Free Ghost Fleet (The Pike Chronicles Book 4) by G. P. Hudson

strong,” said Lynda.
    “No, Captain. It is not enough.”
    “What happened to you? You were my Chief Engineer. I relied on you. What turned you into this?” said Jon, stretching out his hand toward him.
    “You left her,” Singh said in a low voice that was almost a growl. He locked eyes with the Captain, holding his gaze this time, letting his hatred show.
    “Left who?” said Jon, looking confused, even caught off guard.
    “Lynda,” said Singh, leaning forward, clenching his fists. He wanted to pounce on the Captain, and part of him foolishly believed he had a chance.
    “Lynda? Commander Wolfe? She died on the Hermes bridge when we crash landed. I couldn’t save her.”
    Singh pointed a finger at the Captain. “Yet you were fully capable of saving yourself, weren’t you?”
    Jon’s eyes widened. “That’s it. I understand now. I can’t believe I didn’t figure it out sooner. That’s why Commander Wolfe volunteered to serve on the Hermes. You two were in a relationship.”
    The words stung Singh and rage transformed into grief. “I wish she never came aboard the Hermes. She’d still be alive now.”
    “I am still alive, Rajneesh,” said Lynda.
    Singh looked at Lynda. “No, you’re not. I wish you were, but you’re not.”
    Disappointment spread across Lynda’s face and she placed a hand on Singh’s shoulder. It feels so real , he thought. How can it feel so real?
    “Wait a second,” said Jon. “That’s who you’re talking to, isn’t it? You see Commander Wolfe.”
    Singh nodded his head as a solitary tear traced a path down his cheek.
    “She’s not here, Chief. You know that don’t you?”
    “I do. At least a part of me does. But she is so real. I can see her. She’s as beautiful as ever. I can smell the shampoo on her blonde hair. I can hear her voice, as clear as I can hear yours. I can feel her touch.” He looked at the hand on his shoulder. “It’s as gentle as I remember. How can you tell me she’s not here?”
    “She’s not. I’m sorry, Chief, but you have to let her go.”
    “I can’t,” Singh whispered, bringing a hand up to wipe away the tears now streaming down his face.
    “I’ll never leave you, Rajneesh,” said Lynda. “Never.”
    “It’s going to be okay, Chief. I promise. You need help. I’m sorry. I wish I had known sooner. I’m going to send Doctor Ellerbeck to see you. She’ll be able to do something about these hallucinations.”
    “I can’t lose her again,” whimpered Singh.
    “I know, Chief. I know.”

Chapter 14
     
    “Prime Minister, I must object. This idea puts the whole planet at risk,” said General Calledonius, looking every bit the grizzled old veteran.
    Sallas knew the General wouldn’t like the idea of a separate, independent fleet. He had gained control over the entire New Byzantium armed forces after the coup. The last thing he would agree to now would be a parallel military that wasn’t under his control. “General,” said Sallas, trying his best to sound respectful and conciliatory. “New Byzantium is already at risk. We cannot hope to prevail against both the corporations, and the Kemmar. We need this jump technology.”
    “Then negotiate for it. There must be something they would be willing to trade for.”
    “I’ve tried, General. They do not want to trade.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because, they are afraid the technology will fall into the wrong hands.”
    “Nonsense,” said Calledonius. “I would personally ensure the security of the technology.”
    “I know you would, General, but with the recent coup you can understand their concerns.”
    “The military has been thoroughly cleansed. All traitors have been arrested.”
    “How do you know that?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “How do you know that all traitors have been arrested? What if there are still elements in the military who support return to corporate rule?”
    “I have extensive files on every coup supporter.”
    “Yes, and how long have you had those