Recruit: Book One of the Universal Conflict ( Under Constant Editing)

Chapter 47

  Shoure poked his head into the family room and announced that food was ready. Iggy surprised everyone by being the first out to the table.
  "Saskra !" Iggy exclaimed "Shoures specialty, a seafood item from my home. He makes it better than professional cooks."
  On the table was a covered platter. The aroma was sweet almost candy thick. The group sat around the table in anticipation as Shoure lifted the lid to reveal a dark purple meat cut into portion sizes. Brad looked skeptical as he was passed a plate.
  "Don't worry, Dad, it's safe for us to eat." Cory tried to assure him "Besides, Shoure is a gourmet. His meals are usually unbelievable."
  "Purple fish?" Brad said "I just have a hard time thinking it's edible."
  "Nonsense, Bill." Sally jumped in. She had asked why when she saw and smelled the sweetened meat "It looks that way because it eats a type of berry that colors the meat."
  Everybody took a bite to prove it was safe. When nobody keeled over he tried a small bite. The look of happy surprise that came over his face as the sweetness of the berry infused meats flavor filled his mouth made the rest of them laugh. The meal was quickly finished and all thanked Shoure for cooking. Sally was more thankful since Shoure cleaned most of the mess as he emptied the pots and pans into serving dishes.
  "Tomorrow I'll try to contact some people I know and start the ball rolling to find the best mercs in the business." Brad offered.
  Krystal nodded "Thank you, you're being more helpful than I hoped for. How do you know these people?" she inquired.
  "I can't tell you that." Brad replied "It would put Sally in danger if I did."
  "I understand." Krystal affirmed "Some secrets need to be kept."
  With this the group sat and relaxed as they watched television. All during the broadcast Brad was kept busy answering questions about the programs being watched. At the end of the night when everyone else had gone to bed Krystal, Cory and his parents sat around the kitchen table.
  "You two could come with us, if you like." Krystal started the conversation "We have plenty of room on the Valiant."
  "It's something to think about." Brad replied "We do enjoy traveling and this would be a way to see new things."
  "I would love to go." Sally said "I do like learning new things and seeing new places."
  "We have a civilian fleet that's always within a few lightyears from the battle fleet." Cory added "We'd be able to see you more often that way, too."
  "Don't be so hasty," Brad returned "Neither of us is just willing to let you kids have all the fun."
  "That's right," Sally added "I have my pilots license and your father has the military experience you're looking for. We're not useless."
  "It's getting late and we have to get an early start tomorrow." Krystal said with a yawn "Let's go to bed."
  With that, the four got up and went to their respective rooms and went to sleep.
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  The next day brought a flurry of activity as Brad put out the call for the mercenary forces the fleet needed. Krystal and Cory went to the store to find foods from Earth not already in the fleet database. When they got back to the house they found Brad waiting.
  "I got ahold of some of the commanders of the best mercs in the business."Brad stated "They'll be here soon. I'm going to let you explain your mission, Krys, but you'll have a hard time convincing them you're telling the truth."
  "Not with the squad here, I won't." Krystal said "Once they see living extraterrestrials they'll believe me."
  After unloading the foodstuffs, they sat and waited for the mercenary leaders to arrive.
  It was only about ten minutes later when the first of the men showed up followed closely by three more. These men definitely looked the part, authority showed in their bearing. Military discipline was evident in every move made. The men were shown to the den where Cory, Krystal and Brad waited. After taking their seats Brad made the introductions.
  "Cory, Krystal," Brad said "from left to right are General Hagler, retired, Colonel Danzig, retired, Colonel Wells, retired and Major Brattel, retired. These men are the best in the business."
  "Pleasure to meet you all." Krystal began "Have you been told why you're all here?"
  The men shook their heads indicating they knew nothing.
  "Did any of you hear or see Commander T'ilveshs broadcast about a year ago?" Krystal inquired.
  All the men nodded but looked skeptical all the same.
  "Good," Krystal continued "I am his second-in-command. My name is Krystal and We need your help to fight the Ruchkitay. They are a menace to the universe. We have reclaimed many galaxies, however, to eliminate them completely we need your people to train and lead our warriors in battle."
  "Brad, we didn't come all this way for a joke." General Hagler admonished "Why are we here, the truth this time or we leave."
  "She's telling you the truth." Brad replied "What would make you believe her?"
  "The Commander," the General answered "in person."
  "How about meeting my squad?" Cory asked "They're not human. Would that convince you?"
  "Yes, I suppose it would." Hagler responded.
  At that Corys called the squad in. As they filed in the faces of the mercenaries showed their disbelief had been overcome.
  "This is Surni, our healer, Hawk, our weapons expert, Chuff, team leader, Shoure, a pilot and team leader, Iggy, intelligence coordinator and last but not least Rufin, hand to hand combat expert."
  "OK, you're who you say you are." Colonel Wells said "How do you intend to pay us? We don't come cheap."
  "Your choice," Krystal said "Jewels,gold or other precious metals such as platinum, titanium."
  "How about advanced technology?" Wells came back " Is that on the table?"
  "If that's what you want." was her reply "Just no weapon technology."
  The men conferred for a few minutes before turning back to Krystal and saying "Ma'am, you just hired yourself an army."
  "Good." Krystal said "Your transport will arrive in a week. Will that be enough time for you to prepare your men to leave?"
  "More than enough." the General answered.
  "Excellent, be at the field outside the local airport in one week with your men and gear." Krystal ordered "How many in your group?"
  "About 500 troops." Hagler answered "Do you have room for that many?"
  "Only one cruiser needed then." Krystal said "three trips with the shuttles per 100, 30 minutes plus per round trip. Two and a half hours total. Can your transportation run that long so your people don't freeze?"
"Yes."
  With that the meeting was over and the men left. Krystal smiled at Cory relieved that they had completed their mission on time. In one week they would leave and head out among the stars.