I remember Ashlee. She annoyed me, always "speedball this" and "speedball that" and telling people what she would've done. Who knows, she might even have been right. But still, just disappearing? That's not an easy feat. "I remember her. Any idea wh…
I give Tunde a nod of approval, then watch Nadja and Aiden leave. With a shrug, I turn my attention back to Mi Sun. "How have things been with you, Mi Sun? Doing anything good these days?"
I give Pax a smile that's mostly real. She's never really been part of my crew, but she gets it and she respects it, and that's good enough for me. For now, at least. "Tunde's got some moves, Pax, and I think he's been itching to get in some more ti…
I shrug. "They're the salt mines, yeah? Ship hasn't blown up and the air doesn't smell like sewage, so things must be going alright." I give Mi Sun a slight smile. I never gave her much thought as a boy, but I kind of have to respect that she stuck …
As long as Lucas gets out of here, I don't care how it happens. I'll take Mark's demerits without blinking, and give a look and a slight inclination of my head to Torrence and Tunde, indicating they should retake their seats. I'm tempted to make the…
I turn toward Mark and speak to the Ts while my eyes are on him. "Lucas needs help. Tunde, Torrence, keep on with it." I sit down, slowly, keeping my head turned to keep my gaze fixed on Mark. Only reason he'd give me a demerit is because I'm threat…
I don't know what just happened, and I don't know what Mr. Neonate Corporal intends, but I do know I don't like this screaming and carrying on. If history's a guide, Nadja's down to help me if she thinks I'll return the favor at some point (and she'…
I give Torrence a look. "Relax, T. Girl's sick... let her friends help out, right?" Sometimes he tries too hard to do what he thinks I want done. It's sweet, but not always smart.
I start to say something to the T's, just filling time for the moment, but I'm distracted by Ourania in the back row, and I turn to look at her. When I face front again, I raise an eyebrow at Torrence and make a "crazy" face. Bad enough her mommy's …
Trish, Tunde and Torrence were transferred with me—I made sure I wouldn't be coming here alone. In a way, that's what they love most about me: I take care of them, while taking care of myself.
I look around, considering the vibe in this room, try…
Back when, I'd never have guessed that I'd have more company the day I died than the voices of the Unit in my head.
I look over at Joey. Not Cadet, not anymore. Reckon it was okay that I promoted him to Sergeant, once he found his first recruits a…
Not much more I can do for Joey and Laika than I am.
Flashing back to riding into the Unit base, bodies scattered. Seeing red and not taking time for words or fanciness, chasing after the enemy not thinking about friends.
In the back of my head, …
I feel the closeness. Laika, me and Joey tight together for this moment. When Dog gives me a nod, I return it. Don't much care if my name's in the story when it gets told, really. Hoping that Joey's... Cadet's will be, though, in the next round. Som…
I'm here, close to Laika and Joey. I wouldn't come into this place for any other reason than being asked, and I wouldn't say no to Laika. Joey's family's here, but I figure I'm family to him now, too.
Zeus was something. Hard but always making sure…
I shrug. "Not much, yet... I can tell he's curious, though. I'll answer the best I can, and if he doesn't start asking, I'll... well, I'll bring it up somehow." I give her another look, when she gives her attention back. "Speaking of lonely... I'm w…
I nod, reach out to put a hand on her shoulder, look in her eyes. Small bits of dry in a wet world. "He's doing great, Laika. I think he's a little lonely sometimes, not spending as much time with his friends. I guess lonely is something we all get …
I move up to put a hand on Joey's shoulder, then turn him toward his mother. "Go help out wherever you can, Cadet. Probably put the kids at ease if you help organize them. Your mother and I will be right behind." When he leaves, I turn to Laika. "Yo…
That's a dangerous sort of action, digging around for worms with guns like that, but I hate the idea of destroying those supplies, especially with non-combatants to think about. I could shoot a couple gas tanks on the functioning cars, but chaos hel…
Sarge, in my mind. You've got to look at the whole field of battle, Pyle. What's really going on? I take that advice, try to get a sense of the ebb and the flow.
Choices:
Me and the cadet inflict terrible harm (as a small gang).
We suffer little harm (x2).
We force our way into the enemy's position.
(Does that make sense? I chose little harm twice to keep Joey safe, but if it's a chump choice, I can chan…
Great. Body parts. I give Joey a quick look to check in as I angle the car, aiming to get right up against one of the outer walls of the encampment, so they can't bring that splashing cannon to bear without destroying their own defenses. I want to g…
I've made no promises, and Joey was asleep behind his partition. I take comfort where comfort's offered, and Kitsap is... comfortable. She was still here, sleeping in the crook of my arm, when Joey poked his head out. He looked, but when I met his e…