Star Runners 2: Revelation Protocol by L E Thomas

tell you.”
    Austin swallowed. “Like what, sir?”
    “Later.” Nubern shook his head sharply. “You and your contacts are in danger. Here’s what we know: An unknown force is targeting our Earth-bound Star Runners. The effort might be spreading to other planets, but we're not sure. Several incidents have occurred in recent days."
    A rotten feeling twisted in his gut. "My contacts? What incidents?"
    "Lieutenant Bean was one of many Star Runners targeted in the past twenty-four hours. Any person contacted by you while on Tarton's Junction could be a target. A few pilots have had family members die in strange accidents or simply vanish. Right now, we don’t know why or even who is doing this. All of your communication has been and probably continues to be hacked." He moved out of view momentarily to grab his tablet. "Your mother and someone named Kadyn, correct?"
    Austin thought back, his mind racing as reality fell over him. He regularly sent messages to Mom and Kadyn during flight school. "Yes, sir. My other contacts were on the station."
    "They need to be warned, Lieutenant,” Nubern said, his eyes the color of ice. “Not via phone or radio, but in person. They must be taken to safety. Command has provided all Star Runners currently on Earth authority to enact the Revelation Protocol."
    Austin blinked. "I didn't know command has ever given such an order."
    Nubern shook his head. "They just did. Find your contacts. Keep them safe.”
    “Shouldn’t we send someone else?”
    “It’s standard for a loved one to enact Revelation Protocol if at all possible. We’ve found it is easier to accept coming from someone comfortable. Besides, things are a bit unstable at the moment—many of our agents are busy. I promise you won’t have to go alone.”
    “Someone is coming with me?”
    “You will meet up with the staff available on campus.”
    Austin tightened his fists and bit down on his bottom lip. The Tyral Pirates killed his friend, they nearly killed him during his training. Dax Rodon slipped through his fingers after nearly killing his mentor and Ryker. Rodon had to be behind these latest terrorist attacks, but how? How was it possible pirate scum continued to outwit and outfight the Legion Navy?
    “Humor me, sir. Do we know anything at all? Or are we at the mercy of these pirates? Again?” His tone revealed more sarcasm than he had intended. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
    Nubern stared at him. “Watch yourself, Lieutenant. We don’t know this is the work of pirates, yet. Your concern should be warning your contacts as soon as possible. Time is not on our side here.”
    Shaking his head, Austin realized he would have to immediately tell Mom and Kadyn the truth about his school, his new life and the fact his new life has put them in danger. All of it.
    "Sir, how do I tell them?"
    "You'll figure it out. For now, I want you to take a tube to the Tizona Academy in Georgia, and an officer will escort you to retrieve your contacts and bring them to a secure location. Once you and your contacts are secure, we will decide the next step. I don't have to tell you time is not on our side. Be careful and keep your eyes open." He glanced at his watch. "Get moving, son."
    “Yes, sir.” Austin nodded and placed his hand on the headset.
    "Lieutenant?" Nubern asked before Austin moved away from the desk.
    "Yes, sir?"
    "Be careful."
    The screen darkened, leaving Austin alone in a bright sea of holographic images. He sat in silence. His heart pounded in his chest as he considered the information Nubern shared. Austin wanted to ask Nubern about the questions brought on by his conversation with Ryan. He wanted to get the real information from his mentor, try to set his mind at ease about what he had gotten himself into by joining the Legion Navy. 
    There would be time for conversations later. Any time off he looked forward to enjoying had once again been taken from him. Now, his world and those he cared about on