Free Ghost Soldiers by Michael G. Thomas

simply smiled.
    “The benefits of cellular rejuvenation have kept you in fighting form, where in the past you would be retired. These new techniques could go much further. We are looking at organ and limb replacement, perhaps even a complete halt to the issue of aging.”
    On’Sarax uttered a sound, and Mr Walker lowered his head a little, as though apologising.
    “For now it is all research, but as for the future, there is always profit in life.”
    He then smiled, the expression that seemed to match the corporate world so well.   A voice came from behind, along with the thud of heavy footsteps.
    “And even more in death.”
    The voice was harsh and grim, yet as Spartan heard it, his face seemed to light up. Spartan nodded politely to the alien machines, and then moved around them to find another Jötnar heading towards him. This one wore his uniform with a little more panache even though it was still decorated with extra plates of armour. As might be expected from the Jötnar, two other similarly dressed warriors flanked him. Spartan moved to the largest and stopped directly in front.
    “Commander Gun.”
    The warrior mumbled, lifting an eyebrow as Spartan continued.
    “I thought you were busy talking politics on Terra Nova?”
    “Something like that.”
    Khan moved up from where he’d been listening to Mr Walker and grasped his old friend by the arm. For anybody else watching it may have seen a little violent, not even particularly friendly. Spartan noticed the large warrior wince a little after contact.
    “That pin prick still hurting you?”
    Gun looked back to Spartan and rubbed at his body.
    “It punched in deeply, Spartan. The medics say it will be another three weeks until it is fully healed.”
    For the briefest moment Spartan thought he saw a glimmer of pain in his friend’s eyes.
    “I’ve had worse, though. Holes can be repaired. Hell, remember my eye?”
    Spartan nodded.
    “I don’t doubt it, Gun; at least you’ll be back at full strength soon.”
    Mr Walker looked to then both and then concentrated his attention on Spartan. He lowered his head slightly upon seeing the arrival of Gun, his way of greeting somebody he now considered an equal, of sorts. Spartan, Gun, Khan, and Olik still retained a major share in the Special Weapons Division, all part of the agreement that had started the section to begin with. Access to On’Sarax, her people, and the hidden secrets at Taxxu were dependent on them. The ancient machines saw the Alliance as a common ally, but in Spartan and his friends, they saw something that could be trusted.
    “SWD, we’ve been granted a fifty percent budget increase for the next quarter. It looks like your operation on Karnak has galvanised Alliance High Command into buying into the upgraded technology.”
    Spartan nodded.
    “Good, it’s about time our front-line marines got the equipment they deserve.”
    He looked away and then back to him, a suspicious look on his face.
    “What do they want, exactly?”
    Gun indicated for them to walk away from the spaceship, and then moved alongside Khan. As they spoke, Spartan continued his conversation with Mr Walker.
    “Spartan, they want the new weapons, and access to the technology used in our engines systems.”
    Spartan seemed surprised.
    “Weapons? So they are not interested in the real advances, the Grunts and the Maverick armour. That equipment will save lives on the battlefield.”
    “Indeed. And how much does it cost to build a CD1 Grunt?”
    Spartan took in a long, deep breath and sighed.
    “More than the lifetime training costs of a marine.”
    “Exactly. The bill for the Spascia operation is...well, how shall I put it? Half the Grunts damaged or destroyed, to save a handful of marines. The sums simply do not add up.”
    Spartan stopped and caught both Gun and Mr Walker’s eye.
    “So we rescued the hostages, pacified the sector on Spascia, and left the place under Alliance control. And now they are complaining about