Starship Liberator by B. V. Larson & David VanDyke

Author:B. V. Larson & David VanDyke [Larson, B. V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2016-12-28T07:00:00+00:00

* * *

He slept sealed in his mechsuit from then on, all externals locked. During the daytime he remained on guard, keeping Heiser around to watch his back at all times. It wasn’t long before he heard reports of Major Ramirez taking steps to remedy the situation.

Karst, the smooth-faced kid who’d first helped them after the rescue, accosted him in the mess hall they’d set up. “Sir, may I speak with you?”

“Of course, Corporal. Sit down.” Straker nodded at Heiser, who gave the young man space to take a seat across the table. “What’s on your mind? You look worried.”

“It’s this crackdown, sir. We’re suddenly prohibited from social contact with the locals. Official business only. But I’ve got…”

Straker sipped from his mug of cheap caff. “Go on.”

“Sir, there’s this girl.”

Straker closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “All consensual? No pressure?”

Karst’s mouth worked. “No, no sir, no way. She’s just… I mean, we’re…”

“In love?”

“Yes, sir!”

Straker rubbed his neck. “Look, kid, I don’t want to burst your bubble, but think. Is it likely this is real love, or could it be hero-worship and your dashing uniform? These people, they’re very parochial. Small-town mentality. It may not last.”

“But sir… we’re in love!”

Straker stared at Karst for a long moment and shook his head. “Yeah, that’s the irresistible force. Look, what do you want me to do about it?”

“Talk to Major Ramirez. Get her to let up on us. She’s throwing violators in the brig left and right. Some have been flogged. You know, like with whips! There’s a rumor she’s even going to execute Master Sergeant Yates. Not that he doesn’t deserve it for what he did to that little boy, the bastard, but…”

“But you can’t stand not seeing your honey for a few days?”

“I have no idea what’ll happen once we transit in. I might get stationed away from her, and never see her again!” Karst seemed as if he might cry.

“Look, kid. Corporal. My standing with Major Ramirez isn’t too high right now, and she needed to crack down. Sorry you and your girl got caught in the gears, but that’s life. It’ll work out. Do what she says for now, and when we get back, I’ll try to make sure you get assigned to this base. Either that, or we’ll get permission for her to cohab with you. You might have to formalize the arrangement.”

“Oh, yes, sir! We want to get married!”

“After knowing each other for what, a week? Maybe you should just do a one-year contract.”

“We’re in love! We want to be together forever. Haven’t you ever been in love, sir?”

Straker massaged his forehead, remembering how he’d felt when he met Engels at Academy… and how their relationship remained unconsummated. Maybe the kid was smarter than he was. At least he was rolling the dice. “Yeah… All right. Just cool it until we arrive. Don’t violate orders.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll try.”

“You better do more than try, or I’ll flog you myself. Dismissed.”

The next morning, Heiser handed him a message.

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