Icarus (26 page)

   Ashdoe slowly nodded his large, clean-shaven head. “These quarters are
now considered a crime scene. Until we can determine the perpetrators, you will
not be allowed to return without an armed escort. I have taken the liberty of
permanently assigning you quarters on deck eight. I suggest you take the next
few moments to gather up what little belongings you have. One of the Marines
outside will show you to your new stateroom.”

   “Thank you, Commander,” Shawn said courteously. “That was very
considerate of you.”
Very thoughtful, indeed. Not to mention convenient.
After
all, if his current quarters were under surveillance, his new cabin would no
doubt be outfitted with even more sensitive recording devices. Someone
desperately wanted to be on the same page as Shawn and Melissa, and Kestrel had
a good idea of who that might be.

   Grabbing a small bag from underneath his bed, Shawn quickly moved
about his cabin and gathered his meager belongings. As he stepped back into the
passageway and greeted the Marines standing there, he turned one final time to
regard his cabin, and found his eyes locked with Commander Ashdoe’s. With his
forehead furrowed, the Niranian nodded his large head once just before the
doors to Shawn Kestrel’s former compartment closed abruptly.    
 

…to be continued.

     Born and raised in Southern California, Stephen A.
Fender joined the Navy at the age of 18. During his last deployment in 1999, he
decided to take up the keyboard and write his first story. Having spent ten
years of his professional life as a mechanic, he changed gears several years
ago and now works as a software developer. During that time, he’s produced
seven novels.

     Stephen lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife,
where he enjoys boating, hiking, camping, playing music and spending time with
his wonderful family.

    
Icarus
is his second novel.

Follow Stephen by visiting his website:

www.StephenFender.com

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