Free Forever Until Tomorrow (War Eternal Book 5) by M. R. Forbes Page B

UEA leadership enough to take that risk. The other option is to cancel the flight, to give in completely to their threats while we focus on eliminating the problem. You've been part of the program for some time, Major. You've seen the state of things here. Merging militaries and governing bodies of so many countries is no simple task, and it is all very new. If we end up in a direct confrontation with the AIT, we may be stalled for years."
    Katherine's heart pounded, her emotions pushing against her, threatening to either throw her into a rage, or turn her into a tearful ball of depression. She pushed back, keeping herself level.  
    "So that's it?" she said. "We don't know a damn thing about our enemy, but we're going to surrender to them, anyway?"
    Petrov's face changed, from friendly to hard. "Surrender, Major? No. I do not surrender. Every good commander knows you must lose some battles to win the war. This is one battle we can afford to lose."
    "And what will you be doing in the meantime? Do you have operatives trying to uncover the root of the AIT and take it down?"
    "Of course. If the external situation changes, the internal situation will change accordingly. You aren't being punished, Major. This is a strategic decision to balance the needs of many, many people. Do not think that I am happy with the idea, but a good commander also knows that you do what needs to be done, not what you want to do. That is why I was hoping you had some other information that could help. If we can uncover the AIT, not only will we all breathe easier, but you will be on the Dove when she lifts off into space."
    He was dangling the carrot. Did he know that she knew something she wasn't saying? How could he? She barely understood it herself. And what was it really? A name. Some nightmares. Nothing concrete. Nothing she could give him that would change the inevitable truth that after two close calls, her dream really was going to die.
    "I wish I could help you, General. You know that I do. I don't understand this either. Why me? I'm one pilot out of over a thousand. How can they think my position is important or that I'll do something up there that will hurt their cause? They'd have to be able to see into the future."
    "I understand, Major. Believe me." She did believe him. He didn't look happy at all. "I'm sorry, Katherine. You are removed from the active flight list for the Dove effective immediately. My aide will deliver the paperwork for your honorable discharge tomorrow."
    Both Katherine and Yousefi stood at the same time.
    "What?" Yousefi said for her. "Sir, you didn't say anything about discharge?"
    "There is some concern that we too may renege on our end of the deal," Petrov said. "For now, we must make every effort to convince the AIT that we have followed through. It is not permanent, Major. I have the power to let you go, and the power to bring you back."
    Katherine couldn't breathe. Being off the program was one thing. Being out of the military? She had joined the Air Force the day she turned eighteen. She didn't know how to live as a civilian anymore. Everything. She was going to lose everything.
    She struggled not to let the tears come. She wouldn't let the General see her weak.  
    "Of course, sir," she managed to say, keeping her voice level. "I appreciate your candor in this, more than you know."
    "And I appreciate your courage, Major," Petrov replied. "I know this is no easy thing for you, and I am personally sorry to deliver this news, and to affect you in this way. It is not what any of us want."
    Katherine nodded but didn't say anything else.  
    Petrov collected the document from the table. "Admiral, please escort the Major back to her quarters. Major, if there is anything I can do for you, as a man who respects you quite highly, please do let me know."
    "Thank you, sir," Katherine said.  
    She and Yousefi bowed to him and headed toward the exit, where the Corporal was already waiting. He led them back to the