Battletech: Fall From Glory (Founding of the Clans, Book One) by Randall N. Bills

Author:Randall N. Bills
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Catalyst Game Labs
Published: 2021-03-17T05:00:00+00:00

Andery entered the mess area reserved for academy staff and immediately tried to exit.

“Andery,” Paula Zinkski called out, raising a friendly hand.

Caught. With a smile, as though he’d changed his mind about leaving, he angled toward her. “Hello, Paula.”

“Hey, have a seat.”

“Thanks.” He pulled out the chair to the scrape of fingernails on a chalkboard, as the metal legs lacked rubber bottoms.

Paula flinched as Andery finished settling into the seat. “Sorry about that,” he said. “You’d think after all this time they’d finally have enough free rubber to throw onto the bottom of chair legs.”

She shrugged, her plump arms swinging freely in her short-sleeve shirt. “Still too expensive. Don’t really need them, right?”

“I guess.” He leaned back and let his head fall back even more. Perhaps if he just rested here, she might leave him alone.

“So, how’s your new class?”

No such luck. He opened his eyes to find her soft round face practically drinking in his own. For a moment he wanted to let her know she’d never have a chance. No woman does. Changed his mind. “The usual,” he said. “Earnest, eager to do their part. To live the dream.”

She nodded her head enthusiastically, missing his sarcasm, as usual. “I know. Were we ever that young?” She sighed, then laughed a high-pitched tweeter; nails to his ears.

I wasn’t. Neither was Niki; especially Niki. The last came grudgingly. “Hard to believe we were.”

“I know, I know. Any troublemakers?”

A genuine smile this time. “Yeah, one kid. Noble aristocrat through and through. Probably here to pay off some debt to daddy. He’ll be a handful all year.”

“There’s always one.”

“Sure is.” Andery leaned back again, closed his eyes, and tried to wish himself elsewhere. Had he been here long enough to excuse himself?

“Um, Andery…” she began hesitantly.

Uh-oh. Is she going to finally get up the nerve to ask him out on a date? Should’ve gone home to find a little peace and quiet. “Yeah?”

“I heard the colonel turned down your request again,” she said slowly.

Andery managed to not wince; barely. How the hell did she know that? I didn’t tell anyone. He opened his eyes to find her face conflicted; as plain as day, her desire for him and joy he wouldn’t be leaving warring with her wish to see him get what he wanted. For an instant he felt sick to his stomach, his breakfast piling up behind his throat as bile backed up. Does everyone know?

“I’m sorry,” she said.

He knew it, yet it didn’t help. She was only an acquaintance, a coworker; not one he counted a true friend. He managed to crank out a smile, shrug lightly, respond. “Don’t worry about it. I enjoy working here.” And he did, after a fashion.

The relief visible on her face was painful to see. “I’m so glad, Andery. I didn’t want to bring it up as I thought you might be hurt, but I wanted to let you know I cared.”

I’m sure you do, in your own way. “Thanks, Paula. I appreciate it.”

“Will General Carson be coming by again, then?” Paula’s eyes took on a slightly dreamy cast.

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