Pirate Ambush Read Free Page A

remaining.’
    Peri’s father disconnected him and helped him up from the table. ‘We’d better wrap this all up.’
    His mother was concentrating on sealing up his skin with the nano-beam.
    ‘There,’ his mother said. ‘Ready for action!’
    Shrrruppt. Diesel appeared on the Bridge. ‘Er, hello,’ he said hurriedly to Peri’s parents, then turned to Peri. ‘Come on. We’ve got to go.’ Without waiting for a response, Diesel started to run.
    Peri raced after him and out of the Phoenix . He caught up with him just as he left the launch bay.
    ‘What do you think General Pegg wants?’ Peri asked.
    ‘Probably wants to kick you out of the IFA for being a wastoid.’
    ‘You don’t think they know about Selene and Otto?’ Peri whispered.
    ‘If they do, it’s entirely your fault,’ Diesel said. ‘I was all for leaving them behind in the Ubi galaxy. They’ve got to make me a Star Fighter after I whipped you on that obstacle course.’
    ‘I crossed the finish line first,’ Peri reminded him.
    Diesel just smirked. ‘Show me the scores to prove it.’
    Peri wished it was that simple. General Pegg didn’t seem to really care about their scores. He wasn’t happy with either Peri or Diesel.
    And that meant trouble.

 
    Chapter 4
     
    Peri and Diesel sprinted to the nearest transport-tube.
    ‘Come on,’ Peri yelled, jabbing the command-deck button repeatedly until the doors finally closed. ‘General Pegg’s temper is not going to get better if we keep him waiting.’
    Ping! Before the transport-tube doors had fully opened, Peri and Diesel dashed out. They raced down the almost empty command-deck corridor.
    They flashed their passes to the armed guards outside the Command Centre. As the doors opened, Peri was overwhelmed by the noise. The room was packed with top-ranking IF officers and diplomats shouting to be heard over each other. On a platform towards the front of the room was Diesel’s dad, Emperor Elliotte. He was seated in a gilded commander’s chair talking to the Venusian ambassador. They were pointing at the holographic map of the solar system that dominated the ceiling.
    General Pegg caught their eye and came over. ‘Peri, Diesel,’ he said. ‘Stay where you are and remain silent.’
    Peri froze. Everyone had stopped talking and started staring at them. He dreaded to think what the general was going to say next.
    ‘Serjeant-at-arms, step forward,’ General Pegg ordered.
     

     
    An officer in a pristine ceremonial uniform marched towards them. He wore white gloves and held something shiny and silver in his hands. Was it handcuffs? Peri’s stomach tightened and he struggled to swallow. Had the IF found out about Selene and Otto?
    General Pegg straightened up. ‘I’ve made a decision.’
    Peri couldn’t breathe. This was it – the moment he would find out whether he was going to achieve his greatest dream.
    ‘Star Fighters are known not only for their bravery and skill, but for their personal honour and respect,’ the general began. ‘They uphold the laws of the Intergalactic Force and live to the highest moral standards.’
    Peri couldn’t stand the suspense. What was General Pegg saying?
    The serjeant-at-arms handed something to the general. ‘Peri, Diesel –’ The general paused and studied the pair. ‘You have passed all your tests with flying colours. But you only become Star Fighters if you are the bravest and best in the galaxy.’
    The general opened his hands to reveal two titanium IF Star Fighter badges. Peri resisted the urge to punch the air.
    ‘Congratulations to the IF’s newest and youngest Star Fighters!’
    Peri couldn’t stop grinning as the general pinned the badge to his uniform. ‘It’s as much an honour for me to present you these badges as it is for you to wear them. Please pledge your allegiance by reciting the IF creed.’
     

     
    Peri couldn’t believe what was happening. It was the most space-tastic moment of his life. He and Diesel recited the