by Madlen Namro
“Mister President,” David started quietly. He was embarrassed but if he was ever to say it, this was the time. “If I could make a request, I…” He looked at Levi for support. “I would like to return to Cairo and continue my work on rebuilding the city. They are waiting for me there… and…” This time, he was talking to Levi. “I would like Laura to come with me.”
The commodore smiled and nodded in agreement. He knew that in times like these one had to grasp any opportunity for happiness that life brought and never waste time. You could never know how long it would last.
“Agreed.” The president nodded. He had expected this might happen. “You may return to your post at the city prefecture and help rebuild that beautiful, but impoverished country.”
Finally, the president approached Victor.
“How’s the hand? Still hurt?” he asked him.
“A little, but it’s not that bad.”
“Victor, before I send you on another mission…” He smiled. “I want you to take a year off to recuperate and heal.”
Victor nodded gratefully and looked at Jo before responding.
“Before I resume my responsibilities, I have a favour to ask you, Mister President.” The president hesitated visibly. Victor’s requests were never trivial or easy to act on. “I’d like to go to Fuerteventura,” he said, looking at Jo, “and I want to take Commodore Starska with me.” The president frowned. “For a long deserved leave of absence.” Victor emphasised his last words.
Jo remembered her house on the island. It had come to be her own, private place in the world and Victor knew it. When leaving the island, he had promised they would return one day, and now he was going to keep his promise.
“Agreed.” The president was relieved. The request was not as difficult as he’d expected. He turned to Jo. “You’re hereby granted a year of leave as well, Commodore.”
The entire Defence Council rose to their feet and approached the commandos, shaking their hands and congratulating them on their success. Victor could hardly focus on anything but Jo, David’s thoughts were already drifting around the house he was planning to build in Egypt, and Levi could not wait to be back onboard the Luna.
This had been a very difficult year for all of them and they deserved time off. But in all truth, they could hardly wait to return to their duties to continue the struggle.
For they were people said to be…
