Echo of Tomorrow: Book Two (The Drake Chronicles) (60 page)

“Here, here,” they chorused, and one said, “I’d hate to think the damage someone could cause if they got hold of the secret.”

Scott nodded. “So, I’ll leave you all to discuss which road we should take between yourselves.”

“What about you, Admiral?”

“Please. Don’t let my decision influence you one way or the other. This is your choice, for you and future generations. At some point we’re going to colonize other star systems. What then? How do we protect them, help them grow, and what sort of government and constitution will they start with?”

Picking up his coffee mug, Scott stood and left, and much to his surprise, Brock followed. Once outside, they strolled though the gathering darkness of the warm summer evening. Brock lit up one of his cigars, and thankfully it was a better quality than those he usually smoked, and offered one to Scott. They lit up.

“You aren’t going to join the discussion, Gunny.”

“No need to. I know which road you want to take.”

“Oh, and how do you know that, mind reading?”

Brock smiled, shaking his head. “You grew up under a King … or Queen, I can’t remember which. So having one as the head of state is no big leap for you.”

“You’re right, it isn’t. Of course, this new King has a lot more say-so in what goes on in his government nowadays.”

“So I’ve heard, and the absolute right to veto any law he deems inappropriate.”

“Yes, it tends to keep the members of Parliament on their toes, and no one tries to pass self-serving legislation. Now they get a flat salary, and actually have to ask the King for a pay raise. If he thinks they don’t deserve it, or should have a pay cut due to poor performance, that’s it.”

“Too right, and a good thing to. We saw what self-serving legislation can lead to.”

“You going to be happy living with a King as head of state?”

“Makes no difference to me, I’m a marine and go where I’m told and do what I’m told.”

“Actually, it’s Royal Marine if they go that way.”

“I can live with that. The Royal Marine commandos were and are a tough lot, well up to the standard of the old Corps and then some.”

At last they sat on a wooden bench and looked out over the beach smoking their cigars, sipping their drinks, and letting the soft sound of the ocean wash across the sand to flow over them. There was no need to talk, just relax and enjoy the moment. All too soon they would be back in the thick of battle, and this would be nothing but a wonderful, distant memory.

                                                                      THE END

                                                        Echo of Tomorrow, Book Two

                                                        Copyright 2015 Rob Buckman

                                             Published by Rob Buckman at Amazon