Dawn of a New Age Read Free

she noticed.  He was pretty sure however, that Mario had noticed.  The slight wry smile on Mario’s face confirmed it.  He knew that in time he’d have to tell Mario that he knew the Captain from the Academy, but he really didn’t want to deal with that just yet.
    “Commander,’ Captain Thala Ker’sal said as she reached the table where the two friends were sitting. Her voice fairly dripped ice.  “It’s so nice to see you again.”
    “The pleasure’s all mine,” K’Alan said, his voice cracking slightly.  He forced a smile as he looked at his new commanding officer.
    “I’m sure,” Thala snorted.  She gave him another harsh glare before turning her attention to Mario.  “Colonel Bonetti, I understand you wanted to speak to me?”
    “Yes, Captain,” Mario nodded, sighing softly.  He put his glass on the table and laid his cards face down next to it, knowing he’d need his full concentration for the task at hand.  He always hated when he had to go up the chain of command to get what he needed, but it was sometimes necessary.  This was one of those times.  “See, I’m having some problems with your security chief, and I was hoping that if I spoke with you, we could clear up this problem quickly and quietly.”
    “And what is the nature of this problem, Mr. Bonetti?” Thala asked.  She crossed her arms and glared at Mario through have closed eyes.  She made a point of completely ignoring K’Alan, something not lost on the Duterian officer.
    “Well,” Mario said after a moment’s hesitation.  “She won’t let my personal weapons collection on board.”
    Thala raised an eyebrow, in surprise, clearly not expecting that from Mario.  “And why in the name of the Lords of Jarada would a morale officer need to bring a personal weapons collection on board my ship?”
    “Well,” Mario said, idly swirling his drink in its glass.  “I’ve been collecting these weapons for over twenty years, and I’m an expert in each one of them.  I used to teach their use to the ground forces in each of my assignments.  I’ve also been known to go on a ground mission or two, and my weapons have saved more than a few lives in the past.  Besides.  I wouldn’t exactly feel comfortable on this assignment without them.  And if the morale officer ain’t comfy...” He trailed off, letting that last statement hang in midair.  He knew it would have the intended affect.
    “Very well,” Thala sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically.  “You have my permission to bring your weapons collection on board.  If Masha gives you any further problems, have her come see me.”
    “Thank you, Captain,” Mario smiled and saluted.  He took another sip of his drink and picked up his cards.
    “Commander Bryce, my office in one hour,” Thala said as she turned to look directly at K’Alan.
    “Yes, ma’am,” K’Alan barked out, fighting the urge to gulp in desperation.
    Thala turned on her heel after giving K’Alan one last glare.  She strode over to talk to a young woman in another part of the bar.  Mario whistled and shook his head as he watched her go then looked over at his friend.
    “You are so screwed,” Mario grinned as he tossed his hand in the center of the table.  “What’s the deal with you and the Ice Bitch over there?”
“Oh, just don’t ask.  Just don’t go there, Mario.  All I know is that this is going to be one very long and strange tour of duty.”  He picked up the cards from the table and pocketed them again.  “And just what did you mean by used to teach?  You stopped?  Such a shame.”
    “Kal, you should have been on my last assignment,” Mario shook his head.  He drained the last of his drink and waved the waiter over for a refill.  “The captain didn’t believe in his troops learning what he considered primitive weaponry.”
    “So what happened?” K’Alan took a sup of his drink and leaned forward in rapt fascination.
    “A whole platoon of ground troops got