Warfare: Rise Of Mankind Book 2 by John Walker Read Free Book Online Page A

regard. I don’t have as much experience as the typical Anthar. I’ll be relying heavily upon their advice. In any event, that’s not why I’m nervous now. Anthar Ru’Xin got this assignment because his was the only surviving ship in a major skirmish out on the borders. It was a brutal fight and I’m not sure he was ready for active duty.”
                  “That’s probably why they gave him this easy assignment,” Gray pointed out.
                  “ If it proves to be easy,” Clea said. “I’m not sure it will be. However, I hope he’s up to the challenge. He seems like a good man and I found him to be delightful but…he has moments of darkness. Whatever he saw in that fight has impacted him.”
                  “War changes people.” Gray moved around and sat in his own chair. “I’m sure he’ll come out the other side. Is that your only concern? The Anthar of the other vessel?”
                  “I…learned something about the system we’re going to. The research facility. You see, not all of my family joined the military. Some…well, they’re scientists.”
                  “I had no idea. I thought family traditions stuck to all members.”
                  “In most cases, yes but those without the physical aptitude to excel in the military find other ways to serve. They still work with the armed forces but in the research capacity. In this case, my sister is one of the lead researchers we are taking Protocol Seven to. Apparently, she’s been building weapons for the last year there. I had no idea…it was not in the last letter from home.”
                  “So you’re going to get to see your sister.” Gray shrugged. “I fail to see how that’s a bad thing.”
                  “She’s my older sibling. I hope she’s not…too harsh on me for what I’ve done. I believe I’m serving the family well, doing something new but she always stood as my harshest critic. Much as I wish to see a relative, I don’t feel up to conflict with one.”
                  “You’re an exemplary military officer,” Gray said. “You don’t have anything to worry about. Remember this, those who criticize loudest are the most insecure. If she says anything against you, it’ll be because she knows her own short comings are prominent. Do your best to let it roll off your back. You don’t have to prove anything. Your record speaks for itself.”
                  “I appreciate your vote of confidence and it means a lot.” Clea shook her head. “I just want them to be happy both with me and for me. I suppose everyone wants the approval of their loved ones, right?”
                  “Traditionally.” Gray smiled. “But you can’t please everyone all the time. If you try, you’re just asking for trouble.”
                  “I’ll try to remember that as well.” Clea motioned for the door. “Shouldn’t we get back to duty? My personal concerns are keeping the captain from the bridge.”
                  “Adam’s got it,” Gray replied. “Besides, I’m glad you had the chance to talk about this stuff. Bottling it up wouldn’t have helped. You feel better, right?”
                  “I feel…justified. Better would be a stretch.”
                  Gray laughed. “It’s a start, Clea, one I’ll accept for now. Come on, before you start to think I’m soft.”
                  “You are,” Clea replied. “Otherwise, you would beat me in chess more often.”
                  “Ouch, kindness makes me lose, huh? I’ll keep that in mind for the future. For now, let’s leave this solar system. That’s an adventure all unto itself.”
                  “One I hope you’ll never forget,” Clea said.
                  “Me too, Clea. Me too.”
     

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