IRON SPEAR

by Anthony Thackston

Durham leaned back, surprised. “Thanks.”

  Irons looked at Durham. “I’ve never heard him say so little.” He turned back to Benjamin. “Company military man, eh?”

  Benjamin held out his hand. “What do you say, Albatross?”

  Irons looked at Mona who folded her arms across her chest.

  “Just don’t be late,” she said.

  He looked at his crew all of whom seemed ok with the idea. Hannah looked like she was practically begging him to say yes.

  “Some job interview,” Irons said. “I guess you got the Lucky Liberty on the payroll, Stevens. But I ain’t calling you boss.”

  “I wouldn’t have it another way. Consider this a formal welcome of the Lucky Liberty to Wartech Industries.”

  Irons shook Benjamin’s hand and glanced back at Mona who gave him an intriguing look that gave him even more hope for the future. A well-paying job while still enlisted— It seemed like the best of both worlds.

  His eyes then fell back to the Lucky Liberty and the battle scars that covered her. He felt a twinge behind his Cyber Eye. Even with his renewed hope, the damage to his ship made him wonder if this really was the end of Earth’s war with the Ka’traxis Brood.