by Brian Dorsey
“Damn, boys,” he said, still staring at Martin. “That right there makes me want to join the Guard.” He stepped toward her. “Wanna discipline a bad soldier, general?”
“Fuck off, merc,” replied Martin with a smile and a middle finger. “Go fucking sack a village and rape some goats for a few credits.”
The man’s expression shifted from lechery to anger as he stared down toward Martin. She returned his gaze, never thinking of backing down.
“I think you might need to be taught how to treat a man,” said the mercenary. “Maybe it’s time—”
The mercenary’s proposition was interrupted as she crashed her boot into his knee. The massive man fell to his knees as Martin drew her sword and swung it downward, stopping just before slicing into his neck.
“Let me know when you see a man,” replied Martin, her blade pressing slightly against the man’s neck. “Maybe it’s time you got the fuck back in your little sewing circle and left me alone,” she said with a smile.
The mercenary looked up toward her, his face a mixture of pain, embarrassment, and anger.
“Fine,” he grumbled.
“Good,” said Martin as she stepped back, giving the mercenary room to stand.
The mercenary stood, again staring at Martin for a second before looking toward Stone and then back to her.
“You’d better hope I don’t run into you again, Humani bitch. Next time, we’re gonna dance, you and I.”
“It’s a date, sweetie,” said Martin. “But for now…move the fuck on.”
“Fucking Guard,” mumbled the mercenary as he turned to join the others walking toward the main structure of the Terillian base.
“You really need to work on your people skills,” said Stone.
“Yes, Sir. But as long as I’m good with this,” replied Martin, sliding her sword into its sheath, “I’ll be just fine.”
“Well, nobody can ever call you boring,” said Stone, shaking his head.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Sir,” said Martin as she stepped into the transport. She turned back toward Stone. “Besides, boring sucks.” She grinned. “See you on Mt. Castra.”
“See you there, Lieutenant. Between the painted-face Ranger and the Phel, we still have a lot to talk about.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Martin, turning toward the troop compartment.
Once inside, Martin moved through the transport to the troop compartment and took a seat across from Corporal Shara.
“You good, LT?” he asked.
“Couldn’t be better,” she replied. “Another glorious day in the Guard.”
About the Author
Brian Dorsey is a retired Naval Officer and is currently a Nuclear Test Engineer for a Naval Shipyard. When not spending time with his family, Brian enjoys reading and researching US and Native American history, watching good TV shows or films (anything by Joss Whedon), hunting, teaching the occasional history class, or working on his next writing project.
Current books available in the Gateway Universe (with more to come!):
Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1)
Cold Planet (A Gateway Universe Story)
Saint (Gateway Series Book 2)
Uprising (Gateway Series Book 3)
