Free Command Decision (Project Gliese 581g #1) by S.E. Smith Page A

closed and sealed, the gas mixture would start. Holding the controller in his hand, he pressed the button and felt the pod move into the chute. Almost as soon as he heard the pod lock, he felt the Gliese shake, as if in the throes of a death rattle. A moment later, his stomach turned as the pod was ejected out into space. He blinked several times, trying to clear his vision as the gas mixture dulled his senses. He stared up into the blackness of space and swallowed.
    No, Julia. I was wrong, he thought as his mind grew hazy. I think I would mind if I never saw Earth again.
     
     

Chapter 8
     
    Telsa Terra:
     
    Cassa glanced up as a dark shadow passed over the vineyard where she was checking the new crop that was almost ready for harvesting. The vineyards had been in Cassa de Rola’s family for centuries. Each generation nurtured the plants that provided a lucrative income for them and the small settlement nearby.
    On the other side of the mountains lay the desert and the Badlands. Generally, either her father or older brother, Packu, were the ones who normally traveled there. That was where the mines and the closest large trader Spaceport were located. It was a lawless area and best left alone.
    “Cassa!” A young boy called out in excitement as he ran down the long row. “Cassa! Look!”
    “I see it, Jesup,” Cassa replied, not looking at her younger brother, but up at the massive ship. A sense of unease washed through her. “Is father back yet?”
    “Yes,” Jesup replied in a breathless tone. “He didn’t look happy, either. It’s a Legion Battle cruiser; not one of their old ones either.”
    “How would you know if it was one of their old ships?” Cassa asked in disapproval. “Have you been talking to the traders down at the market again?”
    Jesup shook his head. “No, I heard Packu talking about it. He had a hologram of it and a bunch of other Legion ships.”
    Cassa’s lips tightened. Their brother, Packu, had been listening to the other young men in the village. More and more of the young men and women were leaving the small settlement, making it harder for Cassa’s father to keep up with all the work. With the harvesting of the crops coming soon, it would be even harder on them if Packu joined the resistance that was growing.
    “Why would they be here?” Cassa mused, watching as it disappeared over the mountains.
    “Cassa!”
    Cassa grimaced and turned when she heard her name again. Packu, or Pack as the family called him, was running toward her. She frowned when she saw the bag he was carrying. Placing her hands on her hips, she knew she was already shaking her head in denial before he drew to a stop.
    “I’m leaving,” Pack said, his face tight with determination.
    “The Legion Battle cruiser,” she started to say.
    Pack nodded, his face held a grim expression. “That is why I’m leaving,” he interrupted. “They are recruiting any male old enough to fight. I won’t join them in destroying another world, much less my own.”
    “Father will tell them that you are needed here, Pack,” Cassa argued. “It will be hard enough as it is to harvest the crop this year. Without your help, it will be almost impossible.”
    “I don’t have a choice, Cassa,” Pack replied in a quiet voice. “None of us do. The Legion is taking over the entire star system. If we don’t stop them now, no one will be able to.”
    “It’s not our fight,” Cassa whispered as fear of losing Pack swept through her and she shook her head in denial. “Our planet is small compared to the others. Let the Gallant Order stop them. That is why it was formed.”
    Pack shook his head and began to back up when he heard his name being called by one of his friends. He turned and waved his hand to let them know that he would be there in a moment. Turning back to Cassa, he gave her a wistful grin and reached out to ruffle Jesup’s dark hair.
    “They need help,” Pack murmured. “Father understands. This is different,