Solbidyum Wars Saga 9: At What Price by Dale Musser Read Free Book Online Page B

stationed?” she asked, looking directly at me.
    “I have no idea what his assignment is,” I said.  “He could end up anywhere.  We’ll have to wait for him to tell us.”
    “Dad, you didn’t have anything to do with my assignment, did you?” Lunnie asked, giving me a hard stare.
    “Not at all.  You kids are on your own.  Wherever you’re assigned and whatever happens with your military careers will be your own doing.  I’m not intervening, and you won’t get any special treatment.”
    “Well, I’m just glad it turned out the way it did.  For a while, I was afraid they were going to make me a fighter pilot,” Lunnie said.
    “You’re joking,” Kala said in amazement.  “After all the trouble we had teaching you to fly?”
    “Seriously,” Lunnie exclaimed.  “I really enjoyed flying the simulators and later the real fighters.  It was fun and I kept getting better and better at it.  I was pretty good with targeting too.  But I actually find the science stuff more enjoyable.
    “Dad, will you be speaking at Reide’s graduation tomorrow?”
    “No.  I was asked by the base commander if I would, but I declined.  I hadn’t spoken at any of the prior graduations and I think it would look bad if I did so now when my son is graduating.  Admiral Windangar will be giving the address.  The three of us will be seated in the front row in the dignitary section.”
    “I’m not a dignitary.  Why am I seated there?” asked Lunnie.
    “Well, the commander feels it would be in the best interest of the Federation to be seen as a family unit.  The ceremony will be covered by the news and our presence together in military uniforms will bolster patriotic feelings, especially when they see that every member of the First Citizen Rear Admiral’s privileged family is doing their part and not shirking their duty.”
    “Do you think that the commander is right?” asked Lunnie.
    “Lunnie, at this point it’s not a matter of right and wrong; it's a matter of defeating the Brotherhood before they enslave us all.  I don’t like being treated like a dignitary either, but that’s how it is.”
    Lunnie nodded and then asked abruptly, “So what do you think about Reide bringing his girlfriend to stay at the estate this weekend?”
    “WHAT?” exclaimed Both Kala and I at the same time.
    “Reide has a girlfriend?” asked Kala.
    “Well, yes.  Didn’t he tell you?  He contacted me two days ago, saying he was bringing her home to meet you this weekend.”
    “He told you this?  Our Reide… your brother…?” Kala asked in amazement.
    “Hm… I guess he didn’t tell you.  Oops!  Do me a favor, please?  Act surprised when he does say something.  Otherwise he’ll kill me.”
    Kala and I stared at each other with our mouths open.
    “Have you guys eaten?  I’m starved,” Lunnie said abruptly changing the subject.
    Kala and I couldn’t help but laugh.  “Your father and I have just returned from dining at TEZU LAGONG.  I don’t think either of us will feel like eating the rest of the evening, but I’m sure Piebar will be happy to see to it that you have a good meal.”
    “The food at the base is alright, but not great.  I would really enjoy a freshly prepared meal with organic ingredients instead of something out of a synthesizer,” said Lunnie.
    “So tell us more about Reide’s girlfriend,” Kala said.
    “I really don’t know anything about her except that she was in the JAC with Reide,” explained Lunnie.
    “How long have they been seeing each other?”
    “How should I know?” Lunnie asked.  “I only learned about her three days ago when Reide contacted me and asked if I thought it would be okay for him to bring her home.”
    “Didn’t he tell you anything about her?” pressed Kala.
    “I think he said her name is Lyanna or Lymana… something like that.  Look, mom and dad, I’m really hungry.  Do you mind if I go find Piebar?"
    “Oh, sure,” said Kala.  “I’ll come