A Freelancer Christmas by G.S. D'Moore

Author:G.S. D'Moore [D'Moore, G.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-11T16:00:00+00:00

***

I looked up that battle a few months later and learned the Dawners lost that fight to the tune of four ships and tens of thousands of lives. To this day, the elves had control of that little moon and mined it for the big bucks. That was how my mission on that fucking barren ass rock ended . . . total failure.

For my efforts in that fight – it wasn’t every day a staff sergeant had to jump in as a PL – my LT had put me in for a medal. A good one too. That was how on Christmas Day of all days, I stood on a stage with the regimental commander while everyone not on holiday leave shivered in the cold wind whipping across the tarmac.

“Attention to orders,” the salty old Colonel called the company to attention. “For gallantry in action while serving as a squad leader, platoon sergeant, and platoon leader in Bravo Company, Second Battalion, Second Regiment, Second Marine Expeditionary Force at the conflict on Echo-Mike-Six-Nine-Three . . .”

“They don’t even call it a battle. It’s a conflict,” I had to fight really hard not to roll my eyes or clench my jaw at the Echo-Mike designation. That’s what they used to identify a moon in the Elfin Empire. I really fucking hated those pointy-eared bastards.

“. . . Staff Sergeant Paul Mitchell held the line against enemy hunter-killer teams, a full heavy infantry battalion, and a platoon of lightly-armored vehicles to deny the enemy access to his unit’s Forward Operating Base. He assumed command not once but twice as his superiors fell on the field of battle. He single-handedly dealt with enemy saboteurs, coordinated, and led the counterattack when a squad-level deflector failed and the perimeter was breached. He personally dispatched dozens of enemy soldiers and armor with on-target indirect fire that saved the lives of countless marines. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Confederation Marine Corps. For this, he is awarded the . . .”

I didn’t really give a shit about the shiny silver medal they draped around my neck, other than the fact that it might save my ass from being demoted so easily the next time I punched a senior NCO or officer. What I cared about was right in front of me. My eyes searched the formation until I spotted her. Private Burnum was right where she should be in first squad, first platoon with her eyes front and fixated on a spot somewhere in the distance. But as I stared at her, it was like she felt my attention. Her eyes darted up to me for a second and after they met, she winked before she returned to staring at something off in the distance.

That was what I fought for. That was why I killed so many elves. It was for the man, and more importantly, the woman standing beside me.

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