No Technology Is Invincible (The Death Prophecies-Book Four 4) by Saxon Andrew Page B

rather die than wear that.”
    Gabe sighed and took one of Gabby’s hands, “Captain, you’ve fought your entire life to be the best. Refusal to be fitted for armor will force you to take a position in fleet operations and you’ll never be allowed to board a ship.” Gabby started to speak and Gabe quickly said, “No one will see you wearing it but me. You’ll only wear it when you’re onboard and you can change into a regular uniform when we land.” Gabby stared at him and Gabe shrugged, “I have to admit that I wasn’t excited initially about you going on this mission with me.” Gabby’s mouth opened and Gabe quickly said, “But Admiral Connor is right about your going. I’ve been struggling with how I’m going to lead our fleets against the Builders and not get all of our forces killed. I have to go to their galaxy and see what weaknesses they have. I need you there seeing things I miss. I need you on this mission.”
    Gabby closed her mouth and sighed. After a moment she stood up, took the grey uniform off the hanger, and walked to the dressing room. Gabe waited and knew she was shy beyond anything normal. He would not make her feel bad when she came out. He heard her say from inside the dressing room, “I’ve been dreading this since my third year at the Academy. I thought that I’d be assigned to Intelligence and not have to wear one of these.”
    “Your armor won’t work without it. It can’t make the connections to your body if the uniform is too loose.”
    “I know. Alright, I’m coming out.” Gabe saw the dressing room door open and Gabby stepped out. He was determined not to show anything in his expression but his mouth fell open. Gabby saw him and immediately rushed back into the dressing room. Gabe rushed to the door and quickly said, “Why are you so shy about being seen in the uniform?”
    “I look atrocious.”
    “You do not! You’re incredibly…”
    “What?’
    “Beautiful. Surely you can see that?”
    “No, I’m not!”
    “Gabby, trust me on this, you are.”
    Gabby stuck her head out of the door, “That’s the first time you called me Gabby.”
    Gabe’s head went back and he sighed, “Wearing that uniform is not something you will ever need to worry about.”
    Gabby stepped out and looked at herself in the full-length mirror on the wall. After a moment she looked at Gabe, “I think you’re right.”
    “How can you not know it?”
    Gabby looked back at the mirror and shrugged, “I guess I’ve never focused on my appearance. I’ve always accepted that I’m…”
    Gabe stood up, “I’m going to send the Lieutenant back in. Have her give you ten grey uniforms to take with you and then she can fit you for your armor. Once that’s done, have her schedule it for immediate installation on our ship. We need to be going shortly.”
    Gabby looked at him and nodded, “Yes, Sir.”
    Gabe left and said to the Lieutenant standing outside the door, “Get her uniforms ready and get the armor installed today.”
    “Yes, Sir.”
    The Lieutenant entered the room and saw Gabby staring at herself in the mirror. Gabby saw the Lieutenant’s expression and said, “Is something wrong?”
    The Lieutenant shook her head, “No, I just wish I had what you’ve got.” Gabby smiled and then laughed.
    • • •
    Gabe walked back toward the Eyes and knew Gabby was going to say that she always accepted that she was ugly. She had an incredible body but her hair and glasses now made her look like a sexy librarian. What a dichotomy. He sighed and thought about Janell. He shook his head swiftly and forced himself to focus on the mission.

Chapter Five
    “P oul, I’m moving us out of the hangar if everything is completed.”
    “The last of our food stores have been delivered and put away in storage. I need to fire the blasters in open space before we enter the black hole.”
    “I’ll stop us outside the event horizon for you to fire them, Poul.”
    “That would be good.”
    Gabe looked