Reton Read online

  "Yes, My Queen," they answered before going to attention and snapping salutes.

  "Dismissed!" Lansing said. They walked out of the room, then stopped for a moment when they heard the Queen whistling a jaunty tune. They looked at each other, shrugged, then headed back to the billet.

  ###

  Nana walked down the corridor with Reton at her side. Around her, military personnel, civilians, and staff passed by without giving them a second look.

  Reton stopped. "What's up?" Nana asked.

  "I wanted to apologize for my behavior aboard Clare. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."

  "You saved my life, and you were right, I did hesitate. I looked at that drone and saw you."

  "Sorry about the confusion. The larger mechanoids try to pattern their drones after us small fry. I've been told it’s their way of fitting in with the rest of us. Can I ask you something?"

  "Sure!"

  "How did you know I was going to pull that stunt?"

  "You mean how did we know you were going to do something stupid? You didn't say goodbye. It was obvious you were going to do something that if delayed, you might not go through with it."

  "Am I that transparent?"

  She nodded. "Yep. Now come on, the Team wants to talk to you."

  When they arrived at the billet door, Nana stepped inside and Reton followed her. The door closed behind him as the team, including Colonel King and Kalana, said, "Surprise!"

  If Reton had eyes, they would have filled with tears of joy.

  <<<<<>>>>>

  About Frank Carey

  Frank Carey has been formally writing and publishing works of science fiction since late 2013. Over the years prior, he had dabbled in various forms of writing including haiku poetry, but that all changed when he and his wife, Jo, decided to try their hand at writing and self-publishing. All his work, to date, has been in the science fiction genre.

  Most of his stories take place about two centuries in the future when Earth joins the League of Planetary Systems. Many of his protagonists are strong females. He is an inveterate pantser who believes the story will go where the story wants to go.

  Frank’s background includes degrees in physics and extensive work as a scientific programmer and technologist.

  Frank and his wife produce a podcast—Xtreme Self-Publishing—which details their self-publishing efforts.

  Frank can be reached through his podcast at xtremeselfpublishing.podbean.com or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]