”
    “I would be delighted. When should I be ready?”
    “Dinner is at 1900 hours. Which I am afraid is in two hours. We are on ship time here, Earth standard to be specific.”
    “Not a problem, I look forward to it.”
    “May I personally show you to your quarters?”
    “Yes, lead the way. Oh, one moment. Captain Jones?”
    The captain displayed her fine British Army training by instantly springing to attention at the sound of her commanding officer’s voice.
    “Yes, sir.”
    The look of horror on Captain Chen’s face indicated that he hoped the major wasn’t about to invite the hearty woman to join them for dinner.
    “Captain, I would like an officers meeting in my stateroom at 2200 hours...ship time. Can you please see to it?”
    “Consider it done, sir.”
    “Thank you, Captain. Carry on.”
    Chen gestured which direction to walk.              
    Their boots clanked as they stepped on the metal grates covering the walkway.
    Once a safe distance, Chen commented, “So your XO...is that a he or a she?”
    Trent lightly chuckled and said, “I’m not sure. Just damn glad it’s on our side.”
    ***
    A double beep chimed at his door.
    “Enter,” Trent commanded.
    He looked at his watch, exactly 2200 hours.
    “Please come in. Have a seat in the wardroom.”
    “So this is one of the staterooms. I must say...I’m little a disappointed.” The comment came from Lt. Walter Simms, a former U.S. Marine who took part in the beach assault component during the South Africa operation. Dark haired with a youthful appearance, he was a few centimeters shorter than Trent but made up for it with a thick chest and cocky attitude. Born and raised in the snowy peaks of the Colorado Rockies, he developed a taste for extreme sports early on, becoming a full-fledged adrenaline junky. He also happened to be extremely intelligent, holding advanced degrees in engineering and mathematics.
    Trent said, “I hear you, Lieutenant. I guess they wanted to maximize their space for cargo.”
    “What are you complaining about, Simms? This place is twice the size of the sardine can where they put you and me,” said the feisty and attractive Lt. Jane Thomas, the unit’s solo recruit from the Air Force. The olive skinned brunette took great pleasure in busting Simms’ balls. Being the only girl in a Texas ranch family of five children tended to make a woman grow up tough. Trent always found it odd that she didn’t have an accent.
    Captain Jones, never one for small talk, simply sat down at the small round table in the corner. Simms and Thomas joined her, taking the last