Zero-G by Alton Gansky Read Free Book Online Page A

yes, sir. Ted Roos created The Cube and New York Underground. ”
    â€œI don’t follow.”
    The man looked puzzled. “He’s the hottest game designer on the planet.”
    â€œGame? Video games?”
    â€œExactly, sir. The Cube sold a bajillion copies, and New York Underground is the best shooter game ever created.”
    â€œDid Mr. Game Fantastic say what he wanted?”
    â€œNo, sir. Just so you know. He’s mega-rich. Got more money than God.”
    â€œI doubt that. Where is he?”
    â€œHe’s on the other side of the barrier by the flight line.”
    â€œThanks. Take care of my baby.” Tuck patted the wing.
    â€œShe’s in good hands, Commander. Listen. Do you think you can get his autograph for me?”
    â€œNo.”
    Tuck walked away. .

    Tuck didn’t know what he expected, but Ted Roos wasn’t it. He wore his I-just-crawled-out-of-bed hair proudly, and his chin hadn’t seen a razor for several days. He stood five-eight, and bore maybe 165 pounds on a straight frame. His eyes were a blue that looked like they wanted to be green but couldn’t pull it off. There was, however, a detectable intelligence behind those eyes.
    â€œYou Ted Roos?”
    â€œThat’s me, Commander.”
    Tuck ducked under the nylon ribbon that formed the barricade. He was surprised to find Roos here. It was off-limits to the public. “This area is limited to support personnel, Mr. Roos.”
    â€œI’m not here as a spectator, Commander. I’m here with a proposition.”
    â€œDoesn’t explain how you got here.”
    â€œI know people, Commander. I have money. I have connections. No big whoop.”
    â€œNo big whoop, eh? What kind of proposition?”
    â€œBusiness.”
    â€œI already have all the business I need.”
    Roos smiled in a way that made Tuck think he was the butt of an unspoken joke.
    â€œSomething funny, Mr. Roos?”
    He shook his head. “I don’t mean to offend, Commander. I just know the business you’re in and I don’t imagine you find it all that satisfying.”
    â€œI’m not sure you know that much about me.”
    Again, a smile. “I’ve arranged a room where we can talk. Shall we go there?”
    Tuck’s first inclination was to walk away, but something about Roos hooked him. He was young, maybe early thirties, but he had the confidence of an older, more experienced man. “Lead the way.”
    The room Roos mentioned was a conference space with a battered table and chairs in the center. Someone had shut the thick Venetian blinds. Another man rose from his seat when they entered. Roos gave a nod and the man departed. He left a laptop computer on the table.
    Tuck and Roos were alone.
    â€œDo you want to sit?” Roos motioned to one of the chairs.
    â€œI prefer to stand.”
    To his credit, Roos remained on his feet too. “I take it you’re a straight-to-the-point kinda guy.”
    â€œYup. You said you know my business?”
    â€œNo, I said I know the kind of business you’re in and that you’re probably not satisfied.”
    Tuck removed his pilot’s gloves. “That’s a pretty bold statement.”
    â€œLet’s see if I’m right. In the last year, the year since the accident, you’ve been traveling around the country shilling for NASA, doing air shows, talking to schoolkids. Right so far?”
    â€œShilling is a harsh word.”
    â€œBut accurate. Let me ask a pointed question. When do you plan to go into space again?”
    â€œThat’s hard to say.”
    â€œNo it’s not, Commander. It’s not hard to say at all. NASA isn’t going to put you up again, are they?”
    â€œIt would be inappropriate for me to discuss any future missions I might have.”
    â€œThen I’ll discuss it for you. You’ve been grounded. Not formally, of course, but the suits aren’t going to