The Attribute of the Strong (Battle for the Solar System, #3) by Stephen J Sweeney

Author:Stephen J Sweeney [Sweeney, Stephen J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fiction, science fiction, space opera
Publisher: Stephen J Sweeney
Published: 2019-07-19T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“So, someone wasn't too impressed with all the hard work you and Kelly have been putting in, then?” Dodds said, sitting down next to Estelle on the small bed.

“No,” Estelle said. “They were blaming their losses on the amount of money that had been put into the ATAF program. They said that had that not been done, then a lot more people would've been alive today. They reckoned that the expenditure could've been better used to develop more warships, starfighters and train up more soldiers and pilots, as well as fund automated defence systems.”

Dodds snorted and shook his head. “I've lost count of the number of times the ATAFs have prevented things from becoming a complete disaster,” he said. He looked out the small window. “Though I'll admit things could've been better,” he added quietly.

“We did everything we could,” she said. “But we're only human.” It sounded like she was making an excuse. She decided to change the subject. “Does it look bad?” she said, indicating her eye.

“It's pretty swollen,” Dodds said, peering closely at it. “Was it one of the guys down on the deck earlier?” He looked almost ready to head back down there to try to sort them out himself – maybe even grab Enrique and Chaz on his way, to make things a little easier. She didn't want him doing anything like that. She'd only just gotten him back.

“No, it wasn't,” she said, taking his hand and holding it tight. “Don't worry.”

“Those guys did look like they were up to something, though,” Dodds said, returning his attention to the window. “Harbouring negative sentiments towards the very people trying to protect them isn't what we need right now.”

“Simon,” Estelle said, drawing him back around. “I've missed you.” She hugged him again, trying to take the negativity out of him. He made to break the hug a couple of times, but she held him tight. “I can't believe it's been three years,” she said. “I'm so glad that you're alive.” He relaxed more and hugged her back, and when she finally released him, he appeared a little more at ease.

“Thanks,” he said.

“You're welcome,” she said, still holding his hand tight. He squeezed it back, smiling warmly. “And thank you for looking after my family,” she added, her eyes straying to the window.

“Have you spoken to them since you arrived?” Dodds asked, following her gaze out the window.

“Not yet,” Estelle said, studying the planet below. The angle of Earth still wasn't as good as she had wanted, it being difficult to make out any more than one quarter of the upper/lower hemisphere (she wasn't sure which). She'd hoped to see Ireland again, but she would likely have to get outside the station for a better view. “We exchanged some messages and I tried to talk to them in the comms rooms, but they're constantly busy right now. Security doesn't want us walking around unaccompanied, either.”

“You can probably hook your Kyllini into the system from here, like we did on the carriers,” Dodds suggested.

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