I don’t tell her that if things really work out the way I hope, she’ll never come back here. At least not as a combat Infantryman. With luck we’ll end this war before she or any other kid has to fight another lick.
Ord slips in the hatch before it closes behind her, a holobox in his hand. “Thought you might like to see this, sir.”
It is a picture of the old company street at Indiantown Gap. Alongside the mess hall a solitary tree stands, covered in green leaves. The sky behind glows faint blue, like before the war.
“Trees are leafing out all over Earth this spring, General. First time since the war started.“
I step to the viewport and look out into space. I stand silent with my feet spread shoulder width apart, hands clasped behind me at the small of my back. In Drill and Ceremony, the position is called “At Ease.” For the first time in years, it is also how I feel.
Someday maybe I’ll see trees again. For now it is enough to know they are there.
About The Author
Robert Buettner is a former Military Intelligence Officer, National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology and has published in the field of Natural Resources Law.
He lives in the Colorado Rockies, creating the sequel to Orphanage and snowboarding passably.
Visit his Website, www.RobertBuettner.com.
Orphanage Page 24
