Chapter 8: With the Cadets
“What do you think Millie,” Lady Hawthorne asked walking into the office that Millie usually worked out of. The sergeant had become her principle advisor when it came to the cadets. The older woman had the ability to tell Lady Hawthorne the way it was without seeming to scold or berate the younger woman. Delores didn’t know how she did it, but she did. After working all night, as the night watch sergeant for the imperial marines, she showed up bright an early at the academy to help Delores. She was connecting with the kids like few of the NCOs had. Most, even the black guard soon were deferring to her as the academy’s top sergeant. Several of the retired NCOs had been grateful when Millie had taken over some of their duties.
“Major Atomi has talked to me about it.” Millie said, “I think we can do it, and we should. The kids need something to do after class, and this will keep them from chaffing at the bit, and keep their minds off the evacuation. I think it’s a good blend.”
“I’ll tell Major Atomi that she should have the cadets ready to go in the morning.” Delores replied. She looked at the pile of clothing Millie had handed her and the two gold oak leaves sitting on top of them.
Mille saw the noble looking at the pile and said, “Come on I’ll help you get ready.”
With that the two women went to Lady Hawthorne quarters where Mille helped the noble woman get her uniforms ready.
Every Last Mother's Child Page 207