Border Worlds (United Star Systems Book 1)
Page 26
The success of the secret negotiations paved the way for this conference today. The Empire and the USS still had many ideological differences and diverse cultures. However, the Emperor felt as he did, if elements within our Empires could conspire to war, then we can come together for peace. Emperor Soto was also willing to make certain compromises because it was an Imperial fleet which committed the act of war. The Emperor knew if a United Fleet had attacked first, the Empire might not be so quick to forgiveness.
Alvarez escorted him into the sickbay on the hospital deck. Many wounded Fleet personnel were still being treated for severe injuries sustained during the battle.
The witty Commander Rayne looked serene in the hospital bed. The only sign of life—the constant beep from the machines hooked into him.
Quintus rested a hand on the motionless man’s shoulder.
“Commander . . . Aaron—,” he swallowed. “Brother. I finally read your file. I have to agree with the reckless part. I just have a feeling you’re really pushing it and being stubborn as well. Just to stick it to your friends a while longer. I know somewhere deep down in that head of yours you can hear me. It’s time to wake up.”
Quintus turned to Vee and Lee. “Despite everything I barely knew him, yet I feel such a hole in my chest seeing him like this. In that short space of time, he affected me so much and he’s given us hope.” He looked down at Aaron. “He was your friend long before I knew him, how do you do it, how do you fill that hole?”
Lee shrugged. “I just remind myself of something the Commander usually said. It always seemed to put things in perspective for him.”
Quintus could only offer a puzzled expression when both Vee and Lee said aloud.
“No one lives forever.”
From the author
Thank you for reading United Star Systems Book One: Border Worlds. Would you like to see the book continue as a series? Consider leaving a review, put up some stars, and share with your friends who like these types of adventures. You can also follow my blog on Amazon if you wish, or go to my website and join the mailing list to be notified of upcoming releases. Book two coming November!
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From the author
This is my first published work. Stories which tell of the friendships and loyalties of their actors as they deal with conflict are always memorable. I was inspired by the friendships from shows such as Stargate and Firefly.
Although alien invasion stories seem more compelling (and other end of life-as-we-know-it-stories). There are a lot of them out there, some that are done well and I wanted to do a more action/adventure/friendship/loyalty character/plot driven story.