Ghost Soldiers by Michael G. Thomas

for Gun to see. They looked over the details. Gun kept looking to the door.
    It was a large space, much bigger than would be found on any Alliance vessel, and at some point in the past had been some type of command room for the Biomechs. Much of the sculpture and design remained, giving it a dark, sinister feel, as though at any moment the walls could come alive. Spartan felt far from a stranger, though, and the odd curves and shadows cast on the floor was more welcoming to him than the bright lights of most space stations. Around him was an odd mixture of characters from the command elements of the newly established IAB. There were the naval officers of IAS Euryale, as well as the officers and NCOs of 1st Company, the only intact combat unit so far of the IAB at Taxxu. Spartan noticed Gun looking to the doorway for perhaps the fifth time and shook his head.
    Where is he?
    Gun’s eyes caught his, and he could see the irritation in his face. Spartan shrugged, moving his attention to the right where he was pleased to see Five-Seven waiting. As the sole representative of the Thegns, he stood out, yet nothing seemed to faze him, not even the glances from some of the disapproving officers.
    Here he comes.
    Spartan heard the approach before the two doors hissed open. In walked Khan, flanked by a pair of Thegns, each wearing their minimalist Naval Auxiliary uniforms. Every pair of eyes moved to watch them as they marched inside. Khan didn’t stop until he was standing next to Spartan and facing the rest of the officers.
    “Took your time,” said Spartan.
    Khan grumbled and nodded towards Gun. The group was relatively small, but it now represented all the active units in the IAB, including two Thegns who were part of Five-Seven’s crew.
    “Spartan, it’s time,” said Gun.
    Spartan nodded, but so little that only those nearest would have even spotted the movement. Gun took in a breath and began speaking, just as the centre holographic projector displayed videostreams from multiple news networks.
    “Our last mission on Spascia is getting a lot of attention on the networks. There are videostreams of the assault, and a lot of people want to know what these machines are, and where they came from.”
    Spartan then smiled.
    “When High Command put out a statement that they were virtual presence soldiers, the response was incredible. Interest in military careers has increased fifteen percent, with the majority of those requesting information on training and posting out here.”
    He looked to Gun.
    “The IAB is making a real difference, and we are at the front-line. A lot of people doubted we could do this, and week by week we’re proving them wrong.”
    He then looked out to the officers.
    “One day, the entire Alliance military could look like what we have built out here. Our soldiers will operate from inside heavily protected command and control ships, and we will travel to the warzones with speed and overwhelming force.”
    Gun shifted uncomfortably and nodded before speaking.
    “Spartan is correct, but whether that happens is out of our hands. For now, we are the first response against threats internal and external. Spascia has proven once and for all that only an IAB company can be at a target in hours or days, instead of weeks or months.”
    He took in another quick breath.
    “We can hit a target before a conventional battlegroup can even be assembled.”
    A murmur of self-congratulation spread among the small group, but Gun lifted his hand to silence them.
    “With success comes responsibility, and because of what we have achieved, we are drawing a lot of attention. That is why we have been given a new mission, one perfectly suited to our unique skills. A ship is missing, and we are being sent to investigate.”
    Captain Delatorre, the sole Alliance Navy senior officer present, and Captain of IAS Euryale lifted his hand.
    “Commander Gun, as you know, our ships are all unserviceable. We cannot be expected to operate