Free Henry Gallant Saga 2: Lieutenant Henry Gallant by H. Peter Alesso Page A

mixture and to distribute the heat more evenly. The maneuver caused the planet to swirl around in his viewport, adding a visual spectacle to trump the auditory repast. The sunlight accentuated the blue skies, the vibrant blue-green oceans, and the orange-red horizons. These soon gave way to the planetary features of numerous islands with rugged brown-gray mountains and burgeoning green forests. The islands dotted the expansive ocean teeming with life from multicolored birds to herds of mammals roaming free.
    The largest island in the main chain was the eastern most, which sported a gigantic volcano on its northern peninsula. Gallant had seen volcanoes on the various moons of Jupiter. They featured spiraling conical peaks and deep sprawling ravines, but the one below him dwarfed them all. His home planet, Mars, featured the largest volcano in the solar system, but before his eyes was one even larger.
    A final crescendo was reached when the Hummingbird thudded to a jarring stop on the landing pad.
    While he unstrapped, the AI reported, “The atmosphere is breathable with twenty per cent oxygen content. Indications are the plant life has many similarities to Earth and the ocean is rich in photosensitive plankton. Testing of voluminous bacteria and virus strains is underway and a list of dangerous pathogens will be updated continuously as you travel through the environment.”
    “AI, can I use my Comm pin to relay through the Hummingbird to the Intrepid?” asked Gallant.
    “The planetary force shield has been reestablished. Communication to the Intrepid is no longer possible.”
Gallant didn’t like that, but there was nothing he could do until he negotiated a pact with Wolfe.
    Satisfied the planet’s health risks were acceptable, he opened his hatch and felt the welcoming rush of clean fresh air on his face. A deep breath of fresh floral air energized and assured him. The fragrance of sweet canary yellow flowers and lush lime green vegetation contributed to the sensory delights. The breathtaking views of natural beauty struck him immediately. There was no place on Mars like this island, none like this planet. The warm tranquil azure-blue waters were welcoming. Gallant hoped for an opportunity to explore those places on this visit.
    Walking on grass with bright saffron sunlight shining down on him, he realized Elysium was the sensual bombardment he had imagined Earth to be. This planet was also near Earth-gravity which was far more than Gallant was used to. He wore a tight form-fitting navy-blue jumpsuit uniform with two gold bars on each lapel and campaign ribbons arrayed over his left breast pocket. A laser handgun was strapped in the holster on his right hip.
    He stood in a large clearing surrounded by several small buildings with roads radiating outward like spokes of a wheel. The community stood like a mass of block-shaped marbles carelessly arranged across the hillside and shore.
    In startling contrast to the welcoming natural environment, the grim and sour faces of the four men approaching Gallant caused him to hesitate before greeting them. Stopping several meters away, they waited for Gallant to speak.
    From their demeanor and dress—a formal style of clothing, uniforms without weapons—the men gave an impression of authority, but with an air of an uncertainty, rather than diplomatic welcoming. Such was Gallant’s observations, as he maintained a neutral expression. He waited patiently to be received, but when no one made an effort to greet him, he said, “I’m Lieutenant Henry Gallant of the United Planets’ Intrepid.”
    “Lieutenant Henry Gallant, I’m Cyrus Wolfe, Chief of the Safety and Security Police,” said the youngest and most interesting looking of the group. He had a large trimmed mustache, sunken eyes, and a drawn face. His skinny body and sprawling hands showed a lack of physical conditioning; nevertheless he reeked of self-importance.
    Gallant concentrated his attention on the one who