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THE VANDORIAN FLEET broke through the enemy fleet two days after I killed Jennisk in my office. The other Phelbs had been loaded into their own cargo transports and fired into the sun without a second thought of mercy or concern.
The sun was beating down on us as we stood in our parade best uniforms, in flawless formation on the edge of the landing pad as the dropships carrying the Council and my wife slowly lowered themselves into the atmosphere and then down onto the landing platform.
The ramp extended a few moments later and the elders of our people walked down the ramp and directly up to me. “Colonel Valentine.” Advirdia said, walking straight up to me. “By the stars, young man, outstanding, exemplary work retaking our world.”
“Thank you, Councilor.” I replied, inclining my head. “Welcome home, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Colonel Valentine. Words cannot express how strongly we feel about this.” She looked around. “Dismiss your men. The city carriers will be landing civilians soon and we are eager for your men to go home.”
I nodded, then turned. “Night stalkers!” I bellowed as loud as I was able. “Dismissed!”
There was a general cheer and my soldiers’ broke discipline and broke off for their own personal agendas.
I heard boot heels clicking on the concrete platform behind me. “Colonel Valentine.”
Turning and smiling, I looked at my wife. “Commander Valentine.”
“They killed my father.” She said. I noticed that her eyes were slightly red, and my heart turned over in my chest, briefly forgetting that my entire family was dead as well. Malloy’s mother had died in an accident when she was a child, was therefore an only child as Vandorian widows and widowers did not often remarry. Her father had been a dear friend of mine as our training had gone along and we had grown closer.
“I am so sorry.” I said, taking her into my arms and leaning my forehead against hers. “He was a good and honorable man.”
She nodded, fighting back tears. “I heard you had a conversation with the Marauder commander.”
“Yeah. I’ve decided my interrogation tactics may need a little work.” I said.
“Why do you think that?” She looked up at me and raised a brow.
“Well, I thought I’d convinced him to stand down, then he tried to betray me, and I buried my knife in his chest.” I frowned. “I thought it was worth it to try peace.”
“Yeah, I thought that too.” She replied. “Please tell me he got to watch.”
“He didn’t watch much, but he knew I gave the order. Ninety-ish.” I shrugged.
“Any regrets?”
“Yeah,” I said, taking her hand and turning her towards my office. “I should have just killed them all instead of trying to talk with him. That was a terrible waste of my time.”
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