The Gathering Storm (The Lunar Free State Book 7) by John E. Siers

Author:John E. Siers [Siers, John E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Theogony Books
Published: 2022-06-21T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

“’Scuse me, ma’am.” Ackerman towered over Jin, but addressed her with the deference he might offer to a junior officer—including even a casual salute. “Private Sousa says you’re married to a Marine. Is that right?”

On returning to the camp, Jin had gone with Warren to the habitat where they’d bunked with the other female members of the team. The Confeds had ransacked the place, but they’d located their scattered gear and found fresh clothing. Warren had gone to check on the rest of the team, leaving Jin sitting on a camp chair in front of the hab.

“Yes, I am… Gunny,” Jin replied, correctly reading the stripes on his sleeve. “We got married just before I left to come here. We were gonna wait until I got back, but… well, I’m glad we didn’t.”

“What’s this lucky Marine’s name?” Ackerman gave her a genuine grin. “Just wondering if it might be somebody I know.”

“Jefferson… Corporal Darius Jefferson.” Jin returned the grin. “Do you know him?”

Ackerman’s jaw dropped.

“Jefferson?” He stared at her. “Jefferson? Hell, yes, I know him! But he’s…” He lifted his arms and spread them, hinting at great size. “You’re so…” He brought his arms down, hands only a few inches apart. “… well… tiny!”

“Yeah… he’s my giant teddy bear.” Her face glowed with pride. “He can carry me in one arm.”

“So… you’re the one.” Still smiling, Ackerman shook his head.

“Huh?” Jin looked puzzled.

“I was his platoon sergeant on Tatanna, at the end of the Bug War. When the other troops wanted to go get rowdy with the local girls, he’d get all quiet and say no thanks; he had this kinda sorta maybe girlfriend back home. I guess you’re the one he was talking about.”

Jin felt tears coming to her eyes. She knew Jefferson loved her, but boys will be boys, especially Marines. Suddenly, she wished she were back on Luna in his arms.

“Yeah,” she said. “I guess I’m the one, and he’s the only one for me.”

“Well, you tell him Wolf sends his regards, and I wish you two all the best. Oh, hey… Lieutenant Ashcroft was our platoon CO on Tatanna. He’ll be happy to hear about it, too. Give Jefferson his regards, too. Your husband’s a helluva Marine, and I hope to serve with him again sometime.”

Jin smiled, but she felt a momentary flash of depression. We were married for three days, then I left. I’ll get back to Luna in a couple of months, but then the Marines will probably send him somewhere. I hope that’s not how it’s going to be forever—him going off, me going off, just getting together for a few days in between.

She watched Ackerman walk away. You knew Darius was a Marine when you married him, she told herself. Deal with it. Besides, the Marines just saved your life—so you can go home and be with your teddy bear again.

She felt better again. Smiling, she went off to find Doctor Warren.

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