by Terry Mixon
“The two of you are well suited to doing that,” Fowler said with a nod. “Sergeant Na spoke with me about that yesterday, and you’re in luck.
“For reasons both inscrutable and obscure, the Singularity packed one of the marine pinnaces absolutely full of equipment, weapons, and other bric-a-brac of a military nature. Not just Imperial gear but Singularity as well. Up to and including enough powered armor for all of you, also in both Imperial and Singularity versions.
“Since she’s allowed to claim one object and all its contents as her booty, she’s taking it all with her when we arrive at DeSantis. I’d imagine that will cause a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, but it’s the law.”
He said that last with just a touch of smug satisfaction.
Grace felt her eyes narrowing. “Really? The armory seemed pretty full when I was in there the day that we took the ship. I wonder where all that gear came from and how it got into the pinnace.”
“It’s a mystery,” he declared. “One that I’m not going to worry about. Frankly, I’m more distraught at Captain Anders’s choice of booty. He’s taking my desk. Luckily for me, he’s at least allowing me to retrieve my belongings first.
“If anyone gets too overwrought, I’ll just remind them that she could’ve claimed Gargoyle and everything in her. I’m sure they’ll give in to the inevitable once they compare the cost of the pinnace and everything aboard her against an entire heavy cruiser. They’ll scream and moan, but they’ll capitulate. Eventually.
“Besides, the cost for that pinnace filled with military equipment pales beside how much the rare elements and flip drives that were destroyed were worth. Believe me when I say that there will be a plethora of things for them to take umbrage at.”
Fowler swirled the whiskey in his glass. “While that seems to takes care of everything necessary to training Andrea to be an Imperial Marine, how are we going to get her the general education and socialization that she needs to become an Imperial citizen?
“Honestly, even after having spoken with her, I still don’t really understand the world she comes from. It’s hard to form a bridge when I can’t clearly see the other side of the river.”
“Kayden is going to help with that,” Grace said. “Since he no longer has a ship to take care of, he’s decided that Andrea is his new pet project. He’ll stay on DeSantis with us and help her transition from the Singularity to the Empire.
“He admits that he doesn’t really understand the environment that she was raised in either, but he’s in a much better position to help us than anyone else. And besides, I kind of like having him around. Between the four of us, we should be able to protect and educate Andrea until she’s an adult.”
They sat in silence for a while. When the drink was done, Fowler poured one final measure of whiskey into their glasses and rose to his feet.
“Then let us toast our future endeavors,” he said somberly. “To Andrea and shepherding her through the fight to come. May she never waver.”
Grace raised her glass and thought of everything that Andrea might one day achieve. It would be worth the price of admission.
“To Andrea.”
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Also by Terry Mixon
You can always find the most up to date listing of Terry’s titles on his Amazon Author Page.
The Empire of Bones Saga
Empire of Bones
Veil of Shadows
Command Decisions
Ghosts of Empire
Paying the Price
Recon in Force
Behind Enemy Lines
The Terra Gambit
Hidden Enemies
Race to Terra
Ruined Terra
Victory on Terra
The Humanity Unlimited Saga
Liberty Station
Freedom Express
Tree of Liberty
Blood of Patriots
The Imperial Marines Saga
Spoils of War
The Fractured Republic Saga
Storm Divers
The Scorched Earth Saga
Scorched Earth
Omnibus Volumes
The Empire of Bones Saga Volume 1
The Empire of Bones Saga Volume 2
The Empire of Bones Saga Volume 3
Humanity Unlimited Publisher’s Pack 1
The Vigilante Series with Glynn Stewart
Heart of Vengeance
Oath of Vengeance
Bound By Law
Bound By Honor
Bound By Blood
About Terry
#1 Bestselling Military Science Fiction author Terry Mixon served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He later worked alongside the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at the NASA Johnson Space Center supporting the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and other human spaceflight projects.
He now writes full time while living in Texas with his lovely wife and a pounce of cats.
www.TerryMixon.com
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