Free Torian Reclamation 2: Flash Move by Andy Kasch Page B

gracefully sticking a landing. Jumper then pushed the access button below the window and the alarm sounded.
    “Let’s take her with us,” Brandon said.
    Jumper and Alan immediately voiced objections.
    “I want her to come,” Brandon said. “Tell me—is she also a good marksman?”
    Jumper reluctantly nodded.
    “Good.”
    Jumper and Alan exchanged baffled looks. Alan finally shrugged in a way that also betrayed a hint of enthusiasm. Jumper had to admit this trip with Uncle Brandon was suddenly infused with more excitement than he first figured it for—but why did Kayla have to be involved? That let some of the buzz out of it.
    When the air gym came back to equal pressure, the entry door next to the observation window opened. The three of them went inside. Kayla was bent over and breathing hard, but recovered quickly when she saw Brandon. She seemed thrilled to see him again and they exchanged pleasantries. Brandon tried to talk about her father, but Kayla was clearly disinterested. Jumper knew she held a grudge against him for abandoning her and her mom.
    “Kayla,” Jumper interrupted, “we’re leaving from here with Uncle Brandon in his shuttle, to help him with a project on C2. You can take the cruiser home yourself—”
    “Can I come with you?” Kayla asked. She grabbed Brandon’s forearm and jumped up and down, acting like a girl half her age. “Please?”
    “All right,” Brandon said. “What the heck? Come along.” He turned and winked at Jumper and Alan.
    “Oh, great!” she said. “Thank you thank you! Just wait while I duck in the hygiene room, please! You don’t want me stinking up your shuttle.”
    A short while later, the four of them emerged from the administration office where Yob3 was already waiting out front. Brandon walked alongside Yob3 in the parking lot and the three kids followed behind. Alan chatted with Kayla about gymnastics, but Jumper listened to Yob3 talk to Brandon.
    “Brandon, I must say I’m surprised you’re recruiting students as our assistants. You know this job is too big for the two of us. I would have thought you’d brought some qualified help along with you.”
    “I did, Professor. The pilot and copilot waiting for us on the shuttle are both scientists, come to assist. I also brought along one soldier as a guard. He’s a gift from the High General.”
    “Oh. Then why did you tell the students we need their help?”
    “I need their help for something different, now. Something I couldn’t tell Derek about.”
     



Chapter Four
     
    High General Olut6 was disappointed with the condition of the space station. A year had passed since his last visit. He purposefully stayed away for an extended period, because he wanted to see significant changes the next time he came.
    Governor Mip7 seemed to sense his discouragement.
    “The fact is, General, tremendous progress has been made since your last inspection. But it’s not progress you can see with your eyes. The finish work will be comparatively quick and easy. It’s the underlying structural construction, most of which is not something a visitor notices, that’s so time consuming. We’re still on schedule for an official public re-opening in three to four years.”
    “I won’t pretend the situation doesn’t bother me, Governor. I worked here during the glory days too, remember? To see our once-magnificent superstructure in such disarray, operating at less than half capacity—and looking so vulnerable—hurts me. Perhaps I’ll stay away for another year and see how she looks then.”
    Mip7 stood and walked to the window in the back of his office. “That may not be possible, sir.” He pointed to the moored Latian fleet just as a patrol of Torian fighters flew by in the foreground. “Not with all the alien activity we’re suddenly having.”
    “You don’t have to call me sir anymore. You’re a governor now, and a civilian.”
    “Old habits die hard, I guess.”
    “Let’s hope that’s the only old