Space Corps - Explorer (Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

Texas a few hours later, dozens of emergency vehicles greeted it along with thousands of camera flashes created by the media and excited spectators.
    Coming to a complete stop, several fire trucks sprayed down the X-759. Most of the water evaporated instantly from the heat caused by reentering the atmosphere. Several minutes passed before the fire chief determined that Ashley and Robert could safely exit the craft.
    A crew of men rushed around the test vessel. Some set up a stage with a microphone and podium. Others set up a red carpet leading from the ship to the stage. Still others set up a mobile staircase to the cockpit door.
    Armed soldiers of the US Space Corps marched forward in a column. They formed a line on each side of the red carpet and set up a border around the stage. The crowd of media and spectators, barely able to contain themselves, swarmed in.
    Several helicopters approached from over the horizon and landed beside the test vessel. Out of one came a column of very important military men that made their way to the stage. Out of a second came a column of men who were vital to the success of the test flight. Out of the third, the unmarked helicopter known as Marine One, came the President and his wife. They walked past the saluting guards, stopping to shake hands on their way to the stage.
    At last, the cockpit door of the test vessel popped open, and out stepped Ashley and Robert. Their legs trembled, having just returned from space, but they paused at the top of the temporary stairs and waved to the crowd. Everyone, the President included, erupted in applause.
    As the pair walked down the ramp, the President stepped up to the podium.
    “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Ashley Sorrells, the engineer behind the engine in the craft, and Robert Harris, the pilot of today’s successful test flight.”
    Again, the crowd erupted in applause. While the pair made their way to the stage, showered in ribbons and salutes, the crowd never once showed signs of growing quiet.
    Once onstage, more hands were shaken, more salutes were given, and even the occasional high five was seen. The President made a speech, but almost no one in the audience could hear it.
    Finished with his speech, the President shook Robert’s hand one last time before grabbing Ashley by the shoulder and leading her and his wife to Marine One.
    The helicopter took off, and left Ashley to wonder what was going on. She wanted to ask, but knew that questioning the President, the Commander and Chief over all the US military, was not the proper thing to do.
    “Dear,” the President’s wife asked Ashley, “aren’t you the least bit curious where we’re going?”
    Ashley fought the urge to look out the window to see the vast crowd that remained gathered around the podium on the ground below.
    “Yes, ma’am. Very much so.”
    The President smiled. “Ashley, the US Space Corps is still young. It’s great, but it has a long way to go. It needs leaders. You’ve proven to all your commanding officers during your time in the service that you are capable of being one of those leaders.”
    Ashley smiled and looked at the President right in the eyes.
    “Thank you, Mr. President, but I—”
    “No. You don't have a choice in this one. This country needs people like you in leadership positions. That’s why we are on our way right now for you to stand before Congress. If they see what I see, they’ll approve you for the post I’m appointing you to.”

Chapter 5
    Breath of Life
     
    “Admiral, we’ll be boarding the US Space Corps exploration vessel in just a few hours.”
    “Does it have a name?”
    “No, sir. Naming the first of a new class of ships is your right as admiral.”
    Ashley smiled and looked around. The cramped cockpit of the space shuttle quickly grew old. The window made the small space bearable. Looking out, she saw the sun rising on Earth’s horizon.
    The pilot craned his neck. “It’s a beautiful sight. During normal