Free Blood War 1: Last Stand of the Legion: Rift by Rod Carstens Page B

absences. So he, like so many lifers, had established a relationship within the Legion. Officially they were frowned on but nothing was ever done as long as they did not interfere with the duties of the Legionnaires. He and Aijuba had been close since Gaxola. It had affected her as much as it had him. They had shared that battle and many others over the years. Their relationship had taken its natural course on one long lonely patrol years ago and remained a constant on and off ever since.
    "You know , I was thinking that we have not had time together for a very long time," Aijuba said.
    "I'm not the one with a boy and girl harem that follows me around like a bunch of puppies. Are you sure you will have time?"
    "You know us Wolfen have very strong drives. Good warriors and good bedmates. I have quite a bit of leave coming. Old mate, would you be interested in a nice long leave together?" Aijuba said.
    "The last time we went on leave together I needed a leave to recover."
    Aijuba just smiled then said, "I didn't hear any complaints."
    Dasan shook his head and smiled.
    "No old mate. No complaints. Why don't you do just that and start the paper work. That sounds very good."
    Their eyes met for a few moments before Aijuba said ,
    "I will get right on that Colonel."
    "Now get out of here Sergeant Major we both have work to do."
    "Sir."
    Aijuba strode out the door and Dasan returned to his paper work.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    LYTEN SYSTEM
    RIFT
    PLEIADES FLEET COMMAND CENTER
    FLEET HEADQUARTERS
    INTELLIGENCE SECTION
     
     
     
    Legion Captain Yasuji Kitmura was nervous. He was facing the greatest challenge of his career; he had to convince a disbelieving Fleet Staff that his analysis of the aliens' intentions was correct. He was certain the fate of the Confederation hung in the balance. He strode purposely down the corridor of the Intelligence Section ignoring the admiring glances of the men and women he passed. He was a tall broad-shouldered man of rugged good looks with jet-black hair and an oriental cast to his eyes like most Cetis'. His service tattoo cascade covered the left side of his face, and it contained blue as well as the coveted red tear of combat. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he almost ran into someone coming out of an office.
    "I'm sorry."
    It was Captain Knott, a Sol to his core who never let anyone doubt his heritage or his disdain of the other human breeds from the colonies. He was tall and blonde with the classic good looks that Sols all seemed to want; in order to make sure everyone knew their breed without asking. He also exuded the superiority so many of them did.
    "Well Captain Kitmura, it looks as if we will again meet in battle."
    "Yes, Captain Knott it does appear as if we will. I don't suppose I could convince you to change your stand on the data and present a united opinion for the staff?"
    "No, no, my dear boy , the data is just not consistent with your interpretation," Knott said.
    Beside s, Knott thought to himself, if we were in agreement then there could be no winners and no losers, without which there could be no reward. Kitmura had won the last time they had met. It had cost Knott the transfer he desired so badly. It had been the chance to leave this uncivilized outpost and return to the Sol's Naval Headquarters and civilization where he belonged. He longed to return to the world he knew and understood. The breeds you found among the colonist types were beyond Knott's understanding, much too patriotic, much too serious about the job, not to mention their unattractive physical appearances. But that made his task just that much easier, this time he would triumph, this time he would win the promotion and the transfer he desired. Kitmura had stuck his neck out too far this time, he couldn't be right, he just couldn't.
    "I wish we could come to some sort of agreement. If not , let me make the presentation and let it stand on its own merits without your arguments." Kitmura said.
    "No, I am