Killbox (2010) by Aguirre Ann

Author:Aguirre, Ann [Ann, Aguirre,]
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Published: 2011-01-14T19:06:39.062000+00:00

CHAPTER 28

March glares at us, pacing.

As the responsible parties, Hit, Dina, and I have been formally reprimanded. Let me just say--I don't much like having him in a position of authority over me. And he doesn't seem to care that it worked out for the best.

"If I am in charge here," he says in slow, measured tones, "then I am in charge. You don't so much as schedule a bowel movement without my clearance. Anyone who doesn't like the way I run things can get out. I mean it--pack your bags and get off Emry because I'm not putting up with this kind of insubordination from my officers."

Technically, I haven't accepted any field promotion, but I figure this isn't the time to argue with him. I've never seen him so angry.

He continues. "What do you think this does to my authority with the rank and file? If my trusted staff treats me like a fragging joke, then how do I enforce discipline here? In case you hadn't noticed, this is a military training installation, and we are at war."

Well, yes. And we just won the first skirmish. I realize I shouldn't point that out.

"I'm sorry," Dina says. "I didn't think. I should have cleared the mission with you beforehand, however harmless I believed it to be."

Her humble tone doesn't fool me for a minute. She thought he'd say no, deeming it too great a risk to me, and frankly, so did I. We intentionally went around his authority, which I suspect is why he's so pissed off. Listening to his tirade about how we're lower than slime, I try to look chastened. I don't think it works, however, because when his rant winds down, he dismisses the other two--having grounded them until further notice--but he asks me to stay. His expression cures me of the notion it's for personal reasons; I've seldom seen him so angry.

March stands before me, hands locked behind him. It's an intimidating pose, showing off his biceps and broad shoulders. "I need you to take this seriously, Jax. If you can't respect me as your commander, then I'm booting you off my team. You can stay here on Emry until you find some other ship to carry you, but it won't be one of mine."

That's when it sinks in--he means it. He has the power to ground me. Maybe up until now, I secretly thought the fact that we're lovers would protect me--that I could get around him--but it's not true. March is my lover only in our off-hours. Right now, he'll boot me if I smile at him wrong. Since it would kill me if he leaves me behind again, I can't let that happen. I have to prove I can be a good soldier, who respects chain of command, however much it chafes.

The old Jax would whine and insist it wasn't her fault. She'd blame Dina and offer a load of smart-mouthed excuses. I lower my head. "It won't happen again, sir."

His posture eases. "That said, you acquitted yourself admirably out there.

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