Book 3: Chapter 116: Return to Boot

Book 3: Chapter 116: Return to Boot

USD: 41 Days after arrival at Fort Glisson

Location: Van Biesbroecks star, Meltisar, MIL-1A, Space Elevator

Alex felt exhausted from the encounter before they even reached the space elevator. Instructor Riley stood beside her as they watched the loading process of the other passengers fill the structure. Since they were traveling on official duty while in uniform, they, along with several dozen other naval personnel, had a dedicated space for themselves.

Alex slid into one of the lounge chairs that had a view and settled in for a long trip to the surface. They hadnt received the express shuttle down, so it was going to take them over a day to return to the base. In Alexs mind, that was fine. She needed a day to unpack what had happened and what she had said.

Myers. While I told you wed forget what happened up here, your outburst at the admirals showed a severe lack of discipline. In tense situations, your teammates need to know they can count on you to remain calm and clear-headed, and not lose yourself at a critical moment and get them all killed.

Alex bit her lip. Not because she was angry that Riley pointed it out or thought she was wrong, but because she knew the woman was right. Saying that shed been locked up in a cell for three days, or that the pressure was so high that shed snapped, felt like excuses. Were excuses.

It feels like this is the worst kept secret ever. I dont know what to think anymore. Alex said.

Riley grunted and put a hand on Alexs shoulder as she sat down beside her on one of the lounge chairs.

For what its worth, I had no idea. I thought you were a cyborg. Theres a lot of history and culture that says your type live among us, but its an undercurrent. Most people dont pay it any mind, because it seems so far-fetches and there are plenty of easier explanations. Most people whod hate you for it are the older survivors, but they are a minority now.

Alex frowned. The Admirals are older. The worst thing is the uncertainty.

Riley shrugged. I dont really know how NAI are, but you seem to fit in with what Id expect of any other teenage girl joining the service. Just with a bit of extras.

If we want to be technical about age, Im 16 years too young to be joining the military.

Youre saying you are one-year-old, and you lied on your enlistment application?

They didnt make me fill out any application.

Riley laughed, drawing the looks of several other military personnel that caused her to rein herself in. No, I guess not. Shit. Well

Riley let out a sigh as she rubbed her temple. Normally, Id give you some sage advice and move on.

I thought Drill Instructors knew everything?

Riley choked on a laugh. Right now, Im just your minder and your sergeant. If you already started to question something as basic as that, youre going to be in a world of hurt, Myers.

Alex sat up a little straighter in her seat, fixing her posture.

The Admiral ordered me to forget everything I saw, but dont you believe for a moment Ill ever unhear what you said to them? Howyou said it to them. But dont worry, well get to the corrective instruction when we get back.New novel chapters are published on

Alex felt a tinge of fear.

As they had gone down the space elevator, Alex had borrowed a public datapad to do searches on. Her primary subject of interest was the Iron Horse and its crew, because her ping to Captain Thraker hadnt gone through and she hadnt received any word from him. That made her wonder if the military had perhaps arrested the entire crew after the incident. She was fairly certain that the chief engineer survived his injuries after the medical service had arrived.

She found out that the Iron Horse was still in the drydock for refit on the public military net her recruit access let her view. It wasnt very detailed, and she had no way to go confirm that work was actually being done, but at least it was mentioned.

Uhm. Yeah, theyre mostly dead.

Alex felt like she was going crazy. Shed been looking forward to this?

The run to Mount Hilly turned out to be a twenty kilometer trek across the forest to an unassuming hill that was only about a 100 meters tall. Of course, it was almost vertical.

That had left them all climbing up the thing using ropes. With 100 kilos of gear and weight.

Everyone else had been drilled and taught how to do it over the last few days, but Alex hadnt had that chance. Her squad pointed things out to her, and she was more than strong enough to handle the load.

Surprisingly, it was Tia that had the most difficult time. Alex wasnt sure if the girl was just having a sick day, or what, but the white-haired girl had struggled to pull herself and her burden up the cliff. It was bad enough that Alex reached the same height level as her, despite Tia going first and Alex last.

Hey. Alex said.

Sweat beaded on Tias forehead and the other girl wiped a glob of snot away before she gave an unhappy look to Alex. What?

Alex frowned. Give me your pack.

What?

Give me your pack. I can handle two. Youre obviously not doing great. The job is to get everyone up there, doesnt matter who carries that thing up there, just that it arrives.

Tia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Okay.

Two packs were a challenge. But Alex still managed to beat Tia to the top. For a moment, Alex thought shed be pulling Tias rope up, but the other girl pulled herself to the top after a few more minutes. It seemed like making it up there made the other girl feel better as well.

As Alex handed the pack back, a question that had been nagging at her for a while came to the surface.

Wheres Jessica? Alex asked.

Tia winced. She got ASMOed.

It was Alexs turn to be confused. What? Why?

Tia wouldnt look at her. Bad attitude. They took her off to PASS to fix it.

Alexs suspicion flared. Tia had been hounding Rachel and Jessica for weeks. Had she finally done something that caused Jessica to get sent off for remedial disciplinary training in another division?

Rather than drop it, Lieutenant Harmons words lingered in her head. What would asking directly hurt?

She confronted Tia about it. I know you were picking on Rachel and Jessica. I dont understand why. Did you have something to do with it?

Anger appeared on Tias face. At first Alex thought she was going to walk away. And you were protecting them. No one else was going to step up with you there. So that only left me. While you were gone, everyone gave it to them, and Jessica couldnt hack it. So, you cant just blame me.

Alex blinked. Huh?

Tia took her pack and left without explaining.