Page 63 of Neverwylde 6
“Something like that, yes.” The colonel grinned.
Frankly, she didn’t want to hear any more news, good or bad. For as long as she could remember, all she’d ever wanted in life was to be part of the Terran military fleet. She’d trained long and hard, putting in countless hours to hone her piloting skills in order to be assigned to one of the warbirds. To be told now that she’d no longer be a part of this…
“Kelen.”
The man’s gentle tone and the use of her first name made her look back up at him. She swiped the back of her hand over her eyes and listened.
“You’ve been busted down to corporal, and you’ve been reassigned to active duty with the science fleet. Specifically, theArcturus.”
She blinked. TheArcturuswas a renowned vessel, highly regarded and esteemed for its ventures into unknown space.
She may no longer be part of the military, but to gain this assignment would be considered a major coup in any field.
Pfeiffer snorted to see her expression go from devastated to stunned. “I was informed Captain Andolfi is in need of an extra pilot, and I was able to convince him of your abilities.”
“What… Do the others know? I mean, do they know they’re no longer part of the military fleet?”
He gave a nod. “They’ve been informed. In fact, they’ve all been given their new assignments. As soon as your dealings on Seneecia are done, you will report back here to Outpost Delta Six where theArcturuswill be waiting for you.”
Kelen took a slow, deep breath. Her body shivered involuntarily, and she wrapped her arms around herself as she digested this new development.
“The good news isn’t over yet, Corporal.”
Corporal. She’d been a corporal before, a few years ago, right after she’d graduated from the academy. Well, she’d just have to climb her way back up the ladder.
“Kelen, did you hear what I said? There’s more good news to tell you.”
“I-I’m sorry. I’m…”
“Still digesting it all. I understand. Here’s the rest of it, and I saved the best part for last.” His grin grew wider. “The rest of your fellow survivors of theMantahave also been reassigned toArcturus.The ship’s been ordered to go to Neverwylde, and continue exploring and researching the planet and its inhabitants. Congratulations, Corporal. You’ve become a permanent part of human history.”
