Chapter 42

MAD SALUTED SMARTLY for Admiral Trisk. In the days since the battle on Frigidum, Mad had officially been assigned to the U.R.S. Freedom on security detail, but nobody expected her to carry out any duties. She insisted on patrolling her sector of the ship at least three times a day, much to the annoyance of her new commanding officer.

"I don't think there's a speck of dust in here," Trisk said, running a finger along Mad's bed frame in her sparse quarters.

"Thank you, sir," Mad said, still maintaining her salute.

"At ease, soldier."

Mad dropped her hand, giving Trisk a slight nod. "How can I help you, Admiral?"

"Your men spoke very highly of you," said Trisk. "After your squad leader, Hack, was killed, you stepped up. You coordinated all the other squads into an effective fighting force. You managed to defeat the Sovereignty forces on the ground and prevent a full-scale invasion of the planet."