Chapter Two
Nightmares
“That’s some stray followed you home, eh Up?”
“Pretty little thing, I’d say, once she’s cleaned up. A real
muñeca.”
Chortles followed him down the hallway, but Up didn’t
look back. He’d deal with those idiots later. He knocked on
the Commander’s door, still not sure exactly how or why
he’d gotten himself into this situation.
“Enter.”
Commander Li was seated at her desk, looking solemnly
at a glass of scotch.
“Lieutenant,” she said. “At ease.” Indicating for him to
take a seat, she reached to pour a second glass. “Bad scene
down there. Lost some good men today.”
“Yes, sir,” Up said. They’d been his men. Not the first
he’d lost, and not the last he would. The harsh reality of
war.
“Another Lieutenant without a team. I guess that means
I’ll be returning you to the Academy for reassignment,” the
Commander sighed. “I’ll be sorry to see you go, Up.
You’ve been a good leader to those Rangers.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“And as such an exemplary soldier, I am sure you are
well aware that starships armed for battle are not in the
habit of taking refugees on board on a whim?”
Up had taken a sip of the scotch, and coughed. “Yes, sir,
I am aware of that.”