by J. F. Holmes
Commander Caspin glanced momentarily at Felicity as he continued, “We also recovered several intact suits that, ah, somehow fell out of an airlock. Those suits also count in the award.” Otto made a note to thank the commander later for his tact in avoiding the details of what they’d found in those suits.
A ray of hope shone on Felicity’s face, where before her cheeks had held nothing but salty tracks from tears. “After subtracting expenses for an extensive list of repairs, you’ll be given the remaining prize money, and you’ll be discharged. Mind you, it’ll still be a dishonorable discharge. Yes, I know that sounds like an unbelievably stupid way of arranging things, but it’s the least stupid thing I could force through and leave you with anything. We’re talking about military efficiency, after all. The leftover funds will nearly match what would have been a full retirement with benefits. I can’t do any better for you, with your thick file of past complaints. Off the record, everyone in the residential ring owes their life to you. And also to you, Mrs. Fernley, for your quick action to warn us. On the record, quite a few people will be glad to see you go.”
Felicity wrapped her arms around Otto, and he returned her embrace, lacing his fingers together at the small of her back as she kissed him. Otto didn’t know how to process the rapidly changing situation. He had no words, so he stood still to enjoy her embrace, the scent of her hair helping to scramble his ability to think.
Before the situation dragged on long enough to become awkward, Felicity released Otto and offered a hand to Commander Caspin. “Thank you.”
The commander took her hand in both of his for a moment before returning to his military stance.
She turned to Otto, a mischievous look peeking through her façade of annoyance. “As for you, I expect us to be on the next flight out of here, bound for somewhere with a real sky.”
Otto barely held his stiff military expression as he gave Felicity a mock salute. “I think trading commanders will do me some good.”
Commander Caspin let himself out as Otto and Felicity began to negotiate in earnest.
***
John M. Olsen reads and writes fantasy, science-fiction, steampunk, and horror as the mood strikes, and his short fiction is part of several anthologies. He devoured his father's library in his teen years and has since inherited that formidable collection and merged it with his own growing library in order to pass a love of learning on to the next generation. His works can be found on Amazon.
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